RECYCLABLE TROLLEY CASE

Abstract

A recyclable trolley case having a folded, closable container, a handle, at least one roller mount and at least one roller, the container rests on a common planar part with a front face, a rear face, two side faces, a bottom face and a multiplicity of tabs, the container has a top face, the top face is part of the common planar part or of a further element arranged on the planar part of the container, and the container, the roller mount, the handle and, if appropriate, the at least one roller are produced from cardboard, the handle, in a position A, is integrated or recessed in the container and, in a position B, protrudes from the container, the handle can be changed reversibly from position A to position B. The method for producing the trolley case and the use thereof are also claimed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a recyclable trolley case, a method for manufacturing the trolley case as well as the use thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's society travel such as travel by air has become an essential part of our life. In particular holiday travel by plane usually involves spending a number of days at the holiday destination. It is not rare for travellers to return home with an increased amount of luggage because they have bought souvenirs for example.

Prior to the return journey additional luggage has to be packed in such a way that it arrives safely at the place of destination. This is particularly important in the case of air travel and car travel, since individual luggage items are sorted by third parties, which means that these are exposed to increased stress conditions. Thus luggage for example which in the case of air travel has to pass through the baggage system must typically be packed in suitcases.

There is however not always sufficient space for any additional items in the pieces of luggage brought along originally. An additional piece of luggage such as a suitcase must therefore sometimes be purchased for not a small amount of money in order to be able to correctly pack the additional goods. When travelling regularly it can therefore happen that the number of available pieces of luggage at home is constantly increasing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a low-cost piece of luggage which can be recycled. The piece of luggage shall not occupy much space from production to sale and thus shall be easy to transport, store and stack. It shall be sufficiently robust in order to adequately protect the contents for at least one journey. The piece of luggage shall however also offer at least similar convenience as regards its transportability such as is known of existing pieces of luggage. And when the piece of luggage is no longer needed, it shall be able to be recycled in an easy manner, at least the major part of it, ideally all of it.

This complex objective could be achieved, surprisingly, with a recyclable trolley case (1) including a folded closable container (2), a handle (4), at least one roller mount (6) and at least one roller (7), wherein

the container (2) rests on a common planar part (26) with a front face (21), a rear face (22), two side faces (23), a bottom face (24) as well as a multiplicity of flaps (27),

the container (2) comprises a top face (25), wherein the top face (25) is part of the common planar part (26) or of a further element arranged on the planar part (26) of the container (2), and

the container (2), the roller mount (6), the handle (4) and, if appropriate, the at least one roller (7) are produced from cardboard, and/or punched out of cardboard, wherein

the handle (4), in a position A, is integrated or recessed in the container (2) and, in a position B, protrudes from the container (2), wherein the handle (4) can be reversibly changed from position A to position B.

Also, a method for manufacturing the trolley case (1) according to the invention is claimed, wherein

i) the common planar part (26) of the container (2) from planar cardboard is removed and the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), if appropriate top face (25), as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) of the container (2) are delimited from one another by a folding line, wherein, as appropriate, at least one opening (8) is created in the planar part (26),

ii) the at least one roller (7) is fastened, in particular clamped, to the roller mount (6), and

iii) the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), as appropriate the top face (25) as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) are folded to form the container (2) and the container, as appropriate, is closed, and

iv) insofar as the top face (25) of the container is not part of the common planar part (26), the top face (25) together with a multiplicity of flaps (27) and the further element from planar cardboard to be arranged on the container (2) is removed, folding lines are created and folded to form the top face (25) and the element is arranged on the container (2),

wherein steps ii) and iii) can be performed in random order.

Further, the use of the inventive trolley case (1) is claimed as a trolley case for the transportation of goods, in particular for the one-time or few-times transportation of goods.

The trolley case (1) according to the invention, the trolley case (1) manufactured according to the invention as well as the use of the trolley case (1) according to the invention comprise surprisingly many advantages. The inventive trolley case (1) can be manufactured at low cost, it can be manufactured in the factory as a thin packed trolley case (1*) and it can be transported, stored and stacked in unfolded or flat folded form, i.e., in collapsed form, as a semi-finished product in a simple and space-saving manner. Any hotel reception—or even any hotel room—can for example be provided with the collapsed and packed trolley case (1*), which can be purchased by anybody without previous knowledge, folded, filled and used as a fully fledged piece of luggage. The folded planar part (26) of the container (2) can be folded, i.e., assembled or put together without tools like a folding carton or collapsible box in a simple manner to form a fillable and closable container (2). The at least one roller (7) can be fitted in a simple manner into the roller mount (6) and the handle (4) can be reversibly brought into the correct position. The container (2)—typically in form of a folded, i.e., assembled collapsible carton—can be packed with the material to be transported such as items of clothing, souvenirs and/or other goods destined for daily use, then closed, transported or for example checked in as baggage at the airport or bus terminal. It can also, as needed, be closed with adhesive tape, a belt, a security strap or webbing and/or wrapped in plastic film.

Therefore, the inventive trolley case (1), at least when used for the first time, does not differ from conventional trolley cases. It is however inexpensive to produce and purchase. Following the journey, the container (2) can be collapsed again, allowing the trolley case (1) to be stored in a space-saving manner. When the trolley case (1) is no longer needed, it can be disposed of and thus recycled as early as after its first use—or after a few more uses as trolley case—in a cardboard recycling plant.

Using the method according to the invention the inventive trolley case (1) can be manufactured in a surprisingly simple manner. It is particularly advantageous that the trolley case (1) can be manufactured in the factory as a semi-finished product in the form of a collapsed and packed trolley case (1*) and transported to its place of destination. The collapsed and packed trolley case (1*) can be shipped and stored in a particularly space-saving manner. Then when the trolley case (1) is needed, this can be assembled in an easy manner without prior knowledge by way of the packed trolley case (1*). The container (2) can typically be folded like a foldable box. Sides and flaps can, as appropriate, be glued together, for example by means of a double-sided adhesive tape, wherein the adhesive tape can be fastened on one side in the factory at the place to be glued.

The US-A-2010/0001054 discloses packaging arrangements for moving a product in a box, wherein the box is arranged on a tray, which has at least one roller which makes moving the box easier. The box therefore does not have a load-bearing underside and the roller is not attached to the box. The disclosed embodiments comprise a handle in form of an opening provided on the box or as a conventional telescopic handle from metal with handle insert, which facilitates attaching the telescopic handle to the box. The handle insert and the telescopic handle are arranged inside the box and adjacent to at least one side wall of the box. What is not disclosed is a cardboard handle, which can be reversibly changed from a position A, in which it is integrated or recessed in the container (2) into a position B, in which it protrudes from the container (2).

The WO-A-2006/053921 relates to a case with wheels and a storage body with handle or an opening, through which items can be entered into or removed from the interior of the storage body. The case and the handle are formed by folding using a planar material. The handle is constructed in such a way that it can be grasped by a user's hand in the upright position. However, the handle cannot be reversibly integrated or recessed into the case, as a result of which it can be easily destroyed during transport or even disconnected from the case. The case is also manufactured from two different planar materials, which are joined together. The case does therefore not consist of one planar common part. As a result, the case comprises additional weak points, which can be torn open during transport resulting in the loss of material therein.

The DE-A-10 2012 211 563 describes a transport device, which comprises a foldable or folded container, a rolling element, which can be or is attached to the container and a roller, wherein the roller if manufactured from a recycled, recyclable and/or biologically degradable material such as cardboard and/or paper, or from wood. The transport device is typically present in form of a trolley case with a handle, wherein the handle is present in the elongated rear wall in form of an opening. The handle cannot be integrated or recessed into the folded container. As a result, it can be destroyed or even disconnected from the case during transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the trolley case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the trolley case according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a shows the trolley case of FIG. 1, wherein the front face with adjacent flaps is opened, so that the opened container can be filled;

FIG. 3b shows the opened trolley case of FIG. 3a from the other side;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the common planar part of the container of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3a and 3b, which has been removed, in particular punched out of flat cardboard;

FIG. 5a shows the trolley case (1) of FIG. 2, wherein the front face (21) with adjoining flaps (27) is opened;

FIG. 5b shows the opened trolley case (1) of FIG. 5a from the other side;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a common planar part (26) of the container (2) of FIG. 2 as well as FIGS. 5a and 5b, which has been removed, in particular punched out of flat cardboard;

FIG. 7a shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of the trolley case (1) according to the present invention, where the handle (4) is integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5) and in position B protrudes from the container (2);

FIG. 7b shows a perspective rear view of the trolley of FIG. 7a;

FIG. 7c shows a perspective front view of the trolley of FIG. 7a with the case opened;

FIG. 7d shows a perspective rear view of the trolley of FIG. 7c;

FIG. 8a shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of the trolley case (1) according to the present invention;

FIG. 8b shows a perspective rear view of the trolley of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 8c shows a perspective front view of the trolley of FIG. 8a with the case opened;

FIG. 8d shows perspective rear view of the trolley of FIG. 8c;

FIG. 8a shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of the trolley case (1) according to the present invention;

FIG. 9a shows how the pull-out rail (5) with folded back handle (4);

FIG. 9b shows the pull-out rail (5) with unfolded handle (4) pulled out of the guide element (3), as shown in FIGS. 7a-d and FIGS. 8a-d;

FIG. 9c shows the layer (9), which completely covers and protects the guide element (3) shown in FIG. 9a and the pull-out rail (5), when arranged on the rear face (22) of the container (2), save for a section for pulling the pull-out rail (5) out;

FIG. 10a shows an embodiment of the container (2) without top face (25). The rollers (7) with axle are attached on the rear face (22) and not visible in the perspective shown;

FIG. 10b shows the pull-out rail (5) with unfolded handle (4) pulled out of the guide element (3);

FIG. 11a shows a handle (4), which is connected to two pull-out rails (5) arranged in parallel;

FIG. 11b shows the rear face (22) of the container (2) with two guide elements (3), which are created during folding an area with guide elements (3) prepared by means of folding lines;

FIG. 11c shows, another embodiment of the guide elements (3) arranged on the rear face (22);

FIG. 12a shows a roller mount (6) with an opening in the lower region of the roller mount (6);

FIG. 12b shows a roller (7) with elongated expansion; and

FIG. 12c shows two rollers (7), which are based on an inner region (71) and an outer region (72).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Trolley Case (1)

The inventive trolley case (1) is wholly or mostly manufactured from cardboard and is suitable in particular for one-time or few-times use. When the trolley case (1) is no longer needed, the parts made of cardboard can be recycled in a cardboard-recycling plant. Parts as appropriate not manufactured from cardboard are preferably manufactured from other recyclable materials so that the entire trolley case (1) is recyclable.

The trolley case (1) typically comprises the same or similar dimensions as conventional trolley cases. It is however also possible that the trolley case (1) as regards height, width and/or depth substantially deviates from conventional case dimensions. Typical dimensions are for example 50×40×20 cm or 85×50×30 cm.

The container (2) of the trolley case (1) is closable, i.e., it can for example be reversibly, i.e., non-destructively closed by means of merely a plug-in flap and/or a Velcro closure. Alternatively—or additionally—one side such as the front face (21), and/or a flap with an adhesive tape such as a double-sided adhesive tape, may also be closed with at least one adjacent region of the container (2). Closing is then effected typically reversibly with a contact adhesive, i.e., a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), and/or—depending on the flap (27)—irreversibly, i.e., wherein at least one uppermost layer of the cardboard is torn out during opening of the adhesive layer. However, the container (2) may also be surrounded—additionally or alternatively—by webbing and closed in this way. Preferably the container (2) is in the form of a rectangular, straight prism.

The inventive, recyclable trolley case (1) includes a folded, closable container (2), a handle (4), at least one roller mount (6) and at least one roller (7), wherein the roller mount (6) is attached to the container (2) or is part of the container (2) and the roller (7) engages in the roller mount (7). The container (2) is based on a common planar part (26) with front face (21), rear face (22), two side faces (23), a bottom face (24) each and a multiplicity of flaps (27). The container (2) also includes a top face (25), wherein the top face (25) is part of a common planar part (26) or of a further element arranged on the planar part (26) of the container (2), wherein the element is preferably in form of a pull-out rail (5) or a further layer (9), which is arranged on the outside of the rear face (22) and for example wholly or partially covers the pull-out rail (5). In addition, the container (2), the roller mount (6), the handle (4), and if appropriate, the at least one roller (7) are manufactured from or punched out of cardboard. In a position A the handle (4) is integrated or recessed in the container (2), and in a position B the handle (4) protrudes from the container (2), wherein the handle (4) can be reversibly changed from position A into position B.

The term “integrated” is understood to mean that the handle (4) is part of the container (2) and does not protrude beyond its external dimensions, for example when the handle (4) is punched out of the rear face (22) save for a few folding lines and as a result can be reversibly opened up and pushed back again into the rear face, as shown in FIG. 2. And the term “recessed” is understood to mean that the handle (4) is not part of the container (2), but was added as an additional element to the container (2), but in position A is substantially covered by the external dimensions of container (2) and in position B can be reversibly pulled out, e.g., longitudinally. Exemplary embodiments are shown in FIGS. 7a-d and FIGS. 8a-d.

The container (2) of the trolley case (1) is based on a common planar part (26), which is typically removed from, in particular punched out of planar cardboard. The front face (21), the rear face (22) and two side faces (23) as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) are delimited from one another by folding lines, i.e., folding edges in such a way that they can be easily folded. The planar part (26) can have any random shape as long as the individual sides with the flaps can be folded to form the container (2). The planar part (26)—or a part thereof—may consist of one or more layers of cardboard.

The bottom face (24) of the container (2)—and thus of the trolley case (1)—is of sufficiently high stability in order to be used as a self-reliant bottom of the trolley case. Thus, there is no need for an additional bottom, such as in the case of the US-A-2010/0001054. The bottom face (24) also comprises arrangements for attaching the at least one roller (7) and the roller mount (6), insofar as these are not part of the common planar part (26), allowing the at least one roller (7) to be arranged on the container (2). The top face (25) of the folded container (2) is arranged on the side opposite the bottom face (24). The handle (4) is typically arranged on the rear face (22) of the trolley case (1). In the lower region of the rear face (22), i.e., in the region of the bottom face (24), which is connected to the rear face (22), at least one roller (7) is attached as a rule. The front face (21) is on the opposite side of the rear face (22), and the two side faces (23) are arranged between the front face (21) and the rear face (22). The front face (21), the rear face (22) and the two side faces (23) are in contact with the bottom face (24) at a folding edge and, as appropriate, with the top face (25) at the opposite folding edge.

Typically, the width of the front face (21) and of the rear face (22) is larger than the width of the side faces (23). It is however also possible that the side faces (23) are wider than the front face (21) and the rear face (22).

The at least one roller (7) is attached at least at one point of the bottom face (24) of the trolley case (1)—preferably in the region of an edge towards the rear face (22). The roller (7) may comprise an elongated expansion and may for example extend over more than half the edge length of the bottom face (24), in order to ensure sufficient stability with one roller (7). Alternatively, two rollers (7) are for example arranged next to each other and in the end region of the edge length. It is however also possible for the trolley case (1) to have three or four rollers (7), so that it can also be easily moved in vertical position.

If the trolley case (1) is angled in such a way that only the one roller (7) and two adjacently arranged rollers (7) make contact with the ground, the trolley case (1) may be pulled by the handle (4) like a conventional trolley case (1).

The handle (4) of the trolley case (1) enables the trolley case (1) to be held by one hand in a simple manner and to be pulled across the ground due to the rollers (7) being attached in the lower region of the container (2). The handle (4) may be a reversible pull-out handle and/or a foldable handle and may thus be integrated in the trolley case (1). Alternatively, the handle (4) may be able to be reversibly attached to the trolley case (1), or the handle (4) may be in the form of an opening, into which at least one hand may be fitted. If the handle (4) can be reversibly pulled out, it is typically attached, preferably as one piece, to at least one pull-out rail (5), in particular two pull-out rails (5).

In a preferred embodiment of the trolley case (1) the cardboard is based on pulp, mechanical pulp and, as appropriate, waste paper pulp and comprises an area-related mass of at least 225 g/m², preferably at least 500 g/m², measured according to DIN 6730:2017-09. Cardboard preferably represents board, corrugated board, corrugated carton, cardboard box, press board, wooden board and/or grey board. The cardboard of the container (2), the roller mount (6), the handle (4), and, as appropriate, the at least one roller (7) may consist of the same or a different cardboard. This analogously applies to the optional at least one guide element (3) and the optional at least one pull-out rail (5). Also the cardboard can be chosen such that the individual components of the trolley case (1) such as the container (2), the roller mount (6) as well as, if appropriate, the handle (4) comprise the suitable stability. It is also possible to reinforce, for example the rear face (22) of the container (2), by a second or even third cardboard layer.

The rollers (7) may be conventional rollers such as used in known trolley cases. After removing the rollers (7), the trolley case (1) can be recycled. In order to enable the trolley case (1) to be recycled as fully as possible, it is extremely advantageous if the rollers (7) can also be recycled. Thus the at least one roller (7) of the trolley case (1) is based on a renewable raw material, a recyclable raw material and/or on rubber, wherein the renewable raw materials preferably represent cardboard, wood, cork and/or plant fibre, and the recyclable raw materials preferably represent metal and/or plastic such as for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and/or blended polymers, copolymers or block copolymers thereof; and rubber preferably represents an elastomer such as natural or synthetic latex, caoutchouc, ethylene propylene diene caoutchouc (EPDM) and/or SBR. In consequence the roller (7)—and thus the entire trolley case (1)—can be recycled, even if the roller (7) does not consist of cardboard.

The rollers (7) may comprise a diameter of e.g., 2 to 15 cm, in particular 3 to 10 cm. The width, or length, of the rollers (7) in particular depends on whether merely one roller (7) or two or more rollers are arranged per edge length. When merely one roller (7) is used, their length—depending on edge length—may be e.g., 15 to 45 cm. If two rollers (7) are arranged adjacent to each other, their length may for example be 1 to 10 cm, in particular 1.5 to 6 cm.

In a further preferred embodiment of the trolley case (1) the handle (4)

is formed from a planar part (26) of the container (2) and can be preferably unfolded, as exemplified in FIG. 2, 5a and 6;

or integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5), which in position A is arranged wholly or partially between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and a layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22), wherein the pull-out rail (5) with the handle (4), preferably in form of an opening (8) in the planar pull-out rail (5), can be recessed in position A between the rear face (22) and the layer (9) and can be reversibly moved, in particular glidingly moved and thus pulled or pushed, from position A into position B, wherein the handle (4), preferably in form of an opening (8), is integrated in the pull-out rail (5) and/or the handle (4) can be unfolded from the pull-out rail (5) as exemplified in FIG. 7a-d, 8a-d, FIG. 9b and FIG. 10b, and/or

is arranged on a pull-out rail (5), wherein the pull-out rail (5), which is preferably manufactured from cardboard, is guided by means of at least one guide element (3), wherein the guide element (3) is arranged on the container and/or is part of the container (2).

Using the handle (4) the trolley case (1) can be moved, in particular pushed or pulled, along in a comfortable manner, without the trolley case (1) having to be carried.

If the handle (4) is formed from the planar part (26) of the container (2) and can preferably be unfolded, the handle (4) is helpfully attached to the rear face (22) of the container (2) and can in this way be reversibly integrated and again unfolded. This allows the handle (4) to be manufactured in a particularly efficient manner without any additional elements. Moreover, the handle (4) can be easily unfolded and folded back again. If it is folded back, it is completely integrated in the rear face (22) and does not comprise any annoying elements. With this embodiment the rear face (22) preferably includes a further layer of cardboard in order to prevent items from falling out, wherein this further cardboard layer can be attached to the rear face (22) in the factory or during folding, i.e., during assembly of the container (2).

If the handle (4) is arranged on the pull-out rail (5) and guided by means of at least one guide element (3), the handle (4) can as with conventional trolley cases be simply pulled out and—for example during transport of the trolley case (1) by bus, car, plane, train or ship—be recessed again in the trolley case. If the handle (4) and the pull-out rail (5) are pulled out, even smaller trolley cases (1) can be easily pulled or pushed. Depending on the specific embodiment it is helpful if the guide rail (3) and the pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) are covered and thus protected by a further layer (9), as shown in FIGS. 7a-d and figs. a-b. In this case attachment of the guide rail (3) and the pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) to the rear face (22) of the container (2) as well as the subsequent covering of the guide rail (3) and the pull-out rail (5) with the further layer (9) is typically carried out in the factory.

If the handle (4) is integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5) and arranged in position A between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and a layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22), the layer (9) can completely cover the pull-out rail (5)—save for a part for pulling out the pull-out rail (5). Alternatively, the layer (9) merely covers lateral guide elements, i.e., at least one projecting element (51), but not the larger part of the pull-out rail (5). This is preferably covered in this embodiment with a further cardboard layer in order to enhance the stability of the pull-out rail (5). The thickness of the further cardboard layer typically corresponds to the thickness of layer (9), whereby the surfaces of the arranged layer (9) and of the pull-out rail (5) do not differ from each other. This embodiment is preferably used for larger trolley cases (1), wherein then a foldable handle (4) is no longer needed.

If the handle (4) is arranged on a pull-out rail (5), the pull-out rail (5) may consist in the form of one pull-out rail or two pull-out rails arranged in parallel to each other. If two parallel pull-out rails are used, the stability of the connection of the handle (4) with the trolley case (1) is enhanced. Alternatively, a planar pull-out rail (5) is used, as exemplified in FIG. 9b and FIG. 10b.

If one pull-out rail (5) with at least one guide element (3) is used,

the guide element (3) preferably consists of a further layer of cardboard, which is connected, in particular glued, to the rear face (22) of the container (2). The guide element (3) can then be attached to the inside or outside of the rear face (22), and/or

the guide element (3) is preferably formed from parts of the rear face (22),

wherein the at least one guide element (3) encloses the at least one pull-out rail (5) at least partially and/or the at least one guide element (3) engages in the at least one pull-out rail (5) in such a way that the at least one pull-out rail (5) with the handle (4) can at least partially be pulled out of the rear face (22) of the container (2) and pushed back in again.

If the guide element (3) is formed from parts of the rear face (22), rectangular elements can for example be punched and folded in vertical expansion in such a way that three sides of the elements are severed and the fourth side with vertical expansion is folded. These elements can then be punched and folded in such a way that the folding lines are arranged alternately on the left-hand and right-hand side and the distance of the folding lines is equal to the width of the pull-out rail (5). When these elements are then folded alternately inwards and outwards, the guide element (3) for receiving the pull-out rail (5) is created.

The at least one pull-out rail (5) preferably comprises

at least one projecting element (51), for example in the form of a barb in pull-out direction in order to limit the distance, with which the at least one pull-out rail (5) can be pulled out of the guide element (3), wherein the projecting element (51) is limited by a stopper of the at least one guide element (3), and/or

at least one flap (52), wherein, if the pull-out rail (5) in position B protrudes from the container (2), the flap (52) can arrest the container (2) reversibly in position B. A preferred exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7a-d, FIGS. 8a-b, FIGS. 9a-b and FIG. 10b.

In a preferred embodiment the pull-out handle (4) and the at least one pull-out rail (5) are formed in one piece and the handle (4) is thus part of the pull-out rail (5). They are preferably manufactured from cardboard. This not only permits a simple manufacture, but also allows recycling in common with other parts of the trolley case (1).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the roller (7) of the trolley case (1) is based on an inner region (71) and an outer region (72), wherein the inner region (71) is formed from at least one layer, preferably several—e.g., 3 to 10—planar vertically superimposed layers made e.g., of honeycomb cardboard, wherein the layer or layers are arranged vertically to the axle of the roller (7). The axle preferably extends through the centre of the inner region (71) of the roller (7), i.e., the rotating roller (7) rotates with or about the axle. The outer region (72) is in the form of a sleeve or tube, into which the inner region (71) is precisely fitted, wherein the inner region (71) and if appropriate the outer region (72) of the roller (7) are made of cardboard.

The outer region (72) may be based on cardboard, which is preferably coated with a water-repellent layer such as varnish, wax and/or paraffin, or on another preferably water-repellent material such as plastic, which moreover is resistant against abrasion. This embodiment permits manufacture of the roller (7)—at least in the main—from cardboard with significantly improved water resistance and stability of the roller (7) against for example mechanical wear. If the outer region (72) is not made of cardboard, the entire roller (7) including the outer region (72) can nevertheless, as a rule, be included in cardboard recycling, because small quantities such as the outer region (72) can be filtered out in a simple manner.

In another preferred embodiment of the trolley case (1) the axle of the at least one roller (7) engages in the at least one roller mount (6) in order to fix the roller (7), wherein the roller mount (6)

is attached, in particular adhesively attached, in the lower region of the rear face (22), in the lower region of the side faces (23) and/or to the bottom face (24) of the container (2);

is formed by at least one opening (8) in at least one front face (21), rear face (22), and/or side face (23) of the container (2) or by at least one opening (8) in the at least one guide element (3), and/or

is inserted into the at least one guide element (3), wherein the roller mount (6) comprises at least one projecting element (61), in particular in form of a barb, wherein the projecting element (61) is preferably snapped in a slot of the guide element (3).

The at least one roller (7) is preferably bilaterally fixed by a roller mount (6), wherein a roller mount (6) can surround bilateral nubs or the axle of a roller (7) and thus can receive the roller (7) bilaterally. Alternatively, a roller mount (6) is attached on both sides of the roller (7) in order to fix the roller (7) in an optimal manner. If the trolley case (1) includes two or more rollers (7), which are arranged next to each other, a roller mount (6) may be arranged between two rollers (7) and thus receive a roller (7) on both sides.

If the trolley case (1) includes two or more rollers (7), which are arranged next to each other, a roller mount (6) may be arranged between two rollers (7) and thus receive a roller (7) on both sides.

If the roller mount (6) is attached in the lower region of the rear face (22), in the lower region of the side faces (23) and/or to the bottom face (24) of the container (2), the roller mount (6) is preferably in the form of a separate element, which during assembly of the trolley case (1), is typically attached at a suitable point, which is ideally marked. The roller mount (6) may comprise a kind of nub, which can engage from the side in the middle of the roller (7), i.e., in the axle of the roller (7). The axle of the roller (7) comprises an indentation allowing it to engage in the nub of the roller mount (6). Alternatively, the roller mount (6) comprises an indentation and the axle of the roller (7) may be formed of a nub. Both sides of the roller (7) are typically formed identically. In a further embodiment a separate axle is used, which passes through the centre of the at least one roller (7) and which is attached to the roller mounts (6). The axle may be in the form of a cardboard sleeve with a layer thickness of e.g., 3 to 4 mm and an outer diameter of e.g., 1.5 to 2.5 cm.

If the roller mount (6) is formed by at least one opening (8) in at least one front face (21), rear face (22), and/or side face (23) of the container (2) or by at least one opening (8) in at least one guide element (3), the axle of the roller (7)—typically on both sides of the roller (7)—is formed as protruding nubs, which engage in the respective openings (8) of the roller mount (6). The roller mount (6) here is part of the container (2) and/or part of the guide element (3), wherein the at least one opening (8) is typically formed, in particular punched, during manufacture of the planar part (26) of the guide element (3).

If the roller mount (6) is fitted into the at least one guide element (3), the roller mount (6) is, as a rule, a separate element, which is inserted into the guide element (3) during assembly of the trolley case (1). The projecting element (61) of the roller mount (6) is for example formed as a barb, wherein the projecting element (61) is preferably snapped—and thus attached—in a slot of the guide element (3). The projecting element (61) fastens the roller mount (6) on the guide element (3) and prevents the roller mount (6) from dropping out or being moved upwards by the impacting forces.

The Method

With the inventive method for manufacturing a trolley case (1) the first step i) consists in removing, in particular punching out, cutting out, the common planar part (26) from planar cardboard of the container (2), and the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), top face (25) as appropriate—i.e., insofar as this is not part of a further element arranged on the container (2)—as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) of the container (2) are delimited from each other by creating a folding line, i.e., a folding edge, wherein, as appropriate, at least one opening (8) is created in the planar part (26). This typically involves creating the folding line with a tool or machine, in particular during the punching operation for removing the planar part (26) from planar cardboard, so that the individual sides and flaps can be folded quickly, easily and at the correct point. This step as a rule is carried out in the factory. Thereupon the resulting planar part (26) together with the at least one roller (7) and—insofar as there exist separate components—with the handle (4), the at least one roller mount (6) and as appropriate further optional elements such as at least one guide element (3) and at least one pull-out rail (5) is advantageously packed to form a flatly collapsed trolley case (1*) and transported to the destination.

When the trolley case (1) is needed, the flatly collapsed trolley case (1*) is—insofar as packed—unpacked. In the subsequent step ii) the at least one roller (7) is fastened to the roller mount (6), in particular clamped in, wherein the axle of the at least one roller (7) typically engages in the roller mount (6) in order to fix the roller (7). The axle may be formed as lateral nubs affixed to the roller (7) or as a separate element, which engages in the roller mount (6). The roller mount (6) in turn is arranged on the container (2) or is part of the container (2).

In a further step iii) the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), as appropriate the top face (25)—insofar as this is not part of a further element to be arranged on the container (2)—as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) are folded to form the container (2)—typically after filling the container (2)—followed by closing the container (2), as appropriate. Closing may be performed by means of inserting a last flap (27), by means of a double-sided adhesive tape typically previously attached, by means of a one-sided adhesive tape, by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, webbing, rope or other fastening means and/or by means of inserting the trolley case (1) into a sack, in particular a plastic sack, or by means of enveloping the trolley case (1) with a packing material such as plastic.

Insofar as the top face (25) of the container is not part of the common planar part (26), the top face (25) is removed together with a multiplicity of flaps (27) and the further element from planar cardboard to be arranged on the container (2), folding lines are formed and folded to form the top face (25)—typically in form of a lid—and then arranged on the container (2). The element is preferably the guide element (3) or a further layer (9), which is arranged on the outside of the rear face (22) and for example covers the guide element (3) with the pull-out rail (5)—or a part thereof.

The method steps ii) and iii) for manufacturing the trolley case (1) can be performed in random order.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive method the handle (4) of the trolley case (1)

provided the handle (4) is integrated in the container (2), is cut, in particular punched into the planar part (26), and unfolded for use;

provided the handle (4) is integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5), the planar pull-out rail (5) is arranged between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and the layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22) in such a way that the pull-out rail (5) with the handle (4) in position A can be recessed between the rear face (22) and the layer (9) and reversibly moved, in particular glidingly moved and thus pulled or pushed into position B. The handle (4) is preferably in the form of an opening (8) in the planar pull-out rail (5). If the pull-out rail (5) comprises at least one projecting element (51), the pull-out rail is preferably guided by means of the guide element (3), and/or

provided the handle (4) with the pull-out rail (5) is guided by means of at least one guide element (3), is fitted with the pull-out rail (5) into the guide element (3).

If the handle (4) of the trolley case (1) is integrated in the container (2) and can be reversibly unfolded, the handle (4) can typically be produced in the factory, in particular punched. It is then helpful if the handle (4) consists of merely the layer of the planar part (26) and another, inner layer of the container (2) covers the area of the unfolded handle (4). This embodiment of the handle (4) is easy to produce and does not require any further components such as a pull-out rail. Also the handle (4) is already integrated in the container (2), thus obviating any additional operation during assembly of the trolley case (1). The handle (4) can be unfolded and then again folded back with each use so that it is integrated flat in the container (2).

If the handle (4) of the trolley case (1) consists of at least one opening (8) in the container (2), the opening (8) can be punched into the planar part (26) in a simple manner and typically in the factory. This embodiment of the handle (4) does not include any element, which can be torn off or removed. Moreover, no additional operation is required during assembly of the trolley case (1).

Alternatively, the handle (4) with the pull-out rail (5) can be attached in at least one guide element (3) and to the rear face (22) of the container (2), so that the handle (4) with pull-out rail (5) can be pulled out and again recessed in a conventional manner and in particular reversibly.

In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive method the trolley case (1) includes at least one guide element (3), wherein

the at least one guide element (3) is removed from a further flat layer of cardboard, is provided with folding lines and is attached, in particular adhesively attached to, and/or pushed into the rear face (22) of the container (2);

the at least one guide element (3) is cut or punched out of the rear face (22) of the container (2) in such a way that the guide element (3) remains connected to the rear face (22) via at least one side, preferably indicated by means of a fold, or

lateral guide elements (3) are attached between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and the layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22), between which the planar pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) can be reversibly moved, in particular glidingly moved and thus pulled or pushed from position A into position B.

The guide element (3) permits optimal fixing and guiding of the pull-out rail (5), so that the pull-out rail (5) can be not only fastened but also, without problems, extended and again recessed.

In another preferred embodiment of the method the trolley case (1) includes at least one pull-out rail (5), in particular a pull-out rail (5) with handle (4), wherein

i) the at least one pull-out rail (5), if appropriate with handle (4), is removed, in particular punched out of a further flat layer of cardboard, and

ii) the pull-out rail (5) is arranged so as to be reversibly gliding in prefabricated openings, typically as a separate element, on the container (2), preferably between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and the layer (9). With this arrangement the pull-out rail (5) with handle 4 can be removed from the container (2) for further transport of the trolley case (1) and fastened as appropriate on the container (2) for example by means of straps, i.e., webbings, and transported together with the trolley case (1) or carried by hand separately from the trolley case (1) as a separate element. This allows for a simple manufacture and application of the handle (4) with pull-out rail (5); or

iii) the pull-out rail (5) is fitted into the guide element (3). Thus, the guide element (3) is an integral component of the trolley case (1) and can be pulled out and again stored away in a simple manner.

The pull-out rail (5) may include at least one flap (52), wherein, if the pull-out rail (5) in position B protrudes from the container (2), the pull-out rail (5) with the at least one flap (52) can be reversibly arrested in position B. When then the pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) is again to be stored away in the trolley case (1), the flap (52) is folded back, which means that the lock is undone and the pull-out rail (5) can be pushed back conveniently, for example into the guide element (3).

Because the pull-out rail (5), if appropriate with handle (4) from cardboard, is removed and therefore is also made of cardboard, the pull-out rail (5) can be recycled in common together with the cardboard trolley case (1).

In a very especially preferred embodiment of the inventive method

a) the removed planar part (26) of the container (2) from flat cardboard is packed in collapsed form together with the at least one roller (7) and the handle (4) and the roller mount (6), insofar as the handle (4) and/or the roller mount (6) are not part of the planar part (26), as well as, if appropriate, with at least one guide element (3), the at least one pull-out rail (5) and/or the further layer (9), whereby a collapsed packed trolley case (1*) is obtained, and

b) the collapsed packed trolley case (1*) is assembled on demand to form the trolley case (1), in that the at least one roller (7) is fastened to the roller mount (6), in particular clamped in, and the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), as appropriate the top face (25) as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) are folded to form the container (2) and the container (2) is closed as appropriate, and as appropriate the at least one guide element (3) of the at least one pull-out rail (5) and/or the further layer (9) are attached to the container (2), in particular on the rear face (22) of the container (2).

A collapsed and packed trolley case (1*) obtained in this way is an extremely suitable semi-finished product, which can be transported, stacked and stored in a space-saving manner. Further it can be easily and without prior knowledge assembled, i.e., folded to obtain the trolley case (1). Following use of the trolley case (1) it can, insofar as it is not yet recycled, be collapsed again and stored away as a trolley case (1*) until needed again.

In a very especially preferred embodiment of the inventive method the roller (7) is produced, in that at least one layer of cardboard, preferably several flat layers of cardboard arranged on top of each other, form the inner region (71) of the roller (7), wherein the inner region (71) is precisely fitted into the outer region (72). The outer region (72) is typically in form of a tube, which protects the inner region. The outer region is advantageously treated with a water-repellent coating, so that the trolley case (1) can be used without problems also when it is raining. This embodiment significantly increases the stability and water-resistance of the roller (7).

The Use

The trolley case (1) according to the invention and the trolley case (1) produced according to the invention are used in particular as trolley cases for the transportation of goods, in particular for the transportation of goods one-time or few-times, i.e., two-times to 10-times, preferably two-times to five-times. Preferably the trolley case (1) is used for journeys by air, bus, car, automobile, rail and/or ships.

If the trolley case (1) is used more than once, the trolley case (1) or at least the container (2) of the trolley case (1) can be collapsed and stored in a space-saving manner. Prior to its next use the container (2) or trolley case (1) is then re-assembled. This procedure is of advantage in particular then, when the reversibly connectable parts of the container (2) or the trolley case (1) are not glued together, but are merely fitted into each other, folded and/or reversibly connected to each other by means of e.g., Velcro closures.

When the trolley case (1) is no longer used, it can be recycled, typically completely. Thus, after removing, as appropriate, the at least one roller (7), insofar as the roller (7) is not produced from cardboard, it is advantageously recycled preferably as cardboard. If the roller (7) consists of another recyclable material, this can also be recycled. This increases the sustainability and thus the environmental balance of the trolley case (1). Moreover, no waste or only very little waste is produced.

The following reference symbols are used:

• i. trolley case (1)
• 1* collapsed, packed trolley case (1*)
• 2 foldable and closable container (2)
• 21 front face (21)
• 22 rear face (22)
• 23 side faces (23)
• 24 bottom face (24)
• 25 top face (25)
• 26 common planar part (26)
• 27 flaps (27) of the common planar part (26)
• 3 at least one guide element (3)
• 4 handle (4)
• 5 at least one pull-out rail (5)
  • 51 projecting element (51) of the pull-out rail (5)
  • 52 flaps (52) of the pull-out rail (5)
• 6 at least one roller mount (6)
  • 61 projecting element (61) of the roller mount (6)
• 7 at least one roller (7)
  • 71 inner region (71)
  • 72 outer region (72)
• 8 opening (8)
• 9 layer (9), which is arranged on the outside of the rear face (22)

Non-limiting preferred embodiments of the trolley case (1) according to the invention will now be described by way of the following drawings. These are not deemed to be restrictive and are understood to be a part of the description:

FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, the inventive trolley case (1) including the container (2) with rear face (22), one side face (23) and the top face (25) as well as a roller (7), which is arranged laterally at a roller mount (6) each. The trolley case (1) also has a handle (4), which is arranged on two pull-out rails (5) and can be reversibly pulled out and again recessed.

On the top face (25) and on the side face (23) the container (2) of the trolley case (1) includes two mutually parallel elongated openings (8), which serve as carrying handle.

FIG. 2 shows, analogously to FIG. 1, as an example another embodiment of the trolley case (1) including the container (2) with rear face (22), one side face (23) and the top face (25). The trolley case (1) also includes two elongated rollers (7) arranged next to each other, which are arranged laterally at a roller mount (6) each. The handle (4) is cut or punched out of the rear face (22) save for two upper folding edges and can be conveniently unfolded. When it is no longer needed, for example for transportation by means of bus, car, rail, plane or ship, it can simply be reversibly folded back, whereby it is integrated in the rear face (22) (shown dashed). In order to prevent an opening being created towards the inside of the container (2) during unfolding of the handle (4), the rear face (22) is provided with a double layer of cardboard, which for example can be placed into the container (2) as a separate cardboard layer.

The container (2) of the trolley case (1) also includes two mutually parallel elongated openings (8) on the top face (25) as well as on the side face (23), which serve as carrying handles.

FIG. 3a shows, by way of example, the trolley case (1) of FIG. 1, wherein the front face (21) with adjacent flaps (27) is opened, so that the opened container (2) can be filled. The flap (27) arranged on the longer edge of the front face (21) with two openings (8) comes to lie directly next to the side face (23) when the front face (21) it being closed and reinforces the same.

The handle (4) with the two pull-out rails (5) is, by way of example, pulled out and the one roller (7) is arranged laterally at a roller mount (6) each in the lower region of the rear face (22).

FIG. 3b shows, by way of example, the opened trolley case (1) of FIG. 3a from the other side, so that the inside of the container (2) with the bottom face (24) is visible. Also at least one guide element (3) is arranged on the rear face (22) of the container (22), in which the at least one pull-out rail (5) is guided. In the region of the bottom face (24) of the container (2) the guide element (3) ends in a covering area for the roller (7) with lateral roller mount (6) (not marked).

In the assembled part of the container (2) with rear face (22), top face (25), bottom face (24) and side faces (23) the flaps (27) are not drawn in.

FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, an embodiment of the common planar part (26) of the container (2) of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3a and 3b, which has been removed, in particular punched out of flat cardboard. The planar part (26) comprises a front face (21) with flap (27), wherein this comprises two openings (8), a rear face (22), a side face (23) which is arranged between the front face (21) and the rear face (22), a further side face (23) with two openings (8), a further flap (27), which during folding comes to rest next to the adjacent side face (23), followed by an area with guide elements (3) indicated by means of folding lines (shown dashed), which during folding comes to rest on the rear face (22). A further flap (27) is then arranged on the planar part (26), which during folding comes to rest on one side face (23) as a reinforcement layer.

Moreover, the bottom face (24) and the top face (25) are arranged laterally with a further flap (27) each on the rear face (22). In the folding region between the rear face (22) and the bottom face (24) there is a laterally cut region, which during folding serves on the one hand as covering area for the roller (7) and on the other hand serves to receive a roller mount (6) and a roller (7) (not shown). An opening (8) is arranged between the rear face (22) and the top face (25), in which opening the at least one pull-out rail (5) with the handle (4) is fitted (not shown). The pull-out rail (5) is pushed into the folded guide element (3), so that the pull-out rail (5) is retained even after being pulled out.

The front face (21), the side faces (23), the bottom face (24) and the top face (25) in addition comprise further lateral flaps (27), in order to give the desired stability to the folded container (2).

The area with guide elements (3) indicated by means of dashed folding lines arrives on the rear face (22) during folding of the container. The guide elements (3) are created by folding the folding lines, as illustrated in FIG. 8a. The area with the folding lines for the guide elements (3) is shown by way of example as part of the planar part (26), but can also be folded as a separate area independent of the planar part (26) and attached on the rear face (22) during manufacture of the trolley case (1).

The depicted planar part (26) comprises a multiplicity of lateral flaps (27). One or more flaps (27) may be omitted and/or one or more flaps (27) may be shortened and for example equipped with one or more adhesive strips. The expert will know which flaps (27) are required for the respectively needed stability and which flaps as appropriate can be omitted and/or shortened.

FIG. 5a shows by way of example analogously to FIG. 3 the trolley case (1) of FIG. 2, wherein the front face (21) with adjoining flaps (27) is opened, so that the opened container (2) can be packed. The flap (27) arranged on the longer edge of the front face (21) with the two openings (8) comes to rest during closing of the front face (21) directly next to the side face (23) and reinforces the same.

The handle (4) is shown unfolded out of the rear face (22) as an example and the one roller (7) is arranged laterally on a roller mount (6) each in the lower region of the rear face (22).

FIG. 5b by way of example shows the opened trolley case (1) of FIG. 5a from the other side, so that the inside of the container (2) with bottom face (24) is visible. The rollers (7) are covered by the roller mount (6) and fastened thereto. The roller mount by way of example is fastened to both the bottom face (24) and the rear face (22) by means of a double-side adhesive tape.

In the folded part of the container (2) with rear face (22), top face (25), bottom face (24) and side faces (23) the flaps (27) are not marked.

FIG. 6 by way of example shows analogously to FIG. 4 an embodiment of a common planar part (26) of the container (2) of FIG. 2 as well as FIGS. 5a and 5b, which has been removed, in particular punched out of flat cardboard. The planar part (26) includes a front face (21), two rear faces (22), two side faces (23), a bottom face (24), a top face (25) with a multiplicity of flaps (27). One side face (23) and the top face (25) have two openings (8) each for carrying the trolley case (1) arranged on them. The rear face (22), which forms the outer rear face of the container (2), has the handle (4) cut into it, so that it can be unfolded in an easy manner. The other rear face (22), which forms the inner rear face of the container (2), covers the opening created by the unfolded handle (4), so that the contents of the container (2) remains protected.

In the folded region between the rear face (22) with integrated handle (4) and the bottom face (24) there are two openings (8), into which following folding a roller mount (6) with a roller (7) is fitted (not shown).

On the other rear face (22) and on a flap (27) attached thereto stripes parallel to each other have been arranged, which indicate the presence of adhesive strips. These may be applied for example, in form of a double-sided adhesive tape to the rear face (22) and the flap (27). During folding and following removal of the protective layer the two rear faces (22) and the flap (27) are glued to one side face (23).

The front face (21), the side faces (23), the bottom face (24) and the top face (25) also comprise further lateral flaps (27) in order to award the container (2) the desired stability.

The planar part (26) shown includes a multiplicity of lateral flaps (27). It is possible to omit one or more flaps (27) and/or to shorten one or more flaps and to provide these with one or more adhesive tapes. The expert will know which flaps (27) are required for the respectively needed stability and which flaps may, as appropriate, be omitted and/or shortened.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d show a further embodiment of the trolley case (1), where the handle (4) is integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5) and in position B protrudes from the container (2). The pull-out rail (5) is arrested by means of unfolded flaps (52). When the flaps (52) are folded back, the handle (4) can be reversibly pushed back from position B into position A and thus recessed.

The handle (4) can for example be unfolded out of the pull-out rail (5) from a lower position. This makes pulling the trolley case (1) easier because the pulling person does not have to bend down quite so far.

The planar pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) is arranged between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and a layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22).

FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d show a further embodiment of the trolley case (1), which can be opened and filled by unfolding the top face (25). In order to be able to open the top face (25)—depicted as a lid in this form—to its fullest extent, as shown in FIGS. 8c and 8d, it is advantageous, if the pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) is recessed in the container in position A and thus is not visible. The planar pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) is attached analogously to FIGS. 7a—d between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and a layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22).

FIG. 9a shows how the pull-out rail (5) with folded back handle (4), projecting element (51) and flaps (52) in planar folded form is embedded in the guide element (3). When being pulled out, the pull-out rail (5) is delimited by the projecting element (51) at the stopper of the at least one guide element (3).

The guide element (3) and the pull-out rail (5) are shown, by way of example, to be attached to the rear face (22) of the container (2) of FIGS. 7a-d and FIG. 8a-d and to be completely covered by the layer (9) as a protective layer—save for a section needed for pulling the pull-out rail (5) out. Alternatively, the layer (9) comprises a larger recess, covering the layer of the guide element (3), the region, in which the projecting elements (51) lie and are guided, as well as, if appropriate, a lateral edge region of the pull-out rail (5). Here that region of the pull-out rail (5), which is not covered by the layer (9), may be reinforced by a further layer of cardboard, in order increase the stability of the pull-out rail (5).

The handle (4) is attached to the pull-out rail (5) and folded back by way of example. This embodiment is particularly suitable for smaller trolley cases (1). With larger—and thus longer or taller—trolley cases (1) there is no need for folding the handle (4) back. Thus, the part, which can be folded back, may be omitted. As a result, the upper horizontal part of the pull-out rail (5) may serve as the handle (4).

FIG. 9b shows the pull-out rail (5) with unfolded handle (4) pulled out of the guide element (3), as shown in FIGS. 7a-d and FIGS. 8a-d, where they are depicted as part of the trolley case (1). The projecting element (51) serves as stopper, when the pull-out rail (5) is being pulled out, and the unfolded flaps (52) prevent the pull-out rail (5) from inadvertently sliding back into the container (2), i.e., into position A.

FIG. 9c shows the layer (9), which completely covers and protects the guide element (3) shown in FIG. 9a and the pull-out rail (5), when arranged on the rear face (22) of the container (2), save for a section for pulling the pull-out rail (5) out.

FIG. 10a depicts the embodiment of the container (2) without top face (25). The rollers (7) with axle are attached on the rear face (22) and not visible in the perspective shown.

FIG. 10b shows analogously to FIG. 9b the pull-out rail (5) with unfolded handle (4) pulled out of the guide element (3), wherein the top face (25) of the trolley case (1) as per example is also attached to the guide element (3) as a closable lid. When this guide element (3) with top face (25) and pull-out rail (5) is attached to the rear face (22) of the container (2) in FIG. 10a and is covered by the layer (9) of FIG. 9c, the trolley case (1) is realised as a result. The container (2) of FIG. 10a can be closed with the top face (25), i.e., the lid, after the pull-out rail (5) has been recessed into the guide element (3).

FIG. 11a shows, by way of example, a handle (4), which is connected to two pull-out rails (5) arranged in parallel. A projecting element (51) each is arranged in the lower region of the pull-out rail (5). The pull-out rail (5) in the trolley case (1) is inserted into the guide element (3) and is delimited by the same. Advantageously the guide element (3) in the lower region is of sufficient width to allow the trolley case (1) with the projecting element (51) to be easily guided upwards and downwards within the lower region. In the upper region of the guide element (3) this is however tapered, so that the projecting element (51) is too wide and prevents the pull-out rail (5) from being extended any further.

FIG. 11b shows, by way of example, the rear face (22) of the container (2) with two guide elements (3), which are created during folding an area with guide elements (3) prepared by means of folding lines.

The area with the guide elements (3) prepared by means of folding lines may be a separate element, which is attached to the rear face (22), in particular placed thereon or glued thereto. This area may however also be part of the planar part (26), as depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 11c shows, analogously to FIG. 11a, by way of example another embodiment of the guide elements (3) arranged on the rear face (22). These are formed as simple rectangular hollow bodies, which are typically fastened, in particular glued to the rear face (22).

FIG. 12a shows by way of example a roller mount (6) with an opening in the lower region of the roller mount (6), into which the lateral nub of a roller (7) can be inserted. The roller mount (6) comprises a projecting element (61) in the upper region. The depicted shape of the roller mount (6) is suitable in particular for inserting into a guide element (3), wherein insertion is typically carried out from below. The projecting element (61) fastens the roller mount (6) on the guide element (3) and thus prevents the roller mount (6) from falling out or being moved upwards by the forces impacting it. The projecting element (61) may also be of a different shape, for example of a rectangular shape, or it may be rotated by 180 degrees.

The guide element (3), into which the roller mount (6) can be inserted, may for example comprise a restriction, which prevents the roller mount (6) from being pushed further upwards.

FIG. 12b shows by way of example a roller (7) with elongated expansion. The axle of the roller (7) has protruding nubs on both sides, which are fitted into the roller mount (6), so that the roller (7) is fixed in such a way as to ensure that it is fastened but can continue to rotate.

FIG. 12c show two rollers (7), which are based on an inner region (71) and an outer region (72), wherein the inner region (71) is formed, for example, of several layers arranged flat one above the other. These layers are arranged vertically to the axle of the roller (7), which passes through the middle of the rollers (7). The outer region (72) of the rollers is typically in form of a tube, into which the inner region (71) is precisely fitted, wherein the inner region (71) and preferably also the outer region (72) of the roller (7) are manufactured from cardboard.

Claims

1. A recyclable trolley case (1) including a folded closable container (2), a handle (4), at least one roller mount (6) and at least one roller (7), the recyclable trolley case comprising: the container (2) rests on a common planar part (26) with a front face (21), a rear face (22), two side faces (23), a bottom face (24) as well as a multiplicity of flaps (27),the container (2) comprises a top face (25), wherein the top face (25) is part of the common planar part (26) or of a further element arranged on the planar part (26) of the container (2), andthe container (2), the roller mount (6), the handle (4) and, if appropriate, the at least one roller (7) are produced from cardboard, and/or punched out of cardboard, whereinthe handle (4), in a position A, is integrated or recessed in the container (2) and, in a position B, protrudes from the container (2), wherein the handle (4) can be reversibly changed from position A to position B.

2. The trolley case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cardboard is based on pulp, mechanical pulp and, as appropriate, waste paper pulp and comprises an area-related mass of at least 225 g/m2, preferably at least 500 g/m2, measured according to DIN 6730:2017-09, wherein the cardboard preferably represents board, corrugated board, corrugated carton, cardboard box, press board, wooden board and/or grey board.

3. The trolley case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one roller (7) is based on a renewable raw material, a recyclable raw material and/or rubber, wherein the renewable materials preferably represent cardboard, wood, cork and/or plant fibre, and the recyclable raw materials preferably represent metal and/or plastic.

4. The trolley case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the handle (4) is integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5), which in position A is arranged wholly or partially between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and a layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22), wherein the pull-out rail (5) with the handle (4) can be recessed in position A between the rear face (22) and the layer (9) and can be reversibly moved from position A into position B, wherein the handle (4), preferably in form of an opening (8), is integrated in the pull-out rail (5) and/or the handle (4) can be unfolded from the pull-out rail (5), and/or is arranged on a pull-out rail (5), wherein the pull-out rail (5) is guided by means of at least one guide element (3), wherein the guide element (3) is arranged on the container (2) and/or is part of the container (2).

5. The trolley case (1) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one pull-out rail (5) comprises at least one projecting element (51) in order to limit the distance, with which the at least one pull-out rail (5) can be pulled out of the guide element (3), wherein the projecting element (51) is limited by a stopper of the at least one guide element (3), and/orat least one flap (52), wherein, if the pull-out rail (5) in position B protrudes from the container (2), the flap (52) can arrest the container (2) reversibly in position B.

6. The trolley case (1) according to claim 4, wherein the pull-out handle (4) and the at least one pull-out rail (5) are formed in one piece and the handle (4) thus is part of the pull-out rail (5).

7. The trolley case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the roller (7) is based on an inner region (71) and an outer region (72), wherein the inner region (71) is formed of at least one layer, preferably of several flat layers arranged on top of each other, wherein the layer or layers are arranged vertically to the axle of the roller (7) and the outer region (72) is in form of a tube, into which the inner region (71) is precisely fitted, wherein the inner region (71) and, if appropriate the outer region (72) of the roller (7) are manufactured from cardboard.

8. The trolley case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the axle of the at least one roller (7) for fixing the roller (7) engages in the at least one roller mount (6), wherein the roller mount (6) is attached, in particular adhesive attached, in the lower region of the rear face (22), in the lower region of the side faces (23) and/or to the bottom face (24) of the container (2),is formed by at least one opening (8) in at least one front face (21), rear face (22) and/or side face (23) of the container (2) or by at least one opening (8) in the at least one guide element (3) and/oris fitted into the at least guide element (3), wherein the roller mount (6) preferably comprises a projecting element (61), in particular in form of a barb, wherein the projecting element (61) is preferably snapped in a slot of the guide element (3).

9. A method for producing the trolley case (1) according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: i) the common planar part (26) of the container (2) from planar cardboard is removed and the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), top face (25) if appropriate as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) of the container (2) are delimited from each other by creating a folding line, wherein, if appropriate, at least one opening (8) is created in the planar part (26),ii) the at least one roller (7) is fastened, in particular clamped to the roller mount (6), iii) the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), top face (25) if appropriate, as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) are folded to form the container (2) and the container (2) is closed as appropriate, andiv) insofar as the top face (25) of the container is not part of the common planar part (26), the top face (25) together with the multiplicity of flaps (27) and the further element from planar cardboard to be arranged on the container (2) is removed, folding lines are created and folded to form the top face (25) and the element is arranged on the container (2),wherein the handle (4) of the trolley case (1),if the handle (4) is integrated into the container (2), is cut into the planar part (26), in particular punched and unfolded for use;if the handle (4) is integrated in a planar pull-out rail (5), the planar pull-rail (5) is arranged between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and the layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22) in such a way that the pull-out rail (5) with the handle (4) can be recessed in position A between the rear face (22) and the layer (9) and reversibly moved into position B, and/orif the handle (4) with the pull-out rail (5) is guided by means of a guide element (3), is brought into the guide element (3) with the pull-out rail (5)wherein the steps ii) and iii) can be performed in random order.

10. (canceled)

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the trolley case (1) includes at least one guide element (3), wherein i) the at least one guide element (3) is removed out of a further flat layer of cardboard, is provided with folding lines as appropriate, and attached to the rear face (22) of the container (2);ii) the at least one guide element (3) is cut or punched out of the rear face (22) of the container (2) in such a way that the guide element (3) remains connected to the rear face (22) via at least one side, oriii) lateral guide elements (3) are attached between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and the layer (9) arranged on the outside of the rear face (22), between which the planar pull-out rail (5) with handle (4) can be reversibly moved from position A into position B.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the trolley case (1) includes at least one pull-out rail (5), i) the at least one pull-out rail (5) is removed from a further flat layer of cardboard, andii) the pull-out rail (5) is arranged on the container (2), preferably reversibly gliding between the rear face (22) of the container (2) and the layer (9), and/oriii) the pull-out rail (5) is fitted into the guide element (3),wherein the pull-out rail (5) may comprise at least one flap (52), wherein, if the pull-out rail (5) in position B protrudes from the container (2), the pull-out rail (5) can be reversibly arrested with the at least one flap (52) in position B.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein a) the planar part (26) of the container (2) removed from flat cardboard is packed in collapsed form together with the at least one roller (7) and the handle (4) and the roller mount (6), insofar as the handle (4) and/or the roller mount (6) are not part of the planar part (26), as well as if appropriate with at least one guide element (3), the at least one pull-out rail (5) and/or the further layer (9), whereby a collapsed packed trolley case (1*) is obtained, andb) the collapsed packed trolley case (1*) is assembled on demand to form the trolley case (1), in that the at least one roller (7) is fastened to the roller mount (6), in particular clamped in, and the front face (21), rear face (22), side faces (23), bottom face (24), possibly the top face (25) as well as the multiplicity of flaps (27) are folded to form the container (2) and the container (2) is closed as appropriate, and as appropriate the at least one guide element (3) of the at least one pull-out rail (5) and/or the further layer (9) are attached to the container (2), in particular on the rear face (22) of the container (2).

14. The trolley case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the trolley case is used to transport goods.

15. The trolley case according to claim 14, wherein the trolley case (1) is recycled as cardboard after use after removal of the at least one roller (7).