GB2515508A

GB2515508A - Container for luggage or goods

Info

Publication number: GB2515508A
Application number: GB1311285.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Herd Arnott Thomson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-06-25
Filing date: 2013-06-25
Publication date: 2014-12-31
Also published as: GB201311285D0

Abstract

A stackable mobile container such as a suitcase or packing case with a plurality of ball casters 1 that allow for movement of the container and a plurality of openings 12 upon the upper surface of the container that receive the ball casters allowing nesting of the containers. The container can be generally rectangular in plan with the balls and openings being located near the corners, the openings can be hollow recesses in the moulded lid 11 of the container. The structure of the ball casters being such that the case can be rolled when pivoted at an angle. The container having at least one handle 5 that is extensible and retractable into a slot, where the handle can be pivot able with respect to the container and lockable flush against a sidewall of the container. A second handle 8 may also be provided that extends vertically from a slot and is adapted such that when multiple containers are stacked the handle can extend into the slot of the container stacked above or below.

Description

CONTAINER FOR LUGGAGE OR GOODS

Background to the Invention

[00011 The present invention relates to a container for luggage or goods.

[0002] Every day millions of consumers, employees and businesses encounter difficulties in the transportation of personal items and goods. Most problems occur during the shipment, storage and handling of the containers where constant issues regarding size, weight, security, maneuverability, stability, late delivery or late collection times are experienced by all. All past attempts to improve this situation have been met with greater cost to all parties concerned e.g. excess baggage fees, introduction of automated baggage/freight handling systems, computerization of logistics, etc. [0003] It is possible to imagine all personal items and goods as cargo. The diversity of such cargoes would be described in shipping terms as break bulk cargo', which prior to the mid-1950's would be stored in a multitude of different sized containers and stacked on pallets then shipped together. The introduction of a standardized dimension intermodal-shipping container changed history by improving on all aspects of dealing with break bulk cargoes'.

[0004] Prior art in this field has previously failed to achieve a desired stackability and mobility, due to the design flaws in castor wheels and the fixed directional position of the wheel in general.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] With the aim of alleviating these disadvantages, the invention provides a container according to claim 1. Optional features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention provides a container, which may be a standardized sized intermodal container, and which incorporates spherical balls, not wheels, as a method of assisting unsurpassed maneuverability, stability, mobility and stackability.

[0007] Embodiments of the invention include a standardized intermodal luggage container and a sirniTar standardized inlermodal packing case container. These replicate all the benefits achieved by the intermodal-shipping container, in effect the containerization of the container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0009] FIG. 1 is an etilarged lower rear corner view of an item of luggage according to the invention, detailing the containment of a spherical baiT crowned by a cage of ball bearings and held in position by a retaining ring; [0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the item of luggage of FIG. 1, detailing a flat surface except for the protrusions of four spherica' balls positioned at the extremities; [0011] FIG. 3 is an enTarged Tower rear corner view of the item of luggage in an elevated position, indicating the maximum angle of elevation before bottoming out; [0012] FIG. 4 is a right hand end elevation view of the item of luggage, detailing the handle, an identification plate and the regressed extendable pivotal handle; [0013] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the item of luggage, detailing a locking mechanism, an identification plate and a handle; [0014] FIG. 6 is a left hand end elevation view of the item of luggage, detailing an identification plate, a sliding handle and securing bar; [0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged lower rear corner view of the item of luggage and an enlarged upper rear comer view of a similar item, detailing the lock-in position of both items using the spherical ball and a slightly larger concave shaped hollow recess; [0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of the item of luggage, detailing the four slightly larger concave shaped hollow recesses positioned at the extremities; [0017] FIG. 9 is an enlarged lower front corner view of the item of luggage, detailing the difference in the molding of the spherical ball housing from the rear corner housing shown in FIG. 7; [0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the item of luggage; [0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of the item of luggage; [0020] FIG.12 is a front elevation view of a pair of the items of luggage of FIGS. 1-11 and a smaller cabin sized case stacked vertically together; [0021] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the item of luggage of FIGS 1-11 and the cabin sized case of FIG. 12 in a semi-elevated position with the rear spherical balls supporting both items; [0022] FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a plurality of packing cases according to the invention, stacked together in a single column; [0023] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of a plurality of the packing cases of FIG. 14, stacked together in vertical columns; [0024] FIG. 16 is a top view of a pTuralitv of the packing cases, positioned on a level plane, equally spaced apart, detailing a series of grid lines; [0025] FIG.17 is an enlarged front elevation view of a plurality of the packing cases, detailing the spherical ball of an uppermost case located within one of the grid lines detailed in FIG. 16; [0026] FIG. 18 is a top view of a plurality of the items of luggage of FIGS. 1-11, positioned on a level plane, equally spaced apart, detailing a series of grid lines; [0027] FIG. 19 is an enlarged front eTevation view of a pTuralitv of the items of luggage of FIGS. 1-11, detailing the spherical ball of an uppermost item located within one of the grid lines detailed in FIG. 18; [0028] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the item of luggage of FIGS. 1-11, detailing the main body and the molded lid separated, and a removable hinge pin; [0029] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of an interchangeable medium size hollow molded lid for use as an expandable part of the item of luggage; [0030] FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of an interchangeabTe large size molded Tid; and [0031] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the item of luggage, expanded by incorporating the large size molded lid of FIG. 22.

Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a lower rear corner of a suitcase. A main body 2 is manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing a molded plastic shell of the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired strength and durability needed to perform the task of transporting personal items contained within a vehicle. Movement of the case is provided by the novel use of a plurality of spherical balls 1 manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide a desired coefficient of friction between the spherical ball 1 and the plurality of dissimilar surfaces the case will encounter. A ring shaped retainer 3 maintains containment of the spherical ball 1 within the main body 2. The ring shaped retainer 3 is manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired containment of the sphericaT ball 1 within the main body spherical baTl housing, yet stiTl aTlow the free rolling movement of the spherical ball. A further aid to allow the free rolling movement of the spherical ball is provided by a caged angled raceway of ball bearings or a plurality of spherical balls 4 manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired coefficient of friction between the caged angle raceway of ball bearings or plurality of ball bearings 4 and the spherical ball 1.

[0033] The rear spherical ball housing rises rearwardly. This fact, and the shape of the ring shaped retainer 3, alTow the suitcase to be elevated and to achieve motion supported on two spherical balls rather than four.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the suitcase detailing the flat nature of the main body 2, apart from four spherical balls 1 protruding from four cavities positioned at the extremities of the said device. The protruding sphericaT balls 1 provide a minimum clearance between the main body 2 of the said device and the ground surface. The spherical balls 1 are restrained within the said device by the ring shaped retainers 3.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates the footprint design of the case, detailing an external maximum boundary, which dictates that all protrusions are contained within the external maximum boundary whilst the case is in a stationary or baggage transit position. This facilitates stacking of a plurality of the cases.

[0036] Phantom lines illustrate the location of an extendable pivotal handle 5 contained within the main body 2 of the said device and manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired means for pushing or pulling the case and aiding motion.

[0037] FIG. 2 additionalTy iTlustrates a pTuraTity of handles 6 and 7 manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and materiaT composition required to provide the desired means for lifting the case. The handles are contained within molded recesses in the space between the main body and the external maximum boundary of the said device. A further detail illustrates a sliding handle and securing bar 8 manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired means for not only lifting the said device but also providing a securing bar, which when in fully extended position can be secured within horseshoe shaped moldings on a similar case in a stack.

[0038] FIG. 2 further illustrates from below a hinge 9 of the case.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear lower corner of the suitcase in an elevated position supported on the rear lower spherical ball 1. This demonstrates the maximum angle of elevation of the case before bottoming out occurs.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a right hand end elevation view of the suitcase. An identification plate 10 is securely affixed to the main body 2 of the said device. The identification plate 10 is manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition and individual details required to provide the desired method of authenticating the suitcase by means of laser scanning for the purpose of improving baggage control, self check-in, logistics and security.

[0041] As part of the main body of the said device, horseshoe shaped moTdings al-c provided to contain the extendable pivotal handle 5.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates the molded lid 11 of the suitcase, manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired strength to support a plurality of similar cases stacked vertically above the first case.

[0043] Phantom lines illustrate a plurality of concave shaped hollow recesses 12 required for the purpose of vertically stacking similar cases, as described in more detail below.

[0044] 13 designates a secure means for conjoining the molded lid 11 and the main body 2 of the suitcase, manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and materiaT composition required to provide the desired effect of securely conjoining these two parts, whilst allowing a method of access to goods contained within the case.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the suitcase. A locking mechanism 14 is manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide a desired means for securely locking the case.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a left hand end elevation view of the suitcase. FIG. 6 shows more clearly the sliding handle and securing bar 8 and its location within the main body 2, and the horseshoe shaped moldings which contain the sliding handle and securing bar.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a lower rear corner of the suitcase and a top rear corner of a similar suitcase in a stacking position, with the sphericaT ball 1 of the upper suitcase located loosely within the concave shaped hoTlow recess 12 of the lower suitcase. The main body 2 of the first case is fully supported by the molded lid 11 of the other case.

This novel method of interlocking the containers meets an accurate definition of a stacking structure.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a top view of the suitcase. This view shows more clearly the larger diameter concave shaped hollow recesses 12 located at the extremities of the case, matching identical locations of the sphericaT ball centers on the bottom of a similar case. The totally flat surface of the molded lid 11 allows the spherical balls 1 of the other case to roll unimpeded across that surface and to easiTy locate within the concave shaped hollow recesses 12 and in turn connect to provide a strong stable vertical column structure that jointly retains mobility.

[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a lower front corner view of the suitcase and a top upper front corner view of a similar suitcase, in a stacking position with the upper spherical ball 1 located loosely within the concave hollow shaped recess 12. The main body 2 of the upper suitcase is fully supported by the molded lid 11 of the other case. FIG. 9 also highlights the differences in the main body 2 and the ring shaped retainer 3' from the corresponding part of the main body and the ring shaped retainer 3 in FIG. 7. These differences distinguish the front from the rear of the case. Any elevation of the case wilT occur on the side shown in FIG. 9 where both the handTe 7 and the extendable pivotal handTe 5 are located.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the suitcase illustrating the extendable pivotal handle 5 in a part-extended position. This view improves the understanding of the spherical balls 1 contained and part protruding from the main body 2 and their relative position at the extremities of the case, matching the location of the concave shaped hoTlow recesses 12 shown in FIG. 11.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of the suitcase iTlustrating the sliding and securing bar 8 in the fully extended position. This view also details the curved nature of the extremities of the case. These curved surfaces improve the structural strength and integrity of the case. The perspective view improves the understanding of the molded lid 11 and the positioning of the concave shaped hollow recesses 12 at the extremities of the case.

[0052] FIG.12 is a front elevation view of two suitcases, each as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and a single smaller sized version of the case, demonstrating the nature of stacking yet still retaining mobility of the total combined structure. The novel use of spherical balls 1 as a method of providing mobility ensures that the combined structure is not onTy extremely stable but also aTlows for unrivalled freedom of movement. This viewpoint offers a better understanding of the sliding handle and securing bar 8 in the extended lock-in mode securing the cases together. It also details the fulTy extended pivotal handle 5 in several positions, a vertical Tocked-in pushing and an angled towing position.

[0053] FIGJ3 illustrates a front elevation view of the suitcase shown in FIGS. 1-11 and a smaller cabin sized version of the case stacked together and in an elevated position supported on the rear spherical balls 1. The smaller case is being retained in position by the sliding handle and securing bar 8. The extendable pivotal handle 5 is in a part-extended position aTlowing for a towing procedure to be performed supported on two spherical balls rather than four, again allowing for unrivalTed freedom of movement for the combined structure.

[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates a front elevation view of a plurality of packing cases according to the invention, stacked together in a single column, detailing the dissimilarities in dimensional ratios between versions of the invention but also highlighting the similarity of design and features. The packing case provides a stronger, more robust container, required to perform more regularly and in harsher conditions. This view displays a larger spherical ball 1, required due to operating in a more freight based industrial type environment.

[0055] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of a plurality of the packing cases stacked vertically in two columns, detailing the novel approach of using spherical balls 1 contained in concave shaped hollow recesses 12 as a method to securely stack the cases. A color coding specification limits the loads permitted by design of distinct types of the cases with reference to their vertical positioning within the column. In a particular example, the colors have the following definitions: * Blue 16 lightest maximum load highest normal position in stack * Red 17 heavy maximum load 211(1 highest normal position in stack * Green 18 heavier maximum load 3rd highest normal position in stack * Black 19 heaviest maximum load lowest normal position in stack [0056] The packing case is manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the container in its entirety to provide the desired size, shape, color and material composition required to perform tasks within specific maximum load limits. The Color coded maximum loading will determine the positioning of the cases within any stacked column. Thus in the above example, black would always be the lowest position unless stacked above another black case. Blue would always be stacked at the highest elevation, above all other colored cases, unless stacked with another blue case above. The color coded maximum loading of the cases will allow safe stacking procedures to be followed.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a top view of a plurality of the packing cases. When a plurality of the cases are positioned together in an organized manner as shown, then a level flat plane occurs and a pattern of grooved grid lines appear. These grooved grid lines run across the length and breadth of the plurality of cases.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the plurality of packing cases, highlighting the importance of the grooved grid lines and flat plane as shown in FIG.16. It details the spherical ball 1 of the uppermost case located within a grooved grid line -10 -provided by the positioning of two lower cases pushed together and the molded lids 11 creating a groove. The grooved grid Tines allow easy rolling and guiding of the cases into position, targeting a location close to the stacked locked-in position of each case. In cramped or dark interiors of shipping containers and other vehicles this will provide an additional easier and safer method of stacking a plurality of the cases.

[0059] FIG. 18 is a top view of a pluraTity of the suitcases of FIGS. 1-11 repeating the features described with respect to FIG. 16.

[0060] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a plurality of the suitcases repeating the features described with respect to FIG. 17. In cramped or dark interiors of modern aircraft baggage holds and other vehicles this will provide an additional easier and safer method of stacking a plurality of the suitcases.

[0061] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of an upper part of the suitcase of FIGS. 1-11.

The molded lid 11 is shown separated from the main body 2, revealing a removable hinge pin 9, which is manufactured by a person skiTled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired method of securely joining the molded lid 11 and a plurality of other molded lids to the main body 2 and in turn provide a hinge effect alTowing opening and closing of the case.

[0062] FIGS. 21 and 22 are front elevation views of an interchangeable medium size hoTlow molded lid 15 and an interchangeable large size hollow moTded lid 20 respectively. The Tids 15, 20 are manufactured by a person skilled in the art of producing the correct size, shape and material composition required to provide the desired method of expanding the internal volume capacity of the suitcase and to provide a desired strength to support a plurality of similar cases stacked vertically above the first case.

[0063] FIG. 22 also shows, in phantom lines, a horseshoe shaped molding as part of the interchangeable large size hollow molded lid 20 is also shown. This molding will retain the sliding handTe and securing bar 8 when fuTly extended and in turn increase the overall strength and stabiTity of the joint structure.

[0064] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the suitcase in an expanded version, utilizing the interchangeabTe large size hoTlow molded Tid 20 and a main body 2.

Phantom lines show the sliding handle and securing bar 8 in the fully extended position contained within the horseshoe shaped molding and in turn increasing the overall strength and stability of the joint structure of the said device.

Claims

-12 -CLAIMS1. A mobiTe container comprising a pluraTity of sphericaT balls held captive at the bottom of the container so as to facilitate rolling of the container, and an upper surface having openings to receive the spherical balls of an identical container so as to allow nesting of the containers.
2. A container according to claim 1 which is generaTly rectanguTar in pTan, each ball being located near a corner of the container.
3. A container according to claim 2, including four balls.
4. A container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said openings comprise recesses.
5. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the openings are provided in a lid of the container.
6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the balls are sufficiently exposed on an outer side of the container to allow rolling of the container when a lower surface thereof is pivoted to at least 30 degrees to the horizontaT, preferably at Teast 50 degrees to the horizontal.
7. A container according to any preceding claim, including at least one handle extensible from and retractable into a slot.
8. A container according to claim 7, including a handle extensible from a slot on a lower surface of the container.
9. A container according to claim 8, wherein after having been extended, the handle is pivotable with respect to the container.
10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the extended handle is pivotable to, and lockable in, a position flush with a surface of the container intended to be generally vertical in use.11. A container according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, including a handle extensible from a slot on a surface of the container intended to be generally vertical in use, the -13 -slot being adapted to receive a handle of an identical container stacked thereabove or therebelow.10. A container according to any preceding claim, having a chamfer or curve on an upper edge, such that when two identicaT containers are pTaced adjacent one another, the adjoining chamfers or curves form a groove along which a ball of another container superposed on said two identicaT containers can roll.
11. A container according to any preceding claim, having a color coding to indicate a maximum weight that can be stacked on the container.
12. A container according to any preceding claim, having a plurality of lids of different height, for expansion of the container.