# US 11,432,628 B2 · Suitcase, preferably of the rigid type, with an interchangeable external case

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,432,628 B2
- Document ID: US11432628B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/063,231
- Filed: 2016-09-13
- Published: 2020-08-27
- Granted: 2022-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 2015-12-15
- Assignees: VF Agency Limited
- Applicants: Valentina Fabbri
- Inventors: Valentina Fabbri
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11432628B2

## CPC

- A45C 5/03: Suitcases
- A45C 13/002: {Protective covers}
- A45C 5/02: Materials therefor
- A45C 5/14: with built-in rolling means
- A45C 13/04: Frames
- A45C 13/08: Decorative devices for handbags or purses
- A45F 3/04: Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
- A45C 2005/037: {with a hard shell, i.e. rigid shell as volume creating element}
- A45C: PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY

## Abstract

A container for the transport of objects, clothing, accessories, and books includes a frame and at least one shell connected to the frame and at least partly delimiting an inner containment volume, wherein the at least one shell is interchangeably connected to the frame.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A container for transport of objects, clothing, accessories, and books, comprising: a frame having a hinged side; at least one shell connected to the frame and delimiting at least partly an inner containment volume, wherein the at least one shell has a top edge, side edges, and a base edge that extends perpendicularly to the side edges, and wherein the at least one shell is connected to the frame in an interchangeable way; and quick connection means that connect the at least one shell to the frame in the interchangeable way, wherein the frame is annularly shaped and forms side guides for a longitudinal sliding the side edges along the side guides, and wherein the side edges slide along the side guides until the top and base edges reach respective facing edges of the frame, and the base edge engages the respective facing edge of the frame with the quick connection means, causing the at least one shell to become engaged to the frame; wherein the quick connection means comprise an appendix of the at least one shell having a receiving hole defined therein and a pivot belonging to the frame, the pivot being insertable into the receiving hole.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the appendix is flexible and has a spring back.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the appendix extends from the base edge of the at least one shell, the base edge not sliding along any guides of the frame.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the quick connection means comprise at least one pivot having a triangular or arrow shape configured to be inserted inside a receiving hole belonging to the at least one shell.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The container, as per claim 4, wherein the frame is annularly shaped and the at least one shell is insertable inside the annular frame by pushing the at least one shell until the pivot is inserted inside the receiving hole.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the container is configured to be:
a suitcase; or
a backpack.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The container, as per claim 6, wherein the container is configured to be a suitcase, further comprising an extractable/retractable arm slidingly positioned in relation to the frame along one side of the suitcase and arranged to become hidden inside the frame when the arm is in retracted position.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The container, as per claim 7, wherein the arm is equipped with a handle hinged on a point at an end of the arm.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The container, as per claim 6, wherein the container is a suitcase formed of two halves hinged to each other at a base of the suitcase, the two halves being hinged to open or close in the manner of a book.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the at least one shell is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the at least one shell is made from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, carbon fibers, PVC, polypropylene, ABS, polycarbonate, and rubber.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the at least one shell is made from a material workable in a casting mold.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The container, as per claim 1, wherein the container is a suitcase, and the at least one shell is two removable symmetrical shells.