GB2276148A

GB2276148A - Wheel assembly for luggage articles

Info

Publication number: GB2276148A
Application number: GB9305756A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chinsheng Wang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-03-19
Filing date: 1993-03-19
Publication date: 1994-09-21
Also published as: GB9305756D0

Abstract

A wheel assembly e.g. for a suitcase consists of two different diameter wheels (41, 42) and two wave-form axle stands (35) fixed to the sides of an L-shaped base (32) with the two wheels (43) fixed in between the two axle stands. This is then attached to the suitcase by way of attachment holes on both ends of the base (32), with the bigger wheel (41) on the side and the smaller (42) at the bottom. On pulling, one end of the case is elevated and the big wheel (41) moves on the ground while the small wheel (42) prevents damage of the case bottom due to under inclination. <IMAGE>

Description

Title - Improved Wheel Assemblv for Luggage Articles This invention relates to a wheel assembly for a luggage article.

An ordinary suitcase would have wheels attached to its bottom for convenience of pulling. As shown in illustration 1, an ordinary case (10) would have four wheels (11) attached to its bottom and a rope suitably fixed so that one only has to pull the rope to move the suitcase. This motion is conducted linearly but as motion is induced via contact of the four wheels with the ground and the pulling force from the rope, stable turning of the case is not possible. The case must thus be adjusted to a suitable position before pulling when one wishes to turn. This is not only inconvenient, but also causes overturning of the case.

In view of the above mentioned defects, a new pulling case is known. As shown in illustrations 2 and 3, two obvious (21) or hidden (22) wheels are attached to the bottom of the case and a handle (23) is attached to the other end of the case (20) so that on pulling the handle, an angle of inclination between the case and ground is made while allowing motion. The form of motion involves only two wheels, hence allowing stable turning.

However, the design of the obvious wheels makes damage of the case easy while the hidden wheels complicates the ensembling procedure as attachment holes are required on the sides.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a structural improvement on bevel wheels dealing especially on the above two mentioned defects. Its characteristics being the attachment of two wheels of contrasting size fixed to an L-shaped base. On pulling, the big wheel would rotate in contact with the ground so that area of contact between case and ground lies between the big and small wheels. This allows easy pulling of case while protecting its corners from damage, giving the invention a maximal value of practicality.

A secondary effect of this invention is to provide a structural improvement on bevel wheels so that the small wheel would aid ib supporting the case. When pulling on an inclined plane, the small wheels would be of secondary support allowing pulling of case on an inclined plane, hence giving this invention another value of practicality.

The invention is hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Example (1) of the usual case. (Prior art) Figure 2 Example (2) of the usual case. (Prior art) Figure 3 Example (3) of the usual case. (Prior art) Figure 4 Illustration of components of this invention.

Figure 5 Illustration of the assembled invention.

Figure 6 Illustration of this invention.

Referring to illustration 4. As illustrated, there is a base (32) two axle stands (35) (37), a big wheel (41), a small wheel (42) and two boards (44). The base is a slightly arched L-shaped body with an attachment hole (33) on its sides and two other holes (34) in front. The axle stand (35) is a wavy body with two vertical indentations (38) each wheel an axle hole (39).

Continuing from the vertical indentation is a groove for insertion (40). The axle stand (35) is fixed beneath to one side of the base (32) while the axle stand (37) is fixed beneath the other side, its indentation (38) matching the hole for insertion (34) above. The axle stand (35) consists of two blind holes (36) which match the two through holes (39) on the axle stand (37). Fix the big wheel (41) and small wheel (42) on to axle stand (35) and (37) respectively via axles (43) and the holes (36) and (39). Then, insert the two boards (44) through the two insertion holes (34) on the base, finally matching the boards with the groove for insertion (40), thereby fixing the axis (43) against removal. The assembly of this invention is hence completed. Please refer to illustration 5.

Please refer to illustration 6. The wheels are fixed to one end of the bottom the case via the two holes (32) on the base (32) The big wheel (41) extends from the side of the case while small wheel (42) is at the bottom. When pulling the case by holding the handle on the upper corner of the case, the big wheel rotates in contact with the ground freeing the area of contact of case with the ground around the big and small wheel, hence preventing damage of case corner. Convenience and protection against damage are thus achieved. Another advantage of this invention is that the small wheel provides extra support for the case when it is moved on an inclined plane.

Further modifications of the invention herein described will occur to persons skilled in the art.

Claims

1 A wheel assembly for a luggage article comprising a base having mounting means for rotatably mounting two wheels provided at positions spaced along the longitudinal direction of the luggage article, the wheels being of different diameters from each other.

2 A wheel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the larger diameter wheel trails the smaller diameter wheel in the direction of motion of the luggage article.

3 A wheel assembly according to any preceding claim wherein each wheel has a central portion of greater diameter than the end portions thereof, defining a generally barrel shape.

4 A wheel assembly according to any preceding claim wherein each mounting means comprises a pair of axle stands adapted to receive an axle for rotatably mounting a respective wheel.

5 A wheel assembly according to claim 4 wherein at least one axle stand of each pair includes a through aperture to receive a rotational axle of the associated wheel and a cover plate is provided, adapted to be inserted into a recess overlying the through aperture on the outer side of the axle stand, whereby the axle may be trapped in the apertures of the axle stand.

6 A wheel assembly according to claim 5 wherein the base has a slot to receive the cover plate so that it can be slidably inserted into the said recess.

7 A wheeled luggage article having a wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1-6.

8 A wheel assembly for a luggage article substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 4-6 of the accompanying drawings.

9 A luggage article having a wheel assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 4-6 of the accompanying drawings.