Retractable wheel mechanism

Abstract

A wheel retraction mechanism for use on travel luggage, the retraction mechanism causing the extension and retraction of one or more wheels upon relative movement of two adjacent members. The members comprise two engaging actuation surfaces which, upon relative longitudinal movement, create a movement in a different direction, which can be used to extend or retract wheels from a piece of travel luggage.

Claims

1. A wheel retraction mechanism for wheeled travel luggage, comprising: a primary member having a first actuation surface extending from or along a longitudinally extending surface of the primary member; a secondary member, located substantially parallel to the primary member, the secondary member having a second actuation surface extending from or along a longitudinally extending surface of the secondary member; and at least one wheel, attached to the primary or the secondary member; wherein the second actuation surface engages the first actuation surface and is shaped so it is able to slide along the length of the first actuation surface, and the first actuation surface is shaped whereby relative longitudinal motion between the primary and secondary members results in rotation of at least one of the primary and the secondary members about its longitudinal axis, and wherein the first actuation surface is a slot, and the second actuation surface is a projection for engaging the slot.

2. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the primary and secondary members are tubular and the first actuation surface is helically shaped around the length of the elongated surface of the primary member.

3. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the primary member and the secondary member are co-axial and one of the primary member or the secondary member is at least partially disposed within the other of the primary member or the secondary member.

4. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 2, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

5. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the at least one wheel is attached to said rotating member.

6. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 4, where upon movement of the second actuation surface along the length of the first actuation surface, said rotating member is rotated between a position where the wheel or wheels are fully extended and a position where the wheels are fully retracted.

7. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the rotation required to move the wheel or wheels from a fully extended to a fully retracted position is between 70-110 degrees.

8. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 3, wherein there is a sliding fit between the primary member and the secondary member.

9. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 3, wherein when the second actuation surface is located at a location corresponding to a retracted position, one of said primary or said secondary members is located almost wholly within the other of said primary member or said secondary member.

10. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first actuation surface extends over at least half the length of the primary member.

11. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first actuation surface extends over substantially the entire length of the primary member.

12. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a first end portion of the first actuation surface runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the primary or secondary member.

13. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the second end portion of the first actuation surface runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the primary or secondary member.

14. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a center portion of the first actuation surface has an increased angle with respect to the longitudinal direction compared to both the first and second end portions of the first actuation surface.

15. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the wheel retraction mechanism is attached to an item of travel luggage.

16. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the wheel retraction mechanism is attached to a side of the travel luggage which can be used as a base to rest the luggage on.

17. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the wheel retraction mechanism is attached to a side of the luggage adjacent the base and when in a wheel-extended position, the luggage can be leant on to the extended wheels to be transported.

18. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the wheel retraction mechanism is attached to a side of the travel luggage which is opposite an opening in the luggage.

19. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 15, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis; and wherein the rotating member is rotatably attached to the luggage.

20. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and wherein the or each wheel is attached to the rotating member by a bracket, which rotatably fixes the wheel or wheels relative to the rotating member a distance away from the longitudinal axis of the rotating member.

21. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and wherein the wheel retraction mechanism is attached to an item of travel luggage and wherein a reinforcing member is connected to the luggage and interacts with a locking projection on the rotating member when the rotating member is in the wheel-extended position, preventing the rotating member from rotating to a wheel-retracted position without the second actuation surface being moved relative to the first actuation surface.

22. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 21, wherein the reinforcing member is slidably attached to the luggage.

23. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 21, wherein the reinforcing member is moved by the second actuation surface or a bracket attached thereto, from a first position, wherein the locking projection does not interact with the reinforcing member when the rotating member is in a wheel-retracted position, to a second position, where the locking projection does interact with the reinforcing member when the rotating member is in a wheel-extended position.

24. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 23 wherein the reinforcing member is configured to slide from its second position to its first position under the action of a spring, as the second actuation surface moves along the first actuation surface, allowing the rotating member to rotate to a wheel-retracted position.

25. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and wherein at least one hole in either the rotating or non-rotating member engages with a retractable projection when the rotating member is in a wheel-retracted position, for locking the mechanism in this position.

26. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 25, wherein the retractable projection or retractable projections are configured to retract against the action of a spring.

27. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 25, wherein the retractable projection or retractable projections are configured to retract under the action of a button.

28. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and wherein at least one hole in either the rotating or non-rotating member engages with a retractable projection when the rotating member is in a wheel-extended position, for locking the mechanism in this position.

29. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the reinforcing member is moved by the second actuation surface or a bracket attached thereto, from a first position, wherein the locking projection does not interact with the reinforcing member when the rotating member is in a wheel-retracted position, to a second position, where the locking projection does interact with the reinforcing member when the rotating member is in a wheel-extended position and wherein the at least one hole and retractable projection are for fixing the relative positions of the rotating remember and the non-rotating member, thus can maintain the second actuation surface in a position where it keeps the reinforcing member in its second position, in which it engages the locking projection.

30. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second actuation surface is cylindrical in shape.

31. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second actuation surface is detachable from the secondary member.

32. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second actuation surface is screwably detachable from the secondary member.

33. An apparatus comprising two or more wheel retraction mechanisms according to claim 1 attached to a common component, wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member of each wheel retracting mechanism is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member of each wheel retracting mechanism is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and wherein said non-rotating members are interconnected and thus unable to rotate along their longitudinal axes.

34. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the common component acts as a handle for the user.

35. An apparatus according to claim 33 wherein the retractable projection or retractable projections of the two or more wheel retraction mechanisms are configured to retract under the action of a button, and wherein the handle comprises the button for retracting the retractable projections.

36. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the common component is a cover.

37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the cover acts to conceal and protect the wheels when in a retracted position.

38. A wheel retraction mechanism for wheeled travel luggage, comprising: a primary member having a first actuation surface extending from or along a longitudinally extending surface of the primary member; a secondary member, located substantially parallel to the primary member, the secondary member having a second actuation surface extending from or along a longitudinally extending surface of the secondary member; at least one wheel, attached to the primary or the secondary member; wherein the second actuation surface engages the first actuation surface and is shaped so it is able to slide along the length of the first actuation surface, and the first actuation surface is shaped whereby relative longitudinal motion between the primary and secondary members results in rotation of at least one of the primary and the secondary members about its longitudinal axis; wherein one of said primary member or said secondary member is a non-rotating member, and is unable to rotate about a longitudinal axis, and the other of said primary member or said secondary member is a rotating member and is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and wherein the wheel retraction mechanism is attached to an item of travel luggage and wherein a first bearing surface is provided in one of the rotating or non-rotating members, the first bearing surface engaging a second bearing surface provided in the luggage or a fitting attached thereto for transferring load in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rotating and non-rotating members.

39. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 38, wherein the first bearing surface is located in the rotating member.

40. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 39, wherein the first bearing surface and second bearing surface transfer the majority of the load of the luggage to the rotating member.

41. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 38, wherein the first bearing surface comprises a load-transferring slot and the second bearing surface comprises a load-transferring projection.

42. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 41, wherein the load-transferring slot is orientated in a circumferential direction of the rotating member.

43. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 38, wherein the second bearing surface is configured to slide substantially along the length of the first bearing surface as the rotating member rotates between its wheel-extended and wheel-retracted position.

44. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 38, wherein the second bearing surface abuts a surface of the first bearing surface when the rotating member is in its wheel-extended position, preventing the rotating member from rotating any further.

45. A wheel retraction mechanism according to claim 38, wherein the first and second bearing surfaces only engage each other as the wheels approach a fully wheel-extended position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of luggage using a wheel retraction mechanism according to the present invention in an in-use position.

(3) FIG. 2 is an underside perspective view of the luggage of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of the mechanism of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of rotating members according to the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of rotating members according to the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention in a retracted position.

(8) FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the present invention in a retracted position.

(9) FIG. 8 is a further perspective view of the present invention in a retracted position.

(10) FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of the present invention in a retracted position.

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the present invention in an extended position.

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a part of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of part of the present invention in a retracted position.

(14) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further aspect of the present invention in a retracted position.

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the aspect of FIG. 13 in an extended position.

(16) FIG. 15 is a partial view on an enlarged scale of FIG. 13.

(17) FIG. 16 is a partial view on an enlarged scale of FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an aspect of the present invention in a retracted position.

(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the aspect of FIG. 17 in an extended position.

(20) FIG. 19 is a partial, underside view on an enlarged scale of FIG. 17.

(21) FIG. 20 is a partial, underside view on an enlarged scale of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(22) A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

(23) The following reference numerals are used in the detailed description: 100Item of luggage 110Extendible handle 120Retractable wheels 130Cover 140Compartment 150Non-rotating member 160Crossbar 170Rotating members 180Wheel bracket 190First slot 200Secondary slot 210Retractable pin 220Hole (upper) 230Hole (lower) 240Wheel 250Button 260Bracket assemblies 270Wheel housing 280Load bearing projections 290Plate holes 300Supporting brackets 310Reinforcement member 320Blocking projection 330Screws 340Slots 350Tab 360Blocking panel 370Spring 400Alternative reinforcement member 410Screw 420Slot 430Blocking projection 440Spring 450Tab 460Engaging panel 470Linking member

(24) FIG. 1 shows an item of luggage 100 with an extendible handle 110 and retractable wheels 120. Further, it can be seen that the handle 100 comprises a cover 130, which, when in a retracted position closes a compartment 140.

(25) FIG. 2 illustrates the underside of the luggage 100, and clearly shows the handle 110 comprising the cover 130 and the compartment or recess 140.

(26) FIG. 3 shows the majority of the wheel retraction mechanism of the present invention. Handle 110 is shown without the cover 130, and is seen to comprise two substantially identical non-rotating members 150 (each defining a secondary member) interconnected by a crossbar 160 with an ergonomic grip which forms the portion of the handle 110 that the user holds. This crossbar could be made of plastic, composite or metal, and may be coated in textiles.

(27) Non-rotating members 150 slide inside two rotating members 170 (each defining a primary member), each of which is connected to a wheel bracket 180 at its lower end (with the upper end being defined as that nearest the crossbar 160). Each rotating member 170 comprises a first actuation surface and first bearing surface comprising elongated slots: a first slot 190 and secondary slot 200 respectively. The first slot 190 is elongated and helically shaped, extending circumferentially around the rotating member 170 as it extends along its length. The first Slot 190 enables and actuates the rotation of rotating member 170. The secondary slot 190 is larger in diameter and much shorter. It does not extend along the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 170, but instead extends purely circumferentially. Both slots extend by a substantially identical angle in the circumferential direction.

(28) A retractable pin 210 is present on the inside of each non-rotating member 150. This pin is controlled to withdraw against the action of a spring when a button on the crossbar 160 is depressed. In use these pins 210 are designed to engage with holes 220 and 230 when the non-rotating member is in an extended and retracted position respectively. These pin and hole pairs are used to lock the non-rotating member 150 with respect to the rotating member 170.

(29) FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the rotating members 170 with wheels 240 attached.

(30) FIG. 6 shows the majority of the wheel retraction mechanism of the present invention in a retracted position. It can be seen that locking pins 210 have engaged holes 230. In order to retract the handle 110, thus withdrawing non-rotating members 150 from rotating members 170, button 250, located on crossbar 160, must first be pressed to withdrawn pin 210.

(31) FIG. 7 again depicts the wheel retraction mechanism in a retracted state, although with the inclusion of bracket assemblies 260. Bracket assemblies 260 extend through elongated slot 190 and rotating member 170 and attach to non-rotating member 150.

(32) As the non-rotating members 150 are withdrawn from rotating members 170, the handle 160 prevents the non-rotating members from rotating. Due to the interaction of the first slot 190 and the bracket assemblies 260 (which are fixed to the non-rotating members 170 and so can also not rotate), the helical first slots 190 force the rotating members 170 to rotate. Rotating members 170 are therefore both rotated outwards, in a direction whereby both wheel brackets 180 end up pointing upwards (as viewed in FIG. 7) when the non-rotating members 150, and thus handle 110 is fully extended.

(33) FIG. 10 depicts the handle 110 in a fully extended position, although this figure depicts what is the underside in FIG. 10. When the handle is fully extended, the retractable pins 210 mate with holes 220. FIG. 10 also depicts supporting brackets 300. These brackets may contain bearings, and are also responsible for taking a proportion of the load as the luggage 100 is pulled by the handle 110. This prevents the entire pulling force being conveyed through the bracket assemblies 260 and first slots 190, reducing distortion, damage and wear.

(34) FIG. 8 shows the wheel retraction mechanism in a fully retracted position. This figure illustrates the wheel housing unit 270, which in use is attached to the luggage 100. Additionally this figure highlights how the cover 130 totally covers and conceals both the wheels 240, and the rotating and non-rotating members 170, 150 with respect to the outside of the luggage in which the mechanism is contained.

(35) FIG. 9 illustrates the same image as FIG. 8, but this time focussing on the retracted wheels 240. Also, load bearing projections 280 are shown which act as second bearing surfaces. Load bearing projections 280 are attached to the luggage 100 by screws or rivets attached via the plate holes 290 and the wheel housing 270.

(36) Load bearing projections 280 mate with secondary slots 200. As the rotating member 170 rotates as the handle 110 is withdrawn or retracted, load bearing projections 280 move relatively along the length of secondary slots 200. As the handle 110, and thus wheels 240, reach their fully extended or retracted position, load bearing projection 280 abuts the end of secondary slot 200. Load bearing projection 280 and secondary slot 200 is the main weight transferring connection between the luggage and rotating member 170, thus it is robust in design.

(37) FIG. 11 shows a close up of the crossbar section 160 of the handle 110 and illustrates the placement of the button 250.

(38) FIG. 12 shows a close up of the wheel-end of the rotating members 170. It illustrates how the load bearing projections 280 are attached to the wheel housing 270 via the load bearing projection plate holes 290. The wheels are shown partly absent to allow the details to be seen.

(39) FIGS. 13 to 16 show an embodiment of the reinforcement member 310. Reinforcement member 310 prevents the rotating member 170 from rotating in a retracting direction when it is locked in an extended position. FIGS. 13 and 15 show the reinforcement member 310 in a non-engaging state, when the wheels 240 are in a retracted state. FIGS. 14 and 16 depict the reinforcement member 310, when the wheels 240 are in an extended state, and thus the reinforcement member 310 engages a blocking projection 320 located on the rotating member 170.

(40) Reinforcement member 310 is slidably attached to the luggage 100 by screws 330 located in slots 340. As the non-rotating member 150 is extended, the bracket assemblies 260 move along first slot 190, rotating the rotating member 170. As the bracket assemblies 260 approach the end of the first slot 190, they engage tab 350. Then, as the bracket assemblies 260 complete the final distance to reach the end of the first slot 190, reinforcement member 310 is moved in a direction X. This locates the reinforcement member 310 in the position shown in FIGS. 14 and 16. Before reinforcement member 310 reaches this position, blocking projection 320 has rotated through gap A, thus when the reinforcement member 310 reaches the position shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, blocking projection 320 is located adjacent blocking panel 360.

(41) When in this extended state, pin and holes 210 and 220 maintain the bracket assembly 260 in position, which in turn keeps the reinforcement member 310 in the position shown in FIGS. 14 and 16. In this position, blocking panel 360 prevents blocking projection 320 from passing, and thus prevents the rotating member 170 from rotating in a retracting direction. This produces a more robust system, since any bumps the wheels take on their side face when they are in the extended position, do not cause the wheels to distort or damage the bracket assembly 260 or first slot 190. The shock load is taken by the reinforcement member through blocking panel 360 and blocking projection 320.

(42) Spring 370 is attached between the reinforcement member 310 and the screw 330 and pulls the reinforcement member 310 back towards the state shown in FIG. 13.

(43) FIGS. 17 to 20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a reinforcement member 400 according to some aspects of the present invention. Reinforcement members 400, located on either side of one panel/side of the luggage, prevent the rotating members 170 from rotating in a retracting direction when locked in an extended position. FIGS. 17 and 19 show a reinforcement member 400 in a non-engaging statewhen the wheels 240 are retracted. FIGS. 18 and 20 show the reinforcement member in an engaging statewhen the wheels 240 are extended; in this position, the reinforcement member 400 (and in particular an engaging panel) engages a blocking projection 430 located on the rotating member 170, preventing the rotating member 170 from rotating back to a retracted position.

(44) The reinforcement member 400 is substantially an elongated bracket located parallel to the rotating members 170 and non-rotating members 150. The reinforcement member 400 is slidably attached to the luggage 100 by screws 410 in elongated slots 420. A spring 440 is connected between each reinforcement member 400 and the screw 410 located furthest from the wheel brackets 180, biasing the reinforcement member 400 into a retracted, or non-engaging, position.

(45) Similar to the reinforcement member 310 embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13 to 16, reinforcement member 400 comprises a tab 450 located on the distal end of the reinforcement member 400. As the non-rotating member 150 is extended, the bracket assemblies 260 move along the first slot 190, rotating the rotating member 170. As the bracket assemblies 260 approach the end of the first slot 190, they engage the tab 450. Then, as the bracket assemblies 260 complete the final distance to reach the end of the first slot 190, reinforcement member 400 is moved in a direction Y. This locates the reinforcement member 400 in the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 20.

(46) The bracket assemblies 260 should be shaped so as to engage the tab 450.

(47) The reinforcement member 400 comprises an engaging panel 460 located adjacent the wheel bracket end of the reinforcement member 400. The engaging panel 460 may lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to that of the tab 450. The engaging panel 460 may extend substantially parallel to the surface or panel of the luggage 100 to which the reinforcement member 400 is attached. The engaging panel 460 is substantially L shaped, extending out from the side of the reinforcement member 400. As such, the engaging panel 460 forms a shape similar to a square hook at its end.

(48) A linking member 470 connects the two reinforcement members 400, located on either side of the luggage 100. The linking member 470 comprises a substantially cylindrical rod, rigidly attached to both reinforcement members 400 at either end.

(49) A blocking projection 430 is located on the rotating member 170. The blocking projection 430 comprises a substantially rectangular protrusion, extending from the surface of the rotating member. The blocking projection 430 is in a position such that when each rotating member 170 and reinforcement member 400 are in an extended position, the engaging panel 460 engages the blocking projection 430.

(50) As the bracket assemblies 260 force the reinforcement members 400 in a direction away from the wheel brackets 180, the engaging panels 460 are moved in to a position to substantially trap the blocking projection 430, as illustrated in FIG. 20. Due to the shape of the first slot 190, the blocking projection has already completed it's rotation into an extended position, before the bracket assemblies 260 move the engaging panels 460 into position, to engage the blocking projection 430. When in this extended state, pin and holes 210 and 220 maintain the bracket assembly 260 in position, which in turn keeps the reinforcement member 400 in the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 20. In this position, engaging panel 460 prevents blocking projection 430 from moving in a retracting-direction.

(51) Unlike with the reinforcement member 310 of FIGS. 13 to 16, with the reinforcement member 400 of FIGS. 17 to 20, if the wheels 240 are forced in a retracting-direction due to an impact load, each blocking projection 430 exerts a force on the engaging panel 460 in a direction Z, parallel to the panel of the luggage 100 to which the reinforcement member is attached. This is due to the arrangement of the contact between the blocking projection 430 and the engaging panel 460.

(52) An arrangement such as that illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20 results in the impact loadstransferred by the blocking projection 430 to the reinforcement member 400acting in parallel and opposite directions on each reinforcement member 400. As such, there is no impact force transferred to the luggage 100 via the screws 410 due to the rotating members 170 attempting to move in a retracting-direction. The linking member 470 acts to connect the two reinforcement members 400, so that any impact loads (which would act to force the two reinforcement members 400 in opposite directions), can cancel each other out. This reduces the stresses experienced by the panel to which the reinforcement members 400 are connected, and thus increases reliability, robustness and durability of the luggage 100 as a whole.

(53) It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the above specific embodiments only. Many variants will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.