WO2017192694A1

WO2017192694A1 - Adaptive bushing for a handle

Info

Publication number: WO2017192694A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/030802
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul V. Scicluna
Original assignee: Tumi, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-05-03
Filing date: 2017-05-03
Publication date: 2017-11-09

Abstract

An adaptive bushing is provided for that allows for smooth removal and insertion of a telescopic suitcase handle despite variations in handle size and shape due to environmental factors or manufacturing variances.

Description

ADAPTIVE BUSHING FOR A HANDLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bushing for a suitcase handle that reduces wobbling and instability by providing for a flexible bushing that adapts to the environmental changes in a suitcase handle or differences in handle sizes due to engineering and manufacturing tolerances.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Contemporary luggage designs often include wheels and a handle so that a user can more easily roll heavy luggage through an airport or other location with greater ease. Suitcase handles may comprise one or more lengths of rigid tubing that extend upwards from the top of the suitcase and include a handle or grip portion at its top for the user to grip and pull. In this manner, suitcases may be tipped at an angle so that the weight of the suitcase is carried by the wheels, while the upper portion of the suitcase is held at an angle and pulled by the user.

[0003] However, in some instances, extendible or telescopic handles can become loose or wobbly where they are attached to the luggage item. In some examples, the size and shape of an extendible handles may become altered due to normal wear and tear or environmental factors, such as temperature. Even under ordinary circumstances, the size and shape of an extendible handle may fluctuate due to ordinary variations in engineering and manufacturing tolerances. When these variations in the size and shape of an extendible handle occur, the handle may become loose within its housing or where it is attached to a luggage item thereby creating a wobbly handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Aspects and embodiments are directed to a telescopic suitcase assembly including a lower extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and extended position. The suitcase assembly further includes an upper extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and an extended position within said lower extendible handle section, and at least one adaptive bushing including one or more projecting tabs configured to exert an elastic force in an inward direction. The at least one adaptive bushing includes a first adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the lower extendible handle section and configured to surround and movably receive the upper extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position.

[0005] Additional aspects and embodiments are directed to a telescopic handle assembly including an extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and an extended position and an extendible handle housing configured to receive the extendible handle section when in the compressed position. The handle assembly further includes at least one adaptive bushing including one or more projecting tabs configured to exert an elastic force in an inward direction. The at least one adaptive bushing includes a first adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the extendible handle housing and configured to surround and movably receive the extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position.

[0006] Additional aspects and embodiments are directed to a luggage article including a luggage body, a lower extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and extended position, and an upper extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and an extended position within said lower extendible handle section. The luggage article further includes an extendible handle housing disposed within the luggage body and configured to contain the lower extendible handle section when in the compressed position, a handle connected to a top portion of the upper extendible handle section, and at least one adaptive bushing including one or more projecting tabs configured to exert an elastic force in an inward direction. The at least one adaptive bushing includes a first adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the lower extendible handle section and configured to surround and movably receive the upper extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position.

[0007] At least one embodiment of the bushing and the suitcase handle includes one or more projecting tabs disposed on an interior wall of the adaptive bushing. [0008] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing can be formed of nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, Teflon, mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof with other plastic materials.

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing is made up of two halves connected by a living hinge.

[0010] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing in a closed position further comprises an internal opening that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the cross-section of said upper extendible handle.

[0011] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing further comprises a rim disposed at a top end of the adaptive bushing.

[0012] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing further comprises one or more projections on an exterior surface of the adaptive busing for anchoring the adaptive bushing within a corresponding recessed portion on the interior surface of said lower extendible handle section.

[0013] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing further comprises one or more channels to allow the adaptive bushing to partially compress for insertion into said lower extendible handle section.

[0014] Aspects and embodiments of the suitcase handle include that the handle comprises a recessed handle housing with one or more holes for receiving the telescopic handle.

[0015] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing further comprises at least one additional adaptive bushing disposed within the recessed handle housing for receiving a telescopic handle. [0016] Aspects and embodiments of the suitcase handle include that the handle comprises at least one telescopic handle housing that is immovably fixed within a luggage item for receiving said upper and lower extendible handle sections.

[0017] Aspects and embodiments of the bushing and the suitcase handle include that the bushing further comprises at least one additional adaptive bushing disposed within the lower extendible handle section for receiving an upper extendible handle section.

[0018] Aspects and embodiments of the suitcase handle include that the handle comprises a handle portion at a top end of the upper extendible handle section.

[0019] Aspects and embodiments of the suitcase handle include that the handle comprises two parallel lengths of the lower extendible handle section and the upper extendible handle section, wherein said two parallel lengths of upper extendible handle section are attached to said handle section, and wherein at least two adaptive bushings are disposed within said two parallel lengths of lower extendible handle sections.

[0020] Aspects and embodiments of the suitcase handle include that the handle comprises a button on said handle section for selectively retracting one or more spring-loaded bullets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Various aspects of at least one example of the present disclosure are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are provided for the purposes of illustration and explanation and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures: [0022] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a suitcase with a telescopic handle in an extended position.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an internal view of an exemplary telescopic handle housing that may be installed within a luggage item.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a top-side perspective view of a bushing for a telescopic suitcase handle in an open configuration.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a top-front perspective view of a bushing for a telescopic suitcase handle in a closed configuration.

[0026] FIGS. 5A-5F are side perspective views showing various embodiments of the bushing shown in FIGS. 3-4.

[0027] FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams showing various telescopic handle segments or handle housings with respective adaptive bushings installed therein.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a deconstructed telescopic handle including four telescopic handle segments or handle housing segments with respective bushings installed in each segment.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a portion of a telescopic handle assembly including two telescopic handle segments or handle housing segments with respective bushings installed in each segment.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a portion of a telescopic handle assembly including three telescopic handle segments or handle housing segments with respective bushings installed in each segment.

[0031] FIG. 10 diagram showing a portion of a telescopic handle assembly including two telescopic handle segments and a hole leading to a handle housing with respective bushings installed in each segment and the hole.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0032] With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the description and drawings. Where technical features in the figures or detailed description are followed by these reference numerals, the reference numerals have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the figures or detailed description. Accordingly, neither the reference numerals nor their absence are intended to have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure.

[0033] Reference numeral 2 refers to a suitcase or luggage.

[0034] Reference numeral 4 refers to a front side of a suitcase.

[0035] Reference numeral 6 refers to a rear side of a suitcase.

[0036] Reference numeral 8 refers to a top side of a suitcase.

[0037] Reference numeral 10 refers to a bottom side of a suitcase.

[0038] Reference numeral 12 refers to a recessed handle housing.

[0039] Reference numeral 14 refers to a telescopic handle.

[0040] Reference numeral 16 refers to a handle portion.

[0041] Reference numeral 18 refers to a hollow end of a handle portion.

[0042] Reference numeral 20 refers to one or more holes.

[0043] Reference numeral 22 refers to a button.

[0044] Reference numeral 24 refers to an upper extendible handle section.

[0045] Reference numeral 26 refers to a lower extendible handle section.

[0046] Reference numeral 27 refers to a telescopic handle locking bullet.

[0047] Reference numeral 28 refers to a telescopic handle housing.

[0048] Reference numeral 30 refers to an adaptive bushing.

[0049] Reference numeral 31 refers to an exterior surface of an adaptive bushing.

[0050] Reference numeral 32 refers to a living hinge on an adaptive bushing.

[0051] Reference numeral 33 refers to an interior surface of an adaptive bushing.

[0052] Reference numeral 34 refers to a rim on an adaptive bushing.

[0053] Reference numeral 35 refers to an anchor.

[0054] Reference numeral 36 refers to projections on an adaptive bushing.

[0055] Reference numeral 38 refers to spring-loaded tabs on an adaptive bushing.

[0056] Reference numeral 40 refers to channels on an adaptive bushing.

[0057] Reference numeral 100 refers to a telescopic handle assembly.

[0058] Reference numeral 110 refers to a telescopic handle segment or section.

[0059] Reference numeral 112 refers to an outer surface of a telescopic handle section.

[0060] Reference numeral 114 refers to an inner surface of a telescopic handle section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Reference will now be made in detail to representative examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit this disclosure to one preferred example. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0062] As disclosed herein, the devices and methods presented can be used for an adaptable bushing for a telescopic suitcase handle that provides a stronger connection between the concentric tubes within a telescopic suitcase handle that is resistant to environmental changes and/or variations in manufacturing or engineering tolerances.

[0063] For the purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an example of a suitcase with a telescopic handle is shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the suitcase 2 shown in FIG. 1 can be of any suitable specific construction in terms of materials, manner of assembly, and configurations of the parts, including both hard shell luggage and soft luggage. In some implementations, a telescopic handle may be used with a wheeled suitcase. The exemplary suitcase 2, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a front side 4, and rear side 6, a top side 8, and a bottom side 10.

[0064] Proximate to top side 8, suitcase 2 also includes a recessed handle housing 12 that is formed of hard plastic material or another suitably rigid material as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In some examples, the recessed handle housing 12 may be disposed on the top side 8 and adjacent to rear side 6. However, in other examples, the recessed handle housing 12 may be disposed anywhere on top side 8, or any other side of suitcase 2, and may preferably be located approximately in the middle of top side 8. The recessed handle housing 12 may comprise any suitable shape for receiving a handle portion 16 of a telescopic handle 14, when the telescopic handle 14 is in a fully-inserted position. The recessed handle housing 12 may also include one or more holes 20 for receiving the telescopic handle 14 and through which the telescopic handle 14 may slide when it is being inserted or retracted into suitcase 2. In some examples, the handle portion 16 may include a button 22 that controls an internal locking mechanism for the telescopic handle 14 (such as is shown in FIG. 1). In another example, the button 22 that controls an internal locking mechanism for the telescopic handle portion 16 may be located on a surface of the recessed handle housing 12 (such as is shown in FIG. 2). However, in other implementations, button 22 may be located elsewhere on suitcase 2, as long as button 22 is readily accessible to the user when suitcase 2 is in use.

[0065] FIG. 1 shows a telescopic handle 14 in an extended position. As shown, telescopic handle 14 may comprise two extendible handle sections or segments, including an upper extendible handle section 24 and a lower extendible handle section 26. As shown in FIG. 1, in some examples, telescopic handle 14 may comprise two parallel pairs of extendible handle sections that are attached at the top to the two ends of handle portion 16. In other implementations, telescopic handle 14 may comprise just one upper extendible handle section 24 and one lower extendible handle section 26 that may be attached to one end or the middle of handle portion 16 to form a T-shaped handle.

[0066] In some examples, handle portion 16 may comprise a horizontal portion that a user may grip with their hand while pulling or pushing suitcase 2. Handle portion 16 may comprise any suitably rigid material, such as hard plastic, ABS plastic, PVC, metal, wood, or any other substantially rigid materials as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some implementations, handle portion 16 may further include a leather or cloth wrapping around the horizontal gripping portion for the comfort of the user as well as to improve the overall appearance of suitcase 2. As shown, for example, in FIG. 1, the horizontal portion of handle portion 16 may include one or more hollow ends 18 for attaching handle portion 16 to upper extendible handle section 24. The horizontal portion and one or more hollow ends 18 of handle portion 16 need not be separate components, but may be integrally formed with one another. Handle portion 16 may also be attached to upper extendible handle section 24 using any suitable means of attachment as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including screwing, welding, soldering, locking, or otherwise fastening.

[0067] Upper extendible handle section 24 may comprise a length of rigid material, such as hard plastic, ABS plastic, PVC, metal, wood, or any other substantially rigid materials as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some examples, upper extendible section 24 may comprise a circular cross-section, while in other examples, a square, rectangular, rounded, or irregular cross-section may be utilized. Upper extendible handle section 24 may therefore comprise any aesthetically pleasing design and shape and is not confined to any particular cross- sectional shape along its length. At its lower end, upper extendible handle section 24 is movably disposed within lower extendible handle section 26, which has an internal cross-sectional shape and dimensions that substantially match the external cross-sectional shape and dimensions of upper extendible handle section 24. In some embodiments, the internal dimensions of lower extendible handle section 26 may be slightly larger than the external dimensions of upper extendible handle section 24, in order to allow upper extendible handle section 24 to easily slide within lower extendible handle section 26.

[0068] As further shown, for example, in FIG. 1, lower extendible handle section 26 may comprise a length of rigid material, such as hard plastic, ABS plastic, PVC, metal, wood, or other substantially rigid materials as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. At its lower end, the lower extendible handle section 26 may be movably disposed within holes 20 in recessed handle housing 28. The holes 20 may have an internal shape and diameter that is substantially similar to the external shape and diameters of lower extendible handle section 26. Preferably, the internal dimensions of the holes 20 may be slightly larger than the external dimensions the lower extendible handle section 26, in order to allow the lower extendible handle section 26 to easily slide within the holes 20. The lower extendible handle section 26 may not protrude from the holes 20 when the telescopic handle 14 is in a fully inserted or partially inserted position. For example, a partially inserted position may occur when the lower extendible handle section 26 is fully inserted into the holes 20, but the upper extendible handle section 24 is disengaged from the lower extendible handle section 26 (not shown). The lower extendible handle section 26 is visible when the telescopic handle 14 is in a fully extended position as shown, for example, in FIG. 1.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a telescopic handle housing 28 disposed within the suitcase 2. For example, the telescopic handle housing 28 may be disposed within the suitcase 2 beneath the recessed handle housing 12 and behind the rear surface 6. The telescopic handle housing 28 is configured to receive and retain one or more segments of the telescopic handle 14 when the telescopic handle 14 is in a partially or fully inserted or collapsed position.

[0070] As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, telescopic handle 14 may collapse into telescopic handle housing 28 when telescopic handle 14 is in an inserted position. Telescopic handle housing 28 may comprise a stationary tube for receiving upper extendible handle section 24 and lower extendible handle section 26 when telescopic handle 14 is in an inserted position. Thus, when telescopic handle 14 is in a fully inserted position, upper extendible handle section 24 may be disposed within lower extendible handle section 26, which, in turn, may be disposed within telescopic handle housing 28.

[0071] The telescopic handle housing 28 may comprise a length of rigid tube material, such as hard plastic, ABS plastic, PVC, metal, wood, or other substantially rigid materials as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. At its upper end, telescopic handle housing 28 may be fixed beneath holes 20 in recessed handle housing 12. At its lower end, telescopic handle housing 28 may be anchored to an internal frame or support structure. In some examples, telescopic handle housing 28 may be directly or indirectly attached to suitcase 2 via anchor 35. The hollow space within telescopic handle housing 28 may have an internal shape and diameter that is substantially similar to the external shape and diameter of lower extendible handle section 26. Preferably, the internal dimensions of the hollow space within telescopic handle housing 28 may be slightly larger than the external dimensions lower extendible handle section 26, in order to allow lower extendible handle section 26 to easily slide within telescopic handle housing 28.

[0072] The telescopic handle 14 may further include additional telescopic handle sections (not shown) in addition to the upper and lower sections 24, 26 and the handle housing 28 shown in FIGS. 1-2. Any such additional sections will be configured to possess external dimensions equal to or slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of whichever handle section is positioned immediately below the additional section. Similarly, any additional section will be configured to possess internal dimensions equal to or slightly smaller than the external dimensions of any handle section positioned immediately above the additional section. [0073] Still referring to FIGS. 1-2, upper extendible handle section 24, lower extendible handle section 26, and telescopic handle housing 28 together cooperate to provide a telescopic handle for luggage in a manner familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some examples, button 22 atop handle portion 16 may control one or more internal locking mechanisms for holding the handle sections in place with respect to one another in one or more stages of extension. In some examples, the button 22 may control an internal cable that may cause one or more spring-loaded bullets 27 to retract, allowing the concentric handle sections to move with respect with one another. The button 22 may be released when the user has repositioned the telescopic handle into a desired position, thereby allowing spring-loaded bullets 27 to extend outward through one or more openings in the concentric handle sections, thereby holding the concentric handle sections in place.

[0074] The one or more locking bullets 27 involved in the locking mechanism may be disposed at or near the interface between any two segments of the telescopic handle 14. For example, in FIG. 1, the locking bullets 27 are shown disposed between the upper extendible handle section 24 and the lower extendible handle section 26. Each bullet 27 is configured to move between a locked position and a compressed position. The locking bullets 27 are shown in the locked position, which causes the upper extendible handle section 24 to be retained in an extended position relative to the lower extendible handle section 26. The button 22 may be mechanically coupled to the locking bullets 27 and configured to release the locking bullets 27 from the locked position to the compressed position responsive to the button 22 being depressed. In certain additional embodiments, the locking bullets 27 may be compressed responsive to being pressed directly inward, without a button 22 also needing to be depressed. However, it is understood that no particular locking mechanism or telescopic handle arrangement is required by the present disclosure, which provides an adaptive bushing suitable for use with any telescopic handle.

[0075] It is appreciated that in use, the handle sections may undergo environmental changes, for example, expansion or contraction due to temperature changes, or warping and bending over time due to normal wear and tear. In some instances, such expansion and/or bending may cause interior telescopic handle sections to become compressed within an exterior section of the handle, thereby making it difficult to expand or contract the handle due to friction between the concentric sections. In other instances, normal variations within the manufacturing process and engineering tolerances may result in telescopic sections that are too wide to fit movably within an exterior section which, again, may cause an interior section to become compressed within the an exterior section of the handle, thereby making it difficult to expand or contract the handle due to friction between the concentric sections. In other instances, handle sections may be manufactured with an effective external diameter that is somewhat smaller than intended, resulting in unstable telescopic handle sections and internal sections may wobble within exterior sections.

[0076] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a top view of an adaptive bushing 30 for a telescopic suitcase handle that may be used in some implementations of this disclosure in open and closed configurations, respectively. An adaptive bushing, such as the adaptive bushing 30, may be employed within a telescopic handle in some examples of the present disclosure in order to allow a luggage item to adapt to changes in the telescopic handle due to environmental factors or normal manufacturing variances. As shown, for example, in FIGS 3 and 4, the adaptive bushing 30 made be made out of any suitably rigid materials with elastic properties. In some examples, nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, Teflon, polymer, plastic, composites thereof, or mixtures thereof or with other materials may be employed. As shown in FIG. 3, in some examples, the adaptive bushing 30 may be molded in an open configuration with a living hinge 32 disposed between two symmetrical or non- symmetrical halves of the adaptive bushing, for ease of manufacturing. Once molded, adaptive bushing 30 may be closed along living hinge 32, for insertion into a telescopic handle, as shown for example in FIG. 4.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 4, in some examples, adaptive bushing 30 may have an exterior size and shape along its length so as to conform to the interior dimensions of openings within a telescopic handle for receiving an interior section. For example, the bushing 30 may be sized and shaped such that an external cross section sits substantially flush relative to the interior dimensions of the holes 20 in the recessed handle housing 12 or the openings proximate the top ends of the telescopic handle housing 28, the lower extendible handle section 26, the upper extendible handle section 24 (if configured to receive an additional handle section above it), or an additional telescopic handle section not shown in FIGS. 1-4. [0078] A rim 34 may be disposed at a top end of adaptive bushing 30 to impede the progress of the adaptive bushing once it is fully inserted into the appropriate opening. In some examples, one or more projections 36 on the exterior surface 31 of adaptive bushing 30 may anchor the bushing within a corresponding recess within a telescopic handle. In additional implementations, one or more channels 40 may be disposed along the sidewalls of adaptive bushing 30 to help properly align the bushing along an internal projection within a section of a telescopic handle or to allow adaptive bushing 30 to more readily compress for insertion into a section of a telescopic handle.

[0079] For example, the adaptive bushing 30 is inserted in a first, exterior section 26 of a telescopic handle 14 as described above. A second, interior section 24 of the telescopic handle 14 is inserted into the first section 26 and abuts one or more interior surfaces 33 of the bushing 30. The bushing 30 may include one or more spring-loaded tabs 38 formed on its interior surfaces 33 to help stabilize the second section 24 of the telescopic handle 14 as it occupies and moves within the first section 26. In some examples, spring-loaded tabs 38 may be integrally formed from the same sufficiently rigid and elastic materials as the remainder of adaptive bushing 30, as described above. Accordingly, despite variations in the dimensions of the telescopic handle sections 24, 26, telescopic handle housing 28, or holes 20 due to environmental factors and manufacturing tolerances, the elasticity of the adaptive bushing 30 and its interior surfaces 33 and tabs 38 may aid in properly aligning and spacing the telescopic handle 14 such that the desired handle functionality may be maximized or prolonged. In other examples, spring- loaded tabs 38 may be formed of a separate structure that may be attached to the interior of a bushing, such that it is spring-biased in an interior direction within the bushing. Regardless of their manner of construction, spring-loaded tabs 38 are biased in an interior direction, such that the interior section of a telescopic handle 14 disposed within the bushing 30 is appropriately spaced away from the interior walls 33 of the bushing, yet a sufficient amount of friction is maintained between the tabs 38 and the interior telescopic section.

[0080] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, upon receiving an interior section of a telescopic handle formed with the correct (i.e. ideal) shape and dimensions, spring-loaded tabs 38 and the interior surface 33 will each depress somewhat to moveably retain the telescopic handle section within the bushing 30. However, even where the interior telescopic handle section 24 is somewhat larger or smaller due to environmental factors or manufacturing variances, spring-loaded tabs 38 and the interior surface 33 may compress more or less than they otherwise would to accommodate a variance in size, while still maintaining the correct amount of friction between the bushing and exterior surface of the interior handle section 24.

[0081] Similarly, the one or more projections 36 and the exterior surface 31 of the bushing 30 are also elastic. Accordingly, if the exterior telescopic handle section 26 containing the bushing 30 is somewhat larger or smaller due to environmental factors or manufacturing variances, projections 36 and the exterior surface 31 may compress more or less than they otherwise would to accommodate a variance in size, still maintaining a correct amount of friction between the bushing 30 and the interior surface of the exterior handle section 26.

[0082] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the amount of elasticity and compression that may be provided for in the spring-loaded tabs 38, the projections 36, the interior surface 33, or the exterior surface 31 will depend on the amount of variation that may be expected within the size and shape of a handle section 14 to be received by the bushing 30 based on environmental and manufacturing factors. In this manner, adaptive bushing 30 allows for variations within the within the size and shape of a handle section to be received by the bushing 30 without sacrificing the functional advantages of a telescopic handle and maintaining a smooth transition between inserted and retracted positions for a telescopic handle.

[0083] FIGS. 5A-5F are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of the adaptive bushing 30. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, the bushing 30 is originally molded in an unfolded or open position, such as the position shown in FIG. 3. The bushing 30 is then folded or closed (for example as shown in FIG. 4) so that it may be inserted into a portion of the telescopic handle configured to receive the adaptive bushing 30.

[0084] As demonstrated by the various embodiments shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, the adaptive bushing 30 may be sized and shaped in a variety of manners in accordance with the expected shape of the telescopic handle section 24, 26, hole 20, or housing 28 in which the bushing 30 is configured to rest. The bushing 30 may be made longer or shorter to provide varying levels of contact with the interior handle section via the spring-loaded tabs 38 over a longer area thereby affecting an amount of stability provided. For example, FIG. 5B shows a longer embodiment in which the upper spring-loaded tabs 38a are located a certain distance away from the lower spring-loaded tabs 38b in a vertical direction. In contrast, FIG. 5D shows a shorter embodiment in which the upper spring-loaded tabs 38a are located closer to the lower spring-loaded tabs 38b in the vertical direction.

[0085] Also shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, the positioning of the projections 36 relative to the spring- loaded tabs 38 may vary depending on the chosen bushing 30 configuration. For example, in FIG. 5C a lower projection 36b is shown offset relative to a lower spring-loaded tab 38b in the vertical direction. In contrast, in FIG. 5D a lower projection 36b is shown as vertically aligned with and disposed between two lower spring-loaded tabs 38b, 38c. The adaptive bushing 30 may therefore include any number of projections 36 or spring-loaded tabs 38 arranged in any suitable manner on the surface of the bushing 30 depending on a desired amount of friction or elasticity.

[0086] FIGS. 6A-6C show three examples of various adaptive bushings 30 configured to be inserted in a respective telescopic handle segment 110. Each telescopic handle segment 110 may correspond to any of the telescopic handle sections 24 or 26, an internal segment such as the telescopic handle housing 28, or another telescopic segment as known to those skilled in the art. In each of the examples shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the adaptive bushing 30 is folded and inserted into the top portion of each respective handle section 110. The adaptive bushing 30 is formed such that the outer surface 31 of each bushing 30 substantially matches the dimensions of and abuts an inner surface 114 of each respective handle section 110 in which the bushing 30 has been inserted.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a handle assembly 100 including successive telescopic handle sections HOa-llOd and corresponding adaptive bushings 30a-30d. As shown, the outermost, lowermost telescopic handle section 110a has the largest cross-sectional area and the innermost, uppermost telescopic handle section llOd has the smallest cross-sectional area. Similarly, the adaptive bushing 30a has the largest cross-sectional area since it is configured to be inserted into the largest handle section 110a and the adaptive bushing 30d has the smallest cross-sectional area since it is configured to be inserted into the smallest handle section llOd.

[0088] Each successively larger telescopic handle section and adaptive bushing is sized to possess a cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the previous piece below it. This configuration allows each successive piece to be inserted into the previous bushing forming a substantially snug fit. As explained previously, the elasticity provided by each bushing 30a-30d is sufficient to accommodate minor deviations in sizing.

[0089] Although the suitcases 2 and handle assemblies 100 shown herein include specific numbers of telescopic handle sections and adaptive bushings (such as the four telescopic handle sections HOa-llOd and the four adaptive bushings 30a-30d shown in FIG. 7) various configurations may include a lesser or greater number of telescopic handle sections and adaptive bushings with cross-sectional areas sized accordingly.

[0090] Although the example shown in FIG. 7 includes an adaptive bushing inserted into each telescopic handle section, in various other embodiments, only certain handle sections, housings, or holes may include an adaptive bushing. For example, an uppermost handle section llOd may not require an adaptive bushing 30d since it only needs to support a handle positioned above. In other embodiments, only a single handle section may require an adaptive bushing while remaining handle sections may not. For example, the lowermost handle section 110a (or handle housing or housing hole) may be the only component requiring an adaptive bushing 30a since it supports the weight of each additional handle section HOb-llOd positioned above.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a handle assembly 100 illustrating the spatial relationship between successive telescopic handle sections llOa-llOb and their respective adaptive bushings 30a-30b. The lower bushing 30a is folded and placed inside of the lower telescopic handle section 110a such that the outer surface 31a of the bushing 30a abuts and substantially matches the dimensions of the inner surface 114a of the lower handle section 110a. The upper telescopic handle section 110b is inserted into the lower bushing 30a such that the outer surface 112b of the handle section 110b abuts and substantially matches the dimensions of the inner surface 33a of the bushing 30a. The upper bushing 30b is folded and placed inside of the upper telescopic handle section 110b such that the outer surface 31b of the bushing 30b abuts and substantially matches the dimensions of the inner surface 114b of the upper handle section 110b.

[0092] FIG. 9 shows a handle assembly 100 including three telescopic handle sections 110a- 110c and respective adaptive bushings 30a-30c. This assembly is similar to the example shown in FIG. 8, with the addition of a third telescopic handle segment 110c and adaptive bushing 30c. Specifically, the uppermost telescopic handle section 110c is inserted into the middle bushing 30b such that the outer surface 112c of the handle section 110c abuts and substantially matches the dimensions of the inner surface 33b of the bushing 30b. The uppermost bushing 30c is folded and placed inside of the uppermost telescopic handle section 110c such that the outer surface 31c of the bushing 30c abuts and substantially matches the dimensions of the inner surface 114c of the upper handle section 110c.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a handle assembly 100 including two telescopic handles, a lower, outer telescopic handle 26 and an upper, inner telescopic handle 24. The assembly 100 further includes an internal handle housing 28 having a recession 12 and a hole 20 for providing access to the internal housing 28. The assembly 100 is similar to the example shown in FIG. 9, however the lowermost handle section 110a has been replaced by the internal handle housing 28. Accordingly, the lower bushing 30a is folded and placed inside of housing 28 via the hole 20 such that the outer surface 31a of the bushing 30a abuts and substantially matches the inner dimensions the housing 28. Placing the adaptive bushing 30a within the internal handle housing 28 may be especially desirable since the housing 28 contains and supports the weight of each handle segment 24, 26 positioned above it. [0094] Although various examples shown herein include an adaptive bushing inserted into each telescopic handle section or other aperture (such as the examples shown in FIGS. 7-10), in other embodiments, only certain handle sections, housings, or holes may include an adaptive bushing as needed.

[0095] While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. As such, the particular features claimed below and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other implementations having any other possible permutations and combinations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is: CLAIMS

1. A telescopic handle assembly comprising:

a lower extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and extended position;

an upper extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and an extended position within said lower extendible handle section; and

at least one adaptive bushing including one or more projecting tabs configured to exert an elastic force in an inward direction, the at least one adaptive bushing including a first adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the lower extendible handle section and configured to surround and movably receive the upper extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position.

2. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing is formed of nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, Teflon, mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof with other plastic materials.

3. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing is made up of two halves connected by a living hinge.

4. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 1 wherein the first adaptive bushing comprises an internal opening that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of the upper extendible handle section.

5. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 1 further comprising an extendible handle housing configured to contain the lower extendible handle section when in the compressed position.

6. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 5 further comprising: a handle connected to a top portion of the upper extendible handle section; and a recessed handle housing including one or more holes leading to the extendible handle housing, the recessed handle housing being configured to receive the handle such that a top of the handle sits flush with or below an upper surface of the recessed handle housing when the lower and upper extendible handle sections are each in the compressed position.

7. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 6 further comprising:

two parallel lengths of the lower extendible handle section and the upper extendible handle section, wherein the two parallel lengths of the upper extendible handle section are attached to the handle;

a second adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing; and

wherein the first and second adaptive bushings are each disposed in respective upper portions of the lower extendible handle housing and configured to surround and movably receive each of the two parallel lengths of upper extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position , wherein the first and second adaptive bushing each comprise internal openings having substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of a respective one of the parallel lengths of upper extendible handle section.

8. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 7 further comprising a third adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing, the third adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the extendible handle housing and configured to surround and movably receive the lower extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position, wherein the third adaptive bushing comprises an internal opening that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of the lower extendible handle section.

9. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 8 further comprising:

a fourth adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing;

wherein the one or more holes of the recessed handle housing includes two holes leading to the extendible handle housing; wherein the third and fourth adaptive bushings are each disposed in one of the two holes and configured to surround and movably receive each of the two parallel lengths of lower extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position; and

wherein the third and fourth adaptive bushing each comprise internal openings having substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of a respective one of the parallel lengths of lower extendible handle section.

10. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 9 further comprising a button disposed on the handle section for selectively retracting one or more spring-loaded bullets , the spring-loaded bullets configured to lock at least one of the lower extendible handle section and the upper extendible handle section in the extended position.

11. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 9 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further includes a rim configured to retain each adaptive bushing in a fixed position.

12. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 9 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further includes at least one projection disposed on an exterior surface and configured to retain each adaptive bushing in a fixed position by exerting an elastic force in an outward direction.

13. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 9 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further comprises one or more channels configured to allow the bushing to partially compress for aiding insertion into its respective position.

14. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 5 wherein the extendible handle housing is immovably fixed within a luggage item.

15. A telescopic handle assembly comprising:

an extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and an extended position; an extendible handle housing configured to receive the extendible handle section when in the compressed position; and

at least one adaptive bushing including one or more projecting tabs configured to exert an elastic force in an inward direction, the at least one adaptive bushing including a first adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the extendible handle housing and configured to surround and movably receive the extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position.

16. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 15 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing is formed of nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, Teflon, mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof with other plastic materials.

17. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing is made up of two halves connected by a living hinge.

18. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 15 wherein the first adaptive bushing comprises an internal opening that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of the extendible handle section.

19. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 15 further comprising:

a handle connected to a top portion of the extendible handle section; and

a recessed handle housing including one or more holes leading to the extendible handle housing, the recessed handle housing being configured to receive the handle such that a top of the handle sits flush with or below an upper surface of the recessed handle housing when the lower and upper extendible handle sections are each in the compressed position.

20. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 19 further comprising:

two parallel lengths of the extendible handle section, wherein the two parallel lengths are attached to the handle;

a second adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing; and wherein the first and second adaptive bushings are each disposed in one of the two holes and configured to surround and movably receive each of the two parallel lengths of extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position, wherein the first and second adaptive bushing each comprise internal openings having substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of a respective one of the parallel lengths of the extendible handle section.

21. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 20 further comprising a button on the handle section for selectively retracting one or more spring-loaded bullets, the spring-loaded bullets configured to lock the extendible handle section in the extended position.

22. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 21 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further includes a rim configured to retain the bushing in a fixed position.

23. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 21 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further includes at least one projection disposed on an exterior surface and configured to retain the adaptive bushing in a fixed position by exerting an elastic force in an outward direction.

24. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 21 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further comprises one or more channels to allow the bushing to partially compress for aiding insertion into its respective position.

25. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 15 wherein the extendible handle housing is immovably fixed within a luggage item.

26. A luggage article comprising:

a luggage body;

a lower extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and extended position; an upper extendible handle section movably disposed between a compressed position and an extended position within said lower extendible handle section;

an extendible handle housing disposed within the luggage body and configured to contain the lower extendible handle section when in the compressed position;

a handle connected to a top portion of the upper extendible handle section; and at least one adaptive bushing including one or more projecting tabs configured to exert an elastic force in an inward direction, the at least one adaptive bushing including a first adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the lower extendible handle section and configured to surround and movably receive the upper extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position.

27. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 26 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing is formed of nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, Teflon, mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof with other plastic materials.

28. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 26 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing is made up of two halves connected by a living hinge.

29. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 26 wherein the first adaptive bushing comprises an internal opening that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of the upper extendible handle section.

30. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 26 further comprising a recessed handle housing disposed on a surface of the luggage body, the recessed handle housing including one or more holes leading to the extendible handle housing, the recessed handle housing being configured to receive the handle such that a top of the handle sits flush with or below an upper surface of the recessed handle housing when the lower and upper extendible handle sections are each in the compressed position.

31. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 30 further comprising: two parallel lengths of the lower extendible handle section and the upper extendible handle section, wherein the two parallel lengths of the upper extendible handle section are attached to the handle;

a second adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing; and

32. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 31 further comprising a third adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing, the third adaptive bushing disposed in an upper portion of the extendible handle housing and configured to surround and movably receive the lower extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position, wherein the third adaptive bushing comprises an internal opening that has substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of the lower extendible handle section.

33. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 32 further comprising a fourth adaptive bushing of the at least one adaptive bushing, wherein the one or more holes of the recessed handle housing includes two holes leading to the extendible handle housing, and wherein the third and fourth adaptive bushings are each disposed in one of the two holes and configured to surround and movably receive each of the two parallel lengths of lower extendible handle section between the compressed position and the extended position, wherein the third and fourth adaptive bushing each comprise internal openings having substantially the same shape and dimensions as an outer surface of a respective one of the parallel lengths of lower extendible handle section.

34. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 33 further comprising a button disposed on the handle section for selectively retracting one or more spring-loaded bullets , the spring-loaded bullets configured to lock at least one of the lower extendible handle section and the upper extendible handle section in the extended position.

35. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 33 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further includes a rim configured to retain each adaptive bushing in a fixed position.

36. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 33 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further includes at least one projection disposed on an exterior surface and configured to retain each adaptive bushing in a fixed position by exerting an elastic force in an outward direction.

37. The telescopic handle assembly of claim 33 wherein each of the at least one adaptive bushing further comprises one or more channels configured to allow the bushing to partially compress for aiding insertion into its respective position.