GB2468581A

GB2468581A - A luggage strap with a plurality of spaced handles

Info

Publication number: GB2468581A
Application number: GB201003866A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Patrick Charles Gowing
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-10
Filing date: 2010-03-09
Publication date: 2010-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-09
Also published as: WO2010103270A1; GB2468581B; GB0904041D0; GB201003866D0

Abstract

Apparatus for assisting with the collection and carrying of an item of luggage comprises a first strap 201 configured to be wrapped around an item of luggage; a securing device 202 for securing the strap around the luggage; and a plurality of handles 203 displaced along the strap and extending from the strap so as to define a plurality of positions at which the luggage may be collected and carried. The strap may be used with a suitcase which already has a handle to provide extra handles, or alternatively with an item such as a box or package which is not provided with any handles. This makes it easier for someone trying to grab and remove luggage from e.g. a carousel at an airport.

Description

Assisting with the collection and carrying of luggage

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 09 04 041.1, filed 10 March 2009, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for assisting with the collection and carrying of an item of luggage of the type comprising a first strap io configured to be wrapped around the item of luggage and a securing device for securing the strap to the luggage.

The present invention also relates to a method of attaching an apparatus to an item of luggage.

2. Description of the Related Art

Luggage is generally considered to be defined as bags and suitcases etc. for holding the processions of a traveller. As used herein, it is also possible that other containing items (such as boxes) may become luggage temporarily for the purpose of transportation.

Known items of luggage often include carrying handles which allow the *.

luggage to be transported while travelling. More recently, luggage of this type has also been equipped with wheels or castors etc. such that it is possible for the luggage item to be moved without being physically lifted off the ground.

However, occasionally, it is necessary for the item of luggage to be lifted and therefore it would generally be provided with an appropriate handle.

Traditionally, luggage would be carried and placed in transportation devices (such as trains and ships etc.) using manual labour, with little in the way of mechanical assistance. Consequently, as luggage was handed over from one position to another the manual operatives would be in a position to ensure that a preferred orientation was adopted and that handles would be located in the most accessible place.

More recently, the transportation of luggage has occurred using automated systems and the most extreme examples of these automated systems are usually to be found in airports. Thus, in a modern airport, luggage is often transported mechanically and passengers may be placed under some pressure to ensure that their luggage is recovered promptly from the locations that may be less than perfectly accessible. Consequently, under these circumstances, many situations will arise when handles provided by luggage arrive at orientations that are less than optimal and therefore a passenger may be placed under some strain and inconvenience in order to recover their luggage appropriately. These situations are even more inconvenient when passengers experience additional constraints, such as looking after children or are themselves disabled.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for assisting with the collection and carrying of an item of luggage, comprising; a first strap configured to be wrapped around said item of luggage; a securing device for securing said strap to said luggage; and a plurality of handles displaced along said strap and extending from said strap so as to define a plurality of positions at which the luggage may be collected and carried. There is also provided a method of attaching an apparatus to an item of luggage comprising the steps of; receiving said apparatus, wrapping said apparatus around said item of luggage, securing said apparatus to said luggage, collecting said luggage by use of one of a plurality of handles of said apparatus; and carrying said luggage using one of said handles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a luggage carousel; Figure 2 shows an apparatus embodying and aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an item of luggage that does not in itself provide handles; Figure 4 shows the box identified in Figure 3 having had apparatus embodying the present invention applied thereto; Figure 5 shows an item of luggage provided with a plurality of handles; Figure 6 shows the item of luggage in Figure 5 having the apparatus of the present invention deployed thereon; Figure 7 shows a front view of the apparatus; Figure 8 shows an outside view of the apparatus; Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which a second strap is provided in addition to the first strap; and Figures 10 shows an alternative embodiment, utilising a first strap, a second strap and a third strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS S.. * 4 *5.S

Figure 1 *4*S*S * 20 A luggage carousel 101 is shown in Figure 1, typical of the type found in many airports. As luggage is conveyed by the carousel, such as luggage item 102, it reaches the point where a passenger would be required to remove the luggage from the carousel. In this example, luggage item 102 has a handle *.4S* 4..'' 103. However, the luggage is so positioned such that handle 103 is in a less S. .5 : * 25 then optimum location as to facilitate the retrieval of the luggage item 102 from the carousel 101. Thus, a passenger is forced to lean in an awkward way in order to retrieve the luggage. Clearly, in some circumstances, this would involve significant difficulties and passengers may be delayed or inconvenienced while attempts are made for their luggage to be retrieved.

In addition to luggage item 102, luggage item 104 is also shown in Figure 1. Luggage item 104 has had a strap 105 attached thereto which embodies an aspect of the present invention. The strap js so configured to provide a plurality of handles, including handle 106 and handle 107. Thus, while it would be convenient for a passenger to retrieve the item of luggage using handle 107, this is of no consequence because it is relatively easy for the luggage to be retrieved using handle 106.

Figure 2 An apparatus embodying an aspect of the present invention is detailed in Figure 2. The apparatus may be considered as assisting with the collection and carrying of an item of luggage, such as item 104 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus includes a first strap 201 that is configured to be wrapped around the item of luggage 104 (not shown in Figure 2). The apparatus also includes a securing device 202 which may take the form of a ladder lock, ladder catch or similar buckle or fastener, often fabricated as a plastic moulding as is known in the art. The apparatus also includes a plurality of handles that are displaced along the strap and extend from the strap so as to define a plurality of positions at which the luggage may be collected and carried, In a first embodiment, the strap may include two handles. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the strap includes three * handles and preferably these handles are arranged such that for an average sized item of luggage, the handles locate on respective edges of the item concerned, as also illustrated in Figure 2. However, it should also be appreciated that more handles may be provided as necessary for appropriately S...

* 25 sized luggage items. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of Figure 2, the strap 202 has located thereon a first handle 203 a second handle 204 and a third handle 205.

Figure 3 It is possible for the apparatus of the present invention to be deployed on an item of luggage that may take the form of a box or a container that does not in itself provide handles, as illustrated in Figure 3. Thus, at some airports, items of luggage, often presents bought while travelling, may be carried in boxes but are required on the airport concourse. Often, these represent relatively simple cardboard boxes 301 that may be sealed with tape 302 and in some circumstances may be shrink-wrapped. While boxes of this type are relatively inexpensive and may be of great convenience to passengers given that they ensure that additional luggage items do not need to be left behind, they are relatively difficult to carry and therefore benefit from the application of apparatus embodied by the present invention.

Figure 4 Box 301 identified in Figure 3 is shown in Figure 4 having had apparatus embodying the present invention appiled thereto. Thus, the box 301 has been converted from a relatively difficult object to carry to an object that is relatively easy to carry and relatively easy to be retrieved from conveyor systems of the type shown in Figure 1. Thus, strap 201 has been wrapped around the box and thereby presents handles 203 and 204 to facilitate transportation.

Figure 5 a...

While the benefits of the invention are clearly apparent for situations in *1***S * * which boxes are being carried that do not include handles, it has also been appreciated that the apparatus also provides substantial benefits when carrying items that do include a handle, given that the item of luggage is then provided with a plurality of handles to assist with its collection and carrying *.s.

through, for example, airport environments. An item of luggage of this type is illustrated in Figure 5, taking the form of a suitcase 501. This suitcase, as is well known in the art, includes its own handle 502. Thus, the suitcase may be carried using this handle and handle 502 may also assist during luggage collection situations, as illustrated in the environment of Figure 1.

Figure 6 The item of luggage 501 is shown in Figure 6, having the apparatus of the present invention deployed thereon. Thus, strap 201 has been attached to the item of luggage 501 such that in addition to the handle 502 already present on the item of luggage, additional handles, including handle 205, are provided, again to facilitate the collection and carrying of the item of luggage. In the orientation of Figure 6, handles 203 and 204 are obscured.

Figure 7 A front view of the apparatus is illustrated in Figure 7, detailing the securing device 202. This ensures that the strap 201 is tightly secured to the item of luggage, while at the same time providing a degree of adjustability such that the length of the strap becomes adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, additional strap length adjusting devices, such as 701, are provided and in alternative embodiments a plurality of such devices may be included. In this way, it is possible for the apparatus to be deployed on items of luggage of differing sizes. Furthermore, when being deployed on items of luggage of differing sizes, the adjustment devices also allow the position of handles 203, 204 and 205 to be adjusted relatively along the length of the strap 201 in order to optimise their location on appropriate sides of the item of luggage concerned.

In a preferred embodiment, the strap is fabricated from a plurality of * different materials and in particular the front face, as shown in Figure 7, may be a strong nylon web, whereas the rear face, as shown in Figure 8, may be a softer material or material that provides enhanced gripping characteristics.

Furthermore, at the position of the handles, addtional padding may be **** :::: provided to facilitate the carrying of heavy loads. Thus, one of the materials : * * may be a non-slip material to prevent the movement of the strap relative to the luggage to which it is attached. The apparatus may also include portions fabricated in leather such that a leather outer surface, as shown in the front view, may convey the impression of quality while at the same time the underlying nylon webbing may provide the required degree of strength.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is provided with a second strap that is configured to be applied in an alternative orientation, perpendicular to that of the first strap so as to hold the luggage in a closed configuration, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the underside of the strap includes a relatively small pocket 703 suitable for receiving a radio frequency identification device or similar. Thus, with the provision of such an identification device, it may be possible to locate items of luggage quickly and also possible to track their transportation through conveyor systems. Thus, should the inclusion of such devices become obligatory, it will be possible to deploy the apparatus as a mechanism for retro-fitting the inclusion of such devices.

Figure 8 An outside view of the apparatus is illustrated in Figure 8. This clearly shows an example of handle 204, while the mechanism for adjusting length, 701, is obscured, thereby making adjustment difficult after the apparatus has been deployed.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a clear pocket 801 suitable for receiving a name and address tag or similar. In a further enhanced embodiment, additional clear address pockets, such as pocket 802 are provided, thus, in this way, name tags are clearly visible in many orientations of the item of luggage. In a preferred embodiment, a clear pocket for a name tag is provided in association with each of the plurality of handles. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a total of three clear pockets would be included, each located in close proximity to one of handles 203, 204 or 205.

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Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in Figure 9 in which a second strap 901 is provided in addition to the first strap 201. The second strap is configured to be applied in an orientation perpendicular to the first strap so as to hold the luggage in a closed configuration. Thus, while first strap 201 is primarily deployed to provide additional handles, namely handle 203, handle 204 and handle 205, a second strap 901 is primarily provided to prevent the luggage becoming open during its transportation.

Figure 10 An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 10, in which there is a first strap 201 of the preferred embodiment, a second strap 901 as detailed in respect to Figure 9 and then a third strap 1001, perpendicular to both straps 201 and 901. Thus, a third strap 101 provides additional security further io ensuring that the luggage does not become compromised during its transportation. It is also appreciated that apparatus of the type shown in Figure may be particularly attractive when transporting items such as that shown in Figure 3 that do not have any handles at all and are not fundamentally configured to be items of luggage. * * *

* ** S S. * * ** S. * . * * . * *S. ***. * . *... *5 ** * S * * .

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for assisting with the collection and carrying of an item of luggage, comprising: a first strap configured to be wrapped around said item of luggage; a securing device for securing said strap to said luggage; and a plurality of handles displaced along said strap and extending from said strap so as to define a plurality of positions at which the luggage may be collected and carried.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said item of luggage is a box or container that does not in itself provide handles.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said item of luggage is a case that does provide one handle and said first strap provides additional handles at alternative locations on said case.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first strap includes two handles.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first strap includes three handles. ** .1S55.5.5 *
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said item of luggage is a case that does provide one handle and said first strap provides three additional *:. 25 handles at locations on said case such that a four sided case presents a handle on each of said four sides after said first strap has been fitted. I...S **..
7. The apparatus of claim 1, where said first strap is adjustable in length.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, where said first strap is fabricated from a plurality of different materials.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein one of said materials is a non-slip material preventing movement of first stiap away from said luggage.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said materials are comprised of nylon and leather.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said securing device is in the form of a ladder catch.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second strap configured to be applied in an orientation perpendicular to said first strap so as to hold the luggage in a closed configuration.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first strap incorporates a name tag holder.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said name tag holder comprises a clear pocket which is substantially flat in relation to said first strap.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a radio frequency * identification device. *. .. * * * * **:. 25
16. A method of attaching an apparatus to an item of luggage comprising the steps of; **** receiving said apparatus; wrapping said apparatus around said item of luggage; securing said apparatus to said luggage; collecting said luggage by use of one of a plurality of handles of said apparatus; and carrying said luggage using one of said handles.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of; feeding a first strap of said apparatus through a securing device in a given direction; and pulling said strap in the opposite direction thereby tightening said strap and taking up any slack.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of inserting a name tag into a name tag holder incorporated as part of said strap.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of adjusting said strap such that the length of said strap is compatible with the size of said luggage.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of activating a radio frequency identification device to allow tracking of said luggage. * * ******* * S ** ** * * S * * * * S... * S I.. *. S. * . S * *