Convertible luggage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a luggage item, such as a luggage case, which can be converted into at least one other item, such as a stroller, backpack or baby stroller, as a result of an adjustable characteristic of the structure of the luggage item. The luggage is characterized in that it is provided with at least one pair of wheels, and each wheel is mounted on an extendable and rotatable bar such that each wheel can be positioned away from the luggage and rotated by 180 DEG to turn outward relative to the median line of the luggage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an item of luggage, such as a suitcase, which is convertible into at least one other item, such as a trolley, backpack or baby stroller / pushchair / pram, as a result of adjustable characteristics of the structure of the item of luggage. The luggage is characterised in that it is provided with at least one pair of wheels, and each wheel is mounted on an extendable and rotatable pole, such that each wheel can be positioned away from the luggage and rotated through 180° to flip outwards relative to the midline of the luggage. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention addresses the problem of transport items, particularly but not exclusively when people are travelling and after they have arrived at their destination.

[0003] Items of luggage are often bulky and a potential waste of material and money if only used during travel. It is therefore highly desirable to ensure that such items can be used for more than one purpose, and thus not only serve a purpose during travel, but also during everyday life. For example, it would be highly desirable if an item of luggage could be converted into another useful carrier, such that sports equipment, shopping items, picnic items, beach equipment or even children could be moved / carried; for example, during a holiday or festival period, it is particularly desirable that a single item can serve multiple purposes. This means that the item of luggage has a further use after the person has arrived at their destination, such that it can assist in carrying child-related items, going to the beach, transporting water-based equipment to a boat / or a yacht, or even going to the shops.

[0004] It is with this in mind that we have constructed a suitcase which converts into a transport trolley, backpack or stroller / pushchair / pram, in addition to the primary purpose of the luggage, and thus can be used for more than one function. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suitcase comprising a frame, a carrier for possessions being removably mounted on or about the frame, wherein a handle and at least one pair of wheels are connected with the frame, the suitcase being maneuvered on the wheels, characterised in that each wheel is mounted on an extendable and rotatable pole, such that each wheel can be positioned away from the suitcase and rotated through 180° to flip outwards relative to the midline of the suitcase.

[0006] Accordingly, the present application allows the wheels of the case to be extended out and flipped over to form a wider, more stable load bearing wheelbase, and advantageously with a greater ground clearance. This feature facilitates the conversion of the luggage case into a trolley or stroller, and thus greatly facilitates the multi-functional use of the luggage case.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, each rod on which the wheels are mounted is attached to the frame and / or the carrier, such that the rod projects outwardly at an angle to the vertical, ideally at an angle of between 30° and 60° to the vertical, including all 1° subdivisions therebetween; most ideally at an angle of between 40° and 50° to the vertical, including all 1° subdivisions therebetween; and again most ideally at an angle of substantially or about 45° to the vertical.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the frame and / or carrier are designed with at least one recess in which at least one wheel is at least partially located.

[0009] It will be appreciated that the frame of the case is preferably made of a relatively rigid material of the following kind and / or having the following properties: Nylon 12, Polypropylene and or Carbon Fiber, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS, Resin, dimensions not exceeding: 480mm x 290mm x 670mm.

[0010] Conversely, the carrier is made of a more flexible material more suitable for use as a backpack, such as canvas, nylon, Rip-Stop Nylon, Ballistic Nylon, Kodra Nylon, 840D Nylon TPU, 1000D Ballistic Nylon, Leather, Denim, Polyvinyl chloride, Polyester, Polypropylene, Cordura, and the like, and thus the carrier is equipped with 210D honeycomb nylon shoulder straps, handles, and pockets, and the like, dimensions not exceeding: 480mm x 290mm x 670mm.

[0011] In a more preferred embodiment of the application, the frame is designed in the form of a trolley, and the carrier is designed to be disposed within or attached to the frame. Ideally, the two parts are complementary and thus suitable for use together. In this embodiment of the application, the luggage case ideally has a handle adapted for angular positioning, typically through the use of a hinge so that the handle can be moved from a first angular position, typically but not limited to a vertical position (taking into account the upright nature of the case when it is rolling on its wheels), to a second angular position (also taking into account the upright nature of the case when it is rolling on its wheels), so that the trolley can be comfortably pulled / pushed.

[0012] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the application, the frame, when in the form of a trolley or otherwise, is provided with a removable or hinged seat, so that in use the seat can be attached to the trolley for a child to sit in the seat, or the seat can be transferred to a usable position (and ideally locked in that position) for a child to sit in the seat.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the removable seat is in the form of a hammock having connectors for attaching the seat to the frame or trolley. Additionally or alternatively, the hinged seat is designed to be stored within the frame or trolley when not in use, or stored against the frame or trolley.

[0014] In any case, the seat is optionally adapted to provide comfort through padding, a seat cushion, etc.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the application, at least one (and ideally both) of the pair of wheels comprises two separable wheels, typically designed to be mutually mateable or nestable and mounted on a single axle. In this embodiment, the luggage case is essentially equipped with at least one spare wheel, and more typically a pair of spare wheels. The advantage is that since the separable wheels can be detached and mounted to other parts of the frame, or to an attachment of the frame, so as to provide a stably mounted carrier at each of the four corners (ideally, the four corners of the case, frame or trolley). This provides additional stability and ease of use. It will be appreciated that this construction is most preferred in the case where the luggage case is converted into a stroller or baby carriage.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suitcase is equipped with a ski adapted to clip over or attach to existing wheels of the suitcase, or optionally replace existing wheels, thereby ensuring smooth movement when the suitcase is used on snow and / or ice. Typically, the ski is conventionally designed for use with the suitcase and may therefore include conventional ski clips that allow the ski to attach to existing wheels, or to wheel fasteners that become exposed or usable once the existing wheels are removed. This at least makes the suitcase suitable for movement on snow or ice. Furthermore, the ski can be used with the suitcase before or after it has been adapted for use as a stroller, pram, or baby carriage.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle is adapted to extend and / or retract, and ideally is hinged, so that the angle of the handle is adjustable.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame and / or support member is provided with at least one auxiliary rod on which an auxiliary wheel can be mounted. Ideally, the auxiliary rod is attached to the frame and / or support member such that when not in use, the auxiliary rod is positioned in a retracted position or in a position that is at least partially invisible. Preferably, the auxiliary rod is hinged, slidably mounted, or conventionally mounted, allowing it to extend beyond the suitcase. Most ideally, the auxiliary rod includes a hinged structure, allowing it to flip into or out of its designated position. More preferably, the auxiliary rod is designed to fit the suitcase so that when not in use, it can be discreetly placed against the suitcase, but when in use, it protrudes in an arc shape, and a wheel can be mounted on the ground end of the auxiliary rod. Even more preferably, the auxiliary rod is attached to the suitcase on the opposite side of one side of the extendable and rotatable rod (multiple rods). Even more preferably, the grounding end of the auxiliary rod has a width that matches the width of the frame to which the auxiliary rod is attached or is closest to it.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, a suitcase as described above is provided, which is adapted to be converted into a trolley.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, a suitcase as described above is provided, which is adapted to be converted into a stroller or baby stroller.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a suitcase as described above is provided, which is adapted to be converted into a backpack.

[0022] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be associated with features described in any of the other aspects.

[0023] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the terms "comprise" and "contain," and variations thereof (e.g., "comprising," "comprises"), mean "including but not limited to," and do not exclude other parts, additives, components, integers, or steps. In the description and claims of this specification, the singular form includes the plural meaning unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to cover both the singular and the plural, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0024] All references cited in this specification (including any patents or patent applications) are incorporated herein by reference. No reference is acknowledged to constitute prior art. Furthermore, no prior art is acknowledged to be part of common general knowledge in the art.

[0025] Other features of the invention will be embodied in the following embodiments. Generally, the invention covers any novel feature, or any novel combination of features, disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings). Therefore, features, integers, properties, compounds, or chemical portions described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless incompatible with each other.

[0026] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature that has the same or similar purpose. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to examples and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A partial view of a luggage frame according to the present invention is shown. Wherein, A is a plan view of the frame, B is a side view of the frame, C is a partial rear view of the frame, and D is a perspective view of the frame.

[0028] Figure 2 Showing with Figure 1 The frame uses wheel views, where A is a plan view of the wheel, B is a side view of the wheel, C is a partially exploded side view of the area shown in A of the wheel, and D is a perspective view of the wheel.

[0029] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a wheel that can be used in the operation of this invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 4This diagram shows a suitcase with wheels attached. A is a partial side view of the frame with wheels attached, B is a rear perspective view of the frame with wheels attached, C is a partial perspective view of the frame (showing where the extendable rod for the wheels is attached to the frame), and D is an interior perspective view of the frame.

[0031] Figure 5 A frame according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, having attached wheels. A shows an extended wheel, and B shows a retracted wheel.

[0032] Figure 6 A perspective view of a pair of detachable wheels used in this invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 A side view of the frame and support member according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 The image shows a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a handcart.

[0035] Figure 9 A side view (A) is shown when the frame of the present invention is used as a stroller or baby stroller, and a partial front view (B) of the same stroller or baby stroller is shown.

[0036] Figure 10 An alternative embodiment is shown, depicting the frame as a front view when used as a stroller or baby carriage.

[0037] Figure 11 The image shows a side view of the frame of the invention used as a handcart and equipped with skis for use on snow / ice.

[0038] Figure 12 : Showing a side view of the frame of the present invention used as a baby stroller and equipped with skis for use on snow / ice. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Now, referring to the attached diagram, first refer to... Figure 1 An embodiment of the framework (1) according to the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 1 As can be seen in A, the frame (1) is usually rectangular in the plan view, but has a shape facing the bottom ( Figure 1 B) A deeper side section (2), wherein the frame (1) is designed to at least partially accommodate a pair of wheels (3). The wheels (3) are mounted symmetrically along the bottom of the frame and aligned with the longitudinal centerline AA of the frame. Figure 1 C) The distances are equal. The grooves in the frame (4) Figure 1 C and Figure 1 D) At least partially surrounds the wheel. A pair of such grooves are provided ( Figure 1 (not shown in D), and therefore each wheel is surrounded by a separate groove.

[0040] The frame (1) is made of a relatively rigid material. This material must be rigid enough to support the contents of the suitcase and protect them from damage during transport, and also strong enough to be used as a stroller or baby carriage when the suitcase is converted for different purposes. Suitable materials include: polypropylene and / or carbon fiber and / or ABS.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The frame uses wheels. In this embodiment, the wheels (3) are a pair of grounded wheels (3a and 3b) spaced apart and held together by sprockets (3c). The wheels (3) are mounted on a shaft (5) connected to a rod (6). The rod (6) is mounted on the frame (1) in a telescopic or non-telescopic manner so that it can extend out of the frame. This is in Figure 4 C is best shown, in which the frame (1) is designed with a partition chamber (7) and the rod (6) is stored in the partition chamber until it extends out.

[0042] Furthermore, the rod (6) is mounted on the frame (1) such that at least a portion of the rod (6) (i.e. the portion in contact with the wheel (3)) is adapted to be rotated.

[0043] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the wheel (3) used with the framework (1) of the present invention is shown in more detail. The wheel (3) is visible mounted on a shaft (5), which is then attached to a rod (6). In this embodiment, the rod (6) is telescopic and therefore comprises components (6a) and (6b). One of components (6a) and (6b) has a tensioned (spring-loaded) locking pin (8), so that the rod (6) can be securely locked in place before or after extension or retraction. However, other methods may also be used to lock the extended and / or rotated wheel in place after operation (such as by using interlocking rotatable cylindrical pins and cylinders, spring-loaded catchers, and slotted structures).

[0044] Figure 4 The perspective view shows the frame (1) and its connected wheels (3). Figure 4 A and Figure 4 In step B, each rod (6) connected to each of the two wheels (3) has been extended and thus moved away from the frame (1). Notably, the wheels (3) remain aligned with the grooves (4). This maneuver represents the first change to the suitcase. Subsequently, the rod (6) carrying the wheels (3) rotates 180°, effectively flipping the wheels (3) over and outward, thus increasing the distance between the wheels and consequently increasing the wheelbase of the frame, providing greater stability. This maneuver represents the second change to the suitcase.

[0045] Figure 5 A shows the state after the wheel (3) has flipped over and is located on the side of the frame (1). Figure 5 B shows the state of the wheel (3) before it is turned over and located on the side of the frame (1).

[0046] In addition, from Figure 4 A and Figure 5 As can be seen, the wheel is attached to the frame such that the wheel protrudes outward at an angle to the vertical. In this embodiment, the angle is between 50° and 55° with respect to the vertical, but preferably approximately 45° with respect to the vertical.

[0047] Figure 5 The image also shows a handle (9) attached to the upper part of the frame (1) and adapted to extend or retract. Although not shown, the handle (9) is hinged to the frame (1) so that the handle can be used at an angle relative to the upright nature of the suitcase.

[0048] Figure 6 The separability of the wheel (3) is shown in more detail below. In this embodiment, the wheels are provided in pairs and designed for use in a nested design and are adapted to be mounted on a single axle, so that the wheel can be used as a single double wheel, or the two wheels can be separated and each wheel can be used in a different position in the frame. The nesting feature is reversible when the wheels are to be separated, and therefore any structure such as at least one sprocket (3c) for holding the wheels together can be removed or released.

[0049] Figure 6 D and Figure 6 E also illustrates another embodiment of the invention, which is equipped with at least one auxiliary rod (14) on which an auxiliary wheel (15) can be mounted. Ideally, the auxiliary rod is attached to the frame, but in some embodiments the auxiliary rod may also be attached to a carrier, such that when not in use, the auxiliary rod is positioned in a retracted position or in a position that is at least partially invisible. This structure in Figure 6 As shown in C. The auxiliary rod (14) is designed to fit the suitcase so that it can be placed discreetly against the suitcase when not in use. In this embodiment, the auxiliary rod (14) is arc-shaped (16) and its curvature is adapted to the side of the suitcase. The auxiliary rod (14) is hinged (17), slidably mounted, or conventionally mounted so that it can extend beyond the suitcase. The hinged structure is preferred, so that the auxiliary rod can be flipped into or out of that position. In use, the auxiliary rod protrudes in an arc shape and is adapted for attachment to wheels via a shaft receiver (19) included on the ground end (18) of the auxiliary rod, ideally, Figure 6 A- Figure 6 C illustrates the inner wheel in a nested wheel structure. For example... Figure 6As can be seen in B, the auxiliary rod (14) is attached to the suitcase on the opposite side of one side of the extendable and rotatable rod (multiple rods).

[0050] Figure 7 The following is a side view of the frame and carrier according to the invention, wherein the carrier is in the form of a rucksack that can be detached from the frame, such that the carrier is used as part of a suitcase when mounted on the frame, and as a backpack when separated from the suitcase.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a side view of the frame of the present invention used as a handcart. In this embodiment, the support has been removed, and a hinged, retractable handle is used so that the handle can be hinged upward and extended for more ergonomic steer or pull of the handcart. In this embodiment, a placement block (10) is further visible on the edge of the frame opposite the wheels, on which the frame can be placed when stationary.

[0052] Figure 9 A shows a side view of the frame of the present invention used as a stroller or baby carriage. The frame has wheels (3) located at each of the four corners. The rear wheels are mounted on an extendable and rotatable rod (6), while the two front wheels are mounted on an extended auxiliary rod (14), the ground end of which has a width consistent with the width of the frame to which the auxiliary rod is attached or closest. Furthermore, the inner surface of the frame has connectors for attaching straps (11) and a hammock (12). Thus, the frame is suitable for accommodating a seated child. Figure 10 The diagram shows a front view of a stroller or baby stroller. The lower part of the frame has an auxiliary rod (14) designed as an arc-shaped T-frame. In this embodiment, the auxiliary rod snaps into the frame and has an axle on which a pair of wheels can be mounted. Ideally, the wheels are... Figure 6 The wheels are separated from the nested wheels described above. Straps (11) are attached to the frame in a conventional design to ensure the child is secured inside the stroller or baby carriage. Additionally, a hammock (12) is provided for the child to sit on.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 11 The image shows a side view of the frame when used as a trolley, and it is visible that the frame is equipped with skis for use on snow and ice (13). The skis are of a conventional design and include standard ski clips, which allow the skis to be attached to existing wheels, or to wheel fasteners that become exposed or available once the existing wheels have been removed.

[0054] Figure 12A side view of the frame is also shown, but in this case the frame is used as a baby stroller. Again, the frame is equipped with skis (13) for use on snow and ice. These skis are typically, but not limited to, attached to wheels, or attached to wheel fixtures after the wheels have been removed.

[0055] The skis can be used with the suitcase before or after it has been converted into a stroller, pram, or baby carriage. This ensures that the suitcase is at least suitable for movement on snow or ice.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention relates to a suitcase that, when properly adjusted, can be converted into another type of cargo.

Claims

1. A suitcase comprising a frame, wherein a carrier for carrying articles is removably mounted on or around the frame, wherein a handle and at least a pair of wheels are connected to the frame, and the suitcase is manipulated on the wheels; characterized in that, Each wheel is mounted on an extendable and rotatable rod, allowing each wheel to be positioned away from the suitcase and rotated 180° to flip outward relative to the centerline of the suitcase.

2. The suitcase according to claim 1, wherein, Each rod is attached to the frame and / or the load-bearing member such that the rod protrudes outward at an angle to the vertical, the angle being selected from the group consisting of: angles between 30° and 60° to the vertical, including all subdivisions of 1° in between; angles between 40° and 50° to the vertical, including all subdivisions of 1° in between; and angles of substantially or approximately 45° to the vertical.

3. The suitcase according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The frame and / or the load-bearing member are designed to have at least one groove, and at least one wheel is at least partially located within the groove.

4. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The frame is designed in the form of a handcart.

5. The suitcase according to claim 4, wherein, The support component is designed to be installed within or attached to the frame.

6. The suitcase according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The frame is complementary to the support member and is therefore suitable for use together.

7. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The handle of the suitcase is designed for angled positioning.

8. The suitcase according to claim 7, wherein, The handle is hinged to the frame or hinged to the frame, so that the handle can move from a first angular position to a second angular position.

9. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The frame is provided with a removable seat or a hinged seat, so that when in use, the seat can be attached to the frame as a seat, or the seat can be moved to an available position as a seat.

10. The suitcase according to claim 9, wherein, The removable seat is in the form of a hammock with connectors for attaching the seat to the frame.

11. The suitcase according to claim 9, wherein, When not in use, the hinged seat is suitable for storage within or against the frame.

12. The suitcase according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The seats are designed to provide comfort through padding, cushions, etc.

13. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, At least one of the pairs of wheels includes two separable wheels.

14. The suitcase according to claim 13, wherein, The separable wheels are designed to match or nest together and are mounted on a single axle.

15. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The handle is adapted to extend and / or retract.

16. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein, The frame and / or the support member are provided with at least one releasable or movable auxiliary rod, on which an auxiliary wheel can be mounted, so that when not in use, the auxiliary rod is positioned in a retracted position or in a position that is at least partially invisible.

17. The suitcase according to claim 16, wherein, The auxiliary rod is designed to match the suitcase, so that when not in use, the auxiliary rod is placed discreetly against the suitcase, while when in use, the auxiliary rod protrudes with an arc design.

18. The suitcase according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The auxiliary rod is adapted to allow the wheel to be mounted on the ground end of the auxiliary rod.

19. The suitcase according to claim 18, wherein, The grounding end of the auxiliary rod has a width that is the same as the width of the frame to which the auxiliary rod is attached or is closest to it.

20. The suitcase according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein, The auxiliary rod is attached to the suitcase on the opposite side of one side of the extendable and rotatable rod.

21. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein, The suitcase includes at least one pair of skis, thus making it suitable for movement on snow and / or ice.

22. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-21, characterized in that, The suitcase is adapted to be converted into a trolley.

23. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The suitcase is adaptable to be converted into a stroller or baby stroller.

24. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The suitcase is adaptable to be converted into a backpack or provided as a backpack.

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