Pfeiffer, Michael;

Luggage

Luggage, including a central part formed two mechanically strong, mutually linked half-frames that support two trays defining the central space of the luggage. A connecting frame (40) is mounted between each half-frame and an associated tray and is fitted with a channel (41) within which the tray is affixed by appropriate fasteners. Using the same central parts and connecting frames, a plurality of diverse suitcases or briefcases may be implemented using other trays such as soft trays and.as a result manufacturing costs may be lowered.

I claim:

1. Luggage comprising a central part (10) comprising two mutually linked mechanically strong half-frames (20, 30) that are arranged so as to support two trays (14, 15, 16, 17) defining an inside space of the luggage, and

a separate connecting frame (40) detachably mounted to each half-frame (20, 30) and including a channel (41) arranged to receive and connect to one of said two trays (14, 15), said connecting frame (40) connecting one of the half-frames (20, 30) to a corresponding one of said trays (14, 15).

2. Luggage as defined in claim 1, wherein the channel (41) extends peripherally around the connecting frame.

3. Luggage as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the associated tray (14, 15; 16, 17) is retained frictionally or by interference fit in the channel (41).

4. Luggage as claimed in claim 1 or 2 including fasteners (44) affixing the associated tray (14, 15; 16, 17) inside the channel (41) of the connecting frame (40).

5. Luggage as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fasteners (44) affix the tray in a zone of a projecting wall (43) of the channel (41).

6. Luggage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting frame (40) is an injection-molded component.

7. Luggage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the associated tray (14, 15; 16, 17) comprises a soft tray.