GB2499029A

GB2499029A - Suitcase with rolling means

Info

Publication number: GB2499029A
Application number: GB1201956.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yuvraj Singh Maheru
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-05
Filing date: 2012-02-05
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Also published as: GB201201956D0

Abstract

A suitcase 1 may have one or more rollers 2, 4 to provide stability when the case is pulled, especially over uneven ground. One roller 2, 4 may be provided at the each side, and the large front face of the suitcase may face the ground as it is transported. The rollers may be hollow inside, and storage may be provided within the rollers themselves. An end plate (3, fig.5) may be removed to provide access for this purpose. Preferably, a small motor (12, fig.6) is fitted to the luggage to drive the rollers. It may be controlled remotely or via switches (13, fig.6) on the case. Alternative embodiments show caterpillar tracks (7, fig.3) and roller balls (6, fig.2) instead of rollers.

Description

1

Easy Luggage

DESCRIPTION

Background

• Suitcases and bags often come with wheels, but wheels cannot take too much load so sometimes break.

• Wheels also get stuck in ditches and crevasses and break, or deform.

• Another problem is that bags with wheels are sometimes difficult to maneuver.

• A separate problem is that bags with wheels sometimes fall over, which can damage contents, and damage the bag, and affect the bag user.

• Cases are also difficult to pull up stairs, and lifts or escalators are slower, or not always present.

Statement Of Invention

• The invention is a bag or case with at least one roller instead of two or more wheels

• Another iteration has multiple rollers, allowing the bag to roll in a manner where it cannot fall over

• There is also the option of custom wheels that allow the case to move up stairs easier

• There is also the option of caterpillar tracks to allow the case to move across stairs and obstacles easier

• There is also the option of using rollers as storage capacity, also.

• There is also the option of a roller-ball, or a number of roller-balls, allowing easy turning capabilities.

• A small motor can be fitted to allow luggage to be moved more easily for heavy loads, or for weaker or wearier travelers, with either an on/ off switch somewhere on the bag or handle, or a forward, reverse, off switch.

Advantages

• The rollers will be far more robust than normal wheels.

• Bags will be easier to maneuver

• Possibility that the rollers can be used for storage themselves.

• Rollers are not as prone to getting stuck in variations of the walking surface

• This makes them faster and less prone to damage

• Caterpillar tracks or rollerballs may prove to be even better over surface imperfections

• Battery assisted bags can be pulled more easily when tired, or by the elderly or young or the weak.

Introduction To Drawings

Figure 1 shows a suitcase with two rollers.

Figure 2 shows a suitcase with roller-balls on one side.

Figure 3 shows a suitcase with a caterpillar track.

Figure 4 shows a close up of the roller mechanism.

Figure 5 shows how the roller can be opened up to be used as storage.

Figure 6 shows the luggage with fitted motor and switches, to automate movement.

Detailed Description

2

The suitcase 1 has a roller 2 on one side, where some suitcases have wheels.

This is secured in place by an end plate 3.

It also has a roller 4 on the other side, so it can easily be pulled along when lying largest face down. Generally, it will be pulled by a normal handle 5.

The rollers 1 and 4 can be replaced by spherical roller balls 6, as in figure 2. This increases maneuverability somewhat, but may cost more and storage may diminish a little. It is possible to use just one roller ball 6, though a series of 3 or more is preferred.

Alternatively, a caterpillar track system can be used as in figure 3. This uses a caterpillar track 7, that easily moves over all surfaces, and prefers a system of fixed position wheels 8, and flexible wheels or cogs 9. In much the same way as a war tank moving across a battlefield, the suitcase can travel across all terrains that it comes across.

The roller can also be used as storage, as demonstrated in figure 4 and 5. The end plate 3 can be removed by a mechanism such as depressing a button 10.

Once removed, it exposes a gap 11 in the roller 2 (and same as 4). This can be filled with clothing or anything else, and the end plate 3 can be re-attached.

A small motor 12 can be fitted anywhere on or inside the bag to power the wheels 2, or rollers or caterpillar tracks, as in figure 6 This can be controlled either remotely or via switches 13 on the bags 1 or handles 5, liked by cables 14 to the motor. The switch 13 can have either a on and off setting, or else forward, backwards and off settings, and could be made more sophisticated to help turn wheels or have speed settings, too.

3

Easy Luggage

Claims

1. The new invention uses a roller or rollers in place of wheels, in order to provide a more robust and maneuverable method of pulling cases and other luggage.

2. The new invention as in claim 1, can use two rollers to allow greater stability

3. The new invention, as in claims 1 and 2, or as in prior art, can allow the luggage to lie with the largest side on the ground, thus preventing it from falling over, and can use 3 wheels instead of the rollers if desired.

4. Custom wheels or caterpillar tracks or roller balls can be used to help bags move across ground imperfections or up and down stairs more easily.

5. Rollers, as used in in claims 1,2 and 3, can be hollow inside, and so allow for storage within the rollers themselves, and the same can be applied to wheels used in prior art, or to items in claim 4.

6. Bags, as in claims 1 -5 and prior art, can have small motors fitted to allow them to be moved more easily, and may be controlled remotely or simply by an on off switch or a forward/ reverse/ off switch anywhere on the bag or handle.