Luggage Apparatus with Concealable Retractable Wheel Mechanism

Abstract

A luggage apparatus comprising a rigid case body having retractable wheels concealable within recessed compartments in the base is disclosed. The apparatus includes a control (i.e., actuation) interface disposed on the exterior of the case body, operable in a first position to retract the wheels into the compartments and in a second position to deploy or extend the wheels for rolling. Each wheel is coupled to either a spring-loaded mechanism or an electric motor system to enable vertical movement between the retracted and extended positions. The spring mechanism comprises a helical compression spring aligned around a vertical wheel shaft, while the motorized embodiment employs a mini electric motor coupled to a vertical actuator. The control (i.e., actuation) button is configured for dual-mode operation and is compatible with both mechanical and electrical systems.

Claims

1. A concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device comprising: a luggage device having a case body, a plurality of retractable wheels, and a plurality of hollow compartments; wherein said plurality of hollow compartments are spaced apart and positioned in a base of said case body; wherein said case body comprising a first panel configured to removably lock with a second panel to secure items stored in said luggage device; wherein said first panel having a zipper for removably locking with said second panel; wherein said plurality of retractable wheels comprises at least three spinning wheels; wherein each of said plurality of retractable wheels connected to a vertical retractable shaft having a helical compression spring concentrically aligned therearound; wherein said helical compression spring is housed within a rectangular cavity and compresses or decompresses based on a position of said vertical retractable shaft; wherein each of said at least three spinning wheels selectively retractable within a respective each of said plurality of hollow compartments; and further wherein each of said at least three spinning wheels is retracted when said helical compression spring is compressed and is extended when said helical compression spring is decompressed.

2. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 1, wherein each of said at least three spinning wheels comprise a hubless wheel.

3. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 1, wherein each of said at least three spinning wheels comprise a caster wheel.

4. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 3, wherein each of said vertical retractable shaft having a rotatable axle therearound.

5. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of retractable wheels comprises four spinning wheels.

6. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 5, wherein each of said four spinning wheels comprise a hubless wheel.

7. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 5, wherein each of said four spinning wheels comprise a caster wheel.

8. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 2, wherein said case body is a rigid rectangular container having rounded corners.

9. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 6, wherein said case body is a rigid rectangular container having rounded corners.

10. A concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device comprising: a luggage device having a case body, a plurality of retractable wheels, a plurality of hollow compartments, and a control interface; wherein said plurality of hollow compartments are spaced apart and positioned in a base of said case body; wherein said case body comprising a first panel configured to removably lock with a second panel to secure items stored in said luggage device; wherein said first panel having a zipper for removably locking with said second panel; wherein said plurality of retractable wheels comprises at least three spinning wheels; wherein each of said plurality of retractable wheels connected to a vertical retractable shaft having a helical compression spring concentrically aligned therearound; wherein said helical compression spring is housed within a rectangular cavity and compresses or decompresses based on a position of said vertical retractable shaft; wherein each of said at least three spinning wheels selectively retractable within a respective each of said plurality of hollow compartments; wherein each of said at least three spinning wheels is retracted when said helical compression spring is compressed and is extended when said helical compression spring is decompressed; and further wherein said control interface having a button disposed on an exterior surface of said case body for providing actuation to retract and extend said at least three spinning wheels.

11. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 10, wherein said control interface actuated in a first position to retract said at least three spinning wheels and in a second position to extend said at least three spinning wheels.

12. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 11, wherein said control interface electronically coupled to an electric motor to operably retract and extend said at least three spinning wheels when said control interface is actuated in said first position or said second position.

13. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 11, wherein said control interface electronically coupled to a plurality of electric motors, and further wherein each one of said plurality of electric motors operably retracts and extends an associated one of said at least three spinning wheels when said control interface is actuated in said first position or said second position.

14. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 13, wherein said control interface is remotely actuated with an electronic device.

15. A concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device comprising: a luggage device having a case body, a plurality of retractable wheels, a plurality of hollow compartments, and a control interface; wherein said plurality of hollow compartments are spaced apart and positioned in a base of said case body; wherein said case body comprising a first panel configured to removably lock with a second panel to secure items stored in said luggage device; wherein each of said plurality of retractable wheels connected to a vertical retractable shaft having a helical compression spring concentrically aligned therearound; wherein said helical compression spring is housed within a rectangular cavity and compresses or decompresses based on a position of said vertical retractable shaft; wherein said plurality of retractable wheels comprises four spinning wheels; wherein each of said four spinning wheels selectively retractable within a respective each of said plurality of hollow compartments; wherein each of said four spinning wheels is retracted when said helical compression spring is compressed and is extended when said helical compression spring is decompressed; wherein said control interface having a button disposed on an exterior surface of said case body for providing actuation to retract and extend said four spinning wheels; and further wherein each of said four spinning wheels is selected from the group consisting of a hubless wheel and a caster wheel.

16. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 15, wherein said case body is a rigid rectangular container having rounded corners.

17. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 15, wherein said control interface actuated in a first position to retract said four spinning wheels and in a second position to extend said four spinning wheels.

18. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 15, wherein said control interface electronically coupled to an electric motor to operably retract and extend said four spinning wheels when said control interface is actuated in said first position or said second position.

19. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 15, wherein said control interface electronically coupled to a plurality of electric motors, and further wherein each one of said plurality of electric motors operably retracts and extends an associated one of said four spinning wheels when said control interface is actuated in said first position or said second position.

20. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of claim 19, wherein said control interface is remotely actuated with an electronic device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of the present invention showing the spring-loaded mechanism for retracting and deploying wheels in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0019] FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view illustrating the detailed structural configuration of the spring-loaded wheel retraction mechanism shown in the luggage apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage apparatus in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0021] FIG. 5 is a standalone view of the control (i.e., actuation) button interface of the luggage apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0023] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a luggage apparatus that protects suitcase wheels from damage during transport, storage, or handling. There is a long-standing need for travel luggage that includes a retractable wheel system capable of being concealable within the case body of the suitcase to prevent breakage, wear, and compact storage within an airplane overhead compartment. Further, there is a need in the art for a luggage device that includes integrated recessed compartments and a wheel control (i.e., actuation) interface, enabling users to selectively retract or deploy the wheels as needed. Additionally, there is a need for a luggage system that provides both mechanical and motorized wheel actuation options for user convenience. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a luggage apparatus that hides the wheels inside the compartment to prevent them from being damaged and broken. Finally, there exists a need for a luggage solution that enhances airplane overhead storage/retention, durability, preserves the functionality of the wheels, and improves the overall travel experience.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a luggage apparatus. The luggage apparatus comprises a rigid case body having a base with a plurality of recessed compartments formed therein, a plurality of retractable wheels, each wheel is connected to a vertically movable wheel shaft, a spring-loaded retraction mechanism is associated with each wheel, the retraction mechanism comprises a helical compression spring concentrically aligned around the wheel shaft and configured to bias the wheel between an extended position and a retracted position within the recessed compartment. A control (i.e., actuation) button interface is positioned on an outer surface of the case body and configured to actuate the spring-loaded retraction mechanism to either retract or deploy the wheels based on a selected input direction.

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device 100 of the present invention is designed as an enhanced airplane carry-on luggage that features retractable wheels, which can be concealable within small protective compartments built into the base of the luggage. More specifically, the concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device 100 includes a case body 101 comprising a first panel 102 and a second panel 104. The panels 102, 104 are configured to removably lock with each other to secure the items stored in the luggage device 100. A conventional lock mechanism 106 such as a zipper can be used to removably fasten the panels 102, 104 and may be disposed along the edges of the panels 102, 104.

[0027] For easy movement and maneuverability of the luggage device 100 on a surface, the luggage device 100 includes a plurality of at least four spinning wheels 108a-d (108d is not illustrated). In another embodiment, the luggage device 100 can have at least three wheels depending on the design and manufacturing requirements of the luggage device 100. Each wheel of the plurality of spinning wheels 108a-d can be a hubless wheel and provides less resistance than conventional wheels. It is to be appreciated that the hubless wheel comprises a wheel design that eliminates the central hub and spokes, instead using a large, hollow axle and a bearing system that allows the wheel to rotate around it. The tire is mounted on the outer ring of the bearing, and the inner ring is attached to a retractable vertical shaft connected to the luggage device 100. The spinning wheels 108a-d of the luggage device 100 are configured to be retracted into the case body 101. A hollow compartment for each wheel is disposed in the case body 101 for accommodating the wheel when the wheel is in a retracted state. As illustrated, the hollow compartments 110a, 110b, 110c (110d is not illustrated) are designed to accommodate the corresponding spinning wheels 108a, 108b, 108c in their retracted positions.

[0028] A control (i.e., actuation) interface 112 in the form of a button is disposed on the exterior surface 113 of the panel 102 for providing control (i.e., actuation) to retract and deploy the spinning wheels 108a-d. The control (i.e., actuation) interface 112 can be actuated in a first position to retract the wheels 108a-d into their corresponding compartments. Further, the control (i.e., actuation) interface 112 can be actuated in a second position to deploy or extend the wheels 108a-d for use to maneuver the luggage device 100. An ergonomic handle 114 is included in the luggage device 100 for gripping and carrying the luggage device 100. The handle 114 can also be used for lifting the luggage device 100 and is retractable for easy storage and transport.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage device of the present invention showing the spring-loaded mechanism for retracting and deploying wheels in accordance with the disclosed structure. The case body 101 of the luggage device 100 is rigid, rectangular container with rounded corners. A helical compression spring 202 is concentrically aligned around a vertical retractable shaft 204 that connects to the wheel 108a. The helical compression spring 202 is housed within a rectangular cavity 206, configured to compress or decompress based on the position of the wheel shaft 204.

[0030] The wheel 108a in the present embodiment is illustrated in the extended or deployed position, protruding from the compartment 110a and enabling the luggage device 100 to roll during transport. It should be noted that a similar mechanism can be deployed for each wheel of the plurality of retractable wheels 108a-d. In the retracted position, the wheel 108a, is pulled up as indicated by arrow 208 and is accommodated in the corresponding hollow compartment 110a.

[0031] In another embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated perspective view and detailed structural configuration of the spring-loaded wheel retraction mechanism shown in the luggage apparatus of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the wheel is a caster wheel assembly 109a vertically aligned beneath the compression spring 202. The wheel 109a is mounted to a rotatable axle 302, supported by a forked bracket 304 that connects upward to a retractable shaft 204. The shaft 204 extends vertically, constrains and aligns the helical compression spring 202. The spring 202 biases the wheel 109a either upward into a retracted position or downward into an extended position, depending on the mode of operation initiated by the user via the external control (i.e., actuation) switch.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the concealable and selectively retractable wheels luggage apparatus in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the luggage apparatus 400 includes an electric mini motor 402 in a motor housing 404 and the electric mini motor 402 is electronically coupled to the control (i.e., actuation) switch interface 406 via an electric connector 407. The electric mini motor 402 is configured to be operably connected to a vertical wheel shaft 408, enabling vertical movement of the wheels 410 into and out of their corresponding recessed compartment 412 through powered actuation. It should be noted that a separate and independent electric mini motor can be embedded in the luggage apparatus 400 for each wheel, enabling independent retraction and deployment (i.e., extension) of the wheels.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a standalone view of the control (i.e., actuation) button interface of the luggage apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The control (i.e., actuation) button interface 502 can be a rectangular push-button switch or physical toggle type button and is configured to be pressed downward by pressing the bottom end 504. When the bottom end 504 is activated or pressed, the wheels deployment mode is activated and the concealable and selectively retractable wheels extend downward from the corresponding recessed wheel compartments, enabling the luggage device to be rolled along a surface.

[0034] When the top end 506 of the button 502 is pressed or activated, the wheels retraction mode is activated. Accordingly, the wheels retract upward into the protective internal cavities within the luggage body for compact storage and protection. The control (i.e., actuation) button interface 502 is configured to work with both mechanical and electrical wheel actuation mechanisms as described earlier in the disclosure.

[0035] The luggage apparatus of different embodiments can be made from a lightweight, impact-resistant, rigid, and tear-resistant material such as Polycarbonate, Aluminum Alloy, Ballistic Nylon, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The retractable wheels can be made from one or more of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or Rubber Treaded Wheels, Nylon hubs, and Stainless Steel. The control (i.e., actuation) interface may be in the form of Silicone dome switch or polycarbonate button and may include an electric circuit for sending electrical signals to the electric mini motor.

[0036] In one embodiment, a smartphone application (i.e., electronic device) can be used to remotely actuate the control interface to retract and extend the wheels, thereby eliminating the requirement for manually actuating the control interface disposed on the luggage apparatus.

[0037] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein concealed retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus, luggage apparatus, luggage device, and portable travel case with retractable wheels are interchangeable and refer to the concealed and selectively retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus 100, 400 of the present invention.

[0038] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the concealed and selectively retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus 100, 400 of the present invention can be of any suitable configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the concealed and selectively retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus 100, 400 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other configurations of the concealed and selectively retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus 100, 400 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the concealed and selectively retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus 100, 400 are important design parameters for user convenience, the concealed and selectively retractable wheels integrated luggage apparatus 100, 400 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0039] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.