Dynamic ball joint handle system for towable item
Inactive Publication Date: 2006-11-23
TRG ACCESSORIES
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- Abstract
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- Application Information
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Benefits of technology
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
Problems solved by technology
Frequent adjustment of the user's grasp in towing operation may result in discomfort when towing the item for extended periods.
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.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0027]FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate a side elevational view of an exemplary hand towable item 100 having a dynamic towing handle assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in the Figures, the towable item 100 is a piece of luggage having a body 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. The body 104 is sized and dimensioned appropriately for transport in an aircraft or vehicle, and includes one or more 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 the towable 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 understo...
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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
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] 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.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 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. [0003] 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 towi...
Claims
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Login to View More IPC IPC(8): A47B95/02A45C13/30
CPCA45C13/262Y10T16/451A45C2013/265
InventorBURGESS, ANDREW A.GIFFORD, JASON
OwnerTRG ACCESSORIES