U.S. patent application number 10/882369 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for retractable leaning towing handle system for wheeled baggage.
Invention is credited to Gifford, Jason, Gorga, Aaron, Nordstrom, Mark.
Application Number | 20050092568 10/882369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34435196 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050092568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nordstrom, Mark ; et
al. |
May 5, 2005 |
Retractable leaning towing handle system for wheeled baggage
Abstract
A towing handle system for wheeled baggage includes first and
second support posts, and a towing handle positionable between an
upright position parallel to the support posts and a towing
position at an angle with respect to the support posts. The towing
handle includes a locking latch mechanism comprising an angle
position element extending between the first and second posts, and
the an angle position element has a ribbed outer surface. A locking
element includes an inner surface received over the outer surface
of the angle position element, and the inner surface lockingly
engages the angle position element in a first orientation
corresponding to the upright position and lockingly engages the
angle position element in a second orientation defining the towing
position.
Inventors: |
Nordstrom, Mark; (Brentwood,
TN) ; Gorga, Aaron; (St. Louis, MO) ; Gifford,
Jason; (St. Louis, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dean D. Small
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Suite 2600
One Metropolitan Square
St. Louis
MO
63102
US
|
Family ID: |
34435196 |
Appl. No.: |
10/882369 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60517771 |
Nov 4, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/115 ;
16/113.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/262 20130101;
A45C 2013/267 20130101; Y10T 16/451 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/115 ;
016/113.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 013/26; A45C
013/30 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A towing handle system for wheeled baggage comprising: first and
second support posts; a towing handle positionable between an
upright position parallel to said support posts and a towing
position at an angle with respect to said support posts, said
towing handle comprising a locking latch mechanism comprising: an
angle position element extending between said first and second
posts, said angle position element having a ribbed outer surface;
and a locking element comprising an inner surface received over
said outer surface of said angle position element, said inner
surface lockingly engaging said angle position element in a first
orientation corresponding to the upright position and lockingly
engaging said angle position element in a second orientation
defining the towing position.
2. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
towing position is oriented at substantially a 45.degree. angle
from the upright position.
3. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising a biasing element urging said locking element to one of
a locked and unlocked position.
4. A handle system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said biasing
element comprises a helical spring element.
5. A handle system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said biasing
element comprises an elastomeric element.
6. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising a shell and a push button coupled to said shell, said
push button unlocking said locking element from said angle position
element.
7. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
angle position element comprises a cylindrical shaft.
8. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
locking element comprises a locking plate having ribs located
thereon at predetermined increments.
9. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
locking element comprise a body defining an opening, said angle
position element received in said opening wherein said body
completely surrounds a circumference of said angle position
element.
10. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising at least one locking pin interfacing with the angle
position element.
11. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 1 further
comprising a U-shaped handle shell extending above said first and
second support posts.
12. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 11 further
comprising first and second rocker arms pivotally mounted to said
shell opposite said locking latch mechanism.
13. A baggage piece comprising: a body comprising at least one body
panel and a pair of wheels; first and second telescoping support
posts coupled to said body; and a retractable towing handle
positionable between an upright position parallel to said support
posts and a towing position at an angle with respect to said
support posts, said handle extending away from said body panel in
said towing position, said towing handle comprising: a handle
shell; and a locking latch mechanism mounted to said shell, said
locking latch mechanism comprising: an angle position element
mounted stationary to one of said shell and said supports, said
angle position element extending between said first and second
posts and comprising a first engagement surface; and at least one
locking element mounted stationary to the other of said shell and
supports, said locking element comprising a second engagement
surface received over said first engagement surface of said angle
position element, said second engagement surface lockingly engaging
said locking element in a first orientation corresponding to the
upright position and lockingly engaging said locking element in a
second orientation defining the towing position.
14. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 13 wherein said towing
position is oriented at substantially a 45.degree. angle from the
upright position.
15. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said
at least one locking element comprises a pair of locking elements,
each of said locking elements slidably mounted to said angle
position element.
16. A handle system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said at
least one locking element comprises a pair of locking elements
movable between locked and unlocked positions, said handle further
comprising a pair of spring elements biasing said respective
locking elements to one of the locked and unlocked positions.
17. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 13 wherein said first
engagement surfaces comprises a first rib corresponding to the
upright position and a second rib corresponding to the towing
position.
18. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 13, wherein said first
engagement surfaces comprises pair of ribs, and wherein the at
least one locking element comprises a pair of locking elements,
said pair of ribs extending between said pair of locking
elements.
19. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 further
comprising a push button coupled to said shell, said push button
unlocking said locking element from said angle position
element.
20. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said
angle position element comprises a cylindrical shaft mounted
stationary to said shell.
21. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said
locking element comprises a locking plate, said angle position
element movable beneath said locking plate in an unlocked
position.
22. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said
shell is U-shaped.
23. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 13 further
comprising first and second rocker arms pivotally mounted to said
shell opposite said locking latch mechanism.
24. A piece of baggage comprising: a body defining a compartment
for stowing an item for transport; wheels attached to said body;
first and second telescoping support posts mounted to said body;
and a towing handle system comprising: a U-shaped handle shell
pivotally mounted to said first and second support posts; a push
button coupled to said shell; first and second rocker arms
pivotally mounted to said shell and responsive to movement of said
push button; first and second release cables coupled to said
respective first and second rocker arms; and a locking latch
mechanism coupled to said release cables, said locking latch
element extending transversely between said first and second
support posts at a distal end of said U-shaped handle; said locking
latch mechanism comprising: an angle position element having a
ribbed engagement surface; and a locking element comprising a
grooved engagement surface received over said ribbed engagement
surface of said angle position element, said grooved engagement
surface lockingly engaging said locking element in an upright
position and lockingly engaging said locking element in a towing
position wherein said handle shell is angled with respect said
support posts.
25. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 24 wherein said towing
position is oriented at substantially a 45.degree. angle from the
upright position in a direction away from said body.
26. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said
at least one locking element comprises a pair of locking elements,
each of said locking elements slidably mounted to said angle
position element.
27. A handle system in accordance with claim 25 further comprising
a pair of spring elements biasing said respective locking elements
toward a locked position.
28. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 25 further
comprising a push button coupled to said shell, said push button
unlocking said locking element from said angle position
element.
29. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said
angle position element comprises a cylindrical shaft mounted
stationary to said shell.
30. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said
angle position element comprises a locking plate, said angle
position element movable beneath said locking plate in an unlocked
position.
31. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 further
comprising first and second lock pins coupled to said first and
second release wires, respectively.
32. A baggage piece in accordance with claim 24, wherein said angle
position element comprises pair of ribs and wherein the locking
element comprises a pair of locking elements, said pair of ribs
extending between said pair of locking elements.
33. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said
angle position element comprises a shaft mounted stationary to said
shell, said shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, said locking
element comprising a body receiving a circumference of said shaft,
said locking element moving parallel to said longitudinal axis to
latch and unlatch said locking element from said shaft.
34. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 33 wherein said
locking element comprises a pair of locking elements, one of the
pair of locking elements moving in a first direction, and the other
of the pair of locking elements moving in a second direction
opposite the first direction to latch and unlatch said locking
element from said shaft.
35. A towing handle system in accordance with claim 24 wherein said
locking element comprises a pair of locking elements, and further
comprising a pair of resilient elements applying oppositely
directed biasing forces to said pair of locking elements.
36. A handle assembly for a towable bag, said handle assembly
comprising: a U-shaped shell; and a locking latch mechanism mounted
to said U-shaped shell, said locking latch mechanism comprising a
shaft mounted stationary to said shell and at least one rib
extending from an outer surface of said shaft; and a pair of
locking elements slidably mounted to said shaft and movable along
an axis of said shaft between locked and unlocked positions, said
locking elements moving in opposite directions from one another and
said rib located between said locking elements in each of said
locked and unlocked positions.
37. A handle assembly in accordance with claim 36 further
comprising rocker arms pivotally mounted to said shell, said rocker
arms coupled to said locking elements and moving said locking
elements to said locked position when actuated.
38. A handle assembly for a towable bag, said handle assembly
comprising: a U-shaped shell; and a locking latch mechanism mounted
to said U-shaped shell, said locking latch mechanism comprising a
position selector and locking plate, said position selector and
said locking plate comprising engagement surfaces which mesh to
position said shell relative to said locking plate, said position
selector moving beneath said locking plate in an unlocked
position.
39. A handle assembly in accordance with claim 38 further
comprising locking pins received by said position selector in a
locked position, and an elastomeric bias element biasing said
locking pins to a predetermined position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/517,771 filed Nov. 4, 2003, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to wheeled baggage items
having towing handles for rolling the baggage along the ground, and
more particularly, to retractable towing handles for wheeled
baggage.
[0003] Various types of bags, from luggage items to briefcases and
backpacks, now include wheels and a towing handle which allow the
bags to be pulled along a surface rather than being carried above
the ground. The towing handle is typically located on an end of the
bag opposite the wheels, and the bag is pulled along the ground in
an inclined position. Such handles can be very convenient and are
now popular.
[0004] Typically, the towing handle is mounted to telescoping
supports extending alongside a back panel of the bag, and the
handle is extendible for towing or retractable into the bag in a
generally flush position with an outer contour of the bag.
Conventionally, the handles were rigidly mounted to the supports
and when the supports were extended, the handle was in a fixed
position relative to the supports. It has been found, however, that
such handles can become uncomfortable to hold for an extended
period of time. This is at least in part because a significant
portion of the weight of the bag is supported by the user gripping
the handle.
[0005] Various types of handle systems have been developed to
reduce user fatigue in towing baggage. For example, pivoting or
rotatable handles have been employed in an effort provide more
comfortable pulling positions. While known handle systems have had
varying degrees of success in addressing these issues, many of them
tend to be quite complicated, expensive to implement, and not as
reliable as desired.
[0006] Also, many known towing handle systems are positioned
in-line with the telescoping supports in use, and therefore are
positioned over the center of the bag as it is being towed. In such
a position it is likely that the bag may undesirably strike the
heel of the person towing it and interrupt the gait of the
person.
[0007] It would be desirable to provide a towing handle for wheeled
baggage which overcomes these and other disadvantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a towing handle system
for wheeled baggage is provided. The handle system comprises first
and second support posts, and a towing handle positionable between
an upright position parallel to the support posts and a towing
position at an angle with respect to the support posts. The towing
handle comprises a locking latch mechanism comprising an angle
position element extending between the first and second posts, and
the angle position element has a ribbed outer surface. A locking
element comprises an inner surface received over the outer surface
of the angle position element, and the inner surface lockingly
engages the angle position element in a first orientation
corresponding to the upright position and lockingly engages the
angle position element in a second orientation defining the towing
position.
[0009] Optionally, the towing position is oriented at substantially
a 45.degree. angle from the upright position, and a biasing element
urges the locking element to one of a locked and unlocked position.
A shell and a push button coupled to the shell may be provided, and
the push button unlocks the locking element from the angle position
element.
[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment, a baggage piece
is provided. The baggage piece comprises a body comprising at least
one body panel and a pair of wheels. First and second telescoping
support posts are coupled to the body, and a retractable towing
handle is positionable between an upright position parallel to the
support posts and a towing position at an angle with respect to the
support posts. The handle extends away from the body panel in the
towing position, and the towing handle comprises a handle shell and
a locking latch mechanism mounted to the shell. The locking latch
mechanism comprises an angle position element mounted stationary to
one of the shell and the supports, and the angle position element
extends between the first and second posts and comprises a first
engagement surface. At least one locking element is mounted
stationary to the other of the shell and supports, and the locking
element comprises a second engagement surface received over the
first engagement surface of the angle position element. The second
engagement surface lockingly engages the locking element in a first
orientation corresponding to the upright position and lockingly
engages the locking element in a second orientation defining the
towing position.
[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment, a piece of
baggage is provided. The baggage comprises a body defining a
compartment for stowing an item for transport, wheels attached to
the body, first and second telescoping support posts mounted to the
body, and a towing handle system. The towing handle system
comprises a U-shaped handle shell pivotally mounted to the first
and second support posts, a push button coupled to the shell, first
and second rocker arms pivotally mounted to the shell and
responsive to movement of the push button, and first and second
release cables coupled to the respective first and second rocker
arms. A locking latch mechanism is coupled to the release cables
and extends transversely between the first and second support posts
at a distal end of the U-shaped handle, and the locking latch
mechanism comprises an angle position element having a ribbed
engagement surface, and a locking element comprising a grooved
engagement surface received over the ribbed engagement surface of
the angle position element. The grooved engagement surface
lockingly engages the locking element in an upright position and
lockingly engages the locking element in a towing position wherein
the handle shell is angled with respect the support posts.
[0012] In another embodiment, a handle assembly for a towable bag
is provided. The handle assembly comprises a U-shaped shell and a
locking latch mechanism mounted to the U-shaped shell. The locking
latch mechanism comprises a shaft mounted stationary to the shell
and at least one rib extending from an outer surface of the shaft.
A pair of locking elements are slidably mounted to the shaft and
movable along an axis of the shaft between locked and unlocked
positions. The locking elements move in opposite directions from
one another and the rib is located between the locking elements in
each of the locked and unlocked positions.
[0013] In still another embodiment, a handle assembly for a towable
bag is provided. The handle assembly comprises a U-shaped shell,
and a locking latch mechanism mounted to the U-shaped shell. The
locking latch mechanism comprises a position selector and locking
plate, and the position selector and the locking plate comprise
engagement surfaces which mesh to position the shell relative to
the locking plate. The position selector moves beneath the locking
plate in an unlocked position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a wheeled bag including a
towing handle system formed in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the bag shown in FIG. 1
with the handle in an extended position.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates the bag shown in FIG. 1 with the handle
in a towing position.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the bag shown in FIG. 1 in a towing
position.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the towing handle.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the towing handle
disconnected from the bag.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a positioning shaft for the
towing handle shown in FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an end view of the positioning shaft with a
locking element coupled thereto.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front elevational schematic view of the towing
handle system shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a locked position.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a portion of the handle
system.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front elevational schematic view of the towing
handle system shown in FIGS. 1-4 in an unlocked position.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a schematic assembly view of another embodiment
of a towing handle system.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a further assembly view of the towing handle
system shown in FIG. 12.
[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a resilient biasing member
for the handle system shown in FIG. 13.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a latch lever for the
handle system shown in FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a further assembly view of the towing handle
system shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0030] FIG. 17 is an assembled view of the towing handle system
shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a wheeled bag 100 including a
retractable towing handle system 102 formed in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. The bag 100 includes a body
fabricated from known materials and having a back panel 104, side
panels 106 and 108, top and bottom panels 110 and 112, and a front
panel 114. The body panels 104, 106, 108, 110 and 114 collectively
define a storage cavity within the body for storing and
transporting desired items, such as clothing and personal items,
therein for travel.
[0032] Wheels 116 are mounted to the lower end of the bag 100 in a
known manner. While in the illustrated embodiment the bag 100 is a
general purpose luggage bag, in alternative embodiments other types
of wheeled bags may be employed, including but not limited to
wheeled brief cases, duffel bags and the like as those in the art
will appreciate. In FIG. 1, the towing handle system 102 is
positioned within a recess 118 in the top and back panels 110 and
104, respectively.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the bag 100 with the towing
handle system 102 in an extended position. The towing handle system
102 includes a pair of telescoping support posts or poles 120 and a
handle assembly 122 coupled to an end on the support posts 120. The
support posts 120 extend generally alongside the back panel 104,
and are fixedly mounted to the bag 100 within the recess 118. In
accordance with known telescoping supports, the support posts 120
include sliding support members arranged in a concentric fashion,
and the sliding members include spring loaded pins (not shown)
which engage apertures (not shown) to lock the supports in an
extended position (FIG. 2) and a retracted position (FIG. 1). The
handle assembly 122 includes a push button 124 which, among other
things, releases the pins from the apertures in the posts 120 and
allows the posts 120 to telescope to the extended or retracted
positions. The support posts 120 may be fabricated from, for
example, aluminum, according to a known process.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pushbutton 124 also releases a
locking latch mechanism (not shown in FIG. 3) which allows the
handle assembly 122 to move between an upright position (shown in
phantom in FIG. 4) substantially parallel to the support posts 120,
and a towing position at a predetermined angle .alpha. with respect
to the axis of the support posts 120. Thus, in the towing position,
the handle assembly 122 leans at the angle .alpha. with respect to
the bag, and further, the handle assembly 122 leans in a direction
away from an axis 130 of the bag 100 and extends away from and
beyond the back panel 104 of the bag 100.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates the bag 100 in a towing position with the
bag 100 inclined on a support surface 140 such as a floor and with
the wheels 116 in rolling contact with the support surface 140. In
such a position, a user may grip the handle assembly 122 to tow the
bag 100 in a direction of arrow A with the wheels 116 rolling on
the support surface 140. Because the handle assembly 122 is leaned
at the predetermined angle .alpha. in the towing position, an angle
of inclination .beta. of the bag 100 with respect to the support
surface 140 is greater than it would otherwise be if the handle
assembly were located in the upright position (FIGS. 2 and 3). The
increased angle of inclination .beta. places the bag in more of an
upright position as it is towed in the direction of arrow A, and
consequently more of the weight of the bag 100 is supported by the
wheels 116 on the support surface 140 and less of the weight is
supported by the user at the handle assembly 122. Thus, the leaning
handle assembly 122 in the towing position reduces the effective
weight of the bag 100 experienced by the user and accordingly
reduces fatigue when towing the bag 100.
[0036] Additionally, the leaning handle assembly 122 displaces the
carrying position of the handle assembly 122 farther away from the
axis 130 of the bag 100. The bag 100 is therefore less likely to
encroach upon and interrupt the gait pattern of a user when towing
the bag 100.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the towing handle system 102
illustrating the handle assembly 122 coupled to an end of the
support posts 120. The handle system 102 includes a handle retainer
housing 150 which is mounted stationary to the support posts 120
with known fasteners 152, such as rivets. The handle retainer
housing 150 extends between and connects the support posts 120 to
one another, thereby maintaining the support posts 120 in a spaced
apart relation to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the
handle retainer housing 150 is fabricated in two halves (only one
of which is shown in FIG. 1) and is fabricated from, for example,
plastic according to known techniques. The halves of the retainer
housing 150 encase a locking latch mechanism (not shown in FIG. 5
but described below) which permits the handle assembly 122 to move
between the upright and towing positions.
[0038] The handle assembly 122 includes a U-shaped frame or shell
154 which is pivotally mounted to the handle retaining housing 150.
The shell 154 is movable relative to the handle retainer housing
150, and is selectively positionable between the upright and towing
positions in the manner described below. Thumb rests 156 are
provided in the shell 154 and the push button 124 extends through
an outer surface 158 of the shell 154. The shell 154 may be
fabricated from, for example, plastic according to a known molding
operation.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates the handle assembly 122 removed from the
handle retainer housing 150 (shown in FIG. 5). The shell 154
includes an inner portion 160 and an outer portion 162 mating with
the inner portion 160. Each of the inner and outer portions 160,
162 of the shell 152 include opposite leg members 164, 166
respectively, and a cross member 168, 170, respectively, extending
between and interconnecting the respective leg members 164 and
166.
[0040] The inner portion 164 of the shell 154 includes contoured
grip surfaces 172. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip surfaces
172 are fabricated from a resilient material such as rubber and are
attached to the inner portion 164 of the shell 154 to provide a
firm, yet comfortable gripping surface on the interior surfaces of
the shell 154. In an alternative embodiment, grip surfaces 172 may
be formed into the inner and outer portions 160 and 162 of the
shell 154, or still further, the grip surfaces 172 may be omitted
in the handle assembly construction.
[0041] The legs 166 of the outer shell portion 162 include mounting
feet 174 located opposite the cross member 170, and the mounting
feet 174 extend inwardly toward one another from the legs 166 of
the U-shaped outer shell 162. The shell inner portion 160 nests
within the outer shell portion 162 with the legs 164 of the inner
shell portion 160 resting upon the mounting feet 174 of the outer
shell portion 162. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the mounting
feet 174 includes a pivot base 175, an alignment face 176 extending
from the pivot base 175, a neck 177 extending axially from the
alignment face 176, and a cradle disk 178 extending axially from
the neck 177. The pivot base 175, the neck 177 and the cradle disk
178 are substantially aligned with one another along a transverse
axis 180. The neck 177 has a reduced cross sectional area relative
to the pivot base 175, and the cradle disk 178 has a greater cross
sectional area than the neck 177. In an exemplary embodiment, the
neck 177 and the cradle disk 178 are substantially cylindrical in
shape, while the pivot bases 175 are relatively square to match the
contours of the handle shell 154. The pivot bases 175 are further
rounded on a bottom surface 180 thereof to provide clearance above
the handle retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5) as the handle assembly 122
is moved relative thereto.
[0042] When assembled to the handle retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5),
the pivot bases 175 of the mounting feet 174 extend exterior to the
handle retainer housing 150 with the alignment face 176 adjacent
outer edges of the handle retainer housing 150. The cradle disks
178 are received in cradle slots (not shown) formed in the handle
retainer housing 150, and as such, the cradle disks 178 may rotate
within the cradle slots about the transverse axis 180, but the
cradle disks 178 are prevented from moving relative to the handle
retainer housing in a direction parallel to the transverse axis
180.
[0043] A locking latch mechanism 182 extends between the mounting
feet 174 and is generally aligned along the transverse axis 180
between the cradle disks 178. In an illustrative embodiment, the
locking latch mechanism 182 includes a positioning shaft 184, stops
186 mounted to the shaft 184, a pair of locking elements 188, and
bias elements 190 extending between the stops 186 and the locking
elements 188. The positioning shaft 184 is mounted stationary to
the mounting feet 174 of the shell 154, and the locking elements
188 are received in cavities (not shown) formed in the handle
retainer housing 150. The locking elements 188 cooperate with
positioning ribs 192, 194 on the shaft 184 to lock the handle
assembly 122 in the upright position and the towing position as set
forth below. The positioning ribs 192 and 194 extend between the
locking elements 188, and the locking elements 188 are slidably
mounted to the shaft 184 and are positionable toward and away from
the ribs 192 and 194 as explained below.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment the bias elements 190 are helical
compression springs, although it is appreciated that other
resilient elements and spring elements may be provided to provide a
bias force on the locking elements 188 as described below. Also, in
one embodiment, the stops 186 are metal washers which are
maintained in a predetermined position by the handle retainer
housing 150 when the handle assembly 122 is installed. It is
contemplated, however, that stops 186 could be formed in the shaft
184 itself or otherwise provided in another known manner,
including, for example, providing stop surfaces for the bias
elements in the handle retainer housing 150.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary positioning
shaft 184 including a substantially cylindrical outer surface 200
and the positioning ribs 194, 192 projecting radially outward from
the outer surface 200. The ribs 194, 192 extend parallel to a
longitudinal axis 206 of the shaft 184, and the ribs 192, 194
extend at an angular separation which is substantially equal to the
angle .alpha. (FIG. 3) between the upright and towing positions of
the handle assembly 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle
.alpha. is approximately 45.degree., although it is understood that
greater and lesser angles may be employed in alternative
embodiments. The locking elements 188 extend over the outer surface
200 of the shaft, and when aligned with the positioning ribs 194
and 192 as explained below, the locking elements 188 latch the
handle assembly 122 in the each of the upright and towing positions
to position the handle assembly 122 with respect to the handle
retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5) as desired.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an end view of the positioning shaft 184
and its interaction with an exemplary locking element 188. The
locking element 188 include a polygonal body 210 having an outer
surface 212, an inner surface 214, and a release arm 216. The inner
surface 214 is substantially cylindrical and is slidaby mounted
over the outer circumference of the shaft 184 and therefore
completely surrounds the surface 200 of the positioning shaft 184.
Position slots 218, 220 and 222 extend radially outwardly from the
inner surface 214, and the position slots 218, 220 and 222 are
dimensioned to receive the positioning ribs 192 and 194 of the
shaft 184.
[0047] When the locking elements 188 are released to an unlocked
position as explained below, the shaft 184 is rotatable relative to
and within the inner surface 214 of the locking elements 188, while
the locking elements 188 remain in a predetermined alignment within
the handle retainer housing 150 (FIG. 5). By rotating the shaft 184
relative to the locking elements 188, the relative positions of the
positioning ribs 192 and 194 of the shaft 184 with respect to the
positioning slots 218, 220, and 222 may be changed.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the release arm 216 of each
locking element 188 includes engagement slots 224 and 226 which
guide or retain release wires or cables (not shown in FIG. 8) for
actuating the telescoping support posts 120 (FIGS. 2-5). An
engagement slot 228 is also provided in the outer surface 212 of
the locking element body 210, and the slot 228 retains an release
wire or cable for actuating the locking elements 188 as set forth
below. The outer surface 212 of the locking elements 188 further
includes stop features in the form of tabs and slots which
cooperate with complementary features in the handle retainer
housing 150 and/or the shaft 184 to restrict relative movement of
the locking elements 188 with respect to the shaft 184 as
desired.
[0049] FIGS. 9-11 schematically illustrate the operation of the
towing handle system 102. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the handle
assembly 122 is coupled to the handle retainer housing 150, which
is, in turn, mounted stationary to the support posts 120. The shell
154 of the handle assembly 122 is pivotally mounted to the handle
retainer housing 150 via the cradle disks 178, and the locking
latch mechanism 182 extends across the handle retainer housing 150
between the mounting feet 174. The stops 186 mounted to the shaft
184 are maintained in a predetermined position with respect to the
shaft 184 and the handle retainer housing 150, and the bias
elements 190 are seated against the stops 186 and provide inwardly
directed bias forces F upon the locking elements 188 to maintain
the locking elements 188 in an engaged position with the
positioning ribs 192 and 194 of the shaft 184. The spring elements
190 provide an equal but oppositely directed force on the
respective locking elements 188 to ensure that the locking elements
188 maintain engagement with the ribs 192, 194 of the shaft
184.
[0050] An actuating assembly 240 is provided in the shell 154 of
the housing assembly 122 for releasing the locking elements 188
from the shaft 184, and the actuating assembly includes the push
button 124, rocker arms 242, and release wires 244.
[0051] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the inner portion 160 of
the shell 154 and its configuration for housing the actuating
assembly 240 (FIG. 9). The shell inner portion 160 is fabricated
with a push button seat 250 therein, positioning rails 252 for the
rocker arms 242 (shown in phantom in FIG. 10), and grooves 254
which guide the release wires 244 (FIG. 9) through the shell 154.
The positioning rails 252 include depressed rounded cradles 256
which receive pivot arms 258 of the rocker arms 242. The rocker
arms 242 may therefore pivot, swing, or rock within the cradles 256
between a locked position (FIG. 9) and an unlocked position (FIG.
11) when the pushbutton 124 is depressed downwardly into the shell
154 (i.e., in a direction of arrow B).
[0052] As demonstrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, when the pushbutton 124
is depressed in the direction of arrow B, a lower rim 260 of the
pushbutton 124 displaces a first end 262 of the rocker arms 242
downward in the direction of arrow B. The displacement of the first
end 262 causes the rocker arms 242 to rock on the pivot arms 258
within the shell 154, and a second end 264 of the rocker arms 242
is displaced upwardly in the direction of arrow C (FIG. 11). The
release wires 244 are attached to the second end 264 of the rocker
arms 242, and the upward displacement of the second ends 264 pulls
the release wires 244 which are coupled to the respective locking
elements 188. The pulling of the release wires 244 displaces the
locking elements 188 in opposite directions D and E (FIG. 11)
toward the respective mounting feet 174 of the handle assembly 122.
The release wires 144 pull and axially displace the locking
elements 188 in the direction of arrows D and E against the bias
force F (FIG. 9) until the locking elements 188 clear the
positioning ribs 192 and 194 to an unlocked position as shown in
FIG. 11. In the unlocked position, the handle shell 154 and the
positioning shaft 184 may be freely rotated about the transverse
axis 180 to change the relative position of the handle assembly 122
with respect to the locking elements 188, and correspondingly
moving the handle assembly 122 between the upright position and the
towing position.
[0053] As the handle assembly 122 and the shaft 184 are rotated
within the locking elements 188 in the unlocked position, when the
shaft 184 is once again aligned with the locking elements wherein
the positioning ribs 192 and 194 may be received by the locking
elements 188, the bias force F generated by the bias elements 190
forces the locking elements 188 back toward one another to the
locked position shown in FIG. 9 wherein the locking elements are
engaged to the ribs 192, 194. The force from the bias elements 190
therefore automatically returns the locking elements 188 to the
locked position when the upright and towing positions are obtained,
and the user need do nothing to find the appropriate handle
position. Rather, the handle assembly 122 automatically locks into
place when the towing position and uptight position are
obtained.
[0054] Further, as the locking elements move to the locked
position, the release wires 244 are pulled back to the locked
position shown in FIG. 9, which returns the rocking arms 242 to
their original position. The lower rim 260 of the push button 124
is displaced upwardly by the first end 262 of the rocker arms 242
as the rocker arms 242 return to position. Thus, the pushbutton 124
automatically returns to the locked position shown in FIG. 9 as the
selected position of the handle assembly 122 (i.e., the upright
position or the towing position) is obtained.
[0055] Additionally, the support posts 120 include respective
release wires 270, 272. The release wires 270, 272 are attached to
the locking elements 188 at attachment points 274, 276,
respectively. On each of the locking elements 188, one of the slots
224, 226 (FIG. 8) in the release arm 216 (FIG. 8) serves as a guide
for one of the wires 270, 272, and the other of the slots 224, 226
retains the other of the wires 270, 272. Thus, for each of the
locking elements 188, one of the slots 224, 226 is a pass through
slot for one of the release wires 270, 272, and the other of the
slots 224, 226 defines a connection point 274, 276 for fixed
engagement of the respective wires 270, 272.
[0056] When the actuating assembly 240 is actuated to move the
locking elements 188 to the unlocked position (FIG. 11), the
movement of the locking elements 188 in the direction of arrows D
and E pulls the release wires 270 and 272 within the telescoping
supports 120 to release a mechanism (not shown) and unlock the
support posts for extension of the support posts 120 from the bag
100 or retracting the support posts 120 into the bag 100. Likewise,
as the locking elements 188 return to the locked position (FIG. 9),
the locking elements 188 return the wires 270, 272 to their
original position with the supports 120 engaged in a locked
position, whether extended or retracted.
[0057] The actuation assembly 240, via the locking elements 188,
therefore serves to simultaneously actuate the handle assembly 122
for rotation about the transverse axis 180 and the telescoping
supports 120. A user may therefore extend and retract the supports
120 and rotate the handle between the upright and towing positions
with one hand in a simple and direct manner by actuating the
pushbutton 124 and guiding the handle assembly 122 to the desired
position. When the handle assembly 122 and/or the telescoping
supports 120 are properly aligned, the push button 124
automatically returns to its original position and the actuating
assembly 240 is effectively reset to its locked position.
[0058] The above described handle assembly 122 and towing handle
system 102 presents a reliable handle system for towing a bag 100
which is convenient for persons towing the bag 100, more
comfortable than many known handle system for towing bags, and is
reliable in operation. When extended and leaned to the angle
.alpha. (FIG. 3), the bag 100 is less likely to interrupt the gait
pattern of a towing person the bag 100.
[0059] While the handle assembly 122 is illustrated and described
as being movable from an upright position to a singular towing
position at the angle .alpha., it is understood that the locking
elements 188 and the positioning shaft 184 may be appropriately
modified to facilitate positioning of the handle at other angular
positions either greater than or less than the angle .alpha. as
desired. Additional towing positions may be provided by adding more
positioning ribs to the shaft 184 and more slots to the locking
members 188.
[0060] FIG. 12 is a schematic assembly view of another exemplary
embodiment of baggage towing handle assembly 300 which is
positionable to a towing position at an angle .alpha. with respect
to telescoping supports (not shown in FIG. 12) for more comfortable
towing of a bag, such as the bag 100 (shown in FIGS. 1-4). The
handle assembly 300 includes an inner shell 302 having an actuation
assembly 304 mounted thereon, and an outer shell 306 which is
fitted to the inner shell 302 to form a U-shaped handle assembly.
The inner shell 302 includes mounting feet 308 and cradle disks 310
extending therefrom. The actuation assembly 304 includes a push
button 312, rocker arms 314 mounted proximate the push button 312,
and release wires 316 coupled to the rocker arms 314. Each of the
release wires are coupled to a known spring loaded locking
mechanism 318 and a pair of lock pins 320 actuated by the locking
mechanisms 318. The lock pins 320 face inwardly toward one another,
and each lock pin 320 include a groove 322 formed therein.
[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates the handle 320 with the inner shell 302
and the outer shell 306 assembled. The lock pins 320 extend through
a resilient bias element 330 which biases the lock pins 320 toward
a predetermined orientation, and a release lever 332 is attached to
each respective lock pin 330.
[0062] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an exemplary bias element
330, and in an exemplary embodiment the bias element 330 includes
outer rigid layers 340 and an elastic layer 342 sandwiched
therebetween. The rigid layers 340 include arc-shaped slots 344 and
the elastic layer 342 includes a round aperture 346 dimensioned to
receive a lock pin 320 (FIG. 13). When assembled, the elastic layer
342 is secured between the rigid layers 340 and the lock pin 320
extends through the slots 344 of the rigid layers 340 and the
aperture 346 of the elastic layer 342. The elastic layer 342 is
deformable and allows the pin 320 to move within the confines of
the slots 344 to select a handle position, yet is resilient enough
that once a handle position is selected, the elastic layer 342
moves the lock pin 320 back to its original position to lock the
handle assembly 300 in place. The rigid layers 340 may be
fabricated from, for example, stamped steel, and the elastic layer
342 may be fabricated from, for example, an elastomeric rubber
material.
[0063] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary release lever 332 which
includes a lower section 350, and upper section 352, and pivot arms
354 extending outwardly in between the upper and lower sections 350
and 352. The lower section 352 includes a closed slot 356 which
retains a release wire (not shown) for the telescoping supports
(not shown in FIG. 1) used with the handle assembly 300. The upper
section defines an open slot 358 which receives the groove 322
(FIG. 12) in a lock pin 320. The upper section 352 is retained in
the lock pin groove 320 such that when the lock pins 320 move in
the direction of arrow G (FIG. 13), the release levers 332 pivot
about the pivot arms and pull release wires attached to the lower
section 350 to actuate the telescoping supports.
[0064] FIGS. 16 and 17 further illustrate the handle assembly 300
and a locking latch mechanism 368 including an actuator housing 360
which may be fixedly mounted to telescoping support posts (not
shown) when the posts are received in support receptacles 362
formed in the housing 360. The housing 360 defines a cavity (not
shown) which receives a dial position selector 370 having a base
372 including apertures 374 for receiving the lock pins 320,
positioning portions 376 extending upward from the base 374, and a
button portion 378 extending between the positioning portions 376.
The positioning portions 376 include a ribbed outer surface 378
having projections or teeth extending thereon which are aligned a
predetermined intervals with respect to one another. In an
exemplary embodiment, the ribs or teeth are positioned at 8.degree.
increments, although it is understood that greater or lesser
angular separation may be employed in further and/or alternative
embodiments. The dial position selector 370 further includes a
lower extension 380 having receptacles therein providing a seat for
bias elements 384 (FIG. 17), such as helical coil spring
elements.
[0065] When the dial position selector 370 is fitted within the
actuator housing 360 as shown in FIG. 17, locking plates 386 are
extended over the dial position selector 370, and the positioning
portions 376 of the position selector 370 are biased against the
locking plates 386. As illustrated in FIG. 16, an inner surface 388
of the locking plates 386 are ribbed in a complementary manner to
the positioning portions 376 of the dial position selector 370,
wherein the positioning portions 376 and the inner surfaces 388 may
mesh with one another in a tongue and groove configuration to
orient the dial position selector 370 with respect to the locking
plates 386 and hence determine a stable orientation of the handle
assembly 300 with respect to the actuator housing 360. Stable
orientations may be provided at each angular increment according to
the increments of the ribs in the respective surfaces of the
locking plates 386 and the dial position selector 370. Thus, the
handle assembly may be positioned at a number of different angles
(e.g., 37.degree., 45.degree. and 53.degree.) with respect to the
actuator housing 360 to provide a number of different towing
positions, in addition to the upright position.
[0066] FIG. 17 illustrates the handle assembly 300 in an assembled
condition wherein a cover plate 400 retains the locking latch
assembly 368 together. The bias elements 384 provide an upwardly
directed force in the direction of arrow H on the position selector
370, and the bias force maintains the dial position selector 370 in
contact with the locking plates 386. To release the handle assembly
300 for rotation from an upright position to a towing position, or
from one towing position to another, the push button 312 is
depressed downwardly in the direction of arrow I, which cause the
rocker arms 314 to pivot and pull the release wires 316 to actuate
the locking mechanisms 318 and pull the lock pins 320 in opposite
directions J and K away from the dial position selector 370. Once
the lock pins 320 are free of the position selector 370, the button
378 of the dial position selector 370 may be depressed downwardly
in the direction of arrow I, and the selector 370 is displaced
downwardly against the bias of the bias elements 384.
[0067] Once the position surfaces 376 of the selector 370 clear the
inner surfaces 388 of the locking plates 386 when the button 378 is
depressed, the locking plates 386 and the handle shell may be
rotated over the dial position selector 370 to another relative
orientation. When the button 378 of the dial position selector 370
is released, the bias elements 384 return the dial position
selector 370 upwardly in the direction of arrow H until the
positioning surfaces 376 of the dial position selector 370
lockingly engage the locking plates 386 in a locked position. The
spring loaded locking mechanisms 318 engage the locking pins 320 in
the new position and the handle is ready for towing.
[0068] Additionally, when the push button 312 is actuated to move
the locking pins 320 to the unlocked position, the movement of the
locking pins 320 in the direction of arrows J and K cause the
release levers 332 to pivot and pulls release wires 316 within the
telescoping supports to release a mechanism (not shown) and unlock
the support legs for extension or retraction from the associated
bag.
[0069] Thus, unlike the handle assembly 122 described above, the
handle assembly 300 utilizes two step actuation to release and
rotate the handle assembly 300. Nonetheless, and like the handle
assembly 122, the handle assembly 300 presents a reliable handle
system for towing a bag which is convenient for persons towing the
bag, more comfortable than many known handle system for towing
bags, and is reliable in operation. When extended and leaned to an
angle .alpha. (as illustrated in FIG. 3), the handle 300 is less
likely to interrupt the gait pattern of a person towing person the
bag.
[0070] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *