TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to suitcases or luggage with a deploying undercarriage.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Travelers are always looking for efficient and easy ways for carrying their baggage. Many times people in airports are trying to pull at least two suitcases at a time, as well as a small carry-on bag, briefcase, laptop, purse, cameras, etc. In addition, parents have to manage their childre who also may have their ow luggage and toys.

[0003] Wheeled suitcases with telescopic handles are now the norm. This allows the traveler to tilt the suitcase onto its rear wheels and pull the suitcase by the handle so that the traveler does not have to lift the suitcase. This may be acceptable for the light traveler; however, for traveler's going on extended vacations with multiple baggages, the simple suitcase with wheels and a telescopic handle just is not enough.

[0004] Travelers may try to stack additional baggage on top of the rolling suitcase. Some suitcases even come wife support members feat extend from the front to increase the surface area for stacking. However, the support, members are weak and are limited in fee arnoimt of baggage that can be placed on them. In addition, the stacked baggage is often times unsteady, and when the traveler conies to stop and needs to rest, resetting the baggage into the vertical position causes all the stacked baggage to fall off.

[0005] In some instances, the traveler may rent a cart at an airport, if available. However, when the traveler is finished using the cart, the cart must be returned. Therefore, the rental of a cart can be costly, and is definitely inconvenient. [0006] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a luggage that allows the traveler to cany multiple baggage easily and effectively.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a suitcase and undercarriage attached underneath it that, when pulled out or pushed out either manually or automatically (i.e. deployed), provides sturdy space to carry extra luggage effortlessly. When not in use, the wheels, and any surface or platform, are all gathered under the suitcase base in a closed configuration. The wheels are positioned in a way that will not interfere with each other. The front of the cart maybe slightly elevated to better keep the luggage and items in place and secure. Also, the telescopic bars when not in use will have a protective box under the suitcase.

[0008] A handle may be deployabie from the suitcase to facilitate pushing the suitcase. In the closed configuration, the handle can be hidden or embedded into the surface of the suitcase. In the deployed configuration, the handles may be slightly slanted so as to facilitate pushing the suitcase.

[0009] A containment unit such as a pouch or a ba may be attached to the handle so thai the traveler can put extra items, like a coat, laptop, camera, etc, inside the pouch to free their hands and shoulders from extra items. The containment unit is collapsible and when closed becomes flush with the suitcase.

[0010] The undercarriage is constructed of lightweight material and uses minimal parts so as not to add excess weight to the suitcase. However, due to the use of rails and additional wheels, the undercarriage, including its support members can receive loads much heavier than what can be carried on standard suitcases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the undercarriage in a closed configuration and the handle in a deployed configuration.

[0012] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of embodiment the present invention in a closed configuration.

[0013] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the undercarriage and a deployed configuration and the handle and a deployed configuration.

[0014] Figure 4 shows a partial view of an embodiment of the present invention with the undercarriage in a fully deployed configuration.

[0015] Figure 5 shows a rearview of embodiment of the present invention with the undercarriage and a deployed configuration.

[0016] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the undercarriage.

[0017] Figure 7 shows a rearview of another embodiment of the present invention with the handle and the undercarriage and a deployed configuration.

[0018] Figures 8A and 8B show a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the undercarriage.

[0019] Figure 9 A is a rear view of another embodiment of the present invention i the closed configuration.

[0020] Figure 9B is a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 A, but i a partially open configuration.

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover.

[0022] Figure 11 A is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention with the cover on.

[0023] Figure 1 IB is a perspeciive view of another embodiment of the present invention with the cover partially on. [0024] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

MODES FOR C ARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, thai the same or equivalent, functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit, and scope of the invention.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present, invention is a depioyabie undercarriage 102 configured to connect to a baggage, such as a luggage or suitcase 100 to facilitate users traveling with multiple baggage 10. In the deployed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the depioyabie undercarriage allows additional baggage 10 to be carried by the user with ease. In the stored or closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the depioyabie undercarriage 102 tucks away underneath the luggage or suitcase 100 so as to be inconspicuous, yet still providing a means for mobilizing the suitcase 100 with ease, and without having to tilt the suitcase 100.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the depioyabie undercarriage for baggage comprises an undercarriage 102 to provide a means for mobilizing the baggage, which includes luggage, suitcase, or any other type of container 100 that holds the user's personal effects.

[0028] The suitcase 100 can be a standard suitcase or luggage defined by a front wall 104, a rear wall 106 opposite the front wall 104, two sidewalls 108, 110 opposite each other and adjacent to the front wall 104 and the rear wall 106, a top wali 112 adjacent to the front and rear walls 104, 106 and the sidewaiis 108, 110, and a bottom wall 1 14 opposite the top wall 112 and adjacent to front and rear walls 104, 106 and the sidewaiis 108, 110. In this configuration, at least one of the front wall 104, sidewaiis 108, 110, or top wall 112 can be opened to access the interior of the suitcase 100. The bottom 1 14 and rear walls 106 are typically die walls that are placed on support surfaces, such as floors, tables, beds, and the like, when the user is trying to access the inside compartment or for moving the suitcase 100 along the floor. The suitcase 100 can be a softcover suitcase or a hardcover suitcase.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the undercarriage 102 comprises a base 200, a support, means 202, a. deployment means 204 that allows the support means 202 to deploy out. and away from the base 200, and a plurality of wheels 206 that allows the undercarriage to move. In the preferred embodiment, the entire undercarriage 200 is attached to the bottom wall 114 of the suitcase 100 to maximize the concealment of the undercarriage 102 in the stored configuration. The imdercarriage 102 can be fastened to the suitcase permanently or reversibly as is known in the ait, for example, with nuts and bolts, screws, adhesives, hooks, rails, clips, and the like. Existing suitacases 100 can be retrofitted with the undercarriage 102 by fastening the undercarriage 102 to the suitcase 100. Reversible connection between the undercarriage 102 and the suitcase 100 allows a user to use the same underc rriage on multiple suitcases 100.

[0030] Having the entire undercarriage 102 attached to the bottom wall 114 of the suitcase 100 also eliminates any hindrance or obstruction to accessing the interior of the suitcase 100. This allows the user to access the interior of the suitcase 100 quickly and easily at any time during travel without having to adjust the undercarriage configuration.

[0031] The base 200 may be any rigid structure sufficient to support, the suitcase 100. For example, the base 200 may be a flat plate, a plurality of crossbars, a frame, and the like. In the prefened embodiment, the base 200 is a flat square or rectangular plate or panel 600 as shown in FIG. 6. However, any other shape can be used. For the purposes of convenience only, the base 200 may be labeled as having a front 602, a back 604 opposite the fiont 602, two sides 606, 608, opposite each other and adjacent to the front 602 and back 604, a top surface 610 and a bottom surface 612. The support means 202 deploys from the fiont 602 of the base 200.

[0032] The deployment means 204 may be attached to the bottom surface 612 of the base panel 600. In some embodiments, an angled bar 14 may be attached to the bottom surface 612 of the base panel 600 along the opposite sides 606, 608 in a direction from the front 602 to the back 604 for added stability, in such an embodiment, the deployment means 204 may be attached to the angled bars 614. In some embodiments, the angled bars 614 alone may serve as the base. A set of wheels 206 may be attached towards the back end 604 of the base panel 600. in the prefened embodiment, two wheels 206 are attached to the back end 604 of the base panel 600, one at each corner. In some embodiments, the wheels 206 may be attached to the suitcase 100.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, the deployment means 202 may comprise a series of rails thai slide along each other in a telescopic manner. A pair of fixed rails 620 may be affixed to the bottom surface 612 of the base 200 along the sides. A pair of sliding rails 622 may be configured to slide along the fixed rails in a forward and backward direction relative to the base 200. A sliding panel 624 may be attached to the pair- of sliding rails 622 so that the sliding panel 624 can slide in and out from the base 200 with the sliding rails 622. This allows the user to control the length of the extension.

[0034] In some embodiments, to further increase the length of the extension, additional sliding rails and additional sliding panels may be used. For example, a second pair of sliding rails 626 may be slidmgly engaged with the first, pair of sliding rails 622 so as to further extend the reach of the first sliding panel 624. The second pair of sliding rails 626 may be attached to the first sliding panel 624. The first sliding panel 624 may be further attached to a second pair of fixed rails 628. A second sliding panel 630 may be siidably coupled to the second pair of fixed rails 628 via a third pa " of sliding rails 632 to further increase the surface area upon which baggage can be stored.

[0035] in the preferred embodiment, drawer rails or drawer slides may be used. Although typical telescoping action utilizing a series of concentric tubes can also be used, the rail system provides for better sliding action as well as strength and durability. In addition, the sliding rails may be substantially the same length as the panel they support. This further increases the support to the panel.

[0036] in some embodiments, the panels may be hingedly connected so as to flip on top of each other rather sliding in and out. In some embodiments, both sliding action and flipping may be utilized.

[0037] The front portion of the undercarriage 102 maybe slightly elevated to better keep the luggage and items in place and secure.

[0038] The undercarriage may be made from a variety of strong and rigid structures, such as metal, carbon fiber, plastic, wood, and the like, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the undercarriage is constructed so as to be lightweight to minimize the added weight to the suitcase.

[0039] In some embodiments, to lighten the weight of the present invention, the support means 202 may be a frame comprising a plurality of crossbars as opposed to a solid panel. The crossbars may slide along a rail or may be telescoping as shown in FIG. 11B. Alternatively, the support means 202 may be a panel comprising at least one void strategically created to lighten the weight without interfering with the capability of supporting any baggage. Therefore, the weight of the luggage can be configured to be as light or as heavy as desired. In some embodiments, any portion of the undercarriage can have voids to lighten the load while maintaining structural integrity.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 10-1 IB, to protect, the crossbars or the support means 202 hi the closed configuration, the undercarriage may further comprise a protective cover 1000 that, can slide onto the support means 202 or the base 200. The protective cover 1000 may be constructed from any type of rigid material, such as plastic, wood, metal, and the like. The protective cover 1000 is essentially a rectangular, box- like casmg with an open end 1002 on one side. The protective cover 1000 may have a series of slots 1004 to accommodate the wheels, bars, and other obstructions when slid onto the support means 202. The number and position of the slots 1004, if any, will be determined by the number and position of the wheels 206 and or 208 and any other obstructions mat might arise. In some embodiments, one side 1016 of the cover 1000 may be substantially open, in this embodiment the side walls 1006, 1008 of the cover 1000 could ha ve a fastening mechanism to connect to the base 200. For example, the side walls 1006, 1008 may each have a tongue 1010, 1012 and the base 200 may have corresponding grooves so that, the cover 1000 can slide onto the base 200 via a tongue-and-groove fit. Since the top side of the cover 1000 can be open, no additional slots would be required to accommodate the support means. Slots 1004 may still be required on the bottom surface 1014 of the cover to accommodate the projecting wheels.

[0041] The dimensions of the opening 1002 are such that the cover 1000 can slide onto the support means 202 or base 200. Once the support means 202 has been stowed away under the suitcase 100, the cover 1000 can be slid onto the support means 202 or base 200. In some embodiments, the cover 1000 may be fixed underneath the suitcase 100 and the support means 202 can slide in and out from me cover 1000 through the opening 1002. In this embodiment, the opening 1002 may have a door to cover the opening once the support means 202 is retracted inside the cover 1000. The cover 1000 can be of any other configuration thai allows the support means to be covered for protection when in the stored position.

[0042] In some embodiments, the undercarriage can be covered by walls of the suitcase. For example, the walls 104, 106, 108, 110 of the suitcase may extend down to cover the undercarriage 102. On the front side, to allow the undercarriage 102 to deploy the portion of the front wall 104 of the suitcase may be a flap, door, panel or some other type of moveable covering 1200 that does not obstruct the undercarriage 102 from deploying. The moveable cover 1200 may maintain its closed configuration through the use of a reversible fastener 1202, such as Velcro®, zipper, snap buttons, magnets, and the like.

[0043] Wheels 206, 208 are fixed to the underside of the undercarriage 102 to allow the suitcase 100 to be rolled across the floor with ease. The wheels 206, 208 can be arranged in a variety of different ways, in any combination on the base 200 and the sliding panels 624 or 630. For example, a pair of wheels 206 may be attached to the base 200, one wheel at each rear corner of the base. A second pair of wheels 208 may be attached to the front corners of the base 200. Alternatively, the second pan of wheels 208 may be attached to the sliding panel 624. In embodiments comprising a second sliding panel 630, the second pair of wheels 208 may be attached to either the second sliding panel 630 or the first sliding panel 624. In some embodiments, to maximize stability, wheels may be placed in all of the above locations. In some embodiments, slots 634 may be required in the sliding panels 630 or 624 so as to allow the panels 630 or 624 to slide back towards the base 200, in the stored configuration without receiving interference from the other wheels 206, 208.

[0044] The wheels can be any type of wheels used to allow suitcases to roll across a flat, surface. For example, the wheels may be caster wheels, rubber wheels, ball wheels, and the like. The wheels may further comprise a lock to prevent unwanted movement of the suitcase 100. This also eliminates the use of feet used in existing suitcases to prevent unwanted movement of the suitcase. Due to the absence of these feet, however, the suitcase of the present invention can be rolled on its wheels without having to be tilted, making it more convenient when there is a lot of starting and stopping.

[0045] The handle 120 may be attached to the suitcase 100 in such a way so as to allow the user to push or pull the suitcase 100 along the floor on the undercarriage 102. In the preferred embodiment the handle 120 is movably attached to the suitcase 100. In other words, the handle 120 can move or be adjusted so as to have multiple positions relative to the suitcase 100. Most typical suitcases having wheels also have a telescoping handle 122 that extends directly and linearly upwards relative to the suitcase at rest to allow the height of the handle to be adjusted so that in the extended position the traveler must tilt, the suitcase onto a pair of wheels 206 located at the back end of the suitcase hi order to push or pull the suitcase with me handie.

100461 in the present invention, however, the handle 120 in the deployed configuration projects behind the suitcase 100 in its resting or natural state, with the handle angled upward. A resting state of the suitcase is a stable position of the suitcase when the user is not holding it. This positioning of the handle 120 makes it easier for the user to push the suitcase. To accomplish the proper positioning of the handie 120, the handie 120 may be telescopic and/or rotatable. This allows the handle 120 to move not only in a linear up and down direction to change the height or length of the handle 120, but also in a rotatable forward and backward motion to position the handie 120 above the suitcase 100 or even behind the suitcase 100 when the suitcase 100 is in a resting position. In combination with the wheels 206, 208 on the undercarriage 102, this positioning of the handle 120 allows the suitcase to be pushed without requiring the suitcase 100 to be tilted.

[0047] In some embodiments, the handle 120 comprises a grip portion 124 and a frame portion 126 connected to the grip portion 124. The frame portion 126 may be rotaiably attached to the suitcase 100. either on the sides or on the back. For example, the frame portion 126 may be attached to the suitcase 100 via a hinge mechanism 128 to allow the handle 120 to have at least two configurations, the deployed configuration, and a stored or closed configuration.

[0048] in some embodiments, the handle 120 may be a telescoping handle 500 that telescopes or slides in and out of the side of the suitcase 100, thereby eliniinating any rotational movement without sacrificing the deployed and stored positions of the handle. For example, the sides 108, 110 of the suitcase 100 may have rails or tubes 502 into which the telescoping handle 500 can slide into and out of. The rails or rubes may be angled in such a manner that when the telescoping handle 500 is extended, its position is in a convenient location for the user to grasp. For example, the front portion 504 of the rails or tubes 502 may be lower than the rear portion 506 of the rails or tubes 502. This allows the telescoping handle 500 to extend in a rearward and upward direction. The rails or tubes 502 may be connected to vertical tubes 10 via reinforcement bars 132 for added stability.

[0049] In the deployed configuration, the handle 120 is positioned upwardly and behind the suitcase 100 as shown i FIG. 3. This allows the suitcase 100 to be pushed like a shopping cart. In the stored configuration the handle 120 may rotate upwardly and towards the front of the suitcase 100 so thai the handle 120 lands on the top wall 112 of the suitcase 100 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, or additionally, the handle 120 may rotate downwardly towards the bottom of the suitcase 100 so as to be stored onto the back 106 of the suitcase. The top 112 and/or back 106 of the suitcase 100 may comprise a groove 130 to receive the handle 120 in the stored configuration so that the handle 120 is flush with the suitcase 102. This allows the handle 120 to be at least partially concealed. Although the handle 120 may still be visible, since it is flush with the surface of the suitcase 102 and not protruding out, it is less likely to be damaged when tossed about. [0050] In some embodiments, the frame portion 126 of the handle 120 may be attached to the suitcase along a reinforcement bar 132. Reinforcement bar 132 transfers the forces applied upon it by the user pushing the handle 120 towards other foundational portions of the suitcase 100 so as to improve the stability of the handle 120 and the suitcase 100 while being pushed. For example, the suitcase 100 may comprise a standard vertically telescoping handle 122. The vertical telescoping handle may be inserted into vertical tabes 510 encased in the rear wall 106 of the suitcase 100. These vertical tubes 510 may extend from the top 112 of the suitcase 100 all the way to the bottom 114 of the suitcase 100 to enhance the structural integrity of the suitcase and vertical telescoping handles 122. The reinforcement bars 132 may extend from the attachment point of the handle 120 towards the vertical tubes 10 either at right, angles to the vertical tubes 510 or at. an oblique angle.

[0051] In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 may have an automatic deployment means 100 to automatically cause the undercarriage 102 to deploy without having to pull it out manually from the front. For exampie, an automaiic deployment means may be the actuation of a deployment member, such as the handle 120, a button, a lever, a cable, and the like, to cause the undercarriage 102 to deploy. As one example, the deployment of the handle 120 automatically causes deployment of the undercarriage 102. This can be accomplished by connecting the handle 120 to the undercarriage 102 with a series of cables, pulleys, and/or levers to convert the rotational movement of the handle into translaiional movement of the undercarriage. For example, a sheath cable may connect the hinge to the undercarriage via a pulley. Deployment of the handle 120 causes the hinge to rotate in a direction that allows the sheath cable to unwind. The increased length of the sheath cable is directed to the forward movement of the undercarriage via the pulley.

[0052] In another example, a frame portion 126 of handle 120 may extend from the top of the suitcase to the bottom of the suitcase with the frame portion hingedly connected to the bottom of the suitcase. The handle 120 may telescopically extend upwards. A first pulley may be positioned at the top, rear comer of the smtcase, a second pulley, may be positioned at the bottom, rear corner of the smtcase, and a third pulley may be posiiioned at the bottom, front comer of the suitcase, all on the same side. A similar pulley arrangement can be arranged on the opposite side. A first cable attached to the upper end of the frame portion may be connected to the back end of the panels through these pulleys. A second cable may be attached to the back end of the panel through the second pulley. Deploying the handle causes the first cable to pull on the panels in the forward direction due to the third pulley. Closing the handle, causes the second cable to pull on the panels in the rearward direction due to ilie second pulley. Various other pulley systems can be utilized to make the movement of the panels dependent on the movement of the handles.

[0053] In some embodiments, a series of linked arms may be connected to the handle so as to push the sliding panel 624 in and out. with the handle 120. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 - 8B, the handle 120 or the rear 106 of the suitcase 100 may be hingedly connected to a first pair of link amis 800. Hinges 808 and 810 can allow the first pair of link arms 800 to move relative to the smtcase 100. A second pair of link amis 802 is hingedly connected to the first pair of link arms 800 at the back end 604 of the undercarriage 102. The back end 604 of the undercarriage 102 comprises two slots 812 into which the second pair of link amis 802 can be inserted. The second pair of link amis 802 are hingedly connected to a third pair of link arms 804 inside the undercarriage 102. The third pair of link arms 804 have two opposite ends 803, 805. Referring to one of the third pair of link amis 804, the first end 803 is fixed to the base 200, but allowed to swivel about a hinge 807 that is connected to the base 200 of the undercarriage 102 towards the back end on one side 608. The second end 805 is siidably connected to the sliding panel 624 on the opposite side 606 of the s liding panel 624. The second end 805 may be siidably comiected to the sliding panel 624 through a slotted link ami 806 which is fixed to the sliding panel 624. Alternatively, the sliding panel 624 may have slots to accommodate the second ends 805 of the third link arms 804. The slot 809 of the slotted link ami 806 or sliding panel 624 is configured to exiend from one side 606 of the base 200 towards the opposite side 608 so as to form an oblique angle relative to the side 606 or 608. A similar arrangement of the third pair of link arms and slotted link amis is created on the opposite side, such that the two link arms of the third pair of link arms 804 cross at approximately the midpoint.

[0054] in use, when the handle 120 is deployed or pulled backward, the portion of the first pair of link amis 800 connected to the handle 120 or the rear 106 of the suitcase also leans backward causing the opposite ends of the first pair of link amis 800 that are connected to the second pair of link amis 802 to move in a forward direction. This causes the second pair of link amis 802 to also move in a forward direction. Since the second pair of link anus 802 is connected to the third pair of link amis 804, in between the first and second ends 803, 805 of the third pan of link amis 804, forward movement of the second pair of link arms 802 causes the second ends 805 of the third pair of link arms 804 to move towards the center of the sliding panel 624 since the first end 803 is fixed to the base 200. Due to the angled slots 809, as the second ends 805 of the third pair of link arms 804 move towards the center of the sliding panel 624, the sliding panel 624 is pushed forward and deployed. Closing the handle 120 causes reverse movement of each of these parts resulting in the sliding panel 624 closing underneath the suitcase 100.

[0055] Also, the second pair of link arms 802 are connected to their counterpart third pair of link amis 804 near the first end 803 as opposed to the second end 805. This allows small movements of the seond pan of link amis 802 to cieate large movement of the third pair of link amis 804 at the second end 805. [0056] Although these mechanisms are shown on the externa! surface of the suitcase, t ey can easil be placed internally so as to reduce the chance of damage and so as to be more aesthetically pleasing.

[0057] In some embodiments, the panels may be spring-loaded and locked in the stored configuration so that actuating a button, lever, cable, handle, and the like, releases the lock, allowing the spring to release and automatically eject the platforms into the ope or deployed configuration. For example, to further assist in deployment of the undercarriage, standard gas shock, gas assist strut, spring, and the like may be attached to the base and the support means.

[0058] For example, as shown in Fugre 9 A and 9B, one end 902 one end of the gas shock 900 may be attached to the base 200 by a hinge or member 906 that allows the gas shock 900 to rotate, and the other end 904 of the gas strut 900 may be fixed to the sliding panel 624 via hinge or member 908 that allows tlie gas shock to rotate, hi the preferred embodiment, the gas shock 900 is biased a few degr ees less than vertical. This will apply a force on the sliding panel 624 that will assist if. in deploying when the sliding panel 624 is unlatched.

[0059] Figure 9B shows the undercarriage in a deployed position with the gas shock 900 extended, keeping the sliding panel 624 in a fully extended position. In order to stow the sliding panel 624, enough force must be applied to overcome the spring force of the gas shock to move the sliding panel to a stored position.

[0060] The deployment of the undercarriage 102 can be manual by pulling the undercarriage 102 out from under the suitcase 100. In some embodiments a handle may be provided on the front of the undercarriage to facilitate manual deployment. In some embodiments, the handle may be a cutout in the front portion of the undercarriage to allow the user to insert his or her hand inside to pull the undercarriage 102 out. [0061] In some embodiments, a bag or other type of containment unit 140 may be attached to the handle 120 in such a wa that deployment of the handle 120 also causes deployment of the containment unit 140, and concealing the handle 120 causes concealment of the containment unit 140. The containment imii 140 provides an additional pocket or storage compartment to hold a variety of material that can be easily accessed. The containment unit 140 has an open end 142 into which personal effects can be deposited and a closed end 144 to contain the personal effects that were deposited into the open end. The perimeter 146 of the open end 142 may be attached to the handie 120, such that the handle 120 also forms the open end 142 when in the deployed configuration. When the handle 120 is in the closed configuration, the remainder of the containment unit 140 may be tucked underneath the handle 120 and made flush against the rear or top wall of tlie suitcase.

[0062] Like any telescoping handle, any of the handles 120, 122, 500 disclosed in this application can lock at various positions to vary the precise positioning of the handles 120, 122, 500. For example, utilizing spring- loaded pins that can be inserted into holes thai are strategicall positioned along the frame of the handle, and that can be disengage by the press of a button. Other standard types of locks are also known, such as using resistance. Similarly, the rotational movement of the handie 120 can be locked at various angles relative to the suitcase 100 using similar mechanisms.

[0063] Removal of the suitcase 100 allows the undercarriage to be used like a dolly, flatbed cart, shopping cart, and tlie like to carry other types of loads. In such an embodiment, the handle 120 would be connected directly to the undercarriage instead of through the suitcase.

[0064] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible hi light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0065] This invention may be industrially applied to the development, manufacture, and use of luggages having undercarriages thai are deployable to allow additional baggage to be carried on top of the undercarriage. Deployment of the undercarriage can be achieved by a variety of means, inc luding automatic deployment with the actuation of a button, lever, or the like, or manual deployment requiring the user to push or pull the undercarriage out to its deployed state. In some embodiments, the handle may be configured so that specific movement of the handle causes deployment of the undercarriage. To facilitate deployment and increase the capacity for bearing a load, the undercarriage may utilize rails and wheels.