GB2564455A - Suitcase - Google Patents

Abstract

A suitcase comprises a body comprising a base portion 201, two opposing side portions 202,203 and a top portion 204. The base portion has a proximal edge 210 and a distal edge 220. At least one distal wheel 230 is connected to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion, and at least one proximal wheel 232 is connected to the body at or adjacent the proximal edge of the base portion. The suitcase further comprises a handle assembly 240 comprising two attachment arms 214,243 and a bridging piece 245 wherein a first end 242,244 of each attachment arm has a connection 246 to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion, and the bridging piece is connected to a second end 247 of each attachment arm. One attachment arm extends from its connection along a first surface 205 of one side portion 202, and the other attachment arm extends from its connection along a first surface 206 of the other side portion 203. Both attachment arms extend in a diagonal direction which is both towards the top portion of the body and towards the proximal edge of the base portion.

Description

Suitcase

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a suitcase, for example a suitcase for transporting and protecting items such as garments. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved design for a wheeled suitcase which is easier for the user to move and control.

Background

Traditionally, suitcases have been formed as cuboidal bags with a hinged lid and a single handle. In transit the weight of the entire bag needs to be supported by the user. If a suitcase is filled with even moderately dense objects, such as books, it becomes difficult for a user to carry around or even lift.

Wheels have been added to suitcases to allow them to be rolled along the ground. Rather than doing work lifting a suitcase every time it needs to be moved, the weight of the suitcase can remain on the ground, and the user simply needs to overcome rolling friction to move the suitcase, which is typically a small fraction of the weight of the suitcase.

Typical wheeled suitcases are of an “upright” design. These suitcases are generally cuboidal in shape, having either two or four wheels attached to the comers of the base. The height of such suitcases is conventionally greater than their length or width, and the width of such suitcases is conventionally greater than their length. An extendable handle runs along the face of the rear panel of the suitcase opposite the main lid, or on the inside of the rear panel.

Upright suitcases have high centres of gravity and are prone to falling over as a result.

Upright suitcases with two wheels need to be tilted so that only the wheels are in contact with the ground. The wheels of the suitcase act as a pivot point, and by tilting the suitcase the centre of mass of the suitcase passes over the wheels and this pivot point. This creates a stable position when the handle is held by the user: the weight of the suitcase, acting through the centre of mass, applies a turning moment to urge the suitcase about the pivot point towards the user, thereby applying a downwards force onto the users hands. A result of this tilt is that such two-wheeled suitcases need to be pulled rather than pushed. When pushing a suitcase which is so tilted, the action of pushing or contact with an obstruction acts to counteract this turning moment created by the weight of the suitcase. If this turning moment is overcome the suitcase will pivot away from the user around the wheels, which eventually leads to contact between the base of the suitcase and the ground. Such contact will cause motion to cease and loss of control of the suitcase. This effect is exacerbated by a high centre of gravity.

These two-wheeled suitcases are therefore conventionally pulled, which has a number of disadvantages. The user of the suitcase cannot see the suitcase while it is in use. This increases the risk that the suitcase will collide with objects or people, which can lead to damage to the suitcase or its surroundings, as well as embarrassment to the operator. Pulling a suitcase also reduces the security of the suitcase and its contents.

Suitcases with four wheels do not need to be tilted, but if they are not tilted the handle extends vertically. To ensure the necessary foot clearance to comfortably operate the suitcase without tilting it is therefore necessary to position the suitcase to the side of the user. Positioning such a suitcase to the side is inconvenient in crowded or narrow areas, such as on aeroplanes and trains, and the user may need to resort to tilting and pulling the suitcase anyway.

Furthermore, conventional handle arrangements make control of the suitcase difficult, especially when pushing the suitcase. Suitcase handles tend to be narrow, and the handle attaches to the suitcase very close to the midplane of the width of the suitcase. As the centre of mass of the suitcase is typically on this midplane, this limits the turning moment that can be applied to the suitcase by the handle. Thus, pushing of such four-wheeled suitcases can be difficult, especially when pushing over rough or uneven ground surfaces.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a suitcase that can be pushed while being less prone to falling over and which remains easy to control and steer while being pushed. The suitcase comprises a body, and the body comprises a base portion, two opposing side portions and a top portion. The base portion has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The suitcase further comprises at least one distal wheel connected to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion, and at least one proximal wheel connected to the body at or adjacent the proximal edge of the base portion. The suitcase also comprises a handle assembly comprising two attachment arms and a bridging piece. A first end of each attachment arm has a connection to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion, and the bridging piece is connected to a second end of each attachment arm. One attachment arm extends from its connection along a first surface of one side portion, and the other attachment arm extends from its connection along a first surface of the other side portion. Both attachment arms extend in a direction which is both towards the top portion of the body and towards the proximal edge of the base portion.

The present invention also provides an assembly comprising two such suitcases. A first suitcase of the present invention comprises first fastening means mounted to the top portion of the body, and the second suitcase of the present invention further comprises second fastening means. The first and second fastening means are configured to reversibly fasten to each other to allow the second suitcase to be secured to the first suitcase.

Embodiments of the suitcase or assembly of the present invention are described below and in the claims which follow.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention is described in greater detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a suitcase which represents an example of conventional upright suitcases of the prior art.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a side view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a front view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a top view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used throughout this specification with reference to a user who is holding the handle assembly of the suitcase in normal use. The term “proximal” refers to a portion of the suitcase closest to the user, and the term “distal” refers to a portion of the suitcase located furthest away from the user. it will be further appreciated that spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and "down” may be used with respect to the drawings and normal orientation of the suitcase with its wheels on the ground. However, these terms are not intended to be limiting or absolute.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to mean that the following integer, step, group of integers or group of steps is included but that other integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps are not excluded. By contrast, the word “consist” and variations such as “consists” and “consisting of”, will be understood to mean that the following integer, step, group of integers or group of steps is included and that other integers, steps, groups of integers or groups of steps are excluded.

At various points in this specification and the claims that follow, references are made to wheels which may be connected to a suitcase. References to “wheel” at a particular location may mean that a single wheel is at that location or that a wheel group is at that location. A wheel group may refer to one or more wheels located together at the same location. For example, a wheel group may refer to a pair of wheels. As an example, a reference to “two distal wheels” encompasses both two individual distal wheels and two distal wheel groups.

Prior Disclosure

Fig. 1 is an example of a conventional upright suitcase 10 of the prior art. The suitcase 10 comprises a body 100. The body 100 comprises a base portion 101, two opposing side portions 102, and a top portion 104. The base portion 101 has a proximal edge 110 and a distal edge 120, and the body 100 further comprises a proximal edge comer 111 at each end of the proximal edge 110 and a distal edge corner 121 at each end of the distal edge 120. The proximal and distal edge comers 111 and 121 define four sides to the base portion 101. A proximal wheel 132 is connected to body 100 at each proximal edge corner 111, and a distal wheel 130 is connected to body 100 at each distal edge comer 121.

Body 100 of suitcase 10 projects away from the base portion 101, and projects further than the length of any of the four sides of base portion 101 itself. In other words, with the wheels located on the ground, the height H1 of suitcase 10 is greater than its width W1 or length L1. A handle assembly 140 is typically incorporated on a proximal face of the body 100, projecting generally perpendicularly to the base portion 101. The proximal face of the body 100 shares the proximal edge 110 with the base portion 101 of the suitcase 10. Each of the side portions 102 also share a lower side edge 109 with the base portion 101. Typically, proximal edge 110 is longer than the lower side edges 109. In other words, with the wheels located on the ground, the width W1 of the suitcase 10 is greater than the depth L1 of the suitcase 10.

The handle assembly 140 typically comprises two attachment arms 141 and 143 which are connected to the proximal (rear) face of the body 100, The two attachment arms 141 and 143 are joined by a bridging piece 145. The bridging piece 145 is the component typically gripped by the user of suitcase 10 in use. it is desirable that in use the height of bridging piece 145 be at the same height as the user’s hands to enable the suitcase 10 to be roiled. The height of the bridging piece 145 can typically be varied by moving the handle assembly 140 parallel to the proximal face of the suitcase 10. This allows the handle assembly to be moved between a retracted position in which it does not extend beyond the top portion 104 of the suitcase, reduces the dimensions of suitcase 10 and is less prone to damage, and a deployed position in which bridging piece 145 reaches the hand height of the user.

The distal (front) face of the body 100 is typically a lid which is permanently attached to body 100 along only one of the sides of the distal face (e.g. via its edge and a hinge mechanism). The lid can therefore be opened to allow access to the interior of the body 100 so that the user can fill suitcase 10 with possessions, such as garments, for transport. The three edges of the distal face which are not permanently attached io body 100 can be secured to body 100 using a zip. On some suitcases, it is possible to lock the zip slider to the body 100 to prevent unauthorised opening of the suitcase. Other lid hinging and latching mechanisms are known and can be utilised to achieve substantially the same effect, i.e. providing a closure face for the suitcase.

Figs. 2A and 2B show perspective views of a suitcase 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The suitcase comprises a body 200 which has a base portion 201, two opposing side portions 202 and 203 and a top portion 204. The base portion 201 has a proximal edge 210 and a distal edge 220, these edges being at the proximal most and distal most ends of the base portion 201 respectively.

As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the body 200 of suitcase 20 is generally cuboidal in shape. Base portion 201 of body 200 has a distal edge comer 221 at each end of the distal edge 220, and a proximal edge corners 211 at each end of the proximal edge 210. However, if will be appreciated that the body 200 could have alternative shapes whilst still achieving the effects of the invention. in particular, as can be seen from Figs. 2A and 3, the height H2 of suitcase 20, when located on the ground in normal use via its four wheels (see below), is less than the length L2 of suitcase 20. This lowers the centre of gravity of suitcase 20 compare to a conventional upright suitcase such as suitcase 10, which increases the stability of the suitcase.

Wheels

Wheels are mounted to the body 200 at or adjacent to the proximal edge 210 and the distal edge 220 of the base portion 201 of suitcase 20 to allow it to roil along a surface. As illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B, there are two proximal wheels 232 (or two wheel groups), one of which is located at or adjacent to each proximal edge corner 211. Furthermore, there are two distal wheels 230, one of which is located at or adjacent to each distal edge comer 221. Each distal wheel 230 may be a wheel group comprising a pair of wheels. Thus, there are four wheels in the depicted embodiment, or more particularly four wheel groups in the depicted embodiment comprising two pairs of distally located wheels (each pair forming a wheel group) and two proximally located wheels.

The diameter of each distal wheel may be between 40 mm and 140 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 125 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 110 mm, and yet more preferably between 80 and 90 mm. it will be appreciated that in normal transporting use as suitcase 20 is being moved around by a user, the four wheels (or wheel groups) are located on the ground and the suitcase is moved across the ground with all four wheels (or wheel groups) in contact with the ground.

Each distal wheel or wheel group 230 may be connected to the body using a wheel connection piece 235. Each wheel connection piece 235 may swivel with respect to body 200, and may be in the form of a swivelling bogie. Wheel connection piece 235 allows the suitcase to be steered by the user when it is being pulled or pushed.

Each proximal wheel 232 is mounted to a respective axle 236. The axles 236 may pass through the body 200, so that each proximal wheel 232 is connected directly to the body. Alternatively, each proximal wheel 232 may be mounted on the same axle 236 which passes through body 200 of suitcase 20, The diameter of each proximal wheel may be between 50 mm and 140 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 140 mm, and more preferably between 90 mm and 120 mm.

To assist in controlling the suitcase, a braking system may be fitted. The braking system may be operable to prevent at least one of the wheels from rotating with respect to the body. Operation of the braking system therefore assists in stopping the suitcase from moving. Preferably, the braking system may be operated to prevent either all the proximal wheels from rotating, or ail the distal wheels from rotating, or ail of the wheels from rotating. The braking system may be operated by a button or pad mounted on a wheel; for example, the button may be a catch that can be flipped between two positions, one in which it contacts the wheel and prevents rotation through friction, and another in which it does not contact the wheel and permits rotation. Alternatively, the braking system may be operated by a button mounted to the bridging piece; the button may be mechanically or electrically connected through one or both of the attachment arms to one or more brake pads or equivalent brake mechanisms mounted on one, two, three, four or all of the wheels. it will be appreciated that the suitcase of the present invention may have different numbers and arrangements of wheels or distinct wheel groups, e.g. at least two wheels or at least two wheel groups. Each proximal wheel or wheel group may be connected to the body through a wheel connection piece similar to wheel connection piece 235, which may also rotate or swivel with respect to the body of the suitcase, and/or the distal wheels or wheel groups may be mounted to axles passing through the body without a wheel connection piece being present. There may be as few as one proximal wheel group and one distal wheel group, in which case each wheel or wheel group would extend across at least 50% of the width of the suitcase to stabilise the suitcase; in this configuration rollers could be used. The suitcase could have one proximal wheel or wheel group and two distal wheels or wheel groups. The suitcase could also have one distal wheel or wheel group and two proximal wheels or wheel groups. The wheels or wheel groups may or may not be at the distal edge comers or proximal edge comers if these comers are present on the body of the suitcase.

Handle Assembly

As shown by Figs. 2A, 2B and 3, suitcase 20 has a handle assembly 240 which may be used by the user to hold and control the suitcase during use. The handle assembly 240 comprises two attachment arms 241 and 243 and a bridging piece 245.

Attachment arms 241 and 243 each have first ends 242 and 244 respectively. Each first end 242 or 244 has a connection 246 to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion 201. On suitcase 20, one of the connections 246 is at or adjacent one of the distal edge comers 221 and the other of the connections 246 is at or adjacent the other of the distal edge comers 221, but it will be appreciated that the connections may be elsewhere on the distal edge of the base portion, particularly if distal edge comers are not present.

The connections 246 of attachment arms 241 and 243 to body 200 are also immediately above one of the distal wheels 230, i.e. each connection is immediately next to a distal wheel 230 but in the direction away from the distal wheels 230 and towards the top portion 204. However, each connection of the attachment arms could also be positioned on or in the body 200 immediately proximaily of a distal wheel, e.g. immediately above or proximal to (alongside) its corresponding wheel, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Each attachment arm 241 and 243 also has a second end 247. The bridging piece 245 is connected to both of the second ends 247 and links the attachment arms together. The bridging piece is the component that a user typically grasps with their hand during operation of suitcase 20. Bridging piece 245 may be ergonomically designed so that it can be grasped more easily by the user, for example through the provision of ridges spaced to complement the gaps between fingers, or a coating or surface layer which grips well against skin and/or is more comfortable.

As shown by Fig 3, attachment arm 241 extends from its connection 246 along a first surface 205 of one side portion 202 of body 200. As shown in Fig. 2B, attachment arm 243 extends from its connection 246 along a first surface 206 of the other side portion 203 of body 200. Both attachment arms 241 and 243 extend along these respective surfaces in a direction D that is both towards the top portion 204 and the proximal edge 210. in other words, the direction D in which both attachment arms 241 and 243 extend is diagonally away from the wheels and towards the proximal end of the suitcase.

The angle between each attachment arm 241 and 243 and the base portion 201 may be between 35 and 60 degrees, optionally between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, or optionally 45 degrees. The handle assembly 240 may be configured to rotate about connections 246 so that the angle between the attachment arms 241 and 243 and the base portion 201 may be varied between 35 and 60 degrees, optionally between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Optionally this changeable angle may be fixed with a suitable locking mechanism which can lock each attachment arm against its corresponding side portion 202 or 203 of the body 200. Alternatively the handle assembly 240 may be configured so that the angle between the attachment arms 241 and 243 and base portion 201 cannot be varied and is fixed at a certain value, optionally 45 degrees.

Furthermore, the first surfaces 205 and 206 of the side portions 202 and 203 respectively may each contain a groove 207, and each attachment arm 241 and 243 may extend from its connection 246 along the groove in the first surface of its respective side portion 202 or 203. if the handle assembly 240 is configured to rotate about connections 246, then these grooves may increase in width as they extend away from connections 246 to enable this rotation to occur.

As illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B, for suitcase 20 the first surface of each side portion 202 and 203 of is an external surface. However, it will be appreciated that the first surface of each side portion could also be an internal surface. In this case each attachment arm could extend along its respective first surface through the interior of the suitcase and protrude through an aperture in the top portion of the body 200.

The attachment arms 241 and 243 of handle assembly 240 have an adjustable length to allow the height of bridging piece 245 to be varied. Attachment arms 241 and 243 may comprise multiple telescopic bars to allow the length of the attachment arms to be changed. Attachment arms 241 and 243 may each be comprised of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more telescopic bars. As shown by comparing Figs, 2A and 4, the handle assembly 240 may be movable between a retracted position in which the attachment arms have a minimum length and an extended position in which the attachment arms have a maximum length, in the retracted position, the bridging piece 245 is distal to proximal edge 210, and in the extended position the bridging piece 245 is above the top portion 204 and proximal to proximal edge 210.

When the handle assembly 240 is in the retracted position, the bridging piece 245 may be in contact with top portion 204 and may sit partially or wholly in a groove in fop portion 204 so that it does not protrude beyond fop portion 204. This may prevent damage to the bridging piece during transport of suitcase 20. In the retracted position, the bridging piece 245 may serve as a carrying handle which allows a user to easily pick up the suitcase.

When the handle assembly 240 is in the extended positon, the bridging piece 245 is at a height at which it may be easily gripped by the hand of the user, so that suitcase 20 may be easily moved and controlled. The length of the attachment arms may be set at lengths between the maximum and minimum length depending on the requirement of the user.

Each attachment arm 241 and 243 has an arm locking system which may be engaged to prevent its respective attachment arm from changing length. The locking system may be engaged to prevent the telescopic bars making up the attachment arm from retracting into each other when suitcase 20 is being pushed. A button 250 may be mounted on the bridging piece 245, and operation of the button may engage or disengage both arm locking systems.

Reference Points

When describing the suitcase of the present invention, it is helpful to define a wheel plane to act as a reference plane with respect to the remainder of the suitcase.

Figs. 3, 5 and 6 show different views of suitcase 20 with respect to wheel plane W. As can be seen by comparing Figs. 3, 5 and 6, the illustrated wheel plane W is a 2D plane which appears as a line due to the viewing angle of these figures. Wheel plane W represents the plane on which a suitcase sits when it is placed with its proximal and distal wheels on a flat surface such as the ground. When placed on such a surface, each of the proximal wheels and distal wheels has at least one contact point 234 with that surface. The contact points 234 taken together collectively define wheel plane W. During movement of the suitcase in normal use, the wheels rotate along the flat surface when the suitcase is rolled, but contact points 234 effectively move along the rim of the wheels and remain in the same positions with respect to the body of suitcase. If the suitcase is lifted off the flat surface, wheel plane W continues to be defined by the points on the proximal and distal wheels that would contain the contact points, were the suitcase to be placed on the same flat surface, or indeed a different flat surface.

Stated a different way, for a given suitcase with at least one proximal wheel and at least one distal wheel, there are two planes which are tangential to the rims of both the proximal and distal wheels. One of these planes runs tangentially to the rims of each of the wheels on the side of the wheels that face the body of the suitcase. The other plane, which is the wheel plane W, runs tangentially to the rims of each of the wheels on the side of the wheels that faces away from the body of the suitcase.

As well as defining angles with respect to the base portion 201, angles may be defined with respect to the wheel plane W. For example, the angle between each attachment arm 241 and 243 and the wheel plane W may be between 35 and 60 degrees, optionally between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, or optionally 45 degrees. The handle assembly 240 may be configured to rotate about connections 246 so that the angle between the attachment arms 241 and 243 and wheel plane W can be varied between 35 and 60 degrees, optionally between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Alternatively the handle assembly 240 may be configured so that the angle between the attachment arms 241 and 243 and wheel plane W cannot be varied and is fixed at a certain value, optionally 45 degrees.

As shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 9, a centre plane CP may be defined as the plane perpendicular to the wheel plane that contains the midpoint 222 of the distal edge 220 of the base portion 201 and the midpoint 212 of the proximal edge 210 of the base portion 201. Suitcases of the present invention may be symmetrical about centre plane CP.

Ergonomic Design

As explained above, handle assembly 240 may be movable between an extended position and a refracted position. The position of bridging piece 245 of handle assembly 240 in the extended position may be such that it is at the correct height for the user of suitcase 20 to comfortably grasp the bridging piece 245 with a hand, and also have sufficient foot clearance between them and the proximal end of the body 200 of suitcase 20 to enable them to walk normally.

For example, a distance A representing the foot clearance available to the user when grasping the bridging piece 245 may be between 15 cm and 50 cm, optionally between 20 cm and 35 cm. As shown in Fig. 8, distance A may be defined using a proximal plane P. Proximal plane P is defined as the plane that is perpendicular to both wheel plane W and centre plane CP which runs through the distal most point of bridging piece 245. Distance A is then the shortest distance between proximal plane P and the proximal edge 210 of the base portion 201 of body 200.

Additionally, a distance B representing the height of the bridging piece when the handle is fully extended may be between 60 and 150 cm, optionally between 90 and 110 cm. As also shown in Fig. 8, distance B may be defined as the shortest distance between the wheel plane and a point on the bridging piece 245. it may also be beneficial to ensure that the ground clearance of the suitcase is sufficient to allow it to clear minor obstacles. For example, the ground clearance may be between 20 mm and 60 mm, optionally 30 mm and 50 mm, optionally 45 mm. The ground clearance C may be defined as the shortest distance between the wheel plane and a point on the base portion (see Fig. 3).

Vehicle Transportation

As shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 6, the height H2 of suitcase 20 is defined as the longest distance perpendicular to the wheel plane W between a point on the top portion 204 and wheel plane W. As shown in Figs. 3 and 7, length L2 of suitcase 20 is defined as the longest distance parallel to centre plane CP and parallel to wheel plane W between a point on a proximal end of the body and a point on a distal end of the body. As shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the width W2 of suitcase 20 is defined as the longest distance perpendicular to centre plane CP between a point on side portion 202 and side portion 203.

Suitcases according to the present invention may be suitable for transport on passenger vehicles such as aircraft or trains, where restrictions may exist on the dimensions of the passenger’s belongings being taken with them to their seat (“hand baggage”). Common restrictions include maximum lengths, heights and widths, and also restrictions on the sum total of length, height and width of a given item of luggage. There are different restrictions on what may be carried in the hold of an aircraft as opposed to what may be carried in the passenger cabin of an aircraft as so-called “hand luggage”. Two different sizes of suitcase which maximise the dimensions available given the different restrictions may be required.

For example, the sum of the length, height and width of a suitcase of the present invention may be less than either 157 cm or 158 cm. Alternatively, the length may be between 50 cm and 58 cm, a height between 35 cm and 45 cm, and a width between 18 cm and 30 cm. Alternatively, the length of the suitcase may be less than 55 cm, the height less than 40 cm, and the width less than 20 cm. It is apparent that the suitcase may be conformed to different standards depending on specific restrictions imposed by airlines, or indeed any other transporter of luggage. A user may wish to use two different suitcases at the same time. This particularly applies to an air passenger who wishes to have a suitcase which meets the restrictions on “hand baggage” and may be taken into the passenger cabin of an aircraft, and who also wishes to have a second larger suitcase which will be placed in the hold of the aircraft. It may be convenient to be able to attach these two different suitcases together so that they are easier to control. As a result, suitcases of the present invention may have fastening means which allow them to be reversibly fastened to other suitcases. As an example, an assembly may comprise a first and second suitcase of the present invention. The first suitcase may have first fastening means fitted to the top portion of the body of the suitcase, and the second suitcase may have second fastening means. The first and second fastening means are configured to reversibly fasten to each other to allow the second suitcase to be secured to the first suitcase. Examples of first and second fastening means include clips or straps. Further examples include hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®. The first suitcase may be a suitcase whose length, height and width sum to less than either 157 cm or 158 cm. The second suitcase may be a suitcase which has a length between 50 cm and 58 cm, a width between 35 cm and 45 cm, and a height between 18 cm and 30 cm. Alternatively, the second suitcase may be a suitcase which has a length of less than 55 cm, a width of less than 40 cm, and a height of less than 20 cm.

Dimensions

Exemplary ranges of the dimensions of various exemplary suitcases 20 according to the invention are set out in table 1 below:

Table 1

Materials and Suitcase interior

Suitcases of the present invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, side portions 202 and 203 of suitcase 20 may be made from hard plastic side panels. Such hard plastic side panels may provide structure and support to the suitcase. Furthermore, hard plastic side panels may be provided with ridges to prevent flexing of the panels and improve the rigidity of the suitcase body. These ridges further assist by transferring forces, such as steering forces, from the distal end to the proximal end of the base portion. The ridges preferably have a portion extending at an angle of between 35 and 60 degrees to the base

portion 201 of body 200 of suitcase 20. The ridges preferably also have a second portion which extends at a 90 degree angle to the first portion.

The top portion 204 of body 200 may be made from a hard plastic material or a textile material. Top portion 204 may be affixed to side portions 202 and 203 using clips or screws, or alternatively using stitching.

Top portion 204 may serve as the access point to an interior of the suitcase so that a user can place belongings for transport inside the suitcase. Suitcases of the present invention may have at least one panel in the top portion of the suitcase. At least one edge of the panel is removably attachable to the top portion of the body to provide selective access to the interior of the body. For example, for a panel with four edges, three edges of the panel may be removably attachable to the body. The panel may be rotated or bent along the fourth edge of the panel so that it can be moved between an open position in which the interior of the suitcase may be accessed and a closed position where the three removable edges are flush with the body and may be removably attached to it. The at least one edge of the panel that is removably attachable to the body may be attachable using a zip. The suitcase may further be provided with a panel locking system which is lockable to prevent the at least one edge of the panel from being detached from the body of the suitcase without a key or a code.

As shown in Figs. 2A, 2B and 9, suitcase 20 comprises two such panels in the top portion 204. Distal panel 260 extends for a centre of top portion 204 towards the distal edge 220 of base portion 201, and proximal panel 261 extends from the centre of top portion 204 towards proximal edge 210 of base portion 201. Distal panel 260 may extend from the centre of top portion 204 to distal edge 220. Proximal panel 261 may extend from the centre of top portion 204 to proximal edge 210. Alternatively, proximal panel 261 may only extend part of the way to proximal edge 210, and/or distal panel 260 may only extend part of the way to distal edge 220.

Distal and proximal panels may be made from a textile material, a hard plastic, or a combination of the two.

As described above, proximal panel 261 and distal panel 260 may have four edges. Three of these edges of each panel may be removably attachable to body 200, whilst the fourth edge, which is the edge closest to the base portion 201 of body 200, is affixed to body 200. Each panel is fitted with a zip along the three removable attachable edges, and one or two zip sliders 263 that can travel along the three removable edges to allow these edges to be removably attached to the body.

As illustrated by Fig. 2A, Body 200 comprises two panel locking systems 262 which may be used to prevent unauthorised opening of the panels and access to the contents of suitcase 20. One panel locking system locks distal panel 260, and one panel locking system 262 locks proximal panel 261. Each panel locking system 262 is mounted to top portion 204 of body 200 and positioned next to the edge of its respective panel which is closest to the centre of the top portion 204. Each locking system 262 may receive a protrusion on each of its respective zip sliders 263 and lock to the protrusion to prevent unauthorised movement of the zip sliders 263 and opening of the panels 260 and 261. A locking system 262 may unlock and disengage from its zip sliders 263 when a code is entered or when a key is inserted in the locking system 262,

General Remarks

While the preceding description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as examples of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Glossary of Reference Numerals used in Figures 10: Suitcase 100: Body 101: Base portion 102: Side portion 104: Top portion 109: Lower side edge 110: Proximal edge 111: Proximal edge comer 120: Distal edge 121: Distal edge comer 130: Distal wheel 132: Proximal wheel 140: Handle assembly 141: Attachment arm 143: Attachment arm 145: Bridging piece H1: Height L1: Length W1: Width 20: Suitcase 200: Body 201: Base portion 202: Side portion 203: Side portion 204: Top portion 205: First surface 206: First surface 207: Groove 210: Proximal edge 211: Proximal edge corner 212: Proximal edge midpoint 220: Distal edge 221: Distal edge comer 222: Distal edge midpoint 230: Distal wheel 232: Proximal wheel 235: Wheel connection piece 236: Axle 240: Handle Assembly 241: Attachment arm 242: First end 243: Attachment arm 244: First end 245: Bridging Piece 246: Connection 247: Second End 250: Button 260: Distal Panel 261: Proximal Panel 262: Panel Locking System 263: Zip slider D: Direction in which attachment arms extend W: Wheel plane A: Foot clearance B: Height of the bridging piece C: Ground clearance P: Proximal plane CP: Centre plane H2: Height L2: Length W2: Width

Claims (61)

Claims

1. A suitcase (20), comprising: a body (200) comprising a base portion (201), two opposing side portions (202, 203) and a top portion (204), wherein the base portion has a proximal edge (210) and a distal edge (220); at least one distal wheel (230) connected to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion; at least one proximal wheel (232) connected to the body at or adjacent the proximal edge of the base portion; and a handle assembly (240) comprising two attachment arms (241, 243) and a bridging piece (245), wherein a first end (242, 244) of each attachment arm has a connection (246) to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion, and the bridging piece is connected to a second end (247) of each attachment arm, wherein one attachment arm extends from its connection along a first surface (205) of one side portion (202), and the other attachment arm extends from its connection along a first surface (206) of the other side portion (203), and both attachment arms extend in a direction (D) which is both towards the top portion of the body and towards the proximal edge of the base portion.

2. The suitcase of claim 1, wherein the suitcase comprises a second distal wheel (230) connected to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion or a second proximal wheel (232) connected to the body at or adjacent the proximal edge of the base portion.

3. The suitcase of claim 1, wherein the suitcase comprises a second distal wheel (230) connected to the body at or adjacent the distal edge of the base portion and a second proximal wheel (232) connected to the body at or adjacent the proximal edge of the base portion.

4. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a distal edge corner (221) at each end of the distal edge of the base portion, and a proximal edge comer (211) at each end of the proximal edge of the base portion.

5. The suitcase of claim 3, wherein the body comprises a distal edge corner (221) at each end of the distal edge of the base portion and a proximal edge comer (211) at each end of the proximal edge of the base portion, wherein one of the distal wheels is connected to the body at or adjacent one of the distal edge corners and the other distal wheel is connected to the body at or adjacent the other of the distal edge comers, and wherein one of the proximal wheels is connected to the body at or adjacent one of the proximal edge comers and the other proximal wheel is connected to the body at or adjacent the other of the proximal edge comers.

6. The suitcase of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the connection of one of the attachment arms is at or adjacent one of the distal edge comers and the connection of the other of the attachment arms is at or adjacent the other of the distal edge comers.

7. The suitcase of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the connection of one of the attachment arms is immediately above one of the distal wheels, wherein the connection of the other of the attachment arms is immediately above the other of the distal wheels.

8. The suitcase of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the connection of one of the attachment arms is immediately proximal to one of the distal wheels, wherein the connection of the other of the attachment arms is immediately proximal to the other of the distal wheels.

9. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the height (H2) of the suitcase is less than the length (L2) of the suitcase.

10. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein each side portion has a groove (207) in its first surface, wherein each attachment arm extends from its respective connection along the groove in the first surface of its respective side portion.

11. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein an angle between each attachment arm and the base portion is between 35 and 60 degrees.

12. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the handle assembly is configured to rotate about the connections so that an angle between the attachment arms and the base portion can be varied between 35 and 60 degrees.

13. The suitcase of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the angle between each attachment arm and the base portion cannot be changed, and is preferably 45 degrees.

14. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein a wheel plane (W) is defined with respect to the body as the plane that would contain the contact points (234) between a fiat surface and each of the proximal and distal wheels.

15. The suitcase of claim 14, wherein an angle between each attachment arm and the wheel plane is between 35 and 60 degrees.

16. The suitcase of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the handle assembly is configured to rotate about the connections so that an angle between the attachment arms and the wheel plane can be varied between 35 and 60 degrees.

17. The suitcase of claim 14, wherein the angle between each attachment arm and the wheel plane cannot be changed, and is preferably 45 degrees.

18. The suitcase of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein a centre plane (CP) is defined as the plane perpendicular to the wheel plane that contains the midpoint of the distal edge (222) of the base portion and the midpoint of the proximal edge (212) of the base portion.

19. The suitcase of claim 18, wherein the suitcase is symmetrical about the centre plane.

20. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein each attachment arm is comprised of multiple telescopic bars to allow the length of the attachment arms to be changed.

21. The suitcase of claim 20, wherein each attachment arm is formed from 2, 3, 4 or 5 telescopic bars.

22. The suitcase of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the length of the attachment arms can be changed between a minimum length in which the bridging piece is distal to the proximal edge of the base portion, and a maximum length in which the bridging piece is above the top portion of the body and proximal to the proximal edge of the base portion.

23. The suitcase of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each attachment arm comprises an arm locking system, wherein each arm locking system can be engaged to prevent its respective attachment arm from changing length, wherein both arm locking systems can be engaged or disengaged by a button (250) on the bridging piece.

24. The suitcase of any one of claims 20 to 23 when dependent on claim 18, wherein when the attachment arms are at their maximum length, a proximal plane (P) is defined as the plane that is perpendicular to both the wheel plane and the centre plane through the distal most point on the bridging piece, and the shortest distance (A) between the proximal plane and the proximal edge of the base portion is between 20 cm to 35 cm.

25. The suitcase of any one of claims 20 to 24 when dependent on claim 14, wherein when the attachment arms are at their maximum length, the shortest distance (B) between a point on the bridging piece and the wheel plane is between 90 cm and 110 cm.

26. The suitcase of any one of claims 14 to 19, or any one of claims 20 to 25 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the shortest distance (C) between the wheel plane and a point on the base portion is at least 45 mm.

27. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein each distal wheel is connected to the body through a wheel connection piece (235) which can swivel with respect to the body.

28. The suitcase of claim 27, wherein each wheel connection piece is a swivelling bogie.

29. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein each proximal wheel is mounted to a respective axle (236), wherein each of the axles passes through the body.

30. The suitcase of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein each proximal wheel is mounted on the same axle (236), wherein the axle passes through the body.

31. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of each proximal wheel is between 50 mm and 140 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 140 mm, and more preferably between 90 mm and 120 mm,

32. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of each distal wheel is between 40 mm and 140 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 125 mm, and more preferably between 60 mm and 110 mm.

33. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the side portions of the body are made from hard plastic side panels.

34. The suitcase of claim 33, wherein the hard plastic side panels contain ridges.

35. The suitcase of claim 34, wherein each ridge comprises a portion extending in a direction between 35 and 60 degrees to the base portion,

36. The suitcase of claim 35, wherein each ridge further comprises a second portion extending at 90 degrees to the first portion.

37. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the top portion of the body comprises or consists of a textile material or a hard plastic material.

38. The suitcase of claim 37, wherein the material is attached to the remainder of the body using screws or dips or stitching.

39. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises at least one panel.

40. The suitcase of claim 39, wherein at least one edge of the panel is removably attachable to the body to provide selective access to an interior of the body.

41. The suitcase of claim 40, further comprising a panel locking system (262), wherein the panel locking system is lockable to prevent the at least one edge of the panel from being detached from the body of the suitcase without a key or a code.

42. The suitcase of claim 40 or 41, wherein the at least one edge is removably attachable to the body with a zip (263).

43. The suitcase of any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the at least one panel comprises a distal panel (260) and a proximal panel (261), wherein the distal panel extends from a centre of the top portion towards the distal edge of the base portion, and wherein the proximal panel extends from the centre of the top portion towards the proximal edge of the base portion.

44. The suitcase of claim 43, wherein the distal panel extends to the distal edge of the base portion, and the proximal panel extends to the proximal edge of the base portion.

45. The suitcase of claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the distal panel and the proximal panel are made from a textile material.

46. The suitcase of claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the distal panel and the proximal panel are made from a hard plastic material.

47. The suitcase of any preceding claim, further comprising a braking system, wherein the braking system is operable to prevent at least one of the wheels from rotating with respect to the body.

48. The suitcase of claim 47, wherein the braking system is operable by a button on the bridging piece.

49. The suitcase of claim 47, wherein the braking system is operable by a button mounted on a wheel.

50. The suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the first surface of each side portion is an external surface of that side portion.

51. The suitcase of any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the first surface of each side portion is an internal surface of that side portion.

52. The suitcase of any one of claims 18 to 51, wherein the longest distance perpendicular to the wheel plane between a point on the top portion and the wheel plane is the height (H2), and the longest distance parallel to the centre plane and parallel to the wheel plane between a point on a proximal end of the body and a point on a distal end of the body is the length (L2).

53. The suitcase of claim 52, wherein the height is less than the length.

54. The suitcase of claim 52 or claim 53, wherein the longest distance perpendicular to the centre plane between a point on one of the side portions and a point of the other of the side portions is the width (W2).

55. The suitcase of claim 54, wherein the sum of the length, height and width of the suitcase is not more than 158 cm.

56. The suitcase of claim 54, wherein the length is between 50 cm and 58 cm, the width is between 18 cm and 30 cm, and the height is between 35 cm and 45 cm.

57. The suitcase of claim 54, wherein the length is less than 55 cm, the width is less than 20 cm, and the height is less than 40 cm.

58. An assembly comprising a first suitcase and a second suitcase, the first suitcase being a suitcase of any preceding claim and the second suitcase being a suitcase of any preceding claim, wherein the first suitcase further comprises first fastening means mounted to the top portion of the body, wherein the second suitcase further comprises second fastening means, wherein the first and second fastening means are configured to reversibly fasten to each other to allow the second suitcase to be secured to the first suitcase.

59. The assembly of claim 58, wherein the first and second fastening means comprise clips or straps.

60. The assembly of claim 58, wherein the first and second fastening means comprise hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®.

61. The assembly of any one of claims 58 to claim 60, wherein the first suitcase is a suitcase of claim 55, and wherein the second suitcase is a suitcase of claim 56 or claim 57.