U.S. patent application number 11/175494 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for system for an adaptable handle to transport wheeled luggage.
Invention is credited to Fisher, Ethan.
Application Number | 20050241900 11/175494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46304815 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050241900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fisher, Ethan |
November 3, 2005 |
System for an adaptable handle to transport wheeled luggage
Abstract
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system
for transporting wheeled luggage using a handle which adapts to the
natural position of a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow, decreasing
strain on a user pushing or pulling the wheeled luggage. In an
embodiment, an adaptable handle may rotate and pivot. The adaptable
handle may pivot by pivotably connecting a cross bar to a first
retractable shaft and a second retractable shaft. The first
retractable shaft and second retractable shaft may be inserted into
a crossbar and the crossbar may pivot around the retractable
shafts. The adaptable handle may be rotatably connected to the
cross bar allowing the adaptable handle to rotate.
Inventors: |
Fisher, Ethan; (Orland Park,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
|
Family ID: |
46304815 |
Appl. No.: |
11/175494 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11175494 |
Jul 6, 2005 |
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10881378 |
Jun 29, 2004 |
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10881378 |
Jun 29, 2004 |
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10446207 |
May 27, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/115 ;
190/18A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/262 20130101;
A45C 2013/265 20130101; A45C 13/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/115 ;
190/018.00A |
International
Class: |
A45C 013/30; A45C
013/00 |
Claims
1) A system for transporting wheeled luggage using an adaptable
handle, said system comprising: a first retractable shaft having a
first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said
wheeled luggage; a second retractable shaft having a first end and
a second end, said first end being attached to said wheeled
luggage; and a cross bar, said cross bar being pivotably connected
to the second end of said first retractable shaft and the second
end of said second retractable shaft. a handle assembly, said
handle assembly being rotatably connected to the cross bar for
allowing the adaptable handle to rotate.
2) The system of claim 1, wherein said cross bar is pivotably
connected to the second end of said first retractable shaft by
inserting the second end of said first retractable shaft into a
first end of said cross bar, and said cross bar is pivotably
connected to the second end of said second retractable shaft by
inserting the second end of said second retractable shaft into a
second end of said cross bar.
3) The system of claim 1, wherein said cross bar is pivotably
connected to the second end of said first retractable shaft by
inserting a first end of said cross bar into the second end of said
first retractable shaft, and said cross bar is pivotably connected
to the second end of said second retractable shaft by inserting a
second end of said cross bar into the second end of said second
retractable shaft.
4) The system of claim 1, wherein said cross bar has a plurality of
pivot slots.
5) The system of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of roll
pins passing through said pivot slots and said retractable shafts
to restrict said pivot movement of said adaptable handle to less
than 360 degrees.
6) The system of claim 5, wherein in said pivot movement is
restricted to approximately 180 degrees.
7) The system of claim 1, wherein said handle assembly is rotatably
connected to said cross bar by a shoulder screw.
8) The system of claim 1, wherein said handle assembly comprises
two U bars being partially inserted into a plurality of handle
assembly cross bars.
9) A system for transporting wheeled luggage using an adaptable
handle, said system comprising: a cross bar for allowing the
adaptable handle to pivot, said cross bar having a first end and a
second end; a first retractable shaft, a portion of said first
retractable shaft being inserted into said first end of said cross
bar; a second retractable shaft, a portion of said second
retractable shaft inserted into said second end of said cross bar;
and a handle assembly, said handle assembly being rotatably
connected to the cross bar for allowing the adaptable handle to
rotate.
10) The system of claim 9, wherein said cross bar has a plurality
of pivot slots.
11) The system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of roll
pins passing through said pivot slots and said retractable shafts
to restrict said pivot movement of said adaptable handle to less
than 360 degrees.
12) The system of claim 11, wherein in said pivot movement is
restricted to approximately 180 degrees.
13) The system of claim 9, wherein said handle assembly is
rotatably connected to said cross bar by a shoulder screw.
14) The system of claim 9, wherein said handle assembly comprises
two U bars being partially inserted into a plurality of handle
assembly cross bars.
15) A system for transporting wheeled luggage using an adaptable
handle, said system comprising: a first retractable shaft having a
first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said
wheeled luggage; a second retractable shaft having a first end and
a second end, said first end being attached to said wheeled
luggage; and a cross bar, said cross bar being pivotably connected
to the second end of said first retractable shaft and the second
end of said second retractable shaft, said connection allowing
pivot movement of said adaptable handle.
16) The system of claim 15, further comprising a handle assembly,
said handle assembly being rotatably connected to the cross bar for
allowing the adaptable handle to rotate.
17) The system of claim 15, wherein said cross bar has a plurality
of pivot slots.
18) The system of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of roll
pins passing through said pivot slots and said retractable shafts
to restrict said pivot movement of said adaptable handle to less
than 360 degrees.
19) The system of claim 18, wherein in said pivot movement is
restricted to approximately 180 degrees.
20) The system of claim 15, wherein said handle assembly is
rotatably connected to said cross bar by a shoulder screw.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/881,378 filed Jun. 29, 2004 which is a continuation-in-part of
Ser. No. 10/446,207 filed May 27, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system for
ergonomic transportation of luggage. In particular, the present
invention relates to a system for a rotating and pivoting luggage
handle.
[0003] Typically, luggage may be used to transport personal
belongings during travel. Many different types of luggage currently
exist. For example, luggage may exist in many different shapes,
sizes, and materials. Moreover, luggage may have several methods of
opening and closing, for example zippers or buttons. Many different
techniques for transporting luggage also currently exist. Luggage
may be carried, by hand or strapped on a user's back, for example.
Furthermore, a user may push or pull wheeled luggage along the
ground.
[0004] Typically, wheeled luggage has two wheels attached to the
bottom of the luggage unit. The wheels may be attached, for
example, so when the luggage unit is angled or tilted with relation
to the ground, a user may transport the luggage by rolling the
luggage unit along the ground.
[0005] Typically, the luggage unit has a handle which allows the
user to push or pull the wheeled luggage. The handle may be
attached to the outside of the luggage unit or attached as part of
a retractable device. Modem wheeled luggage handles are generally
part of a retractable device. The retractable device typically
consists of a plurality of extendable shafts, usually two, which
extend from the luggage unit. The end of the extendable shafts
which extends from the luggage unit are typically connected by the
handle. The handle is usually some sort of rigid apparatus which is
incapable of adapting to a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow
position.
[0006] The rigid, inflexible structure of modem wheeled luggage
handles may impose stress on a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow or
may compel a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow into an unnatural,
uncomfortable position. The luggage unit may become difficult, and
even painful, for a user to maneuver.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a system for transporting
wheeled luggage which adapts to the natural position of a user's
hand, arm, wrist, or elbow. Such a system may allow easier
maneuverability of wheeled luggage while also decreasing strain on
the hand, wrist, elbow or arm of a user pushing or pulling the
wheeled luggage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
system for transporting wheeled luggage using a handle which adapts
to the natural position of a user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow. An
embodiment of the invention comprises a ball joint mechanism for
allowing rotation and pivot movement of the adaptable handle. The
ball joint mechanism comprises a ball joint connected to the
adaptable handle by a handle shaft. The ball joint may be within a
ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly may be connected to a
handle frame and the handle frame connected to at least one
retractable shaft.
[0009] The ball joint assembly contains a pivot channel to allow
pivot movement of the adaptable handle. Moreover, the wheeled
luggage may contain a docking recess to allow the adaptable handle
and the handle frame to retreat into the wheeled luggage. The
wheeled luggage may comprise at least one shaft channel to allow at
least one retractable shaft to retreat into the wheeled luggage.
The wheeled luggage may also contain a docking recess to allow the
adaptable handle and the handle frame to fold into the wheeled
luggage. The ball joint may be connected to the adaptable handle by
a screw and washer assembly. Furthermore, the ball joint mechanism
may allow the adaptable handle to encompass a plurality of rotation
and pivot angles.
[0010] In an embodiment, a cross bar mechanism allows rotation and
pivot movement of the adaptable handle. The cross bar mechanism
comprises the adaptable handle which is connected to a ball encased
in a cross bar. The ball allows rotation of the adaptable handle.
The cross bar is connected to a plurality of end caps. The end caps
allow the adaptable handle to pivot.
[0011] Preferably, the adaptable handle may be connected to the
ball by a self tapping screw. However, the adaptable handle may be
connected to the ball by any technique. A ball cover may also be
used to cover the ball encased in the cross bar. The ball may be
notched to allow rotation of the adaptable handle. The cross bar
may be connected to the plurality of end caps by plugs on the cross
bar. Moreover, the plurality of end caps may be connected to a
plurality of retractable shafts, each retractable shaft being
connected to a single end cap. The end caps may also be connected
to the retractable shafts by a self tapping screw. However, the end
caps may be connected to the retractable shafts by any
technique.
[0012] The wheeled luggage may also contain a docking recess to
allow the adaptable handle to pivot between the retractable shafts
and retreat into the docking recess. The wheeled luggage may also
contain a docking recess to allow the adaptable handle to pivot
into the wheeled luggage. The cross bar mechanism may allow the
adaptable handle to encompass a plurality of rotation and pivot
angles.
[0013] In an embodiment, a cross bar mechanism allows rotation and
pivot movement of the adaptable handle. The cross bar mechanism
comprises an adaptable handle which is connected to a cross bar by
a fitted plug. The fitted plug allows rotation of the adaptable
handle. The cross bar is connected to a plurality of end caps. The
end caps allow pivot movement of the adaptable handle. The fitted
plug may be tapered to allow the fitted plug to be inserted into a
hole in the cross bar. The fitted plug may also have a ridge
allowing the fitted plug to lock into the cross bar upon inserting
the fitted plug into the hole. The cross bar may be connected to a
plurality of end caps by plugs on the cross bar. The plurality of
end caps may be connected to a plurality of retractable shafts,
each retractable shaft may be connected to a single end cap. The
wheeled luggage may contain a docking recess to allow the adaptable
handle to pivot between the retractable shafts and retreat into the
docking recess. The wheeled luggage may also contain a docking
recess to allow the adaptable handle to pivot into the wheeled
luggage.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in
application.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
shown in a retracted perspective view.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
shown in an extended perspective view.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed perspective of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100, which demonstrates an
application of the present invention. The system 100 shows a
wheeled luggage assembly for transporting wheeled luggage 10 using
an adaptable handle 12. The wheeled luggage assembly contains an
adaptable handle 12 which may pivot or rotate. As shown in FIG. 1,
the adaptable handle 12 of the wheeled luggage assembly may be
attached to a retractable device, and the retractable device
attached to a docking recess. Accordingly, the wheeled luggage
assembly may retreat into the wheeled luggage 10.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200, which shows the wheeled
luggage assembly and wheeled luggage 10 of FIG. 1 more closely. The
wheeled luggage 10 is shown in a retracted view and has a lower
wheeled end 23 and an upper end 24. A handle frame 26 and the
adaptable handle 12 are shown retracted into a docking recess 29
(not shown) within the wheeled luggage 10. The docking recess 29
may allow the adaptable handle 12 and the handle frame 26 to
retreat into the wheeled luggage 10, as shown. Alternatively, the
docking recess 29 may allow the adaptable handle 12 and the handle
frame 26 to lay substantially flush with the exterior of the upper
end 24 of the wheeled luggage 10. The adaptable handle 12 and the
handle frame 26 may fold, for example, to lay substantially flush
with the exterior of the upper end 24 of the wheeled luggage
10.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300, which shows an extended,
perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The
embodiment of the wheeled luggage assembly as shown in FIG. 3 is a
ball joint mechanism 350. The ball joint mechanism 350 allows the
adaptable handle 12 to rotate or pivot according to the position of
a user's hand, wrist, arm, or elbow, for example. The ball joint
mechanism 350 utilizes a ball joint 45 (not shown), among other
elements, to allow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot or rotate.
[0034] The docking recess 29, as discussed in FIG. 2, is shown in
FIG. 3. The wheeled luggage 10 is shown with two retractable shafts
31 extending from the upper end 24 of the wheeled luggage 10.
Although the preferred embodiment utilizes two retractable shafts
31, as shown in FIG. 3, any number of retractable shafts 31 may be
used, including a single retractable shaft 31. Corresponding shaft
channels 32 (not shown) may allow the retractable shafts 31 to
retract into the wheeled luggage 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The
retractable shafts 31 are attached to the handle frame 26. The
handle frame 26 is attached to a ball joint assembly 33. In an
embodiment, the ball joint assembly 33 contains a ball joint 45
(not shown). The ball joint assembly 33 and the ball joint 45,
among other elements, allow free rotation and pivot movement of the
of the adaptable handle 12, thus allowing transportation of the
wheeled luggage 10 while allowing a natural, more comfortable,
hand, arm, elbow, and wrist position for a user 14.
[0035] As used herein, the adaptable handle 12 rotates on an axis
substantially parallel to the retractable shafts 31. Moreover, the
adaptable handle 12 pivots on an axis substantially perpendicular
to the retractable shafts 31. The adaptable handle 12 may pivot and
rotate simultaneously allowing the adaptable handle 12 to adapt to
any hand, arm, elbow, or wrist position of a user 14. The
retractable shafts 31, the handle frame 26, and the adaptable
handle 12, may be extended as shown in FIG. 3 by a user pulling the
adaptable handle 12, the handle frame 26, or the retractable shafts
31, out of the docking recess 29, for example.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400, which shows a detailed view
of the ball joint mechanism 350, encircled in FIG. 3. The handle
frame 26, the adaptable handle 12, the retractable shafts 31, and
the ball joint assembly 33 shown in FIG. 3 are shown in detail in
FIG. 4. Moreover, the ball joint 45, mentioned with reference to
FIG. 3, is visible in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, the ball joint 45
and ball joint assembly 33, among other elements, allow the
adaptable handle 12 to freely rotate. Moreover, the ball joint 45
and ball joint assembly 33 in combination with a pivot channel 44,
among other elements, allow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot. The
ability of the adaptable handle to rotate or pivot allows the
position of the adaptable handle to encompass a plurality of
rotation and pivot angles.
[0037] The handle shaft 42 connects the adaptable handle 12 to the
ball joint 45. In an embodiment, the handle shaft 42 and the ball
joint 45 are a single piece. A screw 72 and washer 74 assembly (not
shown) may connect the ball joint 45 to the adaptable handle 12 by
screwing the adaptable handle 12 into the handle shaft 42.
Alternatively, the handle shaft 42 is not part of the ball joint
45. As such, the handle shaft 42 may be part of the adaptable
handle 12 or an independent piece 42. In another alternative
embodiment, the adaptable handle 12, handle shaft 42, and ball
joint 45 are one piece. Accordingly, any technique to attach the
ball joint 45 to the adaptable handle 12 may be used.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500, which shows the detailed
perspective 400 with the adaptable handle 12 in a rotated position.
The system 500 demonstrates the rotation movement of the adaptable
handle 12 in relation to the handle frame 26, the retractable shaft
31, and the wheeled luggage 10, for example. In the preferred
embodiment, the adaptable handle 12, the handle shaft 42, and the
ball joint 45 may rotate 360 degrees on an axis substantially
parallel to the retractable shafts 31. However, the benefits of
adaptable handle 12 rotation for a user 14 may be achieved by an
adaptable handle 12 which rotates less than 360 degrees.
Accordingly, any degree of rotation may be used.
[0039] Similarly, FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600, which shows the
detailed perspective 400 with the adaptable handle 12 rotated and
pivoted. As in system 500, the adaptable handle 12 may rotate to
accommodate the user's hand, arm, wrist, or elbow position.
Likewise, as shown in the system 600, the adaptable handle 12 may
pivot to similarly accommodate the user 14. In the preferred
embodiment, the pivot movement may allow the adaptable handle 12 to
pivot 90 degrees. The pivot channel 44 of the preferred embodiment
allows the adaptable handle 12 to pivot so the handle shaft 42
moves away from a user 14 pulling the wheeled luggage 10. The
limited range of pivot movement is preferred as a balance of
flexibility and strength to provide for optimal comfort and
control. However, the benefits of the adaptable handle 12 pivot
movement for a user 14 may be achieved by an adaptable handle 12
which pivots more, or less, than 90 degrees. Alternatively, the
pivot channel 44 may allow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot toward
a user 14 pulling the wheeled luggage 10. In another alternative
embodiment, the pivot channel may allow the adaptable handle 12 to
pivot both toward and away from a user 14 pulling the luggage.
Accordingly, any degree of pivot movement may be used.
[0040] The rotation and pivot movement of the adaptable handle 12
as shown in systems 500 and 600 preferably combine during
transportation of the wheeled luggage 12 to provide a natural and
comfortable experience for a user 14. The adaptable handle 12 may
rotate or pivot to accommodate the arm, hand, wrist, or elbow
position of a user. Accordingly, any degree of rotation or pivot
movement may be used with the ball joint mechanism 350.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700, which shows a front view of
an embodiment of the present invention. The wheeled luggage 10 is
shown with the retractable shafts 31 in the extended position. The
docking recess 29 and shaft channels 32 are depicted in hidden
line. The retractable shafts 31 are attached to the handle frame
26. The handle frame 26 is connected to the ball joint assembly 33.
The ball joint assembly 33 and ball joint 45 are connected to the
adaptable handle 12 by a ball screw 72, a washer 74, and the handle
shaft 42, for example. However, any technique or device may be used
to connect the ball joint 45 to the adaptable handle 12. A docking
recess 29 is also shown as part of the wheeled luggage 10. The
docking recess 29 may allow the handle frame 26 to retract into the
wheeled luggage 10, similar to the retractable shafts 31 retracting
into the wheeled luggage 10.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the ball joint mechanism 350
may be replaced by a cross bar mechanism 850. FIG. 8 illustrates a
system 800, which shows an extended, perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment as shown in
FIG. 8 is a cross bar mechanism 850. The cross bar mechanism allows
the adaptable handle 12 to rotate or pivot according to the
position of a user's hand, wrist, arm, or elbow, for example. The
cross bar mechanism 850 utilizes a ball 840 to allow the adaptable
handle 12 to rotate on an axis substantially parallel to the
retractable shafts 31 and a plurality of end caps 820 to allow the
adaptable handle 12 to pivot on an axis substantially perpendicular
to the retractable shafts 31.
[0043] The system 800 illustrates the adaptable handle 12 connected
to a cross bar 810 by a ball 840, and a self tapping ball screw
845. The ball 840 is encased in the cross bar 810, for example, and
allows the adaptable handle 12 to rotate freely. In the preferred
embodiment, the ball 840 is notched to permit the adaptable handle
12 to freely rotate on an axis substantially parallel to the
retractable shafts 31. Preferably, the ball 840 is partially
notched, as shown in FIG. 8, to restrict the rotation of the
adaptable handle 12. Preferably, the rotation of the adaptable
handle 12 is restricted to be substantially perpendicular with the
cross bar 810. For example, the adaptable handle 12 may rotate 90
degrees clockwise and 90 degrees counter-clockwise. The limited
rotation provides strength and stability to the rotation of the
adaptable handle 12. Alternatively, the ball 840 may be notched to
allow other angles of rotation of the adaptable handle 12,
including full 360 degree rotation. Alternatively, the ball 840
does not have a notch and permits the adaptable handle 12 to freely
rotate, up to 360 degrees. Accordingly, any degree of rotation may
be used.
[0044] The ball cover 860 covers the opening in the cross bar 810
which contains the ball 840 and the self tapping ball screw 845. In
the preferred embodiment, the cross bar 810 is connected to two end
caps 820 by plugs 870 at the ends of the cross bar 810. The end
caps 820 allow plugs 870 on the cross bar 810 to be inserted into
the end caps 820. The plugs 870 are preferably tapered to allow the
plugs 870 to be inserted into the end caps 820. The plugs 870 also
preferably have a ridge allowing the plugs 870 to lock into the end
caps 820.
[0045] The end caps 820 secure the cross bar 810 to the retractable
shafts 31 while allowing the cross bar 810 free pivot movement
along an axis substantially perpendicular to the retractable shafts
31. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot movement may allow the
adaptable handle 12 to pivot 180 degrees. The cross bar 810 of the
preferred embodiment may allow the adaptable handle 12 to pivot so
the adaptable handle 12 moves away from a user 14 pulling the
wheeled luggage 10. The limited range of pivot movement is
preferred as a balance of flexibility and strength to provide for
optimal comfort and control. However, the benefits of the adaptable
handle 12 pivot movement for a user 14 may be achieved by an
adaptable handle 12 which pivots more, or less, than 180 degrees.
Alternatively, the cross bar 810 may allow the adaptable handle 12
to pivot toward a user 14 pulling the wheeled luggage 10. In
another alternative embodiment, the cross bar 810 may allow the
adaptable handle 12 to pivot both toward and away from a user 14
pulling the luggage. Accordingly, any degree of pivot movement may
be used.
[0046] In an embodiment, the end caps 820 are secured to the
retractable shafts 31 by two self tapping end cap screws 830, for
example. Alternatively, the end caps 820 may be part of the
retractable shafts 31. Similar to the ball joint mechanism 350, the
cross bar mechanism 850 and the retractable shafts 31 may retreat
into shaft channels 32 (not shown). Alternatively, both the
retractable shafts 31 as well as the end caps 830 may retreat into
shaft channels 32. Moreover, the adaptable handle 12 may pivot to
fit between the two retractable shafts 31 and retreat into the
docking recess 29. Alternatively, the adaptable handle 12 may lay
substantially flush with the exterior of the upper end 24 of the
wheeled luggage 10. The adaptable handle 12 may pivot, for example,
to lay substantially flush with the exterior of the upper end 24 of
the wheeled luggage 10.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, rotational movement of the
adaptable handle 12 may be facilitated by a fitted plug 905 instead
of the ball 840, and other associated elements. FIG. 9 shows the
adaptable handle 12, the fitted plug 905, and a modified cross bar
910. The fitted plug 905 may be part of the adaptable handle 12, as
shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the fitted plug 905 may be a
separate piece from the adaptable handle 12 and may be attached to
the adaptable handle 12 via a screw mechanism, for example. The
fitted plug 905 is preferably tapered to allow the fitted plug 905
to be inserted into a hole 915 in the modified cross bar 910. The
fitted plug 905 also preferably has a ridge 920 allowing the fitted
plug 905 to lock into the modified cross bar 910 upon inserting the
fitted plug 905 into the hole 915. The modified cross bar 910 may
have similar features as cross bar 810. However, the hole 915 of
the modified cross bar 910 may have appropriate dimensions to
receive the fitted plug 905. The hole 915 of the modified cross bar
910 also may have appropriate dimensions to lock the fitted plug
905 and the adaptable handle 12 to the modified cross bar 910. When
the fitted plug 905 is locked in the modified cross bar 910, the
mechanism permits full 360 degree rotation of the adaptable handle
12.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment, a modified cross bar 1010 may
be connected to modified end caps 1020 by a circular plug
attachment 1040 and a self tapping screw 1030. FIG. 10 shows the
modified cross bar 1010, the modified end caps 1020, and the self
tapping screw 1030, and circular plug attachment 1040. The modified
cross bar 1010 is similar to the cross bar 810 and modified cross
bar 910 except that the ends of modified cross bar 1010, which may
be inserted into the modified end caps 1020, have fittings capable
of receiving the self tapping screw 1030 and the modified end caps
1020 are capable of receiving the circular plug attachments 1040.
The self tapping screw 1030 may have a circular plug attachment
1040 which houses a portion of the self tapping screw 1030. The
modified end caps 1020 have a first side capable of receiving the
self tapping screw 1030 as well as the circular plug attachment
1040. The modified end caps 1020 have a second side capable of
receiving the end of the modified cross bar 1010.
[0049] Together, the circular plug attachment 1040 and the self
tapping screw 1030 may be inserted into the first side of the
modified end cap 1030 and the end of the modified cross bar 1010
may be inserted into the second side of the modified end cap 1020.
The self tapping screw 1030 may be screwed into said modified cross
bar 1010, fastening the circular plug attachment 1040 and the
modified cross bar 1010 within the modified end caps 1020. FIG. 11
illustrates the circular plug attachment 1040 and the self tapping
screw 1030 connected to the modified cross bar 1010 through the
modified end cap 1020.
[0050] FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200 as an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 12 illustrates similar features as previous
embodiments, except the modified cross bar 1010 is shown connected
to the modified end caps 1020 by the circular plug attachment 1040
and self tapping screw 1030. The handle 12 is also shown connected
to the modified cross bar 1010 by a circular plug attachment 1040
and self tapping screw 1030.
[0051] Multiple techniques in connecting the cross bar to the end
caps, and the cross bar to the adaptable handle have been described
above. It should be noted that any combination of these techniques
may be combined to utilize various embodiments of the invention.
For example, the handle may be connected to the cross bar by a
plug, and the cross bar connected to the end caps by a circular
plug assembly, or vice versa. As another example, the handle may be
connected to the cross bar by a ball assembly, whereas the cross
bar may be fastened to the end caps by a circular plug attachment.
Accordingly, any technique for fastening the various components of
an embodiment together may be used. Moreover, any technique which
allows a luggage handle to rotate or pivot may be used.
[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates a system 1300 as an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the
invention in which the retractable shafts 31 corner at
approximately a 90-degree angle and may be inserted into a cross
bar. Alternatively, the cross bar 1310 may be inserted into the
retractable shafts 31. In the embodiment show in FIG. 13, the
retractable shafts 31 are cornered at approximately a 90 degree
angle and are inserted into cross bar 1310. The cross bar 1310 may
pivot around the retractable shafts 31, allowing the handle pivot
movement similar to previous embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, the
cross bar 1310 may have slots, shown as slot 1335 and 1345. The
slots 1335 and 1345 each accommodates a roll pin 1338 and 1348
respectively. The roll pins 1338 and 1348 may be inserted into the
slots and through a portion of the retractable shafts 31. The slots
1335 and 1345 and roll pins 1338 and 1348 may restrict the pivot
movement of the cross bar 1310, for example restrict the pivot
movement to approximately 180 degrees.
[0053] The handle assembly 1360 may be attached to the cross bar
1310 through a hole approximately centered in the cross bar 1310.
The handle assembly 1360 may be attached in a similar manner as
previous embodiments allowing the handle assembly 1360 to rotate,
for example rotate 360 degrees. As shown in FIG. 13, the handle
assembly 1360 is attached to the cross bar 1310 using a shoulder
bolt 1362.
[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates the cross bar 1310 separated from the
remainder of the components. The slots 1335 and 1345 are shown as
well as the hole 1450 approximately in the center in the cross bar
1310. In an embodiment, the hole 1450 permits rotation of the
handle assembly 1360.
[0055] FIG. 15 illustrates a transparent view of the cross bar
1310, the retractable shafts 31, the shoulder screw 1362, the slots
1335 and 1345, and the respective roll pins 1338 and 1348. The
retractable shafts 31 are shown inserted into the cross bar 1310.
In the example of FIG. 15, the retractable shafts 31 do not extend
the entire length of the cross bar 1310. The retractable shafts 31
extend beyond the slots 1335 and 1345, respectively, but do not
extend to the hole 1450. The hole 1450 and shoulder screw 1362 are
shown for connection to the handle assembly 1360. The cross bar
1310 may pivot around the retractable shafts 31.
[0056] The slots 1335 and 1345 and the roll pins 1338 and 1348 may
restrict the pivot movement of the cross bar 1310. Roll pins 1338
and 1348 may be inserted into holes in retractable shafts 31 to
lock the retractable shafts 31 into the cross bar 1310 and to
restrict the pivot movement of the cross bar 1310, for example
restrict pivot movement approximately 180 degrees.
[0057] FIG. 16 illustrates the handle assembly 1360. The handle
assembly 1360 may include two U bars 1620 and 1630 that may be
inserted into two handle assembly cross bars 1650 and 1660.
Alternatively, the handle assembly cross bars 1650 and 1660 may be
inserted into the two U bars 1620 and 1630. The U bars 1620 and
1630 may be constructed of metal, plastic or other material for
connecting the two crossbars 1650 and 1660. The handle assembly
cross bars 1650 and 1660 may be secured to the U bars 1620 and
1630. For example the handle assembly cross bars 1650 and 1660 may
be secured to the U bars 1620 and 1630 by a screw or roll pin
assembly.
[0058] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
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