FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to expandable luggage, and particularly to expandable luggage having a zipperless expansion gusset with an easily accessible adjustable locking expansion mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The needs of travelers for luggage space can vary considerably depending on the duration of a trip, types of clothing and other gear required, and the climate of the destination, to name a few. One way travelers accommodate these needs is by using expandable luggage that have heretofore been provided. Expandable luggage also offers the traveler a possible cost savings by avoiding the need to purchase more than one piece of luggage. Moreover, the capability of expanding a piece of luggage permits the traveler to change the carrying capacity throughout the course of a trip. Expandable luggage of varying construction and designs are well known in the art.
Examples of existing expandable luggage include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,220,411, 6,059,078, and 6,021,874, wherein '078 and '874 are commonly assigned to the present assignee. However, these designs have some disadvantages. For example, each of the luggage pieces disclosed therein contain an expandable portion or gusset requiring a zipper that must be manipulated into an open or closed position in order to expand or retract the expandable zippers. The zippers can become stuck and/or damaged due to wear and tear from the environment a typical piece of luggage encounters, or simply due to use over an extended period of time.
Another disadvantage pertains to the location of the various locking mechanisms for maintaining the luggage in an expanded state. For example, in '411, the locking mechanism is located near the lower portion of the bridge plate at the bottom of the luggage, making the locking mechanism difficult to reach and operate when the luggage is packed and the user needs to increase the volume of the luggage to accommodate the storage of additional items. Similarly, the location of the hook and loop fastening mechanism in '078 and '874 used in adjusting the volume of the luggage disclosed therein, is located near the bottom of the luggage, making the fastening mechanism difficult to reach and operate when the luggage is packed and the user needs to increase the volume of the luggage to accommodate the storage of additional items. There is therefore a need for an improved expandable luggage having zipperless expandable portion which overcomes these and other disadvantages associated with existing expandable luggage. As used herein “luggage” is intended to include all manner of containers, for example, but without limitation, briefcases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide an expandable item of luggage, suitcase, bag or the like having an intermediately located zipperless expandable portion or gusset with a multi-positional locking expansion mechanism. The interior storage volume of the item of luggage can be easily adjusted, and directly corresponds to the retracted, various intermediate, and completely expanded states of the zipperless gusset.
The item of luggage preferably comprises a main body portion, an expandable body portion and an access panel. The main body has first (lower) and second (upper) support frame elements, inner and outer surfaces, a bottom wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The expandable body portion is adjustably coupled to the main body by a multi-positional locking expansion mechanism, and includes a support frame, a pair of opposing sidewalls and a zipperless expandable gusset. The zipperless expandable gusset is intermediately located between, and adjustably coupled to, the upper support frame element and the expandable body support frame.
The locking expansion mechanism preferably includes a locking element, a lock release element, a first expansion plate fastened to the upper and lower support frames of the main body, and a sliding second expansion plate fastened to the support frame of the expandable body portion. The first expansion plate includes a locking lug, preferably a pair of lugs, slidably coupled to a lug receiving slot, preferably a pair of slots, located on the second expansion plate. The locking expansion plates are slidably engageable and lockable to permit expansion and retraction of the zipperless gusset by adjustments in the height of the expandable body. The locking element is capable of engaging the locking lug in order to control the sliding and locking of the second expansion plate with respect to the first expansion plate. The lock release element for unlocking the expansion plates is easily operated and conveniently located near or on the sliding plate handle situated by the top region of the expanding body to provide for easy accessibility, thereby permitting the user to adjust (e.g., manually by hand) the interior storage volume of the item of luggage without having to unpack in order to gain access to the unlocking mechanism, as is commonly the problem with expandable cases in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the item of luggage comprises a pair of locking expansion mechanisms located on opposing sidewalls.
The locking expansion mechanism connects the main body to the expandable member, and includes a first fixed (stationary) plate and a second slidable expansion plate slidably coupled together. The first fixed plate is fixedly mounted to the main body, while the second plate is fixedly mounted to the expandable member support frame and includes an expansion control mechanism for controlling displacement of the second slidable expansion plate with respect to the first fixed plate.
The access panel is preferably attached to the expandable body portion by a zipper and hinged element. Additionally, one or more handles, straps or the like are preferably mounted on the outside of the luggage body for easy lifting and carrying, and wheels or the like are preferably mounted on the luggage for easy transport.
Another object of the invention is to provide an item of luggage further including a web of resilient plastic material or the like attached to the interior side of gusset between the gusset and the inner adjacent side walls of the main body and the expandable body. The web preferably extends between the respective opposing peripheral upper and extendable frame elements such that when the luggage is collapsed the gusset is drawn towards the interior region of the luggage, thereby allowing the opposing frame elements to come into contact without the user having to manually retract the gusset to the desired interior position. The web of resilient plastic material is preferably attached to the interior side of the gusset by an appropriate fastening means including, but not limited to an adhesive or the like.
As noted above, the locking expansion means connects the main body to the expandable member. In one embodiment, the locking expansion means includes at least one first fixed plate and at least one second slidable expansion plate slidably coupled together. Each first fixed plate is fixedly mounted to the main body. Each second slidable expansion plate is fixedly mounted to the expandable member support frame and includes an expansion control mechanism for controlling displacement of said second slidable expansion plate with respect to its corresponding first fixed plate.
In one preferred embodiment, each expansion control mechanism comprises a rotatable cam member mounted to the second slidable expansion plate proximate the expandable member support frame. An elongated link member includes first and second opposing ends, where the first end is rotatably coupled to the cam member. The expansion control mechanism further includes an elongated bar member having opposing first and second ends and at least one sidewall therebetween. The first end of the bar member is slidably coupled to the first fixed plate in a first bar position. The second end of the bar member is pivotly coupled to the second slidable expansion plate and the second end of the link member. Rotation of the cam member slidably moves the second slidable expansion plate from a first position to a second position relative to the first fixed plate.
In one embodiment, the at least one first fixed plate comprises a pair of first fixed plates mounted on opposing sidewalls of the main body, and the at least one second slidable expansion plates comprises a pair of second slidable expansion plates mounted on opposing sidewalls of the expanding member. Each second slidable expansion plate is slidably affixed to a corresponding one of the first fixed plates.
In one embodiment, the bar member moves to a second bar position to lock the second slidable expansion plate into the second position relative to the first fixed plate. Preferably, the first bar position is substantially orthogonal with respect to the second bar position.
In one embodiment, a gripping means is located on the second slidable expansion plate. The gripping means facilitates the movement of the at least one second slidable expansion plate between the first and second positions.
In one embodiment, the first end of the link member is coupled to the cam member by a link pin, and the second end of the link member is coupled to the second end of the bar member by a link pivot pin. Optionally, the first end of the bar member includes a flattened bottom portion.
In one embodiment, the second end of each bar member includes an outward projecting bar member pin formed along the sidewall. Each first fixed plate comprises an elongated groove formed along an interior surface of the first fixed plate proximate the first bar position. The groove is sized to receive the bar member pin, wherein the groove guides the bar member pin as the bar member moves between the first and second bar positions. Optionally, the groove includes opposing curved ends.
In one embodiment, the expansion control mechanism further includes a cam control knob coupled to the rotatable cam member. The cam control knob is adapted to manually rotate the cam member, such as by including a hinged handle to manually turn the cam control knob. In one embodiment, the cam member (62) is rotatable approximately 180 degrees.
In an alternate embodiment, the cam control knob is elongated and includes opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end of the cam control knob is coupled along a central axis of the cam member. The second end of the cam control knob comprises a handle 61 for manually turning the cam control knob. In one embodiment, the cam control knob handle is hinged to the second end of the cam control knob. Alternatively, the cam control knob handle projects outwardly from the second end in a direction normal is hinged to the plane of the cam control knob.
In one embodiment, the expansion control mechanism further comprises a pair of opposing cam blocks spaced apart about the circumference of the cam member, the cam member includes a tab that projects outward and extends a distance sufficient to contact the cam blocks, thereby prohibiting further rotation of the cam member. Preferably, the opposing cam blocks are spaced approximately 180 degrees apart.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the item of luggage includes an adjustable interior volume comprising a main body having a bottom floor, a plurality of opposing sidewalls, a first frame and a second frame. An expandable member having an adjustable height comprises a plurality of opposing sidewalls, an expandable member support frame and a zipperless expandable gusset, wherein the gusset is located between and expandably connected to the main body and the expandable support frame. Optionally, an access panel is joined to the expandable member.
In one embodiment a locking expansion means connects the main body to the expandable member, and comprises at least one first fixed plate and at least one second slidable expansion plate slidably coupled together. Each first fixed plate is fixedly mounted to the main body and includes a plurality of locking apertures. Each second plate is fixedly mounted to the expandable member support frame and including an expansion control mechanism for controlling displacement of the second slidable expansion plate with respect to its corresponding first fixed plate.
Each expansion control mechanism comprises an actuator that is mounted to the second slidable expansion plate proximate the expandable member support frame. The expansion control mechanism controls expansion and retraction of the second slidable expansion plate and gusset. At least one crank has a first end and an opposing second end, where the crank is positioned in a first direction along the second slidable expansion plate. The first end of the crank is positioned proximate the actuator, and the at least one crank is rotatable upon engagement with the actuator. At least one locking element is respectively associated with the at least one crank. Each locking element has a first end and an opposing second end, and is positioned in a second direction along the second slidable expansion plate. Each second end of the locking element engages the second end of a corresponding crank. Engagement between the first end of the at least one locking element with one of the apertures of the first fixed plate is controlled by the actuator with the corresponding crank.
In one embodiment the at least one locking element further comprises a boss extending longitudinally outwards from the first end of the locking element, and an aperture is formed through the second end of the locking element. The aperture is sized to receive the second end of the rotatable crank.
In one embodiment, engagement between the first end of the at least one locking element with one of the apertures of the first fixed plate includes insertion of the boss through the aperture to retain the second slidable expansion plate in a locked position with respect to the first fixed plate. The actuator is manually engaged with the first end of the at least one crank.
Disengagement between the first end of the at least one locking element with one of the apertures of the first fixed plate includes removal of the boss from the aperture of the first fixed plate. In one embodiment, when the actuator disengages the first end of the at least one crank, the second end of the crank rotates in a direction to slidably disengage the boss from the aperture.
In one embodiment, the at least one locking element further comprises a channel that extends longitudinally between the first and second ends. The channel is sized to receive a biasing spring. In one embodiment, the biasing spring is compressed upon rotation of the crank and expanded upon release of the actuator.
In one embodiment, the second direction of the locking element is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first direction of the at least one crank. In one embodiment, the at least one crank includes a pair of cranks, and the at least one locking element includes a pair of locking elements.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of an item of luggage fully expanded according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the item of luggage in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A-3C depict cutaway views of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the locking expansion mechanism in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5A is an interior plan view of the item of luggage and releasable locking expansion mechanism in the fully retracted state;
FIG. 5B is an exterior plan view of the item of luggage and releasable locking expansion mechanism in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6 is an interior plan view of the item of luggage and releasable locking expansion mechanism in FIG. 5A in an intermediate position between the fully extended and retracted positions;
FIG. 7A is an interior plan view of the item of luggage and releasable locking expansion mechanism in FIG. 5A in the fully extended position;
FIG. 7B is an exterior plan view of the item of luggage and releasable locking expansion mechanism in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 7C is an interior perspective view of the item of luggage and releasable locking mechanism plates shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8 is an interior perspective view of a multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 is an exterior plan view of the embodiment of an expansion control mechanism shown in FIG. 8, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 8, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 8, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 8, taken in an expanded state;
FIG. 13 is an exterior plan view of the expansion control mechanism of FIG. 12, taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 12, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 12, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 12, shown in a retracted state;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism of FIG. 12, shown in an expanded state;
FIG. 18 is an interior perspective view of another embodiment of an expansion control mechanism of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is an exterior plan view of the expansion control mechanism of FIG. 18, taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the expansion control mechanism of FIG. 18, taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is an interior perspective view of a multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism shown in FIG. 21, taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the expansion control mechanism of FIG. 21, taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 21;
FIGS. 24-27 depict exterior partial cutaway perspective views of the expansion control mechanism suitable for use with the embodiment of FIG. 21;
FIGS. 28-32 depict exterior partial cutaway perspective views of another embodiment of the expansion control mechanism suitable for use with the embodiment of FIG. 8; and
FIGS. 33-37 depict exterior partial cutaway perspective views of another embodiment of the expansion control mechanism suitable for use with the embodiment of FIG. 18.
To facilitate understanding of the invention, the same reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the drawings shown and discussed in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1-37. An exemplary embodiment of an item of luggage, suitcase, bag or the like of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and is designated generally throughout by reference numeral 10.
Referring to FIGS. 1-7, there is depicted an item of luggage 10 including a multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 for supporting the expansion and retraction of an expandable zipperless portion or gusset 54 in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, item of luggage 10 includes a cover or skin 80 made of a suitable material such as ballistic nylon, a main body 14, and as shown in FIG. 2, an expandable body portion 50, and an access panel 24. The access panel 24 is preferably attached to the main body 14 by a zipper 38 as shown in FIG. 1 and a hinged element 36 as shown in FIG. 2. Main body 14 is supported by bottom wall 16, lower (first) support frame element 26, upper (second) support frame 28, and opposed outer side walls (18a,18b,18c,18d) as shown in FIG. 1. Expandable member 50 includes an expandable member support frame 52, a pair of opposing sidewalls, and an expandable zipperless gusset 54. Gusset 54 is intermediately located between and coupled to upper support frame 28 and expandable member support frame 52.
Multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism 100, best depicted in FIGS. 1, 3A-7C, and 21-23, preferably includes, a locking element 110, an expansion control mechanism 120, a substantially rectangular first stationary (fixed) expansion plate 40, a substantially rectangular second slidable expansion plate 60, a cover panel 75 (FIG. 4) that is removably attached to the second slidable expansion plate 60, and at least one spring-biased rotatable crank 130. The first stationary expansion plate 40 is attached by appropriate fasteners 78 (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets) passing through reinforced openings 55 to upper 28 and lower 26 support frame members of main body 14, and second slidable expansion plate 60 is attached by appropriate fasteners 78 (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets) to expandable body support frame 52, as shown in FIG. 5A.
As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and 4, first stationary expansion plate 40 preferably includes a pair of parallel spaced apart locking lugs 42 slidably coupled to a pair of corresponding parallel spaced apart elongated lug receiving slots 68 positioned between legs 30 located on the second slidable expansion plate 60. The expansion plates (40, 60) are slidably formed and lockable by positioning locking element 110 in any pair of opposing locking apertures 45 formed in the first stationary expansion plate 40 in order to permit expansion and retraction of zipperless gusset 54 by adjustments in the height of expandable body 50.
More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 3A, opposing locking elements 110 are slidably seated in corresponding channels 133 formed proximate the lower portion of the second slidable expansion plate 60. Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the locking elements 110 include ends 116 that are engaged by the spring-biased rotating crank (130) activated mechanism, and opposing ends 114 that are capable of engaging lower and upper locking aperture pairs 45 located along opposing lateral edges 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40, to thereby provide at least two locking positions for the second slidable expansion plate 60 with respect to first stationary expansion plate 40. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that additional opposing pairs of apertures 45 can be provided along the lateral edges 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40 to provide intermediary or additional locking positions.
Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment each locking element 110 is elongated in shape and has a first end 114, a second opposing end 116, and a channel 118 formed therebetween each opposing end. Each locking element channel 118 is sized to receive a biasing spring 112, which can be compressed and expanded during operation to enable the expansion and retraction of the second slidable expansion plate 60 and the gusset 54. The first end 114 includes an outwardly extending projection or boss 119 formed along the longitudinal axis of the locking element 110. The boss 119 is sized to be inserted into and retracted from the locking aperture 45. The second end 116 includes an aperture 117 that is sized to receive a corresponding lower end 134 of a spring-biased rotatable crank or rod 130.
Referring to FIGS. 3A and 21, the opposing locking elements 110 are illustratively shown inserted in corresponding horizontal channels 133 along the lower portion of the second slidable expansion plate 60. The locking elements 110 extend inward a distance from the lateral edges 43 and towards the center of the second slidable expansion plate 60.
Each spring-biased rotatable crank 130 extends proximately from the lower edge of the second slidable expansion plate 60 to the expansion control mechanism 120. That is, the cranks 130 extend substantially the height of the second slidable expansion plate 60 and are positioned substantially perpendicular to the locking elements 110. Each crank 130 includes a shaft 135 having a lower end 134 and an upper end 136. Each lower end 134 is bent approximately 90 degrees and is inserted into the aperture 117 of the locking element 110 to enable the movement of the locking element 110.
Referring to FIG. 4, the upper ends 136 of the cranks 130 are offset from the lower ends 134. In one embodiment, each upper end 136 includes a first bend 138 and a second bend 139 which collectively create the offset. The first bend 138 is directed outwards approximately 90 degrees and extends a distance (e.g., 1/4 to 3/4 inches) substantially perpendicular to the shaft 135, while the second bend 139 is directed upwards approximately 90 degrees to extend the upper end 136 substantially parallel to the shaft 135 for engagement with the expansion control 120.
In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and 4, the expansion control mechanism 120 includes an actuator 88, such as a push-button 88 activating mechanism (FIG. 5A), which rotates both cranks 130 to thereby disengage the locking elements 110 from the paired opposing apertures 45. In one embodiment, the expansion control mechanism 120 includes push-button 88 that can slide inwards and outwards along opposing guide pins 122 and guide tracks 124 (FIG. 3A) in a direction normal to the exterior surface of the second slidable expansion plate 60. The push-button 88 can be manually moved inwards by a user to engage the spring-like upper ends 136 of the cranks 130, which then rotate to cause the pair of locking elements 110 to disengage from the opposing pair of apertures 45 formed in the lateral edges 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40, as discussed above. When the locking elements 110 are in the “unlocked” position (i.e., disengaged from the apertures 45), the user can pull (or push) the second slidable expansion plate 60 to an expanded (or retracted) state, such that the elongated receiving slots 68 of the second slidable expansion plate 60 slide around and are guided by the locking lugs 42 of the first stationary expansion plate 40. Thus, the locking lugs 42 serve as guide pins when the second slidable expansion plate 60 is slidably moved with respect to the first stationary expansion plate 40.
The user can return the push-button 88 to its normal outward position by releasing the push-button 88. Upon release, the spring-like upper ends 136 of the crank 130 exert an outward force to move (push) the button 88 along the opposing guide pins 122 and guide tracks 124 in the reverse direction.
Referring to FIG. 22, in an alternative embodiment, the push-button actuator 88 is arranged to pivot about a pair of opposing fasteners or bosses 89. In this manner, the entire push button 88 does not slide inward and outwards, as the embodiment discussed with respect to FIG. 4. Rather, the push-button 88 pivots around pivot points 89, such that the lower interior portion 90 of the push-button comes into contact with the upper ends 136 of the cranks 130 to cause them to rotate and engage the locking elements 110, as discussed above.
FIGS. 24-27 depict exterior cutaway perspective views of another embodiment of the expansion control mechanism 120 suitable for use with the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 22. Referring to FIG. 24, the second slidable expansion plate 60 and gusset 54 are in a retracted state. In an alternative embodiment of the actuator 88 discussed in FIG. 4, the expansion control mechanism 120 is rectangular in shape and includes a latch handle 87, which can be manually pulled outward in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the second slidable expansion plate 60, as shown in FIG. 25. The locking elements 110 are inserted through the lower apertures 45 of the first stationary expansion plate, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
Referring to FIG. 25, the lower portion of the latch handle 87 is pulled outward, such that the upper portion of the latch handle 87 moves inward and contacts the upper ends 136 of the cranks 130. The upper portion of the latch handle 87 provides an external force that causes the upper ends 136 and lower ends 134 of the cranks 130 to rotate, thereby pulling the locking elements 110 in an inward direction, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3C. Once the locking element bosses 119 (FIG. 4) are pulled out of the apertures 45, the second slidable expansion plate 60 can be extended (e.g., pulled upwards) in relation to the first stationary expansion plate 40 as shown by the upward directional arrows in FIG. 26.
Referring to FIG. 27, the latch handle 87 is shown in its normal released position, which allows the cranks 130 to rotate back to their normal position. Referring to FIG. 3B, the biasing springs 112 then expand in the locking element channels 118 to drive the bosses 119 into the upper apertures 45 of the first stationary plate 40, to thereby lock the second slidable expansion plate 60 in the expanded position. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other expansion control mechanism 120 can be utilized to force the cranks 130 to rotate to cause the locking elements 110 to engage or disengage with the apertures 45.
Referring to FIG. 3A, in any embodiment, the inward movement of the push-button 88 (or latch handle 87 of FIGS. 24-27) causes at least a portion of the interior surface 126 of the push-button 88 to contact the upper ends 136 of the crank. The offset, as illustratively shown in FIGS. 4 and 23, causes the lower ends 134 of the cranks 130 to rotate. The rotation of the lower ends 134 pulls the locking elements 110 inwards which compresses the biasing springs 112. Referring to FIG. 3C, the bosses 119 are withdrawn from the apertures 45 formed in the lateral edge 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40. At this time, the user can then pull or push on the plate handle 72 to slide the second slidable plate with respect to the first stationary plate, and thereby extend or retract the gusset 54.
When the user releases the actuator push-button 88 (or latch handle 87), the cranks 130 rotate back in the opposite direction and return the push-button 88 (or latch handle 87) back to its normal position. Referring to FIG. 3B, the locking element 110 is shown positioned in the lower portion of the second slidable expansion plate 60, with the lower ends 134 of the cranks 130 in a normal non-rotated state. The springs 112 have expanded to their normal state and the bosses 119 extend through the apertures 45 in a normal locking position.
In a preferred embodiment, the expansion control mechanism 120 is conveniently located near or on a sliding plate handle or grip 72 situated towards the top region of expandable body 50 to provide for ease of accessibility and operability. The user is thereby able to adjust the interior storage volume of the item of luggage without having to unpack in order to gain access to the expansion control mechanism 120. In a preferred embodiment, the item of luggage comprises a pair of releasable locking expansion mechanisms 100 located on opposing sidewalls.
In another embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 2, an item of luggage 10 further includes gusset retracting means, which in the embodiment shown comprises a web 76 (drawn in phantom) of resilient plastic material or the like attached to the interior side 84 of gusset 54, situated between outer gusset wall and inner adjacent side walls of main body 14 and the expandable body 50. Resilient web 76 extends between the respective opposing peripheral region of upper frame 28 and extendable body frame 52, so that when expanded luggage item 10 is collapsed or retracted, gusset 54 is drawn towards the interior region of the luggage, thereby allowing the opposing frame elements (28, 52) to come into contact with each other, without the user having to manually retract gusset 54 to the desired interior position, and away from interfering with the retraction of luggage 10. The web of resilient plastic material 76 is preferably attached to the interior side 84 of gusset 54 by an appropriate fastening means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, stitching, or the like. Alternatively, the resilient web 76, or individual resilient elements in the form of flexible stays (not shown), can be sewn to the gusset 54, or alternatively, in a sleeve or pockets provided for this purpose Support frame members (26, 28, 52) are preferably made of a substantially rigid material to provide strength and rigidity to top, bottom and side walls of main body 14 and expanding body assembly 50. Support frame members (26, 28, 52) each optionally have the shape of an endless loop-like rectangular member and extend around the outer perimeter of main body 14 and expanding body assembly 50, between an inner lining 22 and outer skin 80.
The first stationary expansion plate 40, cover plate 75, and second slidable expansion plates 60 are each made from any suitable rigid material such as plastic, or from any suitable metal such as steel or aluminum. Fasteners 78 can be of any suitable type such as conventional rivets or screws.
Although luggage 10 has been shown with two releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 on opposing side walls, it should be appreciated that an item of luggage having more or less than two releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 is within the scope of the present invention. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art seen, a variety of alternative embodiments can be provided within the scope of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, a wheeled framework and wheels 48 are preferably mounted on the rear of bottom wall of main body 14 and are each made from any suitable material such as plastic and are secured together by any suitable fastening means such as rivets (not shown). The wheels are preferably made from rubber, plastic or any other suitable material, and are rotatably mounted in spaced apart positions along the rear lower edge of main body 14 for rotation about an axle. In an alternative embodiment, luggage 10 of the present invention can be provided without wheeled framework and wheels 48 so as to be suitable only for carrying by a handle, shoulder strap or both. The framed case can also be other than in the shape of a right parallel piped as depicted in FIGS. 1-7.
A first handle means or strap handle 46 is optionally secured in the middle of top wall to permit carrying of suitcase 10 in an upright position. A second handle means or strap handle 44 is optionally secured in the middle of outside wall (see FIG. 2) to permit carrying of suitcase 10 on its side.
A zipper 38 extends around the edge of access panel 24 and top edge of expandable body 50. Panel 24 preferably pivots at hinged element 36 from a top wall of the expandable body to open and thus permit access to the main storage cavity for the storage and or transport of items, including, but not limited to, clothing and other travel accessories. One or more secondary zippers (not shown) optionally extending across the outside of the access panel 24 can be provided to permit access to front pockets (not shown).
FIG. 8 is an interior perspective view of a multi-positional releasable locking mechanism 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 should be viewed in conjunction with FIGS. 9-20. The multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 includes the first stationary expansion plate 40, the second slidable expansion plate 60, and an expansion control mechanism 120 (FIG. 12). The first stationary expansion plate 40 is coupled to the support frame 28 along the interior of the sidewalls 18 of the luggage 10, while the second slidable expansion plate 60 is attached to the gusset 54, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7.
The second slidable expansion plate 60 slidably interfaces with first stationary expansion plate 40. Specifically, the receiving slots 68 of the second slidable expansion plate 60 interface with the locking lugs 42 of the first stationary expansion plate 40 in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7. The releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 is illustratively shown in an upright position, however, such upright positioning is not considered as being limiting. Rather, the gusset 54 can be expandable and retractable with respect to any of the walls or sides 18 of the luggage 10.
The second slidable expansion plate 60 is expanded and retracted by the expansion control mechanism 120, which is coupled to the first and second expansion plates 40 and 60. The expansion control mechanism 120 includes a cam member 62, a link member 66 and an elongated bar member 70. The cam member 62 is attached to the second slidable expansion plate 60,.while the bar member 70 is slidably attached to the first stationary expansion plate 40. The link member 66 includes a first end that is coupled to the cam member 62, and a second end that is coupled to the bar member 70.
In one embodiment, the cam member 62 is fastened to the second slidable expansion plate 60 by a central boss 63 (e.g., a circular boss shown in FIG. 10) protruding from the cam member 62 in a direction normal to the plane of the cam member 62 and the second slidable expansion plate 60. The second slidable expansion plate 60 includes an orifice 59 (FIG. 14) sized to receive the boss 63 and formed proximate the upper portion of the second slidable expansion plate 60. The central boss 63 enables the cam member 62 to be rotated about the central axis of the boss 63.
Referring to FIG. 9, a cam control knob 64 is attached to the cam boss 63 to allow a user to manually rotate the cam member 62, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The cam control knob 64 can be fixedly attached to the boss 63 by a fastener or by snap-fitting the control knob 64 over the boss 63. In one embodiment, the control knob 64 includes a receptacle 67 (FIG. 10) for receiving the boss 63. Referring to FIG. 10, the cam member 62 is positioned along the interior wall of the second slidable expansion plate 60, while the control knob 64 is positioned adjacent to the cam member 62 along the exterior wall of the second slidable expansion plate 60. Accordingly, the boss 63 extends though orifice 59 formed in the wall of the second slidable expansion plate 60. In one embodiment, the control knob 64 includes a handle 61 that is hinged at one end to the control knob 64. Preferably, the boss 63 and receptacle 67 are keyed to enable the control knob 64 to turn the cam member 62 without slippage. The hinged handle 61 can be pulled outward in a direction normal to the plane of the control knob 64 and cam member 62, and allows a user to grasp the handle to rotate the control knob 64, which in turn, contemporaneously rotates the cam member 62.
In one embodiment, the rotation of the cam member 62 is limited by a tab 77. As illustratively shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tab 77 extends outward along the plane of the cam member 62. A pair of opposing blocks 71 extends outward in a direction normal from the interior wall of the second slidable expansion plate 60. The opposing blocks 71 are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart and along the circumference of the cam member 62, such that the tab 77 will abut the blocks 71 when the user attempts to rotate the cam member 62 greater than 180 degrees. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the 180 degree spacing between the opposing blocks 71 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not considered as limiting.
The link member 66 is coupled at its first end to the cam member 62 via a fastener, such as a link pin 65. In one embodiment, the cam member 62 includes an orifice formed proximate the perimeter of the cam member 62 that is sized to receive the pin 65 to rotatably couple the link member 66 to the cam member 62.
Referring to FIG. 8, the bar member 70 is illustratively elongated in shape, and is positioned along the interior wall of the second slidable expansion plate 60. The bar member 70 has a first end that includes an orifice 82 for receiving a fastener 78p (e.g., rivet) that fixedly secures the lower portion of the second slidable expansion plate 60 to the bar member 70. The opposing second end of the bar member 70 includes a flattened bottom portion 74, the function of which is discussed below in further detail.
The first end of the bar member 70 and the second end of the link member 66 each include an orifice that are axially aligned for receiving a link pivot pin 86 therethrough. That is, the link pivot pin 86 extends through the orifice in the first end of the bar member 70, as well as the orifice in the second end of the link member 66, to permit rotation of the second end of the link member 66 and first end of the bar member 70 with respect to each other.
As illustratively shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, when the gusset 54 is in the retracted state, the bar member 70 is positioned substantially horizontal along the lower portion (e.g., flange or edge) 47 of the first stationary expansion plate 40, such that the first end of the bar member is directed towards the lateral edge 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40. The cam member 62 is positioned a distance from the lateral edge 43 of the second slidable expansion plate 60, and the link member 66 extends between the cam member 62 and bar member 70, such that the link member 66 is at an angle (offset) with respect to the lateral edges 41 and 43 of the first and second plates 40 and 60.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the operation of multi-positional releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 for enabling the expansion and retraction of an expandable zipperless portion or gusset 54 is illustrated. FIG. 16 shows the expansion control mechanism 120 when the gusset 54 is in a retracted or collapsed state, while FIG. 17 shows the expansion control mechanism 120 when the gusset 54 is in an expanded state.
Referring to FIG. 16, the lower portion of the first stationary expansion plate 40 includes a groove 32 having opposing upwardly directed curved ends 34. The bar member 70 is positioned adjacent to the groove 32. A fixedly attached pin 35 projects outward from the second end of the bar member 70 in a direction normal to the sidewall and extends into the adjacent groove 32 of the first stationary expansion plate 40. The groove 32 is sized to receive the pin 35 and functions as a track for guiding the second end of the bar member 70 during expansion and retraction of the second slidable expansion plate 60.
When the gusset 54 is in the retracted state, the tab 77 of the cam member 62 is positioned at point A of FIG. 16 against the one opposing cam blocks, e.g., cam block 711. Further, the pin 35 at the second end of the bar member 70 is positioned proximate the curved end 341 of the groove 32.
Referring to FIG. 16, the cam member 62 is manually rotated, illustratively 180 degrees, by turning the cam control knob 64, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 8-10. As the cam member 62 is rotated, illustratively clockwise between 0 and 90 degrees, the link member 66 pushes downward on the first end of the bar member 70, while the second end of the link member 66 and bar member 70 that are coupled by link pivot pin 86 rotate or pivot about the fastener 78p, which retains the first end of the bar member 70 to the first stationary expansion plate 40. That is, the link pivot pin 86 rotates clockwise about the fastener 78. Further, the second end of the bar member 70 is driven longitudinally in a clockwise direction, such that the pin 35 slides along the upward curved end portion 341 of the groove 32 to Point C in FIG. 16.
Referring to FIG. 17, as the cam member 62 is further rotated from 90 to 180 degrees (e.g., in the upward direction) to the second cam block 712 (labeled Point B), the link member 66 is also rotated and pulls the bar member 70 upward, such that the pin 35 guides the first end of the bar member 70 along the groove 32 towards the curved end portion 342 (labeled Point D), which is formed proximate the lateral edge 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40. As the cam member 66 is rotated, the second slidable expansion plate 60 slides upwards. Further, the bar member 70 continues to slide upward to a substantially vertical position with respect to the lateral edge 41 of the first stationary expansion plate 40.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 15, once the bar member 70 is in a vertical position, the flat portion 74 of the second end of the bar member 70 is seated on the lower edge 47 of the first stationary expansion plate 40. The flat portion 74 is provided to stabilize the bar member 70 in the vertical position, while the second slidable expansion plate 60 and the gusset 54, are fully extended with respect to the first stationary expansion plate 40.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the user can lower the gusset 54 by rotating the cam member 62 in a counter-clockwise direction. Comparing FIG. 13 to FIG. 9, the cam control knob 64 is shown rotated by 180 degrees. The rotated cam member 62 causes the link member 66 to move in a downward direction, which causes the link pivot pin 86 rotate counter-clockwise about fastener 78p. As the pin 86 rotates about the fastener 78p, the second end of the bar member 70 is guided downwards via the pin 35 along the curved groove portion 342 and groove 32, thereby retracting the second slidable expansion plate 60, illustratively, in a downward direction. Once the cam member 62 has been rotated counter-clockwise 180 degrees, the bar member 70 comes to rest in the substantially horizontal position as shown in FIG. 16.
FIGS. 28-32 depict exterior cutaway perspective views of another embodiment of the expansion control mechanism 120 suitable for use with the embodiment of FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 28, the gusset 54 is shown in a retracted state. The control expansion mechanism 120 is circular in shape and includes a hinged control knob handle 61, which can be manually pulled outward in a direction substantially normal to the cam control knob 64, as shown in FIG. 29.
Referring to FIG. 30, the cam control knob 64 and cam member 62 are rotated by the knob handle 61 (e.g., semicircular handle 61), which rotates the link member 66 and bar member 70 in a manner discussed above with respect to FIGS. 8-17. As the cam control knob 64 is turned, the second slidable expansion plate 60 becomes partially extended with respect to the first stationary expansion plate 40. Referring to FIG. 31, the control knob 64 is completely rotated (e.g., 180 degrees), such that the second slidable expansion plate 60 is completely extended. In FIG. 32, the knob handle 61 is pushed inwards to its normal position, that is, flush with the exterior surface of the control knob 64. The second slidable expansion plate 60 and gusset 54 are retracted in a similar manner by turning the cam control knob 64 in the opposite direction.
FIGS. 18 through 20 depict another embodiment of an expansion control mechanism 120 suitable for use with the releasable locking expansion mechanism 100 of FIG. 8. The expansion control mechanism 120 of FIGS. 18-20 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-14, except that the cam control knob 64 is elongated, and the cam control knob handle 61 is not hinged to the cam control knob 64. Rather, the cam control knob 64 is attached along its interior surface to the boss 63 proximate a first end, while the knob handle 61 is attached to the exterior surface proximate the opposing second end of the knob 64.
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a user can grasp the handle 61 to rotate the second end of the elongated control knob 64 about the central axis of the boss 63. In one embodiment, a cutout or slot 58 is formed along the exterior surface of the second slidable expansion plate 60 to allow the control knob 64 to be positioned flush with the exterior surface of the second slidable expansion plate 60.
Referring to FIG. 20, a pair of opposing orifices or recesses 57 are formed 180 degrees apart from each other on opposite sides of the boss 63 of the cam member 62. Additionally, the control knob 64 includes a boss 56 formed on the interior surface of the control knob 64. The control knob boss 56 is aligned to slidably engage one of the recesses 57, thereby locking the control knob 64 in position when the second slidable expansion plate 60 is in the expanded state or the collapsed state. As illustratively shown in FIGS. 18-20, the control knob 64 is positioned such that the second slidable expansion plate 60 is in its retracted state. When the control knob 64 is rotated 180 degrees, as shown in phantom in FIGS. 19 and 20, the second slidable expansion plate 60 is in its expanded state.
FIGS. 33-37 depict exterior cutaway perspective views of another embodiment of the expansion control mechanism 120 suitable for use with the embodiment of FIG. 18. Referring to FIG. 33, the gusset 54 is in a retracted state. The control expansion mechanism 120 includes a substantially rectangular shaped hinged control knob handle 61 that can be manually pulled outward in a direction substantially normal to the cam control knob 64, as shown in FIG. 34.
Referring to FIG. 35, a user can rotate the cam control knob 64 by grasping the knob handle 61. Rotating the cam member 62 pushes the link member 66 and bar member 70 in a manner discussed above with respect to FIGS. 18-20. As the cam control knob 64 is turned, the second slidable expansion plate 60 is partially extended from the first stationary expansion plate 40. Referring to FIG. 36, the control knob 64 is completely rotated (e.g., 180 degrees), such that the second expansion plate 60 is completely extended. In FIG. 37, the knob handle 61 is returned to its normal position, that is, flush with the exterior surface of the control knob 64. One skilled in the art will recognize that the cam control knob 64 is rotated in the opposite direction to retract the second slidable expansion plate 60 and gusset 54.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20070158157
