US20020070087A1

US20020070087A1 - Luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism

Info

Publication number: US20020070087A1
Application number: US09/735,964
Authority: US
Inventors: Tung-Cheng Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-12-12
Filing date: 2000-12-12
Publication date: 2002-06-13

Abstract

A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism is disclosed. It can be used for an interior-typed or exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. When it is the interior-typed condition, a locking plate is disposed near the top of the case. A lower receiving seat is disposed at the bottom inside the case for inserting the ends of the outer tubes. An upper cover seat is disposed on the outer tubes for locking or releasing from the locking plate. The engaging mechanism has two hooks and a button. So, by pressing the button, the user can control the pulling rod mechanism to lock on or release from the case. When it is the exterior-typed condition, the user still can easy control the pulling rod mechanism to be locked or released. Therefore, this invention's structure is simple. With destroying the case, its pulling rod mechanism can be quickly and easily exchanged.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism. Without destroying the case, its pulling rod mechanism can be quick and easily exchanged.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Travelling is very popular recently. The luggage case can store many things for a traveler. The luggage case manufacturers had designed a kind of luggage case that has an adjustable pulling rod mechanism. Because this kind of pulling rod is quite convenient, under a long period of use, the pulling rod is easy to be broken. Basically, there are two types of pulling rod mechanisms, namely the interior-typed and the exterior-typed. Please see FIG. 1. It is the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism. In which, a receiving

slot

11 with two through holes 12 is disposed on a top surface of a case 1. A holding seat 13 with an engaging hole 14 is mounted in the lower portion of the case 1. A cover seat 22 is disposed on the outer tubes 21 of the pulling rod mechanism 20. The ends of these outer tubes 21 can pass through the through holes 12 of the case 1 and insert into the engaging holes 14 of the holding seat 13. Because the thickness of the case is limited, only the protrusions 23 with thread can be installed in the inner surface of the cover seat 22. And, the protrusion 23 is to mate with a latch of the case 1 so as to make the case 1 and the cover seat 22 are firmly fixed together. Thus, the puling rod mechanism 2 will be engaged with the case 1. After finishing the assembling of the pulling rod mechanism 2, a storage layer 15 will be installed in the case 1 to cover the latch. Then, the assembling procedure of the pulling rod mechanism 2 is completed. However, when the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism 2 is out of order, because the outer tubes 21 and the cover seat 22 are combined as one integral structure, it is impossible to detach or exchange the pulling rode mechanism 2 solely. If the user wants to detach the cover seat 22, one has to destroy the storage layer 15 inside the case 1 and then detach the latch by a tool. After which, it is possible to take out the cover seat 22 as well as the pulling rod mechanism 2. Once the storage layer 15 is broken or destroyed, the case 1 is not a complete product anymore. Therefore, most users will simply throw out the old cases 1 and buy new cases I instead. Thus, the using cost is increased.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is a typical exterior-typed puling rod mechanism. A

holding seat

31 with engaging holes 32 is disposed on the outer side and near the bottom of the case 3. A cover seat 42 is mounted on the outer tubes 41 of the pulling rod mechanism 4. The ends of the tubes 41 are inserted into the engaging hole 32 of the holding seat 31. Also, the cover seat 42 is disposed on the top surface of the case 3. Because the thickness of the case 3 is limited, similar to the condition of the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism described above, the protrusions 43 with thread has to be installed in the inner surface of the cover seat 42. And, the protrusion 43 is to mate with a latch of the case 3 so as to make the case 3 and the cover seat 42 are firmly fixed together. Thus, the puling rod mechanism 4 can be engaged with the case 3. After finishing the assembling of the pulling rod mechanism 4, a storage layer 33 will be installed inside the case 3 to cover the latch. Then, the assembling procedure of the pulling rod mechanism 4 is completed. However, when the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism 4 is broken, because the outer tubes 41 and the cover seat 42 are combined as one integral structure, it is impossible to detach or exchange the pulling rode mechanism 4 solely. If the user wants to detach the pulling rod mechanism 4, one has to break or destroy the storage layer 33 inside the case 1 and detach the latch similar to the condition of the interior-type pulling rod mechanism 4. Then, it is possible to take out the pulling rod mechanism 4. No matter the interior-typed or exterior-typed pulling rod mechanisms, once it is broken, the user cannot only exchange the pulling rod mechanism only. Thus, the consumer's using cost is increased.

However, one luggage manufacturer developed a luggage case in which its pulling rod mechanism is exchangeable. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a case entitled “drag-type luggage case's fixing structure's improvement” (Application No 85203642 in Taiwan) is disclosed. It includes a case 5, a drag device 6, a bottom frame 7 and two fixing seats 8. Two fixing frames 51 with several insert holes 511 are mounted on the back of this case 5. The bottom frame 7 has several wheels 71 and two inserting recesses 72. The drag device 6 contains inner tubes 61 and outer tubes 62. The outer tubes 62 are set with a horizontal bar 63. The ends of the outer tubes 62 can be inserted into the inserting recesses 72 of the bottom frame 7. Two fixing seats 8 are disposed the inner tubes 61 and the outer tubes 62 respectively. Each fixing seat 8 is composed of two frames 81. Each frame 81 has two frame holes 82 corresponding to the insert holes 511 of the fixing plates 51. Inside the frame 81, a guiding slot 812 for locating a compression spring 82 and a push button 83 are disposed. Two sides of he push button 83 have two sloped holes 831 for receiving the protruded elements 841 of link rods 84. Each of the link rods 84 has a curved hook 842 that is protruded over the frame hole 811 of the frame 81. Whereby, when the user wants to pull out the drag device 6, the user can press down the push button 83 and then the compression spring 82 will be squeezed. By means of the sloped holes 831 against the protruded elements 841 of the link rods 84, the link rods 84 will move inward. Thus, the curved hooks 842 will leave the frame holes 811. So, the drag device 6 and the bottom frame 7 can be separated from the case 5. However, the outer tubes 62 of the drag device 6 have to be fixed with the inserting recesses 72 of the bottom frame 7, so that the case 5 can be put on. It will increase the manufacturing cost. In addition, all the fixing seats 8 are using their curved hooks 842 to engage with the insert holes 511 of the fixing frame 51 of the case 5, it only can improve the exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. But, it does not solve the problem of the interior-typed mechanism. So, the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism still cannot be replaced or exchanged solely. Furthermore, the design of the sloped holes 831 of the push button 83 must be very precise. Otherwise, it might not make the protruded elements 841 of the link rods 84 move. Also, if there is some designing or manufacturing error on the cam's moving path of the curved hooks 842 and the corresponding to the slopes of insert holes 511 of the fixing frame 51, it will make the operation of the link rods 84 and the push button 83 wrong.

Therefore, this conventional cases still have many disadvantages such as cannot using on the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism, cost is high, design and assembling are not easy, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the conventional luggage cases and provide a luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism. It can be widely used in the interior-typed mechanism or the exterior typed mechanism. It mainly comprises a case, a locking plate, a pulling rod mechanism, and an engaging mechanism. The locking plate is mounted on the case and has two stopping surfaces in stepped shapes. The engaging mechanism having two hooks and button is disposed on the upper cover seat. Its button is protruded over the hole of the upper cover seat. Consequently, the user can control the button to make the hooks lock on or release from the stopping surfaces of the locking plate. So, the pulling rod mechanism can be easily engaged with or detached from the case. When this invention is used in an interior-typed pulling rod mechanism and when the pulling rod mechanism is out of order, the user can simply replace a new one by pressing the button to release the locking condition. Therefore, without destroying the case, the present invention has the following advantages: simple structure, quick and convenient exchanging procedure for the pulling rod mechanism, reducing the case's using cost, and raising the assembling efficiency during manufacturing.

The other object of the present invention is to provide a luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism, when it has the exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. In which, a lower cover seat is disposed on the ends of the outer tubes. A holding seat is disposed near the bottom of the case for engaging with the lower cover seat. When the pulling rod mechanism is broken, the user just needs to press the button to release the hooks' locking condition. Then the user can pull out the whole set of the pulling rod mechanism. Again, without destroying the case, the present invention has the following advantages: simple structure, quick and convenient exchanging procedure for the pulling rod mechanism, reducing the case's using cost, and raising the assembling efficiency during manufacturing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism, when it has the exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. In which, both the upper and lower cover seats are disposed on the outer tubes. Two corresponding locking plates are disposed on the case for engaging with the upper and lower cover seats. When the pulling rod mechanism is broken, the user just needs to press these two buttons to release the upper and lower locking points. Then the user can pull out the whole set of the pulling rod mechanism. Again, it also can achieve to purpose of easily exchanging the puling rod mechanism solely and other advantages mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a conventional luggage case having the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism. [0011]
FIG. 2 shows another conventional luggage case having the exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. [0012]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional luggage case when it is disassembled. [0013]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled conventional luggage case shown in FIG. 3. [0014]
FIG. 5 shows all the detailed components of the present invention's luggage case having the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism. [0015]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled present invention's luggage case shown in FIG. 5. [0016]
FIG. 7 illustrates the assembling condition of the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism. [0017]
FIG. 8 illustrates the using condition of the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism. [0018]
FIG. 9 illustrates the detaching condition of the pulling rod mechanism. [0019]
FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing all disassembled components of the present invention's exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. [0020]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a selected portion in FIG. 10. [0021]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the present invention's exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism after assembled. [0022]
FIG. 13 shows the present invention in FIG. 12 after detached. [0023]
FIG. 14 is another using condition of the present invention's exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism.[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. [0025] 5 to 8, the present invention is related to a luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism. This luggage case is used for an interior-typed pulling rod mechanism, comprising:
(a) a [0026] case 10 having an upper portion and an inner bottom. A lower receiving seat 11 is mounted on the inner bottom and has several engaging holes 111. A receiving slot 12 with two through holes 121 is disposed on a top surface of said case 10,
(b) a [0027] locking plate 20 is mounted on the upper portion and has two stopping surfaces 21. The stopping surfaces 21 are formed in stepped shapes. Two lateral sides of the stopping surfaces 21 are disposed with two limiting slots 22.
(c) a pulling [0028] rod mechanism 30 has outer tubes 31. An upper cover seat 32 has a hole 321.
(d) an engaging [0029] mechanism 40. The engaging mechanism 40 includes a cover 41 which has two recesses 411 on both sides for covering two sliding elements 42. Two hooks 421 are disposed on outer edges of the sliding elements 42. Each hook 421 has a sloped surface 422 at its bottom for contacting with the recess 411, and the hooks 421 are protruded over the cover 41. Two protrusions 423 with springs 43 are disposed on two opposite ends of the two sliding elements 42. Each protrusion 423 has a guiding surface 424 corresponding to the sloped surface 422. A button 44 is disposed between these two guiding surfaces 424. Two stopping blocks 441 is disposed above two sides of the button 44. Two tilted surfaces 442 are disposed below two sides of the button 44 so as to mate with these the guiding surfaces 424 of the sliding elements 42.
Based on the above-mentioned structure, the [0030] cover 41 of the engaging mechanism 40 can be locked on the inner side of the upper cover seat 32 of the pulling rod mechanism 30 by using a latch. So, these two sliding elements 41, the springs 43 and the button 44 are directly installed between the inner side of the upper cover seat 32 and the cover 41. The button 44 is protruded over the hole 321 of the upper cover seat 32. By means of two sides of the stopping blocks 441 pressing against the edge of the hole 321, it will not be loose or detached. Accordingly, the user can control the movement of the hooks 421 of the sliding elements 42 below the upper cover seat 32. Therefore, when it is the interior-typed pulling rod mechanism, the user can put the outer tubes 31 through the through holes 121 of the receiving slot 12 of the case 10. Then, let the ends of the tubes 31 insert in the engaging holes 111 of the lower receiving seat 11 of the case 10. After which, the hooks 421 of these two sliding elements 42 of the pulling rod mechanism 40 can lock on the stopping surfaces 21 of the locking plate 20. So, the upper cover 32 of the pulling rod mechanism 30 can be installed in the receiving slot 12. Because the bottoms of these two hooks 421 of the engaging mechanism 40 are disposed with two sloped surfaces 42, the user can directly press down the upper cover seat 32 of the pulling rod mechanism 30 to make these two hooks 421 open. That is due to the sloped surfaces 42 are guided by the limiting slot 22 of the locking plate 20. When the sloped surface 422 leaves from the limiting lost 22, by means of the restoring force of the springs 43 between these two sliding elements 42, the hooks 421 will become a non-expanded normal state. Thus, it will clamp on the stopping surfaces 21 of the locking plate 20. Therefore, there is no need to use any latch to lock on.
Referring to FIG. 9, when the user wants to exchange the pulling rod mechanism, all the user need to do is just to press the [0031] button 44 which is protruded over the upper cover seat 32. Once it is pressed, the tilted surfaces 442 of the button 44 will push on the sloped surfaces 422 of these two sliding elements 42. Furthermore, these two sliding elements 42 will move outward and the hooks 421 of the sliding elements 42 will move outward, too. Thus, it will be separated from the stopping surfaces 21 of the locking plate 20 and the locking condition of the engaging mechanism 40 will be gone. Meanwhile, the user can pull out the pulling rod mechanism 30 without destroying the luggage case. That is, it is very easy to exchange the pulling rod mechanism. Thus, it not only can reduce the using cost, but also and raise the assembling efficiency.
As shown in FIGS. [0032] 10 to 12, they show the present invention that has the exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism. In this embodiment, the locking plate 20 is disposed near an upper outer portion of the case 50. A holding seat 60 with a staged surface 61 is mounted near a lower outer portion of the case 50. The upper cover seat 32 with a hole 321 is fitted with the tubes 31 of the pulling rod mechanism 30. The position of the upper cover seat 32 with a hole 321 is corresponding to the position of the locking plates 20 of the case 50. The cover 41 of the engaging mechanism 40 can be fixed with the upper cover seat 32 via a latch. These two sliding elements 42, the springs 43 and the button 44 are installed between the upper cover seat 32 and the cover 41. This button 44 is protruded over the hole 321 of the upper cover seat 32 so the user can press on. Therefore, the user can control the opening or closing movement of the hooks 421 of the engaging mechanism 40. The hooks 42 are disposed on two lateral sides in the upper cover seat 32. In addition, a lower cover seat 70 is disposed at the ends of the outer tubes 31 of the pulling rod mechanism 30. This lower cover seat 70 with a hook portion 71 can be fitted with the staged surface 61 of the holding seat 60.
Therefore, in assembling, the user can put the [0033] lower cover seat 70 into the holding seat 60 of the case 50. At this moment, the hook portion 71 will engage with the staged surface 61 of the holding seat 60 to prevent any lateral sliding out. Then, by using the hooks 421 of the engaging mechanism 40, the sloped surfaces 422 are limited by the limiting slots 22 of the locking plate 20. Thus, the hooks 42 are opened and then directly clamp on the stopping surfaces 21 of the locking plate 20. Because the hooks 421 are fixed by the limiting slots 22 of the locking plate 20, it will prevent the detachment of the pulling rod mechanism 40. Moreover, by means of the engaging mechanism 40, the pulling rod mechanism 30 can firmly lock on the case 50 for the user. Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, once the user press down the button 44, it will make these two sliding elements 42 move outward. So, the hooks 421 of the sliding elements 42 will move outward, too. The hooks 421 will leave the stopping surfaces 21 of the locking plate 20 and further will release the locking condition of the engaging mechanism 40. Thus, the user can finish the exchange procedure solely.
As shown in FIG. 14, this is another embodiment of the present invention that has the exterior-typed puling rod mechanism. In which, upper and [0034] lower cover seats 32 with holes 321 are installed on the outer tubes 31 of the pulling rod mechanism 30. Each cover seat 32 contains one set of engaging mechanism 40 with two hooks 421. The button 44 of each engaging mechanism 40 is protruded over the hole 321 of the corresponding cover seat 32 for the user to press down. These two buttons 44 can control the hooks 421 of these two engaging mechanisms 40. Two locking plates 20 are mounted on the corresponding positions of the case 50. Each locking plate 20 has two stopping surfaces 21 to be clamped by the hooks 421 of the engaging mechanism 40. Therefore, the pulling rod mechanism 30 can be engaged with the case 50 by these two (upper and lower) engaging mechanisms 40 via their hooks 421 locking on these two locking plates 20. Furthermore, the hooks 421 will be fixed by the stopping surface 21 of the locking plate 20. Therefore, the pulling rod mechanism 30 can be assembled on the case 50 for a convenient usage. And, it is easy to exchange the pulling rod mechanism 30.
In the present invention, no matter it is interior-typed or exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism, they can be locked or detached easily. It significantly improves the exchange efficiency. Further, it can achieve the functions of easy of use, simplicity of the case structure, quick exchange, reduction of the using cost and raising the assembling efficiency. [0035]
The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, not intended to limit the scope thereof. Many modifications of the above embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [0036]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism, said luggage case mainly being used for an interior-typed pulling rod mechanism, comprising:

(a) a case having an upper portion and an inner bottom, a locking plate being mounted on said upper portion and having two stopping surfaces, a lower receiving seat being mounted on said inner bottom and having several engaging holes;

(b) a pulling rod mechanism having outer tubes, an upper cover seat having hole for fitting with said outer tubes, ends of the outer tubes being inserted into said engaging holes of said lower receiving seat of said case; and

(c) an engaging mechanism, said engaging mechanism being disposed in said upper cover seat of said pulling rod mechanism, said engaging mechanism having a hook for locking with said stopping surfaces of said locking plate of said case so as to attach said pulling rod mechanism on said case, said engaging mechanism further having a button protruded over the hole of said upper cover seat so as to allow a user to press and control the hooks.

2. A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism, said luggage case mainly being used for an exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism, comprising:

(a) a case having an upper outer portion and a lower outer portion, a locking plate being mounted on said upper outer portion and having two stopping surfaces, a holding seat with a staged surface being mounted on the lower outer portion of said case;

(b) a pulling rod mechanism having outer tubes, an upper cover seat having holes for fitting with said outer tubes corresponding to the position of said locking plate, said pulling rod mechanism having a lower seat having a hook portion corresponding to the position of said holding seat of said case; and

(c) an engaging mechanism, said engaging mechanism being disposed in one side of said upper cover seat of said pulling rod mechanism, said engaging mechanism having hooks for locking with said stopping surfaces of said locking plate of said case so as to attach said pulling rod mechanism on said case, said engaging mechanism further having a button protruded over a hole of said upper cover seat so as to allow a user to press and control the hook.

3. A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism, said luggage case mainly being used for an exterior-typed pulling rod mechanism, comprising:

(a) a case having an upper outer portion and an lower outer, two locking plates being mounted on said upper and lower outer portions respectively and having several stopping surfaces;

(b) a pulling rod mechanism having outer tubes, an upper cover seat having holes for fitting with said outer tubes, a lower cover seat being disposed at ends of said outer tubes; and

(c) two engaging mechanisms, said engaging mechanisms being disposed in said upper and lower cover seats of said pulling rod mechanism, each of said engaging mechanisms having two hooks for locking with said stopping surfaces of said locking plate of said case so as to attach said pulling rod mechanism on said case, each of said engaging mechanisms further having a button protruded over a hole of said upper cover seat so as to allow a user to press and control the hooks.

4. A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein:

said stopping surfaces are formed in stepped shapes, and two lateral sides of said stopping surfaces are disposed with two limiting slots so as to engage with said hooks of said engaging mechanism.

5. A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein:

said engaging mechanism includes:

a cover having two recesses on both sides, for covering two sliding elements, hooks being disposed on outer edges of said sliding elements, each hook having a sloped surface at its bottom for contacting with said recesses, said hooks being protruded over said cover;

two protrusions with springs being disposed on two opposite ends of said two sliding elements, each protrusion having a guiding surface corresponding to said sloped surface;

a button being disposed between said two guiding surfaces;

two stopping blocks being disposed above two sides of said button;

two tilted surfaces being disposed below two sides of said button so as to mate with said two sliding elements so that said cover will lock on said corresponding cover.

6. A luggage case having an engaging mechanism for easily exchanging a pulling rod mechanism as claimed in claims 1, wherein:

a receiving slot with two through holes is disposed on a top surface of said case, said through holes are provided for inserting with said outer tubes, so that the ends of the outer tubes are engaged in said engaging holes of said lower receiving seat, and said upper cover seat of said pulling rod mechanism can be installed in said receiving slot.