CN114040690A

CN114040690A - Telescopic handle

Info

Publication number: CN114040690A
Application number: CN202080048425.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·博宁塞尼
Original assignee: Steyne Luxury Co ltd
Current assignee: Steyne Luxury Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2020-05-04
Publication date: 2022-02-11
Also published as: IT201900006669A1; KR20220007071A; EP3965609A1; US20220202153A1; WO2020229936A1; JP2022531677A; EP3965609B1

Abstract

Telescopic handle for transportable containers, such as suitcases, trolley cases and the like, comprising an upper central elongated element (20) and two lateral elongated elements (30) connected to the central elongated element (20), the lateral elongated elements (30) being switched from a withdrawn condition to a condition of insertion in special seats provided inside said containers. The central elongated element (20) is switched with respect to said container from a maximum spaced condition corresponding to the extracted condition to a maximum approached condition corresponding to the inserted condition, means for hooking the at least one lateral elongated element (30) being configured to stably maintain the existing extracted condition or inserted condition. There are also means for activating/deactivating the hook means present. The activation/deactivation means comprise a handle portion (21) belonging to the central elongated element (20), said handle portion (21) being pivotally mounted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central elongated element (20) and configured such that a rotation of said handle portion (21) causes the hook means to be activated/deactivated.

Description

Telescopic handle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a telescopic handle for transportable containers, such as suitcases, trolley cases, etc., comprising an upper central elongated element and two lateral elongated elements connected to the central elongated element, which are moved from a withdrawn condition to a condition of insertion inside the container.

The central elongated element is in turn switched with respect to the container from a maximum spaced condition, corresponding to the extracted condition, to a maximum approached condition, corresponding to the inserted condition.

There is at least one hook means of the lateral elongated element configured to stably maintain the extracted condition or the inserted condition.

There are also means for activating/deactivating the hook means.

The invention relates specifically to the field of the manufacture of travel containers such as suitcases, trolley cases and other luggage cases.

Background

In fact, technological development has led to a continuous increase in the use of public transportation means, such as airplanes, trains, etc., for business or recreational trips.

As a result, users are increasingly using transportable containers such as trolley cases for medium or long distance travel.

Therefore, there is a need to create a draw-bar box or a transportable container with a functional solution that helps different users during use, but at the same time has an aesthetic aspect and a high degree of robustness.

A key aspect of the trolley shells known from the prior art is the telescopic handle which allows the trolley case to be gripped and facilitates the transport of the trolley case.

In the draw-bar boxes known in the prior art, such handles comprise telescopic rods which can be retracted into special receiving seats held within the draw-bar box structure.

Each rod is usually made up of two or more tubular elements that slide inside each other to limit the size once the rods are in the retracted state.

There are also fixed pins with a double function, since some lock a tubular element (with respect to the other) against sliding, while others engage in suitable engagement seats provided on the draw-bar box to prevent the rod from retracting inside the draw-bar box.

Obviously, these pins will be activated when the user needs to grasp the draw-bar box, and deactivated when the user needs to retract the rod to transport the trolley on an airplane, car, train, or the like.

In the draw-bar box known in the prior art, the handle typically has a button that allows the pin to be activated/deactivated.

Such buttons represent a critical part of the handles of the known prior art trolley cases, since the buttons are often subject to damage-either by the button itself or by the mechanism controlling the button.

Breakage is mainly due to possible impacts to which the trolley case is subjected during transport and during positioning in aircraft cargo holds/overhead stowage bins and in automobile luggage compartments.

It is also likely that the button is subject to impact because the button protrudes with respect to the shape of the draw-bar box in order to ensure the button function, and is therefore more susceptible to impact.

Finally, precisely because of this protrusion, the push-button also has an aesthetically unpleasant appearance which interferes with the continuity of the contour and of the surface of the draw-bar box.

Therefore, there is an unfulfilled need to manufacture handles and transportable containers (such as draw-bar boxes and the like) that address the functional shortcomings described above while maintaining pleasing aesthetic characteristics.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by making a telescopic handle as described above, wherein the activation/deactivation means comprise a handle portion belonging to the central elongated element.

Furthermore, the handle portion is pivotably mounted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central elongated element and is configured such that rotation of the handle portion causes the hook means to be activated/deactivated.

The handle portion replaces the push buttons provided on the container handle as known in the art and performs the same function, i.e. activating/deactivating the pins that hold the telescopic handle in a predetermined position.

Obviously, this solution has a better robustness from a structural point of view and better efficiency characteristics from a functional point of view: the handle portion must simply rotate, have no parts that could get stuck in the central elongated element, as it may fail in the buttons currently used, or in the parts subjected to a large number of operating cycles.

The invention is particularly relevant for the upper part of the handle, since the upper part of the handle is responsible for the entire movement of the telescopic rod, which allows the transport of the container.

For this purpose, the lateral elongated elements are preferably made in a manner completely analogous to the telescopic rods of draw-bar boxes known in the prior art.

Similarly, the hook means are also made as ordinary pins, which are present in the draw-bar box known in the art.

According to a refinement, the central elongate element comprises means for converting a rotational movement of the handle portion, which means are configured to convert a rotation of the handle portion into a translational movement.

In connection with such solutions, a translational movement transfer means is provided for the hook means.

Since the pins known in the prior art which allow the fixing of the lateral elongated element to be activated by a translational movement, it is necessary to provide, in the handle object of the invention, such means for converting the rotational movement of the handle portion.

The invention may comprise several embodiments of such a transformation device, however, variant embodiments will be described below which are particularly functional, satisfying the required constructional simplicity, mechanical strength and efficiency of the invention.

According to such variants, described in detail below by way of some illustrated examples, the transformation means comprise at least a first portion positioned adjacent to and in contact with an end of the handle portion; and a second portion in contact with the first portion, the second portion being mounted to be translatable relative to the first portion such that the second portion switches from a proximate state to a spaced state relative to the first portion.

In particular, in the approached condition, the first portion and the second portion define a housing seat for a pusher element integral with the handle portion, so that during rotation of the handle portion, an outer wall of the pusher element pushes the second portion, which in turn transmits the translation to the transmission means.

Obviously, such pushing means can be made in any shape, as long as during the integral rotation with the handle portion, the shape of the pushing means widens the housing seat, pushing the second portion in translation with respect to the first portion.

However, the handle object of the invention, used in connection with containers such as trolley cases or the like, must meet the requirements of lightness of the parts, for which reason the dimensions of the various parts must be designed to obtain an optimum compromise between robustness and lightness.

To this end, according to a preferred embodiment, the pusher element is formed by a pin having at least one protruding head, while the first and second portions have an insertion seat for the end of the pin.

The first portion has a first face facing in the direction of a second face belonging to the second portion, the two faces having a profile complementary to the shape of the protruding head, so that in the approaching condition the two faces define a housing seat for the protruding head, and so that during rotation of the handle portion the protruding head flows along the profile of the two faces (flow) and pushes the second portion in the spaced condition.

In order to facilitate the pushing action of the protruding head and limit the protruding head wear, it may be provided that the protruding head comprises a wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin, such that during rotation of the handle portion the wheel rotates along the contour of the second face.

According to a possible variant, the pin has two projecting heads, located in a position diametrically opposite the section (section) of the pin.

Thanks to this configuration, the thrust of the pusher element is distributed symmetrically on both sides and prevents possible unbalances when the handle is used, which could result in damage to one or more parts.

Obviously, two projecting heads may be provided, constituted by wheels as described above.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one end of the central elongated element is connected to the respective lateral elongated element by a curvilinear element.

The curved elements not only have a pleasant aesthetic appearance, but also have advantages from a functional point of view.

In fact, the curvilinear element has a channel that provides a route corresponding to the contour of the curvilinear element, which allows housing a plurality of spheres arranged adjacent to each other.

A ball of this kind is part of the means for transmitting the translational movement of the second part, since the ball is arranged such that the ball closest to the central elongated element is connected to the second part.

Advantageously, in order to improve the functional characteristics of the handle object of the invention, such handles may be made symmetrically according to a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lateral elongated element.

In this case, the conversion means will be arranged to be positioned at both ends of the central elongated element.

As expected, the handle object of the present invention must also meet aesthetic as well as functional requirements.

To this end, in order to give the handle a pleasant aesthetic appearance, the handle portion has at least one upper outer wall which is made flush with the upper outer wall of the remaining part of the central elongated element in the non-rotated state of the handle portion.

In view of the above advantages, the invention also relates to a trolley case, suitcase or similar type of transportable container comprising a handle made according to one or more of the above characteristics.

Drawings

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of some exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a transportable container, a trolley case known in the art;

FIGS. 2a and 2b show perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of a handle object of the present invention;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show views and details, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of the handle object of the present invention, particularly when the handle portion is in a non-rotated state;

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a view and detail, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of the handle object of the present invention, particularly when the handle portion is in a rotated state;

fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the handle object of the present invention.

Detailed Description

It is to be noted that the attached drawings attached to the present patent application show some embodiments of the handle object of the present invention in order to better understand the advantages and features described in the present invention.

Such embodiments should therefore be understood as being for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the inventive concept of the present invention, namely to realize a handle for a transportable container of the trolley case type, which is strong, strong and lightweight and which is convenient for the user during use of such a container.

In particular, fig. 1 shows a draw-bar box known from the prior art.

The draw-bar box comprises an outer housing 1 and a handle 2.

The handle 2 has a central elongated element 20 and two lateral elongated elements 30, the lateral elongated elements 30 being connected to the central elongated element 20, in particular to the ends of the central elongated element 20.

The lateral elongated elements 30 are switched from the extracted condition shown in figure 1 to a condition of insertion in special seats provided in the casing 1 of the draw-bar box, and therefore the central elongated element 20 is switched from the maximum spaced condition shown in figure 1 and corresponding to the extracted condition to the maximum approached condition corresponding to the inserted condition with respect to the outer casing 1 of the draw-bar box.

The transition from the extracted condition to the inserted condition and vice versa occurs by translation of the lateral elongated element 30 along the direction indicated by the arrow a.

In order to stably maintain the extracted or inserted condition, hook means are present, which are of at least one lateral elongated element 30, preferably of two lateral elongated elements 30.

Such hooking means comprise a pin which engages in a corresponding engagement seat provided on the draw-bar box.

Typically, such pins are stably held in the engaged state by elastic means such as a spring or the like.

Therefore, in order to switch from the extracted condition to the inserted condition and, conversely, from the inserted condition to the extracted condition, it is necessary to deactivate these pins and, for this purpose, the trolley cases known in the prior art are provided with an activation/deactivation button on the central elongated element 20.

Pressing such a button pushes the elastic element so as to allow the deactivation of the pin (for example by re-entering such a pin inside the lateral elongated element 30) and allows the sliding of the lateral elongated element 30 in the direction of arrow a.

The inserted state and the extracted state represent two limit switch states, and a pin engagement seat may be generally provided for each of these states.

For example, starting from the extracted condition, the pressure on the push-button deactivates the pin currently engaged in the first engagement seat.

The handle 2 can be slid in the direction of the outer housing 1 of the draw-bar box until the pin is positioned at the second engagement seat where it will engage, locking further sliding of the handle.

With particular reference to fig. 1, the two lateral elongated elements 30 comprise two telescopic

tubular rods

301 and 302.

During the transition from the extracted state to the inserted state, the rod 301 is inserted inside the rod 302.

For locking the sliding of the bar 301 with respect to the bar 302, pins may be provided, entirely similar to those described above, also activated/deactivated by a button on the handle.

Unlike the trolley cases known in the prior art, the present invention provides a particular solution of a handle 2, which handle 2 allows the pin to be activated/deactivated by the rotation of a portion of the central elongated element 20.

In fact, with particular reference to fig. 2a and 2B, the means for activating/deactivating the hook means comprise a handle portion 21 belonging to the central elongated element 20, the handle portion 21 being rotatably mounted with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the central elongated element 20.

The handle portion 21 is configured such that rotation of the handle portion 21 causes activation/deactivation of the hook means.

With particular reference to fig. 2a and 2b, the central elongated element 20 comprises a handle portion 21 and two lateral portions 24 arranged alongside the ends of the handle portion 21.

The handle portion 21 can be rotated relative to axis B while the portion 24 is stationary.

Further, the handle portion has a lower surface 210 shaped to facilitate gripping by a user's hand and to allow the handle portion 21 to be easily rotated.

Fig. 2b shows a section of a portion of the central elongated element 20, wherein it is evident that the handle portion 21 is connected to transformation means 22, which transformation means 22 are adapted to transform the action of a rotational movement of the handle portion 21 into a translational movement.

The rotational motion converted into displacement is transmitted via the transmission means 23 to the output element of act 230.

The output element 230 will then act directly on the activation/deactivation of the hook means (i.e. the pin) in any way known in the art.

Fig. 3a to 4b show in detail both the transformation means 22 and the transmission means 23, respectively the non-rotated state and the rotated state of the handle portion 21.

Detailed description in the non-rotated condition of the handle portion 21, the entire telescopic handle is locked, i.e. it stably fixes the lateral elongated element 30 (with reference to fig. 1) in the extracted or inserted condition, whereas the rotated condition of the handle portion 21 causes the unlocking of the hooking means placed in the lateral elongated element 30 and allows the passage from the inserted condition to the extracted condition or vice versa.

It is clear that the operation in reverse, i.e. locked in the rotating condition and unlocked in the non-rotating condition, can be provided by slightly modifying the operation of the transformation means 22 and the transmission means 23.

With particular reference to fig. 3a to 4b, the conversion means 22 comprise a first portion 221 and a second portion 222, the first portion 221 being positioned adjacent to and in contact with an end of the handle portion 21, the second portion 222 being in contact with said first portion 221.

The second portion 222 is mounted to be translatable relative to the first portion 221 such that the second portion 222 switches from a proximal state to a spaced state relative to the first portion 221.

Fig. 3a and 3b show the approximated state of the second part 222, the handle portion 21 being in a non-rotated state, and the second part 222 being moved to the right, in contact with the first part 221.

In fig. 4a and 4b, the second portion 222 is in a spaced state: the handle portion 21 rotates and the second portion 222 moves to the left and no longer contacts the first portion 221.

The second portion 222 is displaced due to the presence of the pusher element 224.

As is evident from fig. 3b, in the approached condition, the two

portions

221 and 222 define a housing seat 220 for such a pusher element, in particular a compartment adapted to enclose a pusher element 224.

In the state shown in fig. 3b, the pusher element 224 is positioned such that the outer wall of the pusher element 224 is in contact with the inner wall of the receptacle.

Since the pusher element 224 is integrally formed with the handle portion 21, rotation of the handle portion 21 also causes rotation of the pusher element 224, and contact of the walls causes the pusher element 224 to push the second portion 222 to the left, see fig. 4 b.

For constructional requirements, the second part 222 has an output element 223, the output element 223 transmitting the displacement to the transmission device 23.

Before describing specific embodiments of the first portion 221, the second portion 222 and the pusher element 224, fig. 3a to 4b show a preferred embodiment of the transfer device 23.

According to this embodiment, the lateral portion 24 has a curvilinear element with a channel 231, the channel 231 providing a route corresponding to the contour of said curvilinear element.

Due to the presence of the plurality of spheres 232 inserted into the channel 231 and the arrangement of the plurality of spheres 232 adjacent to each other, a transfer of the translational action of the element 223 will occur.

As is apparent from fig. 3b and 4b, the sphere 232 closest to the central elongated element, i.e. the one closer to the right with reference to the drawing, is connected to the second portion 222.

The element 223 has the same dimensions as the channel 231, so that in a state where the handle part 21 is rotated (fig. 4b), the element 223 can be mounted in the channel 231 and push the ball 232.

It should be specifically noted that the element 223 may be independent of the sphere 232.

According to another embodiment, the element 223 is firmly connected to the plurality of spheres 232, so that by rotating the handle portion 21, the element 223 pushes the spheres 232 downwards, while by returning the handle portion 21 to the non-rotated state, the element 223 drags the spheres 232 to the right.

This configuration allows not to provide elastic means for keeping the hooking pin in a predetermined position, but to always control the movement of the hooking pin, thus ensuring the activation of the pin in the non-rotated condition of the handle 21 and the deactivation of the pin in the rotated condition of the handle 21.

Similarly, means may be provided for bringing the second portion 222 into proximity relative to the first portion 221.

For example, referring to the figures, such means may comprise a connection means between the pushing element 224 and the second portion 222, such that when the handle portion 21 returns to the non-rotated state, the second portion 222 is not only pushed to the left by the pushing element 224, but is also pulled to the right.

Alternatively, a resilient element, such as a spring or the like, may be provided positioned between the second portion 222 and the curvilinear element 24, the resilient element being compressed in the rotated state of the handle portion 21.

When the handle portion 21 is in a non-rotated state, this resilient element will tend to lose compression, pushing the second portion 222 towards the first portion 221.

The figures of the present patent application show a section of the single portion 24, but it is clear that the handle object of the invention is preferably made symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis B.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the handle object of the present invention, and particularly shows a preferred embodiment of the pusher element 224.

According to this embodiment, the pushing element 224 comprises a pin 2241 having two protruding heads 2242.

The first 221 and second 222 parts have insertion seats for the ends of the pins 2241.

Further, the first part 221 has a first face 2211, the first face 2211 facing in the direction of a second face 2221 belonging to the second part 222.

The

faces

2211 and 2221 have a complementary profile to the shape of the protruding head 2242, so that in the approached condition, the two

faces

2211 and 2221 constitute the housing seats 220 (fig. 3b) of the protruding head 2242, the surfaces of the two

faces

2211 and 2221 being in contact with said head 2242.

Then, the end of the pin 2241 is inserted into the first and second portions, and the end of the pin 2241 can freely rotate integrally with the handle portion 21.

The pin 2241 during rotation drags the protruding head 2242, the protruding head 2242 sliding along the profile of the

faces

2211 and 2221 in the following way: during the rotation of the handle portion 21, the head 2242 pushes the second portion 222 in a spaced state.

To facilitate this sliding, the protruding head 2242 advantageously comprises a wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin 2241.

Finally, as shown in fig. 2a and 2b, it is specifically illustrated that in the non-rotated condition, the handle portion 21 has at least one upper outer wall made flush with the upper outer wall of the remaining portion of the central elongated element 20.

With particular reference to fig. 2a, the handle portion 21 is flush with the outer wall of the central elongated element 20 on three sides, except for the lower side having a face 210.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail.

It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Unless otherwise specified, the use of "e.g.," such as, "etc," "or" refers to a non-exclusive, non-limiting alternative.

The use of "including" means "including but not limited to" unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A telescopic handle for transportable containers, such as suitcases, trolley cases and the like, comprising an upper central elongated element (20) and two lateral elongated elements (30) connected to said central elongated element (20), said lateral elongated elements (30) being switched from a withdrawn condition to a condition of insertion in special seats provided inside said containers,

said central elongated element (20) being switched with respect to said container from a maximum spaced condition corresponding to said extracted condition to a maximum approached condition corresponding to an inserted condition,

having means for hooking at least one lateral elongated element (30), configured to stably maintain said extracted condition or said inserted condition,

and with means for activating/deactivating said hook means,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

said activation/deactivation means comprise a handle portion (21) belonging to said central elongated element (20),

the handle portion (21) is pivotally mounted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central elongated element (20) and is configured such that rotation of the handle portion (21) causes the hook means to be activated/deactivated.

2. Handle according to claim 1, wherein the central elongated element (20) comprises means (22) for converting the rotational movement of the handle portion (21), wherein the means (22) are configured to convert the rotational movement of the handle portion (21) into a translational movement, the means (23) of transmission of the translational movement being provided to the hook means.

3. Handle according to claim 2, wherein the switching means (22) comprise at least a first portion (221) and a second portion (222), the first portion (221) being positioned adjacent to and in contact with an end of the handle portion (21), the second portion (222) being in contact with the first portion (221), wherein the second portion (222) is mounted so as to be translatable with respect to the first portion (221) so that the second portion (222) switches from an approaching condition to a spaced condition with respect to the first portion (221),

in the approached condition, the first portion (221) and the second portion (222) define a housing seat (220) for a pusher element (224) integral with the handle portion (21), so that during the rotation of the handle portion (21), the outer wall of the pusher element (224) pushes the second portion (222), the second portion (222) transmitting the translation to the transmission means (23).

4. Handle according to claim 3, wherein the pusher element (224) comprises a pin (2241) having at least one protruding head (2242),

said first part (221) and said second part (222) having insertion seats for the ends of said pins (2241),

the first portion (221) has a first face (2211), the first face (2211) facing in the direction of a second face (2221) belonging to the second portion (222), the first face (2211) and the second face (2221) having a profile complementary to the shape of the protruding head (2242), so that in a approached condition, the two faces (2211, 2221) define a housing seat (220) of the protruding head (2242), and so that during rotation of the handle portion (21), the protruding head (2242) flows along the profile of the faces (2211, 2221), and pushes the second portion (222) in a spaced condition.

5. Handle according to claim 4, wherein said protruding head (2242) comprises a wheel having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said pin (2241).

6. Handle according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said pin (2241) has two protruding heads (2242), said protruding heads (2242) being positioned diametrically opposite to the section of said pin (2241).

7. Handle according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein at least one end of said central elongated element (20) is connected with a corresponding lateral elongated element (30) by a curvilinear element, wherein the curvilinear element has a channel (231), said channel (231) providing a route corresponding to the contour of said curvilinear element, said transfer means comprising a plurality of spheres (232), said plurality of spheres (232) being inserted inside said channel (231) and being arranged adjacent to each other, said spheres being close to said central elongated element (20) connected with said second portion (222).

8. Handle according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said switching means (22) are provided positioned at both ends of said central elongated element (20).

9. Handle according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the handle portion (21) has at least one upper outer wall made flush with the upper outer wall of the remaining portion (24) of the central elongated element (20) in the non-rotated condition of the handle portion (21).

10. A trolley case, suitcase or similar type transportable container, characterized in that it comprises a handle made according to one or more of claims 1 to 9.