U.S. patent application number 09/441173 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for roller mechanism for container or cart.
Invention is credited to ABRAHAM, J. RICHARD, BOSAK, JOHN A., TIRAMANI, PAOLO M. B..
Application Number | 20010045715 09/441173 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24682333 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010045715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ABRAHAM, J. RICHARD ; et
al. |
November 29, 2001 |
ROLLER MECHANISM FOR CONTAINER OR CART
Abstract
A suitcase has first rollers mounted thereon to at least
partially support the suitcase when in an upright position and to
enable rolling movement of the suitcase across a surface. The first
end of an arm is pivotally mounted to a rigid body portion of the
suitcase. Second rollers are mounted about adjacent to the second
end of the arm to enable rolling movement of the suitcase across
the surface. A first link is pivotally mounted to the rigid body
portion, and a second link is pivotally mounted to the first link
and the arm. The arm is alternately retractable to a retracted
position about adjacent to a rear panel of the suitcase, and
deployable to a deployed position spaced outwardly from the rear
panel. The first and second rollers cooperate to fully support the
suitcase when the second rollers are deployed and the suitcase is
in a rolling position. A push/pull handle is mounted on the
suitcase to enable a user to roll the suitcase across the
surface.
Inventors: |
ABRAHAM, J. RICHARD;
(BOROUGH, PA) ; TIRAMANI, PAOLO M. B.; (GREENWICH,
CT) ; BOSAK, JOHN A.; (GREENWICH, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRK D HOUSER
ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN MELLOT LLC
600 GRANT STREET
44TH FLOOR
PITTSBURGH
PA
15219
|
Family ID: |
24682333 |
Appl. No.: |
09/441173 |
Filed: |
November 15, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09441173 |
Nov 15, 1999 |
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08668442 |
Jun 19, 1996 |
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5984326 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/37 ;
280/47.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; B62B
5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/37 ;
280/47.2 |
International
Class: |
B62B 007/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A holder apparatus comprising: first panel means having a top
portion and a bottom portion; second panel means connected to the
bottom portion of said first panel means; at least one of said
first and second panel means having a rigid body portion to provide
support therefor; first roller means mounted about adjacent to the
bottom portion of said second panel means and positioned to at
least partially support said holder apparatus when in a generally
upright position and to enable rolling movement of said holder
apparatus across a surface when in an inclined position; arm means
having a first end and a second end, the first end of said arm
means being pivotally mounted to said rigid body portion; second
roller means mounted about adjacent to the second end of said arm
means and positioned to enable rolling movement of said holder
apparatus across said surface; bracket means connected between said
rigid body portion and said arm means at a position different from
the first end of said arm means, said bracket means movable between
a deployed position in which said arm means is locked at an angle
to said rigid body portion, and a retracted position in which said
arm means is in juxtaposition to said rigid body portion; said
first and second roller means cooperating to fully support said
holder apparatus when said bracket means is in the deployed
position; and handle means mounted about adjacent to said rigid
body portion for effecting rolling movement of said holder
apparatus across said surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bracket means includes
first link means pivotally mounted to said rigid body portion, and
second link means pivotally mounted to said first link means and
said arm means.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said arm means has an opening;
and said first and second link means are generally within the
opening of said arm means in the retracted position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said arm means and said first
and second link means are generally parallel to said rigid body
portion in the retracted position.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein one of said first and second
link means includes pivot means for pivotally mounting said first
and second link means; said first and second link means include a
common plane in the deployed position; and said pivot means
includes a pivot line which is offset from the common plane of said
first and second link means in the deployed position.
6. A container comprising: generally parallel spaced apart front
and rear panels connected about their peripheries to a wall member,
said wall member extending between said front and rear panels,
thereby defining a volume, said wall member having a top portion
and a bottom portion positioned opposite one another; at least one
of said rear panel, said front panel and said wall member having a
rigid body portion to provide support therefor; first roller means
mounted about adjacent to the bottom portion of said wall member
and positioned to at least partially support said container when in
a generally upright position and to enable rolling movement of said
container across a surface when in an inclined position; arm means
having a first end and a second end, the first end of said arm
means being pivotally mounted to said rigid body portion; second
roller means mounted about adjacent to the second end of said arm
means and positioned to enable rolling movement of said container
across said surface; first link means pivotally mounted to said
rigid body portion; second link means pivotally mounted to said
first link means and said arm means; said arm means being
alternately retractable to a retracted position about adjacent to
said rear panel, and deployable to a deployed position spaced
outwardly from said rear panel; said first and second roller means
cooperating to fully support said container when said second roller
means is deployed and said container is in a rolling position; and
handle means mounted about adjacent to said rigid body portion for
effecting rolling movement of said container across said
surface.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein said second roller means
includes at least one roller.
8. The container of claim 6, wherein said second roller means
includes a plurality of rollers.
9. The container of claim 7, wherein said at least one roller is a
plurality of rollers having plural rotational axes.
10. The container of claim 6, wherein said handle means includes an
alternately retractable and extendable push/pull handle.
11. The container of claim 6, wherein one of said first and second
link means includes pivot means for pivotally mounting said first
and second link means; said first and second link means include a
common plane in the deployed position; and said pivot means
includes a pivot line which is offset from the common plane of said
first and second link means in the deployed position.
12. The container of claim 6, wherein said rear panel has a first
rigid body portion; said first link means and the first end of said
arm means are pivotally mounted to the first rigid body portion;
said wall member has a second rigid body portion; and at least one
carry handle is mounted on the second rigid body portion of said
wall member to permit carrying of said container with its weight
fully supported by said carry handle.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein said first roller means
engage the first rigid body portion; the top portion of said wall
member includes the second rigid body portion; and said at least
one carry handle is secured to the second rigid body portion.
14. The container of claim 6, wherein said container is a suitcase;
and said front panel is soft and has a periphery which includes a
glide fastener for opening and closing said suitcase to permit
access to said volume.
15. The container of claim 10, wherein said rear panel has a first
rigid body portion; said first link means and the first end of said
arm means are pivotally mounted to the first rigid body portion;
said wall member has a second rigid body portion; and said first
roller means includes a pair of rollers mounted adjacent to the
first rigid body portion and positioned at the junction of said
rear panel and said wall member.
16. The container of claim 6, wherein said rear panel has a first
rigid body portion; said first link means and the first end of said
arm means are pivotally mounted to the first rigid body portion;
and said front panel has a second rigid body portion and shelf
means disposed on the second rigid body portion between the bottom
portion and the top portion of said wall member.
17. The container of claim 16, wherein said shelf means is
pivotally mounted to the second rigid body portion of said front
panel.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein said first and second roller
means define a center of balance of said container; said shelf
means is pivotable between a first position about adjacent said
front panel and a second position which forms a shelf on said front
panel; and said shelf supports an object substantially within said
center of balance.
19. The container of claim 6, wherein said first and second roller
means include a plurality of rollers having at least one rotational
axis.
20. The container of claim 6, wherein at least one of said first
and second roller means includes a plurality of rollers; and said
rear panel has a plurality of skid bars operatively associated with
said rollers.
21. The container of claim 6, wherein said first and second link
means are substantially coplanar in the deployed position.
22. The container of claim 6, wherein said arm means includes means
for engagement by a user for movement from the retracted position
to the deployed position.
23. The container of claim 22, wherein said means for engagement
includes receptacle means for engagement by a user's foot.
24. The container of claim 6, wherein said second roller means is
apart from said surface when said container is in the upright
position.
25. The container of claim 6, wherein said rear panel has said
rigid body portion; and the first end of said arm means includes
hinge means for pivotally mounting said arm means to said rigid
body portion of said rear panel.
26. The container of claim 6, wherein said rear panel has an
internal rigid body portion; said arm means includes an external
panel secured to said internal rigid body portion; and the first
end of said arm means includes hinge means for pivotally mounting
said arm means to the external panel.
27. The container of claim 6, wherein said rear panel has latch
means for alternately latching said arm means to said rear panel in
the retracted position, and for unlatching said arm means from said
rear panel to enter the deployed position.
28. The container of claim 6, wherein said wall member further has
a first side portion and a second side portion positioned opposite
one another with a first distance therebetween; said second roller
means is a pair of rollers having a second distance therebetween;
and said second distance is substantially the same as said first
distance.
29. A cart comprising: a first panel having a top portion and a
bottom portion; a second panel connected to the bottom portion of
said first panel; first roller means mounted about adjacent to said
second panel and positioned to at least partially support said cart
when in a generally upright position and to enable rolling movement
of said cart across a surface when in an inclined position; arm
means having a first end and a second end, the first end of said
arm means being pivotally mounted to said first panel; second
roller means mounted about adjacent to the second end of said arm
means and positioned to enable rolling movement of said cart across
said surface; first link means pivotally mounted to said first
panel; second link means pivotally mounted to said first link means
and said arm means; said arm means being alternately retractable to
a retracted position about adjacent to said first panel, and
deployable to a deployed position spaced outwardly from said first
panel; said first and second roller means cooperating to fully
support said cart when said second roller means is deployed and
said cart is in a rolling position; and handle means mounted about
adjacent to said rigid body portion for effecting rolling movement
of said cart across said surface.
30. A roller apparatus for use with a holder device including a
first panel having a top portion and a bottom portion, a second
panel connected to the bottom portion of said first panel, and
handle means for effecting rolling movement of said holder device
across a surface, said apparatus comprising: first roller means
mounted about adjacent to said second panel and positioned to at
least partially support said holder device when in a generally
upright position and to enable rolling movement of said holder
device across said surface when in an inclined position; arm means
having a first end and a second end, the first end of said arm
means being pivotally mounted to said first panel; second roller
means mounted about adjacent to the second end of said arm means
and positioned to enable rolling movement of said holder device
across said surface; first link means pivotally mounted to said
first panel; second link means pivotally mounted to said first link
means and said arm means; said arm means being alternately
retractable to a retracted position about adjacent to said first
panel, and deployable to a deployed position spaced outwardly from
said first panel; and said first and second roller means
cooperating to fully support said holder device when said second
roller means is deployed and said holder device is in a rolling
position.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein one of said first and second
link means includes pivot means for pivotally mounting said first
and second link means; said first and second link means include a
common plane in the deployed position; and said pivot means
includes a pivot line which is offset from the common plane of said
first and second link means in the deployed position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a container or cart equipped for
rolling movement over a surface, and, more particularly, to a
suitcase having retractable rollers.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] It has become popular to mount suitcases on rollers to
enable them to be rolled across a surface, such as the ground or a
floor. Such suitcases are typically provided with a handle to
enable the user to pull or push the case on the rollers.
[0003] One popular style of wheeled suitcase includes rollers or
wheels mounted on the rear portion of the bottom of the case. The
handle is mounted on the top of the rear portion of the case. When
at rest, the case rests on the wheels and one or more legs. The
user grips the handle and tilts the suitcase to an inclined
position in order that the weight of the case is supported by the
wheels and by the user's force on the handle. The case is then
rolled across the surface. That type of configuration enables
superior control over maneuvering of the case.
[0004] One disadvantage of that type of rolling suitcase is that
when it is being pulled, at least a portion of the weight of the
suitcase must be supported by the user. Another disadvantage is
that luggage with two or four fixed wheels must be picked up by the
user in order to negotiate a relatively large step. A two wheel
dolly, for example, needs to be dragged up the step backwards,
which may scratch the step.
[0005] A cart having four fixed wheels, such as a trolley or
shopping cart, effectively bears the total load of all contents
with the user providing sufficient force to overcome rolling
resistance. Disadvantages are that carts are generally relatively
heavy, and do not collapse or otherwise compact to a smaller
size.
[0006] Application Ser. No. 08/397,687 discloses another type of
rolling suitcase in which a first pair of rollers is mounted at the
junction of a rear panel and the bottom of a wall member of the
suitcase. This first pair of rollers is mounted to support at least
a portion of the weight of the suitcase when in the upright, or
at-rest, position. A single, relatively narrow bracket is hingedly
attached to a rigid portion of the rear panel. A support stay is
mounted between the bracket and the rear panel to enable deployment
and retraction of a second pair of rollers which is located on the
bracket. The support stay may be hingedly secured to the rear panel
or to the bracket. A plurality of stops may be provided to enable
the deployment of the second pair of rollers to various positions.
Disadvantages are cost, the ease of switching between the deployed
and retracted positions, and the relatively small distance between
the second pair of rollers with respect to the distance between the
first pair of rollers.
[0007] There remains a need for a low cost, user-friendly, compact,
wheel-mounted suitcase that has superior maneuvering around
barriers, in which the weight of the suitcase is entirely supported
by the wheels of the case when in a pulling/pushing position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention provides a rollable apparatus having
alternately retractable and deployable rollers that cooperate with
other rollers to support the weight of the apparatus when it is in
a rolling position. When the rollable apparatus is in an at-rest,
or upright, position, preferably none of the weight of such
apparatus is supported by the retractable rollers and the weight is
at least partially supported by the other rollers.
[0009] A holder apparatus includes first panel means having a top
portion and a bottom portion, and a second panel means connected to
the bottom portion of the first panel means, with at least one of
the first and second panel means having a rigid body portion to
provide support therefor. A first roller means is mounted about
adjacent to the bottom portion of the second panel means and is
positioned to at least partially support the holder apparatus when
in a generally upright position and to enable rolling movement of
the holder apparatus across a surface when in an inclined position.
The first end of an arm means is pivotally mounted to the rigid
body portion. A second roller means is mounted about adjacent to
the second end of the arm means and is positioned to enable rolling
movement of the holder apparatus across the surface. A bracket
means is connected between the rigid body portion and the arm means
at a position different from the first end of the arm means. The
bracket means is movable between a deployed position in which the
arm means is locked at an angle to the rigid body portion, and a
retracted position in which the arm means is in juxtaposition to
the rigid body portion. The first and second roller means cooperate
to fully support the holder apparatus when the bracket means is in
the deployed position. A handle means is mounted about adjacent to
the rigid body portion for effecting rolling movement of the holder
apparatus across the surface.
[0010] A number of preferred refinements include the arm means may
be provided with an opening, and first and second link means of the
bracket means may be generally within the opening in the retracted
position. The arm means and the first and second link means may be
generally parallel to the rigid body portion in the retracted
position.
[0011] As another aspect of the invention, a container includes
generally parallel spaced apart front and rear panels connected
about their peripheries to a wall member. The wall member, which
has a top portion and a bottom portion positioned opposite one
another, extends between the front and rear panels, thereby
defining a volume. At least one of the rear panel, the front panel
and the wall member have a rigid body portion to provide support
therefor. A first roller means is mounted about adjacent to the
bottom portion of the wall member and is positioned to at least
partially support the container when in a generally upright
position and to enable rolling movement of the container across a
surface when in an inclined position. The first end of an arm means
is pivotally mounted to the rigid body portion. A second roller
means is mounted about adjacent to the second end of the arm means
and is positioned to enable rolling movement of the container
across the surface. A first link means is pivotally mounted to the
rigid body portion, and a second link means is pivotally mounted to
the first link means and the arm means. The arm means is
alternately retractable to a retracted position about adjacent to
the rear panel, and deployable to a deployed position spaced
outwardly from the rear panel. The first and second roller means
cooperate to fully support the container when the second roller
means is deployed and the container is in a rolling position. A
handle means is mounted about adjacent to the rigid body portion
for effecting rolling movement of the container across the
surface.
[0012] One of the first and second link means may be provided with
pivot means for pivotally mounting the first and second link means;
the first and second link means may include a common plane in the
deployed position; and the pivot means may include a pivot line
which is offset from the common plane of the first and second link
means in the deployed position.
[0013] The arm means may be provided with means for engagement by a
user for movement from the retracted position to the deployed
position. The means for engagement may include receptacle means for
engagement by a user's foot.
[0014] As a further aspect of the invention, a cart includes a
first panel having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a second
panel connected to the bottom portion of the first panel. A first
roller means is mounted about adjacent to the second panel and is
positioned to at least partially support the cart when in a
generally upright position and to enable rolling movement of the
cart across a surface when in an inclined position. The first end
of an arm means is pivotally mounted to the first panel. A second
roller means is mounted about adjacent to the second end of the arm
means and is positioned to enable rolling movement of the cart
across the surface. A first link means is pivotally mounted to the
first panel, and a second link means is pivotally mounted to the
first link means and the arm means. The arm means is alternately
retractable to a retracted position about adjacent to the first
panel, and deployable to a deployed position spaced outwardly from
the first panel. The first and second roller means cooperate to
fully support the cart when the second roller means is deployed and
the cart is in a rolling position. A handle means is mounted about
adjacent to the rigid body portion for effecting rolling movement
of the cart across the surface.
[0015] As a still further aspect of the invention, a roller
apparatus for use with a holder device, which has a first panel, a
second panel connected to the bottom portion of the first panel,
and handle means for effecting rolling movement of the holder
device across a surface, includes a first roller means mounted
about adjacent to the second panel of the holder device. The first
roller means is positioned to at least partially support the holder
device when in a generally upright position and to enable rolling
movement of the holder device across the surface when in an
inclined position. The first end of an arm means is pivotally
mounted to the first panel. A second roller means is mounted about
adjacent to the second end of the arm means and is positioned to
enable rolling movement of the holder device across the surface. A
first link means is pivotally mounted to the first panel, and a
second link means is pivotally mounted to the first link means and
the arm means. The arm means is alternately retractable to a
retracted position about adjacent to the first panel, and
deployable to a deployed position spaced outwardly from the first
panel. The first and second roller means cooperate to fully support
the holder device when the second roller means is deployed and the
holder device is in a rolling position.
[0016] Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent as the following description of a present
preferred embodiment thereof proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the accompanying drawings, a present preferred embodiment
of the invention is illustrated in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
suitcase and roller mechanism of this invention being moved by a
user;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the suitcase and roller
mechanism of FIG. 1 with the roller mechanism in a retracted
position;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the suitcase and roller
mechanism of FIG. 1 with the roller mechanism in a position
intermediate the retracted position and a deployed position;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the suitcase and roller
mechanism of FIG. 1 with the roller mechanism in the deployed
position;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a simplified side elevational view of another
embodiment of the roller mechanism and suitcase, which has a shelf
in a retracted position, of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a simplified side elevational view of the roller
mechanism and suitcase of FIG. 5 with the shelf in a deployed
position;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
cart of the invention having the roller mechanism in an upright
position;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the cart of FIG. 7 with
the roller mechanism in a rolling position;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a simplified side elevational view of the suitcase
and roller mechanism of FIG. 1 being pulled across a relatively
small step;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a simplified side elevational view of the
suitcase and roller mechanism of FIG. 1 being pushed across a
relatively small step;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a simplified side elevational view of the
suitcase and roller mechanism of FIG. 1 being pushed across a
relative large step;
[0029] FIGS. 12-14 are simplified side elevational views of
deployment of another embodiment of the roller mechanism of the
invention from the retracted, to the intermediate, and to the
deployed positions, respectively;
[0030] FIGS. 15-17 are simplified side elevational views of the
retraction of the roller mechanism of FIGS. 12-14 from the
deployed, to the intermediate, and to the retracted positions,
respectively; and
[0031] FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of the suitcase
and roller mechanism of the invention in the retracted
position.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] As employed herein, the term "container" is intended to
include, but shall not be limited to, luggage, case, suitcase, and
a wide range of other devices for holding objects within a
volume.
[0033] As employed herein, the term "cart" is intended to include,
but shall not be limited to, trolley, dolly, luggage cart, golf
cart, shopping cart, baby stroller, baby carriage and a wide range
of other devices for movably holding objects or small persons.
[0034] As employed herein, the term "holder apparatus" is intended
to include, but shall not be limited to, container and cart.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a suitcase 2
including a roller mechanism 3. The suitcase 2 also includes
generally parallel spaced apart front and rear panels 4 and 6,
respectively. The panels 4, 6 are connected about their peripheries
to a wall member 8. The wall member 8 extends between the panels 4,
6, thereby defining a volume. The wall member 8 has a top portion
10, a bottom portion 12 positioned opposite the top portion 10, and
side portions 14 (shown in FIG. 2) and 16. The panels 4, 6 and wall
member 8 are preferably made of soft, flexible material, such as
fabric. A glide fastener 18, or zipper, may be provided on the
periphery of the front panel 4 for opening and closing the suitcase
2 to permit access to the volume within the suitcase 2, although
any suitable closure known to those skilled in the art may be
provided. The rear panel 6 includes a rigid portion 19 (shown in
hidden line drawing) which is preferably made of a thermoplastic
material, although any suitably rigid material may be employed.
[0036] Also referring to FIG. 2, first rollers 21, 22, which engage
the rigid body portion 19 for support, are mounted about adjacent
to the bottom portion 12 of wall member 8. The rollers 21, 22 are
preferably positioned at the junction of rear panel 6 and the
bottom 12 of wall member 8. The rollers 21, 22 are positioned to at
least partially support the weight of the suitcase 2 when in the
upright, or at-rest, position. In a preferred embodiment, legs 24
are provided on the front portion of the bottom 12 of wall member 8
to support the remainder of the weight of the suitcase 2 when in
the upright position. The rollers 21, 22 are operable to enable
rolling movement of the suitcase 2 across a surface 23 when in an
inclined position. When the roller mechanism 3 is not deployed, the
weight of the suitcase 2 is preferably divided between the rollers
21, 22 and a push/pull handle 26. As discussed below in connection
with FIG. 12, the rollers of the arm 38 are preferably apart from
the surface 23 when the associated container or cart (not shown) is
in the upright position.
[0037] The push/pull handle 26 is preferably a rigid handle having
two legs 28, 30 and a gripping member 32. The handle 26 is mounted
on the suitcase 2 about adjacent to the rigid body portion 19 at
the top portion 10 of wall member 8. The handle 26 is alternately
retractable into and extendable out of the volume of the suitcase
2. To enable retraction and extension, the handle 26 preferably
includes an extension portion and a carrier (not shown) supported
by the rigid portion 19 (shown in hidden line drawing). The carrier
may include a pair of tubes (not shown) to telescopically receive
the legs 28, 30 therein for retraction. Such a retraction and
extension structure is known to those skilled in the art. The
handle 26, which preferably also includes a locking mechanism (not
shown) for locking the handle 26 in the retracted and one or more
extended positions, may be employed by the user to effect rolling
movement of the suitcase 2 across the surface 23. The various
positions, and the retractability and extendibility of the
push/pull handle 26, permit the suitcase 2 to be moved by users of
various heights.
[0038] The suitcase 2 may include one or more carry handles mounted
on one or more surfaces thereof, such as carry handle 34 mounted on
the top 10 and/or carry handle 36 mounted on the side 16 of wall
member 8. The carry handles 34, 36 may be employed by the user to
grasp the suitcase 2 and lift it, thereby supporting the entire
weight thereof. The carry handles 34, 36 may be of any type known
to those skilled in the art. Preferably, to permit either of the
carry handles 34, 36 to fully support the weight of the suitcase 2
and its contents, the top 10 and side 16 of wall member 8 are
rigid.
[0039] The roller mechanism 3 includes an arm 38; second rollers
39, 40; and a bracket mechanism 42 having a pair of links 44, 46.
The arm 38 has a first end 48 a second end 50. The first end 48 of
the arm 38 is pivotally mounted to the rigid body portion 19 by a
suitable pivot mechanism, such as hinge 52. The second rollers 39,
40 are mounted about adjacent to the second end 50 of the arm 38
and are positioned to enable rolling movement of the suitcase 2
across the surface 23. The first link 44 is pivotally mounted to
the rigid body portion 19 by a suitable pivot mechanism, such as
hinge 54. The second link 46 is pivotally mounted to the arm 38 and
to the first link 44 by suitable pivot mechanisms, such as hinges
56 and 58, respectively. In this manner, the bracket mechanism 42
is connected between: (1) the rigid body portion 19 by hinge 54;
and (2) the arm 38 by hinge 56. The hinge 58 pivotally mounts the
first link 44 to the second link 46.
[0040] The bracket mechanism 42 is movable between a deployed
position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) in which the arm 38 is locked
at an angle to the rigid body portion 19, and a retracted position
(as shown in FIG. 2) in which the arm 38 is in juxtaposition to the
rigid body portion 19. Similarly, the arm 38 is alternately
retractable to a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 2) about
adjacent to the rear panel 6, and deployable to a deployed position
(as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) spaced outwardly from the rear panel 6.
In the deployed position of FIGS. 1 and 4, the first rollers 21, 22
and the second rollers 39, 40 cooperate to fully support the
suitcase 2 when the second rollers 39, 40 are deployed and the
suitcase is in a rolling position (as shown in FIG. 1). Because the
weight of the suitcase 2 is fully supported (as shown in FIG. 1) by
the rollers 21, 22 and 39, 40, the user does not have to provide
any support, such as a balancing force, therefor. Accordingly, even
a child could push or pull the suitcase 2.
[0041] The rollers 21, 22, 39, 40 may be any wheel or caster of a
type known to those skilled in the art. The second rollers 39, 40
are preferably mounted to permit swivel movement thereof with
respect to the arm 38 and, hence, may have two rotational axes
which permit rolling movement of the suitcase 2 on the surface 23
of FIG. 1 in a straight and/or curved path. The distance between
the side portions 14, 16 is about the same as the distance between
the first rollers 21, 22. Preferably, in terms of improving the
stability of the suitcase 2, the distance between the second
rollers 39, 40 is substantially the same as the distance between
the first rollers 21, 22 and, hence, is substantially the same as
the distance between the side portions 14, 16.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the rear panel 6 has a pair of scuff or
skid bars 60 secured thereto. The skid bars 60 extend generally
parallel to the pull handle 26 (shown in FIG. 2) and are positioned
between the top portion 10 and bottom portion 12 of wall member 8.
In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the skid bars
60 are aligned with the rollers 21, 22. The skid bars 60, which are
preferably made of rigid thermoplastic, may be used to assist in
sliding the suitcase 2 vertically from one level to another, such
as up stairs or from the floor onto a bed. The skid bars 60 present
a smaller surface to the edge of a step than does the rear panel 6
and, also, have a lower coefficient of friction than does the
fabric from which rear panel 6 is preferably made. Accordingly,
there is less resistance to sliding movement when skid bars 60 are
employed. The roller mechanism 3 preferably is compact in the
retracted position of FIG. 2. This large flat area of the retracted
roller mechanism 3 is protected by the vertical skid bars 60 which
substantially run the length of the suitcase 2.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and 18, the arm 38 has an opening 62.
In the retracted position of FIGS. 2 and 18, the pair of links 44,
46 is generally within the opening 62 of the arm 38. As shown in
FIG. 2, the arm 38 and the links 44, 46 are preferably parallel to
the rigid body portion 19 in the retracted position. As shown in
FIG. 4, in the deployed position, the links 44, 46 form a
substantially common plane with the pivot line of the hinge 58
being parallel to the common plane. The pivot line of the hinge 58
is offset from the common plane of the links 44, 46 in the deployed
position. In the position, shown in FIG. 3, intermediate the
retracted and deployed positions, the hinge 58 facilitates the
movement of the links 44, 46 from the parallel position of FIGS. 2
and 18 to the substantially coplanar, deployed position of FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the rear panel 6 preferably has a latch 63 for
latching a corresponding latch portion 64 of the arm 38. The latch
63 alternately latches the arm 38 to the rear panel 6 in the
retracted position of FIG. 2, and unlatches the arm 38 from the
rear panel 6 to enter the intermediate position of FIG. 3 and,
hence, the deployed position of FIG. 4. The purpose of the latch 63
is to keep the roller mechanism 3 in the closed or retracted
position. Preferably, the latch 63 is recessed within the
corresponding latch portion 64 of the arm 38 in the retracted
position.
[0044] In the retracted or collapsed position of FIG. 2, the roller
mechanism 3 is preferably flush and flat with respect to the
suitcase 2, with no protrusions, latches, or lugs to foul or catch.
The roller mechanism 3 acts as a belly pan to protect the rear
panel 6, thereby providing additional protection to the suitcase 2
and its contents.
[0045] The bottom 65 of the arm 38 of the roller mechanism 3 is
preferably arched to reflect access from the toe of a shoe. The
arched bottom receptacle 65, as discussed in greater detail below
in connection with FIGS. 12-14, is engaged by the user's foot, for
movement from the retracted position to the deployed position.
After releasing the latch 63, the user pulls up on the arm 38 until
it automatically locks into the deployed position of FIG. 4. FIG. 4
illustrates the roller mechanism 3 almost ready for use. In the
deployed or most extended position of the roller mechanism 3, the
two links 44, 46 have dropped down from the opening 62 and locked
into place. The roller mechanism 3 is locked and will remain in
this position until unlocked by the user as discussed below in
connection with FIGS. 15-17.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 1, the roller mechanism 3 is ready
for use. The suitcase 2 has been tipped over until all four rollers
21, 22, 39, 40 (rollers 21 and 39 are shown in FIG. 4) are on the
surface 23. The static loads L1, L2, L3 on the roller mechanism 3
are illustrated with a weighted container, such as the suitcase 2.
The geometry employed directs the loads L1, L2 parallel to the
links 44, 46 in either compression or tension. The arm 38 is in
compression by the load L3. The load L3 directed through the arm 38
is preferably as straight as possible. The two links 44, 46 are, in
this example, in tension for maximum strength.
[0047] FIGS. 5-6 are simplified side elevational views of another
embodiment of a suitcase 2' and a roller mechanism 3'. Except as
discussed below, the suitcase 2' and roller mechanism 3' are
substantially the same as the respective suitcase 2 and roller
mechanism 3 of FIGS. 1-4 (for convenience of illustration, only
part of the roller mechanism 3' is illustrated). The suitcase 2' is
tipped over to a rolling position having an exemplary angle from
the upright position of about 50 to 60 degrees. The suitcase
includes the pair of first rollers 21, 22 (only roller 21 is
shown). The roller mechanism 3' includes an arm 38', similar to the
arm 38 of FIG. 2, which has a single roller 41. The rear panel 6'
has an internal rigid body portion 19'. The end of the arm 38' is
pivotally mounted to the rigid body portion 19' by a hinge 52'.
[0048] The center of balance of the suitcase 2', like the suitcase
2 of FIG. 1, and most of the mass, are between the roller
centerlines 66, 68. In this manner, the suitcase 2' may be pulled
forward (to the left of FIG. 5) without tipping forward.
Furthermore, because the mass is centralized by the angle of tip,
the deployed position of the roller mechanism 3', like the roller
mechanism 3 of FIG. 1, provides a relatively stable condition,
regardless whether the suitcases 2, 2' are empty, full, or full
with the contents thereof either bottom heavy or top heavy. This
stable condition accommodates for rough ground, potholes, inclines,
and declines in the surface 23, as well as acceleration,
deceleration, and being inadvertently hit in various directions by
the user and/or the surface 23. Moreover, the suitcases 2, 2' are
free to be rolled, by pushing and/or pulling, without any
additional static load on the user.
[0049] The suitcase 2' includes a front panel 4', which preferably
has a rigid portion, and a fold-out shelf member 70. The shelf
member 70 is pivotally mounted to the front panel 4' between the
bottom portion 12 and the top portion 10 of wall member 8. The
shelf member 70 is pivotable between a retracted position (shown in
FIG. 5) about adjacent the front panel 4' and a deployed position
(shown in FIG. 6) which forms a shelf on the front panel 4'. The
shelf supports an object, such as exemplary suitcase 72, another
case, or any excess materials, substantially within the center of
balance of the suitcase 2', between the roller centerlines 66,
68.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a cart 74 employing the roller
mechanism 3 of FIGS. 1-4 (for convenience of illustration, only
part of the roller mechanism 3 is illustrated) is illustrated in an
upright position and a rolling position, respectively. The cart 74
includes a pair of rigid panels 76, 78 and a handle 80. The first
panel 76 has a top portion 82 and a bottom portion 84. The second
panel 78 is connected to the bottom portion 84 of the first panel
76. A pair of first rollers 21 (only one roller is shown) is
mounted about adjacent to the second panel 78 and is positioned to
at least partially support the cart 74 when in the upright position
and to enable rolling movement of the cart 74 across the surface 23
when in the inclined position. The end 48 of the arm 38 is
pivotally mounted to the first panel 76 by the hinge 52. Similarly,
one end of the link 44 is pivotally mounted to the first panel 76
by the hinge 54. A pair of second rollers 39 (only one is shown) is
mounted about adjacent to the second end 50 of the arm 38 and is
positioned to enable rolling movement of the cart 74 across the
surface 23. In a similar manner as discussed above in connection
with FIGS. 1-4, the arm 38 is alternately retractable to the
retracted position of FIG. 7 adjacent to the first panel 76, and is
deployable to the deployed position (shown in FIG. 8) spaced
outwardly from the first panel 76. In this position, the first and
second rollers 21, 39 cooperate to fully support the cart 74 in the
rolling position thereof. The handle 80 is mounted on the cart 74
about adjacent to the top portion 82 of the first rigid panel 76.
The user employs the handle 80 to effect rolling movement, either
by pushing or pulling the cart 74 across the surface 23.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, with the option of both pulling and
pushing, the unique and stable balance of the roller mechanism 3,
as provided by the triangulated centralization of mass, allows the
exemplary suitcase 2 to be negotiated over obstacles, such as curbs
86 and 88, in the pulling and pushing conditions, respectively. The
centralization of mass is displaced exponentially as the exemplary
suitcase 2 is increasingly tipped over. For ground inclines and
declines, the center of mass is generally constant, thereby
providing suitable stability.
[0052] The two steps 86 and 88 are shown on either side of the
rollers 39, 21 in FIG. 9 and 10, respectively. Also referring to
FIG. 1, if the roller mechanism 3 is pushed over a step, smaller
than the step 88 of FIG. 10, the loads are very similar to the
static loads L1, L2, L3. The arm 38 is in compression and the links
44, 46 are in tension. If, however, the roller mechanism 3 is
pulled over a step, which is about no higher than the horizontal
centerline of the roller 39 and smaller than the step 86 of FIG. 9,
then a different set of loads are imposed on the roller mechanism
3. The offset pivot line of the hinge 58 connecting the links 44,
46 directs the loads at a mild offset to the links 44, 46. The
links 44, 46 are subjected to compression because such pivot line
dictates an over-center or offset condition. The links 44, 46 do
not return to the partially retracted position (shown in FIG. 3).
Instead, the links 44, 46 are compressed, thereby effecting a
temporary (for as long as the load from the small step is applied),
unitary and relatively strong single link, which has sufficient
strength to allow the roller mechanism 3 to traverse the small
step.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, the step 86 is higher than the
horizontal centerline of the roller 39. In this case, the roller
mechanism 3 cannot simply be bumped over the step 86 and, instead,
must be lifted by the handle 26 over the step 86. In this
condition, the links 44, 46 preferably do not collapse or fold. The
links 44, 46 are subjected to compression by the pendulum effect of
the weight of the roller 39 and the arm 38, and effect a unitary
and relatively strong condition.
[0054] When the suitcase 2 is tipped over purposefully, as shown in
FIG. 11, to negotiate a relatively large step 90, the mass moves
exponentially outside (as shown for convenience of reference in
cross hatch in FIGS. 9-11) the center of mass between the roller
centerlines 66, 68 and creates a counterbalance to ease or lessen
the static downward load required by the user to negotiate the
large step 90.
[0055] Referring again to FIG. 1, the links 44, 46, shown in their
over-center position, fold back to the partially retracted position
(shown in FIG. 3) if upward pressure is applied to the offset
center hinge 58 that connects the links 44, 46. The links 44, 46
return to their over-center position (shown in FIG. 1) once the
upward load is relieved as long as static downward pressure, such
as load L4 from the volume of the suitcase 2, has constantly been
applied to the roller mechanism 3.
[0056] FIGS. 12-14 and 15-17 respectively illustrate: (1) the
deployment; and (2) the closure or retraction of a roller mechanism
92. The second rollers 41 (only one roller is shown) are preferably
apart from the surface 23 when the associated container or cart
(not shown) is in the upright position of FIGS. 12 and 17. This
obviates wear on the rollers 41 and the roller mechanism 92.
Otherwise, the roller mechanism 92 is substantially the same as the
roller mechanism 3 of FIGS. 1-4. Only one swift movement is
required by the user to effect either the deployment or retraction
condition. After the latch 63 of FIGS. 2-4 is unlatched, the user
need not bend down as subsequent user operations may be effected
with one foot only.
[0057] To deploy the roller mechanism 92, the user simply hooks his
foot under the bottom arch 65 (shown in FIGS. 2-4) of the arm 38,
which preferably is shaped specifically for the crown of a shoe,
although hand deployment is possible. As shown in FIG. 13, the user
pulls up on the arm 38 with his foot and then lifts up and
over-centers the links 44, 46. The user may then tip the roller
mechanism 92, and the associated container or cart (not shown),
onto the deployed rollers 21, 41 for use.
[0058] To close the roller mechanism 92, the roller mechanism 92,
and the associated container or cart (not shown), is sat upright
(as shown in FIG. 15) and a swift kick is preferably applied to the
hinge 58. The weight and pendulum effect of the arm 38 and rollers
41 drops the roller mechanism 92 as sequentially shown in FIGS. 16
and 17.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment of a suitcase 94
and a roller mechanism 96 is illustrated. Except as discussed
below, the suitcase 94 and roller mechanism 96 are substantially
the same as the respective suitcase 2 and roller mechanism 3 of
FIGS. 1-4. As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, the
rear panel 6 of the suitcase 2 has the rigid body portion 19. The
end 48 of the arm 38 includes the hinge 52 which pivotally mounts
the arm 38 to the rigid body portion 19. The embodiment of FIGS.
1-4 is representative of the suitcase 2 incorporating the roller
mechanism 3 at the time of manufacture.
[0060] FIG. 18 is representative of the suitcase 94 being
retrofitted with the roller mechanism 96. When the roller mechanism
96 is installed as a retrofit, an external mounting panel 98 is
also included. The mounting panel 98 is between the roller
mechanism 96 and the rear panel 100 of the suitcase 94. If the
suitcase 94 has a rigid rear panel 100, as shown in FIG. 18, the
mounting panel 98 is suitably secured to the rear panel 100 with
fasteners (not shown). On the other hand, if a suitcase has a
non-rigid rear panel (not shown), such as a fabric panel, then the
mounting panel 98 is suitably secured to a corresponding mounting
panel (not shown) positioned within the volume of such
suitcase.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 18, the end 48 of the arm 38 includes the
hinge 52 which pivotally mounts the arm 38 to the external panel
98. The layered flat links 44, 46 (shown in hidden line drawing)
are positioned on top of each other within the opening 62 (shown in
hidden line drawing) of the arm 38. Preferably, the links 44, 46
and rear panel 100, as well as the arm 38 and rear panel 100, have
minimal or no significant airspace therebetween, and provide a
relatively sturdy closed or retracted roller mechanism 96. The
first link 44 is pivotally mounted to the external panel 98 by a
suitable pivot mechanism, such as the hinge 54 (shown in hidden
line drawing). The second link 46 is pivotally mounted to the first
link 44 and the arm 38 by any suitable pivot mechanism known to
those skilled in the art (shown in hidden line drawing), such as
hinge 58 and/or pivot pin 102, respectively. It will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that other equivalent roller mechanisms
may be flush mounted integrally with a surface of a container or
cart.
[0062] The construction of the exemplary roller mechanisms 3, 3',
92, 96 yields benefits where such mechanisms are frequently
transported by conveyor belts and the like. The construction suits
preferably low cost production methods such as injection molding.
Plastic materials may be employed including glass filled nylon,
polyethylene, polypropelene, or other materials known to those
skilled in the art. For industrial applications, steel tubing in a
welded or bolted assembly may provide suitable alternatives. For
very low cost applications, natural resources such as wood may be
employed. The construction of FIGS. 2-4, in which the arm 38 and
links 44, 46 resemble panels, imparts excellent torsional stiffness
for loads other than those specifically described herein. For
example, heavy side loads may otherwise deform a relatively slender
steel tube.
[0063] It will be appreciated that the invention provides a cart or
container apparatus, such as a suitcase, with retractable rollers
that support the entire weight of the apparatus in a rolling
position as well as the superior maneuverability of an upright
wheeled apparatus that rolls in an inclined position. In addition,
the apparatus may be rolled, by pushing or pulling, across a
surface on the roller mechanism.
[0064] The roller mechanism may either be manufactured as part of,
or retrofitted into, a variety of containers or carts to facilitate
the mobility thereof. Furthermore, a mobile cart may provide
additional load carrying capacity beyond the carrying capacity of
the volume of a container.
[0065] Whereas particular embodiments of the present invention have
been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations in
the details may be made without departing from the invention as
described in the appended claims.
* * * * *