U.S. patent application number 13/759072 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for carry-on bag with pull-out coat hangers in handle top.
This patent application is currently assigned to William Stern. The applicant listed for this patent is William Stern. Invention is credited to William Stern.
Application Number | 20140027227 13/759072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49993790 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140027227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stern; William |
January 30, 2014 |
CARRY-ON BAG WITH PULL-OUT COAT HANGERS IN HANDLE TOP
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a piece of luggage is provided. The
luggage includes a case body having a front portion, a rear
portion, and four walls coupled with the front portion and the rear
portion to form an interior region within which items may be
placed. The luggage also includes a handle coupled with the case
body and extendible therefrom. The handle includes rods that are
slidably coupled with the case body to allow the handle to be
extended from the case body. The handle also includes a grip member
that is coupled at a distal end of the rods and that extends
laterally therebetween. A pair of arms are pivotably coupled with
the handle on opposing sides thereof. Each arm is movable between a
stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to form an
extended handle having a relatively flat middle portion and arcuate
opposing end portions.
Inventors: |
Stern; William; (Park City,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stern; William |
Park City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Stern; William
Park City
UT
|
Family ID: |
49993790 |
Appl. No.: |
13/759072 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61677413 |
Jul 30, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/18A ;
190/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/28 20130101;
A45C 13/262 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/18.A ;
190/115 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/26 20060101
A45C013/26; A45C 5/14 20060101 A45C005/14 |
Claims
1. A piece of luggage comprising: a case body comprising: a front
portion; a rear portion, and four walls coupled with the front
portion and the rear portion so as to form an interior region
within which clothing and other items may be placed, the four walls
including a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls, the rear
portion being fixedly coupled with the four walls and the front
portion being hingedly coupled with one of the side walls such that
the front portion is foldable relative to the rear portion to
provide access to the interior region; a plurality of wheels
coupled with the bottom wall to allow the luggage to be
transported; and a handle coupled with the case body and extendible
therefrom between a first position wherein the handle is adjacent
the top wall of the case body to at least a second position wherein
the handle extends beyond the top wall, wherein the handle
comprises: a pair of longitudinally extending members that are
retractable relative to the case body to allow the handle to be
extended between the first position and the second position; a
laterally extending member coupled at a distal end of each of the
longitudinally extending members and extending therebetween; and a
pair of arm members coupled with the longitudinally extending
members on opposing sides and deployable form a stowed
configuration in which the arm members are substantially parallel
to the longitudinally extending members to a deployed configuration
in which the arm members are substantially parallel to the
laterally extending member by actuating a release mechanism,
wherein when deployed, the arm members and the laterally extending
member form an extended handle having a relatively flat middle
portion and arcuate opposing end portions. Wherein each
longitudinally extending member includes a recess positioned near
the distal end, each recess extending longitudinally along a
portion of the longitudinally extending members and each recess
being shaped and sized to receive one of the pair of arms and
releasably lock the respective arm in the stowed configuration such
that the outer surface of each arm forms an outer surface of the
respective longitudinally extending member.
2. The piece of luggage of claim 1, wherein each longitudinally
extending member includes a spring mechanism that engages a
respective arm member to deploy the arm member from the stowed
configuration to the deployed configuration by actuating the
release mechanism.
3. The piece of luggage of claim 2, wherein the spring mechanism of
each longitudinally extending member does not engage with the
respective arm member until the longitudinally extending members
are positioned in the second position.
4. The piece of luggage of claim 2, wherein the spring mechanism is
housed within the recess of the longitudinally extending
member.
5. The piece of luggage of claim 1, wherein each of the
longitudinally extending members comprises a plurality of
telescoping rods.
6. The piece of luggage of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism
comprises a button that is positioned on a central portion of a
bottom surface of the laterally extending member.
7. The piece of luggage of claim 6, wherein the button is
configured to actuate a spring mechanism that deploys the pair of
arm members from the stowed configuration to the deployed
configuration.
8. The piece of luggage of claim 7, wherein the button is not
capable of actuating the spring mechanism until the longitudinally
extending members are positioned in the second position.
9. A piece of luggage comprising: a case body comprising: a front
portion; a rear portion, and four walls coupled with the front
portion and the rear portion so as to form an interior region
within which clothing and other items may be placed, the four walls
including a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls, the rear
portion being fixedly coupled with the four walls and the front
portion being coupled with at least one of the walls such that the
front portion may be moved relative to the rear portion to provide
access to the interior region; a handle coupled with the case body
and extendible therefrom between a first position wherein the
handle is near the top wall of the case body to at least a second
position wherein the handle is positioned distally of the top wall,
wherein the handle comprises: a pair of rods that are slidably
coupled with the case body to allow the handle to be moved between
the first position and the second position; and a grip member
coupled at a distal end of each of the rods and extending laterally
therebetween; and a pair of arms pivotably coupled with the handle
on opposing sides thereof, wherein each arm is movable between a
stowed configuration in which the arm is substantially parallel
with the rods and a deployed configuration in which the arm is
substantially parallel with the grip member so as to form an
extended handle having a relatively flat middle portion and arcuate
opposing end portions.
10. The piece of luggage of claim 9, wherein each arm is coupled
with one of the rods, and wherein each arm extends relatively
laterally from the respective rod when in the deployed
configuration.
11. The piece of luggage of claim 9, wherein each arm is coupled
with the grip member.
12. The piece of luggage of claim 9, wherein the arms are
deployable from the stowed configuration to the deployed
configuration by actuating a release mechanism.
13. The piece of luggage of claim 9, wherein each rod includes a
recess shaped and sized to receive one of the arms.
14. The piece of luggage of claim 10, wherein each rod includes a
spring mechanism that engages a respective arm to deploy the arm
from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
15. The piece of luggage of claim 10, wherein the spring mechanism
engages the respective arm upon actuation of a release
mechanism.
16. The piece of luggage of claim 10, wherein the spring mechanism
engages the respective arm as the handle is moved from the first
position to the second position.
17. The piece of luggage of claim 9, wherein each arm comprises
telescoping rods so as to allow a length of the arms to be
extended.
18. A method for extending the length of a handle of a piece of
luggage, the method comprising: providing a piece of luggage
comprising: a front portion; a rear portion, and four walls coupled
with the front portion and the rear portion so as to form an
interior region within which clothing and other items may be
placed, the four walls including a top wall, a bottom wall, and two
side walls, the rear portion being fixedly coupled with the four
walls and the front portion being coupled with at least one of the
walls such that the front portion may be moved relative to the rear
portion to provide access to the interior region; a handle coupled
with the case body, wherein the handle comprises: a pair of rods
that are slidably coupled with the case body to allow the handle to
be moved relative to the case body; a grip member coupled at a
distal end of each of the rods and extending laterally
therebetween; and a pair of arms, wherein each arm is pivotably
coupled with one of the rods; extending the handle from a first
position wherein the handle is near the top wall of the case body
to a second position wherein the handle is positioned distally of
the top wall; and actuating a release mechanism of the handle to
pivot each arm from a stowed configuration wherein the arm is
substantially parallel with the respective rod to a deployed
configuration wherein the arm extends laterally from the respective
rod so as to form an extended handle having a relatively flat
middle portion and arcuate opposing end portions.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein actuating the release mechanism
comprises pressing a button.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein actuating the release mechanism
comprises extending the handle from the first position to the
second position, whereupon that release mechanism is automatically
triggered.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/677,413 filed Jul. 30, 2012, entitled "Carry-On
Bag With Pull-Out Coat Hangers in Handle Top." The entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Luggage, such as suitcases, are commonly used in the world.
The allow travelers to easily carry and transport clothing and
other items. A particular type of luggage is the rolled suitcase,
which has revolutionized travel. This suitcase is easy to move, but
lacks convenience in holding and storing certain items. For
example, at airports it is common to see passengers pile other bags
and packages on the top of their suitcase. Similarly, passengers
often drop their coats or jackets on the floor, or on the suitcase,
hoping not to have the coat or jacket ruined or wrinkled.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the invention described pieces of luggage
that include an extended handle that may serve as a hanger for a
coat, jacket, suite, and the like. According to one embodiment, a
piece of luggage is provided. The piece of luggage include a case
body having a front portion, a rear portion, and four walls coupled
with the front portion and the rear portion so as to form an
interior region within which clothing and other items may be
placed. The four walls include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two
side walls. The rear portion is fixedly coupled with the four walls
and the front portion is hingedly coupled with one of the side
walls so that the front portion is foldable relative to the rear
portion to provide access to the interior region.
[0004] The piece of luggage also include a plurality of wheels
coupled with the bottom wall to allow the luggage to be
transported. The piece of luggage further includes a handle that is
coupled with the case body and that is extendible therefrom between
a first position where the handle is adjacent the top wall of the
case body to at least a second position where the handle extends
beyond the top wall. The handle includes a pair of longitudinally
extending members or rods that are retractable relative to the case
body to allow the handle to be extended between the first position
and the second position. The handle also includes a laterally
extending member that is coupled at a distal end of each of the
longitudinally extending members and that extends therebetween. The
handle further includes a pair of arm members that are coupled with
the longitudinally extending members on opposing sides thereof and
deployable form a stowed configuration in which the arm members are
substantially parallel to the longitudinally extending members to a
deployed configuration in which the arm members are substantially
parallel to the laterally extending member. Deployment of the arm
members may be achieved by actuating a release mechanism. When
deployed, the arm members and the laterally extending member form
an extended handle having a relatively flat middle portion and
arcuate opposing end portions.
[0005] In some embodiments, each longitudinally extending member
includes a recess positioned near the distal end. Each recess may
extend longitudinally along a portion of the longitudinally
extending members and each recess may be shaped and sized to
receive one of the pair of arms to releasably lock the respective
arm in the stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the
outer surface of each arm may form an outer surface of the
respective longitudinally extending member.
[0006] In some embodiments, each longitudinally extending member
(hereinafter rod) may include a spring mechanism that engages with
a respective arm member to deploy the arm member from the stowed
configuration to the deployed configuration by actuating the
release mechanism. In some embodiments, the spring mechanism of
each rod does not engage with the respective arm member until the
longitudinally extending members are positioned in the second
(i.e., extended) position. The spring mechanism may be housed
within the recess of the rod.
[0007] In some embodiments, each of the rods includes a plurality
of telescoping rods. In some embodiments, the release mechanism is
a button that is positioned on a central portion of a bottom
surface of the laterally extending member. The button may be
configured to actuate a spring mechanism that deploys the pair of
arm members from the stowed configuration to the deployed
configuration. In some embodiments, the button may not be capable
of actuating the spring mechanism until the rods are positioned in
the second (i.e., extended) position.
[0008] According to another embodiment, a piece of luggage is
provided. The piece of luggage includes a case body having a front
portion, a rear portion, and four walls coupled with the front
portion and the rear portion to form an interior region within
which clothing and other items may be placed. The four walls
include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls. The rear
portion is fixedly coupled with the four walls and the front
portion is coupled with at least one of the walls such that the
front portion may be moved or pivoted relative to the rear portion
to provide access to the interior region.
[0009] A handle is coupled with the case body and extendible
therefrom between a first position where the handle is near the top
wall of the case body to at least a second position where the
handle is positioned distally of the top wall. The handle includes
a pair of rods that are slidably coupled with the case body to
allow the handle to be moved between the first position and the
second position and a grip member coupled at a distal end of each
of the rods and extending laterally therebetween. The handle also
includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled with the handle on
opposing sides thereof. Each arm is movable between a stowed
configuration in which the arm is substantially parallel with the
rods and a deployed configuration in which the arm is substantially
parallel with the grip member so as to form an extended handle
having a relatively flat middle portion and arcuate opposing end
portions.
[0010] In some embodiments, each arm is coupled with one of the
rods and each arm extends relatively laterally from the respective
rod when in the deployed configuration. In another embodiment, each
arm is coupled with the grip member. The arms may be deployed from
the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration by actuating
a release mechanism. In some embodiments, each rod may include a
recess shaped and sized to receive one of the arms.
[0011] In some embodiments, each rod may include a spring mechanism
that engages a respective arm to deploy the arm from the stowed
configuration to the deployed configuration. The spring mechanism
may engage the respective arm upon actuation of a release
mechanism. In other embodiments, the spring mechanism may engage
the respective arm as the handle is moved from the first position
to the second position. In some embodiments, each arm may include
telescoping rods so as to allow a length of the arms to be
extended.
[0012] According to another embodiment, a method for extending the
length of a handle of a piece of luggage is provided. According to
the method, a piece of luggage is provided. The piece of luggage
includes a front portion, a rear portion, and four walls coupled
with the front portion and the rear portion to form an interior
region within which clothing and other items may be placed. As
described herein, the four walls include a top wall, a bottom wall,
and two side walls. The rear portion is fixedly coupled with the
four walls and the front portion is coupled with at least one of
the walls such that the front portion may be moved or pivoted
relative to the rear portion to provide access to the interior
region. The piece of luggage further includes a handle that is
coupled with the case body. As described herein, the handle
includes a pair of rods that are slidably coupled with the case
body to allow the handle to be moved relative to the case body. The
handle also includes a grip member that is coupled at a distal end
of each of the rods and that extends laterally therebetween. The
handle additionally includes a pair of arms with each arm pivotably
coupled with one of the rods.
[0013] According to the method, the handle is extended from a first
position where the handle is near the top wall of the case body to
a second position where the handle is positioned distally of the
top wall. According to the method, a release mechanism of the
handle is actuated to pivot each arm from a stowed configuration
where the arm is substantially parallel with the respective rod to
a deployed configuration where the arm extends laterally from the
respective rod. As described herein, in the deployed configuration,
the pair of arms and grip portion form an extended handle having a
relatively flat middle portion and arcuate opposing end portions.
In some embodiments, actuating the release mechanism comprises
pressing a button. In other embodiments, actuating the release
mechanism comprises extending the handle from the first position to
the second position, whereupon that release mechanism is
automatically triggered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention is described in conjunction with the
appended figures:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a piece of
luggage.
[0016] FIGS. 2A-D illustrate various views of a handle of a piece
of luggage.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a
handle of a piece of luggage.
[0018] FIGS. 4A-F illustrate various views of a handle of a piece
of luggage and further illustrate various means of releasing a pair
of arms of the handle from a stowed configuration.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for extending the length of a
handle of a piece of luggage.
[0020] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various
components of the same type may be distinguished by following the
reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar
components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference
label is used in the specification, the description is applicable
to any one of the similar components and/or features having the
same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter
suffix.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only,
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or
configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of
the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art
with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary
embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made
in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
[0022] The embodiments described herein provide luggage having a
handle that allows an individual to hang a coat, suit, and/or
jacket atop a handle. In some embodiments the handle may be an
inverted U or lowercase "n" shape. Stated differently, the handle
may have a relatively flat middle portion and arcuate ends. This
design allows an individual to easily hang a coat, shirt, jacket,
and the like without worrying about the article of clothing
wrinkling or touching the ground. The handle includes a pair of
arms that extend laterally from a pair of rods that are slidably
coupled with the piece of luggage. In some embodiments, a
spring-arm mechanism may be positioned on both sides of the handle
to facilitate in deployment of the pair of arms from a stowed
configuration. The spring-arm mechanism may be designed to pop up
only if and when the handle is extended from the piece of luggage.
In some embodiments a release mechanism may be used to trigger
deployment of the pair of arms from the stowed configuration. The
release mechanism may be a button, lever, cam mechanism, and the
like. With the pair of arms extended, the handle may be in the
shape and configuration of a hanger. The handle and piece of
luggage described herein allow a traveler to sit or stand in an
airport, lounge, or other location while providing a place for the
traveler to keep their jacket wrinkle free, clean, and secure.
Additional aspects of the luggage and handle will be more apparent
with reference to the figures described hereinbelow.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a perspective view
of a piece of luggage 100 (hereinafter suitcase). Suitcase 100
includes a case body 102 and a handle 104. Case body 102 includes a
back portion 106 and a front portion 108 with four side walls 110
positioned there between to define an interior space within which
clothing or various other items may be placed. Case body 102 and
the above described portions and walls, are commonly made of
fabric, leather, plastic, or various other materials. Case body 102
typically includes pockets, pouches, sleeves, and the like that
allow a traveler to place various items in or around case body 102.
The back portion 106 of case body 100 is typically fixedly coupled
with the four side walls 110 while the front portion 108 is
hingedly coupled with only one or possibly two or more of the walls
110 to allow the front portion 108 to be pivoted open to expose the
interior space or region where clothes and other items are placed.
The front portion 108 typically includes a zipper or other
fastening mechanism that is used to releasably couple the front
portion 108 with the other side walls 110 to close front portion
108 over any items placed in the interior space or region. Case
body 102 also typically includes wheels 112 positioned on a bottom
wall of case body 102 to allow the piece of luggage 100 be rolled
by the traveler between destinations.
[0024] Handle 104 is coupled with case body 102 so as to be
extendable from a top portion of case body 102. Handle 104 is
movable between a first position in which the handle 104 is
adjacent the top portion of case body 102 and a second position in
which the handle 104 is positioned distally of the top portion of
case body 102 as shown in FIG. 1. Handle 104 includes a pair of
longitudinally extending members 114 (hereinafter rods 114 or tubes
114). Another member 116 (hereinafter handle portion or grip 116)
extends laterally between the rods 114 and is coupled therewith.
The handle portion 116 is configured to be gripped by the traveler
to allow the piece of luggage 100 to be rolled via wheels 112. In
some embodiments, rods 114 may be telescopically coupled with
another pair of rods 115. Stated differently, rods 114 may be
configured to slide within or atop rods 115 to allow handle 104 to
be extended to a desired position distally from the top portion of
case body 102. In some embodiments, detents or other devices may be
used to hold and maintain rods 114 and 115 in an extended position.
For example a traveler may extend handle 1042 a desired height and
a pair of detents a press against the surface of an inner rod, or
within a recess, to hold the rods, 114 and 115, in position. By
pulling on handle 104 further, the traveler may further extend
handle 104. Similarly, by pushing on handle 104, the traveler may
retract handle 104 to shorten the distance between handle portion
116 and the top portion of case body 102.
[0025] As shown, handle 104 further includes a pair of arms 118
that extend laterally from rods 114. In the extended position, the
pair of arms 118 are substantially parallel with handle portion
116. In this configuration, handle portion 116 and the pair of arms
118 form an extended handle that is shaped like a hanger. The
extended handle allows a traveler to hang an object therefrom, such
as a jacket, coat, shirt, and the like.
[0026] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various views of a handle 200. Handle
200 is similar to handle 104 previously described in that handle
200 includes a pair of longitudinally extending members 202
(hereinafter rods 202) and a handle portion or grip 204 that
extends laterally between rods 202 and is coupled therewith. Handle
200 further includes a pair of arms 206 that are extendable from
rods 202 as previously described. The pair of arms 206 are movable
from a stowed configuration in which the pair of arms 206 are
positioned within a recess 210 of rods 202 as shown in FIG. 2A to a
deployed configuration in which the pair of arms 206 extend
laterally from rods 202 as shown in FIG. 2B. The recess 210 extends
longitudinally along a portion of the rods 202 and is shaped and
sized to receive one of the pair of arms 206. The arms 206 may be
releasably locked within a respective recess 210 in the stowed
configuration. In the stowed configuration, the outer surface of
each arm 206 may form an outer surface of the respective rod
202.
[0027] Handle portion 204 includes a release mechanism 208 that
facilitates in deployment of the pair of arms 206 from the stowed
configuration to a deployed configuration. In some embodiments the
release mechanism 208 may be a button positioned on an undersurface
of the handle portion 204 between rods 202 that is easily pressable
by a traveler. Such a configuration, allows the traveler to easily
extend handle 200 and subsequently press release mechanism 208 to
deploy the pair of arms 206 from the stowed configuration to the
deployed configuration. In some embodiments, a pair of arms 206 may
be operatively coupled with a spring mechanism (not shown) that
biases the pair of arms 206 toward the deployed configuration such
that when the release mechanism 208 is actuated, the pair of arms
206 automatically deploy from the stowed configuration to the
deployed configuration. FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of handle
204 with an arm 206 stowed within the recess of rod 202. In this
configuration, arm 206 is substantially parallel with rod 202. FIG.
2D illustrates a side view of the arm 206 deployed from the recess
210 of rod 202. In this configuration, arm 206 is substantially
parallel with handle portion 204.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2C, with the pair of arms 206 extended, the
pair of arms 206 and handle portion 204 form an extended handle
having a relatively flat middle portion and arcuate and portions
that mimic the shape and configuration of a hanger.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a front view of
another embodiment of a handle 300. Handle 300 includes a pair of
rods 302 and handle portion 304 laterally extending there between
as previously described. Handle 300 further includes a release
mechanism 308 that may be used to deploy a pair of arms 306 from a
stowed configuration to a deployed configuration as previously
described. The pair of arms 306 of handle 300 are telescopically
coupled with rod 305 to allow the pair of arms 306 to be laterally
lengthened to accommodate travelers of various size. In one
embodiment, the pair of arms 306 includes an outer tube that slides
over an inner tube 305. A plurality of detents 314 may be used to
lock the rods 306 and 305 in place when the pair of arms 306 have
been laterally extended to a desired length. The telescopically
coupled rods allow the pair of arms 306 to accommodate various
shaped and sized users.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4F, illustrated are various means
in which the arms may be coupled with the rods to hold or maintain
the pair of arms in the stowed configuration. Specifically, FIG. 4A
illustrates a handle 400 that includes a pair of arms 402 and a
handle portion 404 extending there between as previously described.
Handle 400 further includes a pair of arms 406 that are pivotable
between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration.
Each arm 406 includes a pair of flanges 408 that curl inward to
allow the arm 406 to be pressed against a respective rod 402 and
held relative thereto. The pair of flanges 408 are configured to
deflect outward as the arm 406 is pressed against the rod 402. The
pair of flanges 408 snap over the rod 402 to maintain the arm 406
in place relative to rod 402. To deploy the pair of arms 406, the
traveler grasps the arms 406 and pulls upward to uncouple the pair
of flanges 408 from about the respective rods 402.
[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of releasing an arm
406 from a rod 402 of a handle 410. Specifically, a housing or
recess portion 421 of rod 402 includes a release component 422 that
couples with an aperture 424 of arm 406 to hold the arm 406 in the
stowed configuration. The release component 422 may be actuated to
allow the arm to be deployed from the stowed configuration and
pivoted to the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the arm
406 may be pivoted via a spring mechanism (not shown) that biases
the arm 406 toward the deployed configuration as previously
described. In some embodiments, the previously described release
mechanism (i.e., the button on the undersurface of the grip) may be
actuated or pressed to release the release component 422 and allow
the arm 406 to pivot so that the arm extends laterally from rod
402. The release component 422 may be a pin, post, rod, and the
like that is retractable within an aperture of recess portion 421.
The pin 422 may fit within an aperture 424 of arm 406 to hold the
arm in place relative to rod 402. Refraction of the pin 422 within
the aperture of recess 421 decouples the arm 406 from rod 402 and
allows the arm to be deployed from the stowed configuration.
[0032] FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of a means for
deploying the arm 406 from rod 402. Specifically, the rod 402 of
handle 430 may be telescopically coupled with rod 432 such that rod
402 may be extended to a plurality of different positions. In one
embodiment, the pair of arms 406 may be deployable from the stowed
configuration only when handled 430 is extended by a maximum
amount, or in other words when the handle 430 is extended a maximum
distance distally of the piece of luggage. For example, as shown by
the solid lines in FIG. 4C, handle 430 may be extended to a first
position in which the pair of arms 406 are maintained in the stowed
configuration. To deploy the pair of arms 406, the user or traveler
may be required to further extend handle 432 a second position as
shown by the dashed lines.
[0033] A pair of detents, 433 and 434, may be used to hold the
handle 430 in the first position and in a second position. For
example, handle 430 may be extended to the first position until a
pressable detent encounters aperture 434. The pressable detent may
hold handle 430 in this first position until the traveler presses
detent 434 to release handle 430 from this position. If the
traveler desires to deploy the pair of arms 406, the traveler may
pull on handle portion 404 to further extend handle 430 to the
second position. The pressable detent may then encounter aperture
433 to hold the handle 430 in the second position with the pair of
arms deployed. Such a configuration prevents the traveler from
unknowingly or unwantingly deploying the pair of arms 406. For
example, the traveler may extend handle 432 to the first position
when the traveler merely desires to transport the suitcase or
luggage between destinations. When the traveler subsequently
desires to hang a coat, jacket, shirt, and the like, the traveler
may extend handle 430 to the second position to deploy the pair of
arms. In some embodiments, a release mechanism 407 may be coupled
with handle portion 404 as previously described to facilitate in
deployment of the arms from rods 402. In other embodiments, the
pair of arms 406 may be configured to deploy automatically as the
handle 430 is extended from the first position to the second
position.
[0034] In some embodiments, extending handle 430 from the first
position to the second position causes the release mechanism 407 to
engage with a mechanism (not shown) that allows the pair of arms
406 to be deployed. Stated differently, in the first position the
release mechanism 407 may not be engaged with a mechanism (i.e., a
pin, post, rod, and the like that are retractable within an
aperture) that allows the arms 406 to be released from the stowed
configuration. As such, actuation of the release mechanism 407
while the handle 430 is in the first position may have no effect on
deployment of the arms 406. Movement of the handle 430 to the
second position causes the release mechanism 407 to engage with a
mechanism that allows the arms 406 to be released from the stowed
configuration.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4D, illustrated is another embodiment
of a means for deploying a pair of arms 406 from rods 402. This
embodiment illustrates a means in which the pair of arms 406 may be
automatically deployed from the rods 402. Specifically, rod 402 is
telescopically coupled with another rod 442. Rod 402 is slidingly
inserted within rod 442. Rod 402 includes a pressable mechanism 446
that is pressed against an inner ledge 448 of rod 442 as handle 440
is fully extended. When pressed, the pressable mechanism 446 causes
a release component 444 to be released to allow the arm 406 to be
released from rod 402. The release component 444 may be a pin,
post, rod, and the like that is retracted within an aperture within
a recess or housing of rod 402 as previously described. The
pressable mechanism 446 may be coupled with release component 444
via a lever, cam, spring, and the like such that pressing of the
pressable mechanism 446 causes the release component 444 to release
the arm 406 from rod 402. The inner ledge 448 be may be positioned
anywhere within the interior of rod 442 as desired to automatically
deploy the arm 406 upon contact of the pressable mechanism 446 and
the inner ledge 448. In some embodiments, rod 402 may be fit over
rod 442 and the configuration of pressable mechanism 446 and inner
ledge 448 may be reversed.
[0036] FIG. 4E illustrates another embodiment of a means for
releasing the pair of arms 406 from rods 402. Specifically handle
450 includes a rotatable handle portion 452 that extends laterally
between the rods 402 and is coupled therewith as previously
described. Handle portion 452 may be rotated to release the pair of
arms from rods 402 to allow the pair of arms 406 to be deployed as
previously described. In some embodiments, handle portion 452 may
include a cam that is configured to bias or push the pair of arms
406 such that the arms pivot from the stowed configuration to the
deployed configuration upon rotation of handle portion 452.
Rotation of handle portion 452 in the opposite direction may cause
the pair of arms 406 to pivot from the deployed configuration to
the stowed configuration. In another embodiment, rotation of handle
portion 452 may cause a spring (not shown) to pull the pair of arms
to the deployed configuration. In yet another embodiment, rotation
of handle portion or 52 may release a release mechanism (not shown)
similar to those described herein to allow the pair of arms 406 to
be deployed.
[0037] FIG. 4F illustrates another embodiment of a means for
deploying the pair of arms 406 from rods 402. Specifically, rod 402
may be telescopically coupled with an inner rod 462. Inner rod 462
may be coupled with a spring 464 that is further coupled with a
proximal end 466 of arm 406. As rod 402 is extended relative to
inner rod 462, spring 464 may be stretched to pull against the
proximal portion 466 of arm 406 to cause arm 406 to be biased
towards the deployed configuration. Actuation of a release
mechanism, such as those described herein, may allow arm 406 to
pivot from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
As rod 402 is retracted relative to inner rod 462, spring 464 may
compress to allow arm 406 to be pivoted from the deployed
configuration to the stowed configuration, or to bias arm 406
toward the stowed configuration such that arm 406 automatically
returns to the stowed configuration as rod 402 is retracted
relative to inner rod 462. In some embodiments, as handle 460 is
extended, the inner rod 462 may extend an initial amount and then
stop so that subsequent extension of handle 460 causes rod 402 to
extend relative to inner rod 462 and thereby deploy arm 406 as
previously described. In some embodiments, arm 406 may be biased
via a second spring (not shown) toward the stowed configuration
such that relaxation of the spring force of spring 464 causes arm
406 to pivot from the deployed configuration toward the stowed
figuration.
[0038] In some embodiments, tensioning spring 464 may cause a
mechanism (not shown) to engage with a release mechanism (not
shown) as previously described to allow the release mechanism to be
actuated and arms 406 to be deployed. Without tensioning spring
464, the release mechanism may not engage with a mechanism that
allows for the deployment of arms 406. As such, actuation of the
release mechanism without tensioning spring 464 may have no effect
on deployment of arms 406. Similarly, in some embodiments,
tensioning spring 464 may cause a spring mechanism (not shown) that
is coupled with arms 406 to engage with the arms to allow
deployment thereof.
[0039] In any of the embodiments described above, the pair of arms
may be biased via a spring mechanism toward the deployed
configuration such that actuation of a release mechanism as
described causes the arms to deploy to the deployed
configuration.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a method for
extending the length of a handle of a piece of luggage. At block
510, a piece of luggage is provided. The piece of luggage includes
a front portion, a rear portion, and four walls coupled with the
front portion and the rear portion to form an interior region
within which clothing and other items may be placed. As described
herein, the four walls include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two
side walls. The rear portion is fixedly coupled with the four walls
and the front portion is coupled with at least one of the walls
such that the front portion may be moved or pivoted relative to the
rear portion to provide access to the interior region. The piece of
luggage further includes a handle that is coupled with the case
body. As described herein, the handle includes a pair of rods that
are slidably coupled with the case body to allow the handle to be
moved relative to the case body. The handle also includes a grip
member that is coupled at a distal end of each of the rods and that
extends laterally therebetween. The handle additionally includes a
pair of arms with each arm pivotably coupled with one of the
rods.
[0041] At block 520, the handle is extended from a first position
where the handle is near the top wall of the case body to a second
position where the handle is positioned distally of the top wall.
At block 530, a release mechanism of the handle is actuated to
pivot each arm from a stowed configuration where the arm is
substantially parallel with the respective rod to a deployed
configuration where the arm extends laterally from the respective
rod. As described herein, in the deployed configuration, the pair
of arms and grip portion form an extended handle having a
relatively flat middle portion and arcuate opposing end portions.
In some embodiments, actuating the release mechanism comprises
pressing a button. In other embodiments, actuating the release
mechanism comprises extending the handle from the first position to
the second position, whereupon that release mechanism is
automatically triggered.
[0042] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number
of well-known processes and elements have not been described in
order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting
the scope of the invention.
[0043] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper
and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each
smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a
stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that
stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these
smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the
range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are
included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the
invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated
range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits,
ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also
included.
[0044] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"a process" includes a plurality of such processes and reference to
"the device" includes reference to one or more devices and
equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so
forth.
[0045] Also, the words "comprise," "comprising," "include,"
"including," and "includes" when used in this specification and in
the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated
features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
components, steps, acts, or groups.
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