The World’s First Power Assisted Luggage –
a Breakthrough in Travel
World Premiere June 26th 2008
HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England (Business Wire EON) June 23, 2008 --
Live Luggage, the
powered luggage pioneer has spent five years designing and developing
power assisted luggage with the PA (Power Assisted) Series of suitcases.
Live Luggage (www.liveluggage.com)
is internationally recognized as the creator of the world’s
first power assisted suitcase. The amazing design uses revolutionary
pancake/flat wheel technology and includes an Anti-Gravity handle that
distributes a major part of the total weight over the powered wheels
increasing efficiency and making it much more easily transportable than
standard luggage.
Technology and travel meet with the first true development in luggage
since the early 80’s (when wheelies were
invented). Live Luggage has designed and manufactured a true
state-of-the art travel system that includes an intelligent torque
control system which powers the wheels when the handle is tilted and
pressure is applied on the handle, which triggers “force
sensors” at the base and is designed to power
up only when help is required. Additionally the tilt switch/sensors only
power the wheels at certain angles - between slopes of 15% and 35%. If
you accidentally drop the case or let go, it won’t
run away from you. In these instances, the case will go beyond its ‘active’
angles, so no power will be delivered to the motors.
Your PA suitcase is highly efficient when not powered. The handle system
is a completely innovative concept as it balances most of the bulk of
the case over the wheels, rather like a wheel barrow. This system is
called the “Anti-gravity Handle”
– it is solid and tough.
The handle can be adjusted to three height levels making it as
comfortable for people of all heights. This adjustment is made by
lifting a simple catch in the handle grip. For air travellers, there’s
an override lock (sideways movement) to ensure the handle remains in
lock mode during the flight mechanically cutting the power from the
battery. Of course the case can still be used without power.
PA Series cases are powered from a rechargeable 12V NiMH (Nickel Metal
Hydride) battery pack located inside the base of the case. The
electronic management control system is located within the same
compartment.
Neil Armstrong, Live Luggage MD answers a few basic questions which came
up during our research period.
Why would anyone want to use a power assisted suitcase?
Well let me ask you - have you ever been on vacation or a business trip
with a 60lb suitcase? The problem is not on flat marble floors –
the problem is getting to and from departure lounges, the long and steep
gradients, steps, kerbs, taxi and train steps, to name but a few. A real
problem for every one young and old...until now.
How much does it weigh?
Empty a PA Series case weighs 10.6kg, just 3kg more than the standard
hard luggage of similar capacity/ volume. However, the important thing
to remember is when it has a 30kg payload it actually ONLY feels like
3kg weight - even when going up a gradient - which means a 6 year old or
an 86 year old can go almost anywhere with a fully loaded case.
How tough is it?
PA Series case handles are injection moulded in a PC ABS material and
glass filled nylon, similar to modern day car bumpers, so they are tough
and strong enough – even allowing for luggage
handlers.
How does the battery charging system work?
It works on the same principal as your mobile phone. PA Series cases
come with a Live Luggage charger and adaptor, and we recommend that you
leave your PA series on charge over night ready for the next day.
Are there any security issues when checking in at the airport?
Legally there is no problem checking this product into the hold. Live
Luggage has all the required accreditations and approvals from the
global airport authority.
How far will it go?
On test, fully charged, it travelled 1.5 miles with 32kg, approximately
2.5 hours charge.
PA stands for Power Assisted – it’s
not self propelling or remote control and has no traditional method of
control like a twist grip or control cable. Itis designed to work on
sensors in the handle and in the powered wheels using torque, not speed.
Want to place an order?
Go to our website where we have video links and all the FAQ’s:
www.liveluggage.com
Please go to www.liveluggage.com
to Media Centre and download the hi-res images.
LIVE LUGGAGE – because the world is
not flat.
MULTIMEDIA GALLERY http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5715800
See the original story at: http://eon.businesswire.com/releases/luggage/power/prweb1047344.htm
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