Wheeled luggage and associated devices

[0002] The present invention claims priority from provisional application No. 60/076,705 filed on Apr. 3, 1998.

[0003] The inventions disclosed herein concern improvements in wheeled luggage and associated devices. Conventionally, wheeled luggage includes one or more wheels integral with the frame of the luggage. A retractable or foldable handle is provided to allow the luggage to be pushed or pulled along the ground. This alleviates the need for the user to carry and thus support the entire weight of the luggage.

[0004] In order to provide further stability and support to the luggage, a retractable panel has been provided which includes an extra wheel or two. The retractable panel is automatically deployed by pulling up on the handle. The extra wheels can be casters in order to increase the maneuverability of the luggage. Examples of such items are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,519,919 and 5,568,848.

[0005] One major disadvantage of the devices disclosed in the above two mentioned patents is that the retractable panel including the extra wheel or wheels is automatically deployed upon pulling up of the handle. Thus, even when the extra stability and support of the extra wheel(s) is not needed, the retractable panel is deployed. There is no way to use the luggage with the handle in an extended state while at the same time not deploying the retractable panel.

[0006] What is needed, therefore, are improvements in wheeled luggage which overcome the above noted disadvantages of the prior art as well as other improvements in the detent systems for the handle, the caster disposed on the retractable panel and pushbutton mechanisms.

[0007] The luggage article of the invention satisfies the above-mentioned needs as well as others. The luggage article includes a storage compartment and first rolling means projecting from the storage compartment. A wheeled panel mechanism is provided which includes a pivotably mounted panel, the panel having second rolling means. Operatively associated with the wheeled panel mechanism is a handle which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The luggage article finally includes means for selective deployment or nondeployment of the second rolling means when the handle is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. In this way, the user has a choice to use or not use the second rolling means even when the handle is in an extended position.

[0008] An improved detent means and improved caster system for the second rolling means are also disclosed. A wheeled panel mechanism itself for use not only with luggage but also other articles, such as carts, dollies and baby carriages is also provided. An improved pushbutton device is also disclosed.

[0009] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage article, partially cutaway, showing the wheeled panel mechanism of the invention with the handle in a retracted position and the wheeled panel mechanism in a nondeployed position.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a luggage article, partially cutaway, showing the handle in an extended position and the wheeled panel mechanism in a nondeployed position.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a luggage article, partially cutaway, showing the handle in an extended position and the wheeled panel mechanism in a deployed position.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the wheeled panel mechanism.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the handle means.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partially cutaway, of the handle means in the extended position.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 only showing when the pushbutton is pushed and the detent is moved.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 only showing the handle being pushed down towards the retracted position.

[0018] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the pushbutton.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wheeled panel mechanism by itself in its deployed state.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 only showing the wheeled panel mechanism being partially closed.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIGS. 9 and 10 only showing the wheeled panel mechanism being fully closed.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12—12 of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13—13 of FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15—15 of FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing the caster of the invention in a storage position.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a caster of the invention bearing on a surface.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the caster with its wheel lifted off of the ground.

[0029] Referring more particular to FIGS. 1-3, the basic concept of one of the inventions disclosed herein will be discussed. A luggage article 20 is shown. The luggage article 20 includes, in this embodiment, a unitary frame or gusset 22 made of plastic. A fabric covering (not shown) can be used to create the storage compartment 24 for the luggage article 20. It will be appreciated that the invention herein can also be used with so-called “hard-sided” luggage, in addition to the soft-sided (or gussetted) luggage shown. Broadly, the luggage article 20 includes handle means 26 which includes a pair of spaced apart male tubing members 28 and 30 which are joined together at the top by a gripping portion 32. The male tubing members 28 and 30 engage into female tubes 40 and 42. It will be appreciated that the male tubing members 28 and 30 and the gripping portion 32 can be moved from a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 1 to an extended portion as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows the luggage article 20 with the handle means 26 in an extended position. In this position, the luggage article 20 can be rolled along a surface by means of first rolling means shown here as a pair of spaced apart wheels 44 and 46. The design and positioning of these wheels are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the luggage article 20 is also shown with the handle means 26 extended. A wheeled panel mechanism 50, which will be discussed in much greater detail below, is provided which includes second rolling means, in this case unique and novel casters 52 and 54, mounted by means of a caster support bar 55 to a pivotably mounted panel 56 of the wheeled panel mechanism 50 (see FIG. 3). The wheeled panel mechanism 50 provides greater support for the luggage article 20 and allows the luggage article 20 to be more easily pushed by the user.

[0032] In accordance with the invention, the luggage article 20 includes means for selective deployment or nondeployment of the second rolling means 52, 54 of the luggage article when the handle means 26 is moved from the retracted position (FIG. 1) to the extended position (FIGS. 2 and 3). The advantage of the luggage article 20 of the invention is that, in contrast to prior art luggage articles, the user has a choice of whether or not to deploy the wheeled panel mechanism 50 when the handle means 26 is extended. Thus, for example, when the user only needs to use the first rolling means 44, 46, such as when the load is light or when it is desired to move the luggage article 20 in close quarters, the wheeled panel mechanism 50 does not have to be deployed when the handle means 26 is extended. Conversely, when the wheeled panel mechanism 50 is really needed, such as when the load is heavy or when it is desired to stack other items on the luggage article 20, the wheeled panel mechanism 50 can be deployed to create a luggage cart.

[0033] Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 4-15, one embodiment of the invention for accomplishing the broad concept of the invention will be discussed. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention can encompass other means, not shown, for allowing the selective deployment or nondeployment of the second rolling means (casters 52 and 54) which are mounted to the pivotably mounted panel 56.

[0034] Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, with reference generally to FIGS. 1-3, the wheeled panel mechanism 50 is preferably a modular component which can be attached separately to an existing luggage article. A framing member 60 is attached to the female tubing members 40 and 42. The wheeled panel mechanism 50 is then attached to the framing member 60 and secured thereto by fastening means, such as rivets 63, 64, 65 and 66. The construction and operation of the wheeled panel mechanism 50 will be discussed in detail below.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the handle means 26 will be explained in greater detail. The handle means 26 includes the male tubing members 28, 30 which are slidingly engaged in the female tubing members 40, 42. The female tubing members 40, 42 include openings 40a,42aand longitudinal slots 40b,42b.The purpose of the longitudinal slots 40b,42bwill be explained below. The free end of each of the male tubing members 28 and 30 encloses the detent housing 70, 71 which contains the detent 72, 73 of the invention. The detent 72, 73 includes a channel 74, 75 and a rounded opening 76, 77. Cable 78, 79 has one end 78a,79aconnected to the detent 72, 73 as shown in FIG. 5. The other end 78b,79bof the cable 78, 79 is connected to a tab 80, 81 movably mounted to a lower portion 84 of the gripping portion 32. The tab 80, 81 has an engagement opening 80a,81aincluding a sloped pilot surface 80b,81b.A pushbutton 90 is provided that is movably mounted into an opening 92 in upper portion 93 of the gripping portion 32. The pushbutton 90 has a first projection 94 with a sloped pilot surface 94aand a second projection 95 with a sloped pilot surface 95a.The pushbutton 90 is biased upwardly by means of spring 96. Each of the tabs 80, 81 includes a toothed projection portion 98, 99 that is meshingly engaged with a round gear 100 rotatably mounted to the lower portion 84 of the gripping portion 32.

[0036] The detent 72, 73 has the general shape shown in FIG. 5 and includes a top flat section 102, 103; a sloped section 104, 105; a vertical section 106, 107; a bottom flat section 108, 109; a lockdown device engagement section 110, 111; an intermediate horizontal section 112, 113 and an outside vertical section 114, 115. A portion 120, 121 of the detent 72, 73 extends beyond the outer surface 122, 123 of the male tubing members 28, 30.

[0037] Also provided in the female tubing members 40, 42 are lockdown devices 130, 131. These lockdown devices 130, 131 include projections 132, 133 having a detent mechanism engagement portion 134, 135 including a sloped pilot surface 136, 137 which act as detent engaging portions. The lockdown device 130, 131 includes a spring 138, 139. The projection 132, 133 also includes a slider mechanism engagement portion 132a,133a.The operation of the lockdown device 130, 131 will be discussed below in further detail with respect to FIGS. 12-15.

[0038] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 6-8, the operation of the detent 72, 73 vis-a-vis the handle 26 will be explained. In FIG. 6, the handle 26 is shown in its extended position (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In this position, the extension portion. 120, 121 of the detent 72, 73 extends into the openings 40a,42ain the female tubing 40, 42. In this position, it will be appreciated that the male tubing 28, 30 is locked into the female tubing 40, 42. If it is desired to move the handle 26 to a retracted position (FIG. 1), the pushbutton 90 is depressed, thus rotating the detent 72, 73 out of the openings 40a,42 as can be seen in FIG. 7.

[0039] It will be appreciated that when the pushbutton 90 is depressed, the pilot surface 94a,95aof the first and second projections 94 and 95 engage against the sloped pilot surfaces 80b,81bof the tabs 80, 81 thus causing the tabs 80, 81 to move towards each other by means of toothed projection portions 98, 99 meshingly engaging with the round gear 100 (see FIG. 5). This will pull the cables 78, 79 (moving the cables in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7) and thus pivot the detent 72, 73 out of the opening 40a,42aas shown in FIG. 7. This will allow the male tubing 28, 30 to be pushed downwardly into the female tubing 40, 42. Once the detent 72, 73 clears the opening 40a,42a,the pushbutton 90 can be released, and the detent 72, 73 will contact the inner surface 40c,42cof the female tubing 40, 42 as shown in FIG. 8. Due to the design and configuration of the detent 72, 73, the male tubing 28, 30 can slide downwardly in the female tubing 40, 42.

[0040] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an alternate embodiment of the pushbutton mechanism. In this embodiment, a pair of camming means 140, 141 are provided to which the cables 78′ and 79′ are attached. The pushbutton 142 includes two projections 144, 145 which engage against the camming means 140, 141 when pushed down, causing the camming means 140, 141 to rotate about pivot point 146, 147. This in turn will draw the cable 78′, 79′ inward and thus rotate the detent, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8. The pushbutton 142 is biased in the non-engaged position by spring 148.

[0041] The above detent design is a unique invention in and of itself and can be used with any retractable handle for a luggage article, whether having a wheeled panel mechanism or not. In fact, the detent design can be used for any item having an extendable handle, such as a dolly or a baby carriage. However, the detent design is especially advantageous when used in connection with the unique wheeled panel mechanism 50 of the invention, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0042] The wheeled panel mechanism 50 of the invention is shown apart from the luggage article in FIG. 9. As was explained above, the mechanism 50 is a modular component which can be attached separately to an existing luggage article or to any other carrying article such as a dolly, cart or baby carriage. The mechanism 50 is connected to a framing member 60 that is itself attached to the female tubing members 40, 42 as was seen in FIG. 4.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, the wheeled panel mechanism 50 includes a body portion 150, a pivotably mounted panel 56 (shown in phantom for the sake of clarity) including casters 52, 54 mounted to caster bar 55 and linkage means 152 connecting the body portion 150 to the pivotably mounted panel 56. The linkage means 152 consists of a first link 156 and a second link 158. The first link 156 is pivotably mounted to the panel 56 and the second link 158 whereas the second link 158 is pivotably mounted to the body portion 150 and the first link 156. A first spring 160 is disposed at the joining point of the panel 56 and the first link 156 and a second spring 162 is disposed at the joining point of the body portion 150 and the second link 158. The springs will aid in the deployment of the panel 56 as will be explained below. In addition, a roller 166 is provided at the joining point of first link 156 and second link 158.

[0044] The wheeled panel mechanism 50 further includes a slider mechanism 170. The slider mechanism 170 includes a pair of arms 172, 174 that extend away from a central roller 176. The ends of the arms 172, 174 include extension portions 177 and 178, respectively which extended through the slots 40band 42bin female tubing members 40 and 42 (not shown in FIG. 9).

[0045] The body portion 150 includes a pair of spaced apart rollers 180 and 182, with central roller 166 being disposed intermediate thereof. A belt 184 has one end 184aattached to the pivotably mounted panel 56 and a second end 184battached to the body portion 150. Taking it from end 184a,the belt 184 is threaded through an opening 156ain first link 156, over roller 166 and threaded back through an opening 158ain second link 158. From there, the belt 184 is threaded under roller 182, under central roller 176, over roller 180 and then over central roller 176 of the slider mechanism 170. The belt end 184bis then attached to the body portion.

[0046] FIGS. 10 and 11 show how the movement of the slider mechanism pivots the panel 56 so that the wheeled mechanism 50 can be placed in a nondeployed state. As can be seen in FIG. 10, once the slider mechanism 170 is moved downwardly by the detent housing 70, 71 pushing down on the extensions 177, 178 which extend into the female tubing 40, 42 (as will be explained in detail with respect to FIGS. 12-15), the belt 184 is pulled by central roller thus pulling the belt 184 and drawing the first link 156 inward, causing the first link 156 and second link 158 to fold up on each other. Continuing to move the slider mechanism 170 downward will fold up flat the first and second links 156 and 158 so that they will be disposed in the body portion 150 with panel 56 overlying them, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0047] Now that the handle 26 and the wheeled panel mechanism 50 have been explained, the cooperation therebetween in order to achieve one of the objects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 12-15 below. In these cross-sectional views the belt 184 and other parts are not shown in order to increase the clarity of the drawings.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12—12 of FIG. 1, which shows the handle 26 in its retracted position and the wheeled panel mechanism 50 in its nondeployed position. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the extension 177, 178 of the arm 172, 174 of the slider mechanism 170 extends into the hollow female tubing member 40, 42 through slots 40band 42band also engages against, and is locked down to the lockdown device 130, 131 by means of the extension 177, 178 engaging against the slider mechanism engagement portion 132a,133aof the projection 132, 133. The slider mechanism 170 is biased against springs 138, 139 of the lockdown device 130, 131.

[0049] If it is desired to extend the handle means 26 without deploying the wheeled panel mechanism 50 (FIG. 2) the male tubing 28, 30 is merely slid upwardly in the female tubing 40, 42 as is shown in FIG. 13. It will be appreciated that the slider mechanism 170 remains locked down to the lockdown device 130, 131 thus preventing the deployment of the wheeled panel mechanism 50.

[0050] If it is desired to extend the handle means 26 and deploy the wheeled panel mechanism 50 (FIG. 3), the pushbutton 90 is pushed, and the detent 72, 73 is rotated as is shown in FIG. 14. This action will cause the detent 72, 73 to engage against the sloped pilot surface or detent engaging portions 136, 137 of the projection 132, 133 and rotate the projections 132, 133 away from the extension 177, 178, thus unlocking the slider mechanism 170 from the lockdown device 130, 131 and causing it to move upwardly as shown by arrows on FIG. 14. The combination of the springs 138, 139 along with the springs 160, 162 on the linkage means 152 will cause the wheeled panel mechanism to automatically deploy when the slider mechanism 170 is unlocked from the lockdown devices 130, 131 and thus moves upwardly as is shown in FIG. 15.

[0051] When it is desired to retract the handle 26, the male tubing 28, 30 is pushed downwardly which causes the detent housing 70, 71 to engage against the extension 177, 178 of the slider mechanism, thus moving the entire sliding mechanism downwardly until the extension is again locked down onto lockdown device (FIG. 12).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the novel and unique caster of the invention will be discussed. Referring particularly to FIG. 16, a caster 200 is shown associated with a retractable portion 202, such as a retractable panel similar to pivotably mounted panel 56 of the wheeled panel mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 3, for example. The retractable portion 202 is shown partially in section in FIGS. 16-18 in order to illustrate the invention. The caster 200 is shown retracted into a cavity 204 of an item 205, such as wheeled panel mechanism 50, for storage purposes. One of the advantages of the design of the caster 200, which will be explained in detail below, is that the caster 200, when retracted and stored, fits better into the cavity 204.

[0053] The caster 200 consists of a wheel 210, a wheel frame 212 and a swivel 214. The swivel 214 includes a rod 216 including a cross pin 217 extending therefrom into guiding means 218 formed in the retractable portion 202. The wheel frame 212 connects the swivel 214 to the wheel 210 and is pivotably mounted to the swivel 214 by a pair of connectors 220, 222. Wheel 210 includes an axle 223 having each of its ends axially rotatably mounted to the wheel frame 212, as can be seen in FIG. 17. Retractable portion 202 also includes biasing means, in this embodiment a spring 224, having one end secured to the wall 226 of the retractable portion 202 and having another end bearing against the top surface of rod 216. The spring 224 biases the caster into a storage position wherein the cross pin 217 engages into the V-shaped guiding means 218, and so that a gap 228 is formed between the swivel 214 and the bottom surface 202aof the retractable portion 202.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 17, when the retractable portion 202 is moved from the storage position shown in FIG. 16 and the wheel 210 bears against a surface 230, the entire caster 200 is pushed upwardly against the bias of the spring 224, shown by arrow A. This, in turn, allows the cross pin 217 to move out of the V-shaped guiding means 218. Now, the swivel 214 is able to freely rotate about its vertical axis 240 a full 360°. This is advantageous when the caster 200 bears on surface 230 in that the caster 200 can aid movement of the item on which it is disposed (such as a luggage article) in any desired direction. It will also be appreciated that the cross pin 217 prevents the caster 200 from becoming disengaged from the retractable portion 202.

[0055] It will be appreciated that it is desired, once the retractable portion 202 is retracted for storage as shown in FIG. 16, that the caster 200 assume a predetermined position for efficient, space-saving storage. Referring to FIG. 18, once the caster 200 is lifted off of the surface 230, the spring 224 will bias the caster 200 downwardly, as shown by arrow B, thus forcing the rod 216 and cross pin 217 downwardly. This will cause the cross pin 217 to engage against the V-shaped guiding means 218, which will force the cross pin 217 and thus the entire caster 200 to rotate on its vertical axis 240 to the predetermined position as dictated by the construction and arrangement of the guiding means 218 and which is desired based on the design of the item and/or retractable portion to which the caster is mounted. Of course, if the caster is already in its predetermined position when the wheel 210 is lifted off of the ground, there will be no rotation of the caster 200. In this way, whenever the wheel 210 is lifted off of the ground, the caster 200 will assume a predetermined position having a particular desired orientation for efficient storage of the caster 200.

[0056] It will be appreciated that although the caster 200 is shown on a retractable portion 202, the invention is not so limited and the caster design disclosed can be used on any item, having a retractable portion or not, where it is desired to use a caster having free range of motion while its wheel is on a surface, but which is desired to assume a predetermined position having a particular desired orientation when its wheel is lifted off of the surface.

[0057] Referring back to FIG. 16, it will be seen that the wheel frame 212 of the caster 200 is designed to pivot about a pivot point P in order to further efficiently store the caster 200 into the cavity 204, as shown by arrow C.

[0058] While specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.