CA2086284A1 - Luggage with improved wheel configuration - Google Patents
Luggage with improved wheel configurationInfo
- Publication number
- CA2086284A1 CA2086284A1 CA002086284A CA2086284A CA2086284A1 CA 2086284 A1 CA2086284 A1 CA 2086284A1 CA 002086284 A CA002086284 A CA 002086284A CA 2086284 A CA2086284 A CA 2086284A CA 2086284 A1 CA2086284 A1 CA 2086284A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wheels
- bottom structure
- case
- elongated bottom
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
LUGGAGE WITH IMPROVED WHEEL CONFIGURATION
Abstract of the Disclosure A pair of front wheels of a wheeled luggage case is attached closer to the front end of the elongated bottom structure of the case than a pair of rear wheels is attached to the rear end of the elongated bottom structure. The forward position of the rear pair of wheels reduces the turning radius of the case and makes it more maneuverable in crowded or confined areas. The front pair of wheels supports less weight and is less susceptible to bogging down on soft surfaces such as carpeting. The forward position of the rear pair of wheels, and the reduced distance between the front and rear pairs of wheels, allows the soft sided luggage case to withstand greater loads before the bottom structure sags to such an extent that the case bottoms out on a support surface.
195106.03
Abstract of the Disclosure A pair of front wheels of a wheeled luggage case is attached closer to the front end of the elongated bottom structure of the case than a pair of rear wheels is attached to the rear end of the elongated bottom structure. The forward position of the rear pair of wheels reduces the turning radius of the case and makes it more maneuverable in crowded or confined areas. The front pair of wheels supports less weight and is less susceptible to bogging down on soft surfaces such as carpeting. The forward position of the rear pair of wheels, and the reduced distance between the front and rear pairs of wheels, allows the soft sided luggage case to withstand greater loads before the bottom structure sags to such an extent that the case bottoms out on a support surface.
195106.03
Description
2 ~ ~
LUGGAGE WITH IMPROVED WHEEL CONFIGURATION
This invention relates to improvements in wheeled luggage cases of the type which incorporate wheels to allow the case to be pulled or towed rather than carried.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved luggage case having an improved wheel position to increase the maneuverability and weight carrying capacity of the case.
Backaround o~f the Invention Wheeled luggage cases are popular with many travelers because they allow the heavily loaded case to be pulled rather than carried, thereby making travel more convenient. Some travelers depend on the ability to pull whee~ed luggage cases because the cases are too large, or too heavily weighted, or the traveler's strength is insufficient lo carry the cases. Despite the popularity of wheeled luggage, a majority of previous wheeled luggage cases have presented a number of disadvantages, inconveniences or concerns.
One concern is that the wheels could get damaged or broken off due to rough handling by luggage handlers. To reduce this possibility of damage, it is typical pra~tice to make the wheels as small as possible, or recess them to a substantial extent within the case, and to position the wheels as close as possible to the forward and 2~l'.32,S~
rear~ard bottom corners of the case. The smaller or recessed wheels reduce the amount of exposure of the wheels, which is believed to reduce the possibility of damage~ Positioning the wheels near the bottom corners of the case is also thought to reduce the chance of damaging contact because of the protection that is inherently provided by the corner of the case itself.
Additionally, FIG. 1 illustrates the aesthetic symmetry created by positioning the wheels near the corners of the case, leaving equal spaces 10 between the front wheels 12 and the lower front corner and between the rear wheels 14 and the lower rear corner of the typical prior art wheeled luggage case 16.
The symmetrical wheel placement on the case 16 creates a relatively large turning radius since the front wheels 12, which are typically casters, must turn about the rear wheels 14, which typically have fixed axles.
The turning radius is the distance between the front of the cace and rear wheels which, as is shown in FIG. 1, is nearly the entire length of the case 16. Thus, in the typical prior art configuration shown in FIG. 1, substantially the full length of the case must be maneuvered through turns by pulling on a tether 18 or other pull handle attached to the case 16. A carry handle 19 is attached to the top of the case 16 by which to carry the case 16 or push it on its wheels 12 and 14.
20~1~2~/~
Small or recessed wheels located near the front and rear lower corners have also resulted in minimal or reduced ground clearance. Low ground clearance creates the possibility of an undesirable phenomenon with soft sided luggage cases known as "bottoming out." Soft sided luggage cases are ones which are formed using flexible materials such as leather, vinyl or cloth for some or all of the case walls. Soft sided cases have the appeal of being somewhat lighter in weight than hard sided cases.
Since the flexible materials are incapable of establishing an adequate support structure, light weight inner structural members, usually formed of plastic, are used to establish structural shape and enhance the weight carrying capacity of the case. The ~ottom structural member, known as a bottom board, is particularly important because it must support the entire weight of the case when the case is carried. In wheeled soft sided cases, the wheels are also attached to the bottom board.
Since the bottom board is usually formed of a lighter construction material, such as plywood, which is prone to bending under a substantial load, and because the front and rear wheels are typically attached at opposite ends of the case, the bottom board can bow downward significantly between the front and rear wheels.
The "bottoming out" condition may occur if the bottom board of a heavily loaded soft sided case sags to such a degree that it dr~gs on or contacts a high spot on the 2o~28~l surface along which the case is moved. A bottomed-out case may become unstable and topple over when some of its wheels lose contact with the support surface over which it is moved.
In additisn, since approximately one half of the weight of the case (under typical weight distribution characteristics) is on the relatively small front casters, the case is susceptible to "bogging down,"
particularly when being pulled over carpeting or other soft surfaces. The "bogged down" condition occurs when the weight on the casters restricts their ability to pivot. This often leads to tipping of the case due to the heavy lateral pulling forces exerted when attempting to turn the case.
The large turning radius and the possibility of the case bottoming out or bogging down, all of which are attributable to the wheel positions on the bottom of the case, contribute to the possibility of a towed case toppling over during maneu~ers or simply becoming prohibitively difficult to maneuver. A natural consequence is that the traveler may resort to carrying the case, thereby destroying its effectiveness as wheeled luggage.
Attempts have been made to increase the maneuverability of towed cases. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,048,649, entitled "Luggage with Pull Handle,"
positions the fix~d axle wheels at the center of the case 2Q~62~
and places one caster each at the front and rear lower corners of the case. While such an arrangement increases the maneuverability of the wheeled case, some of the case's longitudinal rolling stability, which is greatly desired when towing the case, may be lost. Furthermore, placing casters at the front and back of the case may cause a bogged down condition at both ends of the case rather than only at one end of the case, thereby increasing the difficulty of turning the case despite the central position of the fixed axle wheels.
It is with regard to this background information that the improvements available from the present invention have Pvolved.
Summary of the Invention One of the objects of the present invention is to generally improve the maneuverability of wheeled luggage cases on all support surfaces and particularly on soft surfaces such as carpeting. Two additional objectives of the present invention are to achieve improved resistance ._ to the bottoming out and bogging down tendencies of wheeled luggage cases. Still another objective is to provide for greater weight carrying capacity for wheeled luggage cases of soft sided construction.
In accordanc~ with the first of these objectives, the luggage case of the present invention has a plurality of wheels attached to an elongated bottom structure. A
forwardmost pair of wheels has a center point positioned 2 ~
more closely to the forward end of the elongated bottom structure than the center point of a rearwardmost pair of wheels is positioned with respect to the rearward end of the elongated bottom structure. Positioned in this manner, the turning radius of the case on its wheels, which is determined by the distance from the front of the case to the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels, is shorter than it would otherwise be if the center points of both the forwardmost and the rearwardmost pairs of wheels were positioned an equal distance from the front and rear ends, respectively, of the elongated ~ottom structure. Additionally, since the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels is closer to the center of gravity of the luggage case at the center of the bottom board, the rearwardmost pair of wheels supports a majority of the weight of the case placed on the elongated ~ottom structure, assuming an equal weight dListribution. With reduced weight on the forwardmost pair of wheels, the case may be turned more ~0 easily, particularly on soft or depressible surfaces such as carpetiny. The case may be turned with increased agility and responsiveness to user inputs. Since a user may now maneuver the case with less turning force, the case is not as likely to topple over during maneuvers.
In accordance with the second and third of these objectives, the rearwardmost pair of wheels, with a center point positioned more toward the longitudinal center of the bottom board, supports the bottom board more closely to that position where bottoming out contact would likely occur. With the rearwardmost pair of wheels supporting the case at a position more closely oriented to the location where bottoming out would otherwise occur, a bottoming out condition is less likely to occur.
Also since the rearwardmost pair of wheels support more weight than the forwardmost pair of wheels, the more lightly weighted foxwardmost wheels are less likely to depress into soft surfaces such as carpet. As a result there is less tendency for the forwardmost pair of wheels to bog down on soft support surfaces.
In accordance with the last of these objectives, the improved wheel configuxation of the present invention enhances the weight carrying capacity of luggage cases of soft sided construction. The elongated bottom structure of such luggage cases normally constitutes a board formed of light weight materials. By moving the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels forward, the unsupported length of the bottom board between the rearwardmost and forwardmost pairs of wheels is effectively reduced. The shorter unsupported length increases the amount of weight that can be carried before the bottom board is subjected to potentially destructive ~orces or a bottoming out condition is encountered. As a consequence it may be possible in some circumstances to employ lighter weight materials in the construction of the bottom board.
20~S2,.~q A more complete appreciation of the present invention and its scope can be obtained from understanding the accompanying drawings, which are briefly summarized below, the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawinas FIG. 1 is a right-side elevational view of a prior art wheeled luggage case exemplifying a typical configuration for the front casters and rear wheels.
FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational view of a luggage case embodying the present invention with a portion broken out to reveal a bottom board of the case.
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the luggage case in which a shorter dashed arrow and arc illustrate the turning radius and pivot point of the case shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and in which a longer dashed arrow and arc illustrate the turning radius and pivot point of the prior art case shown in FIG. 1.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment The improvements in the wheel positions of an improved luggage case 20 according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and are contrasted to the wheel positions of the t.ypical prior art wheeled ~- luggage case 16 which has previously been described in 20(~2~4 conjunction with FIG. 1. The case 20 includes a plurality of wheels 22 and 24 attached to an elongated bottom structure or bottom board 26. A front end wall 28, a rear end wall 30, a left side wall 32, and a right side wall 34 are all attached to the bottom board 26, and a top wall 36 is connected to the upper edges of the end walls 28 and ~0 and the side walls 32 and 34. A zipper 21 within the right side wall 34 of the case 20 provides access to the interior of the rectangular prismatic enclosure defined by the walls 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 and the bottom board 26. As with the prior art case 16, the case 20 also includes the typical carrying handle l9 connected to the top wall 3~ of the case 20 to allow the user to lift and carry the case 20 or push the case 20 along on its wheels 22 and 24. Similarly, the typical tether 18 is connected to the case 20 by which the case may be pulled or tow~d. The tether 18 may be a flexible strap which easily adjusts for users of different height and is of sufficient length to prevent the case 20 from colliding with the user as it is pulled behind the user.
The flexible tether 18 is one example of an elongated member by which the case 20 may be pulled or towed.
Alternatively, a more rigid pull handle may be pivotally connected to the case 20 in place of the flexible tether 18.
The improYements of the present invention may be incorporated in a standard soft sided luggage case 20 2 0 ~ ,Y ~
which is illustrated, or in a typical hard sided case.
In a hard sided case, two hard shells form case halves which are pivotally connected together to provide access to and closure of the interior of the case. Edge portions of the case halves at the bottom of the hard sided case achieve the functions o~ the elongated bottom structure of the prssent invention.
The four wheels 22 and 24 are preferably arranged in a rectangular configuration as shown in FIG. 3. Where one front and one rear wheel are carried on the bottom edge of each shell of a hard sided case, the wheels may ~e arranged at the corners of a trapezoid so that the wheels avoid contacting one another when the case is opened. The wheels preferably include a pair of front wheels or casters 22 attached to the bottom board 26 and another pair of rear wheels 24 which are each rotatably mounted on a fixed axle to rotate in a plane generally perpendicular to the bottom board 26 and parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the hottom board 26. The casters 22 are free to piVQt about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the bottom board 26, and thus control the direction of travel of the case 20 in response to lateral forces applied by the user to the front of the case.
Although the re~r wheels preferably rotate about fixed axles, in some circumstances some pivoting movement of thesP axles may be permitted as well.
20~6~
The casters 22 are placed at the front corners of the bottom board 26, as close as possible to the sides of the bottom board 26 to improve the lateral side to side stability of the case 20 during maneuvers. The casters 22 are also usually placed close to the front end 25 of the bottom board 26 to obtain some protection for the casters 22 during luggage handling or for aesthetic purposes. The rear wheels 24 are placed behind the casters 22. Sufficient space remains between the casters 22 and the sides and front end 25 of the bottom board 26, and between the rear wheels 24 and the sides of the bottom board 26, to firmly connect the wheels 22 and 24 and to prevent failure of the bottom board 26 due to stress concentrations at the connection points of the wheels 22 and 24. A center point P is located on the elongated bottom structure 26 midway between the rear fixed axle wheels 24. Similarly, a center point Q is located on the elongated bottom structure 26 midway between the caster wheels 22.
. _ In accordance with the present invention, the predetermined distance from the rear end 27 of the bottom board 26 to the center point P of the rear wheels 24 preferably falls within the range of 20 to 35 percent of the length of the bottom board 26. A range of ~5 predetermined distances from 25 to 30 percent of the length of the botto~ board is believed to obtain the best results, wit.~ t~e ~istance of 30 percent of the length of 20~6~S~
the bottom board presently being regarded as the optimal distance.
The placement of the rear wheels 24 serves to greatly improve the maneuverability of the case 20.
During maneuvers, the case 20 pivots about the center point P of the rear wheels 24. FIG. 4 illustrates that the turning radius of the case 20 is decreased by moving the center point P of the rear wheels 24 forward in accordance with the present invention. The short dashed arrow 40 originates from the pivot point P of the case 20 and indicates the length o~ the turning radius of the case 20. ~or comparison purposes, the long dashed arrow 42 indicates the turning radius and pivot point P~ of the prior art case 16 shown in FIG. 1. The reduced turning radius represented by the arrow 40 allows the case 20 to turn within a smaller area, which is particularly advantageous w]hen pulling the case 20 through a crowded or confined arlea.
The placement of the rear wheels 24 also offers an increased weight carrying capacity, particularly for a soft sided case. Assuming a nearly uniform weight distribution along the length of the bottom board 26, so that the center of gravity of the case 20 is at about the longitudinal middle of the bottom structure, a greater 2~ amount of weight may be carried because the rear wheels are positioned to support that weight at a lo~ation 20~2~
closer to the point where the bottom board would ordinarily experience the greatest amount of sagging and where the case 20 might bottom out. The shorter segment of bottom board 26 extending between the casters 22 and the rear wheels 24 is more effectively supported and thus has greater weight carrying capacity. The sag o f the bottom board 26 between the casters 22 and the rear wheels 24 is thereby reduced. Conse~uently, a thinner or lighter construction bottom board 26 may be used in the case 20 to provide equal or greater protection against "bottoming out" than the prior art case 16. The increased weight carryinq capacity is a distinct advantage in soft sided luggage cases where the bottom board 26 is required to support substantially all of the weight of the case, since the side walls offer little structural strength to the case as a whole.
Since the center point P of the rear wheels 24 is more closely positioned to the center of gravity of the loaded case 20, the rear wheels 24 support a greater amount of weight while correspondingly decreasing the total weight supported by the casters 22. This is a result of the counterbalancing effect of the weiqht of the case to the rear of the rear wheels 24. Under a reduced load, the casters 22 are less susoeptible to bogging down on soft or depressible surfaces. The lighter 102d on the casters 22 makes them more maneuverable on c~rpeting and other depressible surfaces.
The smaller turning radius of the case 20, and the de~reased tendency of the casters 22 to "bog down" due to their lighter load, combine to significantly enhance the maneuverability of the case 20. This increased maneuverability is perceived as increased agility and turn response. Thus, a user may now maneuver the case 20 using less turning force than is required with the prior art case 16. Less lateral force applied to the case by the user to tllrn the case translates to a reduced tendency for the case 20 to topple over during turning maneuvers. Additionally, since the case 20 is less susceptible to "bottoming out" under heavy loads, a user is less likely to have to carry it during the time when he or she would most appreciate the advantages of whe led luggage.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity. It should be understood, however, that the specificity of the description has been made by way of preferred example and 2 0 that the invention is defined by the scope of th~
following claims.
LUGGAGE WITH IMPROVED WHEEL CONFIGURATION
This invention relates to improvements in wheeled luggage cases of the type which incorporate wheels to allow the case to be pulled or towed rather than carried.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved luggage case having an improved wheel position to increase the maneuverability and weight carrying capacity of the case.
Backaround o~f the Invention Wheeled luggage cases are popular with many travelers because they allow the heavily loaded case to be pulled rather than carried, thereby making travel more convenient. Some travelers depend on the ability to pull whee~ed luggage cases because the cases are too large, or too heavily weighted, or the traveler's strength is insufficient lo carry the cases. Despite the popularity of wheeled luggage, a majority of previous wheeled luggage cases have presented a number of disadvantages, inconveniences or concerns.
One concern is that the wheels could get damaged or broken off due to rough handling by luggage handlers. To reduce this possibility of damage, it is typical pra~tice to make the wheels as small as possible, or recess them to a substantial extent within the case, and to position the wheels as close as possible to the forward and 2~l'.32,S~
rear~ard bottom corners of the case. The smaller or recessed wheels reduce the amount of exposure of the wheels, which is believed to reduce the possibility of damage~ Positioning the wheels near the bottom corners of the case is also thought to reduce the chance of damaging contact because of the protection that is inherently provided by the corner of the case itself.
Additionally, FIG. 1 illustrates the aesthetic symmetry created by positioning the wheels near the corners of the case, leaving equal spaces 10 between the front wheels 12 and the lower front corner and between the rear wheels 14 and the lower rear corner of the typical prior art wheeled luggage case 16.
The symmetrical wheel placement on the case 16 creates a relatively large turning radius since the front wheels 12, which are typically casters, must turn about the rear wheels 14, which typically have fixed axles.
The turning radius is the distance between the front of the cace and rear wheels which, as is shown in FIG. 1, is nearly the entire length of the case 16. Thus, in the typical prior art configuration shown in FIG. 1, substantially the full length of the case must be maneuvered through turns by pulling on a tether 18 or other pull handle attached to the case 16. A carry handle 19 is attached to the top of the case 16 by which to carry the case 16 or push it on its wheels 12 and 14.
20~1~2~/~
Small or recessed wheels located near the front and rear lower corners have also resulted in minimal or reduced ground clearance. Low ground clearance creates the possibility of an undesirable phenomenon with soft sided luggage cases known as "bottoming out." Soft sided luggage cases are ones which are formed using flexible materials such as leather, vinyl or cloth for some or all of the case walls. Soft sided cases have the appeal of being somewhat lighter in weight than hard sided cases.
Since the flexible materials are incapable of establishing an adequate support structure, light weight inner structural members, usually formed of plastic, are used to establish structural shape and enhance the weight carrying capacity of the case. The ~ottom structural member, known as a bottom board, is particularly important because it must support the entire weight of the case when the case is carried. In wheeled soft sided cases, the wheels are also attached to the bottom board.
Since the bottom board is usually formed of a lighter construction material, such as plywood, which is prone to bending under a substantial load, and because the front and rear wheels are typically attached at opposite ends of the case, the bottom board can bow downward significantly between the front and rear wheels.
The "bottoming out" condition may occur if the bottom board of a heavily loaded soft sided case sags to such a degree that it dr~gs on or contacts a high spot on the 2o~28~l surface along which the case is moved. A bottomed-out case may become unstable and topple over when some of its wheels lose contact with the support surface over which it is moved.
In additisn, since approximately one half of the weight of the case (under typical weight distribution characteristics) is on the relatively small front casters, the case is susceptible to "bogging down,"
particularly when being pulled over carpeting or other soft surfaces. The "bogged down" condition occurs when the weight on the casters restricts their ability to pivot. This often leads to tipping of the case due to the heavy lateral pulling forces exerted when attempting to turn the case.
The large turning radius and the possibility of the case bottoming out or bogging down, all of which are attributable to the wheel positions on the bottom of the case, contribute to the possibility of a towed case toppling over during maneu~ers or simply becoming prohibitively difficult to maneuver. A natural consequence is that the traveler may resort to carrying the case, thereby destroying its effectiveness as wheeled luggage.
Attempts have been made to increase the maneuverability of towed cases. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,048,649, entitled "Luggage with Pull Handle,"
positions the fix~d axle wheels at the center of the case 2Q~62~
and places one caster each at the front and rear lower corners of the case. While such an arrangement increases the maneuverability of the wheeled case, some of the case's longitudinal rolling stability, which is greatly desired when towing the case, may be lost. Furthermore, placing casters at the front and back of the case may cause a bogged down condition at both ends of the case rather than only at one end of the case, thereby increasing the difficulty of turning the case despite the central position of the fixed axle wheels.
It is with regard to this background information that the improvements available from the present invention have Pvolved.
Summary of the Invention One of the objects of the present invention is to generally improve the maneuverability of wheeled luggage cases on all support surfaces and particularly on soft surfaces such as carpeting. Two additional objectives of the present invention are to achieve improved resistance ._ to the bottoming out and bogging down tendencies of wheeled luggage cases. Still another objective is to provide for greater weight carrying capacity for wheeled luggage cases of soft sided construction.
In accordanc~ with the first of these objectives, the luggage case of the present invention has a plurality of wheels attached to an elongated bottom structure. A
forwardmost pair of wheels has a center point positioned 2 ~
more closely to the forward end of the elongated bottom structure than the center point of a rearwardmost pair of wheels is positioned with respect to the rearward end of the elongated bottom structure. Positioned in this manner, the turning radius of the case on its wheels, which is determined by the distance from the front of the case to the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels, is shorter than it would otherwise be if the center points of both the forwardmost and the rearwardmost pairs of wheels were positioned an equal distance from the front and rear ends, respectively, of the elongated ~ottom structure. Additionally, since the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels is closer to the center of gravity of the luggage case at the center of the bottom board, the rearwardmost pair of wheels supports a majority of the weight of the case placed on the elongated ~ottom structure, assuming an equal weight dListribution. With reduced weight on the forwardmost pair of wheels, the case may be turned more ~0 easily, particularly on soft or depressible surfaces such as carpetiny. The case may be turned with increased agility and responsiveness to user inputs. Since a user may now maneuver the case with less turning force, the case is not as likely to topple over during maneuvers.
In accordance with the second and third of these objectives, the rearwardmost pair of wheels, with a center point positioned more toward the longitudinal center of the bottom board, supports the bottom board more closely to that position where bottoming out contact would likely occur. With the rearwardmost pair of wheels supporting the case at a position more closely oriented to the location where bottoming out would otherwise occur, a bottoming out condition is less likely to occur.
Also since the rearwardmost pair of wheels support more weight than the forwardmost pair of wheels, the more lightly weighted foxwardmost wheels are less likely to depress into soft surfaces such as carpet. As a result there is less tendency for the forwardmost pair of wheels to bog down on soft support surfaces.
In accordance with the last of these objectives, the improved wheel configuxation of the present invention enhances the weight carrying capacity of luggage cases of soft sided construction. The elongated bottom structure of such luggage cases normally constitutes a board formed of light weight materials. By moving the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels forward, the unsupported length of the bottom board between the rearwardmost and forwardmost pairs of wheels is effectively reduced. The shorter unsupported length increases the amount of weight that can be carried before the bottom board is subjected to potentially destructive ~orces or a bottoming out condition is encountered. As a consequence it may be possible in some circumstances to employ lighter weight materials in the construction of the bottom board.
20~S2,.~q A more complete appreciation of the present invention and its scope can be obtained from understanding the accompanying drawings, which are briefly summarized below, the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawinas FIG. 1 is a right-side elevational view of a prior art wheeled luggage case exemplifying a typical configuration for the front casters and rear wheels.
FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational view of a luggage case embodying the present invention with a portion broken out to reveal a bottom board of the case.
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the luggage case shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the luggage case in which a shorter dashed arrow and arc illustrate the turning radius and pivot point of the case shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and in which a longer dashed arrow and arc illustrate the turning radius and pivot point of the prior art case shown in FIG. 1.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment The improvements in the wheel positions of an improved luggage case 20 according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and are contrasted to the wheel positions of the t.ypical prior art wheeled ~- luggage case 16 which has previously been described in 20(~2~4 conjunction with FIG. 1. The case 20 includes a plurality of wheels 22 and 24 attached to an elongated bottom structure or bottom board 26. A front end wall 28, a rear end wall 30, a left side wall 32, and a right side wall 34 are all attached to the bottom board 26, and a top wall 36 is connected to the upper edges of the end walls 28 and ~0 and the side walls 32 and 34. A zipper 21 within the right side wall 34 of the case 20 provides access to the interior of the rectangular prismatic enclosure defined by the walls 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 and the bottom board 26. As with the prior art case 16, the case 20 also includes the typical carrying handle l9 connected to the top wall 3~ of the case 20 to allow the user to lift and carry the case 20 or push the case 20 along on its wheels 22 and 24. Similarly, the typical tether 18 is connected to the case 20 by which the case may be pulled or tow~d. The tether 18 may be a flexible strap which easily adjusts for users of different height and is of sufficient length to prevent the case 20 from colliding with the user as it is pulled behind the user.
The flexible tether 18 is one example of an elongated member by which the case 20 may be pulled or towed.
Alternatively, a more rigid pull handle may be pivotally connected to the case 20 in place of the flexible tether 18.
The improYements of the present invention may be incorporated in a standard soft sided luggage case 20 2 0 ~ ,Y ~
which is illustrated, or in a typical hard sided case.
In a hard sided case, two hard shells form case halves which are pivotally connected together to provide access to and closure of the interior of the case. Edge portions of the case halves at the bottom of the hard sided case achieve the functions o~ the elongated bottom structure of the prssent invention.
The four wheels 22 and 24 are preferably arranged in a rectangular configuration as shown in FIG. 3. Where one front and one rear wheel are carried on the bottom edge of each shell of a hard sided case, the wheels may ~e arranged at the corners of a trapezoid so that the wheels avoid contacting one another when the case is opened. The wheels preferably include a pair of front wheels or casters 22 attached to the bottom board 26 and another pair of rear wheels 24 which are each rotatably mounted on a fixed axle to rotate in a plane generally perpendicular to the bottom board 26 and parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the hottom board 26. The casters 22 are free to piVQt about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the bottom board 26, and thus control the direction of travel of the case 20 in response to lateral forces applied by the user to the front of the case.
Although the re~r wheels preferably rotate about fixed axles, in some circumstances some pivoting movement of thesP axles may be permitted as well.
20~6~
The casters 22 are placed at the front corners of the bottom board 26, as close as possible to the sides of the bottom board 26 to improve the lateral side to side stability of the case 20 during maneuvers. The casters 22 are also usually placed close to the front end 25 of the bottom board 26 to obtain some protection for the casters 22 during luggage handling or for aesthetic purposes. The rear wheels 24 are placed behind the casters 22. Sufficient space remains between the casters 22 and the sides and front end 25 of the bottom board 26, and between the rear wheels 24 and the sides of the bottom board 26, to firmly connect the wheels 22 and 24 and to prevent failure of the bottom board 26 due to stress concentrations at the connection points of the wheels 22 and 24. A center point P is located on the elongated bottom structure 26 midway between the rear fixed axle wheels 24. Similarly, a center point Q is located on the elongated bottom structure 26 midway between the caster wheels 22.
. _ In accordance with the present invention, the predetermined distance from the rear end 27 of the bottom board 26 to the center point P of the rear wheels 24 preferably falls within the range of 20 to 35 percent of the length of the bottom board 26. A range of ~5 predetermined distances from 25 to 30 percent of the length of the botto~ board is believed to obtain the best results, wit.~ t~e ~istance of 30 percent of the length of 20~6~S~
the bottom board presently being regarded as the optimal distance.
The placement of the rear wheels 24 serves to greatly improve the maneuverability of the case 20.
During maneuvers, the case 20 pivots about the center point P of the rear wheels 24. FIG. 4 illustrates that the turning radius of the case 20 is decreased by moving the center point P of the rear wheels 24 forward in accordance with the present invention. The short dashed arrow 40 originates from the pivot point P of the case 20 and indicates the length o~ the turning radius of the case 20. ~or comparison purposes, the long dashed arrow 42 indicates the turning radius and pivot point P~ of the prior art case 16 shown in FIG. 1. The reduced turning radius represented by the arrow 40 allows the case 20 to turn within a smaller area, which is particularly advantageous w]hen pulling the case 20 through a crowded or confined arlea.
The placement of the rear wheels 24 also offers an increased weight carrying capacity, particularly for a soft sided case. Assuming a nearly uniform weight distribution along the length of the bottom board 26, so that the center of gravity of the case 20 is at about the longitudinal middle of the bottom structure, a greater 2~ amount of weight may be carried because the rear wheels are positioned to support that weight at a lo~ation 20~2~
closer to the point where the bottom board would ordinarily experience the greatest amount of sagging and where the case 20 might bottom out. The shorter segment of bottom board 26 extending between the casters 22 and the rear wheels 24 is more effectively supported and thus has greater weight carrying capacity. The sag o f the bottom board 26 between the casters 22 and the rear wheels 24 is thereby reduced. Conse~uently, a thinner or lighter construction bottom board 26 may be used in the case 20 to provide equal or greater protection against "bottoming out" than the prior art case 16. The increased weight carryinq capacity is a distinct advantage in soft sided luggage cases where the bottom board 26 is required to support substantially all of the weight of the case, since the side walls offer little structural strength to the case as a whole.
Since the center point P of the rear wheels 24 is more closely positioned to the center of gravity of the loaded case 20, the rear wheels 24 support a greater amount of weight while correspondingly decreasing the total weight supported by the casters 22. This is a result of the counterbalancing effect of the weiqht of the case to the rear of the rear wheels 24. Under a reduced load, the casters 22 are less susoeptible to bogging down on soft or depressible surfaces. The lighter 102d on the casters 22 makes them more maneuverable on c~rpeting and other depressible surfaces.
The smaller turning radius of the case 20, and the de~reased tendency of the casters 22 to "bog down" due to their lighter load, combine to significantly enhance the maneuverability of the case 20. This increased maneuverability is perceived as increased agility and turn response. Thus, a user may now maneuver the case 20 using less turning force than is required with the prior art case 16. Less lateral force applied to the case by the user to tllrn the case translates to a reduced tendency for the case 20 to topple over during turning maneuvers. Additionally, since the case 20 is less susceptible to "bottoming out" under heavy loads, a user is less likely to have to carry it during the time when he or she would most appreciate the advantages of whe led luggage.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity. It should be understood, however, that the specificity of the description has been made by way of preferred example and 2 0 that the invention is defined by the scope of th~
following claims.
Claims (17)
1. A wheeled luggage case having an elongated bottom structure having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of wheels attached to the elongated bottom structure for supporting and rolling the case along a support surface, comprising:
a pair of forwardmost wheels attached to the elongated bottom structure having a center point located midway between the two forwardmost wheels;
a pair of rearwardmost wheels attached to the elongated bottom structure having a center point located midway between the two rearwardmost wheels; and the center point of the pair of rearwardmost wheels is located more closely to a midpoint of the elongated bottom structure than the center point of the pair of forwardmost wheels.
a pair of forwardmost wheels attached to the elongated bottom structure having a center point located midway between the two forwardmost wheels;
a pair of rearwardmost wheels attached to the elongated bottom structure having a center point located midway between the two rearwardmost wheels; and the center point of the pair of rearwardmost wheels is located more closely to a midpoint of the elongated bottom structure than the center point of the pair of forwardmost wheels.
2. A luggage case as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of the pair of forwardmost wheels is a caster wheel pivotable about an axis through the elongated bottom structure, and at least one of the pair of rearwardmost wheels rotates in a plane substantially parallel to the length of the elongated bottom structure.
3. A luggage case as defined in claim 2 further comprising.
an elongated means attached to the case at a position closer to the forwardmost pair of wheels than the rearwardmost pair of wheels for pulling the case along the support surface.
an elongated means attached to the case at a position closer to the forwardmost pair of wheels than the rearwardmost pair of wheels for pulling the case along the support surface.
4. A luggage case as defined in claim 1 wherein:
the pair of forwardmost wheels attached laterally adjacent to one another; and the pair of rearwardmost wheels attached laterally adjacent to one another.
the pair of forwardmost wheels attached laterally adjacent to one another; and the pair of rearwardmost wheels attached laterally adjacent to one another.
5. A luggage case as defined in claim 4 wherein the wheels attached to the elongated bottom structure form a rectangular pattern.
6. A luggage case as defined in claim 5 wherein the wheels are attached to the elongated bottom structure at lateral positions adjacent to the lateral extremities of the elongated bottom structure.
7. A luggage case as defined in claim 5 wherein the pair of forwardmost wheels are caster wheels pivotable about axes substantially perpendicular to the elongated bottom structure and the pair of rearwardmost wheels rotate in planes substantially parallel to the length of the elongated bottom structure.
8. A luggage case as defined in claim 7 further comprising:
an elongated means attached to the case at a position closer to the forwardmost pair of wheels than the rearwardmost pair of wheels for pulling the case along the support surface.
an elongated means attached to the case at a position closer to the forwardmost pair of wheels than the rearwardmost pair of wheels for pulling the case along the support surface.
9. A luggage case as defined in claim 7 wherein the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels is located from the rear end of the elongated bottom structure at a predetermined position which is greater than 20 percent and less than 35 percent of the length of the elongated bottom structure.
10. A luggage case as defined in claim 9 wherein the predetermined position is within a range of 25 percent to 30 percent of the length of the elongated bottom structure.
11. A luggage case as defined in claim 10 wherein the predetermined position is approximately 30 percent of the length of the elongated bottom structure.
12. A luggage case as defined in claim 1 wherein the center point of the rearwardmost pair of wheels is located from the rear end of the elongated bottom structure at a predetermined position which is greater than 20 percent and less than 35 percent of the length of the elongated bottom structure.
13. A luggage case as defined in claim 12 wherein the predetermined position is within a range of 25 percent to 30 percent of the length of the elongated bottom structure.
14. A luggage case as defined in claim 13 wherein the predetermined position is approximately 30 percent of the length of the elongated bottom structure.
15. A luggage case as defined in claim 12 further comprising:
a generally rectangular prismatic configuration defined by a front end wall and a rear end wall attached to the elongated bottom structure at the front end and at the rear end of the elongated bottom structure, respectively, a left side wall and a right side wall connected to the elongated bottom structure and the front and rear end walls; and a top wall connected to the front and rear end walls and to the left and right side walls;
and the left and right side walls are constructed from a pliable material which can sustain substantial deformation without damage.
a generally rectangular prismatic configuration defined by a front end wall and a rear end wall attached to the elongated bottom structure at the front end and at the rear end of the elongated bottom structure, respectively, a left side wall and a right side wall connected to the elongated bottom structure and the front and rear end walls; and a top wall connected to the front and rear end walls and to the left and right side walls;
and the left and right side walls are constructed from a pliable material which can sustain substantial deformation without damage.
16. A luggage case as defined in claim 15 wherein the front and rear end walls are also constructed from a pliable material which can sustain substantial deformation without damage.
17. A wheeled luggage case of a generally rectangular prismatic configuration having an elongated bottom structure to which a plurality of wheels are attached for supporting and rolling the case-along a support surface, comprising:
a forwardmost wheel attached to the elongated bottom structure; and a rearwardmost wheel attached to the elongated bottom structure at a predetermined position located more closely to a midpoint of the elongated bottom structure than the forwardmost wheel.
a forwardmost wheel attached to the elongated bottom structure; and a rearwardmost wheel attached to the elongated bottom structure at a predetermined position located more closely to a midpoint of the elongated bottom structure than the forwardmost wheel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US85452392A | 1992-03-19 | 1992-03-19 | |
| US07/854,523 | 1992-03-19 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2086284A1 true CA2086284A1 (en) | 1993-09-20 |
Family
ID=25318931
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002086284A Abandoned CA2086284A1 (en) | 1992-03-19 | 1992-12-24 | Luggage with improved wheel configuration |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH0622806A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR930019164A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1078369A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU3396493A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9301231A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2086284A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9301534A (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-12-24 CA CA002086284A patent/CA2086284A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1993
- 1993-03-03 AU AU33964/93A patent/AU3396493A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-03-18 JP JP5082484A patent/JPH0622806A/en active Pending
- 1993-03-18 MX MX9301534A patent/MX9301534A/en unknown
- 1993-03-18 BR BR9301231A patent/BR9301231A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-03-19 KR KR1019930004223A patent/KR930019164A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-03-19 CN CN 93103080 patent/CN1078369A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1078369A (en) | 1993-11-17 |
| AU3396493A (en) | 1993-10-07 |
| BR9301231A (en) | 1993-09-21 |
| MX9301534A (en) | 1994-02-28 |
| JPH0622806A (en) | 1994-02-01 |
| KR930019164A (en) | 1993-10-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |