US20050279600A1 - Suitcase handle - Google Patents
Suitcase handle Download PDFInfo
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- US20050279600A1 US20050279600A1 US11/003,563 US356304A US2005279600A1 US 20050279600 A1 US20050279600 A1 US 20050279600A1 US 356304 A US356304 A US 356304A US 2005279600 A1 US2005279600 A1 US 2005279600A1
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- Prior art keywords
- grip portion
- handle
- suitcase
- recited
- cross piece
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
- A45C13/262—Special adaptations of handles for wheeled luggage
Definitions
- the subject disclosure relates to handles for suitcases and luggage, and more particularly to an improved handle for the manual transport of a wheeled suitcase.
- suitcases today are constructed so as to incorporate wheels, allowing the luggage to be transported easily by rolling on the wheels rather than carrying.
- a “wheeled suitcase” facilitates luggage transport, and as such, wheeled suitcases are in widespread use and are well understood in the art.
- such suitcases also incorporate a telescoping handle that can be extended to allow pushing or pulling of the luggage, or, can be compressed such that it is concealed within the luggage.
- the most common type of wheeled suitcase has a plurality of wheels at one end of the luggage, all sharing a common axis of rotation.
- a telescoping handle extends from an opposite end of the luggage, in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the wheels.
- the handle requires that the suitcase is pulled directly behind (or pushed directly in front of) a user during manual transport.
- This arrangement has the drawback that a normal stride length is often larger than the distance between the user and the bag, such that the user kicks and/or trips over the bag when walking with it.
- An obvious method for overcoming this drawback is to increase the number of telescoping sections of the handle.
- the extended handle is sufficiently long to maintain the luggage outside the stride area, while still collapsible to a size that allows concealing the handle inside the luggage when not in use.
- This method is undesirable, however, because of the increased cost associated with increasing the number of telescoping sections of the handle.
- alternative suitcase handles have been pursued.
- the '089 application discloses a wheeled luggage 50 with a retractable handle assembly 10.
- the handle assembly 10 is extended upward from a center at a joining edge of a top 57 and a rear 52 of the luggage 50.
- the handle assembly 10 comprises a single handle rod 70 and a handle grip 20 extended from the top of the handle rod 70.
- the handle grip 20 has a length just smaller than a half-width of the top 57, and is pivotable and rotatable about the handle rod 70, such that the handle grip 20 can assume a range of angles and positions with respect to the handle rod 70.
- the handle grip 20 is disposed at a 90 degree angle to the handle rod 70 and pointed toward a side 54 of the luggage 50 (i.e. in a direction parallel to the straight line between the wheels 55,56).
- the handle assembly 10 of the '089 application has several advantageous features as compared to a typical U-shaped handle. Because the handle grip 20 has a length similar to a half-width of the top 57 and can be positioned pointing toward the side 54 of the luggage 50, a user holding the handle grip 20 while transporting the luggage 50 walks to the side of the luggage 50. This keeps the bag out of the user's stride.
- the handle assembly 10 of the '089 application does have several disadvantages.
- the length of the handle grip 20 is required to be similar to or longer than a half-width of the luggage 50. For some bags, this can force the handle grip 20 to be quite long.
- the handle assembly 10 of the '089 application utilizes a single handle rod 70 (explicitly avoiding the use of multiple handle rods), there is no further physical support for the handle grip, reducing the stability of the assembly. Forces applied by the user to the handle grip 20 (i.e. during pushing or pulling of the bag) result in a large moment at the point where the handle grip 20 attaches to the handle rod 70. This large moment will cause the handle assembly 10 to flex, so that the ultimate direction of a user-exerted force will vary from the intended direction.
- the '603 application teaches a handle system for a rolling luggage case.
- the handle system includes telescoping post members 155,160, a cross member 105 extending between adjacent end portions of the telescoping post members 155,160, and a handle 110 pivotally mounted to the cross member 105.
- the handle 110 includes a grasping bar 115 that extends from the handle 110 in a direction perpendicular to the cross member 105.
- the handle 110 can rotate about the cross member 105 so that the grasping bar 115 can be oriented in a variety of directions perpendicular to the cross member 105.
- the '603 application fails to teach a handle that moves the luggage away from the user by any significant amount. Rather, the '603 application refers to its subject invention as a labor saving device, and does not address the problem of an impeded stride.
- the present invention is directed to a modified handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase that allows the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported.
- the modified handle assembly prevents a wheeled suitcase from obstructing a user's stride during transport, and is therefore a significant improvement over the prior art.
- the modified handle is structurally stable and mechanically reliable, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Further, the disclosed modified handle can be provided by adapting a conventional suitcase handle assembly.
- a preferred embodiment of the modified handle is a handle extension for a conventional suitcase.
- the suitcase has wheels that rotate about a common wheel axis and a handle assembly including one or more handle rods.
- the handle extension includes a grip portion and means for coupling the grip portion to the handle assembly.
- the means are such that the grip portion achieves an extended position in which the grip portion extends parallel to the wheel axis and allows the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported.
- a wheeled suitcase has a luggage compartment from which extends a connector in the form of first and second handle rods and a cross piece coupled between the handle rods.
- the suitcase also has wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis.
- a grip portion is slidingly coupled to the connector such that the grip portion slides between a retracted position, in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods and/or within the cross piece, and two extended positions, in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods in either of opposing directions.
- a wheeled suitcase has a luggage compartment from which extends a connector in the form of first and second handle rods and a cross piece coupled between the handle rods.
- the suitcase also has wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis.
- a grip portion is pivotally coupled to the connector such that the grip portion pivots between a retracted position, in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods, and an extended position, in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods.
- a suitcase capable of being maintained laterally to a user during manual transport includes a luggage compartment, wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis, and a handle assembly attached to the luggage compartment.
- the handle assembly includes a grip portion and a passageway for receiving the grip portion.
- the passageway receives the grip portion such that the grip portion selectively extends parallel to the wheel axis between a storage position and first and second extended positions, the first extended position having the grip portion extend from a first end of the passageway and the second extended position having the grip portion extend from a second end of the passageway.
- FIG. 1 is an overview of an environment in which an embodiment of the present invention may be used
- FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase incorporating a handle assembly in accordance with subject disclosure, and in particular showing the grip portion in an extended position;
- FIG. 2 b illustrates a perspective view of the wheeled suitcase of FIG. 2 a , with the grip portion extended in the direction opposite that in 2 a;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase, the handle assembly including a cross piece which defines a passageway through which a grip portion can slide;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art wheeled suitcase, including a conventional handle assembly
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase and a handle extension, the handle extension being attached to the conventional handle assembly of the suitcase and including a grip portion that can slide to the side of the handle assembly;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the handle extension of FIG. 5 , showing the housing, bracket, and grip portion;
- FIG. 7 a illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase incorporating a handle extension, the grip portion being positioned in one of the two extended positions;
- FIG. 7 b illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase of FIG. 7 a , the grip portion being positioned in the retracted position;
- FIG. 7 c illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase of FIG. 7 a , the grip portion being positioned in one the alternate extended position;
- FIG. 8 a illustrates a perspective view of a handle extension for attachment to a wheeled suitcase, the handle extension including a grip portion with laterally offset spring-biased buttons for selectively fixing the position of the grip portion with respect to the housing;
- FIG. 8 b is an exploded view of the handle extension of FIG. 8 b;
- FIG. 9 a is a side view of a handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase, the handle assembly including a jointed grip portion slidingly contained in the lumen of a cross piece;
- FIG. 9 b is a side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 9 a wherein the grip portion is positioned such that the joint sits outside the lumen of the cross piece, allowing rotation of one end of the grip portion with respect to the other;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase and a handle extension attached to the conventional handle assembly of the suitcase, the handle extension including a grip portion for rotating to the side of the handle assembly;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the handle extension of FIG. 10 , showing the housing, bracket, and grip portion.
- a wheeled suitcase 100 includes a luggage compartment 110 , wheels 130 , and a handle assembly 140 .
- the luggage compartment 110 defines an interior for storing articles.
- Wheels 130 are rotationally secured to the luggage compartment 110 and share an axis of rotation 112 .
- Handle assembly 140 is coupled to the luggage compartment 110 and includes a grip portion 146 that selectively extends parallel to axis 112 . Wheels 130 and handle assembly 140 are thereby configured to allow suitcase 100 to be transported by applying force to the grip portion 146 and allowing suitcase 100 to roll.
- the suitcase 100 allows transport without obstructing the normal stride. Specifically, the suitcase 100 is laterally offset with respect to the user during transport, allowing a user to walk comfortably to one side of suitcase 100 . This presents a significant advantage over the prior art.
- handle assembly 140 includes handle rods 142 that selectively telescope out from the luggage compartment 110 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis 112 .
- a cross piece 144 connects handle rods 142 , and provides another location for a user to grasp handle assembly 140 (in addittion to grip portion 146 ).
- the cross piece 144 defines a passageway 148 , and grip portion 146 is slidingly contained in passageway 148 .
- the grip portion 146 can move between an extended position in which the grip portion 146 projects out from between the handle rods 142 in a direction generally parallel to axis 112 and a retracted position in which the grip portion 146 is substantially contained within passageway 148 .
- grip portion 146 In the extended position, grip portion 146 is presented for grasping by a user, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the grip portion 146 can project to opposing sides of the handle assembly 140 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , and can slide back and forth between these two positions, moving through the retracted position.
- the ability to position the grip portion 146 to either side of the handle assembly 140 allows the user to use either hand to transport the suitcase 100 as may be convenient.
- the grip portion 146 defines holes 150 , and spring-biased buttons 152 protrude through holes 150 .
- Cross piece 144 also defines holes 154 ; when grip portion 146 is moved such that a hole 154 is aligned with a button 152 , the button 152 will engage the hole 154 and fix the position of the grip portion 146 with respect to the cross piece 144 . In order to allow further movement of the grip portion 146 , the button 152 is depressed to allow the grip portion 146 to slide through passageway 148 .
- the grip portion 146 and cross piece 144 could be adapted and configured such that the grip portion 146 can slide through the passageway 148 defined by the cross piece 144 , but cannot rotate with respect thereto. This could be done, for example, by making the grip portion 146 oval or quadrilateral in cross section, or by forming an axial groove on the inside of the cross piece 144 and an extended axial protrusion on the outside of the grip portion 146 .
- luggage compartment 110 includes a handle 124 and a plurality of supports 126 on opposing sides. Handle 124 and supports 126 allow the suitcase 100 to be positioned on the supports 126 without causing wear of the luggage compartment 110 against a supporting surface, and to be lifted and carried in that position when it is desired to avoid using wheels 130 .
- a conventional wheeled suitcase handle can be modified to exhibit the above described characteristics by attaching a suitable handle extension.
- a conventional suitcase handle assembly 240 emanates from the luggage compartment 210 of a rolling suitcase 200 .
- Conventional handle assembly 240 includes two handle rods 242 and a cross piece 244 connecting handle rods 242 .
- a handle extension 250 is secured to handle assembly 240 .
- Handle extension 250 includes a grip portion 256 which can assume an extended position in which the grip portion 256 extends out and is presented for grasping by a user. As with the integrally formed handle assembly 140 described earlier, the handle extension 250 thus allows a user to maintain the suitcase 200 to the side of the normal stride area as the suitcase 200 is manually transported.
- a housing 252 and a bracket 254 are placed on opposing sides of the handle rods 242 .
- Fasteners 258 are then used to force the housing 252 and bracket 254 together, thereby securing housing 252 with respect to rods 242 .
- the movable grip portion 256 is slidingly contained in a passageway 260 defined by the housing 252 . This allows the grip portion 256 to move between an extended position (shown in FIG. 7 a ) in which the grip portion 256 extends out from the housing 252 and is presented for grasping and a retracted position (shown in FIG. 7 b ) in which the grip portion 256 remains substantially concealed in the housing 252 .
- the grip portion 256 includes a spring-biased button 262 .
- Button 262 engages holes 264 defined in housing 252 to fix the position of grip portion 256 with respect to housing 252 .
- Button 262 can be depressed to allow grip portion 256 to pass through passageway 260 .
- the placement of holes 264 on housing 252 allows grip portion 256 to be fixed in either the extended or retracted position. It also allows the grip portion 256 to extend to opposing sides of the handle assembly 240 , as illustrated by FIGS. 7 a and 7 c . It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that multiple spring-biased buttons can be provided with the grip portion 256 , thereby allowing the grip portion 256 to project to either side of the housing 252 and by selectively varied amounts.
- the holes 154 in the cross piece and the buttons 152 all align along the sliding direction of the grip portion 146 . As such, it is necessary, at least in some cases (depending on the relative spacing of the holes 154 and buttons 152 ), to depress both buttons 152 when moving the grip portion 146 from the retracted to the extended position. This same feature is seen in the handle extension 250 illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- a handle extension 350 includes a grip portion 356 slidingly contained in the lumen 360 defined by a housing 352 .
- the housing 352 is secured to a handle assembly using a bracket 354 and fasteners 358 .
- Spring-biased buttons 362 a - b are included in grip portion 356 and are used to engage holes 364 a - b in the housing 352 .
- Buttons 362 a - b are offset with respect to one another in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sliding of the grip portion 356 .
- buttons 364 a - b are similarly offset, but in the opposite direction to the offset direction of the buttons 362 a - b .
- each button 362 a - b engages only one of the holes 364 a - b .
- button 362 a is capable of engaging hole 364 a , but not 364 b .
- the handle extension 350 allows the grip portion 356 to move from an extended position to one side of the housing 352 to a retracted position by depressing the button 362 a .
- Button 362 b is then depressed to take the grip portion 356 from retracted to extended in the opposite direction. While FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show buttons being offset in the context of a handle extension, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the same concept can be used for a suitcase handle assembly.
- an elongated grip portion 446 sits in a lumen 448 defined by a cross piece 444 .
- Grip portion 446 includes a joint 447 located between axially opposed first and second ends 450 , 452 .
- the joint 447 allows rotation of the first end 450 with respect to the second end 452 around an axis perpendicular to the axis a of rotation of the suitcase wheels (not shown).
- rotation is prevented by the cross piece 444 when the joint 447 is located inside lumen 448 , and only by positioning grip portion 446 such that the joint 447 is outside lumen 448 can ends 450 , 452 rotate with respect to one another.
- grip portion 446 can be selectively directed perpendicularly to the axis a.
- the orientation of the first end 450 with respect to the second 452 can be selectively fixed at a plurality of orientations, and the grip portion 446 can be selectively rotated within the cross piece 444 , thereby allowing the configuration of the grip portion 446 to be adjusted for the comfort of the user. This can be beneficial when carrying heavy loads, as it is more ergonomic.
- the grip portion 446 can achieve the same result without being hinged, but rather by utilizing a curved grip portion 446 , such that when in the extended position, the grip portion 446 simultaneously extends parallel to and perpendicular to axis a.
- a handle assembly 540 has multiple handle rods 542 and a cross piece 544 connecting the handle rods 542 .
- a handle extension 550 is coupled to the handle assembly 540 using a bracket 554 and fasteners 558 , and includes a grip portion 546 is pivotally connected to housing 552 .
- the grip portion 546 can rotate to sit alternatively between the handle rods 542 and adjacent to the cross piece 544 or extend laterally out from between the handle rods 542 in a direction generally perpendicular to the wheel axis 512 .
- the handle extension 550 allows a user to walk to one side of a wheeled suitcase 500 .
- FIG. 10 refers to an add-on handle extension, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that a handle assembly formed integrally with a suitcase and embodying similar concepts to those embodied in FIG. 10 is also possible.
- a handle assembly comprises a single handle rod.
- the grip portion slidingly or pivotally couples to that single handle rod.
- the retracted position would consist of the grip portion being partially contained within the rod, for example, in a hollow created in the rod to receive the grip portion.
- the housing could incorporate a series of C-clips or hook-and-loop fasteners that can be used to couple the housing to the handle.
- the housing could sit between the handle rods of the suitcase handle, with the rods providing pressure to the housing that creates an appropriate frictional force.
- the grip portion has been described as a simple shaft that moves between an extended and a retracted position.
- the grip portion would include an interior and an exterior shaft.
- the interior shaft would be contained within the exterior shaft, and would selectively telescope out from the exterior shaft.
- the exterior shaft could be fixed with respect to the suitcase handle assembly, and the interior shaft could be fixed with respect to the exterior shaft. In this way, the amount of lateral offset between a user and a suitcase being manually transported could be increased when desired by the user.
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- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
A suitcase capable of being maintained laterally to a user during manual transport. The suitcase includes wheels attached to a luggage compartment, the wheels rotating about a common wheel axis. A handle assembly attached to the luggage compartment includes a grip portion and a passageway for receiving the grip portion. The passageway allows the grip portion to selectively extend parallel to the wheel axis, moving between a storage position and opposing first and second extended positions. The extended positions provide a method for manually transporting the wheeled suitcase while maintaining the suitcase to the side of the user.
Description
- This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200410016396.5, filed February 18, Chinese Patent Application No. 200420020325.8, filed Feb. 23, 2004, Chinese Patent Application No. 200420020327.7, filed Feb. 23, 2004, 2004, and Chinese Patent Application No. 200420020326.2, filed Feb. 23, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The subject disclosure relates to handles for suitcases and luggage, and more particularly to an improved handle for the manual transport of a wheeled suitcase.
- 2. Background of the Related Art
- Many suitcases today are constructed so as to incorporate wheels, allowing the luggage to be transported easily by rolling on the wheels rather than carrying. Such a “wheeled suitcase” facilitates luggage transport, and as such, wheeled suitcases are in widespread use and are well understood in the art. Typically, such suitcases also incorporate a telescoping handle that can be extended to allow pushing or pulling of the luggage, or, can be compressed such that it is concealed within the luggage.
- The most common type of wheeled suitcase has a plurality of wheels at one end of the luggage, all sharing a common axis of rotation. A telescoping handle extends from an opposite end of the luggage, in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the wheels. The handle requires that the suitcase is pulled directly behind (or pushed directly in front of) a user during manual transport. This arrangement has the drawback that a normal stride length is often larger than the distance between the user and the bag, such that the user kicks and/or trips over the bag when walking with it. An obvious method for overcoming this drawback is to increase the number of telescoping sections of the handle. In such case, the extended handle is sufficiently long to maintain the luggage outside the stride area, while still collapsible to a size that allows concealing the handle inside the luggage when not in use. This method is undesirable, however, because of the increased cost associated with increasing the number of telescoping sections of the handle. As such, alternative suitcase handles have been pursued.
- One alternative handle for rolling luggage is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0085089 A1 to Lin et al. (the '089 application). The '089 application discloses a wheeled luggage 50 with a
retractable handle assembly 10. Thehandle assembly 10 is extended upward from a center at a joining edge of a top 57 and a rear 52 of the luggage 50. Thehandle assembly 10 comprises a single handle rod 70 and a handle grip 20 extended from the top of the handle rod 70. The handle grip 20 has a length just smaller than a half-width of the top 57, and is pivotable and rotatable about the handle rod 70, such that the handle grip 20 can assume a range of angles and positions with respect to the handle rod 70. Specifically, in one embodiment, the handle grip 20 is disposed at a 90 degree angle to the handle rod 70 and pointed toward a side 54 of the luggage 50 (i.e. in a direction parallel to the straight line between the wheels 55,56). - The
handle assembly 10 of the '089 application has several advantageous features as compared to a typical U-shaped handle. Because the handle grip 20 has a length similar to a half-width of the top 57 and can be positioned pointing toward the side 54 of the luggage 50, a user holding the handle grip 20 while transporting the luggage 50 walks to the side of the luggage 50. This keeps the bag out of the user's stride. - However, the
handle assembly 10 of the '089 application does have several disadvantages. In order to allow a user to walk to the side of the bag, the length of the handle grip 20 is required to be similar to or longer than a half-width of the luggage 50. For some bags, this can force the handle grip 20 to be quite long. Because thehandle assembly 10 of the '089 application utilizes a single handle rod 70 (explicitly avoiding the use of multiple handle rods), there is no further physical support for the handle grip, reducing the stability of the assembly. Forces applied by the user to the handle grip 20 (i.e. during pushing or pulling of the bag) result in a large moment at the point where the handle grip 20 attaches to the handle rod 70. This large moment will cause thehandle assembly 10 to flex, so that the ultimate direction of a user-exerted force will vary from the intended direction. - Another alternative handle is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0079603 A1 to Miller et al. (the '603 application). The '603 application teaches a handle system for a rolling luggage case. The handle system includes telescoping post members 155,160, a cross member 105 extending between adjacent end portions of the telescoping post members 155,160, and a
handle 110 pivotally mounted to the cross member 105. Thehandle 110 includes a grasping bar 115 that extends from thehandle 110 in a direction perpendicular to the cross member 105. Thehandle 110 can rotate about the cross member 105 so that the grasping bar 115 can be oriented in a variety of directions perpendicular to the cross member 105. The '603 application fails to teach a handle that moves the luggage away from the user by any significant amount. Rather, the '603 application refers to its subject invention as a labor saving device, and does not address the problem of an impeded stride. - There is a need, therefore, for an improved wheeled suitcase which permits a user to push or pull a suitcase without having his or her stride impeded. Specifically, there is a need for an improved handle that allows a rolling luggage to remain outside the user's stride as it is transported. Such a handle should be structurally stable and mechanically reliable, and should be simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Further, because a large number of wheeled suitcases already exists, there is a need for adapting the handles of existing suitcases to provide all of the above advantages.
- The present invention is directed to a modified handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase that allows the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported. The modified handle assembly prevents a wheeled suitcase from obstructing a user's stride during transport, and is therefore a significant improvement over the prior art. The modified handle is structurally stable and mechanically reliable, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Further, the disclosed modified handle can be provided by adapting a conventional suitcase handle assembly.
- A preferred embodiment of the modified handle is a handle extension for a conventional suitcase. The suitcase has wheels that rotate about a common wheel axis and a handle assembly including one or more handle rods. The handle extension includes a grip portion and means for coupling the grip portion to the handle assembly. The means are such that the grip portion achieves an extended position in which the grip portion extends parallel to the wheel axis and allows the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported.
- In another preferred embodiment, a wheeled suitcase has a luggage compartment from which extends a connector in the form of first and second handle rods and a cross piece coupled between the handle rods. The suitcase also has wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis. A grip portion is slidingly coupled to the connector such that the grip portion slides between a retracted position, in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods and/or within the cross piece, and two extended positions, in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods in either of opposing directions.
- In still another preferred embodiment, a wheeled suitcase has a luggage compartment from which extends a connector in the form of first and second handle rods and a cross piece coupled between the handle rods. The suitcase also has wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis. A grip portion is pivotally coupled to the connector such that the grip portion pivots between a retracted position, in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods, and an extended position, in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods.
- In yet another preferred embodiment, a suitcase capable of being maintained laterally to a user during manual transport includes a luggage compartment, wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis, and a handle assembly attached to the luggage compartment. The handle assembly includes a grip portion and a passageway for receiving the grip portion. The passageway receives the grip portion such that the grip portion selectively extends parallel to the wheel axis between a storage position and first and second extended positions, the first extended position having the grip portion extend from a first end of the passageway and the second extended position having the grip portion extend from a second end of the passageway.
- It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
- So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings wherein.
-
FIG. 1 is an overview of an environment in which an embodiment of the present invention may be used; -
FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase incorporating a handle assembly in accordance with subject disclosure, and in particular showing the grip portion in an extended position; -
FIG. 2 b illustrates a perspective view of the wheeled suitcase ofFIG. 2 a, with the grip portion extended in the direction opposite that in 2 a; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase, the handle assembly including a cross piece which defines a passageway through which a grip portion can slide; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art wheeled suitcase, including a conventional handle assembly; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase and a handle extension, the handle extension being attached to the conventional handle assembly of the suitcase and including a grip portion that can slide to the side of the handle assembly; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the handle extension ofFIG. 5 , showing the housing, bracket, and grip portion; -
FIG. 7 a illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase incorporating a handle extension, the grip portion being positioned in one of the two extended positions; -
FIG. 7 b illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase ofFIG. 7 a, the grip portion being positioned in the retracted position; -
FIG. 7 c illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase ofFIG. 7 a, the grip portion being positioned in one the alternate extended position; -
FIG. 8 a illustrates a perspective view of a handle extension for attachment to a wheeled suitcase, the handle extension including a grip portion with laterally offset spring-biased buttons for selectively fixing the position of the grip portion with respect to the housing; -
FIG. 8 b is an exploded view of the handle extension ofFIG. 8 b; -
FIG. 9 a is a side view of a handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase, the handle assembly including a jointed grip portion slidingly contained in the lumen of a cross piece; -
FIG. 9 b is a side view of the handle assembly ofFIG. 9 a wherein the grip portion is positioned such that the joint sits outside the lumen of the cross piece, allowing rotation of one end of the grip portion with respect to the other; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wheeled suitcase and a handle extension attached to the conventional handle assembly of the suitcase, the handle extension including a grip portion for rotating to the side of the handle assembly; -
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the handle extension ofFIG. 10 , showing the housing, bracket, and grip portion. - The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with handles for rolling luggage. The advantages, and other features of the system disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, awheeled suitcase 100 includes aluggage compartment 110,wheels 130, and ahandle assembly 140. Theluggage compartment 110 defines an interior for storing articles.Wheels 130 are rotationally secured to theluggage compartment 110 and share an axis ofrotation 112.Handle assembly 140 is coupled to theluggage compartment 110 and includes agrip portion 146 that selectively extends parallel toaxis 112.Wheels 130 and handleassembly 140 are thereby configured to allowsuitcase 100 to be transported by applying force to thegrip portion 146 and allowingsuitcase 100 to roll. - As can be seen, the
suitcase 100 allows transport without obstructing the normal stride. Specifically, thesuitcase 100 is laterally offset with respect to the user during transport, allowing a user to walk comfortably to one side ofsuitcase 100. This presents a significant advantage over the prior art. - Referring to
FIG. 2 a,handle assembly 140 includes handlerods 142 that selectively telescope out from theluggage compartment 110 in a direction substantially perpendicular to theaxis 112. Across piece 144 connects handlerods 142, and provides another location for a user to grasp handle assembly 140 (in addittion to grip portion 146). - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thecross piece 144 defines apassageway 148, andgrip portion 146 is slidingly contained inpassageway 148. Thegrip portion 146 can move between an extended position in which thegrip portion 146 projects out from between thehandle rods 142 in a direction generally parallel toaxis 112 and a retracted position in which thegrip portion 146 is substantially contained withinpassageway 148. In the extended position,grip portion 146 is presented for grasping by a user, as shown inFIG. 1 . Thegrip portion 146 can project to opposing sides of thehandle assembly 140, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 a and 2 b, and can slide back and forth between these two positions, moving through the retracted position. The ability to position thegrip portion 146 to either side of thehandle assembly 140 allows the user to use either hand to transport thesuitcase 100 as may be convenient. - The
grip portion 146 definesholes 150, and spring-biasedbuttons 152 protrude throughholes 150.Cross piece 144 also definesholes 154; whengrip portion 146 is moved such that ahole 154 is aligned with abutton 152, thebutton 152 will engage thehole 154 and fix the position of thegrip portion 146 with respect to thecross piece 144. In order to allow further movement of thegrip portion 146, thebutton 152 is depressed to allow thegrip portion 146 to slide throughpassageway 148. - The
grip portion 146 andcross piece 144 could be adapted and configured such that thegrip portion 146 can slide through thepassageway 148 defined by thecross piece 144, but cannot rotate with respect thereto. This could be done, for example, by making thegrip portion 146 oval or quadrilateral in cross section, or by forming an axial groove on the inside of thecross piece 144 and an extended axial protrusion on the outside of thegrip portion 146. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, it is preferred thatluggage compartment 110 includes ahandle 124 and a plurality ofsupports 126 on opposing sides. Handle 124 and supports 126 allow thesuitcase 100 to be positioned on thesupports 126 without causing wear of theluggage compartment 110 against a supporting surface, and to be lifted and carried in that position when it is desired to avoid usingwheels 130. - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , a conventional wheeled suitcase handle can be modified to exhibit the above described characteristics by attaching a suitable handle extension. A conventionalsuitcase handle assembly 240 emanates from theluggage compartment 210 of a rollingsuitcase 200.Conventional handle assembly 240 includes twohandle rods 242 and across piece 244 connectinghandle rods 242. Ahandle extension 250 is secured to handleassembly 240.Handle extension 250 includes agrip portion 256 which can assume an extended position in which thegrip portion 256 extends out and is presented for grasping by a user. As with the integrally formedhandle assembly 140 described earlier, thehandle extension 250 thus allows a user to maintain thesuitcase 200 to the side of the normal stride area as thesuitcase 200 is manually transported. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , to attach thehandle extension 250, ahousing 252 and abracket 254 are placed on opposing sides of thehandle rods 242.Fasteners 258 are then used to force thehousing 252 andbracket 254 together, thereby securinghousing 252 with respect torods 242. Themovable grip portion 256 is slidingly contained in a passageway 260 defined by thehousing 252. This allows thegrip portion 256 to move between an extended position (shown inFIG. 7 a) in which thegrip portion 256 extends out from thehousing 252 and is presented for grasping and a retracted position (shown inFIG. 7 b) in which thegrip portion 256 remains substantially concealed in thehousing 252. Thegrip portion 256 includes a spring-biasedbutton 262.Button 262 engagesholes 264 defined inhousing 252 to fix the position ofgrip portion 256 with respect tohousing 252.Button 262 can be depressed to allowgrip portion 256 to pass through passageway 260. The placement ofholes 264 onhousing 252 allowsgrip portion 256 to be fixed in either the extended or retracted position. It also allows thegrip portion 256 to extend to opposing sides of thehandle assembly 240, as illustrated byFIGS. 7 a and 7 c. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that multiple spring-biased buttons can be provided with thegrip portion 256, thereby allowing thegrip portion 256 to project to either side of thehousing 252 and by selectively varied amounts. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 3 , theholes 154 in the cross piece and thebuttons 152 all align along the sliding direction of thegrip portion 146. As such, it is necessary, at least in some cases (depending on the relative spacing of theholes 154 and buttons 152), to depress bothbuttons 152 when moving thegrip portion 146 from the retracted to the extended position. This same feature is seen in thehandle extension 250 illustrated inFIG. 5 . - In another preferred embodiment, illustrated by
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b and similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 , ahandle extension 350 includes agrip portion 356 slidingly contained in thelumen 360 defined by ahousing 352. Thehousing 352 is secured to a handle assembly using abracket 354 andfasteners 358. Spring-biasedbuttons 362 a-b are included ingrip portion 356 and are used to engage holes 364 a-b in thehousing 352.Buttons 362 a-b are offset with respect to one another in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sliding of thegrip portion 356. The holes 364 a-b are similarly offset, but in the opposite direction to the offset direction of thebuttons 362 a-b. As such, eachbutton 362 a-b engages only one of the holes 364 a-b. For example, inFIG. 8 a,button 362 a is capable of engaginghole 364 a, but not 364 b. Thehandle extension 350 allows thegrip portion 356 to move from an extended position to one side of thehousing 352 to a retracted position by depressing thebutton 362 a. Button 362 b is then depressed to take thegrip portion 356 from retracted to extended in the opposite direction. WhileFIGS. 8 a and 8 b show buttons being offset in the context of a handle extension, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the same concept can be used for a suitcase handle assembly. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , in another preferred embodiment, anelongated grip portion 446 sits in alumen 448 defined by across piece 444.Grip portion 446 includes a joint 447 located between axially opposed first and second ends 450, 452. The joint 447 allows rotation of thefirst end 450 with respect to thesecond end 452 around an axis perpendicular to the axis a of rotation of the suitcase wheels (not shown). However, such rotation is prevented by thecross piece 444 when the joint 447 is located insidelumen 448, and only by positioninggrip portion 446 such that the joint 447 is outsidelumen 448 can ends 450, 452 rotate with respect to one another. In this way,grip portion 446 can be selectively directed perpendicularly to the axis a. Prefereably, the orientation of thefirst end 450 with respect to the second 452 can be selectively fixed at a plurality of orientations, and thegrip portion 446 can be selectively rotated within thecross piece 444, thereby allowing the configuration of thegrip portion 446 to be adjusted for the comfort of the user. This can be beneficial when carrying heavy loads, as it is more ergonomic. It should also be noted that thegrip portion 446 can achieve the same result without being hinged, but rather by utilizing acurved grip portion 446, such that when in the extended position, thegrip portion 446 simultaneously extends parallel to and perpendicular to axis a. - The above described handle assemblies and handle extensions include a grip portion the moves slidingly between a retracted and an extended position. However, the transition between retracted and extended can be accomplished through other types of movement. For example, another preferred embodiment of a handle extension is shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 . Ahandle assembly 540 hasmultiple handle rods 542 and across piece 544 connecting thehandle rods 542. Ahandle extension 550 is coupled to thehandle assembly 540 using abracket 554 andfasteners 558, and includes agrip portion 546 is pivotally connected tohousing 552. Thereby, thegrip portion 546 can rotate to sit alternatively between thehandle rods 542 and adjacent to thecross piece 544 or extend laterally out from between thehandle rods 542 in a direction generally perpendicular to thewheel axis 512. As with the previously described embodiments, thehandle extension 550 allows a user to walk to one side of awheeled suitcase 500. AlthoughFIG. 10 refers to an add-on handle extension, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that a handle assembly formed integrally with a suitcase and embodying similar concepts to those embodied inFIG. 10 is also possible. - In another preferred embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a single handle rod. In such case, the grip portion slidingly or pivotally couples to that single handle rod. The retracted position would consist of the grip portion being partially contained within the rod, for example, in a hollow created in the rod to receive the grip portion.
- Aside from those already presented, other methods for retaining a handle extension on a conventional suitcase handle are also possible. For example, the housing could incorporate a series of C-clips or hook-and-loop fasteners that can be used to couple the housing to the handle. Alternatively, the housing could sit between the handle rods of the suitcase handle, with the rods providing pressure to the housing that creates an appropriate frictional force.
- The grip portion has been described as a simple shaft that moves between an extended and a retracted position. However, in a preferred embodiment, the grip portion would include an interior and an exterior shaft. The interior shaft would be contained within the exterior shaft, and would selectively telescope out from the exterior shaft. The exterior shaft could be fixed with respect to the suitcase handle assembly, and the interior shaft could be fixed with respect to the exterior shaft. In this way, the amount of lateral offset between a user and a suitcase being manually transported could be increased when desired by the user.
- While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (29)
1. A handle extension for a conventional wheeled suitcase, the suitcase having wheels for rotation about a common wheel axis and a handle assembly including one or more handle rods, and the handle extension comprising:
a grip portion; and
means for coupling the grip portion to the handle assembly such that the grip portion achieves an extended position in which the grip portion extends parallel to the wheel axis and allows the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported.
2. The handle extension as recited in claim 1 , wherein the grip portion comprises an interior shaft and an exterior shaft, the interior shaft being contained within and selectively telescoping out from the exterior shaft to increase the lateral offset of a suitcase with respect to a user during manual transport.
3. The handle extension as recited in claim 1 , wherein the means includes a housing coupled to the one or more handle rods, the housing forming a passageway to slidingly contain the grip portion such that the grip portion can slide between the extended position and a retracted position in which the grip portion is at least partially concealed within the passageway.
4. The handle extension as recited in claim 3 , wherein the grip portion can extend out from the passageway in opposing directions.
5. The handle extension as recited in claim 3 , wherein the passageway is adapted and configured to allow the grip portion to slide within the passageway while preventing rotation of the grip portion with respect to the housing.
6. The handle extension as recited in claim 3 , wherein the grip portion includes:
first and second ends; and
a joint between the first and second ends, and
wherein the joint allows rotation of the first end with respect to the second end around an axis perpendicular to the wheel axis when the grip portion is positioned such that the joint is outside the passageway of the housing, while the housing substantially prevents such rotation when the grip portion is positioned to locate the joint inside the passageway of the housing.
7. The handle extension as recited in claim 3 , wherein the grip portion can be releasably fixed in the extended position, in the retracted position, and in a plurality of intermediate positions as desired by a user.
8. The handle extension as recited in claim 3 , wherein:
the housing includes two holes offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis;
the grip portion includes two spring-biased buttons, the buttons being offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis such that each button engages only one of the holes, and the grip portion passes through the passageway when the buttons are depressed.
9. The handle extension as recited in claim 1 , wherein the means is a housing coupled to the one or more handle rods, the grip portion being pivotally attached to the housing such that the grip portion pivots into the extended position.
10. The handle extension as recited in claim 9 , wherein the grip portion can be releasably fixed in the extended position, in the retracted position, and in a plurality of intermediate positions as desired by a user.
11. The handle extension as recited in claim 1 , wherein the handle extension is formed integrally with the suitcase.
12. A handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase, the suitcase having a luggage compartment and wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis, and the handle assembly comprising:
a connector including first and second handle rods extending from from the luggage compartment, and a cross piece coupled between the handle rods; and
a grip portion slidingly coupled to the connector such that the grip portion slides between a retracted position, in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods and/or within the cross piece, and two extended positions, in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods in either of opposing directions to allow the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported.
13. The handle assembly as recited in claim 12 , wherein the grip portion can be releasably fixed in the extended position, in the retracted position, and in a plurality of intermediate positions in which the grip portion is partially extended from between the handle rods by varying amounts as desired by a user.
14. The handle assembly as recited in claim 12 , wherein the cross piece is hollow and defines a lumen through which the grip portion slides as the grip portion moves between the extended and retracted positions.
15. The handle assembly as recited in claim 14 , wherein:
the cross piece includes two holes; and
the grip portion includes two spring-biased buttons, and
whereby the buttons can be depressed to allow the grip portion to slide through the lumen of the cross piece, each button being capable of separately engaging each hole in the cross piece to selectively fix the grip portion in the extended and retracted positions.
16. The handle assembly as recited in claim 15 , wherein the holes in the cross piece are offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis, and the spring-biased buttons are offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis, thereby allowing each button to engage only one of the holes.
17. The handle assembly as recited in claim 14 , wherein the grip portion includes:
first and second ends; and
a joint, between the first and second ends, for allowing rotation of the first end with respect to the second end around an axis perpendicular to the wheel axis when the grip portion is positioned such that the joint is outside the lumen of the cross piece, while the cross piece substantially prevents such rotation when the grip portion is positioned to locate the joint inside the lumen of the cross piece.
18. The handle assembly as recited in claim 17 , wherein the handle assembly includes means for selectively fixing the orientation of the first end with respect to the second end.
19. The handle assembly as recited in claim 12 , wherein the grip portion comprises an interior shaft and an exterior shaft, the interior shaft selectively telescoping out from the exterior shaft to increase the lateral offset of a suitcase with respect to a user during manual transport.
20. A handle assembly for a wheeled suitcase, the suitcase having a luggage compartment and wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis, and the handle assembly comprising:
a connector including first and second handle rods extending from from the luggage compartment, and a cross piece coupled between the handle rods; and
a grip portion pivotally coupled to the connector such that the grip portion pivots between a retracted position, in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods, and an extended position, in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods to allow the suitcase to be maintained laterally to a user as the suitcase is being manually transported.
21. The handle assembly as recited in claim 20 , wherein the grip portion can be releasably fixed in the extended position, in the retracted position, and in a plurality of intermediate positions as desired by a user.
22. The handle assembly as recited in claim 20 , wherein the grip portion comprises an interior shaft and an exterior shaft, the interior shaft selectively telescoping out from the exterior shaft to increase the lateral offset of a suitcase with respect to a user during manual transport.
23. A suitcase capable of being maintained laterally to a user during manual transport, the suitcase comprising:
a) a luggage compartment;
b) wheels attached to the luggage compartment for rotation about a common wheel axis; and
c) a handle assembly attached to the luggage compartment and including:
i) a grip portion; and
ii) a passageway for receiving the grip portion such that the grip portion selectively extends parallel to the wheel axis between a storage position and first and second extended positions, the first extended position having the grip portion extend from a first end of the passageway and the second extended position having the grip portion extend from a second end of the passageway.
24. The suitcase as recited in claim 23 , wherein the handle assembly further includes:
a first handle rod secured to the suitcase such that the handle rod is directed substantially perpendicularly to the wheel axis, and
a second handle rod secured to the suitcase and directed substantially parallel to the first handle rod; and
a cross piece coupled between the first and second handle rods and defining the passageway, and
wherein the grip portion slides between a retracted position in which the grip portion is at least partially contained between the handle rods and the first and second extended positions in which the grip portion extends laterally from between the handle rods.
25. The suitcase as recited in claim 23 , wherein the grip portion can be releasably fixed in the extended position, in the retracted position, and in a plurality of intermediate positions in which the grip portion is partially extended from between the handle rods by varying amounts as desired by a user.
26. The suitcase as recited in claim 24 , wherein:
the cross piece is elongated and includes two holes, the holes being axially spaced from one another;
the grip portion is elongated and includes two spring-biased buttons, the buttons being axially spaced from one another, and
whereby the buttons can be depressed to allow the grip portion to slide through the passageway of the cross piece, each button being capable of separately engaging each hole in the cross piece.
27. The suitcase as recited in claim 26 , wherein the holes in the cross piece are offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis, and the spring-biased buttons are offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis, thereby allowing each button to engage only one of the holes.
28. The suitcase as recited in claim 24 , wherein the grip portion is elongated and has:
axially opposed a first and second ends;
a joint between the first and second ends, and
wherein the joint allows rotation of the first end with respect to the second end around an axis perpendicular to the wheel axis when the grip portion is positioned such that the joint is outside the passageway of the cross piece, while the cross piece substantially prevents such rotation when the grip portion is positioned to locate the joint inside the passageway of the cross piece.
29. The suitcase as recited in claim 23 , wherein the means includes:
a first handle rod secured to the suitcase such that the handle rod is directed substantially perpendicularly to the wheel axis;
a second handle rod secured to the suitcase substantially parallel to the first handle rod;
an elongated cross piece coupled between the first and second handle rods; and
a grip portion pivotally coupled to the first handle rod such that the grip portion can rotate out from a retracted position between the first and second handle rods to assume an extended position in which the grip portion is directed substantially parallel to the wheel axis.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2005/005237 WO2005079494A2 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2005-02-16 | Suitcase handle |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN 200410016396 CN1656968A (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2004-02-18 | Draw-bar suitcase |
CN200410016396.5 | 2004-02-18 | ||
CN200420020325.8 | 2004-02-23 | ||
CN 200420020327 CN2684628Y (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2004-02-23 | Side handle for pulling-rod travelling trunk |
CN200420020327.7 | 2004-02-23 | ||
CN200420020326.2 | 2004-02-23 | ||
CN 200420020325 CN2691343Y (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2004-02-23 | Revolving side handle of handle-rod suitcase |
CN 200420020326 CN2691344Y (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2004-02-23 | Side handle used for handle-rod suitcase |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050279600A1 true US20050279600A1 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
Family
ID=35500568
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/003,563 Abandoned US20050279600A1 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2004-12-03 | Suitcase handle |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050279600A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US20040182666A1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2004-09-23 | Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. | Seamless handle grip of luggage |
US20070068758A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2007-03-29 | Sanyei Corporation Co., Ltd. | Luggage cart |
FR2917588A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2008-12-26 | Krishan Advaney | Garment handing device i.e. coat stand, for use on e.g. car seat, has telescopic or foldable arms mounted on hinge-pin and pulled to form clothes rack, where arms are mounted one above another and are attached to rod |
US20100275415A1 (en) * | 2009-03-20 | 2010-11-04 | Oscar Gonzales | Convertible wheeled luggage handle |
US20120006638A1 (en) * | 2010-07-06 | 2012-01-12 | Semersky Frank E | Garment hanger for luggage |
US20140027227A1 (en) * | 2012-07-30 | 2014-01-30 | William Stern | Carry-on bag with pull-out coat hangers in handle top |
US20150030261A1 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2015-01-29 | Farzad David Mahjoubi | Laundry Bag Assembly |
US9351554B2 (en) * | 2010-10-29 | 2016-05-31 | Travelpro International, Inc. | Handle for luggage |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040182666A1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2004-09-23 | Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. | Seamless handle grip of luggage |
US7232019B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2007-06-19 | Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd. | Seamless handle grip of luggage |
US20070068758A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2007-03-29 | Sanyei Corporation Co., Ltd. | Luggage cart |
FR2917588A1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2008-12-26 | Krishan Advaney | Garment handing device i.e. coat stand, for use on e.g. car seat, has telescopic or foldable arms mounted on hinge-pin and pulled to form clothes rack, where arms are mounted one above another and are attached to rod |
US20100275415A1 (en) * | 2009-03-20 | 2010-11-04 | Oscar Gonzales | Convertible wheeled luggage handle |
US8307500B2 (en) * | 2009-03-20 | 2012-11-13 | Oscar Gonzales | Convertible wheeled luggage handle |
US20120006638A1 (en) * | 2010-07-06 | 2012-01-12 | Semersky Frank E | Garment hanger for luggage |
US9351554B2 (en) * | 2010-10-29 | 2016-05-31 | Travelpro International, Inc. | Handle for luggage |
US9706825B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2017-07-18 | Travelpro Products, Inc. | Handle for luggage |
US20140027227A1 (en) * | 2012-07-30 | 2014-01-30 | William Stern | Carry-on bag with pull-out coat hangers in handle top |
US20150030261A1 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2015-01-29 | Farzad David Mahjoubi | Laundry Bag Assembly |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GOLDWITZ LIMITED FAMILY PARTNERSHIP, LLC, CONNECTI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GOLDWITZ, BRIAN;REEL/FRAME:016365/0665 Effective date: 20050217 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |