DE9408521U1 - Shoulder strap for travel cases - Google Patents

Description

Schäfer, Reinfried
Reference number: G 94 08 521.8

-1-DESCRIPTION.

Shoulder straps for suitcases are usually standard equipment for models with an edge length of up to around 55 cm. The strap is detachably connected to the suitcase with snap hooks or similar fastening elements and is generally not adjustable in length. The strap is expected by the consumer as a service, but is used relatively rarely, sometimes seen as more of an annoying accessory, removed from the suitcase and stored externally; it is then not available when needed.

The innovation described below - in two basic versions - is suitable for cases with a fixed frame and largely eliminates the defects described. The strap becomes an integral part of the case.

One design solves the problem by attaching the strap to the case as a pivot point, swinging it downwards around the case frame when in the resting position, and tensioning and locking it on the case. The strap rests in two modified adjustable feet (double function: adjustable foot/strap guide). Tensioning is done using a known clamping element, modified in such a way that the pressure plate is spring-loaded due to the different strap thicknesses and has cross grooves to prevent slipping. When used as a carrying strap, the clamp is released, the strap is swung upwards and locked again at a variable length. The plastic strap holder (strap suspension at pivot point) is held in this position by a form-integrated, slightly spring-loaded catch (not shown in drawing and not described in more detail). According to the principle described, but without the possibility of length adjustment, the loosening, tightening and fastening of the belt can be carried out in a simplified manner using Velcro technology, whereby in the carrying position the Velcro connection remains relieved by a belt-fixed stop that hits the belt holder. The slight belt elongation resulting from the loosening process is necessary and sufficient to remove the belt from the

Schäfer, Reinfried
Reference number: G 94 08 521.8

Lift out the adjustable foot guides.

Another solution in the spirit of innovation is implemented in the form that the belt is attached to one side of the case and the other side runs through a guide piece, is pulled downwards around the case frame - guided in the adjustable foot - and is hooked onto a spring-loaded suspension element (rubber band combination or spring-loaded plastic molded part). To reach the carrying position, the suspension element is unhooked, the belt is pulled from above and upwards through the guide piece until a belt-tight stop is made on the guide piece, whereby the elastic functional unit is relieved. This variant can also be implemented in a simplified version using a Velcro connection, whereby the elastic part is omitted.

The inventive idea, which allows for a wide variety of possible designs, is explained in more detail in the attached drawings:

Fig.l shows the carrying strap on a suitcase in the resting and in use position

Fig. 2 shows a side view with a view of the pivot point/belt lock and the adjustable foot guide

Fig.3 shows an enlarged view of the pivot point with belt fastening Fig.4 shows an enlarged view of the pivot point with continuous belt guide

Fig.5 shows an enlarged view of the belt attachment and belt locking mechanism.

(clamping)

Fig.6 shows the side view of Fig.5 Fig.7 shows a perspective view of a second version of Fig.l and 2

Fig.8 shows enlarged details of Fig.7 Fig.9 shows a perspective view of a 3rd variant (different from Fig.1) in rest position

Fig.10 shows detail of Fig.9, but in carrying position Fig.11 shows detail of Fig.9 with modified technology Fig.12 shows detail of Fig. 9 and 10 in the embodiment according to Fig.11 in carrying position

Claims (6)

Schäfer, Reinfried Ref.: G 94 08 521.8 -1- PROTECTION CLAIMS: 1. Shoulder carrying strap for suitcases with a fixed frame, integrated into the suitcase in such a way that the strap is stretched tightly around the frame in the passive position and is only brought into the carrying position when required. 2. Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap is attached to the case frame at two pivot points (1 and 2) and is pivoted downwards around the case in the rest position - guided between two modified adjustable feet (3) - and is fixed, released and pivoted upwards when required, and is available as a carrying aid. 3. Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the tensioning of the strap (in the rest position) is carried out using a conventional but modified clamping element, whereby the clamping lever (4) after overcoming the dead point holds the strap (5) in this position in a self-locking manner between the clamping edge (6) of the lever (4) and the pressure plate (7) which is cross-grooved in the pressure area for safety reasons. 4. Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 3, characterized in that the clamping element (6 and 7) is arranged on the case directly above the lower corner radius, whereby the strap is adjustable in length when used as a carrying aid. 5. Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the arrangement described in claim 2 is used as a basis, but the tensioning of the strap is realized via a strong Velcro connection, which is released to swing the strap up, whereby a strap-fixed stop (8) limits an extension of the strap of the same size after 5 to 8 mm of travel, which makes it possible to swing the strap out of the adjustable foot guide (3). 6. Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 2 and 5, characterized in that the required lengthening of the strap for removal from the adjustable foot guide (3) is achieved thereby Schäfer, Reinfried
Reference number: G 94 08 521.8 -2- that the pivoting belt holder (1 and 2) is elastic in the area between the support bolt and the belt attachment, but is provided with an integrated stop, overstretching is prevented. Without drawing. Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap is guided linearly around the case frame, through the guide piece (9) downwards, in the modified adjustable foot (3) and is hooked onto the holder (11) via a rubber or plastic elastic member (10) under tension by means of the strip (12) and is unhooked there when the carrying position is intended, and the strap (14) is pulled upwards until the stop (13) rests on the guide piece (9) and this position is automatically locked spring-loaded by a suitable construction means at the contact point (9 and 13). Shoulder strap according to claim 7, characterized in that the strap is secured in the end positions on the basis of a strong Velcro fastener (15 and 16). Shoulder carrying strap according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustable foot guide (3) mentioned in claims 2, 5, 6 and 7 is simplified and deviates from the proposed solution in such a way that the existing adjustable foot is used as an outer limit and a further, separate limiting piece - somewhat lower to avoid tipping - is provided as the inner guide.