Baggage items

Abstract

A luggage item comprising: an extension means; a lower module engaged with a lower portion of the extension means via a lower connection means; an upper module engaged with an upper portion of the extension means via an upper connection means; and at least one central module engaged with a central portion of the extension means via a central connection means, wherein the extension means is configured to separate at least two of the lower module, the upper module, and the at least one central module; and wherein an outer shell of the luggage item is formed by the bottom of the lower module, the upper surface of the upper module, and the peripheral walls of the lower module, the upper module, and the at least one central module.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to luggage items, and more particularly to expandable luggage items. [Background technology]

[0002] Luggage items allow people to transport items such as clothing and toiletries in larger quantities than they could otherwise carry. Luggage items such as suitcases often include a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and two side walls, and a cover hinged to one edge of the side wall. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The stored items are typically unpacked upon arrival at the destination. Unpacking typically involves moving the cover from a closed position to an open position. When a baggage item is on the floor and the cover is in the open position, it occupies more floor space than when the cover is in the closed position. In locations where space is limited, it is disadvantageous for the baggage item to enclose more space than necessary.

[0004] Furthermore, once unpacked, the contents are typically stored elsewhere, so the unpacked items take up space in addition to the suitcase. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been devised to alleviate at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an extension means, a lower module engaged with a lower part of the extension means via a lower connection means, an upper module engaged with an upper part of the extension means via an upper connection means, and at least one central module engaged with a central part of the extension means via a central connection means, wherein the extension means is configured to separate at least two of the lower module, the upper module, and the at least one central module, and an outer shell of the baggage item is formed by the bottom of the lower module, the upper surface of the upper module, and the respective peripheral walls of the lower module, the upper module, and the at least one central module.

[0007] The luggage item may alternate between a retracted first position and an extended second position. The extension means may facilitate not only the change between the first and second positions, but also the extension or separation of the two modules. Separation of the two modules may advantageously allow a user to access a set of items contained in at least one of the modules without having to move a cover from a closed position to an open position. Providing such access may advantageously reduce the space required for a user to access the contents within the luggage item, as the footprint of the luggage item remains unchanged.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extension means is one or more ropes interconnecting the modules.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extension means is a telescopic rail guide, and the at least one central module is configured to move along the rail guide for separation. A telescopic rail guide may be understood as a rail guide arranged to alternate between a first retracted position and a second extended position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rail guide includes an upper rail slidably engaged with the lower rail, the lower module is fixedly engaged with the lower rail, the upper module is fixedly engaged with the upper rail, and at least one central module is slidably engaged with the upper rail. In this manner, because the lower module and the upper module are fixedly engaged with the lower rail and the upper rail, respectively, separation of the upper rail from the lower rail can be achieved by sliding the upper rail relative to the lower rail. Furthermore, separation of the at least one central module from the upper and lower modules can be achieved by sliding the at least one central module along the upper rail.

[0011] In some embodiments, the top rail includes a catch located at a catch point below the at least one central module, which is configured to prevent the at least one central module from passing through the catch point. In this manner, the catch can provide a point through which the at least one central module cannot pass. Advantageously, the catch can prevent the at least one central module from slipping off the top rail.

[0012] In some embodiments, the luggage item further comprises an outer rail guide including an outer rail fixedly engaged with the upper module and including an actuatable latch adjacent to the lower rail, and a handlebar rail slidably engaged with the outer rail and configured to actuate the latch located adjacent to the lower rail, the latch being configured to prevent downward movement of the outer rail when in a closed position. Thus, a user can actuate the latch to place the latch in a closed position. When the latch is in the closed position, the upper rail can be moved relative to the lower rail, causing corresponding movement of the outer rail. The latch can lock the luggage item in an extended position by preventing the outer rail from moving downward. A user can subsequently actuate the latch to an open position, lowering the outer rail and providing a means for returning the luggage item to a retracted position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the telescopic rail guide is telescopic. The telescopic rail guide may function as a linear rail for one or more connection means, which may be runner components. Thus, at least one central module, which may be attached via a runner component, can slide along the rail guide. Thus, separation between at least two of the lower module, the upper module, and the central module can be achieved by sliding the modules along the rail guide. Preferably, the lower connection means is a lower runner component, the upper connection means is an upper runner component, and the central connection means is a central runner component. In this way, each of the modules can move along the rail guide via its respective runner component.

[0014] In some embodiments, one or more runner components form a telescopic runner unit. As such, the one or more runner components can provide a means for alternating the luggage item between a first retracted configuration and a second extended configuration. In particular, when the telescopic runner unit is fully retracted, the modules attached to the respective runner components of the telescopic runner unit are similarly retracted, resulting in the luggage item being in the retracted configuration. When the telescopic runner unit is in the extended position, the runner components are maximally extended, allowing the modules to be maximally separated from one another, resulting in the luggage item being in the extended configuration.

[0015] Preferably, the central runner component surrounds the lower and upper runner components, such that the lower and upper runner components can extend from at least one central runner component, and the upper and lower modules can correspondingly be separated from one or more central modules.

[0016] Preferably, at least one runner component of the one or more runner components is connected to a drive means arranged to facilitate movement of the one or more runner components along the rail guide. The drive means may be a means for separating the one or more runner components after external interaction. The drive means may advantageously provide a means for easier separation of the modules.

[0017] Preferably, the drive means is a gear connected to at least one runner component via a respective arm. In this way, rotation of the gear can cause corresponding linear movement of the at least one runner component via the arm. The gear can be rotated manually by a user. Alternatively, the gear itself can be connected to a motor, such that the gear rotates when the motor is turned on, for example after activation by a user. Advantageously, the gear can provide a means for easier separation of the modules.

[0018] Preferably, the gears are connected to at least two runner components via their respective arms. In this way, movement of one runner component can cause the gears to rotate, which can correspondingly move another runner component. In this way, a user can move a module connected to the gears, which in turn moves another module, thereby allowing the modules to be separated. Advantageously, separation of the modules can be easier.

[0019] Preferably, at least one central module includes a removable bottom component. The top module may also include a removable bottom component, such that the bottom, top, and central modules each include a respective bottom component or bottom. Each module may be used to store a respective set of items.

[0020] Preferably, each central module includes a connecting portion positioned to facilitate connection of a removable bottom component. In this manner, a user can customize a baggage item by selecting which module includes the bottom component. This can be particularly useful when transporting large items that may not fit into a single module and may span multiple modules.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting portion is a plurality of hook holes distributed along the lower edge of the peripheral wall of the central module, and is arranged to receive respective hooks arranged along the peripheral edge of the bottom component. In this way, the connection of the bottom component can be achieved by hooking the hooks into the respective hook holes. Advantageously, the bottom component can be more easily removed and connected.

[0022] Preferably, the upper surface of the upper module includes a handle. In some embodiments, the upper surface includes a handle recess occupying a central portion of the outer surface of the upper surface. The handle may occupy the handle recess. The handle may provide a means for a user to carry the baggage item during use. The handle may also provide a means for a user to apply a force to the gear. In particular, a user can apply an upward force to the handle, which in turn applies an upward force to the upper module. The upward force can then be applied to an arm connected to the gear via the upper runner component, moving the arm vertically upward and thereby rotating the gear. Advantageously, the handle allows a user to more easily separate the modules.

[0023] In some embodiments, the peripheral walls of each module, the bottom of the lower module, and the top surface of the upper module are all formed from a rigid material. Alternatively, the peripheral walls of each module, the bottom of the lower module, and the top surface of the upper module are all formed from a non-rigid material.

[0024] Preferably, the upper surface of the upper module is hinged to the edge of the peripheral wall of the upper module, in this way access to the upper module may be easier.

[0025] Preferably, the luggage item further comprises a handle bar attached to the distal end of the rail guide. The handle bar may provide a means for a user to pull the luggage item during use. Furthermore, the handle bar may provide a means for a user to more easily extend the telescopic rail guide. In particular, a user can apply an upward force to the handle bar, thereby further exerting an upward force on the telescopic rail guide, thereby extending the rail guide. Furthermore, a user can apply a downward force to the handle bar, thereby further exerting an upward force on the rail guide, thereby retracting the rail guide. Thus, the handle bar may advantageously provide a means for more easily retracting the luggage item.

[0026] Preferably, the handlebar is telescopic along the transverse axis of the luggage item. In this way, the handlebar can be used to hang luggage items such as clothing. This can advantageously further reduce the area that the luggage item must occupy, as clothing that would otherwise take up storage space in, for example, a cupboard can instead be hung from the handlebar.

[0027] In some embodiments, the handlebar includes a telescoping rod housed within the handlebar, thus allowing the handlebar to be easily extended along the lateral axis of the luggage item.

[0028] In some embodiments, the handlebar houses a first telescoping rod and a second telescoping rod arranged to extend from each end of the handlebar, such that the handlebar extends in two separate directions along the transverse axis, thereby advantageously increasing the area available for hanging clothing.

[0029] Preferably, the handlebar includes lighting means. The lighting means may be an LED strip running along the underside of the handlebar. Advantageously, the lighting means may provide a means for illuminating the luggage item. Even more advantageously, in embodiments in which the top surface of the upper module is hinged to the edge of the peripheral wall, the lighting means may provide a means for illuminating the contents of the luggage item.

[0030] Preferably, the luggage item further comprises rail locking means arranged to lock the rail guide in a fixed position. In this way, the user can advantageously lock the rail guide in a desired position.

[0031] Preferably, the luggage item further comprises a plurality of vertically oriented grooves, which may advantageously reinforce the peripheral wall of each of the modules to reduce the risk of damage to the luggage item.

[0032] Preferably, the luggage item further comprises a plurality of corner caps, which may advantageously extend the life of the luggage item by reinforcing the edges of the luggage item that are subject to the most wear.

[0033] Preferably, the luggage item further comprises a plurality of wheels, which may advantageously provide a means for a user to more easily maneuver the luggage item.

[0034] It will be understood that any feature described herein as suitable for incorporation in one or more aspects or embodiments of the invention is intended to be generalizable to all aspects or embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other aspects of the invention in light of the description of the invention, the claims, and the drawings. The foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not limiting of the scope of the claims.

[0035] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of a luggage item according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a front view of the luggage item of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1B shows a front view of the luggage item of FIG. 1A with the rail guide in a first position. [Figure 2B] 1B shows a front view of the luggage item of FIG. 1A with the rail guide in a second position. [Figure 3A] 1B shows a perspective view of the luggage item of FIG. 1A with the rail guide in a first position. [Figure 3B] 1B shows a perspective view of the luggage item of FIG. 1A with the rail guide in a second position. [Figure 4] 1B shows a perspective view of the luggage item of FIG. 1A with the rail guide in a second position. [Figure 5] 1 shows a perspective view of a luggage item according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6A] 6 shows a front view of the luggage item of FIG. 5 with the rail guide in a first position. [Figure 6B] 6 shows a front view of the luggage item of FIG. 5 with the rail guide in a second position. [Figure 7A] 6 shows a perspective view of the luggage item of FIG. 5 with the rail guide in a first position. [Figure 7B] 6 shows a perspective view of the luggage item of FIG. 5 with the rail guide in a second position. [Figure 8] 6 shows a perspective view of the luggage item of FIG. 5 with the rail guide in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] 1A shows a perspective view of a luggage item 100. The luggage item 100 comprises a telescopic rail guide 102, a lower module 106 engaged with a lower portion of the rail guide 102 via a lower connecting means, an upper module 110 engaged with an upper portion of the rail guide 102 via an upper connecting means, and at least one central module 114A, 114B engaged with a central portion of the rail guide 102 via a central connecting means, wherein the at least one central module 114A, 114B is arranged to move along the rail guide 102 to separate at least two of the lower module 106, the upper module 110, and the at least one central module 114A, 114B.

[0038] In this example, the at least one central module 114A, 114B includes a first central module 114A and a second central module 114B. It will be appreciated that any number of central modules may be included.

[0039] The lower module 106 includes a base 108. The upper module 110 includes a top surface 112. Each middle module 114A, 114B includes a removable bottom component 116.

[0040] The following description of the rail guides 102 refers to a first rail guide 102 located on a first short side of the luggage item 100. As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a corresponding second rail guide is located on a second short side of the luggage item 100 and is substantially similar to the first rail guide 102.

[0041] The rail guide 102 includes an upper rail 102B and a lower rail 102A. The luggage item 100 further includes an outer rail guide 130. The outer rail guide 102B includes a handlebar rail 130B and an outer rail 130A.

[0042] The lower module 106 is fixedly engaged with the lower rail 102A via a lower connecting means such as a bracket, etc. The lower module 106 includes a peripheral wall 140 and a bottom 108 that acts as a barrier between the baggage item 100 and the ground.

[0043] The upper module 110 is engaged and fixed to the upper rail 102B via upper connecting means such as a bracket. The upper module 110 is also engaged and fixed to the outer rail 130A via connecting means such as a bracket. The upper module 110 includes a peripheral wall 150 and an upper surface 112.

[0044] The first central module 114A is slidably engaged with the central portion of the rail guide 102 via a connecting means such as a runner. In this embodiment, the first central module 114A is connected to the upper rail 102B below the upper module 110. The first central module 114A includes a peripheral wall 160 and a removable bottom component 116.

[0045] The second central module 114B is slidably engaged with the central portion of the rail guide 102 via a connecting means such as a runner. In this embodiment, the second central module 114B is connected to the upper rail 102B below the upper module 110 and above the first central module 114A. The second central module 114B is substantially similar to the first central module 114A.

[0046] Thus, in this embodiment, the lower portion of the rail guide 102 is the lower rail 102A, the upper portion of the rail guide 102 is the upper rail 102B, and the central portion of the rail guide 102 is any portion of the rail guide 102 between the points at which the lower module 106 and the upper module 110 engage the lower rail 102A and the upper rail 102B, respectively. Thus, it will be understood that at least one central module 114A, 114B can engage the lower rail 102A or the upper rail 102B.

[0047] The lower rail 102A and the upper rail 102B are slidably engaged with each other and extend along a longitudinal axis relative to each other. The rails 102A, 102B are substantially U-shaped in cross section, including a base and a pair of wings extending away from the base. The rails 102A, 102B have different cross-sectional sizes, and one component surrounds the other so that the wings contact, thereby preventing lateral movement along a first lateral axis. The inner rail, such as the upper rail 102B in FIG. 1B, includes a pair of flanges extending along the free ends of the wings, which are configured to occupy respective tracks located along the inside of the wings of the outer component, such as the lower rail 102A. The flanges and tracks prevent lateral movement along a second lateral axis, ensuring that movement is completely limited to the longitudinal axis.

[0048] The handlebar rail 130B and outer rail 130A are also slidably engaged with one another in substantially the same manner as the upper and lower components of the rail guide 102. The outer rail 130A surrounds the handlebar rail 130B. The outer rail 130A is attached to the upper module 110, while the handlebar rail 130B moves freely along the outer rail 130A. The outer rail 130A is also slidably engaged with the lower rail 102A.

[0049] The outer rail 130A includes an actuatable latch 132 located adjacent to the lower rail 102A. The latch 132 is configured to alternate between a closed position and an open position. The latch 132 includes a button on its top surface that opens the latch 132 when contacted by the handlebar rail 130B. In the open position, the lower rail 102A is free to move relative to the upper rail 102B. In the closed position, the lower rail 102A is free to move downward relative to the latch 132 until a threshold is reached. When the threshold is reached (e.g., when the upper edge of the lower rail 102A passes the latch 132), the lower rail 102A cannot pass the latch 132 and the outer rail 130A' cannot move downward.

[0050] The luggage item 100 is configured to alternate between a first contracted configuration and a second extended configuration. In the first configuration, the luggage item 100 is contracted, and in the second configuration, the luggage item 100 is extended. Figure 1 shows the luggage item 100 in the second configuration, while Figure 3B shows the luggage item 100 in the first configuration.

[0051] When the luggage item 100 is in the first configuration, the upper module 110, the second central module 114B, the first central module 114A, and the lower module 106 are stacked one on top of the other.

[0052] The upper rail 102B further includes a first catch 115 located at a first catch point below the first central module 114A. In this example, the first catch 115 is located at the lower end of the upper rail 102B. In use, as the luggage item 100 alternates between the first and second configurations, gravity pushes the first central module 114A down along the upper rail 102B. The first catch 115 prevents the first central module from passing through the first catch point. In particular, the first catch 115 blocks the runner, preventing the first central module 114A from disengaging from the upper rail 102B.

[0053] The upper rail 102B further includes a second catch 117 located at a second catch point below the second central module 114B. The second catch point is between the first catch point and the runner of the second central module 114B. The second catch 117 is preferably located midway along the upper rail 102B. In use, as the luggage item 100 alternates between the first and second configurations, gravity pushes the second central module 114B down along the upper rail 102B. The second catch 117 prevents the second central module from passing the second catch point. In particular, the second catch 117 engages with the runner of the second central module 114B, thereby preventing the second central module 114B from sliding past the second catch point.

[0054] The luggage item 100 further includes a handlebar 120 attached to the distal end of the handlebar rail 130B. The handlebar 120 provides a means for extending the handlebar rail 130B from a first position to a second position. In particular, during use, a user may apply a substantially upward force to the handlebar 120, which causes the handlebar 120 to apply an upward force to the handlebar rail 130B, moving the handlebar rail 130B along the outer rail 130A and extending it until it reaches the second position or any position between the first and second positions. Additionally, a user may apply a substantially downward force to the handlebar 120, which causes the handlebar 120 to apply a downward force to the handlebar rail 130B, retracting it until it reaches the first position or any position between the first and second positions.

[0055] The luggage item 200 further includes a locking means 124 positioned to prevent movement of the lower rail 102A and the upper rail 102B. The locking means 124 is a rotatable lock 124 positioned on the upper surface 112 of the upper module 110. The lock 124 is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The lock 124 is in mechanical communication with a locking rail 125 shown in FIG. 1B. When the lock 124 is in the closed position, the lock 124 locks the lower rail 102A and the upper rail 102B, whereas when the lock 124 is in the open position, the lower rail 102A and the upper rail 102B are free to move. Thus, a user can lock the luggage item 100 in a preferred configuration according to a current purpose. For example, when the luggage item 100 is in a first configuration, the user can activate the lock 124 to prevent the lower rail 102A and the upper rail 102B from extending. When an upward force is applied to the upper module 110, the luggage item 100 lifts without expanding.

[0056] During use, to alternate between the first and second configurations of the luggage item 100, a user can release the lock 124 to allow the handlebar rail 130B to freely extend. The user can apply an upward force to the upper module 110, causing the outer rail 130A and the upper rail 102B to move upward in parallel. As the upper rail 102B moves upward, the upper module 110 and the second central module 114B separate, and the second catch 115 engages the runner of the second central module 114B. As the upper rail 102B continues to rise, the second central module 114B and the first central module 114A further separate, and the first catch 115 engages the runner of the first central module 114A. The first central module 114A also moves upward with the upper rail 102B, further separating the first central module 114A from the lower module 106. During this upward movement of the upper rail 102B, the outer rail 130A' also moves upward until the latch 132 passes the upper edge of the lower rail 102A. At this point, the outer rail 130A' is prevented from moving downward by the latch 132. Thus, at this point, the luggage item 100 is secured in the second configuration.

[0057] To return to the first configuration, the user can apply a downward force to the handlebar 120 to activate the latch 132, allowing the outer rail 130A' to move downward. The outer rail 130A' moves the bottom portion 108 downward, causing the upper module 110 to move downward as well. The upper rail 102B also moves downward along with the central modules 114A, 114B and upper module 110, and the baggage item 100 returns to the first configuration.

[0058] The top surface 112 is hinged to the edge of the perimeter wall 150, allowing the top module 110 to be switched between a closed position and an open position. The top surface 152 thus functions as a lid. The top module 110 can be opened by moving the top surface 152 from the closed position to the open position, thereby allowing easy access to the contents of the top module during travel.

[0059] The locking means 124 may further include an intermediate position where the locking rail 125 prevents the top surface 112 from opening while still allowing free movement of the handlebar rail 130B.

[0060] 5 shows a perspective view of a luggage item 200 according to an alternative embodiment. The luggage item 200 comprises a telescopic rail guide 202, a lower module 206 engaged with a lower portion of the rail guide 202 via a lower connecting means, an upper module 210 engaged with an upper portion of the rail guide 202 via an upper connecting means, and at least one central module 214A, 214B engaged with a central portion of the rail guide 202 via a central connecting means, wherein the at least one central module 214A, 214B is arranged to move along the rail guide 202 to separate at least two of the lower module 206, the upper module 210, and the at least one central module 214A, 214B.

[0061] In this example, the at least one central module 214, 214B includes a first central module 214A and a second central module 214B. It will be appreciated that any number of central modules may be included.

[0062] The lower module 206 includes a bottom 208. The upper module 210 includes a top surface 212. Each middle module 214A, 214B includes a removable bottom component 216.

[0063] The following description of the rail guides 202 refers to a first rail guide 202 located on a first short side of the baggage item 200. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a corresponding second rail guide is located on a second short side of the baggage item 200 and is substantially similar to the first rail guide 202.

[0064] The rail guide 202 is telescopic and is arranged to alternate between a first retracted position and a second extended position. In the first position, the rail guide 202 is retracted, and in the second position, the rail guide 202 is extended. In this example, the rail guide 202 is telescopic and can be extended by moving a first rail guide portion relative to a second rail guide portion that substantially surrounds the first rail guide portion. When in the first position, the rail guide 202 is substantially housed within the rail compartment 218. When in the second position and fully extended, the rail guide 202 is not completely housed within the rail compartment 218.

[0065] Figure 6A shows a front view of the luggage item 200 in a first position with the rail guides (not shown in Figure 6A) retracted, while Figure 6B shows a front view of the luggage item 200 in a second position with the rail guides 202 extended. Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the luggage item 200 in the first position with the rail guides 202 retracted, while Figure 7B shows a perspective view of the luggage item 200 in the second position with the rail guides extended.

[0066] The rail guide 202 is configured to guide one or more runner components along the length of the rail guide 202 while restricting lateral movement of the one or more runner components.

[0067] The one or more runner components are configured to alternately position the luggage item 200 between a first, contracted configuration and a second, extended configuration. In the first configuration, the luggage item 200 is contracted, and in the second configuration, the luggage item 200 is extended. Figure 5 shows the luggage item 200 in the second configuration, while Figure 7B shows the luggage item 200 in the first configuration.

[0068] The one or more runner components form a telescopic runner that can be extended by moving one runner component relative to another. In this embodiment, the one or more runner components include a central portion (not shown), a lower central portion (i.e., the lower central runner component connected to the first central module 2014A), a lower portion 204A (i.e., the lower runner component 204A connected to the lower module 206), an upper central portion (i.e., the upper central runner component connected to the second central module 2014B), and an upper portion 204B (i.e., the upper runner component 204B connected to the upper module 210). In this manner, the one or more runner components are interconnected. The central portion, upper central portion, and lower central portion are shown housed in a rail compartment 218. The central portion surrounds the upper central portion and the lower central portion. The lower central portion surrounds the lower portion 204A, and the upper central portion surrounds the upper portion 204B.

[0069] The lower module 206 engages with the lower runner component 204A via a bracket 230. The first center module 214A engages with the lower center portion via a bracket (not shown). The second center module 214B engages with the upper center portion via a bracket (not shown). The upper module 210 engages with the upper portion 204B via a bracket 232.

[0070] The lower module 206 includes a perimeter wall 240 and a bottom 208 that acts as a barrier between the baggage item 200 and the ground. The middle modules 214A, 214B include a perimeter wall 260 and a removable bottom component 126. The upper module 210 includes a perimeter wall 250 and a top surface 212.

[0071] The lower portion 204A and the upper portion 204B are each connected to a drive means. In this example, the drive means are gears (not shown) connected to the portions 204A, 204B via respective arms (not shown). The gears are housed within the rail compartment 218 between the portions 204A, 204B. The arms are configured to convert rotational movement of the gears into linear movement of the respective portions 204A, 204B. In particular, when the baggage item 200 is in the first configuration, a user can rotate the gears, and the arms convert the rotational movement of the gears into linear movement of the portions 204A, 204B. In particular, the arms move the portions 204A, 204B in opposite directions relative to the center portion along the rail guide 202. The lower portion 204A moves downward relative to the center portion, while the upper portion 204B moves upward relative to the center portion.

[0072] As portions 204A, 204B move a sufficient distance along rail guide 202, the lower central portion and upper central portion move in corresponding directions along the rail guide. That is, when lower portion 204A moves a sufficient distance along the lower central portion such that it can no longer extend along the lower central portion, the lower central portion moves along the same direction, extending downward from the central portion. Similarly, when upper portion 204B moves a sufficient distance along the upper central portion such that it can no longer extend along the upper central portion, the upper central portion moves along the same direction, extending upward from the central portion.

[0073] When the user rotates the gear, causing portions 204A, 204B to move in opposite directions along rail guide 202, lower module 206 and upper module 210 also move in opposite directions. Furthermore, when the lower central portion and upper central portion move along rail guide 202, first central module 214A and second central module 214B also move along rail guide 202. In this manner, each of modules 206, 210, 214A, 214B can be separated.

[0074] In this example, the modules 206, 210, 214A, and 214B are coupled together such that their separation is symmetrical. That is, the lower module 206 and the upper module 210 each move simultaneously along the rails, with gears imparting linear motion to their respective runner components. Additionally, the first central module 214A and the second central module 214B also move simultaneously along the rails, with the lower and upper runner components 204, 204B imparting linear motion to their respective runner components connected to the first and second central modules 214A, 214B. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the modules 206, 210, 214A, and 214B are not coupled together, such that the movement of one module is not dependent on the movement of another module. This can be achieved, for example, by eliminating the gears and using unconnected runner components.

[0075] The luggage item 200 further includes gear locking means arranged to prevent rotation of the gear. The gear locking means is a lock 224 (shown only in FIG. 5 ) configured to prevent rotation of the gear. Thus, a user can lock the luggage item 200 in a preferred configuration according to a current purpose. For example, the user can activate the lock 224 when the luggage item 200 is retracted, such that the luggage item 200 is secured in the retracted configuration, e.g., during transport. Furthermore, the user can release the lock 224 upon arrival at their destination, extend the luggage item 200 to an extended configuration, and activate the lock 224 to secure the luggage item 200 in the extended configuration, thereby allowing the user to easily access the contents of the luggage item.

[0076] The luggage item 200 further comprises a handle bar 220 attached to the distal end of the rail guide 202. The handle bar 220 provides a means for extending the rail guide 202 from a first position to a second position. In particular, during use, a user may apply a substantially upward force to the handle bar 220, which then applies an upward force to the rail guide 202, extending the rail guide 202 until it reaches the second position or any position between the first and second positions. Additionally, a user may apply a substantially downward force to the handle bar 220, which then applies a downward force to the rail guide 202, retracting the rail guide 202 until it reaches the first position or any position between the first and second positions. The luggage item may further comprise rail locking means (not shown) arranged to lock the rail guide 202 in a fixed position between the first and second positions. This rail locking means may prevent unwanted movement of the handlebar 220 and / or rail guide 202, for example during transport.

[0077] The following features may be present in both embodiments of the luggage item 100, 200.

[0078] In both embodiments of the luggage item 100, 200, the peripheral walls 140, 150, 160, 240, 250, 260 of each module, the bottoms 108, 208 of the lower modules 106, 206, and the top surfaces 112, 212 of the upper modules 110, 210 are all formed from a rigid material. Alternatively, the peripheral walls 140, 150, 160, 240, 250, 260 of each module, the bottoms 108, 208 of the lower modules 106, 206, and the top surfaces 112, 212 of the upper modules 110, 210 are all formed from a non-rigid material, such as woven nylon.

[0079] The first central module 114A, 214A and the second central module 114B, 214B each include a connecting portion 162, 262 arranged to facilitate connection to the respective removable bottom component 116, 216. In this example, with respect to the first central module 114A, 214A, the connecting portion is a plurality of hook holes distributed along the lower edge of the peripheral wall 160, 260 of the first central module 114A, 214A and arranged to receive respective hooks distributed evenly along the periphery of the bottom component 116, 216. In this example, the hooks are evenly distributed over the entire periphery of the bottom component 116, 216. However, it will be understood that the hooks may also be distributed over a portion of the periphery, for example along two opposing edges of the periphery.

[0080] The top modules 110, 210 also include a removable bottom component similar to the removable bottom component 116, 216. The top modules 110, 210 also include connection portions positioned to facilitate connection of the removable bottom component.

[0081] The handlebars 120, 220 are telescopic along the lateral axis of the luggage item 100, 200. That is, the handlebars 120, 220 are telescopic along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the luggage item 100, 200. In this embodiment, the handlebars 120, 220 include at least one telescopic rod 122, 222 housed within the handlebars 120, 220. The rod 122, 222 is telescopic along the lateral axis, as shown in Figures 4 and 8, which show perspective views of the luggage item 100, 200 with the handlebars 120, 220 extended. In Figures 4 and 8, the rod 122, 222 is illustrated as extending along a portion of its maximum extension along the lateral axis, extending up to the full length of the handlebars 120, 220, thereby effectively doubling the length of the handlebars. The handlebars 120, 220 house a first telescoping rod (such as telescoping rod 122, 222) and a second telescoping rod (not shown), which preferably extend symmetrically from each end of the handlebar 120, 220, with the second rod extending in the opposite direction along the transverse axis as the first rod 122, 222. When two rods are used, each rod is preferably approximately half the length of the handlebar 120, 220. It will be appreciated that the handlebars 120, 220 may be extended by any suitable means, for example by including a telescopic portion.

[0082] The handlebars 120, 220 can be used as clothes hangers when the rail guides 102, 202 are in the second position. In particular, clothes hung on hangers can be hung from the handlebars. Furthermore, the handlebars 120, 220 can extend along the lateral axis (e.g., via the rods 122, 222) to provide additional space for hanging clothes. In this way, the luggage item 100, 200 can function as a clothes hanger in addition to being a means for transporting clothes.

[0083] A mirror 152, 252 is mounted on the inside surface of the top surface 150, 250, allowing the luggage item 100, 200 to function as a vanity when the top surface is in the open position.

[0084] A handlebar recess 154, 254 extends across the exterior of the top surface 150, 250 for receiving the handlebar 120, 220 when the rail guide 102, 202 is in the first (i.e., retracted) position.

[0085] The upper module 110, 210 includes a handle 156, 256. In particular, a handle recess 158, 258 occupies a central portion of the outer surface of the upper surface 150, 250 and includes the handle 156, 256. It will be understood that the handle recess 158, 258 need not be present. The handle 156, 256 provides a means for applying an upward force to the upper module 110, 210.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the handle 256 provides a means for applying force to the gear. In particular, a user can apply an upward force to the handle 256, which in turn applies an upward force to the arm connected to the upper portion 204A via the upper module 210 and to the upper portion 204A. The arm rotates the gear, which is substantially simultaneously translated into reciprocating linear motion of the arm connected to the lower portion 204B. Thus, an upward force applied to the handle 256 extends the runner. The handle 256 also provides a means for a user to carry the baggage item 200, for example, during transport.

[0087] The handlebars 120, 220 further include lighting means (not shown) disposed on the underside of the handlebars 120, 220. The lighting means is an LED strip that extends along the underside of the handlebars 120, 220. The lighting means provides illumination of the luggage item 100, 200, which may advantageously provide a means for a user to illuminate the contents of the luggage item 100, 200 when the top surface 150, 250 is open.

[0088] The luggage item 100, 200 further comprises a plurality of grooves for reinforcing the walls. In particular, each of the peripheral walls 140, 150, 160, 240, 250, 260 includes a plurality of vertically oriented grooves 170, 270 distributed on both long sides. When the luggage item is in the first position, the grooves 170, 270 are continuous.

[0089] The luggage items 100, 200 further include a plurality of corner caps to reinforce the edges that are most susceptible to wear. In particular, the upper modules 110, 210 include four corner caps 190, 290, each positioned at an upper corner of the peripheral wall 150, 250. Furthermore, the lower modules 106, 206 include four corner caps 192, 292, each positioned at a lower corner of the peripheral wall 140, 240. The corner caps 190, 192, 290, 292 are attached to the respective peripheral walls 190, 192, 290, 292 via screws, and are therefore easily removable for replacement when worn.

[0090] The luggage item 100, 200 further includes a plurality of wheels protruding from the underside of the bottom 108, 208. In particular, the luggage item 100, 200 includes four wheels 180, 280, one mounted adjacent each corner of the underside of the bottom 108, 208. The wheels 180, 280 provide a means for a user to easily move the luggage item 100, 200 across a surface.

[0091] The baggage items 100, 200 further comprise power storage means and charging ports. In particular, the rail compartments 118, 218 further comprise a battery (not shown) and a charging port (not shown). In this way, users can charge devices such as mobile phones while traveling. The rail compartments 118, 218 further house a power input for charging the battery.

[0092] Each component of the luggage item 100, 200 is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. Each component is fastened to each other via fastening means such as screws. Therefore, each component can be easily removed and replaced to facilitate easy repair. For example, if the peripheral wall 140, 240 of the lower component 106, 206 is dented, it can be easily removed from the lower part 104A, 204A, and a new lower component 106, 206 can be attached to the lower part 104A, 204A so that the dent is removed from the luggage item 100, 200.

[0093] The outer shell of the luggage item 100, 200 is formed by the bottoms 108, 208 of the lower modules 106, 106, the upper surfaces 112, 112 of the upper modules 110, 210, and the peripheral walls 140, 150, 160, 240, 250, 260 of the lower modules 106, 206, the upper modules 110, 210, and at least one central module 114A, 114B, 214A, 214B, respectively.

[0094] The description herein may be directed to particular embodiments. It is understood that the description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the subject matter defined herein by the claimed subject matter.

[0095] It is intended that the claimed subject matter be not limited to the embodiments and illustrations herein, but include variations of these embodiments, including portions of embodiments and combinations of elements from different embodiments, in accordance with the scope of the claims. It should be understood that the development of any such embodiment, like an engineering or design project, will involve making numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It should be understood that such a development effort, while complex and time-consuming, would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this invention.

[0096] Reference has been made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention herein. However, the invention herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the details of the embodiments.

[0097] It should also be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a "second element," and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a "first element." A first element and a second element are both elements, but should not be considered the same element.

[0098] The terms used in the description of the invention provided herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention herein. As used in the description of the invention herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" refers to and includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms "comprises," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not additionally or preclude the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0099] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the various techniques described herein, other and further embodiments may be devised in accordance with the invention(s) herein, as may be defined by the appended claims. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or method acts, the appended claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A baggage item, stretching means; a lower module engaged with a lower portion of the extension means via a lower connection means; an upper module engaged with an upper portion of the extension means via an upper connection means; at least one central module engaged with a central portion of said extension means via a central connection means; the extension means is configured to provide separation between at least two of the lower module, the upper module, and the at least one central module; an outer shell of the luggage item is formed by the bottom of the lower module, the top surface of the upper module, and the peripheral walls of the lower module, the upper module, and the at least one central module; and The extension means includes a first rail guide located on a first short side of the luggage item and a second rail guide located on a second short side of the luggage item.

2. 2. The luggage item of claim 1, wherein the extension means is a telescoping rail guide, and the at least one central module is configured to move along the rail guide to effect separation.

3. 3. The baggage article according to claim 2, the rail guide includes an upper rail slidably engaged with a lower rail; the lower module is engaged and fixed to the lower rail; the upper module is fixedly engaged with the upper rail; and The at least one central module is slidably engaged with the upper rail.

4. 4. The luggage item of claim 3, wherein the upper rail includes a catch located at a catch point below the at least one central module, the catch point configured to prevent the at least one central module from passing through the catch point.

5. 5. The baggage article according to claim 3 or 4, It is an outer rail guide, an outer rail including an actuatable latch fixedly engaged with the upper module and adjacent to the lower rail; a handlebar rail configured to slidably engage the outer rail and actuate the latch located adjacent the lower rail; Outer rail guide with wherein the latch is configured to prevent downward movement of the outer rail when in a closed position.

6. 3. The luggage item according to claim 2, wherein the lower connection means is a lower runner component, the upper connection means is an upper runner component, and the central connection means is a central runner component, preferably wherein the runner components form a telescopic runner unit.

7. The luggage item of claim 6, wherein the central runner component surrounds the lower runner component and the upper runner component.

8. 8. The luggage item of claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one runner component of the one or more runner components is connected to a drive means arranged to facilitate movement of the one or more runner components along the rail guide.

9. 9. The luggage item of claim 8, wherein the drive means is a gear connected to at least one runner component via a respective arm.

10. A luggage item according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one central module includes a removable bottom component.

11. 11. The luggage item of claim 10, wherein each central module includes a connecting portion positioned to facilitate connection of the removable bottom components.

12. 12. The luggage item of claim 11, wherein the connecting portion is a plurality of hook holes distributed along the lower edge of the peripheral wall of the central module and arranged to receive respective hooks arranged along the peripheral edge of the bottom component.

13. A luggage item according to any preceding claim, wherein the top surface of the upper module includes a handle portion.

14. 14. The luggage item of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the peripheral wall of each module, the bottom of the lower module, and the top surface of the upper module are all formed from a rigid material.

15. 14. The luggage item of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the peripheral wall of each module, the bottom of the lower module, and the top surface of the upper module are all formed from a non-rigid material.

16. A luggage item according to any preceding claim, wherein the top surface of the upper module is hinged to an edge of the peripheral wall of the upper module.

17. The luggage item of any one of claims 2 to 16, further comprising a handlebar attached to a distal end of the rail guide.

18. 18. The luggage item of claim 17, wherein the handlebar is telescopic along a lateral axis of the luggage item.

19. 19. A luggage item according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the handlebar includes a telescoping rod housed within the handlebar.

20. 20. A luggage item according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the handlebar houses a first telescopic rod and a second telescopic rod arranged to extend from each end of the handlebar.

21. A luggage item according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the handlebar includes lighting means.

22. A luggage item according to any one of claims 2 to 21, further comprising rail locking means arranged to lock the rail guide in a fixed position.

23. A luggage item according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of vertically oriented grooves.

24. The luggage item of any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a plurality of corner caps.

25. The luggage item of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of wheels.

Images