Travel suitcase

Abstract

A travel suitcase comprises a luggage compartment ( 10 ) bounded by flanks ( 11,12 ) and having a rolling frame ( 20 ). Provided on a side remote from the frame is a handle ( 15 ) by which the luggage compartment can be moved along. The frame comprises on each of the flanks ( 11,12 ) a rolling wheel with a wheel axis which lies substantially transversely of the relevant flank and with a running surface which reaches beyond a bottom of the luggage compartment. The wheels are each connected to the relevant flank with interposing of a wheel cap ( 30 ). The wheel cap ( 30, 33, 35 ) extends over a part of a periphery around the wheel and provides between the wheels a fender ( 35 ) which at least largely shields the wheel laterally.

1 . A travel suitcase comprising a luggage compartment bounded on opposite longitudinal sides by flanks and having a rolling frame and on a side remote from the frame a handle by which the luggage compartment can be moved along, wherein the frame comprises on each of the flanks a rolling wheel with a wheel axis which, at least during use, lies substantially transversely of the relevant flank and with a running surface which, at least during use, reaches beyond a bottom of the luggage compartment, wherein the wheels are each connected with interposing of a wheel cap to the relevant flank, and wherein the wheel cap extends over a part of a periphery around the wheel and provides laterally a fender which shields the wheel laterally over at least that part of the periphery. 
     
     
         2 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 1 , wherein the wheel cap is formed by a unitary body in which the wheel is received, particularly a plastic body and more particularly by an injection-moulded part. 
     
     
         3 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the longitudinal sides of the luggage compartment is at least substantially wholly flat. 
     
     
         4 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 3 , wherein the external dimensions of the travel suitcase fall within a length, width and height of respectively 56, 45 and 25 centimetres, at least within maximum dimensions for hand luggage permitted by airlines. 
     
     
         5 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 1 , wherein the wheels have a diameter which is greater than half a height of the luggage compartment and is particularly at least substantially equal to a height of the luggage compartment. 
     
     
         6 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 1 , wherein the wheel comprises between the running surface and the wheel axis a wheel bearing. 
     
     
         7 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 6 , wherein the wheel cap comprises a collar on which the wheel bearing is arranged. 
     
     
         8 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 1 , wherein a compressible tyre provides the running surface. 
     
     
         9 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 8 , wherein the tyre comprises an elastomer profile with a solid or hollow core, which is particularly formed wholly from an optionally natural rubber. 
     
     
         10 . A travel suitcase, comprising a luggage compartment bounded on opposite longitudinal sides by flanks and having a rolling frame and on a side remote from the frame a handle by which the luggage compartment can be moved along, wherein the frame comprises on each of the flanks a rolling wheel with a wheel axis which, at least during use, lies substantially transversely of the relevant flank and with a running surface which, at least during use, reaches beyond a bottom of the luggage compartment, wherein the wheels are each connected to the relevant flank with interposing of a wheel cap in which the wheel is at least substantially wholly received with the running surface in a first mode, wherein the wheel is received in rolling manner in a wheel holder which is connected to the wheel cap for pivoting about a pivot axis, and wherein the wheel can be brought by pivoting of the wheel holder about the pivot axis into an operational mode in which the wheel protrudes at least with the running surface thereof beyond the bottom of the luggage compartment. 
     
     
         11 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 10 , wherein the pivot axis is oriented at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the relevant flank of the luggage compartment. 
     
     
         12 . The travel suitcase according to  claim 1 , wherein a set of shoulder straps whereby the whole is wearable on a user's back is provided externally of the luggage compartment.