Travel case with integrated cart assembly

Abstract

A travel case and cart assembly comprises a case subassembly with first and second shell portions and a cart subassembly comprising a fold-down tray pivotally coupled to the case subassembly. The tray includes an undercarriage bay housing at least one tray carriage wheel, configurable between an extended configuration, where the wheel extends from the bay, and a retracted configuration, where the wheel is stowed within the bay. The second shell portion includes a tray bay for stowing the undercarriage bay, allowing the assembly to transition between a compact travel case profile and a configuration for carrying additional luggage.

Description

Travel Case with Integrated Cart AssemblyField of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to travel cases and associated systems, specifically to a travel case with an integrated cart assembly that incorporates a fold-down tray with retractable wheels, enabling the transport of additional luggage while maintaining a compact and stowable configuration .Background of the Invention

[0002] Travel luggage is a popular and practical solution for modern travellers. Typically designed with extendable handles, castor wheels and a durable outer shell, this luggage often features a rectangular or oblong shape to maximise packing space.

[0003] The extendable handle, usually made of sturdy materials like aluminium, can be adjusted to different heights for ease of use, making it convenient for individuals of varying heights to manoeuvre the luggage comfortably and the castor wheels integrated at the base of the luggage provide 360-degree rotation, allowing for smooth and effortless navigation through crowded airports, train stations, or other travel environments.

[0004] Users can roll the luggage alongside them rather than having to carry the weight, reducing strain on the shoulders and back. The interior of the luggage may be designed with compartments, pockets, and straps to help organize belongings efficiently.

[0005] Typically, users extend the handle, roll the luggage on its castor wheels, and easily navigate through terminals, making travel more convenient and enjoyable. The combination of an extendable handle and castor wheels has become a standard and highly sought-after feature in the design of travel luggage, enhancing the overall travel experience for users.

[0006] However, the rigid structure of travel luggage, particularly in hard-shell designs, imposes limitations on overpacking. The inflexible nature of the rigid shell, intended for protection and maintaining the luggage's form, means there is a finite amount of space available. While this rigidity ensures the safety of the contents, itcan become a hindrance when travellers seek to carry additional items beyond the luggage's predefined capacity, making it challenging to accommodate last-minute purchases, souvenirs, or unexpected items acquired during the journey.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide a way to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0009] The described travel case and cart assembly comprises a case subassembly including first and second shell portions and a cart subassembly with a fold-down tray pivotally coupled to the case subassembly. The tray includes an undercarriage bay configured to house at least one tray carriage wheel, wherein the carriage wheel is configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and the second shell portion includes a tray bay for stowing the undercarriage bay.

[0010] Preferably, the tray defines an outer surface such that the carriage wheel, when in the retracted configuration, does not protrude beyond the outer surface, allowing the assembly to maintain a compact profile.

[0011] In accordance with an embodiment, the assembly may include an extendable handle mechanism operable to lock the tray to the second shell portion or unlock the tray to facilitate its opening.

[0012] The handle mechanism preferably comprises a sliding shaft and a latch pin, wherein the latch pin engages with a latch hole in the tray bay to secure the tray in a stowed position.

[0013] The handle mechanism may further include casing for housing the handle and sliding shaft, with the second shell portion comprising a corresponding casing bay, enabling integrated and compact storage.

[0014] In another embodiment, the sliding shaft of the handle mechanism may include a depressible pin that interfaces with different holes in the casing, depending onwhether the handle is in a retracted or extended configuration. This may provide a simple and secure mechanism for adjusting the handle's position.

[0015] The handle mechanism may further include a pushbutton that, when depressed, retracts the latch pin, simultaneously disengaging the tray and freeing the sliding shaft to slide upwardly.

[0016] The latch pin may include a chamfered edge to facilitate automatic clipping into the latch hole when the tray is closed, ensuring ease of re-engagement without manual alignment.

[0017] The assembly preferably includes a carriage wheel mounted on a pivot strut, wherein the pivot strut may be extendable and operable to lock the wheel in an extended configuration.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment, the carriage wheels may include a pair of wheels with respective pivot struts that pivot together towards the retracted configuration.

[0019] The pivot strut may include a latch pin that interfaces with a latch hole in the undercarriage bay, wherein extending the pivot strut disengages the latch pin from the latch hole.

[0020] The assembly may further include a wheel locking mechanism operable to lock the tray carriage wheel in the retracted configuration. This mechanism may include a latch handle operable from the inner side of the tray, providing convenient control of the wheel configuration.

[0021] The first shell portion may include an extendable handle, facilitating improved mobility of the assembly when used in its compact configuration. Each shell portion may engage respective castor wheels, enabling smooth rolling motion.

[0022] This arrangement provides a versatile and efficient travel solution, allowing the assembly to function as a compact travel case or to be converted into a cart with an extendable tray for carrying additional items.

[0023] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Figures 1 a and 1 b show front perspective view is illustrating the operation of an extendable handle mechanism of a travel case and cart assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0026] Figures 2a and 2b show rear perspective views of the operation of the extendable handle mechanism;

[0027] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a tray bay of a second shell portion of a case subassembly of the travel case and cart assembly;

[0028] Figures 4a and 4b shows opening of a tray and partway deployment of carriage wheels of a cart subassembly from a case subassembly of the assembly;

[0029] Figures 5a and 5b further illustrate opening of the tray and full extension of the carriage wheels;

[0030] Figure 6 shows the assembly with the tray of the cart subassembly fully open;

[0031] Figure 7a and 7b show respective front and rear perspective views of the tray of the cart subassembly partially open;

[0032] Figure 8 shows the tray of the cart subassembly fully close against the case subassembly of the assembly; and

[0033] Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the assembly.Description of Embodiments

[0034] With reference to Figure 6, a travel case and cart assembly 100 comprises a case subassembly 101 comprising a first shell portion 102A and a second shell portion 102B forming a main compartment therebetween. The shell portions 102 may be joined together with a zipper fastener 105.

[0035] The assembly 100 further comprises a cart subassembly 103 comprising a fold down tray 104 pivotally coupled to the case subassembly 101. The fold down tray 104 may comprise materials like polycarbonate or ABS plastic.

[0036] With reference to Figure 7a, the tray 104 comprises an undercarriage bay 106 comprising at least one tray carriage wheel 107 configurable between an extended configuration as is shown in Figure 6 wherein the tray carriage wheel 107 extends from the bay 106 and a retracted configuration shown in Figure 8 wherein the carriage wheel 107 is stowed within the carriage bay 106.

[0037] With reference to Figure 6, the second shell portion 102B comprises a tray bay 108 for stowing the undercarriage bay 106 therein.

[0038] Preferably, in the retracted configuration, the carriage wheel 107 does not protrude beyond an exterior surface of the tray 104.

[0039] As such, according to this configuration, the assembly 100 can take a compact conventional travel case profile wherein the tray carriage wheel 107 is stowed within the undercarriage bay 106 and the undercarriage bay 106 is in turn stowed within the tray bay 108 within the second shell portion 102B.

[0040] With reference to Figure 1 , the assembly 100 may comprise an extendable handle mechanism 109 which operates a tray locking mechanism to lock the tray 106 closed to the second shell portion 102B or to unlock the tray 104 to open from the second shell portion 102B. Figure 1 a shows the extendable handle mechanism 109 retracted whereas Figure 1 b shows the extendable handle mechanism 109 extended.

[0041] The extendable handle mechanism 109 may define a handle 1 10 and a sliding shaft 1 1 1 . With reference to Figure 2, a latch pin 1 12 may operate from the shaft 1 10 to engage a latch hole 1 13 in the tray bay 108 best shown in Figure 3.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the extendable handle mechanism 109 may be housed within casing 1 14. The casing 1 14 may have a handle casing portion 1 14A for the handle 1 10 and a sliding shaft casing portion 1 14B for the sliding shaft 1 1 1.

[0043] Figure 2a shows wherein the handle mechanism 109 is retracted and wherein the latch pin 1 12 extends from the sliding shaft 1 1 1 through a side aperture 1 15 in the sliding shaft casing portion 1 14B to engage the latch hole 1 13 and Figure 2b shows wherein the handle mechanism 109 is extended wherein the latch pin 1 12 does not extend from the side aperture 1 15, thereby freeing itself from the latch hole 1 13 to allow the tray 104 to open.

[0044] The handle mechanism 109 may comprise a pushbutton 1 16 which, when depressed, retracts the latch pin 1 12, thereby disengaging it from the latch hole 1 13 and the side aperture 1 15, thereby simultaneously disengaging the tray 1 14 from the second shell portion 102B and freeing the sliding shaft 1 1 1 to slide upwardly.

[0045] The latch pin 1 12 may comprise a chamfered edge to allow it to clip into the latch hole 1 13 when the tray is closed against the second shell portion 102A.

[0046] The sliding shaft 1 1 1 may have a depressible pin 126 interfacing a first hole 127A in the casing 1 14 when the handle mechanism 109 is in a retracted configuration and a second hole 127B when the handle mechanism 109 is in an extended configuration.

[0047] With reference to Figure 4b, the carriage wheel 107 may comprise a wheel 1 17 engaged from a pivot strut 1 18. The pivot strut 1 18 pivots closed to stow the wheel 1 17 in the manner shown in Figure 8 and pivots open to extend the wheel 1 17 from the undercarriage bay 106 as shown in Figure 5a.

[0048] Preferably the bay 106 comprises a pair of undercarriage wheels 107 wherein the pivot struts 1 18 thereof pivot together towards the retracted configuration.

[0049] In embodiments, the pivot strut 1 18 may be extendable to operate a strut locking mechanism. Figure 4b shows the strut 1 18 non-extended and Figure 5a shows the strut 1 18 extended. The strut 1 18 may comprise a proximal portion 1 18A and a distal portion 1 18B which can be pulled away from the proximal portion 1 18A.

[0050] With reference to Figure 5, the distal portion 1 18B may comprise a latch pin 1 19 interfacing a latch hole 120 in the undercarriage bay 106. When the latch pin 1 19 is in the latch hole 120, the latch pin 1 19 prevents the pivot strut 1 18 from pivoting to the retracted configuration. However, when the distal portion 1 18B is pulled from the proximal portion 1 18A, the latch pin 1 19 disengages from the latch hole 120, thereby freeing the pivot strut 1 18 to pivot to the retracted configuration.

[0051] The assembly 100 may further comprise a wheel locking mechanism operably locking the tray carriage wheel 107 in the retracted configuration. With reference to Figure 5b, the wheel locking mechanism may comprise a latch handle 121 operativefrom an inner side of the tray 104 which operates a latch interfacing the tray carriage wheel 107 in the undercarriage bay 106.

[0052] According to the particular embodiment shown, the latch handle 121 is a sliding knob slidably retained within a channel 122. With reference to Figure 4B, the undercarriage wheel 107 may comprise a catch 123 operably interfacing the latch handle 121 through the undercarriage bay 106. When the latch handle 121 is in the position shown in Figure 5b, the latch handle 121 and the catch 123 interlock to thereby lock the undercarriage wheel 107 within the undercarriage bay 106. However, when the latch handle 121 is slid to the position shown in Figure 4a, the latch handle 121 and the catch 123 disengage, thereby freeing the undercarriage wheel 107 to pivot open from the undercarriage bay 106.

[0053] The first shell portion 102A may comprise an extendable handle 124 with release button 125. Each shell portion 102 may have a respective pair of castor wheels 126.

[0054] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the assembly 100 may be used in the conventional sense with the tray 104 stowed and the castor wheels 107 retracted within the undercarriage bay 106. In this configuration, the assembly 100 has a conventional travel luggage profile and the undercarriage wheels 107 preferably do not protrude substantially therefrom, if at all. In this configuration, the assembly 100 may be wheeled atop the castor wheels 126 using the handle 124.

[0055] However, when it is required to carry additional luggage, the handle mechanism 109 may be released to disengage the tray 104 from the second shell portion 102B and the wheel locking mechanism disengaged to release the castor wheels 107 from the undercarriage bay 106. The handle 1 10 may be gripped to facilitate manual opening or closing of the tray.

[0056] As each castor wheel 107 pivots open, an increasing angle of the latch pin 1 19 may cause the latch pin 1 19 to automatically find the latch hole 120 to lock the pivot strut 1 18 in the extended configuration.

[0057] The assembly 100 can then be pushed or pulled using the extendable handle 124 with the tray 104 extending in front or behind respectively with additional luggage thereon.

[0058] Stowing the tray 107 may comprise pulling the distal pivot strut portion 1 18B from the proximal pivot portion 1 18A to disengage the latch pin 1 19 from the latch hole 120 to allow the castor wheels 107 to pivot in towards each other into the undercarriage bay 106.

[0059] The tray 104 can then be pushed upwardly wherein the latch pins 1 12 of the sliding shaft 1 1 1 automatically clip into the latch holes 1 13 in the tray bay 108.

[0060] With reference to Figure 1 , an exemplary method of using the travel case and cart assembly 100 begins with the assembly 100 in its compact configuration, wherein the tray 104 is stowed within the tray bay 108 of the second shell portion 102B and the tray carriage wheels 107 are retracted within the undercarriage bay 106. The user can transport the assembly 100 using the castor wheels 126 and the extendable handle 124.

[0061] To prepare the assembly 100 for carrying additional luggage, the user may first extend the handle mechanism 109 by pressing the pushbutton 1 16 to disengage the latch pin 1 12 from the latch hole 1 13. As shown in Figure 1 b, this action frees the tray 104 from the second shell portion 102B. The user can then grip the handle 1 10 and manually open the tray 104 to its extended position.

[0062] With reference to Figure 5b, the user next disengages the wheel locking mechanism by sliding the latch handle 121 within the channel 122, thereby releasing the catch 123 and allowing the undercarriage wheels 107 to pivot open. As the wheels pivot outward, shown in Figure 5a, the latch pin 1 19 automatically finds the latch hole 120, locking the pivot struts 1 18 in their extended configuration. The assembly 100 is now ready for additional luggage.

[0063] The user may place additional items on the fold-down tray 104 and secure them as needed. The assembly 100 can then be pulled or pushed, as shown in Figure 6, with the extendable handle 124 facilitating movement. The tray 104 extends ahead or behind the main compartment depending on the direction of travel.

[0064] When the tray 104 is no longer required, the user can return the assembly to its compact configuration. To do so, the user pulls the distal portion 11 SB of each pivot strut 1 18 away from the proximal portion 118A, disengaging the latch pin 1 19 from the latch hole 120. The undercarriage wheels 107 can then pivot inward into the undercarriage bay 106, as shown in Figure 8.

[0065] Finally, the user pushes the tray 104 upward into the tray bay 108 until the latch pins 1 12 of the sliding shaft 1 11 automatically clip into the latch holes 1 13. In this stowed configuration, the assembly 100 once again takes on the profile of a conventional travel case and is ready for standard use.

[0066] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A travel case and cart assembly comprising: a case subassembly comprising first and second shell portions; and a cart subassembly comprising a fold down tray pivotally coupled to the case subassembly, wherein the tray comprises an undercarriage bay comprising at least one tray carriage wheel configurable between an extended configuration wherein the tray carriage wheel extends from the bay and a retracted configuration wherein the carriage wheel is stowed within the undercarriage bay and wherein the second shell portion comprises a tray bay for stowing the undercarriage bay therein.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the tray defines an outer surface and wherein the carriage wheel does not protrude beyond the outer surface in the retracted configuration.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an extendable handle mechanism operates a tray locking mechanism to lock the tray closed to the second shell portion or unlock the tray to open from the second shell portion.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the extendable handle mechanism defines a handle and a sliding shaft wherein a latch pin operates from the shaft to engage a latch hole in the tray bay.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tray comprises casing for the handle and the sliding shaft and wherein the second shell portion comprises a casing bay therefor.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sliding shaft has a depressible pin interfacing a first hole in the casing when the handle is in a retracted configuration and a second hole when the handle is in an extended configuration.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the handle mechanism comprises a pushbutton which, when depressed, retracts the latch pin, thereby disengaging thelatch pin from the latch hole and a side aperture of the casing, thereby simultaneously disengaging the tray from the second shell portion and freeing the sliding shaft to slide upwardly.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the latch pin comprises a chamfered edge to allow it to clip into the latch hole when the tray is closed against the second shell portion.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the carriage wheel comprises a wheel engaged from a pivot strut.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one carriage wheel comprises a pair of carriage wheels with respective pivot struts which pivot together in the retracted configuration.1 1 . The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pivot strut is extendable to operate a strut locking mechanism.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the strut locking mechanism comprises a latch pin interfacing a latch hole in the undercarriage bay and wherein extending the pivot strut disengages the latch pin from the latch hole.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a wheel locking mechanism locking the tray carriage wheel in the retracted configuration.

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wheel locking mechanism comprises a latch handle operative from an inner side of the tray which operates a latch interfacing the tray carriage wheel in the undercarriage bay.

15. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first shell portion engages an extendable handle.

16. The assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second shell portions engage respective castor wheels.

17. A method of using a travel case and cart assembly as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising: transporting the assembly in a stowed configuration wherein the at least one tray carriage wheel is retracted within the undercarriage bay and the undercarriage bay is stowed within the tray bay of the second shell portion; opening the tray from the second shell portion; and extending the tray carriage wheel from the undercarriage bay to enable the assembly to support additional luggage on the tray.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising extending a handle mechanism to unlock the tray from the second shell portion.

20. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising locking the at least one tray carriage wheel in the extended configuration through engagement of a pivot strut latch pin with a latch hole in the undercarriage bay.21 . The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein unlocking the tray from the second shell portion comprises pressing a pushbutton on the handle mechanism to retract a latch pin from a latch hole in the tray bay, thereby freeing the tray and enabling the handle mechanism to extend.

22. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising stowing the tray by retracting the at least one tray carriage wheel into the undercarriage bay, pivoting the tray towards the second shell portion, and engaging a latch pin of the handle mechanism with a latch hole in the tray bay to lock the tray in the stowed configuration.23 The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising extending the at least one tray carriage wheel by disengaging a wheel locking mechanism comprising alatch handle slidably retained within a channel and configured to release a catch interfacing the tray carriage wheel in the undercarriage bay.

24. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising extending a pivot strut by pulling a distal portion of the pivot strut away from a proximal portion to lock the pivot strut in an extended configuration and secure the at least one tray carriage wheel in the extended position.

25. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising transporting the assembly in an open configuration with the tray supporting additional luggage, wherein the assembly is moved using an extendable handle on the first shell portion.

26. The method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising disengaging the pivot strut latch pin from the latch hole in the undercarriage bay to facilitate pivoting of the at least one tray carriage wheel to the retracted configuration.

27. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising securing the assembly in the stowed configuration such that the tray carriage wheel does not protrude beyond an outer surface of the tray.

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