Ride-on luggage

Abstract

A ride-on luggage is disclosed and may include a luggage container, a plurality of wheels, a seat, at least one pair of footrests, and a handle. The plurality of wheels may be coupled to the luggage container to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container. The seat may be configured to support the user in a seated position. Each pair of footrests may enable a user to rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat. The handle may be configured to be used in at least a pull operation.

Description

RIDE-ON LUGGAGEBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to luggage, specifically luggage which is configured to enable a passenger to ride thereon.Description of the Related Art

[0002] When travelling, people may be subjected to extensive time spent walking. Such extensive times spent walking may occur in airport terminals, for example. The extensive time walking may be an additional challenge for people traveling with young children. Young children may not desire to be carried for these extensive times and such extensive times spent carrying a child may be taxing on the traveler.

[0003] One solution for travelers with young children is ride-on carry-on luggage. Such luggage allows a passenger (such as a young child) to ride thereon while another traveler drives the ride-on carry-on luggage.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments described herein include a ride-on luggage that is particularly well suited for traveling with small children. In some instances, the ride-on luggage may be movable in opposing travel and configured to enable a passenger (e.g., small child) to face either of the opposing travel directions when riding on the luggage.

[0005] The ride-on luggage includes a luggage container, a plurality of wheels, a seat, at least one pair of footrests, and a handle. The luggage container includes an interior cavity configured to store items therein and having a form factor configured to be used as carry-on luggage. The plurality of wheels are coupled to the luggage container and are configured to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container. The seat is provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to ride on the luggage container and may be configured to support the user in a respective seated position in each of opposing travel directions. Each pair of footrests are provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to rest the user’s feet thereon. The handle is coupled to the luggage container and configured to be used in at least a pull operation. Although the ride-on luggage may be shown and described as includingmultiple pairs of footrests, it is appreciated that the luggage may include only one pair of footrests. When more than one pair of footrests are provided, the footrests on each side may be spaced away from each other to accommodate, for example, user’s with different leg lengths.

[0006] The seat may be positioned on a top surface of the luggage container and may include a padded cushion thereon. The ride-on luggage may include a first handle strap and a second handle strap. Each of the first and second handle straps may be positioned on the seat. A seatbelt configured to secure a passenger to the seat may be included and may be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second handle straps.

[0007] One of the first pair of footrests and one of the second pair of footrests may be positioned on a first side of the luggage container, while the other footrests of the first pair and the second pairs of footrests may be positioned on a second side of the luggage container.

[0008] The handle is adjustable to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to enable a push operation and / or the pull operation. When the adjustable handle is in the deployed position, the adjustable handle member extends outwardly away from the luggage container to enable an operator to push and / or pull the ride-on luggage. When the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle member is retained within an envelope associated with a maximum volume of carry-on luggage. When the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle may be flush with a front face of the luggage container or recessed relative to the front face of the luggage container. The adjustable handle may be configured to rotate about an axis extending in a transverse direction. The adjustable handle may be configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent. The adjustable handle may be configured to be moved to an intermediate position. The intermediate position may be between the stowed position and the deployed position on a circumferential path of the adjustable handle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the luggage container may also include at least one attachment port configured to receive an attachment insert. Each of the at least one attachment port may be positioned on a top surface of the luggage container. The attachment port may include a locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the attachment insert to the ride-on luggage. The locking mechanism may be a spring-loaded latch.

[0010] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may enable attachment of a number of accessories to the ride-on luggage, which may provide entertainment to a passenger thereof and / or may provide additional benefits to a user of the ride-on luggage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a ride-on luggage according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 4 shows a front view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 5 shows a rear view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 6 shows a side view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 7 shows a side view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 8 shows a top view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 9 shows a bottom view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 10 shows a side view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1 with a handle in a deployed configuration.

[0021] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a seatbelt coupled to a handle strap of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1 with a main access aperture in an open position.

[0023] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1 with an auxiliary access aperture in an open position.

[0024] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an attachment insert coupled to an attachment port of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the attachment insert and the attachment port of Figure 14.

[0026] Figure 16 shows a perspective view a variant of the ride-on luggage of Figure 1, which includes a notch adjacent to an envelope of a handle of the luggage.

[0027] Figure 17 shows a perspective view a ride-on luggage, according to another example embodiment, which includes a pair of fore and aft footrests integrated therein.

[0028] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a ride-on luggage, according to another example embodiment, which includes deployable footrests.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques associated with ride-on luggage may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

[0030] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0031] Figures 1 through 13 show a ride-on luggage 100, according to an example embodiment. The ride-on luggage is configured such that a passenger, such as a child, may ride the ride-on luggage 100 while the ride-on luggage 100 is in motion. Additionally, the passenger may be positioned to face either of opposing travel directions, i.e., forward or rearward, while riding the ride-on luggage 100.

[0032] The ride-on luggage 100 includes a luggage container 104, a plurality of wheels 108, a seat 112, a first pair of footrests 116, a second pair of footrests 120, and a handle 124. The luggage container 104 includes an interior cavity 128 configured to store items therein. The ride- on luggage 100 may be sized (i.e., have a form factor) such that the ride-on luggage 100 may be used as carry-on luggage. Such a sizing of the luggage container 104 may enable the ride-on luggage 100 to be used in a terminal of an airport for persons travelling with children who may ride the ride-on luggage 100 to their departure gate, for example. The ride-on luggage 100 may then be stowed in an overhead bin of an aircraft during flight.

[0033] An exterior shell 132 of the ride-on luggage 100 may include an outer magnetic material. The outer magnetic material may enable a user of the ride-on luggage 100 to attach magnetic items thereto. The magnetic items may include decorations, identification tags, or any other item which may be attached to the luggage container 104.

[0034] The plurality of wheels 108 of the ride-on luggage 100 may be coupled to the luggage container 104. The plurality of wheels 108 may be coupled to the luggage container 104 such that the at least a portion of the plurality of wheels 108 extend from a bottom side 136 of the ride-on luggage 100 and / or at least a portion of the plurality of wheels 108 extend from a first side 138 and a second side 139 of the ride-on luggage 100. The plurality of wheels 108 areconfigured to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container 104. The plurality of wheels 108 may include four wheels. Each of the plurality of wheels 108 may be configured as a caster, such that each of the plurality of wheels 108 may swivel 360°. Such a configuration enables the ride- on luggage 100 to be moved in any direction. In some embodiments, two wheels of the plurality of wheels 108 may be casters configured to swivel 360°, while two remaining wheels of the plurality of wheels 108 may be fixed such that the two remaining wheels rotate only forward or backward (i.e. bi-directionally).

[0035] The seat 112 may be integrated with the luggage container 104. The seat 112 is configured to enable a user to ride on the luggage container 104. The seat may be configured such that the passenger may sit on the seat 112 when riding on the ride-on luggage 100. The seat 112 is positioned on and forms a part of a top surface 136 of the luggage container 104. The seat 112 may be configured to support the passenger in a seated position in each of the opposing travel directions. In other words, the passenger may face in either direction relative to the luggage container 104 when sitting on the seat 112. The seat 112 may include a padded cushion thereon.

[0036] The seat 112 may include a first and second handle straps 144, 148 thereon. The first handle strap 144 may be positioned proximate to a first end 152 of the seat 112. The second handle strap 148 may be opposed to the first handle strap 144 and may be positioned proximate to a second end 156 of the seat 112. Each of the first and second handle straps 144, 148 may be configured such that the passenger may grip one of the handle straps 144, 148 while facing one of the respective opposing travel directions. For example, the passenger may grip the handle strap which is positioned in front of the passenger.

[0037] A seatbelt 160 may be utilized to restrain the passenger in the seat 112 of the ride- on luggage 100. The seatbelt 160 may be configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second handle straps 144, 148. Removably coupling the seatbelt 160 to at least one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 enables the seatbelt to be utilized regardless of the opposing travel direction the passenger is facing. The seatbelt 160 may be configured such that a length of the seatbelt 160 is adjustable. A detailed view of the coupling of the seatbelt 160 to the ride-on luggage 100 is shown in Figure 10. Further, the seatbelt 160 may be removed when not in use. The seatbelt 160 may be removably coupled to at least one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 by looping each of a first end 164 and a second end 168 of the seatbelt 160 around one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 and fastening the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 into respective clips present on the seatbelt 160. In some embodiments,each of the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 may couple to a portion of the at least one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 by the use of clips. For example, each of the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 include a clip which is configured to removably couple to a corresponding clip extending from one of the first second handle straps 144, 148. In some embodiments, each of the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 may include hook-and-loop portions 174 and the first second handle straps 144, 148 may each include two hook-and-loop portions 174. The hook-and-loop portions of the first and second ends 164, 168 may be configured to engage and removably couple with a hook-and-loop portion of one of the first second handle straps 144, 148.

[0038] Returning to Figures 1 through 13, the first and second pair of footrests 116, 120 may each be provided on or integrated with the luggage container 104. Each footrest of the first and second pair of footrests 116, 120 are configured to enable a user to rest one of the user’s feet thereon. The first pair of footrests 116 is configured such that a user may rest the user’s feet thereon when seated on the seat 112. The second pair of footrests 120 is configured such that a user may rest the user’s feet thereon when seated on the seat 112. The first side 138 of the luggage container 104 includes one footrest of the first pair of footrests 116 and one footrest of the second pair of footrests 120 thereon. The second side 139 of the luggage container 104 includes the other footrest of the first pair of footrests 116 and the other footrest of the second pair of footrests 120 thereon. Each footrest of the first pair of footrests 116 may be positioned on a first horizontal planel84 of the ride-on luggage 100 on the respective sides 138, 139. Each footrest of the second pair of footrests 120 may be positioned on a second horizontal plane 188 of the ride-on luggage 100 on the respective sides 138, 139. The first horizontal plane 184 and the second horizontal plane 188 may not be coplanar. The first pair of footrests 116 and / or the second pair of footrests 120 may be longitudinal positioned to align with a center 189 of the seat 112. As shown in the figures, the footrests 116, 120 may be formed integrally with the exterior shell 132 of the luggage container 104, and may be recessed relative to an outermost portion of the exterior shell 132 to provide ledges to rest the user’s feet on.

[0039] The handle 124 may be coupled to the luggage container 104 on a handle-end 190 thereof. The handle 124 is configured to be used in each of a push operation and a pull operation of the bi-direction ride-on luggage 100. The handle 124 is adjustable to move between a stowed configuration 192, as shown in Figures 1 through 10, 12 and 13, and a deployed configuration 196, as shown in Figure 11. The handle 124 may be configured to rotate about an axis Al extending in a transverse direction DI relative to the luggage container 104. The handle 124 mayfollow a circumferential path ranging from the stowed configuration 192 to the deployed configuration 196. The handle 124 may be configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent. Maintaining of the position of the handle 124 may occur due to friction on the handle 124 by the luggage container 104. In some embodiments, the handle 124 may be telescopic, such that a length of the handle 124 may be extendable and retractable.

[0040] When in the deployed configuration 196, the handle 124 is configured to enable the push operation and / or the pull operation. When the handle 124 is in the deployed configuration 196, the handle 124 extends outwardly away from the luggage container 104. The handle 124 may be prevented from continuing to rotate by a stopper.

[0041] When the handle 124 is in the stowed position 192, the handle 124 may be retained within an envelope 204 defined by the luggage container 104. The envelope 204 may be configured such that when the handle 124 is retained therein, a volume of the ride-on luggage 100 is within maximum dimensions allowed for carry-on luggage. When the handle 124 is in the stowed configuration 192, the handle 124 may be flush with a front face 208 of the luggage container 104. In some embodiments, the envelope 204 may be recessed relative to the front face 208 of the luggage container 104.

[0042] The handle 124 may be configured to be moved to an intermediate configuration. When in the intermediate configuration, the handle 124 may be positioned rotationally between the position of the handle 124 in the stowed configuration 192 and the deployed configuration 196. The intermediate configuration may enable the push operation and / or the pull operation of the ride-on luggage 100. A detent system, rachet system or other mechanical arrangement may be provided to hold the handle 124 in one or more of a plurality of intermediate positions.

[0043] A main access aperture 216 may be incorporated into the first side 138 of the luggage container 104. The main access aperture 216 may be in communication with the interior cavity 128. The main access aperture 216 may be configured to be selectively closed by a main access aperture door 218. The main access aperture door 218 may be configured to be closed by way of a zipper system 219 or any other suitable closing mechanism. The main access aperture door 218 may include a door compartment 220 thereon, as shown in Figure 12. The door compartment 220 may be configured to be selectively closed by way of a door compartment closing system 221. The door compartment closing system 221 may be a zipper system or any other suitable closing mechanism, such as magnetic snaps, snap buttons, or hook and loop material. The main access aperture 216 is shown in an open position in Figure 12, while a closedposition is shown in Figure 1. The luggage container 104 is configured to support a passenger thereon when the main access aperture 216 is in either of an open position or a closed position.

[0044] An auxiliary access aperture 223 may be incorporated into any of the first side 138 or the second side 139 of the luggage container 104. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1- 16, the auxiliary access aperture 223 is incorporated into the second side 139 of the luggage container 104. The auxiliary access aperture 223 may be in selective communication with at least one auxiliary cavity 224. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary access aperture 223 may be in selective communication with the interior cavity 128. The auxiliary access aperture 223 may be configured to be selectively closed by an auxiliary access aperture door 225. The auxiliary access aperture door 225 may be configured to be closed by way of a zipper system 226 or any other suitable closing mechanism. The auxiliary access aperture 223 is shown in an open position in Figure 13, while a closed position is shown in Figure 2. The luggage container 104 is configured to support a passenger thereon when the auxiliary access aperture 223 is in either of an open position or a closed position. Each of the at least one auxiliary cavity 224 may be incorporated into the auxiliary access aperture door 225 or into an auxiliary storage compartment 227. The auxiliary storage compartment 227 may be configured as a barrier between the auxiliary access aperture 223 and the main cavity interior cavity 128. Each of the at least one auxiliary cavity 224 may be smaller than the interior cavity 128. The embodiment shown in Figures 1-16 includes a first auxiliary cavity 224a incorporated into the auxiliary access aperture door 225 and a second auxiliary cavity 224b incorporated into the auxiliary storage compartment 227. Each of the at least one auxiliary cavity 224 may be configured to be selectively closed by way of a respective auxiliary cavity closing system 228. Each auxiliary cavity closing system 228 may be a zipper system or any other suitable closing mechanism, such as magnetic snaps, snap buttons, or hook and loop material.

[0045] The luggage container 104 may further include at least one attachment port 229 thereon. The at least one attachment port 229 may be positioned on the top surface 136 of the luggage container 104. The at least one attachment port 229 is configured to receive an attachment insert 232, such that the attachment port 229 is coupled to the attachment insert 232, as shown in the detailed view of Figure 14. An exploded view of the attachment port 229 and the attachment insert 232 is shown in Figure 15. The attachment insert 232 may be coupled to at least one accessory such that the at least one accessory may be used by the passenger when the attachment insert 232 is coupled to the attachment port 229. Accessories may include, but are not limited to, video monitors, gaming devices, book holders, and toys.

[0046] The at least one attachment port 229 may include a locking mechanism 236 configured to releasably couple the attachment insert 232 to the ride-on luggage 100. The locking mechanism 236 may include a spring-loaded latch. In such embodiments, the locking mechanism 236 may be configured to be biased toward a locking position. While the attachment insert 232 is being inserted into the attachment port 229, the attachment insert 232 may counter the bias of the locking mechanism 236. When the attachment insert 232 is fully inserted into the attachment port 229, the attachment insert 232 may no longer be countering the bias of the locking mechanism 232 and the locking mechanism 236 may extend into a notch of the attachment insert 232, thus locking attachment insert 232 in place. The locking mechanism 236 may be released by actuating a button 244, which causes the locking mechanism 236 to be removed from the notch. The attachment insert 232 may then be removed from the attachment port 229.

[0047] In some embodiments, the at least one attachment port 229 may include a first and second attachment ports 229a, 229b. The first attachment port 229a may be positioned towards the handle-end 190 of the luggage container 104 relative to the seat 112. The second attachment port 229b may be positioned toward a non-handle-end 246 of the luggage container 104 relative to the seat 112. Such a configuration of the first and second attachment ports 229a, 229b enables separate attachment inserts 232 to be inserted into both of the first and second attachment ports 229a, 229b, which would enable a passenger to face an accessory regardless of the opposing travel direction the passenger is facing. The first and second attachment ports 229a, 229b may be used simultaneously, such that an attachment insert 232 is present in the first attachment port 229a at the same time that another attachment insert 232 is present in the second attachment port 229b. The accessories present simultaneously may not be related to one another. The accessories present simultaneously may be complimentary to one another. For example, a first accessory, which the passenger faces, may be a display monitor, while the second accessory, which the passenger does not face, may be an audio output device (e.g., speakers) providing audio related to the content displayed on the display monitor.

[0048] The luggage container 104 may further include a handling strap 250 thereon. The handling strap 250 may be present on the handle end 190 of the luggage container 104. The handling strap 250 may be configured to provide a user of the ride-on luggage 100 with a convenient gripping location when lifting the ride-on luggage 100, such as when lifting the ride- on luggage 100 to be stowed in an overhead bin on an aircraft.

[0049] Figure 16 shows another example embodiment of the ride-on luggage 260. The ride-on luggage 260 is configured the same as ride-on luggage 100, except an envelope 264 configured to receive a handle 268 may include a notch 272 positioned adjacent to the handle 268. The notch 272 may enable a user to remove the handle 268 from a stowed configuration without reaching to a base area 276 of the luggage container 104.

[0050] Another example embodiment of ride-on luggage 280 is shown in Figure 17. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the ride-on luggage 280 includes first and second pairs of footrests 282, 284 which may be positioned on opposing ends of the ride-on luggage 280. The first and second pairs of footrests 282, 284 may be configured such that a user may rest the user’s feet on the first pair of footrests 282 when seated on a seat 286 to face one of the opposing travel directions and on the second pair of footrests 284 to face the other of the opposing travel directions. Each footrest of the first pair of footrests 282 may be positioned on a handle-end 288 of the ride-on luggage 280. Each footrest of the second pair of footrests 284 may be positioned on a non-handle-end 290 of the ride-on luggage 280. Although only one footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests 282, 284 is shown, it should be understood that a second footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests 282, 284 is present on an opposite side of the luggage container 292.

[0051] Figure 18 shows another example embodiment of ride-on luggage 300. The ride- on luggage 300 may be configured the same or similar to the ride-on luggage 100, except as described below.

[0052] In Figure 18, a seat 304 is vertically offset from a top surface 308 of a luggage container 312. The seat 304 being offset from the top surface may provide clear guidance to a passenger regarding a position in which the passenger is to sit. Furthermore, the offset seat 304 may assist in preventing a passenger, such as a child, from climbing or sliding off of the ride-on luggage 300 when such an exit is not desired by a supervisor of the passenger.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may be configured such that a user may rest the user’s feet on the first pair of footrests 316 when seated on the seat 304 to face one of the opposing travel directions and on the second pair of footrests 320 to face the other of the opposing travel directions. Each footrest of the first pair of footrests 316 may be positioned on a handle-end 321 of the ride-on luggage 300. Each footrest of the second pair of footrests 320 may be positioned on a non-handle-end 322 of the ride-on luggage 300. It can also be seen that the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may be configured to move between a deployed position, as shown in Figure 18, and a retracted position.Although only one footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 is shown, it should be understood that a second footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 is present on an opposite side of the luggage container 312. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may independently adjust between the deployed position and the retracted position. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may include a platform 324 configured such that a passenger of the ride-on luggage 300 may rest their foot thereon. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may rotate downward and away from a side 328 of the luggage container 312 when transitioning from a retracted position (not shown), adjacent to, flush or recessed within the side of the luggage container 312 to a deployed position (as shown in Figure 18). Such rotation may be accomplished by a rotational device, such as a hinge, a pin, or the any suitable rotatable rotational device, about which each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 rotates. In some embodiments, the side 328 of the luggage container 312 may be configured to limit rotation of each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 between the retracted and deployed positions. In some embodiments, the rotation device may be configured to limit rotation of each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 between the retracted and deployed positions.

[0054] When a footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 is in the deployed position, the footrest may extend away from a side 328 of the luggage container 312. When in the deployed position, the platform 324 may angled in a position in which a passenger may comfortably rest a foot on the platform 324 when seated on the ride-on luggage 300. The platform 324 may be angled at an angle 0 slightly varied from parallel (i.e., less than 30° from parallel) with a reference plane 332 on which the ride-on luggage 300 is positioned. In some embodiments, the platforms 324 of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may be configured such that the angles 9 oppose one another relative to the reference plane 332. In some other embodiments, the platform 324 may be parallel with the reference plane 332.

[0055] The ride-on luggage described herein may be adapted to a variety of designs. Such a ride-on luggage may provide easier pushing and / or pulling the ride-on luggage to an operator and may allow a passenger, such as a child, to face either of the opposing travel directions when riding the ride-on luggage.

[0056] The devices and systems of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features described above may be used independently of one another, or maybe combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0057] Certain features that may be described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that may be described in the context of a single implementation also may be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and every embodiment.

[0058] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. In addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise.

[0059] In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 733,554, filed June 4, 2024, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Ride-on luggage, comprising: a luggage container including an interior cavity configured to store items therein and having a form factor configured to be used as carry-on luggage; a plurality of wheels coupled to the luggage container to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container; a seat provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to ride on the luggage container and configured to support the user in a seated position; at least one pair of footrests provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to rest the user’s feet thereon when seated on the seat; and a handle coupled to the luggage container and configured to be used in at least a pull operation.

2. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the ride-on luggage includes at least two pairs of footrests, including a first pair of footrests and a second pair of footrests, which are offset from each other, and wherein the luggage container includes: a top surface including the seat; a first side including one of the first pair of footrests and one of the second pair of footrests; and a second side including the other one of the first pair of footrests and the other one of the second pair of footrests.

3. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the handle is adjustable to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to enable the pull operation.

4. The ride-on luggage of claim 3, wherein, when the adjustable handle is in the deployed position, the adjustable handle member extends outwardly away from the luggage container to enable an operator to pull the ride-on luggage, and wherein, when the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle member is retained within an envelope associated with a maximum volume of carry-on luggage.

5. The ride-on luggage of claim 4, wherein when the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle is flush with a front face of the luggage container or recessed relative to the front face of the luggage container.

6. The ride-on luggage of claim 4, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a transverse direction.

7. The ride-on luggage of claim 6, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to be moved to an intermediate position, the intermediate position being between the stowed position and the deployed position on a circumferential path of the adjustable handle.

8. The ride-on luggage of claim 6, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent.

9. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising an attachment port configured to receive an attachment insert, wherein the attachment port is positioned on a top surface of the luggage container.

10. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the attachment port includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the attachment insert to the ride-on luggage.

11. The ride-on luggage of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded latch.

12. The ride-on luggage of claim 9, further comprising a second attachment port configured to receive a second attachment insert, wherein the second attachment port is positioned on the top surface of the luggage container and opposed to the first attachment port.

13. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising: a first handle strap; and a second handle strap.

14. The ride-on luggage of claim 13, wherein the first and second handle straps are positioned on the seat.

15. The ride-on luggage of claim 13, further comprising a seatbelt configured to removably couple to at least one of the first handle strap and the second handle strap.

16. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising a seatbelt configured to secure a passenger to the seat base of the luggage container.

17. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a padded cushion.

18. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising a handling strap on rear face of the luggage container.

19. The ride-on luggage of claim 2, wherein the seat is vertically offset from remaining surface area of the top surface of the luggage container.

20. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein each footrest of the at least one pair of footrests is configured to independently adjust between a retracted position and a deployed position.

21. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the luggage container comprises an outer magnetic material.

22. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein a first side of the luggage container includes a main access aperture in communication with the interior cavity, wherein the main access aperture is configured to be selectively closed, and wherein the luggage container is configured to support a passenger when the main access aperture is in an open configuration.

23. The ride-on luggage of claim 22, wherein the luggage container further includes an auxiliary access aperture positioned on one of the first side and a second side of the luggage container, the auxiliary access aperture in communication with an auxiliary cavity, wherein theauxiliary access aperture is configured to be selectively closed, and wherein a volume of the auxiliary cavity is smaller than a volume of the interior cavity.

24. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the ride-on luggage is configured to travel in each of opposing travel directions, wherein the seat is configured to support the user in a respective seated position in each of the opposing travel directions, and wherein the at least one pair of footrests enable a user to rest the user’s feet thereon when seated on the seat irrespective of direction of travel in one of the opposing travel directions.

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