CA2936342A1 - Expandable piece of luggage - Google Patents
Expandable piece of luggage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2936342A1 CA2936342A1 CA2936342A CA2936342A CA2936342A1 CA 2936342 A1 CA2936342 A1 CA 2936342A1 CA 2936342 A CA2936342 A CA 2936342A CA 2936342 A CA2936342 A CA 2936342A CA 2936342 A1 CA2936342 A1 CA 2936342A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- luggage
- luggage shell
- shell
- section
- expansion
- 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
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/14—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage with built-in rolling means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0059—Flexible luggage; Hand bags
- A45C7/0063—Flexible luggage; Hand bags comprising an integrated expansion device
- A45C7/0072—Flexible luggage; Hand bags comprising an integrated expansion device telescopic
Abstract
An expandable piece of luggage is provided. The expandable piece of luggage comprises a main luggage shell. At least one expansion luggage shell having flexible walls is connected to the main luggage shell. The main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell form an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section. A support post is disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell.
A first end of each support post is mounted to the main luggage shell. Each support post is telescopically extendable between a collapsed position and at least one extended position. Support rods are mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section.
The support rods are disposed inside an end portion of the at least one expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
A first end of each support post is mounted to the main luggage shell. Each support post is telescopically extendable between a collapsed position and at least one extended position. Support rods are mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section.
The support rods are disposed inside an end portion of the at least one expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
Description
EXPANDABLE PIECE OF LUGGAGE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to expandable luggage, and more particularly, to an expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Present-day air travellers are faced with restrictions regarding the size of their accompanying luggage. Typically, airlines distinguish between two types of luggage; 'carry-on' luggage, which is stored in overhead compartments in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, and 'check-in' luggage, which is stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Most airlines restrict the size of the carry-on luggage to a maximum of: 9" x 15" x 21", and the size of the check-in luggage to a maximum of: length + width + height = 62".
For short trips many air travelers use only carry-on luggage to avoid line-ups at the check-in counter and the baggage claim. However, longer travel usually requires carrying more items such as more clothing, necessitating the use of check-in luggage. Therefore, air travelers usually own two pieces of luggage to meet the requirements for short trips and longer travel, which frequently causes storage problems when living in smaller spaces such as a bachelor apartment or one-bedroom apartment.
Typically, there are two types of luggage available. Framed luggage has a frame structure for protecting the items contained therein, for example, when stored together with other pieces of luggage in the cargo hold or handled during loading and unloading. Un-framed luggage such as, for example, duffle bags, provide substantially less protection of the items contained therein.
Unfortunately, present-day expandable framed luggage is very limited in the amount it can be expanded. On the other hand, expandable un-framed luggage can be expanded substantially more, but provides substantially less protection and is difficult to handle.
It is desirable to provide a substantially expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
It is also desirable to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size.
It is also desirable to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable to an intermediate size in a first step and to a fully expanded size in a second step.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a substantially expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable to an intermediate size in a first step and to a fully expanded size in a second step.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expandable piece of luggage. The expandable piece of luggage comprises a main luggage shell. At least one expansion luggage shell having flexible walls is connected to the main luggage shell. The main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell form an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section. A support post is disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell. A first end of each support post is mounted to the main luggage shell. Each support post is telescopically extendable between a collapsed position and at least one extended position. Support rods are mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section. The support rods are disposed inside an end portion of the at least one expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expandable piece of luggage. The expandable piece of luggage comprises a main luggage shell. An intermediate expansion luggage shell and a top expansion luggage shell having flexible walls are connected to the main luggage shell. The main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell and the top expansion luggage shell form an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section. A
support post is disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell, and the top expansion luggage shell and oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the main luggage shell. A first end of each support post is mounted to the main luggage shell. Each support post is telescopically extendable between a collapsed position, an intermediate position, and a fully extended position. Support rods are mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section. The support rods are disposed inside an end portion of the top expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a substantially expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable to an intermediate size in a first step and to a fully expanded size in a second step.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures la to lc are simplified block diagrams illustrating in perspective views various stages of expansion of an expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure id is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a top view the enclosure of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figures le to lg are simplified block diagrams illustrating in perspective views various stages of expansion of the frame structure of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the frame structure of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and, Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the main luggage shell of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
While the description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow is with reference to an expandable framed piece of luggage that is vertically expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, but that the embodiments of the invention may also be employed for expanding luggage between different sizes as well as for expanding the luggage in a different direction such as, for example, to the left hand side and the right hand side thereof.
Referring to Figures la to lg, an expandable piece of luggage 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. Preferably, the expandable piece of luggage 100 comprises main shell 102 having telescopic adjustable handle assembly 116 and casters 110 ¨ or wheels - mounted to a bottom wall 108 thereof in a conventional manner. The bottom wall 108 is made in a conventional manner, for example, made of a flexible fabric material, which is reinforced using a substantially rigid sheet - made of a suitable material such as Polypropylene -mounted thereto using, for example, an adhesive. Optionally, the bottom wall 108 is further reinforced employing a rigid frame structure mounted thereto using, for example, rivets or screw fasteners.
The expandable piece of luggage 100 is expandable from a collapsed size, illustrated in Figure la, to an intermediate size - in a first step, illustrated in Figure lb, and to a fully expanded size -in a second step, illustrated in Figure lc. Intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 is connected to the main luggage shell 102, while top luggage shell 122 is connected to the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118. The main luggage shell 102, the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118, and the top luggage shell 122 form an enclosure 128 having a substantially rectangular cross section, as illustrated in Figure ld.
The intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and the top luggage shell 122 have flexible walls made of a foldable material such as, for example, 1800D Polyester fabric or synthetic leather, which are widely used for manufacturing luggage. Preferably, the walls of the main luggage shell 102 are made of the same material enabling manufacture of the walls of the three luggage shells 102, 118, and 122 as a single piece.
The main luggage shell 102 has a frame structure comprising bottom support rods 136 mounted to the bottom wall 108 in a conventional manner using, for example, rivets or screw fasteners.
The bottom support rods 136 outline the rectangular cross section of the enclosure 128. Support post bottom sections 134A are mounted to the bottom support rods 136 and oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by the bottom support rods 136, as illustrated in Figure le. The support post bottom sections 134A are disposed in each corner of the enclosure 128. Support post intermediate sections 134B are telescopically movable mounted to the support post bottom sections 134A in a conventional manner for supporting the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 when extended, as illustrated in Figure if. Support post top sections 134C
are telescopically movable mounted to the support post intermediate sections 134B in a conventional manner for supporting the top expansion luggage shell 122 when extended, as illustrated in Figure lg. Top support rods 126 are mounted to a top end of each support post top section 134C such that the support rods 126 outline the rectangular cross section. The top support rods 126 are disposed inside a top end portion of the top expansion luggage shell 122 and mounted thereto in a conventional manner, for example, disposed inside fabric loops 132 sewn to the fabric walls of the top expansion luggage shell 122, as illustrated in Figure id.
The support rods and support post sections are made of, for example, steel, aluminum, or a composite material and connected in a conventional manner.
Each support post comprises a locking mechanism disposed therein adapted for locking:
the intermediate telescope section 134B with respect to the bottom section 134A when extended;
and the top telescope section 134C with respect to the intermediate telescope section 134B when extended. The locking mechanisms are connected to one or two push buttons 130 disposed in the top support rods 126. Push button operated locking mechanisms are known in the art, for example, telescopically adjustable handle assemblies of commercially available luggage typically comprise push button operated locking mechanisms. Such locking mechanisms are disclosed, for example, in US Patents 6,081967 and 6,405,407. Optionally, the locking mechanisms are adapted for also locking the respective telescope sections when collapsed.
Top cover 104 is pivotally movable about axis 114 connected to the top luggage shell 122 at back 'D' thereof. For example, the top cover 104 is made of the same material as the top luggage shell 122 and sewn thereto or is a continuation thereof. Preferably, the top cover 104 is reinforced using, for example, a substantially rigid sheet made of a suitable material such as Polypropylene and mounted to the fabric material using an adhesive. In the closed position the top cover 104 is secured to the top luggage shell 122 using, for example, two way closed-ended zip fastener 112 sewn to the top cover 104 and the top luggage shell 122 at front 'A', left hand side '13', and right hand side 'C'. The intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and the top luggage shell 122 are secured and protected when collapsed using, for example, two way open-ended zip fasteners 120 and 124, respectively, sewn thereto at front 'A', left hand side 'B', and right hand side 'C'.
Alternatively, other fasteners such as, for example, snap fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners, may be employed.
The expandable piece of luggage 100 is easily:
expanded by simply opening the top cover 104, opening one or both of the zip fasteners 120 and 124, pushing the push buttons 130, and pulling up the top support rods 126;
and, collapsed by opening the top cover 104, pushing the push buttons 130, and pushing down the top support rods 126, and closing the one or both of the zip fasteners 120 and 124.
In an example implementation the expandable piece of luggage 100 has the following dimensions in the collapsed position: length L of 20"; width W of 9"; and, height H1 of 14", to meet the maximum size limitations for carry-on luggage of most airlines. When expanded, the height of the expandable piece of luggage 100 is extended to height H2 of 28" resulting in a piece of luggage having double the volume while - with the dimensions L+W+H2=57" -still meeting the limitations for check-in luggage of most airlines. In the intermediate position, the expandable piece of luggage 100 has, for example, a height H3 of 21", i.e. the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and the top luggage shell 122 have a same height, but is not limited thereto.
As is evident to one skilled in the art, using the two stage extension described hereinabove it is possible to increase the volume of the expandable piece of luggage 100 by substantially more than 100%.
Optionally, the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 is omitted, providing a single stage extension. While simplifying the structure of the expandable piece of luggage, using only single stage extension limits the expansion of the volume of the expandable piece of luggage to less than 100%.
In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the frame structure is reinforced by providing intermediate support rods 140 mounted to a top end of each intermediate telescope section 134B
such that the intermediate support rods 140 outline the rectangular cross section. The intermediate support rods 140 are disposed inside a top end portion of the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and, optionally, mounted thereto. Second bottom support rods 138 are mounted to a top end of each bottom telescope section 134A such that the second bottom support rods 138 outline the rectangular cross section. The second bottom support rods 138 are disposed inside a top end portion of the main luggage shell 102 and, optionally, mounted thereto.
In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the main luggage shell 102 is provided as a substantially rigid shell made of, for example, Polycarbonate, in a conventional manner and having the bottom telescope sections 134A mounted thereto or integrated therein. The flexible walls of the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 are mounted thereto in a conventional manner using, for example, an adhesive.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to expandable luggage, and more particularly, to an expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Present-day air travellers are faced with restrictions regarding the size of their accompanying luggage. Typically, airlines distinguish between two types of luggage; 'carry-on' luggage, which is stored in overhead compartments in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, and 'check-in' luggage, which is stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Most airlines restrict the size of the carry-on luggage to a maximum of: 9" x 15" x 21", and the size of the check-in luggage to a maximum of: length + width + height = 62".
For short trips many air travelers use only carry-on luggage to avoid line-ups at the check-in counter and the baggage claim. However, longer travel usually requires carrying more items such as more clothing, necessitating the use of check-in luggage. Therefore, air travelers usually own two pieces of luggage to meet the requirements for short trips and longer travel, which frequently causes storage problems when living in smaller spaces such as a bachelor apartment or one-bedroom apartment.
Typically, there are two types of luggage available. Framed luggage has a frame structure for protecting the items contained therein, for example, when stored together with other pieces of luggage in the cargo hold or handled during loading and unloading. Un-framed luggage such as, for example, duffle bags, provide substantially less protection of the items contained therein.
Unfortunately, present-day expandable framed luggage is very limited in the amount it can be expanded. On the other hand, expandable un-framed luggage can be expanded substantially more, but provides substantially less protection and is difficult to handle.
It is desirable to provide a substantially expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
It is also desirable to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size.
It is also desirable to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable to an intermediate size in a first step and to a fully expanded size in a second step.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a substantially expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable to an intermediate size in a first step and to a fully expanded size in a second step.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expandable piece of luggage. The expandable piece of luggage comprises a main luggage shell. At least one expansion luggage shell having flexible walls is connected to the main luggage shell. The main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell form an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section. A support post is disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell. A first end of each support post is mounted to the main luggage shell. Each support post is telescopically extendable between a collapsed position and at least one extended position. Support rods are mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section. The support rods are disposed inside an end portion of the at least one expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expandable piece of luggage. The expandable piece of luggage comprises a main luggage shell. An intermediate expansion luggage shell and a top expansion luggage shell having flexible walls are connected to the main luggage shell. The main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell and the top expansion luggage shell form an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section. A
support post is disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell, and the top expansion luggage shell and oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the main luggage shell. A first end of each support post is mounted to the main luggage shell. Each support post is telescopically extendable between a collapsed position, an intermediate position, and a fully extended position. Support rods are mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section. The support rods are disposed inside an end portion of the top expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a substantially expandable piece of luggage having an extendable support frame structure.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an expandable framed piece of luggage that is expandable to an intermediate size in a first step and to a fully expanded size in a second step.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures la to lc are simplified block diagrams illustrating in perspective views various stages of expansion of an expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure id is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a top view the enclosure of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figures le to lg are simplified block diagrams illustrating in perspective views various stages of expansion of the frame structure of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the frame structure of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and, Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view an alternative embodiment of the main luggage shell of the expandable piece of luggage according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.
While the description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow is with reference to an expandable framed piece of luggage that is vertically expandable from carry-on luggage size to substantially full check-in luggage size, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, but that the embodiments of the invention may also be employed for expanding luggage between different sizes as well as for expanding the luggage in a different direction such as, for example, to the left hand side and the right hand side thereof.
Referring to Figures la to lg, an expandable piece of luggage 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. Preferably, the expandable piece of luggage 100 comprises main shell 102 having telescopic adjustable handle assembly 116 and casters 110 ¨ or wheels - mounted to a bottom wall 108 thereof in a conventional manner. The bottom wall 108 is made in a conventional manner, for example, made of a flexible fabric material, which is reinforced using a substantially rigid sheet - made of a suitable material such as Polypropylene -mounted thereto using, for example, an adhesive. Optionally, the bottom wall 108 is further reinforced employing a rigid frame structure mounted thereto using, for example, rivets or screw fasteners.
The expandable piece of luggage 100 is expandable from a collapsed size, illustrated in Figure la, to an intermediate size - in a first step, illustrated in Figure lb, and to a fully expanded size -in a second step, illustrated in Figure lc. Intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 is connected to the main luggage shell 102, while top luggage shell 122 is connected to the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118. The main luggage shell 102, the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118, and the top luggage shell 122 form an enclosure 128 having a substantially rectangular cross section, as illustrated in Figure ld.
The intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and the top luggage shell 122 have flexible walls made of a foldable material such as, for example, 1800D Polyester fabric or synthetic leather, which are widely used for manufacturing luggage. Preferably, the walls of the main luggage shell 102 are made of the same material enabling manufacture of the walls of the three luggage shells 102, 118, and 122 as a single piece.
The main luggage shell 102 has a frame structure comprising bottom support rods 136 mounted to the bottom wall 108 in a conventional manner using, for example, rivets or screw fasteners.
The bottom support rods 136 outline the rectangular cross section of the enclosure 128. Support post bottom sections 134A are mounted to the bottom support rods 136 and oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by the bottom support rods 136, as illustrated in Figure le. The support post bottom sections 134A are disposed in each corner of the enclosure 128. Support post intermediate sections 134B are telescopically movable mounted to the support post bottom sections 134A in a conventional manner for supporting the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 when extended, as illustrated in Figure if. Support post top sections 134C
are telescopically movable mounted to the support post intermediate sections 134B in a conventional manner for supporting the top expansion luggage shell 122 when extended, as illustrated in Figure lg. Top support rods 126 are mounted to a top end of each support post top section 134C such that the support rods 126 outline the rectangular cross section. The top support rods 126 are disposed inside a top end portion of the top expansion luggage shell 122 and mounted thereto in a conventional manner, for example, disposed inside fabric loops 132 sewn to the fabric walls of the top expansion luggage shell 122, as illustrated in Figure id.
The support rods and support post sections are made of, for example, steel, aluminum, or a composite material and connected in a conventional manner.
Each support post comprises a locking mechanism disposed therein adapted for locking:
the intermediate telescope section 134B with respect to the bottom section 134A when extended;
and the top telescope section 134C with respect to the intermediate telescope section 134B when extended. The locking mechanisms are connected to one or two push buttons 130 disposed in the top support rods 126. Push button operated locking mechanisms are known in the art, for example, telescopically adjustable handle assemblies of commercially available luggage typically comprise push button operated locking mechanisms. Such locking mechanisms are disclosed, for example, in US Patents 6,081967 and 6,405,407. Optionally, the locking mechanisms are adapted for also locking the respective telescope sections when collapsed.
Top cover 104 is pivotally movable about axis 114 connected to the top luggage shell 122 at back 'D' thereof. For example, the top cover 104 is made of the same material as the top luggage shell 122 and sewn thereto or is a continuation thereof. Preferably, the top cover 104 is reinforced using, for example, a substantially rigid sheet made of a suitable material such as Polypropylene and mounted to the fabric material using an adhesive. In the closed position the top cover 104 is secured to the top luggage shell 122 using, for example, two way closed-ended zip fastener 112 sewn to the top cover 104 and the top luggage shell 122 at front 'A', left hand side '13', and right hand side 'C'. The intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and the top luggage shell 122 are secured and protected when collapsed using, for example, two way open-ended zip fasteners 120 and 124, respectively, sewn thereto at front 'A', left hand side 'B', and right hand side 'C'.
Alternatively, other fasteners such as, for example, snap fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners, may be employed.
The expandable piece of luggage 100 is easily:
expanded by simply opening the top cover 104, opening one or both of the zip fasteners 120 and 124, pushing the push buttons 130, and pulling up the top support rods 126;
and, collapsed by opening the top cover 104, pushing the push buttons 130, and pushing down the top support rods 126, and closing the one or both of the zip fasteners 120 and 124.
In an example implementation the expandable piece of luggage 100 has the following dimensions in the collapsed position: length L of 20"; width W of 9"; and, height H1 of 14", to meet the maximum size limitations for carry-on luggage of most airlines. When expanded, the height of the expandable piece of luggage 100 is extended to height H2 of 28" resulting in a piece of luggage having double the volume while - with the dimensions L+W+H2=57" -still meeting the limitations for check-in luggage of most airlines. In the intermediate position, the expandable piece of luggage 100 has, for example, a height H3 of 21", i.e. the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and the top luggage shell 122 have a same height, but is not limited thereto.
As is evident to one skilled in the art, using the two stage extension described hereinabove it is possible to increase the volume of the expandable piece of luggage 100 by substantially more than 100%.
Optionally, the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 is omitted, providing a single stage extension. While simplifying the structure of the expandable piece of luggage, using only single stage extension limits the expansion of the volume of the expandable piece of luggage to less than 100%.
In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the frame structure is reinforced by providing intermediate support rods 140 mounted to a top end of each intermediate telescope section 134B
such that the intermediate support rods 140 outline the rectangular cross section. The intermediate support rods 140 are disposed inside a top end portion of the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 and, optionally, mounted thereto. Second bottom support rods 138 are mounted to a top end of each bottom telescope section 134A such that the second bottom support rods 138 outline the rectangular cross section. The second bottom support rods 138 are disposed inside a top end portion of the main luggage shell 102 and, optionally, mounted thereto.
In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the main luggage shell 102 is provided as a substantially rigid shell made of, for example, Polycarbonate, in a conventional manner and having the bottom telescope sections 134A mounted thereto or integrated therein. The flexible walls of the intermediate expansion luggage shell 118 are mounted thereto in a conventional manner using, for example, an adhesive.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.
Claims (14)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An expandable piece of luggage comprising:
a main luggage shell;
at least one expansion luggage shell having flexible walls connected to the main luggage shell, the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell forming an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section;
a support post disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell, a first end of each support post being mounted to the main luggage shell, each support post being telescopically extendable between a collapsed position and at least one extended position; and, support rods mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section, the support rods being disposed inside an end portion of the at least one expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
a main luggage shell;
at least one expansion luggage shell having flexible walls connected to the main luggage shell, the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell forming an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section;
a support post disposed in each corner of the main luggage shell and the at least one expansion luggage shell, a first end of each support post being mounted to the main luggage shell, each support post being telescopically extendable between a collapsed position and at least one extended position; and, support rods mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section, the support rods being disposed inside an end portion of the at least one expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
2. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 1 wherein the support posts are oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the main luggage shell.
3. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 1 wherein the support posts comprise a locking mechanism adapted for locking the support posts at the at least one extended position.
4. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 3 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a push button disposed in at least one support rod.
5. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 2 comprising an intermediate expansion luggage shell and a top luggage shell.
6. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 5 wherein the support posts each comprise a bottom section, an intermediate telescope section, and a top telescope section, the intermediate telescope section being telescopically movable with respect to the bottom section and the top telescope section being telescopically movable with respect to the intermediate section.
7. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 6 comprising intermediate support rods mounted to a top end of each intermediate telescope section such that the intermediate support rods outline the rectangular cross section, the intermediate support rods being disposed inside a top end portion of the intermediate expansion luggage shell.
8. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 7 wherein the intermediate support rods are mounted to the top end portion of the intermediate expansion luggage shell.
9. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 8 comprising bottom support rods mounted to a top end of each bottom section such that the bottom support rods outline the rectangular cross section, the bottom support rods being disposed inside a top end portion of the main luggage shell and mounted thereto.
10. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 1 comprising wheels or casters mounted to a bottom wall of the main luggage shell.
11. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 10 comprising a telescopically adjustable handle assembly mounted to the main luggage shell, the handle assembly oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.
12. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 6 wherein the support posts comprise a locking mechanism adapted for locking:
the intermediate telescope element with respect to the bottom element when extended; and the top telescope element with respect to the intermediate telescope element when extended.
the intermediate telescope element with respect to the bottom element when extended; and the top telescope element with respect to the intermediate telescope element when extended.
13. An expandable piece of luggage comprising:
a main luggage shell;
an intermediate expansion luggage shell and a top expansion luggage shell having flexible walls connected to the main luggage shell, the main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell and the top expansion luggage shell forming an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section;
a support post disposed in each comer of the main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell, and the top expansion luggage shell and oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the main luggage shell, a first end of each support post being mounted to the main luggage shell, each support post being telescopically extendable between a collapsed position, and intermediate position and a fully extended position; and, support rods mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section, the support rods being disposed inside an end portion of the top expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
a main luggage shell;
an intermediate expansion luggage shell and a top expansion luggage shell having flexible walls connected to the main luggage shell, the main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell and the top expansion luggage shell forming an enclosure having a substantially rectangular cross section;
a support post disposed in each comer of the main luggage shell, the intermediate expansion luggage shell, and the top expansion luggage shell and oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom wall of the main luggage shell, a first end of each support post being mounted to the main luggage shell, each support post being telescopically extendable between a collapsed position, and intermediate position and a fully extended position; and, support rods mounted to a second end of each support post such that the support rods outline the rectangular cross section, the support rods being disposed inside an end portion of the top expansion luggage shell and mounted thereto.
14. The expandable piece of luggage according to claim 13 wherein the support posts each comprise a bottom section, an intermediate telescope section, and a top telescope section, the intermediate telescope section being telescopically movable with respect to the bottom section and the top telescope section being telescopically movable with respect to the intermediate section.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2936342A CA2936342A1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Expandable piece of luggage |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2936342A CA2936342A1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Expandable piece of luggage |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2936342A1 true CA2936342A1 (en) | 2018-01-15 |
Family
ID=60989368
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2936342A Abandoned CA2936342A1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Expandable piece of luggage |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2936342A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109907451A (en) * | 2019-02-18 | 2019-06-21 | 江苏大学 | A kind of semi-automatic luggage case that can be launched into bed |
| WO2019173897A1 (en) * | 2018-03-11 | 2019-09-19 | Tieu Trung | Expandable luggage assemblies |
| WO2020033710A1 (en) | 2018-08-08 | 2020-02-13 | Zajac Christopher | Adjustable size suitcase |
| US20210000230A1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2021-01-07 | Georg-Guenter LIBUDA | Lightweight suitcase, in particular travel suitcase |
| US20220167719A1 (en) * | 2020-11-30 | 2022-06-02 | Sanni McKelvey | Luggage system with removable clothing rack and method of use |
| US20220175103A1 (en) * | 2020-12-07 | 2022-06-09 | Michael Zahabian | Extendable luggage |
-
2016
- 2016-07-15 CA CA2936342A patent/CA2936342A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210000230A1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2021-01-07 | Georg-Guenter LIBUDA | Lightweight suitcase, in particular travel suitcase |
| US11910897B2 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2024-02-27 | Georg-Guenter LIBUDA | Lightweight suitcase, in particular travel suitcase |
| EP3764837A4 (en) * | 2018-03-11 | 2021-12-15 | Tieu, Trung | Expandable luggage assemblies |
| CN113365527A (en) * | 2018-03-11 | 2021-09-07 | 箫庆忠 | Expandable luggage case assembly |
| US11571051B2 (en) | 2018-03-11 | 2023-02-07 | Trung Tieu | Expandable luggage assemblies |
| WO2019173897A1 (en) * | 2018-03-11 | 2019-09-19 | Tieu Trung | Expandable luggage assemblies |
| WO2020033710A1 (en) | 2018-08-08 | 2020-02-13 | Zajac Christopher | Adjustable size suitcase |
| CN112638197A (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2021-04-09 | 克里斯托弗·扎亚克 | Size-adjustable luggage case |
| EP3833213A4 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2022-06-15 | Zajac, Christopher | Adjustable size suitcase |
| US11470930B2 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2022-10-18 | Christopher Zajac | Adjustable size suitcase |
| CN109907451A (en) * | 2019-02-18 | 2019-06-21 | 江苏大学 | A kind of semi-automatic luggage case that can be launched into bed |
| US20220167719A1 (en) * | 2020-11-30 | 2022-06-02 | Sanni McKelvey | Luggage system with removable clothing rack and method of use |
| US20220175103A1 (en) * | 2020-12-07 | 2022-06-09 | Michael Zahabian | Extendable luggage |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20190716 |