This disclosure relates to luggage and luggage systems.
Suitcases may be used for transporting clothing, footwear, and other materials or items. However, the demands of travel can sometimes cause damage to the suitcase of damage to their contents. Either traveling by airplane or traveling by automobile, a durable and waterproof suitcase may be needed to protect the contents within a suitcase. For ease of movement, a trolley handle gives a user a simple means to pull or push a wheeled suitcase.
Aspects of this disclosure may relate to a suitcase having a base including: a first shell structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first shell structure has a first end and a second end opposite the first side and where the first side has a first outward facing surface and a second outward facing surface. The second outward facing surface may be offset a first fixed distance from the first outward facing surface. The first shell structure may have a bottom portion connected to a first end of the first shell structure and configured to support the suitcase on a surface. A first interior void may be defined by the first shell structure and the bottom portion, and a lower latch recess may be located in the second outward facing surface, where the lower latch recess includes a rear surface, a lower surface, and a pair of side surfaces. The suitcase may also include a lid rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes: a second shell structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, where the second shell structure includes a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The third side may have a third outward facing surface and a fourth outward facing surface, where the fourth outward facing surface may be offset a second fixed distance from the third outward facing surface. The second shell structure may also include a top portion connected to a third end of the second shell structure. A second interior void may be defined by the second shell structure and the top portion; and an upper latch recess located in the second outward facing surface. A latch assembly may be located within the lower latch recess and the upper latch recess, where the lower latch recess and the upper latch recess have a depth that is greater than a thickness of the latch assembly. Additionally, when the suitcase is in a closed configuration, a perimeter of the latch assembly is located within a combined perimeter of the upper latch recess and lower latch recess. The lid may be free of openings that extend through the first outward facing surface into the second interior void. The second outward facing surface may extend along an entire perimeter of the base. The fourth outward facing surface may also extend along an entire perimeter of the lid. The lid is rotatably connected to the base by at least one hinge. A portion of the at least one hinge may be located in an upper hinge recess and a lower hinge recess, where the lower hinge recess is located in the second outward facing surface and the upper hinge recess is located in the fourth outward facing surface.
Still other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a suitcase with a lid connected to a base by at least one hinge, where the at least one hinge comprises at least two linkages, and when the suitcase is in an open configuration, the at least one hinge defines a rotational axis and the rotational axis is located outside of a rear edge of the base and a rear edge of the lid. The base may include a pair of wheel assemblies, where each wheel assembly is attached into a wheel recess formed in the base, and where each wheel assembly includes a wheel housing and a wheel. Each housing may include an outward facing flange surface that is spaced outward a fixed distance from adjacent surfaces of the base around the wheel recess. The bottom portion of the base may also include a tapered region located between the pair of wheel assemblies, where the tapered region forms an angle within a range of 1 degree and 30 degrees when measured from a central portion of the bottom portion to a lower surface of the tapered region. The base may include a second end surface along the second end of the first shell structure, and the lid includes a fourth end surface along the fourth end of the second shell structure, and when the suitcase is in a closed configuration, the second end surface and the fourth end surface are spaced apart from each other. The second end surface may include a sealing rib that protrudes from the second end surface and the fourth end surface may include a channel that receives a gasket, and when the suitcase is in the closed configuration, the rib engages the gasket. The base may include a plurality of ribs that extend from a surface underneath the lower latch recess to an interior surface of the bottom portion, where each rib of the plurality of ribs is spaced apart from each other by a distance within a range of 8 to 10 times a thickness of each rib. A first volume of the first interior void may be within 10 percent of a second volume to the second interior void. Still additional aspects of this disclosure may relate to a suitcase having a base including: a first shell structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the shell structure has a first end and a second end opposite the first end and where the first side has a first outward facing surface and a second outward facing surface. The second outward facing surface may be offset a first fixed distance from the first outward facing surface. The first shell structure may also include a bottom portion connected to a first end of the first shell structure. A first interior void may be defined by the first shell structure and the bottom portion; and a lower hinge recess may be located in the second outward facing surface. A lid may be rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes: a second shell structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the shell structure having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The third side may have a third outward facing surface and a fourth outward facing surface, where the fourth outward facing surface is offset a second fixed distance from the third outward facing surface. The second shell structure may have a top portion connected to the third end of the shell structure; and a second interior void may be defined by the second shell structure and the top portion. A hinge assembly may be at least partially received within the lower hinge recess, where the lid is rotatably connected to the base by the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may include at least two linkages. When the suitcase is in an open configuration, the at least one hinge assembly may define a hinge axis where the hinge axis is located outside of a rear edge of the base and a rear edge of the lid. The hinge assembly may be at least partially received in an upper hinge recess, where the upper hinge recess is located within the fourth outward facing surface. In some examples, the hinge assembly includes three hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly may include a base hinge insert and a lid hinge insert, where the base hinge insert and the lid hinge insert both include a cavity that at least partially receives the at least two linkages. The recess of the base hinge insert has a depth that is greater than a thickness of the at least two hinges. The at least two linkages may include a first linkage and a second linkage, where the first linkage includes a first linkage opening and a second linkage pin. For example, a first linkage pin may extend through the first linkage opening and into the base hinge insert, and where a second linkage pin extends through the second linkage opening and into the lid hinge insert.
Yet additional aspects of this disclosure may relate to a method for forming a suitcase, including: (a) molding a base shell, where the base shell has a plurality of lower latch recesses, a plurality of lower hinge recesses, a base shell structure, and a base interior void; (b) molding a lid shell, where the lid shell has a plurality of upper latch recesses and a plurality of upper hinge recesses, an lid shell structure, and a lid interior void; (c) placing the base shell and the lid shell adjacent each other, wherein the base interior void and the lid interior void are both facing the same direction and wherein the lower hinge recess and the upper hinge recess are facing towards each other; (d) placing a first portion of the hinge assembly into the lower hinge recess; (e) placing a second portion of the hinge assembly into the upper hinge recess; (f) securing the first portion of the hinge assembly to the base using a first mechanical fastener; (g) securing the second portion of the hinge assembly to the lid using a second mechanical fastener; (h) placing a latch assembly into the upper latch recess; and (i) securing the latch assembly to the lid using a third mechanical fastener, where the first mechanical fastener, the second mechanical fastener, and the third mechanical fastener are all oriented generally parallel to each other. The first mechanical fastener may be oriented generally parallel to the third side of the lid shell. The method may also include attaching the wheel assembly into a wheel recess on the base shell using a fourth mechanical fastener, where the fourth mechanical fastener is oriented generally parallel to the first mechanical fastener. In addition, the method may include attaching the portion of the latch assembly to a lid latch mount prior to placing the portion of the latch assembly into the upper latch recess, where the lid latch mount includes a body member and a flange, where the flange extends on outward from the body member and wherein the body member of the lid latch mount is received within the upper latch recess. The method may also include securing the lid latch mount to the lid shell with the third mechanical fastener that extends through an opening in the flange and into a thickened portion of the lid shell.
Other aspects of this disclosure may relate to a suitcase that has a base that includes a first shell structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first shell structure having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A bottom portion may be connected to the first end of the first shell structure and configured to support the suitcase on a surface. A first interior void may be defined by the first shell structure and the bottom portion, and a lower latch recess may be located within the second outward facing surface, where the lower latch recess has a rear surface, a lower surface, and a pair of side surfaces. A lid may be rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes a second shell structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side. The second shell structure may also have a third end and a fourth end, where a top portion is connected a top portion connected to the third end of the second shell structure; and a second interior void defined by the second shell structure and the top portion. An interior liner may be releasably secured to either the base shell within the first interior void or the lid within the second interior void, where the interior liner includes at least one storage cavity recessed from an upper surface of the liner and includes a liner attachment assembly that releasably engages a base attachment member. The liner attachment assembly may be permanently attached to the interior liner, and the base attachment member may be permanently attached to an interior surface of the suitcase. The liner attachment assembly may include a grip member that is rotated a predetermined amount to move the liner attachment assembly from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the liner attachment assembly is in the unlocked position, the liner is secured to the suitcase and when the liner attachment assembly is in the unlocked position, the liner is allowed to be removed from the suitcase.
Additional aspects may relate to a liner that is releasably secured to a suitcase by a liner attachment assembly, where the liner attachment assembly may include a tail member, a flange member, and the grip member, where the tail member includes a tail body member with a locking projection extending outwardly from the tail body member. The tail body member may have a generally cylindrical shape. In some examples, the locking projection may comprise two locking projections that are arranged opposite each other and where each locking projection may include at least one tapered surface. The flange member may include a flange opening that receives a portion of the tail member, and where the grip member may attach to the portion of the tail member that extends into the flange opening. The liner attachment assembly may be moved to the locked position from the unlocked position by rotating the grip member approximately 90 degrees in a first direction, and the liner attachment assembly is moved to the unlocked position from the locked position by rotating the grip member approximately 90 degrees in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. The base attachment member may include a first wall and a second wall where each wall extends away from the interior surface of the base with a first end at the interior surface and a second end opposite the first end. The first wall may include a first base locking projection located at the second end that extends toward the second wall and the second wall may include a second base locking projection located at the second end that extends toward the first wall. When the liner attachment assembly is in the locked position, the locking projection of the liner attachment assembly is at least partially positioned underneath the first base locking projection or the second base locking projection.
Another aspect of this disclosure may relate to a suitcase including a first shell structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first shell structure has a first end and a second end opposite the first end and where the first shell structure has a first outward facing surface and a second outward facing surface. The second outward facing surface may be offset a first fixed distance from the first outward facing surface. The first shell structure may also include a bottom portion connected to a first end of the first shell structure. A first interior void may be defined by the first shell structure and the bottom portion; and a lower hinge recess may be located in the second outward facing surface. A lid may be rotatably connected to the base, where the lid includes: a second shell structure having a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the shell structure having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The second shell structure may have a third outward facing surface and a fourth outward facing surface, where the fourth outward facing surface is offset a second fixed distance from the third outward facing surface. The second shell structure may have a top portion connected to a third end of the shell structure, and a second interior void may be defined by the second shell structure and the top portion. The suitcase may include an extendable trolley handle, where the trolley handle includes: (a) a pair of nested extrusion assemblies, where each extrusion assembly includes a major extrusion and a minor extrusion, and where the minor extrusion is nested within a central opening of the major extrusion, and slidably engaged with the major extrusion; and (b) a grip connected to the minor extrusion of each of the pair of extrusion assemblies, where the grip includes a release button. The grip may include a release button that when pressed actuates a rack and pinion gear assembly located within the grip to allow the trolley handle to extend. The rack and pinion gear assembly may include a pair of rack gear members, where each rack gear member includes an engaging member that contacts a portion of the release button, a rack gear portion. Each rack gear portion may engage a pinion gear to equalize movement of the rack gear members and where the engaging member has a first angled surface that engages the release button, where the first angled surface includes a compound angle relative to an upper surface of the base member. Each rack gear member may also include a transmitting member at an end opposite the rack gear member, where the transmitting member has a second angled surface that contacts a third angled surface on an activating member, where the activating member disengages a locking mechanism for the trolley handle assembly.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.
In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.
“Generally parallel,” as the term is used herein, means that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this instance, within 5%) equidistant from with another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., over at least 50% of the length of the first line, segment, or edge, or over at least 50% of the area of the plane or surface, etc. In some examples, lines, segments, or edges may be considered “generally parallel” if one such a line, segment, or edge is approximately equidistant (±5%) to another respective line, segment, or edge over at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of a length of either of the lines, segments, or edges being considered. Additionally, planes or surfaces may be considered “generally parallel” if one plane or surface is approximately equidistant (±5%) to another respective plane or surface over at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of a surface area of either of the planes or surfaces being considered.
“Generally perpendicular,” as the term is used herein, means that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (in this instance, within 5%) orthogonal from with another line, plane, edge, surface, etc., over at least 50% of the length of the first line, segment, or edge, or over at least 50% of the area of the plane or surface, etc. In some examples, lines, segments, or edges may be considered “generally perpendicular” if one such a line, segment, or edge is approximately orthogonal (±5%) to another respective line, segment, or edge over at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of a length of either of the lines, segments, or edges being considered. Additionally, planes or surfaces may be considered “generally perpendicular” if one plane or surface is approximately orthogonal (±5%) to another respective plane or surface over at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of a surface area of either of the planes or surfaces being considered.
In general, aspects of this invention relate to suitcases, or containers, and aspects of the suitcase such as latching assemblies, wheel assemblies, and other sub-assemblies. According to various aspects and embodiments, the suitcases and latching assemblies described herein may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, such as metals (including metal alloys), polymers, and composites, and may be formed in one of a variety of configurations, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the suitcases may contain components made of several different materials. Additionally, the components may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components, may be formed by forging, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. Additionally, the polymer components may be formed or manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.
The various figures in this application illustrate examples of suitcases according to this disclosure. When the same reference number appears in more than one drawing, that reference number is used consistently in this specification and the drawings refer to the same or similar parts throughout. The suitcase may be configured to contain, store, carry, etc., items including but not limited to, clothing, footwear, electronics, or any other items. Additionally or alternatively, the suitcase may be configured to store fragile materials without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein.
The suitcase 100 may also include a tow pull or extendable trolley handle assembly 400, a plurality of handles 160, a plurality of wheels 168 located on a bottom of the suitcase 100, a plurality of latch assemblies 180, and a pair of retractable padlock loops 178, 179 to allow a padlock to be installed to secure the suitcase 100 during travel. In addition, suitcase 100 may be configured to be water resistant, or waterproof, or not allow substantially any water or moisture to enter the interior of the suitcase 100. As another feature, the exterior of the suitcase 100 may have a contoured shape that may include a plurality of recesses to accommodate the latch assemblies 180, hinges 106, a trolley handle assembly 400, and wheels 168 to minimize their profile and exposure to possible damage from collisions with other objects during travel.
The base 102 may include a lower shell structure 108 having a first side 110, a second side 112 opposite the first side 110, a third side 114 extending between an edge of the first side 110 and an edge of the second side 112, and a fourth side 116 opposite the third side 114. The lower shell 108 may also have a first end 118 and a second end 120 near the opening for the interior void 103 of the base 102. The lower shell 108 may also include a bottom portion 122 connected to a first end 118 of the lower shell structure 108 and configured to support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the ground, or the like. Similarly, the lid 104 may include a upper shell structure 124 having a first side 126, a second side 128 opposite the first side 126, a third side 130 extending between an edge of the first side 126 and an edge of the second side 128, and a fourth side 132 opposite the third side 130. The upper shell structure 124 may also have a first end 134 and a second end 136 near the opening for the interior void 105 of the lid 104. The upper shell structure 124 may also include a top portion 138 connected to a first end 134 of the upper shell structure 124 and configured to support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the ground, or the like.
In some examples, both the upper shell 124 and the lower shell 108 may each be formed as a unitary, or single, member such that each shell is seamless. Additionally, the upper shell 124 and the lower shell 108 may be free of any apertures or openings that pierce or extend from an exterior surface into the respective interior voids 103, 105 of the base 102 and lid 104. By having shells 108, 124 that are free of openings extending from the exterior to the interior, the suitcase 100 may advantageously prevent any moisture or water from entering the interior of the suitcase 100. The shells 108, 124 may generally have a thickness within a range of 2 mm and 4 mm, or within 1.5 mm and 6 mm. The shells 108, 124 may also include varying wall thicknesses in localized regions. For example, some areas may be thicker than other regions of the shells 108, 124 to provide attachment locations for the various components. These thicker regions may be arranged to receive mechanical fasteners or other connecting members. As another feature, the shells 108, 124 may include ribs, or rubrails, 109, which may be arranged along an outer or inner surface of the lower shell 108 and the upper shell 124 to increase the stiffness and strength of the shells and also provide extra protection for the shells 108, 124. For example, the ribs 109 may be oriented along the length of the top portion 138 of the upper shell 124 and along the bottom portion 122 of the lower shell 108. In some embodiments, the ribs 109 may be evenly spaced from the first and second sides 126, 128 of the upper shell 124 and may be arranged in pairs of ribs 109.
As discussed above, the upper shell 124 and the lower shell 108 may form the majority of the exterior of the suitcase 100 and each may have a contoured shape that includes a primary surface, a raised surface, and a plurality of recesses, where the recesses may protect the components from collisions or damage. For example, the upper shell 124 may include a raised protruded surface 140 that extends near and/or along the second end 120 around the perimeter of the upper shell 124. The raised surface 140 may be offset a fixed distance from a primary surface 142 of the upper shell. A plurality of upper latch recesses 144 may be at least partially formed within the raised surface 140. Each upper latch recess 144 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180 to provide protection from the latch assemblies 180. The upper latch recesses 144 may have a substantially rectangular shape, or alternatively a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. Each latch recess 144 may have receiving features to secure a latch assembly 180 within the recess 144. The receiving features may comprise a pocket on either side of the recess 144 to receive a pin or other mounting hardware for the latch assemblies 180.
Similar to the upper shell 124, the lower shell 108 may include a primary surface 146, a raised protruded surface 148 that extends near and/or along the second end 136 around the perimeter of the lower shell 108. The raised surface 148 may be offset a fixed distance from a primary surface 146 of the upper shell. A plurality of lower latch recesses 150 may be at least partially formed within the raised surface 148. Each lower latch recess 150 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180. The lower latch recesses 150 may have a depth that is generally the same as the depth of the upper latch recess 144. The latch recesses 150 may include a latch keeper 182 that extends across the recess 150 and provides an engaging surface for the latch assembly 180 to secure the lower shell 108 to the upper shell 124. Each recess 150 may have a substantially rectangular shape, or alternatively a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. The shape and size of the recesses 144, 150 may be mirror images of each other to and may be aligned to form a larger recess to receive the entire latch assembly 180.
The trolley handle assembly 400 may be attached to the lower shell 108 along the exterior of the bottom portion 122. The trolley handle assembly 400 may be formed as a separate member and attached to the lower shell 108. The lower shell 108 may have a tow pull recess or trolley handle recess 154 that is offset from the primary surface 146 on the bottom portion 122 of the lower shell 108. The tow pull recess 154 may be substantially U-shaped as shown in
Additionally, to allow the user to easily pull the suitcase 100, the bottom of the suitcase may include a plurality of wheel assemblies 164 positioned on the rear and bottom of the suitcase 100. Each wheel assembly 164 may be formed as a separate member, as shown in
In some embodiments, the bottom (corresponding to the fourth side 132 of the upper shell 124) of the suitcase 100 may also and/or alternatively include one or more feet 172A which may support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the ground, or the like. The feet 172 may be attached may be attached to the upper shell 124 and may be located opposite the wheel assemblies 164 to give a proper balance as shown in
Each of the feet 172 may be received in a foot recess 174 that may be formed within the raised surface 148 of the upper shell 124. The foot 172 may have a substantially elliptical shape, a square shape, or any shape. In addition, each foot 172 may extend an amount equal to the distance each wheel 168 extends beyond the suitcase. Thus, the top of the suitcase 100 may be approximately level when sitting on the ground. As another option, one or more feet 172B may also be located along the second side 112, 128 of the shells 108, 124 such that the feet 172B are positioned opposite each other on both the upper shell 124 and the lower shell 108. As shown in
Still another feature of the suitcase 100 is an identification tag holder 250 to help a user easily identify the suitcase 100 as illustrated in
To help improve the security of the suitcase 100, the suitcase 100 may include a pair of padlock loops 178, 179 to receive a padlock (not shown) to prevent any unauthorized opening of the suitcase 100. A first padlock loop 178 may be connected to the upper shell 124 and a second padlock loop 179 may be connected to the lower shell 108 such that the first padlock loop 178 is aligned with the second padlock loop 179 to allow a padlock to be inserted into the opening of each padlock loop 178, 179. Each padlock loop 178, 179 may be retractable where they can rotate into slots on the respective shells 124, 108 to store and protect the loops 178, 179 when they are not in use.
The suitcase 100 including the upper and lower shells 124, 108 may be formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the upper and lower shells 124, 108 may be formed of a polymer material, such as a polycarbonate alloy, a thermoplastic olefin (TPO), or other similar material, that is molded to form both the shells 108, 124. In some arrangements, the shells 108, 124 are formed using injection molding or roto-molding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). However, various other types of molding or other manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, and the like) may be used to form the suitcase 100 without departing from the invention.
As discussed above, the base 102 and the lid 104 may be rotatably coupled to each other. The hinges 106 may be one of various types of hinges, including a continuous piano hinge, double hinge, ball joint hinge, living hinge, and the like double hinges to allow the base 102 and the lid 104 to rotate away from each other up to at least 180 degrees in a fully opened position as shown in
Additionally, as shown in
In addition, in some arrangements, the suitcase 100 may include a gasket 176 or other sealing device. The gasket 176 may be arranged in either the lid 104 or the base 102 and may aid in sealing the lid 104 and base 102 when the suitcase 100 is in a closed configuration. The gasket 176 may be arranged in a recess or channel in the lid 104. Alternatively, the gasket 176 may be arranged in a recess or channel formed in the base 102. In some examples, the gasket 176 may be a traditional gasket having a substantially circular cross section.
In still other embodiments, the suitcase 100 may be capable of achieving an IP52 rating up to an IP67 rating (as set forth by International Electrotechnical Commission). For example, in one embodiment, the suitcase 100 may be manufactured such that it is protected from limited dust ingress and water resistant to a water spray test corresponding to achieving an IP52 rating. While in other embodiments, the suitcase 100 may be manufactured such that it is dust tight when tested for 8 hours and/or waterproof when tested for 30 minutes under 1 meter of water. In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 may be capable of achieving an IP67 rating which specifies that there is no ingress of dust or complete protection from dust when tested for 8 hours and ingress of water in harmful quantities is not possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion). The IP67 dust test is 8 hours long and the enclosure is tested in a vacuum. The IP67 water test is 30 minutes long and the enclosure is tested with the lowest point of the enclosure 1000 mm below the surface of the water, or the highest point 150 mm below the surface whichever is deeper. Depending on the IP rating, the suitcase 100 may include a one-way air vent. For example, if the rating is an IP52, a one-way air vent may not be necessary, but if the rating is higher such as an IP67, a one-way air vent may be necessary.
In some arrangements, the suitcase 100 may include one or more handles 160. The handles 160 may be arranged on one or more portions of the base 102 along the lower shell 108. The handles 160 may be arranged on a top side and a right side of the suitcase 100. The handles 160 may be secured to the raised surface 148 of the lower shell 108. The handles 160 may be formed from a polymer and molded with a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) to provide a soft comfortable surface for a user to grip. The handles 160 may be connected to camming rings that attach to brackets 162. The brackets 162 may be engaged/secured to the lower shell 108 using mechanical fasteners, where the mechanical fasteners do not extend into the interior of the lower shell 108.
As discussed above, the suitcase 100 may also include one or more latch assemblies 180. The latch assemblies 180 may have a locked position and an unlocked position and may be configured to lock the lid 104 to the base 102 when the lid 104 is in a closed configuration. The latch assemblies 180 may include one or more portions integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the suitcase 100. As shown in
In some embodiments, the latch assembly 180 may be rotatably coupled to a lid latch mount 181 prior to being installed to the lid 104. The latch assembly 180 may be coupled to the lid latch mount 181 using a pin 203, or hinge. The pin 203 may be inserted into an opening in the latch body 200 of the latch assembly 180 and into a pair of openings in the sides of the lid latch mount 181 as shown in
Similarly, in some examples, a base latch mount 185 may be received in lower latch recess 150 of the lower shell 108 as shown in
Referring now to the latch assembly 180 as shown in
The latch body 200 may be pivotally engaged with the lid 104. As shown in
The latch body 200 may also be engaged with the locking member 190. As shown in
As shown primarily in
As also shown in
The locking member 190 may include a base portion 210 and a hook portion 212 extending inwards from the base portion 210. The hook portion 212 may include a lower surface 214 and an inward facing surface 216. As shown in
The latch body 200 may also be pivotally engaged with an activating member 230. The activating member 230 may also be engaged with the locking member 190 and may be configured to move the locking member 190 from the downward position to the upward position. As shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
The latch assembly 180, including the latch body 200, locking member 190, and activating member 230, may each be separately formed and may be formed of materials such as plastic materials or another suitable material which can be formed or molded into the desired shape. The latch assembly 180 may be made of sufficient size, thickness and materials of construction to withstand repeated cycles of stress as the latch is engage/disengaged with the latch keeper 182 over time. The suitcases described herein include various features that ensure easy and efficient manufacture of the suitcases, while providing durability and wear resistance.
The deployable bag 300 may have a plurality of pockets including a rear pocket 304 that may secure and store the straps 302 such that the bag 300 may be carried by either the handle 306A located on the top of bag 300 or the handle 306B located on the side of the bag 300. The bag 300 may also have a closure 320 on the front side of the bag along with a closure 322 along the sides that allow access to the interior of the bag 300. The front closure 320 allows a user to access the interior of the bag 300 even when the bag 300 is secured within the lid 104. The bag 300 may include a waterproof exterior material and may have a volume of approximately 20 liters or within a range of 15 to 30 liters. As another way of defining the size, the bag 300 may substantially fill the volume of the interior void 105 of the lid 104. As another option for the deployable bag 300, a one-way air vent may be provided to allow the bag 300 to be compressed to remove the air from the bag 300 to minimize the volume of the bag within the suitcase 100.
In addition, bag 300 may include a plurality of attachment loops 308 arranged along an exterior perimeter of the bag 300. For instance, the attachment loops 308 may be evenly spaced along the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the bag 300. Each side of the bag 300 may include at least two attachment loops 308, or in some embodiments, each side of the bag 300 may have three or more attachment loops 308. Each attachment loop 308 may engage a hook 310 located along the sides of the interior void 105 of the lid 104. As shown in
The attachment loops 308 may be part of an outer band that is attached to the exterior surface of the bag 300, or alternatively, the loops 308 may be individually placed along the exterior surface of the bag. The attachment loops 308 may be formed from a nylon or other suitable fabric material. As an alternative, the attachment loops 308 may be replaced by alternate fastening methods such as hook and loop type fasteners, magnetic elements, or other releasable element that may be positioned around the perimeter of the bag 300.
As another option, the bag 300 may be replaced by a plurality of deployable bags 300 that are removably coupled to the interior of the lid 104. The plurality of deployable bags 300 may be modular bags of different sizes. For example, the plurality of deployable bags 300 may include a first bag that fills approximately one-half of the interior void 105 and a second and third bag that each fills approximately one-quarter of the interior void 105. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of bags may be waterproof or all of the plurality of bags may be waterproof.
The suitcase 100 may also include a trolley handle assembly 400 or tow pull handle. The trolley handle assembly, or tow pull, may be used in conjunction with wheels on a suitcase to easily pull or push the suitcase making it more maneuverable. The trolley handle assembly 400 may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies 410 that are connected to the base 102 of the suitcase 100 and connected to each other by a handle or grip 402. The components of the trolley handle assembly 400 may be formed by various forming methods. For example, metal components, may be formed by forging, extruding, molding, casting, stamping, machining, and/or other known techniques. The polymer components may be formed or manufactured by polymer processing techniques, such as various molding and casting techniques and/or other known techniques.
As discussed above, the exterior of the suitcase 100 may have a contoured shape that may include a plurality of recesses to accommodate the latch assemblies, trolley handle assembly 400, and wheels 168 to minimize their profile and exposure to possible damage from collisions with other objects during travel. For instance, the lower shell 108 may have a tow pull recess 154 that is offset from the primary surface 146 on the bottom portion 122 of the lower shell 108. The tow pull recess 154 may have a depth that is equal to or greater than the thickness of the extrusion assembly 410 to adequately protect the trolley handle assembly 400 from impacts. The trolley handle assembly 400 may include an a pair of extendable extrusion assemblies 410 that can extend above from the top of the suitcase 100 to provide an elevated grip 402 for a user to easily pull the suitcase 100 as shown in
The release button 411 may be centrally located in both a horizontal and vertical direction along the grip 402. In addition, the upper surface 419 may be contoured to match the adjacent surfaces of the suitcase to provide a clean aesthetic appearance. The release button 411 also may be include a contoured upper surface 433 to correspond with the upper surface 419 of the grip 402. Further, the release button 411 may be coupled to a rack and pinion gear assembly 435 as shown in
The base 502 may include a lower shell structure 508 having a first side 510, a second side 512 opposite the first side 510, a third side 514 extending between an edge of the first side 510 and an edge of the second side 512, and a fourth side 516 opposite the third side 514. The lower shell 508 may also have a first end 518 and a second end 520 near the opening for the interior void 503 of the base 502. The lower shell 508 may also include a bottom portion 522 connected to a first end 518 of the lower shell structure 508 and configured to support the suitcase 500 on a surface such as a table, the ground, or the like. Similarly, the lid 504 may include a upper shell structure 524 having a first side 526, a second side 528 opposite the first side 526, a third side 530 extending between an edge of the first side 526 and an edge of the second side 528, and a fourth side 532 opposite the third side 530. The upper shell structure 524 may also have a first end 534 and a second end 536 near the opening for the interior void 505 of the lid 504. The upper shell structure 524 may also include a bottom portion 538 connected to a first end 534 of the upper shell structure 524 and configured to support the suitcase 100 on a surface such as a table, the ground, or the like.
Similar to the example suitcase 100, both the upper shell 524 and the lower shell 508 may each be formed as a unitary, or single, member such that each shell is seamless. Additionally, the upper shell 524 and the lower shell 508 may be free of any apertures or openings that pierce or extend from an exterior surface into the respective interior voids 503, 505 of the base 502 and lid 504 when the various components of the suitcase 500 are assembled to the shells 524, 508. Shells 508, 524 may generally have a thickness within a range of 2 mm and 4 mm, or within 1.5 mm and 6 mm. The shells 508, 524 may also include varying wall thicknesses. As another feature, the shells 508, 524 may include external ribs (or rubrails) 509, which may be arranged along an outer or inner surface of the lower shell 108 and the upper shell 524 to increase the stiffness and strength of the shells as well as to protect the shells from impacts.
Upper shell 524 and lower shell 508 may form the majority of the exterior of the suitcase 500 and each may have a contoured shape that includes a primary surface, a raised surface, and a plurality of recesses, where the recesses may protect the components from collisions or damage. For example, the upper shell 524 may include a raised outward facing surface 540 that extends near and/or along the second end 520 around the perimeter of the upper shell 524. The raised outward facing surface 540 may be offset a fixed distance from an outward facing primary surface 542 of the upper shell 524. A plurality of upper latch recesses 544 and hinge recesses 545 may be formed within the raised surface 540. Each upper latch recess 544 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180 to provide protection for the latch assemblies 180. In some examples, each upper latch recess may have a rear surface 544A, an upper surface 544B, and a pair of opposing side surfaces 544C, and an opening 544D opposite the upper surface 545B. The upper recess depth of latch recess 544 may be defined as the horizontal distance between the outward facing surface 540 to the rear surface 544A. The upper latch recesses 544 may have a substantially rectangular shape, or alternatively a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. Each latch recess 544 may have receiving features to secure a latch assembly 180 within the recess 544. The receiving features may include a pocket on either side of the recess 544 to receive a pin or other mounting hardware for the latch assemblies 180. Similarly, each hinge recess 545 may be formed within the raised surface 540. Each upper hinge recess 545 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of each hinge 506 to provide protection for hinge 506 from impacts.
Similar to the upper shell 124, the lower shell 508 may include a primary outward facing surface 546, a raised outward facing surface 548 that extends near and/or along the second end 536 around the perimeter of the lower shell 508. The raised outward facing surface 548 may be offset a fixed distance from a primary outward facing surface 546 of the lower shell 508. A plurality of lower latch recesses 550 and lower hinge recesses 551 may be formed within the raised surface 548. Each lower latch recess 550 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the latch assemblies 180. The lower latch recesses 550 may have a depth that is generally the same as the depth of the upper latch recess 544. In some examples, each lower latch recess 550 may have a rear surface 550A, an upper surface 550B, and a pair of opposing side surfaces 550C, and an opening 550D opposite the upper surface 550B. The lower recess depth of lower latch recess 550 may be defined as the horizontal distance between the outward facing surface 548 to the rear surface 550A. The latch recesses 550 may include a latch keeper 182 that extends across the lower recess 550 and provides an engaging surface for the latch assembly 180 to secure the lower shell 508 to the upper shell 524. Each latch recess 550 may have a substantially rectangular shape, or alternatively a shape that closely matches the shape of the latch assembly 180. The shape and size of the latch recesses 544, 550 may be mirror images of each other to and may be aligned to form a larger recess to receive the entire latch assembly 180 when the suitcase 500 is in a closed configuration. By receiving the entire latch assembly 180 within this larger recess, the exposed surfaces of latch assembly 180 may be below outward facing surfaces 540, 548 and also protected around the sides of the latch assembly 180 such that when the suitcase is in the closed configuration, a perimeter of the latch assembly 180 may be located within a combined perimeter of the upper latch recess 544 and lower latch recess 550.
In some examples, as shown in
The lower hinge recesses 551 may be formed within the raised surface 548. Each lower hinge recess 551 may have a depth equal to or greater than the thickness of each of each hinge 506 to provide protection for hinge 506 from impacts. The shape and size of the recesses 545, 551 may be mirror images of each other to and may be aligned to form a larger recess to receive the entire hinge 506. The larger recess formed from recesses 545, 551 may have a shape that surrounds a majority of the perimeter of the hinge assembly 506.
As shown in
As another option to releasably secure the interior liner 600 to within the interior void 503 of the base shell 508 or interior void 505 of the lid shell 524, the liner 600 may include a liner attachment assembly 620 that releasably engages a base attachment member 640.
The base attachment member 640 may include a first wall 642 and a second wall 644 where each wall 642, 644 may extend away from the interior surface 507 of the base shell 508 with a first end 646 at the interior surface and a second end 648 opposite the first end 646. The first wall 642 may include a first base locking projection 650 located at the second end 648 that extends toward the second wall 644, where the second wall 644 includes a second base locking projection 650 located at the second end that extends toward the first wall 644. The first wall 642 and second wall 644 may be spaced a fixed distance from each other. Each of the base locking projections 650 may include a contoured edge shape 652 to receive the tail member 622 such that the body member 624, the contoured edge shape 652, and the opening 632 may be coaxial with each other when the attachment assembly 620 is in a locked position.
The liner attachment assembly 620 may be moved to a locked position from an unlocked position by rotating the grip member 634 a predetermined amount in a first direction, and may be moved to an unlocked position from a locked position by rotating the grip member 634 a predetermined amount in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. For example, the liner attachment assembly 620 may be moved to a locked position from an unlocked position by rotating the grip member 634 approximately 90 degrees in a first direction, and may be moved to an unlocked position from a locked position by rotating the grip member 634 approximately 90 degrees in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. In some examples, the grip member 634 may be moved to a predetermined amount in the same direction to move the attachment assembly 620 from a locked position to an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the locking projection of the liner attachment assembly is at least partially positioned underneath the first base locking projection or the second base locking projection.
The liner may include a plurality of liner attachment assemblies 620 that may be attached to the base attachment members 640. For examples, the liner attachment assemblies 620 may be located within the storage cavities 602 or within anywhere on the liner 600 such as the sidewalls or bottom surface. Similarly, the shells 508, 524 may include a plurality of base attachment members 640 that may be arranged anywhere along the interior surfaces of the corresponding shell. For examples, base attachment members 640 may be placed along the interior side surfaces and/or bottom surfaces of the shells 508, 524. As another option, backpack 300 may also include the liner attachment assemblies 620 and may be releasably secured to the shells 508, 524 as described above.
As discussed above, the suitcase 500 may include a gasket 576 or other sealing device. As shown, the gasket 576 may be arranged in a recess 577 arranged on the lower surface 537 at the second end 536 of the lid 504. The base 502 may have a sealing rib 581 arranged along the upper surface 521 at the second end 520 of the base 502 that engages the gasket 576 when the suitcase 500 is in the closed configuration. In addition, when the suitcase 500 is in the closed configuration, the engagement of the gasket 576 and the sealing rib 581 may prevent the upper surface 521 of the base 502 from contacting the lower surface of the lid 504, where the upper surface and the lower surface and the fourth end surface are spaced apart from each other where the lid 504 is spaced apart a fixed distance from the base 502 creating a gap between them. The gasket 576 may be formed from a rubber or polymeric material and in some examples, have a substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively, the gasket 576 may be arranged in a recess or channel formed in the base 502.
In addition, the base 502 of suitcase 500 may include a tapered region 523 between the bottom portion 522 and the fourth surface 516. The tapered region 523 may be located between the pair of wheel assemblies 564 and form an acute angle with the central region of the bottom portion 522. This tapered portion may extend at an angle within a range of 1 degree and 30 degrees when measured from the central portion of the bottom portion 522 to a lower surface of the tapered region 523 (or tangent plane to a lower surface of the tapered region 523). Tapered portion 523 allows suitcase 500 to be pulled using the trolley handle 400 in a larger variety of positions to accommodate users having different heights.
Each linkage 626 may have a top surface 640 and a bottom surface 642 opposite the top surface 640 as well as side surfaces 644 extending between the top and bottom surfaces 640, 642. A pair of holes 646 may extend through the side surfaces 644 where the holes 646 receive the linkage pins 632. For example, linkage 626 may include a first linkage opening 646 that receives a first linkage pin 632 that extends through the opening 646 into an opening in the base hinge insert 628 and a second linkage opening 646 that receives a second linkage pin 632 that extends through the opening 646 into an opening in the lid hinge insert 630. Thus, each linkage 626 is connected to both the base 502 and the lid 504. In addition, the bottom surface 642 may include a slot 648 that receives one of the linkage pins 632 when the suitcase is in the closed configuration and a slot 650 on the top surface 640 that receives one of the linkage pins 632 when the suitcase is in the open configuration. The linkages 626 may be arranged adjacent each other where the first linkage may be oriented with the top surface 640 facing toward the top perimeter of both the lid 504 and the base 502 when the suitcase 500 is in the open configuration and the second linkage may be oriented with the bottom surface 642 facing toward the top perimeter of both the lid 504 and the base 502 when the suitcase 500 is in the open configuration as shown in
Each of the base hinge insert 628 and lid hinge insert 630 may have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the left side view of the suitcase 500. As discussed above, each hinge insert 628, 630 has a hinge recess 636, 638, where each hinge recess is open on one end and surrounded by a hinge insert wall on the remaining sides. When installed, the open end of each recess 636, 638 may align with each other to form an overall hinge recess to receive the linkages 626 and allow them to move. Each hinge insert 628, 630 may have a hinge flange 652 extending from the hinge insert wall at the end of the hinge insert 628, 630 that has the open end of the recess 636, 638. The hinge flange 652 may have at least one opening to receive the mechanical element 622 that secures the hinges 506 within the respective hinge recesses 550, 551 of the base 502 and lid 504.
Similar to the configuration of suitcase 100, the feet 572 may be generally aligned with one or more of the hinges 506 where a flat portion of the feet 572B are spaced from an edge of a hinge 506. In addition, the feet 572B may be arranged to contact one another when the suitcase 500 is fully opened to reduce the impact forces on the hinges and the other components of the suitcase 500 when it is opened as shown in
The components of the hinge assembly 506 such as the linkages 626, hinge inserts 628, 630, linkage pins 632, may be formed of metallic materials such as steel or aluminum to provide adequate strength and stiffness. Alternatively, these components may be formed from a polymeric material or composite material such as a fiber-filled polymer. The components may be manufactured using known methods such as casting, machining, and molding.
Similar to suitcase 100, suitcase 500 may include a plurality of wheel assemblies 564 positioned near the rear and bottom corners of suitcase 500. As shown in
Each wheel assembly 564 may be formed as a separate member, as shown in
As shown in the illustrated examples, the suitcase 500 may comprise a pair of wheel assemblies 564, however, in other embodiments the suitcase may include additional wheel assemblies 564. The wheel assemblies 564 may be evenly spaced apart and may be located on the outer edges of the suitcase 500 such that the wheel housing 566 is exposed on at least three sides of the base 502. The housing 566 may be formed from a polymer material, such as a polyamide (nylon) or similar material, w6461e the wheels 568 may be formed from a polymer material, such as a polyurethane, or similar material. In some examples, the wheels 568 may include a rubber coating or rubber exterior for better traction and wear.
As discussed above, the base 502 may include a lower shell 508 and the lid 504 may include an upper shell 524 to provide a rigid structure that may form a barrier to protect the stored contents. The lower and upper shells 508, 524 may be formed from various materials, such as one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In some examples, the upper and lower shells 124, 108 may be formed of a polymer material, such as a polycarbonate alloy, a thermoplastic olefin (TPO), or other similar material, that is molded to form both the shells 508, 524. In some arrangements, the shells 508, 524 are formed using injection molding or roto-molding/rotational molding processes as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). In order to further enhance the structure, the shells 508, 524 may include elongated rib structures to further stiffen the structure in areas around the latch assemblies 180 and hinges 506. For instance, as shown in
In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a suitcase comprising a lid rotatably connected to a base, where the lid may include an upper shell formed as a unitary member and where the base includes a lower shell formed as a unitary member. The suitcase may be configured in an open orientation or a closed configuration, where in the closed configuration, a plurality of latch assemblies secure the lid to the base. In addition, the upper shell and the lower shell may be free of apertures or openings extending from an exterior surface through an interior surface. As another option, the latch assemblies may be located within an upper latch recess and a lower latch recess located on the lid and base respectively. Additionally, a wheel assembly comprising a housing, a wheel, and an axle may be formed as a separate member and received in a recess formed on the lower shell.
The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/788,886 filed on Jan. 6, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/788,888 filed on Jan. 6, 2019. All of the above referenced applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62788886 | Jan 2019 | US | |
62788888 | Jan 2019 | US |