GB2532925A

GB2532925A - Improvements in luggage

Info

Publication number: GB2532925A
Application number: GB1421021.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Brennand Nicholas; Fiona Brennand Elizabeth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-26
Filing date: 2014-11-26
Publication date: 2016-06-08
Also published as: GB201421021D0

Abstract

An item of luggage 1 which comprises a body 10, at least one pair of wheels 30 mounted on the body 10 and a retractable handle mechanism 40 installed on the body 10, the body 10 comprises access to an enclosure (20, fig.3) defined by a back panel (11, fig.2) , a front panel 12 and two narrower side panels 13, 14 extending between a bottom panel 15 and a top panel 16 , wherein the retractable handle mechanism 40 is installed on one of said narrower side panels 13 or 14 of the body 10. The handle mechanism 40 may comprise a handle 41and a housing 45, the handle may comprise a grip 42 and at least one retractable leg 43 and the housing may comprise a leg casing (47, fig.3) to receive the, or each, leg 43. The leg casing (47, fig.3) may be mounted against an inner face (23, fig.3) of the narrower side panel 13 and the leg casing may be biased towards edges of the narrower side panel.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN LUGGAGE

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of luggage. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention concerns cabin luggage.

Description of the Related Art

The size and weight restrictions on 'cabin luggage' (hand baggage) often varies between airlines.

Typically, an airline will let a passenger stow a bag in the cabin that is up to 55cm tall, 40 cm wide and 20 cm deep. These dimensions are not the sizes of the empty bag when bought, but relate to the largest dimensions when the bag is fully packed including the handles, wheels and any other protruding parts.

For example, Ryan Air will allow one cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, whilst British Airways will allow one cabin bag weighing up to 23 kg with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. However across the most popular airlines, dimensions range from 50 -56 cm in length, 35 -45 cm in width and 20-25 cm in depth.

Another complication is introduced with differing restrictions relating to the weight of the cabin baggage. Whilst some airlines will allow a passenger to stow anything that they can comfortably lift, others will apply a 5 kg restriction.

In the event that the cabin luggage does not comply with one or both of the maximum dimensions or the maximum weight, many passengers can find themselves presented with a hefty fine at the boarding gate, if not before.

Due to extra charges on overweight luggage for the hold, most flyers will want to maximise the weight and the volume of items that they can take into the cabin with them on a particular trip.

With cabin luggage currently on the market, in order for a passenger to gain the largest internal volume in their cabin baggage for a particular trip, they would need to acquire a bag that equals the maximum dimensions for the particular airline that they are travelling with. Accordingly, across a number of trips, a differently dimensioned bag or case would be required for almost every trip on a different airline.

With many of the known cabin cases or bags on the market, at least one pair of wheels is standard along with a retractable handle that can be collapsed into a body of the case or bag by employing a telescopic handle. For optimum balance when towing the bag or case, the handle is usually arranged to extend from an upper or top wall of the body. The handle is typically stowed in a housing incorporated into a rear wide wall of the case or bag. To minimise external protrusions on the case or bag, known designs provide the handle housing mounted centrally on an inner face of the rear wall, within the internal volume of the case or bag. The handle usually has either a single telescopic leg mounted centrally on the rear wall, or a pair of telescopic legs that interrupt the inner face of the rear wall. For maximum stability, especially where the body is flexible, the handle housing is rigid and extends across the full length of the inner face of the rear wall to the base of the case or bag. The housing minimises damage to the retractable handle being received therein. However, by having the handle mounted on the rear wall it is positioned for best balance when towing the case, but the handle housing protrudes significantly into the useful internal volume of the case by inconveniently interrupting the flat inner face of the rear wall which functions as the primary packing base.

Accordingly, another common problem with cabin luggage relates to the unavailable internal volume that is occupied and impacted upon by handle housings mounted on rear wide walls of a case of bag.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the problems of the prior art as discussed herein or otherwise.

Therefore, it is now desired to provide cabin luggage that complies with the dimension restrictions of a majority of the airlines (particularly UK airlines), whilst maximising on internal space and volume.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of luggage comprising a body, at least one pair of wheels mounted on the body and a retractable handle mechanism installed on the body, the body comprising access to an enclosure defined by a back panel. a front panel and two narrower side panels extending between a bottom panel and a top panel, wherein the retractable handle mechanism is installed on one of said narrower side panels of the body.

By 'luggage', what is meant is s tea, es bags in which to pack personal belongings for travelling.

By 'narrower side panel' what is meant is a pane that is narrower in width than the adjacent front and back panels.

By access what:s meant is a m a s of access 1C1 the enclosure.

With this arrangement, the retractable handle mechanism is installed on a narrower side panel of the body, such that the mechanism is present on an innes side of the narrow panel within the internal volume of the case or bag. Accordingly, the handle me,chanism does not interrupt the primary packing base (which is the wider rear wall of the luggage) and so, does not protrude significantly into the useful internal volume (enclosure) of the luggage.

Preferably, the retractable handle mechanism is installed on one of said narrower side panels of the body substantially within the enclosure. By this what is meant is, whilst the handle mechanism is operable from outside the enclosure, the majority of the handle mechanism is contained within the bounds of the body and within the enclosure.

Preferably, the handle mechanism comprises a handle and a housing. Preferably, the handle comprises a grip and at least one retractable leg. Preferably, the handle comprises a pair of legs.

Preferably, the housing comprises a leg casing to receive the, or each, leg. Preferably, a leg casing is provided for each leg. Preferably, the leg casing(s) is(are) mounted against an inner face of the narrower side panel. Preferably, leg casing(s) is(are) biased towards edges of the narrower side panel. Most preferably, the leg casing(s) is(are) arranged adjacent a panel junction with the respective rear or front panel. Preferably, therefore, the handle comprises an outer width dimension that is just shorter than the width of the side panel.

Preferably, the leg casing(s) extend from the top panel part-way down the side panel. Preferably, the leg casing(s) extend between approximately 25% and approximately 60% of the way down the side panel. Most preferably, the leg casing(s) extend(s) up to approximately 30-35% of the way down the side panel.

Preferably, the leg casing(s) is(are) a snug fit with the respective legs.

Preferably, the housing further comprises a grip hollow to receive the grip. Preferably, the grip hollow is sunken into the top panel of the luggage. The grip hollow may substantially comprise an open top channel in the top panel. Alternatively, the grip hollow may comprise an open-top to the top panel and an open side to the side panel.

Preferably, the item of luggage is an item of cabin luggage. The luggage may comprise an external height of approximately between 50 cm and 56 cm including the wheels. The luggage may comprise an external width of approximately between 35 cm and 45 cm. The luggage may comprise an external depth of approximately between 20 cm and 25 cm. Preferably, the luggage comprises an external height of approximately between 50 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm. The external dimensions given are intended to be maximum dimensions where the luggage is collapsible. With this arrangement, the external dimensions of the case will comply with the maximum cabin luggage dimensions provided by a large proportion of UK airlines and a number of other airlines.

Taking into account the wheels, accordingly, the body may comprise an external height of approximately between 47 cm and 53 cm. The body may comprise an external width of approximately between 35 cm and 45 cm. The body may comprise an external depth of approximately between 20 cm and 25 cm. Most preferably, the body comprises an external height of approximately 47 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm.

Preferably, the each of the panels are substantially straight-edged with substantially 90° corners therebetween. Preferably, the panels are uncurved in the corners. Preferably therefore, the body is substantially cuboid.

Preferably, the enclosure shape mirrors the shape of the body, which is also substantially rectangular with deep corners. Preferably, therefore, the enclosure comprises maximum internal dimensions similar to the maximum external dimensions taking into account the thickness of the panels.

With this arrangement, the internal volume of the enclosure can be maximised providing an internal volume and packing capacity of up to approximately 30.2 litres, where comparative case of the same size will often only provide approximately 23-24 litres.

Preferably, the body comprises at least one rigid panel. Preferably, the bottom panel and the side panel with the handle mechanism are rigid. Most preferably, the whole body comprises rigid panels. Preferably, the body is moulded from plastics or other suitable rigid material. The body may bc moulded from any onc of polycarbonatc, polypropylene, ABS or any othcr suitable material.

Preferably, the front panel comprises access to the enclosure. Preferably therefore, the front panel comprises a lid, which may comprise a closing mechanism around three sides. Preferably however, the front panel provides a narrow peripheral lip and a hinged lid.

The closing mechanism may comprise a zip using a flexible web attached to the lip and the lid. Alternatively, the closing mechanism may comprise a clasp between the lip and the lid.

The hinge may comprise a flexible web or moving components.

Preferably, the handle is telescopic The handle may be a full-sized handle or a truncated handle.

Preferably, the at least one pair of wheels are mounted on or adjacent the bottom panel. Most preferably, the wheels are mounted on the bottom panel.

Preferably, there are two pairs of wheels, with each wheel being distributed at or proximal to the four corners of the bottom panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of an item of luggage according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the luggage of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective front internal view the luggage of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a plan view of the luggage of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective partial view of a first handle mechanism according to Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective partial view of an alternative handle mechanism according to the invention; and Figure 7 is a plan view of the alternative handle mechanism of Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS According to Figure 1, there is provided an item of luggage 1 comprising a body 10, at least one pair of wheels 30 mounted on the body 10 and a retractable handle mechanism 40 installed on the body 10, the body 10 comprising access to an enclosure 20 defined by a back panel 11, a front panel 12 and two narrower side panels 13, 14 extending between a bottom panel 15 and a top panel 16, wherein the retractable handle mechanism 40 is installed on one of said narrower side panels 13 of the body 10.

The body 10 is substantially cuboid in external shape, with each of the panels 11 -16 being substantially rectangular and straight-edged with approximately 90° corners. This is of course the case when either the enclosure is full to a maximum capacity (in the event of the body 10 being partially-/constructed from a soft or flexible material), or a permanent state (in the event of the body 10 being constructed from a rigid material).

Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the body comprises rigid panels 11 -16, with the back panel 11, side panels 13, 14, bottom panel 15 and top panel 16 being moulded as a single unit. The front panel 12 comprises a rigid peripheral lip 12a that is moulded with the surrounding panels 11, 13-16 and a rigid lid 12b that is hingedly connected to a side panel 13 via a standard hinge 17 used on rigid cases. However, it is to be appreciated that some or all of the panels may be 'soft panels supported by a frame, or some or all of the panels may be 'soft' and collapsible.

The lid 12b is closed, by a zipped closing mechanism 18 around three sides.

The body 10 is moulded from plastics or other suitable rigid material. In a preferred embodiment, the body 10 is moulded from polycarbonate, polypropylene, ABS, or any other suitable material.

The enclosure 20 mirrors the shape of the body 10, which is also substantially cuboidal with deep corners. Taking into account the thickness of the panels 11 -16, the enclosure comprises maximum internal dimensions similar to a maximum external dimensions of the body 10.

With the cuboidal shape and omission of any rounded or curved corners on the body 10, the internal volume of the enclosure 20 can be maximised.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the handle mechanism 40 comprises a handle 41 and a housing 45. Preferably, the handle 41 comprises a grip 42 two retractable legs 43.

The housing 45 is integrated into the body of the luggage 1 and comprises two elongate hollow leg casings 47 disposed towards the edges of the side panel 13 inside the enclosure 20. Accordingly, the leg casings 47 are mounted on an inner surface 23 of the side panel 13 within the enclosure 20 extending downwardly from the top panel 16 towards the bottom panel 15. However, the leg casings 47 only extend a proportion of the way down the inner surface 23 of the side panel 13.

The top of the casings 47 are open and connected to a grip hollow 46, which bridges between the two casings 47. The grip hollow 46 is sunken into the top panel 16 of the body 10.

As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the grip hollow 46 comprises an open-topped, closed-sided channel in the top panel 16 with two apertures in a base thereof for communicating with the leg casings 47. In this embodiment, the grip 42 is able to sit within the channel 46 and is accessed from above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the casings 47 are shown to be substantially cuboidal in shape, although the internal shape will typically mirror the profile of the legs 43 and the external shape will be dictated by the optimal shape for the best volume.

The alternative embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 provides a grip hollow 56 with an open-topped, open sided channel in the top panel 16 with two apertures in a base thereof for again communicating with the leg casings 47. In this embodiment, the grip 42 is able to sit within the channel 56 and is accessed from above and from the side for ease. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the casings 47 are shown to be substantially cylindrical in shape, which is thought to be a better space-saving option externally. However, again, the internal shape will typically mirror the profile of the legs 43.

In order to provide an item of luggage 1 for airline cabin use on a variety of UK airlines, the luggage 1 comprises an external height of approximately 50 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm. The housing 45 for the handle mechanism 40 is provided wholly within these dimensions against the side panel 13 and so, does not add to the dimensions once the handle is retracted fully into the housing 45. Furthermore, the wheels 30 are partly inset into the body 10 between the bottom panel 15 and the side panel 13 to protrude only 3 cm below the bottom panel of the body 10.

It is to be appreciated that four wheels (2 pairs of wheels 30) may also be provided on the bottom panel 15 of the body 11. This is especially anticipated for larger dimensioned items of luggage intended for hold luggage.

With the above external dimensions, the body 10 comprises an external height of approximately 47 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm. This provides a total internal volume of approximately 0.0329 m3 or 32.9 litres. The housing 45 for the handle mechanism 40 extends between approximately 15 cm and 25 cm along the outer edges of the inner surface 23 of the side panel 13 and with the sunken grip hollow 46, is expected to occupy approximately 0.0027 m3 or 2.7 litres. Therefore, with such an embodiment, a useable internal packing volume of approximately 0.0302 m3 or 30.2 litres is achieved.

However, it is appreciated that in a different embodiment, the handle housing 45 may extend the full length of the outer edges of the inner surface 23 of the side panel 13.

It is also appreciated that larger sized luggage items intended as hold luggage may also be provided with one or all of the above described space and volume saving measures integrated therein, including the position of the handle 41 on a side panel of the luggage, the truncated handle housing and uncurved corners on the luggage.

Since the handle mechanism 40 does not interrupt the primary packing base (which is the wider rear panel 11 of the body), it does not protrude significantly into the useful internal volume (enclosure 20). A further gain in useable nterna!volume is achieved by stunting the housing 45 of the handle mechanism 40 and making the most of the external dimensions of the luggage, by providing a cuboidal shape with full corners.

In use, the luggage 1 has extern& dimensions that satisfy the majority, if not all of the UK airlines, whilst providing the passenger with what is expected to be approximately a 22% increase in infernal (packing) volume within the enclosure 20.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSAn item of luggage comprising a body, at least one pair of wheels mounted on the body and a retractable handle mechanism installed on the body, the body comprising access to an enclosure defined by a back panel, a front panel and two narrower side panels extending between a bottom panel and a top panel, wherein the retractable handle mechanism is installed on one of said narrower side panels of the body.
2. An:tern of luggage according claim 1, wherein the handle mechanism comprises a handle and a housing.
3. An item of luggage according claim 2, wherein the handle comprises a grip and at least one retractable leg.
4. An:tern of luggage according to claim 3, wherein the handle comprises a pair of legs.
5. An item n of luggage according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the housing comprises a leg casing to receive the, or each, leg.
6. An item of luggage according to claim 5, wherein the leg casing(s) is(are) mounted against an inner face of the narrower side panel.
7. An item of luggage according to claim 6, wherein the leg casing(s) is(are) biased towards edges of the narrower side panel.
8. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the leg casing(s) extend from the top panel part-way down the side panel.
9. An itern of luggage according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the leg casing(s) extend between 25% and 60% of the way down the side panel.
10. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the housing further comprises a grip hollow to receive the grip.
11. An item of luggage according to claim 10, wherein the grip hollow is sunken into the top panel of the luggage.
12. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 'I oil therein, the item of luggage is an item of cabin luggage.
13. An item of luggage according to any one of claims o 12, wherein the luggage comprises an external height of approximately between 50 cm and 56 cm including the wheels.
14. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein luggage comprises an external width of approximately between 35 cm and 45 cm.
15. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein luggage comprises an external depth of approximately between 20 cm and 25 cm.
16. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the luggage comprises an external height of approximately between 50 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm.
17. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body comprises an external height of approximately between 47 cm and 53 cm.
18. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein body comprises an external width of approximately between 35 cm and 45 cm.
19. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, where n body comprises an external depth of approximately between 20 cm and 25 cm.
20. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the body comprises an external height of approximately 47 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm.
21. An item of luggade according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein each of the panels are substantially straight-edged with substantially 90° corners therebetween.
22. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the panels are uncurved in the corners and the body is substantially cuboid.
23. An item of luggage according claim 22, wherein the enclosure shape mirrors the shape of the body, which is also substantially rectangular with deep corners.
24. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the whole body comprises rigid panels.
25. An item of luggage according to any one of claims to 2, wherein the body is moulded from plastics or other suitable rigid material.
26. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the front panel comprises access to the enclosure.
27. An item of luggage according to claim 26, wherein the front panel comprises a lid comprising a closing mechanism around three sides.
28. An item of luggage according to claim 2, wherein the handle is telescopic.
29. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the at least one pair of wheels is mounted on or adjacent the bottom panel.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:CLAIMS1. An item of luggage comprising a body, at least one pair of wheels mounted on the body and a retractable handle mechanism installed on the body, the body comprising access to an enclosure defined by a back panel, a front panel and two narrower side panels extending between a bottom panel and a top panel, the retractable handle mechanism being installed on one of said narrower side panels of the body, the handle mechanism comprising a handle and a housing, the handle comprising a grip and at least one retractable leg and the housing comprising a leg casing to receive the, or each, leg, wherein the leg casing(s) is(are) mounted against an inner face of the narrower side panel and the leg casing(s) is(are) biased towards edges of the narrower side panel.2. An item of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a pair of legs.3. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the leg casing(s) extend from the top panel part-way down the side panel.4. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the leg casing(s) extend between 25% and 60% of the way down the side panel.5. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing further comprises a grip hollow to receive the grip.6. An item of luggage according to claim 5, wherein the grip hollow is sunken into the top panel of the luggage.CO 7. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the item of luggage O is an item of cabin luggage.8. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the luggage comprises o an external height of approximately between 50 cm and 56 cm including the wheels.9. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein luggage comprises an external width of approximately between 35 cm and 45 cm.10. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein luggage comprises an external depth of approximately between 20 cm and 25 cm.11. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the luggage comprises an external height of approximately between 50 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm.12. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body comprises an external height of approximately between 47 cm and 53 cm.13. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein body comprises an external width of approximately between 35 cm and 45 cm.14. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein body comprises an external depth of approximately between 20 cm and 25 cm.15. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises an external height of approximately 47 cm, an external width of approximately 35 cm and an external depth of approximately 20 cm.16. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the panels are substantially straight-edged with substantially 90° corners therebetween.17. An:tern of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the panels are uncurved in the corners and the body is substantially cuboid.18. An item of luggage according claim 17, wherein the enclosure shape mirrors the shape of the body, which is also substantially rectangular with deep corners.19. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the whole body comprises rigid panels.20. An item of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the body is moulded from plastics or other suitable rigid material.21. An item of luggage according to any one of clams 1 to 20, wherein the front panel comprises access to the enclosure.22. An item of luggage according to claim 21, wherein the front panel comprises a lid comprising a closing mechanism around three sides.23. An item of luggage according to claim 1, wherein the handle is telescopic 24. An itern of luggage according to any one of claims 1 to 23. wherein the at least one pair of wheels is mounted on or adjacent the bottom panel.CO