U.S. patent application number 13/872053 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for luggage case system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pam Daniels. Invention is credited to Pam Daniels.
Application Number | 20130284553 13/872053 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49476371 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130284553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daniels; Pam |
October 31, 2013 |
Luggage Case System
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a luggage case including a
retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip. When
extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top
surface. Further, when the handle is retracted, the grip rotates
between a first position and a second position, each of the first
position and second position being parallel to the bottom surface
and perpendicular to each other.
Inventors: |
Daniels; Pam; (Evanston,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Daniels; Pam |
Evanston |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49476371 |
Appl. No.: |
13/872053 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61639824 |
Apr 27, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/265 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 13/262 20130101; A45C 2013/267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14 |
Claims
1. A luggage case comprising: a body including: a bottom surface
including at least one associated wheel; and a top surface; and a
retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip,
wherein, when extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away
from the top surface, further wherein, when retracted, the grip
rotates between a first position and a second position, each of the
first position and second position being parallel to the bottom
surface and perpendicular to each other.
2. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the grip is substantially
perpendicular to the retractable post.
3. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the grip is releasably
lockable in the first position, the second position, or both.
4. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein, when the grip is in the
second position, the grip is substantially perpendicular to a plane
including a side panel of the body, wherein the side panel is
substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and connects the
top surface to the bottom surface.
5. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the retractable handle is in
an L-shape.
6. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the handle is a cantilever
handle.
7. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the luggage case is
configured to weigh less than six pounds.
8. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the body includes a top
compartment accessible through the top surface.
9. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the body includes a top
compartment accessible through the top surface and a main
compartment accessible through at least one side panel, wherein the
side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and
connects the bottom surface to the top surface.
10. The luggage case of claim 9 wherein the top compartment is
collapsible within the main compartment.
11. The luggage case of claim 10 wherein the main compartment is
accessible through a main flap, wherein the main flap is attached
to the at least one side panel along two parallel main flap
edges.
12. The luggage case of claim 9 wherein the top compartment is
accessible through a top flap, wherein the top flap is attached to
the top surface along two parallel top flap edges.
13. The luggage case of claim 12 wherein the top flap is
removable.
14. A luggage case comprising: a body including: a bottom surface
including at least one associated wheel; a top surface; at least
one side panel connecting the bottom surface to the top surface,
wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom
surface; and a top compartment accessible through the top surface;
and a main compartment accessible through the at least one side
panel; and a retractable handle including a retractable post and a
grip, wherein, when extended, the retractable post elevates the
grip away from the top surface, further wherein, when retracted,
the grip rotates between a first position and a second position,
each of the first position and second position being parallel to
the bottom surface and perpendicular to each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application incorporates by reference and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,824 filed on
Apr. 27, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to luggage cases,
specifically upright luggage cases with spinner wheels allowing
easy mobility of the case. More particularly, this disclosure
relates to carry-on luggage cases designed to fit in aircraft
overhead compartments located in the passenger cabin.
[0003] Current carry-on luggage cases are often heavy which leads
to difficulty when a user attempts to maneuver the luggage case
into overhead storage bins within the aircraft. In fact, many
current luggage cases are heavy before the user even starts to pack
them. For example, many carry-on luggage cases typically weigh
between six to eight pounds when they are empty. Therefore, after a
user packs the luggage case with all of their belongings needed for
a trip, the luggage case may weigh upwards of 30 to 40 pounds.
Because of the heavy luggage case, many users will inevitably
struggle to position the luggage case into the overhead bin of an
airplane.
[0004] In addition, lifting and placing a luggage case overhead
onboard an aircraft puts a great deal of strain on a user's wrist.
Current luggage cases typically include a handle on a top surface
of the case that is positioned parallel to a front and back panel
of the case. For example, when a user proceeds to lift the luggage
case, the user typically holds the handle with one hand while the
other hand is underneath the back panel. Because the handle is
parallel to the top and bottom face, when lifting the luggage into
the overhead bin, the user's wrist and elbow are typically
positioned in a less than ideal manner for lifting, maneuvering,
and stabilizing the luggage.
[0005] In addition, many current carry-on luggage cases do not
provide easy access to liquids and toiletries that may need to be
removed when passing through a security check point. For example,
current luggage cases typically include a main compartment and
possibly additional flat pockets. The main compartment is usually
accessible by unzipping a zipper that runs through the top surface,
bottom surface, and part of the sides of the case. Once upzipped,
the front face can be partially removed and the main compartment
accessed. In order to access the main compartment, the luggage must
be reclined, which is inconvenient, especially during the security
line checkpoint. Further, once accessed, the user has to rummage
through the main compartment to find the toiletry and liquids that
may have moved around since originally packed. In addition, the
user has to quickly repack the luggage case with the liquids
removed, all while other patrons are waiting on the user to quickly
proceed through the security check point.
[0006] Notwithstanding the fact that many carry-on luggage cases
contain flat pocket storage, these storage compartments are
typically only suitable for the storage of a magazine or travel
documents. Therefore, the flat pocket storage compartments are
typically not suitable for the storage of liquids, which need to be
removed for security clearance in airports. Further, the flat
pocket storage compartments on current luggage cases are typically
only accessible through the front, back, or side of the case.
Therefore, once the luggage case is stored in an overhead bin
during flight, in order to access either the main compartment or
flat pocket storage areas, the user would need to remove the entire
luggage case from the overhead bin to access the desired item
contained within them.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for a light-weight carry-on
luggage case featuring an ergonomic handle and convenient top
compartment, as described and claimed herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The luggage case disclosed herein enables a user to take
advantage of a more ergonomic hand and wrist position for stowing
the case in an overhead compartment of an aircraft by incorporating
a pivoting handle that allows the user to hold the luggage case in
a manner that transfers the weight of the case from the traveler's
wrist to the upper arm.
[0009] In addition, the present luggage case is intended to make
airline travel less difficult, especially for older passengers, by
providing a luggage case that weighs 30-50% less than typical
luggage. In an embodiment, the present luggage case uses fewer
materials and a strong but lightweight frame to provide a
lightweight but durable luggage case.
[0010] Further, in an embodiment, the present carry-on luggage case
offers a top compartment that is easily accessible while in
transit, especially for removal of bulky items such as toiletries
when passing through airport security checkpoints.
[0011] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a luggage
case comprising a body that includes a bottom surface and a top
surface, wherein the bottom surface includes at least one
associated wheel. The luggage case further includes a retractable
handle including a retractable post and a grip. When extended, the
retractable post elevates the grip away from the top surface.
Further, when refracted, the grip rotates between a first position
and a second position, each of the first position and second
position being parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to
each other.
[0012] In an embodiment, the grip is substantially perpendicular to
the retractable post. Further, the grip may be releasably locked in
either the first position, the second position, or both. In an
embodiment, when the grip is in the second position, the grip is
substantially perpendicular to a plane including a side panel of
the body, wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to
the bottom surface and connects the top surface to the bottom
surface. The grip may be L-shaped. For example, the grip may be
cantilevered from the handle.
[0013] In an embodiment, the luggage case weighs less than six
pounds. Though various light-weight options may be available based
on the specific size, shape, and materials used for the luggage
case.
[0014] The luggage case may include a top compartment accessible
through the top surface of the luggage case. In an example, the
body includes a top compartment accessible through the top surface
and a main compartment accessible through at least one side panel,
wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom
surface and connects the bottom surface to the top surface. In an
example, the top compartment is collapsible within the main
compartment, such that, when the top compartment is not in use, it
does not substantially reduce the available volume of the main
compartment.
[0015] In an embodiment, the top compartment may be accessible
through a top flap, wherein the top flap is attached to the top
surface along two parallel top flap edges. Further, the main
compartment may be accessible through a main flap, wherein the main
flap is attached to the at least one side panel along two parallel
main flap edges. In some embodiments, the top flap may be removable
and swappable such that a user can change the visual appearance of
the bag to personalize it by using a personalized top flap.
[0016] In an embodiment, the luggage case includes a body including
a bottom surface including at least one associated wheel, top
surface, at least one side panel connecting the bottom surface to
the top surface, a top compartment accessible through the top
surface, and a main compartment accessible through the at least one
side panel. The side panel may be substantially perpendicular to
the bottom surface. In addition, the luggage case includes a
retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip. When
extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top
surface, and when elevated away from the top surface, the grip
rotates between a first position and a second position. Each of the
first position and second position are parallel to the bottom
surface and perpendicular to each other.
[0017] An advantage of the disclosure is providing a luggage case
that weighs less and is easier to lift into an overhead compartment
of an aircraft. The present luggage case is specifically designed
to use fewer parts in the assembly of the case as well as using
light-weight materials.
[0018] A further advantage of the invention is providing a luggage
case that includes a pivoting handle. The handle may be pivoted
into a position that upon lifting the case into an overhead
compartment of the aircraft, a user's wrist and elbow are better
positioned to lift and maneuver the luggage case. Specifically, by
the positioning of the handle, the user is encouraged to keep the
elbow closer to the user's body and the wrist is in a neutral
position (i.e., the wrist is in line with the forearm; it is
neither bent up (extension), nor bent down (flexion) and it is not
bent towards the thumb (radial deviation), nor towards the little
finger (ulnar deviation)).
[0019] Another advantage of the present invention is providing a
top compartment that is accessible through a top surface of the
case. The top-accessible pocket provides easier access to stored
liquids and toiletries while proceeding through airport security
and during transit.
[0020] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
examples will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following description and the
accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation
of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be
realized and attained by means of the methodologies,
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in
accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by
way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer
to the same or similar elements.
[0022] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a user lifting a
luggage case into an overhead compartment of an aircraft. FIG. 1A
depicts a carry-on luggage case in accordance with the prior art.
FIG. 1B depicts a carry-on luggage case in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a front side perspective view of an embodiment of
a carry-on luggage case in accordance with the invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the
carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the
carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the
carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the
carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
carry-on luggage case in accordance with the invention, in which
the top flap is removable.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the face of the embodiment
of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the main
packing compartment with liner affixed.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2 in an upright position with
all openings exposed.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a carry-on
luggage case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The comparison between FIGS. 1A and 1B demonstrates a unique
characteristic of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A,
typical luggage cases require a user to strain and compromise their
wrist in attempts to lift the luggage case into an overhead
compartment of the aircraft. In contrast, an embodiment of the
luggage case 10 in accordance with the present invention provides
the user a pivoting handle that may be positioned perpendicular to
a front or back panel of the case. As shown in FIG. 1B, the handle
provides a user, while lifting the luggage case, a way to support
the weight of the case while at the same time preventing strain to
a user's wrist by enabling the user to lift the luggage case 10
with the wrist in a neutral position.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the luggage case 10 includes a body 12
that includes a bottom surface 14 and a top surface 16, wherein the
bottom surface 14 includes at least one associated wheel 18, as
shown in FIG. 9. The luggage case 10 further includes a retractable
handle 20 including a retractable post 22 and a grip 24. The
luggage case 10 may also include a post enclosure 50, as shown in
FIG. 8, that extends along the length of at least one side panel 30
and houses the post 22 when the retractable handle 20 is in a
retracted position.
[0034] In an embodiment, the grip 24 is substantially perpendicular
to the post 22. Accordingly, the retractable handle 20 may be
L-shaped. For example, the retractable handle 20 may be a
cantilever handle. As shown in FIG. 3, when extended, the
retractable post 22 elevates the grip 24 away from the top surface
16. In the extended position, the retractable handle 20 is
configured to enable a user to easily guide the luggage case 10
along side the user while walking
[0035] When the handle 20 is retracted, the grip 24 may be rotated
between a first position 26 and a second position 28, wherein the
plane of rotation between the first position 26 and second position
28 is parallel to the bottom surface 14 and the direction of the
handle 20 in the first position 26 is perpendicular to the
direction of the handle 20 in the second position 28. By way of
example, FIG. 2 illustrates the grip 24 in the first position 26
and FIG. 4 illustrates the grip 24 in the second position 28. In
comparing the position of the grip 24 in FIG. 2 to the position of
the grip 24 in FIG. 4, the first position 26 and the second
position 28 are both parallel to the bottom surface 14 of the
luggage case 10. In addition, the first position 26 and the second
position 28 are perpendicular to each other.
[0036] Further, in an embodiment, when the grip 24 is in the second
position 28, the grip 24 is substantially perpendicular to a plane
including a side panel 30 of the body 12, wherein the side panel 30
is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 14 and
connects the top surface 16 to the bottom surface 14. Because the
grip 24 is perpendicular to a plane including a side panel 30, a
user may support the weight of the luggage case 10 by the grip 24
without compromising the user's wrist while also supporting the
weight of the luggage case 10 from the side panel 30 with the
user's other hand (see FIG. 1B). The second position 28 of the grip
24 is particularly useful when a user proceeds to lift the luggage
case 10 into an overhead compartment of an airplane by providing a
more ergonomic neutral position for the user's wrist while
lifting.
[0037] The grip 24 may be releasably locked in the first position
26, the second position 28, or both, by way of a locking mechanism
46. The locking mechanism 46 may be any suitable locking mechanism
46. As shown in FIG. 4, the locking mechanism 46 may include a
release button associated with the handle 20 such that when the
button is depressed, the handle 20 is released and free to move
into either the first position 26 or second position 28. Once the
depressed release button is released by the user, the grip 24 is
releasably locked in one position. In addition, the locking
mechanism 46 may be configured to enable the grip 24 to be locked
in any position between the first position 26 and second position
28. Further, the locking mechanism may also be configured to enable
or restrict the expansion and retraction the retractable handle
20.
[0038] In addition to providing a luggage case 10 that may be
configured to provide a grip 24 perpendicular to at least one side
panel 30, the luggage case 10 further enables a user to lift the
luggage case 10 with ease owing to its light weight. For example,
in an embodiment, the luggage case 10 weighs less than six pounds.
The luggage case 10 achieves a light-weight by incorporating a
specific combination of elements, as well as selecting elements
made from specific materials.
[0039] For example, the luggage case 10 may include a fabric
covering a main frame. Preferably the fabric is a light-weight,
water-resistant textile fabric. In one example, plastic sheets
stabilize the overall shape of the luggage case 10. However, the
material used for the top surface 16, bottom surface 14, and at
least one side panel 30 may be any suitable material or combination
of materials. For example, the material may include polypropylene
sheets with a honeycomb cross-section, corrugated plastic,
aluminum, bamboo, wood, among others, and combinations thereof. In
one embodiment, the top surface 16 and at least one side panel 30
are made from a fabric material, whereas the bottom surface 14 is
made from a more rigid material, such as a durable plastic.
[0040] The luggage case 10 further aids in the ease of traveling by
providing a top compartment 32 that is easily accessible while a
user is preparing to enter airport security and while the luggage
case 10 is stored in an overhead compartment of an aircraft. The
top compartment 32 may be accessible through the top surface 16 of
the luggage case 10. The top compartment 32 is particularly useful
for storing liquids and toiletries that must be quickly removed
during airport security. For example, the top compartment 32 allows
a user to simply and quickly access the liquids and toiletries for
security without having to open a main compartment 34, which can be
cumbersome. In addition, the user may access the top compartment 32
while the luggage case 10 is stored in an overhead compartment in
an aircraft without having to remove the luggage case 10 from the
overhead compartment.
[0041] The top compartment 32 may be provided in addition to a main
compartment 34. For example, the luggage case 10 may include both a
top compartment 32 accessible through the top surface 16 and a main
compartment 34 accessible through at least one side panel 30. The
top compartment 32 may be collapsible to provide more available
space within the main compartment 34 when the top compartment 32 is
not in use. For example, when the top compartment 32 is empty, the
top compartment 32 may be compacted so as to not take up any
substantial space within the body 12. Further, the top compartment
32 may include a top compartment liner 48, as shown in FIG. 8. The
top compartment liner 48 may be made from a nylon material,
although it is understood that there are numerous materials that
may be used to make the top compartment liner 48.
[0042] The top compartment 32 and main compartment 34 may be
accessed in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIGS.
4-6, the top compartment 32 may be accessed through a top flap 36
that closes a portion of the top surface 16 that forms the top
compartment opening 37. In a presently preferred example shown in
FIGS. 4-6, the top flap 36 transitions into the top surface 16
across at least one fixed edge 41. The fixed edge 41 acts as a
hinge along which the top flap 36 may be opened by folding the top
flap 36 away from the top surface 16 to provide access to the top
compartment 34. The top flap 36 may be opened along the remaining
three top flap edges 40 by folding the top flap 36 along the fixed
edge 41, as shown in FIG. 5. When the top flap 36 is closed, the
top flap edges 40 may close the top compartment opening 37 in any
suitable manner. For example, two parallel top flap edges 40 may be
attached to the top surface 16 by zippers 43, as shown in FIGS.
4-6. As shown, the top flap 36 may be opened by unzipping the
zippers 43 along the two parallel top flap edges 40. To assist in
efficiently opening the top compartment 32, the zippers 43 may be
connected by a pull mechanism 44 that enables both zippers 43 to be
opened or closed with a single user action. For example, as shown
in FIG. 4, the pull mechanism 44 is a string 54 that attaches the
two zippers 43 on the top flap edges 40. A user can pull the string
54 to quickly open or close the top flap 36. However, the pulling
mechanism 44 could be any suitable pulling mechanism that enables a
user to open the top compartment 32.
[0043] As described and shown with respect to FIGS. 4-6, the top
flap 36 includes two top flap edges 40 that are secured to the top
surface 16 by zippers 43 and a third top flap edge 40 that is
simply held in place along the top surface 16 by the position of
the top flap 36. In other versions of the luggage case 10, the
third top flap edge 40 may be secured to the top surface 16 using
one or more snaps, hook and loop closures, magnets, zippers,
etc.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, in yet another version of the luggage
case 10, the top flap 36 is removable from the luggage case 10. For
example, the top flap 36 may include two top flap edges 40 that are
secured to the top surface 16 by separating zippers and a third top
flap edge 40 and fourth top flap edge 40 that are simply held in
place along the top surface 16 by the position of the top flap 36.
Alternatively, the third top flap edge 40 and fourth top flap edge
40 may be removably connected to the top surface 16 by a fastening
mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastening system. In this
embodiment, the top flap 36 may be removed and exchanged for
another top flap 36 to identify the luggage case 10 more personally
for the user. This might be thought of similarly to the way mobile
phone cases are used to both personalize and identify the device as
one's own.
[0045] Further, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, the main compartment 34 may
be accessible through a main flap 38 incorporated into at least one
side panel 30. In the example shown, the main flap 38 may include
zippers 43 along at least two main flap edges 42 and the main flap
38 transitions into the at least one side panel 30 across a fixed
edge 45 along which the main flap 38 may be opened. The main flap
edges 42 may be attached to the side panel 30 using any suitable
fastening mechanism. For example, the main flap edges 42 may be
attached to the side panel 30 by one or more zippers 43. However,
the main flap 38 may be attached to the side panel 30 by any
suitable manner.
[0046] The luggage case 10 may further include an additional bottom
handle 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the bottom handle 52
is positioned between the wheels 18 to provide an additional
position for a user to hold. The bottom handle 52 may be
particularly useful for baggage handlers. Further, other additional
handles may be incorporated on the outer surface of the body 12 for
additional support for the user.
[0047] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to
the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and
without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various
embodiments of the method and device may be provided based on
various combinations of the features and functions from the subject
matter provided herein.
* * * * *