BI-DIRECTIONAL RIDE-ON LUGGAGE

Abstract

Ride-on luggage is disclosed and may include a luggage container, a plurality of wheels, a seat, at least one pair of footrests, and a handle. The plurality of wheels may be coupled to the luggage container to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container. The seat may be configured to support the user in a respective seated position. The at least one pair of footrests may enable a user to rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat. The handle may be configured to be used in at least a pull operation.

Claims

1. Ride-on luggage, comprising: a luggage container including an interior cavity configured to store items therein and having a form factor configured to be used as carry-on luggage; a plurality of wheels coupled to the luggage container to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container; a seat provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to ride on the luggage container and configured to support the user in a respective seated position; at least one pair of footrests provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat; and a handle coupled to the luggage container and configured to be used in at least a pull operation.

2. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the ride-on luggage includes at least two pairs of footrests, including a first pair of footrests and a second pair of footrests, which are offset from each other, and wherein the luggage container includes: a top surface including the seat; a first side including one of the first pair of footrests and one of the second pair of footrests; and a second side including the other one of the first pair of footrests and the other one of the second pair of footrests.

3. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the handle is adjustable to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to enable the pull operation.

4. The ride-on luggage of claim 3, wherein, when the adjustable handle is in the deployed position, the adjustable handle member extends outwardly away from the luggage container to enable an operator to pull the ride-on luggage, and wherein, when the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle member is retained within an envelope associated with a maximum volume of carry-on luggage.

5. The ride-on luggage of claim 4, wherein when the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle is flush with a front face of the luggage container or recessed relative to the front face of the luggage container.

6. The ride-on luggage of claim 4, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a transverse direction.

7. The ride-on luggage of claim 6, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to be moved to an intermediate position, the intermediate position being between the stowed position and the deployed position on a circumferential path of the adjustable handle.

8. The ride-on luggage of claim 6, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent.

9. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising an attachment port configured to receive an attachment insert, wherein the attachment port is positioned on a top surface of the luggage container.

10. The ride-on luggage of claim 9, wherein the attachment port includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the attachment insert to the ride-on luggage.

11. The ride-on luggage of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded latch.

12. The ride-on luggage of claim 9, further comprising a second attachment port configured to receive a second attachment insert, wherein the second attachment port is positioned on the top surface of the luggage container and opposed to the first attachment port.

13. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising: a first handle strap; and a second handle strap.

14. The ride-on luggage of claim 13, wherein the first and second handle straps are positioned on the seat.

15. The ride-on luggage of claim 13, further comprising a seatbelt configured to removably couple to at least one of the first handle strap and the second handle strap.

16. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising a seatbelt configured to secure a passenger to the seat base of the luggage container.

17. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a padded cushion.

18. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, further comprising a handling strap on a rear face of the luggage container.

19. The ride-on luggage of claim 2, wherein the seat is vertically offset from remaining surface area of the top surface of the luggage container.

20. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein each footrest of the at least one pair of footrests are configured to independently adjust between a retracted position and deployed position.

21. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein the luggage container comprises an outer magnetic material.

22. The ride-on luggage of claim 1, wherein a first side of the luggage container includes a main access aperture in communication with the interior cavity, wherein the main access aperture is configured to be selectively closed, and wherein the luggage container is configured to support a passenger when the main access aperture is in an open configuration.

23. The ride-on luggage of claim 22, wherein the luggage container further includes an auxiliary access aperture positioned on one of the first side and a second side of the luggage container, the auxiliary access aperture in communication with an auxiliary cavity, wherein the auxiliary access aperture is configured to be selectively closed, and wherein a volume of the auxiliary cavity is smaller than a volume of the interior cavity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a bi-directional ride-on luggage according to an example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1 with a handle in a deployed configuration.

[0021] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a seatbelt couple a handle strap of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1 with a main access aperture in an open position.

[0023] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1 with an auxiliary access aperture in an open position.

[0024] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an attachment insert coupled to an attachment port of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the attachment insert and the attachment port of FIG. 14.

[0026] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view a variant of the bi-directional ride-on luggage of FIG. 1, which includes a notch adjacent to an envelope of a handle of the luggage.

[0027] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a bi-directional ride-on luggage including deployable footrests according to another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques associated with ride-on luggage may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

[0029] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0030] FIGS. 1 through 13 show a bi-directional ride-on luggage 100, according to an example embodiment. The bi-directional ride-on luggage is configured such that a passenger, such as a child, may ride the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 while the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 is in motion. Additionally, the passenger may be positioned to face either of opposing travel directions, i.e., forward or rearward, while riding the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100.

[0031] The bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 includes a luggage container 104, a plurality of wheels 108, a seat 112, a first pair of footrests 116, a second pair of footrests 120, and a handle 124. The luggage container 104 includes an interior cavity 128 configured to store items therein. The bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 may be sized (i.e., have a form factor) such that the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 may be used as carry-on luggage. Such a sizing of the luggage container 104 may enable the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 to be used in a terminal of an airport for persons travelling with children who may ride the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 to their departure gate, for example. The bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 may then be stowed in an overhead bin of an aircraft during flight.

[0032] An exterior shell 132 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 may include an outer magnetic material. The outer magnetic material may enable a user of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 to attach magnetic items thereto. The magnetic items may include decorations, identification tags, or any other item which may be attached to the luggage container 104.

[0033] The plurality of wheels 108 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 may be coupled to the luggage container 104. The plurality of wheels 108 may be coupled to the luggage container 104 such that the at least a portion of the plurality of wheels 108 extend from a bottom side 136 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 and/or at least a portion of the plurality of wheels 108 extend from a first side 138 and a second side 139 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100. The plurality of wheels 108 are configured to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container 104. The plurality of wheels 108 may include four wheels. Each of the plurality of wheels 108 may be configured as a caster, such that each of the plurality of wheels 108 may swivel 360. Such a configuration enables the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 to be moved in any direction. In some embodiments, two wheels of the plurality of wheels 108 may be casters configured to swivel 360, while two remaining wheels of the plurality of wheels 108 may be fixed such that the two remaining wheels rotate only forward or backward (i.e. bi-directionally).

[0034] The seat 112 may be integrated with the luggage container 104. The seat 112 is configured to enable a user to ride on the luggage container 104. The seat may be configured such that the passenger may sit on the seat 112 when riding on the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100. The seat 112 is positioned on and forms a part of a top surface 136 of the luggage container 104. The seat 112 is configured to support the passenger in a seated position in each of the opposing travel directions. In other words, the passenger may face in either direction relative to the luggage container 104 when sitting on the seat 112. The seat 112 may include a padded cushion thereon.

[0035] The seat 112 may include a first and second handle straps 144, 148 thereon. The first handle strap 144 may be positioned proximate to a first end 152 of the seat 112. The second handle strap 148 may be opposed to the first handle strap 144 and may be positioned proximate to a second end 156 of the seat 112. Each of the first and second handle straps 144, 148 may be configured such that the passenger may grip one of the handle straps 144, 148 while facing one of the respective opposing travel directions. For example, the passenger may grip the handle strap which is positioned in front of the passenger.

[0036] A seatbelt 160 may be utilized to restrain the passenger in the seat 112 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100. The seatbelt 160 may be configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second handle straps 144, 148. Removably coupling the seatbelt 160 to at least one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 enables the seatbelt to be utilized regardless of the opposing travel direction the passenger is facing. The seatbelt 160 may be configured such that a length of the seatbelt 160 is adjustable. A detailed view of the coupling of the seatbelt 160 to the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 is shown in FIG. 10. Further, the seatbelt 160 may be removed when not in use. The seatbelt 160 may be removably coupled to at least one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 by looping each of a first end 164 and a second end 168 of the seatbelt 160 around one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 and fastening the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 into respective clips present on the seatbelt 160. In some embodiments, each of the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 may couple to a portion of the at least one of the first second handle straps 144, 148 by the use of clips. For example, each of the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 include a clip which is configured to removably couple to a corresponding clip extending from one of the first second handle straps 144, 148. In some embodiments, each of the first and second ends 164, 168 of the seatbelt 160 may include hook-and-loop portions 174 and the first second handle straps 144, 148 may each include two hook-and-loop portions 174. The hook-and-loop portions of the first and second ends 164, 168 may be configured to engage and removably couple with a hook-and-loop portion of one of the first second handle straps 144, 148.

[0037] Returning to FIGS. 1 through 13, the first and second pair of footrests 116, 120 may each be provided on or integrated with the luggage container 104. Each footrest of the first and second pair of footrests 116, 120 are configured to enable a user to rest one of the user's feet thereon. The first pair of footrests 116 is configured such that a user may rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat 112 to face one of the opposing travel directions. The second pair of footrests 120 is configured such that a user may rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat 112 to travel in the other one of the opposing travel directions. The first side 138 of the luggage container 104 includes one footrest of the first pair of footrests 116 and one footrest of the second pair of footrests 120 thereon. The second side 139 of the luggage container 104 includes the other footrest of the first pair of footrests 116 and the other footrest of the second pair of footrests 120 thereon. Each footrest of the first pair of footrests 116 may be positioned on a handle-end 184 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 on the respective sides 138, 139. Each footrest of the second pair of footrests 120 may be positioned on a non-handle-end 188 of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 on the respective sides 138, 139. As shown in the figures, the footrests 116, 120 may be formed integrally with the exterior shell 132 of the luggage container 104, and may be recessed relative to an outermost portion of the exterior shell 132 to provide ledges to rest the user's feet on.

[0038] The handle 124 may be coupled to the luggage container 104 on the handle-end 184 thereof. The handle 124 is configured to be used in each of a push operation and a pull operation of the bi-direction ride-on luggage 100. The handle 124 is adjustable to move between a stowed configuration 192, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, 12 and 13, and a deployed configuration 196, as shown in FIG. 11. The handle 124 may be configured to rotate about an axis A1 extending in a transverse direction D1 relative to the luggage container 104. The handle 124 may follow a circumferential path ranging from the stowed configuration 192 to the deployed configuration 196. The handle 124 may be configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent. Maintaining of the position of the handle 124 may occur due to friction on the handle 124 by the luggage container 104. In some embodiments, the handle 124 may be telescopic, such that a length of the handle 124 may be extendable and retractable.

[0039] When in the deployed configuration 196, the handle 124 is configured to enable the push operation and/or the pull operation. When the handle 124 is in the deployed configuration 196, the handle 124 extends outwardly away from the luggage container 104. The handle 124 may be prevented from continuing to rotate by a stopper.

[0040] When the handle 124 is in the stowed position 192, the handle 124 may be retained within an envelope 204 defined by the luggage container 104. The envelope 204 may be configured such that when the handle 124 is retained therein, a volume of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 is within maximum dimensions allowed for carry-on luggage. When the handle 124 is in the stowed configuration 192, the handle 124 may be flush with a front face 208 of the luggage container 104. In some embodiments, the envelope 204 may be recessed relative to the front face 208 of the luggage container 104.

[0041] The handle 124 may be configured to be moved to an intermediate configuration. When in the intermediate configuration, the handle 124 may be positioned rotationally between the position of the handle 124 in the stowed configuration 192 and the deployed configuration 196. The intermediate configuration may enable the push operation and/or the pull operation of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100, but the intermediate configuration may not be as preferred of a configuration for such operation(s) as the deployed configuration 196. A detent system, rachet system or other mechanical arrangement may be provided to hold the handle 124 in one or more of a plurality of intermediate positions.

[0042] A main access aperture 216 may be incorporated into the first side 138 of the luggage container 104. The main access aperture 216 may be in communication with the interior cavity 128. The main access aperture 216 may be configured to be selectively closed by a main access aperture door 218. The main access aperture is shown in an open position in FIG. 12, while a closed position is shown in FIG. 1. The luggage container 104 is configured to support a passenger thereon when the main access aperture 216 is in either of an open position or a closed position.

[0043] An auxiliary access aperture 220 may be incorporated into any of the first side 138 or the second side 139 of the luggage container 104. The auxiliary access aperture 220 may be in communication with an auxiliary cavity 224. The auxiliary access aperture 220 may be configured to be selectively closed by an auxiliary access aperture door 226. The auxiliary access aperture 220 is shown in an open position in FIG. 13, while a closed position is shown in FIG. 2. The luggage container 104 is configured to support a passenger thereon when the auxiliary access aperture 220 is in either of an open position or a closed position.

[0044] The luggage container 104 may further include at least one attachment port 228 thereon. The at least one attachment port 228 may be positioned on the top surface 136 of the luggage container 104. The at least one attachment port 228 is configured to receive an attachment insert 232, such that the attachment port 228 is coupled to the attachment insert 232, as shown in the detailed view of FIG. 14. An exploded view of the attachment port 228 and the attachment insert 232 is shown in FIG. 15. The attachment insert 232 may be coupled to at least one accessory such that the at least one accessory may be used by the passenger when the attachment insert 232 is coupled to the attachment port 228. Accessories may include, but are not limited to, video monitors, gaming devices, book holders, and toys.

[0045] The at least one attachment port 228 may include a locking mechanism 236 configured to releasably couple the attachment insert 232 to the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100. The locking mechanism 236 may include a spring-loaded latch. In such embodiments, the locking mechanism 236 may be configured to be biased toward a locking position. While the attachment insert 232 is being inserted into the attachment port 228, the attachment insert 232 may counter the bias of the locking mechanism 236. When the attachment insert 232 is fully inserted into the attachment port 228, the attachment insert 232 may no longer be countering the bias of the locking mechanism 232 and the locking mechanism 236 may extend into a notch of the attachment insert 232, thus locking attachment insert 232 in place. The locking mechanism 236 may be released by actuating a button 244, which causes the locking mechanism 236 to be removed from the notch. The attachment insert 232 may then be removed from the attachment port 228.

[0046] In some embodiments, the at least one attachment port 228 may include a first and second attachment ports 228a, 228b. The first attachment port 228a may be positioned towards the handle-end 184 of the luggage container 104 relative to the seat 112. The second attachment port 228b may be positioned toward the non-handle-end 188 of the luggage container 104 relative to the seat 112. Such a configuration of the first and second attachment ports 228a, 228b enables separate attachment inserts 232 to be inserted into both of the first and second attachment ports 228a, 228b, which would enable a passenger to face an accessory regardless of the opposing travel direction the passenger is facing. The first and second attachment ports 228a, 228b may be used simultaneously, such that an attachment insert 232 is present in the first attachment port 228a at the same time that another attachment insert 232 is present in the second attachment port 228b. The accessories present simultaneously may not be related to one another. The accessories present simultaneously may be complimentary to one another. For example, a first accessory, which the passenger faces, may be a display monitor, while the second accessory, which the passenger does not face, may be an audio output device (e.g., speakers) providing audio related to the content displayed on the display monitor.

[0047] The luggage container 104 may further include a handling strap 250 thereon. The handling strap 250 may be present on the non-handle end 188 of the luggage container 104. The handling strap 250 may be configured to provide a user of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 with a convenient gripping location when lifting the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100, such as when lifting the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100 to be stowed in an overhead bin on an aircraft.

[0048] FIG. 16 shows another example embodiment of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 260. The bi-directional ride-on luggage 260 is configured the same as bi-directional ride-on luggage 100, except an envelope 264 configured to receive a handle 268 may include a notch 272 positioned adjacent to the handle 268. The notch 272 may enable a user to remove the handle 268 from a stowed configuration without reaching to a base area 276 of the luggage container 104.

[0049] FIG. 17 shows another example embodiment of bi-directional ride-on luggage 300. The bi-directional ride-on luggage 300 may be configured the same or similar to the bi-directional ride-on luggage 100, except as described below.

[0050] In FIG. 17, a seat 304 is vertically offset from a top surface 308 of a luggage container 312. The seat 304 being offset from the top surface may provide clear guidance to a passenger regarding a position in which the passenger is to sit. Furthermore, the offset seat 304 may assist in preventing a passenger, such as a child, from climbing or sliding off of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 300 when such an exit is not desired by a supervisor of the passenger.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, it can also be seen that first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may be configured to move between a deployed position, as shown in FIG. 17, and a retracted position. Although only one footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 is shown, it should be understood that a second footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 is present on an opposite side of the luggage container 312. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may independently adjust between the deployed position and the retracted position. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may include a platform 324 configured such that a passenger of the bi-directional ride-on luggage 300 may rest their foot thereon. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may rotate downward and away from a side 328 of the luggage container 312 when transitioning from a retracted position (not shown), adjacent to, flush or recessed within the side of the luggage container 312 to a deployed position (as shown in FIG. 17). Such rotation may be accomplished by a rotational device, such as a hinge, a pin, or the any suitable rotatable rotational device, about which each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 rotates. In some embodiments, the side 328 of the luggage container 312 may be configured to limit rotation of each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 between the retracted and deployed positions. In some embodiments, the rotation device may be configured to limit rotation of each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 between the retracted and deployed positions.

[0052] When a footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 is in the deployed position, the footrest may extend away from a side 328 of the luggage container 312. When in the deployed position, the platform 324 may angled in a position in which a passenger may comfortably rest a foot on the platform 324 when seated on the bi-directional ride-on luggage 300. The platform 324 may be angled at an angle slightly varied from parallel (i.e., less than 30 from parallel) with a reference plane 332 on which the bi-directional ride-on luggage 300 is positioned. In some embodiments, the platforms 324 of the first and second pairs of footrests 316, 320 may be configured such that the angles oppose one another relative to the reference plane 332. In some other embodiments, the platform 324 may be parallel with the reference plane 332.

[0053] The bi-directional ride-on luggage described herein may be adapted to a variety of designs. Such a bi-directional ride-on luggage may provide easier pushing and/or pulling the bi-directional ride-on luggage to an operator and may allow a passenger, such as a child, to face either of the opposing travel directions when riding the bi-directional ride-on luggage.

[0054] The devices and systems of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0055] Certain features that may be described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that may be described in the context of a single implementation also may be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and every embodiment.

[0056] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, can, could, might, may, e.g., and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. In addition, the articles a, an, and the as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean one or more or at least one unless specified otherwise.

[0057] In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.