U.S. patent application number 12/504328 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for retractable suspension.
Invention is credited to DOUGLAS C. DAYTON.
Application Number | 20100025174 12/504328 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41607202 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100025174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAYTON; DOUGLAS C. |
February 4, 2010 |
Retractable suspension
Abstract
A wheeled transport device that includes a body, a handle
coupled to the body, a suspension system coupled to the body, and
at least one wheel rotatably secured to the suspension system. The
suspension system is retracted toward the body when the handle is
moved from an extended position to a retracted position.
Inventors: |
DAYTON; DOUGLAS C.;
(Harvard, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Family ID: |
41607202 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504328 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61085633 |
Aug 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/115; 280/124.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/146 20130101;
A45C 13/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
190/115; 280/124.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 13/28 20060101 A45C013/28 |
Claims
1. A wheeled transport device, comprising: a body; a handle coupled
to the body, the handle being movable between an extended position
and a retracted position; a suspension system coupled to the body;
at least one wheel rotatably secured to the suspension system; and
a cam arranged to retract the suspension system toward the body
when the handle is moved from the extended position to the
retracted position.
2. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the wheeled
transport device is a wheeled luggage device.
3. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the handle and
the cam are arranged so that the handle rotates the cam when the
handle is moved to the retracted position.
4. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the handle
defines a recess configured to receive the cam when the handle is
in the retracted position.
5. The wheeled transport device of claim 4, wherein the recess is
configured to substantially prevent the cam from rotating when the
handle is in the retracted position.
6. The wheeled transport device of claim 5, wherein the cam is
configured to substantially prevent the suspension system from
rotating when the handle is in the retracted position.
7. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the handle
comprises a projection configured to contact the cam when the
handle is moved to the retracted position.
8. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the cam is
arranged so that the cam contacts a member of the suspension system
when the handle is moved to the retracted position.
9. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the cam is
spring loaded.
10. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the suspension
system is spring loaded so that the suspension system is deployed
away from the body when the handle is in the extended position.
11. The wheeled transport device of claim 10, wherein a rolling
surface of the wheel is extended beyond the body when the handle is
in the extended position.
12. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the cam
comprises a projection disposed in a slot defined by the suspension
system.
13. The wheeled transport device of claim 12, wherein the slot
comprises a first segment and a second segment that extends at an
obtuse angle relative to the first segment.
14. The wheeled transport device of claim 13, wherein the
projection is disposed in the first segment of the slot when the
handle is in the retracted position and the projection is disposed
in the second segment of the slot when the handle is in the
extended position.
15. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein the suspension
system comprises a first member and a second member that is
rotatable relative to the first member, the wheel being coupled to
the second member.
16. The wheeled transport device of claim 15, wherein the first
member is fixed to the body.
17. The wheeled transport device of claim 15, wherein the
suspension system further comprises a spring-damper disposed
between the first and second members, the spring-damper configured
to resist rotation of the second member relative to the first
member.
18. The wheeled transport device of claim 1, wherein an entire area
of the wheel overlays an area defined by the body when the handle
is in the retracted position.
19. A wheeled transport device configured to be manually wheeled in
an inclined position by a pedestrian user, the transport device
comprising: a body; a handle coupled to the body, the handle being
movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and,
when in the extended position, the handle being manually graspable
by the pedestrian user while walking; at least one wheel disposed
at a lower end portion of the body when the transport device is in
an operative, inclined position; and a suspension device coupling
at least one wheel to the body; and a cam coupled to the suspension
device, the cam being arranged to retract the suspension system and
the wheel toward the body when the handle is moved from an extended
position to a retracted position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser.
No. 61/085,633, filed on Aug. 1, 2008, which is incorporated by
reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to retractable suspensions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wheeled transport devices are commonly used to transport
goods from one location to another. One example of a wheeled
transport device is a luggage device. Luggage devices can include
wheels for making transport of the luggage easier for the user.
Luggage devices commonly include wheels along a base of the device
and a handle extending from the upper portion of the device to
allow the user to tote the luggage by grasping the handle and
wheeling the luggage along a surface.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect of the invention, a wheeled transport device
includes a body, a handle coupled to the body, a suspension system
coupled to the body, at least one wheel rotatably secured to the
suspension system, and a cam arranged to retract the suspension
system toward the body when the handle is moved from an extended
position to a retracted position.
[0005] In another aspect of the invention, a wheeled transport
device configured to be manually wheeled in an inclined position by
a pedestrian user includes a body, a handle coupled to the body, at
least one wheel disposed at a lower end portion of the body when
the transport device is in an operative, inclined position, a
suspension device coupling at least one wheel to the body, and a
cam coupled to the suspension device. The handle is movable between
an extended position and a retracted position, and, when in the
extended position, the handle is manually graspable by the
pedestrian user while walking. The cam is arranged to retract the
suspension system and the wheel toward the body when the handle is
moved from an extended position to a retracted position.
[0006] Embodiments can include one or more of the following
features.
[0007] In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device is a
wheeled luggage device.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the handle and the cam are arranged
so that the handle rotates the cam when the handle is moved to the
retracted position.
[0009] In some embodiments, the handle defines a recess configured
to receive the cam when the handle is in the retracted
position.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the recess is configured to
substantially prevent the cam from rotating when the handle is in
the retracted position.
[0011] In some embodiments, the cam is configured to substantially
prevent the suspension system from rotating when the handle is in
the retracted position.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the handle includes a projection
configured to contact the cam when the handle is moved to the
retracted position.
[0013] In some embodiments, the cam is arranged so that the cam
contacts a member of the suspension system when the handle is moved
to the retracted position.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the cam is spring loaded.
[0015] In some embodiments, the suspension system is spring loaded
so that the suspension system is deployed away from the body when
the handle is in the extended position.
[0016] In certain embodiments, a rolling surface of the wheel is
extended beyond the body when the handle is in the extended
position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the cam includes a projection disposed
in a slot defined by the suspension system.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the slot includes a first segment
that extends at an obtuse angle relative to a second segment.
[0019] In some embodiments, the projection is disposed in the first
segment of the slot when the handle is in the retracted position
and the projection is disposed in the second segment of the slot
when the handle is in the extended position.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the suspension system includes a
first member and a second member that is rotatable relative to the
first member, the wheel being coupled to the second member.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first member is fixed to the
body.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the suspension system further
includes a spring-damper disposed between the first and second
members, the spring-damper configured to resist rotation of the
second member relative to the first member.
[0023] In some embodiments, an entire area of the wheel overlays an
area defined by the body when the handle is in the retracted
position.
[0024] Embodiments can include one or more of the following
advantages.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the suspension system and the wheel
attached to the suspension system can be retracted such that the
outer surface of the wheel is substantially flush with a surface
(e.g., a bottom surface) of the body of the wheeled transport
device. In this retracted position, the wheeled transport device
occupies less space and the wheel and suspension system are less
likely to be damaged.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the entire suspension system is
retracted upon pushing the handle in to its retracted position.
With this arrangement, the wheel, which is secured to the
suspension system, can be retracted without having to overcome the
spring force provided by the suspension system (e.g., a
spring-damper of the suspension system). As a result, this
arrangement can help to reduce the amount of force required to
retract the wheel.
[0027] Other aspects, features, and advantages are in the
description, drawings, and claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wheeled luggage device
with retractable suspension systems.
[0029] FIG. 2A illustrates a user rolling the wheeled luggage
device of FIG. 1 along a surface.
[0030] FIG. 2B illustrates a user retracting the suspension systems
and wheels of the wheeled luggage device of FIG. 1 by pushing a
handle of the wheeled luggage device into a retracted position.
[0031] FIG. 2C illustrates a user stowing the wheeled luggage
device of FIG. 1 with the suspension systems and wheels in a
retracted position.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the wheeled
luggage device of FIG. 1 including a retractable suspension
system.
[0033] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the suspension systems and wheels of
the wheeled luggage device of FIG. 1 being deployed by pulling a
handle of the wheeled luggage device into an extended position.
[0034] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the suspension systems and wheels of
the wheeled luggage device of FIG. 1 being retracted by pushing the
handle of the wheeled luggage device into a retracted position.
[0035] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative arrangement of
components that allow a suspension system and wheel of a wheeled
luggage device to be deployed and retracted.
[0036] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a method of deploying the
suspension system and wheel of a wheeled luggage device equipped
with the components of FIG. 6 by pulling a handle of the wheeled
luggage device into an extended position.
[0037] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a method of retracting the suspension
device and wheels of a wheeled luggage device equipped with the
components of FIG. 6 by pushing the handle of the wheeled luggage
device into an extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a wheeled luggage device 100 includes a
body 102, a handle 104 that can be received in and extended from
the body 102, wheels 106, 108, and suspension systems 110, 112 that
couple wheels 106 and 108, respectively, to the body 102. Wheels
106, 108 and suspensions systems 110, 112 extend from body 102 when
handle 104 is pulled into an extended position (i.e., pulled away
from body 102), and wheels 106, 108 and suspensions systems 110,
112 are retracted toward body 102 when handle 104 is pushed into a
retracted position (i.e., pushed into body 102). Wheels 106, 108
extend beyond the outer perimeter of body 102 when in the extended
position and are fully within the boundary of body 102 when in the
retracted position. While we focus on wheel 106 and suspension
system 110 in certain portions of the discussion below, it will be
appreciated that wheel 108 and suspension system 112 can be
substantially identical to wheel 106 and suspension system 110.
[0039] Retractable suspension systems 110, 112 provide benefits
both during transport of luggage device 100 and when storing
luggage device 100. FIG. 2A illustrates a user grasping the
extended handle 104 of luggage device 100 and rolling luggage
device 100 along a rough surface. As shown in FIG. 2A, wheel 106 is
mounted on suspension system 100, which includes a spring-damper
116. As luggage device 100 is wheeled over the rough surface, a
component of suspension system 100 on which wheel 106 is mounted is
allowed to rotate relative to another component of suspension
system 100 that is secured to body 102 of luggage device 100. As
these components of suspension system 110 rotate relative to one
another, spring-damper 116 dissipates energy imparted to wheel 106
by the rough surface. This can help to promote stability of luggage
device 100, reduce discomfort experienced by the user, and/or
reduce damage to luggage device 100.
[0040] FIG. 2B illustrates the user pushing handle 104 into body
102 to retract wheel 106 and suspension system 110 from a deployed
position (shown in dashed lines) to a retracted position. As shown
in FIG. 2B, pushing handle 104 into body 102 so that it lies flush
with the top surface of luggage device 100 causes suspension system
110 and wheel 106 to rotate inward thus bringing the outer surface
of wheel 106 flush to the bottom surface of luggage device 100.
[0041] FIG. 2C illustrates the user stowing luggage device 100
(with handle 104, wheel 106, and suspension system 110 in the
retracted position) in an overhead compartment 118. The retracted
wheel 106 is flush with body 102 of luggage device 100 creating a
monolithic shape that will not readily catch on the mechanisms or
geometry of compartment 118 while luggage device 100 is being
stowed.
[0042] With handle 104, wheels 106, 108, and suspension systems
110, 112 in the retracted position, luggage device 100 occupies
less space. In this configuration, luggage device 100 is also
generally less likely to suffer damage. For example, when wheels
106, 108 and suspension systems 110, 112 of luggage device 100 are
in the retracted position, they are less likely to catch on an
object and become damaged. Further, by retracting wheels 106, 108
and suspension systems 110, 112 such that they entirely overlap
body 102 (e.g., such that they do not extend beyond the lower edge
or rear edge of body 102), impacts caused by dropping luggage
device 100 or otherwise handling luggage device 100 roughly will
typically be absorbed by the durable luggage body 102 as opposed to
wheels 106, 108 and suspension systems 110, 112.
[0043] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a lower portion of the luggage
device, which includes suspension system 110. As shown in FIG. 3,
suspension system 110 includes a rigid suspension sub-frame 120 to
which a suspension plate 122 is rotatably secured. Suspension plate
122 defines an aperture 124 that receives an axle 126 extending
from suspension sub-frame 120, thereby allowing suspension plate
122 to rotate about axle 126. Suspension plate 122 has a platform
128 to accommodate a lower mounting point of spring-damper 116.
Suspension sub-frame 120 similarly includes a platform 130 that
engages an opposite end of spring-damper 116. Suspension sub-frame
120 is rotatably secured to a mounting plate 132 that is rigidly
affixed to the sidewall of body 102 of luggage device 100. In
particular, a portion of axle 126 extending from the far side of
suspension sub-frame 120 extends into an aperture 133 formed in
mounting plate 132, allowing suspension sub-frame 120 to rotate
relative to mounting plate 132 about the longitudinal axis of axle
126. A torsion spring 134 is fixed to both mounting plate 132 and
suspension sub-frame 120 and is arranged to bias the left end
portion of suspension sub-frame 120 away from mounting plate 132
(i.e., downward in the view of FIG. 3).
[0044] Wheel 106, which supports and allows rolling transport of
luggage device 100, is rotatably coupled to an axle 136 extending
from suspension plate 122. Wheel 106 moves against spring-damper
116 when wheel 106 encounters impact loads as the luggage is being
pulled. The compression of spring-damper 116 softens the impact
transmitted to the luggage body and dissipates the energy. A
substantial amount of wheel impact motion is confined within the
suspension sub-frame 120, as will be described below.
[0045] A locking cam 138 is rotatably coupled to the right end
portion of suspension sub-frame 120. In particular, locking cam 138
defines an aperture 140 that receives an axle 142 extending from
suspension sub-frame 120. A torsion spring 144 is fixed to both
suspension sub-frame 120 and locking cam 138 and is arranged to
bias the left end portion of locking cam 138 away from suspension
sub-frame 120 (i.e., downward in the view of FIG. 3). Suspension
sub-frame 120 can be held fixed in the deployed or retracted
position by locking cam 138 and handle 104. In particular, locking
cam 138 can cooperate with handle 104 to inhibit (e.g., prevent)
rotation of suspension sub-frame 120 from either chosen position.
The bottom region of handle 104 is bifurcated to form a push bar
146 and a lock-closed ramp 148. Pushing in on handle 104 engages
push bar 146 and lock-closed ramp 148 with locking cam 138. As
discussed below, a cam support block 150, which is rigidly fixed to
mounting plate 132, cooperates with locking cam 138 to help
maintain suspension sub-frame 120 in the deployed position or
retracted position, depending on the position of handle 104.
[0046] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a method of deploying suspension
system 110 and wheel 106 of wheeled luggage device 100 by pulling
handle 104 away from body 102. As shown in FIG. 4A, with handle 104
in the fully retracted (i.e., pushed in) position, lock-closed ramp
148 of handle 104 is engaged against the top surface of locking cam
138 and push bar 146 is engaged against the bottom surface of
locking cam 138. As a result, locking cam 138 is unable to overcome
the light force pre-load of torsion spring 144 and is thus
inhibited (e.g., prevented) from rotating about axle 142. Rotation
of suspension sub-frame 120 is also inhibited (e.g., prevented) due
to the inability or reduced ability of locking cam 138 to
rotate.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4B, as handle 104 is pulled away from its
stored position, push bar 146 and lock-closed ramp 148 disengage
from locking cam 138. Because lock-closed ramp 148 no longer
contacts the top surface of locking cam 138, torsion spring 134
causes suspension sub-frame 120 to rotate about axle 126 into its
deployed position. Additionally, torsion spring 144 of locking cam
138 rotates locking cam 138 into its locking position against cam
support block 150. In this locking position, locking cam 138
inhibits (e.g., prevents) suspension sub-frame 120 from rotating in
a clockwise direction about axle 126, and thus inhibits (e.g.,
prevents) suspension sub-frame 120 from retracting back toward body
102 of luggage device 100. In the static state shown in FIG. 4B,
the spring of spring-damper 116 is at maximum extension (indicated
by arrows 152) while suspension plate 122 is pivoted about axle 126
to its further distance of extension away from body 102 of luggage
device 100 (i.e., to its most downward position in the view of FIG.
4B). Mounting plate 132 can include a stop block to inhibit (e.g.,
prevent) suspension plate 122 (e.g., suspension plate 122 and
suspension sub-frame 120) from extending beyond a maximum desired
extended position. The stop block can protrude from and be rigidly
attached to mounting plate 132 at a location between the top edge
of mounting plate 132 (in the view shown in FIG. 4B) and the
portion of suspension sub-frame 120 to the right of axle 126 (in
the view shown in FIG. 4B). As the portion of suspension sub-frame
120 to the right of axle 126 rotates upward as handle 104 is
retracted, suspension sub-frame 120 comes into contact with the
stop block and is inhibited or prevented from rotating further
upward. At the same time, locking cam 138 inhibits or prevents
suspension sub-frame 120 from rotating in the opposite direction.
Loads imparted to wheel 106 as luggage device 100 is rolled along a
rough surface can be dissipated by spring-damper 116 since wheel
106, suspension plate 122, and spring-damper 116 are the only
elements allowed to freely rotate when suspension system 110 is in
the deployed position shown in FIG. 4B.
[0048] When an impact occurs to wheel 106, suspension system 110
reacts to reduce (e.g., minimize) the impact experienced by body
102 and handle 104 of luggage device 100 and thus reduce (e.g.,
minimize) the impact experienced by the user holding handle 104. As
shown in FIG. 4C, when wheel 106 is rolled over uneven terrain 154,
an impact load is imparted to wheel 106, causing suspension plate
122 to rotate upward (indicated by arrow 156) about axle 126. This
rotation of suspension plate 122 compresses spring-damper 116 (as
indicated by 158). Thus, spring-damper 116 dissipates much of the
energy imparted to wheel 106. Residual loads are transmitted
through axle 126 and top spring mount 130 on suspension sub-frame
120. These loads are resolved via the pivotal axis mounting of
suspension sub-frame 120 into mounting plate 132 and primarily as a
compression loading of locking cam 138 resisted by cam support
block 150.
[0049] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a method of retracting suspension
system 110 and wheel 106 of wheeled luggage device 100 by pushing
handle 104 into body 102. Referring to FIG. 5A, as handle 104 is
pushed into body 102 of luggage device 100, push bar 146 at the
bottom portion of handle 104 encounters the lower profile of
locking cam 138 and rotates locking cam 138 against the light
pressure of torsion spring 144 (i.e., in the clockwise direction).
This rotation frees suspension sub-frame 120 to rotate in the
clockwise direction about axle 126, but torsion spring 134 resists
this retracting rotation of suspension sub-frame 120.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5B, continued retraction of suspension
system 110 is effected by continued closure of handle 104. As
handle 104 is pushed further into body 102, push bar 146 continues
to rotate locking cam 138 and lock-closed ramp 148 comes into
contact with the top lobe of locking cam 138. The long ramp angle
of lock-closed ramp 148 creates downward pressure on the rounded
surface of locking cam 138 and thus creates downward pressure on
the right end portion of suspension sub-frame 120. That pressure
overcomes the resistance of torsion spring 134, thereby rotating
suspension sub-frame 120 in a clockwise direction about axle
126.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 5C, suspension system 110 returns to its
fully retracted position as handle 104 is pushed in to the fully
closed position. As handle 104 is pushed into the fully closed
position, the force of push bar 146 on the bottom portion of
locking cam 138 and the force of lock-closed ramp 148 on the upper
portion of locking cam 138 overcome the light force pre-load of
torsion spring 144 and rotate locking cam 138 into the fully closed
position. As the top lobe of locking cam 138 is forced downward by
lock-closed ramp 148, the right end portion of suspension sub-frame
120 to which locking cam 138 is attached is also forced downward
(i.e., toward push bar 146). As a result, the left end portion of
suspension sub-frame 120, along with suspension plate 122 and wheel
106, is rotated upward into the fully retracted position. In this
position, locking cam 138 is securely engaged between lock-closed
ramp 148 and push bar 146 of handle 104 such that locking cam 138
is inhibited (e.g., prevented) from rotating about axle 142. As a
result, rotation of suspension sub-frame 120 is inhibited (e.g.,
prevented).
[0052] As discussed above, when handle 104 is pushed into body 102
of luggage device 100, the entire assembly of suspension sub-frame
120, spring-damper 116, suspension plate 122, and wheel 106 is
caused to rotate in order to retract wheel 106. Thus, it is not
necessary to overcome the spring force of spring-damper 116 while
retracting wheel 106. Instead, the user only needs to apply
sufficient force to overcome the light resistance of torsion
springs 134 and 144. As a result, wheel 106 can be retracted with
relatively little force.
[0053] While luggage device 100 has been described as including the
retractable suspension system described above, other types of
retractable suspension systems can be used with wheeled luggage
devices. FIG. 6, for example, is an exploded view of an alternative
suspension system 210 and related components that can be used with
a wheeled luggage device. As shown in FIG. 6, suspension system 210
includes a lower suspension frame 222 that is rotatably secured to
an upper suspension sub-frame 220. In particular, lower suspension
frame 222 defines an aperture 224 that receives an axle 226
extending from upper suspension sub-frame 220. Upper suspension
sub-frame 220 is rotatably mounted to a mounting plate 232 via an
axle 227 that extends into an aperture 243 formed in mounting plate
232. Mounting plate 232 is rigidly fixed to a sidewall of the
luggage device. Lower suspension frame 222 has a platform 228 to
accommodate the lower mounting point of spring-damper 216 and upper
suspension sub-frame 520 has a platform 230 that engages the
opposite end of spring-damper 216. A wheel 206 is rotatably secured
to lower suspension frame 222 via an axle 236 extending from lower
suspension frame 222. Wheel 206 moves against spring-damper 216
when it encounters impact loads as the luggage device is being
rolled along a surface. The compression of spring-damper 216
softens the impact transmitted to the luggage body and dissipates
the energy. A substantial amount of wheel impact motion is confined
to wheel 206, lower suspension frame 222, and spring/damper
216.
[0054] A locking cam 238 is rotatably secured to mounting plate
232. In particular, an axle 240 extending from the surface of
locking cam 238 extends into an aperture 242 defined by mounting
plate 232. Due to the position of axle 240 on locking cam 238,
locking cam 238 has an eccentric rotational axis. A cam actuating
pin 244 extends from the opposing end of locking cam 238. Cam
actuating pin 244 rides in an arc-shaped track or slot 245 defined
by upper suspension sub-frame 220. The lower profile of locking cam
23 8 is substantially u-shaped such that the lower portion of
locking cam 23 8 forms first and second arms 239, 241.
[0055] The bottom portion of a handle 204 of the luggage device
includes an actuating pin 246 that extends laterally therefrom.
When handle 204 is pushed into the body of the luggage device and
pulled away from the body of the luggage device, actuating pin
engages first and second arms 239, 241, respectively, of locking
cam 238. Contact between actuating pin 246 and arms 239, 241 of
locking cam 238 cause locking cam 238 to rotate about axle 240.
This rotational motion of locking cam 23 8 effects a rotational
motion in upper suspension sub-frame 220 as actuating pin 244 of
locking cam 238 provides a torque as a result of the resolution of
forces within track 245 of upper suspension sub-frame 220. As
discussed below, the rotation of upper suspension sub-frame 220 can
cause the entire assembly of upper suspension sub-frame 220, lower
suspension frame 222, wheel 206, and spring-damper 216 to rotate,
and thus deploy or retract wheel 206.
[0056] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a method of deploying wheel 206
of the luggage device. As shown in FIG. 7A, when handle 204 is
pushed fully into the luggage device, actuating pin 246 of handle
204 is in contact with first arm 239 of locking cam 238, and thus
inhibits (e.g., prevents) locking cam 238 from rotating in a
counterclockwise direction. In this configuration, wheel 206 and
suspension system 210 are retracted such that locking cam actuating
pin 244 resides within the upper right portion of track (as viewed
in FIG. 7A) in upper suspension sub-frame 220.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 7B, as handle 204 is pulled away from the
body of the luggage device, actuating pin 246 of handle 204
contacts second arm 241 of locking cam 238, causing locking cam 238
to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about axle 240. This
counterclockwise rotation of locking cam 238 causes locking cam
actuating pin 244 to apply an upward force to the portion of upper
suspension sub-frame 220 that defines track 245, causing upper
suspension sub-frame 220 to similarly rotate in a counterclockwise
direction about axle 227. This motion begins to deploy wheel 206
away from the body of the luggage device. As locking cam 238
continues to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, locking cam
actuating pin 244 slides from the upper right portion of track 245
to the lower left portion of track 245 and wheel 206 is fully
deployed. With locking cam actuating pin 244 positioned in the
lower left portion of track 245, as shown in FIG. 7B, wheel 206
remains locked in the fully deployed position. For example, as
forces are applied to the portion of wheel 206 that rolls along the
ground during use (i.e., the lower left portion of wheel 206 in the
view of FIG. 7B) those forces are generally absorbed by
spring-damper 216. Some amount of residual force may be applied to
axle 227 of upper suspension sub-frame 220, but that force will not
substantially affect the position of upper suspension sub-frame 220
relative to locking cam actuating pin 244 because axle 227 is fixed
to mounting plate 232. In addition, due to the geometry of track
245, rotational forces applied to upper suspension sub-frame 220
will not generally cause upper suspension sub-frame 220 to move
relative to locking cam actuating pin 244. Track 245 can, for
example, include a locking segment that extends at an angle (e.g.,
an obtuse angle) relative to the main segment of track 245. The
locking segment is arranged so that a substantially normal (i.e.,
substantially 90 degree) force is experienced between locking cam
actuating pin 244 and the portion of suspension sub-frame 120 that
defines the locking segment of track 245 when suspension sub-frame
220 rotates about axle 227. Such rotation can, for example, occur
as a result of wheel 206 impacting a rough portion of the ground
surface when the luggage device is being pulled or pushed by the
user.
[0058] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a method of retracting wheel 206 of
the luggage device. As shown in FIG. 8A, as handle 206 is pushed
into the body of the luggage device, actuating pin 246 of handle
206 contacts first arm 239 of locking cam 238 and begins to rotate
locking cam 238 in a clockwise direction. As a result of this
motion, locking cam actuating pin 244 places a downward force on
the portion of upper suspension sub-frame 220 that defines track
245, causing upper suspension sub-frame 220 to similarly rotate in
a clockwise direction. This causes lower suspension frame 222,
spring-damper 216, and wheel 206 to rotate in a clockwise
direction, and thus retracts wheel 206 toward the body of the
luggage device. Because the entire assembly of upper suspension
sub-frame 220, lower suspension frame 222, spring-damper 216, and
wheel 206 are rotated to retract wheel 206, it is unnecessary to
overcome the spring force supplied by spring-damper 216 in order to
retract wheel 206. Thus, wheel 206 can be retracted with a
relatively small amount force applied to handle 204.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 8B, with continued pushing of handle 204
and rotation of locking cam 238, locking cam actuating pin 244
continues to apply a downward force to the portion of upper
suspension sub-frame 220 that defines track 245 and thus slides
from the lower left portion of track 245 toward the upper right
portion of track 245. As a result of this motion, wheel 206 is
further retracted toward the body of the luggage device.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 8C, when handle 204 is fully pushed into
the body of the luggage device, locking cam actuating pin 244 rests
within the upper right portion of track 245 and wheel 206 is fully
retracted into the body of the luggage device. In this position,
actuating pin 246 of handle 204 contacts first arm 239 of locking
cam 238 and thus inhibits (e.g., prevents) locking cam 238 from
rotating in a counterclockwise direction. As a result, wheel 206
and suspension system 210 are inhibited (e.g., prevented) from
rotating away from the body of the luggage device into the deployed
position.
[0061] While certain embodiments have been described above, other
embodiments are possible.
[0062] While certain components have been described as being
attached to or integrally formed with a mounting plate, which is
affixed to the sidewall of the body of the luggage device, those
components can alternatively be attached to or formed integrally
with the sidewall of the body of the luggage device.
[0063] While the suspension systems above are described as
including a spring-damper, any of various other force absorption
devices can alternatively or additionally be used.
[0064] While the retractable suspension systems described above
have been described as being installed in wheeled luggage devices,
the suspension systems can alternatively or additionally be used
with any of various other types of wheeled transport devices.
[0065] Other embodiments are in the claims.
* * * * *