WO2011154768A1

WO2011154768A1 - Wheeled luggage case

Info

Publication number: WO2011154768A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/052510
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcello Bottino; Paul Anthony Yuen
Original assignee: O-Range Global Ltd.
Priority date: 2010-06-07
Filing date: 2010-06-07
Publication date: 2011-12-15

Abstract

A wheeled luggage case comprises a storage housing defining a storage compartment, a wheeling means (210) for wheeling the wheeled luggage case and an electric power generator (300), wherein the wheeling means (210) and the electric power generator (300) are arranged to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration The electric power generator (300) is coupled to the wheeling means (210) and generates electricity in response to wheeling of the wheeled luggage case on the wheeling means (210) when in the first configuration, and is uncoupled from the wheeling means (210) when in the second configuration such that wheeling of the wheeled luggage case on the wheeling means (210) does not result in generation of electricity of the electric power generator (300).

Description

WHEELED LUGGAGE CASE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wheeled luggage cases, and more particularly, to wheeled luggage cases comprising an electric generator arranged to generate electricity in response to wheeling of the case. More specifically, although not solely limited thereto, this invention relates to a wheeled luggage case equipped with an uninterrupted power supply.

Background of the Invention

Travelers always find it annoying when a portable electronic device, such as mobile phones, portable computers, portable games, or music players, is needed but the battery is drained and there is no standby battery or charging facility available. With the increasing popularity of and proliferation in the varieties of portable electronic devices, many travelers need to carry a number of battery chargers when travelling. This increases the weight of luggage and makes the luggage more bulky. Worst of all, some chargers may not be usable due to different plug standards when in a foreign country.

US patent no. 7,394,162 discloses a wheeled luggage case having an electric generator which is driven to generate electricity to charge a re-chargeable battery when the wheeled luggage case is wheeled. This wheeled luggage case comprises gear arrangements which are arranged to transmit wheeling motion of the luggage case to the electric generator. The gear arrangements are exposed and are therefore easily clogged. In addition, traction due to the electric generator always appears at the wheeling means present regardless of the instantaneous power demand. This means the extra effort exerted by a user to operate the electric generator will be wasted when there is no power demand.

US 7,338,053 disclosed another wheeled luggage case having an electric generator mechanically coupled to a wheeling means. In addition to having the aforementioned problems of US 7,394,165, traction imbalance appearing at the wheeling means of this luggage case makes the case difficult to use and control.

Therefore, it will be advantageous if an improved wheeled luggage case which will alleviate at least some or all of the above shortcomings could be provided. Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a wheeled luggage case comprising a storage housing defining a storage compartment, a wheeling means for wheeling the wheeled luggage case and an electric power generator, the wheeling means and the electric power generator being arranged to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein the electric generator is coupled to the wheeling means and generates electricity in response to wheeling of the wheeled luggage case on the wheeling means when in the first configuration, and the electric generator is uncoupled from the wheeling means when in the second configuration such that wheeling of the wheeled luggage case on the wheeling means does not result in generation of electricity of the electric generator.

Because the wheeled luggage case is convertible between a power-generating configuration and a non power generation configuration, a user could select the power generation configuration when travelling overseas and the non-power generation configuration when travelling domestically. This convertibility makes the luggage case useful because it could be configured as a standard light and compact travelling goods when in the non-power generating mode and as a travelling good of useful utility when in the power generation configuration.

The electric generator may be coupled to the wheeling means and appears as a traction load to the wheeling means when in the first configuration, and the traction loading of the electric generator on the wheeling means may be reduced or diminished when in the second configuration. The conversion between the first and the second configurations is preferably user selectable. For example, a switch may be provided at the handle for a user to select activation or deactivation, or coupling or de-coupling of the electric generator.

The second configuration provides added user friendliness because the extra efforts needed to overcome or negotiate the traction due to the electric generator could be mitigated or reduced on a user's selection.

The trolley may comprise a gear arrangement for converting wheeling motion of the wheeling means into a power generating motion of the electric generator. The gear arrangement is preferably a speed reduction gear arrangement such that the mechanical loading or traction due to the electric generator and appearing at the wheeling means will be reduced or lowered. This speed reduction mechanism makes the wheeled luggage easier to maneuver because less traction effort is experienced by a user in order to wheel the luggage case in the power generating configuration. Alternatively, the gear arrangement may be a speed increasing gear arrangement such that the mechanical loading or traction due to the electric generator and appearing at the wheeling means will be increased when more electric power is required. This speed increasing mechanism makes power generating more effective, although the traction at the wheels will increase. As a further alternative, the gear arrangement could be both speed increasing and speed reduction, and the user could select an appropriate gear ratio by a gear switching means. An example of such a gear switching means would be similar to that of a bicycle gear switch. The gear switch could, for example, be mounted on the handle or the housing. In addition, the gear arrangements and the gear switching means could be arranged such that the traction due to the electric generator could be removed or lowered.

The gear arrangement and the electric generator may arranged as a module or a sub-assembly which is detachable from the wheeling means. A modular arrangement means that the gear and electric generator arrangement could be easily attached or detached when so desired by a user. Another added advantage of the this modular approach is a wheeled luggage trolley of this present invention could be supplied as one without the module such that a user could purchase it as a separate add-on module when desired.

Therefore, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wheeled luggage case comprising a storage housing, a wheel mount and wheeling means, wherein a rigid internal housing is formed inside the storage housing for receiving a electric generator module, the electric generator module being adapted for coupling with the wheeling means such that wheeling of the wheeled luggage case will bring about operation of the electric generator to generate electricity when so coupled, and wherein the wheeling means includes coupling means for detachable coupling with the electric generator module, and the coupling means on the wheeling means is arranged such that the wheeled luggage means is wheel-able on the wheeling means irrespective of whether the electric generator module is coupled or un-coupled. The internal compartment may be formed on the wheel mount to reserve a space for receiving the electric generator module, the internal compartment being arranged to partition the movement parts of the wheeling means from the storage housing.

In the context of this specification, the term "wheeled luggage case" is generally used to include wheeled travel goods having a handle, typically a telescopically extendible handle, which is generally adapted for a user to move on floor. Wheeled luggage case, wheeled luggage bags, trolley luggage are common terms used for such wheeled travel goods.

Brief Description of the Figures Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below by way of example and with reference to the accompany Figures, in which:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wheeled luggage case illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2 is a front view of the wheeled luggage case of Figure 1 , Figure 2A is a perspective view of Figure 2 taken along the cross-section line B-B, Figure 2B is a plan view of Figure 2 taken along the cross-section line B-B, Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a wheeling assembly of Figure 2A,

Figure 3B is rear perspective view of the wheeling assembly of Figure 2A,

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a module of a combined generator and wheeling assembly in a first configuration, Figure 5A is an exploded side view showing the module of Figure 4,

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5A taken along the cross-section line E-E,

Figure 6A is a front view of the module of Figure 5A when assembled,

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6A taken along the cross-section line D-D,

Figure 7 is a partial exploded view showing the wheel assembly of Figure 3A,

Figure 8 is an exploded view showing a wheeling assembly in a second configuration without generator,

Figure 9A is a side exploded view showing the assembly of Figure 8, Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 9A taken along the cross-section line G-G,

Figure 10A is a front view of a wheeling assembly without the generator in a the second configuration, Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 9A taken about the cross-section line F-F,

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the gear box and dynamos, Figure 11 A is a side view of Figure 10, Figure 11 B is a side view of Figure 10 with the gear wheels exposed, Figure 12A is an exploded view of the gear box of Figure 10, Figure 12B is another exploded view of Figure 10,

Figure 13A is an front exploded view showing a lock cap, a wheel mount and a steel core, Figure 13B is rear exploded view of Figure 13A,

Figure 14 is an enlarged exploded view showing the generator module of shaft-and-bore-mechanism, and

Figure 15 is a circuit block diagram showing for conversion of mechanical wheeling energy into electrical energy. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

The trolley luggage (10) of Figures 1 and 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a wheeled luggage case of the present invention and comprises a main housing (100), a handle (120), wheeling means (200), and electricity generating means (300).

The main housing comprises a rigid housing portion on which the storage housing (110), the handle, the electricity generating means, and the wheeling means are mounted. Specifically, the rigid housing portion is moulded of hard plastics and forms a rigid backbone of the trolley luggage on which other components are mounted. This backbone includes a rigid bottom panel (130) and a rigid back panel (140) which are integrally moulded of hard plastics and the backbone forms a robust chassis of the luggage case. Similar to other luggage cases or travel goods, fabric inner linings and fabric outer fittings are mounted around the rigid housing portion to form a storage housing with a closable door. The closable door includes a semi-rigid front panel covered with fabrics for durability and aesthetics.

A telescopically extendible handle is mounted on the mid-axis of the backbone. This extendible handle is provided so that a user could wheel the luggage case on the wheeling means at selected handle heights for user comfort and/or wheeling efficiency.

A pair of wheeling assemblies as an example of a pair of wheeling means is mounted on the two lateral sides at a rear end on the bottom of the main housing. The wheeling assemblies are arranged such that a user could tilt the luggage case about the wheeling means and wheels it along a floor during use. Each wheeling assembly is mounted on a rigid wheel mount on the rigid housing portion on one lateral side of the case. The wheel mount could be integrally formed of hard plastics such as polycarbonate and on the backbone or could be formed as a module attachment fastened on the backbone as depicted in Figures 2A to 6. Each wheeling assembly (200) comprises a wheel (210) having a rubber rim (211 ) for silent and smooth wheeling and a rigid wheel body (212) on which the rubber rim is mounted. The wheel body comprises a moulded plastic core having a receptacle which is shaped to receive a lock cap (230). The lock cap is adapted to engage with the plastic core such that the lock cap is not rotatable relative to the wheel or the wheel body when engaged and during wheeling of the luggage case. In other words, the lock cap is adapted to rotate together with the wheel when the luggage case is wheeled. The wheel body is fastened with the receptacle by threaded steel screws (as an example of fasteners). As a side note, the lock cap is provided so that a torn or worn wheel could be easily removed and replaced.

In order that the lock cap could bear a substantial portion of the load of the luggage case and operate for an extended period of time under loaded conditions, the lock cap comprises a steel core (240) rigidly mounted on a hard plastic body as an optional reinforcement. The hard plastic body has a non-circular outer shape to ensure that the wheel rotates together with the lock cap. The wheel body is fastened onto the lock cap by releasable fastening means such as threaded screws or nuts and bolts as shown in Figure 7. Likewise, the steel core also has a non-circular outer shape to ensure that the hard plastic body and the steel core are tightly engaged and will rotate as an integral part under loaded conditions. The steel core is centrally mounted on the lock cap and is co-axial with the wheeling axis of the wheel. A steel bearing (241 ) is mounted on the outside of the steel core to facilitate rotatable mounting of the lock cap on the housing, as shown in Figure 13A and 13B. More specifically, the lock cap is mounted onto the housing with the bearing intermediate the steel core and the housing. The steel core also comprises a shaft receiving bore, as shown in Figure 14. The shaft receiving bore g is coaxial with the wheeling axis and has an angular or non-circular cross section adapted for receiving a shaft (330) of the electric generator module in a non-relatively rotatable manner to be described below.

In order to capitalize on the energy generating potential of the wheeling motion of the luggage case, an electricity generation module as an example of an electricity generating means is provided in the present embodiment. The electricity generating module comprises an electric generator (commonly termed a dynamo) (310) and a gear arrangement (320) to adjust the effort level to be experienced by a user. The electricity generating module comprises an interfacing shaft for interfacing between the bore of the lock cap on the wheel side and the gear arrangement on the dynamo side. The shaft is non-circular and has a polygonal cross section which is complementary to that of the bore for coupling therewith such that rotation of the wheel will cause rotation of the dynamo to generate electricity. The dynamo used in this embodiment is a 3-phase (3-Φ) dynamo for compactness and enhanced power generation density, as well as efficiency. A dynamo having a rated output of 300 to 600 mA respectively at between 1500 rpm to 3000 rpm at a weight of less than 100 grams is selected because this strikes a balance between traction loading and power generation adequacy. This exemplary dynamo presents only as a nominal load to the luggage case due to its compactness and only appears as minimal additional traction.

The gear arrangement is provided to meet a balancing requirement between the extra traction effort to be experienced by a user and the power generation efficiency. The choice of current generation of between 300-600 mA at 5-6V is selected as these is sufficient for most practical applications of portable electronic devices.

The gear arrangements are arranged to convert the small number of rotations-per-minute ("RPM") of the wheel into a larger number of RPM of the dynamo shaft so that a meaningful or a sufficient level of current output could be harvested. The gear arrangements comprise 4 teethed gear wheels which are arranged in series to increase the rotational speed, in terms of RPM, of the wheel by between 10-20 times, preferably between 12 to 15 times to get the desirous power output.

The above arrangements are based on the typical parameters that a typical wheel of a typical trolley luggage has a diameter (D) of about 10 cm and a user has a typical a strolling speed (S) of 3km per hour. This strolling speed results in a correspond number of about 160 revolution-per-minute (RPM) of the wheel, and the conversion is by the formula RPM= (S/(DTT)/60). To elevate this speed to a speed compatible with a typical compact dynamo RPM of 1500 to 3000, the RPM appearing at the dynamo will be increased by, say 10-20 times by the gear arrangement. This increase is however subject to a balance exercise such that the load traction appearing at the wheels would not be make a loaded or unloaded trolley luggage too strenuous to wheel.

The gear arrangements are enclosed within a gear-housing (321 ) and the electricity generating module comprising the dynamo and the gear arrangements are packed as a plug-in module as shown in Figures 11-12. The plug-in electricity generating module is enclosed within a rigid internal compartment formed on the wheel mount and is kept in an engaged position when the internal compartment is closed. The rigid internal compartment is defined by moulded partitioning walls formed on the wheel mount and a detachable cover (250). The detachable cover is also of a plug-in type so that the electricity generating module could be easily inserted for engagement with the steel bore in the power generating configuration or easily removed from engagement when in the non-power generating configuration without the need of hand tools. The internal compartment also form a partitioning so that only the wheel and its shaft is exposed outside the housing, while the module comprising the gear and dynamo is enclosed within the housing, and more particularly within the closed rigid internal compartment.

Output of the dynamo is fed into the input of a processing circuit, which comprises a rectifying circuit with voltage regulating means to provide a relatively stable voltage output to a battery. A rechargeable battery comprising charging terminals and output terminals is also included. The charging terminals are connected to the output of the processing circuit while the output terminals are available to supply un-interrupted power supply to portable electronic devices. This rechargeable battery herein functions both as a power storage device as well as a power reservoir which provides a stabilized power supply to portable electronic devices as and when required. The battery could be detached from the luggage case for use when so desired.

To promote balanced traction at the pair of wheels and to enhanced power harvesting efficiency, each wheel is coupled to an electricity generating module when the power generation configuration is desirable. Power output of a dynamo and the corresponding power processing circuitry are summed before outputting to the battery, as shown in the block diagram of Figure 15. The power processing circuitry is formed on a printed circuit board which is mounted on the wheel mount.

When there is no need to generate electricity, the electricity generating modules could be unplugged from the trolley, and the wheeling assemblies would be reconfigured into a second configuration to become the wheel assemblies as shown in Figures 8 to 10.

While the present invention has been explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the embodiments are only for example and reference only and are not meant to restrict the scope of invention.

For example, while this embodiment teaches a trolley luggage with a flexible housing, it will be appreciated that the storage housing could be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible in other embodiments without loss of generality.

Likewise, the storage housing in another embodiment could be moulded, for example, of hard plastics, as a rigid shell and be integral with the rigid housing portion, or comprising a fabric enclosure mounted on the rigid housing portion. Also, while the electric generator described in the embodiments is a plug-in module, it could be mounted on the rigid housing portion and provided with means, such as level or other mechanical arrangements, to decouple the electric generator from the wheeling means to reduce or minimize traction appearing at the wheeling means when no power is required. Of course, other appropriate variations and modifications are possible without loss of generality.

Table of Numerals

Claims

A wheeled luggage case comprising a storage housing defining a storage compartment, a wheeling means for wheeling the wheeled luggage case and an electric power generator, the wheeling means and the electric power generator being arranged to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein the electric generator is coupled to the wheeling means and generates electricity in response to wheeling of the wheeled luggage case on the wheeling means when in the first configuration, and the electric generator is uncoupled from the wheeling means when in the second configuration such that wheeling of the wheeled luggage case on the wheeling means does not result in generation of electricity of the electric generator.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 1 , wherein the electric generator is coupled to the wheeling means and appears as a traction load to the wheeling means when in the first configuration, and the traction loading of the electric generator on the wheeling means is reduced or diminished when in the second configuration, the conversion between the first and second configuration being selectable by a user.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claims 1 or 2, wherein the wheeling means is mounted on a rigid housing portion of the storage housing, and the wheeling means is mounted on the storage housing independent of the configuration of the electric generator.

A wheeled luggage case according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the electric generator is detachably mounted on the storage housing.

A wheeled luggage case according to any of the preceding Claims, further comprising a gear arrangement for converting wheeling motion of the wheeling means into a power generating motion of the electric generator, the gear arrangement comprising a speed reduction gear arrangement or a speed increasing ararngement.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 5, wherein the gear arrangement and the electric generator are arranged as a module or a sub-assembly which is detachable from the wheeling means.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claims 5 or 6, wherein the speed reduction or speed increasing ratio of the gear arrangement is in the region of between 10:1 or 1 :10 and 20:1 or 1 :20, preferably between 12:1 and 15:1 or between 1 :12 and 1 :15 respectively.

A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the gear arrangement and the electric generator are formed as a plug-in module or a plug-in subassembly.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 8, wherein the plug-in module or the plug-in subassembly is mechanically coupled to the wheeling means by means of a shaft-and-bore arrangement, the shaft and bore being respectively on the wheeling means and the module or vice versa.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 9, wherein the shaft, the bore and the wheeling means are substantially co-axial.

A wheeled luggage case according to Claims 9 or 10, wherein the shaft and bore is not relatively rotatable when coupled.

12. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 9 to 11 , wherein the shaft and bore is arranged to be axially slidable relative to each other to move in and out of mechanical coupling.

13. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the shaft and bore have a complementary angular cross-section to prevent relative rotation when mechanically engaged with each other.

14. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the plug-in module includes an angular shaft for detachable engagement with a complementary bore in the wheeling means, the angular shaft of the pug-in module being coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheeling means.

15. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims, wherein the electric generator and the wheeling means are mechanically coupled by a shaft and bore arrangement, the shaft and bore arrangement being separately attached to the wheeling means and the electric generator, and being arranged such that the shaft is not rotatable relative to the bore when axially inserted into the bore.

16. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 3 to 15, wherein the rigid housing portion includes an internal compartment for receiving the electric generator and is closable by a detachable cover, the electric generator being detachably mounted inside the closable compartment as a plug-in module.

17. A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 16, wherein the plug-in module is entirely housed within the internal compartment.

18. A wheeled luggage case according to Claims 16 or 17, wherein the detachable cover is a plug-in type cover.

19. A wheeled luggage case according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the wheeling means is rotatable free of traction due to the electric generator when in the second configuration.

20. A wheeled luggage case according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the output of the electric generator is arranged to be delivered to a rechargeable battery for storage, and the battery comprises an input terminal for receiving output of the electric generator and an output terminal for outputting a stabilized output.

21 . A wheeled luggage case comprising a storage housing and two wheeling means mounted on two lateral sides of the storage housing, wherein each wheeling means is coupled to an electric generator, and the output currents of the electric generators are summed at a summing circuit for subsequent output.

22. A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 21 , wherein the two wheeling means are substantially co-axial and independently mounted.

23. A wheeled luggage case according to Claims 21 or 22, further comprising a re-chargeable battery, the rechargeable battery comprising an input terminal for receiving output of the summing circuit and an output terminal for outputting a stabilized output.

24. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 21 to 23, wherein each set of electric generator and wheeling means is arranged according to that of any of Claims 1 -16.

25. A wheeled luggage case according to any of Claims 21 -24, wherein the electric generators and the wheeling means are arranged such that the traction due to the electric generators and appearing at each of the wheeling means is substantially identical or balanced.

26. A wheeled luggage case according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the storage compartment is rigid or flexible or a combination of both.

27. A wheeled luggage case comprising a storage housing, a wheel mount and wheeling means, wherein a rigid internal housing is formed inside the storage housing for receiving a electric generator module, the electric generator module being adapted for coupling with the wheeling means such that wheeling of the wheeled luggage case will bring about operation of the electric generator to generate electricity when so coupled, and wherein the wheeling means includes coupling means for detachable coupling with the electric generator module, and the coupling means on the wheeling means is arranged such that the wheeled luggage means is wheel-able on the wheeling means irrespective of whether the electric generator module is coupled or un-coupled.

28. A wheeled luggage case according to Claim 27, wherein an internal compartment is formed on the wheel mount to reserve a space for receiving the electric generator module, the internal compartment being arranged to partition the movement parts of the wheeling means from the storage housing.