Universal wheeled bag system

Abstract

A wheeled bag system having a bag with a handle at one end and a wheel system at the other, with either a concealed or exterior-knob lock moving wheels between exposed and hidden positions by either folding the wheels in and up, or retracting the wheels into a cavity in the wheel system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Introduction

Wheels are useful for moving objects. Manufacturers commonly place wheels on luggage. Wheels make moving the luggage easier. However, when you are not wheeling the luggage, the wheels get in the way and risk being damaged or causing damage.

2. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wheeled system for luggage. Wheels on the luggage are either exposed or concealed, depending on whether a user is wheeling the luggage, or the luggage is stationary or stowed.

3. Description of the Prior Art

Wheeled luggage is disclosed in U.S. Patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,591 to Arthur teaches a chassis with retractable wheels, wherein the chassis includes a housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,834 to Gorga teaches retractable wheel system for towable baggage.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,311 to O'Shea teaches a retractable wheel assembly for a carrier. A retractable wheel assembly (110) for a carrier (100) is disclosed wherein the wheels (120) are rotatably mounted in cowls (130), which are pivotably disposed in wheel wells (116L, 116R) on a housing. The cowls are connected with a cowl axle assembly (140) that includes a coil spring, preferably a constant force spring (150) that biases the cowls towards a retracted position. The constant force spring is connected to a retractable handle (104), preferably with a spring engagement member (160), such that extending the retractable handle will bias the cowls towards an extended position, wherein the wheels extend out of the wheel wells for use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wheeled bag system with a lock that a user can manipulate to move luggage wheels between exposed and hidden positions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exterior-knob lock for a wheeled system a user manipulates by sliding a knob up and down a lateral surface of luggage.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a concealed lock for a wheeled system a user manipulates by sliding a plate through an opening in the bottom surface of luggage.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wheeled system where the wheels fold in and up into a cavity at the bottom of an article of luggage.

One more object of the present invention is to provide a wheeled system where the wheels move up and down, retracting into a cavity at the bottom of an article of luggage.

Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings with which are given by way of illustration only.

FIG. 1 a shows the wheeled luggage system of the present invention with an exterior-knob lock placing a plurality of wheels in an exposed position;

FIG. 1 b shows the exterior lock placing the plurality of wheels in a hidden position;

FIG. 2 a shows a transparent frontal view of the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a folding wheel system in the exposed position;

FIG. 2 b shows a transparent frontal view of the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a folding wheel system in the hidden position;

FIG. 3 a shows a transparent side view of the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a folding wheel system in the exposed position;

FIG. 3 b shows a transparent side view of the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a folding wheel system in the hidden position;

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view the exterior-knob lock of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the exterior-knob lock of the present invention;

FIG. 6 a shows a transparent view facing the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a retractable wheel system in the exposed position;

FIG. 6 b shows a transparent view facing the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a retractable wheel system in the hidden position;

FIG. 7 a shows a transparent side view of the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a retractable wheel system in the exposed position;

FIG. 7 b shows a transparent side view of the exterior-knob lock, with the lock placing the wheels of a retractable wheel system in the hidden position;

FIG. 8 shows a rear view of a concealed lock with a folding wheel system;

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of a concealed lock with a retractable wheel system;

FIG. 10 a shows a cross-sectional view of the concealed lock in a hidden position;

FIG. 10 b shows a cross-sectional view of the concealed lock in an exposed position;

FIG. 11 shows luggage equipped with one lock to activate a total of four wheels;

FIG. 12 shows luggage with a bottom surface divided into two sections, requiring a lock on each side to activate two wheels; each;

FIG. 13 a is a perspective view of the wheeled system with a concealed lock maintaining the wheels in an exposed position; and

FIG. 13 b is a perspective view of the wheeled system with a concealed lock maintaining the wheels in a hidden position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The wheeled luggage system 10 of the present invention is illustrated generally in FIG. 1 a and lb. Here, one sees a conventional bag 12 with its handle 16 and first and second wheels, 22, 24 although there are typically first, second, third and fourth wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 as seen in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12. For purposes of orientation, it is helpful to characterize the bag as having handle and wheel system ends.

The bag 12 also has a less conventional lock 20 with a lock plate 57 and a knob 54. The lock 20 is proximal to the wheel system 14 end of the wheeled luggage system 10. The lock 20 interacts with position control plates 50, 52, which in turn moves the wheels between exposed and hidden positions.

The wheel system has a housing 18 for receiving at least two wheels 22, 24. The position control plate connects the wheels to the lock.

Moving the position control plates 50, 52, via the lock 20, to the exposed position move the wheels 22, 24 from the housing 18 to expose the wheels 22, 24, so that the user can wheel her luggage. Moving the position control plate, via the lock 20, to the hidden position move the wheels 22, 24 back into the housing 18, to hide the wheels 22, 24, so that the luggage can be stowed so as not to damage the wheels or the wheels to cause damage. Hidden wheels also leave the bottom surface of the luggage completely flat, making upright luggage more stable.

There are two types of locks and two types of wheel systems, and they can be matched in four different lock-wheel system combinations. The wheel systems might either be folding or retractable wheel systems, the details and differences described below. The locks might be either exterior-knob locks, or concealed locks, the details and differences described below.

FIG. 2 a through FIG. 3b shows an embodiment of the presently claimed invention having a folding wheel system. The wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 move between exposed and hidden positions by the wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 moving toward the center of the luggage and up into a housing 18 for receiving the wheels 22, 24, 26, 28. Typically, first, second, third and fourth wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 are received in the system housing 18. FIG. 2a and FIG. 3a illustrate the exposed positions. FIG. 2b and FIG. 3b illustrate the hidden positions.

The first and fourth wheels 22, 28 are attached respectively to first and fourth brackets 32, 42. A first bar 30 rotates around a first bracket-bar pin 36. The first bracket bar pin is attached at one end to the first wheel bracket 32 and at the other end to the fourth bracket 42. Similarly, on the other side, the second and third wheels 24, 26 are attached respectively to second and third brackets 34, 40. A second bar 38 rotates around a second bracket-bar pin 44. The second bracket-bar pin 44 is attached at one end to the second wheel bracket 34 and at the other end to the third wheel bracket 40.

A first position control plate 50, having a first bracket end 47 and a first knob-pin end 51, joins the first bracket 32, via the first bracket end 47, to the lock 20, via the first knob-pin end 51. Similarly, on the other side, a second position control plate 52, having a second bracket end 49 and a second knob-pin end 53, joins the second bracket 34, via the second bracket end 49, to the lock 20, via the second knob-pin end 53, as illustrated in FIG. 2a.

FIG. 6 a through FIG. 7b show an embodiment of the presently claimed invention having a retractable wheel system. The wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 move between exposed and hidden positions by the wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 moving linearly up into a housing 18 for receiving the wheels. Typically, first, second, third and fourth wheels 22, 24, 26, 28 are received in the system housing. FIG. 6a and FIG. 7a illustrate the exposed positions. FIG. 6b and FIG. 7b illustrate the hidden positions.

A single long position-control plate 98 attaches in the middle to the lock 20. The long position-control plate 98 has first and second bracket receiving ends 202, 204. These ends attach to the first and second brackets 32, 34. First, second, third and fourth brackets 32, 34, 40, 42 attached to first, second, third and fourth wheels 22, 24, 26, 28, respectively. The brackets 32, 34, 40, 42 run longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end.

A first bar 30 attaches to the first and fourth brackets 32, 42. When the long position-control plate 98 moves the first wheel 22 between exposed and hidden positions, the fourth wheel 28 follows, likewise moving between exposed and hidden positions.

A second bar 38 attaches to the second and third brackets 34, 40. When the long position-control plate 98 moves the second wheel 24 between exposed and hidden positions, the third wheel 26 follows, likewise moving between exposed and hidden positions.

FIG. 1 a through FIG. 7b all show embodiments of the present invention having an exterior-knob lock 20. The lock 20 is so named because one can see the part of the lock mechanism, the knob 54 and the knob plate 57, exposed on a lateral surface of the luggage.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of the exterior-knob lock 20, with a folding wheel system.

The exterior-knob lock 20 features a lock housing 55 with a knob plate 57 parallel to a pulley plate 81. First and second side plates 78, 79 separate the knob and pulley plates 57, 81. The first and second side plates 78, 79 are parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the knob and pulley plates 57, 81. The knob plate 57 attaches to a lateral surface of the bag.

A plug channel 56 is defined within the knob plate 57. The plug channel 56 runs longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end. Additionally, the plug channel 57 has a hidden-position enlargement 58 at the channel end proximal to the handle end, and an exposed-position enlargement 60 proximal to the wheel system end.

A pulley channel 80 is defined within the pulley plate 81. The pulley channel 80 runs longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end.

First and second side plate channels 75, 77 are defined within the first and second side plates 78, 79, respectively. The first and second side plate channels 75, 77 run longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end. The first and second position-control plates 50, 52 exit the lock housing 55 via the first and second side plate channels 75, 77, respectively.

A knob pin 62, having plug and pulley ends 163, 162, attaches at the pulley end 162 to a pulley 76 having a grooved circumference. The grooves allow the pulley 76 to slide along the pulley channel 80.

A retain ring 74 fixed on the knob pin 62 proximal to the pulley 76 and within the lock housing 55 holds springs and washers in place. A spring 72 abuts the retain ring 74, and wraps around the knob pin 62. The knob pin 62 receives tension drawing the knob pin 62 toward the pulley end 162 of the knob pin 62.

A spring washer 70 presses against the spring 72. The spring washer 70 slides around the knob pin 62 and abuts the first position-control plate 50. The first position-control plate 50 attaches to the knob pin 62 at the knob-pin receiving end of the first position-control plate 51.

A position-control plate washer 68 slides around the knob pin 62 between the first and second position-control plates 50, 52. The second position-control plate 52 attaches to the knob pin 62 at the knob-pin receiving end 53 of the second position-control plate 52 proximal to the plug end of the knob pin 62.

A plug 63 is attached to the plug end 163 of the knob pin 62. The plug 63 is too large to fit into the plug channel 56 and the plug 63 is large enough to fit in both the hidden-position 58 and exposed position enlargements 60 of the knob plate 62.

A knob 54 is attached to the plug 63, distal to the knob plate 57. The knob 54 does not fit within the hidden-position 58 and exposed position enlargements 60 of the knob plate 57.

A knob pin washer 66 slides around the knob pin 62 between the knob plate 57 and the second position-control plate 52 and within the lock housing 55. A plug washer 64 attached around the knob pin 62 between the plug 63 and the knob plate 57. The wheel system has three legs 82, 84, 86 to hold the luggage when the wheels are hidden as illustrated in FIG. 1 b and FIG. 11.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the concealed lock 21 with a folding wheel system and FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the concealed lock 21 with a retractable wheel system. FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b show cross-sectional views of the concealed lock 21 in hidden and exposed positions, respectively.

The concealed lock 21 features a concealed lock housing 102. The concealed lock housing 102 has first and second side plates 78, 79. First and second side plate channels 104, 105 are defined therein. The first and second side plates 78, 79 are parallel to each other. The first and second side plate channels 104, 105 running longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end. The first and second position-control plates 50, 52 exit the concealed lock housing 102 via the first and second side plate channels 104, 105, respectively.

First and second edges 150, 151, respectively, perpendicularly join the first and second side plates 78, 79. The first and second edges 150, 151 attach the concealed lock housing 102 to an interior surface of the bag.

A back plate 115, with a back plate channel 56 defined therein, separates the first and second side plates 78, 79. The back plate 115 is perpendicular to the first and second side plates 78, 79.

A lock pin 200, with retain ring end 205 and pulley plate ends 107, attaches to a retain ring 211 at the other end of the lock pin 200. The lock pin 200 and retain ring end 205 are both inside the concealed lock housing 102.

A position-control plate washer 68 rotates around the lock pin 200 between the first and second position-control plates 50, 52. The second position-control plate 52 attaches to the lock pin 200 at the pin receiving end 53 of the second position-control plate 52 proximal to the retain ring end 53 of the lock pin 200. A washer 70 is between the pin receiving end 53 and the retain ring end 205.

A pulley 76, having a grooved circumference, slides along the pulley plate channel 56. The pulley 76 attaches to the lock pin 200. A pulley washer 66 is located between the pulley 76 and the pin receiving 51 of the first position control plate 50.

A pulley plate 106, having pin and knob ends 107, 109, is divided into a stationary section 111 proximal to the pin end 107, and a folding section 110 proximal to the knob end 109. The pulley plate 106 attaches to the pulley plate end 107 of the lock pin 200. The pulley plate 106 is movable between exposed and hidden positions.

A pulley plate access opening 122 is defined in the bottom surface of the bag 120. The access opening 122 allows the pulley plate 106 to move from the inside to the outside of the bag.

A pulley plate hinge 108, proximal to the knob end 109 of the pulley plate 106, separates the stationary and folding sections 111,110. The positioning allows the hinge 108 to be outside the bag when the pulley plate 106 is in the exposed position, and the folding section 110 folds between being perpendicular to the bottom external surface of the bag, to a parallel position, flush with the bottom of the bag.

A concealed lock knob 116 attaches to the knob end 109 of the pulley plate 106. A user can grasp the knob 116 and move the pulley plate 106 between exposed and hidden positions.

A magnet attracting plate 114 attaches to the knob end 109 of the pulley plate 106. A magnet 124 attaches to the external bottom surface of the bag. The magnet 124 attracts and holds the magnet attracting plate 114 when the pulley plate 106 is in the exposed position and the folding section 110 of the pulley plate 106 is in the parallel position, flush with the bottom of the bag.

A ball catch concavity 112 is defined in the folding section 110 of the pulley plate 106. A ball catch mechanism 118 in the bag having a ball spring 119 pushes a ball 121 out of a ball catches concavity 112 when the pulley plate 106 is moving from the hidden position. The ball catch mechanism 118 is so positioned that the spring 119 forces the ball 121 into the ball catch concavity 112 when the pulley plate 106 is in the hidden position.

FIG. 11 shows luggage equipped with one concealed lock 21 in the exposed position activating a total of four wheels 22, 24, 26, 28.

FIG. 12 similarly shows wheels in the exposed position. However, here the luggage has a bottom surface 120 divided into two sections by a closing mechanism 132, typically a zipper. This embodiment requires a concealed lock 21 on each side to activate first and second wheels 22, 24 and third and fourth wheels 26, 28.

FIG. 13 a is a perspective view of the wheeled system with a concealed lock 21 maintaining the wheels in an exposed position. Here, as in FIG. 12, the luggage has a bottom surface 120 divided into two sections by a closing mechanism 132, typically a zipper.

FIG. 13 b is a perspective view of the wheeled system with a concealed lock 21 maintaining the wheels in a hidden position.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A wheeled bag system comprising: a bag, having handle and wheel system ends;a handle at the handle end;a lock proximal to the wheel system end, the lock having a position-control plate, the position-control plate-movable between exposed and hidden positions; anda wheel system at the wheel system end, the wheel system having a housing for receiving at least two wheels, the wheels attached to the position-control plate of the lock, whereby moving the position control plate to the exposed position moves the wheels from the housing to expose the wheels, and moving the position control plate to the hidden position moves the exposed wheels to hide the wheels in the housing.

2. The wheeled bag system of claim 1, wherein the position-control plate is a first and second position-control plate and the lock is an exterior-knob lock comprising: a lock housing with a knob plate parallel to a pulley plate, the knob and pulley plates separated by first and second side plates, the first and second side plates parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the knob and pulley plates, the knob plate attached to a lateral surface of the bag;a plug channel defined within the knob plate, the plug channel running longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end, the plug channel having a hidden-position enlargement at the channel end proximal to the handle end, and an exposed-position enlargement proximal to the wheel system end;a pulley channel defined within the pulley plate, the pulley channel running longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end;first and second side plate channels defined within the first and second side plates, respectively, the first and second side plate channels running longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end, wherein the first and second position-control plates exit lock housing via the first and second side plate channels, respectively;a knob pin having plug and pulley ends, the pulley end attached to a pulley having a grooved circumference allowing the pulley to slide along the pulley channel;a retain ring fixed on the knob pin proximal to the pulley and within the lock housing;a spring abutting the retain ring, the spring wrapped around the knob pin, whereby the knob pin receives tension drawing the knob pin toward the pulley end of the knob pin;a spring washer pressing against the spring, the spring washer rotatable around the knob pin and abutting the first position-control plate, the first position-control plate attached to the knob pin at the knob-pin receiving end of the first position-control plate;a position-control plate washer rotatable around the knob pin between the first and second position-control plates, the second position-control plate attached to the knob pin a the knob-pin receiving end of the second position-control plate proximal to the plug end of the knob pin;a plug fixed to the plug end of the knob pin, wherein the plug is too large to fit into the plug channel and the plug is too small to not fit both the hidden-position and exposed position enlargements of the knob plate;a knob fixed to the plug, distal to the knob plate, wherein the knob does not fit within the hidden-position and exposed position enlargements of the knob plate;a knob pin washer rotatable around the knob pin between the knob plate and the second position-control plate and within the lock housing; anda plug washer rotatable around the knob pin between the plug and the knob plate.

3. The wheeled bag system of claim 1, wherein the position-control plate is a first and second position-control plate and the wheel system is a folding wheel system comprising: a folding wheel system at the wheel system end, the wheel system having a system housing for receiving first, second, third and fourth wheels;a first bar rotatable around a first bracket-bar pin, the first bracket-bar pin attached at one end to a first wheel bracket, and at the other end to a fourth wheel bracket, first and fourth wheels attached respectively to first and fourth brackets;a second bar rotatable around a second bracket-bar pin, the second bracket-bar pin attached at one end to a third wheel bracket, and at the other end to a second wheel bracket, third and second wheels attached respectively to third and second brackets;a first position-control plate having a first bracket end attached to the first bracket and a first knob-pin end attached to the lock; anda second position-control plate having a second bracket end attached to the second bracket and a second knob-pin end attached to the lock.

4. The wheeled bag system of claim 1, wherein the position-control plate is a first and second position-control plate and the lock is a concealed lock comprising: a concealed lock housing having first and second side plates with first and second side plate channels defined therein, the first and second side plates parallel to each other with the first and second side plate channels running longitudinally from the wheel system end to the handle end, wherein the first and second position-control plates exit the concealed lock housing via the first and second side plate channels, respectively;first and second edges, respectively perpendicularly attached the first and second side plates, whereby the first and second edges attach the concealed lock housing to an interior surface of the bag a back plate, with a back plate channel defined therein, the back plate perpendicular to and separating the first and second side plates;a lock pin having retain ring and pulley plate ends;a retain ring inside the concealed lock housing attached to the retain ring end of the lock pin;a position-control plate washer rotatable around the pulley plate pin between the first and second position-control plates, the second position-control plate attached to the lock pin at the pin receiving end of the second position-control plate proximal to the retain ring end of the lock pin;a pulley having a grooved circumference allowing the pulley to slide along the pulley plate channel and attached to the lock pin;a pulley plate, movable between exposed and hidden positions, having pin and knob ends and divided into a stationary section proximal to the pin end and a folding section proximal to the knob end, the pulley plate attached to the pulley plate end of the lock pin;a pulley plate access opening defined in a bottom surface of a bag, whereby the pulley plate moves from the inside to the outside of the bag;a pulley plate hinge proximal to the knob end of the pulley plate, the hinge separating the stationary section and the folding section, whereby the hinge is outside the bag when the pulley plate is in the exposed position, allowing the folding section to fold between an orientation perpendicular to the bottom external surface of the bag, to a parallel position, flush with the bottom of the bag;a concealed lock knob attached to the knob end of the pulley plate, whereby a user can grasp the knob and move the pulley plate between exposed and hidden positions;a magnet attracting plate attached to the knob end of the pulley plate;a magnet attached to the external bottom surface of the bag, whereby the magnet attracts and holds the magnet attracting plate when the pulley plate is in the exposed position and the folding section of the pulley plate is in the parallel position, flush with the bottom of the bag;a ball catch concavity defined in the folding section of the pulley plate; anda ball catch mechanism in the bag having a ball spring pushing a ball out of a ball catch casing, the ball catch mechanism so positioned that the spring forces the ball into the ball catch concavity when the pulley plate is in the hidden position.

5. The wheeled bag system of claim 1, wherein the position-control plate is a single long position-control plate and the wheel system is a retractable wheel system comprising: a retractable wheel system at the wheel system end, having a system housing for receiving first, second, third and fourth wheels;a single long position-control plate attached in the middle to the lock, and having first and second bracket receiving ends;first, second, third and fourth brackets attached to first, second, third and fourth wheels respectively, the first and second bracket receiving ends of the long position-control plate attached to the first and second brackets;a first bar attached to the first and fourth brackets, whereby when the long position-control plate moves the first wheel between exposed and hidden positions, the fourth wheel follows, likewise moving between exposed and hidden positions; anda second bar attached to the second and third brackets, whereby when the long position-control plate moves the second wheel between exposed and hidden positions, the third wheel follows, likewise moving between exposed and hidden positions.

6. A wheeled bag system comprising: a bag, having handle and wheel system ends;a handle at the handle end;first and second locks proximal to the wheel system end, the first and second locks having back and front position-control plates, respectively, the back and front position-control plates movable between exposed and hidden positions; andfirst and second wheel systems at the wheel system end, the first and second wheel system having first and second housings, respectively, each for receiving at least two wheels, the wheels of the first and second wheel systems attached to the first and second locks, respectively, via the back and front position control plates, whereby moving either the back or front position-control plate to the exposed position moves the wheels from the corresponding first or second housing to expose the wheels, and moving either the back or front position control plates to the hidden position moves the exposed wheels to hide the wheels in the corresponding first and second housing.

7. The wheeled bag system of claim 6, wherein the first and second locks are first and second exterior-knob locks and the back and front position-control plates are back-first and back-second position-control plates and front-first and front-second position-control plates, respectively.

8. The wheeled bag system of claim 7, wherein the first and second wheel systems are first and second folding wheel systems, respectively.

9. The wheeled bag system of claim 6, wherein the first and second locks are first and second concealed locks and the back and front position-control plates are back single long position-control plates and front single long position-control plates, respectively.

10. The wheeled bag system of claim 9, wherein the first and second wheel systems are first and second retractable wheel systems, respectively.