LUGGAGE CARRYING DEVICE
A body removably attachable to a belt for carrying a wheeled luggage having a top part having a hooked element for receiving a belt; a bottom part having a second hooked element for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage; and a swivel device for swivelly connecting the top part with the bottom part. The swivel device comprises a first tube positioned on the top part of the body for receiving a first portion of an elongated cylindrical element and a second tube positioned on the bottom part of the body for receiving a second portion of an elongated cylindrical element. The cylindrical element includes a first collar proximate to a first end of the elongated cylindrical element and a second collar proximate to a second end of the elongated cylindrical element, wherein the first and second collars are positioned such that when the elongated element is received by the first and second tubes, the first collar is positioned in first cutout and the second collar is positioned in the second cutout.
This Continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/317,368, entitled “LUGGAGE CARRYING DEVICE,” filed Jun. 27, 2014. The identified non-provisional application is incorporated herein by specific reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISCNot Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe disclosed embodiments relate to the field of belt attachments. More specifically, it relates to devices for holding and pulling luggage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThousands of people travel daily. When such people travel, they carry luggage with them. Often, people travel with wheeled luggage. Sometimes travelers have multiple suitcases or luggage that they use to store their items. Many times, people have more luggage than they can carry. When this is the case, a person may have to hire a porter or independent contractor to carry at least one of their bags, luggage or suitcases. Or, a person may have to ask another individual to help them with their bags. In other cases, the traveler may fumble with their bags causing damage to the bags or a strain or sprain of their body. These problems inconvenience the traveler and the individuals that are required to assist such a traveler, and may also be cost prohibitive.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome these problems with the prior art so as to allow a person to carry and travel with multiple bags without having to hire a porter or independent contractor or ask another individual for help.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONBriefly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a body removably attachable to belts or portions of clothing for carrying a wheeled luggage is disclosed. The body comprises a top part having a hooked element for receiving a belt. The body also includes a bottom part having a second hooked element designed for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage, and a swivel device for swivelly connecting the top part with the bottom part.
In one embodiment, the swivel device comprises a first tube having a first cutout positioned on the top part of the body for receiving a first portion of an elongated cylindrical element. The swivel device also includes a second tube having a second cutout positioned on the bottom part of the body for receiving a second portion of an elongated cylindrical element. The elongated cylindrical element has a first end opposing a second end. The elongated cylindrical element having a first collar proximate to the first end of the elongated cylindrical element and a second collar proximate to the second end of the elongated cylindrical element. The first and second collars are positioned such that when the elongated element is received by the first and second tubes, the first collar is positioned in the first cutout and the second collar is positioned in the second cutout.
In another embodiment, a body removably attachable to a portion of a wearer's clothing for carrying a wheeled luggage having a singular body comprises a top part having a hooked element for receiving a portion of a wearer's clothing, and a bottom part having a second hooked element designed for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage, wherein the hooked element of the top part faces opposite to the hooked element of the bottom part.
Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and also the advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the left most digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number appears first appears. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior art by providing an easy and user-friendly means for carrying wheeled luggage. The disclosed embodiments improve over the prior art because they provide an individual with a device that allows such individual to carry luggage without using their hands. The disclosed embodiments further improve over the prior art because they provide an individual with a device that allows such individual to increase the amount of luggage that such individual is able to carry. Also, the disclosed embodiments improve over the prior art because they reduce the costs associated with traveling due to the hiring of independent contractors or porters. Lastly, the disclosed embodiments improve over the prior art because they allow a user to pull luggage behind them and walk in a non-linear direction, such as around corners, as the swivel device allows for the luggage to be pulled in non-linear directions without adversely affecting the user.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
In the present embodiment, the side sections 119, 117 are substantially parallel to and opposing one another. In the present embodiment, a hinge 145 hingedly connects the terminal end of the first side section 119 of the U-shaped member 116 to a top section 113. The top section 113 has a first end 215 and a second end 213. Hinge 145 hingedly connects the terminal end of the first side section 119 to the first end 215 of the top section 113 and a second hinge 147 connects the second end 213 of the top section 113 to a flap 105. The top section 113 and flap 105 are substantially rectangular in shape and are substantially planar and can be formed from a plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, any of the components of the invention may be fabricated using a 3-D printer.
In the present embodiment, the attachable element 110 has a flip top 113 that utilizes hinges 145, 147 to flip open. In an alternative embodiment, there is no hinged top 113. In this embodiment, the attachable element 110 does not open up, but is rather a static elongated hollow element.
Similarly, the hinge 147 can be integral with the second end 213 of top section 113. Or alternatively, the hinge 147 can be integral with the first end 217 of the flap 105. In yet another embodiment, the hinge 147 can be affixed to the second end 213 of the top section 113 and the first end 217 of the flap 105 with screws, fasteners, bolts, or the like (not shown). The hinges 145, 147 can be made of metal, plastic, or any other material that is well known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, straps (not shown) can connect the first side section 119 of the U-shaped member 116 to the top section 113 such that the first side section 119 of the U-shaped member 116 is hingedly connected to the top section 113. In one embodiment, there are no hinges 145, 147 but rather flexible plastic corners that allows the areas 113, 105 to open up by utilizing the flexibility of the plastic composition of the device. Thus, the area from hinges 145 to 147 may be one flexible hinge in and of itself.
The top section 113 is adapted such that when the attaching member 110 in the closed or in a locked position as shown in
In other embodiments (not shown), the attachable element 110 can have various shapes and sizes that allow the attachable element 110 to be removably attached to a belt or pants such that when generally downward forces act upon the member 110, the body 100 remains secured to a belt of an individual.
For example, in another embodiment (not shown), the attachable element can comprise a clip. The clip may comprise a U-shaped element having opposing arms defining a mouth at the terminal ends of such arms and an orifice along the arms. The orifice may receive a pants belt and be sized such that a pants belt can fit inside of the orifice. The mouth may be sized such that its cross-sectional diameter is slightly smaller than the dimension of the width of a belt. The clip may be manufactured from resilient material such that the size of the mouth may be increased when forces pushing outward on the arms and mouth cause the arms to move outward and return to its original position when such forces are removed. In this embodiment, the clip can be positioned such that the mouth of the clip receives the belt causing forces acting outward to increase the size of the mouth thereby allowing the belt to enter into the orifice of the clip after which the resilient material returns the mouth to its original shape thereby securing the body 100 to the belt. Alternatively, the mouth may be sized such that the cross-sectional diameter is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the width of a pair of pants and belt. In this embodiment, the mouth and orifice are designed to clip onto both a belt and along the waistline of a pair of pants or alternatively the dimensions of the attachable element can be sized to receive only a pair of pants.
In another embodiment (not shown), the attachable element may define a U-shape member having two opposing arms defining a mouth at the terminal ends of the arms and an orifice along the arms. The cross-sectional diameter of the mouth may be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the orifice. The attaching element may include a screw lock. The cross-sectional diameter of the orifice and mouth may be increased or decreased by using the components of the screw lock such that the belt may be retained by the mouth inside the orifice. In other embodiment (not shown), the attachable element may comprise a clamp. In this embodiment, the body 100 can be attached to a belt in a clamping manner. Alternatively, in this embodiment the attachable element may clamp onto the belt and back of the waistline of a pair of pants or only along the waistline of a pair of pants or other article of clothing. In another embodiment, the attachable element may comprise a set of straps or strings that can be tied to a pants belt. It is to be understood that the attachable element may be attached to the back of an article of clothing or belt and that the terms pant or pants is not meant to be a limitation.
In this embodiment, the feature 250 is generally rectangular shaped having a cross sectional diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion 320. The protrusion 320 corresponds with a matching aperture, groove or opening 330 on the second side section 117 of the U-shaped member 116.
The aperture 330 is adapted such that the cross-sectional diameter of the aperture 330 is slightly smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the feature 250 and fits snugly with the remainder of the protrusion 320. The material forming the second side member 117 may be resilient such that the cross-sectional diameter of the aperture 330 slightly increases when forces push against the walls of the aperture 330 toward the edges of the second side member 117 and bounce back to its original shape after such forces are removed. Similarly, the material forming the protrusion 330 and feature 250 may be resilient such that the feature 250 decreases in cross-sectional diameter when forces push inward toward the center of the feature 250 and bounce back to its original shape after such forces are removed.
As shown in
In the present embodiment, to close or lock the attachable element 110, the top section 113 is hingedly rotated such that the top section 113 is parallel to and opposing the bottom section 111 (as shown in
To unlock the attachable element 110, forces acting outward perpendicular to the outside surface of second side member 117 (toward the direction of the flap 105) adequate enough to cause the feature 250 to change shape allowing the feature 250 and protrusion 320 to be removed from the second side section 117 must be applied. As a result of such outward force, the flap 105 and top section 113 can be hingedly rotated away from the terminal end of the second side section 116. In one embodiment (not shown), a string (not shown) can be attached to a portion of the surface of the flap 105 such that pulling on the string causes outwardly forces perpendicular to the surface of the flap 105 to be applied to the flap 105. If the string is pulled with adequate force, the forces applied to the flap 105 cause the protrusion 320 and element 320 to be removed from the aperture 330. However, other means of applying such forces to remove the flap 105 can be used.
The top part of the body is swivelly connected to a bottom part 919 by a swivel device 918. The bottom part includes second hooked element 921. The second hooked element is a substantially flat rectangular reversed j-shaped body having a short leg 924 opposing and parallel to a long leg 920. The reversed j-shaped body defines a channel 925 that is adapted and designed for receiving and holding a handle of a wheeled luggage. In other embodiments (not shown), other mechanisms for holding the handle of a wheeled luggage may be used, such as a strap that is attachable around the handle of a wheeled luggage. In this document, the term swivelly is used to refer to the manner in which one part is connected to another part using a mechanism that is known as a swivel, i.e., a coupling between two parts enabling one to revolve without turning the other.
In the present embodiment, the swivel device 918 for connecting the top part to the bottom part includes an elongated cylindrical element 950 that is received by a first tube 931 positioned on the top part of the body and a second tube 932 positioned on the bottom part of the body.
The elongated cylindrical element is a cylindrical shaft having a first end 954 opposing a second end 955. A first collar 951 is positioned proximate to the first end of the cylindrical element and a second collar 952 is positioned proximate to the second end of the cylindrical element. Each of the collars has an outer cross-sectional diameter larger than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the elongated cylindrical element. Each of the collars can be formed from a resilient material, such as rubber, plastic or otherwise such that the outer cross-sectional diameter of the each collar is reduced when inward forces are applied to it and bounce back or return to their respective original shapes after such forces are removed.
First tube 931 has a first cutout 941 positioned on the top part of the body for receiving a first portion of the elongated cylindrical element 950. The first tube is positioned such that an opening (not shown) of the first tube is along the edge of the long leg 915 of the top part. The inside cross-sectional diameter of the first tube and outside cross-sectional diameter of the elongated cylindrical element is sized such that when the first end of the elongated cylindrical element is inserted into the first tube, the cylindrical element can rotate within tube if the collar is not positioned on the elongated cylindrical element. However, when the first collar is positioned on the first elongated cylindrical element, forces acting inward must compress the resilient material of the collar to reduce the outer cross-sectional diameter of the collar to allow the collar to pass through the first tube. The first cutout is sized and positioned on the first tube such that when the first collar is positioned on the elongated cylindrical element, the first collar can be positioned in the first cutout after the elongated cylindrical element is inserted into the first tube. After the first collar on the elongated cylindrical element is positioned into the first cutout, the resilient material of the first collar bounces back to his original shape. Once the resilient material bounces back to its original shape, the larger outer diameter of the first collar prevents the elongated cylindrical element from passing the first cutout and prevents the cylindrical element from being removed from the first tube.
Similar to the first tube, the second tube 932 has a second cutout 942 positioned on the bottom part 919 of the body for receiving a second portion of the elongated cylindrical element 950. The second tube is positioned such that the opening 960 of the second tube is along an edge of the long leg 919 of the bottom part. The inside cross-sectional diameter of the second tube and outer cross-sectional diameter of the elongated element is sized such that when the second end of the elongated cylindrical element is inserted into the second tube through the opening 960 of the second tube, the cylindrical element can rotate within tube if the second collar is not positioned on the elongated cylindrical element. However, when the second collar is positioned on the second elongated cylindrical element, forces acting inward must compress the resilient material of the second collar to reduce the outer cross-sectional diameter of the second collar to allow the second collar to pass through the second tube. The second cutout 942 is sized and positioned on the second tube such that the second collar on the elongated cylindrical element after being inserted into the second tube can be positioned in the second cutout. After the second collar is positioned into the second cutout, the resilient material of the second collar bounces back to his original shape. Once the resilient material bounces back to its original shape, the larger outer diameter of the second collar prevents the elongated cylindrical element from passing the second cutout and prevents the cylindrical element from being removed from the second tube.
After both the first and second collars are positioned in the first and second cutouts, respectively, the first and second collars prevent the elongated cylindrical element from being removed from the first and second tubes. Additionally, when both the first and second collars are positioned in the first and second cutouts, the elongated cylindrical element is able to rotate within the first and second tubes allowing the top part 905 to swivel relative to the bottom part 919. To remove the elongated cylindrical element after it has been inserted into the first and second tubes, respectively, and the first and second collars are received within the first and second cutouts, respectively, an inward force great enough to compress the resilient material of the first and second collars must be applied so that the elongated cylindrical element can be removed from the first and second tubes.
In other embodiments (not shown), the first and second tubes may each comprise a bottom part and a cover such that the elongated cylindrical element may be inserted into the bottom part and then the cover can be affixed to the bottom part and cover or enclose the elongated cylindrical element within the first and second tubes. In such embodiment, it is not essential for the first and second collars to be resilient in order for the first and second collars to be slid inside each of the tubes before being positioned in the cutouts. In such embodiment, the first part and cover can be affixed to each other by a fastener, a snap, glue, welding etc.
The swivel device for swivelly connecting the top part with the bottom part that allows for the swiveling of the bottom part relative to the top part reduces the amount of force acting on a wearer when the body 900 is attached to a belt or portion of a wearer's clothing. As shown in
In one embodiment, the body 900 is removably attachable to a portion of a wearer's clothing (such as a belt) for carrying a wheeled luggage having a singular body comprises a top part having a hooked element for receiving a portion of a wearer's clothing, and a bottom part having a second hooked element designed for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage, wherein the hooked element of the top part faces opposite to the hooked element of the bottom part.
While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims
Claims
1. A body removably attachable to a belt for carrying a wheeled luggage comprising:
- a top part having a hooked element for receiving a belt;
- a bottom part having a second hooked element for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage;
- a swivel device for swivelly connecting the top part with the bottom part, the swivel device comprising:
- a first tube having a first cutout positioned on the top part of the body for receiving a first portion of an elongated cylindrical element;
- a second tube having a second cutout positioned on the bottom part of the body for receiving a second portion of an elongated cylindrical element;
- an elongated cylindrical element having a first end opposing a second end;
- a first collar proximate to the first end of the elongated cylindrical element and a second collar proximate to the second end of the elongated cylindrical element, wherein the first and second collars are positioned such that when the elongated element is received by the first and second tubes, the first collar is positioned in the first cutout and the second collar is positioned in the second cutout.
2. The body of claim 1, wherein the first and second collars prevent the elongated cylindrical element from being removed from the first and second tubes.
3. The body of claim 2, wherein the first and second collars are comprised from a resilient material.
4. The body of claim 3, wherein the elongated cylindrical element is sized such that it allows the top and bottom parts of the body to swivel relative to each other when the top and bottom parts are connected.
5. The body of claim 1, wherein the body remains attached to a belt when forces substantially downward act upon the body.
6. The body of claim 1, wherein the body is made of metal.
7. The body of claim 1, wherein the body is made of wood.
8. The body of claim 1, wherein the body is made of plastic.
9. A body removably attachable to a portion of a wearer's clothing for carrying a wheeled luggage having a top part being swivelly connected to a bottom part, the top part having a hooked element for receiving a portion of a wearer's clothing, and the bottom part having a second hooked element designed for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage.
10. The body of claim 9, wherein the top part is swivelly connected to the bottom part by a swivel device comprising:
- a first tube having a first cutout positioned on the top part of the body for receiving a first portion of an elongated cylindrical element;
- a second tube having a second cutout positioned on the bottom part of the body for receiving a second portion of an elongated cylindrical element;
- an elongated cylindrical element having a first end opposing a second end;
- a first collar proximate to the first end of the elongated cylindrical element and a second collar proximate to the second end of the elongated cylindrical element, wherein the first and second collars are positioned such that when the elongated element is received by the first and second tubes, the first collar is positioned in the first cutout and the second collar is positioned in the second cutout.
11. The body of claim 10, wherein the first and second collars prevent the elongated cylindrical element from being removed from the first and second tubes.
12. The body of claim 11, wherein the first and second collars are comprised from a resilient material.
13. The body of claim 11, wherein the elongated cylindrical element is sized such that it allows the top and bottom parts of the body to swivel relative to each other when the top and bottom parts are connected.
14. The body of claim 11, wherein the second hooked element has a reversed j-shape.
15. The body of claim 11, wherein the hooked element defines a u-shape body adapted for receiving a portion of a wearer's belt.
16. The body of claim 11, wherein the hooked element defines a u-shape body adapted for receiving a portion of the waist of a wearer's pants or skirt.
17. The body of claim 15, wherein the body remains attached to a belt when forces substantially downward act upon the body.
18. The body of claim 11, wherein the body is made of metal.
19. The body of claim 11, wherein the body is made of wood.
20. A body removably attachable to a portion of a wearer's clothing for carrying a wheeled luggage having a singular body comprising a top part having a hooked element for receiving a portion of a wearer's clothing, and a bottom part having a second hooked element designed for holding a handle of a wheeled luggage, wherein the hooked element of the top part faces opposite to the hooked element of the bottom part.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 11, 2014
Publication Date: Dec 31, 2015
Inventor: Robert Lian (Miami Beach, FL)
Application Number: 14/567,169