Wheel storage

Abstract

The invention concerns a wheel storage arrangement and a wheel for use therein whereby auxiliary or extra wheels can be stored, the wheel storage arrangement is for use particularly, but not exclusively, with an item of luggage, a trolley, trailer or pushchair, accordingly, the invention extends to a wheeled item including said wheel storage arrangement.

Description

[0001] 6229P WO As Filed

[0002] Wheel Storage

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention concerns a wheel storage arrangement and a wheel for use therein whereby auxiliary or extra wheels can be stored, the wheel storage arrangement is for use particularly, but not exclusively, with an item of luggage, a trolley, bike trailer or pushchair, accordingly, the invention extends to a wheeled item including said wheel storage arrangement.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] This invention solves the issue of transporting spare or extra wheels when using wheeled items, particularly but not exclusively, when travelling and using collapsible items.

[0007] Wheeled items such as luggage, trolleys, trailers, pushchairs and the like tend to be bulky, and are often collapsible so as to be compact for use before or after transportation. Further their manipulation during transport often involves pushing or pulling the item when in an upright position but at an angle to the vertical; this often involves using only a fraction of its wheels. In contrast, when stationary or carrying a full or valuable load it is more common to use the item in an upright position and typically balancing on all its wheels.

[0008] This ability to manipulate these wheeled items so that they are moved or balanced on only a fraction of their wheels, makes it possible to arrange for some of their wheels, when not in use, to be removed and stored separately, thus reducing the bulkiness of the item. Typically removed wheels are stored within the item which, unfortunately, reduces the carrying capacity of the item and may also result in some soiling of the inside of the item, which can be hazardous where children or precious items are to be transported.

[0009] The invention described herein is designed to overcome the problems associated with the prior art wheeled items and to facilitate the use of such wheeled items before or after their transportation and / or that of their cargo, when in a collapsed or expanded state. 6229P WO As Filed

[0010] Statements of Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wheeled item comprising a frame into which possessions can be placed and associated with said frame is a handle whereby the item can be manipulated, characterised in that: the item is mounted on at least a pair of wheels wherein said wheels are adapted to sit removably adjacent to each other in a mating or nesting fashion on a single wheel axle and further wherein at least one of said pair of wheels can be removed from said axle.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said pair of wheels is fashioned for a nested configuration with a central hole that accommodates said axle. Preferably adjacent wheels in each pair are held there together using a reversible lock or stop which prevents migration of one or both of said wheels along said axle, until said lock is unlocked or said stop is removed, at which point, the two wheels can be separated and at least one cane be removed from said axle.

[0013] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said pair of wheels is fashioned for a mating configuration with a central hole that accommodates said axle. Preferably these adjacent wheels in each pair are also held there together using a reversible lock or stop which prevents migration of one or both of said wheels along said axle, until said lock is unlocked or said stop is removed, at which point, the two wheels can be separated and at least one cane be removed from said axle.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention said wheels are separable whereby at least one of said wheels can be removed from said axle. Ideally, a further axle is provided and the wheel that has been removed from its mating or nesting pair is adapted to be mounted on said further axle. To facilitate this, typically, axles of the same diameter are used in connection with the wheeled item.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wheeled item is provided with a plurality of said pairs of wheels. Ideally, these pairs of wheels are 6229P WO As Filed distributed about said item in a manner that facilitates the stable balancing of the frame on said wheels, typically, but not exclusively, the wheel pairs are located at each corner of said wheeled item and / or on opposite sides thereof.

[0016] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention each axle wheel is mounted on or attached to said frame and, ideally, so that it project outwards at an angle to the vertical, ideally at an angle between 30° - 60° to the vertical, including all 1 ° divisions in between, most ideally 40° - 50° to the vertical, including all 1 ° divisions in between, and yet most preferably substantially at or about 45° to the vertical.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said frame is / are fashioned to provide at least one recess into which at least one wheel or pair of wheels is at least partially located.

[0018] As will be appreciated, preferably, the frame of the case is made from a relatively rigid material of the following kind and / or having the following properties: polypropylene and or Carbon fibre, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Resin, not exceeding dimensions: 480mm x 290mm x 670mm.

[0019] Ideally said frame is covered with a carrier fabric that is made from a more flexible material, such as Canvas, Nylon, Rip-Stop Nylon, Ballistic Nylon, Kodra Nylon, Leather, Denim, PVC, Polyester, Polypropylene, Cordura or the like, and so is equipped with shoulder straps, handles and pockets etc. 210D honeycomb nylon, not exceeding dimensions: 480mm x 290mm x 670mm.

[0020] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention said frame and is carrier fabric are fashioned to fit together.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the wheeled item is equipped with at least one spare wheel and more usually a pair of spare wheels. This is advantageous, as a pair of separable wheels can be parted and one of which can be mounted on a further axle (part) of the frame in order to provide a carrier that is stably mounted on the frame at a number of locations, ideally the corners of the wheeled item. This provides for extra stability and ease of use. 6229P WO As Filed

[0022] In yet a further embodiment of the invention, said wheeled item is a piece of luggage, a trolley, trailer (such as bike trailer) or a pushchair.

[0023] In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said frame is provided with at least one auxiliary axle on which an auxiliary wheel can be mounted, ideally this axle is attached to said frame and ideally in such a fashion that when not in use it sits in a retracted position or in a position that, at least partially, is not visible. Preferably, this auxiliary axle is hinged or slidably mounted, or mounted in a conventional manner. Ideally the auxiliary axle is mounted so that it can be extended to project beyond said wheeled item. Most preferably it is fashioned to mate with the wheeled item so that when not in use it rests unobtrusively against same, but when in use, it projects and a wheel can be mounted on its ground engaging end. Yet more preferably still, the ground engaging end of said auxiliary axle has a width commensurate with the width of the frame to which it is attached or to which it is nearest.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a wheel storage arrangement comprising at least a pair of wheels wherein said wheels are adapted to sit removably adjacent to each other in a mating or nesting fashion on a single wheel axle and further wherein at least one of said pair of wheels can be removed from said axle.

[0025] According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a wheel for use on a wheeled item or in a wheel storage arrangement as herein described wherein said wheel is adapted to sit removably adjacent to another wheel in a mating or nesting fashion on a single wheel axle and, optionally, further wherein said wheel can be removed from said axle.

[0026] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects.

[0027] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to” and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description 6229P WO As Filed and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0028] All references, including any patent or patent application, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Further, no admission is made that any of the prior art constitutes part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0029] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking, the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims and drawings). Thus, features, integers, characteristics, compounds or chemical moieties described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith.

[0030] Moreover, unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

[0031] The Invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the Examples below and to the following Figures wherein:

[0032] Figure 1. Shows a part of a suitcase frame according a preferred embodiment of the invention. A is a plan view, B is a side view, C is a part rear view, and D is a perspective view of said frame.

[0033] Figure 2. Shows a wheel for use with said frame of Figure 1 where A is plan view, B is a side view, C is a partial exploded plan view of the region shown in A, and D is a perspective view of said wheel.

[0034] Figure 3. Shows an exploded perspective view of a wheel that can be used in the working of the invention. 6229P WO As Filed

[0035] Figure 4. Shows a suitcase with wheels attached. A is a partial side view of the frame with the wheels attached, B is a rear perspective view of the frame when the wheels are attached, C is a partial perspective view of the frame showing where the extendable rod for a wheel is attached to the frame, and D is a perspective view of the inside of the frame.

[0036] Figure 5. Shows a perspective view of a pair of separable wheels for use in the invention.

[0037] Figure 6. Shows a perspective view of a pair of separable wheels of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Referring now to the figures and, firstly, to Figure 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a frame (1 ) according to the invention. As can be seen in Figure 1A, in a preferred arrangement, frame (1 ) is generally rectangular in plan view but having sides (2) that are deeper towards the base, Figure 1 B, where the frame (1 ) is fashioned to at least, partially, accommodate a pair of wheels (3). The wheels (3) are mounted symmetrically along the base of the frame and so equidistant from a longitudinal midline A-A thereof, Figure 1 C. Recess (4) in the frame, Figure 1 C & 1 D, at least partially encases a wheel. A pair of such recesses (not shown in 1 D) is provided and so each wheel is encased by a single recess.

[0039] Frame 1 is made of a relatively rigid material. The material has to be rigid enough to support the contents of the frame and shield them from damage during transport. Suitable materials include: polypropylene and or Carbon fibre and or ABS.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a wheel for use with the frame of Figure 1 . Wheel (3) is in the form of a pair of ground-engaging wheels (3a & 3b) spaced and held together by sprockets (3c). Wheel (3) is mounted on an axle (5), in this embodiment connected to a rod (6). Rod (6), which may, or 6229P WO As Filed may not be telescopic, is mounted on frame (1 ) so as to be extendable therefrom. This is best shown in Figure 4 C, where frame 1 is fashioned to provide a compartment (7) in which rod (6) is stored until it is extended.

[0041] Figure 3 shows in greater detail a perspective view of a wheel (3). It can be seen that wheel (3) comprises a pair of identical but separable wheels which are provided with an outer ground-engaging circumference and an inner concave section which, in this embodiment, is optionally, radially punctured in such a manner as to provide a plurality of equi-spaced elliptical holes. The two separable wheels are mounted on axle (5) and held together using sprockets 3c. However, other means may be used to releasably lock or hold the two wheels together.

[0042] Figure 4 shows, in perspective view a frame (1 ) and its associated wheels (3). In Figures 4 A and B, each rod (6) associated with each of two wheels (3), has been extended and so moved into a position away from the frame (1 ). Notably, wheels (3) are still aligned with recesses (4).

[0043] In Figure 5 there is shown in greater detail the separable nature of wheels (3). The wheels (3) are provided in pairs and fashioned to be used in nested fashion and adapted for mounting on a single axle whereby they can be used as a single double wheel or the two wheels can be separated and each one mounted on a different axle and so used in a different position on said frame.

[0044] Although not shown, at least one auxiliary axle (14) on which an auxiliary wheel (15) can be mounted, ideally is attached to said frame so that when not in use it sits in a retracted position or in a position that, at least partially, is not visible.

[0045] Finally, Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, where wheel (3) comprises two separable wheels of different circumferential size whereby one wheel can fit within the other. Both of these wheels have a concentric hole adapted to accommodate the same axle whereby they can be mounted, in nesting fashion, on the same axle for use. Further both wheels 6229P WO As Filed are held together using a conventional, releasable lock such as a sprocket or the like. This arrangement, involving the use of different sized wheels, is desirable, where in the case of a case or a pushchair or trolley, one part of the wheeled item is larger than another part of the wheeled item and so larger wheels can be used on an axle associated with the larger part of the item and smaller wheels can be used on an axle associated with the smaller part of the item.

[0046] It will be apparent from the above that the invention described herein is designed to overcome the problems associated with prior art wheeled items and to facilitate the storage and use of wheels in connection therewith, before, during or after transportation of any cargo, when in a collapsed or expanded state.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A wheeled item comprising a frame suitable for holding possessions and associated with said frame is a handle whereby the item can be manipulated, characterised in that: the item is mounted on at least a pair of wheels wherein said wheels are adapted to sit removably adjacent to each other in a mating or nesting fashion on a single wheel axle and further wherein at least one of said pair of wheels can be removed from said axle.

2. A wheeled item according to claim 1 wherein said pair of wheels is fashioned for nested configuration with a central concentric hole that accommodates said axle.

3. A wheeled item according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said pair of wheels is fashioned for a mating configuration with a central concentric hole that accommodates said axle.

4. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -3 wherein said pair of wheels comprise an outer ground-engaging circumference and an inner concave section.

5. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -4 wherein said pair of wheels comprise two wheels of different circumferential size.

6. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -5 wherein the inner part of at least one wheel is radially punctured to provide a plurality of equi-spaced holes.

7. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -6 wherein a further axle is provided for mounting one of said wheels.

8. A wheeled item according to claim 7 wherein said axles are of the same diameter whereby they can be used with either of said wheels.

9. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -8 wherein said wheeled item is provided with a plurality of said pairs of wheels.

10. A wheeled item according to claim 9 wherein said pairs of wheels are distributed about said item in a manner that facilitates the stable balancing of the frame on said wheels.11 . Awheeled item according to claim 10 wherein a pair of wheels is located at each corner of said wheeled item and / or on opposite sides thereof.

12. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -11 wherein said adjacent wheels in each pair are held there together using a reversible lock or stop.

13. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -12 wherein said axle is mounted on or attached to said frame.

14. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -13 wherein said axle projects outwards at an angle to the vertical between 30° - 60° to the vertical, including all 1 ° divisions in between, including 40° - 50° to the vertical, including all 1 ° divisions in between, such as at or about 45° to the vertical.

15. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -14 wherein said frame is / are fashioned to provide at least one recess into which at least one wheel or pair of wheels is at least partially located.

16. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -15 wherein said frame is provided with at least one auxiliary axle on which an auxiliary wheel can be mounted, and this axle is attached to said frame in such a fashion that when not in use it sits in a retracted position or in a position that, at least partially, is not visible.

17. A wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -16 wherein said wheeled item is a piece of luggage, a trailer, a trolley or a pushchair.

18. A wheel storage arrangement comprising at least a pair of wheels wherein said wheels are adapted to sit removably adjacent to each other in a mating or nesting fashion on a single wheel axle and further wherein at least one of said pair of wheels can be removed from said axle.

19. A wheel storage arrangement comprising a pair of wheels according to any one of claims 2-6 & 12 and / or an axle according to claims 6-7 & 13- 14.

20. A wheel for use on a wheeled item according to any one of claims 1 -17 or in a wheel storage arrangement according to claims 18-19 wherein said wheel is adapted to sit removably adjacent to another wheel in a mating or nesting fashion on a single wheel axle and, optionally, further wherein said wheel can be removed from said axle.

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