U.S. patent application number 10/796853 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for rotatable handle for towable luggage.
Invention is credited to Golenz, Doug, Gorga, Aaron, Mullins, Jeffrey, O'Shea, James.
Application Number | 20050087415 10/796853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990714 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050087415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gorga, Aaron ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Rotatable handle for towable luggage
Abstract
A towing member and towable luggage where the handle can be
stored in the luggage in a retracted position where the principal
dimension of the grip portion of the handle is arranged to be
generally perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis and parallel to
the top face of the piece of luggage. The handle preferably still
allows two degrees of rotation in the extended position. The towing
arm may be constructed by having at least three axes of rotation
about which it can rotate, two of the axes generally being
parallel.
Inventors: |
Gorga, Aaron; (St. Louis,
MO) ; Mullins, Jeffrey; (St. Louis, MO) ;
Golenz, Doug; (Scottsdale, AZ) ; O'Shea, James;
(Annandale, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEWIS, RICE & FINGERSH, LC
ATTN: BOX IP DEPT.
500 NORTH BROADWAY
SUITE 2000
ST LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Family ID: |
32990714 |
Appl. No.: |
10/796853 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60452994 |
Mar 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/115 ;
16/113.1; 190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/265 20130101;
B62B 5/066 20130101; Y10T 16/451 20150115; A45C 13/262 20130101;
B62B 5/064 20130101; B62B 5/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/115 ;
190/018.00A; 016/113.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 013/36 |
Claims
1. A hand towed piece of luggage comprising: a piece of luggage; at
least one wheel connected to the piece of luggage, said wheel
having a wheel rotation axis; a towing arm including a pole, said
pole having a length with opposite proximal and distal ends, said
distal end of said pole being arranged to move from a retracted
position to an extended position; and a towing handle having a grip
portion with a principal dimension, said towing handle operatively
connected to said distal end of said towing arm for pivoting
movement of said towing handle about at least two pivot axes
relative to said distal end of said pole in said extended position;
wherein, in said retracted position, said grip portion is arranged
so said principal dimension is generally perpendicular to said
wheel axis
2. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 1, further comprising:
one of said at least two pivot axes being oriented substantially
parallel to said wheel rotation axis.
3. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 1, further comprising:
said at least two pivot axes comprising a first axis and second
axis that intersect each other in generally perpendicular
relation.
4. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 1, wherein said
movement between said retracted and said extended position is
telescoping movement.
5. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 4, further comprising:
said pole being comprised of at least two telescoping sections that
are slidably attached to each other for relative telescoping
movement.
6. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 4, further comprising a
locking mechanism operatively connected to said pole so said pole
can be locked in said extended position.
7. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 1 wherein said towing
arm is a dual-pole towing arm including at least two poles.
8. The hand towed piece of luggage of claim 1 where said towing arm
is a monopole towing arm including only a single pole.
9. A hand towed piece of luggage comprising: a piece of luggage; at
least one wheel connected to the piece of luggage, said wheel
having a wheel rotation axis; a towing arm including a pole, said
pole having a length with opposite proximal and distal ends, said
distal end of said pole being arranged to move from a retracted
position to an extended position; and a towing handle having a grip
portion with a principal dimension, said towing handle being
operatively connected to said distal end of said towing arm for
pivoting movement of said towing handle about at least three pivot
axes relative to said distal end of said towing arm.
10. The piece of luggage of claim 9 wherein at least two of said
axes are parallel to each other.
11. The piece of luggage of claim 9 wherein at least two of said
axes are perpendicular to each other.
12. The piece of luggage of claim 9 wherein said towing handle is
connected to said distal end of said towing arm via a pivot
mechanism comprising: a knuckle; and an intermediate arm having an
upper portion and a lower portion with a length therebetween;
wherein, said handle rotates about a first of said at least three
axes of rotation relative to said knuckle; wherein said knuckle
rotates about a second of said at least three axes of rotation
relative to said intermediate arm; and wherein said intermediate
arm rotates about a third of said at least three axes of rotation
relative to said towing arm.
13. The piece of baggage of claim 12 wherein said first axis of
rotation and said second axis of rotation are perpendicular.
14. The piece of baggage of claim 12 wherein said third axis of
rotation and said second axis of rotation are parallel.
15. The piece of baggage of claim 12 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position said principal dimension of said grip
portion and said length of said intermediate arm are arranged
generally parallel to each other.
16. The piece of baggage of claim 12 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position said principal dimension of said grip
portion and said towing arm are arranged generally perpendicular to
each other
17. The piece of baggage of claim 12 wherein said luggage is of
generally parallelepiped shape having a top face and a back
face.
18. The piece of baggage of claim 17 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position, said principal dimension of said
grip portion is generally parallel to said top face.
19. The piece of baggage of claim 18 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position, said principal dimension of said
grip portion is generally co-planar to said top face.
20. The piece of baggage of claim 18 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position, said length of said intermediate arm
is generally parallel to said top face.
21. The piece of baggage of claim 18 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position, said principal dimension of said
grip portion is generally arranged at about a 90 degree angle with
said towing arm.
22. The piece of baggage of claim 17 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position, said principal dimension of said
grip portion is generally parallel to said back face.
23. The piece of baggage of claim 22 wherein when said towing arm
is in said retracted position, said principal dimension of said
grip portion is generally co-planar to said back face.
24. The piece of luggage of claim 9 wherein said towing arm is a
dual-pole towing arm including at least two poles.
25. The piece of luggage of claim 24 wherein said poles are
connected at their distal ends by a bridge.
26. The piece of luggage of claim 25 wherein at least one of said
at least three axes is parallel to said bridge.
27. The piece of luggage of claim 26 wherein at least one of said
at least three axes is collinear with said bridge.
28. A hand towed piece of luggage comprising: a piece of luggage
arranged to generally be a parallelepiped and having a top face and
a bottom face on opposite sides thereof, at least one wheel
connected to the piece of luggage toward said bottom face thereof,
said wheel having a wheel rotation axis; a towing arm including a
pole, said pole having a length with opposite proximal and distal
ends, said distal end of said pole being arranged to move from a
retracted position to an extended position; and a towing handle
connected to said distal end of said towing arm so as to be able to
rotate about said distal end of said towing arm, said towing handle
including a grip portion with a principal dimension; wherein, in
said retracted position, said grip portion is arranged so said
principal dimension is generally perpendicular to said wheel axis
and said principal dimension is generally parallel to said top
face.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/452,994, filed Mar. 7, 2003, the entire
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains to a rotating handle for use
with hand towable luggage, in particular to a rotating handle which
includes at least three axes of rotation or is otherwise
constructed so as to be placed perpendicular to the wheel axis when
in the retracted position.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] It is common for many varieties of luggage to be equipped
with one or more wheels that enable the luggage to be towed by
persons when traveling. Typically, a towable piece of luggage is
also provided with a towing member having an towing arm that
connects a towing handle to the piece of luggage. The length of the
towing arm connecting the towing handle to the piece of luggage
helps prevent the luggage from coming into contact with the
person's legs and feet as the piece of luggage is being towed and
provides for a more comfortable towing position.
[0006] The majority of towing members allow a towing handle to be
selectively extended from and retracted toward a piece of luggage
being towed. The ability to extend and retract the towing member
allows the towing member to be unobtrusive when the piece of
luggage is not being towed. Furthermore, with the towing member in
the retracted position, the piece of luggage can more easily be
placed into the trunk of an automobile or into an overhead
compartment of an airplane when traveling.
[0007] It is common for a wheeled piece of luggage to have an
extendable towing member comprised of a pair of parallel
telescoping poles, bridged by a towing handle, that slide into
separate vertically oriented tubular receptacles rigidly attached
to an interior compartment of the piece of the luggage. It is also
known to utilize a single-pole telescoping tow member that extends
and retracts from a single tubular receptacle centrally positioned
between the wheels of a piece of luggage. In either situation, a
piece of luggage having a permanently secured towing member
typically has a receptacle for the towing handle such that the
towing handle lies flush with the back surface of the piece of
luggage when the towing member is retracted. This prevents the
towing handle from being obtrusive and reduces the chance of
snagging the towing handle on other items, while also improving the
aesthetic appearance of the piece of luggage when the piece of
luggage is not being towed.
[0008] Regardless of the type of towing member, extendable towing
members are usually provided with a mechanism for locking the
towing member in the extended position. Such locking mechanisms are
well known in the art and include such devices as spring-loaded
detents, cam locks, and other interference locks. Some locking
mechanisms are unlocked by manually operating a release mechanism.
Other locking mechanisms, such as many spring-loaded detent
mechanisms, are automatically released by simply exerting a force
on the towing handle that is sufficient to retract the detent.
Additionally, some towing members have locking mechanisms that are
capable of locking the towing member in the retracted position.
[0009] Despite the convenience of being able to tow a piece of
luggage as opposed to carrying it when traveling, towing a piece of
luggage can be awkward and uncomfortable. One reason that towing a
piece of luggage can be uncomfortable lies in the positioning and
the shape of the towing handle of most towing members. As mentioned
above, it is common for the towing handle of dual-pole towing
members to be a bridge spanning between the poles. Such towing
handles are therefore generally oriented horizontal to the surface
upon which the piece of luggage is being towed and extend
perpendicular to the path along which the piece of luggage is being
towed. In this configuration, a user generally grasps the towing
handle behind his of her back with his or her wrist rotated to
almost its limit of rotation as the principal dimension of the
handle lies parallel to the axis about which the wheels rotate.
When towing such luggage long distances, this position can become
uncomfortable and the user often finds it necessary to switch hands
one or more times to prevent fatigue.
[0010] Regardless of the disadvantages in comfort associated with
the towing handle configuration as described above, alternative
orientations of the towing handles are often not available without
compromising other aspects of the utility of the handle or luggage.
For example, shaping the handle of an extendable towing member in a
manner that would be more comfortable is likely to cause the handle
to protrude from the piece of luggage or require a larger
receptacle for the handle when the towing member is retracted.
Another disadvantage associated with the towing handle
configuration described above is that, due to the grasp needed to
hold onto the towing handle, the maneuverability of a towed piece
of luggage can become limited by the person's inability to further
twist his or her wrist.
[0011] To get around these problems, some luggage includes rotating
handles which can pivot around one or more points of the towing arm
member to allow for a user to rotate the handle to a more
comfortable position when towing the luggage. The problem with
these handles is that they are generally limited to traditional
arrangements in their stored position. In particular, because the
internal space of the luggage is used for packing, it is
undesirable to have the towing handle project into the internal
volume of the luggage more than is absolutely necessary. Further,
so as not to damage the towing handle when the luggage is checked
or stored, it is desirable that the luggage handle not
significantly project beyond the external frame of the luggage to
prevent it from being snagged on items during airport handling.
[0012] Because of these dual issues, handles which allow for the
wrist to be turned to a more convenient positioning generally
rotate to a position where the towing handle is parallel to the
bridge on the dual poles (or the upper surface of the towing arm if
a monopole arm is used) when they are retracted. That is, the
principal dimension of the grip portion of the towing handle is
placed parallel to the wheel rotation axis when the arm is placed
in its retracted position. In this way, the towing handle takes up
less space in the internal portion of the luggage as the handle is
essentially stored in space that comprises a side of the generally
parallelepiped luggage frame. This is also space that is at least
partially lost due to the telescoping arm action anyway.
[0013] If one was to attempt to stow a rotating handle of the prior
art at a direction perpendicular with the wheel rotation axis and
parallel to the direction of movement, the handle would extend
undesirably into the internal volume of the bag taking up space
which would better be used for storage and/or would be forced to
extend outside the frame of the baggage and would be subject to
damage.
[0014] The problem with prior art handles arranging the principal
dimension of the grip portion of the handle parallel to the wheel
rotation axis when in the retracted position is that it generally
requires the user to place their wrist in an uncomfortable rotated
position in order to grasp the towing handle and then rotate their
wrist to get the towing handle to the towing position. Further, in
some cases, for instance in handles such as those described in U.S.
patent application 2003/0132079 and PCT patent publication WO
03/053186, the problem is particularly noticeable because the
handle is located between the tubes of the towing arm and therefore
the user must first raise the arm to its extended position by
grasping the bridge, and then rotate the handle into the towing
position by reaching between the telescoping poles and rotating the
handle into position, and then generally, completely change their
grip to grip the grip portion of the handle when towing. This
multi-part movement is hard on the wrist as the wrist often needs
to be rotated to both extend the arm and rotate out the handle, can
often require two hands, and can be time-consuming when the user is
trying to get the handle stowed quickly to get the bag checked or
into an overhead storage compartment. It can also be difficult when
a user is trying to get out of the way of others who s/he is
blocking during the time of raising the handle. Effectively,
because of the storage position placing the handle between the
poles the user must first move the handle to a "packed
configuration" and then lower the packed handle assembly to the
retracted position. This is a two step process.
[0015] Packing the handle and then moving the handle from the
expanded to retracted position or vice versa creates a significant
amount of extra effort as it does not allow for a user to have a
handle which is easily graspable from the stowed position, and
maneuverable into a position where the user's hand can act more
naturally without requiring multiple hand movements, two hands, or
wrist contorting motion.
SUMMARY
[0016] Because of these and other problems in the art, described
herein is a towing member where the handle can be stored in the
luggage in a retracted position with the principal dimension of the
grip portion of the handle arranged to be generally perpendicular
to the wheel rotation axis and parallel to the top face of the
piece of luggage, while still allowing two degrees of free rotation
in the extended position. The towing arm of an embodiment has at
least three axes of rotation about which it can rotate, two of the
axes being parallel.
[0017] The relative movement between the towing handle and the
towing arm of the towing member allows a person to grasp the towing
handle in a comfortable position when extending the handle and to
extend and maneuver the handle in one fluid movement to a
comfortable towing position without having to unduly bend the
wrist. Additionally, the relative movement between the towing
handle and the towing arm of the towing member may increase the
maneuverability of a towed piece of luggage by eliminating the need
for a person to adjust his or her grip on the towing handle when
attempting to redirect the piece of luggage. Furthermore, the
relative movement between the towing handle and the towing arm
allows the towing handle to be repositioned when the towing arm is
retracted such that it is unobtrusive and does not otherwise
interfere with the use of the piece of luggage.
[0018] In an embodiment, there is described herein a hand towed
piece of luggage comprising: a piece of luggage; at least one wheel
connected to the piece of luggage, the wheel having a wheel
rotation axis; a towing arm including a pole, the pole having a
length with opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end of
the pole being arranged to move from a retracted position to an
extended position; and a towing handle having a grip portion with a
principal dimension, the towing handle operatively connected to the
distal end of the towing arm for pivoting movement of the towing
handle about at least two pivot axes relative to the distal end of
the pole in the extended position; wherein, in the retracted
position, the grip portion is arranged so the principal dimension
is generally perpendicular to the wheel axis.
[0019] In an embodiment the above described handle also includes
one of the at least two pivot axes being oriented substantially
parallel to the wheel rotation axis or the at least two pivot axes
comprising a first axis and second axis that intersect each other
in generally perpendicular relation.
[0020] In another embodiment, the movement between the retracted
and the extended position is telescoping movement such as with the
pole being comprised of at least two telescoping sections that are
slidably attached to each other for relative telescoping movement.
The locking mechanism may be operatively connected so the pole can
be locked in the extended position.
[0021] In another embodiment the towing arm is a dual-pole towing
arm including at least two poles or a monopole towing arm including
only a single pole.
[0022] In another embodiment, there is described a hand towed piece
of luggage comprising: a piece of luggage; at least one wheel
connected to the piece of luggage, the wheel having a wheel
rotation axis; a towing arm including a pole, the pole having a
length with opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end of
the pole being arranged to move from a retracted position to an
extended position; and a towing handle having a grip portion with a
principal dimension, the towing handle being operatively connected
to the distal end of the towing arm for pivoting movement of the
towing handle about at least three pivot axes relative to the
distal end of the towing arm.
[0023] In any of the above described embodiments, at least two of
the axes may be parallel to each other or at least two of the axes
may be perpendicular to each other.
[0024] In another embodiment, the towing handle is connected to the
distal end of the towing arm via a pivot mechanism comprising: a
knuckle; and an intermediate arm having an upper portion and a
lower portion with a length therebetween; wherein, the handle
rotates about a first of the at least three axes of rotation
relative to the knuckle; wherein the knuckle rotates about a second
of the at least three axes of rotation relative to the intermediate
arm; and wherein the intermediate arm rotates about a third of the
at least three axes of rotation relative to the towing arm.
[0025] In any of the above described embodiment, the first axis of
rotation and the second axis of rotation may be perpendicular, the
third axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation may be
parallel, when the towing arm is in the retracted position the
principal dimension of the grip portion and the length of the
intermediate arm may be arranged generally parallel to each other,
or the towing arm may be arranged perpendicular to the grip
portion.
[0026] In any of the above described embodiments the luggage is of
generally parallelepiped shape having a top face and a back face.
When the towing arm in the retracted position, the principal
dimension of the grip portion may be generally parallel to, or
co-planar with, the top face or parallel to or co-planar with the
back face. When the towing arm is in the retracted position, the
length of the intermediate arm may be generally parallel to the top
face or the principal dimension of the grip portion may be
generally arranged at about a 90 degree angle with the towing
arm.
[0027] In any of the above described embodiments, the towing arm
may be a dual-pole towing arm including at least two poles wherein
the poles may be connected at their distal ends by a bridge and at
least one of the at least three axes may be parallel to, or
co-linear with, the bridge, or a monopole.
[0028] In a still further embodiment, there is described a hand
towed piece of luggage comprising: a piece of luggage arranged to
generally be a parallelepiped and having a top face and a bottom
face on opposite sides thereof; at least one wheel connected to the
piece of luggage toward the bottom face thereof, the wheel having a
wheel rotation axis; a towing arm including a pole, the pole having
a length with opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end of
the pole being arranged to move from a retracted position to an
extended position; and a towing handle connected to the distal end
of the towing arm so as to be able to rotate about the distal end
of the towing arm, the towing handle including a grip portion with
a principal dimension; wherein, in the retracted position, the grip
portion is arranged so the principal dimension is generally
perpendicular to the wheel axis and the principal dimension is
generally parallel to the top face.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a piece of luggage including
an embodiment of a towing arm in the retracted position.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of the piece of luggage
including the embodiment of towing arm shown in FIG. 1 with the
towing arm extended.
[0031] FIG. 3 provides an alternative view of the embodiment of
FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 4 provides another alternative view of the embodiment
of FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 5 provides a view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
handle at its post "jump" position.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of a pivotal towing handle
in the compact retracted arrangement separated from the
luggage.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 in the more
open expanded arrangement after rotation from the arrangement of
FIG. 5 about the second and third axes of rotation.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing
rotation about the first axis of rotation.
[0037] FIG. 9 provides a partial exploded view of the embodiment of
FIG. 6.
[0038] FIG. 10 provides a detail view of an embodiment of an
intermediate arm.
[0039] FIG. 11 provides a detail exploded view of an embodiment of
a pole shoulder and some associated components.
[0040] FIG. 12 provides a detail view of the interaction of some of
the internal components of the locking structure.
[0041] FIG. 13 provides a view of the luggage of FIG. 1 in a
preferred arrangement when towed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] It is best to begin the discussion by describing the
interaction of a human being with wheeled luggage while towing it.
In order to put as little strain on the wrist as possible when
towing the luggage, the user will generally want to be able to
grasp a towing handle and hold the handle in a natural position
where their wrist, and also preferably shoulder, are not rotated.
The preferred position is at their side with the fingers curled
toward their leg. As should be apparent, to grasp a towing handle
(105) in this position, the principal dimension (171) (basically
the "length" of the grip) of the grip portion (134) of the handle
(105) (the portion which is rolled into the fingers) is generally
arranged so as to be basically parallel to the surface on which the
luggage (101) is rolling (and the direction of motion), and
perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis (191) which is the axis
about which the wheels (119) rotate. That is the principal
dimension (171) of the grip portion (134) of the handle (105)
essentially "points" along the direction the user is moving. This
is shown in the diagram of FIG. 13. In this position, it is further
preferable that the handle (105) also be able to rotate around two
perpendicular axes when extended to help allow the user to maintain
this positioning when traveling and to allow the handle (105) to be
placed in this position, or in any of a multitude of other
positions.
[0043] Because rolled luggage is generally pulled with the back
face (113) of the luggage (101) at an angle to the surface over
which it is being pulled as shown in FIG. 13 with the wheels (119),
which are generally located toward the interface of the back face
(113) and the bottom face (114) rolling on the ground, a handle
(105) arranged as described above, if retracted directly toward the
luggage (101), will generally require a large area of recess in the
luggage (101), and will create a significant loss of luggage (101)
volume, or will extend outside of the frame of the luggage (101).
Both these results are undesirable as they decrease the usefulness
of the luggage (101). The embodiments discussed herein are
generally designed to retract into a position that generally
conforms with the shape of the outside surface of the luggage
(101), while at the same time not requiring significant wrist or
other rotation on the part of the user to extend from the retracted
position to the preferred towing position as shown in FIG. 13 and
vice versa. That is, the embodiments discussed herein are designed
to have a towing handle (105) whose principal dimension (171) of
the grip portion (134) is perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis
(191) when the towing member (100) is in the retracted position.
The handle also preferably provides for at least one rotational
axis when in the extended position.
[0044] An embodiment of such a towing member (100) adapted and
configured to be an integral part of a piece of luggage (101) is
shown in the FIGS. 1 through 5. As shown in the FIGS., the towing
member (100) of an embodiment is attached to a piece of luggage
(101) and is generally comprised of an extendable towing arm (103),
a towing handle (105), and a pivot mechanism (107) comprising a
knuckle (301) and intermediate arm (401). Although shown attached
to an upright suitcase, the towing member (100) is not limited to
this use and can be used with other types of wheeled luggage such
as, but not limited too, backpacks, garment bags, computer bags,
duffel bags, any other type of wheeled bag, and/or with wheeled
carts for luggage.
[0045] The luggage (101) is preferably of generally parallelepiped
shape having wheels (119) attached toward the intersection of the
back face (113) and the bottom face (114). The wheels (119) rotate
about a wheel rotation axis (191). The towing handle (105) is
preferably attached so as to extend upward and/or backward from the
back face (113) around the interface between the back face (113)
and top face (111).
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the towing arm (103) of the
towing member (100) preferably comprises a dual-pole telescoping
member. In a dual-pole towing arm (103) there are two poles (131)
and (133) joined by a bridge (135) at their distal ends (136). This
bridge (135) will generally be relatively parallel to the top face
(111) of the luggage (101) as shown in the FIGS. In a particular
embodiment, the bridge (135) will be generally parallel to the line
of intersection (119) of the top face (111) and back face (113) of
the piece of luggage (101) and also generally parallel to the wheel
rotation axis (191). In an alternative embodiment, the dual pole
towing arm (103) may be replaced by a monopole towing arm. In that
case, there is no bridge (135). However, the top of the monopole
towing arm will generally include a top surface which may have a
pin attached to the top thereof to serve as the third axis (155) as
discussed in more detail later in the disclosure or other
rotational mount mounted to the end thereof. Generally, the angle
of this pin will also be parallel to the rotational axis (191) of
the wheels (119).
[0047] In the dual-pole towing arm (103) embodiment pictured, each
pole (131) and (133) includes a proximal end (not shown) that is
slidably engaged with the piece of luggage (101) and an opposite
distal end (136) that can be retracted toward and extended away
from the piece of luggage (101). The proximal and distal end (136)
are separated by a length. Each pole (131) and (133) is preferably
formed of aluminum, steel, or other suitably strong materials and
they connect to the luggage (101) in a telescoping fashion. Each
pole (131) and (133) may either telescope as a single part, or
include multiple subparts which also telescope relative to each
other. The poles (131) and (133) of the towing arm (103) preferably
extend side-by-side along the length of the towing arm (103) and
are preferably rigidly connected to each other by bridge (135) at
the distal ends (136) thereof. The length of the poles (131) and
(133) may be straight or curved along their length and may have any
cross sectional shape. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the dual-pole and bridge (135) arrangement of towing
arm (103) is essentially similar to known prior art devices,
however in the depicted embodiment, the bridge (135) has been
modified to allow for the third axis (155) of rotation as discussed
below. In an alternative embodiment, the user could grasp the
bridge (135) and use that as a handle to tow the luggage (101).
[0048] The towing handle (105) of the depicted embodiment is
preferably formed of polymeric material and metal. The towing
handle (105), when assembled, is preferably of generally offset
"T"-shape and comprises a grip portion (134) having opposite free
ends (136) and a principal dimension (171) therebetween. The
principal dimension (171) effectively provides the dimension of the
grip portion (134) which would generally represent a line extending
through the grip of the hand (from thumb to pinky finger) and
generally under the fingers when the hand is curled about the grip
portion (134). The principal dimension (171) will usually be linear
even if the grip portion (134) is not. There is also included a
stem portion (138) which intersects the grip portion (134) and
extends preferably perpendicularly therefrom. It is also preferable
that the stem portion (138) be offset from the center of the grip
portion (134), but that is by no means required.
[0049] In alternative embodiments, the grip portion (134) may be
connected to the stem portion (138) through the inclusion of
additional portions. For instance, the grip portion (134) may
connect to the two open ends of a "U"-shaped support (not shown)
with the bottom of the U-shaped support connecting to the stem
portion (138) (essentially forming a hollow rectangle as handle
(105)). In a still further embodiment, the grip portion (134) may
comprise a portion of a circle or similarly rounded shape where
another portion of the circle is connected to the stem portion
(138). The handle (105) also preferably includes a button (143)
which is generally depressible through a portion of the handle
(105).
[0050] A bearing surface (140) is formed at the end of the stem
portion (138). As shown in FIG. 9, the towing handle (105) also
includes a handle pivot shaft (142) that is preferably formed of
metal and is centered in and protrudes perpendicularly from the
stem portion (138) bearing surface (140). A first end (146) of the
handle pivot shaft (142) extends into the handle grip portion (134)
and forms a hollow paddle (851) while the second end (950) extends
from the bearing surface and into the knuckle (301). The stem
portion (138) of the towing handle (105) is preferably molded with
a bore hole (173) in which is placed the handle pivot shaft (142).
The handle pivot shaft (142) provides for a first axis of rotation
(151) where the handle (105) can rotate about the knuckle (301) by
rotation of either or both the knuckle (301) and towing handle
(101) rotating about the handle pivot shaft (142).
[0051] The handle pivot shaft (142) may be moveable relative to the
grip portion (134), stem section (138), and/or knuckle (301) to
provide for a locking or unlocking movement via depression of the
button (143). In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9 through 12,
the handle pivot shaft (142) may be moveable through the depression
of the button (143) or similar device displacing slide shaft (853)
which in turn raises hollow paddle (851) into the grip portion
(134). When raised, the hollow paddle (851) slides from a toothed
cog (855) on the upper surface of knuckle (301). Once clear of the
toothed cog (855), the grip portion (134), and handle pivot shaft
(142), may rotate relative to the knuckle (301). Therefore in this
embodiment, the handle pivot shaft (142) is not allowed to rotate
relative to the grip portion (134).
[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the button (143) may trigger
other locking structures such as the towing handle (105), knuckle
(301) or intermediate arm (401). Looking at FIGS. 9 through 12,
when the handle pivot shaft (142) is raised, the bottom portion of
it clears hole (857) in the upper portion (405) of intermediate arm
(401). However, the handle pivot shaft (142) is preferably hollow,
and inside the hollow internal opening (861) extends secondary
pivot shaft (859). The hollow internal opening (861) is preferably
of generally circular cross section as is the secondary pivot shaft
(859). Therefore, the handle pivot shaft (142) can rotate about the
secondary pivot shaft (859) placed in the hollow internal opening.
Once the handle pivot shaft (142) is clear of the hole (857), it
should be clear that rotation about the second axis (153) is
unlocked. Thus the handle pivot shaft (142) can move between hole
(857) and hole (867). Further, as handle pivot shaft (142) moves
toward the hole (867), the flat side of the part circle depression
(869) pushes the telescope release pin (865) toward the lower
portion (147) of the intermediate arm (401). The trapezoid shaped
pusher (871) on the end of the telescope release pin (865) then
depresses the telescope pin (873) of each of the poles (131) and
(133). This depression is transferred to the locking pins (875) in
each of the poles (131) and (133) unlocking the telescoping motion
of the poles (131) and (133) as well.
[0053] Depression of the button (143) may therefore serve to move
the handle pivot shaft (142) to disengage the locking mechanisms
which serve to lock or unlock any or all of the available rotations
about any or all of the available rotation axes and/or related to
the extension of the towing arm (103). In the depicted embodiment,
depression of the button (143) unlocks rotation about the first and
second axes (151) and (153) and the arm telescoping motion. While
this particular arrangement of locking and unlocking is used in the
depicted embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that other locking mechanisms such as, but not limited
to, those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/238,390,
the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference,
could be used in other embodiments.
[0054] The bearing surface (140) of the towing handle (105) is in
contact with a related bearing surface (303) located in the knuckle
(301) so that the two bearing surfaces (140) and (303) rotate
relative to each other around the first axis of rotation (107) when
button (143) is depressed (unlocking the system). The knuckle (301)
further comprises, towards the end opposite the bearing surface
(303) and toothed cog (851), a U-shaped flange (305), or other
connector, with a hole (307) therethrough. The U-shaped flange
(305) in turn extends over both sides and an upper portion (405) of
the intermediate arm (401). A rotation pin (340) is placed though
holes (307) in the flange (305) and through a hole (407) in the
upper portion (405) of the intermediate arm (401) to allow the
knuckle (301) to rotate about a second axis of rotation (153)
relative to the intermediate arm (401).
[0055] The second axis of rotation (153) is arranged to be
generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (151) which
provides for a great deal of flexibility of position of the handle
(105) relative to the towing arm (103). In particular, the handle
(105) can be rotated around the second axis by rotating the knuckle
(301) and handle (105) assembly relative to the intermediate arm
(401). This may be used to place the principal dimension (171) of
the grip portion (134) so that it is relatively parallel to the
ground and the direction of motion when the poles (131) and (133)
are tilted at an angle to the ground as shown in FIG. 13. The first
axis of rotation (151) would then allow for handle (105) to rotate
in a plane parallel to the ground by rotating the handle (105)
relative to the knuckle (301) as shown in FIG. 8. This second
degree of rotation allows for the user to turn the handle (105) to
place it in a more comfortable alignment. In particular, they can
turn the handle (105) about the first axis (151) when changing the
direction of the luggage.
[0056] In an alternative embodiment, rotation about the first axis
(151) can be eliminated and only rotation about the second axis
(153) may be included. In a still further embodiment, rotation
about one or both axes may be limited to float within a
predetermined number of separate locking positions. For example,
5-25 degrees of motion in each direction may be available freely
(or against a biasing force) in any locked position, with there
being 2-6 different locked positions available to each axis of
rotation. When unlocked, the rotation is free until the handle is
placed in one of the locked positions and allowed to lock. In the
depicted embodiment of FIG. 13, the holes (857) and (867) may have
a slightly greater internal diameter than the external diameter of
the handle pivot shaft (142) to provide such float. The cuts (881)
in the toothed cog (855) may also have a slightly greater width
than the width of the hollow paddle (851) to produce a similar
float.
[0057] As should be apparent, the two axes of rotation (151) and
(153) of the handle (105) when the towing handle (103) is in the
extended position provide for benefits to the movement of the
luggage (101). In particular, the two axes of rotation (151) and
(153) generally allow for the principal dimension (171) of the grip
portion (134) to be aligned parallel to the surface on which the
luggage (101) is being rolled and parallel to the direction of the
user's motion as the user pulls the bag. This then places the grip
portion (134) at a comfortable position for the hand during luggage
(101) towing as shown in FIG. 13.
[0058] The components so far discussed are principally used when
the towing arm (103) is in the extended position and the rotation
about the two axes (151) and (153) is desired in the extended
position. The remaining portion of the pivot mechanism (107) is
principally directed to arranging the handle (105) for storage when
the towing arm (103) is in the retracted position, without taking
up excessive space in the frame or internal volume of the luggage
(101).
[0059] The intermediate arm (401) is preferably formed of a metal,
although plastics or other materials may be used. The intermediate
arm (401) is generally of a "T" or "I" shape with the upper portion
(145) having a first bore hole (411) therethrough and the lower
portion (147) having a second bore hole (421) therethrough and
there being a length therebetween. The lower portion (147) includes
bearing surfaces (461) formed at opposite sides of the lower
portion (147) which are preferably parallel to and aligned with
each other. The upper portion (145) generally includes bearing
surfaces (465), which are generally in similar arrangement to
bearing surfaces (461). The upper portion also includes the two
holes (857) and (867) for the handle pivot pin (142). The second
bore hole (421) extends through the bearing surfaces (461)
generally perpendicularly from generally the center of the first
bearing surface to generally the center of the other bearing
surface. The first bore hole (411) is preferably similarly arranged
with regards to bearing surfaces (465). The intermediate arm (401)
is preferably constructed of two sections (409) and (407) in the
depicted embodiment.
[0060] There are two pole shoulders (601) and (603) each of which
is connected to the distal end (136) of one of the poles (131) and
(133) and each of which is generally an approximately 90.degree.
angle bend of material and has a bearing surface (126) with a
channel (651) and lip (653) extending therefrom. Each of the pole
shoulders (601) and (603) includes a bore hole (611) or (613)
through the channel (651), lip (653) and bearing surface (126) and
in each bore hole (611) and (613) there is placed a telescope pin
(873) which extends from the bore hole (611) of the first shoulder
(601), into the bore hole (421) in the lower portion of the
intermediate arm (401) and from the bore hole (613) of the second
shoulder (603) into the bore hole (421). This arrangement allows
intermediate arm (401) to rotationally move about the telescope
pins (873) with the bearing surfaces (461) and (463) in contact
with the bearing surfaces (126). In the depicted embodiment, the
intermediate arm also rotates relative to the lip (653) and channel
(651) having an extension which rides in the channel (651). This in
turn holds the two pole shoulders (601) and (603) to the
intermediate arm (401).
[0061] The lip (653) and channel (651) arrangement also provides
for resilient support of the intermediate arm (401) at two or more
positions relative to the rotation about the third axis (155). In
particular, in the bearing surfaces (126), there is a hole (671)
which includes spring (673), onto which is placed a ball bearing
(675).
[0062] When assembled, the ball bearing (675) is pushed by spring
(673) into the bearing surface (411) or (413). The bearing surfaces
(461) and (463) each include two hemispherical indents (467). As
can be seen, when the ball bearing (675) lines with an indent
(467), the spring (673) pushes the ball bearing (675) into the
indent (467) which provides resilient detention of the intermediate
arm (401) at that position. The resilient detention is released by
simply providing sufficient angular force on the intermediate arm
(401) to overcome the spring's (673) biasing force and push the
ball bearing (675) back into the hole (671). The intermediate arm
(401) can then freely move about the third axis (155) until another
hemispherical indent (467) aligns with ball bearing (675). The
telescope pins (873) are generally parallel to the rotation pin
(340) which extends through the first bore hole (411) in the upper
portion (145) of the intermediate arm (401) with bearing surfaces
(465) and (467) in contact with the inside surfaces of the U-shaped
flange (305).
[0063] The telescope pins (873) provide for a third axis of
rotation (155) allowing the intermediate arm (401) to rotate
relative to the poles (131) and (133). In the depicted
construction, the lower portion (147) of the intermediate arm (401)
actually forms a portion of the bridge (135). This is by no means
required, and in an alternative embodiment, the rotational
connection could be designed to be mounted to rotate externally to
the bridge (135).
[0064] In an embodiment, there may also be included a biasing
member which can serve to bias the intermediate arm (401) to a
particular rotational position relative to the arm portions (131)
and (133) and about the telescope pins (873). The biasing member,
in another embodiment, may additionally or alternatively bias the
intermediate arm (401) to a position relative to the knuckle (301)
about the rotation pin (340).
[0065] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the
depicted components of FIG. 9 and the above description of locking
and rotation components represent merely one exemplary embodiment
of components which may be used to accomplish motion about the
three axes (151), (153), and (155) and that alternative mechanisms,
systems, devices and methods can be used in other embodiments.
[0066] It should be clear that the handle (105) of this embodiment
has three axes of rotation. The first axis of rotation (151) is
generally perpendicular to the bridge (135), while the remaining
two axes (153), and (155) are parallel to the bridge (135) (the
third axis (155) is in fact collinear with the bridge (135) in the
depicted embodiment). The second (153) and third axes (155) also
remain generally parallel to the wheel rotation axis (191) of the
piece of luggage (101) to which the towing member (100) is
ultimately attached while the first axis (151) is generally
perpendicular thereto.
[0067] FIG. 8 shows the rotation of handle (105) about the first
axis of rotation (151) with the handle (105) in one position and
two ghost images (501) and (503) of the handle (105) also shown for
reference.
[0068] The transition between FIGS. 6 and 7 shows the handle (105)
rotating about the second axis (153) and third axis (155). The
third axis (155) is generally parallel to the second axis (153) and
is also generally parallel to the bridge (135) as discussed above.
In addition to providing for additional positioning possibilities
for the handle (105) for the comfort of the user, the use of the
three axes (151), (153), and (155) may also provide for a more
compact positioning of the handle (105) when the handle (105) is
retracted into the luggage (101) while also allowing the handle
(105) to be easily grasped and extended from its retracted
position. In particular, the handle (105) may be in the position
shown in FIG. 7 when in the extended position, but may be in the
position shown in FIG. 6 when in the collapsed position.
[0069] As should be visible from the FIGS., the arrangement of
components of FIG. 6 is significantly more compact than the
arrangement of components in FIG. 7. This allows for the entire
towing member (100) to take less space in the frame of the luggage
(101) when the towing arm (103) is placed in the retracted or
stored position while still allowing the towing member (100) to
retract generally within the parallelepiped frame of the luggage
(101). In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the length dimension of poles
(131) and (133) and the principal dimension (171) of the grip
portion (134), which are generally the two most elongate
dimensions, are arranged at a relatively right angle to each other.
Further, the length of the intermediate arm (401) and principal
dimension (171) of the grip portion (134) are arranged relatively
parallel to each other and in close proximity. The arrangement of
FIG. 6 may not be comfortable for a user as the bridge (135),
handle (105), and intermediate arm (401) may be too compactly
arranged to allow a user to place their fingers around the grip
portion (134) and to comfortably use the handle (105) to tow the
luggage (101). However, the arrangement is fairly compact on each
side of the angle.
[0070] This arrangement can allow for the towing member (100), and
specifically the handle (105), to be nested within a smaller
portion of the luggage (101) while still being positioned so that
the grip portion (134) is generally perpendicular to the bridge
(135) and wheel rotation axis (191) when the towing arm (103) is
retracted. This can improve the ease of extending the handle (105)
as discussed later. In particular, the 90 degree angle arrangement
provides for nesting into each of the back face (113) and top face
(111) of the luggage (101) around the interface between the two
faces (113) and (111). The interface is also arranged at a
generally ninety degree angle.
[0071] While in the arrangement of FIG. 6, rotation of the handle
(105) is generally quite hampered by the positioning of the bridge
(135) and the intermediate arm (401). In particular, the handle
(105) generally cannot rotate about the first axis (151) as the
handle (105) would hit the bridge (135) and/or the intermediate arm
(401). In the embodiment of FIG. 7 however, by opening up the
handle (105) about the second (153) and third (155) axes, the
handle (105) is allowed to freely rotate about the first (151) and
second axis (153).
[0072] Simply comparing FIG. 6 to FIG. 7 shows how less volume is
required to nest the arrangement of FIG. 6 compared to FIG. 7. This
more compact arrangement is particularly desirable as it allows the
handle (105) and towing arm (103) to be protectively retracted into
a piece of luggage (101), without overly sacrificing space in the
luggage (101).
[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, when the handle (105) is retracted into
the luggage (101), the handle (105) (which is placed in the
arrangement of FIG. 6) can be nested inside a receptacle (801) as
shown. When the handle (105) is extended from the luggage (101)
through telescoping of the towing arm (103), the handle (105) can
expand to the arrangement of FIG. 7 as has been previously shown in
FIGS. 2 through 4. In these FIGS., the handle (105) is shown after
extension of the towing arm (103) and with the handle (105) in the
arrangement of FIG. 7. Effectively a larger, more open, and more
comfortable handle (105) arrangement can be used because of the use
of the third axis (155) without having to dramatically increase
storage space and while still storing the handle (105) with the
principal dimension (171) perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis
(191). The handle (105) in FIG. 4 can then be rotated about the
second axis (153) to get the position of FIG. 13. In particular, as
can be seen in FIG. 1, the handle (105) is effectively arranged so
that the components form a generally square corner corresponding to
the handle's (105) attachment and placement at the interface
between the back (113) and the top (111) faces of the luggage (101)
with the principal dimension (171) of the grip portion (134) being
generally in the plane of the top face (111). At the expanded
position, the user can take advantage of the first (151) and second
(153) axes for rotation of the handle (105) to a comfortable
position as shown in FIG. 10 or can maneuver the handle (105) using
the two axes (151) and (153) in any way desired. In an alternative
embodiment, the handle may instead align with the back face when
the towing arm (103) is in the retracted position, but while still
maintaining the axes of rotation and, in an embodiment, the
principal dimension's (171) perpendicular arrangement to the wheel
rotation axis (191).
[0074] So as to facilitate the "opening up" of the arrangement of
components between FIGS. 5 and 6. The luggage (101) may include a
"jump" mechanism which pushes the handle (105) up and out of
receptacle (801) by "jumping" the arm portions (131) and (133) a
little bit from their most retracted state towards their extended
state when the user wishes to use the handle (105). FIG. 5 shows a
handle (105) after it has been "jumped" making the handle (105)
more easily accessible. This jump may be accomplished through the
use of a spring mechanism biased toward a position with the towing
arm (103) slightly extended and a locking mechanism which prevents
the spring mechanism from so biasing the towing arm (103) until the
locking mechanism is released. The release of the locking mechanism
may be accomplished by pushing a button such as button (803) on the
luggage (101). In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle (801)
may simply have increased space available on the side of the grip
portion (134) so that the user can reach into the receptacle (801)
and grasp the grip portion (134) but that would generally decrease
space in the luggage (101).
[0075] The jump mechanism may also initiate rotation about the
third axis (155) or any other axis in order to make the handle
(105) easier to grasp at the jumped position. In particular, the
rotation about the third axis (155) may be such that the handle
(105) is biased toward the position of FIG. 7 relative to third
axis (155). That is, the intermediate arm (401) may rotate to the
position of FIG. 7 without the user interacting with the handle
(105), but purely on the initiation of the jump. This may also be
carried out through the use of springs and locking mechanisms which
may be part of or entirely different from the jump mechanism for
the towing arm (103).
[0076] In another embodiment, the intermediate arm (401) may be
moveable by the user relative to the third axis (155) by the user
overcoming a biasing force. Therefore, the third axis (155) may be
locked, may freely move, may be biased, or may be resiliently
detained depending on the embodiment. In still another embodiment,
rotation about the third axis (155) and the second axis (153) may
be linked together. For instance the jump motion may simultaneously
initiate rotation about any or all of the three axes (151), (153),
and (155). Alternatively, rotation about none of the three axes
(151), (153), or (155) may be included as part of the jump, and
instead the rotations can be linked into any related pattern, or
can all be independent.
[0077] It should be apparent from the discussion of the above
embodiments how the towing member (100) can be easier on the wrist
providing a more fluid extension than other types of rotating
handle systems. However, operation of the towing member (100) will
now be discussed. Generally, the user will begin by standing next
to the luggage (101) facing the direction they will tow the
luggage. At this time the luggage (101) is in the position of FIG.
1. As is well known, when the human hand hangs at the side of their
body the hand is generally positioned so that a line through their
grip from thumb to pinky finger and through the curled fingers
extends forward and backward of their body with the fingers curled
toward the body. This is a natural and comfortable position for the
hand which puts little strain on the wrist. When towing luggage
(101), the wrist is preferably held at a position close to this and
the luggage (101) will generally be towed in a direction
perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis (191) as in FIG. 13.
[0078] When the user pushes the jump button (803), the handle (105)
will jump slightly clearing the frame of the luggage and being
generally in the position of FIG. 5. As should be apparent, if the
user is facing in the direction they intend to pull the luggage,
the principal dimension (171) of the grip portion (134) is
generally parallel to the direction of motion as soon as the handle
(105) jumps because it generally perpendicular to the wheel
rotation axis (191) and parallel to the top face (111). Therefore,
the user can grasp the grip portion (134) with their hand without
having to twist their wrist to any significant degree toward or
away from their body (although the line of grip may tilt up or
down). Upon grasping the grip portion (134), the user can depress
the button (143) to release the locking mechanism (if present). At
this time the handle (105) rotation is preferably unlocked around
all three axes (151), (153), and (155) (although any or all axes
may still be resiliently detained as discussed in conjunction with
the third axis (155)). The user can then pull out the handle (105)
to telescope the arm portions (131) and (133). They may first
telescope the towing arm (103) to the expanded position of FIGS. 2
through 4, and then tilt the luggage onto wheels (119) and to the
position of FIG. 10, or simultaneously extend and tilt bypassing
the arrangement of FIGS. 2 through 4 to go straight to the
arrangement of FIG. 13. Regardless of which method is used, in the
arrangement of FIG. 13, the user will then begin to move forward.
Because of the first (151) and second axes (153) of rotation, the
handle (105) can rotate relative to the bridge (135) so that the
principle dimension (171) of the grip portion (134) ends up being
approximately parallel to the user's motion in the preferred
embodiment. Further, the grip portion (134) can be placed in the
hand so that it is held by the hand in the position with the hand
naturally at the side.
[0079] As should be clear from the above discussion, the user can
perform the steps of extending the handle (105) without having to
twist his or her wrist hardly at all during the entire motion and
only having to grasp the grip portion (134) in one hand. The towing
member (100) instead rotates about the axes (151), (153) and (155).
The user also can perform the motion without having to release the
grip portion (134) from their hand to pass the grip portion through
the poles (131) and (133). To stow the towing member (100), the
steps above are simply reversed. As the handle (105) is arranged to
be contracted when in use, the user simply uncurls their hand from
the grip portion (134) and pushes down on the handle (105) to place
it in the more compact arrangement of FIG. 6 and to seat it in the
receptacle (801) and reengage the jump mechanism (if present) for
the next use.
[0080] This towing member (100) provides significant ease over
systems where the grip portion (134) is stowed above or below the
bridge (135) with the primary dimension (191) parallel to the wheel
rotation axis (191). The user does not need to pass the handle
(105) between the poles (131) and (133) in order to get the handle
(105) in the preferred towing position and does not need to grasp
the handle with their wrist rotated.
[0081] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a
limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and
variations of the described embodiments may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other
embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present
disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art.
* * * * *