Suitcase
By using hinged base and lid in the suitcase, the design of multiple rotating wheel assemblies and retractable handles, the problem of uneven filling and dragging of the existing suitcase is solved, and stable support is achieved and flexible drag effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380047463.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-06-17
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-14
AI Technical Summary
When existing suitcases are not in use, especially for adults, the storage of the handles will cause uneven filling surfaces and are difficult to drag in different directions, especially when used by children and adults. Flexible dragging method.
A hard-shell suitcase is designed with a hinged base and cover, equipped with a plurality of rotating wheel assemblies and retractable handles, including handles parallel to the first plane and perpendicular to the first plane, allowing for different Drag in angle and direction and through the design of the first and second retractable handles, a stable support and flexible dragging method is provided.
It enables a flat filling surface without occupancy of base space and allows children and adults to flexibly drag the suitcase at different angles and directions, increasing the convenience and stability of use.
Smart Images
Figure CN119317378A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of suitcases. Background Art
[0002] It is known to provide a hard shell suitcase for children, which is configured to allow a child to sit on the suitcase while the suitcase is placed on four wheels. The child can push the suitcase with their feet against the ground.
[0003] Typically, such suitcases are provided with fabric straps for towing the suitcase. The fabric straps are typically removable from the suitcase when not in use. The suitcase is also typically provided with fabric handles. Each wheel rotates about an axis to allow the suitcase to be towed or pushed in one direction. The suitcase typically includes two concave shells connected by a hinge that are clipped together (e.g., with a latch, clip, or clasp) to close the suitcase. The interface between the two concave shells typically lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the wheels and parallel to the direction of travel, so that the hinge is located between the two pairs of wheels.
[0004] It is also known to provide adult suitcases that include two or four wheels and are configured to be towed using retractable handles. These suitcases typically include two concave shells (a base and a lid) connected by a hinge, wherein the interface between the two concave shells is typically located in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the wheels. When not in use, the retractable handles are stored at the base of the suitcase. Storing the retractable handles at the base of the suitcase typically results in an uneven packing surface. Two-wheeled suitcases typically include two wheels on the base of the suitcase and two feet on the lid of the suitcase to maintain stability when not being towed, wherein the two wheels are in the same plane as the two feet. Four-wheeled suitcases typically include two wheels on the base of the suitcase and two wheels on the lid of the suitcase, without feet. Summary of the invention
[0005] In this context, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, a hard shell suitcase is provided, comprising a base, the base comprising a first concave shell, wherein the edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane. The hard shell suitcase also includes a lid, the lid being connected to the base by a hinge so that the lid is configured to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the base, wherein in the closed position, the edge of the lid is adjacent to the edge of the first concave shell in the first plane. The hard shell suitcase also includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly attached to the exterior of the base. The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly are located in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly are configured to support the base. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate around a first axis parallel to the second plane and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The hard shell suitcase also includes a first retractable handle parallel to the first plane, which is configured to be movable from a retracted position to an extended position and from the extended position to a retracted position in a first direction parallel to the first plane, wherein in the retracted position, a portion of the first retractable handle is accommodated inside the lid.
[0006] In this way, a person can sit on the lid of the hard shell suitcase, which is supported by the first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly. The first retractable handle is accommodated in the lid, increasing the available space in the base, and there is a flat packing surface inside the base because the handle is not accommodated in the base. The lid provides a stable surface to sit on.
[0007] The hard shell suitcase may also include a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg are attached to an exterior of the base, and wherein the third leg and the fourth leg are attached to an exterior of the lid.
[0008] In this way, when the first plane of the hard shell suitcase is perpendicular to the ground, the hard shell suitcase can be supported by the first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg.
[0009] The hard shell suitcase may also include a second retractable handle configured to be movable in a plurality of directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the second retractable handle is received within the lid.
[0010] In this way, a person can use the second retractable handle to tow the hard shell suitcase at an angle to the first plane. The person may be too tall to tow the hard shell suitcase using the first retractable handle (which is configured parallel to the first plane). A first person (e.g., a child) can sit on the hard shell suitcase, and a second person (e.g., an adult) can use the second retractable handle to tow the hard shell suitcase at an angle to the first plane. If the first person is not sitting on the hard shell suitcase, the first person can use the first retractable handle to tow the hard shell suitcase.
[0011] The second retractable handle may be flexible.
[0012] Advantageously, this may allow the second retractable handle to be used in an extended position at any angle between 0° and 90° to the first plane.The flexible retractable handle may be stored in a compact manner in the lid of the hard shell suitcase, for example by housing it in a rolled-up configuration.
[0013] The plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle may be in a third plane, wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the first direction.
[0014] As such, the second retractable handle may not be movable relative to the hard shell suitcase in a direction parallel to the first plane, and thus may be used to maneuver the hard shell suitcase in different directions.
[0015] The base may include a first footrest and a second footrest.
[0016] This way, the first person sitting on the suitcase can place their feet on the first footrest and the second footrest so that if the hard shell suitcase is dragged while the first person is sitting on it, their feet can be raised so as not to impede movement.
[0017] The hard shell suitcase may also include a handle attached to the exterior of the lid.
[0018] This way, a hard shell suitcase can be carried.
[0019] In the closed position, the cover may be attached to the base by a zipper.
[0020] The base and the cover may be manufactured by blow molding.
[0021] The base and cover may be made from a thermoplastic polymer.
[0022] The base and cover may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0023] Each wheel assembly may include a pair of parallel wheels.
[0024] Each wheel of a pair of parallel wheels may be disposed on either side of a central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate about a second axis.
[0025] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a hard shell suitcase is provided, comprising a base, the base comprising a first concave shell, wherein the edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane. The hard shell suitcase also includes a lid, the lid being connected to the base by a hinge so that the lid is configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base, wherein in the closed position, the edge of the lid is adjacent to the edge of the first concave shell in the first plane. The hard shell suitcase also includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly, wherein the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are attached to the exterior of the base, and wherein the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly are attached to the exterior of the lid. The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly are located in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate around a first axis parallel to the second plane and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and a fourth foot are attached to the exterior of the base, wherein the first foot, the second foot, the third foot, and the fourth foot are located in a third plane parallel to the first plane. The hard shell suitcase also includes a first retractable handle parallel to the first plane and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the first plane between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the first retractable handle is received within the lid.
[0026] In this way, a person can sit on the lid of the hard shell suitcase, which is supported by the first, second, third and fourth legs. The first, second, third and fourth legs provide a stable support for the hard shell suitcase for a person to sit on. The first retractable handle is accommodated in the lid, increasing the available space in the base and allowing a flat packing surface inside the base because the handle is not accommodated in the base. The lid provides a stable surface to sit on.
[0027] The hard shell suitcase may also include a handle attached to the exterior of the lid.
[0028] This way, a hard shell suitcase can be carried.
[0029] In the closed position, the cover may be attached to the base by a zipper.
[0030] The base and the cover may be manufactured by blow molding.
[0031] The base and cover may be made from a thermoplastic polymer.
[0032] The base and cover may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0033] Each wheel assembly may include a pair of parallel wheels.
[0034] Each wheel of a pair of parallel wheels may be disposed on either side of a central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate about a second axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0037] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase with a first plane and a second plane indicated.
[0038] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase rotated 90°.
[0039] Figure 4 Shows Figures 1 to 3 Schematic diagram of a perspective view of a hard shell suitcase.
[0040] Figure 5 Shows Figures 1 to 4 Schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell.
[0041] Figure 6 Shows Figures 1 to 5 Schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase.
[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a hard shell suitcase in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase.
[0044] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase rotated 90°.
[0045] Fig.10 Shows Figures 7 to 9 Schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard shell suitcase rotated 90°. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] Reference Figure 1 , showing a hard shell suitcase 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , showing Figure 1A hard shell suitcase having a first plane represented by a short dash line 210, a second plane represented by a long dash line 220, a first axis represented by a dotted line 230, a second axis represented by a dotted line 240 and a first direction represented by an arrow 250. Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The hard shell suitcase 100 is rotated so that the first plane and the second plane are parallel to the vertical direction. Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Different perspective views of the hard shell suitcase 100 . Figure 5 Shown from the other side Figure 1 100 of hard shell suitcases.
[0047] The hard shell suitcase 100 includes a base 110 including a first concave shell, wherein an edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane 210. The hard shell suitcase 100 also includes a lid 120 connected to the base by a hinge such that the lid 120 is configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base 110. In the closed position, an edge 121 of the lid 120 is adjacent to an edge 111 of the first concave shell in the first plane 210. The hard shell suitcase 100 also includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly attached to the exterior of the base. Figure 1 Only the first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly and the third wheel assembly 131, 132 and 133 can be seen. The fourth wheel assembly 134 is Figure 3 . The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly 131, 132, 133 and 134 are located in a second plane 220 parallel to the first plane 210. The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly 131, 132, 133 and 134 are configured to support the base. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate around a first axis 230 parallel to the second plane 220 and a second axis 240 perpendicular to the first axis 230. The hard shell suitcase 100 also includes a first retractable handle 140 parallel to the first plane 210, which is configured to be movable from a retracted position to an extended position and from an extended position to a retracted position in a first direction 250 parallel to the first plane 210. In the retracted position, a portion of the first retractable handle 140 is accommodated inside the lid 120.
[0048] When the hard shell suitcase 100 is supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131, 132, 133 and 134, the first plane 210 and the second plane 220 are parallel to the ground.
[0049] The first retractable handle 140 can be configured to move in either direction (extend or retract) along the first direction 250. The first retractable handle 140 can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The first retractable handle 140 can move between a retracted position and more than one extended position, and the first retractable handle 140 can move between extended positions. The first retractable handle 140 can be rigid. The first retractable handle 140 can include a button configured to release the first retractable handle 140 from the retracted position or one or more extended positions, and to allow the first retractable handle 140 to move between the retracted position and the one or more extended positions, or between the one or more extended positions.
[0050] Reference again Figure 1 , the hard shell suitcase 100 may also include a second retractable handle 150 configured to be movable in multiple directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. In the retracted position, a first portion of the second retractable handle 150 may be contained within the lid 120. In the extended position, a second portion of the second retractable handle 150 may extend from the lid 120. In the extended position, the second retractable handle 150 may be at a first angle to the first plane 210. In one example, the plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle 150 may be within a third plane, wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane 210 and parallel to the first direction 250. In another example, the plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle 150 may be between 0° and 90° away from the first plane 210 and between 0° and 90° on either side of the first direction. When extended, the second retractable handle 150 may be fixed at one of the plurality of extended positions, or may be movable between more than one extended positions. The plurality of extended positions may include positions at a plurality of angles relative to the first plane 210, positions at a plurality of angles relative to the first direction, a plurality of lengths of the second portion of the second retractable handle 150, or a combination thereof.
[0051] The second retractable handle 150 may be flexible. The second retractable handle 150 may be moved between a retracted position and one of a plurality of extended positions by moving the second retractable handle 150 at a first angle relative to the first plane 210. The second retractable handle 150 may be stowed by rolling the second retractable handle 150 around an axis.
[0052] Alternatively, the second retractable handle 150 can be rigid. The second retractable handle 150 can be moved between the retracted position and one of the plurality of extended positions by moving the second retractable handle 150 parallel to the first plane 210 and then lifting the second retractable handle at an angle to one of the plurality of extended positions, wherein the extended position is at a first angle to the first plane 210.
[0053] The hard shell suitcase 100 may also include a handle 160 attached to the exterior of the lid 120. The handle 160 may be a fixed handle. The handle 160 may be partially extended, wherein the handle 160 is configured to be flush with the exterior of the lid 120 when not in use, and is configured to extend to allow a user to insert their hand between the handle 160 and the exterior of the lid 120. The handle 160 may be received in a recess of the lid 120.
[0054] The hard shell suitcase 100 may also include a first footrest 171 and a second footrest 172 ( Figure 1 Not visible in Figure 3 ). The first footrest 171 and the second footrest 172 may be located on opposite sides of the base 110 such that the first footrest 172 and the second footrest 172 are located on either side of the first, second, third, and fourth wheel assemblies 131, 132, 133, and 134.
[0055] The hard shell suitcase 100 may also include a first handle 181 and a second handle 182 ( Figure 1 Not visible in Figure 3 ), so that a person sitting on the hard shell suitcase 100 can grasp the first handle 181 and the second handle 182.
[0056] The hard shell suitcase 100 may also include first, second, third, and fourth legs 191 , 192 , 193 , and 194 . Figure 1 The exemplary foot shown in is cylindrical. The foot may include any shape. Figure 3 , the first, second and fourth feet 191, 192, 193 and 194 are configured to support the hard shell suitcase 100 when the suitcase is rotated so that the first plane 210 is perpendicular to the ground.
[0057] In use, refer to Figure 6, a first person 610 may sit on the hard shell suitcase 100 when the first plane 210 is parallel to the ground and the hard shell suitcase is supported by the first, second, third, and fourth wheel assemblies 131, 132, 133, and 134. The first person may sit on the lid 120. The first person 610 may grasp the first and second grips 181, 182 and place their feet on the first and second footrests 171, 172. The second person 620 may extend the second retractable handle 150 and may use the second retractable handle 150 to drag the hard shell suitcase 100. The first person 610 may be a child and the second person 620 may be an adult such that the second retractable handle is extended to an extended position at an angle to the first plane 210. When the first person 610 is not sitting on the hard shell suitcase 100 , the first person 610 may use the first retractable handle 140 in an extended position parallel to the first plane 210 to tow the hard shell suitcase 100 .
[0058] Reference Figure 7 , shows a hard shell suitcase 700 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 The hard shell suitcase 700 , wherein the first plane is represented by the short dash line 810 , the second plane is represented by the long dash line 820 , the first axis is represented by the dotted line 830 , the second axis is represented by the dotted line 840 , and the first direction is represented by the arrow 850 . Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A perspective view of the hard shell suitcase 700 is shown rotated 90° so that the second plane is parallel to the horizontal plane.
[0059] Reference Figure 7, the hard shell suitcase 700 includes a base 710, the base 710 includes a first concave shell, wherein an edge 711 of the first concave shell defines a first plane. The hard shell suitcase 700 also includes a lid 720, which is connected to the base 710 by a hinge, so that the lid 720 is configured to be movable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the edge 721 of the lid 720 is adjacent to the edge of the first concave shell in the first plane 810. The hard shell suitcase 700 also includes a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly 731, 732, 733, and 734, wherein the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly 731 and 732 are attached to the exterior of the base 710, and wherein the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly 733 and 734 are attached to the exterior of the lid 720. The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly 731, 732, 733, and 734 are located in a second plane 820 perpendicular to the first plane 810. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis 830 parallel to the second plane 820 and a second axis 840 perpendicular to the first axis 810. The hard shell suitcase 700 also includes first, second, third, and fourth feet 751, 752, 753, and 754 ( Figure 7 Only 751 is visible, but Fig. 9 All 751, 752, 753 and 754 can be seen in the hard shell suitcase 700, wherein the first, second, third and fourth legs 751, 752, 753 and 754 are located in a third plane parallel to the first plane 810. The hard shell suitcase 700 also includes a first retractable handle 740 parallel to the first plane 810, which is configured to be movable in a direction 850 parallel to the first plane 810 between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position, a portion of the first retractable handle 740 is accommodated inside the lid 720.
[0060] When the first plane 810 is parallel to the ground, the hard shell suitcase 700 can be supported by the first, second, third and fourth legs 751, 752, 753 and 754. When the second plane 820 is parallel to the ground, the hard shell suitcase 700 can be supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 731, 732, 733 and 734.
[0061] The first retractable handle 740 can be configured to move in either direction (extend or retract) along the first direction 850. The first retractable handle 740 can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The first retractable handle 740 can move between a retracted position and more than one extended position, and the first retractable handle 740 can move between extended positions. The first retractable handle 740 can be rigid. The first retractable handle 740 can include a button configured to release the first retractable handle 740 from the retracted position or one or more extended positions, and to allow the first retractable handle 740 to move between the retracted position and one or more extended positions, or between one or more extended positions.
[0062] The hard shell suitcase 700 may also include a handle 760 attached to the exterior of the lid 720. The handle 760 may be a fixed handle. The handle 760 may be partially extended, wherein the handle 760 is configured to be flush with the exterior of the lid 720 when not in use, and is configured to extend to allow a user to insert their hand between the exterior of the lid 720 and the handle 760. The handle 760 may be received in a recess in the lid 720.
[0063] In use, a person may sit on the hard shell suitcase 700 when the first plane 810 is parallel to the ground and the hard shell suitcase 700 is supported by the first, second, third and fourth legs 751 , 752 , 753 and 754 .
[0064] In the closed position of the hard shell suitcase 100 or 700 of any embodiment, the lid can be attached to the base by a zipper. The zipper can be attached to the edge 111, 711 of the base 110, 710 and the edge 121, 721 of the lid 120, 720.
[0065] The base 110, 710 and the cover 120, 720 of the hard shell suitcase 100 or 700 of any embodiment can be manufactured by blow molding. The base 110, 710 and the cover 120, 720 can be made of thermoplastic polymers. The base 110, 710 and the cover 120, 720 can be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0066] The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly 131, 132, 133, 134, 731, 732, 733, and 734 of the hard shell suitcase 100 or 700 of any embodiment may include a pair of parallel wheels. Each wheel in the pair of parallel wheels may be arranged on either side of the central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate around the second axis.
[0067] The lid 120, 720 of the hard shell suitcase 100 or 700 of any embodiment can be configured to be sit-on. In the first embodiment, the first plane is parallel to the second plane, so the edge 121 of the lid 120 is parallel to the plane containing the first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly 131, 132, 133, and 134. When the hard shell suitcase 100 is supported by the first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly 131, 132, 133, and 134, the hard shell suitcase 100 is configured to be sit-on. This allows the hard shell suitcase 100 to be dragged while a person sits on the hard shell suitcase 100. In use, the hard shell suitcase 100 of the first embodiment is likely to be sat on by a child, so this is beneficial for an adult to be able to drag the suitcase while a child sits on the suitcase. In the second embodiment, the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane. The edge 721 of the cover 720 is parallel to the plane containing the first, second, third and fourth legs 751, 752, 753 and 754, so the hard shell suitcase 700 is configured to be sitable when supported by the first, second, third and fourth legs 751, 752, 753 and 754. This provides a stable support for the hard shell suitcase 700 when sitting on it. In use, an adult is likely to sit on the hard shell suitcase 700 of the second embodiment, so when a person sits on the hard shell suitcase 700, keeping the hard shell suitcase 700 stable is beneficial to bear a larger weight.
[0068] The lid 120, 720 of the hard shell suitcase 100 or 700 of any embodiment can be configured to accommodate the first retractable handle 140, 740. Since the first retractable handle 140, 740 is accommodated in the lid 120, 720, the interior volume of the base 110, 710 can be fully used for filling, because the base 110, 710 does not accommodate a handle. In addition, the inner surface of the base 110, 710 parallel to the first plane 210, 810 can be substantially flat. This allows the hard shell suitcase 100, 700 to be filled more easily and allows items to be placed on a flat surface.
Claims
1. A hard shell suitcase, comprising: a base comprising a first concave shell, wherein an edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane; a cover portion connected to the base portion by a hinge such that the cover portion is configured to be movable relative to the base portion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position an edge of the cover portion is adjacent an edge of the first concave shell in the first plane; a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly attached to an exterior of the base, wherein: The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly are located in a second plane parallel to the first plane; The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly are configured to support the base; and Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the second plane and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; as well as A first retractable handle parallel to the first plane is configured to be movable from a retracted position to an extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position in a first direction parallel to the first plane, wherein in the retracted position, a portion of the first retractable handle is accommodated inside the cover.
2. The hard shell suitcase of claim 1 further comprising a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and a fourth foot, wherein the first foot and the second foot are attached to an exterior of the base, and wherein the third foot and the fourth foot are attached to an exterior of the lid.
3. The hard shell suitcase of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second retractable handle configured to be movable in multiple directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the second retractable handle is housed within the interior of the lid.
4. The hard shell suitcase according to claim 3, wherein: The second retractable handle is flexible.
5. The hard shell suitcase according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle are located in a third plane, wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the first direction.
6. A hard shell suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein: The base includes a first footrest and a second footrest.
7. A hard shell suitcase comprising: a base comprising a first concave shell, wherein an edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane; a cover portion connected to the base portion by a hinge such that the cover portion is configured to be movable relative to the base portion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position an edge of the cover portion is adjacent an edge of the first concave shell in the first plane; a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly, wherein the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are attached to an exterior of the base, and wherein the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly are attached to an exterior of the cover, in: The first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly and the fourth wheel assembly are located in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane; and Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the second plane and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg attached to an exterior of the base, wherein the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and the fourth leg lie in a third plane parallel to the first plane; and A first retractable handle parallel to the first plane is configured to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a direction parallel to the first plane, wherein in the retracted position, a portion of the first retractable handle is accommodated inside the cover.
8. A hard shell suitcase according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle attached to the exterior of the lid.
9. A hard shell suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein: In the closed position, the cover is attached to the base by a zipper.
10. A hard shell suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein: The base portion and the cover portion are manufactured by blow molding.
11. A hard shell suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein: The base and the cover are made of a thermoplastic polymer.
12. The hard shell suitcase of claim 10, wherein: The base and the cover are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
13. A hard shell suitcase according to any preceding claim, wherein: Each wheel assembly includes a pair of parallel wheels.
14. The hard shell suitcase of claim 13, wherein: Each wheel of the pair of parallel wheels is disposed on either side of a central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate about the second axis.