Luggage Case System

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a luggage case including a retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip. When extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top surface. Further, when the handle is retracted, the grip rotates between a first position and a second position, each of the first position and second position being parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,824 filed on Apr. 27, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to luggage cases, specifically upright luggage cases with spinner wheels allowing easy mobility of the case. More particularly, this disclosure relates to carry-on luggage cases designed to fit in aircraft overhead compartments located in the passenger cabin.

Current carry-on luggage cases are often heavy which leads to difficulty when a user attempts to maneuver the luggage case into overhead storage bins within the aircraft. In fact, many current luggage cases are heavy before the user even starts to pack them. For example, many carry-on luggage cases typically weigh between six to eight pounds when they are empty. Therefore, after a user packs the luggage case with all of their belongings needed for a trip, the luggage case may weigh upwards of 30 to 40 pounds. Because of the heavy luggage case, many users will inevitably struggle to position the luggage case into the overhead bin of an airplane.

In addition, lifting and placing a luggage case overhead onboard an aircraft puts a great deal of strain on a user's wrist. Current luggage cases typically include a handle on a top surface of the case that is positioned parallel to a front and back panel of the case. For example, when a user proceeds to lift the luggage case, the user typically holds the handle with one hand while the other hand is underneath the back panel. Because the handle is parallel to the top and bottom face, when lifting the luggage into the overhead bin, the user's wrist and elbow are typically positioned in a less than ideal manner for lifting, maneuvering, and stabilizing the luggage.

In addition, many current carry-on luggage cases do not provide easy access to liquids and toiletries that may need to be removed when passing through a security check point. For example, current luggage cases typically include a main compartment and possibly additional flat pockets. The main compartment is usually accessible by unzipping a zipper that runs through the top surface, bottom surface, and part of the sides of the case. Once upzipped, the front face can be partially removed and the main compartment accessed. In order to access the main compartment, the luggage must be reclined, which is inconvenient, especially during the security line checkpoint. Further, once accessed, the user has to rummage through the main compartment to find the toiletry and liquids that may have moved around since originally packed. In addition, the user has to quickly repack the luggage case with the liquids removed, all while other patrons are waiting on the user to quickly proceed through the security check point.

Notwithstanding the fact that many carry-on luggage cases contain flat pocket storage, these storage compartments are typically only suitable for the storage of a magazine or travel documents. Therefore, the flat pocket storage compartments are typically not suitable for the storage of liquids, which need to be removed for security clearance in airports. Further, the flat pocket storage compartments on current luggage cases are typically only accessible through the front, back, or side of the case. Therefore, once the luggage case is stored in an overhead bin during flight, in order to access either the main compartment or flat pocket storage areas, the user would need to remove the entire luggage case from the overhead bin to access the desired item contained within them.

Accordingly, a need exists for a light-weight carry-on luggage case featuring an ergonomic handle and convenient top compartment, as described and claimed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The luggage case disclosed herein enables a user to take advantage of a more ergonomic hand and wrist position for stowing the case in an overhead compartment of an aircraft by incorporating a pivoting handle that allows the user to hold the luggage case in a manner that transfers the weight of the case from the traveler's wrist to the upper arm.

In addition, the present luggage case is intended to make airline travel less difficult, especially for older passengers, by providing a luggage case that weighs 30-50% less than typical luggage. In an embodiment, the present luggage case uses fewer materials and a strong but lightweight frame to provide a lightweight but durable luggage case.

Further, in an embodiment, the present carry-on luggage case offers a top compartment that is easily accessible while in transit, especially for removal of bulky items such as toiletries when passing through airport security checkpoints.

Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a luggage case comprising a body that includes a bottom surface and a top surface, wherein the bottom surface includes at least one associated wheel. The luggage case further includes a retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip. When extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top surface. Further, when refracted, the grip rotates between a first position and a second position, each of the first position and second position being parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to each other.

In an embodiment, the grip is substantially perpendicular to the retractable post. Further, the grip may be releasably locked in either the first position, the second position, or both. In an embodiment, when the grip is in the second position, the grip is substantially perpendicular to a plane including a side panel of the body, wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and connects the top surface to the bottom surface. The grip may be L-shaped. For example, the grip may be cantilevered from the handle.

In an embodiment, the luggage case weighs less than six pounds. Though various light-weight options may be available based on the specific size, shape, and materials used for the luggage case.

The luggage case may include a top compartment accessible through the top surface of the luggage case. In an example, the body includes a top compartment accessible through the top surface and a main compartment accessible through at least one side panel, wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and connects the bottom surface to the top surface. In an example, the top compartment is collapsible within the main compartment, such that, when the top compartment is not in use, it does not substantially reduce the available volume of the main compartment.

In an embodiment, the top compartment may be accessible through a top flap, wherein the top flap is attached to the top surface along two parallel top flap edges. Further, the main compartment may be accessible through a main flap, wherein the main flap is attached to the at least one side panel along two parallel main flap edges. In some embodiments, the top flap may be removable and swappable such that a user can change the visual appearance of the bag to personalize it by using a personalized top flap.

In an embodiment, the luggage case includes a body including a bottom surface including at least one associated wheel, top surface, at least one side panel connecting the bottom surface to the top surface, a top compartment accessible through the top surface, and a main compartment accessible through the at least one side panel. The side panel may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface. In addition, the luggage case includes a retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip. When extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top surface, and when elevated away from the top surface, the grip rotates between a first position and a second position. Each of the first position and second position are parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to each other.

An advantage of the disclosure is providing a luggage case that weighs less and is easier to lift into an overhead compartment of an aircraft. The present luggage case is specifically designed to use fewer parts in the assembly of the case as well as using light-weight materials.

A further advantage of the invention is providing a luggage case that includes a pivoting handle. The handle may be pivoted into a position that upon lifting the case into an overhead compartment of the aircraft, a user's wrist and elbow are better positioned to lift and maneuver the luggage case. Specifically, by the positioning of the handle, the user is encouraged to keep the elbow closer to the user's body and the wrist is in a neutral position (i.e., the wrist is in line with the forearm; it is neither bent up (extension), nor bent down (flexion) and it is not bent towards the thumb (radial deviation), nor towards the little finger (ulnar deviation)).

Another advantage of the present invention is providing a top compartment that is accessible through a top surface of the case. The top-accessible pocket provides easier access to stored liquids and toiletries while proceeding through airport security and during transit.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a user lifting a luggage case into an overhead compartment of an aircraft. FIG. 1A depicts a carry-on luggage case in accordance with the prior art. FIG. 1B depicts a carry-on luggage case in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front side perspective view of an embodiment of a carry-on luggage case in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a carry-on luggage case in accordance with the invention, in which the top flap is removable.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the face of the embodiment of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the main packing compartment with liner affixed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the carry-on luggage case shown in FIG. 2 in an upright position with all openings exposed.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a carry-on luggage case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The comparison between FIGS. 1A and 1B demonstrates a unique characteristic of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, typical luggage cases require a user to strain and compromise their wrist in attempts to lift the luggage case into an overhead compartment of the aircraft. In contrast, an embodiment of the luggage case 10 in accordance with the present invention provides the user a pivoting handle that may be positioned perpendicular to a front or back panel of the case. As shown in FIG. 1B, the handle provides a user, while lifting the luggage case, a way to support the weight of the case while at the same time preventing strain to a user's wrist by enabling the user to lift the luggage case 10 with the wrist in a neutral position.

As shown in FIG. 2, the luggage case 10 includes a body 12 that includes a bottom surface 14 and a top surface 16, wherein the bottom surface 14 includes at least one associated wheel 18, as shown in FIG. 9. The luggage case 10 further includes a retractable handle 20 including a retractable post 22 and a grip 24. The luggage case 10 may also include a post enclosure 50, as shown in FIG. 8, that extends along the length of at least one side panel 30 and houses the post 22 when the retractable handle 20 is in a retracted position.

In an embodiment, the grip 24 is substantially perpendicular to the post 22. Accordingly, the retractable handle 20 may be L-shaped. For example, the retractable handle 20 may be a cantilever handle. As shown in FIG. 3, when extended, the retractable post 22 elevates the grip 24 away from the top surface 16. In the extended position, the retractable handle 20 is configured to enable a user to easily guide the luggage case 10 along side the user while walking

When the handle 20 is retracted, the grip 24 may be rotated between a first position 26 and a second position 28, wherein the plane of rotation between the first position 26 and second position 28 is parallel to the bottom surface 14 and the direction of the handle 20 in the first position 26 is perpendicular to the direction of the handle 20 in the second position 28. By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates the grip 24 in the first position 26 and FIG. 4 illustrates the grip 24 in the second position 28. In comparing the position of the grip 24 in FIG. 2 to the position of the grip 24 in FIG. 4, the first position 26 and the second position 28 are both parallel to the bottom surface 14 of the luggage case 10. In addition, the first position 26 and the second position 28 are perpendicular to each other.

Further, in an embodiment, when the grip 24 is in the second position 28, the grip 24 is substantially perpendicular to a plane including a side panel 30 of the body 12, wherein the side panel 30 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 14 and connects the top surface 16 to the bottom surface 14. Because the grip 24 is perpendicular to a plane including a side panel 30, a user may support the weight of the luggage case 10 by the grip 24 without compromising the user's wrist while also supporting the weight of the luggage case 10 from the side panel 30 with the user's other hand (see FIG. 1B). The second position 28 of the grip 24 is particularly useful when a user proceeds to lift the luggage case 10 into an overhead compartment of an airplane by providing a more ergonomic neutral position for the user's wrist while lifting.

The grip 24 may be releasably locked in the first position 26, the second position 28, or both, by way of a locking mechanism 46. The locking mechanism 46 may be any suitable locking mechanism 46. As shown in FIG. 4, the locking mechanism 46 may include a release button associated with the handle 20 such that when the button is depressed, the handle 20 is released and free to move into either the first position 26 or second position 28. Once the depressed release button is released by the user, the grip 24 is releasably locked in one position. In addition, the locking mechanism 46 may be configured to enable the grip 24 to be locked in any position between the first position 26 and second position 28. Further, the locking mechanism may also be configured to enable or restrict the expansion and retraction the retractable handle 20.

In addition to providing a luggage case 10 that may be configured to provide a grip 24 perpendicular to at least one side panel 30, the luggage case 10 further enables a user to lift the luggage case 10 with ease owing to its light weight. For example, in an embodiment, the luggage case 10 weighs less than six pounds. The luggage case 10 achieves a light-weight by incorporating a specific combination of elements, as well as selecting elements made from specific materials.

For example, the luggage case 10 may include a fabric covering a main frame. Preferably the fabric is a light-weight, water-resistant textile fabric. In one example, plastic sheets stabilize the overall shape of the luggage case 10. However, the material used for the top surface 16, bottom surface 14, and at least one side panel 30 may be any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the material may include polypropylene sheets with a honeycomb cross-section, corrugated plastic, aluminum, bamboo, wood, among others, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the top surface 16 and at least one side panel 30 are made from a fabric material, whereas the bottom surface 14 is made from a more rigid material, such as a durable plastic.

The luggage case 10 further aids in the ease of traveling by providing a top compartment 32 that is easily accessible while a user is preparing to enter airport security and while the luggage case 10 is stored in an overhead compartment of an aircraft. The top compartment 32 may be accessible through the top surface 16 of the luggage case 10. The top compartment 32 is particularly useful for storing liquids and toiletries that must be quickly removed during airport security. For example, the top compartment 32 allows a user to simply and quickly access the liquids and toiletries for security without having to open a main compartment 34, which can be cumbersome. In addition, the user may access the top compartment 32 while the luggage case 10 is stored in an overhead compartment in an aircraft without having to remove the luggage case 10 from the overhead compartment.

The top compartment 32 may be provided in addition to a main compartment 34. For example, the luggage case 10 may include both a top compartment 32 accessible through the top surface 16 and a main compartment 34 accessible through at least one side panel 30. The top compartment 32 may be collapsible to provide more available space within the main compartment 34 when the top compartment 32 is not in use. For example, when the top compartment 32 is empty, the top compartment 32 may be compacted so as to not take up any substantial space within the body 12. Further, the top compartment 32 may include a top compartment liner 48, as shown in FIG. 8. The top compartment liner 48 may be made from a nylon material, although it is understood that there are numerous materials that may be used to make the top compartment liner 48.

The top compartment 32 and main compartment 34 may be accessed in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the top compartment 32 may be accessed through a top flap 36 that closes a portion of the top surface 16 that forms the top compartment opening 37. In a presently preferred example shown in FIGS. 4-6, the top flap 36 transitions into the top surface 16 across at least one fixed edge 41. The fixed edge 41 acts as a hinge along which the top flap 36 may be opened by folding the top flap 36 away from the top surface 16 to provide access to the top compartment 34. The top flap 36 may be opened along the remaining three top flap edges 40 by folding the top flap 36 along the fixed edge 41, as shown in FIG. 5. When the top flap 36 is closed, the top flap edges 40 may close the top compartment opening 37 in any suitable manner. For example, two parallel top flap edges 40 may be attached to the top surface 16 by zippers 43, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. As shown, the top flap 36 may be opened by unzipping the zippers 43 along the two parallel top flap edges 40. To assist in efficiently opening the top compartment 32, the zippers 43 may be connected by a pull mechanism 44 that enables both zippers 43 to be opened or closed with a single user action. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the pull mechanism 44 is a string 54 that attaches the two zippers 43 on the top flap edges 40. A user can pull the string 54 to quickly open or close the top flap 36. However, the pulling mechanism 44 could be any suitable pulling mechanism that enables a user to open the top compartment 32.

As described and shown with respect to FIGS. 4-6, the top flap 36 includes two top flap edges 40 that are secured to the top surface 16 by zippers 43 and a third top flap edge 40 that is simply held in place along the top surface 16 by the position of the top flap 36. In other versions of the luggage case 10, the third top flap edge 40 may be secured to the top surface 16 using one or more snaps, hook and loop closures, magnets, zippers, etc.

As shown in FIG. 7, in yet another version of the luggage case 10, the top flap 36 is removable from the luggage case 10. For example, the top flap 36 may include two top flap edges 40 that are secured to the top surface 16 by separating zippers and a third top flap edge 40 and fourth top flap edge 40 that are simply held in place along the top surface 16 by the position of the top flap 36. Alternatively, the third top flap edge 40 and fourth top flap edge 40 may be removably connected to the top surface 16 by a fastening mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastening system. In this embodiment, the top flap 36 may be removed and exchanged for another top flap 36 to identify the luggage case 10 more personally for the user. This might be thought of similarly to the way mobile phone cases are used to both personalize and identify the device as one's own.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, the main compartment 34 may be accessible through a main flap 38 incorporated into at least one side panel 30. In the example shown, the main flap 38 may include zippers 43 along at least two main flap edges 42 and the main flap 38 transitions into the at least one side panel 30 across a fixed edge 45 along which the main flap 38 may be opened. The main flap edges 42 may be attached to the side panel 30 using any suitable fastening mechanism. For example, the main flap edges 42 may be attached to the side panel 30 by one or more zippers 43. However, the main flap 38 may be attached to the side panel 30 by any suitable manner.

The luggage case 10 may further include an additional bottom handle 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the bottom handle 52 is positioned between the wheels 18 to provide an additional position for a user to hold. The bottom handle 52 may be particularly useful for baggage handlers. Further, other additional handles may be incorporated on the outer surface of the body 12 for additional support for the user.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the method and device may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein.

Claims

1. A luggage case comprising:

a body including: a bottom surface including at least one associated wheel; and a top surface; and a retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip, wherein, when extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top surface, further wherein, when retracted, the grip rotates between a first position and a second position, each of the first position and second position being parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to each other.

2. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the grip is substantially perpendicular to the retractable post.

3. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the grip is releasably lockable in the first position, the second position, or both.

4. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein, when the grip is in the second position, the grip is substantially perpendicular to a plane including a side panel of the body, wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and connects the top surface to the bottom surface.

5. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the retractable handle is in an L-shape.

6. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the handle is a cantilever handle.

7. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the luggage case is configured to weigh less than six pounds.

8. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the body includes a top compartment accessible through the top surface.

9. The luggage case of claim 1 wherein the body includes a top compartment accessible through the top surface and a main compartment accessible through at least one side panel, wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and connects the bottom surface to the top surface.

10. The luggage case of claim 9 wherein the top compartment is collapsible within the main compartment.

11. The luggage case of claim 10 wherein the main compartment is accessible through a main flap, wherein the main flap is attached to the at least one side panel along two parallel main flap edges.

12. The luggage case of claim 9 wherein the top compartment is accessible through a top flap, wherein the top flap is attached to the top surface along two parallel top flap edges.

13. The luggage case of claim 12 wherein the top flap is removable.

14. A luggage case comprising:

a body including: a bottom surface including at least one associated wheel; a top surface; at least one side panel connecting the bottom surface to the top surface, wherein the side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface; and a top compartment accessible through the top surface; and a main compartment accessible through the at least one side panel; and

a retractable handle including a retractable post and a grip, wherein, when extended, the retractable post elevates the grip away from the top surface, further wherein, when retracted, the grip rotates between a first position and a second position, each of the first position and second position being parallel to the bottom surface and perpendicular to each other.