Lightweight structured suitcase

This invention relates to a lightweight structured suitcase, that is a suitcase according to the precharacterising clause of claim 1 and a method for its manufacture in accordance with the precharacterising clause of claim 8.

Suitcases of the known type are substantially subdivided into two major types: soft and rigid suitcases.

The context which requires the maximum performance from suitcases is that of air transport. Suitcases must in fact be at the same time lightweight, so as not to excessively reduce the maximum quantity of baggage which can be carried by a passenger, and strong, in order to adequately protect their load from the impacts which they inevitably incur during handling within airport equipment for the automatic distribution of baggage.

Soft suitcases, generally made of synthetic material or fabric, are lightweight and flexible but are easily torn and are unable to effectively protect the objects within them against impacts.

Rigid suitcases are generally provided with shells of rigid metal or polymer material and locks; these are the only ones capable of combining a high level of protection for the objects within them and high resistance to tearing.

Despite the fact that they are heavier and more bulky than other suitcases, they are preferred by those travelling by air, specifically because of their greater security.

The weight limits imposed on passengers by airlines are not however easily reconciled with the weight of rigid suitcases. It is therefore particularly important that the structure of the suitcase should be lightened in order to increase the weight available for the baggage which has to be carried.

Rigid suitcases are generally formed of two shells with corresponding integral stiffening mouldings about their perimeter which ensure the mechanical and structural properties necessary for normal use of the suitcase.

The connection between the various components of a suitcase, such as for example between the shells and the stiffening mouldings, is currently brought about for example through riveting, sewing or stapling.

Among the alternative methods to those mentioned above, adhesive bonding would appear to be particularly advantageous from the point of view of both weight and ease and speed of execution were it not for the difficulties encountered in carrying out bonding operations between plastics materials.

In view of the state of the art described, the object of this invention is to provide a suitcase which makes it possible for two components, such as for example a shell of polymer material and the corresponding moulding, to be joined together through adhesive bonding resulting in suitcase structures which are particularly light and at the same time very strong.

In accordance with this invention this object is achieved through a suitcase according to claim 1 and through a method according to claim 10.