GB2452502A

GB2452502A - An expandable luggage system

Info

Publication number: GB2452502A
Application number: GB0717230A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Pain; Andrew Pain; Michael Pain; Robert Pain; Natasha Pain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-05
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2009-03-11
Also published as: WO2009030924A2; WO2009030924A3; GB0717230D0

Abstract

A luggage system 10 comprises a suitcase having a base 12 and a lid 14, each of the base and lid being provided with a mechanism for adjusting their size such that the suitcase is adjustable between an expanded and unexpanded configuration corresponding to the adjustment in size of the base and lid. The luggage system may further comprise one or more internal cases 20, wherein the one or more internal cases are substantially equal in size to the difference between the expanded and unexpanded configurations of the suitcase.

Description

I

DESCRIPTION

A LUGGAGE SYSTEM

This invention relates to a luggage system.

It is common when travelling with the intention of staying overnight to carry one or more pieces of luggage, which may be, for example suitcases and hand luggage such as bags. Since different lengths and distances of trips io require different sizes of luggage, generally most people will own bags of different sizes to accommodate different travelling conditions. There is also the ongoing issue of airline restrictions on the size and weight of luggage, which is not always ideal for the air traveller. Current luggage solutions tend to be inflexible and there is a need to provide more flexible luggage systems for use is by the general public.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the known art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a luggage system comprising a suitcase, the suitcase comprising a base and a lid, wherein each of the base and lid include a respective adjustment mechanism for adjusting their respective size, and the suitcase is adjustable between an expanded and unexpanded configuration corresponding to the adjustment in size of the base and lid.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a luggage system that can easily be adjusted in size, allowing a traveller to purchase only a single item of luggage that is nevertheless flexible enough to be used in a wide variety of different travel circumstances. For example, when the user is travelling a long distance without any luggage restrictions, they can expand the suitcase to its maximum size configuration, but if the user is travelling a shorter distance, for example, using a low-cost airline, then they can reduce the size of their suitcase to the unexpanded configuration, to accommodate the airline restrictions, without the need to purchase a second suitcase.

Advantageously the system further comprises one or more internal cases, wherein the one or more internal cases are substantially equal in size to the difference between the expanded and unexpanded configurations of the suitcase. The provision of internal cases within the suitcase supports greater luggage flexibility for the user. They can use the suitcase in its expanded configuration with the internal cases inside the suitcase, which means that their entire luggage is in one unit and locked safely. However, if there is ever a need to reduce the size of the suitcase, for example in response to an airline restriction, then the internal cases can be removed and carried as hand io luggage, and the suitcase reduced to its unexpanded configuration. This provides the user with increased flexibility, all in the same luggage system.

The luggage system provides a compact rucksack! suitcase, and can be used to support a lounger/sunshade/tent. The system transforms from a rucksack to a large suitcase and visa versa, by providing a backpack assembly with shoulder straps, which can be fitted to the suitcase with quick fit fasteners.

The system can include a hand luggage case (43cm x 36cm x 20cm) that occupies the space that is lost when the suitcase is changed to its smaller configuration for use as a rucksack. This has several advantages: A user can fill it with the heavier items of luggage and take it on a flight as hand luggage. This is especially useful when travelling on some budget airlines with the luggage allowance of 15 kg and 10 kg hand luggage. When changing from suitcase mode to rucksack mode a user can simply remove the hand luggage case and compress the suitcase. If a traveller's car boot is too small for more than one large suitcase then they can simply compress them so that they take up a lot less room. The hand luggage can then be easily fitted in any nook and cranny. The hand luggage case is in three sections and can be carried on top in the rucksack mode. This also allows a sun shade/rain guard to be fitted together with a mosquito net, if required.

The two halves of the suitcase are hinged together and each half consists of three sections that slide apart when required. The connecting links can be pushed up or down to change the case width. This may also be accomplished by cables operated by one lever to push or pull all of the connecting links at the same time. The sliding elements are automatically locked in either of the positions to prevent accidental movement during transit.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a suitcase in an expanded configuration, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the suitcase in an unexpanded configuration, io Figure 3 is a further schematic diagram of the suitcase in the expanded configuration, with additional cases inside Figure 4 is a further schematic diagram of the suitcase in the unexpanded configuration, with additional cases, and Figures 5 to 7 are further schematic diagrams of the suitcase closed.

Figure 1 shows a component of a luggage system, being a suitcase 10.

The suitcase 10 comprises a base 12 and a lid 14, which are connected together by hinges 16. Each of the base 12 and the lid 14 include a respective adjustment mechanism 18 for adjusting their respective size. The suitcase 10 is adjustable between an expanded and unexpanded configuration corresponding to the adjustment in size of the base 12 and lid 14. The adjustment mechanism 18 effectively splits the suitcase 10 into three portions, a central portion and two end portions. The end portions can each, independently, adjust in size.

In Figure 1, the suitcase 10 is shown in its expanded form, with the adjustment mechanisms 18 arranged so that the suitcase 10 is at its maximum size. The suitcase 10 is closable and lockable in the conventional manner, and can be provided with an external handle and wheels. The suitcase 10 is constructed so that the base 12 and lid 14, if they are adjusted in size using the respective adjustment mechanisms 18, will remain the same size, through the positioning of the hinges 16. As a user adjusts the size of the base 12, for example, then the lid 14 will make the same adjustment in size, at the same time. The user can adjust either or both ends of the suitcase 10, when adjusting the size of the suitcase 10.

Figure 2 shows the suitcase 10 after adjustment in size of the base 12 and lid 14 has taken place. The suitcase 10 is now in an unexpanded configuration. The traveller who uses the suitcase 10 has the option to adjust the size of the suitcase 10, within the scope of the adjustment mechanisms 18.

They can choose the size that best suits their current needs. When it is desirable to have a smaller suitcase 10, then the user can use the adjustment mechanisms 18 to produce the unexpanded configuration of Figure 2. The io adjustment mechanisms 18 are so arranged that when the suitcase 10 is closed they do not increase in size, being configured as tubes that fit inside each other and therefore slide back and forth as desired by the user.

The luggage system can also be further enhanced, as shown in Figure 3. Here the luggage system further comprises one or more internal cases 20, is where the internal cases 20 are substantially equal in size to the difference between the expanded and unexpanded configurations of the suitcase 10. The system can also further comprise one or more additional internal cases 22.

The internal cases 20 and 22, which fit internally within the suitcase 10, provide further flexibility for the traveller, in that they can be carried separately, or can be enclosed within the suitcase.

The internal cases 20 and 22 are connectable together to form a single handcase 24, as shown in Figure 4. Here the suitcase 10 has been compressed into its unexpanded configuration, by adjustment of the adjustment mechanisms 18, and the internal cases 20 and 22 have been removed and fastened together to form a lone piece of hand luggage 24. The advantage of this system is that the traveller has flexibility in that they can adjust the size of the suitcase 10 without requiring a massive amount of rearranging the contents of their suitcase 10. They can simply remove the internal cases 20 and 22 and work the adjustment mechanisms to change the size of the suitcase 10. This is particularly desirable when considering that some airlines have maximum size and weight requirements for hold and hand luggage.

Figure 5 shows a further modification of the luggage system, which further comprises a back plate 26 comprising a body 28 and one or more straps 30, the body 28 being connectable to the suitcase 10. The suitcase 10 is shown closed in its unexpanded configuration. The internal cases 20 and 22 s are connectable to the exterior of the suitcase 10. Figure 6 shows this embodiment with the back plate 26 attached to the suitcase 10. This allows the user to carry the suitcase on their back in a similar fashion to a rucksack, further increasing the versatility of the luggage system.

Figure 7 shows the suitcase 10 in the rucksack style set-up, but io additionally provided with a visor 32, the visor 32 being connectable to the suitcase 10. This also allows a sun shade/rain guard to be fitted together with a mosquito net if required. The visor 32 protects the user from sunlight when they are carrying the suitcase 10 in its unexpanded (compressed) condition, as a rucksack.

Claims

1. A luggage system comprising a suitcase, the suitcase comprising a base and a lid, wherein each of the base and lid include a respective adjustment mechanism for adjusting their respective size, and the suitcase is adjustable between an expanded and unexpanded configuration corresponding to the adjustment in size of the base and lid.

2. A system according to claim 1, and further comprising one or io more internal cases, wherein the one or more internal cases are substantially equal in size to the difference between the expanded and unexpanded configurations of the suitcase.

3. A system according to claim 2, and further comprising one or is more additional internal cases.

4. A system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the internal cases are connectable together to form a single handcase.

5. A system according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the internal cases are connectable to the exterior of the suitcase.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a back plate comprising a body and one or more straps, the body being connectable to the suitcase.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a visor, the visor being connectable to the suitcase.

8. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.