Lightweight structured suitcase

Abstract

This invention relates to a suitcase provided with two mouldings ( 2 a , 2 b ), bonded to two shells ( 1 a , 1 b ) respectively. The two mouldings ( 2 a , 2 b ) each have a seat ( 7 a , 7 b ) in which the terminal parts of the shells ( 1 a , 1 b ) 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 ( 2 a , 2 b ) and the shells ( 1 a , 1 b ) 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.

1 . A suitcase comprising a first element manufactured from a first polymer material and a second element manufactured from a second polymer material bonded thereto, said first element being a shell and said second element being a stiffening frame, said suitcase comprising
 adhesive material located at least partly between said shell and said stiffening frame, wherein said adhesive material being capable of joining said shell and said stiffening frame together by adhesive bonding, wherein said stiffening frame comprises a seat capable of receiving a terminal part of said shell, said seat comprising webs with sloping sides forming a guide for said shell located along said seat at regular intervals.   
   
   
       2 . The suitcase according to  claim 1 , in which at least one of said first and second element comprises an activated surface layer placed in contact with said adhesive material, said activated surface having surface properties which are different from those of the material on which it is formed. 
   
   
       3 . The suitcase according to  claim 2 , in which said activated surface layer is obtained by plasma activation of the surface of said first and said second element on which it is produced. 
   
   
       4 . The suitcase according to  claim 1 , in which said first and second polymer materials are selected from the group consisting of PC, PC/ABS, ABS, PP, and HDPE. 
   
   
       5 . The suitcase according to  claim 4 , in which at least one of said first and second polymer materials is polypropylene. 
   
   
       6 . The suitcase according to  claim 5 , in which both said first polymer material and said second polymer material are polypropylene. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . The suitcase according to  claim 1  in which the polymer material of at least one of said shells incorporates a fabric. 
   
   
       9 . The suitcase according to  claim 1 , comprising two stiffening frames, each bonded to two shells through the intermediary of said adhesive material, said two shells being rotatably joined together. 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . (canceled)