Wheeled suitcase

Abstract

The present invention provides a case that comprises a circular main body, the rim of which is encircled by a single wheel. The main body has a handle attached to it, for us in propelling the case along the ground. The wheel rotates relative to the main body as the case is rolled along by a user. The use of a single wheel allows for improved manoeuvrability of the case compared to other rolling luggage or cases.

1 . A case for containing one or more objects, which is substantially wheel-shaped and capable of being rolled along a surface, the case comprising: 
 a main body having opposing substantially circular faces fixedly spaced apart by a rim located at or proximal to the outer edge of each face;    a cavity located within the main body for containing the one or more objects;    an aperture in the main body for placing the one or more objects within the cavity;    a single wheel located about the external surface of the rim;    a handle attached to the main body; and    a means for allowing the wheel to rotate relative to the main body, so that the main body remains substantially stationary relative to the wheel when in use.    
     
     
         2 . A case as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the means for allowing the wheel to rotate relative to the main body includes rollers located between the rim and the wheel.  
     
     
         3 . A case as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the rollers are positioned approximately equidistant about the circumference of the rim.  
     
     
         4 . A case as claimed in  claim 2  or  claim 3  wherein each of the rollers is comprised of a pair of bearings, each bearing rotatable about an axle.  
     
     
         5 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  4  wherein the wheel, or at least its outer surface, is manufactured from a resilient rubber or rubber-like material.  
     
     
         6 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  5 , further incorporating a closing means for closing the aperture.  
     
     
         7 . A case as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the closing means is a hinged door or flap, or a removable cover.  
     
     
         8 . A case as claimed in  claim 6  or  claim 7  which includes a lock for securing the closing means in a closed position.  
     
     
         9 . A case as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the lock is a key lock or a combination lock.  
     
     
         10 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  9  which has one or more pockets located on the external surface of the main body.  
     
     
         11 . A case as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the one or more pockets are fitted with hook and loop strips, zippers, catches, or clasps for opening and closing the one or more pockets.  
     
     
         12 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  11  wherein the main body is constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material.  
     
     
         13 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  12  wherein the main body is constructed from a moulded plastics material.  
     
     
         14 . A case as claimed in  claim 12  or  claim 13  wherein the main body is formed in two halves.  
     
     
         15 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  14  wherein the main body further incorporates a securing means for securing the case to a solid structure.  
     
     
         16 . A case as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the securing means is an open-ended tube that penetrates through both faces of the main body, such that a locking device can be passed through the tube and used to lock the main body to the solid structure.  
     
     
         17 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  16  further incorporating a device for securing one or more items to the external surface of the main body.  
     
     
         18 . A case as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the device comprises webbing straps or elastic netting.  
     
     
         19 . A case as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the device is one or more elastic cords.  
     
     
         20 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  19  further incorporating a retaining mechanism for securing the one or more objects inside the cavity.  
     
     
         21 . A case as claimed in  claim 20  wherein the retaining mechanism is one or more hook and loop strips, spring-loaded clasps, or straps used in combination with one or more clips or buckles.  
     
     
         22 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  21  which has a stand attached to the main body capable of retaining the case substantially upright.  
     
     
         23 . A case as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the stand is a kickstand.  
     
     
         24 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  23  wherein the handle is a retractable handle or a folding handle.  
     
     
         25 . A case as claimed in  claim 24  wherein the retractable handle is telescopic.  
     
     
         26 . A case as claimed in  claim 24  or  claim 25  wherein the position of the distal end of the handle can be adjusted by depressing and then releasing a push button.  
     
     
         27 . A case as claimed in  claim 26  wherein the push button is located on the handle.  
     
     
         28 . A case as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  27  further incorporating an odometer.  
     
     
         29 . A case as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the odometer is a mechanical odometer.  
     
     
         30 . A case substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  7  of the accompanying drawings.