Patent Grant
7954610
This invention relates to electronic devices for luggage.
Luggage devices are commonly used by travelers. In some cases, luggage devices can be wheeled by the user. A luggage device can, for example, include wheels attached to a lower portion of the luggage device, and a handle attached to an upper portion of the luggage device. Thus, the user can grasp the handle and push or pull the luggage device such that its wheels roll along the ground surface to convey the luggage device. Travelers can carry a wide range of goods in luggage devices.
In one aspect, the invention features a wheeled transport device configured to be manually wheeled by a pedestrian user. The wheeled transport device includes a body defining a compartment configured to contain goods, at least one wheel disposed at a lower portion of the body and secured to the body for rotation along a surface upon which the user is walking, a handle attached to an upper portion of the body, and an electronic device mounted to the handle. The handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body, and the electronic device is configured to deactivate when the handle is retracted.
In another aspect, the invention features a wheeled transport device configured to be manually wheeled by a pedestrian user. The wheeled transport device includes a body defining a compartment configured to contain goods, at least one wheel disposed at a lower portion of the body and secured to the body for rotation along a surface upon which the user is walking, a handle attached to an upper portion of the body, and a WiFi locating device mounted to the handle. The handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body, and the WiFi locating device is adapted to detect WiFi signals.
In a further aspect, the invention features a wheeled transport device configured to be manually wheeled by a pedestrian user. The wheeled transport device includes a body defining a compartment configured to contain goods, at least one wheel disposed at a lower portion of the body and secured to the body for rotation along a surface upon which the user is walking, a handle attached to an upper portion of the body, and an electronic device mounted to the grip portion of the handle. The handle includes a grip portion configured to be grasped by a user, and the handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body.
In yet another aspect, the invention features a wheeled transport device configured to be manually wheeled by a pedestrian user. The wheeled transport device includes a body defining a compartment configured to contain goods, at least one wheel disposed at a lower portion of the body and secured to the body for rotation along a surface upon which the user is walking, and a handle attached to an upper portion of the body. The handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body, and includes a first portion and a second portion that is detachable from the first portion. An electronic device is mounted to the second portion of the handle.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following features.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes a switch configured to electrically connect the electronic device to a power supply.
In some embodiments, the switch is positioned within the handle.
In some embodiments, the switch is configured to disconnect electrical supply to the electronic device when the handle is retracted.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes an electrical contact configured to contact the switch when the handle is extended. The electrical contact is electrically connected to the electronic device.
In some embodiments, the electrical contact is positioned within the cavity.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned within the body.
In some embodiments, the power supply includes a battery.
In some embodiments, the power supply includes an electric generator operably coupled to the wheel and configured to produce electrical energy as the user wheels the device along the surface.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned within the handle.
In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a WiFi locator, a clock, a custom computer, a PDA, a calculator, an expense counter, a cell phone, a GPS device, and/or a luggage locating device.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is releasably attached to the handle.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is constructed to be retained within a recess defined by the handle.
In some embodiments, the handle is a telescoping handle.
In some embodiments, the handle includes two substantially parallel members and a cross member that connects the substantially parallel members.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is attached to the cross member.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is releasably attached to the cross member.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is constructed to be retained within a recess defined by the cross member.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is attached to at least one of the substantially parallel members.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is attached to each of the substantially parallel members.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device includes a wheeled luggage device.
In some embodiments, the WiFi locating device is configured to retract within the cavity when the handle is retracted.
In some embodiments, the WiFi locating device is not visible to a user when retracted within the cavity.
In some embodiments, the cavity is defined by relatively hard surfaces to protect the WiFi locating device from damage when the WiFi locating device is retracted.
In some embodiments, the hard surfaces of the cavity include a thermoplastic material.
In some embodiments, the WiFi locating device is configured to deactivate upon retracting the handle.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes an electrical switch, and the WiFi locating device includes a contact member configured to electrically contact the electrical switch when the handle is extended.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes a power supply adapted to provide power to the WiFi locating device.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned within the body.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned within the handle.
In some embodiments, the power supply includes an electric generator operably coupled to the wheel and configured to produce electrical energy as the user wheels the device along the surface.
In some embodiments, the electric generator is positioned within the body.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes an indicator connected to the WiFi locating device.
In some embodiments, the indicator is mounted to the handle.
In some embodiments, the indicator is adapted to indicate a strength of the WiFi signals detected by the WiFi locating device to a user.
In some embodiments, the indicator includes a monitor that visually indicates the strength of the WiFi signals detected by the WiFi locating device to the user.
In some embodiments, the indicator includes an audio device that audibly indicates the strength of the WiFi signals detected by the WiFi locating device to the user.
In some embodiments, the grip portion defines a recess, and the electronic device is mounted within the recess.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes an electrical contact positioned within the recess, and the electrical contact is connected to a power supply.
In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an electrical contact. The electrical contact of the electronic device is configured to contact the electrical contact within the recess when the electronic device is mounted within the recess.
In some embodiments, multiple electronic devices are mounted to the grip portion of the handle.
In some embodiments, the electronic device is one of a plurality of interchangeable devices configured to be releasably mounted to the handle.
In some embodiments, the interchangeable electronic devices are configured to be releasably mounted to the grip portion of the handle.
In some embodiments, the plurality of interchangeable electronic devices include a WiFi locator, a clock, a custom computer, a PDA, a calculator, an expense counter, a cell phone, a GPS device, and/or a luggage locating device.
In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the handle include mating features adapted to engage one another to secure the first and second portions to one another.
In some embodiments, the mating features include a projection and a slot configured to receive the projection.
In some embodiments, the handle includes a locking member adapted to lock the first and second portions in a joined configuration.
In some embodiments, the locking member includes a mechanical fastener.
In some embodiments, the wheeled transport device further includes a power supply adapted to provide the electronic device with energy.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned within the handle.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned within the second portion of the handle.
In some embodiments, the power supply is positioned includes electrical contacts electrically connected to the power supply. The electrical contacts of the first portion are configured to mate with electrical contacts of the second portion when the first and second portions are secured to one another.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following advantages.
In some embodiments, the electronic device can be automatically activated upon extending the handle and/or automatically deactivated upon retracting the handle. This can simplify use of the electronic device by preventing the user from having to perform the additional steps of turning the electronic device on and off. Embodiments in which the electronic device is automatically deactivated when the handle is retracted can further help to ensure that the user complies with airline regulations, which require the deactivation of many types of electronic devices during flight.
In certain embodiments, the electronic device is attached to a grip portion of the handle. This can help to provide convenience to the user. For example, displays of the electronic devices can be conveniently located in a location that is easily visible to the user during use. In some cases, the presence of the electronic device on the handle can prevent the user from having to access additional electronic devices, such as laptop computers or PDAs, while toting the luggage device.
In some embodiments, the luggage devices include an electric generator that is operatively attached to the wheels of the luggage device. This arrangement can help to generate energy to be provided to the electronic devices.
In certain embodiments, a portion of the handle including the electronic device is detachable from the remainder of the handle. This can help to prevent theft and/or damage to the electronic device.
In some embodiments, the luggage devices include multiple, interchangeable electronic devices that can be operatively attached to the handle. This can help to provide the user and/or the manufacturer with the ability to customize the luggage device to provide any of various desired functions.
Other features and advantages are in the description, the drawings, and the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
In general, the luggage devices include an electronic device (e.g., a WiFi detector) that is attached to a retractable handle. The electronic device can generally be retracted into a body of the luggage device along with the handle. In some cases, the electronic device can be automatically activated upon extending the handle and/or automatically deactivated upon retracting the handle. In certain cases, the portion of the handle that includes the electronic device is detachable from the rest of the handle.
Referring to
Body 105 defines a cavity 130 that is sized and shaped to receive handle 110 when it is retracted. The portion of body 105 that defines cavity 130 can be formed of any of various materials. In some embodiments, this portion of body 105 is formed of one or more durable materials in order to help protect WiFi locator 135 when handle 110 and WiFi locator 135 are retracted. This portion of body 105 can, for example, be formed of any of various metals or plastics. In some embodiments, the interior region of cavity 130 includes a soft material, such as foam or cloth, to provide WiFi locator 135 with added cushion, which can further help to prevent WiFi locator 135 from being damaged while handle 110 is retracted.
Handle 110 includes two parallel members 115 and a grip portion 120 that is attached to and connects parallel members 115. Handle 110 includes a recess 125 through which the user can place his or her hand to grasp grip portion 120 in order to push and/or pull luggage device 100. The user can, for example, tote the luggage device along a ground surface such that wheels 119, which extend from a bottom surface of the luggage device, roll on the ground surface. Parallel members 115 and/or grip portion 120 can be formed of any of various materials, such as metals and/or plastics. In some embodiments, the region of grip portion 120 that is grasped by the user during use (e.g., the region of grip portion 120 adjacent recess 125) is formed of a soft material, such as a soft plastic or rubber. As a result, grip portion 120 can provide comfort to the user during use.
WiFi locator 135, as shown in
In certain embodiments, WiFi locator 135 is releasably attached to grip portion 120. Referring to
WiFi locator 135 is also equipped with a button switch 160 that is configured to activate and deactivate WiFi locator 135. Button switch 160 can be arranged such that it deactivates WiFi locator 135 when handle 110 is retracted and activates WiFi locator 135 when handle 110 is extended. Button switch 160 is configured such that WiFi locator 135 is deactivated upon depressing the switch and activated upon releasing the switch, or vice versa. To allow such activation and deactivation, button switch 160 can include a conductive element that completes an electrical circuit connecting WiFi locator 135 to the power source contained therein when button switch 160 is released, and interrupts the electrical circuit when button switch 160 is depressed. As discussed below, the button switch can be activated and deactivated by arranging button switch 160 along handle 110 so that the button of button switch 160 is depressed by a surface of body 105 when handle 110 is retracted. Any of various types of button switches can be used.
To releasably attach WiFi locator 135 to grip portion 120, the user can position WiFi locator 135 within cavity 140 such that only the edge of WiFi locator 135 that includes resilient prong 145 remains outside of cavity 150. Button switch 160 of WiFi locator 135 can be positioned such that its button extends through an aperture defined in the lower portion of grip portion 120 and below grip portion 120. The user can then apply a force to the edge of WiFi locator 135 including resilient prong 145 causing resilient prong 145 to deflect and then snap into blind hole 147. As an alternative to or in addition to the above-described technique for releasably mounting WiFi locator 135 to grip portion 120, any of various other suitable techniques can be used. Examples of such techniques include other snap-fitting techniques, fastening techniques that involve the use of mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, hook and loop fasteners, quarter turn fasteners), friction fit techniques, interference fit techniques, track systems, and techniques involving the use of adhesives.
During use, handle 110 can be arranged in an extended position, as shown in
While the power source was described above as being located within WiFi locator 135, in certain embodiments, the power source can be positioned external to the WiFi locator. In some embodiments, the power source is positioned within the retractable handle. As shown in
WiFi locator 235 also includes a button switch 260, which is similar to button switch 160 described above. Button switch 260 can be configured to deactivate WiFi locator 235 (e.g., by interrupting the electrical circuit formed between WiFi locator 235 and battery 250) when handle 210 is retracted into the body of the luggage device and to activate WiFi locator 235 when handle 210 is extended.
In some embodiments, multiple electronic devices can be mounted to grip portion 220. As shown in
In order to secure the electronic devices in place along cavity 270, each of the electronic devices can include fastening members that engage grip portion 220 and prevent movement along the length of grip portion 220. Alternatively or additionally, an end piece or insert including fastening members can be positioned at the opening of cavity 270 in order to prevent the electronic devices from sliding out of cavity 270.
In certain embodiments, multiple interchangeable electronic devices can be provided (e.g., sold with the luggage device or sold separately). Depending on the user's needs, certain of the devices can be interchanged for others.
In some embodiments, the power source can be housed within the body of the luggage device. Referring to
Battery 370 is connected to WiFi locator 335 by wire 374. Thus, when WiFi locator 335 is activated, energy can be transferred via wire 374 from battery 370 to WiFi locator 335. Wire 374 can be electrically connected to WiFi locator 335 using any of the various configurations and techniques described above, as well as any other suitable configurations and techniques. In some embodiments, luggage device 300 includes a switch that is configured to activate WiFi locator 335 when handle 310 is extended and deactivate WiFi locator 335 when handle 310 is retracted. As shown in
While body 305 includes both generator 365 and battery 370, the body can alternatively include the generator and not the battery. In embodiments in which the body includes the generator and not the battery, the generator can be connected directly to WiFi device 335 via a wire. As the luggage device is wheeled, energy generated by generator 365 can be applied to WiFi device 335. In certain embodiments, the luggage device includes no generator. In such embodiments, battery 370 can be used to power WiFi locator 335 in much the same way as described above. In cases in which a relatively large or heavy battery is used, it may be beneficial to house the battery in the body of the luggage device.
Examples of generators and luggage devices including generators can be found in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/599,360, filed Aug. 6, 2004, and entitled “Electrical Power Generation,” which is incorporated by reference herein.
While several embodiments have been described above, other embodiments are possible.
As an example, while many of the embodiments above describe a WiFi locator mounted to the handle of a luggage device, any of various other electronic devices can alternatively or additionally be mounted to the handle. Examples of some other types of electronic devices have been described above.
As a further example, while the electronic devices and handle of the embodiments described above describe various structures and techniques that can be used to releasably attach the electronic device to the handle, any of various other structures and techniques can alternatively or additionally be used. As an example, WiFi locator 135 and grip portion 120 can include mating geometries that can retain WiFi locator 135. As another example, WiFi locator 135 can be releasably attached to grip portion 120 using any of various mechanical fasteners, such as screws, snaps, and hook and loop fasteners.
As another example, while the electronic devices have been described as being releasably attached to the handle, the electronic devices can alternatively or additionally be permanently attached to the handle. The electronic devices can, for example, be adhesively attached, welded, or bonded within a cavity defined by the handle.
As an additional example, while the electronic devices of the embodiments above have been described as being attached to the grip portion of the luggage device handle, the electronic devices can alternatively or additionally be attached to other portions of the handle, such as the parallel members that are attached to the grip portion. It is also contemplated that the electronic devices could be attached to other portions of the luggage device, such as the body of the luggage device.
As yet another example, in some embodiments the grip portion of the handle can be detachable from the remainder of the handle. Referring to
While the electrical switches have been described as button switches, any of various other types of electrical switches can be used. In some embodiments, the electrical circuiting extending between the electronic device(s) and the power source(s) includes a mechanical switch (e.g., a micro switch) that is positioned within the handle. The mechanical switch can be arranged to pop into a hole within the handle or body once the handle has been retracted to a predetermined level in order to interrupt the circuit and thus deactivate the electronic device. As an alternative to or in addition to mechanical switches, any of various other types of electrical switches can be used. Examples of other types of electrical switches include magnetic switches, optical switches, capacitance switches, and pressure switches (e.g., fluid couplings).
In some embodiments, rather than being automatically actuated as discussed above, the electrical switch can be manually activated. In such cases, the user can manipulate the switch to activate and deactivate the electronic device when desired.
While the embodiments above describe the electrical switch as being positioned within the handle of the luggage device, the switch can alternatively or additionally be positioned in various other regions of the luggage device. In certain embodiments, the switch is positioned within the body of the luggage device and is arranged to interact with the handle to activate and/or deactivate the electronic device.
As an additional example, while the handles of the embodiments above have been described as having two parallel members and a cross member, any of various other types of handles can be used. Examples of other types of handles include T-shaped handles and lever handles.
As another example, while the power source has been described as a battery in several embodiments above, any of various other types of power sources can alternatively or additionally be used. Examples of other types of power sources include electrochemical cells (e.g., fuel cells), photovoltaic cells (e.g., solar cells), A/C adapters, and microwave converters.
As an alternative to or in addition to the features described above, the luggage devices can include any of various other features. In some embodiments, for example, the luggage device is a modular luggage device. Examples of various types of modular luggage devices are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/695,322, filed Jun. 30, 2005, and entitled “Customizable Luggage Devices and Related Methods,” which is incorporated by reference herein. In certain embodiments, the luggage devices include suspension systems. Examples of suspension systems are described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/599,510, filed Aug. 6, 2004, and entitled “Suspension for Wheeled Transport Devices,” and in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/697,179, filed Jul. 7, 2005, and entitled “Suspension Systems,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the luggage devices include internal partitioning systems. Examples of internal partitioning systems are described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/599,420, filed Aug. 6, 2004, and entitled “Adaptable Luggage,” which is incorporated by reference herein.
Other embodiments are in the claims.
This U.S. patent application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/448,417, filed on Jun. 7, 2006, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/697,214, filed Jul. 7, 2005. The disclosures of the aforementioned prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties and are therefore considered part of the disclosure of this application.
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