US20060260894A1 - Dynamic ball joint handle system for towable item - Google Patents
Dynamic ball joint handle system for towable item Download PDFInfo
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- US20060260894A1 US20060260894A1 US11/346,705 US34670506A US2006260894A1 US 20060260894 A1 US20060260894 A1 US 20060260894A1 US 34670506 A US34670506 A US 34670506A US 2006260894 A1 US2006260894 A1 US 2006260894A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- socket
- pivot joint
- ball pivot
- support
- towing
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
- A45C13/262—Special adaptations of handles for wheeled luggage
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
- A45C13/262—Special adaptations of handles for wheeled luggage
- A45C2013/265—Special adaptations of handles for wheeled luggage the handle being adjustable in rotation to a towing element
Abstract
A towing handle assembly for a towable item includes a support configured to be coupled to the towable item, a ball pivot joint coupled to the support, and a towing handle mounted to the ball joint and defining a hand grip for towing by a user. The ball pivot joint floats relative to the support in horizontal and vertical directions for a limited range of motion, thereby naturally positioning the hand grip vertically and horizontally to accommodate changing positions of the users hand when towing the towable item.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/659,972 filed Mar. 9, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- This invention relates generally to handle systems for hand towable items having wheels attached thereto, and more particularly to dynamic towing handle assemblies selectively positionable in relation to telescoping supports of luggage.
- Towing handles and systems are commonly fixed to telescoping supports of towable items such as, by way of example only, luggage and wheeled backpacks, that enable the user to stow the towing handle in a generally protected position within the outer confines of the towable item so that the luggage may be safely lifted, carried and moved, for example, by baggage handlers at an airport or by luggage owners loading and unloading the luggage to and from a vehicle. Alternatively, the towing handle may be to actuated to an extended position allowing the user to tow the luggage by hand behind the user on attached wheels as the user moves about.
- In certain types of conventional towing handle systems, the towing handle and associated handle grip is rigidly fixed in relation to a portion of the item being towed, such as towing handles rigidly mounted in a stationary manner to telescoping posts or supports affixed to a luggage item. With such towing handles, users tend to frequently adjust and re-adjust their grasp of the handle grip while maneuvering through crowded spaces, negotiating turns and obstacles, starting and stopping while towing the item, and towing the item at varying speeds. As experienced by the user, such rigid handles tend to rotate relative to the user's hand while maneuvering the towable item, and in response, users tend to adjust their wrist with a twisting or flexing motion to maintain a firm grip on the handle. Frequent adjustment of the user's grasp in towing operation may result in discomfort when towing the item for extended periods.
- In other types of conventional handle systems, sometimes referred to herein as dynamic handle systems, the handle grip is movable to different positions relative to one or more portions of the towable item, such as telescoping supports of luggage, to provide more comfort to users towing the item via the handle with the handle located in different towable positions relative to the item being towed. Such handle assemblies, however, tend to include many moving parts and can be difficult to construct in a cost effective and reliable manner to ensure proper operation thereof over the lifetime of the towable item. Additionally, certain dynamic handle systems can be difficult for new or infrequent users to operate, and require mechanical locking and unlocking of the components that can be confusing to some users.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a towing handle assembly for a towable item is provided. The towing handle assembly comprises a support configured to be coupled to the towable item, a ball pivot joint coupled to the support, and a towing handle mounted to the ball joint and defining a hand grip for towing by a user. The ball pivot joint floats relative to the support in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, thereby naturally positioning the hand grip vertically and horizontally to accommodate changing positions of the users hand when towing the towable item.
- Optionally, a socket assembly may be provided, and the socket assembly may be configured to limit movement of the ball pivot joint in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions. The socket may comprise a shaped neck preventing float of the handle relative to the support beyond a predetermined amount. One of the socket and the ball pivot joint may include a projection and the other of the socket and the ball pivot joint may include a recessed area receiving the projection, and the projection and the recess may cooperatively prevent float of the handle beyond a predetermined amount in at least one the vertical and horizontal directions. The support may be curved along a longitudinal axis thereof.
- In another embodiment, a towing handle assembly for a towable piece of luggage having a body adapted to roll along a surface is provided. The towing handle assembly comprises a telescoping support configured to be coupled to the body of the luggage, the support having a distal end operatively coupled to the body and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and the support being selectively postionable relative to the body between extended and retracted positions. A socket is fixedly mounted to the distal end of the telescoping support, and a ball pivot joint is received in the socket and configured to float relative to the support about first and second mutually perpendicular axes. A towing handle is fixed to the ball pivot joint and defines a hand grip for towing the body along the surface via pulling of the towing handle by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint naturally adjusts the hand grip relative the users hand when pulling the towing handle despite varying towing maneuvers and towing conditions. The ball pivot joint adjusts position of the hand grip without any actuation of the towing handle by the user other than pulling the towing handle.
- In another embodiment, a towable piece of luggage is provided. The luggage comprises a body defining a compartment to store personal effects of a traveler for transport, and the body comprises a wheel for rolling the body along a surface without lifting of the body from the ground. A telescoping support is coupled to the body, and the support has a distal end operatively coupled to the body and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The support is selectively postionable relative to the body between extended and retracted positions relative to the body, and a socket is fixedly mounted to the distal end of the telescoping support. A ball pivot joint is received in the socket and is configured to float relative to the support, and a towing handle is fixed to the ball pivot joint and defines a hand grip for towing the body along the surface via pulling of the towing handle by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint naturally floats in position relative to the socket to avoid relative rotation of the handle with respect to the user's hand as the handle is being pulled and as the position of the user's hand is changed.
- In still another embodiment, a towable piece of luggage is provided. The luggage comprises a body defining a compartment to store personal effects of a traveler for transport, the body comprising a wheel for rolling the body along a surface. A telescoping support is coupled to the body, the support having a distal end operatively coupled to the body and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and the support being selectively positionable relative to the body between extended and retracted positions relative to the body. A socket is fixedly mounted to the distal end of the telescoping support, and a ball pivot joint is received in the socket and configured to float relative to the socket. A towing handle is fixed to the ball pivot joint and defines a hand grip for towing the body along the surface via pulling of the towing handle by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint naturally floats in position relative to the socket to move the handle in horizontal and vertical directions. The ball pivot joint is movable relative to the socket with sliding engagement for a limited range of motion in each of the horizontal and vertical directions without locking of the handle in any one position
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FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate a side elevational view of an exemplary towable item having a dynamic towing handle assembly according to the present invention, whereinFIG. 1 a illustrates the towing handle assembly in a retracted position and whereinFIG. 1 b illustrates the towing handle assembly in an extended position. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the exemplary towable item in an upright position, and in an inclined towing position shown in phantom. -
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a portion of the towing handle assembly shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates another elevational view and a vertical float of the towing handle shown inFIGS. 1-3 . -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the handle assembly illustrating a horizontal float of the towing handle. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exemplary towing handle assemblies shown inFIGS. 1-5 . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the towing handle assembly shown inFIG. 6 with further parts removed. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the towing handle assembly shown inFIG. 7 with further parts removed. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the towing handle assembly shown inFIG. 8 with further parts removed. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the towing handle assembly shown inFIG. 6 with parts removed. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of apportion of the towing handle assembly shown inFIG. 6 with parts removed. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pivot joint assembly shown inFIG. 6 with parts removed. -
FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the towing handle. -
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the towing handle assembly shown inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 15 is a first elevational view of the handle assembly schematically illustrating a button release mechanism. -
FIG. 16 is a second elevational view of the handle assembly schematically illustrating operation of the button release mechanism. -
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate a side elevational view of an exemplary handtowable item 100 having a dynamictowing handle assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in the Figures, thetowable item 100 is a piece of luggage having abody 104 defining a compartment 105 with one or more points of access for receiving personal effects and items of a traveler, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. that one may need for a trip away from home. Thebody 104 is sized and dimensioned appropriately for transport in an aircraft or vehicle, and includes one ormore wheels 106 on a lower edge thereof that allow the body to be rolled along a surface when desired. While illustrated as a substantially rectangular luggage bag in the Figures, it is understood that thetowable item 100 may assume various alternative shapes and styles of luggage items, including but not limited to backpacks, briefcases, duffel bags and the like. It is also understood that thetowing handle assembly 102 described further below may be used on other types of hand towable items, aside from luggage items, for storing or transporter other items without limitation and while achieving substantially the same benefits described hereinbelow. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
handle assembly 102 includes a base support 108 (shown in phantom inFIGS. 1 a and 1 b) mounted stationary to alower end 110 of thebody 104 interior to thebody 104, and a telescoping support (FIG. 1 b) that is extendable from thebase support 108 and selectively positionable between a retracted position (FIG. 1 a) and an extended position (FIG. 1 b) relative to thebase support 108 and anupper surface 114 of thebody 104. In an illustrative embodiment, each of thesupports base support 108 may include aproximal end 116 that is fixed to thebase 110 of thebody 104, and an opposeddistal end 118 extending upwardly from theproximal end 116 and located adjacent theupper surface 114 of thebody 104. An axial length of thebase support 108 extending between theopposite ends telescoping support 112 may include aproximal end 120, and an opposeddistal end 122 extending upwardly and away from theproximal end 120 and thetelescoping support 112 is likewise curved or bowed along its axial length between the opposite ends 118 and 122. By virtue of the curvature of thesupports distal end 122 of thetelescoping support 112 is extended outwardly and away from therear face 124 of thebody 104 as well as outwardly and away from the upperouter surface 114 of thebody 104 when in the extended position (FIG. 1 b). It is understood, however, that thesupports - When in the retracted position (
FIG. 1 a) thesupport 112 is received within thebase support 108, and each of thesupports body 104. Such telescoping supports 112 are generally known in the art, and it is appreciated that each of thesupports supports supports supports - A towing
handle 126 is mounted to thedistal end 122 of thetelescoping 112, and a ball pivot joint 128 (FIG. 1 b) couples the towing handle 126 to thetelescoping support 112 at thedistal end 122. In the retracted position (FIG. 1 a), the towing handle 126 is located and received in an open ended recess or receptacle defined by abezel 127 integrated into thebody 104, and thehandle 126 is generally flush with theouter surface 114 of thebody 104 and is generally protected by the outer surface of the bag from incidental contact when thebody 104 is lifted from the ground and carried or handled by a person via carrying handles or straps (not shown) separately provided from thehandle assembly 102. When desired, thehandle 126 is generally accessible, however, from the outer surface of thebody 104, and the user may easily position thehandle 126 in the extended position shown inFIG. 1 b in the manner explained below. - In one embodiment, the
supports handle 126, sometimes referred to as a monopole support structure. It is understood, however, that parallel post support structures known in the art could likewise be utilized in alternative embodiments as desired to support thehandle 126. In a parallel post support structure embodiment, thehandle 126 may be carried on a cross bar or other joining structure between the parallel posts. Thesupports - In the extended position,
FIG. 1 b, the ball pivot joint 128 permits a natural float in the relative position of thetowing handle 126 and thesupport 112. That is, the towing handle 126 enjoys a limited freedom of movement relative to thesupport 112 and is generally self-adjusting in position to different towing conditions independent of any conscious action by the user. That is, the natural float of thehandle 126 tends to present a relatively constant pulling orientation of the towing handle 126 with respect to the user's hand despite changing towing conditions and maneuvering of the bag that would otherwise cause the relative position of thehandle 126 and the user's hand to change. Therefore, and unlike known dynamic handle assemblies, the float in positioning of thehandle 126 by virtue of the ball pivot joint 128 eliminates the need and the tendency of users to adjust and readjust their grip on thehandle 126 when towing theitem 100. Accordingly, the float of thehandle 126 avoids user discomfort associated with frequent hand grip adjustment inevitably incurred with conventional towing handle assemblies, -
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the exemplarytowable item 100 in an upright position and in an inclined towing position (shown in phantom). In the upright position, corresponding to the position just after thetelescoping support 112 is extended from the retracted position, thehandle 126 is located at a distance from theupper surface 114 of the body, and thewheels 106 are at rest upon a rollingsurface 150, together with the remainder of thebase portion 110 of thebody 104. Additionally, thehandle 126 extends in a generally parallel orientation with respect to the bodyupper surface 114 and the rollingsurface 150. - In the towing position, however, the
body 104 is inclined with respect to the rollingsurface 150 and is freely movable in the direction of arrow A parallel to the plane of the rollingsurface 150 where thewheels 106 engage thesurface 150. Thetelescoping support 112 is located closer to the rollingsurface 150 than in the upright position, and thehandle 126 is located a much greater horizontal distance, measured parallel to the plane of the rollingsurface 150 in the direction of arrow A, from thebody 104 than when in the upright position. The greater horizontal distance and separation from thebody 104 in the towing position provides for ease of towing thebody 104 in the direction of arrow A along thesurface 150 without significant risk of thebody 104 interfering with the user's feet when walking in the direction of arrow A and towing thebody 104 via thehandle 126. - Further, in the towing position, the
handle 126, via the ball pivot joint 128, is movable relative to thesupport 112 and the rollingsurface 150 in the direction of arrow B at thedistal end 122 of thesupport 112. That is, thehandle 126 is movable in the direction of arrow B about an axis parallel to the axis of thewheels 106 or, alternatively in the direction of arrow B about an axis normal to thelongitudinal axis 152 of thesupport 112. As depicted inFIG. 2 , thehandle 126 is movable relative to thesupport 112 in a vertical plane normal to the plane of the rollingsurface 150 in the direction of arrow B to the towing position wherein thehandle 126 extends in a relatively horizontal or parallel orientation with respect to the rollingsurface 150 and in a generally oblique position with respect to theupper surface 114 of thebody 104. - Additionally, and in the manner explained below, the ball pivot joint 128 permits the handle to be movable in the direction of arrow C about the
longitudinal axis 152 of thetelescoping support 112. That is, thehandle 126 is pivotable about an axis parallel to, and in exemplary embodiment coincident with, thelongitudinal axis 152 of thesupport 112 to position thehandle 126 in a horizontal plane extending parallel to the plane of the rollingsurface 150. Thus, thehandle 126 is movable about two different and generally perpendicular axes of motion, as indicated by the arrows B and C, and may be moved simultaneously about each of the respective axes within a predetermined range of motion as thehandle 126 is gripped and thebody 104 is towed along thesurface 150. Because thehandle 126 floats with a limited degree of freedom about each of the two axes of movement indicated by the arrows B and C, thehandle 126 may naturally float relative to thesupport 112 to an optimal position during towing operation and maintain a consistent orientation with respect to the user's hand, thereby avoiding discomfort and inconvenience associated with a user having to frequently adjust a position of the hand relative to thehandle 126 when towing thebody 104. -
FIGS. 3-5 illustrate further details and relative positioning of thehandle 126. As shown inFIG. 3 , thehandle 126 and ball pivot joint 128 may coupled to thedistal end 122 via asocket 160. Thesocket 160 is fixedly mounted to theend 122 of thesupport 112, and thesocket 160 receives the ball pivot joint 128 and permits floating movement of the ball pivot joint 128 with respect to thesocket 160 as explained below. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
handle 126 includes astem 162 coupled in a stationary manner to the ball pivot joint 128, and an asymmetrical shapedhandle grip 164 extending from thestem 162. Thehandle grip 164 generally includes atop surface 166 having generallyflat end 168 and a rounded trailingend 170 each extending laterally outwardly from thestem 162. Curved finger grips 172, 174 extend opposite theflat end 168 of thetop surface 166 and the trailingend 170 of thetop surface 166. In use, a user may grasp thehandle 126 with the palm of the hand facing theupper surface 166 and the thumb generally on the trailingend 170, with the user's fingers wrapped around thehandle 126 and engaging the finger grips 172, 174. When gripped in such a manner, the asymmetric shaped of thehandle 126 is believed to provide a natural and comfortable towing orientation. - While one exemplary shape and configuration of the towing handle 126 has been described and illustrated, it is understood that various shapes and configurations of towing handles may likewise be used in alternative embodiments.
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FIG. 4 illustrates a vertical float of the towing handle 126 in the direction of arrow B. The ball pivot joint 128 may float relative to thesocket 160 between an initial position (shown in phantom inFIG. 4 ) and a towing position (shown in solid lines). Movement of the ball pivot joint 128 in the different positions alters the position of thehandle stem 162 andgrip 164 to adjust the handle position in a vertical plane (a plane parallel to the plane of the paper inFIG. 4 ). While two positions of thehandle 126 are shown inFIG. 4 , it is understood that by virtue of the floating movement of the ball pivot joint 128, numerous other positions of thehandle 126 relative to thedistal end 122 of thesupport 112 may likewise be realized. -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of thehandle 126 illustrating a horizontal float of the towing handle 126 in thesocket 162 by virtue of the ball pivot joint 128. The ball pivot joint 128 may float relative to thesocket 160 between an initial position (shown in phantom inFIG. 5 ) and another position (shown with solid lines inFIG. 5 ), and movement of the ball pivot joint 128 alters the position of thestem 162 of thehandle 126 to position thehandle 126 accordingly in a horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the plane of the paper inFIG. 5 , which in implementation is perpendicular to the plane of the paper inFIG. 4 ). While two positions of thehandle 126 are shown inFIG. 5 , it is understood that by virtue of the floating movement of the ball pivot joint 128, numerous other positions of thehandle 126 relative to thedistal end 122 of thesupport 112 may likewise be realized. - The horizontal and vertical float of the
handle 126 shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 naturally accommodates changing towing conditions while presenting a substantially constant orientation of thehandle 126 with respect to the user's hand. Alternatively, and because of the horizontal and vertical float of thehandle 126, thehandle 126 naturally confirms to a changing position of a user's hand as the body 104 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is being towed and maneuvered via thehandle 126. That is, when the user does change hand position, thehandle 126 also changes its position, and relative movement of thehandle 126 relative to the user's hand is generally avoided. Because the float of thehandle 126 in horizontal and vertical directions is reactive to and occurs naturally as a consequence of exerted forces applied to thehandle 126 in use, whether such forces are consciously or intentionally exerted by the user or arise physically from a particular towing maneuver or condition. - Notably, the floating
handle 126 does not require conscious actuation of locking or unlocking mechanisms by the user that some known dynamic towing handle assemblies require. In other words, the floating and positioning of thehandle 126 relative to thesupport 112, and also with respect to thebody 104 and the rolling surface 150 (FIG. 2 ) requires no action by the user other than pulling of thehandle 126 in a given direction, and the floating ball pivot joint 128 causes thesupport 112 and thebody 104 to follow the user's lead when pulling the handle. As a result, and because thehandle 126 does not require locking and unlocking about horizontal and vertical axes for positioning of thehandle 126, the handle assembly of the present invention is believed to be considerably easier to use, and thebody 104 is believed to be considerably easier to maneuver with the floatinghandle assembly 126 than in relation to towable items having conventional handle assemblies. - As also shown in
FIG. 5 , thehandle 126 may include arelease button 180 that actuates a release mechanism explained below for unlocking of thesupports supports FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. In an exemplary embodiment, however, thebutton 180 is not involved in positioning of thehandle 126 in the horizontal and vertical planes as described. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exemplarytowing handle assembly 190 including thetowing handle 126, the ball pivot joint 128, and thesocket 160. Thesocket 160 includes anupper ball portion 192 that captures the balljoint pivot 128, alower support portion 194 sized, shaped and dimensioned for insertion into thedistal end 122 of the support 112 (shown inFIGS. 1-4 ), and atransition portion 196 extending between theportions distal end 122 of thesupport 112, arim 198 formed in thetransition section 196 abuts the end edge of thesupport 112, and thesupport portion 194 may be captured or fixed relative to thesupport 112 with a known fastener or fasteners, such as screws in an exemplary embodiment. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
support portion 194 is generally non-circular and complementary in shaped to thesupport 112, theball portion 192 is generally spherical, and thetransition portion 196 bridges the two very different shapes of thesupport portion 194 and theball portion 192. It is understood, however, that the particular shapes of the different portions of thesocket 160 described and illustrated herein are exemplary only, and other shapes may likewise be used in alternative embodiments. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the towing handle assembly removed from thesocket 160, including the ball pivot joint 128, thehandle grip 164, and thehandle stem 162 extending therebetween. - As seen in
FIG. 7 , the ball pivot joint 128 comprises a generally spherically shapedball 200, and thehandle stem 162 extends upwardly from the ball in a cylindrical form. Aprotrusion 201 is formed on an outer surface of the ball and projects outwardly in the form of a peg or a post, and theprotrusion 201 cooperates with thesocket 160 in the manner explained below to limit float of thehandle 126 to a predetermined range of motion. In one embodiment, another protrusion (not seen inFIG. 7 ) is formed on theball 200 and is located 180° from theprotrusion 201 seen inFIG. 7 for similar purposes. It is understood that other protrusions could likewise be provided if desired. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the towing handle assembly including the ball pivot joint 128 situated in a portion of thesocket 160. In an exemplary embodiment thesocket 160 is formed in two mirror image sections orhalves 210, one of which is shown inFIG. 8 . Thesupport portion 194 of eachsocket section 210 is generally hollow and defines abore 212 that communicates with a bore of the hollow support 112 (FIGS. 1-4 ) when the handle system is fully assembled to thetowable item 100. - The
ball portion 192 of eachsocket section 210 defines a generally spherically shaped recess orcavity 214 that receives the outer surface of theball 200 of the balljoint pivot 128. Theball portion 192 of eachsocket section 210 also defines a shaped neck orcollar portion 216 at an upper edge thereof that forms a stop surface for movement of theball 200 beyond a predetermined amount dependent upon that shape of theneck 216. - A
cylindrical neck 218 is formed integrally with theball 200 at the upper portion thereof, and a connectingshaft 220 extends upwardly from theball neck 218 for coupling of the handle stem 162 (FIG. 7 ) to theball 200. The connectingshaft 220 has a non-circular cross section in an illustrative embodiment to prevent the handle stem 162 (FIG. 7 ) from twisting or rotating relative to the connectingshaft 220. Theball 200, including theprotrusions 201 may be fabricated from, for example, a known plastic material, via known molding techniques in an exemplary embodiment. Theball neck 218 and the connectingshaft 220 may be integrally fabricated or molded with theball 200, or may be separately fabricated from the same or different materials (e.g., known plastic, rubber, metal and composite materials) and assembled to one another in another embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of thesocket sections 210 with the ball 200 (FIG. 8 ) removed. Aninner surface 230 of thesocket ball portion 192 is spherically shaped and receives the outer surface of theball 200, Theinner surface 230 of thesocket section 210 and the outer surface of theball 200 are smooth to provide sliding surface engagement between theball 200 and thesocket section 210. Arecess 232 is formed in theinner surface 230 that receives one of the protrusions 201 (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) formed on theball 200. Therecess 232 is oblong in an exemplary embodiment and is substantially larger in dimension that theprotrusions 201 such that when one of theprotrusions 201 is fitted into therecess 232, theprotrusion 201 is free to move within the confines of therecess 232 as theball 200 is moved in sliding engagement with respect to theinner surface 230 of thesocket section 210. An outer edge orperiphery 234 of therecess 232, however, defines a stop surface that restrains movement of theprotrusion 201, and hence movement of theball 200, beyond a predetermined amount. - Likewise, the
socket neck 216 is shaped to define a stop surface that prohibits movement of the ball neck 218 (FIG. 8 ), and hence movement of theball 200 relative to the socket beyond a predetermined amount. The socket section 610, including theprotrusions recess 232 and theneck 216 may be fabricated from a known material, such as a known plastic material, via known molding techniques in an exemplary embodiment, although a variety of known materials and fabrication methods may alternatively be used. -
FIG. 10 illustrates thehandle 126 in relation to thesocket section 210 with the ball 200 (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) removed wherein it is seen that the neck of thesocket sections 210 effectively limits movement of thehandle 126 about a vertical axis in the direction of arrow B, while theperiphery 234 of thesocket recess 232 in theinner surface 230 that receives theball 200 effectively limits movement of thehandle 126 in a horizontal plane about theaxis 152 that extends parallel to thesupport 112 as seen inFIG. 2 . Thus, thesocket neck 216 andouter periphery 234 of therecess 232 define the vertical and horizontal float, respectively, of thehandle 126 in use. Thehandle 126 is freely movable in between the ranges of motion defined by theneck 216 and therecess 232 but is restrained from movement between the predetermined ranges of motion provided by theneck 216 and therecess 232. While thehandle 126 is restrained or stopped from movement beyond a predetermined amount or degree, in an exemplary embodiment thehandle 126 is never locked in any one position relative to thesocket section 210, and accordingly locking and unlocking mechanisms to move thehandle 126 relative to thesocket section 210 are not present and need not be actuated to position thehandle 126 in a comfortable towing position. It is understood, however, that such locking and unlocking mechanisms could be provided while achieving at least some of the advantages of the ball and socket type joint coupling thehandle 126 to thesupport 112. -
FIG. 11 illustrates the balljoint pivot 128 captured between twosocket sections 210. Thesocket sections 210 collectively define thesocket 160 and are fastened to one another prior to securing thesocket 160 to thesupport 112 via thesupport portion 194. The connectingshaft 220 extending from theball neck 218 is exposed for coupling to thehandle 126. In this arrangement, the balljoint pivot 128 is movable within the limits of the socket neck and the ball protrusions engaging the socket recesses as discussed above in relation toFIGS. 9 and 10 , and as the ball slides or floats within thesocket sections 210, the relative position of theball neck 218 and the connectingshaft 220 with respect to thesocket sections 210 is changed, allowing the handle to be adjusted horizontally and vertically as described above. -
FIG. 12 illustrates thehandle stem 162 coupled to theball neck 218, and theball 200 received in one of thesocket sections 210.FIG. 13 illustrates thehandle 126 removed from the remainder of the assembly. Thehandle 126 may be fabricated from a known plastic material, for example, and portions of thehandle 126 may be covered with resilient padding material (e.g., rubber materials), particularly with respect to some or all of thehand grip 164, including theflat end 168, the trailingend 170, and thefinger grip portions -
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the towing handle assembly illustrating assembly of the components. The balljoint pivot 128 may be captured by and between the opposingsocket sections 210, and asocket ring 250 may be provided to secure thesocket sections 210 to one another and/or to retain the balljoint pivot 128 in a predetermined position with respect to thesocket sections 210. Thesocket ring 250 may engage thesocket sections 210 with snap-fit engagement, or alternatively the socket ring may otherwise be secured with external fasteners. - Once the
socket sections 210, the balljoint pivot 128, and thesocket ring 250 are assembled. Thesupport portions 194 of thesocket sections 210 may be received in and joined to thedistal end 122 of thesupport 112. The exposedhandle stem 162 may then be joined or secured to thehandle grip 164. Ahandle cover 252 may be separately fabricated and coupled to thehandle grip 164, and the handle cover may define theflat end 168 and the trailingend 170 of the handleupper surface 166. Therelease button 180 is received in anopening 254 in the trailing end of thecover 270. -
FIGS. 15 and 16 are side elevational views of the handle assembly schematically illustrating operation of thebutton 180 and associated release mechanism 260. Apin 272 is slidably received in a receptacle formed in thehandle grip 164, and when thebutton 180 is depressed in the direction of arrow D, thepin 272 is moved linearly within thehand grip 164 in the direction of arrow D.A release element 274 is coupled to thepin 272 and extends through thehandle stem 162, theball neck 218, the ball 200 (shown in phantom inFIG. 15 ), thesupport portion 194 of thesocket 160 and into thesupport arm 112. An opposite end of therelease element 274, which may be a wire element known in the art, is coupled to a release mechanism for thesupports telescoping support 112 and extendable through locking apertures (not shown) in thesupports - When the
pin 272 is moved in the direction of arrow D as shown inFIG. 16 , displacement of thepin 272 pulls therelease element 274 upward in the direction of arrow E through thesupport 112. to unlock thetelescoping support 112 from thestationary support 108 and permit telescoping of thesupports FIG. 1 a and 1 b. Abias element 276, such as helical coil spring, for example, surrounds thepin 272 and is loaded when thepin 272 is depressed in the direction of arrow D. In response thereto, thebias element 276 exerts a force in a direction of arrow F, opposite in direction to the direction of arrow D in which thebutton 180 has been depressed, to return thebutton 180 to its original position shown inFIG. 15 . - The above described ball and socket type joint coupling the
handle 126 to thetelescoping support 112 allows thehandle 126 to be adjusted to comfortable towing positions for user's of varying height, and provides flexibility in the position of the user's hand while towing the wheeled device. Thehandle 126 may be gripped in a left or right-handed mode of use, and the amount of float in the handle position may be damped and limited for an optimum range of uses. The float allows for thehandle 126 to rotate back, toward the user, so that thehandle 126 in parallel to the ground when the wheeled item is being towed, facilitating an in line palm facing body hand position when in use. This offers significant ergonomic benefits, as well as greatly improved control, to the user. The ball and socket type joint system simplifies the construction and function of the handle, and allows for a greater level of flexibility and comfort than known dynamic towing handle systems. - The shape of the socket section of the joint, as well as the shape of the ball section of the joint may be designed in such a way as to limit the rotation in all directions to an optimum range for the specific application. The limiting effect of the joint can be modified to allow for more or less float and rotation, depending on the particular application. The limiting shape of the socket is designed to prevent unwanted rotation or to limit unnecessary float in the system. It is recognized that varying proportions of the ball outer surface and socket inner surface could be utilized with similar effect to provide float in the handle assembly. That is, only a portion of the ball joint pivot need have a generally spherical or ball-shaped outer surface that slidably engages a portion of the socket inner surface to provide the float and limited freedom of movement discussed above, as opposed to the illustrative embodiment wherein substantially an entire ball is utilized to effect the desired motion and achieve the advantages of the invention.
- The grip assembly structure may incorporate, but is not limited by, the following features and aspects: (1) a push-button mechanism to lock and unlock the pull telescoping supports, (2) resistance elements and mechanisms (not shown) to dampen the rotation of the top section and enhance the users ability to regulate motion, (3) a wider flanged area on the top section to reduce the possibility of the users hand sliding off of the grip in the event of obstacle or disruption, and (4) stops engineering into the swivel mechanism (i.e., the ball joint pivot and socket) to limit the range of rotation of the handle.
- While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (32)
1. A towing handle assembly for a towable item, the towing handle assembly comprising:
a support configured to be coupled to the towable item;
a ball pivot joint coupled to the support; and
a towing handle mounted to the ball joint and defining a hand grip for towing by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint floats relative to the support in at lest one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, thereby naturally positioning the hand grip vertically and horizontally to accommodate changing positions of the users hand when towing the towable item.
2. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a socket assembly coupled to the support and receiving the ball joint.
3. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a socket assembly configured to limit movement of the ball pivot joint in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.
4. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the ball joint comprises at least one peg projecting from an outer surface thereof, the peg preventing float of the handle relative to the support beyond a predetermined amount.
5. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a socket fixed to the support, the ball pivot joint received in the socket, and the socket comprising a shaped neck preventing float of the handle relative to the support beyond a predetermined amount.
6. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a socket fixed to the support, the socket comprising an inner surface receiving the ball pivot joint, said inner surface comprising at least one recess engaging a portion of the ball pivot joint when the ball pivot joint floats in position beyond a predetermined amount, thereby preventing further float of the handle in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.
7. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a socket fixed to the support and receiving the ball pivot joint, wherein one of the socket and the ball pivot joint includes a projection and the other of the socket and the ball pivot joint includes a recessed area receiving the projection, and wherein the projection and the recess cooperatively prevent float of the handle beyond a predetermined amount in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.
8. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the support is a telescoping support selectively positionable in an extended position and a retracted position.
9. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the support is curved along a longitudinal axis thereof.
10. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a release button and a release element, wherein displacement of the button also displaces the release element, and wherein the release element extends through the ball pivot joint.
11. A towing handle assembly for a towable piece of luggage having a body adapted to roll along a surface, the towing handle assembly comprising:
a telescoping support configured to be coupled to the body of the luggage, the support having a distal end operatively coupled to the body and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and the support being selectively postionable relative to the body between extended and retracted positions;
a socket fixedly mounted to the distal end of the telescoping support;
a ball pivot joint received in the socket and configured to float relative to the support about first and second mutually perpendicular axes; and
a towing handle fixed to the ball pivot joint and defining a hand grip for towing the body along the surface via pulling of the towing handle by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint naturally adjusts the hand grip relative the users hand when pulling the towing handle despite varying towing maneuvers and towing conditions, wherein the ball pivot joint adjusts position of the hand grip without any actuation of the towing handle by the user other than pulling the towing handle.
12. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the socket and the ball pivot joint are configured to cooperatively limit floating of the handle about the first and second axes beyond a predetermined degree.
13. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the socket is formed in first and second mirror image parts.
14. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the ball joint comprises at least one peg projecting from an outer surface thereof, the peg preventing float of the ball pivot joint relative to the socket beyond a predetermined amount.
15. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the socket comprises a shaped neck preventing float of the handle relative to the support beyond a predetermined amount.
16. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the socket comprises an inner surface receiving the ball pivot joint, said inner surface comprising at least one recess engaging a portion of the ball pivot joint and preventing further float of the ball pivot joint when the ball pivot joint moves relative to the socket beyond a predetermined amount.
17. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein one of the socket and the ball pivot joint includes a projection and the other of the socket and the ball pivot joint includes a recessed area receiving the projection, and wherein the projection and the recess -cooperatively prevent float of the handle about at least one of the first and second axes beyond a predetermined amount.
18. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the support includes an axial length extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the support is curved along its axial length.
19. A towing handle assembly in accordance with claim 11 , further comprising a release button and a release element, wherein displacement of the button also displaces the release element, and wherein the release element extends through the ball pivot joint.
20. A towable piece of luggage comprising:
a body defining a compartment to store personal effects of a traveler for transport, said body comprising a wheel for rolling the body along a surface without lifting of the body from the ground;
a telescoping support coupled to the body, the support having a distal end operatively coupled to the body and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and the support being selectively postionable relative to the body between extended and retracted positions relative to the body;
a socket fixedly mounted to the distal end of the telescoping support;
a ball pivot joint received in the socket and configured to float relative to the support; and
a towing handle fixed to the ball pivot joint and defining a hand grip for towing the body along the surface via pulling of the towing handle by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint naturally floats in position relative to the socket to avoid relative rotation of the handle with respect to the user's hand as the handle is being pulled and as the position of the user's hand is changed.
21. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the socket and the ball pivot joint are configured to cooperatively limit floating of the handle beyond a predetermined degree.
22. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the socket is formed in first and second mirror image parts.
23. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the ball joint comprises at least one peg projecting from an outer surface thereof, the peg preventing float of the ball pivot joint relative to the socket beyond a predetermined amount.
24. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the socket comprises a shaped neck preventing float of the handle relative to the socket beyond a predetermined amount.
25. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the socket comprises an inner surface receiving the ball pivot joint, said inner surface comprising at least one recess engaging a portion of the ball pivot joint and preventing further float of the ball pivot joint when the ball pivot joint moves relative to the socket beyond a predetermined amount.
26. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein one of the socket and the ball pivot joint includes a projection and the other of the socket and the ball pivot joint includes a recessed area receiving the projection, and wherein the projection and the recess cooperatively prevent float of the handle.
27. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the support includes an axial length extending between the proximal and distal ends, and the support is curved along its axial length.
28. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , further comprising a release button and a release element coupled to the button, wherein displacement of the button also displaces the release element, and wherein the release element extends through the ball pivot joint.
29. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 wherein the handle is asymmetric.
30. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 , wherein the ball pivot joint naturally floats about first and second mutually perpendicular axes.
31. A towable piece of luggage in accordance with claim 20 wherein the telescoping support comprises a single telescoping support.
32. A towable piece of luggage comprising:
a body defining a compartment to store personal effects of a traveler for transport, said body comprising a wheel for rolling the body along a surface;
a telescoping support coupled to the body, the support having a distal end operatively coupled to the body and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and the support being selectively positionable relative to the body between extended and retracted positions relative to the body;
a socket fixedly mounted to the distal end of the telescoping support;
a ball pivot joint received in the socket and configured to float relative to the socket; and
a towing handle fixed to the ball pivot joint and defining a hand grip for towing the body along the surface via pulling of the towing handle by a user, wherein the ball pivot joint naturally floats in position relative to the socket to move the towing handle in horizontal and vertical directions, the ball pivot joint movable relative to the socket with sliding engagement for a limited range of motion in each of the horizontal and vertical directions without locking of the handle in any one position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/346,705 US20060260894A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 | 2006-02-03 | Dynamic ball joint handle system for towable item |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US65997205P | 2005-03-09 | 2005-03-09 | |
US11/346,705 US20060260894A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 | 2006-02-03 | Dynamic ball joint handle system for towable item |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060260894A1 true US20060260894A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
Family
ID=37447312
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/346,705 Abandoned US20060260894A1 (en) | 2005-03-09 | 2006-02-03 | Dynamic ball joint handle system for towable item |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20060260894A1 (en) |
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US20060272126A1 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2006-12-07 | Burgess Andrew A | Spinning handle grip assembly for towable luggage item |
US20100293755A1 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2010-11-25 | Steven Steele Draper | Omni-directional handle |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20060272126A1 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2006-12-07 | Burgess Andrew A | Spinning handle grip assembly for towable luggage item |
US20100293755A1 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2010-11-25 | Steven Steele Draper | Omni-directional handle |
US8171600B2 (en) | 2009-05-19 | 2012-05-08 | Gyrobag, Llc | Omni-directional handle |
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Owner name: TRG ACCESSORIES, L.L.C., MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BURGESS, ANDREW A.;GIFFORD, JASON;REEL/FRAME:017984/0906;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060707 TO 20060716 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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