US3717228A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Attache case convertible to luggage dolly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-04-02
•
Granted: 1973-02-20
•
Expires: 1991-04-02
Abstract
Abstract An attache case of conventional proportions and appearance, which can be opened to form a wheeled luggage dolly with a load platform and an upright frame, having a handle at a convenient position. Simple latch and lock elements hold the structure securely in both of its uses.
Inventors
- 👤 C Blair
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:23
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45C; A45C5/00; A45C5/14; B; B62; B62B; B62B1/00; B62B1/10; B62B1/12; B62B2202/00; B62B2202/24; B62B2205/00; B62B2205/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An attache case convertible to a luggage dolly, comprising: A case structure having a plurality of interconnected frames hinged together in accordion configuration; support means on certain of said frames for holding the case in upright position; a handle secured to the top of said case; lock means securable between certain of said frames for holding the case closed; stop means on one of said frames for holding that frame in an open load carrying position substantially perpendicular to the other frames; retaining means on the other frames for holding them in extended coplanar alignment; said support means including wheels engageable with a supporting surface in the open position of said one frame; said frames include a front frame having an outer cover, a back frame having an outer cover, and a pair of open inner frames between said front and back frames; the top portion of said inner frames being hinged together, and the bottom portions of said front and back frames being hinged to the respective inner frames.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An attache case convertible to a luggage dolly, comprising: A case structure having a plurality of interconnected frames hinged together in accordion configuration; support means on certain of said frames for holding the case in upright position; a handle secured to the top of said case; lock means securable between certain of said frames for holding the case closed; stop means on one of said frames for holding that frame in an open load carrying position substantially perpendicular to the other frames; retaining means on the other frames for holding them in extended coplanar alignment; said support means including wheels engageable with a supporting surface in the open position of said one frame; said frames include a front frame having an outer cover, a back frame having an outer cover, and a pair of open inner frames between said front and back frames; the top portion of said inner frames being hinged together, and the bottom portions of said front and back frames being hinged to the respective inner frames.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
170 words
An attache case convertible to a luggage dolly, comprising: A case structure having a plurality of interconnected frames hinged together in accordion configuration; support means on certain of said frames for holding the case in upright position; a handle secured to the top of said case; lock means securable between certain of said frames for holding the case closed; stop means on one of said frames for holding that frame in an open load carrying position substantially perpendicular to the other frames; retaining means on the other frames for holding them in extended coplanar alignment; said support means including wheels engageable with a supporting surface in the open position of said one frame; said frames include a front frame having an outer cover, a back frame having an outer cover, and a pair of open inner frames between said front and back frames; the top portion of said inner frames being hinged together, and the bottom portions of said front and back frames being hinged to the respective inner frames.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
170 words
An attache case convertible to a luggage dolly, comprising: A case structure having a plurality of interconnected frames hinged together in accordion configuration; support means on certain of said frames for holding the case in upright position; a handle secured to the top of said case; lock means securable between certain of said frames for holding the case closed; stop means on one of said frames for holding that frame in an open load carrying position substantially perpendicular to the other frames; retaining means on the other frames for holding them in extended coplanar alignment; said support means including wheels engageable with a supporting surface in the open position of said one frame; said frames include a front frame having an outer cover, a back frame having an outer cover, and a pair of open inner frames between said front and back frames; the top portion of said inner frames being hinged together, and the bottom portions of said front and back frames being hinged to the respective inner frames.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
An attache case according to claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a handle element fixed to said front frame, and a similar handle element fixed to said back frame, said handle elements extending over said inner frames and abutting in closed position; and lock means securing said handle elements together.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
An attache case according to claim 1, wherein said wheels are mounted below said back frame in closed position, said support means including feet mounted on and extending below said front frame substantially level with said wheels.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
An attache case according to claim 3, wherein said back frame has forks thereon in which said wheels are held, said forks having extended stop portions for engagement with the adjacent inner frame in the open position of the back frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
An attache case according to claim 3, wherein said retaining means includes lugs on said feet, which protrude into the adjacent inner frame in the extended position, and catches on that inner frame for releasable locking engagement with said lugs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
An attache case according to claim 5, wherein said retaining means further includes a yoke pivotally attached to one of said inner frames at the common hinge thereof and having arms to fit closely over a portion of the other inner frame, said other inner frame having lock pins wIth which said arms are releasably engageable.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-20 | 1976-08-21 | 1977-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-20 | 1980-08-21 | 1981-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-20 | 1984-08-21 | 1985-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |