CombiGrip - handle for carrying and pushing suitcases

Abstract

CombiGrip, characterized in that a movable carriage (5) is mounted displaceably in a case shell (9) such that its travel path runs parallel to a likewise displaceable handle (1) with at least one bar (2) (Fig. A1).

Description

[0001] For years, suitcases have been moved and rolled upright on four wheels. In this position, the center of gravity of the suitcase rests centrally on its four wheels, and the user only needs to apply horizontal force to move the suitcase from A to B.

[0002] Since suitcases come in different sizes and people are of different heights, suitcase manufacturers have switched to providing a height-adjustable trolley handle system made of one or two telescopically extendable aluminum tubes and a connected plastic handle on the suitcase.

[0003] This so-called trolley handle and its telescopic guide are usually located vertically inside or outside the rear case shell and can be pulled out and locked at different heights as needed so that users of different heights can push the suitcase along next to them while walking upright.

[0004] As soon as an obstacle, such as a step, appears, the suitcase must be lifted over it, as the typical suitcase wheels with a diameter of 40 - 65 mm cannot overcome obstacles larger than 2 cm.

[0005] To be able to lift the upright suitcase over an obstacle, most manufacturers add an additional carrying handle in addition to the extendable trolley handle. This additional carrying handle adds weight and is unsightly.

[0006] Some users still use the trolley handle they're already using to lift their suitcase. However, this places considerable strain on the telescopic trolley handle and its locking mechanism, which is why suitcase manufacturers recommend that customers avoid carrying their suitcases by the trolley handle.

[0007] A common problem with metal trolley systems is a bent telescopic rod, which limits or prevents the use of the trolley and in many cases leads to the disposal of the entire suitcase.

[0008] Trolley handles and carrying handles must be as completely concealed as possible within the outer contour of the suitcase for checking in and must not protrude to prevent damage during transport on conveyor belts and by loading personnel. At the same time, carrying handles must be provided to the loading personnel to ensure easy and effortless reloading of the suitcases. INVENTION

[0009] The present invention, the "KombiGrip," solves these problems by combining a trolley handle and carrying handle in a single component, while still fully fulfilling both functions. The starting point is the suitcase standing on four wheels as described above.

[0010] The combi handle can be extended vertically a short distance against a slight spring force without having to release it, in order to provide a carrying handle for a large hand wearing gloves.

[0011] As soon as the combi handle is released, a spring pulls the combi handle back into its recess so that it is protected within the case volume.

[0012] To activate the trolley handle function, a release button located on the upper part of the case shell below the combi-handle is pressed. This releases the combi-handle, allowing it to be extended to its full length without any opposing spring force. The combi-handle now locks into one or more positions to provide the usual comfort of a raised trolley handle.

[0013] If the release button is pressed again, the push handle can be completely retracted into the case shell. At this moment, the carrying handle function is immediately reactivated.

Claims

[1] CombiGrip, characterized by that a movable carriage (5) is mounted in a case shell (9) so that its travel path runs parallel to a likewise movable handle (1) with at least one bar (2) (Fig. A1). [2] CombiGrip according to claim 1, characterized by that a movable carriage (5), preferably made of plastic or metal, has at least one hook segment (6) which is elastically attached or mounted on the carriage (5) and can be moved laterally to its travel path (Fig. A2). [3] CombiGrip, according to claim 1 and 2, characterized by that a hook segment (6) engages in one or more differently shaped recesses (3) and (4) in the bar (2) in such a form-fitting manner that the movement between the carriage (5) and the handle (1) is synchronized and limited (Fig. A2). [4] CombiGrip, according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized bythat a hook segment (6) which engages in the recesses (3) or (4) of the bar (2) is supported at the end of its travel path in the direction of the handle (1) directly against the case shell (9) or its ribs and thus forces on the handle (1) are diverted directly into the case shell (Fig. A3). [5] CombiGrip, according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized by that a movable carriage (5) is connected to the case shell (9) via at least one spring element (7) and is held under pretension in its travel path in a rest position opposite to the extension direction of the bar (2) (Fig. A3) and thus the handle (1) is held in a protected rest position or can be pulled out of the case shell (9) against the spring force of the spring element (7) (Fig. A4) in order to function as a carrying handle. [6] CombiGrip, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, characterized bythat a movable release button (8) pushes the hook segment (6) out of the recess (3) in the bar (2) and thus the combi handle (1) is unlocked from the hook segment (6) (Fig. A5) and can be pulled out further than described in claim 3 (Fig. A6). [7] CombiGrip, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, characterized bythat the hook segment (6), released from the stile (2), slides under pre-tension along the stile (2) until it engages in a further recess (4), whereby the recess (4) is deeper, and thus the hook segment (6) engages in a deeper pocket in the case shell (9) (Fig. A7), with the result that the hook segment (6) is locked there, cannot be moved in any direction of travel and transfers the forces of the handle (1) directly to the shell (9) or its ribs. The button can be used to push the hook segment (6) out of the deeper pocket (4), whereby the stile (2) is released and the handle (1) can be pushed completely back into the case shell (9) where the hook segment (6) is once again locked in the shallower recess (3) and the movement of the slide (5) towards the handle (1) is released. [8] CombiGrip, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 characterized byThe bar (2) can have several recesses (4) to provide the hook segment (6) with multiple engagement points and thus locking mechanisms. This allows the handle (1) to be adjusted to different heights to ensure the user's comfort.

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