U.S. patent application number 13/095840 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for wheeled luggage assembly.
Invention is credited to Aled E. Miles, Lindsey M. Raymond.
Application Number | 20120273314 13/095840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47067056 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120273314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raymond; Lindsey M. ; et
al. |
November 1, 2012 |
WHEELED LUGGAGE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A luggage assembly useful for safe, secure and easy transport of
carry-on items, offering electronically-dependent business
travelers a convenient and business-friendly means of traveling.
The luggage system comprises a main housing having one or more
compartments, a customizable extendable handle, wheel assembly,
power and/or power storage device, a folding tray, and means for
remote tracking of the luggage assembly. The luggage assembly may
additionally include a wheel assembly having one or more pairs of
wheels thus allowing the main housing to be wheeled over a surface.
The wheeled luggage assembly may further include an integrated
wireless communication device.
Inventors: |
Raymond; Lindsey M.;
(Pacific Palisades, CA) ; Miles; Aled E.; (Pacific
Palisades, CA) |
Family ID: |
47067056 |
Appl. No.: |
13/095840 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/28 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A wheeled luggage assembly comprising: a body comprised of a top
wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a rear
wall and a front wall wherein the bottom, first and second side,
and rear walls each have an interior and exterior surface, wherein
the interior surfaces define an accessible interior main
compartment; a frame having a portion disposed within the body of
the assembly; a pair of wheels coupled to a bottom region of the
body of the assembly; an extendable and retractable customizable
handle coupled to the body of the assembly; a fold-out tray
disposed at the handle; and a power supply and/or power storage
device wherein the power supply has a retractable power cord; and
wherein the body of the wheeled luggage assembly has an overall
dimension of less than or equal to about 45 linear inches.
2. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further wherein the
handle has grooves integrated along its exterior surface.
3. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further including one or
more storage pockets disposed on the bottom surface of the fold-out
tray.
4. The assembly of claim 1 further including a means for remote
identification and/or tracking of the assembly.
5. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the means for remote
identification and/or tracking is suitable for use with a Global
Positioning System (GPS), a radio-frequency identification (RFID)
system and/or a compass navigation system.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the remote tracking system
includes use of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) system and/or a compass
navigation system.
7. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further including an
integrated wireless communication device.
8. The device of claim 8 wherein the device is suitable for use in
a wireless communication system employing use of Bluetooth
technology, WiFi.TM., a personal area network (PAN) means, a
wireless local area network (WLAN), radio frequency (RF), infrared
light, laser light, visible light and/or acoustic energy.
9. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 wherein the retractable
cord has a length of about between 12 inches and 600 inches or
about 24 inches and 300 inches.
10. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further including a cup
holder.
11. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further including one
or more auxiliary storage compartments disposed adjacent to the
body of the assembly.
12. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further including one
or more attachment means disposed along the exterior surface of any
of one or more wall of the body of the assembly.
13. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 12 wherein the attachment
means is selected from the group consisting of: a zipper; a Velcro
strip; a magnet; and snap device.
14. The wheeled luggage assembly of claim 1 further including a
zippered pocket disposed on the back wall or side wall.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wheeled
luggage assembly suitable for carry-on, such as small luggage
cases, business cases, computer cases and the like which include a
fold-out surface for supporting a laptop computer and means for
remote tracing of the assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The demands and environment of airline travel have become
increasingly challenging and complex due to changing regulations,
restrictions and surveillance. Existing luggage falls short of the
changing demands and environment of airline travel. Carry-on
luggage has become harder and more complex with heightened
regulations while the concern of mishandled baggage pushes in the
direction of carrying on rather than checking in luggage. Millions
of bags are lost or mishandled annually. In addition to the risk of
lost or stolen baggage, checking luggage is expensive and time
consuming.
[0003] Present in the art, are some carrying cases, which provide
the usual features such as computer storage, retractable handle,
and wheels so that the user can pull case to ease the burden when
moving through airport concourses or along city sidewalks (See
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,520. The most commonly available luggage
has wheels, an extendable handle and a compartment specifically
designated for carrying a portable computer. Traveling with luggage
in-hand eliminates many of the risks and costs associated with
checking baggage. Unfortunately, carry-on luggage is not made with
a traveler's specific needs in mind and is often an inefficient
combination of various luggage solutions each designed to meet only
a few. In view of the foregoing background, an object of the
present invention is to provide a wheeled luggage assembly having
distinct features and attributes strategically designed to meet the
unique demands and carry-on needs of the traveling professional.
The present invention provides
INVENTION SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention relates generally to wheeled luggage
assembly, in particular wheeled luggage having dimensions suitable
for use as a carry-on case. The wheeled luggage assembly is
generally of a rectangular container shape formed by a main housing
within which is a central compartment having a width, depth and
height dimension. The assembly includes a customizable extendable
handle, a fold-out tray suitable for supporting a laptop computer,
at least one pair of wheels spaced along a width dimension of the
main housing, and an integrated remote tracking device. The main
housing is comprised of a top wall, bottom wall, a first and a
second side wall, a rear wall, and a front wall, together which
define an interior main compartment. The fold-out tray has a top
side, a bottom side, and a longitudinal edge disposed along an axis
perpendicular to the top and bottom sides.
[0005] In one aspect, the invention comprises a main housing which
includes a frame component, a power-charging device having a
retractable cord, a wheel assembly and an extendable handle. The
frame is disposed within the interior aspect of the main housing so
as to provide rigidity and structural support to the main housing.
The frame has a first edge that is continuous with a second edge,
which is further continuous with a third edge wherein the second
edge is disposed between the first and third edges. The power
device(s) provide a charging station for multiple devices
including, but not limited to a portable computer, music player,
cell phone, PDA, other portable electronic device.
[0006] In another aspect, the invention comprises a wheeled luggage
assembly having a main housing which includes a frame component, a
wheel assembly, a fold-out tray and an extendable handle having an
automatic wireless communication system connectable with a separate
and discrete portable and/or fixed electronic device.
[0007] FIGS. 1 A & B illustrate general perspective views in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a general perspective view in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a general perspective view in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a general perspective view in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a general perspective view in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Various embodiments of the wheeled luggage assembly are
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.
[0013] FIGS. 1(A & B) includes front and back perspective views
of an embodiment of the wheeled luggage assembly 10 illustrating
the outward appearance and general structure of various features of
the assembly. The wheeled luggage assembly 10 preferably includes a
covering which defines a body portion comprised of an external top
12 and a bottom wall 14 and a first 16, a second 18 side wall and a
front facing 19 and back wall 17, together which form a generally
rectangular parallelepiped-shaped wheeled assembly 10 having an
internal main compartment 21. Additional sections may also be
included wherein a section comprises one or more expandable
pocket(s) 29, 31. See also, FIG. 2A, 29 31, 33, 35, 37, 39.
[0014] Alternatively, in an additional preferred embodiment (FIG.
2B), the wheeled luggage assembly is shaped such that it has an
upper region having an overall linear width dimension that is less
than its lower region overall linear width dimension or such that
the surface area comprising the top 12 wall is less than the
surface area comprising the bottom 14 wall. For example, a wheeled
luggage assembly may be shaped so that it narrows or tapers toward
the top wall 12 of the assembly such that the bottom wall has a
longitudinal edge 103 continuous with a longitudinal edge of a side
wall 101 wherein the length dimension of the bottom wall edge is
greater in than a the length dimension of the top wall edge. (FIG.
2B). Such shaping allows easier fit of the luggage assembly into a
temporary travel storage compartment such as, for example, the
overhead compartment of an airplane, aircraft, train, bus, subway,
metro-rail or other modes of human transport. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment, the wheeled luggage assembly 10 may readily fit in a
storage area below a passenger's seat and/or in a overhead storage
area above a passenger's seat. The luggage assembly is preferably
made of relatively lightweight, durable materials and is easily
portable for ease of use by a frequent traveler.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 3A, the wheeled luggage 10 assembly
includes a frame 100 and at least one pair 20 of wheels located at
the base region and coupled to the body portion. Optionally, the
wheels may be coupled to a generally horizontally disposed
structure or connecting rod 22 located between each of the first
pair of wheels (See FIG. 1A). An optional support means may be
disposed substantially along an edge of the bottom wall 23. (FIG.
3B). Referring to FIG. 2, in an alternative embodiment, the wheel
assembly includes two pairs of wheels, a first back pair 20 (back
left wheel not depicted) and a second front pair 50. One or more of
the wheels may rotate in a multi-directional and/or 360.degree.
rotation. An extendable and retractable handle 15 is disposed at
and through the top wall 12 of the wheeled luggage assembly.
[0016] As depicted in FIG. 3 in an additional preferred embodiment,
the wheeled assembly include a body frame. The body frame has a
first 104 and second 106, and optionally a third 108 and/or fourth
110 support means having sufficient rigidity such that the body of
the wheeled luggage assembly substantially maintains an overall
shape when in upright or horizontal (prone) positions or when
stored, wheeled or stationary. Exemplary frame members include one
or more rigid bar or rod. The frame is constructed of a lightweight
solid, rigid material such as fiberglass, wood, aluminum, titanium,
steel, composite metals, composite synthetics, plastics and the
like, or any combination or equivalent material thereof. In a
preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the wheeled luggage
assembly includes a power strip 101 and/or power storage means (not
shown) coupled to the frame 100.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1B, the internal main compartment is
defined by a front facing internal wall 123, a first 121 and a
second internal side wall (not shown) and an internal top 127 and
bottom wall 129. Additionally, the wheeled luggage assembly
includes an internal region or space disposed adjacent an interior
aspect of the body walls of the luggage assembly wherein a remote
tracking device is located therein (described further below). The
tracking device (for example, a RFID tag or a GPS chip) is
configured so as to include synchronization capability thus
allowing its electronic communication ("syncing") with a second
electronic device such as for example, a cellular phone or other
portable electronic device having a suitable application. Systems
and methods for transceiver devices and their use for electronic
identification and communication are known in the art and
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,248,167; 7,126,470;
7,580,678; 7,484,662; 7,385,476; 6,246,882; 6,016,322 and US Patent
Application Publications US2009/0291668 and US2011/0068978 each of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. A
remote tracking device having such synchronization and
communication capability will allow a user to locate and/or track
the luggage assembly. As will be known by one of ordinary skill in
the art, this feature will allow a user to employ options such as
geo-fencing, which would alert the owner, by, for example, text or
other mobile or remote methodology, if his/her luggage is out of a
pre-determined or pre-selected allowable range.
[0018] The tracking device may be secured upon any interior surface
of a luggage wall. For example, a tracking device may be sewn into
any one of the luggage walls and disposed behind a first layer of
lining such that the device is obscured or not readily viewable.
Additionally, the device may be accessible via zippered or
Velcro.TM. compartment, wherein such compartment may comprise one
or more space between layers of one or more product inner lining.
It is preferable that the tracking device be disposed within the
luggage assembly so that it is hidden from apparent view. Obscuring
the visibility or concealing the location of the tracking device
aids in preventing discovery of the tracking device should the
luggage assembly be lost or stolen. Access to the internal main
compartment is provided via one or more zipper(s) 40. One or more
zipper 18 disposed along a longitudinal edge of the first and
second side walls and top wall allows access to the internal main
compartment 21. The zipper(s) may also be disposed along the edge
of the body of the main compartment so as to allow expandability of
the internal storage space between two or more internal storage
volumes when zipped closed.
[0019] The luggage assembly may include one or more auxiliary
storage compartments or pockets 29, 31, 33 disposed at an external
19 wall, or adjacent to any wall of the assembly. As depicted in
FIG. 2A, a first external storage compartment 29 attaches
immediately adjacent the luggage assembly side wall 16. A second
storage pocket 31 may be additionally attached to the first storage
pocket 29. Any one or more of the auxiliary storage comparments may
be detachable and/or expandable. For example, a detachable
auxiliary storage bag may be disposed adjacent the front exterior
19 wall of the luggage assembly 10, the auxiliary bag detachably
coupled to the assembly by means of a hook, zipper, Velcro, straps,
magnetic means, or any other suitable mechanisms which allows
stable attachment along with removal of the bag from the luggage
assembly system. Any one or more of a storage bag or pocket may be
comprised of a mesh or stretchable material, or integrated with the
body of the wheeled assembly so as to provide greater ease of
access and breathability for items stored therein.
[0020] An auxiliary front storage 23 compartment may optionally be
included and thereby disposed adjacent the front 20 wall of the
luggage assembly 10. Additionally, as a further embodiment, any one
or more of the auxiliary storage bag(s) may be detachably coupled
to the main housing by zipper(s) see for example, FIG. 5 reference
numeral 180, and/or one or more Velcro strap(s) or any other
similar type connecting or sliding means. The straps allow items
coupled or hung externally from the handle's grooves to be attached
to the luggage while in the upright position and in motion (i.e. a
garment bag hung with a hanger). One or more pair of straps may
also be located within the internal compartment and are attached to
at least one internal compartment wall. The straps aid in
maintaining items disposed in the internal compartment in place,
particularly when the assembly is in an upright position.
[0021] One or more covering encloses portions of the frame to form
a body cavity or internal compartment as illustrated in FIG. 3. The
covering is preferably constructed of a durable, lightweight,
synthetic and/or natural fiber fabric material. Suitable fabric
materials include for example, but are not nylon, limited to
ballistic-type nylon, polyester, urethane, cordura, Kevlar.TM.,
cotton ducks, leather, suede, organic fabric, vinyl, laminates and
the like. The fabric may additionally be coated for water
resistance and/or waterproofing. The covering of the wheeled
luggage assembly includes fastening means such as, for example,
zippers and/or other fasteners associated with auxiliary storage
bags or pockets for controlling access thereto. The covering may be
constructed of material to form a hard-cover or soft-cover
casing.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 4 the assembly includes a customizable
extendable handle 15 and a fold-out tray 80 to provide a workspace.
Such workspace provides support and is suitable for use with any
portable device or portable electronic device such as for example,
a laptop computer, tablet, notebook (electronic and
non-electronic), mini display, electronic reader, reading, writing
and/or drawing material, book, magazine, and the like. The handle
will be customizable to varying lengths so as to best fit the
height of the specified user. The fold-out tray 100 has a top side
102 and a bottom side 104, and a longitudinal edge 106 disposed
along an axis perpendicular to the handle 15 when the fold-out tray
is in the open position FIG. 4A. The fold-out tray includes one or
more support arm 108 coupled to the extendable handle by means of a
coupling member 110. The coupling member aids in attaching the
support arm to the extendable handle and maintaining the support
arm in a desired or preselected location along the extendable
handle. The attachment member may be for example, a clamp able
device, a rubber ring, a piston, a spring rod, a locking arm, etc.
The support arm may be moved from a closed (stowed) position (see
FIG. 3) to an open (deployed) position (see FIG. 4A). The one or
more support arm 108 supports the tray when the tray is in the open
(deployed) position (see FIG. 3). A lip may be included in the
longitudinal edge to prevent a portable device or portable
electronic device such as for example, a laptop computer, tablet,
notebook (electronic and non-electronic), mini display, electronic
reader, reading, writing and/or drawing material, book, magazine,
and the like from sliding or slipping off the workspace. Other
means such as for example, a grippable, pressure-sensitive adhesive
surface, rubberized or other material may be used to aid in keeping
the device stationary while on the deployed tray.
[0023] The assembly 10 has overall dimensions of about 45 linear
inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag) or
less, or as restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration
("FAA" guidelines or regulations or other state, national or
international guidelines or regulations, commercial space
transportation administration, or other regulatory authority
guidelines or regulations. For example, for use of the wheeled
luggage assembly on an aircraft within the United States, the
wheeled luggage assembly has a dimension of about 45 linear inches
(the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag) or less.
Thus, the wheeled luggage assembly will comply with luggage carryon
restrictions as defined by the U.S. Federal Aviation Association
and as may be redefined by time to time. (See
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/prepare_fly/baggage/).
[0024] In one aspect, the invention comprises a main housing which
includes a frame component, a power-charging device having a
retractable cord, a wheel assembly and an extendable handle. The
frame is disposed within the interior aspect of the main housing so
as to provide rigidity and structural support to the main housing.
The frame has a first edge that is continuous with a second edge,
which is further continuous with a third edge wherein the second
edge is disposed between the first and third edges. The power
device(s) provide a charging station for multiple devices
including, but not limited to a portable computer, music player,
cell phone, PDA, video game console, Smartphone, printer, digital
camera, digital video camera, and/or other portable electronic
device.
[0025] In another aspect, the invention comprises a wheeled luggage
assembly having a main housing which includes a frame component, a
wheel assembly, a fold-out tray and an extendable handle having an
integrated automatic wireless communication system connectable with
a separate and discrete portable and/or fixed electronic device.
Wireless communication systems suitable for use in the present
invention include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth technology,
WiFi.TM., or other personal area network (PAN) means and/or
wireless local area network (WLAN) or any other wireless means of
communication such as use of radio frequency (RF), infrared light,
laser light, visible light, acoustic energy, and the like. Upon
activation (e.g. receipt of a call, txt or email), the device will
actuate and alert a user. Alert means include vibration of the
extendable handle, emitting an audible sound, or a flashing light
on the bag/handle.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the extendable handle has a
length dimension which may be of various lengths to accommodate
users of various heights and/or preference and/or may be customized
according to the user's specification. As shown in FIG. 5 the
extendable handle may include one or more grooves 200 to which
accessory or other items may be hung via coupling to the grooves,
such as for example, clothing hangers, baggage clips, strap
mechanisms, and the like). Additionally, the foldable tray may
include compartments or pockets 202 allowing for storage of desired
items. The wheeled luggage assembly may also include one or more
accessory such as, for example, a cup holder, a latchable hook or
built-in clip from which additional luggage can be attached to the
assembly. A wheeled luggage assembly of the present invention may
also include a cooler section comprised of insulating
materials.
[0027] In a further aspect, the invention includes a remote
tracking device allowing reliable location and if desired, time
and/or other identifying information of the wheeled luggage
assembly. Methods for providing such system include, for example, a
Global Positioning System (GPS), radio-frequency identification
(RFID), Compass navigation system, and/or other wireless
identification system. The afore-mentioned methods are synced
through the use of a portable mobile device, such a mobile phone,
using a downloadable software application program such as for
example, applications suitable for use with cellular mobile phones,
smartphones, personal digital assistant, tablets, personal
computers, and other internet multimedia-enabled device. Remote
tracking systems are known in the art and described for example in
USPN . . . . Thus, the present invention includes an assembly
having a device or means for use in a method for remote tracking or
identification of the assembly.
[0028] A yet further aspect of the invention, a wheeled luggage
assembly includes a power strip 201 and/or power charger (means for
power storage). The power strip and/or power storage is disposed
along an external aspect of the main compartment as depicted, for
example, in FIG. 3. Optionally, the power strip and/or power
charger includes a retractable cord able to extend from a position
that is flush with the wall of the bag (0 inches) up to a length of
about 300 inches or greater.
[0029] The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. All
references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
* * * * *
References