Abstract: A rigid suitcase includes first and second shells defining a first storage volume, the outer surface of the first shell including a recess, and an auxiliary container defining a second storage volume, physically separate from the first storage volume, and adapted to be moved between an inserted state in which the auxiliary container is at last partially housed in the recess and a removed state, in which the auxiliary container is completely extracted from the recess. The rigid suitcase further includes guide members operable to guide the auxiliary container as it moves from the inserted state to the removed state and vice versa, and removable attachment members operable between the first shell and the auxiliary container and adapted to be actuated between an attached state, in which the auxiliary container cannot be removed from the recess and a released condition in which the auxiliary container can be removed.

Abstract: A rigid suitcase includes first and second shells defining a first storage volume, the outer surface of the first shell including a recess, and an auxiliary container defining a second storage volume, physically separate from the first storage volume, and adapted to be moved between an inserted state in which the auxiliary container is at last partially housed in the recess and a removed state, in which the auxiliary container is completely extracted from the recess. The rigid suitcase further includes guide members operable to guide the auxiliary container as it moves from the inserted state to the removed state and vice versa, and removable attachment members operable between the first shell and the auxiliary container and adapted to be actuated between an attached state, in which the auxiliary container cannot be removed from the recess and a released condition in which the auxiliary container can be removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suitcase provided with two mouldings (2a, 2b), bonded to two shells (1a, 1b) respectively. The two mouldings (2a, 2b) each have a seat (7a, 7b) in which the terminal parts of the shells (1a, 1b) can be inserted. The interface surfaces are subjected to pre-treatment with cold plasma so as to form an activated surface layer (9) upon them which encourages adhesion between the adhesive (3) placed between the mouldings (2a, 2b) and the shells (1a, 1b) in order to bond them firmly together. In this way structured suitcases can even be obtained with thin and therefore very light shells whose resistance to squashing and impacts is due to the mouldings which can be manufactured with the necessary robustness. This invention also relates to a method for the production of such suitcases through the moulding of plastics materials.