ADJUSTABLE ROTARY EXPANSION MECHANISM FOR FRAMES OF AN ARTICLE
An expansion mechanism for separating first and second frames of an expandable article. The mechanism includes a rotary element that drives movement of an expansion element along a linear axis.
This invention relates generally to expansion mechanisms for selectively positioning first and second article frames relative to one another, and more specifically to expansion mechanisms for baggage items.
Expandable storage articles are known that include configurable storage compartments that are adjustable between a first position having a first capacity for storing items, and one or more second positions having an increased capacity for storing items. The storage compartments may be defined by article shells or frames, each of which define a portion of the storage compartment, and expansion mechanisms are known that interconnect the article frames and space them from one another to increase the storage capacity of the compartment. Improvements in such expansion mechanisms are desirable, for example, in expandable baggage items.
Expandable baggage items are known including luggage and suitcase items, briefcases, duffel bags, backpacks and the like. Expansion mechanisms for such expandable baggage items are disadvantaged in that they tend to be cumbersome and difficult to use for some users. For example, the expansion mechanisms typically must be unlocked, moved to an expanded position, and locked again. Especially for infrequent users of the baggage, unlocking of the mechanisms, extending them to the proper position and locking them in place may be difficult and frustrating. If the mechanisms are not properly unlocked, extended, or locked in place, they are subject to breakage.
Also, it often may be that a user of an expandable baggage items needs more capacity than the baggage provides without the expansion features being utilized, but the user may not need the entire space afforded by the expansion mechanism when it is utilized. This may result in loosely packed items in the baggage and subject the items to breakage. Empty space in the bag may also result in the expansion mechanism being generally unsupported and vulnerable to mechanical shock and impact that may damage the mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, an expansion mechanism for first and second frames of an article is provided. The mechanism comprises a base attachable to the first frame, and an expansion element slidably received in the base along a linear axis. The expansion element attachable to the second frame, and a positioning assembly comprising a rotary element movable relative to the base in a plurality of discrete positions is provided, wherein an angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction extends the expansion element from the base, and an angular displacement of the rotary element in a second direction adjustably moves the expansion element toward the base.
Optionally, the rotary element may comprise a wheel, and the wheel may define a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stops. A pawl may be coupled to the base and may be selectively positionable relative to the rotary element to limit angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction. The pawl may also be configured to permit angular displacement of the rotary element in a second direction. The mechanism may also include a release button, and a pivoting rocker arm releasing the pawl from a locked position. The release button may be movable along the linear axis. The expansion element may comprise a plate, with the plate defining a slot that is engaged by a portion of the rotary element. The rotary element may comprise an outer periphery, with the periphery comprising a plurality of stop surfaces to maintain the expansion element in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the base. The mechanism may include at least one bias element, with the bias element automatically extending the expansion element to a fully extended position.
In another embodiment, an expansion mechanism for first and second frames of an article is provided. The mechanism comprises a base attachable to the first frame, and an expansion plate slidably received in the base. The expansion plate may be attachable to the second frame, and a positioning assembly may comprise a rotating wheel configured to turn relative to the base. The wheel comprises a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stop positions, wherein an angular position of the wheel determines an amount of extension of the expansion plate from the base.
Optionally, the wheel may be asymmetrical. A pawl may be coupled to the base and selectively engageable with the wheel to limit rotation of the wheel in a first direction. The mechanism may include a release button, and a pivoting rocker arm releasing the pawl from a locked position. The release button may be movable along the linear axis. The plate may define a slot, and a portion of the wheel is engaged to the slot. At least one bias element may also be provided, with the bias element automatically extending the wheel to a fully opened position. The wheel may include an outer periphery configured to restrain the wheel from turning in a first direction, but permitting turning of the wheel in a second direction.
In another embodiment, an expansion mechanism for an expandable piece of baggage is provided. The mechanism comprise a base fixedly mounted to a first portion of the baggage and an expansion plate fixed mounted to a second portion of the baggage. The expansion plate is extendable from the base along a linear axis, and a positioning assembly comprises a rotary wheel selectively positionable relative to the base. The wheel comprises a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stop positions, and a pawl is configured to selectively engage the ratchet surface. A rocker arm is provided to selectively position the pawl.
Optionally, the wheel may be asymmetrical, and the plate may define an actuation slot, with a portion of the wheel received in the slot to position the plate relative to the base. At least one bias element may be provided, with the bias element automatically rotating the wheel when the wheel is released. A release button may be provided, with the release button movable along the linear axis.
An embodiment of an expandable baggage item is also disclosed. The baggage item comprises a body defining a storage compartment, with the body including a first frame defining a first portion of the storage compartment, a second frame defining a second portion of the storage compartment, and an expansion gusset coupled to the first and second frames. The expansion gusset defines a third portion of the storage compartment when the body is expanded. An expansion mechanism comprises a base attachable mounted to the first frame and a slidable expansion element received in the base. The expansion element is mounted to the second frame, with the expansion element linearly movable relative to the base. A positioning assembly is coupled to the base and to the expansion element, wherein the positioning assembly is configured to automatically position the expansion element from a fully closed position to a fully opened position. The positioning assembly is configured to be manually adjustable to at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position, and the positioning assembly comprises a rotary element selectively positionable relative to the base in a plurality of discrete positions. An angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction moves the expansion element from the closed position to the fully opened position, and an angular displacement of the rotary element in a second direction moves the expansion mechanism to the at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position.
Optionally, the rotary element comprises a wheel, with the wheel defining a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stops. A pawl may be coupled to the base and may be selectively positionable relative to the rotary element to limit angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction. A release button, and a pivoting rocker arm releasing the rotary element from a locked position may be provided. The expansion element may comprise a plate, with the plate defining a slot that is engaged by a portion of the rotary element. The rotary element may comprise an outer periphery, with the outer periphery comprising a plurality of stop surfaces to maintain the expansion element in a plurality of different positions relative to the base. At least one bias element may be provided, with the bias element automatically extending the expansion element to a fully opened position. A release button may be provided, the release button movable along the linear axis.
Another embodiment of an expandable baggage item is also disclosed. The item comprises: a body defining a storage compartment. The body includes a first frame defining a first portion of the storage compartment, a second frame defining a second portion of the storage compartment, and an expansion gusset coupled to the first and second frames, with the expansion gusset defining a third portion of the storage compartment when the first and second frame are separated. An expansion mechanism comprises a base attachable mounted to the first frame, and a slidable expansion element received in the base. The expansion element is mounted to the second frame, with the expansion element linearly movable relative to the base. A positioning assembly is coupled to the base and to the expansion element, wherein the positioning assembly is configured to automatically position the expansion element from a fully closed position to a fully opened position and separate the first and second frames by a maximum amount. The positioning assembly is configured to be manually adjustable to at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position. The positioning assembly comprises a rotary element configured to turn relative to the base in a first direction and a second direction opposing the first direction, wherein the rotary element is positionable in a plurality of discrete positions. A pawl is configured to retain the rotary element in one of the plurality of discrete positions. An angular displacement of the rotary element turning in the first direction moves the expansion element from the closed position toward the fully opened position, and an angular displacement of the rotary element turning in the second direction moves the expansion mechanism to at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position. The pawl prevents turning of the rotary element in the first position, and permits turning of the rotary element in the second direction.
In the illustrated embodiment, the article 100 is a piece of baggage formed into a generally rectangular body 104 defining a compartment 106 therein for packing of clothing and personal items, for example, of a traveler. The baggage may be, for example, a luggage or suitcase item in an exemplary embodiment. While one particular type of luggage item is illustrated, it is appreciated that other types of luggage and baggage items may benefit from the expansion mechanism 102 of the invention, as well as non-luggage or non-baggage articles in which expandability is desirable. That is, the expansion mechanism 102 may be utilized on other articles of varying size, shape, and purpose as desired, and the article 100 is described and illustrated for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation.
In an exemplary embodiment, the body 106 is defined by a first shell or frame 108 that defines first portion of the body 104, and a second shell or frame 110 defining a second portion of the body 104. Each of the frames 108 and 110 may be fabricated from rigid or semi-rigid materials such as plastic and the like, and the frames 108 and 110 structurally provide the shape and strength of the article 100 for carrying items. The frames 108 and 110 may be covered with fabric panels and the like including pockets, straps, and other features common to luggage and baggage items.
The first frame 108 in part defines a first volume of storage capacity in the compartment 106, and the second frame 110 defines a second volume of storage capacity immediately adjacent the first frame 108. The first and second volumes of storage in the first and second frames 108 and 110 cumulatively define a normal storage capacity of the article 100. Each of the frames 108 and 110 may be generally rectangular in shape with side walls and end walls defining the respective volumes of storage capacity therebetween in the respective frames 108 and 110. As shown in
The expansion mechanism 102 includes a base 116 attached to the first frame 108, and an expansion element 118 slidably received in the base 116. The expansion element 118 is attached to the second frame 110, so that when the expansion element 118 is moved relative to the base 116, the second frame 110 is moved relative to the first frame 108. As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, and while only one expansion mechanism is visible in
As will be explained in detail below, each expansion mechanism 102 includes a positioning assembly that allows adjustment of the distance De between the article frames 108 and 110 between the collapsed position for normal storage capacity shown in
As shown in
The expansion element 118 is captured between the rear plate 140 of the base 116 and the front plate 130 of the base 116, and may slide between the front and rear plates 130 and 140 to extend and retract the expansion mechanism 102. The expansion element 118 includes mounting apertures 150 so that the expansion element 118 may be fastened to the article frame 110. The release button 134 is mechanically coupled to one end of a rocker arm 152 to release the expansion element 118 for movement in the direction of arrow A as explained below.
The cover plate 160 defines an actuation slot 164. A positioning assembly is captured between the cover plate 160 and the rear plate 140 of the base 116, and the positioning assembly, via the actuation slot 164, slidably moves the expansion element 118 relative to the base 116 in the directions of arrows A and B to expand or collapse the article, respectively.
The release button 134 includes a stem 176 and a post 178 best seen in
The dial or wheel 172 in one embodiment is generally asymmetric and includes an outer periphery provided with a generally circular portion 184, a saw tooth portion 186, and a post 188 that engages the actuator slot 164 (
As shown in
The pawl 174 is rotatably mounted to the second portion 144 of the base plate 140 at a pivot point 190, and the pawl 174 includes a post 192 at one end a catch surface 194 at another end. The catch surface 194 engages the saw tooth portion 186 of the wheel 172 and maintains the wheel 172 in one of a plurality of positions within the base 116 that vary the relative position of the wheel post 188 with respect to the actuator slot 164 in the expansion element cover plate 160 (
The post 192 of the pawl, when contacted by the rocker arm 152 as the release button 134 is depressed, causes the pawl 174 to pivot about the pivot point 190 in the direction of arrow G and causes the pawl catch surface 194 to pivot away from the saw tooth portion 186 and release the wheel 172 for rotation or turning, for example, in the direction of arrow E. When the wheel 172 is so released, it turns in the direction of arrow E. As the wheel 172 turns, the post 188 of the wheel 172 is moved circumferentially with the circular portion 184 of the wheel 172, changing the elevation of the wheel post 188 along the axis A and causing the expansion element 118 to move linearly in the direction of arrow A (
The wheel 172 is spring loaded in one embodiment and automatically turns in the direction of arrow E when released to moves the post 188 and extend the expansion element 118 in the direction of arrow A to its maximum amount, while simultaneously lifting and separating the article frame 110 from the frame 108 (
To retract the mechanism 102 and collapse the article 100, the automatic movement of the expansion element 118 via the spring loaded wheel 172 biased to turn in the direction of arrow E when released may be counteracted by manually applying downward pressure to the article frame 110 and/or the expansion element 118, moving the expansion element 118 back toward the base 116. Such downward pressure and movement forces the wheel post 188 to move within the actuation slot 164 of the expansion element cover plate 160 and move the expansion element 118 toward the base 116 in the direction of arrow B (
The pawl 174 is also rotatably mounted to the rear plate 140, via a pivot recess in the second section 144 of the rear plate 140. The pawl 174 may also be biased, such as with a torsion spring or another bias element, to a predetermined position with respect to the wheel 172. For example, the pawl 174 may be biased to pivot in the direction of arrow H, causing the catch surface 194 to engage and latch to the saw tooth portion 186 of the wheel 172.
From the released position shown in
As shown in
The saw tooth portion 186 of the wheel 172, as best seen in
From the fully expanded position of the article shown in
A downward pressure applied to the expansion element 118 or the frame 110 will move the expansion element 118 toward the base 116, resulting in the actuation slot 164 of the expansion element cover plate 160 (
The wheel 172 may be manually positioned in such a manner with the pawl catch surface 194 engaging any of the stop surfaces 210, with the wheel post 188 being located at a different elevation for each respective stop surface 210 to achieve a different degree of expansion of the article 100. That is, each of the stop surfaces 210 corresponds to a different angular displacement of the wheel 172 about its center pivot point, and accordingly each stop surface 210 places the wheel post 188 in a different angular orientation with respect to the expansion element cover plate 160, varying the vertical elevation of the wheel post 110 relative to the base 116 and changing the vertical position of the expansion element 118 relative to the base 116. The expansion of the article 100 may be incrementally adjusted in decreasing amounts using the stop surfaces 210 until the desired degree of expansion is obtained to avoid undesirable empty space in the article 100. In the illustrated embodiment, eight stop surfaces 210 and eight ramps 212 are provided in the saw tooth portion 186 of the wheel 172, although greater or lesser numbers of stop surfaces and ramps could be provided in other embodiments for a greater or lesser amount of adjustability between the fully closed and fully opened positions.
As also shown in
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An expansion mechanism for first and second frames of an article, comprising:
- a base attachable to the first frame;
- an expansion element slidably received in the base along a linear axis, the expansion element attachable to the second frame, and
- a positioning assembly comprising a rotary element movable relative to the base in a plurality of discrete positions, wherein an angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction extends the expansion element from the base, and an angular displacement of the rotary element in a second direction adjustably moves the expansion element toward the base.
2. The expansion mechanism of claim 1, wherein the rotary element comprises a wheel, the wheel defining a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stops.
3. The expansion mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a pawl coupled to the base and selectively positionable relative to the rotary element to limit angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction.
4. The expansion mechanism of claim 3, wherein the pawl is configured to permit angular displacement of the rotary element in a second direction.
5. The expansion mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a release button, and a pivoting rocker arm releasing the pawl from a locked position.
6. The expansion mechanism of claim 1, wherein the expansion element comprises a plate, the plate defining a slot that is engaged by a portion of the rotary element.
7. The expansion mechanism of claim 1, wherein the rotary element comprises an outer periphery, the periphery comprising a plurality of stop surfaces to maintain the expansion element in one of a plurality of different positions relative to the base.
8. The expansion mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one bias element, the bias element automatically extending the expansion element to a fully extended position.
9. The expansion mechanism of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a release button, the release button movable along the linear axis.
10. An expansion mechanism for first and second frames of an article, comprising:
- a base attachable to the first frame;
- an expansion plate slidably received in the base, the expansion plate attachable to the second frame, and
- a positioning assembly comprising a rotating wheel configured to turn relative to the base; the wheel comprising a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stop positions;
- wherein an angular position of the wheel determines an amount of extension of the expansion plate from the base.
11. The expansion mechanism of claim 10, wherein the wheel is asymmetrical.
12. The expansion mechanism of claim 10, further comprising a pawl coupled to the base and selectively engageable with the wheel to limit rotation of the wheel in a first direction.
13. The expansion mechanism of claim 12, further comprising a release button, and a pivoting rocker arm releasing the pawl from a locked position.
14. The expansion mechanism of claim 10, wherein the plate defining a slot, and a portion of the wheel is engaged to the slot.
15. The expansion mechanism of claim 10, further comprising at least one bias element, the bias element automatically extending the wheel to a fully opened position.
16. The expansion mechanism of claim 10, wherein the mechanism comprises a release button, the release button movable along the linear axis.
17. The expansion mechanism of claim 10, wherein the wheel includes an outer periphery configured to restrain the wheel from turning in a first direction, but permitting turning of the wheel in a second direction.
18. An expansion mechanism for an expandable piece of baggage, comprising:
- a base fixedly mounted to a first portion of the baggage;
- an expansion plate fixed mounted to a second portion of the baggage, the expansion plate extendable from the base along a linear axis; and
- a positioning assembly comprising: a rotary wheel selectively positionable relative to the base; the wheel comprising a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stop positions; a pawl configured to selectively engage the ratchet surface; and a rocker arm to selectively position the pawl.
19. The expansion mechanism of claim 18, wherein the wheel is asymmetrical.
20. The expansion mechanism of claim 18, wherein the plate defines an actuation slot, and a portion of the wheel received in the slot to position the plate relative to the base.
21. The expansion mechanism of claim 18, further comprising at least one bias element, the bias element automatically rotating the wheel when the wheel is released.
22. The expansion mechanism of claim 18, wherein the mechanism comprises a release button, the release button movable along the linear axis.
23. An expandable baggage item comprising:
- a body defining a storage compartment, the body including a first frame defining a first portion of the storage compartment, a second frame defining a second portion of the storage compartment, and an expansion gusset coupled to the first and second frames, the expansion gusset defining a third portion of the storage compartment when the body is expanded; and
- an expansion mechanism comprising a base attachable mounted to the first frame; a slidable expansion element received in the base, the expansion element mounted to the second frame, the expansion element linearly movable relative to the base; and a positioning assembly coupled to the base and to the expansion element, wherein the positioning assembly is configured to automatically position the expansion element from a fully closed position to a fully opened position; wherein the positioning assembly is configured to be manually adjustable to at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position; and wherein the positioning assembly comprises a rotary element selectively positionable relative to the base in a plurality of discrete positions, wherein an angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction moves the expansion element from the closed position to the fully opened position, and an angular displacement of the rotary element in a second direction moves the expansion mechanism to the at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position.
24. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, wherein the rotary element comprises a wheel, the wheel defining a ratchet surface defining a plurality of stops.
25. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, further comprising a pawl coupled to the base and selectively positionable relative to the rotary element to limit angular displacement of the rotary element in a first direction.
26. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, further comprising a release button, and a pivoting rocker arm releasing the rotary element from a locked position.
27. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, wherein the expansion element comprises a plate, the plate defining a slot that is engaged by a portion of the rotary element.
28. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, wherein the rotary element comprises an outer periphery, the outer periphery comprising a plurality of stop surfaces to maintain the expansion element in a plurality of different positions relative to the base.
29. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, further comprising at least one bias element, the bias element automatically extending the expansion element to a fully opened position.
30. The expandable baggage item of claim 23, wherein the mechanism comprises a release button, the release button movable along the linear axis.
31. An expandable baggage item comprising:
- a body defining a storage compartment, the body including a first frame defining a first portion of the storage compartment, a second frame defining a second portion of the storage compartment, and an expansion gusset coupled to the first and second frames, the expansion gusset defining a third portion of the storage compartment when the first and second frame are separated; and
- an expansion mechanism comprising a base attachable mounted to the first frame; a slidable expansion element received in the base, the expansion element mounted to the second frame, the expansion element linearly movable relative to the base; and a positioning assembly coupled to the base and to the expansion element, wherein the positioning assembly is configured to automatically position the expansion element from a fully closed position to a fully opened position and separate the first and second frames by a maximum amount; wherein the positioning assembly is configured to be manually adjustable to at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position; and wherein the positioning assembly comprises: a rotary element configured to turn relative to the base in a first direction and a second direction opposing the first direction, wherein the rotary element is positionable in a plurality of discrete positions; and a pawl configured to retain the rotary element in one of the plurality of discrete positions; wherein an angular displacement of the rotary element turning in the first direction moves the expansion element from the closed position toward the fully opened position, and wherein an angular displacement of the rotary element turning in the second direction moves the expansion mechanism to at least one fixed position intermediate the fully closed position and the fully opened position; and wherein the pawl prevents turning of the rotary element in the first position, and permits turning of the rotary element in the second direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 28, 2007
Publication Date: Jul 2, 2009
Inventor: Aaron Gorga (St. Louis, MO)
Application Number: 11/966,400