Patent Application
20160135563
The present invention relates generally to luggage, and, in particular, to a luggage handle system having a single-to-double tube structure or a “T”-grip affixed to an inverted “U”-frame structure.
In recent years, there has been a shift from two-wheeled luggage systems, in which luggage is tipped onto its wheels and pulled behind a user, to four-wheeled luggage systems, in which luggage is pushed or maneuvered in front of or along side of a user.
One example of a two-wheeled system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,487 entitled, “Wheeled Suitcase and Luggage Support,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The aforementioned patent generally discloses a suitcase having a laterally extendable handle. This handle can be moved from a lowered, compact position to a raised position, where the suitcase is tilted from an upright standing position to a canted position in which it is supported by its two wheels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,602, entitled “Collapsible Handle of Baggage,” which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference in is entirety, shows another example of an extendable handle used for baggage.
These types of double-tube retractable systems have been used in four-wheel systems. However, this poses a number of problems. For example, many of these handles have flat grips with sharp end corners. As such, a user's palm and wrist, which naturally moves or gravitates toward a corner of the handle, is forced into an unnatural position, causing the user to quickly experience palm fatigue while pushing his/her four-wheeled case. Furthermore, the double tubes themselves interfere with a user's grip, prohibiting comfortable handling. Moreover, because the point at which force being applied to by the user to push the luggage can be unbalanced in these configurations, the luggage can be susceptible to tipping.
Single-tube handle systems are also generally known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,115, entitled “Retractable Luggage Pull Rod with Rotating Hook,” U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,185, entitled “Grip Structure of a Retractable Handle for Travel Bag,” and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0130275, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, show examples of such single-tube handle systems. While these single-tube handle systems allow for different grip configurations providing versatility in hand positions for a user, single-tube systems generally do not allow a user to apply adequate torque to the luggage to turn and maneuver the luggage effectively.
Certain single-tube handle systems are known to employ T-grip handles. These types of T-grip handles are designed so that the single pole extends between the fingers of a user's hand and pulled by the user. As such, the entire top of the “T” is sized to be approximately (or slightly greater) than the width of a user's hand to facilitate pulling. This type of handle would not be ideal for a four-wheel luggage system, as it could cause strain to a user's hand from the single pole abutting against and applying undue pressure in between the user's fingers.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved luggage handle system for four-wheeled luggage addressing the drawbacks of previous luggage handle systems.
In accordance with the present invention, various embodiments of a luggage handle system are disclosed. In various embodiments, not limited to any particular design, the present disclosure generally provides for a luggage handle system for luggage that is to be pushed by a user, for example, for four-wheeled luggage. The improved structure in accordance with the present invention allows a user to apply sufficient torque to the luggage to maneuver it effectively, while providing a handle that is easy to hold, ergonomic, and comfortable to the luggage user.
Unlike previous T-grip handles, which are generally grabbed at its center by a user, the T-grip handle in accordance with the present invention is such that a user grips one side of the “T” at any given time, allowing the user to use his or her entire hand to cup the handle, without interference, to push the luggage. This grip can reduce strain and stress on a user's fingers and wrists.
The double-tube or inverted “U” of the luggage handle system provides increased stability and maneuverability to the luggage, as well as allowing a user to apply sufficient torque to turn and maneuver the luggage while pushing it along.
Accordingly, the present invention can allow a user to comfortably grip the handle, while maintaining the benefit of the stability and maneuverability provided by a double-tube system.
The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Particular embodiments may include one, some, or none of the listed advantages.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.
Referring now to
“T”-grip handle 102 has a single tube or pole 104 with first and second gripping members 105 formed at one end of single tube or pole 104 to generally create a “T” shape. Single tube or pole 104 may be straight or slightly curved toward one side. Each gripping member 105 is sized such that a user can cup or hold either gripping member 105 on either side of the single tube or pole 104. Accordingly, the length of each gripping member 105 is sized to be approximately (or longer than) the width of user's hand. For example, the length of each gripping member 105, while not limited to these numbers, can be in the range of 2.5-6 inches. It is understood that the length of the gripping member can vary depending on the type of user of the luggage. For example, a gripping member for luggage designed for a child or smaller adult may be shorter. As mentioned above, previous T-grips are generally sized so that the entire top of the T-portion is approximately the size of a user's hand.
Because the user's hand is only gripping one of the two gripping members 105 at any given time, the area between a user's thumb and index finger can be used to push the luggage, thereby reducing strain on the user's fingers and wrist and without interference from the inverted U-shape portion 103. Ultimately, this can enable a user to control the luggage with more ease.
Inverted U-frame portion 103 has a connecting bar 106 with first and second inner tubes or inner telescoping members 107 extending therefrom. Connecting bar 106 and first and second inner tubes 107 generally create a “U”-shape.
First and second inner tubes 107 telescope with first and second outer tubes or outer telescoping members 108 to create a retractable system. First and second outer tubes or outer telescoping members 108 extend through bezel cup 109 and into bracket 110. Bezel cup 109 and bracket 110 allow the handle system to be affixed to a piece of luggage. Bezel cup 109 can also provide a space for which the handle 102 to be stored while not in use so as to not protrude, for example, during transport. Luggage handle system 101 can also be such that handle 102 remains protruding from bezel cup 109 even in a refracted position, for example, for use in hard-case luggage.
First and second inner tubes 107 and first and second outer tubes 108 create a double tube system, which can allow a user to apply more torque to the luggage to control and maneuver it efficiently than in a single-tube system. First inner and second inner tubes 107 are generally parallel with each other. Similarly, first and second outer tubes 108 are generally parallel with each other. The first and second inner tubes 107 (and thus first and second outer tubes) can be spaced at a variety of distances and orientations.
First and second inner tubes 107 and first and second outer tubes 108 telescope with each other to allow the system to be expandable and retractable. Release button 111 is provided on the T-grip handle 102 to allow a user to release the telescoping tubes to expand to an ideal length for a particular user. For example, an ideal length can be a length that is level with a user's elbow, and would naturally vary from user to user. That length can be, for example, between 36-39 inches.
In order to reduce slipping and improve grip, gripping members 105 can further comprise a rubberized and/or textured material 112. The rubberized and/or textured material 112 can be provided on an underside of handle 102 or throughout the entire handle 102.
While the exemplary luggage handle system shown in
Furthermore, gripping members can be bulb-shaped at its ends to provide another ergonomic configuration for a user. In a bulb-shaped configuration, gripping members may, although not necessarily, have a length shorter than the width of an average user's hands.
As these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the invention as defined by the claims, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the invention as defined by the claims. It will also be understood that the provision of examples of the invention (as well as clauses phrased as “such as,” “e.g.”, “including” and the like) should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the specific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate only some of many possible aspects.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/080,164, filed Nov. 14, 2014, entitled “Luggage Handle System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62080164 | Nov 2014 | US |
