There are many luggage comprising a container consisting of a first shell and a second substantially rigid shell and a slide fastener or a frame for connecting said shells in a closed position, and delimiting an internal volume in which a user can store the business for transport, and particularly clothes.

First, there are luggage having plastic luggage shells. These shells are semi-rigid. Their main advantage of being lightweight. With their molding manufacturing process, can be obtained aesthetic rounded, and may have a surface colored decoration. However, they are not very resistant to deformation.

Second, there are luggage having metal luggage shells, mostly consist of plates or sheets made of aluminum. Typically, these sheets have a substantial thickness between 1.5 mm and 2 mm. Luggage, constituted with these shells sheets are mechanically very resistant, but they are much heavier than plastic bags, and due to the manufacturing process commonly used, they have the drawback of being limited by the diversity of forms the shells can take: the forms are typically rectangular and very little presence decorations because these sheets are produced by a drawing process with a matrix that can not have many specific details.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a different type of background.

The invention is relative to a luggage shell comprising:

- a shell structure having a general shape defining an interior volume and formed of a material comprising plastic, and

- at least a covering sheet attached to an outer surface of the structure, said cladding sheet being made of metal and having a thickness between 25 microns and 1 mm.

Thanks to these provisions, the luggage shell is both lightweight, mechanically strong and very aesthetic.

In various embodiments of the luggage shell according to the invention can optionally also use one and / or other of the following provisions.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the covering sheet has a thickness between 25 microns and 0.6 mm, and preferably between 25 microns and 0.3 mm.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the covering sheet is of a material selected from a list of metals comprising titanium, stainless steel, and one aluminum.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, material of the structure comprises a thermoplastic plastic-type or thermosetting type.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, material of the structure comprises a filler incorporated in the plastic, said filler being in the form of fibers.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the fibers are plastic fibers or glass fibers or carbon fibers.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the luggage shell comprises a single packing sheet formed by folding from a flat sheet having a suitable shape so that, after folding, the lining sheet has a form substantially identical to the outer surface of the structure.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the contour is a cross shape.

According to one aspect of the hull according to the invention, the contour is designed so that, after folding, the lining sheet has a shape that covers the entire planar portions and semi-cylindrical external surface of the structure.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the contour is designed so that, after folding, the lining sheet has a shape that covers the entire planar portions of the outer surface of the structure.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the planar sheet comprises at least:

- a substantially rectangular main portion and adapted to cover an outer main face of the structure, located opposite an opening of the structure,

- a first side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a first side face of the structure,

- a second side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a second side face of the structure, and

- at least one wing which extends laterally from a distal end of the main portion, and which is adapted to join the second side portion when said flat sheet is folded to form the covering sheet.

According to a variant of the shell according to the invention, the covering sheet is formed by folding before being fixed on the structure.

The invention also relates to a bag comprising at least one first luggage shell according to the preceding characteristics.

Luggage advantageously comprises:

- a first luggage shell and a second luggage shell according to the preceding characteristics.

- a hinge device connecting the first luggage shell and the second luggage shell, the second luggage shell being movable relative to the first luggage shell between a closed position and an open position through the device joint,

- a slide fastener comprising a first strip connected to the first luggage shell, a second band connected to the second luggage shell, and a slider movable along said first and second band between:

- a closed position wherein the first and second strips are held adjacent to each other, the articulation device then being in the closed position, and

- an open position wherein the first and second strips are released from each other.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a luggage shell comprising the steps of:

- molding a structure is made having a hull overall shape delimiting an internal volume and formed of a material comprising plastic, and

- is fixed at least one cladding sheet on an outer surface of the structure, said cladding sheet being made of metal and having a thickness between 25 microns and 1 mm.

In various embodiments of the method according to the invention may optionally be furthermore employed one and / or the other of the following arrangements.

According to a variant of the method, a single covering sheet is made from a flat sheet having a suitable shape so that, after folding, the lining sheet has a shape substantially identical to the outer surface of the structure.

According to a variant of the method, the covering sheet is formed by folding before being fixed on the structure.

In an alternative method, the planar sheet comprises at least:

- a substantially rectangular main portion and adapted to cover an outer main face of the structure, located opposite an opening of the structure,

- a first side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a first side face of the structure,

- a second side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a second side face of the structure, and

- at least one wing which extends laterally from a distal end of the main portion, and which is adapted to join the second side portion when said flat sheet is folded to form the sheet of wrapping.

According to a variant of the method, the wing and the second side portion are joined by executing a joining process wherein:

- is folded upon itself, the end of the wing, to form a folded portion, and

- said folded portion is fixed on a part of the second portion.

According to a variant of the method, the covering sheet has a thickness between 25 microns and 0.6 mm, and preferably between 25 microns and 0.3 mm.

According to a variant of the method, the covering sheet is of a material selected from a list of metals comprising titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention appear from the following description of at least one of its embodiments, given by way of example, with regard to j anointed drawings.

In the drawings:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bag in the closed position;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bag in the open position;

- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the luggage;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a luggage shell according to one invention;

- Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the shell luggage of Figure 4;

- Figure 6 is a view of a cladding sheet in planar form, prior to folding, used to cover the luggage shell of Figure 4;

- Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line marked VII-VII in Figure 4;

- Figure 8 is a sectional view along the line VIII-VIII marked in Figure 4;

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a luggage shell according to the invention;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a luggage shell according to the invention.

In the different figures, the same reference numerals denote identical or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The figures illustrate a bag consisting essentially of a container 3, a zipper 10 and a locking device 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bag defines a bag 1. The container 3 comprises a first clamshell 2 and a second shell 4 connected by a hinge device 20. The first clamshell 2 and the second shell 4 are relatively rigid. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, containing the 3 is substantially parallelepiped. It comprises two large side faces 3a, 3b, two small side faces 3c, 3d, a third lower major surface and an upper major face 3f, each surface being substantially planar.

Additionally and optionally, the suitcase 1 comprises wheels arranged at the four corners of the side face 3c and a telescopic handle adapted to projects from the side face 3d. The bag 1 further comprises a main carrying handle 8 disposed on the large side face 3a. In Figure 1, the bag 1 is illustrated in the position in which it is intended to rest on a floor view to its opening, bearing on its underside 3e.

The container 3 defines an interior space 6 for receiving business for their transport, particularly clothes.

The first clamshell 2 and the second shell 4 are connected by a hinge device 20 for moving the first clamshell 2 and the second shell 4 with respect to each other between a closed position illustrated in Figure 1 and open position illustrated in Figure 2. in the closed position illustrated in Figure 1, the second shell 4 is opposite the first shell 2. the shell 4 has a second edge 4a overall engaging an edge 2a of the first shell 2 along a joining plane P. in the open position, there is a passage between the first clamshell 2 and the second shell 4 in order to access the interior volume 6 for the placement of business.

The hinge device 20 is disposed at the large side face 3a and mainly comprises a first support 24 fixed to the first shell 2, a second support 26 fixed to the second shell 4 and an intermediate member 22 extending between the first substrate 24 and the second support 26. the first support 24 and second support 26 may also be formed in the respective structures of the first clamshell 2 and the second shell 4, which may for example each be molded in a single piece. The intermediate member 22 is articulated in rotation relative to the first support 24, and consequently to the first clamshell 2, about a first hinge axis R2. The intermediate member 22 is articulated in rotation relative to the second support 26, and consequently to the second shell 4, about a second hinge axis R4. The first hinge axis R2 and R4 the second hinge axis extending both parallel to the joint plane P and substantially at the lateral large face 3a in the closed position of the bag 1. The first axis articulation R2 and the second hinge pin R4 are therefore parallel and spaced from each other by a separation distance D. Alternatively, other types of articulation device could be used.

In the closed position, the separation distance D extending along an elevation direction Z perpendicular to the joint plane P and parallel to the large lateral face 3a.

In the closed position, the zipper 10 extends between a first longitudinal end 10a and a second longitudinal end 10b. The first longitudinal end 10a and second 10b longitudinal end are both located at the large side face 3a. Between the first longitudinal end 10a and the second longitudinal end 10b, the zipper extends along the junction plane through the side surfaces 3d, 3b, 3c.

The zipper 10 comprises a first strip 12 having a first longitudinal edge 11, a second strip 14 having a second longitudinal edge 13, a slider 16 and a zipper 18. The slider 16 is adapted to move between a closed position in which is close to the first longitudinal end 10a and an open position in which it is close to the second longitudinal end 10b.

When the slider 16 is in the closed position, the first longitudinal edge 11 is maintained adjacent the second longitudinal edge 13. For this purpose, the first longitudinal edge 11 and the second longitudinal edge 13 are provided with complementary teeth alternately disposed on the first longitudinal edge 11 and the second longitudinal edge 13, as is well known. Alternatively, other types of zipper or frames could be used.

When the slider 16 is in the open position, the first longitudinal edge 11 is released from the second longitudinal edge 13 between the first longitudinal end 10a and the second longitudinal end 10b.

When the slider 16 is in the closed position, the bag is held in the closed position of Figure 1, the second shell 4 being in contact with the first shell 2, so that the interior 6 is closed, preventing access. When the slider 16 is in the open position, the second tray 4 can be moved between the open position to the closed position by the hinge device 20, as described above.

According to the invention, the first shell 2 and / or the second clamshell 3, are now recognized more generally in terms of "shell" or "luggage shell" with the reference 100 for the new provisions described below after can be applied to one and / or the other of the two shells of the luggage. Thus, the shell 100 is shown in Figures 4 et seq. The hull 100 includes a structure 102 and at least one packing sheet 104 fixed on an outer surface 102s of the structure 102.

The structure 102 is a part having the general shape of hull, that is to say for example essentially parallelepiped with four side faces 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, an outer main face 102f and 102e opening facing (in opposite) of the main face 102f. These surfaces correspond to the sides 3a to 3f set for the container 3 of the bag 1. This structure 102 thus defines an interior volume which is a portion of the interior volume 6 of the bag 1. This volume is therefore accessible via the opening 102e. The outer surface 102s is then on the outer main face 102f and away from the opening 102e. This structure 102 is formed of a material comprising a plastic.

The material of the structure 102 comprises a plastic or thermoplastic type such as a PP or PC polycarbonate polypropylene, either of thermosetting type. This material gives form and much of robustness or mechanical strength of the shell. It has the advantage of being lightweight, economical and easily shaped by a molding process.

The material of the structure 102 may be a composite material which further comprises plastic, an additional filler incorporated in the plastic. In such cases, we are used to designate the plastic by "matrix" of plastic to mean that the plastic is not the only component of the material. The filler is for example in the form of powder or in the form of fibers that strengthen the material (the mixture of plastic and fibers).

The mechanical strength of the structure 102 and therefore of the shell 100 is then improved. The fibers of this load can be plastic fibers, glass fibers or carbon fibers, or natural fibers. For example, material of the structure 102 is a self-reinforced polypropylene, or "SRPP" (for "Self Reinforced Polypropylene"), which is a polypropylene matrix incorporating fibers themselves polypropylene.

The packing sheet 104 is in thin metal to be easily shaped, that is to say a thickness of between 25 microns and 1 mm.

This packing sheet metal 104 provides the shell robustness and impact resistance improved over the known luggage shells composed solely of plastic. Conversely, the shell thus formed is lighter than the luggage shells made mainly of metal with sheet several millimeters thick. In addition, the packing sheet 104 provides an aesthetic appearance more pleasing to the user in comparison to known luggage shells composed only of plastic.

The packing sheet 104 may have a thickness between 25 microns and 0.6 mm, or preferably between 25 microns and 0.3 mm. Thus, the thickness lower facilitates the shape of the dressing of sheeting 104 to fit the structure 102 on which it is fixed. Notably, this reduced thickness allows layouts by bending deformations or cutouts, easier and clearer. Thus, the luggage shell is also made more aesthetic.

The packing sheet 104 is made of metal (or more generally a metal alloy) whose material is for example titanium or stainless steel, or aluminum. Stainless steel has the highest mechanical strength with a Young's modulus of approximately 210 GPa, followed by the titanium with a Young's modulus of approximately 110 GPa. Aluminum is the most malleable material with a Young's modulus of approximately 70 GPa. Titanium then offers good mechanical strength compromise with a fine aesthetically pleasing metallic appearance.

The packing sheet 104 includes at least a main portion 104f substantially planar adapted to overlie the external main face 102f of the structure 102 and thereby form the upper major surface 3f of the container 3 of the luggage.

The main portion 104f and possibly other portions of the packing sheet 104 may include a setting 105 to improve aesthetics. This decoration 105 may be formed on the packing sheet 104 before being attached to the outer surface 102s of the structure 102, and even before any other forming (deformation) as the optional bending of the sheet dressing 104: the decoration 105 may be formed so that the packing sheet 104 has a shape of flat sheet as shown in Figure 6. the small thickness of the cladding sheet 104 according to the invention allows not deteriorate the decoration 105 by these cautionary posterior shape to achieve the said decoration 105. the decoration can be formed by any technique known sheet metal processing,

The laser cutting is advantageous because it allows a cutting precise dimensions and with an edge of cutting net and flawless. Furthermore, such a laser cutting does not change the color of the material, even at the border. The aesthetic appearance of the packing sheet 104 is thus preserved.

The packing sheet 104 is fixed to the structure 102 by any means, for example by bonding using an adhesive product deposited on the outer surface 102s of the structure 102, or deposited on a surface of the sheet dressing to be adhered to the outer surface 102s of the structure 102, or a double-sided adhesive film laid on said outer surface 102s of the structure.

The adhesive or adhesive film is cured and performs membership either after a first predetermined time at room temperature or after a second predetermined time at a crosslinking temperature. The adhesive curing temperature can be obtained in an oven, or by magnetic induction in the covering sheet 104. This latter method of magnetic induction heating has the advantage of being localized to the adhesive or adhesive film and be better controlled in intensity. Thus, bonding is most effective while avoiding deforming or damaging the structure 102, and while avoiding of damaging the aesthetics of the packing sheet 104.

According to a first embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the luggage shell 100 comprises a single sheet covering 104 adapted to cover a maximum of the planar portions and the cylindrical portions of the structure 102.

In particular, the initial shape, flat, of the packing sheet 104 is presented in Figure 6. This sheet has a general cross shape with a substantially rectangular central portion corresponding to the main portion 104f adapted to be attached to the outer main face 102f of the structure 102.

The main portion 104f then comprises:

- a first boundary 105a from which extends a first lateral portion 104a for covering a side face 102a of the structure 102 together to form a side face 3a of luggage

- a second boundary 105b from which extends a second side portion 104b for covering a side face 102b of structure 102 together to form a side face 3b of luggage

- a third boundary 105c from which extends a third side portion 104c for covering a side face 102c of the structure 102 together to form a side face 3c of luggage

- a fourth boundary 105d from which extends a fourth side portion 104d for covering a side face 102d of the structure 102 together to form a side face 3d of the baggage.

According to this first embodiment, the side portions 104a and 104b each comprise two wings extending laterally from a lateral boundary located an end remote from the main portion 104f. The packing sheet 104 thus comprises four wings 104i,

104 2 , 104 3 , and 104 4 .

The initial shape of the packing sheet 104 shown in Figure 6 may be first performed for example by a subsequent preforming method:

1) A sheet is unwound from a coil of metal;

2) The sheet is optionally subjected to anodizing and / or brushing to remove any defects of surface appearance;

3) The sheet is cut according to the shape of the appropriate contour; for example, that of Figure 6; This cutting is advantageously carried out by laser as explained above;

4) The sheet is optionally decorated by embossing, engraving or cutting or punching or any other shaping means. The decoration 105 is formed on or in the sheet.

a flat sheet is thus obtained with the appropriate contour luggage and optionally with a decoration 105.

The principle of the outline of the packing sheet 104 is that it can be bent simply to cover all flat and cylindrical portions of the structure 102.

The packing sheet 104 of Figure 6 can be made and joined to the structure 102 by various joining methods.

According to a first variant of the assembly process, the packing sheet 104 is shaped directly on the structure 102, by executing the following steps:

1) An adhesive is deposited on the outer surface 102s of the structure 102;

2) The main portion 104f of the packing sheet 104 is placed on the external main face 102f of the structure 102 to be adhesively secured;

3) The first side portion 104a is applied on the side face 102a of the structure 102, for example starting from the first boundary 105a to the remote end, by applying firstly over an angular extent of substantially cylindrical edge 90 °, and then applying secondly on the planar portion of the side surface 102a;

4) The third side portion 104c is provided on the side face 102c of the structure 102, for example in the same manner;

5) The flange 104i is applied to the structure 102 of a cylindrical ridge angular extent of substantially 90 ° between the side face 102a and the side face 102c;

6) Steps 4) and 5) are repeated for the second side portion 104b, the fourth side portion 104d, and the wings 104 2 , 104 3 , and 104 4 .

According to a second variant of the assembly process, the packing sheet 104 is shaped independently of the structure 102 by performing a preparation operation of the trim foil 104 and fixing operation of the leaf Skin on the structure 102. with this alternative, the form of preparation operations of the covering sheet can be performed in parallel with the embodiment of the structure 102 by plastic molding.

a preparation operations include the following steps:

1) The first side portion 104a is folded along first boundary 105a according to a first form of a cylindrical ridge angular extent of substantially 90 ° and in a planar portion intended to correspond to the side surface 102a;

2) The second side portion 104b, the third side portion 104c, the fourth side portion 104d are formed as for the first side portion 104a of step 1);

3) The flange 104i is folded along a boundary 105e according to a first form of a cylindrical ridge angular extent of substantially 90 ° and then by a flat part intended to come on the third side portion 104c;

4) The wings 104 2 , 104 3 , and 104 4 are formed as for the wing 104i of step 3), along respective boundaries 105f, 105g, and 105h;

At this stage, a packing sheet 104 has a shape in three dimensions (3D) adapted to the structure 102. That is to say, it has a complementary or substantially identical shape, as can be seen in Figure 5 .

fixing operations then comprise the following steps:

1) An adhesive is deposited on the outer surface 102s of the structure 102;

2) The packing sheet 104 is applied to the structure 102 to be assembled therein, and permanently adhered: The packing sheet 104 is mounted by fitting onto the structure 102 by a translatory movement of the trim foil 104 to the structure 102 as shown by the arrow FA in Figure 5, or vice versa.

To ensure high accuracy and repeatability of the process, the above steps can be performed with the aid of forming tools and against-shape corresponding to the sections of various forms or shapes of portions to be produced. Optionally, these operations are mechanized by one or more special machines. Eventually, these operations are performed by one or more robots equipped with appropriate tools.

Subsequently or simultaneously to the previous assembly method, one complete assembly by a joining process, in which one end of each wing is folded according to the diagram of Figure 7 further method called "plunging" and to avoid having a cut edge of the covering sheet 104 apparent.

More precisely, this connecting method comprises the following steps:

1) back on itself, the end of the wing over a predetermined width (represented by the dashed line at the end of each wing in Figure 6), and

2) fixing (e.g. gluing or welding or riveting, or a combination of these methods) the folded portion of the wing previously provided at a portion from another adjacent portion of the packing sheet 104.

Thanks to this joining method, the two cut ends of the packing sheet 104 are trapped within a S junction region between the structure 102 and the packing sheet 104, and are not exposed.

Thus, in the junction zone S, there is a superposition of three layers of the covering sheet 104. This junction is mechanically very sturdy and resistant.

Optionally, the structure 102 includes a recess around the junction area S of a width substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined width to embed the "joggle" in the thickness of the structure 102 (not shown).

As shown in Figure 8, the slide fastener is mounted on the hull 100, for example, by executing the steps of the lock mounting method:

1) The edge 100a of the assembly previously formed, namely the structure 102 coated with the packing sheet 104 is covered by an edge strip 106 in an edge region B and which extends on each side of the previous assembly (inner side and outer side of the shell 100);

2) The first band 12 of the zipper 10 is mounted on the edge strip 106 to the interior of the shell 100;

3) An inner liner 108 is mounted on the first strip 12, for example with an internal fold extending in the edge area B, as shown.

4) The foregoing, ie the edge strip 106, the first web 12 and the inner liner 108 are assembled by stitching of a thread 109 of the structure 102 and the sheet 104.

The edge strip 106 is for example made of leather or fabric. This edge strip 106 thus protects the edge 100a (2a; 4a respectively) of the shell 100 (2; 4). The wire 109 is for example an aramid yarn, very resistant.

Finally, the corners not covered with the shell 100 are optionally also covered with a further coating such as leather or fabric to protect and hide structure 102, said coating then being advantageously fixed by sewing with a very resistant yarn as a yarn aramid.

According to a second embodiment shown in Figure 9, the luggage shell 100 also includes a single sheet covering 104. This packing sheet 104 is here adapted to cover the planar portions and the cylindrical portions only in conjunction with the portion main 104f; that is to say to cover the four edges of the outer main face 102f of the structure 102. In fact, this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the packing sheet 104 does not include no additional wing extending laterally from the side portions 104a and 104b.

The initial shape, flat, of the packing sheet 104 is cross-shaped with a substantially rectangular central portion corresponding to the main portion 104f, and intended to be fixed to the external main face 102f of the structure 102.

The initial shape, flat, of the packing sheet 104 may be performed by the same preforming method as described above for the first embodiment, in order to obtain a flat sheet with the appropriate shape to achieve the luggage shell 100 of Figure 9.

The packing sheet 104 of Figure 9 can be realized and assembled to the structure 102 by various joining methods similar to those described in the first embodiment, for a luggage shell 100 with a cladding sheet 104 attached to a structure 102 made of plastic. The method of assembly of this second embodiment differs in that it does not include steps for the wings, the flat sheet having no these wings in the second embodiment. For the same reason, there is no joining process in the second embodiment.

In the first variant of the assembly process, the covering sheet is shaped directly on the structure 102, by executing the following steps:

1) An adhesive is deposited on the outer surface 102s of the structure 102;

2) The main portion 104f of the packing sheet 104 is placed on the external main face 102f of the structure 102 to be adhesively secured;

3) The first side portion 104a is applied on the side face 102a of the structure 102, for example starting from the first boundary 105a to the remote end, by applying firstly over an angular extent of substantially cylindrical edge 90 °, and then applying secondly on the planar portion of the side face 102a (this folding step is illustrated by the arrow FB in FIG 9);

4) Step 3) is repeated for the second side portion 104b, the third side portion 103c and the fourth side portion 104d.

In the second variant of the assembly process, the packing sheet 104 is shaped independently of the structure 102 by performing a preparation operation of the trim foil 104 and fixing operation of the leaf Skin on the structure 102. with this alternative, the form of preparation operations of the covering sheet can be performed in parallel with the embodiment of the structure 102 by plastic molding.

a preparation operations include the following steps:

1) The first side portion 104a is folded along first boundary 105a according to a first form of a cylindrical ridge angular extent of substantially 90 ° and in a planar portion intended to correspond to the side face 102a (this folding step is shown FB by the arrows in Figure 9);

2) The second side portion 104b, the third side portion 104c, the fourth side portion 104d are formed as for the first side portion 104a of one step 1).

At this stage, a packing sheet 104 has a shape in three dimensions (3D) adapted to the structure 102. That is to say, it has a complementary or substantially identical shape, with the exception of the lateral edges between the side portions.

fixing operations then comprise the following steps:

1) An adhesive is deposited on the outer surface 102s of the structure 102;

2) The packing sheet 104 is applied to the structure 102 to be assembled therein, and permanently adhered: The packing sheet 104 is mounted by fitting onto the structure 102 by a translatory movement of the trim foil 104 to the structure 102 as shown by the arrow FA of Figure 9 or vice versa.

To ensure high accuracy and repeatability of the process, the above steps can be performed with the help of corresponding shape tools and cons-shaped sections or portions of the various forms of shapes to be produced. Optionally, these operations are mechanized by one or more special machines. Eventually, these operations are performed by one or more robots equipped with appropriate tools.

Then, the zipper 10 may be mounted on the hull of luggage 100 in the same manner, c '' is, by the same lock mounting method described above.

The side edges are then optionally covered with a further coating such as leather or fabric to protect and hide structure 102, said coating then being advantageously fixed by sewing with a very resistant yarn such as an aramid yarn.

CLAIMS

luggage shell (2; 4; 100) comprising:

- a structure (102) having a hull overall shape delimiting an internal volume and formed of a material comprising plastic or a composite material, and

- at least one cladding sheet (104) attached on an outer surface of the structure, said cladding sheet being made of metal and having a thickness between 25 microns and 1 mm.

2. luggage shell according to claim 1, wherein the covering sheet (104) has a thickness between 25 microns and 0.6 mm, and preferably between 25 microns and 0.3 mm.

3. luggage shell according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the covering sheet (104) is of a material selected from a list of metals comprising titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.

4. luggage shell according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the structure comprises a thermoplastic plastic-type or thermosetting type.

5. luggage shell according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material of the structure comprises a filler incorporated in the plastic, said filler being in the form of fibers.

6. luggage shell according to Claim 5, wherein the fibers are plastic fibers or glass fibers or carbon fibers.

7. luggage shell according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a single cladding sheet (104) formed by bending from a flat sheet having a suitable shape so that, after folding, the packing sheet has a shape substantially identical to the outer surface of the structure.

8. luggage shell according to claim 7, wherein the contour is a cross shape.

9. luggage shell according to claim 7, wherein the contour is adapted so that, after folding, the lining sheet has a shape that covers the entire planar portions and semi-cylindrical external surface of the structure.

10. luggage shell according to claim 7, wherein the contour is adapted so that, after folding, the lining sheet has a shape that covers the entire planar portions of the outer surface of the structure.

11. luggage shell according to claim 7, wherein the planar sheet comprises at least:

- a main portion (104f) is substantially rectangular and designed to cover an outer main face of the structure, located opposite an opening of the structure,

- a first side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a first side face of the structure,

- a second side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a second side face of the structure, and

- at least one wing which extends laterally from a distal end of the main portion, and which is adapted to join the second side portion when said flat sheet is folded to form the covering sheet (104)

12. luggage shell according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the covering sheet (104) is formed by bending before being fixed on the structure.

13. luggage (1) comprising a first luggage shell (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A bag according to claim 13 comprising:

- a second bag shell (4) according to one of claims 1 to 12,

- an articulation device (20) connecting the first luggage shell and the second luggage shell, the second luggage shell being movable relative to the first shell of luggage between a closed position and an open position via the articulation device,

- a zipper (10) comprising a first strip (12) connected to the first luggage shell, a second strip (14) connected to the second luggage shell, and a slider (16) movable along said first and second band between:

- a closed position wherein the first and second strips are held adjacent to each other, the articulation device then being in the closed position, and

- an open position wherein the first and second strips are released from each other.

15. A method of manufacturing a luggage shell (2;

4; 100) comprising the steps of:

- a structure is produced by molding (102) having a hull overall shape delimiting an internal volume and formed of a material comprising plastic, and

- is fixed at least one cladding sheet (104) on an outer surface of the structure, said cladding sheet being made of metal and having a thickness between 25 microns and 1 mm.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein one cladding sheet is carried out (104) from a planar sheet having a suitable shape so that, after folding, the packing sheet is substantially identical in shape to the outer surface of the structure.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the covering sheet (104) is formed by bending before being fixed on the structure.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the planar sheet comprises at least:

- a main portion (104f) is substantially rectangular and designed to cover an outer main face of the structure, located opposite an opening of the structure,

- a first side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a first side face of the structure,

- a second side portion extending from the main portion and adapted to cover a second side face of the structure, and

- at least one wing which extends laterally from a distal end of the main portion, and which is adapted to join the second side portion when said flat sheet is folded to form the covering sheet (104).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the flange and the second side portion are joined by executing a joining process wherein:

- is folded upon itself, the end of the wing, to form a folded portion, and

- said folded portion is fixed on a part of the second portion.

20. A method according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the covering sheet has a thickness between 25 microns and 0.6 mm, and preferably between 25 microns and 0.3 mm.

21. A method according to one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the covering sheet is of a material selected from a list of metals comprising titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.