The device and methods disclosed herein relate generally to luggage, and particularly to extensible handles for luggage.
Many people choose to use suitcases with extension handles when traveling. The extension handles make it possible to tow luggage behind the user rather than carrying the luggage in hand or using shoulder straps. The result is less strain and exertion for the user, particularly where the luggage in question has wheels. Currently existent extension handles, however, can be somewhat unwieldy to grip, and provide mobility that is less than ideal. Current designs also fail to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the additional structure that extension handles represent for use with accessories.
Therefore, there remains a need for a luggage with more ergonomic extension handles having more features for user convenience.
In one aspect, an extension handle includes a handle portion including first handle rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the first handle rod attached to an item of luggage so that the first handle rod is capable of being slid from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the item of luggage. The extension handle includes an engagement latch configured to fix the proximal end of the first handle rod relative to the item of luggage when the first handle rod is in the extended position. The extension handle includes a ring-shaped grip coupled to the distal end of the first handle rod, the ring-shaped grip comprising a push-button and a motion transfer ring set within an interior space of the ring-shaped grip and coupled to the push-button such that the motion transfer ring is configured to move linearly when the push-button is depressed. The extension handle includes a motion transfer rod that passes through an opening connecting the interior space of the ring-shaped grip to an interior space of the handle portion, wherein the motion transfer rod is coupled to the motion transfer ring and configured to extend linearly into the interior space of the handle portion when the motion transfer ring moves linearly. The extension handle includes an actuator disposed in the interior space of the handle portion, the actuator coupled to the motion transfer rod and to the engagement latch, wherein the actuator is configured to move linearly in the direction of the engagement latch when the motion transfer rod extends linearly into the interior space of the handle, and the engagement latch is configured disengage when the actuator moves linearly in the direction of the engagement latch.
Other aspects, embodiments and features of the disclosed device and method will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation at its initial drawing depiction. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the device and method is shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the device and method.
The preceding summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed device and method, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Embodiments of the disclosed suitcase provide travelers with an easily foldable suitcase that is compact when collapsed and rigid and protective when deployed. In some embodiments, the collapsed form of the disclosed suitcase may easily be carried as a satchel, stowed in other luggage items, or stored in a closet for future use. Some embodiments also include a uniquely ergonomic handle for pulling wheeled embodiments, as well as additional pockets for storage and trays to support electronic devices and books for work or entertainment.
Viewing
The bottom panel may be constructed of any material or combination of materials that make the bottom panel rigid. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 101 is rigid if the bottom panel 101 exhibits only small amounts of displacement relative to the size of the bottom panel 101 when forces typical for the operation of a suitcase act against the interior 108 or exterior 109 surface of the bottom panel 101. For instance, if the suitcase 100 is in its deployed form, as set forth in further detail below, and a person leans on the middle of the exterior surface 109 for support, the person may feel the bottom panel 101 flex only slightly; in some embodiments, the person may be incapable of detecting any displacement of the bottom panel at all. The bottom panel 101 may be constructed of materials including wood. The bottom panel 101 may be constructed of materials including plywood. The bottom panel 101 may be constructed of materials including metal. The bottom panel 101 may be constructed of materials including hard plastic, such as thermosetting plastics, hard thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetraflouroethylene, or hard polypropylene. The bottom panel 101 may be constructed of materials including natural polymers. The bottom panel 101 may include one or more layers of flexible material around the rigid material. The flexible material may include cloth, rubber, or other flexible polymers; the flexible material may be any material suitable for the construction of the exterior cover 400 as described in further detail below. The bottom panel 101 may be composed wholly or in part of flexible material stretched over a rigid frame or mesh. The bottom panel 101 may be composed wholly or partially of fiberglass.
The rear panel 102 may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. The rear panel 102 may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottom panel 101. In some embodiments, the rear panel 102 has an interior surface 113, an exterior surface 114, a top edge 115, two side edges 116, and a bottom edge 117. The at least one rear hinge 103 may allow the rear panel 102 to be rotated between a folded position in which the interior surface 113 of the rear panel is substantially parallel to the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101, as shown below in
The two side panels 104 may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. Each side panel 104 may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottom panel 101. In some embodiments, each side panel 104 has an interior surface 118, an exterior surface 119, a top edge 120, a rear edge 121, a front edge 122, and a bottom edge 123. The at least one side hinge 105 may allow each side panel 104 to be rotated between a folded position in which the interior surface 118 of the side panel 104 is substantially parallel to the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101, as shown below in
The front panel 106 may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. The front panel 106 may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottom panel 101. In some embodiments, the front panel 106 has an interior surface 124, an exterior surface 125, a top edge 126, two side edges 127, and a bottom edge 128. The at least one front hinge 107 may allow the front panel 106 to be rotated between a folded position in which the interior surface 124 of the front panel 106 is substantially parallel to the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101, as shown below in
In one embodiment, the suitcase 100 includes at least one latch 128 that secures the front edge 122 of at least one of the side panels 104 to the front panel 106 when the at least one side panel 104 is in deployed position and the front panel 106 is rotated into deployed position. The at least one latch 128 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. The at least one latch 128 may have one component attached to one or both side edges 127 of the front panel, and a second component attached to one or both front edges 122 of the side panel 104. The at least one latch 128 may be formed to engage automatically when the front panel 106 is rotated into deployed position between the deployed side panels. As a non-limiting example, the at least one latch 128 may have a spring-biased bolt with an angled end that causes the bolt to retract slightly when an object presses against the bolt in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the bolt moves, and to be urged back into an extended position in the absence of external pressure, as in a tubular latch for a door. Persons skilled in the art will be aware of many other latches designed to engage automatically. The at least one latch 128 may have a component that enables the user to engage or disengage the at least one latch 128 manually; for instance, the at least one latch 128 may engage automatically when the front panel 106 is swung into deployed position between the two side panels, and remain engaged until a user disengages the at least one latch 128 manually; for instance, as shown in
In some embodiments of the suitcase, 100, at least one side edge of the rear panel includes at least one first engagement member 129, and the rear edge of at least one side panel has a second engagement member 130 that slidably engages the first engagement member 129, fixing the side panel 104 to the rear panel 102, when the rear panel 102 is already in deployed position and the side panel 104 is rotated into deployed position. As an example, one or both of the side edges 116 of the rear panel 102 have one or more protrusions 131 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the interior surface 113 of the rear panel 192; the one or more protrusions 131 may extend from the top edge 115 to the bottom edge 117 of the rear panel 102. Continuing the example, the one or more protrusions 131 may have at least one indentation or slot 129 positioned to engage a corresponding member 130 slidably. Further continuing the example, the rear edge 121 of at least one side panel may have at least one protrusion or tab 130 that slide into the at least one indentation or slot 129 in the at least one protrusion 131 when the rear panel 102 and each side panel 104 are in their unfolded positions. The mutually engaging members may secure the side panels 104 to the rear panel 102; the side panels 104 may be further secured in the deployed position by the at least one latch 128 securing the side panels 104 to the front panel 106, causing the suitcase 109 to present a solid and rigid body when fully deployed. For instance, the front panel 106 may prevent the side panels 104 from rotating out of their deployed positions when the front panel 106 is in its deployed position, causing the engagement members 129, 130 to secure the rear panel in its deployed position, and lending rigidity to the connection between the rear panel 102 and the side panels 104
The hinges 103, 105, 107 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. The hinges 103, 105, 107 may have progressively larger clearances so that when the panels are folded in a certain order, each panel can rest on top of the previously folded panels in its folded position, substantially parallel to the top surface 108 of the bottom panel 101. For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one front hinge 107 has a first clearance permitting the interior surface 124 of the front panel 106 to rest on the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101 when the front panel 106 is in folded position, as shown in
In some embodiments, at least one side panel 104 has at least one projection 132 at the front edges 122. The at least one projection 132 may be substantially orthogonal to the plane of the interior surface 118 of the at least one side panel 104. In some embodiments, the at least one projection 132 allows the side edges 127 of the front panel 106 to fit snugly against the at least one projection 132 while being slightly inset from the side edges 112 of the bottom panel 101, allowing greater freedom of movement for the at least one hinge 105 of the side panels 104 when the side panels 104 rotate into folded position. Likewise, the at least one projection 131 of rear panel 102 may enable the rear edges 122 of the side panels 104 to be slightly inset from the rear edge 111 of the bottom panel 102, allowing the bottom panel 102 to swing over the side panels 104 when being rotated into folded position. The top edge 126 of the front panel 106 may line up with the rear edges 122 of the side panels 104 when the front panel 106 is in folded position. The corners of the suitcase formed by the panels 101, 102, 104, 106 may be sharp or rounded, depending on the shapes of the panels, engagement members, and extensions. In some embodiments, the front edge 122 at least one of the side panels 104 has a third engagement member 134, and the corresponding at least one side edge 127 of the front panel 106 has a fourth engagement member 135 that slidably engages the first engagement member 134, fixing the front panel 106 to the at least one side panel 104, when the at least one side panel 104 is already in deployed position and the front panel 106 is rotated into deployed position. This may be implemented as described above for the first 129 and second 130 engagement members in reference to
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 has one or more wheels 133. In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 has a first wheel 133 at the corner formed by the rear edge 110 of the bottom panel 101 and a side edge 112 of the bottom panel 101, and a second wheel 133 at the corner formed by the same side edge 112 of the bottom panel 101 and the front edge 111 of the bottom panel 101. In other embodiments, the suitcase has four or more wheels. The wheels 133 may be oriented in a fixed direction relative to the suitcase 100. The wheels 133 may be mounted on pivots; for instance, the suitcase 100 may have four wheels attached to the corners of the bottom panel 101, a side panel 104, the front panel 106 or the rear panel 102. The one more or wheels 133 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101.
In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 has an exterior covering 400. In some embodiments, the exterior cover 400 is flexible. The exterior cover 400 may be constructed entirely of flexible materials. The exterior cover may 400 may include one or more rigid portions; for instance, the exterior cover 400 may include one or more rigid panels (not shown) joined to one another. The rigid panels may be joined by flexible sections; for instance, the rigid panels may be joined by strips or sections of flexible material (not shown); the rigid panels may be contained in pockets in a flexible material covering the entire external covering 400. The rigid panels may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. In some embodiments, the exterior cover 400 is made wholly or in part of flexible material. The flexible material may be textile material; the textile material may include natural fibers. The natural fibers may include plant material, such as cotton, linen, hemp, or manila hemp; for example, the flexible material may be a woven product such as canvas. The natural fibers may include animal fibers such as wool or silk. The flexible material may include synthetic fibers, including fibers made from synthetic polymers, such as nylon and polypropylene. The flexible material may include fibers made from natural materials, such as rayon. The flexible material may include leather. The flexible material may include one or more sheets of natural polymers, such as rubber. The flexible material may include one or more sheets of synthetic polymers, such as flexible plastics.
In some embodiments, the flexible material is flexible along one axis, but not along another. For instance, the flexible material may include many closely-placed thin but long rigid substantially parallel strips or rods stuck to a flexible material, with sufficient space between the strips or rods to allow the material to flex along an axis substantially parallel to the strips; the strips or rods may prevent the flexible material from bending along any axis having a substantial component orthogonal to the direction of the strips or rods. The strips or rods may be rigid as defined above in for the bottom panel 101 in reference to
The exterior covering may include a first portion 400a fixed to the exterior surface 119 of each side panel 106 and connecting the front edges 122 of the two side panels to each other, so that the exterior surface 125 of the front panel 106 rests against the first portion 400a when the front panel 106 is in deployed position; in other words, the first portion 400a of the exterior covering 400 may wrap around the front and sides of the suitcase 100. In one embodiment, the exterior cover 400 or any portions thereof may be fixed to the exterior surface of a panel if the exterior cover 400 covers substantially all of the exterior surface of the panel both when the panel is folded and deployed; the exterior cover may be adhered or fastened to the exterior surface of the panel. The exterior cover may have a pocket or sleeve containing the panel; the panel may be sewn between layers of the exterior cover 400. The first portion 400a may have a first perimeter edge 401 against the bottom edge 123 of both of the side panels 104 and against the front edge 111 of the bottom panel 101 and a second perimeter edge 402 against the rear edge 121 of each side panel 104, the top edge 120 of each side panel, and the top edge 126 of the front panel 106 when the front panel 106 is in deployed position. The exterior covering 400 may include a second portion 400b fixed to the exterior surface 109 of the bottom panel 109 and fixed to the exterior surface 114 of the rear panel 102. In some embodiments, the second portion 400b may have a first perimeter edge 403 fixed to the first perimeter edge 401 of the first portion 400a, a second perimeter edge 404 against one side edge 116 of the rear panel 102, and a third perimeter edge 405 against the other side edge 116 of the rear panel 102. The first portion 400a and second portion 400b may or may not represent the physical sections assembled to create the exterior covering 400 in practice. In some embodiments, the first portion 400a and second portion 400b are made separately and fixed together, for instance by sewing the first perimeter edge 401 of the first portion 400a to the first perimeter edge 403 of the second portion 400b. In other embodiments, the exterior covering 400 is made of more sections attached together by sewing or other means; the divisions between sections may not correspond to divisions between the second portion 400b and the first portion 400a. In some embodiments, the exterior covering is constructed as a monolithic whole; for instance, the exterior covering 400 may be made as a cross-shaped sheet with its center sized to cover the exterior surface 109 of the bottom panel, and arms sized to cover the side panels 104, rear panel 102, and front panel 106, to be sewn or otherwise attached together at the corner of the front panel 106 with the side panels 104. Persons skilled in the art will be aware of other methods of construction and design that may be substituted for those described here to create the exterior covering 400 as described herein. In some embodiments, where the exterior covering 400 is flexible around only one set of parallel axes, the axes are arranged in the first portion 400a in a direction running from the bottom edge to the top edge of each side panel and the front panel. In some embodiments, the exterior covering 400 near to a hinge is flexible along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of that hinge.
In some embodiments, the second portion 400b includes a lid 406 that may be folded to a closed position covering an opening in the suitcase 100 bordered by the top edge 115 of the rear panel 102, the top edge 120 of each side panel 104 and the top edge 126 of the front panel 106, when the rear panel 102, the side panels 104, and the front panel 106 are in deployed position. The lid 406 may have any shape sufficient to cover the opening. The lid 406 may be secured to the opening by a zipper 407. The zipper 407 may have a first half 407a that covers the second perimeter 402 of the first portion 400a and a second half 407b covering the second perimeter edge 404 of the second portion 400b, a portion of the lid 406 that contacts the second perimeter 403 of the first portion 400a when the lid 406 is in the closed position, and the third perimeter edge 405 of the second portion. Thus, the zipper 407 may run up one side edge 116 of the rear panel 202, along the top edge 120 of the adjacent side panel 104, along the edge of the first portion 400a that is adjacent to the top edge 126 of the front panel 106, along the top edge 120 of the next side panel 104, and back down the second side edge 116 of the rear panel 102. As a result, the zipper 407 may function both to secure the lid 406 in a closed position and to secure the second perimeter edge 404 and third perimeter edge 405 of the second portion 400b to the second perimeter edge 402 of the first portion 400a. In some embodiments, the zipper 407 adds additional strength to the suitcase 100 when the zipper 407 is closed. In some embodiments, the zipper 407 has two sliders 408a-b; as a result, the lid 406 may be disengaged from the opening of the suitcase 100 and opened, while the portions of the zipper 407 holding together the second 404 and third 405 perimeter edges of the second portion 400b to the second perimeter edge 402 of the first portion 400a remain fastened. The zipper 407 may be any form of slide fastener. In other embodiments, at least one alternative fastener is used to hold the second 404 and third 405 perimeter edges of the second portion 400b to the second perimeter edge 402 of the first portion. The at least one alternative fastener may be any set of fasteners that fastens the second 404 and third 405 perimeter edges of the second portion 400b to the second perimeter edge 402 of the first portion 400a, including without limitation hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, and ties.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, as is shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
The first handle rod 501, and, if present, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod 504, may be constructed from any material or combination of materials that render the at least one handle rod rigid and strong enough not to flex or break when used to haul a typical quantity of luggage or other item to which the extension handle 500 may be attached. The materials making up the at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod 501, and, if present, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod 504, may include metal, synthetic polymers (e.g., plastic), natural polymers, wood, or any combination of these or other materials.
The at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod 501, and, if present, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod 504, may be linear or curved, or it may have one or more portions that are linear and one or more portions that are curved. For example, the exemplary first handle rod 501 illustrated in
The at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod 501, and, if present, additional handle rods, may be solid or hollow; for instance, the at least one handle rod may be a tube. Where the at least one handle rod is hollow, the interior space of the at least one handle rod may be formed to accommodate a latch actuator 803 as described below in connection with
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the swivel 600 is omitted, and the grip 507 is directly connected to the first handle rod 501. For example, the grip 507 may include a protrusion, such as a rod or a screw, that may be inserted through a hole (not shown) in the first handle rod 501 and joined to a cap or nut that prevents the grip 507 from disengaging from the first handle rod 501 when a user pulls on the grip 507. As another example, the grip 507 may include a grip-securing ridge (not shown) that allows the grip 507 to be rotatably mounted about a retaining lip (not shown) located on the end of the first handle rod 501. In some embodiments having a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504 joined by a bar 602, the grip 507 can be directly connected to the bar 602 in similar ways. As would be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, there are many ways of directly attaching the grip 507 to the first handle rod 501 or to a bar 602 joining the first handle rod 501 to a second handle rod 504, and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.
In other embodiments, as shown in, the grip 507 is attached to the distal end of the at least one handle rod 501 by a neck portion 605. The neck portion 605 may have a first end 605a fixed to the handle portion and a second end 605b fixed to the grip 507. In some embodiments, the neck portion 605 deforms elastically about a rotational axis intersecting the handle portion 500a and the grip 507 when the grip 507 is rotated relative to the handle portion 500a by a user. The axis may bisect the grip 507; rotation about the axis may occur in substantially the direction of rotation 606 shown in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the grip 507 is substantially toroidal. The substantially toroidal grip 507 may be circular or elliptical. In embodiments in which the grip 507 is substantially toroidal, the bar 602 may be in the form of an arc, allowing it to conform to the shape of the toroidal grip 507.
In some embodiments using a swivel 600 or neck portion 605, the grip 507 may have a track 603 on its exterior surface, in which the swivel 600 or neck portion 605 is slidably engaged; the swivel 600 or neck portion 605 may be slidably attached to the track 603, permitting the grip 507 to be rotated about a second axis, such as an axis orthogonal to the annular cross-section of the handle, about which the handle rotates in the direction indicated by the directional arrow 604 presented in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 includes fold-out tray 702. The fold-out tray 702 may include at least one rigid panel, main panel 703 having a distal end 704, a proximal end 705, and a work surface 702a. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray 702 includes a connector 706 that enables the fold-out tray 702 to be slidably attached to the handle portion 500a. In other embodiments, the connector 706 is separate from the fold-out tray 702. The connector may be any connector that allows the fold-out tray 702 to be slidably attached to the handle portion 500a. Suitable connectors include, but are not limited to, hinges and ball joints. In some embodiments, the connector 706 attaches the proximal end 705 of the main panel 703 to the handle portion 500a (e.g., to the first handle rod 501 or, in embodiments having a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, to a rod or other rigid member (not shown) connected to one or both of the first handle rod 501 to a second handle rod 504). The connector 706 may permit the fold-out tray 702 to be rotated between a first position in which the work surface 702a of the fold-out tray 702 is substantially parallel to the first handle rod 501 and a second position in which the work surface 702a of the fold-out tray 702 is substantially perpendicular to the first handle rod 501, with the distal end 704 projecting away from the first handle rod 501.
In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments, the position of the at least one rod may be adjusted. In some such embodiments, the connector 706 is affixed (e.g., permanently affixed) to the at least one mounting rod 710, and the position of the at least one mounting rod 710 can be adjusted to adjust the height of the fold-out tray 702 when it is deployed (i.e., when the work surface 702a of the fold-out tray is substantially perpendicular to the first handle rod 701). For example, in some embodiments, the at least one mounting rod 710 is oriented substantially horizontally (i.e., perpendicular to the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504) within the extension handle 500a, with a first end coupled to the first handle rod 501 and a second end coupled to the second handle rod 504, and the positions of the first and second ends of the mounting rod 710 are adjustable along the lengths of the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504. It is to be understood that a plate or other component suitable for attachment to the fold-out tray 702 may be included in the extension handle 500a in lieu of the described at least one mounting rod 710.
In some embodiments, the rotation of the fold-out fray 702 into its deployed position causes the position of the fold-out tray 702 to become fixed with respect to the at least one mounting rod 710 on which the connector 706 is slidably engaged. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting rod 710 has at least one support feature 711 including an upward-facing surface. The upward-facing surface of the at least one support feature 711 may be a surface substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the connector 706 travels on the at least one mounting rod 710; the upward-facing surface may be curved or slanted, as well. The at least one support feature 711 may be one or more notches, as depicted in
The connector 706 may be constructed to have a range of motion substantially limited to 90 degrees; as a result, the fold-out tray 702 may be held in its extended, horizontal (i.e., deployed) position by the lower limit of the range of motion of the connector 706. In other embodiments, the fold-out tray 702 has a brace or reinforcing rod (not shown) that further limits its downward motion and helps to support the weight of objects set on the tray.
In some embodiments, when the extension handle 500 includes a pocket 700, the fold-out tray 702 may stow in the pocket when rotated into the position substantially parallel to the at least one handle rod. The stowing process may involve rotating or sliding the fold-out tray 702 down to stow it completely within the pocket 700, and securing it in place by closing the pocket 700. In some embodiments in which the fold-out tray 702 does not stow within a pocket 700, the fold-out tray 702 may be maintained in its position substantially parallel to the at least one handle rod by a latch or strap, by one or more magnets, or by friction. For instance, in embodiments including the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 704, the fold-out tray 702 may be sized to fit snugly between the first 501 and second 504 handle rods. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray 702 is detachable from the handle portion 500a. For instance, a portion of the connector 706 that is slidably engaged with the at least one mounting rod 710 may be removable from the at least one mounting rod 710. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray 702 is detachable from the connector 706, and the connector 706 may or may not be detachable from the at least one mounting rod 710.
Referring now to
Some embodiments include features to make the tray extendible. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 is retractable. Where the at least one handle rod is part of a set of mutually sliding components as described above in reference to
Referring now to
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
The at least one actuator 803 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the at least one handle rod 501; for instance, the at least one actuator 803 may be constructed of metal. The at least one actuator 803 may be constructed in any shape conducive for its use in transferring linear motion to a latch 801. For instance, part of the at least one actuator 803 may be a rod that runs in the direction of motion 803a of the actuator from near the grip 507 to the at least one latch 801. An actuator 803 may include a rod 803b slidably contained inside of the first handle rod, so that the rod 803b can slide down within the first handle rod 501 when the actuator 803 moves in its direction of motion 803a; as the at least one latch 801 may be set partially inside of the first handle rod 501, the physical coupling between the rod 803b set within the first handle rod 501 and the at least one latch 801 may also be inside of the first rod 501. Similarly, where the handle portion 500a includes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the at least one actuator 803 may include a rod 803b set inside the first handle rod 501 as described above, and the at least one actuator 803 may include a rod 803c that is set inside of the second handle rod 504; the rod 803c may couple with a latch 801 that is partially set inside of the second handle rod 504. In some embodiments, the at least one actuator 803 includes a cross-bar 803d joining the first rod 803b to the second rod 803c; the cross-bar 803d may be located at the end of the handle portion 500a near to the grip 507.
In some embodiments, the at least one actuator 803 is pushed in its direction of motion 803a when a button 806 physically coupled to the at least one actuator 803 is depressed by a user. The button 806 may have one or more biasing means 807 urging it into a non-depressed state when it is not being depressed by a user; as a non-limiting example, the one or more biasing means 807 may be one or more springs.
The button 806 may be coupled to the at least one actuator 803 by a motion transfer ring 808 that contacts the at least one actuator 803. The motion transfer ring 808 may contact the at least one actuator 803 by way of a motion transfer rod 809 that passes through an opening that connects the interior space inside the grip 507 to an interior space inside the handle portion 500a. The motion transfer rod may contact the at least one actuator 803. In some embodiments, the motion transfer rod is connected to the at least one actuator 803 by a swivel. In other embodiments, the end of the motion transfer rod 809 rests against the at least one actuator 803. As a non-limiting example, the at least one actuator 803 may have a depression in which the end of the motion transfer rod 809 rests, so that the motion transfer rod 809 may be rotated with respect to the at least one actuator 803 but does not easily slip off of the at least one actuator 803. The motion transfer rod may be connected to the motion transfer ring 808 by a swivel. The motion transfer rod may rest against the motion transfer ring 808. In some embodiments, the motion transfer rod can swivel with respect to the motion transfer ring 808 and is fixed to the at least one actuator 803. In other embodiments, the motion transfer rod 809 can swivel with respect to the at least one actuator 803 and is fixed to the motion transfer ring 808. Where the grip 507 is joined to the distal end of the at least one handle rod by a swivel 600, the opening may pass through the swivel 600; as a result, the grip 507 may be able to swivel together with the motion transfer ring 808 with respect to the handle portion 500a and the at least one actuator 803. Where the grip 507 is joined to the distal end of the at least one handle rod by a neck 605, the opening may pass through the neck 605. As a result, the grip 507 and motion transfer ring 808 may be able to rotate as far as permitted by the range of motion of the neck 605.
The motion transfer ring 808 may be set inside the grip 507; in other words, the motion transfer ring 808 may be inside the interior space 507g of the grip 507. The motion transfer ring 808 may have a shape that complements the shape of the grip 507. For instance, where the grip 507 is ring-shaped, the motion transfer ring 808 may form a ring corresponding to the shape of the grip 507, and set inside an interior hollow portion of the grip 507. As a non-limiting example, where the grip 507 forms a toroidal ring, the motion transfer ring 808 may have a substantially circular form, and be inside of the grip 507. Likewise, where the grip 507 is a D-ring, the motion transfer ring 808 may be a D-ring inside of the grip 507, and where the grip 507 is a square ring, the motion transfer ring 808 may be a square ring inside of the grip 507. As a result, the motion transfer ring 808 may be free to move in the direction of motion 803a of the at least one actuator 803 when the button 806 is depressed, while remaining inside of the grip 507, causing the actuator 803 to move in its direction of motion 803a. As a result, the user may not see the motion transfer ring, actuator, or latches at all, and the resulting user experience may be that the handle 500 locks in place in one or more extended positions, and becomes retractable when the button 806 is depressed. The motion transfer ring 808 may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the at least one actuator 803; for instance, the motion transfer ring may be constructed of metal. In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 includes a rotation lock (not shown) that prevents the grip 507 from rotating relative to the handle portion 500a when the rotation lock is engaged, and permits the grip 507 to rotate relative to the handle portion when the rotation lock is disengaged.
As illustrated in
The extension handle 500 may include at least one interior rod; the at least one handle rod may have a slot that slidably admits the at least one interior rod. In some embodiments, where the at least on handle rod includes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the at least one interior rod includes two interior rods 912 inserted in the chamber 901 along the front 904 and back 905 sizes of the chamber 901. In some embodiments, each handle rod 501, 504 has a slot 913 that slidably admits one of the two interior rods 912. As a non-limiting example, there may be a first interior rod inserted in the chamber 901 along the first side 904 of the chamber 901, the first handle rod 501 may contain a slot that slidably admits the first interior rod, and a first engagement latch may fix the first handle rod 501 to the first interior rod, and there may be a second interior rod inserted in the chamber along the second side 905 of the chamber, the second handle rod 504 may contain a slot that slidably admits the second interior rod, and a second engagement latch may fix the second handle rod 504 to the second interior rod. The at least one handle rod may be restricted by the interior rods 912 so that the at least one handle rod can only travel linearly by sliding along the rods 912. In some embodiments, the at least one engagement latch 801 fixes the at least one handle rods to the interior rods 912. Where there is at least one pocket 700, the at least one pocket 700 may be capable of sliding into and out of the chamber 901 with the at least one handle rod; for instance, when the extension handle 500 includes both the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504, the at least one pocket 700 may be confined to the space between the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504 when the pocket 700 is closed.
As a non-limiting example, the extension handle 500 may retract into a chamber 901 in the bottom panel 101 of the collapsible suitcase 100. The first end 902 of the chamber 901 may be located at one side edge of the bottom panel 101; the second end 903 may be located at the other side edge of the bottom panel 101. Likewise, the first side 904 may be parallel to, and near to, an edge of the bottom panel 101, such as the front edge of the bottom panel 101. The second side 905 of the chamber 901 may be parallel to and proximal to the rear edge of the bottom panel 101.
The extension handle 500 may be attached to the item of luggage 508 in a non-retractable fashion. For instance, as shown in
It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14622849 | Feb 2015 | US |
Child | 14710573 | US |