Wheeled luggage item with integrated personal mobility features

Abstract

The wheeled luggage item includes a base defining an interior cavity and a liner configured to partition the interior cavity into a first portion and a second portion physically separated from the first portion. A personal luggage item may be stored within the first portion of the cavity. A first wheel and a second wheel are pivotally coupled to the base so as to be movable between a stowed position within the second portion of the cavity and a deployed position outside the base to enable a riding mode of the luggage item. A steering lever is pivotally deployable for operative connection to the first wheel, thereby enabling the first wheel to be steered by a user riding the luggage item in the riding mode. A battery within the interior cavity may power an in-wheel motor operatively connected to the second wheel to propel the luggage item in the riding mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to luggage items, and more particularly to wheeled luggage items that can be converted into personal mobility devices.

Background Art

[0002] It is well known that wheels are incorporated into suitcases and other luggage items to facilitate the movement of the luggage by the user. However, under certain travel conditions, as well as in terms of age, fatigue and / or other infirmities, it may be difficult for the user to roll the luggage item over the required distance.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the embodiments described herein, a wheeled luggage item is provided. The luggage item includes a base defining an internal cavity, and a liner configured to partition the internal cavity into a first portion and a second portion physically separated from the first portion. The wheels are rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a storage position within the second portion of the cavity and a deployed position outside the second portion of the cavity.

[0004] In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, a wheeled luggage item is provided. The luggage item includes a base and steerable wheels rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a storage position and a deployed position. A first steering lever and a second steering lever are rotatably coupled to the base. Also, the first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the wheels such that when the wheels are in the deployed position, steering of the wheels is enabled by simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in one of a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction, and rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first rotation direction and the other second rotation direction.

[0005] In yet another embodiment of the embodiments described herein, a wheeled luggage item is provided. The luggage item includes a base defining an internal cavity and wheels rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a stowed position and an unstowed position. A first steering lever and a second steering lever are rotatably coupled to the base. A gear set is operably connected to the first and second steering levers. A torque transmission member is operably connected to the gear set such that simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in one of a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotational directions, causes rotation of the torque transmission member in the associated torque direction. The luggage item also includes a first steering cable and a second steering cable operably connected to the torque transmission member and the wheels, such that rotation of the torque transmission member in the associated torque direction causes the wheels to pivot in the associated direction when the wheels are in the unstowed position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] The accompanying drawings incorporated into and constituting certain parts of the specification illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that the boundaries of elements shown in the drawings (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) represent one embodiment of the boundary. In some embodiments, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as a single element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component, and vice versa. Furthermore, components may not be drawn to scale. In addition, for the sake of simplification and clarity of the drawings, and where appropriate, corresponding or similar components of different embodiments of the invention appearing in different drawings may be given similar reference numerals. [Figure 1A-B] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views of wheeled luggage items according to embodiments described herein, and the luggage items are shown in their transport mode. [Figure 1C]Figure 1C is a schematic perspective view of the wheeled luggage item shown in Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating that the luggage item's ride wheels are housed within a portion of the item's internal cavity when the luggage item is in transport mode. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is a schematic block diagram of a wheeled luggage item according to an embodiment described herein, showing the brakes, throttle, and control systems of the luggage item for use in riding mode. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the wheeled luggage item shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and is shown in the riding configuration of the device. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a front view of the wheeled luggage item shown in Figures 1A and 1B. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a schematic end view of the steering handle of a luggage item incorporating a twist grip, illustrating the operation of the twist grip for controlling the throttle and brakes of the luggage item in riding mode. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the wheeled luggage item shown in Figure 2, illustrating a passenger or user sitting on the seat structure of the device when the seat structure is in the raised position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the wheeled luggage item shown in Figure 2, illustrating a passenger or user sitting on the seat structure when the device's seat structure is in its retracted or lowered position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the front portion of the luggage item in riding mode, showing the mounting hardware configured to connect steerable wheels to the base of the luggage item, with the wheels fixed in the extended position. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the front portion of the luggage item shown in Figure 5, showing the front mounting bracket and the brakes integrated into the steerable wheels. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the support frame for the luggage item shown in Figure 2, which supports the front and rear wheels of the luggage item when the front and rear wheels are in the deployed position for riding mode. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first wheel or a portion of the front wheel of the luggage device in the deployed position, viewed from below the wheel, showing the connection of the steering cable to the wheel hub. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic front perspective view of part of a mechanism mounted inside the internal cavity of the base of the luggage item, which steers the luggage item when it is in the riding mode and maintains the steering lever in the stowed position when it is in the transport mode. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic rear perspective view of a part of the steering mechanism shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a portion of the steering mechanism shown in Figures 8 and 9, showing a fixed lever of the steering mechanism that is positioned to rotatably steer the steering lever to the rest of the steering mechanism, enabling steering of luggage items in passenger mode. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a schematic front cross-sectional view of Figure 10A, showing a locking lever positioned to allow the steering lever to be rotated independently of the rest of the steering mechanism to a stowed position along the base of the luggage item. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a schematic perspective view of a part of the steering mechanism shown in Figures 10A and 10B, illustrating the detachable rotatable connection between the detent projection of the connecting member of the steering mechanism that connects to the member and the detent receptacle of the gear block of the steering mechanism. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plot showing the generated driving force with respect to the angle of the twist grip when the twist grip is rotated in a first direction, and the generated braking force with respect to the angle of the twist grip when the twist grip is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] This disclosure relates to a wheeled luggage item that can be converted by a user between a transport mode and a ride mode. In a conventional rollable suitcase embodiment, in transport mode, the handle of the luggage item may be grasped by the user to allow the luggage item to roll along the ground. In ride mode, the luggage item is configured to be self-powered and driven by a user seated on the luggage item. The luggage item includes a base defining an internal cavity and a liner configured to partition the internal cavity into a first part and a second part physically separated from the first part. Personal luggage items may be stored in the first part of the cavity. First and second wheels are rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a hoisted position in the second part of the cavity and an unfolded position outside the base in order to enable the ride mode of the luggage item. A steering lever is rotatably deployable to operably connect to the first wheel, thereby allowing the first wheel to be steered by a user seated on the luggage item in ride mode. To propel luggage items in ride-on mode, a battery in an internal cavity may power an in-wheel motor operably connected to the second wheel. When not in use, the steering lever may rotate into a cavity formed in the base so that the space occupied by the luggage items conforms to the permissible space perimeter of a carry-on suitcase for civil aviation flights.

[0008] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views of a wheeled luggage item 20 according to an embodiment described herein. Figure 1A shows the wheeled luggage item 20 in transport mode, in which the luggage item can be manually rolled along the ground in the manner of a conventional suitcase or other luggage. In one or more configurations, the wheeled luggage item may be configured to fit within the permissible space enclosure of a carry-on suitcase for commercial aviation flights (e.g., 22 inches × 14 inches × 9 inches) when the luggage item is in transport mode. The wheeled luggage item 20 may be provided with a telescopic handle 20z and conventional luggage rollers or wheels 20y (Figure 1B) to facilitate the user's movement of the luggage item when the luggage item is in transport mode. Figure 1B shows the wheeled luggage item 20 with the handle 20z extended for transport.

[0009] Figure 2 is another schematic perspective view of the wheeled luggage item 20, showing the luggage item in ride mode. In ride mode, the wheeled luggage item 20 is self-propelled and may be manually guided using a steering mechanism so that a user can sit on the luggage item and use the luggage item in personal transport mode. Figure 2A is a front view of the wheeled luggage item 20 in Figure 2. In embodiments described herein, the wheeled luggage item 20 is configured to be manually switchable between transport mode and ride mode according to the user's needs.

[0010] When used herein, elements are “rotatably connected” and “rotatably connectable” when they are connected in such a way that they rotate together in conjunction with each other. Elements are “detachably rotatably connected” when the rotatable connection between elements can be disabled or interrupted by some action on a wheeled luggage item (e.g., as described herein, the rotation of a locking lever 94 to a first position to allow free rotation of the steering levers 30a, 30b, or sliding contact between a coupling member and associated gear block in response to the application of excessive steering torque to the steering levers). Elements are “rotatably coupled” to each other when they are operably connected such that the elements are rotatable relative to each other (i.e., rotatable individually or separately) or one element is rotatable relative to another element. In addition, when the term “operably connected” is used throughout this specification, it may include direct or indirect connections, including connections that do not involve a direct physical connection.

[0011] Referring to Figures 1A–4, in one or more configurations, the wheeled luggage item 20 may include a base 22. The base 22 may include interconnected walls forming a flat first edge 22a defining a first plane P1, a flat second edge 22b extending from the first edge 22a, a third edge 22c extending opposite the first edge 22a, and a fourth edge 22d extending from the first edge 22a toward the third edge and defining a second plane P2. A first angled edge 22e may connect the third edge 22c to the fourth edge 22d, and a second angled edge 22f may connect the second edge 22b to the third edge 22c.

[0012] As can be seen in Figure 4, a portion of the first edge 22a may define a seat for the user when the wheeled luggage item is in riding mode. In addition, the first edge 22a may be configured to form the upper end or top edge of the wheeled luggage item 20. The second edge 22b may be configured to form the front or front edge of the wheeled luggage item 20 when the wheeled luggage item 20 is in riding mode, and the fourth edge 22d may be configured to form the rear edge of the wheeled luggage item 20. The third edge 22c may be configured to form the bottom edge or bottom edge of the base 22 when the wheeled luggage item 20 is in riding mode.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1A - 4, the wheeled luggage item 20 may include a seat structure 24 having a first portion 24a and a second portion 24b extending from the first portion. The seat structure 24 may be operably connected to the base 22 so as to be rotatable relative to the base 22 between a first (stowed) configuration (shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4) and a second (raised) configuration (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The first portion 24a may form a seat surface located at a first height H1 on the ground GS1 when the seat structure 24 is in the first configuration and the wheeled luggage item 20 is in the riding mode. Also, the second portion 24b may form a seat surface located at a second height H2 on the ground GS1 when the seat structure 24 is in the second configuration and the wheeled luggage item 20 is in the riding mode, and the second height H2 is higher than the first height H1. The seat structure 24 may be rotated to the raised configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3 for a relatively tall user. A releasable locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided to maintain the seat structure 24 in the second configuration when raised. When the seat structure 24 is in the stowed configuration, the first portion 24a may extend along the first edge 22a of the base so as to be flush with or coplanar with the first edge along a plane P1, and the second portion 24b may extend along a part of the fourth edge 22d of the base and be flush with or coplanar with the plane P2 of the fourth edge 22d. For the comfort of the rider, one or more cushions may extend along the first portion 24a and the second portion 24b of the seat structure. In some configurations, a gusset 24c may extend between the first portion 24a and the second portion 24b to assist in supporting the seat surface S2 when the seat structure is raised.

[0014] Also, the base 22 may include a first face 22g and a second face 22h extending opposite the first face 22g. The first face 22g may extend between the edges 22a - 22f of the base so as to connect the edges along each first side of the edges of the base. Similarly, the second face 22h may extend between the edges 22a - 22f of the base so as to connect the edges along each second side of the edges of the base.

[0015] The first steering lever receiving portion 22s may be formed to extend between the first edge 22a and the first surface 22g. (To be described in more detail below) When the first steering lever 30a (shown in FIG. 1) is rotated to the accommodation arrangement of the first steering lever, the first steering lever receiving portion 22s may be configured to receive the first steering lever 30a therein. Similarly, the second steering lever receiving portion 22t may be formed to extend between the first edge 22a and the second surface 22h. (To be described in more detail below) When the second steering lever 30b (shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) is rotated to the accommodation arrangement of the second steering lever, the second steering lever receiving portion 22t may be configured to receive the second steering lever 30b therein.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, in combination, the base edges 22a-22f and the first surface 22g and the second surface 22h may define an internal cavity 22j of the base 22. The internal cavity 22j may be configured to receive and / or store elements such as luggage to be transported within the base and other parts of the wheeled luggage item 20. The liner 23 may partition the internal cavity 22j into a first portion 22k and a second portion 22m that is adjacent to but physically separated from the first portion 22k to prevent an object from moving between the first portion 22k and the second portion 22m. The liner 23 may be formed, for example, from a molded polymer. As seen in FIG. 5, the outer edge 23a of the liner 23 may abut or be adjacent to the wall of the base 22 that forms the edges 22a-22f of the base 22 to maximize the use of the storage space inside the base.

[0017] The first portion 22k of the internal cavity may form a receptacle configured to hold luggage and other items for transport by the user. Access to the first portion 22k of the internal cavity may be through an opening 22n formed along the first surface 22g. The opening 22n may be closed by a door 22w (Figure 2) operably connected to the first surface 22g of the base. The door 22w may be rotatably connected to the base 22 with respect to the rest of the base 22, or the door 22w may be movable away from the opening 22n to open and allow user access to the contents of the first portion 22k of the internal cavity. The door 22w may have a relatively soft and flexible structure or a relatively hard and robust structure. The door 22w may be lockable in a closed position along the first surface 22g to retain luggage items in the first portion 22k of the internal cavity while the wheeled luggage item 20 is in motion. For example, the door 22w may be lockable in a closed position using a zipper, a latch, or any other suitable mechanism. In a particular configuration, the door 22w may have a pocket (not shown) attached to the portion of the door 22w facing the first portion 22k of the internal cavity (for example, a sleeve for storing and transporting a laptop computer 99).

[0018] The second portion 22m of the internal cavity may be configured to form a wheel receiving section for receiving the first wheel 40 and the second wheel 42 of the wheeled luggage item 20 (described in more detail below). The wheels 40, 42 may be configured to be deployable from the second portion 22m of the internal cavity, as described herein, to allow a user to ride the wheeled luggage item 20 in riding mode.

[0019] Referring to Figure 2A, a pair of footpegs 20p may be rotatably mounted to the base 22 along surfaces 22g and 22h. The footpegs 20p may rotatably extend to support the user's feet in riding mode and may also rotate to be inside the associated footpeg cavity formed by surfaces 22g and 22h.

[0020] Referring to Figure 5, a receiving portion 22r for the wheel hinge pin sleeve may be formed in the internal cavity 22j of the base along a second inclined edge 22f. The receiving portion 22r may be configured to receive the hinge pin sleeve 60s of the wheel mounting bracket 60 (described in more detail below) therein, allowing the wheel mounting bracket to be rotatably coupled to the base 22 via a hinge pin 61 extending through the sleeve 60s. Each end of the hinge pin 61 may be fixed to the corresponding portion of the base 22 within the internal cavity 22j of the base. The wheel mounting bracket 60 and the mounted steerable first wheel 40 may rotate in and out of the second portion 22m of the internal cavity for storage and deployment.

[0021] Referring to Figure 5, the steering cable passage 22p may be formed within the internal cavity 22j of the base so as to extend along the second edge 22b of the base. The steering cable passage 22p may be configured to receive internally a pair of steering cables 70a, 70b which operably connect the steering levers 30a and 30b to the first wheel 40 supported by the wheel mounting bracket 60 (as described in detail herein). The steering cable passage 22p may be configured to guide and protect the steering cables 70a, 70b extending through the passage.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1D and 5A, the elements of the brake 40b may be incorporated into the first wheel 40 and the mounting bracket 60. In one or more configurations, the brake 40b may be a conventional hydraulic disc brake or another type of mechanical brake. In a particular configuration, the brake may include an actuator 40m (e.g., a servo motor) and a brake master cylinder 40c, the brake master cylinder 40c being connected to a caliper 40n by a hose 40y and operable to pressurize the caliper 40n to engage with the first wheel 40, thereby slowing and stopping the forward movement of the luggage item 20. The actuator 40m may be operablely connected to a control module 213 of the luggage item to receive control signals from the control module 213 (described in more detail below).

[0023] Referring to Figure 6, the support frame 22z may extend along the third edge 22c of the base within the internal cavity 22j to enable the rotatable coupling of the first wheel 40 and the second wheel 42 to the base 22. Mounting brackets 60, 160 supporting the first wheel 40 and the second wheel 42, respectively, may be rotatably mounted to the support frame 22z by associated first and second rotatable coupling mechanisms (not shown) to enable the retraction and deployment of the first wheel 40 and the second wheel 42 from the second portion 22m of the internal cavity, as described herein.

[0024] Referring again to Figure 5, the wheel mounting bracket 60 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 22z by a hinge pin 61 to rotatably support the first wheel 40 on the frame 22z. The wheel mounting bracket 60 and the wheel 40 may be configured to be fixed in a first (retained) configuration, in which the first wheel 40, rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket 60, is received (and maintained) within the second portion 22m of the internal cavity of the base. The wheel mounting bracket 60 and the wheel 40 may also be configured to be fixed in a second (deployed) configuration, in which the first wheel 40, rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket 60, is maintained in the deployed position of the first wheel 40. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be operably connected to the mounting bracket 60 to fix the mounting bracket in the deployed configuration to support the deployed first wheel 40. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the wheel mounting bracket 60 may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 to support the first wheel 40 so that the first wheel extends below the lowest part of the base 22 (in this case, the third edge 22c of the base) when the first wheel 40 is locked in the deployed position and in contact with the ground GS1.

[0025] Referring to Figure 5, the wheel mounting bracket 60 may have a first end 60a that is rotatably coupled to the base 22. The hinge pin sleeve 60s (described above) may be located adjacent to the first end 60a of the bracket and configured to receive a hinge pin 61 inside in order to rotatably secure the wheel mounting bracket to the base 22. The hinge pin sleeve 60s may have a first open end 60s-1, a second open end 60s-2 opposite to the first open end 60s-1, and a body portion 60s-3 extending between the first and second ends. The body portion 60s-3 may be configured to allow a portion of the steering cables 70a, 70b to take a path through the body portion. In addition, an opening 60s-4 may be formed in the main body portion 60s-3 so that the steering cables 70a and 70b that have entered the sleeve 60s at the first end portion 60s-1 can exit the sleeve 60s along the main body portion 60s-3.

[0026] Furthermore, the wheel mounting bracket 60 may also have a second end 60b (i.e., a wheel support end) opposite the first end 60a. As can be seen in Figure 5, a steering knuckle 74 may be incorporated into the second end 60b of the wheel mounting bracket. The hub 40h of the first wheel 40 may be rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle 74 by a kingpin 40p in a known manner, thereby allowing the hub 40h of the first wheel and the first wheel 40 to rotate about the kingpin axis 40x of the kingpin 40p. The rotation of the first wheel 40 about the kingpin axis 40x changes the direction in which the wheel 40 points to result in steering the wheeled luggage item 20 by the user, in the manner described herein.

[0027] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the wheel mounting bracket 60 may include an outward-extending body portion 60c configured to extend away from the front-rear plane P9 (Figure 7) of the base 22 when the mounting bracket 60 supports the wheel 40 in the wheel-extended position. As can be seen in Figure 2A, if we consider the wheeled luggage item 20 to be a vehicle when in riding mode and the base 22 to be similar to the body of the vehicle, then the front-rear plane P9 of the base 22 may be a vertical plane extending through the front-rear axis of the base 22 when the base 22 is in riding mode. Referring again to Figures 5-7, an inward-extending portion 60e of the mounting bracket 60 may be configured to extend away from the end 60d of the outward-extending body portion 60c of the bracket toward the front-rear plane P9 of the base 22 when the mounting bracket 60 supports the wheel in the wheel-extended position. The outwardly extending main body portion 60c and the inwardly extending portion 60e may be combined such that a cavity 60f is defined between them. Referring to Figure 7, the cavity 60f may be configured to receive a portion of the wheel 40 when the wheel turns in direction S2, as will be described in more detail below.

[0028] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, in a particular configuration, the mounting bracket 60 may have a two-piece structure formed by combining an outer bracket member 62 and an inner bracket member 63. The outer bracket member 62 and the inner bracket member 63 may be bolted together or otherwise secured. In such a configuration, the outer bracket member 62 may have an associated first end 62a and a second end 62b opposite to the first end. A hinge pin sleeve 60s may be incorporated along the first end 62a. The outer bracket member 62 may have a basic structure similar to that described above for the entire mounting bracket 60. That is, the outer bracket member 62 may have an outwardly extending body portion 62c configured to extend away from the front-rear plane P9 of the base 22 when the mounting bracket 60 supports the first wheel 40 in the deployed position of the first wheel. Furthermore, the outer fitting member 62 may have an inwardly extending main body portion 62e, which is configured to extend in the direction toward the front-rear plane P9 and the first end portion 63a of the outer fitting member from the end portion 62d of the main body portion 62c that extends outward from the fitting when the mounting fitting 60 supports the first wheel 40 in the wheel's deployed position.

[0029] In a two-piece configuration, the inner fitting member 63 may have an associated first end 63a and a second end 63b opposite the first end 63a. The inner fitting member 63 may also have a basic configuration similar to that described above for the entire mounting bracket 60. That is, the inner fitting member 63 may have an outward-extending portion 63c configured to coincide with the inner surface of the outward-extending portion 62c of the outer fitting member. The inner fitting member 63 may also have an inward-extending portion 63e configured to extend from the end 63d of the outward-extending portion 63c toward the front-rear plane P9 of the base when the mounting bracket 60 supports the first wheel 40 in the wheel deployment position, thereby coinciding with the inward-extending portion 62e of the fitting for attachment to the inward-extending portion 62e of the outer fitting member 62. The portion 63c extending outward and the portion 63e extending inward from the inner fitting member 63 may be combined such that a cavity 60f is defined between them.

[0030] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the inner fitting member 63 may include a first passage 63p formed along it and configured to receive a portion of the first steering cable 70a internally. The inner fitting member 63 may also include a second passage 63r formed along it and configured to receive a portion of the second steering cable 70b. When the outer fitting member 63 is fixed to the inner fitting member 62 to form the mounting bracket 60, portions of the steering cables 70a and 70b extending along the passages 63p and 63r may be fixed between the outer fitting 62 and the inner fitting 63. Thus, the passages 63p and 63r may assist in guiding the steering cables 70a and 70b from the torque transmission member 65 (described later) to each connection position of the hub 40h of the first wheel. In some configurations, a locking mechanism for fixing the mounting bracket 60 in an unfolded position may be incorporated into (or operably connected to) the inner fitting member 63. The wheel 40 may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 using a mounting bracket 60 so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion 22m of the cavity and an extended position outside the second portion of the cavity.

[0031] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the steerable first wheel 40 may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In one or more configurations, the first wheel 40 may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 by rotatably coupling the wheel to a second end 60b of a mounting bracket. The first wheel 40 may include a tire 40a and a wheel hub 40h supporting the tire. The end of the first steering cable 70a may exit through a passage 63p of the associated mounting bracket for connection to the hub 40h along the first side T1 of the hub. The end of the second steering cable 70b may exit through a passage 63r of the associated mounting bracket for connection to the hub 40h along the second side T2 of the hub 40h opposite the first side of the hub. In the embodiments described herein, operably connecting a first steering cable 70a to a first side T1 of the wheel hub 40h allows the wheel 40 to pivot in a first direction S1 about the kingpin axis 40x by applying force to the first cable 70a through the rotation of a torque transmission member 65 (described later). Furthermore, operably connecting a second steering cable 70b to a second side T2 of the wheel hub 40h allows the wheel 40 to pivot in a second direction S2 opposite to the first direction S1 about the kingpin axis 40x by applying force to the second cable 70b through the rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the opposite direction. In one or more configurations, the first wheel 40 may be rotatably coupled to a second end 60b of a mounting bracket along a single side of the wheel 40, as shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0032] Referring to Figures 8-10C, the wheeled luggage item 20 may be provided with a steering mechanism that allows a user sitting in the wheeled luggage item to steer the item using a first steering lever 30a and a second steering lever 30b. The steering lever 30a may have a steering handle 30h suitable for the user to grip with their right hand while riding. The steering lever 30b may have a steering handle 30j suitable for the user to grip with their left hand while riding.

[0033] In one or more configurations, one of the steering handles (e.g., steering handle 30h in the shown embodiment) may be implemented as a twist grip configured to be manually rotatable while the user is riding in the luggage item in riding mode. Referring to Figures 1D and 2B, the twist grip 30h may incorporate (or be operably connected) an angle sensor 30s configured to detect the angle to which the twist grip has been rotated in a first direction R1 or a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction. As seen in Figure 2B, in some configurations, the first direction R1 may be the rearward direction of the luggage item in riding mode, and the second direction R2 may be the forward direction of the luggage item in riding mode. As described herein, the luggage item 20 may be configured such that the rotation of the twist grip 30h in the first direction R1 controls the operation of the motor 42x of the second wheel to propel the luggage item forward. Furthermore, the luggage item 20 may be configured to control the operation of a brake 40b mounted on the first (front) wheel 40 so that the rotation of the twist grip 30h in the second direction R2 slows down and stops the forward movement of the luggage item. The angle sensor 30s may have a wired connection or other operable connection to a control module 213 (described in more detail below) mounted in the second portion 22m of the internal cavity of the base.

[0034] In one or more configurations, the steering mechanism may include a gear carrier 72 fixedly mounted to a support structure (not shown) located outside the liner 23 and within a portion of the internal cavity 22j of the base, which is inside the outer wall of the base forming the second edge 22b of the base. The gear carrier 72 may have a central opening 72a extending through the gear carrier 72 to accommodate a passage for a fixed shaft 76 through the gear carrier 72.

[0035] A gear set (generally designated as 78) may be supported on a gear carrier 72 (for example, using bearings) so that the gears of the gear set can rotate within a portion of the internal cavity 22j of the base as described herein. The gear set 78 may be configured to exert force on steering cables 70a, 70b extending through the base 22 in response to the rotation of the steering levers 30a, 30b as described herein.

[0036] The first gear block 80 may be rotatably coupled to the gear carrier 72 using one or more bearings 81. The first gear block 80 may have a central through-opening 80a to allow a fixed shaft 76 to pass through it. The first gear block 80 may have a pivot axis X1. The first gear block 80 may have an outward-facing first side surface 80b, which comprises a plurality of angularly spaced first detent receiving portions 80c extending along this first side surface. The detent receiving portions 80c may be configured to detachably engage with complementary detent projections 82a formed on the first coupling member 82 (described in more detail below) by receiving each detent projection 82a between a pair of angularly adjacent detent receiving portions 80c.

[0037] A spring receiving cavity 80d may be formed adjacent to the opening 80a and may extend from the first side surface 80b into the opening. The opening 80a may have a shoulder 80e configured to support a first spring 85 (such as a coil spring) that is received therein. The first gear block 80 may have an inwardly facing second side surface 80f located opposite the first side surface 80b. A first bevel gear 80g may be formed along the second side surface 80f of the first gear block. In the embodiments described herein, the first bevel gear 80g may be configured to mesh and engage with a plurality of pinion gears 86 rotatably coupled to the gear carrier 72. Thus, the detent receiving portion 80c and the first bevel gear 80g are rotatably connected.

[0038] The first spring 85 may be located within the spring-receiving cavity 80d and may exert a force that biases the first coupling member 82 away from the first gear block 80 (as will be described in more detail below), and may be configured to disengage the detent projection 82a of the first coupling member 82 from its corresponding detent receiving portion 80c of the first gear block when the force that maintains the detent projection 82a engaged with the detent receiving portion 80c is released.

[0039] The second gear block 87 may be rotatably coupled to the gear carrier 72 using one or more bearings 88. The second gear block 87 may have a central through-opening 87a that allows the passage of a fixed shaft 76. The second gear block 87 may have a pivot axis coaxial with the pivot axis of the first gear block (i.e., along axis X1). The second gear block 87 may have an outward-facing first side surface 87b, which comprises a plurality of angularly spaced second detent receiving portions 87c extending along this first side surface. The detent receiving portions 87c may be configured to detachably engage with complementary detent projections 89a formed on a second coupling member 92 (described in more detail below) by receiving each detent projection 89a between a pair of angularly adjacent detent receiving portions 87c. The spring support cavity 87d may be formed adjacent to the opening 87a and may extend from the first side surface 87b into the opening. The opening 87a may have a shoulder 87e configured to support a second spring 90 (such as a coil spring) that is received therein.

[0040] The second gear block 87 may have an inwardly facing second side facing opposite the first side facing 87b. The second bevel gear 87g may be formed along the second side facing the second gear block. In the embodiment described herein, the second bevel gear 87g may be configured to mesh and engage with a plurality of pinion gears 86 rotatably coupled to the gear carrier 72. Thus, the detent receiving portion 87c and the second bevel gear 87g are rotatably connected.

[0041] The second spring 90 may be located in the spring-receiving cavity 87d and exerts a force that biases the second coupling member 92 away from the second gear block 87 (as will be described in more detail below). The second coupling member 92 may be configured to disengage the detent projection 89a from its associated detent receiving portion 87c of the second gear block when the force maintaining the detent projection 89a engaged with the detent receiving portion 87c is released.

[0042] The gear set 78 may also include one or more pinion gears 86 rotatably coupled to the gear carrier 72 between the first gear block 80 and the second gear block 87. The pinion gears 86 may be configured to rotatably mesh with the first bevel gears 80g and the second bevel gears 87g of the first gear block 80 and the second gear block 87 during the rotation of the steering levers 30a, 30b as described herein, so that all of the pinion gears 86 are rotatably coupled to each of the first bevel gears 80g and the second bevel gears 87g. The first of the pinion gears 86 may be configured to support a torque transmission member 65 which is rotatably connected to the first of the pinion gears 86. One or more additional pinion gears 86 may be rotatably coupled to the gear carrier 72 at a position angularly spaced apart from the first pinion gear along the gear carrier, to help maintain the gap between the first gear block 80 and the second gear block 87.

[0043] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the torque transmission member 65 may be rotatably connected to the first pinion gear 86. In the embodiments described herein, the ends of the first steering cable 70a and the second steering cable 70b may be attached to the torque transmission member 65, and the opposite ends of the first steering cable 70a and the second steering cable 70b may be attached to the hub 40h of the steerable first wheel 40 (Figure 7), so that rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the associated first torque direction V1 causes the steerable wheel 40 to pivot in the first direction S1, and rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the associated second torque direction V2 opposite to the first torque direction V1 causes the steerable wheel 40 to pivot in the second direction S2.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 5 and 7, the first steering cable 70a and the second steering cable 70b may extend downward through the internal cavity 22j of the base and enter the hinge pin sleeve at the opening end 60s-1. The first steering cable 70a and the second steering cable 70b may exit the hinge pin sleeve 60s at the opening 60s-4 and enter the corresponding steering cable passages 63p, 63r formed in the mounting bracket 60. Referring again to Figure 7, the first steering cable 70a may be operably connected to the first side T1 of the wheel hub 40h to allow the wheel to pivot in a first direction S1 about the kingpin axis 40x by applying force to the first cable. The second steering cable 70b may be rotatably connected to the second side T2 of the wheel hub 40h, opposite to the first side of the wheel hub, in order to allow the wheel 40 to be rotated in the second direction S2, opposite to the first direction S1, around the kingpin axis 40x by applying force to the second cable 70b.

[0045] Referring to Figures 8-10B, the first coupling member 82 may have a passage 82p extending through the first coupling member 82 to accommodate a portion of the fixed shaft 76. The first coupling member 82 may have a first end 82b incorporating the aforementioned detent projection 82a for engaging with a complementary detent receiving portion 80c formed in the first gear block 80. The first end shoulder 82c may be provided adjacent to the passage 82p of the fixed shaft to provide a contact surface for the end of the first spring 85 extending from the spring receiving cavity 80d of the first gear block. The first coupling member 82 may have a second end 82d located opposite the first end 82b. A portion of the second end 82d of the first coupling member may extend from the internal cavity 22j of the base to the outside of the base 22, where the second end 82d may be pivotably coupled to the first steering lever 30a. The first bush 82e may be interposed between the first coupling member 82 and the base 22 at the point where the first coupling member 82 disengages from the base 22, thereby rotatably supporting the first coupling member 82 with respect to the base 22.

[0046] The first coupling member 82 may be operably connected to a gear set around a fixed shaft 76 (described in more detail below) so that the first coupling member 82 can move along the longitudinal axis X1 of the fixed shaft. The second end 82d of the first coupling member may have a cavity 82f with an inner shoulder 82g.

[0047] The first steering lever 30a may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 adjacent to the first surface 22g (Figure 2) of the base 22 so as to be movable between a housing configuration (Figure 1A) and an unfolded configuration (Figure 2) within the first steering lever receiving portion 22s. The first steering lever 30a may be rotatably coupled to the first coupling member 82 near the second end 82d of the first coupling member. Referring to Figures 1A and 8, the first steering lever 30a may have a fixed lever receiving cavity 30z formed along it, which is configured to receive the fixed lever 94 (described in more detail below) inside when the fixed lever 94 is rotated to its second configuration. The cavity 30z may be configured such that when the fixed lever 94 is received within the cavity 30z, the fixed lever 94 extends flush with the outer surface of the first steering lever 30a, or the fixed lever 94 is embedded in the cavity 30z lower than the outer surface.

[0048] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the second coupling member 92 may have a passage 92p extending through the second coupling member 92 to accommodate a portion of the fixed shaft 76. The second coupling member 92 may have a first end portion 92b incorporating the aforementioned detent projection 89a to engage with a complementary detent receiving portion 87c formed in the second gear block 87. The second end shoulder 87e may be provided adjacent to the shaft passage 92a to provide a contact surface for the end of the second spring 90 extending from the second gear block spring receiving cavity 87d.

[0049] The second coupling member 92 may have a second end 92d located opposite to the first end 92b. A portion of the second end 92d of the second coupling member may extend from the internal cavity 22j of the base to the outside of the base 22, where the second end 92d may be rotatably coupled to the second steering lever 30b. The second bush 92e may be interposed between the second coupling member 92 and the base 22 at the point where the second coupling member 92 disengages from the base 22, thereby rotatably supporting the second coupling member 92 with respect to the base 22. The second steering lever 30b may be rotatably connected to the second coupling member 92 in the vicinity of the second end 92d of the second coupling member.

[0050] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the second coupling member 92 may have a cavity 92k formed inside it and a cavity opening at the second end 92d of the second coupling member. The cavity 92k may have a floor 92m inside it to support the torque-reducing spring 100. The torque-reducing spring 100 may be any type of spring suitable for the purposes described herein. The torque-reducing spring 100 may have a first end that abuts against the floor 92m and a second end opposite to the first end. The torque-reducing spring 100 may have a spring constant much larger than the spring constants of the first spring 85 and the second spring 90 described above (i.e., the torque-reducing spring 100 may be much "more rigid" than the first spring 85 and the second spring 90). A cap 101 may be added to the torque-reducing spring 100 so as to abut the torque-reducing spring at its second end. The cap 101 may be mounted on the second end 76b of the fixed shaft 76 (described in more detail below) so as to compress the torque-reducing spring, a force acting in the direction F1 exerted on the cap by the fixed shaft 76 is transmitted to the torque-reducing spring 100. As seen in Figures 8, 10A, and 10B, the gear set 78 is mounted on the gear carrier 72 between the first coupling member 82 and the second coupling member 92.

[0051] The second steering lever 30b may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 adjacent to the second surface 22h of the base 22 so as to be movable between a housing arrangement (Figures 1A and 1B) and an unfolded arrangement (Figures 2 and 8) within the second steering lever receiving portion 22t. The second steering lever 30B may be rotatably connected to the second coupling member 92 near the second end portion 92d of the second coupling member.

[0052] The fixed shaft 76 may have a first end 76a extending into the cavity 82f at the second end of the first coupling member, and a second end 76b extending into the spring-receiving cavity 92k at the second end of the second coupling member. As can be seen in Figures 10A and 10B, the fixed shaft 76 may enter the cavity 82f at the second end of the first coupling member and extend through the first coupling member 82, the first gear block 80, the gear carrier 72, the second gear block 87, and the second coupling member 92 to a point where the fixed shaft has a cap 101 attached to the torque-reducing spring 100. The fixed shaft 76 may be axially movable along the longitudinal axis X1 of the shaft in response to the rotation of the fixed lever 94, as will be described later. The fixed shaft 76 may be rotatable about axis X1. In combination, and as described herein, the fixed lever 94, fixed shaft 76, and torque-reducing spring 100 may enable the transmission of force along axis X1, which provides a detachable pivot connection engagement between the detent projection 82a of the first coupling member and the detent receiving portion 80c of the first gear block, and a detachable pivot connection engagement between the detent projection 89a of the second coupling member and the detent receiving portion 87c of the second gear block.

[0053] The fixing lever 94 may be rotatably coupled to the fixing shaft 76 at the first end 76a of the fixing shaft, thereby forming a pivot axis X3 between the fixing lever 94 and the fixing shaft 76. The fixing lever 94 may be configured to abut against the inner shoulder 82g of the first coupling member within the second end cavity 82f of the first coupling member. The fixing lever 94 may be rotatable to any of the first arrangement (Figure 10B) and second arrangements (Figures 8 and 10A) (and may be fixed in any of these arrangements).

[0054] Referring to Figure 10B, in the first configuration of the fixing lever 94, the first surface 94b of the fixing lever 94 contacts the inner shoulder 82g of the first coupling member 82. In addition, the torque-reducing spring 100 (secured along the fixing shaft 76 by the cap 101) contacts the floor 92m of the second coupling member 92. This configuration allows the fixing lever 94 to be operably connected to the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

[0055] The fixed lever 94 may be configured such that rotation of the lever in direction DD1 to a first configuration (where the first surface 94b of the lever contacts the inner shoulder 82g) causes the fixed shaft 76 to move in direction F2 (Figure 10B). This movement allows the force exerted by the first spring 85 to bias the first coupling member 82 away from the first gear block 80 in direction F1 (opposite to direction F2). This movement rotates the detent projection 82a of the first coupling member out of the detent receiving portion 80c of the first gear block, thereby rotating the first coupling member 82 away from the first gear block 80. Since the first steering lever 30a is rotated to the first coupling member 82, the rotational disengagement of the first coupling member 82 from the first gear block 80 allows the first steering lever 30a to rotate independently of the gear set 78.

[0056] Similarly, rotation of the locking lever 94 to the first position allows the force exerted by the second spring 90 to bias the second coupling member 92 so that it moves away from the second gear block 87 in direction F2. This movement rotates the detent projection 89a of the second coupling member out of the detent receiving portion 87c of the second gear block, thereby rotating the second coupling member 92 away from the second gear block 87. Since the second steering lever 30b rotates to the second coupling member 92, the rotational disengagement of the second coupling member 92 from the second gear block 87 allows the second steering lever 30b to rotate independently of the gear set 78.

[0057] Referring to Figure 10A, when the fixed lever 94 is rotated in direction DD2 to the second position of the lever, the second surface 94a of the fixed lever 94 comes into contact with the inner shoulder 82g. This rotation acts to move the fixed shaft 76 in direction F1. Because the torque-reducing spring 100 has a much larger spring constant than the spring constants of the first spring 85 and the second spring 90, the movement of the fixed shaft 76 in direction F1 causes the second coupling member 92 to move in direction F1 against the separation force applied by the second spring 90, thereby engaging the detent projection 89a of the second coupling member with the second gear block detent receiving portion 87c without any apparent axial bias of the torque-reducing spring 100. As a result, the second coupling member 92 and the second steering lever 30b, which is rotatably connected to the second coupling member, are rotatably connected to the second gear block 87 and the gear set 78. Similarly, the movement of the fixing shaft 76 in direction F1, accompanied by the fixing lever 94 pushing the shoulder 82g, moves the first coupling member 82 in direction F2 against the separation force applied by the first spring 85, thereby engaging the detent projection 82a of the first coupling member with the detent receiving portion 80c of the first gear block. As a result, the first coupling member 82 and the first steering lever 30a, which is rotatably connected to the first coupling member 82, are rotatably connected to the first gear block 80 and the gear set 78. Furthermore, the rotation of the fixing lever 94 in direction DD2 houses the fixing lever in the first steering lever cavity 30z, thereby locking the fixing lever 94 in its housing position so as to maintain the first coupling member 82 in a rotatably connected state with the first gear block 80 and the second coupling member 92 in a rotatably connected state with the second gear block 87. Therefore, rotation of the fixing lever 94 to the first configuration allows the rotational disconnection of the first coupling member 82 and the second coupling member 92 from the gear set 78. Also, rotation of the fixing lever 94 to the second configuration biases the first coupling member 82 and the second coupling member 92 toward each other and toward rotational connection with the gear set 78, thereby rotationally connecting the first steering lever 30a and the second steering lever 30b to the gear set 78.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1A–6, the second wheel 42 may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 so as to be movable between a housing position within the first portion of the cavity (shown in Figures 1A–1C) and an unfolded position outside the first portion of the cavity (Figures 2, 3, and 4). In one or more configurations, the second wheel 42 is rotatably connected to the base 22 by rotatably coupling the wheel 42 to the second end of another mounting bracket 160, which is configured similarly to the mounting bracket 60 described above, but without the steering cable passage. The other mounting bracket 160 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 22z. The second wheel 42 may include a tire 42a and a second hub 42h supporting the tire 42a. As seen in the drawings, the wheel 42 may form the rear wheel of the wheeled luggage item 20. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the wheel mounting bracket 160 may be rotatably coupled to the base 22 to support the second wheel 42 such that the second wheel extends below the lowest part of the base 22 (in this case, the third edge 22c of the base) when the second wheel 42 is locked in the extended position and in contact with the ground GS1.

[0059] Referring to Figure 6, a known or later developed direct-drive motor or other in-wheel motor 42x may be operably connected to the second wheel 42 to drive the rotation of the second wheel 42 in a known manner while the wheeled luggage item 20 is operating in transport mode. The battery 25 may also be mounted on the frame and operably connected to the motor 42x to supply power to the wheels 42 to propel the wheeled luggage item 20 when the wheeled luggage item 20 is in ride mode.

[0060] In one or more configurations, multiple planetary gearboxes 42g may be used to transmit motion from the motor 42x to the driven second wheel 42. For example, the motor 42x may be statically mounted to the wheel mounting bracket 160, and the output shaft of the motor 42x may be configured to mesh and engage with two or more outer gears (not shown) that are rotatably coupled to a carrier rotatably connected to the wheel 42. As a result, the rotation of the motor's output shaft causes rotation of the outer gears and the wheel 42 that is rotatably mounted. In this way, in known embodiments, the second wheel 42 may be driven by the motor 42x.

[0061] The motor 42x may be operably connected to a control module 213 (by a wired or wireless connection), and the control module may send a throttle control signal to the motor 42x to control the motor speed in accordance with the angle of the twist grip 30h detected by the angle sensor 30s.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1D, the luggage item 20 may include one or more processors 110. In one or more configurations, the processor 110 may be the main processor of the luggage item 20. For example, the processor 110 may be an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0063] The luggage item 20 may include a memory 112. The memory 112 is random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, flash memory, or other suitable memory for storing modules. The memory 112 may include sensor data 119. In this context, “sensor data” means any information about the sensors provided by the luggage item 20, including performance and other information about such sensors. As an example, the sensor data 119 may include information about the angle sensor 30s of the twist grip described herein.

[0064] Memory 112 may store a control module 213 for controlling the configuration of the luggage item 20 when the item is used in riding mode. The luggage item 20 may include one or more such modules. The modules may be implemented as computer-readable program code that, when executed by the processor 110, performs one or more of the various processes described herein. One or more modules may be components of the processor 110, or one or more modules may run on and / or be distributed to other processing systems operably connected to the processor 110. The modules may include instructions (e.g., program logic) that can be executed by one or more processors 110. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more data stores 115 or another part of the luggage item 20 may include such instructions.

[0065] In general, a module includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific data type, as used herein. In a further embodiment, memory generally stores the aforementioned modules. The memory associated with a module may be a cache or buffer built into a processor, RAM, ROM, flash memory, or another suitable electronic storage medium. In a further embodiment, the modules envisioned by this disclosure are implemented as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), hardware components of on-chip systems (SoCs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), or other suitable hardware components incorporating a defined set of configurations (e.g., instructions) for performing the disclosed functions. In one or more configurations, one or more modules described herein may include elements of artificial intelligence or computational intelligence, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, or other machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, in one or more configurations, one or more modules may be distributed across multiple modules described herein. In one or more configurations, two or more modules described herein may be combined with a single module.

[0066] The control module 213 may include computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 110, cause the processor to control the rear wheel motor 42x so as to increase the driving force generated by the motor in proportion to the rearward angle to which the twist grip 30h, pointed to by the angle sensor 30s, is rotated. As shown in Figure 11, the control module 213 may be configured to reduce the motor output at small rearward rotation angles of the twist grip 30h to allow for the regeneration of energy from the forward momentum of the luggage item 20 as the speed of the luggage item decreases.

[0067] Referring to Figures 5A and 11, the control module may include a computer-readable instruction that, when executed by the processor 110, causes the processor to control the servo motor 60m to begin pressurizing the master cylinder 40c in response to the user's rotation of the twist grip to a predetermined forward angle. Pressurizing the master cylinder 40c may cause the caliper 40n to contact the wheel hub, thereby braking the vehicle 40, even if it reduces the speed of the wheel 40. The control module 213 may include a computer-readable instruction that, when executed by the processor 110, causes the processor to control the servo motor 40m to increase the pressurizing of the master cylinder 40c in response to further rotation of the twist grip in direction R2. This may increase the pressure exerted on the wheel 40 by the caliper 40n, thereby increasing the braking force on the wheel 40. The control module 213 may include a computer-readable instruction that, when executed by the processor 110, causes the processor to control the servo motor 40m to reduce the pressure on the master cylinder 40c in response to the rotation of the twist grip 30h in direction R1. This may reduce the pressure exerted on the wheel 40 by the caliper, thereby reducing the braking force. The motor 42x may also be configured to allow regenerative recovery of energy from the forward momentum of the luggage item 20 while the caliper 40n is in frictional contact with the wheel 40 (i.e., while the brake 40b is engaged). This energy may be diverted to the battery 45 to assist in recharging the battery.

[0068] Referring to the drawings, the operation of the throttle and brake mechanisms will be described below.

[0069] To control the throttle to propel the luggage item 20 forward, the twist grip 30h may be rotated backward in direction R1, as shown in Figure 2B. As shown in Figure 11, the control module 213 may be configured to control the operation of the motor 42x so that the driving force generated by the motor increases in proportion to the backward angle to which the twist grip 30h is rotated.

[0070] As shown in Figure 11, the twist grip may be rotated forward in direction R2 to slow down and stop the luggage item 20. At a slight backward rotation angle of the twist grip 30h, the motor 42x may have its output reduced to allow for the regeneration of energy from the forward momentum of the luggage item 20 as the luggage item's speed decreases. This energy may be diverted to the battery 45 to assist in recharging the battery. When the user rotates the twist grip 30h to a predetermined forward angle, the control module 213 may generate a signal for the servo motor 40m to initiate active operation of the brake 40b. This causes the servo motor 40m to pressurize the cylinder 40c, causing the caliper 40n to frictionally engage with the wheel 40.

[0071] The operation of the steering mechanism will be explained below with reference to the diagram.

[0072] Referring to Figure 1A, the wheeled luggage item 20 may initially be in transport mode. In this mode, the wheeled luggage item 20 may be manually pulled along the ground like a conventional suitcase. The wheeled luggage item 20 may be manually converted from transport mode to ride mode. To convert the wheeled luggage item 20 to ride mode, the first wheel 40 and the second wheel 42 may be unlocked from their respective storage positions within the second portion 22m of the internal cavity of the base, and then rotated from their storage positions to their respective deployed positions (towards direction G1 for wheel 40 and towards direction G2 for wheel 42). The wheels 40 and 42 may then be locked in their respective deployed positions.

[0073] The locking lever 94 may be rotated in direction DD1 from a second (locked) position (shown in Figures 1A, 8, and 10A) to a first (unlocked) position (shown in Figure 10B), thereby enabling the rotational disconnection of the first coupling member 82 from the first gear block 80 and the rotational disconnection of the second coupling member 92 from the second gear block 87, as described above. This allows the first steering lever 30a and the second steering lever 30b to be rotated independently of the gear set 78. Subsequently, the steering levers 30a and 30b may be rotated to their respective raised or steered positions without rotating the first gear block 80 and the second gear block 87 (for example, as seen in Figures 2-4).

[0074] Subsequently, the fixing lever 94 may be rotated in direction DD2 as described above, returning to the second position, and fixing the first coupling member detent projection 82a while engaged with the first gear block detent receiving portion 80c, and fixing the second coupling member detent projection 89a while engaged with the second gear block detent receiving portion 87c. This rotates the steering levers 30a and 30b to the gear set 78, thereby enabling the steering of the wheeled luggage item 20 when a user is seated.

[0075] As described above, when the fixed lever 94 is in the second position, the first gear block 80 is rotatably connected to the first steering lever 30a and rotatably coupled to a pinion gear 86 which is rotatably connected to the torque transmission member 65. The second gear block 87 is rotatably connected to the second steering lever 30b and rotatably coupled to a pinion gear 86 which is rotatably connected to the torque transmission member 65. Referring to Figures 7 and 9, simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever 30a in the first rotation direction W1 and the second steering lever in the second rotation direction W2 opposite to the first rotation direction may produce rotation of the pinion gear 86 (including the pinion gear rotatably connected to the torque transmission member 65) in the associated first torque direction V1. The rotation of the pinion gear 86 (rotatably connected to the torque transmission member 65) in direction V1 results in the rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the first torque direction V1. The rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the first torque direction V1 pulls the attached first steering cable 70a, which in turn pulls the first side T1 (Figure 7) of the hub attached to the end of the first steering cable 70a, thereby rotating the wheel 40 around the kingpin axis and causing the wheel 40 to pivot in direction S1 (Figure 7). In the diagram shown in Figure 9, the first rotation direction W1 of the steering lever is the forward direction of the moving wheeled luggage item 20, and the second rotation direction W2 is the rearward direction of the moving wheeled luggage item 20 in riding mode. Therefore, while the luggage item 20 is moving forward due to the power supply, the user can steer the device toward the first side P9-a of the vertical plane P9 (i.e., toward the "left" side of the base 22 as seen from a user seated on the luggage item, as shown in Figures 3 and 4) by simultaneously rotating the first steering lever 30a forward and the second steering lever 30b backward.

[0076] Similarly, simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever 30a in the second rotation direction W2 and the second steering lever 30b in the first rotation direction W1 may produce rotation of the pinion gear 86 (including a pinion gear rotatably connected to the torque transmission member 65) in the associated second torque direction V2 opposite to the first torque direction V1. The rotation of the pinion gear 86 rotatably connected to the torque transmission member 65 results in rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the first torque direction V2. The rotation of the torque transmission member 65 in the second torque direction V2 pulls the second steering cable 70b, which in turn pulls the second side T2 (Figure 7) of the hub, thereby rotating the wheel 40 around the kingpin axis and turning the wheel 40 in the direction S2 opposite to direction S1. Therefore, while the luggage item 20 is moving forward due to the power supply, the user can steer the luggage item toward the second side P9-b of the vertical plane P9 (i.e., toward the "right" side of the base 22 as seen from the user sitting on the luggage item as shown in Figures 3 and 4) by simultaneously rotating the first steering lever 30a backward and the second steering lever 30b forward. When turning in this direction, a portion of the wheel 40 enters the cavity 60f of the wheel mounting bracket.

[0077] Returning to Figure 10A, the torque-reducing spring 100 may be configured to apply a compressive force to the gear set 78 and the first coupling member 82 when the fixed lever 94 is in the second position. For the purpose of the normal operation of the steering levers 30a and 30b, the force of the torque-reducing spring may be sufficient to maintain the first coupling member 82 in a rotatably connected state with the first gear block 80 when the torque applied to the first steering lever is less than a predetermined level.

[0078] Referring to Figure 10C, the first coupling member 82 and the first gear block 80 may be configured to allow the first coupling member 82 to rotate and disengage from the first gear block 80 against the force applied by the torque-reducing spring in response to a torque above a predetermined level applied to the first steering lever 30a. To achieve this effect, the side surface 82s of the detent projection 82a of the first coupling member and the wall 80w forming the side surface of the detent receiving portion 80c of the first gear block may be complementaryly sloped or "inclined" so that the detent projection 82a slides against the wall 80w of the receiving portion in response to a torque above a predetermined level applied to the first steering lever 30a. This relative sliding motion may disengage the projection 82a from the receiving portion 80c, thereby causing the first coupling member 82 to rotate and disengage from the first gear block 80 against the compressive force applied by the spring 100. Therefore, for example, if an excessive torque is applied to the first steering lever 30a by a passenger in either the rotation direction W1 or W2, the applied torque may cause the detent projection 82a to slide along the side surface 80w of the detent receiving portion 80c, thereby making it easier to separate the first coupling member 82 from the first gear block 80. This allows the first coupling member 82 to "slip" relative to the first gear block 80, thereby helping to prevent damage to the steering mechanism from excessive steering torque.

[0079] Similarly, the second coupling member 92 and the second gear block 87 may be configured to allow the second coupling member 92 to rotate and disengage from the second gear block 87 against the force applied by the torque-reducing spring in response to the application of a torque level above a predetermined level to the second steering lever 30b. To achieve this effect, the side surface (not shown) of the detent projection 89a of the second coupling member and the wall (not shown) forming the side surface of the detent receiving portion 87c of the second gear block may be complementaryly sloped or "inclined" so that the detent projection 89a slides against the detent receiving portion 87c as described above in response to the application of a torque level above a predetermined level to the second steering lever 30b. This relative sliding motion may disengage the projection 89a from the receiving portion 87c, thereby causing the second coupling member 92 to rotate and disengage from the second gear block 87 against the compressive force applied by the spring 100. Therefore, for example, if an excessive torque is applied to the second steering lever 30b by a passenger in either the rotation direction W1 or W2, the applied torque may cause the detent projection 89a to slide along the side of the detent receiving portion 87c, thereby facilitating the separation of the second coupling member 92 from the second gear block 87. This allows the second coupling member 92 to "slip" relative to the second gear block 87, thereby helping to prevent damage to the steering mechanism from excessive steering torque. Accordingly, in the described embodiment, the first coupling member 82 may be detachably and rotatably connected to the first gear block 80, and the second coupling member 92 may be detachably and rotatably connected to the second gear block 87.

[0080] In the detailed description above, the accompanying drawings are referenced and form part of this specification. In the drawings, unless otherwise specified in context, similar reference numerals identify essentially similar components. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings and claims are not intended to limit. Other embodiments may be used and other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter proposed herein. It will be readily apparent that aspects of this disclosure can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, all of which are expressly considered herein.

[0081] The terms "a" and "an" are defined as, when used herein, one or more, not just one. The term "plural" is defined as, when used herein, two or more, not just two. The term "another" is defined as at least a second or more, when used herein. The terms "contain" and / or "have" are defined as, when used herein, to include (i.e., open language). The expression "at least one of... and..." refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the related enumerated items, when used herein. For example, the expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A only, B only, C only, and combinations thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, ABC).

[0082] Although the conditions of the invention and the cited features have been described in relation to certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to encompass equivalent configurations and various modifications contained in the appended claims and spirit, and the claims should be given the broadest possible interpretation to encompass all equivalent configurations and such modifications as permitted under the law. The inventions disclosed herein include the following embodiments: <Aspect 1> It is a luggage item with wheels, A base that defines the internal cavity, A liner configured to divide the internal cavity into a first part and a second part physically separated from the first part, A wheel rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion of the cavity and an extended position outside the second portion of the cavity, A wheeled luggage item equipped with these features. <Aspect 2> A wheeled luggage item according to Embodiment 1, wherein the base includes a first edge, a first surface extending along a first side of the first edge, and a second surface extending opposite to the first surface along a second side of the first edge opposite to the first side, and the wheeled luggage item is A first steering lever receiving portion extending between the first edge and the first surface, A second steering lever receiving portion formed between the first edge and the second surface, A first steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housed position and an unfolded position within the first steering lever receiving section, A second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housed position and an unfolded position within the second steering lever receiving section, A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features. <Aspect 3> A wheeled luggage item according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a seat structure operably connected to the base, the seat structure comprising a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, the seat structure being rotatable with respect to the base between a first arrangement and a second arrangement, wherein when the seat structure is in the first arrangement and the wheeled luggage item is in a riding structure, the first portion forms a seat surface located at a first height above the ground, and when the seat structure is in the second arrangement and the wheeled luggage item is in the riding structure, the second portion forms a seat surface located at a second height above the ground, the second height being higher than the first height. <Aspect 4> A wheeled luggage item as described in Embodiment 1, Other wheels rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion of the cavity and an extended position outside the second portion of the cavity, In the transport mode of the wheeled luggage item, an in-wheel motor is operably connected to the other wheel to drive the rotation of the other wheel while the wheeled luggage item is in motion, A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features. <Aspect 5> A wheeled luggage item according to Embodiment 4, further comprising a battery, the battery being operably connected to the in-wheel motor so that the battery can supply power to the in-wheel motor. <Aspect 6> It is a luggage item with wheels, Bass and, A steerable wheel rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a storage position and an unfolded position, A first steering lever rotatably coupled to the base, A second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base, Equipped with, The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the wheel such that, when the wheel is in the deployed position, steering of the wheel is possible by the simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in one of the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotation directions. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 7> A wheeled luggage item as described in embodiment 6, The first steering lever is rotatably connected to the base adjacent to the first surface of the base, The second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base adjacent to the second surface of the base opposite to the first surface, The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the wheel, and by simultaneously rotating the first steering lever in a first rotational direction and the second steering lever in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the wheel becomes steerable in a first direction extending from the front-rear plane of the base toward the first plane, and by simultaneously rotating the first steering lever in a second rotational direction and the second steering lever in the first rotational direction, the wheel becomes steerable in a second direction extending from the front-rear plane of the base toward the second plane. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 8> A wheeled luggage item as described in embodiment 6, A gear set operably connected to the aforementioned base, A torque transmission member comprising a gear set and a steerable wheel, wherein the rotation of the torque transmission member in a first torque direction causes the steerable wheel to pivot in a related first direction, and the rotation of the torque transmission member in a second torque direction causes the steerable wheel to pivot in a related second direction; Furthermore, The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the gear set such that the simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in the first rotational direction and the rotation of the second steering lever in the second rotational direction generates rotation of the torque transmission member in the first torque direction. The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the gear set such that the simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in the second rotational direction and the rotation of the second steering lever in the first rotational direction generates rotation of the torque transmission member in the second torque direction. Wheeled luggage item. <Pattern 9> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 8, wherein the gear set is A first bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the first steering lever, A second bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the second steering lever, A pinion gear rotatably coupled to the base between the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear, Equipped with, The torque transmission member is rotatably connected to the pinion gear, The pinion gear is configured to mesh and engage with the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear such that simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in the first rotational direction and rotation of the second steering lever in the second rotational direction causes rotation of the pinion gear and the torque transmission member in the first torque direction. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 10> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 6, further comprising a steering knuckle operably connected to the base, wherein the wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle by a kingpin and is rotatable about the kingpin axis of the kingpin, and the wheeled luggage item is A first steering cable, which is operably connected to a first side surface of the wheel hub and a first steering lever, such that when force is applied to the first steering cable, the wheel can be rotated in a first direction around the kingpin axis; A second steering cable, which is operably connected to the second side of the wheel hub opposite to the first side of the wheel hub and the second steering lever, such that when force is applied to the second steering cable, the wheel can be rotated about the kingpin axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features. <Aspect 11> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 10, wherein the steering knuckle is incorporated into a wheel mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the base, and the first steering cable and the second steering cable extend along the wheel mounting bracket to the wheel hub. <Aspect 12> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 11, wherein the mounting bracket for the wheel has a first end rotatably coupled to the base, a second end incorporating the steering knuckle, and a main body portion extending between the first end and the second end, the main body portion is When the mounting bracket supports the wheel in the deployed position of the wheel, the mounting bracket has an outward-extending portion configured to extend from the second end in a direction away from the front-rear plane of the base, When the mounting bracket supports the wheel in the deployed position of the wheel, it is configured to have an inwardly extending portion that extends from the end of the outwardly extending portion toward the front-rear plane of the base, Includes, The outwardly extending portion and the inwardly extending portion combine to define a cavity between them, and the cavity is configured to receive a portion of the wheel when the wheel rotates in the first direction. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 13> A wheeled luggage item as described in embodiment 6, A coupling member rotatably connected to the first steering lever, A second connecting member rotatably connected to the second steering lever, A gear set with the base attached between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, A fixing lever operably connected to the first coupling member and the second coupling member, Furthermore, Rotation of the fixing lever to the first position enables the rotational disconnection of the first coupling member and the second coupling member from the gear set, and rotation of the fixing lever to the second position biases the first coupling member and the second coupling member toward rotational connection with the gear set, thereby rotating the first steering lever and the second steering lever toward the gear set. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 14> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 13, further comprising a fixing shaft, wherein the fixing lever is rotatably coupled to the fixing shaft and in contact with the first coupling member, The first coupling member, the gear set, and the second coupling member are positioned along the fixed shaft, The first coupling member is movably mounted on the fixing shaft such that rotation of the fixing lever to the second arrangement biases the first coupling member toward the second coupling member along the fixing shaft, thereby providing a rotational connection between the first coupling member and the second coupling member and the gear set. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 15> A wheeled luggage item as described in embodiment 13, A first spring is interposed between the first coupling member and the gear set, A second spring is interposed between the second coupling member and the gear set, Furthermore, The wheeled luggage item is configured such that the rotation of the locking lever to its first position causes the first spring to move away from the gear set and biases the first coupling member out of the rotational connection with the gear set, thereby disengaging the first steering lever from the gear set. By rotating the fixing lever to the first position, the second spring can be moved away from the gear set and the second coupling member can be biased outside the rotational connection with the gear set, thereby disengaging the rotational connection of the second steering lever from the gear set. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 16> A wheeled luggage item according to Embodiment 13, wherein the first coupling member is configured to be detachably rotatably connected to the gear set when the locking lever is in a second position, and the wheeled luggage item further comprises a torque-reducing spring configured to apply force to the gear set and the first coupling member when the locking lever is in the second position, the force being sufficient to maintain the first coupling member in a rotatably connected state with the gear set when the torque applied to the first steering lever is less than a predetermined level, and the first coupling member and the gear set are configured to allow the first coupling member to be rotatably disconnected from the gear set against the force of the torque-reducing spring in response to the application of torque above a predetermined level to the first steering lever. <Aspect 17> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 13, wherein the second coupling member is configured to be detachably rotatably connected to the gear set when the locking lever is in the second position, and the wheeled luggage item further comprises a torque-reducing spring configured to apply force to the gear set and the second coupling member when the locking lever is in the first position, wherein the force is sufficient to maintain the second coupling member in a rotatably connected state with the gear set when the torque applied to the second steering lever is less than a predetermined level. The second coupling member and the gear set are configured such that the second coupling member can be rotated and disengaged from the gear set against the force of the torque-reducing spring in response to the application of a torque above a predetermined level to the second steering lever. Wheeled luggage item. <Aspect 18> It is a luggage item with wheels, A base that defines the internal cavity, A steerable wheel rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a storage position and an unfolded position, A first steering lever rotatably coupled to the base, A second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base, A gear set operably connected to the first steering lever and the second steering lever, A torque transmission member, operably connected to the gear set such that simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in one of a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotational directions, causes rotation of the torque transmission member in the associated torque direction. A first steering cable and a second steering cable operably connected to the torque transmission member and the wheel, wherein the rotation of the torque transmission member in the relevant torque direction causes the wheel to pivot in the relevant direction when the wheel is in the deployed position, A wheeled luggage item equipped with these features. <Aspect 19> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 18, wherein the internal cavity is divided into a first part and a second part opposite to the first part and physically separated from the first part, and the wheeled luggage item is Other wheels rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion of the cavity and an extended position outside the second portion of the cavity, In the transport mode of the wheeled luggage item, an in-wheel motor is operably connected to the other wheel to drive the rotation of the other wheel while the wheeled luggage item is in motion, A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features. <Aspect 20> A wheeled luggage item according to embodiment 18, wherein the gear set is A first bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the first steering lever, A second bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the second steering lever, A pinion gear rotatably coupled to the base between the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear, Equipped with, The torque transmission member is rotatably connected to the pinion gear, The pinion gear is configured to mesh and engage with the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear such that rotation of the steering lever in one of the first and second rotation directions and rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotation directions cause rotation of the pinion gear and the torque transmission member in the associated torque direction. Wheeled luggage item.

Claims

1. It is a luggage item with wheels, A base that defines the internal cavity, A liner configured to divide the internal cavity into a first part and a second part physically separated from the first part, A wheel rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion of the cavity and an unfolded position outside the second portion of the cavity, A seat structure that is rotatable to either a storage configuration in which the seat surface of the seat structure is located at a first height above the ground, or an elevated configuration in which another seat surface of the seat structure is located at a second height above the ground, which is higher than the first height, A wheeled luggage item equipped with these features.

2. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a first edge, a first surface extending along a first side of the first edge, and a second surface extending opposite to the first surface along a second side of the first edge opposite to the first surface, the wheeled luggage item is A first steering lever receiving portion extending between the first edge and the first surface, A second steering lever receiving portion formed between the first edge and the second surface, A first steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housed position and an unfolded position within the first steering lever receiving section, A second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housed position and an unfolded position within the second steering lever receiving section, A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features.

3. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 1, wherein the seat structure includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, the seat structure is rotatable with respect to the base between a storage configuration and an elevated configuration, the first portion forming the seat surface located at a first height above the ground when the seat structure is in the storage configuration and the wheeled luggage item is in a riding configuration, and the second portion forming the seat surface located at a second height above the ground when the seat structure is in the elevated configuration and the wheeled luggage item is in a riding configuration.

4. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 1, Other wheels rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion of the cavity and an extended position outside the second portion of the cavity, In the transport mode of the wheeled luggage item, an in-wheel motor is operably connected to the other wheel to drive the rotation of the other wheel while the wheeled luggage item is in motion, A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features.

5. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 4, further comprising a battery, the battery being operably connected to the in-wheel motor so that the battery can supply power to the in-wheel motor.

6. It is a luggage item with wheels, Bass and, A steerable wheel rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a storage position and an unfolded position, A first steering lever rotatably coupled to the base, A second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base, Equipped with, The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the wheel such that, when the wheel is in the deployed position, steering of the wheel is possible by the simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in one of the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotation directions. Wheeled luggage item.

7. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 6, The first steering lever is rotatably connected to the base adjacent to the first surface of the base, The second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base adjacent to the second surface of the base opposite to the first surface, The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the wheel, and by simultaneously rotating the first steering lever in a first rotational direction and the second steering lever in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the wheel becomes steerable in a first direction extending from the front-rear plane of the base toward the first plane, and by simultaneously rotating the first steering lever in a second rotational direction and the second steering lever in the first rotational direction, the wheel becomes steerable in a second direction extending from the front-rear plane of the base toward the second plane. Wheeled luggage item.

8. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 6, A gear set operably connected to the aforementioned base, A torque transmission member comprising a gear set and a steerable wheel, wherein the rotation of the torque transmission member in a first torque direction causes the steerable wheel to pivot in a related first direction, and the rotation of the torque transmission member in a second torque direction causes the steerable wheel to pivot in a related second direction, Furthermore, The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the gear set such that the simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in the first rotational direction and the rotation of the second steering lever in the second rotational direction generates rotation of the torque transmission member in the first torque direction. The first steering lever and the second steering lever are operably connected to the gear set such that the simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in the second rotational direction and the rotation of the second steering lever in the first rotational direction generates rotation of the torque transmission member in the second torque direction. Wheeled luggage item.

9. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 8, wherein the gear set is A first bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the first steering lever, A second bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the second steering lever, A pinion gear rotatably coupled to the base between the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear, Equipped with, The torque transmission member is rotatably connected to the pinion gear, The pinion gear is configured to mesh and engage with the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear such that simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in the first rotational direction and rotation of the second steering lever in the second rotational direction causes rotation of the pinion gear and the torque transmission member in the first torque direction. Wheeled luggage item.

10. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 6, further comprising a steering knuckle operably connected to the base, wherein the hub of the wheel is rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle by a kingpin and is rotatable about the kingpin axis of the kingpin, and the wheeled luggage item is A first steering cable, which is operably connected to the first side surface of the wheel hub and the first steering lever, such that when force is applied to the first steering cable, the wheel can be rotated in a first direction around the kingpin axis; A second steering cable, which is operably connected to the second side of the wheel hub opposite to the first side of the wheel hub and the second steering lever, such that when force is applied to the second steering cable, the wheel can be rotated about the kingpin axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features.

11. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 10, wherein the steering knuckle is incorporated into a wheel mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the base, and the first steering cable and the second steering cable extend along the wheel mounting bracket to the wheel hub.

12. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 11, wherein the mounting bracket for the wheel has a first end rotatably coupled to the base, a second end incorporating the steering knuckle, and a main body portion extending between the first end and the second end, the main body portion is When the mounting bracket supports the wheel in the deployed position of the wheel, the mounting bracket has an outward-extending portion configured to extend from the second end in a direction away from the front-rear plane of the base, When the mounting bracket supports the wheel in the deployed position of the wheel, it is configured to have an inwardly extending portion that extends from the end of the outwardly extending portion toward the front-rear plane of the base, Includes, The outwardly extending portion and the inwardly extending portion combine to define a cavity between them, and the cavity is configured to receive a portion of the wheel when the wheel rotates in the first direction. Wheeled luggage item.

13. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 6, A first connecting member rotatably connected to the first steering lever, A second connecting member rotatably connected to the second steering lever, A gear set with the base attached between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, A fixing lever operably connected to the first coupling member and the second coupling member, Furthermore, The rotation of the fixing lever to the first configuration enables the rotational disconnection of the first coupling member and the second coupling member from the gear set, and the rotation of the fixing lever to the second configuration biases the first coupling member and the second coupling member toward rotational connection with the gear set, thereby causing the first steering lever and the second steering lever to rotate toward the gear set. Wheeled luggage item.

14. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 13, further comprising a fixing shaft, wherein the fixing lever is rotatably coupled to the fixing shaft and in contact with the first coupling member, The first coupling member, the gear set, and the second coupling member are positioned along the fixed shaft. The first coupling member is movably mounted on the fixing shaft such that rotation of the fixing lever to the second arrangement biases the first coupling member toward the second coupling member along the fixing shaft, thereby providing a rotational connection between the first coupling member and the second coupling member and the gear set. Wheeled luggage item.

15. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 13, A first spring is interposed between the first coupling member and the gear set, A second spring is interposed between the second coupling member and the gear set, Furthermore, The wheeled luggage item is configured such that the rotation of the locking lever to the first position causes the first spring to move away from the gear set and the first coupling member to be biased outside the rotational connection with the gear set, thereby disengaging the rotational connection of the first steering lever from the gear set. By rotating the fixing lever to the first position, the second spring can be moved away from the gear set and the second coupling member can be biased outside the rotational connection with the gear set, thereby disengaging the rotational connection of the second steering lever from the gear set. Wheeled luggage item.

16. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 13, wherein the first coupling member is configured to be detachably rotatably connected to the gear set when the locking lever is in a second position, and the wheeled luggage item further comprises a torque-reducing spring configured to apply force to the gear set and the first coupling member when the locking lever is in the second position, the force being sufficient to maintain the first coupling member in a rotatably connected state with the gear set when the torque applied to the first steering lever is less than a predetermined level, and the first coupling member and the gear set are configured to allow the first coupling member to be rotatably disconnected from the gear set against the force of the torque-reducing spring in response to the application of torque above a predetermined level to the first steering lever.

17. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 13, wherein the second coupling member is configured to be detachably rotatably connected to the gear set when the locking lever is in the second position, and the wheeled luggage item further comprises a torque-reducing spring configured to apply force to the gear set and the second coupling member when the locking lever is in the first position, wherein the force is sufficient to maintain the second coupling member in a rotatably connected state with the gear set when the torque applied to the second steering lever is less than a predetermined level. The second coupling member and the gear set are configured such that the second coupling member can be rotated and disengaged from the gear set against the force of the torque-reducing spring in response to the application of a torque above a predetermined level to the second steering lever. Wheeled luggage item.

18. It is a luggage item with wheels, A base that defines the internal cavity, A steerable wheel rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a storage position and an unfolded position, A first steering lever rotatably coupled to the base, A second steering lever is rotatably coupled to the base, A gear set operably connected to the first steering lever and the second steering lever, A torque transmission member, operably connected to the gear set such that simultaneous rotation of the first steering lever in one of a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotational directions, causes rotation of the torque transmission member in the associated torque direction. A first steering cable and a second steering cable operably connected to the torque transmission member and the wheel, wherein the rotation of the torque transmission member in the relevant torque direction causes the wheel to pivot in the relevant direction when the wheel is in the deployed position, A wheeled luggage item equipped with these features.

19. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 18, wherein the internal cavity is divided into a first part and a second part opposite to the first part and physically separated from the first part, and the wheeled luggage item is Other wheels rotatably coupled to the base so as to be movable between a housing position within the second portion of the cavity and an extended position outside the second portion of the cavity, In the transport mode of the wheeled luggage item, an in-wheel motor is operably connected to the other wheel to drive the rotation of the other wheel while the wheeled luggage item is in motion, A wheeled luggage item that offers even more features.

20. A wheeled luggage item according to claim 18, wherein the gear set is A first bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the first steering lever, A second bevel gear is configured to be rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably connected to the second steering lever, A pinion gear rotatably coupled to the base between the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear, Equipped with, The torque transmission member is rotatably connected to the pinion gear, The pinion gear is configured to mesh and engage with the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear such that rotation of the steering lever in one of the first and second rotation directions and rotation of the second steering lever in the other of the first and second rotation directions cause rotation of the pinion gear and the torque transmission member in the associated torque direction. Wheeled luggage item.

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