Suitcase with ball-bearing wheels to maximize usable volume

Abstract

Suitcase with ball-bearing wheels to maximize usable volume. The invention relates to the field of luggage, particularly cabin suitcases, which must comply with the size restrictions imposed by airlines. It applies to hard-shell suitcases, soft-sided suitcases, and bags. The invention comprises a suitcase (1) equipped with ball-bearing wheels (2) fixed to the underside or to a lower corner of the suitcase to allow the suitcase to be pulled at an angle. The use of ball-bearing wheels optimizes the internal volume of the suitcase (1) without exceeding the permitted external dimensions. These ball-bearing wheels (2) can be fixed by various means such as rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, or any other fastening method, potentially making the wheels removable. The balls can be made of various materials, including metals or plastics (polyamide), to improve the maneuverability and durability of the suitcase.This invention solves the problem of maximizing the internal storage space of a suitcase (1) while respecting the size restrictions for carry-on luggage. The use of ball-bearing wheels (2) optimizes both the storage space within the suitcase and ease of transport. This invention applies to hard-shell suitcases, soft-sided suitcases, and bags. Designed primarily for air travelers, this suitcase is also applicable to other types of luggage requiring efficient space management, such as train or car travel. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 1].

Description

Title of the invention: Suitcase with ball-bearing wheels to maximize usable volume

[0001] The invention relates to the field of luggage, in particular cabin suitcases which must comply with the size restrictions imposed by airlines. It applies to hard-shell suitcases, soft-shell suitcases and bags.

[0002] Traditional suitcases are often equipped with wheels, which increases the overall volume of the luggage and reduces the space available for personal belongings. Conventional wheels, usually fixed to the bottom of the suitcase, affect the maximum permitted dimensions for carry-on luggage. Existing solutions, such as retractable wheels or smaller wheels, do not allow for sufficient optimization of the luggage's interior space.

[0003] The technical problem posed is the need to optimize the internal volume of suitcases while respecting the maximum external dimensions imposed for cabin baggage, in order to maximize the space available for personal belongings.

[0004] The invention provides a suitcase equipped with ball-bearing wheels fixed to the underside of the suitcase, maximizing the usable volume inside the luggage. These ball-bearing wheels can be attached by various means such as rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners (commonly known as "Velcro"), or any other fastening method, potentially making the wheels removable. The ball-bearing wheels are arranged on the underside of the suitcase to ensure optimal stability and maneuverability. They can be positioned at the bottom corners, at a lower angle to allow the suitcase to be pulled at an angle, or in any other suitable location.

[0005] The invention offers several significant advantages. It allows for the optimization of the suitcase's internal volume without exceeding the maximum external dimensions permitted for carry-on luggage, thus providing maximum space for personal belongings. The ball-bearing wheels used improve rolling and maneuverability. Furthermore, the increased strength of these wheels compared to traditional wheels reduces wear and increases the suitcase's durability. Finally, the application of this invention extends to various types of luggage, including hard-shell suitcases, soft-sided suitcases, and bags, making it a useful solution for numerous applications.

[0006] The attached drawings illustrate the invention: • [Fig. 1]: Diagram of the suitcase showing the attachment of the ball bearing wheels on the underside. • [Fig.2]: Cross-sectional view illustrating the positioning of the ball bearings. • [Fig.3]: Detail of a ball wheel and possible means of fixing.

[0007] With reference to these drawings, in a preferred embodiment according to [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the suitcase comprises a rectangular main body (1) made of rigid or flexible material. On the underside of the suitcase, four ball-bearing casters (2) are arranged at the lower corners. Each ball-bearing caster (2) allows for smooth rolling and increased maneuverability. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], these ball-bearing casters can be attached to the main body of the suitcase by various means such as rivets (3), screws (4), nuts and bolts (5), adhesive (6), hook and loop fasteners (commonly known as "Velcro") (7), or any other fastening method, making the casters (2) optionally removable.This configuration not only minimizes external bulk but also optimizes the internal volume of the suitcase, thus facilitating transport and handling in confined spaces such as airplane baggage compartments.

[0008] The invention is susceptible to industrial application in the manufacture of suitcases and other luggage, particularly for products intended for air travelers concerned with complying with the maximum cabin baggage dimensions imposed by airlines. It can also be used for suitcases and bags intended for transport by car, train or boat, thus maximizing usable space and facilitating transport.

Claims

Demands

1. Suitcase characterized in that it includes ball wheels (2) fixed to the underside of the suitcase (1), allowing the internal volume to be optimized without exceeding the maximum external dimensions imposed for cabin baggage.

2. Suitcase (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball wheels (2) are arranged at the lower corners, on a lower angle allowing the suitcase to be pulled inclined, or at any other suitable location.

3. Suitcase (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each ball wheel (2) is composed of one or more balls of metallic material (such as steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum) or of ceramic or glass material, or of rubber, or of plastic material (such as polyamide (nylon), polypropylene, polyurethane), or any other suitable material.

4. Suitcase (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ball wheels (2) are fixed by rivets (3), screws (4), screw-nuts (5), adhesive (6), hook and loop fasteners (commonly known as "scratch") (7) or any other means of fastening.

5. Suitcase (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of ball wheels (2) is two, three, four or more, fixed so as to ensure optimal stability and maneuverability.

6. Suitcase (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving plate for the ball or balls of the ball wheel (2) can be circular, rectangular, triangular or any other shape suitable for the configuration of the suitcase.

7. Suitcase (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is applicable to rigid suitcases, soft suitcases and bags.

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