GB2435611A

GB2435611A - Handle operable to weigh a bag and a bag incorporating such a handle

Info

Publication number: GB2435611A
Application number: GB0604159A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Spencer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-02
Filing date: 2006-03-02
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Also published as: GB0604159D0

Abstract

A self weighing bag assembly comprises a handle 10 attached to a bag 2, and a weighing device 14 located within a cavity in the handle and arranged so that in use the weight of the bag is measured when a user lifts the bag from a surface using the handle. The weight may be displayed on a screen 18 located on the bag and the weighing device may be formed at least in part by a hand grip portion of the handle. In use, the self weighing bag assembly allows an airline passenger to weigh their bag before reaching the check in desk at the airport and avoid the possibility of an excess baggage charge.

Description

The invention relates to a bag incorporating a weighing device.

Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a handle for a bag, the handle incorporating a weighing device.

Most airlines impose a luggage weight restriction on airline passengers. However, passengers often do not weigh their luggage until they reach the check-in desk in an airport. At the desk, the luggage is lifted on to a weighing apparatus and the weight is digitally displayed.

In the event that the luggage is over the maximum allowance, the passenger must either choose to abandon part of his luggage or, if allowed, pay an excess baggage charge. In order to overcome this problem, some passengers try to weigh their luggage themselves at home using bathroom scales. However, this method is problematic because the passenger must balance on the scales holding their luggage whilst simultaneously viewing the weight displayed. This tends to lead to an inaccurate reading of the scales and thus provides only a rough indication of the weight of the suitcase. Further, the maximum weight of the scales is often exceeded.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag incorporating a weighing device which attempts to overcome the problems of the prior art. It is a further object of the invention to provide a handle incorporating a weighing device for a bag.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bag having a handle attached thereto, the handle comprising a cavity in which is located a weighing device, the weighing device being operable to measure the weight of the bag, wherein the weighing device is adapted to operate within the cavity when the bag is lifted by the handle from a standing position, in which the bag is on a surface, to a lifted position, in which the bag is elevated by the handle from the surface.

Advantageously, the handle serves a dual purpose, being used to lift the bag and cause the weight of the bag to be determined. The arrangement provides a means of determining the weight of the load, together with the bag, without the need for external weighing apparatus.

Furthermore, because the weighing device is an integral part of the handle, being located in the cavity, the risk of said device being damaged is minimised.

Preferably, the handle is adapted to remain in a fixed position on the bag in both the standing position and the lifted position.

Preferably, the handle is attached to the bag by hinging means. Preferably, the hinging means comprise resilient means, preferably a spring. Preferably, the spring is biased such that the handle is moved into a position which is substantially flush with the surface of the bag when not in use.

Preferably, the cavity is extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle. Preferably, the cavity extends substantially the whole length of the handle.

Preferably, a grip is provided on the handle. Preferably, the grip comprises at least one flap which is preferably adapted to abut against a surface of the cavity.

Preferably, the at least one flap extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Preferably, the grip further comprises at least one cut-out which is preferably dimensioned to receive a finger. Preferably, a plurality of cut-outs is provided on the grip, preferably each being equidistantly spaced apart.

Preferably, the weighing device is located centrally of the cavity. Most preferably, the weighing device is located centrally of the grip. Preferably, the weighing device comprises a housing which preferably comprises a pin. Preferably, a body is provided on the weighing device, preferably dimensioned to be received by the housing. Preferably, the body is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the body comprises an indent which is dimensioned to receive the pin. Preferably, weight calculating means are provided on the bag, preferably in the handle, most preferably in the weighing device. Preferably, the weight calculating means are electrically powered.

Preferably, a screen is provided on the bag.

Alternatively, the screen is provided on the handle for displaying the measured weight. Preferably, the screen is an LED display. Alternatively, the screen may comprise audible means for displaying the weight as a sound. In this arrangement, preferably speakers are provided on the bag, preferably on the handle, most preferably on the weighing device.

Preferably, the handle is a retractable handle which is adapted to move from a retracted position to an extended position on the bag.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a handle assembly for a bag, the handle assembly comprising a handle having a cavity in which is located a weighing device, the weighing device being operable to measure the weight of an attached bag, wherein the weighing device is adapted to operate when the attached bag is lifted by the handle from a standing position in which the bag is on a surface to a lifted position in which the bag is elevated from the surface.

Preferably, fixing means are provided for fixing the handle assembly to a bag.

The handle assembly can preferably be fixed to any suitable bag, for example, a suitcase, a briefcase, a holdall. In this manner a user may readily interchange the handle on each item of luggage in order to assess the weight of individual items or the total weight of his luggage.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a bag; Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional side view of a handle of a bag; Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional plan view of a part of the handle; Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional end view of a part of the handle; Figures 5 show a schematic sectional side view of a part of a bag; Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a bag.

Figure 1 shows a bag 2 according to the present invention.

The bag is shown as a suitcase but it should be understood by the reader that any type of luggage, for example, a holdall, would be equally suitable. The bag 2 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a top portion 4 and a bottom portion 6. Castors or wheels 8 are provided at the bottom portion 6.

A handle 10 is located at the top portion 4. The handle 10 is shaped in an inverted "U" and is attached to the bag 2 via supporting arms 12. A grip 14 is located on the handle 10 as will be described in more detail below. A weighing device 16 which is generally circular in shape is located adjacent the handle 10. The weighing device 16 comprises a screen 18. The screen 18 is mounted on the top portion 4 so as to be visible to the onlooker.

Figures 2 to 4 show the handle 10 in greater detail. In particular, it can be seen that a cavity 20 extends along the length of the handle 10. The cavity 20 is generally square in cross section being defined by an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 24 thereof. It will be understood by the skilled reader that any suitably shaped cavity could be incorporated into the handle, for example, a cavity having a circular cross section. The grip 14 is fixably attached to an inner portion of the inner surface 22.

The grip 14 comprises flaps 26 and a gripping portion 28.

The flaps 26 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 10 and provide a surface for fixing to the handle 10. The gripping portion 28 comprises a plurality of concave cut-outs 30. Four cut-outs 30 are shown in Figure 2 being equidistantly spaced from each other. The cut-outs 30 are dimensioned to each receive a finger of a hand and are located so that the weight of the bag 2 is spread evenly across the grip 14.

The weighing device 16 is located centrally in the cavity and adjacent the grip 14. The weighing device 16 comprises a housing 32 for receiving a body 34. The housing 32 is generally circular in cross section and may be integrally moulded with the grip 14. The housing 32 provides two functions; to assist in securing this section of the handle 10 so as prevent said section from moving laterally in relation to the main body of the handle 10, and to provide a housing for a spherical cone part or pin 36 of the weighing device 16. The pin 36 projects upwardly from the housing 32 and is shaped to fit an indent 38 on the body 34.

The weighing device 16 further comprises a protective housing 40 for providing a protective housing for electrical connectors. The weighing device 16 is adapted to calculate the load applied to the body 34. The weighing device 16 includes an electrical circuit board 42. The detected load is converted by electrical means and is digitally displayed as a measurement of weight on the screen 18. The weighing device 16 is powered by a power source 44 which is located adjacent the screen 18 as shown in Figure 5. The power source 44 is shown as a battery. Other suitable forms of powering for the device 16 include solar power.

Figure 6 shows the arrangement between the handle 10 and the weighing device 16. In particular, it is shown that the handle 10 is connected to said device 16 via electrical cabling 46. The electrical cabling 46 is located in a flexible tubing 48 which is preferably manufactured from plastics material. The flexible tubing 48 encases the cabling and thus protects it from being damaged. Furthermore, the tubing 48 directs the cabling inside of the handle 10 in a specific orientation. The cabling 46 passes through the cavity 20 of the handle 10 and into the main body of the bag 2 to a housing unit on the body of the bag 2 adjacent the handle 10.

It will be appreciated that although the weighing device 16 is connected to the screen 18 using conductive wiring, Bluetooth technology would be equally suitable as a means of connection.

In use, in order to weigh the bag 2, a person places their fingers in the cut outs 30 and lifts the bag 2 from a resting position on a surface. The weight of the load of the bag 2 bares down on the handle 10, in particular on the pin 36. This causes the pin 36 to contact the indent 38 on the body 34 of the weighing device 16. The weight is registered by the weighing device 16 and is converted into a digital weight reading which is displayed on the screen 18.

Advantageously, the invention addresses the problem of weighing luggage in a simple and effective manner. Due to the weighing device 16 being an integral part of the handle 10, the need for additional weighing instruments is negated.

The term luggage in this specification includes but is not limited to suitcases, manufactured from any suitable materials, holdalls, sample cases, brief cases.

The invention also provides a handle assembly for attachment to a bag 2 so as to form a piece luggage which can be readily transported and easily weighed. The handle may be fixed to the bag 2 by an attaching mechanism, for example, suitable clips. The handle 10 may be attached at any suitable point on the bag 2 without detriment to its effective performance.

It will be understood by the reader, that although the handle 10 is shown as an inverted "U" shape, alternative shapes may be equally suitable. Suitable materials for manufacturing the handle include, for example, plastics materials, particularly rigid plastics; leather; or suitable metal materials.

Further modifications would be apparent to the skilled reader. For example, the shape of the cross section of the handle may be altered in order to house a larger/smaller size of weighing device 16 but with keeping with the aim of providing a secure housing compartment for said device 16. Further, the shape of such housing can be modified to accommodate the exterior design of the handle.

The grip 14 of the handle is constructed of plastics material of preferably increased strength. The cut-outs replicate the shape of gripping fingers, in order to enhance the stability of the function.

The flaps 26 of the grip 14 are of a size suitable to allow the cut-outs 30 to pass through a slot opening in the inner surface 22 of the handle during manufacture, whilst being themselves retained in the cavity 20. The flaps 26 restrict the lateral and longitudinal movement of the grip 14. In so doing, the housing 32 of the weighing device 16 remains in a fixed position.

The weighing device 16 in this application shows a cylindrical shaped body 34. The principle of the invention should not be restricted to the shape and size of the body 34.

The screen 18 is dimensioned to be readily seen by the user but not too large that it becomes aesthetically undesirable. The screen 18 is constructed of plastics material or other suitable material to protect the electrical circuitry, and component parts of the weighing device 16. The screen 18 visually displays the measured weight but it is envisaged that audible means can be incorporated into the bag or handle so that the weight may be heard. In particular, the user may select an audible reading of the measurement from a digital or audible switch. When audible mode is selected, the weight is audibly relayed through a speaker unit, preferably located in the handle 10.

This principle of the design ensures that the object of lifting and obtaining the accurate weight of the receiving compartment can be achieved whilst acting alone, whilst merely carrying out the normal function of lifting.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A bag having a handle attached thereto, the handle comprising a cavity in which is located a weighing device, the weighing device being operable to measure the weight of the bag, wherein the weighing device is adapted to operate within the cavity when the bag is lifted by the handle from a standing position, in which the bag is on a surface, to a lifted position, in which the bag is elevated by the handle from the surface.

2. A bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is adapted to remain in a fixed position on the bag in both the standing position and the lifted position.

3. A bag as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle is hingedly attached to the bag.

4. A bag as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3,wherein the cavity extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle.

5. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity extends substantially the whole length of the handle.

6. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a grip is provided on the handle.

7. A bag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the grip comprises at least one flap which is adapted to abut against a surface of the cavity.

8. A bag as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein the grip further comprises at least one cut-out which is dimensioned to receive a finger.

9. A bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein a plurality of cut-outs is provided on the grip, each being equidistantly spaced apart.

10. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the weighing device is located centrally of the cavity.

11. A bag as claimed in claim 10, wherein the weighing device is located centrally of the grip.

12. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the weighing device comprises a housing which comprises a pin.

13. A bag as claimed in claim 12, wherein a body is provided on the weighing device, the body comprising an indent which is dimensioned to receive the pin.

14. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein weight calculating means are provided in the handle.

15. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a screen is provided on the bag.

16. A handle assembly for a bag, the handle assembly comprising a handle having a cavity in which is located a weighing device, the weighing device being operable to L4 measure the weight of an attached bag, wherein the weighing device is adapted to operate when the attached bag is lifted by the handle from a standing position, in which the bag is on a surface, to a lifted position, in which the bag is elevated by the handle from the surface.

17. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 16, incorporating the features of any one of claims 2 to 15.

18. A bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

19. A handle assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.