SET OF WHEELS FOR SUITCASE

Abstract

The caster assembly for a suitcase comprises a mounting base; a bracket coupled to the mounting base by means of a rack, wherein the bracket is designed to rotate relative to the mounting base around the axis of the rack; a caster element fixed by means of a shaft to a bracket so as to rotate the caster element around the axis of the shaft; between the mounting base and the caster element is mounted a damping mechanism providing elastic deformation of the caster assembly along the axis of the rack; the bracket includes an eccentric damping mechanism provided at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the axis of the rack, wherein the eccentric damping mechanism is designed for elastic deformation and displacement of the shaft with the caster assembly. (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: SUITCASE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The utility model relates to a suitcase, in particular a wheel assembly that allows the suitcase to be moved in a vertical position and / or at an angle to a horizontal surface. This utility model can be useful for transporting luggage.

[0002] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The prior art offers various designs for suitcases and corresponding wheel assemblies. The most common suitcase design with wheel assembly is inherently stable. The suitcase can rotate 360 ​​degrees and is easy to move. However, it has a high center of gravity and is therefore unstable and easily tips over when moved on uneven surfaces.

[0004] There are many suitcase designs that reduce vibrations when the suitcase is moved over uneven surfaces. It should be noted that most known designs use a damping mechanism, and that the damping mechanism is most often a spring mechanism consisting of one or more springs. Typically, the spring mechanism is arranged vertically, which helps to dampen impacts when the suitcase is moved in an upright position. However, when the suitcase is transported at an angle, the damping effect is either completely eliminated or reduced to a minimum. Thus, when transporting luggage (especially heavy loads), the user experiences strain in the wrist and hand caused by vibrations transmitted from the wheel assemblies through the suitcase handle to the user's hand(s) when moving the suitcase over uneven terrain.As used here, the term "uneven terrain" refers to the presence of various irregularities in the road surface, particularly holes, potholes, paving joints, sidewalks, steps, escalators, manhole covers, protruding elements of road markings, tram tracks and other rails, and the like. This makes it difficult to transport luggage, especially over long distances, leading to user fatigue.

[0005] Chinese patent no. CN212972004 (published on 16 / 04 / 2021) proposes a wheel assembly in which the first spring is located at the upper end of the spring piston, the connecting rod. The outer side of the connecting rod has a fixed plate, and the upper end of the fixed plate has a second spring. Thanks to the arrangement of springs and pistons at multiple levels, vertical vibration generated by uneven road surfaces during movement is completely damped by the vertical movement of the pistons in the corresponding cavities. The disadvantage of this technical solution is the absence / significant reduction of the damping effect when the suitcase is tilted, which limits the possibilities of transporting the user's luggage, i.e. that stable movement of the suitcase is only possible when it is moved in a vertical position.

[0006] Chinese patent CN205780569 (published on 12 / 07 / 2016) describes a caster assembly comprising a mounting base for attaching it to the body of a suitcase; a support coupled to the mounting base by means of a rack, wherein the support is designed to rotate relative to the mounting base around the axis of the rack; a caster element attached by means of a shaft to the support so as to rotate the caster element around the axis of the shaft; between the mounting base and the caster element is installed a damping mechanism in the form of a spring ensuring elastic deformation of the caster assembly along the axis of the rack. When moving the suitcase in an inclined position, the damping capabilities of this known caster assembly are limited, which reduces the versatility of the known caster assembly, since the suitcase can be moved by the user in both a vertical and inclined position.

[0007] The technical solution provided in international application WO2020029876 (published on 13 / 02 / 2020) was chosen as the closest analogue. The application proposes a double-suspension caster assembly for use on a suitcase, comprising a mounting base used to be connected to the suitcase, a support with a caster element connected to the mounting base via a rack, wherein the support is designed to rotate relative to the mounting base around the axis of the suspension component. The caster element is fixed by means of a shaft to a support so as to rotate the caster element around the axis of the shaft. Between the mounting base and the caster element is mounted a first damping mechanism in the form of a spring ensuring elastic deformation of the caster assembly along the axis of the rack.Between the support and the caster element, a second damping mechanism in the form of a spring is mounted, also ensuring elastic deformation of the caster assembly along the axis of the rack.

[0008] Despite the increased suspension travel achieved through the combination of two springs, the described design is only capable of damping vertical vibrations when the suitcase is moved strictly vertically and on four sets of wheels, although some suitcase modifications feature only two sets of wheels. When the suitcase is tilted, the damping elements are positioned at an angle (not perpendicular) to the moving surface, which is ineffective since the damping effect is canceled / significantly reduced in this position. Thus, the known design of the wheel assembly limits the damping capabilities, thereby reducing the versatility of the The design allows the suitcase to be moved by the user in both upright and inclined positions. Suitcase designs may include only two sets of wheels instead of four. In this case, moving the suitcase in an upright position may not be anticipated, and the damping capabilities of such a known set of wheels would be practically unused, thus limiting the scope of application of those damping capabilities.

[0009] The technical task of the present utility model is to develop a universal design of a wheel assembly for a suitcase, ensuring stability, noise reduction and damping effect when moving the suitcase both in a vertical position and when moving the suitcase in an inclined position relative to the moving surface.

[0010] DISCLOSURE OF THE ESSENCE OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0011] The technical task is solved here by creating a wheel assembly for a suitcase; the wheel assembly comprises:

[0012] a fixing base for fixing to the suitcase body;

[0013] a support coupled to the mounting base by means of a rack, in which the support is designed to rotate relative to the mounting base around the axis of the rack;

[0014] a wheel element fixed by means of a shaft on the support so as to rotate the wheel element around the axis of the shaft; between the fixing base and the wheel element is installed a damping mechanism ensuring elastic deformation of the wheel assembly along the axis of the rack;

[0015] the support includes an eccentric damping mechanism provided according to an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the axis of the rack, in which the eccentric damping mechanism is designed for elastic deformation and displacement of the shaft with the wheel assembly.

[0016] The explanatory characteristics of the present utility model are given below.

[0017] Caster assembly in which the damping mechanism between the fixing base and the caster element is a compression spring.

[0018] Caster assembly in which the damping mechanism between the fixing base and the caster element is a damping plate.

[0019] Caster assembly in which the damping mechanism between the fixing base and the caster element is a compression spring and a damping plate.

[0020] Caster assembly in which the eccentric damping mechanism is designed as a compression spring.

[0021] Roulette assembly in which the spring stroke is at least 1 cm.

[0022] Caster assembly in which the eccentric damping mechanism is designed as a tension spring.

[0023] Caster assembly in which the stroke of the damping mechanism between the fixing base and the support does not exceed the stroke value of the eccentric damping mechanism.

[0024] Caster assembly in which a bearing is installed on the mounting base.

[0025] Wheel assembly in which a bearing is installed on the rack.

[0026] Caster assembly in which a bearing is installed on the support.

[0027] A roulette assembly in which the roulette element is a group of roulette wheels mounted on a single tree.

[0028] Caster assembly in which the caster element includes a tire.

[0029] A wheel assembly in which the tire is made of an elastic material, and the compression value does not exceed the stroke value of the eccentric damping mechanism.

[0030] The technical result of the claimed utility model is to increase the versatility of the caster assembly so as to ensure stability, noise reduction, and a damping effect when moving the suitcase both in a vertical position and when moving the suitcase at an angle to the moving surface. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The essence of the utility model is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Fig. 1 represents the design of the roulette assembly in its disassembled form.

[0033] Fig. 2 represents the design of the roulette assembly in its disassembled form.

[0034] Fig. 3 represents a general view of the design of the assembled roulette assembly.

[0035] Fig. 4 represents a general side view of the design of the assembled roulette assembly.

[0036] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0037] The wheel assembly design can be used in suitcases and other means of transporting luggage and other goods. The suitcase includes a handle for gripping by the user, a receiving section for placing luggage, and wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies are generally two or four in number, fixed to the end wall of the suitcase.

[0038] Figures 1 to 4 represent a non-limiting embodiment of the design of a wheel assembly 100 for a suitcase according to the claimed utility model.

[0039] For a clear representation of the components of the caster assembly 100, [Fig. 1] shows the design in its disassembled form. The caster assembly 100 for a The case includes a mounting base 102 for attaching it to the case body. The mounting base 102 can be attached to the case body using, for example, screws, bolts with nuts, rivets, adhesive, and other means. A bracket 104 is coupled to the mounting base 102 by means of a rack 106, in which the bracket 104 is designed to rotate relative to the mounting base 102 around the axis of the rack 106.

[0040] The caster assembly 108 is fixed by means of a shaft 110 to the support 104 so as to rotate the caster element 108 about the axis of the shaft 110. Furthermore, as can be seen in [Fig. 1], the axis of the caster element 108 does not coincide with the axis of the rack 106; the axis of the caster element 108 is located parallel to the axis of the rack 106. The caster element 108 may be made of plastic or ABS plastic, which is characterized by high strength and thermal stability, or of another plastic, or of metal, rubber and other materials, or a combination thereof. For example, the caster may be made of plastic and fitted with a rubber tire. Figures 1 to 3 represent a roulette element 108, which consists of a roulette 1081 and a roulette 1082, in which the roulette 1081 and the roulette 1082 are coupled by means of a shaft 110 and form a pair of roulettes.In some embodiments, the caster assembly may also include a single caster or more than two casters, such as three, four, five, and the like. Figure 4 is a side view of caster 1081. In a preferred embodiment, the suitcase includes four pairs of casters on the end wall of the suitcase. The suitcase may include two pairs of casters on the end wall of the suitcase while still maintaining the damping effect.

[0041] Between the mounting base 102 and the wheel element 108, a damping mechanism 112 is installed, ensuring elastic deformation of the wheel assembly 100 along the axis of the rack 106. The damping mechanism 112 ensures stable movement of the suitcase. When moving the suitcase in a vertical position, the damping mechanism 112 dampens the vibrations that occur due to transporting the suitcase over an uneven surface, thus ensuring smooth movement of the suitcase and reducing strain on the user's hand and wrist.

[0042] One embodiment is possible in which the damping mechanism 112 between the mounting base 102 and the wheel element 108 is a compression spring. When the suitcase hits a bump, the spring is compressed, and then, after passing over the obstacle, the spring returns to its original state, thus reducing the impact force on the user.

[0043] One embodiment is possible in which the damping mechanism 112 between the mounting base 102 and the roller element 108 is a plate Damping. Like a compression spring, the damping plate reduces shocks and vibrations when the suitcase is moving. The damping plate can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0044] One embodiment is possible in which the damping mechanism 112 between the mounting base 102 and the caster element 108 consists of a compression spring and a damping plate. According to such an embodiment, the shock absorber's travel can be increased by using a combination of a compression spring and a damping plate, thereby enhancing the damping effect, including for different types of suitcase movement. For example, the spring can provide a damping effect when moving over minor irregularities in the pavement (cracks, joints in tiles or paving stones, thresholds, hatches, etc.), and the damping plate can provide a damping effect when moving a suitcase over steps, curbs, or other significant irregularities.

[0045] Figure 2 shows an eccentric damping mechanism 114, which is designed for elastic deformation and displacement of the shaft 110 with the roller element 108. The eccentric damping mechanism 114 is disposed in the support 104 and is installed at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the axis of the rack 106. In some embodiments, particularly as shown in Figure 2, the eccentric damping mechanism 114 can be disposed in the support 104 and installed at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the axis of the rack 106. This angle can be chosen according to the overall dimensions of the roller assembly and the individual elements of the roller assembly, as well as according to the overall dimensions and design of the case on which it is envisaged to install these roller assemblies. For example, the angle can be 35, 40, 46, 51, 57, etc.degrees relative to the axis of the rack 106 or another value within the specified range of 30 to 60 degrees. While in the vertical position of the suitcase, the main load falls on the damping mechanism 112, when transporting the suitcase in an inclined position (at an angle to the horizontal surface), the load falls on the eccentric damping mechanism 114. The provision of the eccentric damping mechanism 114 not only mitigates the impact when moving the suitcase at an angle, but also increases the degree of maneuverability of the suitcase.

[0046] One embodiment is possible in which the eccentric damping mechanism 114 is designed in the form of a compression spring. The compression spring illustrated in [Fig. 2] is disposed in the support 104.

[0047] One embodiment is possible in which the spring stroke is at least 1 cm. On average, the spring stroke in known luggage designs is approximately 0.3 cm. Providing the spring with a stroke of at least 1 cm increases the damping effect.

[0048] One embodiment is possible, in which the eccentric damping mechanism 114 is designed in the form of a tension spring.

[0049] One embodiment is possible, in which the stroke of the damping mechanism 112 between the fixing base 102 and the support 104 does not exceed the stroke value of the eccentric damping mechanism 114.

[0050] One embodiment is possible, in which a bearing is installed on the mounting base 102. The bearing ensures rotation with less resistance, takes the load from the roller element 108 and transfers the load to the mounting base 102. In the preferred embodiment, a ball bearing is used.

[0051] One embodiment is possible, in which a bearing is installed on the rack 106. In the preferred embodiment, a ball bearing is used.

[0052] One embodiment is possible, in which a bearing is installed on the support 104. In the preferred embodiment, a ball bearing is used.

[0053] One embodiment is possible in which the roulette element 108 is a group of roulettes mounted on a single shaft. Figures 1 to 4 show a roulette element 108 consisting of two roulettes. Furthermore, the roulette element 108 may also include three, four, five, or more roulettes.

[0054] One embodiment is possible, in which the roulette element 108 includes a tire.

[0055] One embodiment is possible, in which the tire is made of an elastic material, and the compression value does not exceed the stroke value of the eccentric damping mechanism.

[0056] Thus, the design according to the invention of the wheel assembly 100, due to the set of essential characteristics, ensures an increase in the versatility of the wheel assembly, stability, noise reduction and damping effect when moving the suitcase both in a vertical position and when moving the suitcase in an inclined position, at an angle to the horizontal surface.

[0057] The illustrative embodiments, examples, and detailed description preceding this text are provided solely to explain the technical solution of the invention and are not restrictive. Other possible embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the preceding detailed description. The scope of this utility model is limited only by the appended claims of the utility model.

Claims

Demands

1. A wheel assembly (100) for a suitcase, the wheel assembly comprising: a mounting base (102) for attachment to the suitcase body; a support (104) coupled to the mounting base (102) by means of a rack (106), wherein the support (104) is designed to rotate relative to the mounting base (102) around the axis of the rack (106); a wheel element (108) fixed by means of a shaft (110) to a support so as to rotate the wheel element (108) around the axis of the shaft (110); between the mounting base (102) and the wheel element (108) is mounted a damping mechanism (112) ensuring elastic deformation of the wheel assembly (100) along the axis of the rack (106);the support (104) includes an eccentric damping mechanism (114) provided at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the axis of the rack (106), in which the eccentric damping mechanism (114) is designed for elastic deformation and displacement of the shaft (110) with the roller assembly (100).

2. Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the damping mechanism (112) between the fixing base (102) and the caster element (108) is a compression spring.

3. Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the damping mechanism (112) between the fixing base (102) and the caster element (108) is a damping plate.

4. Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the damping mechanism (112) between the fixing base (102) and the caster element (108) is a compression spring and a damping plate.

5. Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric damping mechanism (114) is designed as a compression spring.

6. Caster assembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein the spring stroke is at least 1 cm.

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14. A roulette assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric damping mechanism (114) is designed as a tension spring. Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stroke of the damping mechanism (112) between the fixing base (102) and the support (104) does not exceed the stroke value of the eccentric damping mechanism (114). Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, in which a bearing is installed on the mounting base (102). A roulette assembly (100) according to claim 1, in which a bearing is installed on the rack (106). Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein a bearing is installed on the support (104). Caster assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the caster element (108) is a group of casters mounted on a single shaft (110). A roulette assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the roulette element (108) comprises a tire. Wheel assembly (100) according to claim 13, wherein the tire is made of an elastic material, and the compression value does not exceed the stroke value of the eccentric damping mechanism (114).

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