GB2410423A - An inflatable space filler for a suitcase, holder, storage container or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable space filler for a suitcase, holder, storage container or the like comprises one or more independently inflatable compartments. The space filler may be inflated with air, another gas or a liquid. The compartments may be provided with a mechanism 5 allowing for additional expansion of the space filler without causing the suitcase, holder, storage container or the like to burst open as a result of the suitcase, holder, storage container or the like being exposed to decompression, for example on an aircraft. The space filler may further comprise internal dividers so as to maintain its shape when inflated and a tougher, durable outer layer to resist damage.

Description

1- 241 0423

SUITCASE SPACE FILLER

This invention relates to a means of filling the available unfilled space within a suitcase or luggage hold-all as a means of protecting, securing and keeping tidy contents such as clothes, souvenirs and anything else that may be carried or stored in a suitcase or storage receptacle.

When going on vacation it is not always necessary to pack a full suitcase, or you may travel out with little in the way of luggage, but intend to buy articles such a souvenirs on your return. The problems with existing luggage storage devices are that adequate provision is not made for the; securing, containing and protecting of the case contents when the case is not full.

The suitcase space filler is designed to occupy the empty volume within the suitcase and hold the contents secure via pressure exertion against the opposing suitcase walls. This will prevent clothes from dislodging and falling to the bottom of the suitcase and becoming crumpled and creased when the suitcase is picked up or thrown around by baggage handlers. It will also protect delicate and expensive items from damage, and prevent glass bottles such as those containing spirits from smashing against each other, as the suitcase contents will be held securely in place.

This invention provides an inflatable sack containing one or more independently inflatable pockets or voids, designed to fit inside suitcases or luggage hold-alls of varying size.

The sack contains an air inlet nozzle with a one-way valve and an over inflation pressure release valve. The sack is inflated and deflated by air flow through these nozzles.

The overall shape of the sack will be maintained by air pressure and or frame work structures. The side walls of the inflatable structures are free to expand by way of surplus material addition. The suitcase space filler may incorporate a harder and more durable outer protective skin or board to reduce the possibility of puncturing by sharp objects. - 2

The sack will sit within the suitcase, possibly on top of the suitcase contents, and will be blown up as necessary to take up the remaining empty volume within the suitcase. Individual pockets can be inflated or deflated for selective protection and containment.

When the sack is not needed it will deflate to a thickness of only a few millimetres and will lie flat within the case.

The sack can be sold as a separate stand alone item, or built into the suitcase structure.

The design of the sack will be such that depressurisation of an aircraft relative to sea level will not cause the suitcase to burst open. Volume expansion mechanisms will be designed-in, such that air or gas can expand.

Preferably the suitcase space filler is made from a non permeable to gas material such as plastic or polymer based compound, but may instead be made from fabric, impregnated or coated with an air impermeable compound, or a combination of these andIor other materials. The shape retaining structures may be made from metal or plastic material, or from a combination of these and/or other materials.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of the whole suitcase space filler.

Figure 2 shows a three dimensional isometric view of the whole suitcase space filler including internal hidden structure details.

Figure 3 is a cross section of Figure 1 showing the surplus material mechanism for volume expansion allowance.

Figure 4 shows a three dimensional isometric view of the whole suitcase space filler.

Figure 5 shows the suitcase space filler incorporated into a typical suitcase. - 3

Figure 6 shows an alternative design whilst fulfilling all the criteria as set out in this document.

As shown in figure 1, the suitcase space filler comprises an outer skin (1) which is subdivided (2) into a plurality of compartments (3) totalling one or greater. Each compartment may be independently inflatable and deflatable through a nozzle device (4) of known design. Each Nozzle (4) may incorporates a one way flow valve for inflating the cavity, a pressure release mechanism for over inflation and over loading protection, and a release mechanism for manual deflating. These three aforementioned features may be incorporated into the one nozzle, or independently through separate mechanisms or devices of known design.

The suitcase space filler has, incorporated into the design, volume expansion pockets (5). These may be tethered to the opposite wall, or some other anchorage point by means of an Masticated energy storing material (6) or any such material or device as deemed suitable, or they may be self supporting.

Figure 2 shows the surplus material volume expansion mechanism (7) which runs around the perimeter of the suitcase space filer, and also internally between cavity partitions (2) Figure 3 shows a more detailed view comprising a plurality of folds (7) that are designed to expand as the suitcase space filler is inflated. These folds may contain shape retaining members (8) running around the perimeter, as and where and if necessary, to maintain integrity and shape of the structure. An elastic stretchable material may be employed in addition to, or in place or the folds.

Claims (10)

1. An inflatable suitcase space filler comprising and containing one, or a plurality of independently inflatable volumous pockets, to occupy empty volume in partially filled suitcases, luggage holdalls, and storage containers.

2. As stated in claim 1 the encroaching volume occupation of the suitcase space filler will ensure that luggage contents are held securely in place as a result of pressure application against the storage receptacle walls. Contents will be secured and protected from damage.

3. As stated in claim 1 the medium of volume occupation will preferably be air, although other suitable gasses or liquids could be used.

4. As stated in claim 1 the volumous pockets include a mechanism by which air expansion, as a result of depressurisation or loading, is permitted through the use of indentations or protrusions that occupy volume.

5. As stated in claim 4 the indentations work against an energy storage device, one such example being a spring, when air pressure is applied.

6. A suitcase space filler as claimed in any preceding claim including by way of excess material folds will allow expansion of inflatable cavities thus resulting in the occupation of empty suitcase space.

7. A suitcase space filler as claimed in any preceding claim will maintain it's dimensional integrity by means of internal structures incorporated into the excess material folds as stated in claim 5.

8. A suitcase space filler as claimed in any preceding claim may have as means of protection against sharp object penetration a tougher, more durable flexible or hard outer layer.

9. A suitcase space filler as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made from plastics, rubbers, metals, composites,or from a combination of these and or other materials.

10.A suitcase space filler substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.