Bi-Directional Ride-On Luggage

The present disclosure relates generally to luggage, specifically luggage which is configured to enable a passenger to ride thereon.

When travelling, people may be subjected to extensive time spent walking. Such extensive times spent walking may occur in airport terminals, for example. The extensive time walking may be an additional challenge for people traveling with young children. Young children may not desire to be carried for these extensive times and such extensive times spent carrying a child may be taxing on the traveler.

One solution for travelers with young children is ride-on carry-on luggage. Such luggage allows a passenger (such as a young child) to ride thereon while another traveler drives the ride-on carry-on luggage.

Embodiments described herein include a ride-on luggage that is configured to be moved in opposing travel directions. Further, the ride-on luggage is configured to allow a passenger to face either of the opposing travel directions.

The bi-directional ride-on luggage includes a luggage container, a plurality of wheels, a seat, a first and second pairs of footrests, and a handle. The luggage container includes an interior cavity configured to store items therein and having a form factor configured to be used as carry-on luggage. The plurality of wheels are coupled to the luggage container and are configured to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container. The seat is provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to ride on the luggage container and is configured to support the user in a respective seated position in each of opposing travel directions. The first pair of footrests are provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat to travel in one of the opposing travel directions. The second pair of footrests are provided on or integrated with the luggage container to enable a user to rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seat to travel in the other one of the opposing travel directions. The handle is coupled to the luggage container and configured to be used in each of a push operation and a pull operation.

The seat may be positioned on a top surface of the luggage container and may include a padded cushion thereon. The bi-directional ride-on luggage may include a first handle strap and a second handle strap. Each of the first and second handle straps may be positioned on the seat. A seatbelt configured to secure a passenger to the seat may be included and may be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second handle straps.

One of the first pair of footrests and one of the second pair of footrests may be positioned on a first side of the luggage container, while the other footrests of the first pair and the second pairs of footrests may be positioned on a second side of the luggage container.

The handle is adjustable to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to enable the push operation and/or the pull operation. When the adjustable handle is in the deployed position, the adjustable handle member extends outwardly away from the luggage container to enable an operator to push and/or pull the bi-directional ride-on luggage. When the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle member is retained within an envelope associated with a maximum volume of carry-on luggage. When the adjustable handle is in the stowed position, the adjustable handle may be flush with a front face of the luggage container or recessed relative to the front face of the luggage container. The adjustable handle may be configured to rotate about an axis extending in a transverse direction. The adjustable handle may be configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent. The adjustable handle may be configured to be moved to an intermediate position. The intermediate position may be between the stowed position and the deployed position on a circumferential path of the adjustable handle.

In some embodiments, the luggage container may also include at least one attachment port configured to receive an attachment insert. Each of the at least one attachment port may be positioned on a top surface of the luggage container. The attachment port may include a locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the attachment insert to the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The locking mechanism may be a spring-loaded latch.

Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may enable attachment of a number of accessories to the ride-on luggage, which may provide entertainment to a passenger thereof and/or may provide additional benefits to a user of the ride-on luggage.

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques associated with ride-on luggage may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

show a bi-directional ride-on luggage, according to an example embodiment. The bi-directional ride-on luggage is configured such that a passenger, such as a child, may ride the bi-directional ride-on luggagewhile the bi-directional ride-on luggageis in motion. Additionally, the passenger may be positioned to face either of opposing travel directions, i.e., forward or rearward, while riding the bi-directional ride-on luggage.

The bi-directional ride-on luggageincludes a luggage container, a plurality of wheels, a seat, a first pair of footrests, a second pair of footrests, and a handle. The luggage containerincludes an interior cavityconfigured to store items therein. The bi-directional ride-on luggagemay be sized (i.e., have a form factor) such that the bi-directional ride-on luggagemay be used as carry-on luggage. Such a sizing of the luggage containermay enable the bi-directional ride-on luggageto be used in a terminal of an airport for persons travelling with children who may ride the bi-directional ride-on luggageto their departure gate, for example. The bi-directional ride-on luggagemay then be stowed in an overhead bin of an aircraft during flight.

An exterior shellof the bi-directional ride-on luggagemay include an outer magnetic material. The outer magnetic material may enable a user of the bi-directional ride-on luggageto attach magnetic items thereto. The magnetic items may include decorations, identification tags, or any other item which may be attached to the luggage container.

The plurality of wheelsof the bi-directional ride-on luggagemay be coupled to the luggage container. The plurality of wheelsmay be coupled to the luggage containersuch that the at least a portion of the plurality of wheelsextend from a bottom sideof the bi-directional ride-on luggageand/or at least a portion of the plurality of wheelsextend from a first sideand a second sideof the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The plurality of wheelsare configured to enable wheeled travel of the luggage container. The plurality of wheelsmay include four wheels. Each of the plurality of wheelsmay be configured as a caster, such that each of the plurality of wheelsmay swivel 360°. Such a configuration enables the bi-directional ride-on luggageto be moved in any direction. In some embodiments, two wheels of the plurality of wheelsmay be casters configured to swivel 360°, while two remaining wheels of the plurality of wheelsmay be fixed such that the two remaining wheels rotate only forward or backward (i.e. bi-directionally).

The seatmay be integrated with the luggage container. The seatis configured to enable a user to ride on the luggage container. The seat may be configured such that the passenger may sit on the seatwhen riding on the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The seatis positioned on and forms a part of a top surfaceof the luggage container. The seatis configured to support the passenger in a seated position in each of the opposing travel directions. In other words, the passenger may face in either direction relative to the luggage containerwhen sitting on the seat. The seatmay include a padded cushion thereon.

The seatmay include a first and second handle straps,thereon. The first handle strapmay be positioned proximate to a first endof the seat. The second handle strapmay be opposed to the first handle strapand may be positioned proximate to a second endof the seat. Each of the first and second handle straps,may be configured such that the passenger may grip one of the handle straps,while facing one of the respective opposing travel directions. For example, the passenger may grip the handle strap which is positioned in front of the passenger.

A seatbeltmay be utilized to restrain the passenger in the seatof the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The seatbeltmay be configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second handle straps,. Removably coupling the seatbeltto at least one of the first second handle straps,enables the seatbelt to be utilized regardless of the opposing travel direction the passenger is facing. The seatbeltmay be configured such that a length of the seatbeltis adjustable. A detailed view of the coupling of the seatbeltto the bi-directional ride-on luggageis shown in. Further, the seatbeltmay be removed when not in use. The seatbeltmay be removably coupled to at least one of the first second handle straps,by looping each of a first endand a second endof the seatbeltaround one of the first second handle straps,and fastening the first and second ends,of the seatbeltinto respective clips present on the seatbelt. In some embodiments, each of the first and second ends,of the seatbeltmay couple to a portion of the at least one of the first second handle straps,by the use of clips. For example, each of the first and second ends,of the seatbeltinclude a clip which is configured to removably couple to a corresponding clip extending from one of the first second handle straps,. In some embodiments, each of the first and second ends,of the seatbeltmay include hook-and-loop portionsand the first second handle straps,may each include two hook-and-loop portions. The hook-and-loop portions of the first and second ends,may be configured to engage and removably couple with a hook-and-loop portion of one of the first second handle straps,.

Returning to, the first and second pair of footrests,may each be provided on or integrated with the luggage container. Each footrest of the first and second pair of footrests,are configured to enable a user to rest one of the user's feet thereon. The first pair of footrestsis configured such that a user may rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seatto face one of the opposing travel directions. The second pair of footrestsis configured such that a user may rest the user's feet thereon when seated on the seatto travel in the other one of the opposing travel directions. The first sideof the luggage containerincludes one footrest of the first pair of footrestsand one footrest of the second pair of footreststhereon. The second sideof the luggage containerincludes the other footrest of the first pair of footrestsand the other footrest of the second pair of footreststhereon. Each footrest of the first pair of footrestsmay be positioned on a handle-endof the bi-directional ride-on luggageon the respective sides,. Each footrest of the second pair of footrestsmay be positioned on a non-handle-endof the bi-directional ride-on luggageon the respective sides,. As shown in the figures, the footrests,may be formed integrally with the exterior shellof the luggage container, and may be recessed relative to an outermost portion of the exterior shellto provide ledges to rest the user's feet on.

The handlemay be coupled to the luggage containeron the handle-endthereof. The handleis configured to be used in each of a push operation and a pull operation of the bi-direction ride-on luggage. The handleis adjustable to move between a stowed configuration, as shown in, and a deployed configuration, as shown in. The handlemay be configured to rotate about an axis Aextending in a transverse direction Drelative to the luggage container. The handlemay follow a circumferential path ranging from the stowed configurationto the deployed configuration. The handlemay be configured to maintain a position when force applied by the operator is absent. Maintaining of the position of the handlemay occur due to friction on the handleby the luggage container. In some embodiments, the handlemay be telescopic, such that a length of the handlemay be extendable and retractable.

When in the deployed configuration, the handleis configured to enable the push operation and/or the pull operation. When the handleis in the deployed configuration, the handleextends outwardly away from the luggage container. The handlemay be prevented from continuing to rotate by a stopper.

When the handleis in the stowed position, the handlemay be retained within an envelopedefined by the luggage container. The envelopemay be configured such that when the handleis retained therein, a volume of the bi-directional ride-on luggageis within maximum dimensions allowed for carry-on luggage. When the handleis in the stowed configuration, the handlemay be flush with a front faceof the luggage container. In some embodiments, the envelopemay be recessed relative to the front faceof the luggage container.

The handlemay be configured to be moved to an intermediate configuration. When in the intermediate configuration, the handlemay be positioned rotationally between the position of the handlein the stowed configurationand the deployed configuration. The intermediate configuration may enable the push operation and/or the pull operation of the bi-directional ride-on luggage, but the intermediate configuration may not be as preferred of a configuration for such operation(s) as the deployed configuration. A detent system, rachet system or other mechanical arrangement may be provided to hold the handlein one or more of a plurality of intermediate positions.

A main access aperturemay be incorporated into the first sideof the luggage container. The main access aperturemay be in communication with the interior cavity. The main access aperturemay be configured to be selectively closed by a main access aperture door. The main access aperture is shown in an open position in, while a closed position is shown in. The luggage containeris configured to support a passenger thereon when the main access apertureis in either of an open position or a closed position.

An auxiliary access aperturemay be incorporated into any of the first sideor the second sideof the luggage container. The auxiliary access aperturemay be in communication with an auxiliary cavity. The auxiliary access aperturemay be configured to be selectively closed by an auxiliary access aperture door. The auxiliary access apertureis shown in an open position in, while a closed position is shown in. The luggage containeris configured to support a passenger thereon when the auxiliary access apertureis in either of an open position or a closed position.

The luggage containermay further include at least one attachment portthereon. The at least one attachment portmay be positioned on the top surfaceof the luggage container. The at least one attachment portis configured to receive an attachment insert, such that the attachment portis coupled to the attachment insert, as shown in the detailed view of. An exploded view of the attachment portand the attachment insertis shown in. The attachment insertmay be coupled to at least one accessory such that the at least one accessory may be used by the passenger when the attachment insertis coupled to the attachment port. Accessories may include, but are not limited to, video monitors, gaming devices, book holders, and toys.

The at least one attachment portmay include a locking mechanismconfigured to releasably couple the attachment insertto the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The locking mechanismmay include a spring-loaded latch. In such embodiments, the locking mechanismmay be configured to be biased toward a locking position. While the attachment insertis being inserted into the attachment port, the attachment insertmay counter the bias of the locking mechanism. When the attachment insertis fully inserted into the attachment port, the attachment insertmay no longer be countering the bias of the locking mechanismand the locking mechanismmay extend into a notch of the attachment insert, thus locking attachment insertin place. The locking mechanismmay be released by actuating a button, which causes the locking mechanismto be removed from the notch. The attachment insertmay then be removed from the attachment port.

In some embodiments, the at least one attachment portmay include a first and second attachment portsThe first attachment portmay be positioned towards the handle-endof the luggage containerrelative to the seat. The second attachment portmay be positioned toward the non-handle-endof the luggage containerrelative to the seat. Such a configuration of the first and second attachment portsenables separate attachment insertsto be inserted into both of the first and second attachment portswhich would enable a passenger to face an accessory regardless of the opposing travel direction the passenger is facing. The first and second attachment portsmay be used simultaneously, such that an attachment insertis present in the first attachment portat the same time that another attachment insertis present in the second attachment portThe accessories present simultaneously may not be related to one another. The accessories present simultaneously may be complimentary to one another. For example, a first accessory, which the passenger faces, may be a display monitor, while the second accessory, which the passenger does not face, may be an audio output device (e.g., speakers) providing audio related to the content displayed on the display monitor.

The luggage containermay further include a handling strapthereon. The handling strapmay be present on the non-handle endof the luggage container. The handling strapmay be configured to provide a user of the bi-directional ride-on luggagewith a convenient gripping location when lifting the bi-directional ride-on luggage, such as when lifting the bi-directional ride-on luggageto be stowed in an overhead bin on an aircraft.

shows another example embodiment of the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The bi-directional ride-on luggageis configured the same as bi-directional ride-on luggage, except an envelopeconfigured to receive a handlemay include a notchpositioned adjacent to the handle. The notchmay enable a user to remove the handlefrom a stowed configuration without reaching to a base areaof the luggage container.

shows another example embodiment of bi-directional ride-on luggage. The bi-directional ride-on luggagemay be configured the same or similar to the bi-directional ride-on luggage, except as described below.

In, a seatis vertically offset from a top surfaceof a luggage container. The seatbeing offset from the top surface may provide clear guidance to a passenger regarding a position in which the passenger is to sit. Furthermore, the offset seatmay assist in preventing a passenger, such as a child, from climbing or sliding off of the bi-directional ride-on luggagewhen such an exit is not desired by a supervisor of the passenger.

In the embodiment shown in, it can also be seen that first and second pairs of footrests,may be configured to move between a deployed position, as shown in, and a retracted position. Although only one footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests,is shown, it should be understood that a second footrest of each of the first and second pairs of footrests,is present on an opposite side of the luggage container. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,may independently adjust between the deployed position and the retracted position. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,may include a platformconfigured such that a passenger of the bi-directional ride-on luggagemay rest their foot thereon. Each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,may rotate downward and away from a sideof the luggage containerwhen transitioning from a retracted position (not shown), adjacent to, flush or recessed within the side of the luggage containerto a deployed position (as shown in). Such rotation may be accomplished by a rotational device, such as a hinge, a pin, or the any suitable rotatable rotational device, about which each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,rotates. In some embodiments, the sideof the luggage containermay be configured to limit rotation of each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,between the retracted and deployed positions. In some embodiments, the rotation device may be configured to limit rotation of each footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,between the retracted and deployed positions.

When a footrest of the first and second pairs of footrests,is in the deployed position, the footrest may extend away from a sideof the luggage container. When in the deployed position, the platformmay angled in a position in which a passenger may comfortably rest a foot on the platformwhen seated on the bi-directional ride-on luggage. The platformmay be angled at an angle θ slightly varied from parallel (i.e., less than 30° from parallel) with a reference planeon which the bi-directional ride-on luggageis positioned. In some embodiments, the platformsof the first and second pairs of footrests,may be configured such that the angles θ oppose one another relative to the reference plane. In some other embodiments, the platformmay be parallel with the reference plane.

The bi-directional ride-on luggage described herein may be adapted to a variety of designs. Such a bi-directional ride-on luggage may provide easier pushing and/or pulling the bi-directional ride-on luggage to an operator and may allow a passenger, such as a child, to face either of the opposing travel directions when riding the bi-directional ride-on luggage.

The devices and systems of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

Certain features that may be described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that may be described in the context of a single implementation also may be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and every embodiment.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. In addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.