KR20050034630A - Pivotal handle for towable baggage - Google Patents

Abstract

A towing member for a piece of towable baggage (22) is provide with towing handle (26) that is pivotal in two dimensions relative to an arm portion (24) of the towing member (20) and can be locked into a plurality of predetermined positions. The pivotal relation of the towing handle and the arm potion enables the towing handle to be rotated into a position where a person can grasp the towing handle in a comfortable position by his or her side when the piece of baggage is being towed and also improves the maneuverability of a towable piece of baggage by reducing the need for a person to twist his or her wrist when steering the piece of baggage. The invention also allows the towing handle of retractable towing members to lies flush with the baggage and will not become snagged on other items.

Description

Pivot Handle for Towed Bag {PIVOTAL HANDLE FOR TOWABLE BAGGAGE}

Cross Reference of Related Application

This patent application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 10 / 238,390, US Patent Application No. 10 / 072,042, and US Patent Application No. 09 / 705,171. The entire disclosure of all of these references is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of luggage that can be towed by hand. More specifically, the present invention relates to a towing member having a towing handle that is pivotally attached to an arm portion of the towing member and can be locked in a plurality of positions. The pivotal engagement between the towing handle and the arm portion of the towing member allows a person to grip the towing handle in a more comfortable position than otherwise when towing the bag along the surface.

Various types of bags are typically equipped with one or more wheels (wheels) that allow a person to tow the bag when traveling. Typically, the towed bag is also provided with a towing member having an arm portion connecting the towing handle to the bag. The length of the arm that connects the tow handle to the bag prevents the bag from touching the human leg and foot when towing the bag.

Bags that are not permanently provided with wheels or towing members can also be towed using a portable towing cart. A typical cart may be removably attached to a bag to provide a wheel and a towing member to tow the bag.

Regardless of whether the towing member is an integral part of the bag or part of the towing cart, the majority of the towing member allows the towing handle to selectively extend and retract toward the bag. The ability to extend and retract the towing member ensures that the towing member does not protrude when the bag is not towed. In addition, when the towing member is in the retracted position, the bag can be more easily put in the trunk of the vehicle or in the overhead compartment of the aircraft during the travel.

If the wheels and towing members of the towed bag are permanently fixed to the bag, they are connected by a towing handle and slide into a separate vertically facing tubular receptacle firmly attached to the bag's internal compartment. It is common for wheeled bags to be provided with extendable towing members consisting of parallel telescoping poles. It is also known to use a single pole telescopic traction member that extends and contracts from a single tubular receptacle located centrally between the wheels of the bag. In either case, a bag having a permanently fixed towing member typically has a receptacle for the towing handle such that when the towing member is retracted, the towing handle is coplanar with the outer surface of the bag. This prevents the tow handle from popping out when the bag is not towed and reduces the likelihood of the tow handle being caught by another object, while improving the aesthetic appearance of the bag.

Perhaps more generally than towing carts, other types of bags use non-telescopic extendable towing members, such as bars or poles, hinged to pivot against the bag. Typically, the hinged towing member thus retains the towing member relative to one side of the bag when not towing the bag and releases the towing member if desired so that the towing member pivots upward to extend the position. It is provided with clasps of the desired shape.

Regardless of the type of towing member, the extendable towing member is usually provided with a mechanism for locking the towing member in an extended position. Such locking mechanisms are well known in the art and include devices such as spring loaded detents, cam locks, and other interference locks. Some locking mechanisms can be unlocked by manually operating the release mechanism. Other locking mechanisms, such as many spring loaded detent mechanisms, are automatically released simply by applying sufficient force to the towing handle to retract the detent. In addition, some towing members have a locking mechanism capable of locking the towing member in its retracted position.

Despite the convenience of towing a bag instead of carrying it when traveling, towing a bag can be cumbersome and inconvenient. One reason why towing a bag can be inconvenient is in the positioning and shape of the towing handle of most towing members. As mentioned above, in the case of a tow handle of a tow member in the form of a dual pole, it is common to have a bridge between the poles. Thus, this towing handle is oriented generally horizontally to the surface from which the bag is towed and extends perpendicular to the path from which the bag is towed. In such a configuration, a person generally has to grip the towing handle behind his back with his wrist twisted almost in one direction to its limit of rotation. When you need to tow these bags over long distances, these postures can be uncomfortable, and the person often finds it necessary to change his hands more than once to avoid getting tired.

Regardless of the inconvenience associated with the construction of the towing handle as described above, it is often not possible to make the towing handle in a different orientation without compromising the utility of the other side of the device. For example, by forming a handle of the towable member that is extendable to be more comfortable, the handle may protrude from the bag when the tow member is retracted, or a larger receptacle for the handle is needed. Another disadvantage associated with the construction of the towing handle described above is that, due to the gripping force required to hold the towing handle, the operability of the towed bag is limited because the towing person can no longer twist his wrist.

1 shows the wheeled, with the arm portion in an extended position, with the tow handle rotated relative to the arm portion such that the hand grip of the tow handle lies in a generally vertical plane that includes the central axis of the arm portion. Perspective view of the towing member of the first embodiment fixed to a backpack.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment secured to a backpack with wheels in which the arm portion is in the retracted position and the tow handle is rotated relative to the arm portion such that the hand grip of the tow handle is oriented in the horizontal direction. Perspective view of the towing member.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the towing handle of the towing member of the first embodiment.

4 is a side view of the pull handle and the pivot mechanism of the pull member of the first embodiment;

5 is a bottom view of the pull handle and the pivot mechanism of the pull member of the first embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the towing member of the first embodiment showing the assembled state of the towing handle and the arm portion;

7 is a plan view of the towing member of the second embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a partial front view of the towing member of the second embodiment showing the towing handle and the distal end of the arm portion when the towing handle is in the first orientation with respect to the arm portion;

9 is a cross sectional view of the towing member of the second embodiment taken with respect to line 9-9 of FIG.

Fig. 10 is a partial side view of the towing member of the second embodiment showing the towing handle and the distal end of the arm portion when the towing handle is in the first orientation with respect to the arm portion;

Fig. 11 is a partial side view of the towing member of the second embodiment showing the towing handle and the distal end of the arm portion when the towing handle is in the second orientation with respect to the arm portion;

Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the towing handle and the connector of the third embodiment of the towing member.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the pull handle and the connector of the third embodiment, showing the locked state of the handle in the first position with respect to the connector;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the pull handle and the connector of the third embodiment, showing the unlocked state in the first position relative to the connector;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the towing handle and the connector of the third embodiment showing a state in which the handle is unlocked between a first lockable position and a second lockable position with respect to the connector;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the towing handle and the connector of the third embodiment, showing the locked state of the handle in the second position relative to the connector;

17A is a perspective view of the towing handle and connector of the fourth embodiment, with the handle in a first locked position;

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the towing handle and connector of the fourth embodiment in a second locked position where only a single pivot axis is used relative to the position of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the towing handle and connector of the fourth embodiment, with the handle in a third locked position where both pivot axes are used relative to the position in FIG. 17A; FIG.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a towing handle and connector of a fourth embodiment showing the whole structure;

19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 detailing the handle region.

FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 showing the internal structure of the bidirectional (biaxial) locking mechanism of the handle grip; FIG.

FIG. 21A is a detailed cutaway view of the same portion of FIG. 20 from a slightly different angle, showing the structure of the biaxial locking mechanism in the locked position; FIG.

FIG. 21B is the same as FIG. 21A except that the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position; FIG.

Figure 22 is a detailed view of the paddle structure.

FIG. 23 is a cutaway view of the same portion of FIG. 21A with one of the end caps removed to show additional internal structure. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the disassembled portion of FIG. 18 showing the disassembled structure at the proximal end of the first tubular section. FIG.

25 shows the view of FIG. 24 at an opposite angle;

The towing member of the present invention is configured to be used with a towed bag. According to the invention, the towing member is connected to an arm portion of the towing member so as to be pivotable about at least one axis, and in some embodiments is provided with a towing handle that can be locked in a predetermined position.

The relative movement between the towing handle and the arm portion of the towing member allows the user to grip the towing handle in a comfortable position when towing the bag. Further, the relative movement between the towing handle and the arm portion of the towing member can enhance the operability of the towed bag by not having to adjust the state in which the user grasps the towing handle when changing the direction of the bag. In addition, the relative movement between the towing handle and the arm portion allows the towing handle to be repositioned when the arm portion is retracted so that the towing handle does not protrude and cause no other interference associated with the use of the bag. .

Generally, the towing member of the present invention includes an arm portion and a towing handle. The arm portion is configured to connect the towing handle to the bag, and the towing handle is connected to the arm portion so that it can pivot about the arm portion. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the arm portion utilizes a curved single pole shaped telescopic member that allows the towing handle to selectively extend from the bag and also be retracted towards the bag. The towing handle of the first embodiment is T-shaped, and the pivot mechanism allows the towing handle to pivot about the central axis of the arm portion defined by the length of the arm portion.

By allowing the tow handle to pivot about the central axis of the arm portion, the tow handle of the first embodiment has its crossbar or hand grip portion rearward to the user who uses the tow member to tow the bag. It may be pivoted to extend upwards. Thus, unlike the traction member in which the handle is oriented left and right in the horizontal direction, the traction handle of the first embodiment can be gripped by the user holding the hand on the side with the palm facing the waist. Thus, the towing handle of the first embodiment can be gripped in a natural and comfortable manner similar to carrying a briefcase. The inclination upwards of the rear hand grip provides additional comfort by allowing the user to center his wrist within the range of motion. In addition, the pivotal relative movement between the traction handle and the arm reduces the need for the user to twist his wrist when moving the bag.

The towing member of the first embodiment may be adapted to be permanently secured to the bag and preferably includes a receptacle for receiving the towing handle therein when it is desired to retract the towing handle. In doing so, the towing handle may be pivoted such that the hand grip is oriented in the horizontal direction from side to side, which is generally preferred because the towing member may preferably be placed directly adjacent to the outer surface of the bag.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the arm portion has a predetermined length having opposite proximal and distal ends, and the proximal end of the arm portion is operably fixed to the bag. The towing handle of the second embodiment is operably connected to the distal end of the arm portion to allow the towing handle to pivot about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion. Since the towing handle of the second embodiment of the towing member can pivot about at least two pivot axes with respect to the arm portion, the second embodiment of the towing member is as discussed above with reference to the first embodiment. While providing all the advantages, there are also improvements to it.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the towing member includes a towing handle, an arm portion operatively connected to the towing handle, a pivot mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The arm portion is constructed and applied to secure the towing handle to the bag. The pivot mechanism connects the tow handle to the arm so that when the tow handle is secured to the bag through the arm part, it is spaced from the bag and the tow handle can pivot about the pivot axis with respect to a portion of the outer arm part. . The locking mechanism is operably connected to the towing handle and the arm portion, and can also be selectively moved relative to the arm portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking mechanism restricts the pivoting of the tow handle about the pivot axis when in the locked position, but restricts the pivoting of the tow handle around the pivot axis when in the unlocked position. I never do that.

In the fourth embodiment, the arm portion has a predetermined length having opposite proximal and distal ends, and the proximal end of the arm portion is operably fixed to the bag. The towing handle of the fourth embodiment is operably connected to the distal end of the arm portion to enable the towing handle to pivot about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion, and further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operably connected to the towing handle and the arm portion. The locking mechanism can also be selectively moved relative to the arm portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. When locked, the locking mechanism prevents movement within two axes. When locking is released, the locking mechanism releases movement in at least one axis, preferably releases movement in both axes. The locking mechanism can also release the elements of the arm part so that they can telescope back into each other.

Although the principal advantages and features of the present invention have been described above, a more complete and thorough understanding and appreciation of the present invention can be made by reference to the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Reference characters in the written specification refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The first embodiment of the traction member of the present invention is particularly adapted to form an integral part with a bag. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the towing member 20 of the first embodiment is attached to a wheeled backpack 22, an arm portion 24, a towing handle 26 and a pivot mechanism 28. It consists of Although shown as attached to a wheeled backpack, the towing member is not limited to this use and may also be used for other types of wheeled bags, any type of wheeled bags, and / or wheeled carts for carrying bags. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 1, the arm portion 24 of the first embodiment is a curved, retractable, single-pole telescopic member formed of a plurality of tubular sections 30, 32, 34 that are slidably engaged. Each of the tubular sections 30, 32, 34 has an elliptical cross section and is configured to slide one member into the inside of the other member in a telescopic manner. In order to reduce wear and at the same time provide sufficient strength, the tubular sections 30, 32, 34 are preferably made of steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. The tubular section 34 having the widest cross section is fixed inside the backpack 22, and the remaining tubular sections 30, 32 have a central axis AA along the length of the arm portion 24 from this tubular section 34. Telescopic movement follows a defined arch path. The locking mechanism (not shown) is preferably configured to automatically lock the arm portion in its extended position when the arm portion is fully extended. Such locking mechanisms are well known in the art, and certain types of locking mechanisms are not related to the operation of the towing member. On the opposite side of the tubular member 34 fixed to the backpack 22, the end tubular section 30 with the smallest cross section has an end 38 freely remaining to support the towing handle 26. As described later, a pair of holes 39 are provided near the free end 38 in order to fix the traction handle 26 to the arm portion 24.

The pull handle 26 is preferably T-shaped and is preferably formed of a polymer material. The T-shaped pull handle 26 preferably consists of a stem 40 extending vertically from the crossbar or hand grip 42 along the center axis B-B of the stem. The stem 40 of the pull handle 26 ends with a flat circular contact surface 44 perpendicular to the central axis. A cylindrical through hole 46 penetrates the stem 40 and the hand grip 42 along the central axis. At the top of the through hole 46, a counter bore 52 is preferably formed in the handle 26 for towing. The contact surface 44, the through hole 46 and the counter bore 52 of the pull handle 26 form a pivot mechanism portion, as described below. Finally, in order to accommodate a release mechanism (not shown) for unlocking the locking mechanism used for the arm portion 24, an upper end of the towing handle 26 is preferably recessed cavity ( 48 and a pair of blind holes 50 are formed. The first embodiment of the towing handle is a T shape, but other shapes may also be used. For example, the stem can be curved while extending from one end of the hand grip such that the contact surface 44 is centered relative to the hand grip, or the two stems extend from both ends of the hand grip and at the bearing surface simultaneously. Curves can be made to join.

In addition to the contact surface 44 of the towing handle 26, the through hole 46, and the counter bore, the pivot mechanism 28 preferably includes a connector 54, a journal-pin or pivot pin 56, And a nut 58. Like the pull handle 26, the connector 54 is preferably formed of a polymeric material, and preferably has an upper flat contact surface 60 at one end and a base 62 at the opposite end. The contact surface 60 of the connector 54 preferably has the same area as the area of the contact surface 44 of the pull handle 26. The connector 54 also has a central bore 64 that penetrates the connector 54 perpendicularly from the contact surface 60 and has a diameter equal to the diameter of the through hole 46 of the towing handle 26. The base 62 of the connector 54 has a cross section similar to the cross section of the free end 38 of the smallest tubular section 30 and ends with an annular rim 66. A pair of parallel flats 68 is formed on opposite sides of the base 62 parallel to the central bore 64, and a pair of coaxial blind holes 70 are perpendicular to the flats 68. Is formed.

The journal-pin 56 of the pivot mechanism 28 is preferably formed of steel or aluminum and is approximately equal to the diameter of the through bore 46 of the pull handle 26 and the diameter of the central bore 64 of the connector 54. It has the same cylindrical outer diameter. The journal-pin 56 preferably has a head 72 at one of its axially opposite ends and a threaded portion 74 at the other of its axially opposite ends. The threaded portion 74 is configured to receive the nut 58 of the pivot mechanism 28. The journal-pin 56 preferably also has an axial through hole or central bore 76.

As shown in FIG. 6, the towing member 20 of the first embodiment passes through the through hole 46 of the towing handle 26 and the central bore 64 of the connector 54 to allow the journal-pin 56 ), The head 72 of the journal-pin enters into the counter bore 52 of the pull handle 26 and the nut 58 is assembled by screwing onto the threaded portion 74 of the journal-pin. Thus, the journal-pin 56 is adapted to allow the contact surface 44 of the tow handle 26 to be in a rotational sliding engagement coplanar with the contact surface 60 of the connector 54. 26) to the connector 54. The base 62 of the connector 54 is inserted into the free end 38 of the smallest tubular section 30 until the rim 66 of the connector engages with the free end 38. The connector 54 is preferably tubular section 30 by a pair of screws or rivets 78 which are inserted through the holes 39 of the free ends 38 to the blocked holes 70 of the connectors 54. It is fixed to the free end 38 of the. However, other connecting means can also be used. The connector fixed to the free end 38 of the tubular section 30 defines the distal end of the arm portion 24.

By configuring as described above, the journal-pin 56 is aligned in line with the central axis A-A of the arm portion 24, and the towing handle 26 is free to pivot about it. The configuration of the telescopic tubular sections 30, 32, 34 allows the arm portion 24 to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position as shown in FIG. 1, the towing handle 26 is located far from the backpack 22, so that the person can tow the backpack without hitting the person's foot. In the retracted position, each of the tubular sections 30, 32, 34 of the arm portion 24 is retracted into the different sections, such that the towing handle 26 is shown in the backpack 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Retracted into the receptacle 80 provided at the top of the. The shape of the towing handle 26 allows a person to hold the hand grip 42 in his hand with the stem 40 extending between the index finger and middle finger of the person when towing the backpack 22. The towing handle 26 may also be pivoted such that the hand grip 42 extends rearwardly upwards, allowing a person to grip the towing handle without twisting the wrist. Further, when the backpack 22 is loaded or unloaded, the tow handle 26 can be pivoted into the receptacle 80 of the backpack and retracted, where the tow handle is placed on the same plane as the backpack and the like. It is not caught. The central bore 76 of the pivot pin 56 and the blind holes 50 and recesses 48 in the towing handle 26 allow the arm portion 24 to retract into the backpack 22. The release mechanism allows the release mechanism to be positioned on the towing handle and to penetrate the central bore 76 of the pivot pin to release (not shown). The pivotal connection between the tow handle 26 and the arm portion 24 also allows a person to change the orientation of the backpack 22 without twisting his wrist, thereby reducing fatigue when towing the bag. Reduces and improves the overall operability of the bag.

The second embodiment of the traction member of the present invention, like the first embodiment, is particularly adapted to form an integral part with the bag. As shown in Figs. 7 to 11, the traction member 100 of the second embodiment is preferably composed of an arm portion 102, a traction handle 104 and an intermediate member 106. Although not shown in the drawings, the towing member 100 of the second embodiment is configured to be attached to the towed bag in a manner similar to the towing member 20 of the first embodiment. Thus, in the description of the second embodiment, no detailed description is given of how the towing member is attached to the bag. However, it should be appreciated that the second embodiment may be attached to the bag in a manner similar to the first embodiment or in other ways known in the art.

As shown in Figs. 8 to 11, the arm portion 102 of the towing member 100 of the second embodiment is preferably a curved telescopic member, similar to the arm portion 24 of the first embodiment. However, unlike the arm portion 24 of the first embodiment, the arm portion 102 of the second embodiment preferably slides into a single receptacle (not shown) in the bag and slides out from the receptacle. to be. The arm portion 102 has a predetermined length having a proximal end (not shown) that is slidably engaged with the bag and an opposite distal end 108 that can be retracted toward the bag and also extend away from the bag. . A pair of tubular members 110 formed of aluminum, steel or other suitable strength material and spaced apart from each other connect the proximal end of the arm portion 102 to the distal end 108 of the arm portion. The tubular members 110 of the arm portion 102 extend in parallel along the length of the arm portion 102 in proximity to each other, preferably at opposite proximal and distal ends 108 of the arm portion 102. It is firmly connected to each other. Thus, the two tubular members 110 of the arm portion 102 function similarly to conventional single pole members, and two members are mainly used instead of a single tubular member. Finally, through holes 112 are formed through each of the tubular members 110, preferably near the distal edge 114 of each of the tubular members.

The arm portion 102 also includes a pair of end end caps 116, preferably formed of a polymeric material. Each of the end caps 116 has a base portion 118 configured to slide into the distal end of one of the tubular members 110 in a socket connection manner. A shoulder 120 is formed in each of the end caps 116 adjacent the base portion 118, and for the distal edge 114 of each of the tubular members to prevent the end caps from sliding further into the tubular member 110. Is configured to interlock. A first through hole 122 is formed through the base portion 118 of each end cap 116. When the base portion of the end cap is inserted into the tubular member and the shoulder 120 of the end cap is engaged with the distal edge 114 of the tubular member, the through hole 122 of each base portion is a through hole of each tubular member 110. In line with 112). For example, a fastener 124 such as a rivet passes through the through hole 112 of each tubular member 110 and the first through hole 122 of the base portion 118 of each end cap, and thus the end portion. Secure the cap to the tubular member.

Each of the end caps 116 also includes a planar contact surface 126 oriented perpendicular to the shoulder 120 of the end cap. This contact surface 126 preferably has a circular perimeter. A second through hole 128 is formed through each end cap 116 and is centered perpendicular to the contact surface. The second through hole 128 of the end cap is coaxial. The second through hole has a counter bore 130 formed in the side of each end cap 116 opposite the contact surface 126. The counter bore 130 thus forms a concave annular shelf 132. As described above, when each end cap 116 is attached to each of the tubular members 110 of the arm portion 102, the contact surfaces 126 of the end caps are spaced apart and oriented parallel to each other.

The traction handle 104 of the second embodiment of the traction member 100 is preferably formed of a polymer material and a metal. The pull handle 104 is T-shaped and includes a grip portion 134 formed of a polymeric material and having an opposite free end 136. The stem portion 138 of the pull handle 104 is also formed of a polymer material and is preferably integral with the grip portion 134. Stem portion 138 intersects grip portion 134 and preferably extends vertically from grip portion 134. A circular contact surface 140 is formed at the end of the stem portion 138 of the pull handle. The pull handle 104 also preferably comprises a handle pivot shaft 142 that is formed of metal and centers on and protrudes vertically from the contact surface 140 of the stem portion. The pivot shaft 142 projects from the contact surface of the stem portion to the threaded portion 144 of the shaft adjacent its distal end. The opposite end 146 of the handle pivot shaft 142 extends to the handle grip 134 and is preferably narrowed, knurled, or grained (not shown), and the towing handle ( The grip 134 and stem 138 of 104 are molded around the handle pivot shaft to secure the handle pivot shaft to the grip and stem portions of the towing handle.

The intermediate member 106 of the traction member 100 is preferably formed of a polymeric material as a single piece. A pair of first and second contact surfaces 146, 148 are formed at opposite ends of the intermediate member 106 and aligned parallel to each other. A third circular contact surface 150 is formed in the intermediate member 106 and is oriented perpendicular to the first and second contact surfaces 146, 146. The first through hole 152 penetrates the intermediate member 106 vertically from the center of the first contact surface 146 to the center of the second contact surface 148. The second through hole 154 penetrates the intermediate member 106 vertically from the center of the third contact surface 150. The second through hole 154 has a counter bore 156 formed in the intermediate member 106 on the opposite side of the third contact surface 150. Counterbore 156 forms a concave annular shelf 158.

In addition to the arm portion 102, the towing handle 104, and the intermediate member 106, the towing member 100 of the second embodiment is a shoulder-bolt 160 used to couple the components of the towing member to each other. ), Shoulder-bolt nut 162, and handle pivot shaft nut 164. The towing handle 104 is assembled to the arm portion 102 of the towing member 100 via the intermediate member 106.

Assembly of the various components of the towing member 100 of the second embodiment firstly engages the contact surface 140 of the towing handle 104 with the third contact surface 150 of the intermediate member 106. By inserting the handle pivot shaft 142 of the pull handle 104 into the second through hole 154 of the intermediate member 106. The thread of the handle pivot shaft 142 is then inserted until the handle pivot shaft nut 164 is inserted into the counter bore 156 of the intermediate member 106 and slightly engaged with the concave annular shelf 158 of the intermediate member. 144) is screwed. Accordingly, the handle pivot shaft nut 164 holds the contact surface 140 of the pull handle 104 relative to the third contact surface 150 of the intermediate member 106. The handle pivot shaft nut 164 is preferably a self locking nut, and preferably, after being assembled, the towing handle 104 and the handle pivot shaft nut do not require excessive torque and do not loosen the excessive nut. A washer (not shown) is used to freely pivot with respect to the intermediate member 106 about the axis of the second through hole 154 of the intermediate member without causing it. The handle pivot shaft 142 and the handle pivot shaft nut 164 of the towing handle 104 are also sized such that the first through hole 152 of the intermediate member 106 remains unobstructed. You have to understand.

Once the towing handle 104 is assembled to the intermediate member 106 as described above, the intermediate member uses the shoulder-bolt 160 and the shoulder-bolt nut 162 to arm portions of the towing member 100. Is assembled to 102. This first places the first and second contact surfaces 146, 148 of the intermediate member 106 between the contact surfaces 126 of the end cap 116 of the arm portion 102 and then the first surface of the intermediate member 106. This is accomplished by aligning the through holes 152 with the second through holes 128 in each of the end caps. Next, one end cap 116 such that the shoulder-bolt 160 passes through the second through hole 128 of each of the end caps 116 and the first through hole 152 of the intermediate member 106. ) Is inserted into the counter bore 130. Then, the shoulder-bolt nut 162 is inserted into the counterbore 130 of the other end cap 116, where the shoulder-bolt nut 162 is screwed to the shoulder-bolt 160. As with paddle pivot shaft nut 164, shoulder-bolt nut 162 is preferably a self locking nut. As the shoulder-bolt nut 162 is tightened to the shoulder-bolt 160, the head of the shoulder-bolt and the shoulder-bolt nut engage with the concave annular shelf 132 of the end cap 116, thus Act to move the end caps in a direction proximate to each other. The intermediate member 106 is sized such that there is a slight interference fit between the first and second contact surfaces 146, 148 of the intermediate member and the contact surface 126 of the end cap 116. Is determined. The shoulder-bolt nut 162 is tightened to the shoulder-bolt 160 only as necessary to close the gap between the end cap 116 and the intermediate member 106, between the intermediate member and the end cap about the axis of the shoulder-bolt. It should be understood that they are not tightened to a level that significantly hinders their movement.

After the towing member 100 of the second embodiment is assembled as described above, the towing handle 104 can be pivoted about two axes with respect to the arm portion 102 of the towing member. The first of these axes is a shoulder-bolt that is the center of pivot of the handle 104 and the intermediate member 106 with respect to the end cap 116 of the arm portion 102 of the towing member 100 ( 160) axis. This first axis is held substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel of the bag to which the towing member 100 is finally attached. The second of the two axes is the handle pivot shaft 142 which is the center of rotation of the handle 104 and the handle pivot shaft nut 164 freely with respect to the intermediate member 106 of the towing member 100. wet.

The multi-axis pivoting motion of the towing member 100 of the towing member 100 of the second embodiment is such that the towing handle 104 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 with respect to the arm portion 102 of the towing member. It makes it possible to have an orientation as shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the traction handle 104 is shown in an orientation with its grip 134 oriented parallel to the first axis. In this orientation, the towing handle 104 can be easily retracted into the bag in a manner similar to the method described with respect to the towing member 20 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the tow handle 104 extends in the vertical direction in a plane perpendicular to the first axis, and the grip portion 134 of the tow handle extends in the horizontal direction. It is pivoted about both the first axis and the second axis. In this orientation, the grip portion 134 of the towing handle 104 is ideally positioned to allow a person to tow the bag without bending the wrist, regardless of the angle of inclination of the bag.

The third embodiment of the towing member includes the towing handle 200 and the connector 202 shown in FIGS. 12 to 16. 12 shows an exploded view of the pull handle 200 and the connector 202 of the third embodiment of the pull member.

Overall, the towing handle 200 of the third embodiment of the towing member includes a lower portion 204, an upper portion 206, two end caps 208, and an unlocking / release button 210, These elements are preferably formed of a polymeric material. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the towing handle 202 of the third embodiment is preferably T-shaped. The lower portion 204 of the towing handle 200 constitutes half of the hand grip 212 of the towing handle, preferably an integrally formed stem extending vertically from the hand grip portion along the central axis of the towing handle ( 214). The stem 214 has a necked portion that forms a cylindrical shaft 216 and ends with a locking protrusion 218. The locking protrusion 218 is essentially cylindrical in shape with two intersecting channels 220 formed in its terminal face 222. These channels 220 are preferably perpendicular to each other and intersect at the axis of symmetry of the towing handle. For the reasons described below, each of the channels 220 preferably has opposing walls that are slightly spaced from each other as they extend radially from their central axis. The through hole 226 is aligned in line with the central axis of the towing handle 200 and penetrates through the lower portion 204. Finally, a plurality of grooves 228 are formed in the hand grip 212 of the lower portion of the towing handle 200 in order to increase the holding force of the towing handle and improve the aesthetics of the towing handle.

The upper portion 206 of the towing handle 200 has a generally semi-cylindrical shell shape that forms the upper half of the hand grip 212 of the towing handle. An opening 230 having an elliptical outer circumference penetrates the center of the upper portion 206.

The end caps 208 of the towing handle 200 are preferably formed of flat plates that are identical to each other and preferably have an elliptical perimeter. Preferably a pair of countersink screw holes 232 pass through each of the end caps 208.

The unlock / release button 210 includes an elliptical protrusion 234, around which a boundary rim 236 is formed. The elliptical protrusion 234 is dimensioned slightly smaller than the elliptical opening so as to pass through the elliptical opening 230 of the upper portion 206 of the pull handle 200. However, the rim 236 of the unlock / release button 210 prevents the entire unlocking / release button 210 from passing through the elliptical opening 230 of the upper portion 206 of the towing handle 200. It is slightly larger than the oval opening. The opposite end of the unlock / release button 210 includes a rod 238 that makes up a cantilever from the rest of the button. The rod of the unlock / release button 210 is preferably cylindrical in shape.

The connector 202 of the third embodiment of the towing member preferably comprises two identical connector halves 240 formed of a polymeric material and a locking member 242. Each of the connector halves 240 preferably includes a cavity 244 that is nearly surrounded by a peripheral raised edge 246. A cavity 244 is formed with a flat surface 248, from which a pair of tubular posts 250 protrude perpendicularly. Each connector half 240 also includes a semi-cylindrical journal surface 252 formed at its raised ridge edge 246. A semi-cylindrical channel 254 recess having a radius slightly larger than the journal surface 252 is formed in the cavity 244 in alignment with the journal surface immediately adjacent. The journal surface 252 is dimensioned to match the length and diameter of the cylindrical shaft 216 of the stem 214 of the pull handle 200. A smaller semi-cylindrical opening is formed on the opposite side of the peripheral raised edge 246 of each of the connector halves 240 in alignment with the journal surface 252.

The locking member 242 of the connector 242 is generally rectangular in shape and has a pair of opposing parallel surfaces 262. A pair of elliptical slots 264 penetrates the locking member 242 from one surface of the opposing parallel surface 262 to the other surface. The locking member 242 also has an opposite top end 266 and a bottom end 268, and at its bottom end has a cylindrical blocked hole 270 extending toward the top end.

Various components of the towing handle 200 and the connector 202 of the third embodiment of the towing member have been described, and assembly of such components will now be discussed. The towing handle 200 of the third embodiment of the towing member first first moves the rod 238 of the unlocking / release button 210 from above into the through hole 226 of the lower portion 204 of the towing handle. Assembled by sliding insertion. After this insertion, the upper portion 206 of the towing handle 200 is engaged with the lower portion 204 of the towing handle. As this is completed, the elliptical protrusion 234 of the unlock / release button 210 is positioned to protrude through the opening 230 of the upper portion 206. After the upper portion 206 and the lower portion 204 of the towing handle 200 are engaged with each other, the rim 236 of the unlock / release button 210 is opened 230 of the upper portion of the towing handle. As it is larger, the unlocking / release button 210 is held between the upper portion and the lower portion. When the upper portion 206 and the lower portion 204 of the towing handle 200 are engaged with each other, the end cap is made using a screw fastener (not shown) inserted through the screw hole 232 of the end cap 208. 208 is attached to the opposite end of the hand grip 212 of the towing handle. When the end cap 208 is attached as described above, the upper portion 206 and the lower portion 204 of the towing handle 200 are fixed to each other and are not separated from each other without removing the end cap.

The connector 202 is assembled to the lower portion 204 of the towing handle 200. This is first done by positioning the shaft 216 of the stem 214 of the lower portion 204 of the towing paddle 200 with respect to the journal surface 252 of one connector half 240. The locking member 242 of the connector 202 then engages one of its opposing parallel surfaces 262 with the flat surface 248 of the connector half 240 and the closed hole 270 of the locking member. It is positioned to face in the opposite direction from the towing handle 200. In this position, the post 250 of the connector half 240 will partially protrude into the elliptical slot 264 of the locking member 242. Finally, the alignment pins 258 of each of the connector halves are then aligned with the alignment holes 260 of the mating connector halves and the halves of each other until the peripheral ridge edges 246 of each half engage the opposite ridge edges. By moving in close proximity, the other of the connector halves 240 is attached to this assembly. The connector halves 240 are dimensioned and shaped such that the posts 250 of each connector half engage in the elliptical slots 264 of the locking member 240 with the posts of the opposite connector halves when engaged with each other as described above. It is decided. This prevents the flat surface 248 of the connector half 240 from clamping the locking member 242 therebetween. Thus, the locking member 242 is directed away from and away from the stem 214 of the towing handle 200 even though it is confined within the interior space of the connector 202 defined by the cavity 244 of the connector half 240. It remains free to translate. The towing paddle 200 itself remains freely pivotable about the connector 202 about its central axis except when locked as discussed below, but the locking protrusion 218 is retained by the connector half ( It is not separated from the connector because it is trapped between the semi-cylindrical channels 254 of 240.

When assembled as above, the towing handle 200 and the connector 202 of the third embodiment are preferably arm portions of the towing member of the type described in connection with the first embodiment of the towing member (not shown). Is attached to the distal end of the. Similar to the first embodiment of the towing member, the connector 202 of the third embodiment is preferably dimensioned to slide stiffly into the tubular end of the arm portion. When this is completed, the release member 272 passes through the opening in the base of the connector 202 formed by the semi-cylindrical opening 256 of the connector half 240 to block the opening 270 of the locking member 242. ) Is inserted into The release member 272 is suitably configured to operate a locking mechanism (not shown) so that when pressed the arm portion of the towing member can be retracted into its attached bag. Such release members and locking mechanisms are well known in the art and, except as noted, the specific construction and details of these elements are not relevant to the present invention. However, it should be understood that the tow handle 200 and connector 202 of the third embodiment are specifically configured to operate in conjunction with a release member of the type biased by a spring towards the tow handle. Once the connector 202 has been assembled to the female portion of the towing member as discussed above, a pair of fasteners (not shown) may remove the distal end of the female portion and the tubular post 250 of the connector half 240. Inserted through to secure the connector to the arm portion of the towing member, thereby completing the assembly process.

Once fully assembled, the towing handle 200 can be selectively locked in two orientations with respect to the connector 202 and the arm portion of the towing member of the third embodiment. To illustrate how this condition is achieved, the towing handle 200 and connector 202 assembly is shown in FIGS. 13-16 with one of the connector halves 240 removed. As shown in the first orientation of FIG. 13, the pull handle 200 is positioned such that the hand grip 212 is oriented generally parallel to the flat surface 248 of the connector half 240. In this position, the biasing force of the release member 272 is such that the upper end 266 of the locking member 242 moves into one of the channels 220 formed in the locking protrusion 218 of the towing handle 200. Causes the locking member 242 of the connector 202 to move towards the towing handle 200. As the locking member 242 is positioned between the opposing walls 224 of each channel 220, the engagement handle 200 is connected to the connector 202 about its central axis by engaging the opposing wall of the channel with the locking member. Free rotation with respect to is prevented. However, the opposing wall 224 of each channel 220 is locked so that it can pivot slightly, drawing an arc of approximately 20 degrees with respect to the connector 202 when the towing handle 200 is locked in its first orientation. It is specifically dimensioned to be a little further apart than between opposing parallel surfaces 262 of member 242.

If desired, the towing handle 200 may be selectively locked in a second orientation with respect to the connector 202 and the towing member. This is accomplished by pressing the elliptic protrusion 234 of the unlocking / release button 210 on the towing handle 200 and rotating the handle to the second orientation shown in FIG. When the unlocking / release button 210 is pressed as shown in FIG. 14, the rod 238 of the unlocking / release button 210 is connected to the locking protrusion () of the stem 214 of the towing handle 200. It extends into the channel 220 of 218 to engage the locking member 242 of the connector 202. This action overcomes the biasing force that the release member 272 exerts on the locking member 242 to move the locking member away from the traction handle 200 and thus, as shown in FIG. 266 is separated from each channel 220 of the locking protrusion 218 of the pull handle. The towing handle 200 can then be freely rotated with respect to the connector 202 as long as the unlocking / release button 210 remains pressed.

If desired, the towing handle 200 may be locked in its second orientation relative to the connector 202 and the arm portion of the towing member. This is achieved only by releasing the state in which the unlocking / release button 210 of the towing handle is pressed after the towing handle 200 is rotated to its second orientation state. When the unlocking / release button 210 is released, the biasing force of the release member 272 is determined by the channel (top) 266 of the locking member 242 formed on the locking protrusion 218 of the towing handle 200. Once again, the locking member 242 is pushed toward the towing handle 200 until it enters the other channel of 220. Thus, as shown in FIG. 16, by engaging the locking wall 224 with the opposing wall 224 of the channel 220, the traction handle 200 once again with respect to the connector 202 about its central axis. Free rotation is prevented. As discussed above, because the opposing wall 224 of each channel 220 is dimensioned so that it is slightly more spaced apart between the opposing parallel surfaces 262 of the locking member 242, the pull handle ( It should be understood that the 200 remains pivotable, drawing an arc of approximately 20 degrees with respect to the connector 202 when locked in its first orientation. The unlock / release button 210 can be pressed at any time so that the orientation of the towing handle 200 relative to the rest of the towing member can be adjusted as desired. In addition, as the unlocking / release button 210 is pressed, the movement of the locking member 242 in the connector 202 is elastic such that the release member 272 is away from the towing handle 200. It's important to understand that it's a good idea Thus, by pressing the unlock / release button 210, the release member 272 activates the locking mechanism so that the arm portion of the towing member can be retracted into the bag.

As described above, the towing handle 200 of the third embodiment of the towing member can be pivoted in a manner similar to the first embodiment with respect to the rest of the towing member. However, the towing handle 200 may also be locked to one of a plurality of alignment states with respect to the remaining portion of the towing member. This locking feature allows the towing person to torque against the axis of the towing member if desired, so that the bag accidentally falls when towing the bag over an uneven ground, such as curbstones, for example. To prevent them.

The fourth embodiment of the traction member of the present invention, like the first to third embodiments, is particularly adapted to form an integral part with the bag. The fourth embodiment is generally similar in appearance and operation to the second embodiment, but, like the third embodiment, includes a locking mechanism and a lock release in its structure. In the fourth embodiment, the locking mechanism is specifically designed to unlock the handle by a single button actuation by the user and to allow the handle to freely move along both permitted axes of motion. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 17 to 25, this structure only allows the button to be in two different positions, so that when the button is pressed, both axes of movement are released simultaneously. However, in other embodiments, the practitioner may be modified to allow certain button presses to allow the structure described below to release only the movements performed along one axis and also to release the second movement along the other axis. I will understand how. For example, pressing a button to a first predetermined depth releases one axis of rotation, and pressing of a button to a deeper depth may release the second axis of rotation. Optionally, a plurality of buttons (eg, one for each axis) may be used in other embodiments.

18 shows an embodiment of a locking handle that allows movement within two axes that can be selectively locked or unlocked to one of a plurality of predetermined positions to allow free movement of the handle within two axes. have. The towing member 700 of the fourth embodiment preferably consists of an arm portion 702, a handle 704, and an intermediate member 706. Although not shown in the drawings, the towing member 700 of the fourth embodiment is configured to be attached to the towed bag in a manner similar to the towing member 102 of the second embodiment. The arm portion 702 is also preferably formed of three tubular sections 802, 902 and 602. The tubular sections 802, 902 and 602 preferably have an oval or eight-shaped cross section and are preferably telescopic in a manner similar to the arm portion 24 of the first embodiment or the arm portion 102 of the second embodiment. One slides into the other and is configured to form a curve. In describing the fourth embodiment, portions not explicitly described in the detailed description of the method for attaching the towing member to the bag are considered to have a design similar to that of the other embodiments. However, it should be understood that the fourth embodiment can be securely attached to the bag in a manner similar to the second embodiment or in other ways known in the art.

19-22 show cutaway views of the design of the handle 704 of the present system and the first tubular member 802 to which it is attached. Like the arm portion 102 of the second embodiment, the outermost first tubular section 802 of the fourth embodiment is preferably a double pawl member that slides into and out of a single receptacle in the bag. The first tubular section 802 is proximal end 808 slidably engaged with the second tubular section 902 and an opposite distal end 708 that can be retracted toward the bag and extend away from the bag. Has a predetermined length. The pair of spaced tubular members 710 may be made of, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, plastic, or other suitable strength material, and may include the proximal end 808 of the first tubular section 802. To the distal end 708 of the tubular section 802. The tubular members 710 of the first tubular section 802 extend in parallel in a generally parallel manner along the length of the first tubular section 802 in proximity to each other, preferably opposite proximal ends 808. And distal ends 708 are firmly coupled to one another. This can be done by the use of end caps 811 at the proximal end 808 and by the connection structure discussed below at the distal end 708. Thus, the two tubular members 710 of the first tubular section 802 function similarly to conventional single pole members, and the two members are mainly used in place of a tubular single tubular member. Finally, at least one through hole 712 is preferably formed through each tubular member 710 so that the tubular member is generally considered hollow. The first tubular section 802 slides entirely into the second tubular section 902, and the second tubular section 902 again slides into the third tubular section 602, which is the third tubular section. 602 may be a receptacle of arm portion 702 in a bag. In other embodiments, any number of tubular sections may be used, and the telescopic connection may be obtained in different ways by other structures.

The first tubular section 802 also includes a pair of end end caps 716, which may be formed from, but are not limited to, polymeric materials or metals. Each of the end caps 716 is generally elbow shaped and has a base portion 718 that is adapted to slide over the distal end 708 of one tubular member 710 in a socket connection manner. A shoulder (not shown) may be formed in each end cap 716 adjacent the base portion 718, and the distal edge of each tubular member 710 to prevent the end cap from sliding further over the tubular member. And may be engaged with respect to 708. A first through hole 722 may be formed through the base portion 718 of each end cap 716. The through hole 722 of this base portion is each tubular when the base portion of the end cap 716 is inserted into the tubular member 710 and the shoulder of the end cap 716 engages the distal edge 708 of the tubular member 710. It is generally aligned with the through hole 712 of the member 710. In other embodiments, the end cap does not need to include the through hole 722, but instead its internal structure may be solid. End cap 716 may be attached to suitable tubular member 710 by any means known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to adhesives, fasteners, welding or other types of fastening means, and the like. .

Each of the end caps 716 also includes a planar contact surface 726 oriented perpendicular to the base portion of the end cap. This contact surface 726 preferably has a generally circular perimeter. A second through hole 728 may be formed through each contact surface 726 and is preferably centered perpendicular to the contact surface 726. This through hole 728 can later be used to receive the bullet shaft 691. In other embodiments, through holes 728 may be removed to make end cap 716 solid. The second through hole 728 is preferably, if formed, of approximately the same diameter as the first through hole 722 but is not required.

The contact surface 726 is attached with a collar 791 having a diameter that is generally circular and slightly smaller than the diameter of the contact surface 726. A slot ring 751 is attached to the collar 791, which is also generally circular and has an outer diameter that is larger than the diameter of the collar 791 but slightly smaller than the diameter of the contact surface 726. In other embodiments, larger or smaller slot rings 751 may also be used. The second through hole 728, if present, continues through the collar 791 and the slot ring 751 to make the slot ring 751 and the collar 791 hollow. Even when the second through hole 728 is removed, the slot ring 751 is still entirely hollow so that the ring surrounds the opening. Each slot ring 751 includes at least one slot 753 therein. The slot 753 cuts the side of the slot ring 751 along the radius of the slot ring 751 so that the opening that the ring wraps connects to the space outside of the slot ring 751 (or otherwise, Openings in that direction even if not completely connected to the space). Each slot 753 has a predetermined width and depth. Its width is preset to be equal to or greater than the thickness of paddle 771 (discussed later). The depth can be any depth and can be completely through the slot ring, or any depth shorter. However, the depth is preferably sufficient to engage and maintain an object of a width similar to the width of slot 753 without having to be twisted from the inside of the slot. The slot ring 751 of one end cap 716 is spaced apart and generally parallel to the slot ring 751 of the other end cap 716.

19, the pull handle 704 of the fourth embodiment of the pull member 700 is preferably formed of a polymer material and / or a metal, but may be formed of any material known to those skilled in the art. Traction handle 704 is generally "T" shaped (although offset as shown in the figure) and includes grip portion 734 having opposing free ends 736 and 737 and stem portion 738. . The stem portion 738 of the pull handle 704 is preferably formed integrally with the grip portion 734, but is not required. Both grip portion 734 and stem portion 738 preferably have an overall hollow structure. Stem portion 738 intersects and preferably extends perpendicularly from grip portion 734. A circular contact surface 740 is formed at the end of the stem portion 738 away from the grip portion 734.

The intermediate member 706 of the traction member 700 is preferably formed of a polymeric material in two halves that are later joined to each other by any means known to those skilled in the art, but may alternatively be formed of any other number of parts. have. The intermediate member 706 is of overall "T" shaped structure and includes one phase of first and second circular contact surfaces 746, 748 formed at opposite ends of the intermediate member 706 and spaced parallel to each other. A third circular contact surface 750 is formed in the intermediate member 706 and spaced apart in a vertical orientation with the first and second contact surfaces 746, 748. The intermediate member 706 is preferably entirely hollow. In addition, each of the three contact surfaces has a through hole therethrough. These through holes are defined by ridge edges 846, 848, and 850, and these ridge edges 846, 848, and 850 are collars in which the size of the through hole at the ridge edge is attached to a particular arm portion of the intermediate member. The hollow section inside is designed to have a diameter and a thickness to provide a large open area while matching the outer diameter of the. Specifically, the side raised edges 846 and 848 surround the collar 791 on the end cap 716 and the upper raised edge 850 surround the collar 873 on the pivot shaft 742 and the slot ring 773. 751 is prevented from falling out of the hollow interior of the intermediate member by the sides of the raised edges 846, 848, 850 while in the hollow interior of the intermediate member 706. The skilled person will appreciate that the collar / ridged edge structure provides rotational motion while preventing the linear movement of the intermediate member 706.

20 and 21 show the internal structure of the area shown in FIG. 19 with portions of grip 734 and stem 738 removed. The grip 734 includes an opening 739 at one end 737. A portion of the button mechanism 741 is disposed through the opening 739. In a preferred embodiment, the button mechanism 741 includes a portion of the button mechanism structure that protrudes a distance through the opening 739. This portion may be covered with the button cover 743. Also generally, a deflection mechanism 745 (in this case a spring) is arranged which deflects the button mechanism 741 to a position where this portion extends through the opening 739. The button mechanism 741 is generally a lip, shoulder, or similar portion such that when deflected by the deflection mechanism 745, the button mechanism partially protrudes beyond the opening 739 but does not fall freely through the opening 739. Also provided.

Traction handle 704 also includes a handle pivot pin 747 and a handle pivot shaft 742 extending across stem portion 738 in a generally perpendicular relationship to handle grip portion 734. The handle pivot shaft 742 is preferably generally tubular and has a central through hole 842 through which the handle push pin 747 can make a sliding movement. Pivot shaft 742 is also in a generally free floating state with respect to button mechanism 741 but is generally rigidly attached to stem portion 738. The push pin 747 is designed to convert the movement by the user's pressing of the button mechanism 741 into a linear displacement of the push pin 747 through the through hole 842 in the pivot shaft 742. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done by designing the push pin 747 with a forming head 749 having a predetermined angle on one side thereof. And the button mechanism 741 has a recess 751 of a corresponding size when the button mechanism 741 is deflected through the opening 739 toward the button mechanism 741 by a deflection mechanism (not shown). Molding head 749 is positioned into recess 751. As the button mechanism 741 is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing member 745 by the user, the mating surfaces slide in contact with each other, thereby pushing the push pin 747 into the stem portion 738 and the pivot shaft 742. ) To linearly displace by a distance along the axis of the pivot shaft 742. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the button mechanism 741 shown is only one of many different types of button mechanisms that may be used. In other embodiments, the button mechanism may be designed to press in different directions (eg, in a straight line in the direction of the displacement of the push pin), and by appropriate design choices, the movement of any of these buttons may be pivot shaft 742. It can be converted into a linear motion of the push pin 747 along the axis of. The practitioner will also recognize that this exercise is also achieved by the button of the third embodiment, which may alternatively be used.

The push pin 747 and the through hole 842 have a non-circular cross section, or the push pin 747 rotates about the axis of the pivot shaft relative to the pivot shaft 742 or within the through hole 842. It is preferable to prevent rotation. In a preferred embodiment, both the push pin 747 and the through hole 842 are generally polygonal in cross section and more preferably square in cross section.

The paddle 771 is fixed to the base of the push pin 747. Paddle 771 is shown in FIG. 22 in a separate state from other structures but in another view as being within handle 704. Paddle 771 is generally a planar shape having a predetermined thickness and may be an "arrowhead" shape, but other shapes may be used as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Paddle 771 is such that linear displacement of push pin 747 causes linear displacement of paddle 771 and push pin 747 can rotate freely about axis of pivot shaft 742 with respect to paddle 771. Is attached to the push pin 747. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done by making the push pin 747 hollow and attaching the paddle pin 890 to the edge of the paddle 771. Details of these paddles are shown in FIG. 22. Paddle pin 890 is preferably of cylindrical or other type structure such that paddle pin 890 can freely rotate about the axis of pivot shaft 742 within the hollow center of push pin 747. To assemble this structure, a paddle pin 890 is located inside the hollow center of the push pin 747. The paddle 771 is then biased towards the push pin 747 by a deflection mechanism (not shown) to insert the paddle pin 890 as deep as possible into the push pin 747 as shown in FIG. 21. The linear motion of the paddle 771 is an external structure of the push pin 747 that presses against the edge of the paddle 771 and / or the paddle pin 890 when the push pin 747 is displaced by the button mechanism 741. Is achieved by

The base of the pivot shaft 742 includes a slot ring 773 and a collar 873 that are similar in structure to the slot ring 751. Slot ring 773 generally includes parallel slots 874 on at least two common planes through the slot ring. Each of slots 874 has a width similar to the thickness of paddle 771 and is generally similar to slot 753 in slot ring 751. The through-hole 842 is formed in a manner very similar to that the second through-hole 728 can penetrate the contact surface of the end cap 716 and its associated collar 846 or 848 and the slot ring 751. It passes through the collar 873 and the slot ring 773.

The locking and unlocking of the biaxial movement of the handle is obtained by moving the paddle 771 between the two positions based on the lack of pressing and pressing of the button mechanism 741. In a first position (shown in FIG. 21A), paddle 771 includes at least one slot 753 in each of slot slots 751 and at least one slot 973 in slot ring 773 ( However, they are generally located in two parallel slots). In the second position (shown in FIG. 21B), the paddle has been linearly displaced from the slot into the space in the opening above the slot ring 751 surrounding the slot ring 773. Paddle 771 has been displaced into the hollow interior of intermediate member 706 and is away from slots 874 and 753. These positions correspond to the "locked" position and the "unlocked" position, respectively.

In order to better understand the locking and unlocking operations, it is easiest to describe the interrelationships of the intermediate member 706 with the pivot shaft 742 and the end cap 716 during operation. The intermediate member rotates the raised edge 850 of the intermediate member about the collar 873 of the pivot shaft 742 so that the contact surface 973 of the pivot shaft and the contact surface 740 of the stem portion 738 are the intermediate member. It is desirable to allow free rotation on the contact surface 750 of 706. In the same way, the contact surface 726 of the end cap 716 can also rotate freely on the contact surface 746 or 748 by causing the appropriate raised edge 846 or 848 to rotate over the appropriate collar 791.

Assuming no paddle 771 is present, handle 704 can rotate at two correlated movement angles similar to the motion allowed by the second embodiment. In this case, however, the use of the two pins of the second embodiment, in which the intermediate member 706 and the stem 738 are rotated, is a raised edge 846 about the collar 791 of the end cap 716. And / or rotation of 848 and rotation of collar 873 of the pivot shaft on raised edge 850 of intermediate member 706. In particular, the handle 704 can rotate about the axis of the pivot shaft 742 by rotating about the intermediate member 706 with the pivot shaft 742. In addition, the intermediate member 706 and the handle 704 can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the contact surface 726 of the end cap 716. This movement is similar to the movement described in connection with the second embodiment, which allows the handle to rotate about two different axes (generally two axes are vertical). These axes are generally in an alignment similar to that of the second embodiment with respect to the bag, but this arrangement is not essential. It can also be seen that the structure permits only rotational movements around these two axes, all other movements being prevented by the structure of the intermediate member 706 and the handle 704 or the end cap 716. have.

The executable motion when the paddle 771 is not present is the same as the executable motion when the paddle 771 is in the hollow of the intermediate member 706, so that the motion when the paddle 771 is in the unlocked position Matches In the illustrated embodiment, the user can press the button mechanism 741, which can overcome any deflection forces present, which in turn moves the push pin 747 straight away from the grip portion 734 of the handle. The movement of the push pin 747 again pushes the paddle 771 away from the grip 74 and moves the paddle from within the slot. Once freed from the slot, the push pin 747 can rotate freely around the paddle 771. Paddle 771 is preferably prevented from moving about the same axis in any manner known to the person skilled in the art, for example through holes 891 in which other pins are in paddle 771 to prevent its rotation. It may be attached to the interior of the intermediate member 706 so as to pass through it (which may be perpendicular to the ground of FIG. 20). Paddle 771 and intermediate member 706 combination may also be free to rotate relative to end cap 716.

Once the paddle 771 is moved from the obstructed position, the handle 704 can be pivoted about two axes with respect to the arm portion 702 of the towing member. The multi-axis pivoting of the towing member 700 of the fourth embodiment allows the handle 704 to be oriented as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C.

Slot rings 773 and 751 provide a locking position of the paddle for locking the grip portion 734 of the handle to a predetermined position. When paddle 771 is retracted toward grip portion 734 of the handle, it enters each slot in each of adjacent slot rings 751. Entry into this slot essentially prevents the solid portion of the slot ring 751 from rotating (since the slot is only about the width of the paddle's thickness), thus preventing the paddle from rotating about the axis between the end caps. prevent. In addition, because the push pin can only move in a straight line with respect to the grip portion 734 of the handle, the grip portion of the handle is now locked in position about an axis perpendicular to the contact surface of the end cap 716.

Similar results can be obtained for pivot shaft 742 by retracting paddle 771 into two parallel slots in slot ring 773. The rigid design of the paddle 771 prevents the pivot shaft 742 from rotating about the paddle 771 when placed through the slot 973. Now, if the paddle 771 is able to rotate freely about the axis of the pivot shaft 742 at this point, the handle 704 is not locked because the paddle 771 can rotate with the pivot shaft (the paddle ( 771 cannot rotate with intermediate member 706 since it is not attached to intermediate member 706), in a preferred embodiment, the slot of slot ring 773 on pivot shaft 742 ( Once in 973, paddle 771 is also in slot 753 of slot ring 751 on end cap 716. Thus, the paddle 771 is blocked by the slot ring 751 so that the slot ring 751 prevents the paddle 771 from rotating about the pivot shaft 742 (and when in the unlocked position). The design which prevents the paddle from rotating in this axis also preferably prevents the movement of the paddle in this axis even when in the locked position). This blocking prevents the push pin 747 and the pivot shaft 742 from rotating about the axis of the pivot shaft 742.

As discussed above, the pivot shaft 742 is preferably designed such that it cannot rotate about the push pin 747 on its axis, so that the push pin 747 and the pivot shaft 742 are coupled to each other and which Neither can it rotate freely, so movement of the handle 704 in both axes is prevented. This corresponds to the locked position, and the handle 704 cannot move in either direction when in this position.

If any slot is aligned in line with paddle 771, paddle 771 is preferably biased to a position in slots 973 and 753. The paddle 771 attempts to return to a position within that slot if there is a slot into it. Slot rings 773 and 751 press the button mechanism 741 to allow the user to move the grip portion 734 slightly, and then release the button mechanism 741, and then move to the desired position with the slot in the ring. As can be seen, assume that there is no slot between the original position and the desired position. If the button mechanism 74 is released when the paddle 771 is not aligned with a set of slots, the paddle 771 cannot retreat into the slot and only retract to the surface of the slot rings 773 and / or 751. do. In this position, the paddle 771 can move smoothly over the surface of the ring until the paddle 771 is aligned with the series of slots and enters the slot to prevent the grip 734 from moving, and the grip portion 734 Does not prevent movement).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, because of the size of the slot rings 773 and 751, one slot ring is used to retract the paddle 771 into a set of slots 973 or 753. It will also be appreciated that the paddle 771 should be retractable into the second set of slots 973 or 753 as it prevents it from being retracted into another slot ring. This means that the user has also set both axes free or locked. While this structure also provides some advantages, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, paddle 771 may be adapted to enter a series of slots even if it is still blocked from entering another series of slots. .

Slots 973 and 753 may be selected to match a predetermined position where the user wishes to lock the position of handle 704. In this way, the handle 704 can be moved to the desired position where it wishes to be locked. This locking state gives the user the freedom to change the position of the handle as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, which show how two different positions sharing one axis are achieved. 17C shows the locked position with both axes adjusted. Since the handle 704 is secured by the locking mechanism in the positions of FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, the user does not need to use muscle tissue of the wrist to hold the handle 704 in the preselected position.

In some forms of the fourth embodiment, it may also be desirable to press the button mechanism 741 to release the locking mechanism that holds the arm portion 702 in an extended state. This may be accomplished by including an additional structure in at least one of the end caps 716. As shown in FIG. 23, a bullet shaft 691 may be included in the end cap, which is designed to be able to slide straight in the second through hole 728 and into the end cap 716. As the paddle 771 is pressed into the intermediate member 706 by the user pressing the button mechanism 741, the bullet shaft 691 can be pressed into the end cap 716. The arrowhead shape of the paddle 771 may act on the opposite inclined surface of the bullet shaft 601 in a manner very similar to that of the button mechanism 741 acting on the push pin 747. The bullet shaft 601 may then press the handle shaft 811 extending through the first tubular section 802 again. Turning to FIGS. 24 and 25 showing the proximal end 808 of the first tubular section 802, the handle shaft 811 is extended to operate an interaction cap 605 to operate a key paddle 603. This key paddle 603 retracts the expansion pin 607 into the hole 609 in the end cap 811. The expansion pin 607 is preferably an opening 809 in the second tubular section 902 protruding from the hole 609 when the handle shaft 811 is not displaced by the displacement of the button mechanism 741. Deflected to pass through. Through this opening 809, the tubular sections 802 and 902 are secured in an extended state with respect to each other and may not retreat because the expansion pins 607 block the movement of the two tubular sections with respect to each other.

When the button mechanism 741 is pressed by the user, the arm portion allows the arm portion 702 to be telescopically folded in the reverse direction, while releasing the movement of the grip portion 734 of the handle in both pivot axes. It is possible to unlock it. The skilled person will also understand that the movement of the components can be further transformed to release another locking mechanism, such as for example to release the lock so that the arm portion 702 can be extended. On a logical continuation line, a single button press may be used to unlock the motion of other portions of any portion of the traction member 700. Thus, a single button release of the towing member 700 can be achieved.

The person skilled in the art understands that the fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 17 to 25 is only one embodiment for the locking mechanism capable of releasing movement in two axes of the handle, and the selective release of the other locking mechanism. will be. Other structures can also be used without undue experimentation. For example, paddle 771 may have a shape other than "arrowhead", especially if only two-axis movements are released by button presses and not converted to other movements. In addition, as a locking mechanism that enables the pressing of the button mechanism to release the two axes of movement, the locking mechanism of the paddle and the slot ring need not be used, and other structures may be used. Moreover, as discussed briefly, two axes of motion need not be released simultaneously, in other embodiments, one of the axis motions may be released before the other axis motion, and the user first selects the motion to release or For example, one may choose to release both axes at the same time, or other interrelationships related to the release of motion may be used.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should not be taken as limiting all of the details described. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

As described above, the present invention relates to the field of travelable luggage, more specifically, towing, which is pivotally attached to the arm portion of the towing member and which can be locked in a plurality of positions. It can be used for the member.

Claims (54)

With bag At least one wheel connected to the bag and having a wheel axis of rotation; A arm portion having a predetermined length having opposite proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the arm portion being operatively fixed to the bag; A traction handle operably connected to the distal end of the arm portion for pivoting about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; Hand towing bag containing. The method of claim 1, Wherein said one of said at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to said wheel axis of rotation. The method of claim 1, Wherein said at least two pivot axes comprise a first axis and a second axis that intersect each other. The method of claim 1, The arm portion is between an extended and retracted position with respect to the bag such that the tow handle is located closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. Hand towing bag, characterized in that movable. The method of claim 4, wherein The arm portion consists of at least two telescopic sections slidably attached to each other to allow relative telescopic movement, wherein the relative telescopic movement is movable between the extended and the retracted positions of the arm portion. Hand towing bag characterized by letting. The method of claim 1, An intermediate member operatively connecting the handle to the arm portion, the pivot member pivoting on the arm portion such that the intermediate member and the handle pivot about a first axis of the at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; And an intermediate member also pivotally connected to the handle such that the handle pivots about a second of the at least two pivot axes with respect to the intermediate member and the arm portion. Bag. The method of claim 6, The first one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation, The second one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the at least two pivot axes Hand towing bag, characterized in that. The method of claim 7, wherein And said first one of said at least two pivot axes intersects said second pivot axis of said at least two pivot axes. The method of claim 1, The towing handle is T-shaped and includes an elongated hand grip having an opposite free end and a stem intersecting with and projecting from the hand grip between the opposite free end, the stem extending the handle to the arm portion. Hand towing bag, characterized in that the operatively connected to. The method of claim 9, The arm portion is in the extended position and the retracted position with respect to the bag such that the pull handle is located closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. Hand towing bag, characterized in that movable between. The method of claim 10, The opposite free end of the hand grip defines a hand grip axis extending from one end of one of the opposite free ends to the other end of the opposite free end, the traction about the at least two pivot axes Pivoting movement between the dragon handle and the arm portion causes the hand grip axis to be oriented horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the extended position and the bag is towed by hand, the at least The pivoting movement between the towing handle and the arm portion about two pivot axes also allows the hand grip axis to be oriented parallel to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the retracted position. Bag towing by hand. The method of claim 9, An intermediate member operatively connecting the handle to the arm portion, the pivot member pivoting on the arm portion such that the intermediate member and the handle pivot about a first axis of the at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; An intermediate member also pivotally connected to the stem of the handle such that the handle pivots about a second of the at least two pivot axes with respect to the intermediate member and the arm portion. Hand towing bag that contains more. The method of claim 12, The first one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation, The second one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the at least two pivot axes Hand towing bag, characterized in that. With bag At least one wheel connected to the bag and having a wheel axis of rotation; A arm portion having a predetermined length having opposite proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the arm portion being operatively fixed to the bag; Towing handle, Means for operatively connecting the traction handle to the distal end of the arm portion in a manner such that the traction handle pivots about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion. Hand towing bag containing. The method of claim 14, A first of the at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation, A second one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the at least two pivot axes Hand towing bag, characterized in that. The method of claim 15, And said first one of said at least two pivot axes intersects said second pivot axis of said at least two pivot axes. The method of claim 14, The arm portion is in the extended position and the retracted position with respect to the bag such that the pull handle is located closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. Hand towing bag, characterized in that movable between. The method of claim 17, The towing handle is T-shaped and includes an elongated hand grip including an opposing free end defining a hand grip axis extending from one end of the opposing free end to the other end of the opposing free end; Means for operatively connecting the traction handle to the distal end of the arm portion is a plane in which the hand grip axis is perpendicular to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the extended position and the bag is towed by hand. Means for oriented horizontally within, and operatively connecting the towing handle to the distal end of the arm portion, the hand grip axis parallel to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the retracted position. Hand towing bag, characterized in that the orientation. As a method of operating a bag towed by hand, Providing a bag having at least one wheel, an arm portion, and a towing handle, the at least one wheel being connected to the bag to rotate about a wheel axis of rotation, the arm portion being opposite proximal ends And a proximal end having a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the arm portion is operably fixed to the bag and the towing handle is pivotable about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion. Operatively connected to the distal end of the arm portion, such that the tow handle is closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. The arm portion is movable between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the bag, and the towing handle moves the hand grip axis. Providing a bag comprising a definite elongated hand grip, When the arm portion is in the extended position and the bag is towed by hand, the hand grip of the towing handle is oriented with the hand grip axis extending horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis of rotation. In a manner, pivoting the towing handle with respect to the arm portion about the at least two pivot axes; When the arm portion is in the retracted position, the handgrip of the tow handle is oriented in such a way that the hand grip axis extends parallel to the wheel axis of rotation so that the at least two tow handles are oriented. Pivoting about the arm portion about a pivot axis How to operate a towing bag with a containing hand. The method of claim 19, The pivoting movement of the towing handle relative to the arm portion about the at least two pivot axes is a first axis of the at least two pivot axes oriented substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation, and the at least two And a second axis oriented about a second axis oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the pivot axis. Towing handle, An arm portion operatively connected to the towing handle and adapted to secure the towing handle to a bag; A pivoting mechanism for connecting the towing handle to the arm portion in such a manner that the towing handle can pivot about a pivot axis with respect to at least one sub portion of the arm portion, the pivot mechanism The sub-part is spaced apart from the bag when the towing handle is secured to the bag through the arm part and with the pivot mechanism external to the bag; A locking mechanism operatively connected to the towing handle and the arm portion, the locking mechanism being selectively movable relative to the arm portion between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the towing handle is in the locked position. Restricting pivoting about the sub-part of the arm portion about the pivot axis and restricting pivoting about the sub-part of the arm part about the pivot axis when in the unlocked position. Does not pivot mechanism Towing member for a hand towing bag including. The method of claim 21, The arm portion is extended when the arm portion is attached to the bag such that the tow handle is closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. A towing member for a hand towing bag, characterized by being movable between a position and a retracted position. The method of claim 22, The towing member further includes a release button, The arm portion can be selectively locked in the extended position and the retracted position such that the release button can be pressed to move the arm portion between the extended position and the retracted position, And said release button is further adapted to move said locking mechanism from said locked position to said unlocked position when said release button is pressed. The method of claim 23, wherein And the release button is provided on the towing handle. The method of claim 21, And the pivot mechanism allows the tow handle to rotate at least 360 ° about the pivot axis with respect to the sub-part of the arm portion. The method of claim 21, The towing handle is T-shaped and has an elongated hand grip having opposing ends and a stem intersecting with and protruding therefrom from the hand grip in the middle of the hand grip opposing end, wherein the pivot axis passes through the stem and the towing A towing member for a hand towing bag, characterized in that it is generally perpendicular to said hand grip of the for handle. As a towing bag, A bag portion having an internal compartment, At least two wheels mounted to the bag unit to rotate about a wheel axis with respect to the bag unit; Comprising the towing member according to claim 1, Said pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to said wheel axis Bag, At least one wheel connected to the bag and having a wheel axis of rotation; A arm portion having a predetermined length having opposite proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the arm portion being operatively fixed to the bag; A traction handle operably connected to the distal end of the arm portion for pivoting about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; A locking mechanism for unlocking and locking the towing handle against the arm portion; Hand towing bag containing. The method of claim 28, Wherein said one of said at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to said wheel axis of rotation. The method of claim 28, Wherein the at least two pivot axes comprise a first axis and a second axis that intersect each other in a generally vertical relationship. The method of claim 28, The arm portion is in the extended position and the retracted position with respect to the bag such that the pull handle is located closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. Hand towing bag, characterized in that movable between. The method of claim 31, wherein The arm portion consists of at least two telescopic sections slidably attached to each other to allow relative telescopic movement, wherein the relative telescopic movement is movable between the extended and the retracted positions of the arm portion. Hand towing bag characterized by letting. The method of claim 31, wherein And the locking mechanism is further operatively connected such that the arm portion can be locked in the extended position. The method of claim 33, wherein An intermediate member operatively connecting the handle to the arm portion, the pivot member pivoting on the arm portion such that the intermediate member and the handle pivot about a first axis of the at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; And an intermediate member also pivotally connected to the stem of the handle such that the handle pivots about a second of the at least two pivot axes with respect to the intermediate member and the arm portion. Bag towing by hand. The method of claim 34, wherein The first one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation, The second one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the at least two pivot axes Hand towing bag, characterized in that. The method of claim 31, wherein And the locking mechanism is further operatively connected such that the arm portion can be locked in the retracted position. The method of claim 31, wherein And the arm portion curves away from the bag. The method of claim 28, An intermediate member operatively connecting the handle to the arm portion, the pivot member pivoting on the arm portion such that the intermediate member and the handle pivot about a first axis of the at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; And an intermediate member also pivotally connected to the handle such that the handle pivots about a second of the at least two pivot axes with respect to the intermediate member and the arm portion. Bag. The method of claim 38, The first one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation, The second one of the at least two pivot axes is oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the at least two pivot axes Hand towing bag, characterized in that. The method of claim 39, And said first one of said at least two pivot axes intersects said second pivot axis of said at least two pivot axes. The method of claim 40, The arm portion is in the extended position and the retracted position with respect to the bag such that the pull handle is located closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. Hand towing bag, characterized in that movable between. The method of claim 41, wherein The opposite free end of the hand grip defines a hand grip axis extending from one end of one of the opposite free ends to the other end of the opposite free end, the traction about the at least two pivot axes Pivoting movement between the dragon handle and the arm portion causes the hand grip axis to be oriented horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the extended position and the bag is towed by hand, the at least The pivoting movement between the towing handle and the arm portion about two pivot axes also allows the hand grip axis to be oriented parallel to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the retracted position. Bag towing by hand. The method of claim 28, Further comprising a button mechanism in said towing handle, And a portion of the button mechanism extends through at least a portion of the towing handle. The method of claim 43, The locking mechanism is unlocked when the button mechanism is pressed, And said locking mechanism is biased to lock when said button mechanism is released. The method of claim 43, Further comprising a pivot shaft through which the push pin penetrates, Hand towing bag, characterized in that when the button mechanism is pressed causes a linear displacement of the push pin. The method of claim 45, And a paddle rotatably attached to the push pin, And the linear displacement of the paddle causes locking or unlocking of the locking mechanism. The method of claim 43, The towing handle is T-shaped and includes an elongated hand grip having an opposite free end and a stem intersecting with and projecting from the hand grip between the opposite free end, wherein the stem causes the towing handle to Hand-traction bag, characterized in that the operatively connected to the arm portion. The method of claim 47, And the button mechanism extends through an end of one of the opposing free ends. The method of claim 28, The towing handle is T-shaped and includes an elongated hand grip having an opposite free end and a stem intersecting with and projecting from the hand grip between the opposite free end, wherein the stem causes the towing handle to Hand-traction bag, characterized in that the operatively connected to the arm portion. The method of claim 28, And said locking mechanism utilizes a paddle and at least two slot rings. The method of claim 28, And said locking mechanism locks or unlocks said at least two pivot axes simultaneously. The method of claim 28, And the locking mechanism unlocks the first one of the at least two pivot axes separately from the second one of the at least two pivot axes. With bag At least one wheel connected to the bag and having a wheel axis of rotation; A arm portion having a predetermined length having opposite proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the arm portion being operatively fixed to the bag; A traction handle connected to the distal end of the arm portion in a manner such that it can pivot about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion; Means for locking said towing handle to prevent movement about said at least two pivot axes; Hand towing bag containing. As a method of operating a bag towed by hand, Providing a bag having at least one wheel, an arm portion, and a towing handle, the at least one wheel being connected to the bag to rotate about a wheel axis of rotation, the arm portion being opposite proximal ends And a proximal end having a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the arm portion is operably fixed to the bag and the towing handle is pivotable about at least two pivot axes relative to the arm portion. Operatively connected to the distal end of the arm portion, such that the tow handle is closer to the bag when the arm portion is in the retracted position than when the arm portion is in the extended position. The arm portion is movable between the extended position and the retracted position with respect to the bag, and the towing handle is hand Providing a bag, the long hand grip defining a grip axis; The pull handle is about the at least two pivot axes so that the hand grip of the pull handle is oriented with the hand grip axis extending parallel to the wheel axis of rotation when the arm portion is in the retracted position. Pivoting to the first position with respect to the arm portion; Locking the towing handle in the first position; Unlocking the towing handle; So that when the arm portion is in the extended position and the bag is towed by hand, the hand grip of the tow handle is oriented with the hand grip axis extending horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis of rotation, Pivoting the towing handle to a second position with respect to the arm portion about the at least two pivot axes; Locking said towing handle in said second position How to operate a towing bag with a containing hand.