U.S. patent application number 13/927907 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-01 for luggage sliders.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS. Invention is credited to MEHMET DONDURUR, AHMET Z. SAHIN.
Application Number | 20150001020 13/927907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52114517 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150001020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DONDURUR; MEHMET ; et
al. |
January 1, 2015 |
LUGGAGE SLIDERS
Abstract
The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or
removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around
suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement
of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined
surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and
retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable.
Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and
pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still
others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article.
Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate
and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be
removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or
other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a
point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the
wheel for use.
Inventors: |
DONDURUR; MEHMET; (CROFTON,
MD) ; SAHIN; AHMET Z.; (DHAHRAN, SA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS |
DHAHRAN |
|
SA |
|
|
Family ID: |
52114517 |
Appl. No.: |
13/927907 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 5/025 20130101;
A45C 5/143 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 2005/147 20130101;
A45C 5/146 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A |
International
Class: |
B62B 5/02 20060101
B62B005/02; A45C 13/36 20060101 A45C013/36; A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14 |
Claims
1. A luggage slider for an article of wheeled luggage, the luggage
having a bottom surface and a pair of wheels, each of the wheels
having a periphery extending below the bottom surface of the
luggage, the luggage slider comprising a rigid, elongate skid
adapted for installation beneath the article of wheeled luggage,
the skid having a lower surface having a low coefficient of
friction, the lower surface being disposed between the underside of
the wheeled luggage and the peripheries of the wheels
therebelow.
2. The luggage slider according to claim 1, further comprising a
pivot adapted for permanent installation to the article of wheeled
luggage, the skid being pivotally disposed about the pivot.
3. The luggage slider according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one skid receptacle adapted for permanent installation to the
article of wheeled luggage, the skid being selectively extendible
and retractable from the receptacle.
4. The luggage slider according to claim 1, wherein the skid is a
flat plate.
5. The luggage slider according to claim 1, wherein the skid is a
rigid bar.
6. The luggage slider according to claim 1, wherein the skid is
adapted for removable installation to the article of wheeled
luggage.
7. The luggage slider according to claim 1, further comprising an
article of wheeled luggage in combination therewith.
8. A luggage slider for an article of wheeled luggage, the luggage
having a bottom surface and a pair of wheels, each of the wheels
having a periphery extending below the underside of the luggage,
the luggage slider comprising: a pivot adapted for permanent
installation to the article of wheeled luggage; and a rigid,
elongate skid pivotally disposed about the pivot, the skid having a
lower surface having a low coefficient of friction.
9. The luggage slider according to claim 8, wherein the lower
surface of the skid is disposed between the underside of the
article of wheeled luggage and the peripheries of the wheels
therebelow.
10. The luggage slider according to claim 8, further comprising at
least one skid receptacle adapted for permanent installation to the
article of wheeled luggage, the skid being selectively extendible
and retractable from the receptacle.
11. The luggage slider according to claim 8, wherein the skid is a
flat plate.
12. The luggage slider according to claim 8, wherein the skid is a
rigid bar.
13. The luggage slider according to claim 8, wherein the skid is
adapted for removable installation to the article of wheeled
luggage.
14. The luggage slider according to claim 8, further comprising an
article of wheeled luggage in combination therewith.
15. A luggage slider for an article of wheeled luggage, the luggage
having a bottom surface and a pair of wheels, each of the wheels
having a periphery extending below the underside of the luggage,
the luggage slider comprising: at least one skid receptacle adapted
for permanent installation to the article of wheeled luggage; and a
rigid, elongate skid disposed within the receptacle, the skid being
selectively extendible and retractable from the receptacle, the
skid having a lower surface having a low coefficient of
friction.
16. The luggage slider according to claim 15, wherein the lower
surface of the skid is disposed between the underside of the
article of wheeled luggage and the peripheries of the wheels
therebelow.
17. The luggage slider according to claim 15, further comprising a
pivot adapted for permanent installation to the article of wheeled
luggage, the skid being pivotally disposed about the pivot.
18. The luggage slider according to claim 15, wherein the skid is
selected from the group consisting of flat plates and rigid
bars.
19. The luggage slider according to claim 15, wherein the skid is
adapted for removable installation to the article of wheeled
luggage.
20. The luggage slider according to claim 15, further comprising an
article of wheeled luggage in combination therewith.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for
moving objects, and particularly to luggage sliders that may be
removably or permanently installed upon luggage or the like to
facilitate movement of the luggage up a flight of stairs or other
stepped incline.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Suitcases, trunks, and similar luggage and baggage have been
known for quite some time. Most such luggage is sized for
reasonably convenient carriage by hand, but in many instances the
task of carrying such luggage by hand can be tiring over an
extended period of time. Accordingly, wheels were attached to such
articles of luggage to facilitate their transport. The user of the
luggage need only pull the luggage behind them as it rolls on its
wheels.
[0005] By their nature, the wheels of such wheeled luggage protrude
below the luggage, at least to some degree, in order to preclude
dragging some fixed part of the luggage across the underlying
surface, This generally works acceptably well on reasonably level
surfaces, but the protruding wheels are an impedance when such
luggage is dragged up or over a stepped inclined surface, as in
transporting the luggage up a flight of stairs. Attempting to drag
such wheeled luggage up a stepped incline, such as a flight of
stairs, generally results in the protruding wheels catching upon
the nose of each stair tread and greatly interferes with the
transport of the luggage. Unless some other means is provided to
facilitate the transport of the luggage up the stairs, the person
transporting the luggage must resort to lifting the luggage and
carrying it up the stairs,
[0006] Thus, luggage sliders solving the aforementioned problems
are desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The luggage sliders include a number of different
embodiments, each adapted to facilitate the movement of an article
of luggage, particularly wheeled luggage, up a stepped incline,
such as a flight of stairs or the like. Some of the sliders are
pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically
extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to
one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of
the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped
about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached
about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for
operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the
wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others
are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage, and
telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use. Some
embodiments are formed of one or more flat, rigid sheets or planks
of material, while other embodiments are formed of rigid rods of
metal or other suitable material. All embodiments are preferably
formed with a lower surface (i.e., the surface that comes into
contact with the underlying surface over which the luggage is
moved) having a relatively low coefficient of friction. Those
embodiments that articulate or otherwise movably deploy may be
actuated by a pedal or the like disposed upon the luggage.
[0008] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon further review of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic environmental right side elevation
view of a first embodiment of a luggage slider according to the
present invention adapted for a two-wheeled roll-around suitcase or
the like, illustrating its configuration and function.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic environmental right side elevation
view of a second embodiment of a luggage slider according to the
present invention, adapted for a four-wheeled cart or the like,
illustrating its configuration and function.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic right side elevation view of a
third embodiment of a luggage slider according to the present
invention, wherein the slider pivotally folds against the forward
or lower surface of the luggage for storage.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic right side elevation view of a
fourth embodiment of a luggage slider according to the present
invention, wherein the slider pivotally folds against the bottom or
rear surface of the luggage for storage.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic right side elevation view in
section of a fifth embodiment of a luggage slider according to the
present invention, wherein the slider is extensibly retractable in
a receptacle of the forward or lower surface of the luggage.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a sixth
embodiment of a luggage slider according to the present invention,
wherein the luggage includes two relatively narrow and parallel
extensibly retractable sliders.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a seventh
embodiment of a luggage slider according to the present invention,
wherein the slider is pivotally disposed upon the lower forward
edge of the luggage.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic bottom plan view of an eighth
embodiment of a luggage slider according to the present invention,
wherein the slider is disposed beneath a four wheeled cart or the
like and has mutually opposed, extensibly retractable forward and
rearward extensions.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a ninth embodiment of
a luggage slider according to the present invention, wherein the
slider is removably installable upon the bottom of a trunk or
similar object.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a tenth embodiment of a
luggage slider according to the present invention, wherein two
sliders are pivotally and telescopically disposed upon the bottom
of the luggage.
[0019] FIG. 11 is bottom plan view of an eleventh embodiment of a
luggage slider according to the present invention, wherein two
mutually opposed sliders comprising rigid U-shaped bars are
retractably extendible from the bottom of a cart or the like.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic environmental right side elevation
view of a twelfth embodiment of a luggage slider according to the
present invention, wherein a luggage slider is pivotally disposed
about the axle of a wheeled suitcase or the like for deployment
over each wheel.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of
a luggage slider according to the present invention, wherein a
slider is removably securable to each wheel of a wheeled suitcase
or the like.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic right side elevation view of a
fourteenth embodiment of a luggage slider according to the present
invention, wherein a slider is pivotally attached to the bottom or
forward surface of the wheeled luggage for selective extension
below the plane of the wheels.
[0023] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The luggage sliders include a number of different
embodiments, all facilitating the movement of an article of wheeled
luggage or the like up a flight of stairs or other stepped incline.
Each embodiment includes at least one slider surface disposed
beneath the wheels, with the lower peripheries of the wheels
protruding only slightly below the underside of the slider. In this
manner, the luggage is supported by the slider as it is pulled up
the incline, with the interference of the wheels as they contact
the noses or edges of the treads being minimized by their very
slight protrusion below the lower surface of the slider.
[0025] FIG. 1 of the drawings provides a right side elevation view
of a first embodiment 100 of the luggage slider, wherein the slider
comprises a flat skid or plate 102 affixed to the underside U1 of
an article of wheeled luggage L1 adjacent to the two wheels W.
While only a single wheel W is illustrated in the right side view
of FIG. 1, it will be understood that an identical left wheel is
provided directly behind the illustrated right wheel in FIG. 1. The
peripheries P of the two wheels W extend below the underside U1 of
the luggage L1, with the lower surface 104 of the slider or skid
102 disposed between the underside U1 of the luggage L1 and the
lowermost peripheries P of the two wheels W. The peripheries P of
the wheels W extend only slightly beyond or below the lower surface
104 of the slider or skid 102, such that the discontinuity
presented by the protrusion of the wheel peripheries P below the
lower surface 104 of the slider 102 is minimized. The lower surface
104 of the slider or skid 102 preferably has a low coefficient of
friction, e.g., a smooth polished metal or plastic surface etc. The
forward end 106 of the skid 102 is faired to avoid catching upon
the noses of the stair treads, while the opposite rearward end 108
of the slider or skid 102 is curved upwardly to smooth the
transition over each step.
[0026] FIG. 2 provides a right side elevation view of a second
embodiment 200 of the luggage sliders in combination with an
article of luggage L2. In the embodiment 200 of FIG. 2, luggage L2
comprises a wheeled cart having forward and rearward pairs of
wheels W, with the peripheries P of the wheels W extending slightly
below the underside U2 of the cart. The luggage or cart L2 is
provided with a luggage slider or skid 202 comprising a flat plate
having a smooth lower surface 204 with a low coefficient of
friction, as in the case of the luggage slider embodiment 100 of
FIG. 1. The luggage skid 202 has a forward end 206 that extends
beyond the forward end of the luggage or cart L2, with an opposite
rearward end 208 that extends beyond the rearward end of the
luggage or cart L2. Each of the ends 206 and 208 is curved upwardly
to smooth the transition over each step.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of a third embodiment
300 of the luggage slider in combination with an article of wheeled
luggage L3, with the slider or skid 302 comprising a flat plate
that is hinged or pivoted to the article of luggage L3 adjacent the
wheel axle A thereof. The lower surface 304 comprises a smooth, low
coefficient of friction surface that faces outward or downward to
contact an underlying surface when deployed as shown in solid lines
in FIG. 3. The forward end articulates from the underside U3 of the
luggage L3, generally as indicated by the arcuate arrow in FIG. 3.
The opposite rearward end is pivotally or hingedly attached to the
luggage L3 adjacent the axle A of the wheels W using a conventional
hinge, pivot rod, etc. A latch mechanism may be employed to hold
the pivoting slider or skid 302 in its deployed position as shown
in solid lines, or in its retracted position as shown in broken
lines. The mechanism may be actuated by an actuator pedal 310
disposed near the lower end or bottom B3 of the luggage L3.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a right side elevation view of a luggage
slider embodiment 400 similar to the embodiment 300 of FIG. 3, in
combination with an article of wheeled luggage L4. The slider or
skid 402 of FIG. 4 is configured similarly to the slider or skid
302 of FIG. 3, having a low coefficient of friction lower surface
404 with a forward end 406 and an opposite rearward end 408 that is
pivoted or hinged to the luggage L4 adjacent the axle A thereof.
However, rather than folding against the underside U4 of the
luggage L4, the hinge or pivot is disposed to the edge of the lower
surface 404 of the slider or skid 402 such that the slider or skid
402 pivots in the opposite direction to fold against the bottom B4
of the wheeled luggage L4. A mechanism may be provided to deploy
and fold the slider or skid 402, with the mechanism actuated by an
actuator pedal 410 disposed near the lower end or bottom B4 of the
luggage 14.
[0029] FIG. 5 provides a right side elevation view of a fifth
embodiment 500 of the luggage slider in combination with an article
of wheeled luggage L5, wherein the slider or skid 502 is
selectively extendible and retractable from the luggage L5. The
luggage L5 is shown in section, to illustrate the operation of the
slider or skid 502. The skid or slider 502 has a similar
configuration to those skid or slider embodiments described further
above, i.e., a low friction lower surface 504, forward end 506, and
opposite rearward end 508, with the wheels W of the luggage L5
protruding slightly below the lower surface 504 of the skid 502
even when the skid is deployed. The rearward end 508 may be
smoothly rounded to facilitate passage over the underlying surface.
Rather than being immovably affixed to the luggage L5, the skid 502
is selectively deployable from and retractable into a receptacle
512 permanently built into the underside U5 of the luggage L5. A
mechanism may be provided to extend and retract the skid or slider
502, the mechanism being operated by an actuator pedal 510.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of another luggage
slider and luggage combination embodiment, designated as slider or
skid 602 and luggage L6. There are actually two laterally spaced
skids 602 installed upon the underside U6 (shown as the facing side
of the upright luggage L6, in FIG. 6) of the luggage L6. Each of
the skids 602 includes a lower (forward facing, in FIG. 6) surface
604, a forward (or upper) end 606, and an opposite rearward (or
lower) end 608. The two skids 602 selectively extend from and
retract into a pair of corresponding receptacles 612 permanently
built into the underside U6 of the luggage L6, much in the manner
of the single flat plate skid 502 of FIG. 5. The two skids 602 are
shown in their retracted state in solid lines in FIG. 6, with their
lowermost extensions being slightly above the lowermost peripheries
of the two wheels W. When the two skids 602 are extended, as shown
in broken lines in FIG. 6, they extend slightly below or beyond the
peripheries of the two wheels W to provide sliding surfaces for
pulling the luggage L6 over an uneven surface or flight of stairs.
Rather than being configured as flat plates, the two skids 602 may
comprise rigid bars of metal or other suitable material. Extension
and retraction is controlled by an actuator pedal 610 disposed near
the bottom of the luggage L6.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of an article of
wheeled luggage L7 having another embodiment 700 of the luggage
slider in combination therewith, designated as luggage slider or
skid 702. The luggage skid 702 is attached externally near the
lowermost edge of the underside U7 of the luggage L7 by a pivot
712. The luggage skid 702 includes a smooth lower surface 704
having a low coefficient of friction, with the skid 702 having a
forward end 706 (to the right in the orientation of FIG. 7, when
the skid is pivoted to its storage position as shown in broken
lines) and an opposite rearward end 708 (to the left in FIG. 7, in
broken lines). An actuator pedal 710 extends from some convenient
location on the luggage L7, for the selective pivotal deployment of
the skid 702 to its operational position, as shown in solid lines,
or to its storage position between the wheels W, as shown in broken
lines in FIG. 7.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the underside U8 of an
article of luggage L8 with an eighth luggage slider embodiment 800
in combination therewith, wherein the luggage comprises cart having
four wheels W. In this embodiment, a generally central receptacle
812 is provided along the underside U8 of the luggage L8 or cart,
with the receptacle having mutually opposed first and second ends
804a and 804b. The ends 804a and 804b may be oriented to the front
or to the rear of the direction of travel of the luggage or cart
L8, depending upon its direction of travel. First and second skids
802a and 802b telescopically extend from the respective ends 804a
and 804b of the receptacle 812, with their extensions shown in
solid lines in FIG. 8. The skids 802a and 802b may comprise flat
plates, but extend on arms 808 formed of rigid bars. Extension and
retraction may be by means of a mechanism operated by an actuation
pedal (not shown in FIG. 8), similar to other embodiments
illustrated in previously described Figs.
[0033] FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a ninth embodiment 900
having a skid 902 removably attached to the underside U9 of an
article of luggage L9, e.g., a box, chest, carton, etc. The skid
902 is oriented much like the skid 802 of the embodiment 800 of
FIG. 8, in that it has mutually opposed first and second ends 904a
and 904b. The ends 904a and 904b may be oriented to the front or to
the rear of the direction of travel of the luggage or cart L9,
depending upon its direction of travel. While the skid 902
generally comprises a flat plate, the two ends 904a and 904b may be
curved upward to reduce the chances of the ends catching upon some
obstruction. First and second clamps, respectively 906a and 906b,
secure the skid 902 to corresponding brackets 908a and 908b that
attach removably to the corners of the underside U9 of the luggage
L9. The brackets 908a and 908b are secured to the luggage L9 by
means of first and second elastic cords 910a and 910b.
[0034] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a tenth luggage slider
embodiment 1000 in combination with an article of wheeled luggage
L10. FIG. 10 provides a bottom plan view of the bottom B 10 of an
article of wheeled luggage L 10 having wheels W, with first and
second sliders or skids 1002a and 1002b mounted to the bottom B10
of the luggage L10. Each of the skids telescopically extends and
retracts from respective sleeves 1004a and 1004b, with the two
sleeves being pivotally attached to pivots 1006a and 1006b attached
to the bottom B10 of the luggage L10. The deployed or extended
positions of the skids 1002a and 1002b and their sleeves 1004a and
1004b are shown in solid lines in FIG. 10, with their stowed
positions being shown in broken lines.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of an eleventh embodiment 1100
of the luggage sliders, with the embodiment 1100 being in
combination with a four wheeled article of luggage or cart L11. The
luggage sliders or skids 1102a and 1102b extend from opposite ends
of the bottom B11 of the luggage cart L 11, respectively comprising
squared-off, generally U-shaped rigid bars. The captured ends 1104a
and 1104b of the skid bars 1102a and 1102b telescope in and out of
respective sleeves or receptacles 1112a and 1112b that are
permanently affixed to the bottom B 11 of the luggage cart L11. The
skid bars 1102a, 1102b are shown in their extended, operable
positions in solid lines and in their stowed or retracted positions
in broken lines in FIG. 11.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a twelfth embodiment
1200 of the luggage sliders, with an article of wheeled luggage L12
having a pair rotary mounted sliders or skids 1202 in combination
therewith. While only a single skid 1202 is shown in the right side
elevation view of FIG. 12, it will be seen that another identical
skid 1202 will be installed on the opposite left side of the
luggage L12, out of view in FIG. 12, The skid 1202 has an arcuate
shape with turned-up ends, with its midpoint 1204 attached to a
strut 1212 that is in turn pivotally attached to the axle A that
supports the wheels W of the wheeled luggage L12. The wheel W is
free to rotate independently of the skid 1202 and its strut 1212.
Thus, the strut 1212 and its attached skid 1202 are free to pivot
to a deployed position below the wheels W, as shown in solid lines
in FIG. 12 to negotiate a flight of stairs or the like, or to a
stowed position above the wheels W for conveyance of the luggage
L12 on its wheels W on a relatively flat surface.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment
1300 of the luggage sliders, illustrating a pair of skids 1302a and
1302b that removably attach to the wheels W of the luggage L13.
Each of the skids 1302a, 1302b is curved, with an upturned forward
end (the forward end 1306a of the first skid 1302a is visible in
FIG. 13) and an opposite upturned rearward end 1308a, 1308b. A
wheel attachment band, respectively 1310a and 1310b, extends
upwardly from the center of each of the skids. The wheel attachment
bands fit snugly about the respective wheels W and remain attached
thereto for pulling the luggage L13 up a stepped inclined surface
or other uneven surface. The wheel attachment bands may comprise
elastic bands or may have some mechanical adjustment to allow them
to selectively grip their respective wheels as desired and to
provide for their removal when not needed.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a right side elevation view illustrating a
fourteenth embodiment 1400 of the luggage sliders, comprising an
article of wheeled luggage L14 having a pair rotary mounted sliders
or skids 1402 in combination therewith. While only a single skid
1402 is shown in the right side elevation view of FIG. 14, it will
be seen that another identical skid 1402 will be installed on the
opposite left side of the luggage L14, out of view in FIG. 14. The
skid 1402 has an arcuate shape with a first or forward end 1404
attached to the luggage L14 by a pivot 1410 and an opposite
rearward end 1406. A telescoping extension and retraction strut
1412 is disposed between the rearward end 1406 (or rearward end
portion) of the skid 1402, and the axle A that supports the wheels
W of the wheeled luggage L14. When the strut 1412 is extended, it
lowers the rearward portion 1408 of the skid 1402 below the lower
periphery of the wheel W (shown in broken lines), thus lifting the
wheel W clear of the underlying surface to allow the skid 1402 to
bear against the underlying surface. When the strut 1412 is
retracted, the rearward portion 1408 of the skid 1402 is raised
above the lower periphery of the wheel W, allowing the luggage L14
to be rolled upon its wheels for conveyance.
[0039] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *