TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to a travel case, and more particularly, to a travel case with the features that allow the travel case to stand on four legs to form a horizontal surface suitable for use as a work table.
BACKGROUND Travelling today has become a lot easier as compared to travelling in the past. This has been made possible by the significant developments in the travel industry including, but not limited to, is development of high capacity aircrafts and trains as well as the increase in the number of airports and railway stations at different locations. As the numbers of transportation vehicles have increased, the number of travelers has increased correspondingly as well. With the increase in the number of travelers, the transport vehicles are forced to spend more time waiting prior to the takeoff. Consequently, individuals often find themselves spending a considerable amount of time in public places waiting for departures or arrival. Most people would like to spend their time working on a laptop or having food or simply resting. However, doing so may not be possible at the conventional seats due to an absence of an elevated table like structure where one can place their laptop or food tray or simply rest their feet thereon.
SUMMARY The present invention discloses a travel case, wherein the travel case may also be selectively used as a work table. The travel case is adapted to operate in two modes including a default mode, and a props/table mode. In the default mode, the travel case is configured to function as a conventional travel case. In the props/table mode, the travel case is configured to stand on four legs, thereby allowing a case body to be used as an elevated horizontal support surface. The props/table mode is configured to facilitate ease of unpacking and packing of the travel case. The travel case comprises a flip switch to activate one of the default mode or props/table mode. The rotation of the flip switch to an inverted orientation rotates an internal mechanism for facilitating the opening of the four legs to provide a stable position to the travel case. Returning the flip switch to an initial position and pulling a handle of the travel case automatically resets the travel case from table mode to default mode.
The props/table mode forms a horizontal surface suitable to support a laptop, tablet, lunch on the go, or resting one's feet. The default mode allows the user to collapse the trolley case when arriving at their interim or final destination or after use as a desk or foot rest.
Members of the public may be concerned with the issue of hotel floor sanitation. In addition to providing provides a user with an elevated support surface, while being easy to carry along on long and short journeys, the props/table mode is also useful to avoid laying the travel case on an unsanitary floor.
The above summary contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed written description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements.
Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which:
FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a travel case, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the travel case in table mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a mid shell that has a perimeter interior flange to support a lid shell, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates four extended legs of the case in table mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a left side assembly of the trolley set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates the inner mechanism of the left side assembly of the trolley set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates components of a right side of the case, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a handle set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a see-through view of trolley assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates an outside tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 10 along line A-A′, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a top leg set, a bottom leg set and an outer tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates a cross section of the trolley set with the cam set inside in the outer tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates the top stay and bottom stay arrangement in the props legs closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates props legs in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates components of the case, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a cam set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 exemplarily illustrates components within the outer tube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 exemplarily illustrates coupling of the inner tube and middle tube with their adjacent flats, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 exemplarily illustrates coupling of the inner tube and middle tube with their adjacent flats, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 exemplarily illustrates movement of top follower in respect to the cam set and top gate, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 exemplarily illustrates a loading position of the cam set to assembly to the case, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of the middle cam, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 exemplarily illustrates the cam middle, opening of a top leg set and orientation of the cam set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 exemplarily illustrates an opening sequence of top leg set and bottom leg set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 exemplarily illustrates the cam middle and the top leg set and the bottom leg set in a fully open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 exemplarily illustrates a closing motion of the top leg set and the bottom leg set and the cam middle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 exemplarily illustrates the bottom leg set in closed position and orientation of the cam set, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 exemplarily illustrates different tracks integrated in the cam inner, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of a pusher, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 exemplarily illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pusher, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of a pusher, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an end cap, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of a top gate, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the top gate, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of a bottom gate, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the bottom gate, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 to FIG. 42 exemplarily illustrates different views of a flip button, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 43 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of the mode driver, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 44 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the mode driver, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 45 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of the mode sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the mode sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 47 exemplarily illustrates a front perspective view of a shuttle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 48 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the shuttle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 49 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a bottom stay bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 50 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a top stay bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 51 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a retainer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention discloses a travel case 100 with the ability to stand or supported on four legs to provide a horizontal surface suitable for use as a work table. The travel case 100 is adapted to operate in two modes including a default mode and a table/props mode. In default mode, the travel case 100 is configured to function as a conventional travel case 100. In the props/table mode, the travel case 100 is configured to stand on four legs to provide a horizontal support surface.
The case 100 includes a handle set 300, a top leg set 600, and a bottom leg set 700. FIG. 1 also illustrates a number of different elements of the travel case 100 including a rear shell 110, a wheel set 120, a middle shell 130, a handle plate 140, a nameplate 150, and a lid shell 190. Further, in FIG. 1, a flip button 330 is shown to be in its initial position where the travel case 100 is operating in the default mode acting. In an embodiment, the flip button 330 may be a standard push button.
FIG. 2 depicts the case 100 in the props/table mode. The case 100 is made of three shells including a rear shell 110 that is the foundation for attaching hardware for conversion of the case 100 into a horizonal support surface, a mid shell 130 that has a novel perimeter interior flange 132 (shown in FIG. 3) to support a lid shell 190 with a positive support to not move underweight which the common zipper closure does not provide. The flip button 330 is in the inverted props position so when the flip button 330 is depressed then the handle set 300 can be pushed into the downward position as shown. The leg sets 600, 700 are held in position by a top stay 550 and a bottom stay 560. The said stay sets are held stationary by a stationary default mode cam set 400 (shown in FIG. 6). FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates the mid shell 130 that has the perimeter interior flange 132 to support the lid shell 190, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the trolley set 200 has a right and left assembly comprising an outer tube 210 which includes a middle tube 220, an inner tube 240, and a cam set 400 which straddle the handle set 300. On the ends of outer tube 210 are a top mount 170 and a bottom mount 180. The top bracket 611 is attached to the top mount 170. Top Leg set 600 is pinned as a hinge axis to a top pivot shaft 612, the top bracket 611, a pin 614 and held in place by a pin clip 616. A bottom bracket 711 is mounted to the rear shell 110 (shown in FIG. 2). The bottom leg set 700 is pinned as a hinge axis to a bottom pivot shaft 712, the bottom bracket 711, a pin 714 (shown in FIG. 7) and held in place by a pin clip 716 (shown in FIG. 7). The leg sets 600, 700 are pushed open and pulled closed by the respective a top stay arm 558 and a bottom stay arm 568 in a sequential manner. The top stay 550 and the bottom stay 560 pivots by a top stay bracket 510 and a bottom stay bracket 520. The stay arms 558, 568 pivots about their axis 552, 562 which is held in place by the stay brackets 510, 520.
FIG. 5 depicts a left side of the trolley set 200 including the full handle set 300, the top leg set 600 and the bottom leg set 700. Further, some internal components of the outer tube 210 can be seen in the closed position with the flip button 330 in default Mode. Further, a bushing 229 adjacent to the bushing 219 is visible. In the foreground of the bushings 229, 219 is a cam middle 420 and a cam cap 430. Between the top leg set 600 and the outer tube 210 are the top stay bracket 510 and the bottom stay bracket 520. The top mount 170 and the bottom trolley mount 180 are shown. The top leg set 600 comprises a top pivot cap 610, a top beam 630, and a top foot cap 620. The bottom leg set 700 comprises a bottom pivot cap 710, a bottom beam 730, and a bottom foot cap 720. The handle set 300 is shown in the down position with the flip button 330 in the default mode.
FIG. 6 shows an inner mechanism of the left side assembly of the trolley set 200. The flip button 330 is pivotally connected to a pivot rod 320 (shown in dotted lines) by a boss 336. At one end of the flip button 330 is a link hole 334 for connecting to a mode links 350 which move pivotally and telescopically within link hole 334 and held parallel to the pivot rod 320 by a tie bar 340. Opposite to the link hole 334 is a ridge 338 which provides an ergonomic means to rotate the flip button 330 to an inverted position enabling activation of the props/table mode. The props/table mode is selected by rotating the flip button 330, to 130 degrees from the default position. The rotation of the flip button 330 is coupled to the mode links 350, which translates to 90-degree rotation for a mode sleeve 380 and a mode driver 390. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the mode sleeve 380 and the mode driver 390 are coupled by a sleeve flat 386 and a driver flat 392. The rotation of the mode driver 390 is coupled from a tube flat 394 to an inner tube flat 242 and a middle tube flat 222.
The middle tube flat 222 is coupled to a pusher flat 236 (shown in FIG. 30). The couplings coordinate the rotating motion from the flip button 330 to the pusher 230. The pusher 230 is shown in the default mode with the middle tube flat 222 facing the cam set 400. The cam set 400, the top stay 550 and the bottom stay 560 are in the closed position. FIG. 6 further shows a support 512 having a key 515 which mates into a stay slot 216 of the outer tube 210. Likewise, a support 522 having a key 525 (shown in FIG. 16) mates with a slot 218 of the outer tube 210 (shown in FIG. 7). Further referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 25, on one end of the top stay arm 558 is a top glide 556 (shown in FIG. 7) which rides in a top channel 632 of the top beam/top leg 630 to reduce friction. Also, on one end of the arm 568 is a glide 566 which rides in a bottom channel 732 of the bottom beam/bottom leg 730 to reduce friction.
FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates components of the right side of the case, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The trolley set 200 comprised of the handle set 300, the cam set 400, a stay set 500, the top leg set 600, the bottom leg set 700 and a leg retainer 260. FIG. 7 further illustrates individual components including a handle plate 140, a handle back plate 160, the top mount 170, the bottom mount 180, the outer tube 210, the outer bushing 219, the middle tube 220, the middle bushing 229, the pusher 230, the inner tube 240, an end cap 250, the leg retainer 260, a handle top cover 310, a bottom cover 316, the pivot rod 320, the flip button 330, the tie bar 340, the mode link 350, a trolley bar 360, a trolley rod 370, a pusher 372, the mode sleeve 380, the mode driver 390, a cam inner 410, the cam middle 420, the cam cap 430, a cam shuttle 440, a reset bar 450, a top gate 460, a bottom gate 470, a top stay bracket 510, the support 512, a retainer 516, the bottom stay bracket 520, the support 522, a retainer 526, a top stay 550, a top follower 554, the top glide 556, the top stay arm 558, the bottom stay 560, a bottom follower 564, the glide 566, the bottom arm 568, the top pivot cap 610, the bracket 611, the pin 614, the pin clip 616, the top foot cap 620, the top beam 630, the bottom pivot cap 710, the bracket 711, the pin 714, the pin clip 716, the bottom foot cap 720, and the bottom beam 730.
Referring to FIG. 8, the handle set 300 comprises a housing formed by the top cover 310, and the bottom cover 316. The center flip button 330 can be pressed downward guided by the boss 336 nested within the button guide 312 of the top cover 310. The pivot rod 320 fits into a pivot hole 332, the two trolley bars 360 and a pivot hole 362. The Straddling flip button 330 comprises a tab 368 that slides within a tab slot 314 on the top cover 310 to guide vertical movement. The trolley bars 360 have a tie bar socket 364 to receive the tie bar post at one end. The opposite end of the tie bar 340 has a mode link hole 344 to telescopically hold the mode link 350. The mode link 350 has a long shaft 354 that can telescopically move within the link hole 334, 344 to remain parallel to the pivot rod 320.
A 90-degree short leg 352 is inserted into a socket 382 and pivotally held by a link retainer 398. When the mode driver 390 is then inserted into the mode sleeve 380 aligning the sleeve flats 386 to the mode driver flats 392, a latch 396 locks to a catch 384. The engagement of the sleeve flats 386 and the driver flats 392 allow both parts to rotate synchronously when the flip button 330 is flipped on a is vertical plane. As the mode link 350 swings on the radius of the link hole 334, the mode sleeve 380 is rotated 90 degrees on a horizontal plane. The radial arc of the moving mode sleeve 380 causes the mode link 350 to slide telescopically within the link hole 334. This position of the flip button 330 rotates the tubes 220, 240 and initiates the props/table mode. Then the interconnected pivot rod 320, the trolley bar 360, and the trolley rod 370 all move in conjunction to release the trolley set 200 to move upward or downward. The trolley rod 370 is connected to a trolley bar post 366 and has the pusher 372 at the opposite end.
Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 12 and FIG. 25, the pivot axis 552, 562, 618, 718, and the followers 554, 564 are parallel. The stay brackets 510, 520 comprises the support 512, the retainer 516, the support 522 and the retainer 526, shown in FIG. 14, are omitted to shown the top axis 552, the bottom axis 562, and an outer tube slot 218. The top leg set 600 comprises the top pivot cap 610, the top beam 630 and the top foot cap 620. The bottom leg set 700 comprises the bottom pivot cap 710, the bottom beam 730 and the bottom foot cap 720. The handle set 300 is hidden by the handle back plate 160. The trolley set 200 also includes the top mount 170 and the bottom trolley mount 180.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the middle tube 220 and the inner tube 240 have a slidable posts 272, 282 that provide locking and unlocking of the telescopic action of the tubes 220, 240. In the default mode, with tubes 220, 240 in the down position, the post 272 of an end cap slider protrudes through a default hole 213 of the outer tube 210 and prevents the props mode from being selected by locking the flip button 330 from changing modes. Likewise, in the props mode with the tubes 220, 240 are at down position, the post 272 protrudes through a props hole 215 of the outer tube 210 to prevent the flip button 330 from changing modes. The post 282 of a pusher slider is depressed under the outer tube 210 protruding through a clearance hole 226 and is under compression by a spring 286. To lift or stow the handle set 300 in the default mode the user depresses a top surface 335 (shown in FIG. 39) of the flip button 330 to depress the trolley bar 360, the trolley rod 370 and the pusher 372.
The pusher 372 depresses an end cap button 252 which contacts a ramp 274 to slideably disengage the post 272 from the default hole 213 of the outer tube 210 allowing to extend the handle set 300. With the handle set 300 extended, the handle set 300 is locked by the post 272 of the inner tube 240 locked into a hole 221 of the middle tube 220 and the post 282 of the middle tube 220 locked into a slot 211 of the outer tube 210. The slot 211 allows the post 282 to rotate 90 degrees when the flip button 330 is rotated from default mode to props mode. To open the leg sets 600, 700, the flip button 330 is rotated upside down exposing an underside 337 (shown in FIG. 40) of the flip button 330. On depressing the underside 337, the trolley bar 360, the trolley rod 370 and the pusher 372 are also depressed to disengage the post 272 of the inner tube 240 from the hole 221. The disengagement of the post 272 allows the inner tube 240 to telescopically lower inside the middle tube 240 where the face 258 (shown in FIG. 34) of end cap 250 strikes a pusher button 233 which contacts a ramp 284 to disengage the post 282 from the slot 211. The pusher 230 is coupled with the shuttle 440 and travels down a shuttle track 414 (shown in FIG. 17) until reaching a bottom stop 416 (shown in FIG. 17) that pushes the cam set 400 to move downward to open leg sets 600, 700. When the legs 600, 700 are open, the handle set 300 is in the down position. When the flip button 330 is released, the end cap post 272 under compression by a spring 276 engages the outer tube props hole 215 of outer tube 210. The detent holes are placed in positions evident to those skilled in the art of trolley making and holes shown here are for descriptive purposes only.
FIG. 12 shows the relationship of the top leg set 600 which has the top channel 632 that guides the top glide 556 on the top stay 550 when the top stay 550 rotates and moves the top leg set 600. Likewise, the bottom leg set 700 which has the bottom channel 732 that guides the glide 566 on the bottom stay 560 to rotate and move the bottom leg set 700. The top pivot cap 610 having a pivot shaft 612 and the bottom pivot cap 710 having the pivot shaft 712, each being attached by pins to their respective pivot brackets. The top stay 550 and the bottom stay 560 are also pivotally restrained by the stay slots 217, 218 of outer tube 210. The top follower 554 and the bottom follower 564 interact with the outer tube 210 which contains the cam set 400. The cam set 400 slides within a box profile 214 (shown in FIG. 16) of the outer tube 210. A C profile 212 (shown in FIG. 13) of the outer tube 210 positions the trolley set 200 allowing the middle tube 220 to telescope within. The outer tube 210 has perforations that provide detent functions for default mode to operate as a standard case. The default mode uses the default hole 213 and the props mode uses props hole 215.
FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the trolley set 200 with the cam set 400 inside in the outer tube 210. The top leg set 600 and the bottom leg set 700 is also shown in cross section and is interlocked by an alternating tongue/groove 615 and 715. The beams 630, 730 have the tongue/groove 615, 715 so that the fixed pivot end of each leg set 600, 700 supports the free end of said leg sets. The bottom stay arm 568 is also shown in cross section. The trolley set 200 is comprised of the outer tube 210, the middle tube 220 having a relief cutout that passes unobstructed by a shuttle ridge 444 of the shuttle 440, and the inner tube 240 having the flat 242 which couples with the middle tube flat 222. When the user activates the props mode, the rotation of the flip button 330 turns the inner tube 240 and the middle tube 220 cooperatively as engaged by their respective tube flats 242 and 222. The cam set 400 comprises the cam inner 410, the cam middle 420, and the cam cap 430. The cam inner 410 has a concentric relief corresponding to the middle tube 220. The cam inner 410 further has the shuttle track 414 (shown in FIG. 17) so the shuttle 440 can slide within the shuttle track 414 as it is pushed or pulled by the pusher 230 when coupled to the shuttle ridge 444. The bottom stay follower 564 is shown engaged with a closed track 423b of the cam cap 430 and the cam middle 420. The opposite end of the glide 566 of the bottom stay 560 is shown entrapped within the bottom channel 732 of the bottom beam 730.
Referring to FIG. 14, the support 512 and the retainer 516 form a stable pivot for the top axis 552. Also shown is the support 522 and the retainer 526 forming a stable pivot for the bottom axis 562. The supports and the retainers are locked into position by the key 515 shown and key 525 (shown in FIG. 49) mating with the stay slots 216 and 218. The cam set 400 slides within the box profile 214 (shown in FIG. 16) of the outer tube 210. Parallel to the cam set 400 is the trolley tube set 200 comprised of the middle tube 220 and the inner tube 240 which are telescopic to the C profile 212 of the outer tube 210. Attached to the inner tube 240 is the mode driver 390 along the common inner tube flat 242 and adjoining the driver flat 392. Attached to the middle tube 220 is a bushing 224 (shown in FIG. 16). Aligned to the driver flat 392 is the sleeve flat 386. In the default mode, the mode sleeve 380 is shown with default angle 914 at 45 degrees tilt above a baseline 912.
FIG. 15 depicts the props mode where the mode sleeve 380 is rotated 90 degrees from a default angle 914 above the baseline 912 to a props angle 916 at minus 45 degrees below the baseline 912. The total rotation of the mode sleeve 380 allows the pusher 230 to engage the shuttle 440 thereby affecting the shuttle 440 to slide to the bottom stop 416 of the cam inner 410 (shown in FIG. 17). The cam set 400 is pushed downwards by the trolley set 200 to the bottom end of the outer tube 210 to open the top stay 550 and then to open the bottom stay 560.
FIG. 16 depicts the components which comprise the trolley set 200, the outer tube 210, the middle tube 220, the inner tube 240, the trolley rod 370, the pusher 372, the end cap 250, the pusher 230, the retainer 516, the support 512, the top stay 550, the retainer 526, the support 522, the bottom stay 560, the cam set 400, the cam cap 430, the cam middle 420, the cam cap 430, the reset bar 450, the top gate 460, the bottom gate 470, the shuttle 440. The support 522 comprises the key 525 which mates with the stay slot 218, the mode sleeve 380, the mode driver 390, the pusher 230, the end cap 250, and the bushing 224. The middle tube 220 has two detent holes 221 and 223 common to all trolley luggage.
FIG. 17 describes the modes in the cam set 400. The Cam set 400 including the cam inner 410, the cam middle 420 and the cam cap 430 move together through an interlocking means. The cam inner 410 has a relief 412 that allows the middle tube 220 to pass by and rotate freely. The cam inner 410 has the recessed shuttle track 414 that allows the shuttle 440 to slide freely from a top stop 415 to the bottom stop 416. The shuttle track 414 compensates for the difference in travel distance of the cam set 400 and the trolley set 200. The cam inner 410 has a non-rotatable mounting hole 418 so that the reset bar 450 tends to remain in a fixed position. The cam inner 410 further comprises a reset track 417, a selection track 419, a default track 411 and a props track 413.
The cam middle 420 and cam cap 430 both have the same tracks for the function of the top follower 554 and bottom stay follower 564. A load track 422a, 432a and a load track 422b, 432b are in alignment of the cam middle 420 and the cam cap 430. The top follower 554 and the bottom stay follower 564 are load tracks only used during assembly and not during user operation. A closed track 423a and 433a are also in cooperative positions. An open track 425b and 435b are in cooperative positions as well. A bottom gate pocket 428 and a top gate pocket 424 are nested within the gate pocket 424 and 428 respectively. The cam cap 430 has a corresponding smaller aperture in a bottom gate retainer 436 and a top gate retainer 431 to entrap the gates 450, 460. The cam inner 410 has a pivot hole 405 on axis 407, a top gate boss 468 (shown in FIG. 21) and a pivot hole 404 on axis 406 of a bottom gate boss 478 (shown in FIG. 38). The shuttle track 414 having a top recess 408 and a bottom recess 409 to relieve tension on the shuttle 440 when nesting a bump 446 (shown in FIG. 19).
Referring to FIG. 18, the handle set 300 and the trolley tube/middle tube 220 is in the upward position during default mode. The trolley tube 220 having the flat 222 configuration may pass without contacting the ridge 444 of the shuttle 440 in the default mode. The user rotates the flip button 330 to activate the props mode. The middle tube 220 and the pusher 230 is rotated 90 degrees. Starting from the upward position a groove 231 (shown in FIG. 19) is aligned with the shuttle ridge 444 so that a face 232 (shown in FIG. 19) can push the shuttle 440. When the flip button 330 is depressed and the handle set 300 is pushed downward the middle tube 220 and the pusher 230 travel downward with the shuttle 440. Initially, the shuttle 440 passes the reset bar 450. A tab 238 will deflect the reset bar 450 due to the conducive angle and thin material of the reset bar 450. The shuttle 440 moves down and slides from the top to the bottom of the shuttle track 414. The tab 238 may deflect the reset bar 450 when it approaches a ratchet face 454 in the props track 413. The shuttle 440 abuts the bottom stop 416 and the continued downward push of the handle set 300 and the middle tube 220 forces the shuttle 440 to push the cam set 400 to open the top leg set 600.
Further, the continued downward movement of the shuttle 440 opens the bottom leg set 700. In the down position, the handle set 300 is flush at the top of the shell 110. The case 100 can then be tilted to stand on four legs. The user may use the case 100 to place their computer, lunch, beverage on the level surface, or use it as a means to place one's legs for rest. The case 100 in the props mode on four legs cannot to be used as a seat. When the user wishes to return to the default mode the is user stands the case 100 on the wheel sets 120. The f underside 337 of the flip button 330 is depressed and handle set 300 is pulled upward extending the telescopic trolley set 200 tubes. The tab 238 begins to move upward along the props track 413. The tab 238 meets a reset face 456. Due to the immoveable position of the reset bar 450, the tab 238 begins to rotate by following the reset track 417 until the tab 238 has returned to the default track 411 when the handle set 300 and the trolley set 200 is fully extended to the rolling position.
FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 shows the trolley rod 370 and the coupling of the inner tube 240 and the middle tube 220 with respective adjacent flats 242 and 222. Further, the two modes of the trolley set 200 without outer tube 210 is shown. FIG. 19 further shows the pusher 230 in the default mode where the pusher 230 and the trolley set 200 may pass by the shuttle 440 without engagement in the downward motion. The pusher 230 does make contact and retains the shuttle 440 by a pusher face 237 to ensure that the shuttle 440 returns to the top stop 415 when the trolley set 200 and the handle set 300 are in the upward position. FIG. 20 further shows the pusher 230 in the props mode whereby the shuttle ridge 444 is trapped between the pusher face 232 and the face 237. The entrapped shuttle 440 is coupled to move with the trolley set 200 when pushed down or pulled up by the handle set 300.
FIG. 21 shows the movement of the top follower 554 with respect to the cam set 400 and the top gate 460. The top stay 550 has a fixed top axis 552 and remains stationary per the reference line p. The top axis 552 and a follower 534 define a radius that follows within the slots during linear movement of the cam set 400. The cam moves from right to left in the illustrations shown FIG. 21, and left to right upon return of the cam. The cam middle 420 and the cam cap 430 have coincident slots. The cam middle 420 has the gate pocket 424 that allows the top gate 460 to rotate about the boss 468. The top gate 460 is always in one of two v orientations including a first left v 481. The linear movement of the cam set 400 within the outer tube 210 moves to the left which translates into a radial movement on the follower 534. The radial arc of the follower 534 is controlled by the height, shape and angle of the slots. The slots are configured to control the travel of the follower 534, the top stay arm 558, and the top leg set 600.
The main purpose of the top gate 460 is to mitigate the gravitational effects on the follower 534 from moving to the wrong track which is affected by six different gravitational vectors when operated on each of the six sides. The six sides would be described as: the case 100 is normal on vertical wheel set 120, is inverted vertically on handle set 300, is on the horizontal lid shell 190, is on the horizontal rear shell 110, is on the horizontal case 100 left side, and is on the horizontal case 100 right side. A single slot 465 of the top gate 460 sequentially emulates a fixed v track defined by a converging open track 425a and the closed track 423a at a top gate apogee 469. A fixed v track without the top gate 460 would allow gravity to cause the follower 534 to jump to the wrong side of the v track creating a cam lock that cannot be remedied.
At section u-u, the follower 534 begins in the track 423a when top leg set 600 is interlocked to the bottom leg set 700. At section v-v, as the cam set 400 moves to the left, the follower 534 moves down a first slope 486 to the gate slot 465 down to the apogee 469 at the 6 o'clock position. The top gate 460 is held in place by a detent 462 nested in the open track 425a. At section w-w, the top gate 460 remains in the left v 481 as the leftward movement of the cam set 400 raises the follower 534 from 6 o'clock to 8 o'clock along the slot 465 and the left side of the v until the radius from the boss 468 to the follower 534 becomes nearly perpendicular to a face 461 to cause rotation of the top gate 460.
At section x-x, the top gate 460 rotates to a right v position 483 whereby the continuing left movement of the cam set 400 creates contact between the follower 534 and the face 461 to align with the closed track 423a. At section y-y, as the cam set 400 continues movement to the left and the follower 534 has moved onto a second slope 488 as aligned to the open track 425a such that the leg set 600 is fully open. The top gate 460 is held in place by the detent 962 nested in a recess 427a. From this position the bottom leg set 700 and the top follower 554 begin to move. The closing of the leg set 600 is in reverse order of opening. The bottom top follower 554 works similarly as the follower 534.
FIG. 22 shows the loading position of the cam set 400 to assemble to the case 100, horizontally. For simplicity, only the cam middle 420 is shown in section. The movement is referenced to a datum line 910 as defined by a first position 920. The top stay 550 and the bottom stay 560 is in the upright load position. The top axis 552 and the bottom stay bottom axis 562 are fixed in position and allowed only to rotate. The top follower 554 is in the load track 422a, which is vertical maintaining this orientation. The bottom stay follower 564 is in the load track 422b and the top follower 554 is in the load track 422a where both said followers cannot pivot when the cam set 400 is stationary. This position allows assembly to the rear shell 110, wherein the top stay 550 passes through a top stay hole 112 and the bottom stay 560 passes through a bottom stay hole 114. The top gate 460 and the bottom gate 470 are in their load positions where the detent 462 nests in the closed track 423a and a detent 472 nests in a cam recess 427b.
FIG. 23 depicts the cam middle 420 in section and the closed position of the top leg set 600 and the bottom leg set 700 nested alongside the outer shell of the case 100. The orientation of the cam set 400 is viewed from the left side as installed in case 100. The datum line 910 is drawn at the top of the case 100 to understand the different positions of the cam set 400 in each of the illustrated six positions. FIG. 23 further depicts the first position 920 of the cam set 400. The top gate 460 and the bottom gate 470 are in the starting position. The top follower 554 in section and the bottom stay follower 564 are shown in the starting position along their closed track 423a and 423b.
FIG. 24 shows cross sectional view of the cam middle 420, the opening of the top leg set 600 and the orientation of the cam set 400 as viewed from the left side as installed in the case 100. A reference is made to the top of the case 100 to understand the different positions of the cam set 400 in each of the illustrates six positions. The datum line 910 on the top of case 100 and the second position 930 of the cam set 400 is shown. The top gate 460 and the bottom gate 470 are in the starting position. The top follower 554 is in the top gate apogee 469 and the bottom stay follower 564 is shown closer to the bottom gate 470 in the closed track 423b. As the top stay follower 534 moves into the top gate 460 causing the rotation of the top stay 550 lifts the top leg set 600 upward by a sliding action of the top glide 556 moving in the top channel 632. The top leg set 600 rotates about a pivot shaft 612 affixed to the pivot hole 618 of the top pivot cap 610. The bottom leg set 700 and the bottom stay follower 564 are locked and can only move in a horizontal manner.
FIG. 25 shows the opening sequence of the top leg set 600, the bottom leg set 700 and the orientation of the cam set 400 as viewed from the left side as installed in the case 100. A reference is made to the top of case 100 to understand the different positions of the cam set 400 in each of the illustrated six positions. The datum line 910 on the case 100 and the third position 940 of the cam set 400 is shown. The top gate 460 flips to an alternate position where the detent 462 mates with the detent recess 427a. The top follower 554 moves out of the top gate apogee 469 as the top stay 550 continues to rotate the top stay follower 534 and pulls against the face 461, thereby overcoming the detent 462 to mate with the detent recess 427a. The bottom stay follower 564 is shown in a bottom gate apogee 479. As the top stay follower 534 moves out of the top gate 460, the rotating top stay 550 reaches maximum travel in the top channel 632 holding the top leg set 600 in an open position. The top leg set 600 rotates about a pivot shaft 612 affixed in the pivot hole 618. The bottom leg set 700 moves into the bottom gate apogee 479. As the bottom stay 560 rotates, the bottom leg set 700 opens and the glide 566 moves within the bottom channel 732.
FIG. 26 shows the cam middle 420 and the top leg set 600 and the bottom leg set 700 in the fully open position. The case 100 would be tipped to sit on the legs. The orientation of the cam set 400 as viewed from the left side as installed in case 100 and the fourth position 950 of the cam set 400 is shown. A reference is made to the top of case 100 to understand the different positions of the cam set 400 in each of the illustrated six positions. The bottom gate 470 has flipped to an alternate position where the detent 472 mates with the closed track 423b. The top follower 554 moves from the bottom gate 470 and out of the bottom gate apogee 479 until cam set 400 motion is stopped by the bottom stay top follower 554. The top stay follower 534 reaches the end of their respective open track 425a and opens track 425b. The bottom stay in the open position is able to prevent the bottom leg to rotate. The open angle of the leg sets 600 and 700 are variable by the length of the stays 550, 560.
FIG. 27 shows the cam middle 420 in section and the closing motion, and the orientation of the cam set 400 as viewed from the left side as installed in the case 100. A reference is made to the top of the case 100 to understand the different positions of the cam set 400 in each of the illustrated six positions. The fifth position 960 of the cam set 400 is shown. The bottom gate 470 has flipped to an alternate position where the detent 462 mates with the closed track 423b. The top follower 554 has moved out of the top gate apogee 469 until the cam set 400 motion is stopped by the top stay follower 534. The bottom stay follower 564 reaches the end of their respective open track 425a and opens the track 425b.
FIG. 28 shows the cam middle 420 and the bottom leg set 700 returned to the first/ default position. The orientation of the cam set 400 as viewed from the left side as installed in case 100 and the sixth position returns to the position 930 of the cam set 400 is shown. A reference is made to the top of case 100 to view the different positions of the cam set 400 in each of the 6 positions illustrated. The bottom gate 470 has flipped to an original position where the detent 462 mates with the recess 427a. The top follower 554 moves out of the bottom gate 470 and into the closed track 423b. The top stay follower 534 enters the apogee 469. The continuous movement of the cam set 400 rotates the follower 534 against a top gate leg 464 overcoming the detent 462 to snap to an alternate position where the detent 462 engages the closed track 423a. Once the follower 534 returns to the first position in the closed track 423a, the top leg set 600 will be fully closed as shown in FIG. 23.
FIG. 29 depicts the different tracks integrated with the cam inner 410. The default track 411, the mode selection track 419, the props track 413 and the reset track 417 are oriented as shown. In the downward position, the ridge 338 of the flip button 330 is flush and not accessible by the user's fingers. The pusher 230 sits near the base of the case 100 and well below the cam set 400 aligned to enter the cam set 400 in the default track 411. However, when the tab 238 approaches on the reset face 456, then the reset bar 450 forces rotation of the tab 238 through the reset track 417 to the default track. As designed the cam set 400 would normally be in the top most position within the outer tube 210. The movement of the cam set 400 is limited by the top stay 550 being held in place from the locked top let set 600 by the retainer 260. The selection of the modes is only accessible when the handle set 300 is pulled telescopically to full extension up from the case 100 and the pusher 230 is aligned with the selection track 419. In this upward position, the ridge 338 of the flip button 330 is accessible to activate props mode. In one scenario, the handle set 300 is partially up and the flip button 330 is is moved to props mode, the default track 411 allows the tab 238 to move beyond the full length of the cam, which allows the handle set 300 to be fully stowed in the down position.
When selecting the mode for opening the legs the handle set must be in the upward position. To open the leg sets 600,700 the flip button 330 rotates the pusher tab 238 to move along the selection track 419 adjacent to the top stop 415. With the tab 238 at the props track 413, the pusher 230 can engage the shuttle 440. When the handle set 300 is pushed downward, the pusher face 232 makes contact with the shuttle ridge 444 so as to move in unison with the coupled shuttle 440 down the shuttle track 414. The tab 238 must pass by the reset bar 450 with a ratchet type action. Once the tab 238 passes the ratchet face 454, the shuttle 440 must reach the bottom stop 416 of the shuttle track 414 before the cam set 400 moves with the handle set 300.
The shuttle 440 movement is necessary to account for the difference in travel distance by the handle set 300 and the minimal movement of the cam set 400. In order to close the leg sets 600 and 700, the handle set 300 is pulled upward bringing in unison the pusher 230, the tab 238, the face 237 and the shuttle 440. The tab 238 first reaches the reset face 456 of the reset bar 450. Due to the ratchet action, the tab 238 is forced to follow the reset track 417 by the reset face 456 until the tab top 238 reaches the default track 411. During movement of the tab 238 in the reset track 417, the face 237 is slideably rotating against the shuttle ridge 444. The shuttle ridge 444 remains in contact with the face 237. The face 237 has a surface that allows 180-degree rotation maintaining contact with the face 237 and releases prior contact from is shuttle ridge 444 with face 232.
FIG. 30 to FIG. 32 shows the details of the pusher 230. The telescopic action of the handle set 300 and the inner tube 240 in the downward direction once released by the flush post 272 on the end cap 250 will come in contact and depress the button 233 of the pusher 230. The button 233 moves linearly along the axis of the middle tube 220 and has a contact point that slides along an angled surface found within the post 282. The angled surface causes the post 282 to move in a plane perpendicular to the button 233 plane. When the post 282 is flush, disengagement occurs with the corresponding hole in the outer tube 210.
The pusher 230 is comprised of a flat 236 that is coincident with the middle tube flat 222 to remain coupled during rotation. In order to change to the different functions, there are four tracks including the normal default track 411, the selection track 419, the props track 413 and the reset track 417. The pusher 230 comprises an entry slot 234 used for assembly, a stop 235 to tactilely indicate when the pusher 230 has made contact with the shuttle 440. A selection slot 231 allows 90-degree rotation of the tab 238 to select the normal default track 411, or the props track 413. The groove 231 is bounded by faces 237 and 232 for pushing.
Referring to FIG. 33 to FIG. 34, the end cap 250 allows the trolley set to open and close. The flip button 330 of the handle set 300 is used to open and close trolley set. Depressing the flip button 330 pushes the trolley rod 370 having the distal attachment pusher 372. The pusher 372 further depresses that depresses the button 252. The button 252 has a contact point that moves linearly and slides against an angled surface is within the post 272 causing the post 272 to move in a perpendicular plane of the button 252 plane. When the post 272 is moved from a protruded position to a flush position, the end cap 250 and components between the end cap 250 up to the handle set 300 moves in a telescopic manner. The telescopic movement occurs when the post 272 disengages from a hole in the middle tube 220. Eventually, this movement will strike the button 233 on the pusher 230. A flat 254 couples with the flat 242 on the inner tube 240. Also, the flat 255 is parallel and coincident to the flat 242 on the inner tube 240. The end cap 250 has a face 258 that presses the button 233 on the pusher 230 to allow the trolley to push down.
Referring to FIG. 35 to FIG. 36, the top gate 460 comprises the face 461, the detent 462, a beam 463, the gate leg 464, the slot 465, a leg detent 466, the boss 468, and the apogee 469. The top gate 460 pivots about the boss 468 which resists rotation created by the detent 462 on beam 463 coupled in the recess 427a of the cam middle 420. The open slot 465 having a face 461 and the gate leg 464 are parallel and set the boundary of the slot 465. On the end of the gate leg 464 is the leg detent 466 that prevents easy egress of the stay follower 534 from said slot 465. When sufficient force is applied to the handle set 300, the stay follower 534 exerts a rotational force on the top gate 460 until the beam 463 deflects and allows the release of the detent 462 to uncouple from the recess 427a.
Referring to FIG. 37 to FIG. 38, the bottom gate 470 comprises a face 471, the detent 472, a beam 473, a gate leg 474, a slot 475, a leg detent 476, the boss 478, and the apogee 479. The bottom gate 470 pivots about the boss 478 which resists rotation created by the detent 472 on beam 473 coupled in the recess 427b of the cam middle 420. The slot 475 having the face 471 and the gate leg 474 are parallel and set the boundary of the slot 475. On the end of the gate leg 474 is the leg detent 476 that prevents easy egress of the stay top follower 554 from the slot 475. When sufficient force is applied to the handle set 300, the stay top follower 554 exerts a rotational force on the bottom gate 470 until the beam 473 deflects and allows the release of the detent 472 to uncouple from the recess 427b. The rotation of the bottom gate 470 is achieved by the force from the top follower 554 to change directions relative to the boss 478.
Referring to FIG. 39 to FIG. 42, the flip button 330 comprises the top surface 335 for depressing in the default mode; the ridge 338 for flipping the flip button 330 and the underside 337 for depressing in the props mode; the boss 336, which centers and slides inside the button guide 312; the link hole 334 for moving the mode link 350 along a radial arc defined by the distance between the pivot hole 332 and the link hole 334. Referring to FIG. 43 to FIG. 44, the mode driver 390 comprises a trolley rod hole 391; the driver flat 392; the tube flat 394; the latch 396; and the link retainer 398. The mode driver 390 having the flats creates a unified coupling between the flat 242, the flat 394 and the sleeve flat 386.
Referring to FIG. 45 to FIG. 46, the mode sleeve 380 comprises the link socket 382; the catch 384; and the sleeve flat 386. The link socket 382 of the mode sleeve 380 couples the mode link 350 which is telescopically and pivotally located within the link hole 334 of the flip button 330.
FIG. 47 and FIG. 48, shows the shuttle 440 comprising a flange 442; the shuttle ridge 444, and the bump 446. The shuttle 440 is the means by which the travel distance difference between the long travel of the trolley set 200 and the shorter travel of the cam set 400 is accounted. The flange 442 can slide in the shuttle track 414 of the cam inner 410. The bump 446 provides sliding resistance within the cam inner 410 to hold position at the top stop 415 and the bottom stop 416. The shuttle ridge 444 is a protrusion that allows coupling to the face 232 of the pusher 230 for downward motion and the face 237 for upward motion.
FIG. 49 depicts the bottom stay bracket 520 having the support 522 and the retainer 526. The bottom stay bracket 520 provides a stabilizing effect and keeps the bottom axis 562 perpendicular, by encapsulating the bottom axis 562 between the retainer pivot 528 and the support pivot 524, to the cam set 400 movement. FIG. 50 depicts the top stay bracket 510 having the support 512 and the retainer 516. The top stay bracket 510 provides a stabilizing effect and keeps the top axis 552 perpendicular, by encapsulating the top axis 552 between a retainer pivot 518 and the support pivot 514, to the cam set 400 movement.
FIG. 51 depicts the retainer 260 having a pivot 262, a latch 264, a blocker 266, and a spring 268. The retainer 260 which locks the top leg set 600 from opening when the case 100 is in the stowed condition as shown in FIG. 1. The trolley set 200 interacts with the retainer 260 to prevent the movement to release top leg set 600. The lowered position of the trolley set 200 makes contact with the blocker 266 to block movement. This prevents accidental opening of the leg sets 600, 700 during shipment. The retainer 260 is spring loaded and comprises the latch 264 to unlock the top leg set 600.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
