Case for Appliances
A case having a base module, the base module being physically and fluidically connected and joined by means of an appliance module, an extension module and a closing module. The base module, the appliance module and the extension module are at least partially pneumatic and dimensionally stable in a pressurized state.
1. Technical Field
The instant invention pertains to an at least partially pneumatic case.
2. History of Related Art
Cases or carrier bags with pneumatic components or even completely pneumatic embodiments are known. In most cases, the object is a space-saving stowage of the cases or carrier bags, when they are not in use. In some embodiments, the air cushion is used to protect the content of the case.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,867 (D1) is the closest state of the art. D1 discloses an approximately rectangular, dimensionally stable case. The side walls, the bottom, and the lid consist of chambers and channels, which can be filled with air. The case can be inflated by means of an integrated pump. If the case is aerated, it is collapsible and can be stowed in a space-saving manner. The disadvantage of this pneumatic embodiment of this case is that it only has a single storage compartment and that its use is not more variable than a standard non-pneumatic case.
It is the object of the invention to create a pneumatic case, which can be variably adapted to certain purposes, the components of which are always readily available and ready for operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONWith reference to its essential features, the solution of the object is reflected in claim 1 and is reflected in the subclaims with reference to its further advantageous features.
The pneumatic case according to the invention consists of various modules. The basis is a base module. This base module consists of an at least partially pressurized pneumatic frame and at least one partition or sidewall integrated therein, whereby one or a plurality of storage compartments can be formed. This partition or side wall can be rigid or pneumatic, like the frame. A carrying handle or a carrying strap is also applied thereon. The at least one remaining side wall can consist of a closing module. The closing module can be formed pneumatically or rigidly. Instead of one or a plurality of closing modules, extension modules or appliance modules can also be applied to the base module. The extension module essentially consists of a frame, similar to that of the base module. As in the base module, a partition or side wall can be integrated in the extension module. A case with a greater or a wider storage compartment can be formed by laterally applying an extension module at a base module. The extension module, in turn, can be connected with a closing module. The appliance module is a specific extension module. It is designed specifically for the transport of one or a plurality of appliances. It has at least one storage compartment, which is matched to a specific appliance. To protect the appliances, the walls of the appliance module can be designed to be wider than the walls of the other modules. In inflated or pressurized state, all of the modules are essentially dimensionally stable. The different modules can be affixed to one another by means of water-tight zippers, for example. Modules, which are not being used, can be aerated and stowed in the case itself. Due to the fact that the aerated modules do not require much space and do not weigh much, they can always be carried along and can be inflated, if required. The case or the base module can have a specific compartment for this purpose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSA more complete understanding of the case of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
A respective closing module 4 is applied to both sides of the base module 1 illustrated in
It goes without saying that appliance modules, extension modules, and closing modules 2, 3, 4 of different designs and quantities can be applied to a certain base module 1. The appliance modules, extension modules, and closing modules 2, 3, 4 can also be connected with one another and exchanged among one another. The configurations illustrated in
Instead of the carrying handle 7, a carrying strap 8 is applied to the frame 15 here. Here, the partition 5 is designed so as to be capable of being inflatable. It can be composed of tubes 11, which extend horizontally and vertically and which are connected with one another. Here, the appliance module consists of a bottom, which is not visible, and of a frame 15′, which consists of tubes 11. An appliance 20 is inserted therein. The extension module also consists of a bottom and a frame 15′. The tubes 11 of the frame 15′ branch and sub-divide the storage compartment 9 formed by the bottom and the frame 15′ into four sub-compartments 27. The sub-compartments 27 can be closed by means of a lid 26. Separate sub-dividers 25 can also sub-divide the storage compartment 9 into sub-compartments 27. A sub-divider 25 can be composed like a wall of a frame 15, 15′ and can have Velcro© fasteners, for example. If the internal of a frame 15, 15′ is also equipped with Velcro© fasteners, a sub-divider can be applied so as to be capable of being detached. A sub-divider can thereby also be bent so that a sub-compartment 27 can be formed in a corner of a storage compartment 9, for example.
A second alternative for the use of the conical appliance module is illustrated in
The pneumatic, inflatable components of the modules 1, 2, 3, 4 can consist of a transparent or colored PU foil, for example. The use of fluorescent, color-changing or reflecting materials is also possible. Transparent or partially transparent cases can thus be joined. Furthermore, it is possible to illuminate the pneumatic structures from the inside. Images or patterns applied on the external layer can be backlit in an optically effective manner. Solar cells for charging rechargeable batteries used for lighting can also be integrated into the pneumatic structures.
The individual pneumatic components of the modules 1, 2, 3, 4 can be connected with one another by means of lines and valves. The lines and valves can also be designed in such a manner that the pneumatic components are automatically connected with one another by joining the modules 1, 2, 3, 4. For example, all of the components can be connected to a single chamber and can thus be inflated all at once. Likewise, it is in accordance with the invention to separately inflate the individual modules 1, 2, 3, 4. Ball pumps, for example, are suitable. They can be integrated into the carrying strap or handle or into one module or all of the modules. It is also included in the basic idea of the invention to design one of the modules itself as a pump. At least in subareas, such a module is composed in such a manner that, after being pressed together, these areas can again assume their original shape without any help and can thus again draw in air for the next pumping cycle.
Claims
1. A case comprising:
- a base module, the base module being physically and fluidically connected and joined by means of an appliance module, an extension module and a closing module; and
- wherein the base module, the appliance module and the extension module are at least partially pneumatic and dimensionally stable in a pressurized state.
2. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case consists of at least one base module and at least one closing module.
3. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case is equipped with at least one appliance module.
4. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case is equipped with at least one extension module.
5. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module and the extension module have an at least partially pneumatic frame.
6. The case according to claim 5, wherein the pneumatic frame, at least on a bottom, consists of an abrasion-resistant material.
7. The case according to claim 5, wherein the pneumatic frame partially consists of a transparent or colored PU foil.
8. The case according to claim 1, wherein unused modules and partitions can be stowed in the case in a space-saving manner and can be carried along.
9. The case according to claim 8, wherein the partitions and the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module can be equipped with pneumatic fillers.
10. The case according to claim 8, wherein the partitions are formed in the base module, the appliance module, and the extension module or in that the closing modules themselves consist of rigid plates.
11. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module have connection means so as to be affixed on another module and so as to be removed therefrom again.
12. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module are fluidically connected with one another.
13. The case according to claim 12, wherein the fluidic connection is automatically closed in response to a joining of the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module.
14. The case according to claim 13, wherein the at least one module has a pump.
15. The case according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module can be translucent.
16. The case according to claim 15, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module can be illuminated from inside.
17. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module are equipped with solar cells.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 27, 2005
Publication Date: Oct 18, 2007
Inventors: Daniel Habegger (Zurich), Laszlo Kerekes (Zurich)
Application Number: 11/630,756
International Classification: A45C 13/00 (20060101);