U.S. patent application number 13/236106 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for telescoping luggage handle and stabilizer.
This patent application is currently assigned to TRAVELPRO INTERNATIONAL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is David L. Mathieu, Sean McDonnell, Joseph Paul, James T. Sener. Invention is credited to David L. Mathieu, Sean McDonnell, Joseph Paul, James T. Sener.
Application Number | 20130068579 13/236106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46355818 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130068579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mathieu; David L. ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
TELESCOPING LUGGAGE HANDLE AND STABILIZER
Abstract
A telescoping luggage handle and stabilizer are provided. The
telescoping luggage handle includes an elongated element, a
conduit, and at least one stabilizer. The conduit is for receiving
the elongated element, and the stabilizer is for restricting
lateral movement of the elongated in relation to the conduit. The
stabilizer includes a cap and a biasing member. The biasing member
engages a flexible portion of the cap.
Inventors: |
Mathieu; David L.;
(Colchester, CT) ; McDonnell; Sean; (Burlington,
CT) ; Paul; Joseph; (Thomaston, CT) ; Sener;
James T.; (Glastonbury, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mathieu; David L.
McDonnell; Sean
Paul; Joseph
Sener; James T. |
Colchester
Burlington
Thomaston
Glastonbury |
CT
CT
CT
CT |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TRAVELPRO INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
46355818 |
Appl. No.: |
13/236106 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/262 20130101;
A45C 2013/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/115 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/26 20060101
A45C013/26 |
Claims
1. A telescoping luggage handle comprising; an elongated element; a
conduit for receiving said elongated element, said elongated
element having a retracted position in relation to said conduit
wherein said elongated element is substantially entirely disposed
within said conduit, said elongated element movable from said
retracted position to an extended position wherein a predefined
length of said elongated element remains within said conduit; and
at least one stabilizer disposed along said predefined length when
said elongated element is in said extended position, said at least
one stabilizer configured to restrict lateral movement of said
elongated in relation to said conduit.
2. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least
one stabilizer is a plurality of stabilizers.
3. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least
one stabilizer is further configured to restrict longitudinal
movement of said elongated element between said extended position
and said retracted position.
4. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 2, wherein a first
stabilizer of said plurality of stabilizers comprises a first
stopping face and a second stabilizer of said plurality of
stabilizers comprises a second stopping face, said first stopping
face contacting said second stopping face to restrict longitudinal
movement of said elongated element.
5. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least
one stabilizer is configured to permit said elongated element to
slide within said conduit between said retracted position and said
extended position.
6. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least
one stabilizer comprises: a cap having a flexible portion and an
opening, said cap disposed at an end of said conduit to receive
said elongated element through said opening; and a biasing member
engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member
urging said flexible portion of said cap toward said elongated
element.
7. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, wherein said biasing
member comprises a clip spring.
8. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, wherein said biasing
member comprises resilient material disposed in said flexible
portion.
9. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, further comprising a
retaining mechanism disposed on said cap and on said end of said
conduit, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on
said conduit.
10. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 9, wherein said
retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said
protrusion configured to mate with said conduit.
11. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at
least one stabilizer comprises: a cap having a flexible portion,
said cap disposed at an end of said elongated element such that
said cap is received by said conduit; and a biasing member engaging
said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said
flexible portion of said cap toward an inside wall of said
conduit.
12. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 11, wherein said
biasing member comprises a coil spring.
13. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 11, further comprising
a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap and on said end of said
elongated element, said retaining mechanism configured to retain
said cap on said elongated element.
14. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 13, wherein said
retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said
protrusion configured to mate with said elongated element.
15. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said conduit
and said elongated element comprise a peanut shaped cross
section.
16. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said conduit
is at least as long as said predefined length.
17. A stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle, the stabilizer
comprising: a cap having a flexible portion and having an opening,
said cap configured to be disposed at an end of a conduit and
configured to receive an elongated element through said opening;
and a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap,
said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward
said elongated element.
18. The stabilizer of claim 17, further comprising a stopping face
configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated
element relative to said conduit.
19. The stabilizer of claim 17, further comprising a retaining
mechanism disposed on said cap, said retaining mechanism configured
to retain said cap on said conduit.
20. The stabilizer of claim 19, wherein said retaining mechanism
comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to
mate with said conduit.
21. The stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said biasing member
comprises a clip spring.
22. The stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said biasing member
comprises resilient material disposed in said flexible portion
23. A stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle, the stabilizer
comprising: a cap having a flexible portion, said cap configured to
be disposed at an end of an elongated element, said cap configured
to be received by a conduit; and a biasing member engaging said
flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said
flexible portion of said cap toward an inside wall of said
conduit.
24. The stabilizer of claim 23, further comprising a stopping face
configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated
element relative to said conduit.
25. The stabilizer of claim 23, further comprising a retaining
mechanism disposed on said cap, said retaining mechanism configured
to retain said cap on said elongated element.
26. The stabilizer of claim 25, wherein said retaining mechanism
comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to
mate with said elongated element.
27. The stabilizer of claim 23, wherein said biasing member
comprises a coil spring.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present specification relates generally to luggage and
more specifically relates to a stabilization mechanism for a
luggage handle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Travel is a common human activity and luggage is an
important feature of travel. When it comes to air travel, the
demands on luggage can be particularly intense.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a telescoping luggage handle. The luggage handle includes
an elongated element and a conduit for receiving said elongated
element. The elongated element has a retracted position in relation
to the conduit wherein the elongated element is substantially
entirely disposed within the conduit. The elongated element is
movable from the retracted position to an extended position wherein
a predefined length of the elongated element remains within the
conduit. The luggage handle further includes at least one
stabilizer disposed along the predefined length when the elongated
element is in the extended position. The at least one stabilizer is
configured to restrict lateral movement of the elongated in
relation to the conduit.
[0004] The at least one stabilizer may be a plurality of
stabilizers.
[0005] The at least one stabilizer may be further configured to
restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element between the
extended position and the retracted position.
[0006] A first stabilizer of the plurality of stabilizers may
include a first stopping face. A second stabilizer of the plurality
of stabilizers may include a second stopping face. The first
stopping face may contact the second stopping face to restrict
longitudinal movement of the elongated element.
[0007] The at least one stabilizer may be configured to permit said
elongated element to slide within said conduit between said
retracted position and said extended position.
[0008] The at least one stabilizer may include a cap having a
flexible portion and an opening. The cap may be disposed at an end
of the conduit to receive the elongated element through the
opening. The at least one stabilizer may include a biasing member
engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member may
urge the flexible portion of the cap toward the elongated
element.
[0009] The biasing member may include a clip spring.
[0010] The biasing member may include a resilient material disposed
in said flexible portion.
[0011] The telescoping luggage handle may further include a
retaining mechanism disposed on the cap and on the end of said
conduit. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the
cap on the conduit.
[0012] The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap.
The protrusion may be configured to mate with the conduit.
[0013] The at least one stabilizer may include a cap having a
flexible portion. The cap may be disposed at an end of the
elongated element such that the cap is received by the conduit. The
at least one stabilizer may include a biasing member engaging the
flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member may urge the
flexible portion of the cap toward an inside wall of the
conduit.
[0014] The biasing member may include a coil spring.
[0015] The telescoping luggage handle may further include a
retaining mechanism disposed on the cap and on the end of the
elongated element. The retaining mechanism may be configured to
retain the cap on the elongated element.
[0016] The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap.
The protrusion may be configured to mate with the elongated
element.
[0017] The conduit and the elongated element may include a peanut
shaped cross section.
[0018] The conduit may be at least as long as said predefined
length.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle. The
stabilizer includes a cap having a flexible portion and having an
opening. The cap is configured to be disposed at an end of a
conduit. The cap is further configured to receive an elongated
element through the opening The stabilizer further includes a
biasing member engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The
biasing member urges the flexible portion of the cap toward the
elongated element.
[0020] The stabilizer may further include a stopping face
configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated
element relative to the conduit.
[0021] The stabilizer may further include a retaining mechanism
disposed on the cap. The retaining mechanism may be configured to
retain the cap on the conduit.
[0022] The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap.
The protrusion may be configured to mate with the conduit.
[0023] The biasing member may include a clip spring.
[0024] The biasing member may include resilient material disposed
in said flexible portion
[0025] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle.
The stabilizer includes a cap having a flexible portion the cap
configured to be disposed at an end of an elongated element. The
cap is configured to be received by a conduit. The stabilizer
further includes a biasing member engaging the flexible portion of
the cap. The biasing member urges said flexible portion of the cap
toward an inside wall of the conduit.
[0026] The stabilizer may further include a stopping face
configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated
element relative to the conduit.
[0027] The stabilizer may further include a retaining mechanism
disposed on the cap. The retaining mechanism may be configured to
retain said cap on said elongated element.
[0028] The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap.
The protrusion may be configured to mate with the elongated
element.
[0029] The biasing member may include a coil spring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle
according to an embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle
according to another embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the telescoping luggage
handle in a retracted position according to the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the telescoping luggage
handle through the line A-A of FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle
according to another embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of the telescoping
luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the portion of the
telescoping luggage handle shown in FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a portion of the
telescoping luggage handle shown in FIG. 7 when the telescoping
luggage handle is in an extended position;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of a stabilizer according to
an embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of a stabilizer according to
another embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stabilizer according to
the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0042] FIG. 12A is a top view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0043] FIG. 12B is a front view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0044] FIG. 12C is a side view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0045] FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the stabilizer through
the line B-B of FIG. 12B;
[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clip spring;
[0047] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the stabilizer according to
the embodiment of FIG. 10;
[0048] FIG. 16A is a top view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 10;
[0049] FIG. 16B is a front view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 10;
[0050] FIG. 16C is a side view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 10;
[0051] FIG. 16D is a bottom view of the stabilizer according to the
embodiment of FIG. 10;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to
another embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a side view of a stabilizer according to yet
another embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to
yet another embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a front view of the telescoping luggage handle
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a back view of the telescoping luggage handle
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a left side view of the telescoping luggage
handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0058] FIG. 23 is a right side view of the telescoping luggage
handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 24 is a top view of the telescoping luggage handle
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
[0060] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the telescoping luggage handle
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0061] As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute
orientation (e.g. "top", "bottom", "front", "back", etc.) are for
illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a
particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a
limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will,
in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or
different than those described or shown.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a telescoping luggage handle is
indicated generally at 10. It is to be understood that the
telescoping luggage handle 10 shown is purely exemplary and it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of different
telescoping luggage handle structures are contemplated. For
example, FIG. 2 shows one such variation generally at 50 which
includes a structure having one a single telescoping portion.
[0063] Referring back to FIG. 1, the telescoping luggage handle 10
comprises a gripping portion 12 for gripping the telescoping
luggage handle. The gripping portion 12 is connected to an
elongated element 14. It is to be understood that the elongated
element 14 is not particularly limited to any material and that
several variations are contemplated. Some examples of materials
which are ideal for the elongated element 14 are aluminum,
titanium, carbon fiber composites, plastic, and other materials
commonly used in the manufacture of telescoping luggage handles. In
particular, the elongated element 14 can be made of any suitable
material to form of a rod. Alternatively, the elongated element 14
can be hollow to reduce weight. The elongated element 14 is
received by a conduit 16 through a cap 20. Similar to the elongated
element 14, the conduit is not limited to any material and that
several variations similar to those mentioned above are
contemplated. It will be recognized the dimensions of the elongated
element 14 are designed to allow for the elongated element to move
in a longitudinal direction at least partially within the conduit
16. The elongated element 14 is moveable from a retracted position
in relation to the conduit 16 to an extended position. For example,
the elongated element 14 can slide between the retracted position
and the extended position. When in the retracted position, the
elongated element 14 is substantially entirely disposed within the
conduit 16. When in the extended position, a portion of the
elongated element 14 extends from the end of the conduit 16. It
should be noted that a predefined length of the elongated element
14 remains within the conduit 16 when in the extended position. It
should be noted that the predefined length varies depending on the
size of the suitcase.
[0064] In the present embodiment, the first conduit 16 is further
received by a second conduit 18 through a cap 22. The conduit 16 is
designed to allow for the conduit 16 to move in a longitudinal
direction at least partially within the second conduit 18. The
first conduit 16 is moveable from a retracted position in relation
to the second conduit 18 to an extended position. For example,
elongated element 14 can slide between the retracted position and
the extended position. When in the retracted position, the first
conduit 16 is substantially entirely disposed within the second
conduit 18. When in the extended position, a portion of the first
conduit 16 extends from the end of the second conduit 18. It should
be noted that a predefined length of the first conduit 16 remains
within the second conduit 18 when in the extended position.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the present embodiment is shown where
the telescoping luggage handle is in a retracted position. In this
position, the elongated element 14 is in a retracted position
relative to the first conduit 16 which in turn is in a retracted
position relative to the second conduit 18.
[0066] In the present embodiment, the elongated element 14, and the
conduits 16 and 18 have a peanut shaped cross section as shown in
FIG. 4. The elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18 have
two wide portions 40 at opposite ends of the cross section of the
elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18 and a narrow
portion 42 in the center of the cross section of the elongated
element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18. Furthermore, the wide
portions 40 and narrow portions 42 are separated by an angled
portion 44. In this embodiment, the angled portions 44 and the
narrow portions 42 are substantially linear and the angle of the
angled portion 44 is approximately forty-five degrees from the
narrow portion 42 and the narrow portion. This particular shape is
advantageous for reasons which will be discussed below. In other
embodiments, the portions 40, 42, and 44 can be curved or the
angled portion can be greater or less than forty-five degrees.
[0067] Variations of the telescoping luggage handle 10 are
contemplated. In particular, it will now be appreciated, with the
benefit of this description, that the telescoping luggage handle
can include any number of conduits that can be used as telescoping
sections nested within a larger conduit. For example, in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the telescoping luggage handle
includes two telescoping sections, elongated element 14 and conduit
16. However, it is also contemplated in some embodiments that there
is provided only one telescoping section. Furthermore, it will also
be appreciated, that the shape of the conduit 16 and the elongated
element 14 can have a variety of different cross sections. For
example, in some embodiments, the cross section may not have any
linear sections and be shaped like a curved peanut, or the angle of
the angled portion can be greater or lesser than forty-five
degrees. In further embodiments, the cross section can simply be
rectangular, circular, or oval.
[0068] Moreover, although the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3 shows the
conduits progressively getting larger away from the gripping
portion 12, the opposite is also contemplated. For example, the
gripping portion 12 can be connected to the largest conduit from
which an elongated element extends.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment is shown generally
at 60. The telescoping luggage handle 60 comprises a gripping
portion 62 for gripping the telescoping luggage handle. The
gripping portion 62 is connected to an elongated element 70. It is
to be understood that the elongated element 70 is not particularly
limited to any material and that several variations are
contemplated. Some examples of materials which are ideal for the
elongated element 70 are aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber
composites, plastic, and other materials commonly used in the
manufacture of telescoping luggage handles similar to the elongated
element 14 discussed above. In particular, the elongated element 70
can be made of any suitable material to form of a rod.
Alternatively, the elongated element 70 can be hollow to reduce
weight. In this embodiment, the elongated element 70 is received by
a conduit 72 built into the luggage through cap 64. It will be
recognized the dimensions of the elongated element 70 are designed
to allow for the elongated element to move in a longitudinal
direction at least partially within the conduit 72. The elongated
element 70 is moveable from a retracted position in relation to the
conduit 72 to an extended position. When in the extended position,
a portion of the elongated element 70 extends from the end of the
conduit 72. It should be noted that a predefined length of the
elongated element 70 remains within the conduit 72 when in the
extended position. It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of
this description, that the length of the conduit 72 is not
necessarily equal to or greater than the elongated element 70. The
conduit 72 can be shorter than the elongated element 70. For
example, the conduit 72 can be equal in length to the predefined
length of the elongated element 70 remains within the conduit 72
when in the extended position.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 16, an example of a first stabilizer
100 and a second stabilizer 200 are shown in detail and in context
with the elongated element 14 and the first conduit 16. It is to be
understood that the first stabilizer 100 and the second stabilizer
200 shown are purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that a variety of different stabilizers are
contemplated. The stabilizers 100 and 200 are disposed on the
elongated element 14 and the first conduit 16 to restrict the
amount of lateral movement of the elongated element 14 in relation
to the first conduit 16. Lateral movement includes any movement of
the elongated element 14 in relation to the first conduit 16 except
the longitudinal movement where the elongated element 14 moves in a
direction along the axis of the conduit 16. In the present
embodiment, the stabilizers 100 and 200 are disposed within a
predefined length of the elongated element 14 that remains within
the conduit 16 when said elongated element 14 is in the extended
position. As mentioned above, the predefined length in the extended
position varies depending on the size of the suitcase and the
desired restriction of the lateral movement of the elongated
element 14 relative to the conduit 16.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, a top, front and side
view, respectively, of the stabilizer 100 is shown. The stabilizer
100 includes a cap 20. It is to be understood that the cap 20 is
not particularly limited to any material and that several
variations are contemplated. The cap 20 is disposed at an end of
the conduit 16. The cap 20 includes an opening for receiving the
elongated element 14 such that the elongated element can freely
pass through the cap. The cap 20 further includes flexible portion
130 such that when force is applied to the flexible portion toward
the center of the opening, the force would be transferred to the
elongated element 14 passing through the opening. It will be
appreciated now that it is not necessary for the entire cap to be
manufactured from the same material. Although it can generally be
easier to manufacture the cap 20 from a single material, it is
contemplated that the cap can include some flexible material and
some non-flexible material. Some examples of flexible materials
which are ideal for the cap 20 are rubber, plastic, and other
materials with similar physical properties.
[0072] The stabilizer 100 further includes at least one biasing
member 110. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the
stabilizer 100 includes two biasing members 110. The biasing member
engages the flexible portion 130 of the cap 20. The biasing member
is for urging the flexible portion 130 toward the elongated member
14 when the stabilizer has received the elongated member. By urging
the flexible portion 130 toward the elongated element 14, the
stabilizer 100 effectively holds the elongated element steady
within the opening to restrict lateral movement in relation to the
conduit 16.
[0073] In the present embodiment, the biasing member 110 applies a
perpendicular force to the surface of the narrow portion 42 of the
elongated element 14. By applying this force, the flexible portion
130 is urged toward the elongated element 14 such that the flexible
portion will engage both the surface of the narrow portion 42 and
the surface of the angled portion 44. Therefore, by having
elongated element 14 in the shape shown in FIG. 4, the stabilizer
100 is more effective at stabilizing lateral movement in several
directions.
[0074] It is to be understood that the biasing member 110 is not
particularly limited to any material or design and that several
variations are contemplated. For example, in the present
embodiment, the biasing member 110 is a clip spring. The clip
spring can be manufactured from various plastics or metals.
Alternatively, the biasing member can also be a rubber band. In yet
another embodiment, it is also contemplated that the biasing member
is embedded within the cap 20.
[0075] FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a stabilizer generally
at 500. The flexible portion 530 of the stabilizer 500 can be
resilient and provide a bias toward the center of the opening.
Therefore, the biasing member comprises resilient material disposed
within the flexible portion 530. In yet another embodiment, the
resilient material can be disposed on the flexible portion 530 as a
separate layer. The flexible portion 530 has an equilibrium
position directed toward the center of the open such that the
opening would be smaller than the dimensions of the elongated
element 14. Therefore, as the elongated element 14 is inserted, the
flexible portion 530 would be flexed in an outward direction. Since
the flexible portion 530 includes resilient material to urge the
flexible portion back to the equilibrium position, the resilient
material in the flexible portion 530 is the biasing member. It will
now be appreciated, with the benefit of this specification, that
although the embodiment of FIG. 17 may not apply a force as large
as a force as the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 16, the cost of
producing the embodiment of FIG. 17 can be less than the cost of
other embodiments requiring a separate clip spring.
[0076] It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this
specification, that a stabilizer will be effective at restricting
lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the
conduit 16. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is possible that a
telescoping luggage handle includes a single stabilizer. However,
in another embodiment, a second stabilizer 200 can be added to
further restrict lateral movement of the elongated element 14
relative to the conduit 16.
[0077] Referring to back to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D, a top,
front, side, and bottom view, respectively, of the second
stabilizer 200 is shown. The second stabilizer 200 includes a cap
30. It is to be understood that the cap 30 is not particularly
limited to any material and that several variations are
contemplated. In particular, similar materials contemplated for the
cap 20 are also contemplated for the cap 30. The cap 30 is disposed
at an end of the elongated member 14 that is received by the
conduit 16. The cap 30 includes flexible portion 230 such that when
force is applied to the flexible portion outward and away from the
center, the force would be transferred to the inside wall of the
conduit 16. It will be appreciated now that it is not necessary for
the entire cap to be manufactured from the same material. Although
it can generally be easier to manufacture the cap 30 from a single
material, it is contemplated that the cap 30 can include some
flexible materials and some non-flexible material. Some examples of
flexible materials which are ideal for the cap 30 are similar to
those for the cap 20.
[0078] The second stabilizer 200 includes a biasing member 210. The
biasing member engages the flexible portion 230 of the cap 30. The
biasing member urges the flexible portion 230 toward the inner wall
of conduit 16. By urging the flexible portion 230 toward the inner
wall of conduit 16, the stabilizer 200 effectively holds the
elongated element 14 steady within the conduit 16 to restrict
lateral movement.
[0079] In the present embodiment, the biasing member 210 applies a
perpendicular force to the inner wall surface of the narrow portion
42 of the conduit 16. By applying this force, it will now be
appreciated that the flexible portion 230 is urged toward the inner
wall of the conduit 16 such that the flexible portion 230 will
engage both the inner wall surface of the narrow portion 42 and the
inner wall surface of the angled portion 44. Therefore, by having
the conduit in the shape shown in FIG. 4, the stabilizer 200 is
effective at stabilizing lateral movement in several
directions.
[0080] It is to be understood that the biasing member 210 is not
particularly limited to any material or design and that several
variations are contemplated. For example, in the present
embodiment, the biasing member 210 is a coil spring. The coil
spring can be manufactured from various plastics or metals, such as
stamped steel. Alternatively, the biasing member can also be a
spring wire. In yet another embodiment, it is also contemplated
that the biasing member is embedded within the cap 30.
[0081] FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a stabilizer generally
at 600 configured to be attached to the end of an elongated element
14. The flexible portion 630 of the stabilizer 600 can be resilient
and provide a bias outward against the inner wall of the conduit
16. Therefore, the biasing member comprises resilient material
disposed within the flexible portion 630. The flexible portion 630
has an equilibrium position extending away from the center such
that the stabilizer 600 is wider than the dimensions of the conduit
16. Therefore, as the elongated element 14 is inserted, the
flexible portion 630 will be flexed in toward the center in order
to fit the stabilizer 600 within the conduit 16. Since the flexible
portion 630 includes resilient material to urge the flexible
portion 630 back to the equilibrium position, the resilient
material in the flexible portion is the biasing member.
[0082] Although only two stabilizers have been described, it will
now be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that any
number of stabilizers can be added to restrict lateral movement of
the elongated member 14 in relation to the conduit 16. For example,
it is to be understood that the stabilizers 100 and 200 are
generally positioned at opposite ends of the predefined length that
the elongated element 14 remains within said conduit. Therefore,
further stabilizers can be disposed between the stabilizers 100 and
200. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that other stabilizers
can extend beyond the predefined length. For example, it is
contemplated that a third stabilizer can be extended deeper in to
the conduit to provide further stabilization.
[0083] In addition, it will also now be appreciated, with the
benefit of this specification, that the second stabilizer 200 will
also be effective at restricting lateral movement of the elongated
element 14 relative to the conduit 16. Therefore, in one
embodiment, a telescoping luggage handle can only include a single
stabilizer such as stabilizer 200 or 600.
[0084] In addition to restricting the lateral movement of the
elongated element 14 in relation to the conduit 16, some
embodiments can also use the stabilizers 100 and 200 to restrict
the longitudinal movement of the elongated element 14 between a
retracted position and an extended position. Longitudinal movement
includes movements of the elongated element 14 along the
longitudinal axis of the conduit 16. For example, moving from a
retracted position, where the elongated element 14 is substantially
entirely disposed within the conduit 16, to an extended position,
where only a predefined length of the elongated element 14 is
disposed within the conduit 16, is a longitudinal movement. It is
to be understood that restricting the longitudinal movement of the
elongated element 14 can have an added benefit of preventing the
elongated element 14 from being completely removed from the conduit
16 accidentally. By increasing the a length of the elongated
element 14 remaining in the conduit 16, the stability of the
telescoping luggage handle is further enhanced because the
effective area of contact between the elongated element 14 and the
conduit 16 is increased.
[0085] In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, a first
stopping face 120 is disposed on the stabilizer 100 and a second
stopping face 220 is disposed on the second stabilizer 200. As the
elongated element 14 is longitudinally moved toward the extended
position, the first stopping face 120 contacts the second stopping
face 220. Since the stabilizers 100 and 200 are held in place that
the end of the conduit 16 and elongated member 14, the longitudinal
movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16 is
restricted. Other methods of restricting the longitudinal movement
are also contemplated. For example, a protrusion can be disposed on
the inner wall of the conduit to interact with the first stopping
face 120 or second stopping face 220.
[0086] In the present embodiment, during longitudinal movement of
the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16, the stabilizer
100 can function as a bushing to allow for smooth sliding motion of
the elongated element 14 into and out of the conduit 16 through the
opening in the cap 20 (i.e. between a retracted position and an
extended position). The inner wall of the conduit 16 can also
function as a bushing to allow the cap 30 to slide smoothly as the
elongated element 14 moves into and out of the conduit 16 through
the opening in the cap 20. It is to be understood that as the force
exerted by biasing members 110 and 210 on the flexible portion
increases, friction would increase between the elongated element 14
and the conduit 16. As friction increases, the amount of force
needed to extend and retract the telescoping luggage handle 10
would increase as well. To control the friction, the amount of
force exerted by the biasing members 110 and 210 can be selected by
selecting biasing members 110 and 210 with appropriate spring
constants and designing the stabilizers 100 and 200 to adjust the
amount of force exerted by stabilizers 100 and 200.
[0087] In order to retain the stabilizer 100 in place at the end of
the conduit 16, a retaining mechanism can be used. In the present
embodiment, the retaining mechanism comprises a plurality of
protrusions 150 and 152. The protrusions 150 and 152 are positioned
to mate with openings 70 and 72 in the conduit 16. As shown in FIG.
12B, one edge of the protrusions 150 and 152 can be angled to
permit for easier insertion of the stabilizer 100 into the conduit
16. In other embodiments, other mechanisms can be used to retain
the stabilizer 100. For example, FIG. 19 shows one such example,
where instead of protrusions, ball lock mechanisms 350 and 352 are
used to retain a stabilizer 300. In yet another embodiment, glue
can be used to retain the stabilizer at the end of the conduit
16.
[0088] In order to retain the stabilizer 200 in place at the end of
the elongated element 14, a retaining mechanism can be used. In the
present embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes protrusions
250 and 252. The protrusions 250 and 252 are positioned to mate
with openings 70 and 72 in the elongated element 14. In other
embodiments, other mechanisms can be used to retain the stabilizer
200. For example, a ball lock mechanism similar to the one
described above can be used. In yet another embodiment, glue can be
used to retain the stabilizer at the end of the elongated element
14.
[0089] It will be appreciated now that the above description
focused on one elongated element and conduit pair to form a single
telescoping section in telescoping luggage handle. It is
contemplated that a telescoping luggage handle can involve several
more telescoping sections. It is to be understood that each section
of the telescoping luggage handle must be a different size.
Therefore, different sized stabilizers would need to be user. For
example, FIG. 1 shows a telescoping luggage handle 10 with two
telescoping sections where cap 20 would be smaller in diameter than
cap 22.
[0090] In embodiments with multiple telescoping sections, it is
also contemplated that the biasing members for the separate
sections can be adjusted such that the force of friction between
for each telescoping section is different. Adjustment can be made
by selecting biasing members with a desired spring constants or by
changing the design of the stabilizer. Therefore, the order by
which the telescoping sections extend from the retracted position
to the extended position can be controlled by selecting biasing
members to apply predetermined forces in each telescoping section.
In regard to the telescoping luggage handle 10 shown in FIG. 1, if
it is desired to have the elongated element 14 extend completely
from conduit 16 before conduit 16 begins to extend from conduit 18,
the biasing members in the stabilizers between the elongated
element 14 and the conduit 16 can be adjusted to provide a smaller
amount of friction than the stabilizers between the conduit 16 and
the conduit 18.
[0091] In other embodiments, the force of friction can also be
adjusted by adjusting the number of stabilizers. For example, in a
telescoping section where a smaller friction force is desired, a
single stabilizer can be used instead of the two stabilizers
described above.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 25, several views of the embodiment
of FIG. 1 are also shown.
[0093] Various advantages will now be apparent. Of note is smoother
and more stable sliding motion of a telescoping luggage handle is
provided. The stable sliding motion is provided by using spring
loaded bushings where the springs can be adjusted to optimize drag
and friction of the handle instead of relying on tightly controlled
tolerances when manufacturing the telescoping luggage handle to
achieve the same result. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that
the effective bearing surface is also increased by increasing the
predefined length over overlap.
[0094] In other words, the stabilizers allow for larger tolerances
in various parts that are manufactured in various sizes. In
particular, by using elements which include flexible portions, such
as stabilizers, it will now be appreciated, with the benefit of the
specification that variations in the manufactured size will still
have a predictable load. Therefore, by using the stabilizers, a
constant contact between the stabilizer surface and its
corresponding contact surface on the inner elongated element or
conduit is maintained. Furthermore, it is understood that the
constant contact occurs at all positions of the elongated element
within the conduit. In addition, it is also appreciated, with the
benefit of the description above, that the constant contact is also
maintained through all lateral loads of the telescoping luggage
handle such that when the telescoping luggage handle is pushed
sideways, the stabilizer will resist the lateral motion of the
elongated element relative to the conduit.
[0095] While specific embodiments have been described and
illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative
only and should not serve to limit the accompanying claims.
* * * * *