U.S. patent application number 14/340909 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for handle construction for an item of luggage and item of luggage comprising such a handle construction.
This patent application is currently assigned to VOCIER GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Vocier GMBH. Invention is credited to Michael KOGELNIK.
Application Number | 20150027834 14/340909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48874898 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOGELNIK; Michael |
January 29, 2015 |
HANDLE CONSTRUCTION FOR AN ITEM OF LUGGAGE AND ITEM OF LUGGAGE
COMPRISING SUCH A HANDLE CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A handle construction for an item of luggage, in particular a
suitcase, and an item of luggage, in particular a suitcase,
including such a handle construction, has a hand grip and at least
one rod or the like connected to the hand grip, the rod being able
to be transferred between a stowed position and a position of use.
A pouch with an opening is connected to at least one rod or the
like or the hand grip. To permit rapid and simple storage and
removal of objects, the pouch is integrated in the handle
construction and together with the hand grip is able to be
transferred between the stowed position and the position of
use.
Inventors: |
KOGELNIK; Michael; (Vienna,
AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vocier GMBH |
Wiener Neustadt |
|
AT |
|
|
Assignee: |
VOCIER GMBH
Wiener Neustadt
AT
|
Family ID: |
48874898 |
Appl. No.: |
14/340909 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/115 ;
16/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/262 20130101;
A45C 13/26 20130101; A45C 5/03 20130101; Y10T 16/4554 20150115;
A45C 13/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/115 ;
16/405 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/28 20060101
A45C013/28; A45C 5/03 20060101 A45C005/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 26, 2013 |
EP |
13178188.2 |
Claims
1. A handle construction (2) for an item of luggage (1), in
particular a suitcase, having a hand grip (3) and at least one rod
(6) or the like connected to the hand grip (3), said rod being able
to be transferred between a stowed position and a position of use,
and having a pouch (4) with an opening (5) which is connected to at
least one rod (6) or the like or the hand grip (3), wherein the
pouch (4) is integrated and together with the hand grip (3) is able
to be transferred between the stowed position and the position of
use.
2. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one rod (6) or the like is displaceable in a telescopic
manner.
3. The handle construction (2) according to claim 2, wherein the
pouch (4) is releasably connected to at least one rod (6) or the
like or to the hand grip (3).
4. The handle construction (2) according to claim 3, wherein
connecting elements (15) are provided for the releasable connection
to the pouch (4).
5. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein the
pouch (4) is configured so as to be of variable size.
6. The handle construction (2) according to claim 2, wherein the
pouch (4) or a connecting element (15) for the pouch (4) or a
holding device (16) for the pouch (4) is produced integrally with
the at least one rod (6) or the like or the hand grip (3).
7. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein a
device (7) for blocking at least in the stowed position is
provided.
8. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein the
opening (5) of the pouch (4) is able to be closed by a zip closure
(8), magnetic closure, press fastener, hook and loop closure or the
like.
9. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein a
device (10) for locking the opening (5) of the pouch (4) is
provided.
10. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein at
least one hook (12) is provided.
11. The handle construction (2) according to claim 10, wherein the
at least one hook (12) is arranged on the hand grip (3).
12. The handle construction (2) according to claim 1, wherein the
at least one hook (12) is configured to be removable.
13. An item of luggage (1), in particular a suitcase, having a
handle construction (2), wherein the handle construction (2) is
configured according to claim 1.
14. The item of luggage (1) according to claim 13, wherein a recess
(13) is provided for at least partially receiving the pouch (4) and
the hand grip (3) in the stowed position of the handle construction
(2).
15. The item of luggage (1) according to claim 13, wherein the hand
grip (3) or the pouch (4) are configured to be accessible in the
stowed position of the handle construction (2).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of
European Application No. 13178188.2 filed Jul. 26, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a handle construction for an item
of luggage, in particular a suitcase, having a hand grip and at
least one rod or the like connected to the hand grip, said rod
being able to be transferred between a stowed position and a
position of use, and having a pouch with an opening which is
connected to at least one rod or the like or the hand grip.
[0004] The invention further relates to an item of luggage, in
particular a suitcase, with such a handle construction.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Items of luggage, in particular suitcases, frequently have
two or even four wheels and a handle construction which is
generally telescopic in order to be able to transport the item of
luggage comfortably in the slightly tilted or upright state.
[0007] In particular, in the case of hard shell suitcases, there is
frequently no possibility of rapidly stowing small objects, such as
for example boarding passes or the like. In such hard shell
suitcases, for stowing and/or removing objects the suitcase
generally has to be completely opened which, in particular in
restricted conditions, such as for example on board a passenger
aircraft, is extremely troublesome.
[0008] To a certain degree at least one additional compartment
attached to the outside of the item of luggage provides assistance
here, but this is undesirable, in particular in the case of hard
shell suitcases, as it interferes with the smooth surface and may
be a hindrance when handling the item of luggage. Additionally, the
stability and strength of the protective shell may be impaired by
such a construction. In items of luggage made of fabric, pouches
are generally integrated in the outer region but said pouches are
often only able to be reached by awkward stooping or kneeling, due
to the low height of suitcases.
[0009] JP 2012-135690 A discloses a construction in which a small
item of luggage may be fastened to the extension rods of a suitcase
and thus may be transported together with the large item of
luggage. The small item of luggage is simply placed on the upper
region of the suitcase and secured against falling down there by a
loop-like connection to the rods. In the retracted position of the
handle construction, however, the small item of luggage is not able
to be fixed.
[0010] US 2011/0132708 A1, US 2006/0022006 A1 and CN 2 616 104 Y
disclose, for example, handle constructions and/or items of luggage
of the prior art, the pouch attached to the handle construction not
being able to be transferred together with the handle construction
into the stowed position and having to be removed or at least
emptied before retracting the handle construction into the stowed
position.
[0011] An item of luggage is disclosed in DE 20 2010 016 179 U1
which is also able to be used as a seat, an element being arranged
on the handle construction, said element being able to be used as a
backrest when seated. Said element is able to be provided with
straps and used as a rucksack. In this case, however, the remaining
part of the item of luggage is not able to be used, as the hand
grip for moving the item of luggage is integrated in the
rucksack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an
aforementioned handle construction and an item of luggage with such
a handle construction which permits the possibility of storing
different objects, such as keys, credit cards, flight tickets,
passports, mobile telephones, writing instruments, headphones,
cameras, music players, books, maps or the like and permits the
carrier of the item of luggage to stow such objects and/or to
remove such objects from the item of luggage rapidly and easily.
Drawbacks with the known constructions are intended to be avoided
or at least reduced.
[0013] The object according to the invention is achieved by an
aforementioned handle construction in which the pouch is integrated
in the handle construction and together with the hand grip is able
to be transferred between the stowed position and the position of
use. By such an extension of the conventional handle construction,
the carrier of the item of luggage is able to stow various small
objects in the integrated pouch in a rapid and simple manner,
without the opening and closing of the item of luggage itself being
required. The pouch integrated in the handle construction is
located in the position of use at an optimal handle height and also
permits handling without stooping or kneeling. A pouch integrated
in such a manner in the handle construction is able to be produced
relatively easily and cost-effectively in terms of
construction.
[0014] Conventionally, a handle construction is implemented by at
least one rod or the like connected to the hand grip, said rod
being displaceable between the stowed position and the position of
use. In this case, the at least one rod or plate of the handle
construction may be arranged on the outside of the item of luggage
or may extend concealed in the interior and may be displaced
between the stowed position in which at most the hand grip
protrudes from the item of luggage but ideally is also concealed,
and the position of use in which the handle construction
constitutes an extension of the item of luggage in order to permit
a more comfortable transportation of the item of luggage. When
displaced between the stowed position and the position of use, the
pouch integrated in the handle construction according to the
invention is displaced therewith. Thus in the position of use the
pouch is accessible and in the stowed position the pouch is
concealed or also accessible depending on the design of the handle
construction.
[0015] The at least one rod or the like of the handle construction
may be configured to be telescopic. This is advantageous, in
particular with small items of luggage, such as for example items
of luggage of hand luggage size, since as a result a greater length
of the handle construction may be achieved in the position of use
which also permits a more comfortable transportation of the item of
luggage without physical effort.
[0016] As an alternative to the above variant with at least one
rod, the handle construction may also have a plate connected to the
hand grip, said plate being able to be transferred between the
stowed position and the position of use. In this case, the plate
may be both displaced and pivoted between the stowed position and
the position of use. In the construction in the form of a plate,
the pouch according to the invention may be integrated directly
into the plate or even fastened thereto, if required.
[0017] According to a further feature of the invention, the pouch
is releasably connected to the at least one rod or the like or to
the hand grip. The releasable connection of the pouch to the handle
construction permits a simple replacement of the pouch in the event
of damage or soiling and also removal of the pouch when said pouch
is not in use. The pouch removed from the handle construction may
also fulfil a separate function and be used as a small handbag or
the like.
[0018] In this case, it is advantageous if connecting elements are
provided on the handle construction for the releasable connection
to the pouch. Such connecting elements may, for example, be formed
by loops, magnetic closures, press fasteners, rails or the like.
Depending on the size and arrangement of the pouch, for example,
the hand grip may be provided integrally with rails to which the
pouch may be fastened.
[0019] According to a further feature of the invention, the pouch
may be configured to be of variable size. The alteration to the
size of the pouch may be implemented in a manner similar to the
known solutions in suitcases, bags, rucksacks or handbags, for
example via zip closures and corresponding folding mechanisms. By
enlarging the stowage space of the pouch, more objects may be
arranged in the pouch, although the transfer of the handle
construction into the stowed position may then be hindered.
[0020] The pouch or a connecting element for the pouch or a holding
device for the pouch may be produced integrally with the at least
one rod or the like or the hand grip. By such an integral
production of the pouch, the connecting element or the holding
device, the production costs may be reduced and the number of
individual parts decreased.
[0021] Preferably, a device for blocking at least in the stowed
position is provided on the handle construction. As a result, the
handle construction may be prevented from being inadvertently
released at least from the stowed position, which would make it
easier to damage the handle construction when transporting the item
of luggage. Additionally, the blocking device may also be
configured for blocking in the position of use, in order to be able
to prevent an inadvertent transfer of the handle construction from
the position of use into the stowed position.
[0022] The pouch may be formed from textile material, such as for
example different fabrics, but also from substantially solid
material, in particular plastics material. The variant of the pouch
made from solid material relative to the variant made from textile
material differs in that the volume of the pouch is substantially
constant and, as a result, may not be substantially altered. It is
advantageous or even necessary to conceal the pouch which is
integrated in the handle construction in the item of luggage in the
stowed position, however, as otherwise it may lead to a blockage of
the overfilled pouch when displacing the handle construction into
the stowed position. The variant made of fabric has the advantage
that a more flexible loading of the pouch is possible and that
potential weight may be saved. This is advantageous, particularly
in a construction of the item of luggage in which the pouch does
not have to be recessed into an opening. In particular, in the
construction using a flexible fabric it is advantageous if the
fabric is supported by a visible or invisible holding device made
of solid material which may be designed integrally with the hand
grip.
[0023] The opening of the pouch is preferably configured to be able
to be closed, which may be implemented by conventional methods,
such as for example zip closures, magnetic closures, press
fasteners, hook and loop closures or the like.
[0024] It is also advantageous if sub-dividers are arranged in the
pouch in order to permit separate storage of the small items and an
ordered arrangement.
[0025] Moreover, a device for locking the opening of the pouch may
be provided in order to prevent unauthorised opening of the pouch
when temporarily abandoning the item of luggage. Such locking
devices may be formed by padlocks, combination locks or even
electronic devices.
[0026] The pouch arranged in the handle construction may contain a
logo of the manufacturer of the handle construction of the item of
luggage or even individual logos.
[0027] It is also advantageous if at least one hook is provided on
the handle construction. An item of clothing or a small carrier bag
may be arranged on such a hook, and the waiting time may be eased,
in particular of passengers in transfer areas. The at least one
hook may be arranged at any point of the handle construction with
which it does not interfere and also is not able to result in
injury. To prevent injury, in particular concealed hooks which do
not protrude from the outer surface of the handle construction are
to be preferred.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the at least one hook may be
arranged on the hand grip. For example, during waiting times a
jacket may be fastened to these hooks by means of the
conventionally provided loop and securely protected from slipping
off from the handle construction.
[0029] If the at least one hook is configured to be removable it
may be easily exchanged after potential damage or even removed in
the case of non-use.
[0030] The object according to the invention is also achieved by an
aforementioned item of luggage having a handle construction
according to the above description. The item of luggage preferably
has at least two wheels, rollers or the like, variants with four or
more wheels, rollers or the like also being conceivable.
[0031] Advantageously, a recess is provided in the item of luggage
for at least partially receiving the pouch and the hand grip in the
stowed position of the handle construction. The handle construction
may be arranged together with the integrated pouch on the outside
of the item of luggage. If the handle construction together with
the pouch integrated therein is recessed in the stowed position
into the receiver provided therefor, the item of luggage in the
stowed position of the handle construction is not larger than an
item of luggage without a handle construction, which is why
approval, for example, as hand luggage is permitted. Moreover, by
being stowed, damage to the handle construction and the pouch
arranged therein may be substantially prevented.
[0032] The hand grip or the pouch may be configured to be
accessible in the stowed position of the handle construction. As a
result, the carrier of the item of luggage may operate the handle
construction and transfer said handle construction into the
position of use very rapidly and easily.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention is described in more detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0034] FIGS. 1A to 1C show perspective views of different
embodiments of an item of luggage with a handle construction in the
stowed position;
[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B show two embodiments of an item of luggage
with a handle construction, in each case in the stowed position and
in the position of use in side view;
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of a handle
construction for an item of luggage with an integrated pouch;
[0037] FIG. 4 shows two views of a part of a further embodiment of
a handle construction for an item of luggage with an integrated
pouch; and
[0038] FIGS. 5 to 9 show perspective views of a part of further
embodiments of a handle construction for an item of luggage with an
integrated pouch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an item of luggage 1 in
the form of a suitcase with a handle construction 2 configured
according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment of the item
of luggage 1 shown, the handle construction 2 is arranged on the
outside on one side of the item of luggage 1 and is located in the
stowed position. The handle construction 2 is able to be
transferred into a position of use in which the two rods 6 of the
handle construction 2 may be displaced. For easier transportation
of the item of luggage 1, two wheels 14 are located on the lower
face. An inadvertent transfer into the position of use may be
prevented by means of a device 7 for blocking the handle
construction 2 at least in the stowed position. In the position of
use (not shown) the suitcase may be pulled along by the hand grip 3
at an oblique angle. In the arrangement of four steerable wheels,
the item of luggage 1 may also be wheeled in an upright position.
According to the invention, a pouch 4 with an opening 5 is
integrated in the handle construction 2. In the example shown, the
pouch 4 is located between the two rods 6 of the handle
construction 2. The pouch 4 serves for storing small items, such as
keys, credit cards, frequent flier tickets, flight tickets, train
tickets, passports, mobile telephones, pens, headphones, music
players, maps, itineraries or the like and permits rapid access to
said small items without the item of luggage 1 having to be opened.
The opening 5 of the pouch 4 in the example shown is closed by a
tab, so that the small items are not able to fall out of the pouch
4.
[0040] FIG. 1B shows a further embodiment of a cuboidal item of
luggage 1, wherein the handle construction 2 is able to be
partially recessed into a recess 13 in the item of luggage 1.
[0041] In the variant according to FIG. 1C the recess 13 is formed
by a slot-shaped opening in the item of luggage 1 in which the
handle construction 2 together with the pouch 4 may be completely
recessed in the stowed position. By actuating the blocking device 7
on the hand grip 3 of the handle construction 2, the handle
construction 2 may be transferred into the position of use in which
the item of luggage 1 may be comfortably wheeled. In this position
of use, the pouch 4 integrated in the handle construction 2 is also
accessible.
[0042] Instead of transferring the handle construction 2 between
the stowed position and the position of use, by displacing the rods
6 it may also be possible to pivot, for example, a plate.
[0043] FIG. 2A shows a further schematic embodiment of an item of
luggage 1 in which the pouch 4 integrated in the handle
construction 2 partially extends the item of luggage 1 in the
stowed position (left-hand side) and is displaced in the position
of use (right-hand image) with the hand grip 3. In this variant,
the pouch 4 is of considerably larger design in comparison with the
hand grip 3. It may be designed to be sufficiently large that it
officially constitutes a substantial proportion of the item of
luggage 1 in the stowed position of the handle construction 2. In
this case, larger objects such as cameras, books, large wallets or
other large objects may also be easily stowed in the pouch 4. By
corresponding structural embodiments, the size of the pouch 4 may
be altered as indicated by the dashed line in the right-hand image.
In such a state, more objects may be accommodated in the pouch 4,
although it is no longer possible to recess the pouch 4 in the
stowed position of the handle construction.
[0044] The variant according to FIG. 2B shows a recess 13 in the
item of luggage 1 in which a correspondingly shaped pouch 4 of the
handle construction 2 may be integrated in the stowed position
(left-hand image). In the position of use (right-hand image) the
pouch 4 is arranged so as to be easily accessible in the region of
the hand grip 3 of the handle construction.
[0045] The pouch 4 may be formed both from textile material and
from substantially solid material, in particular plastics material.
The opening 5 of the pouch 4 may be closed by different known
mechanisms.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a handle construction 2
according to the invention for an item of luggage 1, wherein the
pouch 4 is arranged between the two rods 6 of the handle
construction 2 in a frame-like holding device 16 below the hand
grip 3. The frame of the pouch 4 may be formed by part of the hand
grip 3 of the handle construction 2. The opening 5 of the pouch 4
is closed by a tab. Compartments 9 are preferably located inside
the pouch 4 in order to permit an ordered arrangement of the small
items. Moreover, it is advantageous if hooks 12 are arranged on the
handle construction 2, in particular on the hand grip 3, which
permit an item of clothing or carrier bag or the like to be
suspended. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hooks 12 are
integrated in the hand grip 3, so that the risk of injury may be
reduced and damage to the hook 12 prevented.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a handle construction 2
in which the handle construction 2 has only one rod 6, and the hand
grip 3 is of frame-shaped configuration and/or has a frame-shaped
holding device 16 for receiving the pouch 4 which, for example, is
formed from textile material. The opening 5 of the pouch 4 may be
closed by a zip closure 8. A hook 12 is arranged on the lower face
of the hand grip 3 of frame-shaped configuration, for suspending
items of clothing or small shopping bags. Also in this case, the
size of the pouch 4 may be altered by corresponding structural
measures, as indicated by the dashed lines outside the holding
device 16 of frame-shaped configuration.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows an asymmetrical embodiment of a handle
construction 2 with a rod 6 where the hand grip 3 only faces in one
direction of the rod 6. The pouch 4 is arranged on the hand grip 3,
in the exemplary embodiment shown, said pouch being formed from
solid material and being able to be arranged on a corresponding
holding device 16. By means of a locking device 10, for example in
the form of a padlock, the pouch 4 may be secured against
unauthorised opening. A hook 12 may also be arranged once again on
the hand grip 3, for suspending items of clothing or small shopping
bags.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a pouch 4 integrated in a handle construction
2, with a compartment 11 on the outside which is configured to be
at least partially transparent, in order to permit the arrangement
of a logo, a visitors card or the like in the compartment 11.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a handle construction 2
according to the invention which consists of a rod 6 and a hand
grip 3 with hooks 12 arranged on both sides. The pouch 4 is
arranged on one side of the rod 6, and suspended via a holding
device 16. Advantageously, the pouch 4 has compartments 9 on the
outside for the arrangement of small items, such as for example
credit cards or the like.
[0051] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a handle construction 2
according to the invention for an item of luggage 1, wherein two
rods 6 arranged in parallel are provided, said rods leading into a
hand grip 3 which has two hooks 12. On the outside of the pouch 4
in turn a pocket 11 made of at least partially transparent material
may be provided for arranging a logo or the like or the logo or the
like may be directly printed thereon. The opening 5 of the pouch 4
may in turn be closeable by a zip closure 8. Additionally, a
combination lock may be provided as a variant of a locking device
10.
[0052] The pouch 4 integrated in the handle construction 2 may also
be releasably connected to the handle construction 2, so that the
pouch 4 may be removed, for example, for the purpose of cleaning.
FIG. 9 shows an example of such a releasable connection of the
pouch 4 to the handle construction, wherein corresponding
connecting elements 15 are provided. Variants for such connecting
elements 15 are loops, magnetic closures, press fasteners, rails or
the like. The hooks 12 may also be releasably formed on the handle
construction 2, in particular on the hand grip 3. Primarily,
plastics or other lightweight stable materials such as carbon or
aluminium are considered as materials for the hand grip. The pouch
4 may also be formed from plastics material but also from leather
or other textiles, carbon, aluminium or rubber.
[0053] The pouch 4 is in any case accessible in the position of use
of the handle construction 2, but may be concealed in the stowed
position of the handle construction 2 in the item of luggage 1 and
secured against access. Other variants in which the pouch 4 may
also be accessed in the stowed position are also conceivable.
* * * * *