EP4093237B1 - Leathercraft article of the luggage type - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to an article of leather goods of the luggage type, comprising at least two half-shells secured to one another at least partially by a closing mechanism, as well as a deployable and retractable handle mechanism and which is at less partially housed in one of the half-shells. It may be, for example, a suitcase, or a trunk, or any other item of the same kind.

State of the art

Luggage is known comprising two half-shells and a closing mechanism, for example formed of a zipper, configured to connect the two half-shells in a closed configuration of the luggage; as well as a deployable and retractable handle mechanism which is at least partially housed in one of the half-shells.

In particular, the documents US 5,553,350 And EP 3 318 158 describe mechanisms allowing locking and unlocking at any deployment height of a luggage handle, by simply rotating a movable part of the handle.

Presentation of the invention

The invention aims to provide an article of leather goods of the luggage type, of a similar type and having an improved deployable and retractable handle mechanism making it particularly safe to use, while remaining simple and convenient.

The subject of the invention is therefore an article of leather goods of the luggage type, comprising at least two half-shells as well as a deployable and retractable handle mechanism which is at least partially housed in one of the half-shells and which is configured to lock /unlock a handle of the article in a position selected from a plurality of deployment positions of the handle relative to the half-shells, by rotation of a gripping portion of the handle; the deployable and retractable handle mechanism having a handle shaft to which is secured the gripping portion movable in rotation, at least one sheath mounted fixedly in one of the half-shells, at least one profile mounted movable in translation relative to the sheath, at least one locking/unlocking system secured to said at least one profile and housed at least partially in said at least one sheath, and at least one interface system configured to be actuated by the handle shaft and to actuate the locking/unlocking system, characterized in that said at least one system interface which comprises a cam bearing of generally cylindrical shape, secured by a first end to the handle shaft, and provided at a second end, opposite the first end, with a transmission end piece having a contact face which, in a first position of the gripping portion and of the handle shaft, is configured to control said at least one locking/unlocking system so as to lock the handle in the selected position and which, in a second position of the portion gripping device and the handle shaft obtained by rotation of the gripping portion, is configured to control said at least one locking/unlocking system so as to unlock the handle.

In the article according to the invention, the rotation of the gripping portion of the handle from one to the other of the first and second positions of the handle and of the handle shaft allows the locking/unlocking of the translation of the handle in relation to the half-shells, in order to deploy/retract the handle. In other words, it is possible to adjust the height of the luggage handle.

The transmission of movement from the gripping portion of the handle and therefore from the handle shaft to the locking/unlocking system is carried out by the contact face of the transmission end of the cam bearing, which is secured on the handle shaft.

Such an interface can be manufactured with great precision so as to generate a particularly reduced clearance between the rotation of the gripping portion of the handle and the locking/unlocking of the translation of the handle relative to the half-shells.

Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred characteristics of the leather goods article according to the invention are presented below.

The deployable and retractable handle mechanism can be configured so that the first position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, called the locking position, is a stable position, while the second position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, called the unlocking position, is an unstable position, the deployable and retractable handle mechanism being further configured to naturally return the gripping portion and the handle shaft to the first position.

Alternatively, the deployable and retractable handle mechanism can be configured so that the second position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, called the unlocking position, is a stable position, while the first position of the grip portion gripping and the handle shaft, called the locking position, i.e. an unstable position, the deployable and retractable handle mechanism being further configured to naturally return the gripping portion and the handle shaft to the second position.

As a further variation, each of the first and second positions may be a stable position.

Said cam bearing can be attached to the handle shaft.

Said cam bearing can be secured to the handle shaft via at least one fixing member, for example a pin, passing through the handle shaft and of which at least one free end is housed in at least a window provided in the cam bearing.

Said at least one free end of said at least one fixing member can be configured to form a rotational stop of the handle shaft and therefore of the gripping portion.

Said at least one interface system may comprise at least one pusher having a complementary contact face configured to cooperate directly with the contact face of the transmission end of said cam bearing.

Said contact face of the transmission end of said cam bearing may have at least one generally ramp profile directed towards a projecting end, while said complementary contact face of said at least one pusher may have a generally flat profile with a protuberance protruding.

Said at least one interface system is configured so that, in the first position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, the projecting end of the generally ramped profile is substantially in contact with the projecting protuberance, while that in the second position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, it is the generally ramp profile of said contact face of the transmission end of said cam bearing which comes substantially into contact with the projecting protuberance of said complementary contact face of said at least one pusher.

The locking/unlocking system may comprise at least one movable tube inside said at least one profile and configured to be actuated by said at least one pusher.

Said locking/unlocking system may comprise at least one seal which, in a first position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, is compressed and applied tight against an internal face of said at least one sheath to keep said fixed at the less one profile relative to said at least one sheath, thus locking the handle in the selected position and which, in a second position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft obtained by rotation of the gripping portion, is decompressed and allows free sliding of said at least one profile in said at least one sheath, thus unlocking the handle.

The locking/unlocking system may comprise at least one sleeve secured to said at least one profile, and at least one clamp secured to said at least one tube, with said at least one joint which is secured to both said at least one sleeve and audit at least one clamp.

The locking/unlocking system can be configured so that the actuation of said at least one pusher by the transmission end of said cam bearing causes the movement of said at least tube in the profile and in at the same time said at least one clamp relative to said at least one sleeve; and that the movement of said at least one clamp causes the compression or decompression of said at least one joint following its direction of movement.

Said at least one interface system may comprise at least one elastic member, in particular for returning the gripping portion of the handle at least from one of its second and first positions towards the other of its first and second positions, for example a torsion spring, mounted on the handle shaft.

Said at least one interface system may comprise a spring bearing to which is secured, via a first end, said at least one elastic member and in which the handle shaft is movably mounted, with said at least one elastic member which is interposed between said spring bearing and said cam bearing and which is secured by a second end, opposite its first end, on a side of said cam bearing which is opposite the side of the latter where the transmission end is located.

The deployable and retractable handle mechanism may have a general U shape, with the gripping portion of the handle and the handle shaft which form a bottom of the U and each branch of the U which is formed at least by one said sheath, a so-called profile and a so-called locking/unlocking system.

Alternatively, the deployable and retractable handle mechanism may have a general L shape, with the gripping portion of the handle and the handle shaft which form a branch of the L and the sheath, the profile and the locking system/ unlocking which form another branch of the L.

The half-shells can be secured together at least partially by a closing mechanism.

Brief description of the figures

• La figure 1 représente schématiquement en perspective et vue de trois quarts un article de maroquinerie du type bagage, en particulier une valise en configuration fermée et mécanisme de poignée rangée.
• La figure 2 est similaire à la figure 1, en vue de côté.
• La figure 3 est similaire à la figure 1, avec un bouton poussoir enfoncé, en vue d'éjecter la poignée.
• La figure 4 est similaire aux figures 1 et 3, avec la poignée éjectée et en saillie de la valise.
• La figure 5 est similaire à la figure 4, en vue de côté.
• La figure 6 est similaire aux figures 1, 3 et 4, avec une portion de préhension de la poignée tournée d'un angle prédéterminé, en vue du déverrouillage du mécanisme de poignée.
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective isolée du mécanisme de poignée, dans sa configuration illustrée sur les figures 1 et 2.
• La figure 8 est similaire à la figure 7, en vue de face.
• La figure 9 est similaire à la figure 7, en vue de côté.
• La figure 10 illustre en perspective isolée une partie du mécanisme de poignée, partiellement assemblée et partiellement éclatée.
• La figure 11 illustre en perspective isolée une autre partie du mécanisme de poignée, partiellement assemblée et partiellement éclatée.
• La figure 12 est un agrandissement d'une partie de la figure 11.
• La figure 13 est un agrandissement d'une autre partie de la figure 11.
• La figure 14 illustre en perspective isolée et détaillée le haut de l'autre partie du mécanisme de poignée, dans un état assemblé.
• La figure 15 est similaire à la figure 14, sauf que le haut de l'autre partie du mécanisme de poignée est visible en éclaté.
• La figure 16 est une vue en coupe repérée E-E sur la figure 17.
• La figure 17 est une vue partielle en coupe repérée A-A sur la figure 9.
• La figure 18 est une vue partielle en coupe repérée B-B sur la figure 17.
• La figure 19 est une vue partielle en coupe repérée C-C sur la figure 17.
• La figure 20 est une vue partielle en coupe repérée D-D sur la figure 17.
• La figure 21 est une vue partielle en perspective isolée du mécanisme de poignée, dans sa configuration illustrée sur la figure 3.
• La figure 22 est similaire à la figure 19, en vue de face.
• La figure 23 est une coupe similaire à celle de la figure 16, mais dans la configuration illustrée sur les figures 3, 21 et 22.
• La figure 24 est une vue en perspective isolée du mécanisme de poignée, dans sa configuration illustrée sur les figures 4 et 5.
• La figure 25 est similaire à la figure 24, en vue de face.
• La figure 26 est une coupe similaire à celle de la figure 20, sauf qu'elle est complète et qu'elle montre la configuration illustrée sur les figures 4, 5, 24 et 25.
• La figure 27 est une vue en perspective isolée du mécanisme de poignée, dans sa configuration illustrée sur la figure 6.
• La figure 28 est une coupe similaire à celle de la figure 19, sauf qu'elle est complète et qu'elle montre la configuration illustrée sur les figures 6 et 27.
• La figure 29 est une coupe similaire à celle de la figure 20, sauf qu'elle est complète et qu'elle montre la configuration illustrée sur les figures 6 et 27.
• La figure 30 est une vue de face montrant de manière isolée le mécanisme de poignée, dans une configuration déployée verrouillée.
• La figure 31 est une vue similaire à la figure 28, sauf qu'elle montre la configuration déployée verrouillée.
• La figure 32 est une vue similaire à la figure 29, sauf qu'elle montre la configuration déployée verrouillée.

We will now continue the presentation of the invention with the description of exemplary embodiments, given below by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings.

• There figure 1 schematically represents in perspective and three-quarter view an article of leather goods of the luggage type, in particular a suitcase in closed configuration and stored handle mechanism.
• There figure 2 is similar to the figure 1 , in side view.
• There Figure 3 is similar to the figure 1 , with a push button pressed, in order to eject the handle.
• There figure 4 is similar to figures 1 and 3 , with the handle ejected and protruding from the suitcase.
• There figure 5 is similar to the figure 4 , in side view.
• There Figure 6 is similar to figures 1, 3 And 4 , with a gripping portion of the handle rotated by a predetermined angle, with a view to unlocking the handle mechanism.
• There Figure 7 is an isolated perspective view of the handle mechanism, in its configuration shown on the figures 1 and 2 .
• There figure 8 is similar to the Figure 7 , in front view.
• There Figure 9 is similar to the Figure 7 , in side view.
• There Figure 10 illustrates in isolated perspective a part of the handle mechanism, partially assembled and partially exploded.
• There Figure 11 illustrates in isolated perspective another part of the handle mechanism, partially assembled and partially exploded.
• There Figure 12 is an enlargement of part of the Figure 11 .
• There Figure 13 is an enlargement of another part of the Figure 11 .
• There Figure 14 illustrates in isolated and detailed perspective the top of the other part of the handle mechanism, in an assembled state.
• There Figure 15 is similar to the Figure 14 , except that the top of the other part of the handle mechanism is visible exploded.
• There Figure 16 is a sectional view marked EE on the Figure 17 .
• There Figure 17 is a partial sectional view marked AA on the Figure 9 .
• There Figure 18 is a partial sectional view marked BB on the Figure 17 .
• There Figure 19 is a partial sectional view marked CC on the Figure 17 .
• There Figure 20 is a partial sectional view marked DD on the Figure 17 .
• There Figure 21 is a partial isolated perspective view of the handle mechanism, in its configuration illustrated on the Figure 3 .
• There Figure 22 is similar to the Figure 19 , in front view.
• There Figure 23 is a cut similar to that of the Figure 16 , but in the configuration illustrated on the figures 3 , 21 and 22 .
• There Figure 24 is an isolated perspective view of the handle mechanism, in its configuration shown on the figures 4 and 5 .
• There Figure 25 is similar to the Figure 24 , in front view.
• There Figure 26 is a cut similar to that of the Figure 20 , except that it is complete and shows the configuration shown on the figures 4, 5 , 24 and 25 .
• There Figure 27 is an isolated perspective view of the handle mechanism, in its configuration shown on the Figure 6 .
• There Figure 28 is a cut similar to that of the Figure 19 , except that it is complete and shows the configuration shown on the figures 6 And 27 .
• There Figure 29 is a cut similar to that of the Figure 20 , except that it is complete and shows the configuration shown on the figures 6 And 27 .
• There figure 30 is a front view showing the handle mechanism in isolation, in a locked deployed configuration.
• There Figure 31 is a view similar to the Figure 28 , except it shows the deployed configuration locked.
• There figure 32 is a view similar to the Figure 29 , except it shows the deployed configuration locked.

detailed description

THE figures 1 to 6 illustrate an article of leather goods, of the luggage type, and in particular here a suitcase 1 with wheels 2, shown in closed configuration and from different viewing angles.

The suitcase 1 has a generally parallelepiped shape, having six sides, including a front wall 3, a rear wall 4, upper and lower side walls 5 and 6, a bottom wall 7 and a top wall 8.

The upper side wall 5 and the lower side wall 6 are opposite and each extend at one end from the rear wall 4 and at an opposite end from the front wall 3, which is opposite the rear wall 4. The bottom walls and from above 7 and 8 are opposite and are each connected to the front 3, rear 4 and upper and lower side walls 5 and 6.

The suitcase 1 is formed of a substantially rigid envelope having two half-shells called lower shell 9 and upper shell 10.

The lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10 define an internal space in the closed configuration of the suitcase 1.

The lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10 can be covered with an ornamental covering, for example in leather.

The wheels 2 of the suitcase 1 protrude from its lower side wall 6.

The suitcase 1 is provided at the corners of the lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10 with reinforcing members 15.

The suitcase 1 has a fixed handle 16 secured to its front wall 3, substantially in the middle of the thickness of the suitcase 1.

We speak here of thickness because we can consider that the suitcase 1 generally has a height defined substantially by the distance separating the side walls 5 and 6; a width defined substantially by the distance separating the front and rear walls 3 and 4; and a thickness defined substantially by the distance separating the bottom and top walls 7 and 8.

The suitcase 1 has a connecting strip (not visible) provided on its rear wall 4.

The connecting strip 11 forms a permanent junction between the lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10.

The connecting strip 11 further forms a hinge for the passage of the suitcase 1 from its closed configuration to an open configuration (not shown) in which the lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10 are spaced apart from each other.

The suitcase 1 is provided with a zipper 12 which extends on either side of the connecting strip 11, along the perimeter of the luggage.

The perimeter of the suitcase 1 is formed by the front wall 3 or fourth side, the rear wall 4 or first side, and the side walls 5 and 6 or second and third sides.

The zipper 12 is configured to connect the lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10 in the closed configuration of the suitcase 1.

The zipper here has two pull tabs 19 intended to be moved in the direction of the connecting strip, via the front wall 3 then the respective side walls 5 and 6.

The suitcase 1 is provided with a lock 17 at least partially integrated into the envelope of the suitcase 1 and to which the two zippers 19 can be mechanically and securely attached in the closed configuration of the suitcase 1, i.e. that is to say when the zipper 12 is closed.

The suitcase 1 further comprises a deployable and retractable handle 18 (hereinafter handle) and a deployable and retractable handle mechanism 20 (hereinafter called handle mechanism) which are here at least partially housed in the lower half-shell 9 .

The handle mechanism 20 is configured to lock or unlock the handle 18 of the suitcase 1 in a position selected from a plurality of deployment positions of the handle 18 relative to the lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10.

The handle mechanism 20 here has a general U shape, with the bottom of the U which is introduced into a housing 23 provided in the upper side wall 5 of the suitcase 1, when the handle 18 is retracted, and the branches of the U which extend at least partially along the front and rear walls 3 and 4 and towards the lower side wall 6.

The suitcase 1 further comprises an ejection button 22 operable from outside the suitcase 1 and housed in the upper side wall 5.

When the ejection button 22 is actuated, the handle 18 is automatically and partially ejected from a predetermined height.

There figure 1 shows the ejection button 22 not actuated, or not pushed, the Figure 3 shows the ejection button 22 activated, or pushed and therefore pressed into the upper side wall 5, and the figure 4 shows the eject button 22 released. On the figure 4 , the handle 18 has been ejected.

Once the handle 18 has been ejected, it is then possible to operate the handle mechanism 20 to lock or unlock the handle 18 in a selected position.

This action is done by rotation of the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18.

The gripping portion 21 is located here substantially in the center of the bottom of the U formed by the handle mechanism 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is not possible to actuate the handle mechanism 20 via the gripping portion 21 before the ejection of the handle 18 since the latter is located in the housing 23.

On the figures 1 and 2 , the handle mechanism 20 is not operated and the handle 18 is retracted. On the figures 3 to 5 , the handle mechanism 20 is operated via the eject button 22 to eject the handle 18. On the Figure 6 , the handle mechanism 20 is actuated via the gripping portion 21 with a view to deploying the handle 18 in a selected position and locking it in this position.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated and as explained below in more detail, once the handle 18 in the selected position, it is locked by releasing the gripping portion 21. To unlock the handle 18, simply activate the handle mechanism 20 again via the gripping portion 21 and retract it towards the housing 23.

In other words, in a first position of the gripping portion 21, called the locking position, the handle mechanism 20 locks the handle 18 in the selected position and, in a second position of the gripping portion 21 obtained by rotation of the gripping portion 21, the handle mechanism 20 unlocks the handle 18 which can then be deployed or retracted.

THE figures 7 to 9 show the handle mechanism 20 which has a general U shape. This is essentially the part of the handle mechanism 20 which extends at least partially from the lower half-shell.

In particular, we find there the handle 18 with the gripping portion 21 and the ejection button 22 which at least partially form the bottom of the U, which is also formed by a blocking system 93 of the handle 18 which is actuated by the ejection button 22, while the branches of the U are here formed by profiles 46 (see below in detail).

THE figures 10 to 16 show the handle mechanism 20, in different states, including partially assembled, partially disassembled and enlarged for certain parts.

There Figure 10 shows a part of the handle mechanism 20 configured to be fully housed in the front and rear walls 3 and 4.

The handle mechanism 20 here comprises two sheaths 30 fixedly mounted respectively in the front and rear walls 3 and 4.

Each sheath 30 is hollow and has a tubular shape.

Each sheath 30 has on an external face fixing wells 32 and securing zones 31, for example by gluing, to ensure the retention of the sheaths 30 respectively in the front and rear walls 3 and 4.

The handle mechanism 20 comprises, at the bottom of each sheath 30, an elastic ejection member 34, formed for example here by a compression spring, intended to eject the handle 18 when the ejection button 22 is actuated.

Each elastic ejection member 34 is partially housed in an end piece 35 secured to the bottom of the respective sheath 30, here for example by means of fixing screws 99 inserted in respective fixing wells 32.

Each sheath 30 here has an enlarged internal section in which the elastic ejection member 34 of the handle 18 can extend (see below).

The handle mechanism 20 comprises, at the top of each sheath 30, a guide system 36 formed of a plurality of rollers 37 and bearings 38 secured on an ear 39 formed projecting at a high end of the sheath 30.

Spacers 40 are here housed in the rollers 37, between the bearings 38, and each assembly formed by a roller 37, a spacer 40 and two bearings 38 is secured here on an ear 39 for example via fixing screws 41.

The handle mechanism 20 here comprises a casing 42 secured to the upper end of each sheath 30.

Each casing 42 has a substantially corner shape, with a branch of the corner which is located opposite the respective ear 39, and therefore opposite the rollers 37 and bearings 38, and which is secured here on a respective sheath 30 for example via fixing screws 43 inserted into the respective fixing wells 32; and with the other branch of the corner which extends behind an assembly formed by a roller 37, a spacer 40 and two bearings 38.

The arrangement of the casings 42 vis-à-vis the ears 39 of the sleeves 30 makes it possible to substantially form protection at least for the guiding system 36.

Each casing 42 is provided with a re-entrant edge 44, directed towards the respective sheath 30 and slightly closing the upper end of the sheath 30 which is open.

The retractable edge 44 of each casing 42 forms an end stop for the deployment of the handle 18 (see below) with respect to the respective sheath 30.

There Figure 11 shows a part of the handle mechanism 20 configured to be partially housed in the front and rear walls 3 and 4 and to slide relative to the sheaths 30 and thus be at least partially projecting from the lower half-shell 9; while the figures 12 to 15 illustrate in detail certain elements of this part of the mechanism.

The handle mechanism 20 comprises a handle shaft 45 to which the gripping portion 21 movable in rotation is secured.

The handle shaft 45 projects from either side of the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18.

The handle mechanism 20 here comprises two profiles 46 configured to be mounted movable in translation relative to the sheaths 30.

Note that the pebbles visible on the Figure 7 are configured to be in contact with the side faces of a respective profile 46.

The handle mechanism 20 comprises a locking/unlocking system 47 secured to each of the profiles 46, housed at least partially at the bottom of a respective sheath 30, and configured to be actuated by the handle shaft 45.

In the embodiment described and illustrated, the handle mechanism 20 is configured so that the first position of the gripping portion 21 and thus of the handle shaft 45, or locking position, is a stable position, while the second position of the gripping portion 21 and therefore of the handle shaft 45, or unlocking position, i.e. an unstable position, the handle mechanism 20 being further configured to naturally recall the gripping portion 21 and also the shaft handle 45 in the first position.

As indicated above, the handle mechanism 20 here has a general U shape. The gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 and the handle shaft 45 form the bottom of the U and each branch of the U is formed by a sheath 30, a profile 46 and a locking/unlocking system 47.

The locking/unlocking system 47 comprises a movable tube 48 inside each profile 46 and configured to be actuated by the handle shaft 45, a sleeve 49 secured to each profile 46, and a clamp 50 secured to the pipe 48.

It will be noted that the elastic ejection members 34 visible on the Figure 10 are sandwiched between a respective end piece 35 also visible on the Figure 10 and a lower face of a respective clamp 50.

The locking/unlocking system 47 includes seals 51.

The locking/unlocking system 47 is configured to, in the first position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45, compress each joint 51 so as to apply them tight against the internal faces of the respective sheaths 30 to maintain fixes the respective profiles 46 relative to the sheaths 30, thus locking the handle 18 in the selected position.

The locking/unlocking system 47 is configured to, in the second position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45 obtained by rotation of the gripping portion 21, decompress each joint 51 so as to allow free sliding respective profiles 46 in the respective sheaths 30, thus unlocking the handle 18.

Each joint 51 is secured to both a respective sleeve 49 and a respective clamp 50.

The locking/unlocking system 47 is configured so that the actuation of the handle shaft 45 causes the movement of each tube 48 in a respective profile 46 and at the same time of each clamp 50 relative to the respective sleeve 49 .

The movement of the clamp 50 causes the compression or decompression of a respective joint 51 depending on its direction of movement.

Furthermore, each clamp 50 can slide in the enlarged section of a respective sheath 30, even if the joint 51 is compressed.

In the embodiment described and illustrated, each joint 51 comprises a body 52 and each clamp 50 comprises a base 53 around which the body 52 of the joint 51 is mounted.

Each joint 51 further comprises one or more fixing lugs 54 projecting from the body 52 and each sleeve 49 is provided with one or more notches 55 in which the fixing lug(s) 54 are secured.

Each clamp 50 further comprises a rod 56 which extends projecting from the base 53 and which has a thinned end 57 secured with one end of a respective tube 48.

Each sleeve 49 is mounted around the rod 56 of a respective clamp 50 and each body 52 of joint 51 is sandwiched between a respective sleeve 49 and a respective clamp 50.

Each sleeve 49 comprises extension walls 58 intended to be introduced into a respective profile 46.

Each sleeve 49 is provided with one or more positioning studs 59 provided on one or more of the extension walls 58, thus forming latching members.

Each positioning stud 59 is configured to be housed in a corresponding orifice 60 provided in a respective profile 46.

Each sleeve 49 is provided here with gadroons 13 to facilitate the positioning of the sleeve 49 in the respective profile 46.

When the tubes 48 are actuated by the handle shaft 45 in the second position of the latter, the tubes 48 push the respective clamps 50 and move them away from the respective sleeves 49, thus making it possible to decompress the body 52 of each joint 51 .

The locking/unlocking system 47 comprises an elastic member 62 mounted around each rod 56 of a respective clamp 50, inside a respective sleeve 49, between a first stop formed on a respective tube 48 and a second stop, opposite the first stop, formed in a respective sleeve 49.

The first stop is here formed by a washer 61 partially housed in a groove (not shown) provided on each tube 48.

Each elastic member 62 is here for example formed by a spring having a natural tendency to bias the washer 61 and therefore the respective tube 48.

Since each sleeve 49 is fixed relative to the profile 46, the elastic member 62 thus tends to return the respective tube 48 upwards and therefore to bring the base 53 closer to the respective clamp 50 so as to compress the body 52 of the respective joint 51.

The handle mechanism 20 here comprises two interface systems 63 configured to be actuated by the handle shaft 45 and to actuate each locking/unlocking system 47, via a respective pusher 64 interposed between each locking/unlocking system 47 and each interface system 63.

In particular, each pusher 64 has the shape of a substantially parallelepiped block and is configured to cover a high free end of a respective tube 48, to which it is secured by means of, for example, a fixing screw 65.

Each pusher 64 is provided, on the side opposite the respective tube 48, with a so-called complementary contact face 68 which here has a generally flat profile with a projecting protuberance 69, formed substantially in the center of the complementary contact face 68.

Each pusher 64 is partially inserted into a respective profile 46, by a high end which is opposite to that where the locking/unlocking system 47 is located.

At this same high end of each profile 46 there is a trim 66 which protects access to the branches of the U formed by the handle mechanism 20.

This hubcap 66 is further secured, here for example by means of screws 67, to the bottom of the U which this handle mechanism 20 forms, and in particular to a support part 70 which this handle mechanism 20 also includes (see below -After).

Each interface system 63 comprises a cam bearing 71, a spring bearing 73, as well as an elastic return and/or positioning member 74 and 75 interposed between the cam bearing 71 and the spring bearing 73.

Note that on the left of the figures 14 and 15 , the elastic member is formed by both a return and positioning spring 74. Such a return and positioning spring 74 is configured on the one hand, to return the handle shaft 45 and the gripping portion 21 from its second position towards its first position and on the other hand, to stress the spring bearing 73 on the support part 70, or even to stress the cam bearing 71 vis-à-vis the respective pusher 64 and therefore of the respective profile 46.

On the right of figures 14 and 15 , the elastic member is formed by a positioning spring 75 configured to stress the spring bearing 73 on the support part 70, or also to stress the cam bearing 71 with respect to the respective pusher 64 and therefore of the respective profile 46.

Each cam bearing 71 has a generally cylindrical shape, secured by a first end to the handle shaft 45, and provided at a second end, opposite the first end, with a transmission end piece 76 having a contact face 79 which, in a first position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45, is configured to control a locking/unlocking system 47, via the respective pusher 64, so as to lock the handle 18 in the selected position and which, in a second position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45 obtained by rotation of the gripping portion 21, is configured to control the respective locking/unlocking system 47 so as to unlock the handle 18 .

The contact face 79 of the transmission end 76 of each cam bearing 71 here has a generally ramp profile directed towards a projecting end 80.

The contact face 79 of the transmission end 76 of each cam bearing 71 is configured to cooperate directly with the complementary contact face 68 of a respective pusher 64.

Each interface system 63 is configured so that, in the first position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45, the projecting end 80 of the generally ramped profile of the contact face 79 of the bearing respective cam 71 is substantially in contact with the projecting protuberance 69 of the complementary contact face 68 of the respective pusher 64.

Each interface system 63 is further configured so that, in the second position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45, it is the generally ramp profile of the contact face 79 of the bearing. respective cam 71 which comes substantially into contact with the projecting protuberance 69 of the complementary contact face 68 of the respective pusher 64.

Thus, each locking/unlocking system 47 is configured so that the actuation of the respective pusher 64 by the transmission end 76 of the respective cam bearing 71 causes the movement of the respective tube 48 in the respective profile 46, and at the same time time the movement of the respective clamp 50 relative to the respective sleeve 49, while the movement of the clamp 50 causes the compression or decompression of the respective joint 51 depending on its direction of movement.

In the embodiment described and illustrated, each cam bearing 71 is attached to the handle shaft 45.

Each cam bearing 71 is secured to the handle shaft 45 via a fixing member 72.

This is for example a pin which passes through holes 77 made in the handle shaft 45, on each side of the gripping portion 21, and whose free ends are housed in windows 78 made in the bearings. respective cam 71.

The free ends of the pins 72 are here configured to form rotational stops of the handle shaft 45 and therefore of the gripping portion 21 (see below).

Each spring bearing 73 is movably mounted on the handle shaft 45 and is secured, by a first end, to the respective spring 74 or 75, itself mounted around the handle shaft 45.

The springs 74 and 75 are further secured by a second end, opposite the respective first end, on a side of the respective cam bearing 71 which is opposite the side of the latter where the transmission end 76 is located.

Each support part 70 (already introduced above) of the handle mechanism is configured to at least partially accommodate both a respective portion of the handle shaft 45, a respective interface system 63, including a cam bearing 71 , a spring bearing 73, one of the springs 74 or 75, as well as a respective pusher 64.

Each support piece 70 extends generally longitudinally and has a base 82 substantially in the shape of a gutter, a wall 81 in the shape of arch and which projects from the base 82 to have a generally cylindrical shape, a complementary wall 83 also in the shape of an arch and which projects from the base 82 to have a generally cylindrical shape, as well as a complementary housing 84 provided transversely in base 82.

The complementary wall 83 is provided on a first side of the support part 70 and forms an introduction orifice for the respective portion of the handle shaft 45.

The complementary housing 84 is provided substantially vertically in the base 82, on a second side of the support part 70, opposite its first side.

The additional housing 84 is designed to accommodate a portion of a profile 46 and the pusher 64 inserted into the latter.

The wall 81 is provided substantially close to the additional housing 84.

The wall 81 forms both a guide and a stop in rotation for the respective interface system 63 and for the handle shaft 45 between the first position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45, where the system locking/unlocking 47 locks the handle 18 in the selected position, and the second position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45 obtained by rotation of the gripping portion 21, where the locking/unlocking system 47 unlocks handle 18.

The wall 81 forming both a guide and a stop in rotation is configured so that the cam bearing 71 is introduced through the latter, with the cam bearing 71 which is provided with a positioning collar 85, or shoulder, placed in contact with wall 81.

The wall 81 is provided with a shoulder 94 against which the free ends of the pins 72 abut in the second position of the gripping portion 21 and the handle shaft 45.

The complementary wall 83 forms both a guide and a stop in translation for the spring bearing 73 and is configured so that the spring bearing 73 is introduced through the latter, with the spring bearing 73 which has a positioning collar 86, or shoulder, placed in contact with the complementary wall 83.

The spring 74 or 75 is for its part interposed between a complementary collar 87, or shoulder, provided on the cam bearing 71 and a complementary collar 88, or shoulder, provided on the spring bearing.

The spring bearing 73 is provided with a fixing notch 90 configured to receive, if necessary, a fixing lug 92 of the return spring 74.

The cam bearing 71 is provided with a similar fixing notch (not shown) configured to receive, if necessary, a fixing lug 92 opposite the return spring 74.

The complementary wall 83 is further provided with a positioning notch 91 configured to receive a positioning pin 89, or key, provided on the spring bearing 73.

Each spring bearing 73 further comprises lugs 33 provided projecting from the free end of the spring bearing 73 towards the complementary wall 83, which has complementary recesses (not illustrated) provided to accommodate these lugs 33.

The presence of such lugs 33 creates a slight resistance to rotation, similar to a starting bearing, to move from the first position of the gripping portion 21 towards its second position.

There Figure 16 shows in more detail the locking system 93 of the handle 18 which can be activated via the ejection button 22.

The blocking system 93 is provided with two blocking fingers 95, or bolts, configured to form upper stops and prevent the sliding of the profiles 46.

In particular, each profile 36 is provided with a notch 14 (see Figure 11 ) provided at its upper end to allow the passage of a respective blocking finger 95.

The blocking system 93 comprises two actuating arms 96 from which the blocking fingers 95 project and which are configured to bring together or spread the locking fingers 95, or bolts, from the profiles 46, via a pivot movement generated around a pivot part 97.

The pivot part 97 is moved by the actuation of the ejection button 22 which acts on an actuation tab 98 projecting from the pivot part 97.

In particular, when the ejection button 22 is actuated, the latter acts on the actuating tab 98 which rotates the pivot part 97, which translates the actuating arms 96 to spread the locking fingers 95 until 'to be outside the notches 14 of the profiles 46 and thus allow them to slide. The profiles 46 and more generally the handle 18 are then automatically ejected by the elastic ejection members 34, from a predetermined height corresponding substantially to the enlarged section of the sheaths 30.

In the suitcase 1 described above, the rotation of the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 from one to the other of the first and second positions of the handle 18 and the handle shaft 45 allows the locking/ unlocking the translation of the handle 18 relative to the lower and upper half-shells 9 and 10, with a view to deploying/retracting the handle 18.

In other words, it is possible to adjust the height of the handle 18 of the suitcase 1.

The locking of the handle 18 in a selected position is here obtained by expansion of the seal 51 and therefore by friction between the seal 51 and the internal face of the sheath 30, thus generating mechanical resistance between the surfaces which are in tight contact.

The mechanical resistance generated is sufficient to prevent the translation of the profile 46 in the sheath 30 when the user of the suitcase 1 causes the latter to move, whether for example when carrying it or when rolling it.

The use of the phenomenon of friction by joint 51 is interesting because it offers improved ergonomics in the use of the suitcase 1.

The locking/unlocking system 47 with joint 51 is silent because the compression and decompression of the joint 51 occurs without noise.

Furthermore, the locking/unlocking system 47 with seal 51 makes it possible to improve the guidance of the profile 46 in the sheath 30 because even in its decompressed state where the seal 51 allows the translation of the profile 46 relative to the sheath 30, the seal 51 can be found substantially in contact with the internal face of the sheath 30.

Such loose contact does not generate mechanical resistance between the surfaces like that mentioned above, but it can make it possible to compensate for any clearance between the profile 46 and the sheath 30.

In other words, this play compensation promotes the guidance of the profile 46 and makes the handle mechanism 20 more ergonomic.

Furthermore, in the suitcase 1 described above, the transmission of movement from the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 and therefore from the handle shaft 45 to the locking/unlocking system 47 is carried out by the face of contact of the transmission end 76 of the cam bearing 71, which is secured to the handle shaft 45.

Such an interface can be manufactured with great precision so as to generate a particularly reduced clearance between the rotation of the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 and the locking/unlocking of the translation of the handle 18 relative to the lower half-shells and higher 9 and 10.

Such transmission of movement from the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 and therefore from the handle shaft 45 to the locking/unlocking system 47 is also ensured precisely and safely by the support part 70 which allows both to house the locking/unlocking system 47 and a portion of the handle shaft 45, and also to guide them when they are rotated between the first locking position of the handle 18 and the second unlocking position of the handle 18, and vice versa.

THE figures 17 to 32 show the different steps to move from the first locked position of the handle 18 where it is in a retracted configuration, to its second unlocked position to move it into an deployed configuration, then to return to its first locked position, but in its deployed configuration , that is to say at a height selected. These steps are carried out using the handle mechanism 20 described above with reference to the embodiment of the handle mechanism 20 illustrated in particular on the figures 7 to 16 .

THE figures 17 to 20 are views similar to those of figures 7 to 9 , but showing the handle mechanism 20 in partial section, in the first locked position of the handle 18 where it is in the retracted configuration.

Neither the gripping portion 21 nor the ejection button 22 are activated.

Consequently, the blocking system 93 is in a configuration where the blocking fingers 95 prevent the sliding of the profiles 46, with the latter which are totally or almost completely inserted into the sheaths (not shown in these figures), so that the The elastic ejection member 34 is compressed between the clamp 50 and the end piece 35.

The projecting end 80 of the contact face 79 of the transmission end 76 of each cam bearing 71 is substantially in contact with the projecting protuberance 69 of the contact face 68 of a respective pusher 64.

The free ends of the pins 72 are at a distance from the shoulder 94 provided on the wall 81 of the cam bearing 71.

Under these conditions, the tubes 48 are not stressed and the elastic members 62 hold the clamps 50 as close as possible to the sleeves 49 so that the joints 51 are compressed.

The compressed 51 seals are found here in the part of the sleeves which has an enlarged internal section.

THE figures 21 to 23 show the actuation of the ejection button 22, located adjacent to the gripping portion 21, with a view to controlling the blocking system 93 and thus ejecting the profiles 46 and therefore the handle 18 from a predetermined height.

Pressing the ejection button 22 makes it possible to act on the actuating tab 98 which rotates the pivot part 97, which translates the actuating arms 96 to move the locking fingers 95 away from the profiles 46 and thus allow them to slide.

The profiles 46 and more generally the handle 18 are then automatically ejected by the elastic ejection members 34, from a predetermined height corresponding substantially to the enlarged section of the sheaths 30.

THE figures 24 to 26 show the handle 18 ejected from a predetermined height which corresponds substantially to the height of the enlarged internal section provided in each sheath (not illustrated).

In particular, the profiles 46 are partially projecting from the lower half-shell 9 (partially illustrated) even though the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 has not been actuated.

The cam insert 71 is in the same position as on the Figure 20 (it has not been rotated) and the tubes 48 are not stressed and the elastic members 62 hold the clamps 50 as close as possible to the sleeves 49 so that the joints 51 are compressed.

However, each assembly formed of a profile 46, a tube 48 and also a sleeve 49, a clamp 50, an elastic member 62 and a seal 51, has been slid upwards by the force applied by each elastic ejection member 34, bearing on the respective end piece 35.

The 51 compressed joints were therefore slid along the enlarged internal sections of the sheaths.

THE figures 27 to 29 show the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 turned into its second position.

The projecting end 80 of the contact face 79 of the transmission end 76 of each cam bearing 71 is then at a distance from the projecting protuberance 69 of the contact face 68 of a respective pusher 64, while the generally ramp profile of the contact face 79 of this transmission end piece presses on the complementary contact face 68 of the pusher 64.

The free ends of the pins 72 abut against the shoulder 94 provided on the wall 81 of the respective cam bearing 71.

Under these conditions, the tubes 48 are moved and act against the elastic members 62 to separate the clamps 50 from the sleeves 49 and thus decompress the joints 51.

The profiles 46 can then slide in the sheaths (not illustrated) without being hindered by the joints 51, which then only serve to guide the sliding, like the rollers 37.

The handle 18 can thus be brought into a selected deployment position.

In this selected position, the profiles 46 and the clamps 50 are located at a distance from the elastic ejection member 34.

THE figures 30 to 32 show the gripping portion 21 of the handle 18 returned to its first position.

The gripping portion 21 is therefore no longer used.

The projecting end of the contact face of the transmission end of each cam bearing 71 is therefore substantially in contact with the projecting protuberance of the contact face of a respective pusher 64 (as on the Figure 20 ).

The free ends of the pins 72 have returned to a distance from the shoulder 94 provided on the wall 81 of the respective cam bearing 71.

Under these conditions, the tubes 48 are not stressed and the elastic members 62 hold the clamps 50 as close as possible to the sleeves 49 so that the joints 51 are compressed.

The compressed seals 51 are found here in the part of the sleeves (not shown) which is not provided with an enlarged internal section so that the seals 51 maintain the profiles 46 in position in the respective sleeves.

In this selected position, the profiles 46 and the clamps 50 remain at a distance from the elastic ejection member 34.

To further deploy the handle 18, or to retract the handle 18, simply return the gripping portion 21 to its second position (see above the figures 27 to 29 ).

Non-illustrated variants of certain features of the invention are described below.

The deployable and retractable handle mechanism can be configured so that the second position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft, called the unlocking position, is a stable position, while the first position of the gripping portion and the handle shaft the handle shaft, called the locking position, is an unstable position, the deployable and retractable handle mechanism being further configured to naturally return the gripping portion and the handle shaft to the second position; or each of the first and second positions can be a stable position.

The deployable and retractable handle mechanism may have a general L shape rather than a U shape, with the gripping portion of the handle and the handle shaft forming a branch of the L and the scabbard, the profile and the locking/unlocking system which forms another branch of the L.

The gripping portion of the handle and the handle shaft may be projecting from the upper side wall rather than in a housing of the latter. In this case, it may be possible to operate the handle mechanism before the handle ejects, or there may even be no handle ejection system.

The leather goods item may not have a secure lock.

The leather goods item may have no zipper and simply have a clasp.

The leather goods item is not a suitcase but a trunk, or any other item of the same kind.

Claims (15)

1. Luggage-type baggage article, comprising at least two half-shells (9, 10) as well as an extendable and retractable handle mechanism (20) which is at least partly housed in one of the half-shells and which is configured to lock/unlock a handle (18) of the article (1) in a position selected from a plurality of extension positions of the handle relative to the half-shells, by rotation of a grip portion (21) of the handle; the extendable and retractable handle mechanism comprising a handle axle (45) to which is mechanically connected the grip portion which is able to rotate, at least one sheath (30) mounted fixed in one of the half-shells, at least one elongate member of specific cross-section (46) mounted to be translationally movable relative to the sheath, at least one locking/unlocking system (47) mechanically connected to said at least one elongate member of specific cross-section and housed at least partly in said at least one sheath, and at least one interface system (63) configured to be actuated by the handle axle and to actuate the locking/unlocking system, characterized in that said at least one interface system comprises a cam journal (71) of cylindrical general shape, mechanically connected by a first end to the handle axle, and provided with a second end which is an opposite end to the first end, with a transmission tip (76) having a contact face (79) which, in a first position of the grip portion and of the handle axle, is configured to operate said at least one locking/unlocking system so as to lock the handle in the selected position and which, in a second position of the grip portion and of the handle axle obtained by a rotation of the grip portion, is configured to operate said at least one locking/unlocking system so as to lock the handle.
2. Article according to claim 1, characterized in that the extendable and retractable handle mechanism (20) is configured such that the first position of the grip portion (21) and of the handle axle (45), designated locking position, is a stable position, while the second position of the grip portion and of the handle axle, designated unlocking position, is an unstable position, the extendable and retractable handle mechanism being furthermore configured to return the grip portion and the handle axle naturally to the first position.
3. Article according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said cam journal (71) is attached onto the handle axle (45).
4. Article according to claim 3, characterized in that said cam journal (71) is mechanically connected to the handle axle (45) using at least one fastening member (72), for example a pin, passing through the handle axle and of which at least one free end comes to be accommodated in at least one window (78) provided in said cam journal.
5. Article according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one free end of said at least one fastening member (72) is configured to form a stop in relation to rotation of the handle axle (45) and thus of the grip portion (21).
6. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one interface system (63) comprises at least one push member (64) having a complementary contact face (68) configured to cooperate directly with the contact face (79) of the transmission tip (76) of said cam journal (71).
7. Article according to claim 6, characterized in that said contact face (79) of the transmission tip (76) of said cam journal (71) has at least one profile having a general ramp shape directed towards a projecting end (80), while said complementary contact face (68) of said at least one push member (64) has a profile of flat general shape with a projecting protrusion (69).
8. Article according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one interface system (63) is configured such that, in the first position of the grip portion (21) and of the handle axle (45), the projecting end (80) of the profile having a general ramp shape is substantially in contact with the projecting protrusion (69), while in the second position of the grip portion and of the handle axle, it is the profile having a general ramp shape of said contact face (79) of the transmission tip (76) of said cam journal (71) which comes substantially into contact with the protrusion projecting from said complementary contact face (68) of said at least one push member (64).
9. Article according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the locking/unlocking system (47) comprises at least one tube (48) movable inside said at least one elongate member of specific cross-section (46) and configured to be actuated by said at least one push member (64).
10. Article according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking/unlocking system (47) comprises at least one bushing (51) which, in a first position of the grip portion (21) and of the handle axle (45), is compressed and applied tightly against an inside face of said at least one sheath (30) to hold said at least one elongate member of specific cross-section (46) fixed relative to said at least one sheath, thus locking the handle (18) in the selected position, and which, in a second position of the grip portion and of the handle axle obtained by rotation of the grip portion, is decompressed and enables free sliding of said at least one elongate member of specific cross-section in said at least one sheath, thus unlocking the handle.
11. Article according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking/unlocking system (47) comprises at least one sleeving member (49) mechanically connected to said at least one elongate member of specific cross-section (46), and at least one bushing clamp (50) mechanically connected to said at least one tube (48), said at least one bushing (51) being mechanically connected both to said at least one sleeving member and to said at least one bushing clamp.
12. Article according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking/unlocking system (47) is configured such that the actuation of said at least one push member (64) by the transmission tip (76) of said cam journal (71) drives the translational movement of said at least one tube (48) in the elongate member (46) of specific cross-section and at the same time of said at least one bushing clamp (50) relative to said at least one sleeving member (49); and such that the translational movement of said at least one bushing clamp drives the compression or the decompression of said at least one bushing (51) in its direction of translational movement.
13. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said at least one interface system (63) comprises at least one elastic member (74, 75) mounted on the handle axle (45).
14. Article according to claim 13, characterized in that said at least one interface system (63) comprises a spring journal (73) to which is mechanically connected, by a first end, said at least one elastic member (74, 75) and in which is moveably mounted the handle axle (45), said at least one elastic member being interposed between said spring journal and said cam journal and being mechanically connected by a second end, which is an opposite end to its first end, to a side of said cam journal that is an opposite side to the aforementioned where the transmission tip (76) is located.
15. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the extendable and retractable handle mechanism (20) has a general shape of a U, with the grip portion (21) of the handle (18) and the handle axle (45) forming a bottom of the U and each branch of the U being formed at least by a said sheath (30), a said elongate member of specific cross-section (46) and a said locking/unlocking system (47); or the extendable and retractable handle mechanism has a general shape of an L, with the grip portion of the handle and the handle axle forming one branch of the L and the sheath, the elongate member of specific cross-section and the locking/unlocking system forming another branch of the L.

Images