Interconnected luggage system
阅读说明:本技术 相互连接的行李箱系统 (Interconnected luggage system ) 是由 A.斯通 T.J.福德 H.Y.黄 于 2018-06-12 设计创作,主要内容包括:本发明涉及一种相互连接的行李箱的系统,该系统包括:第一行李箱物件,其具有在上部端部周围的把手和在基部周围的滚动装置,并且其通过把手可围绕滚动装置的转动轴线倾斜;第二行李箱物件,其具有在基部周围的滚动装置;第一行李箱物件和第二行李箱物件中的每个具有整体相互接合和分离装置,所述整体相互接合和分离装置被构造成当第一行李箱物件和第二行李箱物件相互接合时提供实质上刚性的机械连接,该实质上刚性的机械连接使第一行李箱物件和第二行李箱物件保持在相对的空间布置中,使得当系统处于稳定布置时,第一行李箱物件和第二行李箱物件的滚动装置接触在下面的平面基底,并且第一行李箱物件相对于在下面的平面基底保持倾斜角度。(The invention relates to a system of interconnected luggage cases, comprising: a first luggage item having a handle around an upper end and a rolling means around a base, and which is tiltable by the handle about an axis of rotation of the rolling means; a second luggage item having a rolling device around a base; each of the first and second luggage items has an integral interengaging and disengaging device configured to provide a substantially rigid mechanical connection that holds the first and second luggage items in an opposing spatial arrangement when the first and second luggage items are interengaged such that the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate and the first luggage item maintains an oblique angle relative to the underlying planar substrate when the system is in a stable arrangement.)
1. A system of interconnected luggage cases, the system comprising:
a first luggage item having a handle around an upper end and a rolling means around a base, and which is tiltable by the handle about an axis of rotation of the rolling means;
a second luggage item having a rolling device around a base;
each of the first and second luggage items has an integral interengaging and disengaging device configured to provide a substantially rigid mechanical connection when the first and second luggage items are interengaged, the substantially rigid mechanical connection holding the first and second luggage items in an opposing spatial arrangement such that when the system is in a stable arrangement, the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate and the first luggage item maintains an oblique angle relative to the underlying planar substrate.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first luggage piece has a long axis, and when the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage pieces contact an underlying planar substrate, the long axis of the first luggage piece is tilted in a direction such that the long axis of the first luggage piece forms an acute angle with the underlying planar substrate.
3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tilt angle of the first luggage item is maintained by the interengaging and disengaging means in combination with a support of the second luggage item.
4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oblique angle of the first luggage article is greater than about 0.1 degrees, or greater than about 0.5 degrees, or greater than about 1 degree, or greater than about 2 degrees, or greater than about 3 degrees, or greater than about 4 degrees, greater than about 5 degrees, or greater than about 6 degrees, or greater than about 7 degrees, or greater than about 8 degrees, or greater than about 9 degrees, or greater than about 10 degrees, or greater than about 11 degrees, or greater than about 12 degrees, or greater than about 13 degrees, or greater than about 14 degrees, or greater than about 15 degrees, when the first and second luggage articles are engaged with one another and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage articles contact an underlying planar substrate, the oblique angle being with reference to (i) a line orthogonal to the planar substrate on which the system is disposed, or (ii) taken vertically.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second luggage item has a rolling device proximate to the first luggage item and optionally a rolling device distal from the first luggage item, such that when the first and second luggage items are engaged with one another and the system is in a stable arrangement, the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate, and the rolling device of the second luggage item proximal to the first luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate, and the rolling device of the second luggage item distal from the first luggage item (where present) does not contact the underlying substrate.
6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one, some, or all of the rolling devices of the second luggage item have an axis of rotation.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the rolling device having an axis of rotation of the second luggage item is proximate to the first luggage item.
8. The system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second article of luggage and/or the rolling device of the second article of luggage is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation relative to the axis of the second article of luggage and/or relative to the axis of the first article of luggage is adjusted or adjustable.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second article of luggage and/or the rolling device of the second article of luggage is configured such that an angle of the axis of rotation relative to an axis of the second article of luggage and/or relative to an axis of the first article of luggage is reversibly lockable.
10. The system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein an angle of the axis of rotation is adjustable such that when the first luggage item is tilted at an angle, the second luggage item is tilted at the same angle, the axis of rotation being substantially vertical.
11. The system of any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second luggage item is configured such that the axis of rotation is adjusted or adjustable when a substantially rigid mechanical connection is formed between the first luggage item and the second luggage item by the integral interengaging and disengaging means.
12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the first and second luggage items are engaged with one another and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate, only a single rolling device of the first luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate and only a single rolling device of the second luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate.
13. An article of luggage configured to be operable as the first article of luggage of the system of any of claims 1-12.
14. The luggage piece of claim 13, comprising a component of the substantially rigid interengaging and disengaging means.
15. An article of luggage configured to be operable as a second article of luggage of the system of any of claims 1-12.
16. The luggage piece of claim 15, comprising one part of the substantially rigid interengaging and disengaging means.
17. The luggage item of claim 15 or claim 16, comprising a rolling device having an axis of rotation, wherein the luggage item and/or the rolling device having an axis of rotation is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation relative to the axis of the luggage item is adjusted or adjustable.
18. The luggage item of claim 17, wherein the luggage item and/or the rolling device is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation relative to the axis of the luggage item is reversibly lockable.
19. The luggage piece of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the angle of the axis of rotation is adjustable such that when the luggage piece is tilted at an angle, the axis of rotation is substantially vertical.
20. The luggage piece of any of claims 17-19, comprising an engagement and disengagement device configured to provide a substantially rigid mechanical connection with another luggage piece, wherein the luggage piece is configured such that the axis of rotation is adjusted or adjustable when a substantially rigid mechanical connection is formed between the luggage piece and another luggage piece.
21. A method for providing a rollable luggage arrangement, the method comprising the steps of: joining the luggage item of claim 13 or 14 with the luggage item of any of claims 15-20 such that one or both of the luggage items is held at an oblique angle.
22. A kit of parts comprising the luggage item of claim 13 or 14 and the luggage item of any of claims 15 to 20, optionally in combination with instructions defining the method of claim 21.
23. An article of luggage having a handle around an upper end and a first rolling arrangement around a base and tiltable by the handle about an axis of rotation of the rolling arrangement, the article of luggage being configured to maintain a tilt angle.
24. The luggage piece of claim 23, comprising a mounting device configured to allow a second luggage piece to be mounted thereon.
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to the field of luggage used by individuals during travel. In particular, the present invention relates to luggage cases having rolling means (means) such as wheels, rollers and castors.
Background
The introduction of wheeled luggage (wheeled luggage) has, of course, transformed travel. The use of luggage trolleys at airports or other transportation bases is no longer necessary. The wheels, which are part of almost all modern hand luggage, allow travelers to move around relatively quickly and easily, even with many kilograms.
A more recent development in luggage cases is the so-called "spinner" case, which is typically a polymeric shell construction having casters at all four corners of the edge face. The upwardly extending handle allows the traveler to push, pull or rotate the case as desired.
While wheeled luggage is a clear advance in the art, problems still arise when multiple pieces of luggage are carried by a traveler. There are some difficulties in pulling or pushing two separate wheeled luggage. Each of the articles is independently manipulable and requires a great deal of attention and coordination to ensure that both articles roll in the desired direction.
Further complications arise if the traveler needs an idle hand to handle incoming phone calls or control accompanying children. Typically, one piece of luggage is seated on top of the upper face of another other piece of luggage, which leaves the traveler with a free hand. However, the upper article may be displaced (especially during cornering maneuvers), causing the entire connection arrangement to tip over. The stability of the connection arrangement can be improved by using various types of straps (straps) and tethers (ties), however the two luggage items must be separated again at, for example, a check-in counter.
Disclosure of Invention
Those skilled in the art will understand how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications after considering this description. However, while various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Accordingly, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Moreover, recitation of advantages or other aspects applies to particular example embodiments, and does not necessarily apply to all embodiments encompassed by the claims.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.
Certain advantages of some embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein. And are not intended to convey all advantages disclosed with respect to all embodiments. Some embodiments may not provide any advantages over the prior art, but merely represent useful alternatives thereto.
In a first, but not necessarily broadest, aspect, the invention provides a system of interconnected luggage cases, the system comprising: a first luggage item having a handle around an upper end and a rolling means around a base and which is tiltable by the handle about an axis of rotation of the rolling means; a second luggage piece having a rolling device about the base, each of the first and second luggage pieces having an integral interengaging and disengaging device configured to provide a substantially rigid mechanical connection when the first and second luggage pieces are interengaged, the substantially rigid mechanical connection maintaining the first and second luggage pieces in an opposed spatial arrangement such that when the system is in a stable arrangement, the rolling devices of the first and second luggage pieces contact an underlying planar substrate, the first luggage piece maintaining an oblique angle relative to the underlying planar substrate.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the first luggage item has a long axis, and the long axis of the first luggage item is inclined when the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling means of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar base, the direction of inclination being such that the long axis of the first luggage item forms an acute angle with the underlying planar base.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the angle of inclination of the first luggage item is maintained by the interengaging and disengaging means in combination with a support member of the second luggage item.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate, the first luggage item is inclined at an angle of greater than about 0.1 degrees, or greater than about 0.5 degrees, or greater than about 1 degrees, or greater than about 2 degrees, or greater than about 3 degrees, or greater than about 4 degrees, greater than about 5 degrees, or greater than about 6 degrees, or greater than about 7 degrees, or greater than about 8 degrees, or greater than about 9 degrees, or greater than about 10 degrees, or greater than about 11 degrees, or greater than about 12 degrees, or greater than about 13 degrees, or greater than about 14 degrees, or greater than about 15 degrees, or greater than about 16 degrees, or greater than about 17 degrees, or greater than about 18 degrees, or greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees, or greater than about 21 degrees, or greater than about 22 degrees, Or greater than about 23 degrees, or greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees, or greater than about 26 degrees, or greater than about 27 degrees, or greater than about 28 degrees, or greater than about 29 degrees, or greater than about 30 degrees, the oblique angle being taken with reference to (i) a line normal to the planar substrate on which the system is disposed, or (ii) a vertical line.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate, the first luggage item is inclined at an angle of less than about 0.1 degrees, or less than about 0.5 degrees, or less than about 1 degree, or less than about 2 degrees, or less than about 3 degrees, or less than about 4 degrees, or less than about 5 degrees, or less than about 6 degrees, or less than about 7 degrees, or less than about 8 degrees, or less than about 9 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees, or less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 12 degrees, or less than about 13 degrees, or less than about 14 degrees, or less than about 15 degrees, with reference to (i) a line normal to the planar substrate on which the system is disposed, or (ii) a perpendicular line taken.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate, the second luggage item is inclined at an angle greater than about 0.1 degrees, or greater than about 0.5 degrees, or greater than about 1 degrees, or greater than about 2 degrees, or greater than about 3 degrees, or greater than about 4 degrees, greater than about 5 degrees, or greater than about 6 degrees, or greater than about 7 degrees, or greater than about 8 degrees, or greater than about 9 degrees, or greater than about 10 degrees, or greater than about 11 degrees, or greater than about 12 degrees, or greater than about 13 degrees, or greater than about 14 degrees, or greater than about 15 degrees, with reference to (i) a line normal to the planar substrate on which the system is disposed, or (ii) a vertical line taken.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate, the second luggage item is inclined at an angle of less than about 0.1 degrees, or less than about 0.5 degrees, or less than about 1 degree, or less than about 2 degrees, or less than about 3 degrees, or less than about 4 degrees, or less than about 5 degrees, or less than about 6 degrees, or less than about 7 degrees, or less than about 8 degrees, or less than about 9 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees, or less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 12 degrees, or less than about 13 degrees, or less than about 14 degrees, or less than about 15 degrees, or less than about 16 degrees, or less than about 17 degrees, or less than about 18 degrees, or less than about 19 degrees, or less than about 20 degrees, or less than about 21 degrees, Or less than about 22 degrees, or less than about 23 degrees, or less than about 24 degrees, or less than about 25 degrees, or less than about 26 degrees, or less than about 27 degrees, or less than about 28 degrees, or less than about 29 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees, the oblique angle being taken with reference to (i) a line normal to a planar substrate on which the system is disposed, or (ii) a perpendicular line.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the second luggage item has a rolling device proximate to the first luggage item and optionally a rolling device distal from the first luggage item, such that when the first and second luggage items are engaged with one another and the system is in a stable arrangement, the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate, the rolling device of the second luggage item proximal to the first luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate, and the rolling device of the second luggage item distal from the first luggage item (where present) does not contact the underlying substrate.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the second luggage item has an inclination angle and an inclination direction substantially the same as the inclination angle and the inclination direction of the first luggage item.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the first luggage item comprises a rolling device that is remote from the second luggage item, and the first luggage item is free of a rolling device that is proximate to the second luggage item.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the second luggage item comprises a rolling device distal from the first luggage item and a rolling device proximal to the first luggage item.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, one, some or all of the rolling devices of the first luggage article have a fixed axis of rotation.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, one, some or all of the rolling means of the first luggage article is a fixed wheel, or a fixed laterally arranged pair of wheels, or a fixed roller, or a fixed laterally arranged pair of rollers.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, one, some or all of the rolling devices of the second luggage item have an axis of rotation.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the rolling device having an axis of rotation of the second article of luggage is a caster or a transversely disposed pair of casters or a swivel wheel or a transversely disposed pair of swivel wheels.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the rolling device having an axis of rotation of the second luggage item is adjacent to the first luggage item.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the second luggage item and/or the rolling device of the second luggage item is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation is adjustable or adjustable with respect to the axis of the second luggage item and/or with respect to the axis of the first luggage item.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the second luggage item and/or the rolling device of the second luggage item is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation with respect to the axis of the second luggage item and/or with respect to the axis of the first luggage item is reversibly lockable.
In an embodiment of the first aspect, the angle of the axis of rotation is adjustable such that when the first luggage item is tilted at an angle, the second luggage item is tilted at the same angle, the axis of rotation being substantially vertical.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the second article of luggage is configured such that the axis of rotation is adjustable or tunable when a substantially rigid mechanical connection is formed between the first article of luggage and the second article of luggage by the integral interengaging and disengaging means.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate, only a single rolling device of the first luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate and only a single rolling device of the second luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate, only the laterally disposed single pair of rolling devices of the first luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate and only the laterally disposed single pair of rolling devices of the second luggage item contacts the underlying planar substrate.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the first and second luggage items are engaged with each other and the system is in a stable arrangement whereby the rolling devices of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate, only two or four rolling devices in total contact the underlying planar substrate.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the system is configured to allow the system to be tilted by a force manually applied to the handle of the first luggage piece at an angle sufficient to move the system from a stable arrangement (whereby the rolling means of the first and second luggage pieces contact the underlying planar substrate) to an unstable configuration (whereby the rolling means of the second luggage piece does not contact the underlying planar substrate).
In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the luggage items is sufficiently rigid to maintain any angle of inclination in any of the luggage items, whether the system is in a stable arrangement (whereby the rolling means of the first and second luggage items contact the underlying planar substrate) or an unstable arrangement (whereby the rolling means of the second luggage item does not contact the underlying planar substrate).
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the interengaging and disengaging means is configured to inhibit or prevent the first and second articles of luggage from moving involuntarily with respect to each other, but to facilitate disengagement of the first and second articles of luggage for independent use.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the interengaging and disengaging means allow for sliding engagement and sliding disengagement.
In one embodiment of the first aspect, the interengaging and disengaging means comprises interengaging and disengaging male parts and interengaging and disengaging female parts.
In a second aspect, the invention provides an article of luggage configured to be operable as the first article of luggage of any embodiment of the system according to the first aspect.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the article of luggage comprises one part of a substantially rigid interengaging and disengaging means.
In one embodiment of the second aspect, the article of luggage is configured such that the substantially rigid interengaging and disengaging means is maintained in a fixed spatial relationship with the rolling means of the article of luggage.
In a third aspect, the invention provides an article of luggage configured to be operable as the second article of luggage of the system according to any embodiment of the first aspect.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the article of luggage comprises one part of a substantially rigid interengaging and disengaging means.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the article of luggage is configured such that the substantially rigid interengaging and disengaging means is maintained in a fixed spatial relationship with the rolling means of the article of luggage.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the luggage item comprises a rolling device having an axis of rotation, wherein the luggage item and/or the rolling device having an axis of rotation is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation relative to the axis of the luggage item is adjusted or adjustable.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the luggage item and/or the rolling device is configured such that the angle of the axis of rotation relative to the axis of the luggage item is reversibly lockable.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the angle of the axis of rotation is adjustable such that when the luggage item is tilted at an angle, the axis of rotation is substantially vertical.
In one embodiment of the third aspect, the luggage item comprises an engagement and disengagement device configured to provide a substantially rigid mechanical connection with another luggage item, wherein the luggage item is configured such that the axis of rotation is adjusted or adjustable when the substantially rigid mechanical connection is formed between the luggage item and the other luggage item.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a rollable luggage arrangement, the method comprising the steps of: the luggage article of any embodiment of the second aspect is engaged with the luggage article of any embodiment of the first aspect such that one or both of the luggage articles maintains the angle of inclination.
In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing two separate luggage items, the method comprising the steps of: the system of any embodiment of the first aspect is provided and the first luggage item is separated from the second luggage item.
In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts comprising the luggage article of any embodiment of the second aspect, and the luggage article of any embodiment of the third aspect, optionally in combination with instructions defining the method of any embodiment of the fourth aspect or any embodiment of the fifth aspect.
In a seventh aspect, the invention provides the luggage item of any embodiment of the second aspect, or the luggage item of any embodiment of the third aspect, in combination with instructions defining the method of any embodiment of the fourth aspect or any embodiment of the fifth aspect.
In an eighth aspect, the invention provides an article of luggage having a handle around an upper end and a first rolling arrangement around a base, and which is tiltable by the handle about an axis of rotation of the rolling arrangement, the article of luggage being configured to maintain the tilt angle.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the luggage item comprises a second rolling device around the base, wherein the second rolling device is configured to maintain the angle of inclination.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the second rolling means is adjustable to alternatively (i) provide a tilt angle or (ii) not provide a tilt angle.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the first rolling means is a pair of coaxially mounted wheels and the second rolling means is a pair of castors.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the luggage item comprises a container portion and a support portion, the support portion comprising a first rolling device and a second rolling device, the support portion being connected to the container portion such that the container portion is maintained at an oblique angle to an underlying substantially planar substrate.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the container portion is hingedly connected to the support portion by a hinge arrangement.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the angle of inclination is maintained by a biasing means bearing at one end on the support and at the other end on the container means.
In one embodiment of the eighth aspect, the luggage piece includes a mounting device configured to allow a second luggage piece to be mounted thereon.
In a ninth aspect, the invention provides a system of interconnected luggage items, the system comprising the luggage item of any of the embodiments of the eighth aspect as a first luggage item, and a second luggage item mounted thereon.
In one embodiment of the ninth aspect, the second luggage piece includes a mounting arrangement configured to engage with the mounting arrangement of the first luggage piece.
In one embodiment of the ninth aspect, the second luggage item is free of rolling means.
In a tenth aspect, the invention provides an article of luggage configured to be operable as the first article of luggage of any embodiment of the system according to the ninth aspect.
In an eleventh aspect, the invention provides an article of luggage configured to be operable as the second article of luggage of any embodiment of the system according to the ninth aspect.
In a twelfth aspect, the invention provides a method for providing a rollable luggage arrangement, the method comprising the step of engaging the luggage item of any embodiment of the eighth or tenth aspect with the luggage item of any embodiment of the eleventh aspect such that one or both of the luggage items maintains an oblique angle.
Drawings
Figure 1 illustrates in side view two luggage items prior to being joined to form the system of the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates the two luggage items of fig. 1 in a side view, but connected together to form the system of the present invention.
Figure 3A illustrates in a front view the female interengaging and disengaging means as applied to the larger piece luggage case of figure 1.
Fig. 3B illustrates the female interengaging and disengaging device of fig. 3A in a side view.
Figure 4A illustrates in a front view the male interengaging and disengaging means when applied to the smaller piece luggage case of figure 1.
Fig. 4B illustrates the male interengaging and disengaging device of fig. 4A in a side view.
Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative male/female interengaging means in side and partial cross-sectional view.
Fig. 6 illustrates, in a side view, the embodiment of fig. 2 when tilted to an unstable position and usable by pulling to the right (as drawn).
Fig. 7 illustrates two connected luggage items in a side view, wherein only one of the two luggage items has a rolling device. The luggage item with rolling means is able to maintain the angle of inclination by itself and by means of extendable/retractable castors.
Fig. 8 illustrates two connected luggage items in a side view, wherein only one of the two luggage items has a rolling device. The luggage item with rolling means is able to maintain the angle of inclination by itself and by virtue of the hinged platform.
Fig. 9A illustrates the non-vertical axis of rotation of the rear caster in a side view, showing the vertical axis of rotation of the rear caster compared to fig. 9B.
Figure 10 illustrates in perspective view two luggage items of the system of the invention when separated and shows the means for mechanically connecting the two items on their opposite faces and the outwardly visible components of the wheel tilting mechanism.
Figure 11 illustrates in perspective view the two luggage articles shown in figure 10 in the process of being connected. The downward arrow indicates the direction of movement of the left-hand luggage piece relative to the right-hand luggage piece.
Fig. 12 illustrates in perspective view the two luggage items shown in fig. 10 after they have been connected and in a state ready to be rolled and manipulated.
Figure 13 illustrates the combined rear caster and wheel tilting mechanism in a side transparent view. Each highlighting the location of a given component. Each figure shows a combination with the rotation axis in a non-tilted state in a neutral state in which no external force acts on any component.
Figure 14 illustrates in a side transparent view the first step of connecting two luggage items in relation to the actuation of the wheel tilting mechanism.
Figure 15 illustrates in a side transparent view a further step of connecting two luggage items in relation to the actuation of the wheel tilting mechanism.
Figure 16 illustrates the wheel tilting mechanism in a side transparent view to maximize the swivel angle of the caster.
Figure 17 illustrates in perspective view an article of luggage having a pair of rear casters showing the location of the cables that actuate the tilting mechanisms of the rear casters.
Fig. 18 illustrates, in a side transparent view, the carrying handle of the luggage item shown in fig. 17, showing means for connecting a cable to the carrying handle.
Figure 19 illustrates, in a side transparent view, the combination of a caster wheel and wheel tilting mechanism present in the article of luggage of figure 17, showing the action of the cable on the wheel tilting mechanism. Fig. 19A shows the mechanism when the cable is initially pulled. Figure 19B shows the mechanism when the cable is fully pulled to unlock the wheel tilting mechanism. Figure 19C shows the axis of rotation of the caster wheel when returned to the untilted state and in the neutral position.
Detailed Description
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown two separate items of luggage that are configured for use in accordance with the present system, but yet still fully usable when separated. The system comprises a first,
Turning first to the
The large article of
The
The
Regardless of the operation of the interengaging and disengaging means 65, 75, the mounting of the
However, due to the tilting of the
Notably, in the stable connected arrangement shown in fig. 2, the
When in the stable connection arrangement shown in fig. 2, the use of only the front rolling means (pair of
The maneuverability (manoeuvrability) of the connection arrangement is essentially compromised, allowing both pairs of
The desired tilt angle may be affected by varying any one or more of the following: the location (and in particular the height) of the female engagement portion on
Turning now to a more complete consideration of the interengaging and disengaging means, it will be appreciated that the engaging
Simple interengaging and disengaging means operable in the context of the present invention are shown in figures 3, 3A, 4A and 4B. The
To mount the
However, the male engagement portion can move to the right (as drawn), for example when turning a corner, and thus some means for preventing right lateral movement may be incorporated. One means of preventing such movement may be a reversible locking device configured to assume an unlocked position that allows the
As mentioned above, the tilt angle of the
It will be appreciated that materials used in soft luggage articles, such as canvas and heavy synthetic fabrics, are easily bent, curved or folded and therefore will not have the rigidity required to maintain the angle of inclination of the
However, it will be understood that it is not necessary that one or both of the
Other interengaging and disengaging means may be incorporated in the present invention, with one alternative shown in fig. 5. This embodiment relies on a rigid mechanical connection formed at the base of the
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown at fig. 7. For the embodiments outlined above, the system of connected luggage shown at fig. 7 relies on the first piece of luggage having a maintained angle of inclination. However, in this embodiment, the tilt angle of the
The
The angle of inclination of the large luggage item is generally translated to the
The
Figure 8 illustrates yet another alternative whereby the angle of inclination of the
For the embodiment of fig. 6, the
In constructing and testing embodiments of the present invention as described above, it has been found that the present invention is fully operational but problematic. In particular, it is noted that the maneuverability of the connected first and second luggage items is not as smooth as desired.
Taking the embodiment of fig. 2 as an example, it will be noted that the coupling arrangement rolls with the pair of
It will be noted from fig. 9A that the axis of
Preferably, the
In one embodiment, the
Particular advantages are provided in the following cases: as a result of the user connecting the first piece of
Referring now to fig. 10 and in the foregoing, (i) a luggage system having an alternative engaging and disengaging apparatus of the engaging and disengaging apparatus shown in fig. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, and (ii) a luggage system having a wheel tilting mechanism configured to adjust the angle of the axis of rotation of the rear caster of the second luggage article.
Fig. 10 shows an alternative engaging and disengaging device. A substantially vertically oriented
To connect two pieces of luggage, the
During downward travel, the
Turning now to the actual wheel tilting mechanism, and referring to fig. 13, fig. 13 shows the following moving parts of the actual wheel tilting mechanism:
Fig. 14 shows a first step in the actuation of the tilting mechanism. When the
Reference is now made to fig. 15 to further describe the operation of the wheel tilting mechanism. At this point it should be noted that the mechanical parts are shown as stationary in the sequential steps shown as fig. 15A, 15B and 15C, which do not represent their actual positions in the sequence.
As the
The grapple
As the grapple
The engagement between the
At some point in time, the user will wish to disassemble the
Referring to FIG. 17, the path of travel of the pair of
Fig. 18 shows the connection of the bowden cable to the carrying
Fig. 19 shows the result of pulling the bowden cable on the wheel tilting mechanism. As will be seen, the wire of the
Once the second luggage piece is pulled upward, the rear casters may return to a neutral position as shown in fig. 19C, in which the rear casters are not tilted. The mechanism is locked in this state when no force is present (and by the action of the various springs shown in the figures).
When the
The present invention allows for easy attachment and detachment of luggage items as desired. For example, items may be separated in a vehicle to an airport (to fit within a vehicle trunk) and then connected while walking through the airport to a check-in counter (where the connection arrangement acts as an easy-to-handle luggage cart) and then disconnected while checking in so that one item is brought to the airplane luggage compartment and another item acts as a carry-on luggage case for a traveler. The separate suitcase maintains the ability to roll near the airport while the traveler travels to the boarding pass.
It will be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, the methods of the present disclosure should not be construed as reflecting the intent: the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.
Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some features but not others in other embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.
Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. Components may be added or deleted from the drawings and method steps may be interchanged between methods. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
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