U.S. patent application number 11/255518 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for child carrying convertible suitcase.
Invention is credited to Lance William Haack, Jim Hand, Walter Herbst.
Application Number | 20070089952 11/255518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37984306 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070089952 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herbst; Walter ; et
al. |
April 26, 2007 |
Child carrying convertible suitcase
Abstract
There is disclosed a suitcase which may be converted into a
child carrying stroller assembly, the suitcase including a top,
bottom, rear and front, and having at least a pair of rear wheels
and a pair of front stabilizer legs, the suitcase having a rear
compartment formed along the rear of the suitcase, the rear
compartment supporting a child carrying seat sub-assembly, the rear
compartment provided with upper and lower support braces supporting
a pair of opposed vertical support tubes there between, and a pair
of telescoping tubular members within the vertical support tubes
and movable between a lower rest position and a raised use
position, the opposed tube telescoping tubular member supporting a
seat member pivotally secured thereto and a seatback secured
between the telescoping tubular members above the seat member, the
telescoping tubular members interconnected by a handlebar at the
top end thereof whereby the child carrying seat sub-assembly may be
retracted into the rear compartment of the suitcase in its rest
position, and alternatively, raised to a use position by raising
the telescoping tubular members upwardly until the seat pivots into
a use position on the top portion of the suitcase and having the
seatback in a position above the seat member.
Inventors: |
Herbst; Walter; (Lake
Evrest, IL) ; Haack; Lance William; (US) ;
Hand; Jim; (Glen Ellyn, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Demeur & Samlan
130 S. Oak Park Avenue
Oak Park
IL
60302
US
|
Family ID: |
37984306 |
Appl. No.: |
11/255518 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/8 ; 190/115;
190/18A; 190/18R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/001 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/008 ;
190/115; 190/018.00R; 190/018.00A |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/00 20060101
A45F004/00; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14; A45F 3/44 20060101
A45F003/44; A45C 13/30 20060101 A45C013/30; A47C 13/00 20060101
A47C013/00 |
Claims
1. A child carrying convertible suitcase of the type constructed
with a top, bottom, rear and front and having at least a pair of
rear wheels and a pair of front stabilizer legs, the suitcase
having a plurality of compartments including a rear compartment,
said rear compartment formed along the rear of the suitcase, said
rear compartment supporting a child carrying seat sub-assembly
comprising, a rear compartment provided with an upper support brace
and a lower support brace supporting a pair of opposed vertical
support tubes there between a pair of opposed telescoping tubular
members telescopically carried by said vertical support tubes and
movable between a lower rest position within said rear compartment
and a raised use position, said pair of opposed telescoping tubular
members supporting a seat member pivotally secured thereto and
seatback secured between two of opposed telescoping tubular members
are positioned above-said seat member, said pair of opposed
telescoping tubular members interconnected by a handlebar at the
top end thereof, whereby said opposed telescoping tubular members
may be raised from the lower rest position within said rear
compartment to a raised use position by grasping said handlebar to
raise said telescopic tubular members until said seat member is
withdrawn from said rear compartment and pivots into a seat
position on the top of the said suitcase and said seatback rises to
a seatback position above said seat member, thereby to provide a
child wheeled roller assembly.
2. The child carrying convertible suitcase as set forth in claim 1
above, wherein said upper support bracket and lower support bracket
are mounted within said rear compartment in a manner to support
said vertical support tubes therein.
3. A child carrying convertible suitcase as set forth in claim 1
above, wherein said seat member automatically pivots into a used
position when said opposed telescoping tubular members are raised
to the use position, the top of said suitcase providing a support
platform for said seat member in the use position and provide a
child carrying seat.
4. The child carrying convertible suitcase as set forth in claim 1
above, wherein said front stabilizer legs each including a
contractible outrigger ledge, said outrigger ledge being movable
between an extended use position and a retracted rest position, and
each of said outrigger ledges providing a footrest for a child
being carried on said convertible suitcase.
5. The child carrying convertible suitcase as set forth in claim 1
above, wherein said rear compartment is provided with closure means
for closing said child carrying seat sub-assembly when said
sub-assembly is retracted into its rest position within said rear
compartment.
6. The child carrying convertible suitcase as set forth in claim 4
above, wherein each of said outrigger ledges is provided a
spring-loaded retraction mechanism whereby said spring-loaded
retraction mechanism will withdraw the outrigger ledge to rest
position when the stabilizer leg is raised from the ground, and
alternatively, said spring mechanism will extend said outrigger
ledge when weight is applied in a downward direction against said
stabilizer leg.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a suitcase which is
convertible into a child carrying wheeled stroller. The
sub-assembly forming the child carrying seat assembly is
conveniently stored in the rear compartment of the suitcase when
not in use, and may be extended into a use position by merely
withdrawing the handle portion upwardly until a seat pivots into a
seat position on the top portion of the suitcase and having a
seatback carried between the tubular members and immediately
rearward of and above the seat member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a suitcase which is a
convertible into a child carrying wheeled stroller assembly. It has
become well established in the suitcase art field that it is
desirable to have a suitcase which incorporates wheels at the
bottom thereof, and a retractable handle located in a rear
compartment of the suitcase. These features enable the user to
easily extend the handle upwardly, and pulling backwardly on the
suitcase, the suitcase then pivots onto its rear wheels and
provides the user with an easy and convenient method of
transporting the suitcase. This has been determined to be far more
preferable than forcing the user to either use a shoulder strap or
a handle for lifting the suitcase. In some cases, the wheels are
retractable into concealed compartments on the underside of the
suitcase, although this is not necessary for the efficient use of
such a suitcase.
[0003] It has been observed, however, that for the traveling public
which travels with children, such suitcases are convenient, and
eliminates the need for carrying the suitcase, nevertheless, for
those with young children, it is necessary to travel with a
collapsible stroller as well as a suitcase. The present invention
attempts to solve the problem of having parents carry a collapsible
stroller by providing a suitcase which incorporates therein with
compartments for carrying clothing, laptop computers and the like,
but is further provided with a rear compartment which carries a
sub-assembly movable between a retracted rest position, and an
extended use position wherein a child carrying seat sub-assembly
may be easily extended into a use position, utilizing the suitcase
top as a support platform for the child carrying seat member. In
this manner, the suitcase can function as a wheeled stroller and
eliminates the requirement that parents traveling with young
children carry a collapsible stroller as well as a suitcase. The
present invention provides a convenient and easy to use suitcase
convertible into a child stroller for easy transportation of the
unit once the child is seated thereon, but nevertheless, is
retractable into a rest position totally within the confines of a
rear compartment of the suitcase.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0004] The principal object of the present invention is to provide
a suitcase which is convertible into a child carrying wheeled
stroller assembly. The invention provides a suitcase which remains
a suitcase, but includes a rear compartment having a retractable
child carrying seat sub-assembly which may be extended into a use
position utilizing the body of the suitcase as the support platform
for the child carrying seat back.
[0005] In conjunction with the foregoing object, a further object
of the present invention is to provide a suitcase convertible into
a child carrying wheeled stroller assembly wherein the suitcase
includes a rear compartment, the rear compartment having an upper
and a lower horizontally mounted support bracket supporting a pair
of vertical support tubes, the support tubes carrying a pair of
opposed telescoping tubular members supported on the vertical tube
supports, the telescoping tubular members being movable between a
retracted rest position, and an extended use position, with a seat
back, mounted across a pair of opposed telescopic tubular members,
and further having a seat member carried on a pivot bar mounted
between the telescoping support members, such that when the
telescoping tubular members are extended upwardly into a use
position, the seat member may pivot into a use position on top of
the top portion of the suitcase, while the seat back is in position
at a point immediately behind and above the pivoted seat
member.
[0006] In conjunction with the foregoing objects, a further object
is to provide a suitcase convertible into a child wheeled stroller
assembly, wherein the entire child carrying seat sub-assembly is
retractable into the rear compartment, and the rear compartment may
be closed by means of a closure member such as a zipper, thereby
providing a total concealment of the sub-assembly when not in
use.
[0007] A further object is to provide a child carrying seat
sub-assembly within a suitcase, which may further be provided with
a pair of forward retractable wheels mounted into the underside of
the forward portion of the suitcase, when used in conjunction with
the rear wheels, and thereby provide a four wheeled child carrying
stroller assembly for ease of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In summary, the present invention provides a convenient and
easy to use suitcase convertible into a child carrying wheeled
stroller. The suitcase is provided with a plurality of
compartments, but includes a rear compartment which is generally
closed by means of a zipper closure member. The rear compartment is
provided with an upper and a lower support bracket mounted within
the compartment, the upper and lower support brackets supporting a
pair of opposed vertical tubular members which in turn carry a pair
of opposed telescoping tubular members thereon. The opposed
telescoping tubular members carry a seat member which is pivotally
secured thereto by means of a pivot bar such that the seat member
may pivot relative to the telescopic tubular members, and the
telescoping tubular members are further provided with a seat back
secured there between. The upper portion of the telescoping tubular
members are interconnected by means of a handlebar which provides a
grasp bar for the user. When not in use, the seat member is pivoted
upwardly, and entire assembly is retracted into the rear
compartment, and the rear compartment is enclosed by means of a
zipper. In use, the user would grasp the handlebar to extend the
telescoping tubular members upwardly, thereby bringing the seat
member up above the suitcase body, such that the top of the
suitcase provides a support platform for the seat when pivoted
downwardly, and presents a seatback immediately behind the seat
member to provide a seat and seatback in order to carry a
child.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section,
of a suitcase with rear wheels, and rear compartment with a child
carrying seat sub-assembly in its retracted stored position;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section,
showing the suitcase having the rear wheels, and the front
stabilizer legs, including a rear compartment having the child
carrying seat sub-assembly in its retracted stored position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view, in cross section, showing
the child carrying seat sub-assembly in its fully extended use
position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section,
showing the extension of the telescoping tubular members and the
child carrying seat in its pivoted position;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a detailed cross sectional view showing the front
stabilizer leg including a spring-loaded retractable outrigger
ledge which extends between an extended stabilizing position;
[0014] FIG. 5B is a detailed cross sectional view showing the front
stabilizer leg including a spring-loaded retractable outrigger
ledge in its retracted position; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is an elevational view in cross section showing the
handlebar interconnecting the telescoping members including a
spring-loaded latch assembly therefore.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings,
there is shown a suitcase 10 having general construction as is
commonly known. The suitcase 10 includes a top 11, bottom 12, a
rear wall 13, and a front 14. As is known with traveling suitcases
in the present state of the art, the suitcase is provided with a
first rear wheel 16 and a second rear wheel 18 to facilitate
transporting the suitcase.
[0017] As is typical with suitcases intended for modern travel, the
suitcase includes a plurality of compartments which is not
particularly relevant to the present invention. However, the
suitcase 10 of the present invention is shown to include a rear
compartment 20 which is enclosed by means of a zipper 21. The rear
compartment is shown to contain a child carrying seat sub-assembly
25, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is in its retracted rest
position.
[0018] The seat sub-assembly 25 is carried within the rear
compartment by means of an upper support bracket 27, and a lower
support bracket 29, both of which are secured to the rear
compartment by means of rivets 31 as shown. The upper and lower
support brackets 27 and 29 respectively carry a pair of opposed
vertical support tubes 33 and 35 respectively. Each of the vertical
support tubes 33 and 35 are shown to accommodate a pair of opposed
telescoping tubular members represented by the numerals 37 and 39
respectively. The top of the telescoping tubular members 37 and 39
are inter-connected by a handlebar 40. As is also shown in FIG. 3,
a seat member 42 is mounted between the opposed telescoping tubular
members 37 and 39 by means of a pair of pivot rods 43 and 44
respectively. As is shown in FIG. 4, when the telescoping tubular
members 37 and 39 are fully extended, the seat member 42 will pivot
downwardly into a use position resting on the top 11 of the
suitcase 10. As is also shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, a seatback
47 is mounted by a pair of mounting brackets 48 and 49
respectively, between the opposed telescoping tubular members 37
and 39.
[0019] It can be observed from FIGS. 2 and 3, that the suitcase in
its normal position when being used as a suitcase will be in the
position as illustrated in FIG. 2. In order to utilize the
sub-assembly 25, the user would unzip the zipper 21, and grasp the
handlebar from 40. By pulling up on the handlebar 40, the opposed
telescoping tubular members 37 and 39 are raised to their fully
extended position as shown in FIG. 3. This raises the seatback 47
to its use position, and brings the seat member 42 into a position
above the top 11 of the suitcase 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the seat
member 42 will automatically pivot downwardly and rest on the top
11 of the suitcase 10 which forms a support platform for the seat
member 42. A user may then pivot the entire suitcase with the seat
sub-assembly in its extended position downwardly onto the wheels 16
and 18 respectively, thus creating a two wheel stroller for a
child.
[0020] As is further illustrated in FIG. 3, the telescoping tubular
members 37 and 39 telescope completely into the rear compartment 20
as shown in FIG. 2. The seatback 47 remains affixed to a pair of
the opposed tubular members 37 and 39, and the seat member 42 is
merely pivoted upwardly incident to the retraction process such
that it lays flat against the seatback 47 to accommodate the
retraction of the entire assembly into the rear compartment 20.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the suitcase is also provided with
a pair of front stabilizer legs. As an optional feature, the
stabilizer leg may include a spring-loaded outrigger leg 52. The
outrigger leg 52 is designed to be coordinated with the stabilizer
leg 50 such that the stabilizer leg 50 is provided with a
spring-loaded latch 53 which is designed to extend the outrigger
leg 52 when weight and pressure is pushed down onto the stabilizer
leg 50, and to retract the outrigger leg 52 when the forward
portion of the suitcase 10 is lifted off of the ground. The
extended position of the outrigger leg is shown in FIG. 5A, while
the retracted position is shown in FIG. 5B.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a further picture which may be
incorporated into the present invention, and simply discloses that
the handlebar 40 may be included with a spring-loaded latch
mechanism 55 which, upon depression of the spring-loaded latch 55,
will actuate a pair of opposed latch catches 56 and 57 respectively
in order to extend the telescoping tubular members upwardly when it
is desired to place the sub-assembly in its use position. The latch
assemblies of the type described herein are commonly known in the
art and are employed in such extendable handle assemblies.
[0023] It is also contemplated by the present invention that the
suitcase 10 may be designed with a pair of retractable forward
front wheels retracted under the front wall 14 of the suitcase 10.
This feature, when incorporated into the suitcase of the present
invention, permits the suitcase to be converted to a 4-wheel
stroller for further ease of use when carrying a child. It is
contemplated that when this feature is incorporated in the
suitcase, the front wheels when extended, would raise the level of
the front wall 14 of the suitcase 10 slightly greater than the rear
wheel 16 and 18 respectively. In this manner, when the device is
being used to carry a child, the child will be tilted such that the
child will be tilted slightly backward so the back of the child is
well rested into the seatback.
[0024] It is also contemplated that the sub-assembly may further
include child support straps for strapping the child to the seat
once the sub-assembly has been extended to its use position and the
child has been placed on the seat member and against the seat
back.
[0025] While there has been disclosed what is at present considered
to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, various
improvements may be made hereto and incorporated into the
invention. All such obvious modifications and variations are
intended to be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *