Field of the disclosure

The disclosure relates to the field of suitcases.

Background

It is known to provide hard shell suitcases for children which are configured to allow the child to sit on the suitcase while the suitcase rests on four wheels. The child may propel the suitcase by pushing against the ground with their feet.

Typically, such suitcases are provided with a fabric strap for towing the suitcase. The strap is usually detachable from the suitcase when not in use. The suitcases are generally also provided with fabric carry handles. Each wheel rotates about one axis, allowing the suitcase to be towed or propelled in one direction. The suitcases typically comprise two concave shells connected by a hinge, that are clipped together (for example with latches, clips or clasps) to close the suitcase. The interface between the two concave shells is conventionally in a plane perpendicular to the wheel plane and parallel to the direction of travel, such that the hinge is between two pairs of wheels.

It is also known to provide suitcases for adults that comprise two or four wheels and are configured to be towed using a retractable handle. These suitcases typically comprise two concave shells (a base portion and a lid portion) connected by a hinge, wherein the interface between the two concave shells is conventionally in a plane perpendicular to the wheel plane. When not in use, the retractable handle is stored in a base portion of the suitcase. The storage of the retractable handle in the base portion of the suitcase generally results in an uneven packing surface. Two-wheeled suitcases generally comprise two wheels on a base portion of the suitcase and two feet on a lid portion of the suitcase for stability when not being towed, wherein the two wheels and two feet are in the same plane. Four-wheeled suitcases generally comprise two wheels on the base portion of the suitcase and two wheels on the lid portion of the suitcase, with no feet. Summary

Against this background, in a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a hard-shell suitcase comprising a base portion comprising a first concave shell, wherein an edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane. The hard-shell suitcase further comprises a lid portion connected to the base portion by a hinge such that the lid portion is configured to be movable with respect to the base potion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position an edge of the lid portion is adjacent to the edge of the first concave shell in the first plane. The hard-shell suitcase further comprises first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies attached to the exterior of the base portion. The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies are in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies are configured to support the base portion. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the second plane and about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The hard-shell suitcase further comprises a first retractable handle parallel to the first plane configured to be movable in a first direction parallel to the first plane from a retracted position to an extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the first retractable handle is housed inside the lid portion.

In this way a person may sit on the lid portion of the hard-shell suitcase with the hard-shell suitcase supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies. The first retractable handle is housed in the lid portion, increasing the space available in the base portion and allowing a flat surface for packing inside the base portion as there is no handle housed in the base portion. The lid portion provides a stable surface to sit on.

The hard-shell suitcase may further comprise first, second, third and fourth feet, wherein the first and second feet are attached to the exterior of the base portion and wherein the third and fourth feet are attached to the exterior of the lid portion.

In this way the hard-shell suitcase may be supported by the first, second, third and fourth feet when the first plane of the hard-shell suitcase is perpendicular to the ground. The hard-shell suitcase may further comprise a second retractable handle configured to be movable in a plurality of directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the second retractable handle is housed inside the lid portion.

In this way a person may tow the hard-shell suitcase using the second retractable handle at an angle to the first plane. A person may be too tall to tow the hard-shell suitcase using the first retractable handle (configured to be parallel to the first plane). A first person (for example a child) may sit on the hard-shell suitcase and a second person (for example an adult) may tow the hard-shell suitcase using the second retractable handle at an angle to the first plane. If the first person is not sitting on the hard-shell suitcase, the first person may tow the hard-shell suitcase using the first retractable handle.

The second retractable handle may be flexible.

Advantageously, this may allow the second retractable handle to be used at extended positions that are at any angle between 0° and 90° to the first plane. A flexible retractable handle may be stored in a compact way in the lid portion of the hard-shell suitcase, for example by housing it in a rolled configuration.

The plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle may be in a third plane, wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and parallel to the first direction.

In this way the second retractable handle may not be movable relative to the hard-shell suitcase in directions parallel to the first plane and so may be used to steer the hard-shell suitcase in different directions.

The base portion may comprise a first foot rest and a second foot rest.

In this way a first person sitting on the suitcase may rest their feet on the first and second foot rests, such that if the hard-shell suitcase is towed while the first person is sitting on it their feet may be raised so as not to impede motion.

The hard-shell suitcase may further comprise a carry handle attached to the exterior of the lid portion. In this way the hard-shell suitcase may be carried.

In the closed position the lid portion may be attached to the base portion by a zip.

The base portion and the lid portion may be manufactured by blow moulding.

The base portion and the lid portion may be made from a thermoplastic polymer.

The base portion and the lid portion may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Each wheel assembly may comprise a pair of parallel wheels.

Each wheel in the pair of parallel wheels may be arranged on either side of a central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate about the second axis.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a hard-shell suitcase comprising a base portion comprising a first concave shell, wherein an edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane. The hard-shell suitcase further comprises a lid portion connected to the base portion by a hinge such that the lid portion is configured to be movable with respect to the base potion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position an edge of the lid portion is adjacent to the edge of the first concave shell in the first plane. The hard-shell suitcase further comprises first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies wherein the first and second wheel assemblies are attached to the exterior of the base portion and wherein the third and fourth wheel assemblies are attached to the exterior of the lid portion. The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies are in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the second plane and about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first, second, third and fourth feet attached to the exterior of the base portion, wherein the first, second, third and fourth feet are in a third plane parallel to the first plane. The hard-shell suitcase further comprises a first retractable handle parallel to the first plane configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the first plane between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the first retractable handle is housed inside the lid portion. In this way a person may sit on the lid portion of the hard-shell suitcase with the hard-shell suitcase supported by the first, second, third and fourth feet. The first, second, third and fourth feet provide a stable support for the hard-shell suitcase for a person to sit on it. The first retractable handle is housed in the lid portion, increasing the space available in the base portion and allowing a flat surface for packing inside the base portion as there is no handle housed in the base portion. The lid portion provides a stable surface to sit on.

The hard-shell suitcase may further comprise a carry handle attached to the exterior of the lid portion.

In this way the hard-shell suitcase may be carried.

In the closed position the lid portion may be attached to the base portion by a zip.

The base portion and the lid portion may be manufactured by blow moulding.

The base portion and the lid portion may be made from a thermoplastic polymer.

The base portion and the lid portion may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Each wheel assembly may comprise a pair of parallel wheels.

Each wheel in the pair of parallel wheels may be arranged on either side of a central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate about the second axis.

Brief description of the drawings

Specific embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a hard-shell suitcase in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figure 1 and indicates first and second planes.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figures 1 and 2 rotated by 90°.

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell of Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figures 1 to 5.

Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a hard-shell suitcase in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figures 7 and 8 rotated by 90°.

Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a perspective side view of the hard-shell suitcase of Figures 7 to 9 rotated by 90°.

Detailed description

With reference to Figure 1 , a hard-shell suitcase 100 according to a first embodiment of this disclosure is shown. With reference to Figure 2, the hard-shell suitcase of Figure 1 is shown with the first plane indicated by short-dashed lines 210, the second plane indicated by long-dashed lines 220, the first axis indicated by dotted line 230, the second axis indicated by dot-dashed line 240 and the first direction shown by arrow 250. Figure 3 shows the hard-shell suitcase 100 of Figure 1 rotated such that the first and second planes are parallel to the vertical. Figure 4 shows a different perspective view the hard-shell suitcase 100 of Figure 1. Figure 5 shows the hard-shell suitcase 100 of Figure 1 from the other side.

The hard-shell suitcase 100 comprises a base portion 110 comprising a first concave shell, wherein an edge of the first concave shell defines a first plane 210. The hard-shell suitcase 100 further comprises a lid portion 120 connected to the base portion by a hinge such that the lid portion 120 is configured to be movable with respect to the base potion 110 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position an edge 121 of the lid portion 120 is adjacent to the edge 111 of the first concave shell in the first plane 210. The hardshell suitcase 100 further comprises first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies attached to the exterior of the base portion. Only first, second and third wheel assemblies 131 , 132 and 133 are visible in Figure 1 . The fourth wheel assembly 134 is visible in Figure 3. The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134 are in a second plane 220 parallel to the first plane 210. The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134 are configured to support the base portion. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis 230 parallel to the second plane 220 and about a second axis 240 perpendicular to the first axis 230. The hard-shell suitcase 100 further comprises a first retractable handle 140 parallel to the first plane 210 configured to be movable in a first direction 250 parallel to the first plane 210 from a retracted position to an extended position and from the extended position to the retracted position. In the retracted position a portion of the first retractable handle 140 is housed inside the lid portion 120.

When the hard-shell suitcase 100 is supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134, the first plane 210 and second plane 220 are parallel to the ground.

The first retractable handle 140 may be configured to move in either direction (extending or retracting) along the first direction 250. The first retractable handle 140 may be movable between the retracted position and one extended position. The first retractable handle 140 may be movable between the retracted position and more than one extended positions, and first retractable handle 140 may be movable between the extended positions. The first retractable handle 140 may be rigid. The first retractable handle 140 may comprise a button configured to release the first retractable handle 140 from the retracted position or the one or more extended positions, and to allow the first retractable handle 140 to be moved between the retracted position and the one or more extended positions, or between the one or more extended positions.

Referring again to Figure 1 , the hard-shell suitcase 100 may further comprise a second retractable handle 150 configured to be movable in a plurality of directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. In the retracted position, a first portion of the second retractable handle 150 may be housed inside the lid portion 120. In an extended position, a second portion of the second retractable handle 150 may extend from the lid portion 120. In an extended position, the second retractable handle 150 may be at a first angle to the first plane 210. In an example, the plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle 150 may be in a third plane, wherein the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane 210 and parallel to the first direction 250. In another example, the plurality of extended positions of the second retractable handle 150 may be between 0° and 90° from the first plane 210 and between 0° and 90° degrees either side of the first direction. When extended, the second retractable handle 150 may be fixable at one of the plurality of extended positions, or may be movable between more than one extended position. The plurality of extended positions may comprise positions at a plurality of angles to the first plane 210, positions at a plurality of angles to the first direction, a plurality of lengths of the second portion of the second retractable handle 150, or a combination of these.

The second retractable handle 150 may be flexible. The second retractable handle 150 may be moved between the retracted position and one of the plurality of extended positions by moving the retractable handle at a first angle to the first plane 210. The second retractable handle 150 may be housed by rolling the second retractable handle 150 around an axis.

The second retractable handle 150 may, alternatively, be rigid. The second retractable handle 150 may be moved between the retracted position and one of the plurality of extended positions by moving the retractable handle parallel to the first plane 210 and then lifting the second retractable handle 150 to one of the plurality of extended positions at an angle, wherein the extended position is at a first angle to the first plane 210. The hard-shell suitcase 100 may further comprise a carry handle 160 attached to the exterior of the lid portion 120. The carry handle 160 may be a fixed handle. The carry handle 160 may be partially extendable, wherein the carry handle 160 is configured to be flush with the exterior of the lid portion 120 when not in use, and to extend to allow a user to insert their hand between the carry handle 160 and the exterior of the lid portion 120. The carry handle 160 may be housed in a recess of the lid portion 120.

The hard-shell suitcase 100 may further comprise a first foot-rest 171 and a second footrest 172 (not visible in Figure 1 , but visible in Figure 3) attached to the exterior of the base portion 1 10. The first foot-rest 171 and the second foot-rest 172 may be positioned on opposite sides of the base portion 1 10, such that the first foot-rest 171 and the second footrest 172 are positioned either side of the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134.

The hard-shell suitcase 100 may further comprise a first gripping handle 181 and a second gripping handle 182 (not visible in Figure 1 , but visible in Figure 3) attached to the exterior of the lid portion 120 such that a person seated on the hard-shell suitcase 100 is able to grip the first gripping handle 181 and the second gripping handle 182.

The hard-shell suitcase 100 may further comprise first, second, third and fourth feet 191 , 192, 193 and 194. The exemplary feet shown in Figure 1 are cylindrical in shape. The feet may comprise any shape. With reference to Figure 3, the first, second and fourth feet 191 , 192, 193 and 194 are configured to support the hard-shell suitcase 100 when the suitcase is rotated such that the first plane 210 is perpendicular to the ground.

In use, with reference to Figure 6, a first person 610 may sit on the hard-shell suitcase 100 when the first plane 210 is parallel to the ground and the hard-shell suitcase is supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134. The first person may sit on the lid portion 120. The first person 610 may grip the first and second gripping handles 181 and 182 and rest their feet on the first and second foot-rests 171 and 172. A second person 620 may extend the second retractable handle 150 and may tow the hard-shell suitcase 100 using the second retractable handle 150. The first person 610 may be a child, and the second person 620 may be an adult such that the second retractable handle is extended to an extended position at an angle to the first plane 210. When the first person 610 is not sitting on the hard-shell suitcase 100, the first person 610 may tow the hard-shell suitcase 100 using the first retractable handle 140 in an extended position parallel to the first plane 210.

With reference to Figure 7, a hard-shell suitcase 700 according to a second embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 8 shows the hard-shell suitcase 700 of Figure 7 with the first plane indicated by short-dashed lines 810, the second plane indicated by long-dashed lines 820, the first axis indicated by dotted line 830, the second axis indicated by dot- dashed line 840 and the first direction shown by arrow 850. Figures 9 and 10 show perspective views of the hard-shell suitcase 700 rotated by 90° such that the second plane is parallel to the horizontal.

With reference to Figure 7, the hard-shell suitcase 700 comprises a base portion 710 comprising a first concave shell, wherein an edge 711 of the first concave shell defines a first plane. The hard-shell suitcase 700 further comprises a lid portion 720 connected to the base portion 710 by a hinge such that the lid portion 720 is configured to be movable with respect to the base potion between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position an edge 721 of the lid portion 720 is adjacent to the edge of the first concave shell in the first plane 810. The hard-shell suitcase 700 further comprises first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 731 , 732, 733 and 734 wherein the first and second wheel assemblies 731 and 732 are attached to the exterior of the base portion 710 and wherein the third and fourth wheel assemblies 733 and 734 are attached to the exterior of the lid portion 720. The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 731 , 732, 733 and 734 are in a second plane 820 perpendicular to the first plane 810. Each wheel assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis 830 parallel to the second plane 820 and about a second axis 840 perpendicular to the first axis 810. The hard-shell suitcase 700 further comprises first, second, third and fourth feet 751 , 752, 753 and 754 (only 751 is visible in Figure 7, but all of 751 , 752, 753 and 754 are visible in Figure 9) attached to the exterior of the base portion 710, wherein the first, second, third and fourth feet 751 , 752, 753 and 754 are in a third plane parallel to the first plane 810. The hard-shell suitcase 700 further comprises a first retractable handle 740 parallel to the first plane 810 configured to be movable in a direction 850 parallel to the first plane 810 between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position a portion of the first retractable handle 740 is housed inside the lid portion 720. When the first plane 810 is parallel to the ground, the hard-shell suitcase 700 may be supported by the first, second, third and fourth feet 751 , 752, 753 and 754. When the second plane 820 is parallel to the ground, the hard-shell suitcase 700 may be supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 731 , 732, 733 and 734.

The first retractable handle 740 may be configured to move in either direction (extending or retracting) along the first direction 850. The first retractable handle 740 may be movable between the retracted position and one extended position. The first retractable handle 740 may be movable between the retracted position and more than one extended positions, and first retractable handle 740 may be movable between the extended positions. The first retractable handle 740 may be rigid. The first retractable handle 740 may comprise a button configured to release the first retractable handle 740 from the retracted position or the one or more extended positions, and to allow the first retractable handle 740 to be moved between the retracted position and the one or more extended positions, or between the one or more extended positions.

The hard-shell suitcase 700 may further comprise a carry handle 760 attached to the exterior of the lid portion 720. The carry handle 760 may be a fixed handle. The carry handle 760 may be partially extendable, wherein the carry handle 760 is configured to be flush with the exterior of the lid portion 720 when not in use, and to extend to allow a user to insert their hand between the carry handle 760 and the exterior of the lid portion 720. The carry handle 760 may be housed in a recess of the lid portion 720.

In use, a person may sit on the hard-shell suitcase 700 when the first plane 810 is parallel to the ground and the hard-shell suitcase 700 is supported by the first, second, third and fourth feet 751 , 752, 753 and 754.

In the closed position of the hard-shell suitcase 100 or 700 of either embodiment the lid portion may be attached to the base portion by a zip. The zip may be attached to the edge 111 , 711 of the base portion 110, 710 and the edge 121 , 721 of the lid portion 120, 720.

The base portion 110, 710 and the lid portion 120, 720 of the hard-shell suitcase 100 or

700 of either embodiment may be manufactured by blow moulding. The base portion 110,

710 and the lid portion 120, 720 may be made from a thermoplastic polymer. The base portion 110, 710 and the lid portion 120, 720 may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

The first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133, 134, 731 , 732, 733 and 734 of the hard-shell suitcase 100 or 700 of either embodiment may comprise a pair of parallel wheels. Each wheel in the pair of parallel wheels may be arranged on either side of a central portion, wherein the central portion is configured to rotate about the second axis.

The lid portion 120, 720 of the hard-shell suitcase 100 or 700 of either embodiment may be configured to be sat on. In the first embodiment, the first plane is parallel to the second plane, so the edge 121 of the lid portion 120 is parallel to the plane containing the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134. The hard-shell suitcase 100 is configured to be sat on while the hard-shell suitcase 100 is supported by the first, second, third and fourth wheel assemblies 131 , 132, 133 and 134. This allows the hardshell suitcase 100 to be towed while a person is sitting on the hard-shell suitcase 100. In use, it is likely that the hard-shell suitcase 100 of the first embodiment may be sat on by a child, so it is beneficial for an adult to be able to tow the suitcase while the child is sitting on it. In the second embodiment, the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane. The edge 721 of the lid portion 720 is parallel to the plane containing the first, second, third and fourth feet 751 , 752, 753 and 754 so the hard-shell suitcase 700 is configured to be sat on while the hard-shell suitcase 700 is supported by the first, second, third and fourth feet 751 , 752, 753 and 754. This provides stable support for the hard-shell suitcase 700 while it is being sat on. In use, it is likely that an adult will sit on the hard-shell suitcase 700 of the second embodiment, so it is beneficial for the hard-shell suitcase 700 to be stable while a person is sitting on it to allow for the larger weight.

The lid portion 120, 720 of the hard-shell suitcase 100 or 700 of either embodiment may be configured to house the first retractable handle 140, 740. Since the first retractable handle 140, 740 is housed in the lid portion 120, 720, the internal volume of the base portion 110, 710 may be entirely used for packing since the base portion 110, 710 does not house a handle. Furthermore, the interior surface of the base portion 110, 710 that is parallel to the first plane 210, 810 may be substantially flat. This allows for easier packing of the hardshell suitcase 100, 700 and allows items to be laid on a flat surface.