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(11) | EP 4 559 354 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | ADJUSTABLE LUGGAGE CASE |
| (57) The luggage case (100) includes a base portion (120) including an extendable tow
handle (180), and a soft sided portion (130) coupled to the base portion (120) and
together defining an internal volume (160) of the luggage case (100). The soft sided
portion (130) includes two or more straps (138, 140, 142) positioned on a rear side
(110) of the soft sided portion (130) in a spaced apart configuration, and the soft
sided portion (130) is configured to transition between a rolled configuration (202,
208, 210, 212, 214, 220) and an unrolled configuration (200) thereby varying the internal
volume (160) of the luggage case (100). At least one of the two or more straps (138,
140, 142) selectively engages the extendable tow handle (180) when the extendable
tow handle (180) is extended to couple the soft sided portion (130) to the extendable
tow handle (180) to selectively support the soft sided portion (130).
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to an adjustable luggage case configured to adjust in size and/or height. The invention specifically relates to a roll top luggage case having a soft sided portion and a rigid or semi-rigid base portion.
[0002] Existing luggage cases are typically hard sided or soft sided or a hybrid of the two. Hard sided cases, while providing increased protection for bags, have limited to no ability to change a storage capacity of an internal volume. As a result, hard sided bags take up large amounts of space even when not filled to their full capacity. Further, hard sided bags may allow contents to shift inside the container when not filled to their full capacity. Soft sided bags, in contrast, may offer less protection and are often difficult to move. For example, soft sided bags must often be carried. Some soft sided bags may include wheels, partial frames or handle assemblies making the soft sided bags easier to move, but again may allow contents to shift inside the container when not filled to their full capacity.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a luggage case that may change either or both an internal size capacity and an external size of the bag.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one example of the present disclosure, a luggage case is disclosed. The luggage case includes a base portion including an extendable tow handle, and a soft sided portion coupled to the base portion and together defining an internal volume of the luggage case. The soft sided portion includes two or more straps positioned on a rear side of the soft sided portion in a spaced apart configuration, and the soft sided portion is configured to transition between a rolled configuration and an unrolled configuration thereby varying the internal volume of the luggage case. At least one of the two or more straps selectively engages the extendable tow handle when the extendable tow handle is extended to couple the soft sided portion to the extendable tow handle to selectively support the soft sided portion.
[0005] In some examples, the luggage case includes a roll top with an opening for selectively accessing the internal volume of the luggage case, and the roll top opening provides access to the internal volume in the unrolled configuration.
[0006] In some examples, wherein the opening defined by the roll top is positioned at a top of the soft sided portion in the unrolled configuration.
[0007] In some examples, the luggage case includes a closure assembly extending from the base portion to the soft sided portion, and the internal volume is selectively accessible by the closure assembly in the rolled configuration and the unrolled configurations.
[0008] In some examples, the luggage case includes two or more roll engagement features positioned adjacent the roll top opening to selectively close the roll top opening in the rolled configuration.
[0009] In some examples, the luggage case includes two or more loop features extending from a side of the soft sided portion to the base portion and engageable with the roll engagement features.
[0010] In some examples, the two or more roll engagement features are coupled to the loop features to maintain the luggage case in the rolled configuration.
[0011] In some examples, the two or more loop features define a plurality of paired apertures, and the two or more roll engagement features are coupled to the paired apertures to maintain the luggage case in the rolled configuration.
[0012] In some examples, the two or more roll engagement features are coupled together to define a pull or carry handle.
[0014] In some examples, the luggage case is configurable into one or more rolled configurations, each of the one or more rolled configurations changing a capacity of the internal volume.
[0015] In some examples, the one or more rolled configurations each define one or more storage capacities corresponding to one or more of a cargo size, a check in size, a carry on size, an under seat size, or a flat pack size.
[0016] In some examples, the base portion further includes a bottom portion, and a rear base portion extending from the bottom portion.
[0017] In some examples, the bottom portion and the rear base portion are coupled at an intersection, and the base portion is foldable about the intersection.
[0018] In some examples, the base portion includes a second strap extending from one of the bottom portion or the rear base portion and coupled to the other of the bottom portion and the rear base portion, and the second strap retains the luggage case in a folded configuration.
[0019] In some examples, the luggage case includes two or more wheel assemblies coupled to the base portion.
[0020] In some examples, the two or more wheel assemblies include a first portion coupled to the bottom portion and a second portion coupled to the rear base portion, and the two or more wheel assemblies are foldable about the intersection.
[0021] In some examples, either or both the bottom portion or the rear base portion are rigid or semi-rigid.
[0023] In some examples, a front panel is defined by the soft sided portion, and the closure assembly extends around a periphery of the front panel from the roll top to adjacent the base portion.
[0024] In some examples, the closure assembly is U-shaped and extends along corresponding long sides of the luggage case and between the long sides at or adjacent the bottom of the luggage case.
[0025] In some examples, the closure assembly is U-shaped and includes a base extending across a portion of the width of the luggage case, and the base of the U-shaped closure assembly is positioned at or adjacent the base portion of the luggage case. In some examples, the base extends across a portion of the width of a front panel of the luggage case.
[0029] In some examples, the base portion further comprises a tow handle pocket, and the extendable tow handle is received in the tow handle pocket.
[0030] In some examples, at least a first capacity of the internal volume is defined when at least two of the two or more straps are engaged with the extendable tow handle.
[0031] In some examples, at least a second capacity of the internal volume is defined when one of the two or more straps is engaged with the extendable tow handle.
[0033] In some examples, at least a third capacity of the internal volume is defined when none of the at least two or more straps are selectively engaged with the extendable tow handle.
[0034] In some examples, the third capacity is less than the first capacity and the second supported capacity.
[0035] In one example, a luggage case is disclosed. The luggage case includes a base portion and a soft sided portion coupled to the base portion and together defines an internal volume of the luggage case, wherein the soft sided portion is configured to transition between a rolled configuration and an unrolled configuration thereby varying the internal volume of the luggage case. The soft sided portion includes a front panel including a closure assembly extending around a portion of the front panel from the base portion to the soft sided portion. The internal volume is selectively accessible by the closure assembly in the rolled configuration and the unrolled configuration.
[0036] In some examples, the soft sided portion further includes two or more straps positioned on a rear side of the soft sided portion in a spaced apart configuration.
[0037] In some examples, the luggage case includes an extendable tow handle coupled to the base portion.
[0038] In some examples, the two or more straps selectively engage the extendable tow handle when the extendable tow handle and the soft sided portion are extended to couple the soft sided portion to the extendable tow handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039]
FIG. 1A shows front-right perspective view of an example luggage case including a soft sided portion and a base portion.
FIG. 1B shows a rear-left perspective view of the example luggage case in a second rolled configuration.
FIG. 2 shows top perspective view of the example luggage case in an unrolled or open configuration.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the example luggage case with a U-shaped closure assembly in an open configuration.
FIG. 4A shows a front elevation view of the example luggage case in an example unrolled configuration.
FIG. 4B shows a front elevation view of the example luggage case in a first rolled configuration.
FIG. 4C shows a front elevation view of the example luggage case in a second rolled configuration.
FIG. 4D shows a front elevation view of the example luggage case in a third rolled configuration.
FIG. 4E shows a front elevation view of the example luggage case in a fourth rolled configuration.
FIG. 4F shows a front elevation view of the example luggage case in a compact configuration within a pouch.
FIG. 5A shows a rear elevation view of the example luggage case of FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5B shows a rear elevation view of the example luggage case of FIG. 4D.
FIG. 5C shows a rear elevation view of the example luggage case of FIG. 4E.
FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the example compact configuration of the luggage case of FIG. 4F.
FIG. 6B shows a close up view of the wheel assembly depicted in FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present application discloses a luggage case including a soft sided portion and a base portion. The base portion may be a rigid or semi-rigid portion. The luggage case may transition between two or more configurations to selectively change a size or capacity of an internal volume defined by the soft sided portion and the base portion. The two or more configurations may also selectively change an external size or height of the luggage case. Accordingly, a luggage case that may be selectively arranged for a variety of volumes is disclosed.
[0041] The base portion is positioned at or defines a bottom portion of the luggage case. One or more wheel assemblies or support structures configured to engage the ground are attached to or extend from the bottom portion of the luggage case. The base portion also includes a rear base portion extending from the bottom portion. The rear base portion may be positioned on a rear of the luggage case. The base portion may be at least partially rigid or semi-rigid. The base portion may define an frame or support structure of the luggage case. The luggage case may also include an extendable tow handle. The extendable tow handle may include at least one down tube that is retractable into or extendable from a handle support structure in the base portion.
[0042] The soft sided portion is made of a flexible material. The soft sided portion extends from and is coupled to the base portion and may define some or all of both the front panel and the rear panel of the luggage case. The soft sided portion includes a roll top. The roll top is positioned opposite the base portion and defines an opening that is selectively closed or opened by rolling or unrolling the roll top between a rolled configuration and an unrolled configuration, respectively. The roll top may also include one or more engagement features to selectively secure the roll top in a rolled configuration. Each rolled configuration may change an internal volume capacity or the external size of the luggage case. That is, by rolling and unrolling the roll top, the internal storage volume is decreased (by rolling) or increased (by unrolling). The engagement features may couple to each other or to reception features positioned along a portion of the luggage case to secure the roll top in one or more rolled configurations. One or more straps, and preferably at least two straps are coupled to or defined by the soft sided portion. The straps are positioned on the rear side of the soft sided portion in a spaced apart configuration relative to each other and to the rear panel of the luggage case.
[0043] The tow handle may be selectively engaged with the soft sided portion to provide structure or rigidity to the soft sided portion. For example, the tow handle may be engaged with or received by the straps. In one example, the down tube(s) of the extendable tow handle may be received in and/or pass through the space defined between the respective strap and the rear panel of the luggage case to provide support to and assist in defining the upper portion in the unrolled configurations. In some examples, the two or more straps may each be selectively engaged with the tow handle to assist in defining a plurality of rolled configurations, each defining a different capacity of the internal volume. That is, the tow handle may be fully extended and pass through the space defined between each strap and the rear side of the soft side portion such that the soft side portion is partially or fully extended.
[0044] In some examples, a U-shaped zipper may extend along or around a periphery of the front panel of the luggage case. The base of the U-shape is positioned at or adjacent the bottom portion of the luggage case. The U-shaped zipper allows access to the internal volume of the luggage case whether the roll top is in the unrolled or a rolled configuration.
[0045] In some examples, the bottom portion of the luggage case may include foldable wheel assemblies. The foldable wheel assemblies may allow rotation or folding between two or more configurations of the luggage case. For example, the wheel assemblies may fold with the luggage case into a more compact or smaller rolled configuration for transport or storage.
[0046] During use, the soft sided portion may transition between an unrolled configuration and a rolled configuration to selectively change the internal or external dimensions of the luggage case. In some examples, the bottom portion may be foldable and the luggage case may be arranged in a compact configuration for transport, storage or placement inside a second luggage case. The various size configurations may correspond to luggage sizes of public transportation services or carriers, such as bus lines, air lines, or train lines. For example, in the context of an airline, the luggage case can be configured in various size configurations corresponding to an oversized duffle, a checked bag, a carry-on bag, a tote or under-seat bag, or a pouch for placement in a second luggage case.
[0047] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of an example luggage case 100. FIG. 1B depicts a rear perspective view of the example luggage case 100. The luggage case 100 may be alternatively referred to as a luggage article, bag, trolley, etc. The luggage case 100 may be a rolling luggage case. The luggage case 100 includes a front side 104 opposite a rear side 106 opposite the front side 104 and, a left side 108 and an opposing right side 110 positioned between the front 104 and rear side 106. The luggage case 100 also includes a top side 112 and an opposing bottom side 114. The luggage case 100 may have a height dimension H, a width dimension W, and a depth dimension D.
[0048] The luggage case 100 includes a soft sided portion 130 and a base portion 120. The soft sided portion 130 and the base portion 120 together define an internal volume 160 of the luggage case 100 to carry or store items. The internal volume 160 can be accessed from the top side 112 through the roll top 132 or the front side 104 via a closure assembly zipper 230, as shown in FIGS. 2 or 3 and discussed more below.
[0049] As can be understood from the figures, the luggage case 100 has one or more rolled configurations as a result of rolling or unrolling the luggage case 100. For example, in FIG. 1A, the luggage case 100 is in a rolled configuration 202. In FIG. 1B, the luggage case 100 is in a second rolled configuration 202 having a more compact configuration or a reduced internal volume 160. FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate additional configurations and are discussed more below. The luggage case 100 transitions between an unrolled configuration 200, depicted in FIG. 2 FIG. 4A and FIG. 5A, and one or more rolled configurations 202 to selectively access the internal volume 160 defined by the soft sided portion 130 and the base portion 120.
[0050] The base portion 120 may define or be positioned along a portion of the rear side 106 and/or the bottom 114 of the luggage case 100. For example, the base portion 120 may include a bottom portion 124 defining or positioned at the bottom side 114 of the luggage case 100. The base portion 120 may include a rear base portion 122 extending up from or generally orthogonal or vertical relative to the bottom portion 124. The rear base portion 122 is positioned along the rear side 106 of the luggage case 100. In one example, the rear base portion 122 defines a portion of the rear side 106 of the luggage case 100. The rear base portion 122 and the bottom portion 124 are hingedly connected at an intersection 126 such that the base portion 120 is foldable. For example, the rear base portion 122 and the bottom portion 124 may foldably rotate about the intersection 126. In some examples, the base portion 120 may be at least partially flexible at the intersection 126.
[0051] The base portion 120 may be a rigid or semi-rigid portion of the luggage case 100. For example, the base portion 120 may include moulded plastic or aluminum features. The rear base portion 122 and the bottom portion 124 may be formed by one or more pieces or panels or frames. For example, the rear base portion 122 and/or the bottom base portion 124 may be integrally molded or defined by two or more coupled panels.
[0052] The soft sided portion 130 may be coupled to, integral with or extend from the base portion 120. The soft sided portion 130 may be a flexible or semi-flexible portion of the luggage case 100. The soft sided portion 130 may define or be at the top 112 of the luggage case 100 and may also be referred to as the upper portion 130. The soft sided portion 130 includes a roll closure or roll top 132. For example, the roll top 132 may be a fabric or otherwise flexible portion extending around the top 112 of the luggage case 100 in the unrolled configuration 202. The roll top 132 defines a roll top opening 134, shown in FIG. 2, to provide access to the internal volume of the luggage case 100. The roll top 132 is a flexible feature arranged to fold or roll over itself to close or open the opening 134. This configuration may provide a water resistant seal or closure of the internal volume 160. In some examples, the entire soft sided portion 130 may be flexible or rollable to assist in closing the opening 134. In some examples, the roll top 132 optionally includes a secondary closure mechanism 136 to selectively close the roll top opening 134. The secondary closure mechanism 136 may be a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, snap features or the like. The secondary closure mechanism 136 may be positioned adjacent to or at the opening 134. For example, the secondary closure mechanism 136 may extend around a portion of or the entire periphery of the opening 134.
[0053] As the roll top 132 is rolled, material from the rear side 106 of the luggage case 100 may transition to the top side 112. Accordingly, material or features described as being located at the rear 106 in one configuration may become the top side 112, and similarly features at the top 112 may transition to the front 104 or be folded or wrapped into the roll top 132.
[0054] In some examples, the soft sided portion 130 includes the front panel 116. The front panel 116 may be positioned at or extend over the front side 104 of the luggage case 100. The front panel 116 may extend from the roll top 132 to the base portion 120. The soft sided portion 130 may optionally include a front panel pocket 152. The front panel pocket 152 may be positioned on or defined by the front panel 116. The front panel pocket 152 may be on the exterior of the luggage case 100. In some examples, the front panel pocket 152 is optionally or additionally positioned on the interior of the luggage case 100.
[0055] The soft sided portion 130 may be covered by or include or be comprised of a water resistant outer material. The water resistant material may also cover or extend over a portion of the base portion 120. As a result, the luggage case 100 may be at least partially water resistant. By using a common material on the soft sided portion 130 and the base portion 120, the luggage case 100 may have a common or unified aesthetic, which may be more visually appealing.
[0056] The luggage case 100 may include one or more straps 138 extending from or coupled to the soft sided portion 130. The straps 138 may be positioned on the rear 106 of the soft sided portion 130 in a spaced apart configuration. The straps 138 may be positioned below the roll top 132. The straps 138 may include a first or top strap 140 and a bottom or second strap 142. The first strap 140 and the second strap 142 may be spaced apart relative to each other and relative to the soft sided portion 130 of the luggage case 100. For example, the first strap 140 may be positioned above or vertically spaced from the second strap 142. Each strap 138 may define an opening 144 between the strap 138 and the soft sided portion 130 where the strap is spaced apart from the soft sided portion 130.
[0057] The luggage case includes an extendable tow handle 180 and wheel assemblies 170 to roll the luggage case 100. The luggage case 170 may include two or more wheel assemblies 170. The wheel assemblies 170 each include at least one wheel 172. The wheel assemblies 170 are positioned at the bottom side of the luggage case 100. For example, the wheel assemblies 170 may be coupled to the base portion 120. In one example, the wheel assemblies 170 are coupled to the bottom portion 124 and/or the rear base portion 122.
[0058] The extendable tow handle 180 is extendable from or retractable into the luggage case 100. For example, FIG. 1A shows the tow handle 180 in an example extended position 184. FIG. 1B shows the tow handle 180 in a partially retracted position 186. The extendable tow handle 180 may include at least one down tube assembly 182. In some examples, the tow handle 180 includes two or more down tube assemblies 182. The down tube assembly 182 includes an inner tube coupled to a handle grip and an outer tube coupled to a base assembly and configured to receive the inner tube. The tow handle 180 may be positioned on a rear side 106 of the luggage case 100. The base assembly of the down tube assembly 182 may be coupled to or included in the base portion 120. For example, a cavity or pocket 188 receives the down tube assembly in the base portion 130, such as the rear base portion 122. The down tube assembly 182 may be extendable from or retractable into the cavity or pocket 188 when not in use or for storage. The cavity or pocket 188 may be a closeable opening, such as by a zipper or hook and loop fasteners.
[0059] The extendable tow handle 180 may be positioned adjacent, such as below, the straps 138. In operation or use, the soft sided portion 130 is selectively coupled to the tow handle 182 by the straps 138. The extendable tow handle 180 may be selectively extended or retracted, such as between the extend configuration 184 and the retracted configuration 186, to couple with or be received in the space 144 between the strap and the rear side of the soft side portion 130. In some examples, the tow handle 180 may be coupled to or received in the space 144 between both the first strap 140 and the second strap 142. In some examples, the tow handle 180 may be coupled to or received in the space 144 of either the first strap 138 or the second strap 140. In some examples, the tow handle 180 may be coupled to neither the first strap 140 nor the second strap 142. By coupling the tow handle 180 to the soft sided portion 130, the tow handle 180 may provide structure or rigidity to the soft sided portion 130 to support the contents of the luggage case 100 when the luggage case 100 is extend or retracted (i.e. in rolled 202 or unrolled 200 configurations). By selectively coupling the soft sided portion and the tow handle 180, the size of the luggage case 100 (e.g. the internal volume 160 or the external size) may be selectively adjusted and customizable. Further, the selective coupling may allow the straps 138 to be used for more than one purpose. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first strap 140 may be used as a separate carry handle when not being used to engage with the tow handle 180.
[0060] With reference to FIG. 2, 4C and 4D, and others, and continued reference to FIG. 1A, to secure the luggage case 100 in the one or more rolled configurations, the luggage case 100 may include corresponding or cooperating engagement features 148 and coupling features 190. The engagement features 148 may be fasteners, buckles, or hooks. The engagement features 148 may be coupled to or integral with the upper portion 130. For example, the engagement features 148 may be coupled to or extend from the roll top 132. In one example, the engagement features 148 are positioned at the left 108 and right 110 sides of the roll top 132. In some examples, the engagement features 148 are positioned at or adjacent the roll top opening 134. By positioning the engagement features 148 at the sides (e.g. left 108 and right 110) the engagement features 148 may remain exposed whether the roll top 132 is in the unrolled configuration 200 or rolled configuration 202.
[0061] The corresponding or cooperating coupling features 190 may receive or couple with the engagement features 148. The coupling features 190 may be loops or straps 190 to receive the engagement features 148. For example, loop features 190 may define two or more corresponding pairs of apertures or openings 192, such as on corresponding or opposite sides of the luggage case 100. The loop features 190 may be spaced or positioned along the height of the luggage case 100. For example, the loop features 190 may be spaced along or extend from the left 108 and right sides 110 of the luggage case 100. The luggage case 100 may include a plurality of loop features 190. The loop features 190 may be coupled to or defined by the soft sided portion 130 or the bottom portion 120. In some examples, the loop features 190 may extend from the soft sided portion 130 to the base portion 120. In some examples, the loop features 190 and apertures 192 may be used as side carry handles for the luggage case 100. In some examples, the engagement features 148 and coupling features 190 may be corresponding snap fasteners, hook and look fasteners, or a variety of other coupling mechanisms.
[0062] In operation or use, the roll top 132 may transition from the unrolled configuration 200, as in FIG. 2, or from a rolled configuration 202 to a second rolled configuration 202, such as between the rolled configurations 202 depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. To secure the roll top 132 in a rolled configuration 202, the roll top 132 may be folded or rolled with the engagement features 148 exposed (e.g. extending out from sides of the luggage case 100). The roll top 132 may be rolled, such as towards the bottom 114, until the internal volume 160 is sized to correspond to the contents of the luggage case 100. In such an example, the soft sided portion 130 may be rolled in addition to the roll top 132. In some examples, the roll top 132 may be rolled until the external size of the luggage case 100 is at a desired volume or height. After the desired size of the luggage case 100 is reached, the engagement features 148 may be coupled to the loop features 190 to secure the roll top 134. Accordingly, the luggage case 100 may be arranged in a rolled configuration 202. In some examples, the engagement features 148 may be adjusted, such as by adjustable straps, for fine tuning the size of the luggage case 100 or for compressing the contents of the internal volume 160.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 3, the luggage case 100 may include a closure assembly 230 to provide selective access to the internal volume 160. The closure assembly 230 may extend between, at or adjacent to the roll top 132 and at or adjacent the base portion 120. The closure assembly 230 may be a zipper. In some examples, the closure assembly 230 may be various other types of selectively engageable fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, or the like. The closure assembly 230 may be positioned at or extend around a portion of the front panel 116 of the soft sided portion 130. The closure assembly 230 may extend around a portion of or the entirety of the periphery 118 of the front panel 116. In one example, the closure assembly 230 may be U-shaped or three-sided closure assembly 230 to provide selective access to the internal volume 160. In some examples, the closure assembly 230 may be another three-sided shape. For example, the U-shaped closure assembly 230 may include two long sides 232 extending from the roll top 132 to the base portion 120. A base or short side 234 may extend between the long sides 232. The base 234 of the U-shaped closures assembly 230 may be positioned adjacent the bottom portion 124 of the base portion 120.
[0064] By extending from the base portion, the closure assembly 230 provides access to the internal volume 160 whether the luggage case 100 is in a rolled 202 or unrolled configuration 200. For example, by positioning a portion of the closure assembly 230, such as the base 234 of the closure assembly 230 at or adjacent the base portion 120, and opposite the roll top 132 and opening 134, the closure assembly 230 is accessible and may be selectively opened in the rolled configurations 202. The closure assembly 230 may also allow for packing or removing contents from the internal volume 160 of the luggage case 100 in both an upright position (e.g. top side 112 up) or with the rear side 106 facing downward or positioned on the ground.
[0065] Turning to FIGS. 4A-4F, various unrolled configurations 200 and rolled configurations 202 of the luggage case 100 are depicted. FIGS. 5A-5C depicts rear views of some of the example configurations 200, 202 of the luggage case 100 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4F. The configurations 200, 202 may correspond to common sizes of luggage defined by transportation companies or services such as airlines, bus lines, or train lines. In some examples, the luggage case 100 has a width W, such as from the left side 108 to the right side 110, between 30 and 50 cm, and in one example 40 cm. The width may be adjustable by changing the height or depth of the luggage case 100. In some examples, the luggage case 100 has a height or length H, such as from the bottom side 114 to the top side 112, adjustable between 40 cm and 90 cm, with each configuration defining one or more possible heights H. In some examples, the luggage case 100 has a depth D, shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 6, such as from the front side 104 to the rear side 106, adjustably between 5cm and 50 cm. In one example, the luggage case 100 has a depth of 40 cm in the unrolled configuration 200 or rolled configuration 202.
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 5A, front and rear views of the luggage case 100 in an unrolled configuration 200 are depicted. As discussed herein, in the unrolled configuration 200 the roll top 132 may be unrolled or unfurled to allow access to the internal volume 160. In one example, in the unrolled configuration 202 the luggage case 100 has a height H of 82 cm, a width W of 40 cm, and a depth D of 25 cm.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 5A, the extendable tow handle 180 may be extended from the cavity pocket 188 at or adjacent the base portion 120 and engaged with the straps 138. For example, the tow handle 180 may be received by either or both of the first strap 140 or the second strap 142. The tow handle 180 and the base portion 120, such as the rear base portion 124 and/or the bottom portion 124, may provide structural support or rigidity to the luggage case 100. The support or rigidity may assist in holding open the luggage case 100 for loading items or contents. The roll top 132 may be selectively closed by the secondary closure mechanism 136 after the luggage case 100 is filled.
[0068] FIG. 4B shows a front view of an example rolled configuration 202. The rolled configuration 202 of the luggage case 100 in FIG. 4B may correspond to a cargo or oversized checked or large capacity arrangement 208 of the luggage case 100. In the large capacity configuration 208, the roll top 132 may be rolled or folded a sufficient amount to close the opening 134. In some examples, the roll top 132 may include the secondary closure mechanism136 to seal the opening 134. The secondary closure mechanism 136 may be a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or straps to selectively seal the roll top 132 to close the opening 134. In the large capacity configuration 208, the engagement features 148 of the roll top 132 may be coupled to define a carry handle.
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 4C to 4F, some of the rolled configurations 202 may be at least partially defined by the loop feature 190 to which the closure features 148 are coupled. The loop features 190 may be spaced along the height of the luggage case 100. A loop feature 190 closer to the bottom 114 or base portion 120 allows for the luggage case 100 in a smaller configuration having a reduced internal volume 160 in comparison to a loop feature 190 positioned closer to the top 112 or roll top 132, which allows for a larger capacity configuration. For example, the luggage case 100 may include a first or top loop feature 190a, a second loop feature 190c, a third loop feature 190c, or a fourth loop feature 190d, and so on.
[0070] FIG. 4C shows a front view of an example rolled configuration 202. The rolled configuration 202 of the luggage case 100 in FIG. 4B may correspond to a checked size configuration 210 of the luggage case 100. In the checked configuration 210, the engagement features 148 may be coupled to the first or top loop feature 190a. In the checked configuration 210, only the roll top 132 may be rolled and the rest of the soft sided portion 130 may define the internal volume 160 in conjunction with the base portion 120. The internal volume 160 of the checked configuration 210 may have a reduced capacity or a reduced external size in comparison to the cargo configuration 208. In one example, the checked configuration 210 has a height H of approximately 75 cm, a width W of 40 cm, and a depth D of 25 cm.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 4D, a front view of the luggage case 100 in a rolled configuration 202 defining a carry-on or stowable configuration 212 is depicted. FIG. 5B shows a rear view of the carry-on configuration 212. In the carry-on configuration 212, the securement feature 148 may be coupled to either the second loop features 190b or the third loop features 190c. To define the carry-on configuration 212, the roll top 132 and an additional portion of the soft sided portion 130 may be folded or rolled. In some examples of the carry-on configuration 212, as shown in FIG. 5B, the second strap 142 may be coupled to the tow handle 180. The first strap 140 is not coupled to the tow handle 180 in this configuration. Instead, the first strap 140 may be positioned at the top 112 of the luggage case 100 and be used as a carry handle. By selectively engaging the straps 138, the tow handle 180 may provide structural support proportional to the size of the internal volume 160 or height H of the luggage case 100. The internal volume 160 of the carry-on 212 may have a reduced capacity or a reduced external size in comparison to the checked configuration 210. In one example of the carry-on configuration 212, the luggage case 100 has a height H of 55 cm, a width W of 40 cm, and a depth D of 25 cm.
[0072] Turning to FIGS. 4E and 5C, a tote or smaller carry-on configuration 214 is depicted. In the tote configuration 214, the engagement features 148 may be coupled to the lowest or fourth loop feature 190d. In the tote configuration 214, one or neither of the straps 138 may be coupled to the tow handle 180. For example, the second or bottom strap 142 may be positioned on the top 112 of the bag and used as a carry handle. In such an example, the rear base portion 122 may define the entirety or majority of the rear side 106 of the luggage case 100. In the tote configuration 214, the height, depth, or width of the base portion 120 may correspondingly define the height, depth, or width of the luggage case 100. The internal volume 160 of the tote configuration 214 may have a reduced capacity or a reduced external size in comparison to the carry-on configuration 212. In some examples, the luggage case 100 may optionally include a shoulder strap as depicted in FIG. 4E.
[0073] As can be understood from the figures, the closure assembly 230 may be accessible in each of the unrolled 200 and rolled configuration 202. For example, as shown in FIG. 4E, the base 234 of the closure assembly 230 may be accessible or exposed in even the most compact tote configuration 214. In some examples, the roll top 132 may be limited from folding or rolling to the bottom portion 124. Accordingly, contents in the internal volume 160 may be accessible in every rolled 202 or unrolled configuration 200 by the closure assembly 230.
[0074] In some examples, the luggage case 100 may be arranged to optionally fold into a compact configuration 220. FIGS. 4F, 6A and 6B show an example profile view of the luggage case 100 in the optional compact configuration 220, with FIG. 4F depicting the luggage case 100 within a storage pouch. The compact configuration 220 may be a folded configuration of the luggage case 100 where the luggage case 100 is arranged for storage.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 6A and 6B, the luggage case 100 may be arranged in a folded or compact configuration 220. FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of the compact configuration 220. In the compact configuration 220, the luggage case 100 is ready for storage or may be placed in another luggage case. For example, the luggage case 100 may have a reduced height H and depth D. The width dimension, W, may be similar or reduced compared to the rolled configurations 202.
[0076] To define the compact configuration, the soft sided portion 130 may be rolled or folded to below the top of the rear base portion 122. The extendable tow handle 180 may be retracted and/or positioned in the cavity or pocket 188. The base portion 120 is folded about the intersection or hinge 126. For example, the bottom portion 124 may be folded about the intersection 126 to define the front 104 of the luggage case 100. In some examples, the soft sided portion 130 may be positioned between the rear base portion 122 and the bottom portion 124. In such an example, the rear base portion 122 and the bottom portion 124 may compress the soft sided portion 130 to assist in reducing the depth and overall size of the luggage case 100.
[0077] In some examples, the base portion 120 may include a secondary strap 222 with a hook and a corresponding coupling feature 224, such as a loop. The secondary strap 222 or the coupling feature 224 may be positioned on the rear base portion 122 and the bottom portion 124 for engagement with each other to maintain the compact configuration 220. In one example, the secondary strap 222 is coupled to the bottom portion 124 and the coupling feature 224 is positioned adjacent the cavity or pocket 188.
[0078] The wheel assembly 170 of the luggage case 100 may assist in allowing the luggage case to fold into the compact configuration 220. For example, the wheel assembly 170 may be foldable. FIG. 6B shows a close up view of the foldable wheel assembly 170. The foldable wheel assembly 170 may include a first portion 174 and a second portion 176. The wheel 172 may be positioned between or coupled to either one of the first portion 174 and the second portion 176. The first portion 174 and the second portion 176 may move relative to each other. For example, the first portion 174 may be coupled to the bottom portion 124 and the second portion 176 may be coupled to the rear base portion 122. In such an example, the first portion 174 and the second portion 176 may fold or rotate about the intersection 126 of the base portion 120. As a result, the wheel assembly 170 may similarly fold when the base portion 120 is in the compact configuration 220.
[0079] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0080] As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms "a" and "an" are taken to mean "one", "at least one" or "one or more". Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.
[0081] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," and "below" and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.
[0082] Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and/or processes or be separated and/or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.
[0083] Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
1. A luggage case (100) comprising:
a base portion (120) comprising:
an extendable tow handle (180); and
a soft sided portion (130) coupled to the base portion (120) and together defining an internal volume (160) of the luggage case (100), the soft sided portion (130) comprising:
two or more straps (138, 140, 142) positioned on a rear side (110) of the soft sided portion (130) in a spaced apart configuration, and
wherein the soft sided portion (130) is configured to transition from a rolled configuration (202, 208, 210, 212, 214, 220) to an unrolled configuration (200) thereby varying the internal volume (160) of the luggage case (100);
wherein at least one of the two or more straps (138, 140, 142) selectively engages the extendable tow handle (180) when the extendable tow handle (180) is extended to couple the soft sided portion (130) to the extendable tow handle (180) to selectively support the soft sided portion (130).
2. The luggage case (100) of claim 1, further comprising:
a roll top (130, 132) with an opening (134) for selectively accessing the internal volume (160) of the luggage case (100), and
wherein the opening (134) provides access to the internal volume (160) in the unrolled configuration (200).
3. The luggage case (100) of claim 2, wherein the opening (134) defined by the roll top
(130, 132) is positioned at a top (112) of the soft sided portion (130) in the unrolled
configuration (200).
4. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
a closure assembly (230) extending from the base portion (120) to the soft sided portion (130), and
wherein the internal volume (160) is selectively accessible by the closure assembly (230) in the rolled configuration (202, 208, 210, 212, 214, 220) and the unrolled configuration (200).
5. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 2 to 4, further comprising:
two or more roll engagement features (148) positioned adjacent the opening (134) to selectively close the opening (134) in the rolled configuration (202, 208, 210, 212, 214, 220).
two or more roll engagement features (148) positioned adjacent the opening (134) to selectively close the opening (134) in the rolled configuration (202, 208, 210, 212, 214, 220).
6. The luggage case (100) of claim 5, further comprising:
two or more loop features (190) extending from a side (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114) of the soft sided portion (130) to the base portion (120) and engageable with the roll engagement features (148), and
wherein the two or more roll engagement features (148) are coupled to the loop features (190) to maintain the luggage case (100) in the rolled configuration (202, 208, 210, 212, 214, 220).
7. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the straps (138, 140, 142)
define a second pull or carry handle.
8. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base portion (120) further
comprises:
a bottom portion (124), and
a rear base portion (122) extending from the bottom portion (124),
wherein:
the bottom portion (124) and the rear base portion (122) are coupled at an intersection (126), and
the base portion (120) is foldable about the intersection (126).
9. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:
two or more wheel assemblies (170) coupled to the base portion (120).
two or more wheel assemblies (170) coupled to the base portion (120).
10. The luggage case (100) of claim 9, wherein the two or more wheel assemblies (170)
comprise:
a first portion (174) coupled to the bottom portion (124), and
a second portion (176) coupled to the rear base portion (122),
wherein the two or more wheel assemblies (170) are foldable about the intersection (126).
11. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein either or both the bottom
portion (124) or the rear base portion (122) are rigid or semi-rigid.
12. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein:
a front panel (104, 116) is defined by the soft sided portion (130), and
the closure assembly (230) extends around a periphery (118) of the front panel (104, 116) from the roll top (130, 132) to adjacent the base portion (120).
13. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 4 to 12, wherein:
the closure assembly (230) is U-shaped and includes a base (234) extending across a portion of the width (W) of the luggage case (100), and
the base (234) of the closure assembly (230) is positioned at or adjacent the base portion (120) of the luggage case (100).
14. The luggage case (100) of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base portion (120) further
comprises a tow handle pocket (188), and the extendable tow handle (180) is received
in the tow handle pocket (188).
15. The luggage case (100) of claims 1 to 14, wherein:
at least a first capacity of the internal volume (160) is defined when at least two of the two or more straps (138, 140, 142) are engaged with the extendable tow handle (180);
at least a second capacity of the internal volume (160) is defined when none or one of the two or more straps (138, 140, 142) is engaged with the extendable tow handle (180); and
the first capacity is greater than the second capacity.