US20120006638A1 - Garment hanger for luggage - Google Patents
Garment hanger for luggage Download PDFInfo
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- US20120006638A1 US20120006638A1 US13/177,003 US201113177003A US2012006638A1 US 20120006638 A1 US20120006638 A1 US 20120006638A1 US 201113177003 A US201113177003 A US 201113177003A US 2012006638 A1 US2012006638 A1 US 2012006638A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- arms
- garment hanger
- luggage
- handgrip
- Prior art date
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
- A45C13/28—Combinations of handles with other devices
Definitions
- the invention relates to a piece of luggage, and more particularly to a piece of luggage having a handle in a shape of a garment hanger.
- the traveler may also be wearing a suit jacket or sport coat or similar piece of outer apparel.
- the traveler Upon arriving at the airport or train station or any place other than the final destination, the traveler often has a significant amount of time to wait.
- the current United States airline regulations stipulate that a traveler must arrive at the airport departure gate at least thirty minutes before scheduled departure of a domestic flight and ninety minutes before the scheduled departure of an international flight. During this waiting period, the traveler often prefers to remove his or her suit jacket or sport coat.
- the traveler often prefers to remove his or her suit jacket or sport coat.
- a design of wheeled luggage requires that it has a handle so as to be able to push, pull, or otherwise maneuver the wheeled luggage.
- the handle is shaped in various ways, depending upon the size of the luggage and the manufacturer thereof, and is generally affixed to a leg or legs, the component of which connects the handle to the luggage itself. In many cases, the leg or legs, telescopes and the leg and handle retract into the luggage so as to allow the luggage to be more easily stowed or stored and to make the luggage more robust when checked as baggage at an airport. It is an adaptation and improvement to the leg and handle combination that is the subject of this invention.
- an apparatus comprises: a piece of luggage; and a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion.
- an apparatus comprises: a piece of luggage; and a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion, wherein the garment hanger portion includes a plurality of arms and at least one support member disposed between the arms.
- an apparatus comprises: a piece of luggage; and a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion, wherein the garment hanger portion includes a plurality of arms and a first support member disposed between the arms, and wherein the arms are coupled to the handgrip by a plurality of pivoting mechanisms.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a piece of luggage including a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a piece of luggage 10 according to the present invention.
- the luggage 10 includes a handle 12 having a portion 13 in a shape of a garment hanger.
- the handle 12 includes a pair of spaced apart upright legs 14 coupled to the luggage 10 .
- the handle 12 is fixedly positioned.
- the handle 12 can be a retractable handle 12 if desired.
- a handgrip 15 includes distal ends 16 , 17 . Each of the distal ends 16 , 17 is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of the upright legs 14 .
- the handgrip 15 is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage 10 and/or selectively retracting and expanding the handle 12 .
- the garment hanger portion 13 shown is approximately sixteen to eighteen inches wide to properly support a garment hanging therefrom.
- a compartment 18 may be formed in the luggage 10 .
- the compartment 18 receives the garment hanger portion 13 so as to protect the garment hanger portion 13 and improve stowage thereof.
- a smaller compartment may also be formed in the luggage 10 if desired.
- the garment hanger portion 13 includes a first arm 20 and a second arm 22 .
- each arm 20 , 22 is substantially equal in length, and of a length in a range of about 8 inches to about 10 inches.
- the first arm 20 has a top end 24 and a bottom end 26 .
- the second arm 22 has a top end 28 and a bottom end 30 .
- the top ends 24 , 28 of the arms 20 , 22 respectively, extend from the corresponding distal ends 16 , 17 of the handgrip 15 and are angled downwardly relative to the handgrip 15 .
- the arms 20 , 22 are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment 31 shown in dashed lines, such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging.
- the garment hanger portion 13 further includes an elongate support member 32 disposed between the bottom ends 26 , 30 of the first and second arms 20 , 22 .
- the support member 32 has a substantially friction-free surface so that the garment 31 hung over the support member 32 is not damaged or caught on the support member 32 during use.
- the arms 20 , 22 can be pivotally coupled to the handgrip 15 so that the garment hanger portion 13 can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the handgrip 15 in a range of about 180 degrees such that the support member 32 is above the arms 20 , 22 and can be used as an alternative handgrip of the handle 12 .
- Certain pieces of luggage 10 may be significantly smaller in width than the dimension of the garment hanger 13 . Many are designed as overnight bags and are designed so as to meet airline regulations specific to the size of luggage 10 that can be carried aboard an airplane. Further, the space beneath the seat of most airline seats is narrower than the dimension of the garment hanger 13 . In an effort to comply with airline requests to stow carry-on luggage 10 beneath the seat in front of the traveler, many travelers are opting for this narrower configuration. In response to the fact that certain luggage 10 is narrower than the span of the garment hanger portion 13 , one can incorporate a design of the garment hanger portion 13 so as to minimize a size thereof where the arms 20 , 22 of the garment hanger portion 13 are collapsible, as shown in FIGS. 2-5 . Further, when the garment hanger portion 13 is incorporated into the design of luggage with a retracting handle 12 , the garment hanger portion 13 would slide more easily into the compartment 18 in the luggage 10 for stowage of the handle 12 and the garment hanger portion 13
- FIG. 2 shows a handle 12 ′ similar to that shown in FIG. 1 having a collapsible garment hanger portion 13 ′. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description of FIG. 1 are repeated in FIG. 2 with a prime (′) symbol.
- the handle 12 ′ includes a pair of spaced apart upright legs 14 ′ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, the handle 12 ′ is fixedly positioned. However, the handle 12 ′ can be a retractable handle 12 ′ if desired.
- a handgrip 15 ′ includes distal ends 16 ′, 17 ′. Each of the distal ends 16 ′, 17 ′ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of the upright legs 14 ′.
- the handgrip 15 ′ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding the handle 12 ′.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′ shown includes a first arm 20 ′ and a second arm 22 ′.
- each arm 20 ′, 22 ′ is substantially equal in length.
- the first arm 20 ′ has a top end 24 ′ and a bottom end 26 ′.
- the second arm 22 ′ has a top end 28 ′ and a bottom end 30 ′.
- the top ends 24 ′, 28 ′ of the arms 20 ′, 22 ′, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16 ′, 17 ′ of the handgrip 15 ′ by a pair of pivoting mechanisms 40 , 41 such as hinges, for example.
- the arms 20 ′, 22 ′ are angled downwardly relative to the handgrip 15 ′ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′ further includes an elongate support member 32 ′ disposed between the bottom ends 26 ′, 30 ′ of the first and second arms 20 ′, 22 ′.
- the support member 32 ′ includes a pair of pivoting mechanisms 42 , 44 such as hinges, for example, disposed therein.
- the pivoting mechanisms 42 , 44 of the support member 32 ′ are laterally aligned in respect of the handgrip 15 ′ with the corresponding pivoting mechanisms 40 , 41 , respectively, of the arms 20 ′, 22 ′, forming wing-like sides of the garment hanger portion 13 ′.
- the pivoting mechanisms 40 , 41 , 42 , 44 permit the sides to be pivotally movable from an expanded position to a retracted position shown by the dashed lines.
- the sides can be held in the expanded position and/or the retracted position using a catch which releases upon actuation of a human machine interface (HMI) such as a push button, a slide, a switch, and the like, for example.
- HMI human machine interface
- Spring tension or other mechanism of the HMI can be employed to cause the sides to spread out to receive the garment.
- the support member 32 ′ may also include a substantially friction-free surface so that the garment hung over the support member 32 ′ is not damaged or caught on the support member 32 ′ during use.
- FIG. 3 shows a handle 12 ′′ similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-2 having a collapsible garment hanger portion 13 ′′. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description of FIGS. 1-2 are repeated in FIG. 3 with a double prime (′′) symbol.
- the handle 12 ′′ includes a pair of spaced apart upright legs 14 ′′ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, the handle 12 ′′ is fixedly positioned. However, the handle 12 ′′ can be a retractable handle 12 ′′ if desired.
- a handgrip 15 ′′ includes distal ends 16 ′′, 17 ′′. Each of the distal ends 16 ′′, 17 ′′ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of the upright legs 14 ′′. The handgrip 15 ′′ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding the handle 12 ′′.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′′ shown includes a first arm 20 ′′ and a second arm 22 ′′.
- each arm 20 ′′, 22 ′′ is substantially equal in length.
- the first arm 20 ′′ has a top end 24 ′′ and a bottom end 26 ′′.
- the second arm 22 ′′ has a top end 28 ′′ and a bottom end 30 ′′.
- the top ends 24 ′′, 28 ′′ of the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16 ′′, 17 ′′ of the handgrip 15 ′′ by a pair of pivoting mechanisms 40 ′′, 41 ′′ such as hinges, for example.
- the pivoting mechanisms 40 ′′, 41 ′′ permit the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ to be pivotally movable from an expanded position to a retracted position shown by the dashed lines.
- the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ are in the expanded position, the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ are angled downwardly relative to the handgrip 15 ′′ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging.
- a garment not shown
- the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ When the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ are in the retracted position, the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ form at least a part of the handgrip 15 ′′.
- the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ can be held in the expanded position and/or the retracted position using a catch which releases upon actuation of a human machine interface (HMI) such as a push button, a slide, a switch, and the like, for example.
- HMI human machine interface
- Spring tension or other mechanism of the HMI can be employed to cause the arms 20 ′′, 22 ′′ to unfold and spread out to receive the garment.
- FIG. 4 shows a handle 12 ′′′ similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3 having a collapsible garment hanger portion 13 ′′′. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description of FIGS. 1-3 are repeated in FIG. 4 with a triple prime (′′′) symbol.
- the handle 12 ′′′ includes a pair of spaced apart upright legs 14 ′′′ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, the handle 12 ′′′ is fixedly positioned. However, the handle 12 ′′′ can be a retractable handle 12 ′′′ if desired.
- a handgrip 15 ′′′ includes distal ends 16 ′′′, 17 ′′′.
- Each of the distal ends 16 ′′′, 17 ′′′ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of the upright legs 14 ′′′.
- the handgrip 15 ′′′ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding the handle 12 ′′′.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′′′ shown includes a first arm 20 ′′′ and a second arm 22 ′′′.
- each arm 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′ is substantially equal in length.
- the first arm 20 ′′′ has a top end 24 ′′′ and a bottom end 26 ′′′.
- the second arm 22 ′′′ has a top end 28 ′′′ and a bottom end 30 ′′′.
- the top ends 24 ′′′, 28 ′′′ of the arms 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16 ′′′, 17 ′′′ of the handgrip 15 ′′′ by a pair of pivoting mechanisms 40 ′′′, 41 ′′′ such as hinges, for example.
- the arms 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′ are angled downwardly relative to the handgrip 15 ′′′ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′′′ further includes a pair of support members 46 , 48 .
- the support members 46 , 48 are coupled to the bottom ends 26 ′′′, 30 ′′′ of the arms 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′, respectively, by a pair of pivoting mechanisms 50 , 52 such as hinges, for example.
- Each of the support members 46 , 48 is also slideably coupled to the legs 14 ′′′ by a slide mechanism (not shown).
- the pivoting mechanisms 40 ′′′, 41 ′′′, 50 , 52 and the slide mechanisms permit the arms 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′ and the support members 46 , 48 of the garment hanger portion 13 ′′′ to be pivotally movable from an expanded position to a retracted position shown by the dashed lines.
- the arms 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′ and the support members 46 , 48 can be held in the expanded position and/or the retracted position using a catch which releases upon actuation of a human machine interface (HMI) such as a push button, a slide, a switch, and the like, for example.
- HMI human machine interface
- Spring tension or other mechanism of the HMI can be employed to cause the arms 20 ′′′, 22 ′′′ and the support members 46 , 48 to collapse.
- FIG. 5 shows a handle 12 ′′′′ similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-4 having a collapsible garment hanger portion 13 ′′′′. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description of FIGS. 1-4 are repeated in FIG. 5 with a quadruple prime (′′′′) symbol.
- the handle 12 ′′′′ includes a pair of spaced apart upright legs 14 ′′′′ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, the handle 12 ′′′′ is fixedly positioned. However, the handle 12 ′′′′ can be a retractable handle 12 ′′′′ if desired.
- a handgrip 15 ′′′′ includes distal ends 16 ′′′′, 17 ′′′′.
- Each of the distal ends 16 ′′′′, 17 ′′′′ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of the upright legs 14 ′′′′.
- the handgrip 15 ′′′′ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding the handle 12 ′′′′.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′′′′ shown includes a first arm 20 ′′′′ and a second arm 22 ′′′′.
- each arm 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′ is substantially equal in length.
- the first arm 20 ′′′′ has a top end 24 ′′′′ and a bottom end 26 ′′′′.
- the second arm 22 ′′′′ has a top end 28 ′′′′ and a bottom end 30 ′′′′.
- the top ends 24 ′′′′, 28 ′′′′ of the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16 ′′′′, 17 ′′′′ of the handgrip 15 ′′′′ by a pair of pivoting mechanisms 40 ′′′′, 41 ′′′′ such as hinges, for example.
- the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′ are angled downwardly relative to the handgrip 15 ′′′′ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging.
- the garment hanger portion 13 ′′′′ further includes a pair of support members 54 , 56 .
- the support members 54 , 56 are coupled to the bottom ends 26 ′′′′, 30 ′′′′ of the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′, respectively, by a pair of pivoting mechanisms 58 , 60 such as hinges, for example.
- the support member 54 is pivotally coupled to the support member 56 by a pivoting mechanism 62 intermediate the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′.
- the pivoting mechanisms 40 ′′′′, 41 ′′′′, 58 , 60 , 62 permit the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′ and the support members 54 , 56 to be pivotally movable from an expanded position to a retracted position shown by the dashed lines.
- the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′ and the support members 54 , 56 can be held in the expanded position and/or the retracted position using a catch which releases upon actuation of a human machine interface (HMI) such as a push button, a slide, a switch, and the like, for example.
- HMI human machine interface
- Spring tension or other mechanism of the HMI can be employed to cause the arms 20 ′′′′, 22 ′′′′ and the support members 54 , 56 to collapse.
Abstract
A piece of luggage including a handle coupled thereto. In the simplest case, the handle is fixedly positioned. However, the handle can be a retractable handle if desired. The handle includes a handgrip and a garment hanger portion. The garment hanger portion includes includes a plurality of arms coupled to the handgrip and angled downwardly relative to the handgrip. The arms are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive a garment for hanging. Further, the garment hanger portion can be collapsible so as to minimize a size thereof for stowage of the handle and the garment hanger portion in a compartment formed in the luggage.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/361,679 filed Jul. 6, 2010.
- The invention relates to a piece of luggage, and more particularly to a piece of luggage having a handle in a shape of a garment hanger.
- As presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,359, “the use of wheels attached to the side or edges of luggage containers has become a common expedient.” Most travelers have adopted roll-aboard luggage. In fact, not only is what is generally termed roll-aboard luggage being utilized for the transportation of garments and personal items, i.e. what is referred to as the “suitcase”, wheeled models of brief cases and sample cases are being adopted widely as well. Examples of the history of the improvements in this field are numerous and include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,323,887, 5,813,503, among others. In order for the suitcase or brief case or other luggage to best utilize the benefits of the wheels, a strap or handle is affixed to the opposite end of the luggage from the wheels to allow the luggage to be pushed or pulled or otherwise maneuvered, depending upon the design thereof.
- Commonly, and especially when the traveler is a business person, he or she may also be wearing a suit jacket or sport coat or similar piece of outer apparel. Upon arriving at the airport or train station or any place other than the final destination, the traveler often has a significant amount of time to wait. In fact, the current United States airline regulations stipulate that a traveler must arrive at the airport departure gate at least thirty minutes before scheduled departure of a domestic flight and ninety minutes before the scheduled departure of an international flight. During this waiting period, the traveler often prefers to remove his or her suit jacket or sport coat. Unfortunately, at the crowded yet functionally desolate gates of airports and train stations and the like, there is no appropriate place to properly hang one's jacket. Alternatives are to lay it on the adjacent seat, if available, or to lay it over one's luggage or other similar measures. Any of these measures subjects the garment to dirt, grease, spilled liquids, staining, etc. In addition to the desire to maintain the cleanliness of the garment, a traveler would ordinarily prefer to hang his or her jacket to maintain its shape and preclude wrinkling and creasing.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop a piece of luggage having a handle in a shape of a garment hanger to permit a user to hang a garment, thereby minimizing damage thereto.
- In concordance and agreement with the present invention, a piece of luggage having a handle in a shape of a garment hanger to permit a user to hang a garment, thereby minimizing damage thereto, has surprisingly been discovered.
- Moreover, a design of wheeled luggage requires that it has a handle so as to be able to push, pull, or otherwise maneuver the wheeled luggage. The handle is shaped in various ways, depending upon the size of the luggage and the manufacturer thereof, and is generally affixed to a leg or legs, the component of which connects the handle to the luggage itself. In many cases, the leg or legs, telescopes and the leg and handle retract into the luggage so as to allow the luggage to be more easily stowed or stored and to make the luggage more robust when checked as baggage at an airport. It is an adaptation and improvement to the leg and handle combination that is the subject of this invention.
- In one embodiment, an apparatus, comprises: a piece of luggage; and a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion.
- In another embodiment, an apparatus, comprises: a piece of luggage; and a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion, wherein the garment hanger portion includes a plurality of arms and at least one support member disposed between the arms.
- In yet another embodiment an apparatus, comprises: a piece of luggage; and a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion, wherein the garment hanger portion includes a plurality of arms and a first support member disposed between the arms, and wherein the arms are coupled to the handgrip by a plurality of pivoting mechanisms.
- The above objects and advantages of the invention will become manifest to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a piece of luggage including a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a handle having a portion in a shape of a garment hanger according to another embodiment of the invention. - The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
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FIG. 1 shows a piece ofluggage 10 according to the present invention. Theluggage 10 includes ahandle 12 having aportion 13 in a shape of a garment hanger. As shown, thehandle 12 includes a pair of spaced apartupright legs 14 coupled to theluggage 10. In the simplest case, thehandle 12 is fixedly positioned. However, thehandle 12 can be aretractable handle 12 if desired. Ahandgrip 15 includesdistal ends distal ends upright legs 14. Thehandgrip 15 is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering theluggage 10 and/or selectively retracting and expanding thehandle 12. - The
garment hanger portion 13 shown is approximately sixteen to eighteen inches wide to properly support a garment hanging therefrom. When theluggage 10 is wider than the width of thegarment hanger portion 13, it is desirable to permit thehandle 12 to retract into theluggage 10. To accommodate the retraction of thehandle 12 into a profile of theluggage 10, acompartment 18 may be formed in theluggage 10. Thecompartment 18 receives thegarment hanger portion 13 so as to protect thegarment hanger portion 13 and improve stowage thereof. A smaller compartment may also be formed in theluggage 10 if desired. - As shown, the
garment hanger portion 13 includes afirst arm 20 and asecond arm 22. In a non-limiting example, eacharm first arm 20 has atop end 24 and abottom end 26. Similarly, thesecond arm 22 has atop end 28 and abottom end 30. The top ends 24, 28 of thearms distal ends handgrip 15 and are angled downwardly relative to thehandgrip 15. Thearms garment 31 shown in dashed lines, such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging. - The
garment hanger portion 13 further includes anelongate support member 32 disposed between thebottom ends second arms support member 32 has a substantially friction-free surface so that thegarment 31 hung over thesupport member 32 is not damaged or caught on thesupport member 32 during use. It is understood that thearms handgrip 15 so that thegarment hanger portion 13 can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of thehandgrip 15 in a range of about 180 degrees such that thesupport member 32 is above thearms handle 12. - Certain pieces of
luggage 10 may be significantly smaller in width than the dimension of thegarment hanger 13. Many are designed as overnight bags and are designed so as to meet airline regulations specific to the size ofluggage 10 that can be carried aboard an airplane. Further, the space beneath the seat of most airline seats is narrower than the dimension of thegarment hanger 13. In an effort to comply with airline requests to stow carry-onluggage 10 beneath the seat in front of the traveler, many travelers are opting for this narrower configuration. In response to the fact thatcertain luggage 10 is narrower than the span of thegarment hanger portion 13, one can incorporate a design of thegarment hanger portion 13 so as to minimize a size thereof where thearms garment hanger portion 13 are collapsible, as shown inFIGS. 2-5 . Further, when thegarment hanger portion 13 is incorporated into the design of luggage with a retractinghandle 12, thegarment hanger portion 13 would slide more easily into thecompartment 18 in theluggage 10 for stowage of thehandle 12 and thegarment hanger portion 13. -
FIG. 2 shows ahandle 12′ similar to that shown inFIG. 1 having a collapsiblegarment hanger portion 13′. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description ofFIG. 1 are repeated inFIG. 2 with a prime (′) symbol. Thehandle 12′ includes a pair of spaced apartupright legs 14′ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, thehandle 12′ is fixedly positioned. However, thehandle 12′ can be aretractable handle 12′ if desired. Ahandgrip 15′ includes distal ends 16′, 17′. Each of the distal ends 16′, 17′ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of theupright legs 14′. Thehandgrip 15′ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding thehandle 12′. - The
garment hanger portion 13′ shown includes afirst arm 20′ and asecond arm 22′. In a non-limiting example, eacharm 20′, 22′ is substantially equal in length. Thefirst arm 20′ has atop end 24′ and abottom end 26′. Similarly, thesecond arm 22′ has atop end 28′ and abottom end 30′. The top ends 24′, 28′ of thearms 20′, 22′, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16′, 17′ of thehandgrip 15′ by a pair of pivotingmechanisms arms 20′, 22′ are angled downwardly relative to thehandgrip 15′ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging. - The
garment hanger portion 13′ further includes anelongate support member 32′ disposed between the bottom ends 26′, 30′ of the first andsecond arms 20′, 22′. As shown, thesupport member 32′ includes a pair of pivotingmechanisms mechanisms support member 32′ are laterally aligned in respect of thehandgrip 15′ with thecorresponding pivoting mechanisms arms 20′, 22′, forming wing-like sides of thegarment hanger portion 13′. The pivotingmechanisms support member 32′ may also include a substantially friction-free surface so that the garment hung over thesupport member 32′ is not damaged or caught on thesupport member 32′ during use. -
FIG. 3 shows ahandle 12″ similar to that shown inFIGS. 1-2 having a collapsiblegarment hanger portion 13″. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description ofFIGS. 1-2 are repeated inFIG. 3 with a double prime (″) symbol. Thehandle 12″ includes a pair of spaced apartupright legs 14″ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, thehandle 12″ is fixedly positioned. However, thehandle 12″ can be aretractable handle 12″ if desired. Ahandgrip 15″ includes distal ends 16″, 17″. Each of the distal ends 16″, 17″ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of theupright legs 14″. Thehandgrip 15″ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding thehandle 12″. - The
garment hanger portion 13″ shown includes afirst arm 20″ and asecond arm 22″. In a non-limiting example, eacharm 20″, 22″ is substantially equal in length. Thefirst arm 20″ has atop end 24″ and abottom end 26″. Similarly, thesecond arm 22″ has atop end 28″ and abottom end 30″. The top ends 24″, 28″ of thearms 20″, 22″, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16″, 17″ of thehandgrip 15″ by a pair of pivotingmechanisms 40″, 41″ such as hinges, for example. The pivotingmechanisms 40″, 41″ permit thearms 20″, 22″ to be pivotally movable from an expanded position to a retracted position shown by the dashed lines. When thearms 20″, 22″ are in the expanded position, thearms 20″, 22″ are angled downwardly relative to thehandgrip 15″ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging. When thearms 20″, 22″ are in the retracted position, thearms 20″, 22″ form at least a part of thehandgrip 15″. Thearms 20″, 22″ can be held in the expanded position and/or the retracted position using a catch which releases upon actuation of a human machine interface (HMI) such as a push button, a slide, a switch, and the like, for example. Spring tension or other mechanism of the HMI can be employed to cause thearms 20″, 22″ to unfold and spread out to receive the garment. -
FIG. 4 shows ahandle 12″′ similar to that shown inFIGS. 1-3 having a collapsiblegarment hanger portion 13″′. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description ofFIGS. 1-3 are repeated inFIG. 4 with a triple prime (″′) symbol. Thehandle 12″′ includes a pair of spaced apartupright legs 14″′ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, thehandle 12′″ is fixedly positioned. However, thehandle 12″′ can be aretractable handle 12″′ if desired. Ahandgrip 15″′ includes distal ends 16″′, 17″′. Each of the distal ends 16″′, 17″′ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of theupright legs 14″′. Thehandgrip 15″′ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding thehandle 12″′. - The
garment hanger portion 13″′ shown includes afirst arm 20″′ and asecond arm 22″′. In a non-limiting example, eacharm 20″′, 22″′ is substantially equal in length. Thefirst arm 20″′ has atop end 24″′ and abottom end 26″′. Similarly, thesecond arm 22″′ has atop end 28″′ and abottom end 30′″. The top ends 24″′, 28″′ of thearms 20″′, 22″′, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16″′, 17″′ of thehandgrip 15″′ by a pair of pivotingmechanisms 40″′, 41″′ such as hinges, for example. Thearms 20″′, 22″′ are angled downwardly relative to thehandgrip 15″′ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging. - The
garment hanger portion 13″′ further includes a pair ofsupport members support members arms 20″′, 22″′, respectively, by a pair of pivotingmechanisms support members legs 14″′ by a slide mechanism (not shown). The pivotingmechanisms 40″′, 41″′, 50, 52 and the slide mechanisms permit thearms 20″′, 22″′ and thesupport members garment hanger portion 13″′ to be pivotally movable from an expanded position to a retracted position shown by the dashed lines. Thearms 20″′, 22″′ and thesupport members arms 20″′, 22″′ and thesupport members -
FIG. 5 shows ahandle 12″″ similar to that shown inFIGS. 1-4 having a collapsiblegarment hanger portion 13″″. Reference numerals for similar structure in respect of the description ofFIGS. 1-4 are repeated inFIG. 5 with a quadruple prime (″″) symbol. Thehandle 12″″ includes a pair of spaced apartupright legs 14″″ coupled to the luggage (not shown). In the simplest case, thehandle 12″″ is fixedly positioned. However, thehandle 12″″ can be aretractable handle 12″″ if desired. Ahandgrip 15″″ includes distal ends 16″″, 17″″. Each of the distal ends 16″″, 17″″ is fixedly coupled to a corresponding upper end of at least one of theupright legs 14″″. Thehandgrip 15″″ is adapted to be grasped by a user for maneuvering the luggage and/or selectively retracting and expanding thehandle 12″″. - The
garment hanger portion 13″″ shown includes afirst arm 20″″ and asecond arm 22″″. In a non-limiting example, eacharm 20″″, 22″″ is substantially equal in length. Thefirst arm 20″″ has atop end 24″″ and abottom end 26″″. Similarly, thesecond arm 22″″ has atop end 28″″ and abottom end 30″″. The top ends 24″″, 28″″ of thearms 20″″, 22″″, respectively, are coupled to the corresponding distal ends 16″″, 17″″ of thehandgrip 15″″ by a pair of pivotingmechanisms 40″″, 41″″ such as hinges, for example. Thearms 20″″, 22″″ are angled downwardly relative to thehandgrip 15″″ and are of a suitable shape and configuration so as to receive shoulders of a garment (not shown) such as a suit or sport coat, jacket, shirt, or the like, for hanging. - The
garment hanger portion 13″″ further includes a pair ofsupport members support members arms 20″″, 22″″, respectively, by a pair of pivotingmechanisms support member 54 is pivotally coupled to thesupport member 56 by apivoting mechanism 62 intermediate thearms 20″″, 22″″. The pivotingmechanisms 40″″, 41″″, 58, 60, 62 permit thearms 20″″, 22″″ and thesupport members arms 20″″, 22″″ and thesupport members arms 20″″, 22″″ and thesupport members - It is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that there are many such mechanisms that could be applied to the design of the garment hanger and its subsequent release.
- From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a piece of luggage; and
a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the handle retracts into the luggage.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the garment hanger portion of the handle further comprises a plurality of arms.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the arms of the garment hanger portion are pivotally coupled to the handgrip of the handle.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the arms of the garment hanger portion are movable between an expanded position and a retracted position.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the arms form at least a portion of the handgrip when in the retracted position.
7. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the arms of the garment hanger portion are coupled to at least one support member disposed therebetween.
8. An apparatus, comprising:
a piece of luggage; and
a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion, wherein the garment hanger portion includes a plurality of arms and at least one support member disposed between the arms.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the handle retracts into the luggage.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the arms of the garment hanger portion are pivotally coupled to the handgrip of the handle.
11. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the arms of the garment hanger portion are movable between an expanded position and a retracted position.
12. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the at least one support member includes at least one pivoting mechanism disposed therein.
13. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the arms are pivotally coupled to the at least one support member.
14. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the handle further comprises a plurality of legs.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the at least one support member is slideably coupled to at least one of the legs of the handle.
16. An apparatus, comprising:
a piece of luggage; and
a handle coupled to the luggage, the handle having a handgrip and a garment hanger portion, wherein the garment hanger portion includes a plurality of arms and a first support member disposed between the arms, and wherein each of the arms is coupled to the handgrip by a pivoting mechanism.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 , the handle further comprising a second support member, wherein the second support member is pivotally coupled to the first support member.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the arms are pivotally coupled to at least one of the first support member and the second support member.
19. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the first support member includes a plurality of pivoting mechanisms disposed therein, the pivoting mechanisms of the first support member laterally aligned in respect of the handgrip with the pivoting mechanisms coupling the arms to the handgrip, thereby forming wing-like sides of the garment hanger portion of the handle.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein the wing-like sides of the garment hanger portion are movable between an expanded position and a retracted position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/177,003 US20120006638A1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2011-07-06 | Garment hanger for luggage |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US36167910P | 2010-07-06 | 2010-07-06 | |
US13/177,003 US20120006638A1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2011-07-06 | Garment hanger for luggage |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120006638A1 true US20120006638A1 (en) | 2012-01-12 |
Family
ID=45437789
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/177,003 Abandoned US20120006638A1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2011-07-06 | Garment hanger for luggage |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120006638A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8453896B1 (en) * | 2008-08-22 | 2013-06-04 | Jonathan Mansell | Waterproof backpack with integral garment hangers |
GB2500674A (en) * | 2012-03-29 | 2013-10-02 | Gary Simpson | Deployable garment hanger |
US20130313058A1 (en) * | 2011-02-18 | 2013-11-28 | Highest Common Factory Co., Ltd. | Rolling bag and stopper for rolling bag handle |
US20140027227A1 (en) * | 2012-07-30 | 2014-01-30 | William Stern | Carry-on bag with pull-out coat hangers in handle top |
WO2014030107A1 (en) | 2012-08-21 | 2014-02-27 | Catsicas Alexandre | Suitcase handle |
US20150030261A1 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2015-01-29 | Farzad David Mahjoubi | Laundry Bag Assembly |
US20160143406A1 (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2016-05-26 | Grit, Inc. | Upright Garment Bag with an Interior and Exterior Hanging System |
US20160270496A1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2016-09-22 | Eddie Bauer LLC | Collapsible rolling luggage |
GB2546831A (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2017-08-02 | Begg Iain | Device |
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US20180317621A1 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2018-11-08 | Iain Begg | Luggage handle having foldable extension to act as garment hanger |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |