FR3130522A1 - SUITCASE RACK - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a luggage carrier comprising: - two accessories having a substantially specular symmetry with respect to each other, each accessory comprising: a side part (1.17), a rear part (2.21), at least three rollers (3a, 3b, 3c; 33a, 33b, 33c) arranged in a star shape (4) whose central axis (5) is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the side part (1, 17), a lower element assembly (6a, 6b) fixed to the central axis (5) of the star (4) and extending parallel to this axis and an upper assembly element (7a, 7b) fixed at an intermediate height level of the side part (1.17), at a distance from the angle (8) formed by the side (1.17) and rear (2.21) parts and extending parallel to the central axis (5) of the star (4); and - a suitcase attachment means (9a, 9b). Figure for abstract: figure 5

Description

SUITCASE RACK

The invention relates to an adjustable luggage rack allowing easy climbing or descending of stairs with a suitcase.

Background of the invention

The appearance of wheeled suitcases in the 1970s was a real revolution for travellers.

However, it is enough, for example, to have taken, if only once in your life, the metropolitan in Paris, to recognize that going up and down stairs with a suitcase on wheels is a real torture, because the wheels are not at all suitable for climbing or descending stairs.

The Japanese utility model published under the number JP S49 119958 proposes a case provided with wheels arranged in a star, intended to receive a suitcase and which can be pulled by a U-shaped bar upside down.

The Korean used model published under the number KR 900 018369 U also discloses such a box, but without the U-shaped bar upside down.

These devices are designed for suitcases having defined dimensions. They are not adaptable.

Adaptable devices composed of two parts moving relative to each other were presented in old US and Swiss patents US622602 and CH515142. But they do not have star wheels making them suitable for climbing and descending stairs.

Until now, no device has been both adjustable and satisfactory, because when climbing or descending a staircase, the shocks undergone by the rollers are significant and risk breaking them or their fixing, especially when the bag is heavy. In addition, it is impossible to firmly hold a suitcase on one of the aforementioned devices, due to the strong jolts endured.

Brief Disclosure of the Invention

The main object of the invention is to propose a device allowing easy and sufficiently firm and reliable fixing of a suitcase, so as to be able to climb and descend stairs easily.

This device must be universal, that is to say, it must be adaptable to any size of suitcase, whether or not it itself has wheels and regardless of the location of these wheels. It goes without saying that there are currently a myriad of types of wheeled suitcases on the market and that the location of these wheels varies greatly depending on the model of suitcase.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with the aid of a suitcase rack conforming to the following point 1:

1. Luggage rack comprising:

- two accessories having a substantially specular symmetry with respect to each other, each accessory comprising:

• a side part,
• a rear part,
• at least three rollers arranged in a star whose central axis is mounted rotating at the bottom of the side part,
• a lower assembly element fixed to the central axis of the spider and extending parallel to this axis and
• a fixed top assembly member
  • at an intermediate height level of the side part,
  • at a distance from the angle formed by the side and rear parts and
  • extending parallel to the central axis of the star; And

- a means of attaching the suitcase.

Advantageous characteristics of the luggage rack of the aforementioned point are indicated in the following points:

2. Luggage rack according to point 1, in which the lower connecting elements allow an adjustable connection to each other and the upper connecting elements allow an adjustable connection to each other.

3. Luggage rack according to point 1 or 2, in which the upper connecting elements are additionally height-adjustable.

4. Luggage rack according to one of points 1 to 3, in which the means of vertical attachment of the suitcase is adjustable.

5. Luggage rack according to one of points 1 to 4, in which the suitcase attachment means comprises two elements, each of which is fixed to an accessory.

6. Luggage rack according to one of points 1 to 5, further comprising a means of complementary attachment of the suitcase.

7. Luggage rack according to point 6, in which the additional suitcase attachment means is adjustable.

8. Suitcase carrier according to point 6 or 7, in which the additional suitcase attachment means is fixed at least to the side part and/or to the rear part.

9. Luggage rack according to one of points 1 to 8, in which each accessory further comprises an angular seat fixed at an intermediate height level of the rear part, at a distance from the angle formed by the side part and the rear part.

10. Luggage rack according to point 9, in which the angular seat is adjustable in height.

11. Luggage rack according to one of the previous points, in which, in each accessory, the rollers are located on the side of the side part facing the other accessory.

12. Suitcase rack according to one of the previous points, in which at least one of the side parts has a forward extension forming a crutch.

13. Luggage rack according to one of the previous points, in which

- one of the lower elements is a bar through which a light passes and the other lower element is a bar comprising a screw in the center of its free end; and or

- one of the upper elements is a bar crossed by a light and the other lower element is a bar comprising a screw in the center of its free end.

14. Luggage rack according to point 13, in which at least one of the bars comprising a screw in the center of its free end is further provided, near the screw, with a lug or another screw located (e) on the longitudinal axis of the bar.

15. Luggage rack according to one of points 1 to 14, in which the rollers of each accessory are located on the side of the side part facing the other accessory.

Thus, the invention, in addition to achieving its objective, offers in particular the following advantages: it is easy to set up and dismantle, adaptable to suitcases of different sizes and shapes, transportable and compact. The user having several suitcases can generally use the suitcase carrier according to the invention with each of his suitcases.

In addition, the suitcase carrier according to the invention can be used with suitcases that do not have wheels.

In addition, it often happens that wheels get damaged, break or come off the suitcase. Since most suitcases cannot be repaired or only slightly repairable, thanks to the device according to the invention, the user can continue to use his suitcase with the suitcases that are damaged or have lost wheels, which saves him from buying a new one and reduces the production of waste, greenhouse gases, etc.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will now be described in detail in the following description which is given with reference to the appended figures, which schematically represent:

: a left accessory of a suitcase rack according to the invention in front view;

: the accessory of the in right view;

: a right accessory of a suitcase holder according to the invention which can cooperate with the accessory of FIGS. 1 and 2, in top view;

: a suitcase rack according to the invention, on which has been placed on a suitcase, in rear view; And

: the luggage rack of the with his suitcase, in front view.

Detailed disclosure of the invention

An embodiment of the suitcase carrier device according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3, in a vertical position.

By “specular symmetry”, we mean that the two accessories are the image of each other in a mirror, like a right hand and a left hand.

Figures 1 and 2 show the left accessory of the luggage rack, it includes:

• a side part 1 which can be a plate,
• a rear part 2, which can also be a plate and generally forms a right angle with the side part 1,
• at least three identical rollers 3a, 3b, 3c arranged in a star shape, that is to say arranged between two star-shaped parts 4 whose branches face each other, the axes of rotation of the rollers 3a, 3b, 3c being parallel to the central axis 5 of the star-shaped parts 4, this central axis 5 being fixed, for example by screwing, at the bottom of the side part 1, and the star-shaped parts 4 being able to turn around it,
• a lower assembly element 6a, preferably elongated, intended to allow assembly with a lower assembly element 6b of the right accessory represented on the ; this lower assembly element 6a is fixed, for example by screwing, to the central axis 5 of the star 4 and it extends parallel to this axis,
• an upper assembly element 7a, preferably elongated, intended to allow assembly with an upper assembly element 7b of the right accessory represented on the ; this upper assembly element 7a extends parallel to the central axis 5 of the star 4 and it is fixed, for example by means of a screw 32a and a nut 44a, at an intermediate height level of the lateral part 1 and at a distance from the angle 8 formed by the lateral 1 and rear 2 parts, so as to leave a recess at said level of intermediate height, next to said angle 8; this recess is used, if necessary, to receive the wheels of a suitcase;

- A suitcase attachment means 9a, 9b, visible in Figures 4 and 5 where it is vertical.

As can be seen by putting Figures 1 and 3 side by side, the lower assembly elements 6a and 6b are able to allow assembly to one another and the upper assembly elements 7a and 7b are likewise capable of allowing assembly to one another. Preferably, the assemblies are adjustable so that the suitcase carrier according to the invention is adaptable, that is, it can be used with suitcases of different sizes.

The settings can in particular be obtained by providing that one of the lower elements is a bar 6b crossed by a slot 10 (cf. ) and the other lower element a bar 6a comprising a screw 11 located in the center of its free end 12 and preferably secured thereto (cf. ).

Similarly, one of the upper elements can be a bar 7b crossed by a light 24 (cf. ) and the other lower element 7 has a bar comprising a screw 13 located in the center of its free end 14 and preferably secured thereto.

The fact that bar 6a is different from bar 6b and/or that bar 7a is different from bar 7b brings a slight difference between the accessory on the right and the accessory on the left. Hence the use of the expression “substantially specular symmetry”. Because all the rest of the suitcase rack according to the invention has a totally specular symmetry.

The bars 6a, 6b may include one end forming a right angle facilitating the fixing to the axes 5,18 of the stars 4 holding the rotating rollers 3a, 3b, 3c and 33a, 33b, 33c of the left and right accessories, respectively.

The bars 7a, 7b can also include an end forming a right angle facilitating the fixing to the side parts 1,17 of the left and right accessories.

It is also advantageous to provide, near the screw 11 or 13, a lug 15 or 16 located on the longitudinal axis of the bar 6a or 7a and preferably secured thereto. This lug 15 or 16, which may optionally be replaced by a screw, has the role of aligning the longitudinal axes of the bars 6a/6b or 7a/7b, by preventing them from forming an angle between them, as is the case in practice with the devices of the prior art.

According to an advantageous variant, the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b are also adjustable in height, which can be obtained by means of grooves 19 provided in the side parts 1,17, perpendicular to the central axis 5 of the stars 4 (cf. ).

The attachment means 9a, 9b is preferably capable of surrounding the bag, that is to say of forming a loop around it and at least one accessory. It is desirably adjustable. It preferably comprises two elements 9a, 9b each of which surrounds the suitcase and an accessory and is fixed to the latter. Grooves 20a, 20b parallel to the central axis 5 of the stars 4 (cf. ) can be arranged in the rear parts 2.21 of the accessories to better fix the elements 9a, 9b thereto.

According to another advantageous variant, the suitcase carrier is further provided with a complementary suitcase attachment means 22, visible in Figures 4 and 5 where it is horizontal. This complementary suitcase attachment means 22 is preferably held by grooves 23a, 23b preferably provided at the top of the rear parts 2, 21 (cf. ) and/or grooves 24a, 24b provided at the top of the rear side parts 1.17 (cf. and 3). These grooves 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b are perpendicular to the central axis 5 of the stars 4 and therefore parallel to the grooves 19.

Advantageously, this additional suitcase attachment means of suitcase 22 is adjustable.

The means of attachment 9a, 9b and/or complementary attachment 22 can consist of a strap or a belt.

According to another advantageous variant, each right or left accessory further comprises an angular seat fixed at an intermediate height level of the rear part 2.21, at a distance from the angle 8 formed by the side part 1.17 and the part rear 2.21. This angular seat can be a plate bent at 90 degrees and it therefore comprises a part 25,27 parallel to the rear part 2,21 of the accessory and fixed thereto, for example by means of screws 29a, 29b and d nuts 30a,30b, and a part 26,28 forming a right angle with the part 25,27.

Preferably, the angular seats 25,26; 27,28 are adjustable in height, for example thanks to grooves 31 perpendicular to the central axis 5 of the stars 4.

The nuts 30a, 30b, 44a, 44b are preferably wing nuts so that they can be screwed on without the need for a tool (key) to screw them onto the corresponding screws 29a, 29b, 32a, 32b.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5, in each accessory, the rollers 3a, 3b, 3c and 33a, 33b, 33c are preferably located on the side of the side part 1.17 facing the other accessory. Thanks to this characteristic, the suitcase holder according to the invention practically does not protrude with respect to the lateral sides of the suitcase. Thus, the suitcase/suitcase rack assembly can move without problem in the central aisle of a train car, that is to say, between the seats located on either side of the aisle.

Advantageously, there is provided at the bottom of at least one of the side parts 1.17, and preferably both, an extension forwards 34a, 34b forming a crutch. This allows the case/rack set to stand on its own.

Use of the suitcase rack according to the invention

To use the suitcase holder according to the invention, it is first necessary to attach the two right and left accessories to the suitcase.

To do this, you can start by laying the accessories on the ground, that is to say putting the rear parts 2.21 substantially horizontally in contact with the ground.

Then, the bottom of the front face, or even the rear face, of the suitcase is placed on the inside of the rear parts 2,21 and against the upper assembly elements 7a,7b. The 1.17 side parts are pressed against the bag. Then, the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b are fixed to each other, if necessary after having adjusted their mutual spacing.

Similarly, the lower assembly elements 6a, 6b are fixed to each other, if necessary after having adjusted their mutual spacing.

The means of attachment 9a, 9b is placed and tightened around the accessories and the case.

The case can then be straightened by grasping it by its handle 35.

If the suitcase rack has one or two extensions forming a crutch 34a, 34b, the suitcase/suitcase rack assembly stands upright, vertically, resting on its wheels and its crutches, as in Figures 4 and 5.

The suitcase can then be tilted and pulled with the suitcase carrier by the user backwards, that is to say towards the wheels 3c and 33a in FIGS. 2 and 4, its weight then resting both on the rear parts 2.21 and on the upper elements is assembled 7a,7b. These therefore have a dual role: assembling the right and left accessories and supporting the weight of the case, partially when it is tilted and driven by the user, or totally when the case/suitcase rack assembly is vertical (see figures 2,4 and 5).

A notable feature of the invention, which can be seen most clearly in Figures 1 and 2, is that the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b are located at an intermediate height of the side parts 1,17, this is i.e. at a height which is higher than the highest point located on the periphery of a wheel (3a on the ), when the other two wheels (3b, 3c) rest on the ground, the luggage rack being in a vertical position (as on the ), and lower than the upper end of the side parts 1.17 (see Figures 1 and 2), that is to say the end opposite the bottom of the side parts 1.17.

Thus, during the rotation of the stars 4, the rollers do not come into contact with the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b.

Similarly, the angular bases 25,26 and 27,28 are located at an intermediate height of the rear parts 2.21, that is to say at a height which is greater than the highest point located on the periphery of a wheel (3a on the ), when the other two wheels (3b, 3c) rest on the ground, the luggage rack being in a vertical position (as on the ), and lower than the upper end of the rear parts 2.21 (see Figures 1 and 2), that is to say the end opposite the bottom of the side parts 1.17.

Thus, during the rotation of the stars 4, the rollers do not come into contact with the angular foundations 25.26 and 27.28.

Another notable feature of the invention, which can be seen most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, is that the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b are fixed at a distance from the angle 8 formed by the side parts 1 .17 and rear 2.21. Indeed, in this way, the suitcase is better maintained by the luggage rack and if it has wheels in its corners, these suitcase wheels can be housed in the recesses located near the corners 8.

In addition, if the weight of the suitcase is significant, it is advantageous to use a suitcase carrier according to the invention provided with angular bases 25,26 and 27,28. The weight of the suitcase to be supported by the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b is then distributed between the latter and the angular seats 25,26 and 27,28.

In addition, since these are also at a distance from the angles 8 formed by the side 1.17 and rear 2.21 parts, the wheels of the case can be inserted into the recesses near the angles 8.

What is more, if these angular bases 25,26 and 27,28 are adjustable in height, they can be suitable for suitcases having wheels located not in the corners of the base of the suitcase, but in the center of this base.

Of course, the lowest position of the upper assembly elements 7a, 7b and that of the angular foundations 25,26 and 27,28 must be above the highest point (defined previously) located on the periphery of a wheel (3a on the ) when the other two rollers 3b, 3c rest on the ground.

It goes without saying that it is also possible to raise the angular seats 25,26 and 27,28 relative to the upper assembly elements 7a,7b, so that the entire weight of the suitcase rests on the angular seats 25, 26 and 27.28.

It is possible to further improve the firmness of the holding of the suitcase on the accessories by implementing a version of the suitcase holder comprising a complementary suitcase attachment means 22. In this way, the suitcase is held firmly on the door. -suitcase, both vertically by the vertical suitcase attachment means 9a, 9b and horizontally, by the horizontal complementary suitcase attachment means 22.

The majority of suitcases have a globally parallelepiped shape and have a certain rigidity.

However, it is possible to use the suitcase carrier according to the invention with flexible suitcases, in particular when the latter have a structure having a rear face or a rigid base.

The accessories according to the invention can be made of any suitable material, in particular metal, the fixings being able to be made in a known way by welding, riveting, welding, crimping, etc.

In order not to risk damaging the suitcase, it is advantageous to provide pads 36,37 on the side parts 1,17 and/or pads 38 on the rear parts 2,21 and/or a pad 39 on the upper assembly element 7a and/or bearings 40 and 41 on fins 42 and 43 provided on either side of slot 24 of upper assembly element 7b and/or bearings 45 on the angular seats 25.26;27.28.

Of course, one could use 4 wheels instead of 3, arranged regularly in a star between star-shaped parts with 4 branches instead of 3.

Claims (14)

Luggage rack comprising:
- two accessories having a substantially specular symmetry with respect to each other, each accessory comprising:

• a side part (1.17),
• a rear part (2.21),
• at least three rollers (3a, 3b, 3c; 33a, 33b, 33c) arranged in a star shape (4) whose central axis (5) is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the side part (1, 17),
• a lower assembly element (6a, 6b) fixed to the central axis (5) of the star (4) and extending parallel to this axis and
• an upper assembly element (7a, 7b) fixed
  • at an intermediate height level of the side part (1.17),
  • at a distance from the angle (8) formed by the side (1.17) and rear (2.21) parts and
  • extending parallel to the central axis (5) of the star (4); And

- a suitcase attachment means (9a, 9b). Luggage carrier according to claim 1, in which the lower connection elements (6a,6b) allow an adjustable connection to each other and the upper connection elements (7a,7b) allow an adjustable connection one to another. Luggage rack according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the upper connecting elements (7a, 7b) are additionally adjustable in height. Luggage carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the suitcase attachment means (9a, 9b) is adjustable. Luggage carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the suitcase attachment means (9a, 9b) comprises two elements (9a, 9b) each of which is fixed to an accessory. Suitcase carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising a complementary suitcase attachment means (22). Suitcase carrier according to claim 6, in which the complementary suitcase attachment means (22) is adjustable. Suitcase carrier according to Claim 6 or 7, in which the complementary suitcase attachment means (22) is fixed at least to the side part (1,17) and/or to the rear part (2,21). Luggage rack according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which each accessory further comprises an angular seat (25,26;27,28) fixed at an intermediate level of height of the rear part (2,21) and at distance from the angle (8) formed by the side part (1.17) and the rear part (2.21). Luggage rack according to Claim 9, in which the angular seat (25,26;27,28) is adjustable in height. Luggage rack according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the lateral parts (1, 17) comprises an extension (34a, 34b) towards the front forming a crutch. Luggage rack according to one of the preceding claims, in which
- one of the lower elements is a bar (6b) through which a light (10) passes and the other lower element is a bar (6a) comprising a screw (11) at its free end (12); and or
- one of the upper elements is a bar (7b) through which a slot (24) passes and the other lower element is a bar (7a) comprising a screw (13) at its free end (14). Luggage rack according to Claim 12, in which at least one of the bars (6a, 7a) comprising a screw (11, 13) at their free end (12, 14) is also provided, close to this screw ( 11,13), a lug or another screw (15,16) located on its longitudinal axis. Luggage carrier according to one of Claims 1 to 13, in which the rollers (3a, 3b, 3c; 33a, 33b, 33c) of each accessory are located on the side of the lateral part (1, 17) facing other accessory.