U.S. patent application number 14/607378 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for retractable luggage wheel system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Leimenstoll. Invention is credited to Robert Leimenstoll.
Application Number | 20150208774 14/607378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53677843 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150208774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leimenstoll; Robert |
July 30, 2015 |
Retractable Luggage Wheel System
Abstract
A retractable wheel system for luggage. The retractable wheel
system includes a luggage body with a base portion, a top portion
and a plurality of sides, which define a packing compartment. At
least two wheels are pivotably mounted to the base portion of the
luggage body. An actuator is coupled to the housing, the actuator
retracts or extends a cable wire. The cable wire extends from the
actuator to the retractable wheels. The cable wire is guided to a
rotary wheel by a pair of cable track wheels. The cable track
wheels guide the cable wire along the rotary wheel from the
actuator to the wheels. A recoil spring is connected to the
actuator, the recoil spring contracts the cable wire and retracts
the wheels. Further, a plurality of pockets are disposed at the
base portion to house the wheels when the wheels are retracted.
Inventors: |
Leimenstoll; Robert;
(Woodstock, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leimenstoll; Robert |
Woodstock |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53677843 |
Appl. No.: |
14/607378 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61932333 |
Jan 28, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/146 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20060101
A45C005/14 |
Claims
1. A retractable wheel system for luggage, comprising; a luggage
body, the luggage body comprising a base portion, a top portion a
plurality of sides, and a packing compartment; at least two wheels
spaced apart at the base portion of the luggage body, wherein the
wheels are pivotably mounted to the base portion of the luggage
body; an actuator coupled to the luggage body, wherein actuation
causes the wheels to transition between an extended and a retracted
position; a cable wire extending from the actuator to the wheels at
the base portion of the luggage body, wherein the cable wire is
manipulated by a movement of the actuator; a rotary wheel
operatively connected to the wheels via the cable wire, wherein a
pair of cable track wheels guide the cable wire along the rotary
wheel from the actuator to the wheels; a recoil spring operatively
connected to the actuator and the wheels by the cable wire, wherein
the recoil spring contracts the cable wire and retracts the wheels
when the actuator is disengaged; and a plurality of pockets at the
base portion of the luggage body, the pockets housing the wheels
when the recoil spring retracts the wheels.
2. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein a pair of cable
track wheels are provided for each wheel removably attached to the
luggage body.
3. The retractable wheel system of claim 2, wherein the pair of
cable track wheels guide the cable wire from a bottom of the
actuator to the rotary wheel at a perimeter of the luggage
body.
4. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the actuator
comprises a handle at the top portion of the luggage body.
5. The retractable wheel system of claim 4, wherein movement of the
handle retracts or extends the wheels into an operational
position.
6. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the rotary
wheel comprises: a rotating wheel; and fixed bearings.
7. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the luggage
body further comprises a molded plastic base plate at the base
portion of the luggage body.
8. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the recoil
springs rewind the cable wire as the actuator is retracted.
9. The retractable wheel system of claim 8, wherein the wheels move
into an inoperative position when the recoil springs rewind the
cable wire.
10. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, further comprising a
fixing lug in the pockets at the base portion of the luggage body,
the fixing lug configured to lock the retracted wheels in the
pockets.
11. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the wheels
comprise: a fixed upper portion, wherein the fixed upper portion
comprises a tongue along a length of the fixed upper portion; a
wheel attachment point on a upper portion of the fixed upper
portion; and a shaft below the fixed upper portion, wherein the
wheel is removably mounted on a distal end of the shaft.
12. The retractable wheel system of claim 11, wherein the tongue
engages an inner axial groove on the wheel attachment point.
13. The retractable wheel system of claim 11, wherein the shaft has
a lead screw configuration to engage the cable wire such that
rotational motion of the cable wire is converted into linear motion
through the screw.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/932,333 filed on Jan. 28, 2014. The above
identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to a wheel system for
luggage. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
retractable wheel system for luggage that protects the wheels when
not in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a great number of suitcase and luggage case
products of different sizes and shapes presently available. They
are used primarily for transporting clothing and other personal
items during travel. Many of these luggage cases are outfitted with
wheels at the base of the luggage carrying case for efficient
transport. The luggage wheels enable a traveler to move the luggage
more easily because he or she can roll the luggage rather than
carry the luggage. Conventionally, the luggage wheels extend out
from the surface of the luggage and cannot be retracted. Because
the wheels cannot be retracted, the luggage requires more space for
storage than would be required if the luggage did not have wheels.
In the case of carry-on luggage, the extra space required due to
the un-retractable wheels may necessitate that the luggage be
checked onto cargo deck of the plane rather than fitting into the
more convenient overhead bins in the cabin of the plane. Checking
luggage onto the plane creates additional hassles for the traveler
and requires additional time, as well as additional fees. Another
problem with the conventional luggage wheels is that they may break
more easily because they do not retract.
[0004] Because the luggage wheels in a carrying case are extended
even when not in use, luggage wheels are often prone to damage,
especially when frequently used. Rather than replace the luggage
entirely, many individuals simply use the damaged luggage, which
can be difficult and frustrating. Additionally, when not in use,
the wheels can be inconvenient and can take up precious cargo
space. They can also snag vehicle interiors or closet walls,
causing damage to the luggage body and other surfaces.
[0005] Devices are known in the prior art that relate to luggage
wheel assemblies. Some of these devices provide a luggage case with
retractable wheels, whereby a retractable handle and retractable
wheels are linked so that the extension of the handle cause the
extension of the wheels. Other known devices comprise wheels that
are retractable within the body of the luggage when actuated by a
handle. These prior art devices, however, fail to provide a luggage
wheel retraction system that includes recoil springs and cables,
whereby the raising and lowering of a luggage handle facilitates a
likewise movement of the luggage wheels. Additionally, the prior
art devices do not allow four wheels of a luggage case to be
extended and retracted simultaneously, or allow for the wheels to
freely pivot in any direction allowing the luggage to move in any
desired direction.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a luggage case,
regardless of size, with a retractable handle and retractable
wheels which is sturdy and of relatively simple construction.
Further, it would be advantageous if the case has a construction
which permits easy access to the clothes or other items packed into
the case while still providing efficiency of storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of luggage wheel systems now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a retractable luggage wheel system
wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the
user when traveling.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved retractable wheel system for luggage
that moves the wheels in and out of their operative position that
has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the
disadvantages.
[0009] Accordingly, one example of the present invention is a
retractable wheel system for luggage. The retractable wheel system
for luggage comprises a luggage body, at least two wheels at the
base portion of the luggage body, an actuator, a cable wire, a
rotary wheel, a pair of cable track wheels guiding the cable wire
along the rotary wheel, a recoil spring, and pockets at the base
portion of the luggage body to house the retracted wheels.
[0010] In another example embodiment of the present invention, the
luggage body may include a base portion, a top portion and a
plurality of sides that define a packing compartment. The luggage
body may further comprise at least two wheels spaced apart at the
base portion of the luggage body. The wheels are pivotably mounted
to the base portion of the luggage body. The retractable wheel
system may further include an actuator coupled to the housing. The
actuator may be configured to retract or extend a cable wire
according to a force applied by a user. The cable wire may extend
from the actuator to the wheels at the base portion of the luggage
body. The cable wire is manipulated by a movement of the actuator.
The retractable wheel system may further comprise a rotary wheel
coupled to the luggage body. The cable wire is guided to the rotary
wheel by a pair of cable track wheels and the cable track wheels
guide the cable wire along the rotary wheel from the actuator to
the wheels. The retractable wheel system may further comprise a
recoil spring coupled to the actuator. The recoil spring contracts
the cable wire and retracts the wheels when the actuator is
engaged. Further, a plurality of pockets may be located at the base
portion of the luggage body. The pockets house the wheels when the
recoil spring retracts the wheels.
[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a luggage
with wheels which, when not in use as wheeled transport, may be
hidden away within the baggage, and which may quickly and easily be
moved in and out of their operative positions. A further object of
the invention is to provide the baggage with a mechanism for
extending and retracting the transport means in and out of their
operative position, which is relatively simple in design and cheap
in construction.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
retractable wheel system design that is easy to repair and
decreases the likelihood that the wheels are damages when not in
use.
[0013] A still further object of the invention is to provide a
construction of the retractable wheel system that allows steering
during wheeled transport.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
means of steering during wheeled transport and as a carrying means
when the wheels are in an inoperative position within the luggage
body.
[0015] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a cutaway view of the retractable wheel system
according to one embodiment of the present invention with a callout
showing the same.
[0018] FIG. 2A shows a cutaway view of the retractable luggage
wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention in an
extended position.
[0019] FIG. 2B shows a cutaway view of the retractable luggage
wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention in a
retracted position.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the retractable wheel
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows the rotary wheel along the central axis
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows an overhead view of the retractable luggage
wheel system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the retractable wheels system for luggage.
For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the
present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as
used for extending and retracting the wheels when the wheels are in
their inoperative and operative positions. The figures are intended
for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be
limiting in any respect.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cutaway view of
the retractable wheel system for luggage according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The retractable wheel system
may include a luggage body 102, at least two wheels 112 disposed at
the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102, an actuator 114, a
cable wire 116, a rotary wheel 118, a pair of cable track wheels
120 guiding the cable wire 116 along the rotary wheel 118, a recoil
spring 122, and pockets 124 at the base portion 104 of the luggage
body 102 to house the retracted wheels 112.
[0025] The luggage body 102 may further include a base portion 104,
a top portion 106 and a plurality of sides 108. The base portion
104, top portion 106 and plurality of sides 108 define a packing
compartment 110. The luggage body 102 may further comprise a molded
plastic base plate 132 at the base portion 104 of the luggage body
102. The molded plastic base plate 132 have pockets to receive
retracted wheels 112. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the largest
dimension of the generally rectangular configuration is positioned
vertically so that the luggage case is generally supported on its
end rather than on its back portion.
[0026] The wheels 112 are preferably spaced apart at the base
portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The wheels 112 are pivotably
mounted to the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The
recesses in the base portion 104 form a plurality of pockets 124 at
the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The pockets 124 house
the wheels 112 when the recoil spring 122 retracts the wheels 112.
The luggage body should provide a pocket 124 for each wheel 112
pivotably mounted to the base portion 104. The pockets 124 are
recessed spaces in the luggage body 102 configured to house the
wheels 112 when the cable wire 116 is retracted.
[0027] An actuator 114 is coupled to the luggage body 102. Movement
of the actuator 114 causes movement of the wheels 112 into and out
of operational position. For example, when the actuator 114 is
engaged, the wheels 112 are in an operational, extended position.
When the actuator 114 is disengaged, the wheels 112 are in an
inoperative position and remain in the pockets 124 at the base
portion 104 of the luggage body 102. In a preferred embodiment, the
actuator 114 is a handle that is operatively connected to the
recoil spring 122 and the wheels 112 by a cable wire 116.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a
retractable luggage wheel 200 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The retractable wheel 200 may include a fixed
upper portion 202, a wheel attachment point 204, a shaft 206, and a
wheel 208. The fixed upper portion 202 includes a tongue 210 along
the length of the fixed upper portion 202. The tongue 210 engages
an inner axial groove 212 on the wheel attachment point 204. The
wheel attachment point 204 is disposed on the upper portion of the
fixed upper portion 202. The shaft 206 is located below the fixed
upper portion 202. The wheel 208 is removably mounted on a distal
end of the shaft 206. The shaft 206 has a lead screw configuration
to engage the cable wire such that rotational motion of the cable
wire is converted into linear motion through the screw. The linear
motion of the screw causes the wheel 208 to extend or retract
according to the motion of the actuator. The retractable wheel may
further include a fixing lug configured to lock the retracted
wheels 208 in the pockets.
[0029] The fixed inner shaft has a tongue along the axial length.
The tongue engages into the wheel attachment point, or shaft, which
has an outer diameter screw configuration. This shaft engages into
the inner diameter screw on the wheel pulley. The wheel shaft is
fixed to the fixed inner shaft when the pulley rotates the wheel
shaft mover in or out. Rotational motion is converted to linear
motion through the system, allowing the wheel to be retracted.
[0030] In another example embodiment, the retractable wheel system
may include a top portion with a fixed groove and a middle portion
with a lead screw configuration. The fixed groove at the top
portion of the wheel system allows easy assembly to the luggage
body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base portion
further comprises a fixing lug in the pockets at the base portion
of the luggage body. The fixing lug is configured to lock the
retracted wheels in the pockets and prevent the wheels from moving
or spinning.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of the
cable track wheel and the luggage wheel of the present invention. A
cable wire 116 extends from the actuator 114 to the wheels 112 at
the base portion 104 of the luggage body. The cable wire 116 is
manipulated by a movement of the actuator 114. The cable wire 116
is configured to follow a path from the actuator 114, to a pair of
cable track wheels 120, to a rotary wheel 118 near the base portion
104 of the luggage body 102. The rotary wheel 118 is operatively
connected to the wheels 112 by the cable wire 116. The pair of
cable track wheels 120 guide the cable wire 116 along the rotary
wheel 118 from the actuator 114 to the wheels 112.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown the rotary wheel 118
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The rotary
wheel 118 may include a rotating wheel 128 and fixed bearings 130
within the rotating wheel 128. The cable wire is guided to the
rotary wheels 118 by a pair of cable track wheels. The rotary
wheels 118 facilitate movement of the wheels into their operative
and inoperative positions. As the cable track wheel is moved in a
forward or reverse direction, via actuation of the handle, the
luggage wheels are retracted or extended into position within a
storage pocket.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows an overheard view of the rotary wheel 118 and
recoil spring 122 system according to one embodiment of the present
invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention,
the retractable luggage wheel system may further comprise a recoil
spring 122 operatively connected to the actuator 114 and the wheels
112 by the cable wire 116. The recoil spring 122 contracts the
cable wire 116 and retracts the wheels 112 when the actuator is
disengaged. The raising and lowering of an actuation device
facilitates a likewise movement in the recoil spring 122. The
recoil spring 122 is operatively connected to the wheels 112,
whereby the recoil springs facilitate the rewinding of the cable
wire 116 as an actuator 114, such as a handle, is returned to a
retracted position. This movement results in the wheels 112 moving
to an inoperative position within a pocket in the base portion of
the luggage body. In another example embodiment, the recoil spring
122 may contract the cable wire 116 causing the cable track wheels
120 to move in a reverse direction and retract the wheels into a
pocket.
[0034] The extension and retraction of the luggage handle uses a
cable connected to series of pulleys to convert the linear motion
(of the handle) into rotary motion. The rotary motion of the
pulleys is then converted back into linear motion (raising and
lowering the wheels) through a screw/thread design. When the handle
is retracted the cable rewinds through using a recoil spring
raising the wheels into the bottom portion of the luggage body.
When the handle is locked down the wheels are held in their
recessed position. When the handle is fully extended and in the
locked position, the wheels are also locked in the fully extended
position by way of the handle lock and attached cable/pulley
arrangement.
[0035] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0036] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *