MOTORIZED SELF-LIFTING LUGGAGE SYSTEM FOR EASY LOADING

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to the field of luggage systems, specifically motorized and self-lifting suitcase mechanisms designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of suitcases in elevated compartments, such as car trunks or railway compartments with steps.

BACKGROUND

Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

The transportation of luggage, particularly in the context of loading heavy suitcases into elevated compartments such as car trunks, SUVs, or rail compartments, presents a common challenge for travelers. The physical act of lifting a suitcase from the ground to a height sufficient to place it inside a vehicle's boot or a raised compartment can require significant effort, especially when the suitcase is heavily packed. This task becomes even more difficult when the compartment is accessed via steps, as in many train compartments or certain types of cargo spaces, which require additional lifting height.

For many individuals, particularly the elderly, those with physical limitations, or those suffering from injuries, this lifting task poses a considerable problem. The exertion involved in manually lifting a heavy suitcase often necessitates the assistance of another person, or it may lead to strain and injury if attempted alone. In some cases, even able-bodied individuals experience difficulty in managing large and heavy suitcases without assistance.

Current luggage solutions on the market typically include wheels and handles, which make dragging the suitcase along flat surfaces easier but fail to address the challenge of elevating the suitcase to the required height for loading. While these conventional suitcases offer some degree of mobility, they do not eliminate the need for manual lifting when dealing with elevated storage compartments. Consequently, the existing solutions still leave a gap in terms of accessibility and ease of use for all users.

The gap is particularly pronounced when traveling alone, where no assistance is available, and the user is left with no option but to attempt to lift the suitcase manually. This can result in both inconvenience and potential injury, and it highlights the need for a more efficient and user-friendly solution that addresses the specific challenge of loading suitcases into elevated spaces.

The present disclosure addresses the problem by introducing a motorized self-lifting suitcase (MSLS). The disclosure presents suitcase that incorporates a motorized mechanism that, upon pressing a button, raises the suitcase to a height of approximately 30 inches. The elevation allows the user to easily push the suitcase into the boot or compartment, eliminating the need for manual lifting and significantly reducing the physical effort required.

There is, therefore, a need to address the challenges by introducing a Motorized Self-Lifting Suitcase that not only solves the specific problem of lifting heavy luggage but also offers a practical and efficient solution for improving the overall travel experience.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a motorized self-lifting suitcase system (MSLS) that eliminates the need for manual lifting of heavy suitcases when loading them into elevated compartments.

Another object of the present disclosure is to facilitate the loading and unloading of luggage by incorporating a telescopic rod mechanism powered by a motor.

Another object of the present disclosure is to design a compact and portable motorized suitcase system that integrates the lifting mechanism without significantly increasing the size or weight of the suitcase.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a user-friendly interface for operating the lifting mechanism, such as a simple button press, making the system accessible and intuitive for all users.

Another object of the present disclosure is to promote a more comfortable and efficient travel experience by minimizing the manual effort involved in handling heavy suitcases, thereby streamlining the process of loading and unloading luggage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of the proposed motorized self-lifting suitcase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of a top view of the proposed motorized self-lifting suitcase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary representation of a telescope locking mechanism of the proposed motorized self-lifting suitcase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure relates to the field of luggage systems, specifically motorized and self-lifting suitcase mechanisms designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of suitcases in elevated compartments, such as car trunks or railway compartments with steps.

A Motorized Self-Lifting Suitcase (MSLS) system may be configured to include a suitcase body with a vertically disposed central shaft housing a telescopic lift rod. The telescopic lift rod is designed to extend from a collapsed position to elevate the suitcase body to a height of approximately 30 inches. The MSLS system can feature a motor, operatively connected to a gear wheel, which engages with gear teeth fixed on the lift rod. The motor may be powered by a battery and activated by a button switch mounted on the suitcase body. Upon activation, the motor drives the telescopic lift rod upward through the engagement of the gear wheel and gear teeth, lifting the suitcase body. An hourglass spring positioned within the telescopic lift rod can facilitate the extension of a telescoped part during upward movement. After use, the telescopic lift rod can be manually retracted and secured in a collapsed position using a snap lock located at the bottom of the suitcase body. Additionally, a slit along the central shaft can enable engagement of the gear teeth with the gear wheel, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

In an aspect, the telescopic lift rod in a collapsed position measures 21 inches in length, such that the telescopic lift rod is dimensioned to fit within the standard height of a trolley cabin baggage of 21.6 inches. Furthermore, the telescoped part of the telescopic lift rod may be configured to extend an additional 12 inches during operation, with 2 inches exposed for mechanical engagement. The telescopic lift rod is manually retracted after use and secured using the snap lock.

In another aspect, the suitcase body may be configured to allow the elevated suitcase to be pushed into the boot of a vehicle upon reaching the preferred height.

In an aspect, the motor may be configured to rotate the gear wheel clockwise upon activation, thereby driving the telescopic lift rod downward to accomplish upward movement of the suitcase body.

In an aspect, wherein the MSLS system may be configured to enable hands-free lifting of the suitcase body to a vehicle's boot level, simplifying storage and transport.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.

The present disclosure introduces a Motorized Self-Lifting Suitcase (MSLS) that addresses the persistent issue by offering a practical solution. The MSLS is engineered to automatically elevate itself to a height of around 30 inches, aligning with the typical floor level of car trunks and similar compartments. It features a motor-powered telescopic rod mechanism, seamlessly integrated into the suitcase design. Upon pressing a button, the telescopic rod extends, lifting the suitcase from the ground to the required height without any manual effort from the user.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of the proposed motorized self-lifting suitcase (MSLS) system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 1A, an operation of a motorized self-lifting suitcase (MSLS) system (100) (interchangeably referred to as a MSLS system (100), hereinafter) may be configured to design loading luggage into car boots or elevated compartments easy and effortless. To begin, a user positions the MSLS system (100) near the open boot of a car. By pressing a button snitch (116) located at the top of the suitcase, a motor (108) may be activated, which may be powered by an internal battery (114). The motor (114) can drive a gear wheel (110) that controls the movement of a telescopic lift rod (106), centrally installed inside the MSLS system (100). The telescopic lift rod (106) can extend through a central shaft (104), where the central shaft (104) lifts a suitcase body (102) vertically to a height of approximately 30 inches, which aligns with the floor level of most car trunks. Once the MSLS system (100) can reach the required height, the user can simply push it into the boot without lifting it manually. After loading is complete, the telescopic lift rod (106) can be manually retracted back into a central shaft (104) and locked securely with a snap lock (122) located at the base of the MSLS system (100). The mechanism can ensure that the telescopic lift rod (106) stays securely in place during transport, providing a convenient, user-friendly solution to a common problem.

In an embodiment, the lifting action can continue until the MSLS system (100) can reach a height of approximately 30 inches, which can correspond to the standard floor level of most car trunks or elevated compartments. The height eliminates the need for manual lifting, allowing the user to effortlessly slide the suitcase body (102) into the trunk by simply pushing it forward. The suitcase's design is particularly useful for individuals who may struggle with lifting heavy luggage, such as the elderly or those with physical limitations.

Once the MSLS system (100) has been loaded, the telescopic lift rod (106) can be manually pushed back into the suitcase's central shaft (104). The snap lock (122) may be located at the bottom of the MSLS system (100) body securely locks the telescopic lift rod (106) in place, ensuring that it remains compact and retracted during transport. The locking mechanism can prevent any accidental extension of the telescopic lift rod (106) while the suitcase body (102) is being moved. The MSLS system (100) may be configured to work reliably, making travel more convenient and reducing the physical strain associated with handling heavy luggage. By incorporating the motorized self-lifting feature, the MSLS system (100) can enhance accessibility and independence for travelers, offering an efficient, user-friendly, and practical solution for managing heavy suitcases.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of a top view of the proposed motorized self-lifting suitcase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 1B a standard height for trolley cabin baggage is typically 21.6 inches. To accommodate this, the telescopic lift rod (106) in the MSLS system (100) may be designed to measure 21 inches in its collapsed position, allowing it to fit vertically within the MSLS system (100) without affecting its portability or internal space. The telescopic lift rod (106) can include an extendable part measuring 12 inches, with 2 inches of the portion exposed from the main lift rod. The exposed section plays a crucial role in the lifting mechanism.

On the left side of both the main lift rod and its telescoped part (120), gear teeth (112) are attached. The gear teeth (112) are essential for the motorized lifting function. A precisely measured slit (124) is made along the left side of the central shaft (104) that houses the telescopic lift rod (106), allowing the gear teeth (112) to protrude and engage with a gear wheel (110) connected to the motor (108). The setup can ensure that the telescopic lift rod (106) can be controlled by the motor (108) during operation.

When the user presses a button switch (116) located on the MSLS system (100), the motor (108) is activated, and causing it's the gear wheel (110) to rotate in a clockwise direction. As the gear wheel (110) turns, it drives the telescopic lift rod (106) downward, which in turn pushes the entire suitcase body (102) upwards. The motion can elevate the MSLS system (100) off the ground, raising it to a height suitable for loading into a car trunk or other elevated compartments.

As the telescopic lift rod (106) moves downward, the telescopic part (120) housed inside the upper portion of the telescopic lift rod (106) extends outwards. The movement may be assisted by an hourglass spring (118) positioned just below the telescopic part (120), which pushes it upward smoothly as the telescopic lift rod (106) continues to descend. The telescoping mechanism ensures that the MSLS system (100) can be lifted to the necessary height without compromising the compact form of the suitcase body (102) when not in use.

In an embodiment, once the lifting operation is complete, the telescopic lift rod (106) can be manually retracted by pushing it back into its collapsed position. A snap lock (122) may be provided at the base of the suitcase body (102) to securely lock the telescopic lift rod (106) in place, ensuring it remains stowed during transport. The locking mechanism is easy to engage, ensuring that the suitcase body (102) remains in its compact form when not in use referring to FIG. 1B for a visual representation of the components and operation.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary representation of a telescope locking mechanism of the proposed motorized self-lifting suitcase, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the MSLS system (100) may be designed with a compact and efficient telescopic lift rod (106) system that fits seamlessly within the standard dimensions of a cabin trolley suitcase. The suitcase's height is typically around 21.6 inches, and the collapsed telescopic lift rod (106) measures 21 inches, making it compatible with standard luggage sizes without compromising space or usability.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the telescopic lift rod (106) may be composed of two main parts: the primary lift rod and an extendable telescopic section. The telescopic section can measure 12 inches, with 2 inches exposed above the main rod when in its retracted state. The design can ensure that the telescopic mechanism is compact when not in use, while providing adequate length for the full lift function.

One of the key features of the design is the integration of gear teeth along the left side of the lift rod and the telescopic part. The gear teeth (112) play a crucial role in driving the lift system. To facilitate their engagement with the motor's gear wheel, a precisely dimensioned slit (124) is cut into the left side of the central shaft (104) housing the telescopic lift rod (106). The slit (124) can allow the gear teeth (112) to extend outward from the telescopic lift rod (106) and engage seamlessly with the motorized gear wheel (110), ensuring smooth movement during operation.

Furthermore, when the user presses the button switch (116) located at the top of the suitcase body (102), it activates the motor (108). The motor's gear wheel rotates in a clockwise direction, causing the telephonic lift rod (106) to move downwards. However, since the telephonic lift rod (106) is fixed inside the suitcase, the downward movement translates into an upward lifting motion for the suitcase body (102) itself. As the telephonic lift rod (106) descends, the suitcase body (102) gradually rises from the ground, allowing it to reach the height required to align with a car boot or elevated storage compartment.

In an exemplary embodiment, the telescopic part (120) of the lift rod is housed inside the upper portion of the primary rod and remains hidden when the suitcase body (102) is in its collapsed state. As the motor (108) lowers the main telescopic lift rod (106), the telescopic section automatically extends upward. The movement may be assisted by an hourglass-shaped spring (118) located just below the telescopic part (120). The hourglass spring (118) can provide the necessary force to push the telescopic section upwards, ensuring a smooth and controlled extension as the telescopic lift rod (106) moves down. The hourglass spring (118) is designed to provide consistent upward force, so the extension occurs without jerky or uneven movement, ensuring that the suitcase is lifted in a stable manner.

Furthermore, once the user has completed the loading process, the telescopic lift rod (106) can be manually retracted. To do this, the user pushes the telescopic lift rod (106) back into its original position within the suitcase body (102). At the base of the lift system, a snap lock (122) mechanism is installed to securely hold the telescopic lift rod (106) in its collapsed state during travel. The locking feature is simple yet effective, ensuring that the telescopic lift rod (106) does not extend accidentally during transport or while handling the suitcase body (102).

The snap lock (122) mechanism can guarantee that the suitcase remains compact and easy to handle when not in active use. The manual retraction process, combined with the automated lift function, provides users with a highly convenient solution for lifting heavy suitcases into elevated compartments without exerting physical effort.

In an exemplary embodiment, the motorized lifting system is particularly beneficial for users who face difficulty lifting heavy luggage, such as the elderly or individuals with physical limitations. The entire system is designed to be operated with minimal effort—by simply pressing a button to initiate the lifting process and manually pushing the rod back into place when the lifting is complete. The telescopic lift rod (106) is built into the suitcase in such a way that it does not interfere with the storage space or add unnecessary bulk to the suitcase's design.

The present disclosure approach to luggage design effectively solves a common problem traveler's face: the difficulty of loading heavy suitcases into elevated compartments, such as car trunks or train compartments with steps. By incorporating a motorized lifting system that is both easy to use and compact, the MSLS greatly enhances the convenience of traveling, particularly for those who need extra assistance handling heavy luggage. The system is robust, user-friendly, and can be operated without any technical expertise, making it an ideal solution for modern travel.

In summary, the present disclosure incorporates a Motorized Self-Lifting Suitcase (MSLS) system an advanced solution designed to ease the challenge of loading heavy luggage into elevated compartments, such as car trunks and train storage spaces. It features a telescopic lift rod that measures 21 inches when collapsed, allowing it to fit seamlessly within standard cabin baggage dimensions. When activated by pressing a button, the motor drives a gear mechanism that lowers the lift rod, raising the suitcase to a height of approximately 30 inches for easy loading without manual effort.

While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.