US20130068579A1

US20130068579A1 - Telescoping luggage handle and stabilizer

Info

Publication number: US20130068579A1
Application number: US13/236,106
Authority: US
Inventors: David L. Mathieu; Sean McDonnell; Joseph Paul; James T. Sener
Original assignee: Travelpro International Inc
Current assignee: Ideaz LLC; Travelpro International Inc
Priority date: 2011-09-19
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2013-03-21
Also published as: USD699438S1; WO2013043632A1; CN202286802U

Abstract

A telescoping luggage handle and stabilizer are provided. The telescoping luggage handle includes an elongated element, a conduit, and at least one stabilizer. The conduit is for receiving the elongated element, and the stabilizer is for restricting lateral movement of the elongated in relation to the conduit. The stabilizer includes a cap and a biasing member. The biasing member engages a flexible portion of the cap.

Description

FIELD

The present specification relates generally to luggage and more specifically relates to a stabilization mechanism for a luggage handle.

BACKGROUND

Travel is a common human activity and luggage is an important feature of travel. When it comes to air travel, the demands on luggage can be particularly intense.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a telescoping luggage handle. The luggage handle includes an elongated element and a conduit for receiving said elongated element. The elongated element has a retracted position in relation to the conduit wherein the elongated element is substantially entirely disposed within the conduit. The elongated element is movable from the retracted position to an extended position wherein a predefined length of the elongated element remains within the conduit. The luggage handle further includes at least one stabilizer disposed along the predefined length when the elongated element is in the extended position. The at least one stabilizer is configured to restrict lateral movement of the elongated in relation to the conduit.
The at least one stabilizer may be a plurality of stabilizers.
The at least one stabilizer may be further configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element between the extended position and the retracted position.
A first stabilizer of the plurality of stabilizers may include a first stopping face. A second stabilizer of the plurality of stabilizers may include a second stopping face. The first stopping face may contact the second stopping face to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element.
The at least one stabilizer may be configured to permit said elongated element to slide within said conduit between said retracted position and said extended position.
The at least one stabilizer may include a cap having a flexible portion and an opening. The cap may be disposed at an end of the conduit to receive the elongated element through the opening. The at least one stabilizer may include a biasing member engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member may urge the flexible portion of the cap toward the elongated element.
The biasing member may include a clip spring.
The biasing member may include a resilient material disposed in said flexible portion.
The telescoping luggage handle may further include a retaining mechanism disposed on the cap and on the end of said conduit. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the cap on the conduit.
The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. The protrusion may be configured to mate with the conduit.
The at least one stabilizer may include a cap having a flexible portion. The cap may be disposed at an end of the elongated element such that the cap is received by the conduit. The at least one stabilizer may include a biasing member engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member may urge the flexible portion of the cap toward an inside wall of the conduit.
The biasing member may include a coil spring.
The telescoping luggage handle may further include a retaining mechanism disposed on the cap and on the end of the elongated element. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the cap on the elongated element.
The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. The protrusion may be configured to mate with the elongated element.
The conduit and the elongated element may include a peanut shaped cross section.
The conduit may be at least as long as said predefined length.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle. The stabilizer includes a cap having a flexible portion and having an opening. The cap is configured to be disposed at an end of a conduit. The cap is further configured to receive an elongated element through the opening The stabilizer further includes a biasing member engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member urges the flexible portion of the cap toward the elongated element.
The stabilizer may further include a stopping face configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element relative to the conduit.
The stabilizer may further include a retaining mechanism disposed on the cap. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the cap on the conduit.
The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. The protrusion may be configured to mate with the conduit.
The biasing member may include a clip spring.
The biasing member may include resilient material disposed in said flexible portion
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle. The stabilizer includes a cap having a flexible portion the cap configured to be disposed at an end of an elongated element. The cap is configured to be received by a conduit. The stabilizer further includes a biasing member engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member urges said flexible portion of the cap toward an inside wall of the conduit.
The stabilizer may further include a stopping face configured to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element relative to the conduit.
The stabilizer may further include a retaining mechanism disposed on the cap. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain said cap on said elongated element.
The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. The protrusion may be configured to mate with the elongated element.
The biasing member may include a coil spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the telescoping luggage handle in a retracted position according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the telescoping luggage handle through the line A-A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the portion of the telescoping luggage handle shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a portion of the telescoping luggage handle shown in FIG. 7 when the telescoping luggage handle is in an extended position;

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of a stabilizer according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of a stabilizer according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A is a top view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12B is a front view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12C is a side view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the stabilizer through the line B-B of FIG. 12B;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clip spring;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16A is a top view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16B is a front view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16C is a side view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16D is a bottom view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to another embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a stabilizer according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a back view of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a left side view of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a right side view of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the telescoping luggage handle according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, etc.) are for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.
Referring to FIG. 1, a telescoping luggage handle is indicated generally at 10. It is to be understood that the telescoping luggage handle 10 shown is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of different telescoping luggage handle structures are contemplated. For example, FIG. 2 shows one such variation generally at 50 which includes a structure having one a single telescoping portion.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the telescoping luggage handle 10 comprises a gripping portion 12 for gripping the telescoping luggage handle. The gripping portion 12 is connected to an elongated element 14. It is to be understood that the elongated element 14 is not particularly limited to any material and that several variations are contemplated. Some examples of materials which are ideal for the elongated element 14 are aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber composites, plastic, and other materials commonly used in the manufacture of telescoping luggage handles. In particular, the elongated element 14 can be made of any suitable material to form of a rod. Alternatively, the elongated element 14 can be hollow to reduce weight. The elongated element 14 is received by a conduit 16 through a cap 20. Similar to the elongated element 14, the conduit is not limited to any material and that several variations similar to those mentioned above are contemplated. It will be recognized the dimensions of the elongated element 14 are designed to allow for the elongated element to move in a longitudinal direction at least partially within the conduit 16. The elongated element 14 is moveable from a retracted position in relation to the conduit 16 to an extended position. For example, the elongated element 14 can slide between the retracted position and the extended position. When in the retracted position, the elongated element 14 is substantially entirely disposed within the conduit 16. When in the extended position, a portion of the elongated element 14 extends from the end of the conduit 16. It should be noted that a predefined length of the elongated element 14 remains within the conduit 16 when in the extended position. It should be noted that the predefined length varies depending on the size of the suitcase.
In the present embodiment, the first conduit 16 is further received by a second conduit 18 through a cap 22. The conduit 16 is designed to allow for the conduit 16 to move in a longitudinal direction at least partially within the second conduit 18. The first conduit 16 is moveable from a retracted position in relation to the second conduit 18 to an extended position. For example, elongated element 14 can slide between the retracted position and the extended position. When in the retracted position, the first conduit 16 is substantially entirely disposed within the second conduit 18. When in the extended position, a portion of the first conduit 16 extends from the end of the second conduit 18. It should be noted that a predefined length of the first conduit 16 remains within the second conduit 18 when in the extended position.
Referring to FIG. 3, the present embodiment is shown where the telescoping luggage handle is in a retracted position. In this position, the elongated element 14 is in a retracted position relative to the first conduit 16 which in turn is in a retracted position relative to the second conduit 18.
In the present embodiment, the elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18 have a peanut shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 4. The elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18 have two wide portions 40 at opposite ends of the cross section of the elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18 and a narrow portion 42 in the center of the cross section of the elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18. Furthermore, the wide portions 40 and narrow portions 42 are separated by an angled portion 44. In this embodiment, the angled portions 44 and the narrow portions 42 are substantially linear and the angle of the angled portion 44 is approximately forty-five degrees from the narrow portion 42 and the narrow portion. This particular shape is advantageous for reasons which will be discussed below. In other embodiments, the portions 40, 42, and 44 can be curved or the angled portion can be greater or less than forty-five degrees.
Variations of the telescoping luggage handle 10 are contemplated. In particular, it will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the telescoping luggage handle can include any number of conduits that can be used as telescoping sections nested within a larger conduit. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the telescoping luggage handle includes two telescoping sections, elongated element 14 and conduit 16. However, it is also contemplated in some embodiments that there is provided only one telescoping section. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated, that the shape of the conduit 16 and the elongated element 14 can have a variety of different cross sections. For example, in some embodiments, the cross section may not have any linear sections and be shaped like a curved peanut, or the angle of the angled portion can be greater or lesser than forty-five degrees. In further embodiments, the cross section can simply be rectangular, circular, or oval.
Moreover, although the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3 shows the conduits progressively getting larger away from the gripping portion 12, the opposite is also contemplated. For example, the gripping portion 12 can be connected to the largest conduit from which an elongated element extends.
Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment is shown generally at 60. The telescoping luggage handle 60 comprises a gripping portion 62 for gripping the telescoping luggage handle. The gripping portion 62 is connected to an elongated element 70. It is to be understood that the elongated element 70 is not particularly limited to any material and that several variations are contemplated. Some examples of materials which are ideal for the elongated element 70 are aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber composites, plastic, and other materials commonly used in the manufacture of telescoping luggage handles similar to the elongated element 14 discussed above. In particular, the elongated element 70 can be made of any suitable material to form of a rod. Alternatively, the elongated element 70 can be hollow to reduce weight. In this embodiment, the elongated element 70 is received by a conduit 72 built into the luggage through cap 64. It will be recognized the dimensions of the elongated element 70 are designed to allow for the elongated element to move in a longitudinal direction at least partially within the conduit 72. The elongated element 70 is moveable from a retracted position in relation to the conduit 72 to an extended position. When in the extended position, a portion of the elongated element 70 extends from the end of the conduit 72. It should be noted that a predefined length of the elongated element 70 remains within the conduit 72 when in the extended position. It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the length of the conduit 72 is not necessarily equal to or greater than the elongated element 70. The conduit 72 can be shorter than the elongated element 70. For example, the conduit 72 can be equal in length to the predefined length of the elongated element 70 remains within the conduit 72 when in the extended position.
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 16, an example of a first stabilizer 100 and a second stabilizer 200 are shown in detail and in context with the elongated element 14 and the first conduit 16. It is to be understood that the first stabilizer 100 and the second stabilizer 200 shown are purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of different stabilizers are contemplated. The stabilizers 100 and 200 are disposed on the elongated element 14 and the first conduit 16 to restrict the amount of lateral movement of the elongated element 14 in relation to the first conduit 16. Lateral movement includes any movement of the elongated element 14 in relation to the first conduit 16 except the longitudinal movement where the elongated element 14 moves in a direction along the axis of the conduit 16. In the present embodiment, the stabilizers 100 and 200 are disposed within a predefined length of the elongated element 14 that remains within the conduit 16 when said elongated element 14 is in the extended position. As mentioned above, the predefined length in the extended position varies depending on the size of the suitcase and the desired restriction of the lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16.
Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, a top, front and side view, respectively, of the stabilizer 100 is shown. The stabilizer 100 includes a cap 20. It is to be understood that the cap 20 is not particularly limited to any material and that several variations are contemplated. The cap 20 is disposed at an end of the conduit 16. The cap 20 includes an opening for receiving the elongated element 14 such that the elongated element can freely pass through the cap. The cap 20 further includes flexible portion 130 such that when force is applied to the flexible portion toward the center of the opening, the force would be transferred to the elongated element 14 passing through the opening. It will be appreciated now that it is not necessary for the entire cap to be manufactured from the same material. Although it can generally be easier to manufacture the cap 20 from a single material, it is contemplated that the cap can include some flexible material and some non-flexible material. Some examples of flexible materials which are ideal for the cap 20 are rubber, plastic, and other materials with similar physical properties.
The stabilizer 100 further includes at least one biasing member 110. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the stabilizer 100 includes two biasing members 110. The biasing member engages the flexible portion 130 of the cap 20. The biasing member is for urging the flexible portion 130 toward the elongated member 14 when the stabilizer has received the elongated member. By urging the flexible portion 130 toward the elongated element 14, the stabilizer 100 effectively holds the elongated element steady within the opening to restrict lateral movement in relation to the conduit 16.
In the present embodiment, the biasing member 110 applies a perpendicular force to the surface of the narrow portion 42 of the elongated element 14. By applying this force, the flexible portion 130 is urged toward the elongated element 14 such that the flexible portion will engage both the surface of the narrow portion 42 and the surface of the angled portion 44. Therefore, by having elongated element 14 in the shape shown in FIG. 4, the stabilizer 100 is more effective at stabilizing lateral movement in several directions.
It is to be understood that the biasing member 110 is not particularly limited to any material or design and that several variations are contemplated. For example, in the present embodiment, the biasing member 110 is a clip spring. The clip spring can be manufactured from various plastics or metals. Alternatively, the biasing member can also be a rubber band. In yet another embodiment, it is also contemplated that the biasing member is embedded within the cap 20.
FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a stabilizer generally at 500. The flexible portion 530 of the stabilizer 500 can be resilient and provide a bias toward the center of the opening. Therefore, the biasing member comprises resilient material disposed within the flexible portion 530. In yet another embodiment, the resilient material can be disposed on the flexible portion 530 as a separate layer. The flexible portion 530 has an equilibrium position directed toward the center of the open such that the opening would be smaller than the dimensions of the elongated element 14. Therefore, as the elongated element 14 is inserted, the flexible portion 530 would be flexed in an outward direction. Since the flexible portion 530 includes resilient material to urge the flexible portion back to the equilibrium position, the resilient material in the flexible portion 530 is the biasing member. It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this specification, that although the embodiment of FIG. 17 may not apply a force as large as a force as the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 16, the cost of producing the embodiment of FIG. 17 can be less than the cost of other embodiments requiring a separate clip spring.
It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this specification, that a stabilizer will be effective at restricting lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is possible that a telescoping luggage handle includes a single stabilizer. However, in another embodiment, a second stabilizer 200 can be added to further restrict lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16.
Referring to back to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D, a top, front, side, and bottom view, respectively, of the second stabilizer 200 is shown. The second stabilizer 200 includes a cap 30. It is to be understood that the cap 30 is not particularly limited to any material and that several variations are contemplated. In particular, similar materials contemplated for the cap 20 are also contemplated for the cap 30. The cap 30 is disposed at an end of the elongated member 14 that is received by the conduit 16. The cap 30 includes flexible portion 230 such that when force is applied to the flexible portion outward and away from the center, the force would be transferred to the inside wall of the conduit 16. It will be appreciated now that it is not necessary for the entire cap to be manufactured from the same material. Although it can generally be easier to manufacture the cap 30 from a single material, it is contemplated that the cap 30 can include some flexible materials and some non-flexible material. Some examples of flexible materials which are ideal for the cap 30 are similar to those for the cap 20.
The second stabilizer 200 includes a biasing member 210. The biasing member engages the flexible portion 230 of the cap 30. The biasing member urges the flexible portion 230 toward the inner wall of conduit 16. By urging the flexible portion 230 toward the inner wall of conduit 16, the stabilizer 200 effectively holds the elongated element 14 steady within the conduit 16 to restrict lateral movement.
In the present embodiment, the biasing member 210 applies a perpendicular force to the inner wall surface of the narrow portion 42 of the conduit 16. By applying this force, it will now be appreciated that the flexible portion 230 is urged toward the inner wall of the conduit 16 such that the flexible portion 230 will engage both the inner wall surface of the narrow portion 42 and the inner wall surface of the angled portion 44. Therefore, by having the conduit in the shape shown in FIG. 4, the stabilizer 200 is effective at stabilizing lateral movement in several directions.
It is to be understood that the biasing member 210 is not particularly limited to any material or design and that several variations are contemplated. For example, in the present embodiment, the biasing member 210 is a coil spring. The coil spring can be manufactured from various plastics or metals, such as stamped steel. Alternatively, the biasing member can also be a spring wire. In yet another embodiment, it is also contemplated that the biasing member is embedded within the cap 30.
FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a stabilizer generally at 600 configured to be attached to the end of an elongated element 14. The flexible portion 630 of the stabilizer 600 can be resilient and provide a bias outward against the inner wall of the conduit 16. Therefore, the biasing member comprises resilient material disposed within the flexible portion 630. The flexible portion 630 has an equilibrium position extending away from the center such that the stabilizer 600 is wider than the dimensions of the conduit 16. Therefore, as the elongated element 14 is inserted, the flexible portion 630 will be flexed in toward the center in order to fit the stabilizer 600 within the conduit 16. Since the flexible portion 630 includes resilient material to urge the flexible portion 630 back to the equilibrium position, the resilient material in the flexible portion is the biasing member.
Although only two stabilizers have been described, it will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that any number of stabilizers can be added to restrict lateral movement of the elongated member 14 in relation to the conduit 16. For example, it is to be understood that the stabilizers 100 and 200 are generally positioned at opposite ends of the predefined length that the elongated element 14 remains within said conduit. Therefore, further stabilizers can be disposed between the stabilizers 100 and 200. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that other stabilizers can extend beyond the predefined length. For example, it is contemplated that a third stabilizer can be extended deeper in to the conduit to provide further stabilization.
In addition, it will also now be appreciated, with the benefit of this specification, that the second stabilizer 200 will also be effective at restricting lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16. Therefore, in one embodiment, a telescoping luggage handle can only include a single stabilizer such as stabilizer 200 or 600.
In addition to restricting the lateral movement of the elongated element 14 in relation to the conduit 16, some embodiments can also use the stabilizers 100 and 200 to restrict the longitudinal movement of the elongated element 14 between a retracted position and an extended position. Longitudinal movement includes movements of the elongated element 14 along the longitudinal axis of the conduit 16. For example, moving from a retracted position, where the elongated element 14 is substantially entirely disposed within the conduit 16, to an extended position, where only a predefined length of the elongated element 14 is disposed within the conduit 16, is a longitudinal movement. It is to be understood that restricting the longitudinal movement of the elongated element 14 can have an added benefit of preventing the elongated element 14 from being completely removed from the conduit 16 accidentally. By increasing the a length of the elongated element 14 remaining in the conduit 16, the stability of the telescoping luggage handle is further enhanced because the effective area of contact between the elongated element 14 and the conduit 16 is increased.
In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, a first stopping face 120 is disposed on the stabilizer 100 and a second stopping face 220 is disposed on the second stabilizer 200. As the elongated element 14 is longitudinally moved toward the extended position, the first stopping face 120 contacts the second stopping face 220. Since the stabilizers 100 and 200 are held in place that the end of the conduit 16 and elongated member 14, the longitudinal movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16 is restricted. Other methods of restricting the longitudinal movement are also contemplated. For example, a protrusion can be disposed on the inner wall of the conduit to interact with the first stopping face 120 or second stopping face 220.
In the present embodiment, during longitudinal movement of the elongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16, the stabilizer 100 can function as a bushing to allow for smooth sliding motion of the elongated element 14 into and out of the conduit 16 through the opening in the cap 20 (i.e. between a retracted position and an extended position). The inner wall of the conduit 16 can also function as a bushing to allow the cap 30 to slide smoothly as the elongated element 14 moves into and out of the conduit 16 through the opening in the cap 20. It is to be understood that as the force exerted by biasing members 110 and 210 on the flexible portion increases, friction would increase between the elongated element 14 and the conduit 16. As friction increases, the amount of force needed to extend and retract the telescoping luggage handle 10 would increase as well. To control the friction, the amount of force exerted by the biasing members 110 and 210 can be selected by selecting biasing members 110 and 210 with appropriate spring constants and designing the stabilizers 100 and 200 to adjust the amount of force exerted by stabilizers 100 and 200.
In order to retain the stabilizer 100 in place at the end of the conduit 16, a retaining mechanism can be used. In the present embodiment, the retaining mechanism comprises a plurality of protrusions 150 and 152. The protrusions 150 and 152 are positioned to mate with openings 70 and 72 in the conduit 16. As shown in FIG. 12B, one edge of the protrusions 150 and 152 can be angled to permit for easier insertion of the stabilizer 100 into the conduit 16. In other embodiments, other mechanisms can be used to retain the stabilizer 100. For example, FIG. 19 shows one such example, where instead of protrusions, ball lock mechanisms 350 and 352 are used to retain a stabilizer 300. In yet another embodiment, glue can be used to retain the stabilizer at the end of the conduit 16.
In order to retain the stabilizer 200 in place at the end of the elongated element 14, a retaining mechanism can be used. In the present embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes protrusions 250 and 252. The protrusions 250 and 252 are positioned to mate with openings 70 and 72 in the elongated element 14. In other embodiments, other mechanisms can be used to retain the stabilizer 200. For example, a ball lock mechanism similar to the one described above can be used. In yet another embodiment, glue can be used to retain the stabilizer at the end of the elongated element 14.
It will be appreciated now that the above description focused on one elongated element and conduit pair to form a single telescoping section in telescoping luggage handle. It is contemplated that a telescoping luggage handle can involve several more telescoping sections. It is to be understood that each section of the telescoping luggage handle must be a different size. Therefore, different sized stabilizers would need to be user. For example, FIG. 1 shows a telescoping luggage handle 10 with two telescoping sections where cap 20 would be smaller in diameter than cap 22.
In embodiments with multiple telescoping sections, it is also contemplated that the biasing members for the separate sections can be adjusted such that the force of friction between for each telescoping section is different. Adjustment can be made by selecting biasing members with a desired spring constants or by changing the design of the stabilizer. Therefore, the order by which the telescoping sections extend from the retracted position to the extended position can be controlled by selecting biasing members to apply predetermined forces in each telescoping section. In regard to the telescoping luggage handle 10 shown in FIG. 1, if it is desired to have the elongated element 14 extend completely from conduit 16 before conduit 16 begins to extend from conduit 18, the biasing members in the stabilizers between the elongated element 14 and the conduit 16 can be adjusted to provide a smaller amount of friction than the stabilizers between the conduit 16 and the conduit 18.
In other embodiments, the force of friction can also be adjusted by adjusting the number of stabilizers. For example, in a telescoping section where a smaller friction force is desired, a single stabilizer can be used instead of the two stabilizers described above.
Referring to FIGS. 20 to 25, several views of the embodiment of FIG. 1 are also shown.
Various advantages will now be apparent. Of note is smoother and more stable sliding motion of a telescoping luggage handle is provided. The stable sliding motion is provided by using spring loaded bushings where the springs can be adjusted to optimize drag and friction of the handle instead of relying on tightly controlled tolerances when manufacturing the telescoping luggage handle to achieve the same result. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the effective bearing surface is also increased by increasing the predefined length over overlap.
In other words, the stabilizers allow for larger tolerances in various parts that are manufactured in various sizes. In particular, by using elements which include flexible portions, such as stabilizers, it will now be appreciated, with the benefit of the specification that variations in the manufactured size will still have a predictable load. Therefore, by using the stabilizers, a constant contact between the stabilizer surface and its corresponding contact surface on the inner elongated element or conduit is maintained. Furthermore, it is understood that the constant contact occurs at all positions of the elongated element within the conduit. In addition, it is also appreciated, with the benefit of the description above, that the constant contact is also maintained through all lateral loads of the telescoping luggage handle such that when the telescoping luggage handle is pushed sideways, the stabilizer will resist the lateral motion of the elongated element relative to the conduit.
While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serve to limit the accompanying claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telescoping luggage handle comprising;

an elongated element;

a conduit for receiving said elongated element,

said elongated element having a retracted position in relation to said conduit wherein said elongated element is substantially entirely disposed within said conduit,

said elongated element movable from said retracted position to an extended position wherein a predefined length of said elongated element remains within said conduit; and

at least one stabilizer disposed along said predefined length when said elongated element is in said extended position, said at least one stabilizer configured to restrict lateral movement of said elongated in relation to said conduit.

2. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer is a plurality of stabilizers.

3. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer is further configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element between said extended position and said retracted position.

4. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 2, wherein a first stabilizer of said plurality of stabilizers comprises a first stopping face and a second stabilizer of said plurality of stabilizers comprises a second stopping face, said first stopping face contacting said second stopping face to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element.

5. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer is configured to permit said elongated element to slide within said conduit between said retracted position and said extended position.

6. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises:

a cap having a flexible portion and an opening, said cap disposed at an end of said conduit to receive said elongated element through said opening; and

a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward said elongated element.

7. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, wherein said biasing member comprises a clip spring.

8. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, wherein said biasing member comprises resilient material disposed in said flexible portion.

9. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap and on said end of said conduit, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said conduit.

10. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 9, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said conduit.

11. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises:

a cap having a flexible portion, said cap disposed at an end of said elongated element such that said cap is received by said conduit; and

a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward an inside wall of said conduit.

12. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 11, wherein said biasing member comprises a coil spring.

13. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 11, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap and on said end of said elongated element, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said elongated element.

14. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 13, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said elongated element.

15. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said conduit and said elongated element comprise a peanut shaped cross section.

16. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said conduit is at least as long as said predefined length.

17. A stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle, the stabilizer comprising:

a cap having a flexible portion and having an opening, said cap configured to be disposed at an end of a conduit and configured to receive an elongated element through said opening; and

18. The stabilizer of claim 17, further comprising a stopping face configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element relative to said conduit.

19. The stabilizer of claim 17, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said conduit.

20. The stabilizer of claim 19, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said conduit.

21. The stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said biasing member comprises a clip spring.

22. The stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said biasing member comprises resilient material disposed in said flexible portion

23. A stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle, the stabilizer comprising:

a cap having a flexible portion, said cap configured to be disposed at an end of an elongated element, said cap configured to be received by a conduit; and

24. The stabilizer of claim 23, further comprising a stopping face configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element relative to said conduit.

25. The stabilizer of claim 23, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said elongated element.

26. The stabilizer of claim 25, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said elongated element.

27. The stabilizer of claim 23, wherein said biasing member comprises a coil spring.