Convertible travel bag

Abstract

The present invention relates to a travel bag article, such as a suitcase, which, as a result of the adaptability of its structure, can be converted into at least one other article, such as a trolley, a rucksack, or a pushchair. The travel bag is characterized by comprising at least one pair of wheels, each wheel being attached to a retractable and rotatable rod, thereby allowing each wheel to be positioned away from the travel bag and rotated 180° so as to face outward with respect to the centerline of the travel bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to travel luggage items such as suitcases that can be converted into at least one other item, such as a trolley, backpack or pushchair, as a result of the adaptability of their structure. The travel luggage has at least a pair of wheels, each wheel being attached to a telescopic and rotatable rod, whereby each wheel can be placed away from the travel luggage and rotated 180° so as to face outward with respect to the central line of the travel luggage.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention in particular, but not exclusively, solves the problem of transporting items during travel and after reaching the destination.

[0003] Travel luggage items tend to be bulky, and using them only during travel is a potential waste of materials and money. It is much more desirable to ensure that such items can serve two or more purposes and thus find use not only during travel but also every day. For example, it would be highly desirable if travel luggage items could be converted into other useful carriers, such as sports equipment, shopping items, picnic items, beach items, and even for carrying children, so that a single item can, for example, serve multiple purposes during a pleasure trip or holiday. This means that the travel luggage item is further used after arriving at the destination and thus serves for transporting all items related to children, going to the beach, transporting water supplies to a boat / yacht, or going to a store.

[0004] With this in mind, the inventors have constructed a suitcase that can be converted into a transport trolley, backpack, or stroller / pushchair / pram and thus used for two or more functions other than the main purpose of the travel luggage. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a suitcase is provided comprising a frame on which a carrying carrier is detachably attached, wherein the frame is associated with a handle and at least a pair of wheels on which the suitcase is operated, each wheel mounted on a retractable and rotatable rod, wherein each wheel is positioned away from the suitcase and can be rotated 180° outward with respect to the centerline of the suitcase.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to extend and reverse the wheels of the case to provide a wider, more stable, and advantageously higher load-bearing wheelbase with greater ground clearance. This feature facilitates the conversion of the suitcase into a trolley or stroller, greatly supporting its multi-functional use.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each rod on which the wheel is attached is mounted to the frame and / or the carrier so as to project outward at an angle with respect to the vertical, ideally between 30° and 60° including all 1° portions between the vertical, most preferably between 40° and 50° including all 1° portions between the vertical, and even more preferably substantially or about 45° with respect to the vertical.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame and / or carrier is formed to provide at least one recess in which at least one wheel is at least partially positioned.

[0009] To be understood, preferably, the case frame is made from a relatively rigid material having the following types and / or properties: nylon 12, polypropylene and / or carbon fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), resin, and within the following dimensions: 480mm × 290mm × 670mm.

[0010] In contrast, the carrier is made of more flexible materials better suited to functioning as a backpack, such as canvas, nylon, ripstop nylon, ballistic nylon, Cordura nylon, 840D nylon TPU, 1000D ballistic nylon, leather, denim, PVC, polyester, polypropylene, and Cordura, and therefore features 210D honeycomb nylon shoulder straps, handles, and pockets, with dimensions of 480mm x 290mm x 670mm or less.

[0011] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame is formed in the form of a trolley, and the carrier is formed to be positioned within or relative to the frame. Ideally, the two parts are complementary and therefore suitable for use together. In this embodiment of the present invention, ideally, the suitcase has a handle adapted to be angle-positioned, typically by using a hinge, thereby allowing the handle to move from a first, typically but not exclusive, vertical position (taking into account the uprightness of the case when rolling on its wheels) to a second angular position (also taking into account the uprightness of the case when rolling on its wheels), thereby allowing the trolley to be easily pulled or pushed.

[0012] In a more preferred embodiment, the frame may be a trolley or other form, and may be provided with a removable or hinged seat, so that when in use, the seat can be attached to the trolley for a child to sit on, or the seat can be swung to a usable position, and ideally locked in this position for a child to sit on.

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

[0014] In any case, the seat may be made more comfortable by providing padding, cushions, etc.

[0015] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one, ideally both, of the pair of wheels comprises two detachable wheels typically formed to mate or nest with each other and to be mounted on a single axle. In this embodiment, the suitcase essentially comprises at least one spare wheel, more generally a pair of spare wheels. This is advantageous because the detachable wheels can be separated and mounted on further parts of the frame or attachments to the frame, resulting in a carrier that can be stably mounted on each of the four corners of the case, frame, or trolley, ideally the four corners. This provides further stability and ease of use. It will be understood that this arrangement is most preferred when the case is to be converted into a stroller or child carrier.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the suitcase comprises a pair of ski runners adapted to fasten or attach to, or optionally to replace, the existing wheels of the suitcase, so that when the case is used on snow and / or ice, the ski runners can be used to ensure smooth movement. Typically, the ski runners are adapted to be used with the case in a conventional manner and may include conventional ski clips that allow the ski runners to be attached to the existing wheels or to wheel fasteners that become exposed or available after the existing wheels have been removed. In this way, the suitcase can be adapted to move on snow or ice. Furthermore, the ski runners may be used with the case before or after it has been adapted to be used as a trolley, stroller, or pushchair.

[0017] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle is adapted to extend and / or retract, and is ideally hinged so that its angle can be adjusted.

[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame and / or carrier is provided with at least one auxiliary rod to which an auxiliary wheel can be attached, and ideally the rod is attached to the frame and / or carrier so that it is stored in a retracted position or at least partially hidden when not in use. Preferably the auxiliary rod is hinged, slidably mounted, or conventionally mounted so that it can extend to project beyond the suitcase. Most ideally, it has a hinged arrangement so that it can be positioned or reversed from a given position. Most preferably, it is formed to fit with the suitcase so that it abuts the suitcase inconspicuously when not in use, but projects in an arc when in use so that a wheel can be attached to its ground-engaging end. Even more preferably, the auxiliary rod is attached to the suitcase on the opposite side from the retractable and rotatable rod. Even more preferably, the ground-engaging end of the auxiliary rod has a width corresponding to the width of the frame to which it is attached or the nearest frame.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned suitcase adapted for conversion to a trolley is provided.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned suitcase is provided that is adapted for conversion into a stroller or pushchair.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned suitcase adapted for conversion into a backpack is provided.

[0022] Preferred features of each aspect of the present invention may be as described in relation to any of the other aspects.

[0023] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the terms "comprise" and "contain" and their variants, such as "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other parts, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, unless the context specifically requires otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In particular, when an indefinite article is used, this specification should be understood as contemplating both the plural and the singular, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0024] All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification, are incorporated herein by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Further, no admission is made that any prior art constitutes a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0025] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking, the present invention extends to any novel feature, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings). Accordingly, features, integers, characteristics, compounds or chemical moieties described in relation to a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the present invention are to be understood as applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith.

[0026] Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, any feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or a similar purpose.

[0027] The present invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1]Shows a part of the suitcase frame according to the present invention. A is a plan view of the frame, B is a side view, C is a partial rear view, and D is a perspective view. [Figure 2] Shows a wheel for use with the frame of FIG. 1, where A is a plan view, B is a side view, C is a partially exploded side view of the area shown in A, and D is a perspective view of the wheel. [Figure 3] Shows an exploded perspective view of a wheel that can be used in the implementation of the present invention. [Figure 4] Shows a suitcase with wheels attached. A is a partial side view of the frame with the wheels attached, B is a rear perspective view of the frame when the wheels are attached, C is a partial perspective view of the frame showing where the telescopic rod for the wheels is attached to the frame, and D is a perspective view of the inside of the frame. [Figure 5] Shows a frame with wheels attached according to an embodiment of the present invention. A shows the extended wheels and B shows the stored wheels. [Figure 6] Shows a perspective view of a pair of separable wheels for use in the present invention. [Figure 7] Shows a side view of the frame and carrier according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Shows a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a trolley. [Figure 9] Shows a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a baby stroller or pushchair A, and B shows a partial front view of the same baby stroller or pushchair. [Figure 10] Shows an alternative embodiment of the front view of the frame when used as a baby stroller or pushchair. [Figure 11] Shows a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a trolley and equipped with ski runners for use on ice and snow. [Figure 12]This shows a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a pushchair and equipped with ski runners for use on ice and snow. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Referring here to the drawings, first to Figure 1, one embodiment of a frame (1) according to the present invention is shown. As seen in Figure 1A, the frame (1) is substantially rectangular in plan view but has deeper sides (2) toward the base in Figure 1B, and the frame (1) is formed to accommodate at least partially a pair of wheels (3). The wheels (3) are mounted symmetrically along the base of the frame and therefore equidistant from the longitudinal centerline AA in Figure 1C. The recesses (4) of the frame in Figures 1C and 1D at least partially cover the wheels. A pair of such recesses (not shown in 1D) are provided, and therefore each wheel is covered by a single recess.

[0030] Frame 1 is formed from a relatively rigid material. The material must be rigid enough to support the contents of the case and protect them from damage during transport, and strong enough to function as a trolley or pushchair if the suitcase is converted for another use. Suitable materials include polypropylene and / or carbon fiber and / or ABS.

[0031] Referring now to Figure 2, a wheel for use with the frame of Figure 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the wheel (3) is in the form of a pair of ground wheels (3a and 3b) held together spaced apart by a sprocket (3c). The wheel (3) is mounted on an axle (5) connected to a rod (6). The rod (6) may or may not be telescopic and is mounted to the frame (1) in a telescopic manner. This is best illustrated in Figure 4C, in which the frame 1 is formed to have a compartment (7) into which the rod (6) is stored until it is extended.

[0032] Furthermore, the rod (6) is attached to the frame 1 such that at least a portion of it is adapted to rotate, that is, a portion of it is in contact with the wheel (3).

[0033] Figure 3 shows in more detail an exploded perspective view of a wheel (3) for use with the frame (1) of the present invention. It can be seen that the wheel (3) is mounted on an axle (5), and the axle (5) is mounted on a rod (6). In this embodiment, the rod (6) is telescopic and therefore comprises parts (6a) and (6b). One of the parts (6a) and (6b) has a tensioned (spring-loaded) locking pin (8) by which the rod (6) can be firmly locked in place before or after extension or retraction. However, by other means, the extended and / or rotated wheel can be locked in place after operation, such as by the use of interlocking rotating cylinders, pins and barrels, spring-loaded fasteners, and slotting concepts.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the frame (1) and its associated wheels (3). In Figures 4A and 4B, each rod (6) associated with each of the two wheels (3) is extended and therefore moved away from the frame (1). In particular, the wheels (3) are still aligned with the recesses (4). This operation represents the first modification of the suitcase. Next, the rods (6) supporting the wheels (3) are rotated 180°, thus effectively inverting the wheels (3) outward, thereby increasing the distance between them, and thus increasing the wheelbase of the frame, resulting in greater stability. This operation represents the second modification of the suitcase.

[0035] Figure 5A shows the wheel (3) when it is inverted and positioned on the side of the frame (1). Figure 5B shows the wheel (3) before it is inverted and positioned on the side of the frame (1).

[0036] Furthermore, as can be seen from Figures 4A and 5, the wheel is mounted to the frame such that it protrudes outward at a certain angle with respect to the vertical, in this embodiment at an angle of 50° to 55° with respect to the vertical, although a substantially or approximately 45° angle with respect to the vertical is preferred.

[0037] Figure 5 also shows a handle (9) attached to the top of the frame (1), which is adjustable for extension or retraction. Although not shown, the handle (9) can be hinged to the frame (1) so that it can be used at a certain angle relative to the upright position of the suitcase.

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates the separability of the wheels (3) in more detail. In this embodiment, the wheels are provided in pairs and are formed to be used in a nesting manner and adapted to mounting on a single axle, thereby allowing them to be used as a single double wheel, or the two wheels can be separated and each used at a different position on the frame. When the wheels are separated, the nesting property is reversible, and therefore any means such as at least one sprocket (3c) used to hold the wheels together can be removed or released.

[0039] Figures 6D and 6E show yet another embodiment of the present invention, comprising at least one auxiliary rod (14) to which an auxiliary wheel (15) can be attached. Ideally, the rod is attached to the frame, but in some embodiments, it may be attached to the carrier so that it sits in a stowed position or at least partially out of sight when not in use. This arrangement is shown in Figure 6C. The auxiliary rod (14) is formed to mate with the suitcase so that it abuts the suitcase inconspicuously when not in use. In this embodiment, the auxiliary rod (14) is arcuate (16) and has a curvature that matches the side of the suitcase. The auxiliary rod (14) can be hinged (17), or slidably mounted or mounted in a conventional manner so that it can extend beyond the suitcase. A hinged arrangement is preferred, so that the hinged arrangement can be moved into or out of place. When in use, it protrudes in an arc shape and is adapted by including an axle housing member (19) at its ground engagement end (18) for mounting the wheel, ideally the inner wheel from the nested wheel arrangement shown in Figures 6A-6C. As seen in Figure 6B, an auxiliary rod (14) is attached to the suitcase on the opposite side of the extendable and rotatable rod.

[0040] Figure 7 is a side view of the frame and carrier according to the present invention, the carrier being in the form of a detachable backpack so that it can be used as part of a suitcase when attached to the frame and as a backpack when separated from the frame.

[0041] Figure 8 is a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a trolley. In this embodiment, the carrier is removed, and a hinged telescopic handle is used, which can be hinged upward to extend the handle and make the trolley more ergonomically maneuverable or pullable. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame is provided with a stationary block (10) positioned on the edge of the frame (1) opposite to the wheels, so that the frame can be stopped against the stationary block (10) when stationary.

[0042] Figure 9A shows a side view of the frame of the present invention when used as a stroller or pushchair A. It can be seen that the frame has wheels (3) positioned at each of the four corners. The rear wheels are mounted on retractable and rotatable rods (6), while the two front wheels are mounted on extended auxiliary rods (14) whose ground engagement ends are attached to or have a width corresponding to the width of the nearest frame. Furthermore, connectors are provided on the inner surface of the frame to which straps (11) and a hammock (12) are attached. In this way, the frame is adapted to accommodate a seated child. Figure 10 shows a front view of the stroller or pushchair, where the lower part of the frame is provided by auxiliary rods (14) formed in the form of arched T-bars with axles to which a pair of wheels can be attached, and clips connect to the frame. Ideally, the wheels are the nesting wheels shown in Figure 6 when separated. The straps (11) are attached to the frame in a conventional manner to ensure that the child is secured inside the stroller or pushchair. In addition, a hammock (12) is provided for the child to sit in.

[0043] Referring here to Figure 11, a side view of the frame when used as a trolley is shown, and it can be seen that it is equipped with ski runners (13) for use on ice and snow. Since the ski runners are of a conventional nature, they include conventional ski clips that allow the ski runners to be attached to existing wheels, or to wheel fasteners that become exposed or available when existing wheels are removed.

[0044] Figure 12 also shows a side view of the frame, in this example the frame is used as a pushchair. Here again, it can be seen that the frame is equipped with ski runners (13) for use on ice and snow. These ski runners are typically, but not exclusively, attached to the wheels or wheel fasteners after the wheels have been removed.

[0045] The ski runner may be used with a suitcase before or after it has been adapted for use as a trolley, stroller, or pushchair. In this way, the suitcase can be adapted for movement on snow or ice.

[0046] Therefore, the present invention relates to a suitcase that is appropriately adapted to be converted into another type of transported goods.

Claims

1. A suitcase comprising a frame on which a carrying carrier is detachably attached, on or around the frame, wherein the frame is associated with a handle and at least a pair of wheels on which the suitcase is operated, and each wheel is mounted on an extendable and rotatable rod, thereby allowing each wheel to be positioned away from the suitcase and rotated 180° outward with respect to the centerline of the suitcase.

2. The suitcase according to claim 1, wherein each rod is attached to the frame and / or the carrier so as to project outward at an angle from the vertical, selected from the group including 30° to 60° including all 1° portions between the vertical, 40° to 50° including all 1° portions between the vertical, and substantially or about 45° between the vertical.

3. The suitcase according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame and / or carrier is formed to provide at least one recess in which at least one wheel is at least partially positioned.

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

5. The suitcase according to claim 4, wherein the carrier is formed to sit within or relative to the frame.

6. The suitcase according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the frame and the carrier are complementary and therefore adapted for use together.

7. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suitcase handle is adapted to be angle-positioned.

8. The suitcase according to claim 7, wherein the handle is hinged to or on 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 to 8, wherein the frame is provided with a removable or hinged seat, which can be attached to the frame to function as a seat when in use, or the seat can be swung to a usable position to function as a seat.

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

11. The suitcase according to claim 9, wherein the hinged seat is adapted to be stored within or relative to the frame when not in use.

12. The suitcase according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the seat is made comfortable by providing a pad, cushion, etc.

13. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the pair of wheels comprises two detachable wheels.

14. The suitcase according to claim 13, wherein the detachable wheels are formed for mating or nesting with each other and for mounting on a single axle.

15. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the handle is adapted for extension and / or retraction.

16. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame and / or carrier comprises at least one detachable or movable auxiliary rod to which an auxiliary wheel can be attached, so that when the auxiliary rod is not in use, it is seated in a stowed position or at least partially out of sight.

17. The suitcase according to claim 16, wherein the auxiliary rod is formed to fit with the suitcase so as to not be conspicuous when not in use, and protrudes in an arc shape when in use.

18. The suitcase according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the auxiliary rod is adapted to allow a wheel to be attached to its ground engagement end.

19. The suitcase according to claim 18, wherein the ground engagement end of the auxiliary rod has a width corresponding to the width of the frame to which it is attached or the nearest frame.

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

21. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the suitcase comprises at least one pair of ski runners, so that the case can adapt to movement on snow and / or ice.

22. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the suitcase is adapted for conversion to a trolley.

23. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the suitcase is adapted for conversion into a stroller or pushchair.

24. The suitcase according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the suitcase is adapted to be converted into a backpack or to provide a backpack.

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