U.S. patent application number 10/395332 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for vertical upright zippered trunk.
Invention is credited to Badaan, Mounir.
Application Number | 20040188205 10/395332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32988558 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040188205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Badaan, Mounir |
September 30, 2004 |
Vertical upright zippered trunk
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a travel trunk comprising a
trunk body having a rigid front and a rigid back panel, and a rigid
substantially rectangular perimetrical sidewall therebetween
defining a hollow interior of the trunk, wherein the sidewall is
comprised of an upper and a lower portion wherein the upper portion
is perimetrically bounding the front panel and the lower portion is
perimetrically bounding the back panel, and wherein the upper
portion is pivotal between and open and a closed position for
accessing the hollow interior, at least two wheels affixed to the
trunk body, a selectively extendable handle extendable from the
trunk body opposite the wheels, and a zipper closure for releasably
closing upper and the lower portion.
Inventors: |
Badaan, Mounir; (Kinnelon,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMANN & BARON, LLP
6900 JERICHO TURNPIKE
SYOSSET
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
32988558 |
Appl. No.: |
10/395332 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/124 ;
190/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C
13/04 20130101; A45C 13/103 20130101; A45C 13/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/124 ;
190/037 |
International
Class: |
A45C 013/36; A45C
013/00 |
Claims
1. A travel trunk comprising: a trunk body having a rigid front
panel and a rigid back panel, and a rigid substantially rectangular
perimetrical sidewall therebetween defining a hollow interior of
said trunk, wherein said sidewall is comprised of an upper portion
and a lower portion wherein said upper portion is perimetrically
bounding said front panel and said lower portion is perimetrically
bounding said back panel, and wherein said upper portion is pivotal
between open and closed positions for accessing said hollow
interior; at least two wheels affixed to said trunk body; a
selectively extendable handle extendable from said trunk body
opposite said wheels, said lower portion being more proximal said
extendable handle than said upper portion; and, a zipper closure
for releasably closing said upper and said lower portions, wherein
said upper portion is rigid between said front panel and said
zipper closure.
2. A travel trunk according to claim 1 wherein said selectively
extendable handle is in substantial alignment with the axis of
rotation of said wheels.
3. A travel trunk according to claim 1 further including at least
one carrying handle affixed to said trunk body.
4. A travel trunk according to claim 3 further including at least
two carrying handles affixed to said trunk body in orthogonal
orientation one to another.
5. A travel trunk according to claim 1 wherein said extendable
handle is contained within a void in said trunk body when in a
retracted position.
6. A travel trunk according to claim 5 wherein said extendable
handle is covered by a flap affixed to said trunk body.
7. A travel trunk according to claim 6 wherein said flap can be
pivotal between open and closed positions for accessing said
extendable handle.
8. A travel trunk according to claim 1 wherein said rigid front
panel, said rigid back panel, and said rigid substantially
rectangular perimetrical sidewall each include a polymeric
material.
9. A travel trunk according to claim 8 wherein said rigid front
panel, said rigid back panel, and said rigid substantially
rectangular perimetrical sidewall are each at least partially
covered with a resilient material.
10. A travel trunk according to claim 9 wherein said resilient
material is a fabric.
11. A travel trunk according to claim 1 wherein said lower portion
is rigid between said back panel and said zipper closure.
12. A travel trunk according to claim 1 wherein said front panel is
generally planar.
13. A travel trunk according to claim 1 wherein said sidewall
includes four sides rectangularly disposed.
14. A travel trunk according to claim 13 wherein at least one said
side of said sidewall is generally planar.
15. A travel trunk according to claim 14 wherein at least one said
generally planar side of said sidewall is disposed to be generally
parallel to said extendable handle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to wheeled luggage designs and more
particularly, to wheeled trunk designs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many travelers find it desirable to utilize a large hard
sided trunk for carrying belongings. A trunk offers many advantages
to a traveler because of its large size and its rigid construction.
The large size enables a user to transport a large volume of
possessions without the need to have multiple pieces of luggage. In
addition, the rigid construction provides an added measure of
protection for any item stored within the trunk and makes packing
and storing of possessions easier because of the well-defined space
within the trunk interior. However, one of the drawbacks of the
traditional travel trunk is the fact that it is difficult to move
because of its large size and weight. A way to alleviate the
difficulty in moving trunks as well as standard luggage such as a
suitcase has been to include wheels for rolling the luggage.
Typically, wheels are positioned on the base of the luggage, having
a common rotational axis. An extendable handle is also usually
provided that can be extended to give the user additional leverage
for pivoting the suitcase onto its wheels by tilting the suitcase
from an upright position to an angled position. Once pivoted onto
the wheels the suitcase can be rolled across a surface without the
need to lift the suitcase. This solution is common for suitcases
due to their relatively small size, however, because of their large
size, it is more difficult to produce a travel trunk incorporating
these features. While some trunks incorporate wheels, they are
arranged such that the trunk must be rolled in a lengthwise
orientation. These types of wheeled trunks lack maneuverability and
typically require the user to maintain an awkward posture to
simultaneously grasp the handle and move the trunk. In addition,
even those prior art design trunks that provide wheels do not
incorporate extendable handles for providing the user with
additional leverage to lift and or pivot the trunk as well as give
the user a pleasing ergonomic design.
[0003] A further drawback of a typical trunk design is that
typically at least one locking clasp or latch is used to maintain
the cover in a closed position. The use of a latch however does not
provide a complete seal for the entire opening, instead relying on
the latches to maintain the cover in a closed position, without a
continuous closure seal.
[0004] It would therefore be desirable to have a travel trunk
having rigid sides for providing added protection to the contents,
wheels for rolling the trunk along a surface, an extendable handle
to provide the user with additional leverage in moving the trunk in
an upright orientation, as well as providing a convenient and
comfortable grip location and a zippered closure for providing a
positive and convenient closure and seal for the trunk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a vertical upright zippered
trunk having six rigid sides which overcomes the deficiencies in
the prior art designs. The rigid sides include parallel front and
back panels connected to a continuous sidewall which define an
interior space. The side wall has an upper portion connected to the
front panel and a lower portion connected to the back panel. The
upper and lower portions are hingedly connected to form the trunk
opening and are secured with a zipper that is set back from the
front panel of the trunk. The trunk further includes a rigid
telescoping handle adjacent the back panel of the trunk. Wheels for
rolling the trunk are mounted on the lower portion of the sidewall
opposite the rigid telescoping handle. When not in use, the handle
is stored within a void located adjacent the back panel and covered
with a flap. The handle can be extended along the plane of the back
panel to provide the user with greater leverage to pivot and roll
the trunk. In the pivoted position the trunk weight is divided over
the wheels and the extended handle in relation to the angle of the
pivot.
[0006] The present invention is therefore directed to a travel
trunk comprising a trunk body having a rigid front and a rigid back
panel, and a rigid substantially rectangular perimetrical sidewall
therebetween defining a hollow interior of the trunk, wherein the
sidewall is comprised of an upper and a lower portion wherein the
upper portion is perimetrically bounding the front panel and the
lower portion is perimetrically bounding the back panel, and
wherein the upper portion is pivotal between and open and a closed
position for accessing the hollow interior, at least two wheels
affixed to the trunk body, a selectively extendable handle
extendable from the trunk body opposite the wheels, and a zipper
closure for releasably closing upper and the lower portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the trunk according to
the present invention with the handle retracted.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the trunk of FIG. 1
with the handle retracted.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the trunk of FIG. 1
with the handle extended.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the trunk of FIG. 1
with the handle extended.
[0011] FIG.5 there is an exploded view of the component parts of
the trunk according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] There will be detailed below the preferred embodiments of
the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Like members are designated by like reference characters in all
figures.
[0013] The present invention is directed to a vertical upright
zippered trunk having six rigid sides. The rigid sides include
parallel front and back panels connected to a continuous sidewall
which define an interior space. The side wall has an upper portion
connected to the front panel and a lower portion connected to the
back panel. The upper and lower portions are hingedly connected to
form the trunk opening and are secured with a zipper that is set
back from the front panel of the trunk. The trunk further includes
a rigid telescoping handle adjacent the back panel of the trunk.
Wheels for rolling the trunk are mounted on the lower portion of
the sidewall opposite the rigid telescoping handle. When not in use
the handle is stored within a void located adjacent the back panel
and covered with a flap. The handle can be extended along the plane
of the back panel to provide the user with greater leverage to
pivot and roll the trunk. In the pivoted position the trunk weight
is divided over the wheels and the extended handle in relation to
the angle of the pivot.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a trunk according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Trunk 100 includes generally parallel front and
back panels 102 and 104 which are spaced apart. The edges of front
and back panels 102 and 104 are connected to sidewall 106. The
front 102 and back 104 panels together with sidewall 106 define the
periphery of trunk 100 and an interior space therein. Sidewall 106
includes a top portion 108 and a bottom portion 110. The top
portion 108 is connect to front panel 102 along the edge of top
panel 102. Both sidewall top portion 108 and bottom portion 110 are
each formed of a single rigid panel, formed into a substantially
rectangular shape. In order to maintain the substantially
rectangular shape of trunk 100, each corner is reinforced by a
gusset 111, which maintains each corner at a substantially 90
degree angle. Furthermore, the corner gussets 111, add strength and
rigidity to the trunk structure. The gussets in a preferred
embodiment may be formed of leather or a leather like material.
Additionally other suitable materials may be used to provide
rigidity. Additionally, the front panel 102 and back panel 104 are
each formed of a single flat rigid panel which are attached to the
sidewall 106 top portion 108 and bottom portion 110 respectively.
The top portion 108 together with connected front panel 102 forms
the cover 112 to trunk 100. Cover 112 is pivotally connected by a
hinge (not seen in this view) to the bottom portion 110 of sidewall
106. When in the closed position depicted, top portion 108 and
bottom portion 110 are secured in a closed position by zipper 114.
Zipper 114 can be opened to allow cover 112 to be pivotally opened
to provide access to the interior of trunk 112. Front 102 and back
104 panels and sidewall 106 are substantially rigid to maintain the
shape of the trunk 100. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid panels
forming front panel 102 and back panel 103 can be polyethylene
boards, while the upper portion 108 and bottom portion 110 of trunk
100 of the present invention may be constructed of a rigid
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer having a honeycomb
structure. However these elements can be constructed of any rigid
polymeric or other suitable material. Furthermore each element may
be at least partially covered with a soft, resilient material such
as fabric, to provide a cushioned outer surface.
[0015] Wheels 116 are mounted at the edge forming the connection
between bottom portion 110 of sidewall 106 and back panel 104.
Wheels 116 extend downwardly from the bottom portion 110 and
support a portion of the weight of trunk 100 when it is in the
upright position. Footstuds 118 are mounted on top portion 108 of
sidewall 110 and support a portion of the weight of trunk 110 when
it is upright and provide a stable level support for trunk 100 when
it is in a stationary upright position. Also depicted are carrying
handles 118 and 120 extending from different surfaces of sidewall
106 preferably to be oriented generally orthogonally one to
another, for lifting trunk 100. Carrying handles 118 and 120
enabling a user to carry the trunk in different orientations. The
construction of an exemplary version of trunk 100 is shown in
further detail in FIG. 5.
[0016] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a rear perspective
view of the trunk of FIG. 1. Visible in this view is hinge 200, and
studs 202 for supporting trunk 100 in a level horizontal position,
such as when being carried using handle 120. Also visible is flap
204 for covering rigid telescoping handle (not seen in this view)
when it is in the retracted position. Flap 204 can be zippered or
closed in any known manner, such as snap closures on the sidewall.
Depicted at the bottom of back panel 104 are wheels 206 and 208.
Each wheel is located within a housing 210 and 212. The housings
210 and 212 include a cavity for receiving each wheel, which are
rotatably supported within each housing. Wheels 206 and 208 rotate
about a substantially common axis and are separated apart from one
another in order to provide a stable platform for trunk 100 in both
the stationary as well as rolling state. Located between each wheel
housing along the back panel is a kickplate 214. The kickplate 214
is formed of a rigid material such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene (ABS) polymer or other suitable material. The kickplate 214
provides the user with a convenient location for applying a force
to the trunk when it is being pivoted onto wheels 206 and 208
without damaging the outside surface.
[0017] Turning now to FIG. 3, a rigid telescoping handle 300 is
mounted adjacent to back panel 104 in a void formed along the inner
surface of back panel 104. Rigid telescoping handle 300 is
alternately retractable and extendable from suitcase 100.
Telescoping handle 300 includes a gripping member 302 and two
generally parallel stanchions 304. Telescoping handle 300 can be
extended outwardly from bottom portion 110 of sidewall 106 and
along the plane of back panel 104. In the extended position,
telescoping handle 300 is operable to permit the suitcase to be
rolled across a surface on wheels 116 with the weight of the
suitcase distributed between telescoping handle 300 and wheels 116.
The weight of the trunk is divided between the handle 300 and
wheels 116 according to the angle that the trunk is pivoted to
while rolled by the user. Typically a user will roll the trunk at
an angle of less than 45 degrees from vertical whereby most of the
weight of trunk 100 is carried by wheels 116. The user grips
gripping member 302 of the rigid telescoping handle 300 and applies
force by pulling on gripping member 302 while preventing the trunk
from rolling by applying an opposite force to kickplate 214. A
moment force created by lever arm created by extended stanchions
304 causes trunk 100 to rotate about the axis of wheels 116. The
user can then support a portion of the weight of trunk by holding
telescoping handle 300. The balance of the weight of the trunk 100
is supported by wheels 116. Trunk 100 can then be pulled along by
the user on wheels 116. Because most of the weight of the trunk is
carried by the wheels, the user need not provide a large lifting
force to maintain the trunk in the pivoted position. In addition,
the trunk can be readily steered by applying a force to the
telescoping handle perpendicular to the axis of rotation of wheels
116.
[0018] Turning now to FIG. 4, one end of each stanchion 304 of
rigid telescoping handle 300 is movably mounted to housing 400
comprising two substantially parallel tubes, located in a void 402
adjacent back panel 104 of trunk 100. Void 402 is located adjacent
the inner surface of back panel 104. Flap 204 is provided to cover
void 402 when handle is in a retracted position. In a preferred
embodiment, flap 204 is secured by way of a zipper closure. It is
desirable for the telescoping handle to be movable between a
storage position and an operable position. It will be appreciated
that when telescoping handle 300 is received into void 402, it does
not protrude significantly above the exterior surface of bottom
portion 110 of sidewall 106. In that way, the handle can be stored
when not in use and will be less susceptible to damage when the
suitcase is moved through luggage handling systems in airports and
the like. Flap 204 provides a measure for locking the handle into
the storage position, preventing accidental deployment and damage
during transit. In the preferred embodiment, telescoping handle 300
is positioned adjacent to back panel 104 above wheels 116 to
provide the user with maximum leverage for pivoting trunk 100 onto
wheels 116.
[0019] Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded view of
the component parts of trunk 100. The body of trunk 100 includes
sidewall 106, which is formed of a bottom portion 110, and upper
portion 108. Both bottom portion 110 and upper portion 108 are each
formed of a single rigid panel which is shaped into a substantially
rectangular form. Back panel 104 is affixed to the edge of bottom
portion 110 using any technique know in the art, such as by piping.
In this exemplary embodiment depicted, a cushion 502 may be
provided, adjacent to the back panel 104, such as an EVA foam
cushion. Likewise front panel 102 is affixed to the edge of top
portion 108 using any know technique. In this exemplary embodiment
depicted, front panel 102 may also be covered with a cushion 504 to
provide a cushioned outer surface. Zipper 114 is positioned between
and affixed to upper portion 108 and lower portion 110 for
releasably closing trunk 100. Sidewall 106, front panel 102, and
back panel 104 define an interior space 502 of trunk 100. A
resilient material, such as fabric, may at least partially cover,
exterior portions of the front panel 102, back panel 104 and
sidewall 106. In addition, an internal liner (not shown) may cover
internal portions of the front panel 102, back panel 104, and
sidewall 106. Also shown in FIG. 5 is telescoping rigid handle 300,
shown in an extended position, as well as wheel housing 212 and
wheel 208.
[0020] It will be appreciated that the present invention has been
described herein with reference to certain preferred or exemplary
embodiments. The preferred or exemplary embodiments described
herein may be modified, changed, added to or deviated from without
departing from the intent, spirit and scope of the present
invention. It is intended that all such additions, modifications,
amendments, and/or deviations be included within the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *