Luggage and carrier

Abstract

A bag and a carrier therefore, the carrier comprising a base member having first and second pivotable wheels mounted proximate a first end of the base member, a third wheel mounted proximate a second end of the base member, the bag being mounted to the base member at the first end, the base member being pivotable with respect to the bag such that the base member can pivot between a first position wherein the base member lies adjacent the bag and a second position wherein the bag is supported on the base member, a handle arrangement extending upwardly from the base member and being operative to steer the first and second wheels, and a locking device to lock the pivotable wheels in a non-pivotable position when the base member lies adjacent the bag. The base member can function as a scooter type of device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to luggage and more particularly, relates to luggage having a carrier associated therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many forms of luggage are known in the art. These can range from conventional suitcases to backpacks and the like. One of the problems associated with traditional luggage is their usually substantial weight making it difficult for them to be carried by many people. In order to overcome this, the use of wheels and a retractable handle have become very popular and are included on most pieces of luggage.

While the use of wheels substantially alleviates the problem of carrying the luggage, they still must be towed for what is frequently a substantial distance in modern airports. Furthermore, it is generally not possible to move very quickly when pulling the wheeled luggage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel system for moving luggage from one location to another wherein greater speed may be achieved.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bag and a carrier therefore, the carrier comprising a base member, first and second pivotable wheels mounted proximate a proximal end of the base member, a third wheel mounted proximate a distal end of the base member, the bag being mounted to the base member at the proximal end, the base member being pivotable with respect to the bag such that the base member can pivot between a first position wherein the base member lies adjacent the bag and a second position wherein the bag is supported on the base member, a handle arrangement extending upwardly from the base member, the handle assembly being operative to steer the first and second wheels, and a locking device to lock the pivotable wheels in a non pivotable position when the base member lies adjacent the bag.

The term luggage or bag, as used herein, is intended to include all different types of luggage including conventional suitcases, backpacks, travel bags, duffle bags, school backpacks, etc. Although the invention will be described with respect to conventional suitcases, any other type of bag may be employed.

The carrier for the luggage comprises a member having one end thereof hingedly or pivotably connected to the suitcase, preferably along a bottom edge thereof. The carrier or base member may be made of any suitable material such as a wood, plastic or metallic material. It suffices to say that many different materials having the required strength are known while the weight of the base member is preferably minimized.

At one end of the base member; there are provided first and second wheels and which wheels are normally mounted so that they may be pivoted and the base member (with attached luggage) steered. Such arrangements are known in the art and usually will involve a pair of arms, one arm being secured to each of the wheel assemblies and being centrally connected.

The invention will also include a steering assembly which will include steering arms operatively connected to the first and second wheels. The steering assembly preferably comprises an elongated post having a handle structure located at one end thereof. The post is connected to the steering arms and thus the entire structure can be steered by manoeuvring the handle.

The handle is preferably arranged such that it is retractable and may be utilized when it is desired to pull the luggage in a conventional manner.

The invention also preferably includes a locking device to lock the pivotable wheels to a non pivotable position when the base member is folded to be adjacent the bag or luggage. This permits the same to be pulled in a conventional manner as previously stated. However, when the base member and the bag are separated, the wheels may be steered using the handle and the whole assembly may function in a manner similar to a scooter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the combined carrier and bag of the present invention when the carrier is in an operational position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the carrier and bag in a conventional towing position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the relationship of the carrier and bag;

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the steering and locking mechanism of the carrier; and

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view through the carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 a combined carrier and bag and which combination is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The combination carrier and bag 10 includes a suitcase generally designated by reference numeral 12 and a carrier generally designated by reference numeral 34.

Suitcase 12 has a front wall 14, a rear wall 16, a pair of side walls 18, a top end wall 20 and a bottom end wall 22. Formed at the juncture of rear wall 16 and bottom end wall 22 there is a recess 24. Rear wall 16 also includes a first back wall recess 26 and a second back wall recess 28 which extends further into the suitcase.

Carrier 34 includes an elongated member 36 having a hinge 38 mounted at a proximal end 46. At distal end 40, there is provided a wheel 42 and a shield 44 therefore. Shield 44 can also serve as a braking mechanism.

At proximal end 46 of carrier 34, there is provided a housing 48. A first wheel 50 is mounted on one side thereof and a second wheel 52 mounted on the other side. First wheel 50 has a steering arm 54 associated therewith while second wheel 52 has a steering arm 56 associated therewith. Steering arms 54 and 56 meet centrally. There is provided an upwardly extending stub shaft 58 which has a locking member 60 mounted thereover. A back wall 62 of locking member 60 will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. At distal end 40, a third wheel 42 is provided along with shield 44.

Locking member 60 is also joined to steering arms 54, 56. The arrangement includes a handle 64 which is connected to the steering assembly comprising a lower handle shaft 66 and an upper handle shaft 68 which are in a telescopic arrangement.

A locking spring pin member 70 locks carrier 34 in place.

When designed to be used for transporting luggage as quickly as possible, the carrier is folded downwardly so that all wheels are on the ground. This permits one to use the carrier as a type of scooter for rapid transit. The steering mechanism at this point is fully functional and the first and second wheels 50 and 52 may be steered by means of handle 64.

When carrier 34 is mounted in a storage position, it is pivoted upwardly as seen in FIG. 3 and in this position, back wall 62 of locking member 60 abuts elongated member 36 and thus wheels 50 and 52 may not be pivoted. This permits the luggage to be towed in a conventional manner in the position shown in FIG. 3.

It will be understood that the above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A bag and a carrier therefore, the carrier comprising:

a base member;

first and second pivotable wheels mounted proximate a proximal end of said base member;

a third wheel mounted proximate a distal end of said base member;

said bag being mounted to said base member at said proximal end, said base member being pivotable with respect to said bag such that said base member can pivot between a first position wherein said base member lies adjacent said bag and a second position wherein said bag is supported on said base member;

a handle arrangement extending upwardly from said base member, said handle assembly being operative to steer said first and second wheels; and

a locking device to lock said pivotable wheels in a non pivotable position when said base member lies adjacent said bag.

2. The bag and carrier of claim 1 wherein said base member has an elongated configuration.

3. The bag and carrier of claim 1 wherein said handle assembly comprises a shaft extending upwardly from said base member and a handle mounted at a distal end thereof.

4. The bag and carrier of claim 3 further including first and second steering arms operatively associated with said first and second wheels respectively, said shaft being connected to said first and second steering arms to permit steering of said first and second wheels.

5. The bag and carrier of claim 1 further including a hinge member, said hinge member being connected to both said base member and said bag to permit pivotable movement of said base member and bag.

6. The bag and carrier of claim 1 wherein said handle arrangement comprises a telescopic handle arrangement.

7. The bag and carrier of claim 1 wherein said bag is a suitcase.

8. The bag and carrier of claim 1 wherein said bag is a backpack.

9. The bag and carrier of claim 1 wherein said locking device comprises a member connected to said steering mechanism, said locking device being such that when said carrier is in a position next to the bag, the steering mechanism is prevented from rotating.