Universal bracket and luggage handle system

Abstract

The invention includes a universal retractable handle assembly for attachment to luggage items of a variety of different sizes. A plurality of tubes having a fixed length can be attached to a bracket member such that each tube can extend in a telescoping manner to a different distance from the bracket member when the handle is in the extended position and thus be employed in different sizes of luggage. Additionally, a tube housing is provided which includes a tube receiving portion and reinforcing portions on an outer surface of the tube housing. The tube receiving portion is formed with an arcuate shape which corresponds with the shape of the tube member to be inserted therein. The reinforcing portions include a plurality of planar flanges which extend beyond the outer surface of the tube receiving portion to provide improved structural characteristics.

Description

[0001] The patent application for this invention is submitted by the applicant for Tuming Co., Ltd. with the application number 200910208050.8, the priority date is October 20, 2008, and the application date is October 19, 2009, entitled "Universal bracket and luggage handle system "A divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application. technical field [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of luggage handles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for attaching handles to luggage, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a telescoping universal luggage handle system that can be mounted on luggage items of different sizes. Additionally, a tube shell having a specific geometry that provides superior strength characteristics and increased structural integrity is also disclosed. Background technique [0003] A typical retractable handle design for a transport device such as a wheeled luggage usually inc...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This requires a series of individual parts, each dedicated to a single luggage model or size, which adds complexity to the manufacturing process and introduces large variations in component tolerances, thereby limiting quality control measures

Also, vendors need to maintain inventories of handle components of different sizes to accommodate different luggage models and sizes, which further increases the costs associated with luggage systems known in the prior art

[0005] In addition, traditional retractable handle designs are prone to collapsing or damage due to the large torsional and bending loads often acting on the telescoping tube during use, and due to operator mishandling during inspection and transfer

Furthermore, such conventional handle designs do not provide, and in some designs may prevent, simplified repair and replacement of damaged tubing

As a result, consumers often discard the luggage entirely, which increases their costs and reduces their satisfaction

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