AU2013100462A4 - Handle for luggage - Google Patents

Abstract

An ergonomic handle for luggage is provided. In one aspect, the handle comprises at least one palm grip. The handle is attached to a compartment with wheels. The palm grip can be used to push the luggage as the wheels 5 roll over a rolling surface. WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 66-1 66-2 54-/ 74 78 50 58-1 58-3 5058-2

Description

WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 HANDLE FOR LUGGAGE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent 5 Application No. 61/407,971, filed October 29, 2010. FIELD The present specification relates generally to luggage and more specifically relates to handles for luggage. 10 BACKGROUND Travel is a common human activity and luggage is an important feature of travel. When it comes to air travel, the demands on luggage can be particularly intense. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of luggage being pushed in a 20 first direction. Figure 2 shows the article of luggage from Figure 1 being pushed in the opposite direction shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is shows the handle and rods of the luggage of Figure 1 and Figure 2 in an extended and retracted position. 25 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a front planar view of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 7 shows a top perspective view of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 8 shows a top planar view of the handle of Figure 1. 30 Figure 9 shows a bottom-left perspective view of the handle of Figure 1. 1 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 Figure 10 shows a top-left perspective view of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 11 shows a right view of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 12 shows the same view as Figure 10 but with an outline of a human hand engaging with the handle. 5 Figure 13 shows the handle from the same view as Figure 8 but with the outline of a human hand engaging with the handle. Figure 14 shows a right view of the handle of Figure 1 but with a human hand engaging with the handle. Figure 15 shows the view of the human hand from Figure 14 with a 10 hashed-oval representing the area of contact between the handle and the palm. Figure 16 shows the handle from the view of Figure 3 with a human hand grasping the handle and pushing the handle in a first direction. Figure 17 shows the handle from the view of Figure 16 with a human hand grasping the handle and pushing the handle in a second direction opposite from 15 the direction in Figure 16. Figure 18 shows the handle from the view of Figure 18 with a human hand grasping the handle and depressing an actuator button on the handle. Figure 19 is a front planar view of a first alternative configuration of the handle of Figure 1. 20 Figure 20 is a top view of the handle of Figure 19. Figure 21 shows the handle of Figure 19 with a human hand grasping the handle and pushing the handle. Figure 22 shows the handle of Figure 21 with a human hand grasping the handle and depressing the actuator button on the handle. 25 Figure 23 is a front planar view of a second alternative configuration of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 24 is a top view of the handle of Figure 23. Figure 25 shows the top view of the handle of Figure 24 including angles of possible rotation. 30 Figure 26 shows the handle of Figure 25 with a human hand grasping the 2 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 handle. Figure 27 is a front planar view of a third alternative configuration of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 28 is a top view of the handle of Figure 27. 5 Figure 29 shows the top view of the handle of Figure 24 including angles of possible rotation. Figure 30 is a front sectional view of the third alternative configuration showing the mechanical workings of the actuator. Figure 31 shows the handle of Figure 27 with a human hand grasping the 10 handle. Figure 32 shows an alternative grasping of the handle shown in Figure 31. Figure 33 is a front planar view of a fourth alternative configuration of the handle of Figure 1. Figure 34 shows the top view of the handle of Figure 33. 15 Figure 35 shows the handle of Figure 33 with a human hand grasping the handle. Figure 36 shows the handle of Figure 33 including angles of possible rotation. 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. "top", "bottom", "front", "back", etc.) are for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components 25 may in practice be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those, described or shown. Referring now to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an article of luggage is indicated generally at 50. In a non-limiting example embodiment, luggage 50 comprises a compartment 54 for storing and transporting personal effects or other articles. 30 Luggage 50 also comprises a plurality of wheels plurality of wheels 58-1, 58-2, 3 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 58-3 and 58-4. (Collectively, wheels 58, and generically, wheel 58. This nomenclature is used elsewhere herein.) Wheels 58 are mounted to compartment 54, and can be used to roll luggage 50 along a substantially smooth surface. Luggage 50 also comprises a handle 62 that connects to compartment 54 5 via a pair of retractable rods 66. In Figure 1 and Figure 2, rods 66 are in a fully extended position so that handle 62 is brought within an arm's reach while a person is standing substantially upright. As seen in Figure 3, rods 66 are movable between the extended position in Figure 1 and Figure 2 to a retracted position within a recessed chamber 70 disposed within a side of compartment 54 that is 10 opposite from the side of compartment 54 to which wheels 58 are mounted. Referring again to Figure 1 and Figure 2, in a present embodiment, compartment 54 which can be opened to receive or remove articles, and can be closed for storage or transportation. It is to be understood that the nature of compartment 54 is not particularly limited, and that variations on the 15 configuration of the compartment 54 shown in Figure are contemplated. For example, compartment 54 can be of a hard material (e.g. plastic or metal) or a soft material (e.g. fabric). Compartment 54 can also have different configurations, including a split configuration comprising two equal size halves or non-equal size halves. Compartment 54 can be a backpack, dufflebag, or briefcase. 20 Compartment 54 can also be configured to open from one or more different sides, and the means by which it is opened is not particularly limited. Likewise the configuration, orientation and type of hinging mechanism are not particularly limited. A variety of other types of compartments will now occur to those skilled in the art. 25 In a present embodiment, four wheels 58 are provided. As seen in Figure 1 each wheel can rotate along a rotational axis 74 that is substantially parallel to a rolling surface so that luggage 50 can be rolled in direction "A" in reaction to a force applied along direction "B" to handle 62. Wheels 58 are also configured to spin along an axis 78 that is perpendicular to the rolling surface, to thereby change 30 the orientation of rotational axis 74 so that luggage 50 can be rolled in any 4 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 direction along rolling surface. To illustrate this point, in Figure 2 luggage 50 is shown as being moved in direction "C" (opposite to direction "A" in Figure 1) in reaction to force applied along direction "D" to the opposite side of handle 62, such that wheels 58 rotate along rotational axis 75. It is to be understood that the 5 number and nature of wheels 58 is also not particularly limited. For example, fewer or more wheels can be provided. In other configurations, one or more of the wheels may be configured to spin, or not, along axis 78. Referring now to Figures 4-11, handle 62 is shown in greater detail. Handle 62 thus comprises a body 82. Body 82 has a first end 100-1 opposite to a 10 second end 100-2 and a proximal edge 104-1 and opposite to a distal edge 104-2. As best seen in Figure 8, edges 104 define a length L of body 82 between each end 100. Proximal edge 104-1 includes a pair of rod-junctions 86. In a present embodiment, each rod-junction 86 is implemented as a strut received within a 15 hollow end of a distal end of a respective rod 66 and mechanically fastened thereto by a screw 90. Other configurations for attaching body 82 to rods 66 are contemplated. Distal edge 104-2 includes a pair of palm grips 108. First palm grip 108-1 is situated at first end 100-1, and second palm grip 108-2 is situated at second end 20 100-2. A central grip 112 is disposed between each palm-grip 108. While palms grips 108 and central grip 112 are labeled in various Figures, Figure 8 uses hashed-boxes to more specifically illustrate which portions of body 82 correspond to palms grips 108 and central grip 112. From the view in Figure 5, it can be seen that palm grips 108 are substantially convex while central grip 112 is substantially 25 concave. Each palm grip 108 has a shape that complements the palm (or metacarpus) of a human hand, in order to distribute a force across a corresponding area of the palm. In a present embodiment, each palm grip 108 is rounded to further distribute force across the palm. Each palm grip 108 is also substantially 30 tear-drop shaped having wider bulbous portion proximal to its respective end 100 5 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 and a narrow bulbous portion proximal central grip 112. While body 82 is made from a substantially non-deformable material, such as a hard plastic, each palm grip 108 is made from a resiliently-deformable material, such as a foamed plastic, which is affixed to body 82 via a glue or other fastening means. The deformable 5 nature of each palm grip 108 further improves the distribution of force across the area of the palm (or other entity that applies the force) that comes into contact with the palm grip 108. In a present embodiment the surface of each palm grip 108 is dimpled to increase the level of friction between the palm and the surface of the palm grip 10 108, and reduce the likelihood of the palm slipping from the palm grip 108 while luggage 50 is being pushed. Other texture patterns, other than dimpling, are contemplated. As best seen in Figure 5, each palm grip 108 is also angled. In Figure 5, an angle w is shown in relation to palm grip 108-2. Angle w defines an obtuse 15 angle measured from a plane parallel to the length L of body 82. The actual length L is not particularly limited, and can be selected to accommodate various sizes of hands according to the teachings herein. Angle w is chosen to complement a position for pushing luggage 50 that is well within a natural range of motion of the human wrist, so that the palm of the 20 human hand can engage with a palm grip 108 without requiring an uncomfortable or otherwise unnatural bend in the human wrist. Angle w is thus greater than about ninety degrees but less than one-hundred-and-eighty-degrees. Angle w is presently preferred to be between about one-hundred-fifty-degrees and about one hundred-and-ten-degrees. More specifically, angle w is presently preferred to be 25 between about one-hundred-forty-five degrees and about one-hundred-and twenty-degrees. More specifically, angle w is presently preferred to be between about one-hundred-forty-degrees and about one-hundred-and-thirty-degrees. More specifically, angle w is presently preferred to be about one-hundred-and thirty-five-degrees. 30 As viewed in Figure 8, central grip 112 is slightly convex along its outer 6 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 edges, being slightly wider at its outer edges where central grip 112 joins with each palm grip 108. It should be understood, however, that central grip 112 can have different shapes, including having substantially the same width along its entire length. As viewed in Figure 5, central grip is slightly concave along distal 5 edge 104-2. An actuator 116 is disposed in the middle of central grip 112. Actuator 116 is biased towards a distal position which locks rods 66 in the extended position shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. Actuator 116 may be depressed towards a position that is substantially contiguous with the surface of central grip 112, which unlocks rods 66 so that rods may be moved between the 10 extended position and the retracted position shown in Figure 3. Mechanical means are typically provided so that, upon release, actuator 116 is urged to the distal position and locks rods 66 in the retracted position shown in Figure 3. Further mechanical means may also be provided so that handle 62 can be positioned, and locked, at one or more intermediate positions between the 15 extended position shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. It is presently preferred to provide at least one such intermediate position, to be discussed further below. Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15 shows the use of palm grips 108 in greater detail. Figure 13 and Figure 14 show example contact between the palm and a given palm grip 108. Figure 15 shows an example of the area of contact by 20 palm grip 108 on the palm. Of note is that the palm of a hand can contact substantially the entire surface of a palm grip 108. Also as noted is that, particularly when rods 66 are in the extended position shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the wrist can be angled comfortably while still contacting the surface of palm grip 108 and for pushing luggage 50. 25 Figure 16 and Figure 17 show example use of central grip 112. The example in Figure 16 and Figure 17 contemplate the positioning of rods 66 at an intermediate position, lower than the extended position shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, but higher than the retracted position. Figure 16 and Figure 17 demonstrate that central grip 112 may be comfortably grasped. Figure 16 30 illustrates that palm grip 108-1 additionally provides a comfortable thumb rest and 7 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207 palm grip 108-2 providing padding for a portion of the palm. In Figure 16, a force in the direction of arrow B' can be applied while walking to roll luggage 50. The direction in Figure 16 is roughly analogous to the direction of movement shown in Figure 1. In Figure 17, a force in the direction of arrow D' can be applied while 5 walking to roll luggage 50. The direction in Figure 17 is roughly analogous to the direction of movement shown in Figure 2. Figure 18 shows further example use of central grip 112, whereby central grip is squeezed to accomplish depression of actuator 116 to unlock rods 66 and facilitate their movement between the extended position or the retracted position. 10 While not shown, the grasping of handle 62 in Figure 18 can also be used to apply a lifting or pulling force on handle 62. Variations, subsets, enhancements and combinations of the foregoing are contemplated. For example, Figure 19, Figure 20, Figure 21, and Figure 22 show a first alternative handle 62a, which is a variation on handle 62. Handle 62a has 15 slightly different shape but includes palm grips 108, while omitting the concavity of central grip 112. Figure 23, Figure 24, Figure 25 and Figure 26 show a second alternative handle 62b. Handle 62b also omits the concavity of central grip 112 and is rotatable, as shown in Figure 25, by ninety degrees to provide a different grasping 20 angle for the wrist. Figure 27, Figure 28, Figure 29, Figure 30, Figure 31 and Figure 32 show a third alternative handle 62c. Like handle 62b, handle 62c is also rotatable, as shown in Figure 29, by ninety degrees, and to a full one-hundred-and-eighty degrees to provide a different grasping angles for the wrist. 25 Figure 33, Figure 34, Figure 35 and Figure 36 shows a fourth alternative handle 62d. Handle 62d is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to rods 66 to thereby provide different ergonomic angles for grasping. In a still further variation, not shown, handle 62 may be implemented so as to have a partially spheroidal shape (i.e. akin to a section of a sphere) so that 30 handle 62 can be pushed ergonomically from any direction. 8

Claims (20)

1. A handle for luggage comprising: a body connectable to at least one rod; said rod connecting said 5 handle to a compartment; a palm grip disposed on an end of said body; said palm grip having a contact surface for providing substantially contiguous contact with at least a portion of a palm of a hand while the wrist of the hand is positioned at an angle that is more than about ninety degrees. 10

2. The handle according to claim 1 wherein the compartment is one of suitcase, backpack, dufflebag, or briefcase.

3. The handle of claim 1 wherein said compartment comprises a plurality of 15 wheels so that said luggage can be moved in response to a force applied to said handle.

4. The handle of claim 2 wherein said wheels are orientable in a first direction for movement of said luggage in said first direction and said 20 palm grip is disposed on said handle for pushing said luggage by application of a force to said palm grip.

5. The handle of claim 1 further comprising a second palm grip disposed on an opposite end of said body opposite from said end. 25

6. The handle of claim 4 wherein said wheels are orientable in at least a first direction and a second direction for movement of said luggage in either of said directions; and said palm grips are each disposed on said handle for pushing said luggage in either of said directions said luggage by 30 application of a force to one of said palm grips. 9 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207

7. The handle of claim 5 wherein said wheels are spinner wheels that are rotatable about an axis substantially normal to a rolling surface. 5

8. The handle of claim 4 further comprising a central grip between said palm grips.

9. The handle of claim 7 wherein said central grip is substantially concave.

10 10. The handle of claim 7 wherein said central grip comprises an actuator for releasing said rods such that said rods become movable between an extended position distal from said compartment and a retracted position proximal to said compartment. 15

11. The handle of claim 4 wherein said palm grips are substantially convex.

12. The handle of claim 4 wherein said palm grips are substantially tear-drop shaped having wider bulbous portion proximal to its respective end and a narrow bulbous portion proximal a central portion of said handle. 20

13. The handle of claim 11 wherein each said palm grip are made from a resiliently-deformable material for improving distribution of force across an area of the palm that comes into contact with the palm grip. 25

14. The handle of claim 1 wherein said angle is less than about one-hundred fifty-degrees and greater than about one-hundred-and-ten-degrees.

15. The handle of claim 1 said angle is less than about one-hundred-forty-five degrees and greater than about one-hundred-and-twenty-degrees. 30 10 WO 2012/058103 PCT/US2011/057207

16. The handle of claim 1 wherein said angle is less than about one-hundred forty-degrees and greater than about one-hundred-and-thirty-degrees.

17. The handle of claim 1 wherein said angle w is about one-hundred-and thirty-five-degrees. 5

18. An article of luggage comprising: a compartment; a handle comprising a body connectable to at least one rod; said rod connecting said handle to said compartment; 10 a palm grip disposed on an end of said body; said palm grip having a contact surface for providing substantially contiguous contact with at least a portion of a palm of a hand while the wrist of the hand is positioned at an angle that is more than about ninety degrees. 15

19. The luggage of claim 18 wherein the compartment is one of suitcase, backpack, dufflebag, or briefcase.

20. The luggage of claim 18 wherein said compartment comprises a plurality of wheels so that said luggage can be moved in response to a force applied 20 to said handle. 11