JP2016524984A - Expandable kites and methods for expanding kites - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for containing and carrying contents, which can be expanded to provide additional accommodation space therein. The device comprises at least one expansion wall such that the device boundary occupies a smaller volume before the expansion than after the expansion, a limiting element arranged in the aforementioned wall, an expansion mechanism, and a transport accessory And the limiting element prevents uneven expansion along the wall and excessive expansion of the wall.

Description

  The present invention relates to travel and / or accommodation equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hauling haul, and in particular, to a method and device for expanding a haul.

  There are many types and sizes of travel bags, from small handbags to large suitcases, but there is a need for a bag that can be adjusted to create new space for additional content. There is.

  According to the prior art, there are several ways to increase the size of a suitcase. Many expandables are connected to each other and pull out to obtain expansion performance from stretchable parts suitable for forming new, longer structures. As described in Patent Document 1, a suitcase having an extendable frame is adjustable, but such a mechanism is worn when the one part slides inside the other. The cover and the frame are subject to certain pressures and bending stresses that can eventually cause the frame to break.

  Another mechanical problem occurs when using a spring or lifting mechanism as in US Pat. When the mechanism is operated repeatedly, the material experiences fatigue, which has the effect of ultimately causing the material to crack as a result of long-term cyclic stress.

  In addition to the mechanical problems described above, Patent Document 3 has another possible malfunction. That is, when the system includes several components that have mechanical motion relationships, the entire system will fail if a single component is faulty, damaged, or not in place. As the number of components increases, the likelihood of experiencing such problems increases.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,049 discusses some of the disadvantages discussed in a single device, i.e., wear, pressure and bending stress as in U.S. Pat. This is an example of It is a complex structure with further local weaknesses that make the structure fragile.

US Pat. No. 7,874,409 European Patent Application Publication No. 2,077,080 International Publication No. 2006/039725 US Pat. No. 5,819,891

  Therefore, there is a need for devices and methods that meet the following requirements: low friction between components, low number of components, and elimination of both periodic motion and local weakness that cause fatigue. . It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

  The present invention relates to a device for containing and carrying contents, which can be expanded to provide additional accommodation space therein, the device comprising at least one expansion wall, an expansion mechanism, and a transport aid accessory Is provided. The device may have a briefcase, suitcase shape, or any other shape suitable for a containment device. The term “expansion wall” is intended to indicate the boundary of the device, which occupies a smaller volume before the expansion than after the expansion. The device may optionally be made of one part, or may be made of two or more parts.

  The expansion process can be performed by expansion, and the expansion mechanism may comprise a pump. In such a case, the pump may be integral with the carrying handle, may be manual, electric, hydraulic, or some other type of pump. The device can further comprise a pressure regulator.

  The expansion wall can surround the entire containment space, or only a portion thereof, and in some exemplary embodiments, not all walls are expandable. The extended walls can accept shelves that are placed between them, and the shelves may be built in or placed as desired and later removed.

  Two examples of transport aids are wheels and handles. However, any other transport aids may be added, as with any other containment device suitable for transport.

  The present invention further relates to a method for accommodating and carrying contents using an expanded device capable of adding an accommodation space after expansion, the method comprising at least one expansion wall, an expansion mechanism, And providing transportation support accessories.

  To better understand the drawing, the direction is determined as follows.

  In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the front of the device is the surface that houses the handle system. The bottom surface of the device is the smaller surface with wheels. (Accordingly, the right side, left side, top side, and back side of the device will also be apparent.)

  In the second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-8, 9-10, 11-14, and 15, respectively, the top surface of the device includes a handle system. It is the surface to store. The front of the device is the wider side along the top of the handle.

  In the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18, the top surface of the device is the surface with both a small carrying handle and a large handle. The back of the device is a vertical plane with both poles of a large handle.

  In the seventh, eighth, and ninth embodiments shown in FIGS. 19-24, 25, and 26, respectively, the top surface of the device is the surface that houses the handle system. The front face is a plane parallel to the expansion direction, from which both the handle and the wheel are shown.

1 is a perspective view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with a handle pulled out. FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 with the handle pulled out. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1 with the handle pulled out. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view of the device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 9. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a side view of the device of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a top view of the device of FIG. 11. FIG. 7 is a side view of a device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of a device in a pre-expansion state according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16B is a side view of the device of FIG. 16A in the expanded state. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 16A in a pre-expanded state. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 16A in the expanded state. FIG. 16B is a front view of the device of FIG. 16A in a pre-expanded state. FIG. 16B is a front view of the device of FIG. 16A in the expanded state. FIG. 11 is a front view of a device in a slightly open pre-expansion state according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a front view of the device of FIG. 19 in a partially expanded state. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 20 showing a built-in pump. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 21 in a substantially final expanded state. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 19 in an expanded state, with a portion of the device being cut away to reveal the internal structure of the device wall. FIG. 24 is a top view of the device of FIG. 23 after horizontal cutting has been performed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device in an expanded state according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, with a front cover attached to the left side of the device. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the device including a shelf.

  The present invention relates to an expandable scissor and a method for expanding a scissors while deforming a scissor wall in a manner that allows the scissors to expand.

  In the context of this description, the bag can be any device suitable for containing contents. The bag may be in the form of a suitcase, briefcase, handbag, or backpack, for example. The scissors may include the following parts: any number of wheels, carrying handles, extendable handles, and some other component, such as a zipper, commonly found in ordinary scissors.

  Several exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and description, but these embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. For example, the drawings show only some examples of the original smaller shape before expansion and the larger shape after expansion, although intermediate sizes may also occur. For example, the wall can be divided into sections that expand separately to allow the user to determine the actual final size.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which shows a ridge in the shape of a briefcase 101. FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a side view and shows the wheel 201 at the bottom of the briefcase. A view of the wheel 201 better seen is shown in FIG. 3, which is a rear view of the device of FIG.

  FIGS. 4-6 show different views of the device of FIG. 1, with the handle 401 in the extended state, indicated at 402. 4 is a perspective front view, FIG. 5 is a side view, and FIG. 6 is a front view.

  One way to expand the heel is by inflating its walls. When the wall is filled with sufficient gas (such as air), there will be enough pressure on the inside of the wall to keep the wall so that it is at least as rigid and durable as ordinary ridges. Exists. Because the structure is adjustable, the pressure inside the wall can be adjusted by the ambient pressure to withstand different conditions, such as the air pressure of the airplane at different altitudes. If the conditions are predictable, the pressure adjustment can be performed in advance, but the pressure adjustment can also be performed automatically using a pressure regulator.

  The configuration of the device depends on many factors such as the thickness of the walls and the space between and between them, the material from which the device is made, the initial and final size of the heel, the desired use of the heel, and the Or any other factor that affects the safety of its contents.

  Furthermore, the wall can be expanded by using different types of gas instead of air, or by using liquids, bubbles, or solids that fill the wall to a level of satisfactory strength. When the wall is inflated, the wall can be used as a buffer unit to prevent the contents from being damaged by impact. Inflation can be performed by a manual device, an appliance, or some other method that provides the ability to insert or push the desired material into the space in the heel wall.

  FIG. 7 shows a bag similar to that of FIG. 1 after the wall has expanded, replacing the bag with a larger bag such as a suitcase 701. According to the new configuration shown in FIGS. 7-15, the top surface of the device is the surface with the extension system 702 (similar to 402 in FIG. 4) coupled to the handle 703, and the front of the device is the top of the handle Is the wider expansion surface 704. FIG. 7 is a front view of a device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with all four sides of the heel being inflated. FIG. 8 is a side view of the device of FIG. 7 showing the other two walls after expansion of the heel.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of a device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with only two walls being inflated. It is also possible to allow the user to select which wall to expand. The advantages of such an arrangement will become clear from the description of the fourth exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a front view of the device of FIG.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the use of a kite in which only two walls can be expanded to place a shelf 1101 between the two walls, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Such a structure can be useful during travel because it can be used as a small closet when no closet is provided, or it can save time moving everything to the hotel closet. .

  According to this embodiment, the side where the wall is not expanded can be shielded by the sheet 1102 or by some kind of protective surface. The side cover prevents intrusion of dust or other undesirable particles or insects. The device of FIG. 11 is shown in the following additional figures: FIG. 12 is a front view, FIG. 13 is a side view, and FIG. 14 is a top view.

  FIG. 15 shows a side view of a device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which expansion process is similar to the expansion process of FIG. The portion 1501 is pivotally connected to one edge 1502 of the expanded wall, allowing the upper rigid portion 1501 to be opened while leaving a surface 1503 underneath for use as a table. Such an application is very useful, for example, when it is desired to use a laptop computer while traveling.

  The rigid portion of the suitcase 1501 can also be removed completely and can then serve as a separate bag or spare briefcase. That part allows the user to carry valuable items at hand without having to carry all the extra luggage.

  All of the previous examples displayed expansion that increased the distance between the front and back of the heel as a result of expansion, but the same expansion could be expanded between any two parallel planes or of different shapes For example, even in an elliptical expansion wall. 16A is a side view of the device in its pre-expanded state, FIG. 16B shows the device of FIG. 16A in its post-expanded state, according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, As a result of the expansion, the distance between the top surface 1601 and the bottom surface 1602 of the heel has increased. 17A and 17B are perspective rear views of the device of FIG. 16A in a pre-expanded state and a post-expanded state, and FIGS. 18A and 18B are front views of the device of FIG. 16A in a pre-expanded state and a post-expanded state. FIG.

  The wheels can be repositioned because the weight and size have changed to better adjust after expansion. The position change may be accomplished, for example, using a rail through which the wheel travels.

  FIG. 19 is a front view of a device in a slightly open pre-expansion state according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the wall 1901 is not inflated and is slackened in the interior space of the ridge 1902 Yes. Further, the wall 1901 can be temporarily fixed to the inner wall of the bag 1901 while it is not inflated, leaving room for accommodation. 20 is a front view of the device of FIG. 19 in a partially expanded state. The partially expanded state is caused, for example, by inserting air into the wall 1901 but not completely filling the space inside the wall.

  As shown in FIG. 21, expansion of the wall 1901 can also be performed by a built-in pump. According to this embodiment, the pump 2101 is installed inside the upper portion 2102 of the basket 1902. Air can flow from the pump 2101 through the pipe 2103 that terminates inside the wall 1901 and into the space inside the wall 1901. 22 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 21 in a substantially final expanded state.

  FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 19 in an expanded state, with a portion of the device cut away to reveal the internal structure 2301 of the wall 1901. Inner structure 2301 includes a limiting element designed to prevent unequal expansion along the wall of heel 1902.

  In general, the limiting elements can be of any shape and material as long as they limit large changes in the volume of the heel extension wall. In FIG. 23, the limiting elements are polyester-based fibers 2302 connected to the inside of each of the walls 1901, which have a given length, preventing the walls from spreading beyond this length. FIG. 24 is a top view of the device of FIG. 23 after performing a horizontal cut.

  Another possible shape of the limiting element may be a honeycomb-shaped network, which is geometrically strong and likely to withstand pressure. Another example of a material making up the limiting element is nylon. The shape and material of the limiting element is selected to provide a strong internal structure that retains the shape of the wall when inflated and is lightweight.

  FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a device in an expanded state according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a front cover 2501 attached to the left side of the device. A cover such as the front cover 2501 can be used when not all walls are inflated or when all walls are not inflatable. The cover can be attached to the device, for example by a zipper.

  FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the device of FIG. 11, but with a shelf 2601 comprising three expanded walls 2602, 2603, and 2604. Including.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the device of the present invention need not be monolithic, but in fact consists of a plurality of independently expanding parts that can be assembled to create a closed structure. Can do.

  All the foregoing descriptions are presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. The present invention presents significant advantages over existing technologies. For example, while avoiding the use of a rigid expansion mechanism on the wall, a rigid expansion mechanism often suffers from different parts of friction, wear and tear. Furthermore, the present invention provides a simple solution that can be easily implemented. In addition, the expansion of the wall by expansion provides additional strength to the resulting structure. The device according to the invention can also be used in non-expanded form and can therefore provide a lot of user flexibility. In addition, the device can be expanded when in a filled state, so that the size of the device (eg, travel bag) can be adapted to the contents.

Claims (21)

A device for containing and carrying contents, which can be expanded to provide additional containment space therein,
a) at least one expansion wall, wherein the boundary of the device is adapted to occupy a smaller volume before the expansion than after the expansion;
b) a limiting element arranged in the wall;
c) an expansion mechanism;
d) A device comprising a transport aid, wherein the limiting element prevents uneven expansion along the wall and excessive expansion of the wall.   The device of claim 1 in the form of a briefcase.   The device of claim 1 in the form of a suitcase.   The device of claim 1, wherein the expansion step is performed by inflation.   The device of claim 1, wherein the expansion mechanism comprises a pump.   The device of claim 5, wherein the pump is integral with a carrying handle.   The device of claim 5, wherein the pump is manual.   The device of claim 5, wherein the pump is electric or hydraulic.   The device of claim 1, wherein the extension wall surrounds the entire receiving space.   The device of claim 1, wherein not all of the walls are expandable.   The device of claim 10, wherein shelves are disposed between the expanded walls.   The device of claim 11, wherein the shelf is incorporated.   The device of claim 1, wherein the transport aid accessory is a wheel.   The device of claim 1, wherein the transport aid accessory is a handle.   The device of claim 1, further comprising a pressure regulator.   The device of claim 1, wherein the limiting means is a fiber.   The device of claim 1, wherein the limiting element is made of polyester.   The device of claim 1, wherein the limiting element is made of a plastic material.   The device of claim 1, wherein the limiting element is made of nylon.   The device of claim 1, wherein the limiting element comprises a honeycomb shaped lattice.   A method for receiving and carrying contents using an extended device capable of adding a storage space after expansion, the method providing at least one expansion wall, an expansion mechanism, and a transport aid accessory A method for containing and carrying contents, including steps.

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