Handle with shell elements for a suitcase

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle (1) for a suitcase, having a main part (2) made of a first material, the main part (2) having at least one bearing portion (10) for connecting to a carrier device of the suitcase and a holding portion (14) extending perpendicularly to the bearing portion (10) for gripping the suitcase. At least the holding portion (14) of the main body (2) is surrounded by a casing (4) that is visible from the outside and is formed from at least one second material. The casing (4) is formed in at least two parts from a first shell element (6) and a second shell element (8), and the first material of the main body (2) has a greater strength than the second material of the casing (4). The invention further relates to a suitcase, in particular a wheeled suitcase, having a receiving space for receiving objects, the storage space being connected to a carrier device and such a handle (1) for gripping the suitcase being formed on the carrier device.

Description

[0001] P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0002] 1

[0003] RIMOWA GmbH, Richard-Byrd-Straße 13, 50829 Cologne

[0004] "Handle with shell for a suitcase"

[0005] The invention relates to a handle for a suitcase. The handle comprises a base body made of a first material. This base body has a bearing section for connection to a support device of the suitcase and a holding section extending perpendicular to the bearing section for gripping the suitcase. The invention further relates to a suitcase, in particular a rolling suitcase, with such a handle.

[0006] Handles of the aforementioned type are used in particular for moving, especially pulling and lifting, suitcases, e.g., rolling suitcases. Such suitcases typically have a compartment for holding objects and a support mechanism. To move the suitcase, a user can grasp a handle on the suitcase, which is mounted on the support mechanism. To increase user comfort, it is known from the prior art that the support mechanism is telescopically adjustable in length, such that, in a release state, the length of the support mechanism can be adjusted in increments between a minimum and a maximum length. To lock the selected length, known support mechanisms can be moved into a locking position.It is known that the release state and the locking state can be adjusted externally by means of an adjustment mechanism located in the handle.

[0007] To accommodate the necessary adjustment mechanism of a telescopically length-adjustable support device in a single handle, it is generally necessary to design it in multiple parts and screw the corresponding components together. In most cases, these screws are located in the visible or indirectly visible area, or are covered, with this cover being within the tactile range P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0008] 2 is always noticeable. For necessary maintenance, components usually have to be removed destructively, as they are clamped or glued in order to access the screws that fasten the components.

[0009] The release buttons for disengaging the adjustment mechanism of a telescopically adjustable support device are typically located in the handle and are designed to be as wide as possible, with spring-loaded mechanisms. In known release buttons, the internal arrangement of the springs, the internal arrangement of the functional elements to be released, and, not least, the tolerances of the interacting components, can cause the release button to tilt in one direction, creating a risk of jamming or jamming. Furthermore, the pressure point on the release button for successful actuation is often relatively small, leading to frequent accidental activation.

[0010] Furthermore, with handles and suitcases, there is a recurring conflict between weight reduction while maintaining sufficient functionality, such as stability and strength, and an appealing, high-quality look and feel. In particular, suitcases that are lightweight, functional, and visually and tactilely pleasing are in demand.

[0011] The strength requirements for the telescopically adjustable carrying system of cases can be very high, depending on the design, the application, or the usage patterns themselves. For example, the handles attached to the carrying system are used as carrying handles for the case. Therefore, materials with sufficient strength must be used, especially for the handles and the carrying system.

[0012] To increase the stability and strength of handles, it is known to manufacture them from metal or high-performance plastics. Likewise, to improve the optical and / or tactile properties of handles, it is known to manufacture them from high-quality injection-moldable plastics. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0013] 3

[0014] Visually appealing injection-molded plastic parts often suffer from the disadvantage of lacking the strength of metal or high-performance plastics. Furthermore, achieving a color match between these high-performance plastics and other plastic parts used in the case—particularly those made from a visually appealing injection-molded plastic due to lower strength requirements than the handle—is frequently difficult or even impossible. While metallic materials like steel, aluminum, or zinc offer high strength, they often fail to meet the requirements for an aesthetically pleasing color match and a low weight. This results in the overall visual appearance of the case being negatively impacted by the different colors of the handle and other plastic elements, and / or the weight being increased.

[0015] To maintain a positive visual and / or tactile impression, well-known suitcases regularly use the same plastic material for all their plastic parts, regardless of their individual strength requirements. This often results in a short lifespan for the heavily stressed components, especially the handles, requiring them to be replaced prematurely.

[0016] The invention is based on the objective of providing a handle for a suitcase which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular a high-quality appearance and / or feel and at the same time a high service life and stability and improved reliability of operation.

[0017] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1 in that at least the holding section of the base body is surrounded by an externally visible shell. This shell is made of a second material P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0018] 4. The casing is formed in at least two parts, consisting of a first shell element and a second shell element, and the first material of the base body has a higher strength than the second material of the casing. The invention provides a handle in which the requirements for strength and the requirements for optical and / or haptic properties are decoupled from each other and each is fulfilled by a separate component, namely the base body and the casing. The embodiment according to the invention makes it possible to provide both an optically and / or haptically appealing casing and, at the same time, to specify a base body surrounded by the casing, which, independent of its optical and / or haptic properties, is adapted to the respective requirements, in particular strength requirements.Since the main body is surrounded by the casing, at least in the holding section, the user always has a tactilely and / or visually appealing handle available. In particular, the invention enables "color matching," which in prior art cases regularly has detrimental effects on the strength and / or lifespan of the handle, while maintaining a high level of strength and lifespan for the handle.

[0019] Furthermore, the second material of the casing can be adapted or selected to suit environmental influences such as heat and humidity, either as an alternative or in addition to the optical and / or haptic properties, independently of the first material of the base body.

[0020] A further advantage of the invention is that the handle can be specifically adapted to particular functions and / or requirements due to the virtually free choice of material for the base body. For example, a base body made of a freely selectable material allows for particularly small dimensions and / or a particularly light weight of the handle, depending on the material used. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0021] 5

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first material of the base body is a first plastic. It has proven particularly advantageous for the first material of the base body to be a plastic reinforced with a filler. In particular, a fiber-reinforced plastic is especially suitable as the first material of the base body. Due to the particularly high strength of fiber-reinforced, preferably glass-fiber-reinforced, plastics, especially those with a fiber or glass-fiber content of up to 80%, small dimensions and a low weight of the handle can be achieved.

[0023] Additionally and / or alternatively, the second material used for the casing is a second plastic. A high-quality injection-moldable plastic is particularly suitable as this second plastic, preferably PC / PBT, ABS, or ABS / PC, which allow for the creation of highly decorative surfaces. The "color matching" of the individual components is achieved primarily by adding color particles (color batches) in a percentage determined through testing; liquid color mixtures or pre-colored material are also conceivable, based on the tests.

[0024] Especially if the case intended for the handle already has plastic elements, a cover made of a second, ideally the same, plastic as the existing plastic elements allows for precise color matching. Alternatively or additionally, the second plastic of the cover can also provide a color and / or tactile contrast, for example, to the existing plastic elements on the case. It is also possible to add fillers to the second plastic of the cover to create a visual and / or tactile effect, such as a glossy finish.

[0025] It may be advantageous for the shell to be formed from the second and a third material, wherein the first shell element is advantageously formed from the second material and the second shell element from a third material. It is provided that the first material of the base body has a higher strength than the second and / or P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0026] 6. Third material of the shell. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of two-colored holding areas and / or special haptically appealing grip zones, for example, if the first shell element is made of a softer material and / or a material that offers more grip than the second shell element.

[0027] For the manufacturing process, it has proven particularly advantageous that the base body and / or the shell are injection molded.

[0028] In particular, the base body is T-shaped or L-shaped, with a bearing section and a holding section extending perpendicular to the bearing section. This variant is advantageous for cases that have a support structure with a strut, especially one that is telescopically length-adjustable. The bearing section can expediently be positioned centrally relative to the extent of the holding section and perpendicular to it. Alternatively, a variant provides that the bearing section is axially offset from a center point of the holding section, relative to the extent of the holding section and perpendicular to it.

[0029] Preferably, the case and handle can be made more rigid and / or stable by designing the base body, according to a preferred embodiment, in a U-shape or T-shape with two parallel bearing sections and a retaining section extending perpendicular to and connecting the bearing sections. This variant is advantageous for cases that have a support structure with two struts, in particular telescopically adjustable ones. The two struts, each connected to one of the two bearing sections of the base body, advantageously make the case more stable and, in particular, less susceptible to twisting of the support structure and / or the handle relative to the case's receiving space. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0030] 7

[0031] Preferably, the first shell element of the shell rests against at least one corresponding impact surface of the second shell element of the shell.

[0032] Preferably, the first shell element of the shell is designed as an upper shell element facing away from the support device and the second shell element of the shell as a lower shell element facing towards the support device, wherein the butt surfaces extend in a plane perpendicular to the bearing section.

[0033] According to an alternative embodiment, the contact surfaces extend in a plane parallel to the bearing section. The first and second shell elements are preferably hollow and cylindrical, open on one side, so that the base body is / can be arranged in one of the hollow cylindrical sections of each shell element. In this embodiment, the first shell element of the shell is expediently designed as a left shell element and the second shell element as a right shell element.

[0034] Particularly advantageous is the upper / right shell element of the shell and / or the lower / left shell element of the shell having an joining lip in the area of ​​the abutting surfaces, which engages behind the respective other upper / right or lower / left shell element and thereby creates a tolerance compensation.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first shell element and the second shell element of the casing are each independently connected to the base body. Because the shell elements are each connected to the base body, which is made of a stronger material than the shell elements themselves, the handle exhibits greater stability.

[0036] Regardless of whether the first shell element of the shell and the second shell element of the shell are each independently connected to the base body P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0037] 8 connected or the first shell element of the cover and the second shell element of the cover are connected to each other, wherein the first shell element of the cover and / or the second shell element of the cover are connected to the base body, a special variant of the handle provides that the second shell element of the cover and / or the first shell element of the cover are connected to the base body by a material bond and / or mechanical connection.

[0038] Preferably, the second shell element of the casing is at least materially bonded to the base body, in particular by adhesive bonding. Alternatively or additionally, the first shell element of the casing is preferably at least mechanically bonded to the base body.

[0039] An advantageous arrangement of the first shell element is provided by the fact that the first shell element preferably has at least two, in particular four, preferably six mounting tabs facing the base body. In particular, the base body has at least two, in particular four, support tabs corresponding to the mounting tabs, which face the first shell element. Advantageously, the mounting tabs and the support tabs have bores arranged coaxially on a common mounting axis for the passage of at least one screw perpendicular to the bearing section. In particular, the first shell element rests on the support tabs with its inner surface facing the base body, which especially increases the stiffness of the handle.Advantageously, the base body has several evenly distributed support tabs along its extension perpendicular to the bearing section, so that the first or second, in particular the upper shell element is advantageously supported on the support tabs over its entire extension perpendicular to the bearing section.

[0040] This design is particularly advantageous when the shell has an upper and a lower shell element.

[0041] In particular, the arrangement of the upper shell element can be further adjusted by ensuring that at least two mounting tabs of the upper P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0042] 9

[0043] The shell element rests axially to the mounting axis against a support tab of the base body in such a way that a displacement of the upper shell element axially to the mounting axis is positively blocked.

[0044] Preferably, the base body has at least two support tabs and two threaded bores arranged coaxially with the mounting axis. These threaded bores are advantageously arranged between the support tabs and are designed to open in mutually opposing directions, each pointing towards at least one support tab. Advantageously, the first and / or second, in particular the upper, shell element can be attached to the base body by passing a screw through at least one mounting tab and one support tab and screwing it into a threaded bore in the base body. Alternatively and / or additionally, a variant can also provide for screw fastening using self-tapping or self-drilling screws, so that the base body has no threaded bore or only a bore without threads.

[0045] Advantageously, the upper shell element is connected to the base body by means of two laterally inserted screws, each of which passes through at least one mounting tab of the upper shell element and at least one support tab of the base body. The screw heads are advantageously countersunk, with the end faces or mounting tabs of the upper shell element having a correspondingly chamfered through-hole. The screw heads are covered, in particular, by a sticker or end-face clip covers that can be easily removed and replaced for servicing.

[0046] Furthermore, a variant has proven advantageous for a base body with a holding section which has a rotationally symmetrical cross-section along its extension perpendicular to the bearing section, according to which the mounting axis for screwing the first and / or second, in particular the upper shell element to the base body is offset to a P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0047] The central axis of the holding area is formed perpendicular to the bearing section. Advantageously, this prevents the first and / or second, in particular the upper, shell element from rotating relative to the holding section of the base body.

[0048] Preferably, the base body has a receiving pocket, open particularly towards the upper shell element, for accommodating an adjustment mechanism. This adjustment mechanism serves, in particular, to release and lock a telescopically length-adjustable carrying device of the case. Advantageously, in the released position of the carrying device, its length can be adjusted between a minimum and a maximum length, and in the locked position, the set length can be locked. The length adjustment is particularly incremental. The released and locked positions can be set externally by means of the adjustment mechanism located in the handle.For this purpose, a special embodiment provides that the first and / or second, in particular the upper, shell element has an opening corresponding to the receiving pocket, so that the adjustment mechanism arranged in the receiving pocket can be acted upon from the outside.

[0049] In particular, the adjustment mechanism for releasing and locking, or for transferring the carrier device into the released or locked state, features an adjusting element with an adjustment surface. This adjustment surface, especially when the adjustment mechanism is at rest, is flush with the edge of the opening in the first and / or second, particularly the upper, shell element. This advantageously results in a particularly attractive appearance and prevents the ingress of dirt and moisture into the handle. The adjustment surface is advantageously made of the same material as the second material of the shell.

[0050] The actuating element is exemplified as a push button. For instance, the carrier device is activated by pressing the push button using a P45556PC00 / III / JB.

[0051] 11

[0052] Pressure on the setting surface, designed as a touch surface, brings it into the release state, whereby, expediently, the push button automatically springs back after the pressure on the touch surface is released and the carrier device is brought into the locking state.

[0053] It goes without saying that the adjustment mechanism can alternatively or additionally have further functions, such as releasing and locking the brakes of at least one wheel of a rolling suitcase. In particular, it is intended that the adjustment mechanism can also have several adjusting elements with corresponding adjustment surfaces and / or other actuating devices, such as levers.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base body of the handle has a receiving pocket with an internally molded mounting geometry in which a wire structure is pivotably mounted. The wire structure serves to attach and mount a push button in the receiving pocket, the push button being subjected to a restoring force by at least one spring.

[0055] The mounting geometry is designed to allow the wire assembly to be rotatably mounted. Specifically, the mounting geometry comprises at least two spaced-apart bearing ribs and a bearing tab positioned between them. Furthermore, the mounting pocket includes at least one retaining boss for attaching a spring.

[0056] Preferably, the wire construction is U-shaped and made from a single piece of metal wire extending over the longitudinal side of the receiving pocket, the base of the U-shaped wire construction forming a bearing section by means of which the wire construction is pivotably mounted in the receiving pocket.

[0057] Preferably, a mounting tab for attaching the push button is arranged at each free end of the U-shaped wire structure. The mounting tabs preferably run longitudinally along the receiving pocket. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0058] 12

[0059] Advantageously, the wire assembly is snapped into place in the mounting pocket with its bearing section between the bearing lugs and the bearing tab. Preferably, the push button has locking recesses on its underside for engaging the mounting lugs.

[0060] The push button is movably mounted in the receiving pocket, particularly via the spring and the mounting lugs. The wire construction preferably compensates for a one-sided force acting on the push button and transfers the one-sided compressive force to the other side of the push button as a tensile force. The wire construction is designed such that the entire push button moves uniformly downwards when actuated, regardless of where the button is pressed. The wire construction prevents the push button from tilting or tipping within the receiving pocket of the base body, irrespective of the spring's position within the pocket or the position of the compressive force on the push button's surface.

[0061] In particular, the push button controls at least one control rod, which projects laterally into the receiving pocket and preferably extends via a joint into the interior of a telescopically extendable strut of the support device. The movement of the control rod generates the release and locking states of the adjustment mechanism.

[0062] In particular, the properties of the handle can be improved by adding an additional outer layer to at least the upper shell element and / or the lower shell element of the casing. This outer layer advantageously improves the optical and / or tactile properties and / or the resistance of the handle to external influences.

[0063] A particularly pleasing feel and appearance is provided by a coating layer made of a natural material, such as leather. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0064] 13

[0065] It is also possible for the upper and lower shell elements of the casing to share a common cladding layer. In particular, a single-piece cladding layer promotes a particularly appealing appearance.

[0066] The problem addressed by the invention is further solved by a case which has a compartment for holding objects and a support device connected to the compartment. A handle, according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, is formed on the support device for gripping the case. Preferably, the case is a rolling case which can be pulled and / or carried by means of the handle.

[0067] It is expressly emphasized that all the aforementioned embodiments also apply to versions with shells that have more than two shell elements. Furthermore, the features of the bearing section, regardless of whether they are described in the context of an embodiment of the handle with one bearing section or with two bearing sections, always apply to both embodiments of the handle, with one bearing section and with two bearing sections.

[0068] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0069] They show:

[0070] Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a version of a handle without a support device,

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a partially assembled state of the handle according to Fig. 1, P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0072] 14

[0073] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of one version of the

[0074] Handle without an upper shell element of a casing,

[0075] Fig. 4 shows a schematic exploded view of one embodiment of the

[0076] Handle without an upper shell element,

[0077] Fig. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of another

[0078] Design of a handle with adjustment mechanism,

[0079] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the receiving pocket of a base body according to the invention with an inserted wire construction, and

[0080] Fig. 7 shows a view of a bottom side of a device according to the invention.

[0081] Push button with inserted wire construction.

[0082] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0083] The following description claims that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features; rather, each individual partial feature of the exemplary embodiment(s) is also significant for the subject matter of the invention, independent of all other partial features described in connection therewith, both on its own and in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Figure 1 shows a handle 1 for a suitcase. According to the illustrated embodiment, the handle 1 has a base body 2 and, according to the invention, an externally visible cover 4. It is provided that the base body 2 is made of a first material and the cover 4 of a second material. Furthermore, the base body 2 has at least one P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0085] 15

[0086] Bearing section 10 for connection to a support structure of the case (not shown). The embodiments of the base body 2 shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4 have two bearing sections 10 for connection to the support structure of the case. Figure 3 shows a particularly advantageous variant in which the base body 2 has a connecting element in bearing section 10, exemplified in Figure 3 as a bore 12, for connection to the support structure.

[0087] Furthermore, the handle 1, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, has a holding section 14 extending perpendicular to the bearing section 10 for gripping the case, wherein, according to the invention, the cover 4 is designed or arranged to surround at least the holding section 14 of the base body 2.

[0088] According to the invention, the shell 4, as shown in Fig. 1, is formed in at least two parts, consisting of a first shell element 6 and a second shell element 8. Furthermore, according to the invention, the first material of the base body 2 has a higher strength than the second material of the shell 4.

[0089] To connect the handle 1 to the case or the case's support device, the bearing section 10 is preferably designed and dimensioned such that a strut of the support device can be pushed into the bearing section 10 so that the bearing section 10 encompasses an end section of the strut, or alternatively, that the bearing section 10 of the base body 2 is designed and dimensioned such that the bearing section 10 of the base body 2 can be pushed into a strut of the support device so that an end section of the strut of the support device encompasses the bearing section 10.

[0090] Particularly advantageously, the end section of the strut of the support device encompasses a first section 16 of the bearing section 10, wherein a second section 18 of the bearing section 10, which immediately follows the first section 16, is separated from the shell 4, in particular from a second P45556PC00 / III / JB designed as a lower shell element 8.

[0091] 16

[0092] Shell element 8 is enclosed. Preferably, the shell 4, or the lower shell element 8 of the shell 4, and the strut have such contact that the bearing section 10 of the base body 2 is completely enclosed by the shell 4 and the strut of the support device, particularly in a way that is not visible from the outside. The first section 16 of the bearing section 10 enclosed by the strut of the support device (not shown) and the second section 18 of the bearing section 10 enclosed by the shell 4 are illustrated by way of example in Fig. 4. Advantageously, the base body 2 is completely enclosed according to this embodiment, so that a base body 2 made of, for example, a high-strength plastic with a high glass fiber content does not adversely affect the optical and haptic properties of the handle 1.

[0093] The first material of the base body 2 is preferably a plastic. However, the first material of the base body 2 can also be a metal or an alloy. Alternatively or additionally, the second material of the shell 4 can be a second plastic, a metal, or an alloy.

[0094] Preferably, the shell 4 is formed from the second and a third material, wherein the first shell element 6 is expediently formed from the second material and the second shell element 8 is formed from a third material. It is provided that the first material of the base body 2 has a higher strength than the second and / or third material of the shell 4. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for providing two-tone grip areas and / or for special, tactilely appealing grip zones; for example, the second, especially the lower, shell element 8 is formed from a softer material and / or a material that offers more grip than the first, especially the upper, shell element 6.

[0095] It has proven particularly advantageous that the first material of the base body 2 is a plastic reinforced with a filler. Fibers, preferably glass fibers, are particularly suitable as fillers. According to a particularly P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0096] 17 In an advantageous embodiment, the first material of the base body 2 is a glass fiber reinforced plastic with a glass fiber content of up to 80%.

[0097] Particularly advantageous is the basic body 2 and / or the shell 4, or the first and / or second shell element 6, 8, which can be injection molded from a plastic.

[0098] Figures 1, 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment of the base body 2, according to which the base body 2 is U-shaped with two mutually parallel bearing sections 10 and a retaining section 14 extending perpendicular to the bearing sections 10 and connecting the bearing sections 10, wherein in particular the retaining section 14 is arranged with a first partial area 20 between the bearing sections 10 and expediently terminates flush with the bearing sections 10 perpendicular to the bearing sections 10.

[0099] An alternative embodiment, not shown, provides that the base body 2 is TT-shaped with two mutually parallel bearing sections 10 and a retaining section 14 extending perpendicular to the bearing sections 10 and connecting the bearing sections 10, wherein preferably the retaining section 14 with the first sub-section 20 is arranged between the bearing sections 10 and has a projection perpendicular to the bearing sections 10 with each sub-section.

[0100] Further alternative embodiments, not shown, may advantageously provide that the base body 2 has only one bearing section 10; in particular, according to this variant, the base body 2 is T-shaped or L-shaped with a bearing section 10 and a retaining section 14 extending perpendicular to the bearing section 10. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0101] 18

[0102] Advantageously, the first shell element 6 of the shell 4 and the second shell element 8 of the shell 4 are each connected independently of each other to the base body 2, as indicated in Fig. 2.

[0103] Preferably, the first shell element 6 of the shell 4 with at least one contact surface 22 abuts at least one corresponding contact surface 22 of the second shell element 8 of the shell 4.

[0104] Preferably, the first shell element 6 of the shell 4, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, is designed as an upper shell element 6 and the second shell element 8 of the shell 4 as a lower shell element 8, wherein the butt surfaces 22 extend in a plane perpendicular to the bearing section 10.

[0105] In particular, the upper shell element 6, as shown in Fig. 2, rests against the lower shell element 8, with the two shell elements 6, 8 encompassing the base body 2. Advantageously, the upper shell element 6 of the shell 4 and / or the lower shell element 8 of the shell 4 can have an engaging lip 24 in the area of ​​the contact surface 22, which engages behind the respective other upper or lower shell element 6, 8, thereby compensating for tolerances. In Fig. 2, the lower shell element 8 has two engaging lips 24, one in the area of ​​each contact surface 22.

[0106] As can be seen particularly from Fig. 4, in a special embodiment of the handle 1, the first, in particular upper, shell element 6 of the casing 4 is mechanically connected to the base body 2. Advantageously, the second, in particular lower, shell element 8 can also be connected to the base body 2 in an embodiment not shown. A mechanical connection can, in particular, be a screw connection and / or a snap-fit ​​connection. Alternatively or additionally, the first, in particular upper, shell element of the casing 4 and / or the second, in particular lower, shell element 8 of the casing 4 can also be bonded to the base body 2. A bonded connection can, in particular, be an adhesive bond or a welded connection. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0107] 19

[0108] An advantageous mechanical connection between the upper shell element 6 of the casing 4 and the base body 2 is expediently provided by the upper shell element 6 having at least two, in particular four, mounting tabs 26 pointing towards the base body 2, and the base body 2 having at least two, in particular four, correspondingly designed support tabs 28 pointing towards the upper shell element 6. The mounting tabs 26 are shown in Fig. 3, and the support tabs 28 are shown in Figs. 1 and 4. Preferably, the mounting tabs 26 and the support tabs 28 have bores 30 arranged coaxially to each other on a common mounting axis for the passage of at least one screw 32, as indicated in Fig. 4, perpendicular to the bearing section 10.

[0109] Advantageously, at least two mounting tabs 26 of the upper shell element 6 bear axially to the mounting axis against a support tab 28 of the base body 2 in such a way that axial displacement of the upper shell element 6 relative to the mounting axis is positively locked. It can also be provided that the support tabs 28 are designed such that the upper shell element 6 of the shell 4, as indicated in Fig. 2, rests on the support tabs 28 with its inner surface facing the base body 2.

[0110] Figure 4 shows a particular embodiment in which the upper shell element 6 of the casing 4 is fixed to the base body 2 by two screws 32. One variant of this embodiment provides that the base body 2 has two support tabs 28 and two threaded bores 33 arranged coaxially with the mounting axis, located between the support tabs 28. The threaded bores 33 are advantageously designed to open in directions opposite each other, each pointing towards a support tab 28.

[0111] An advantageous embodiment for arranging the upper shell element 6 on the base body 2, in particular for a base body 2 with a retaining section 14 which extends perpendicular to the bearing section 10 along its extent P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0112] The 20 rotationally symmetrical cross-section is shown in Fig. 2. According to this embodiment, the mounting axis for screwing the upper shell element 6 to the base body 2 is offset from a central axis of the holding area extending perpendicular to the bearing section 10. Advantageously, this prevents the upper shell element 6 from rotating relative to the holding section 14 of the base body 2.

[0113] Advantageously, the base body 2 has a receiving pocket 34, open particularly towards the upper shell element 6, for accommodating an adjustment mechanism for releasing and locking a telescopically length-adjustable carrier device of the case. The adjustment mechanism is not shown. In particular, the threaded bores 33 of the base body 2 for screwing the upper shell element 6 of the cover 4 to the base body 2 are each formed in a wall 36 surrounding the receiving pocket 34. This embodiment is indicated in Fig. 4.

[0114] Preferably, as shown in Fig. 1, the upper shell element 6 has an opening 38 corresponding to the receiving pocket 34. Through the opening 38, it is thus advantageous to act on the adjustment mechanism arranged in the receiving pocket 34 from the outside. In particular, the adjustment mechanism for releasing and locking the support device has an adjusting element which, especially in a rest state of the adjustment mechanism, is flush with the circumferential edge region of the opening 38 of the upper shell element 6.

[0115] According to an embodiment not shown, at least the first, in particular upper, shell element 6 of the casing 4 and / or the second, in particular lower, shell element 8 of the casing 4 has an additional outer layer. Advantageously, the outer layer can be designed to enhance the surface of the handle 1, in particular to adapt the optical and / or haptic properties to specific needs or to increase the resistance of the handle 1 to environmental influences. In particular, the outer layer is made of P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0116] 21

[0117] Made of natural material, preferably leather. It can also be provided that the first, in particular upper, shell element 6 of the cover 4 and the second, in particular lower, shell element 8 of the cover 4 have a common outer layer.

[0118] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an adjustment mechanism according to the invention for a handle 1. The base body 2 of the handle 1 has a receiving pocket 34 with an internally molded mounting geometry (see in particular Fig. 6) in which a wire construction 40 is pivotably mounted. The wire construction 40 serves to attach and mount a push button 41 in the receiving pocket 34, the push button 41 being subjected to a restoring force by at least one spring 42. In the assembled state, the push button 41 projects through the opening 38 of the upper shell element 6.

[0119] As shown particularly in Fig. 6, the mounting geometry is designed to allow the wire structure 40 to be rotatably mounted. In particular, the mounting geometry has at least two spaced-apart bearing webs 43 and a bearing recess 46 arranged between them. In particular, the receiving recess 34 also has at least one retaining boss 48 for mounting a spring 42.

[0120] The wire assembly 40 is U-shaped and formed from a single piece of metal wire 52, extending along the longitudinal side of the receiving pocket 34. The base of the U-shaped wire assembly 40 forms a bearing area 54 by means of which the wire assembly 40 is pivotably mounted in the receiving pocket 34. A mounting lug 56 for attaching the push button 41 is arranged at each of the free ends of the U-shaped wire assembly 40. The mounting lugs 56 extend longitudinally along the receiving pocket 34. The wire assembly 40 is locked into the receiving pocket 34 by its bearing area 54 between the bearing lugs 43 and the bearing tab 46 and is rotatably mounted. P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0121] 22

[0122] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 7, the push button 41 has detent recesses 60 on its underside for engaging the mounting lugs 56 of the wire assembly 40, which are rotatably mounted in the detent recesses 60. The detent recesses 60 of the push button 41 and the mounting lugs 56 of the wire assembly 40 are arranged laterally next to the lateral end faces of the push button 41, so that even an asymmetrical pressing force on the push button 41 enables uniform depressing of the entire push button 41 and prevents lateral tilting of the push button 41.

[0123] The push button 41 is movably mounted in the mounting pocket 34 via the spring 42 and the mounting lugs 56. For this purpose, the spring 42 is clamped between the underside of the push button 41 and the retaining dome 48 of the mounting pocket 34. In particular, the underside of the push button 41 also has a retaining dome 48 for securing the spring 42.

[0124] The push button 41 controls two control rods 58, which on the one hand project laterally into the receiving pocket 34 and on the other hand, in particular via a joint (not shown), project into the interior of a telescopically extendable strut (not shown) of the support device. The movement of the control rods 58 generates the release and locking states of the adjustment mechanism.

[0125] A suitcase according to the invention (not shown) has a compartment for holding objects. The compartment is connected to a support structure, the support structure having a handle 1 for gripping the suitcase. According to the invention, this handle 1 is one of the aforementioned embodiments. In particular, the suitcase according to the invention can be a rolling suitcase.

[0126] The support device expediently has at least one, in particular two, struts which are connected to the bearing section(s) 10 of the handle 1 P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0127] 23 connected / connectable is / are. Preferably, the at least one strut of the support device is screwed and / or glued and / or secured to the at least one bearing section 10 of the base body 2.

[0128] Preferably, the carrying mechanism of the case is telescopically length-adjustable. It is advantageous that, in a released state, the length of the carrying mechanism can be adjusted between a minimum and a maximum length, particularly in increments. A locking position is also expediently provided for such a carrying mechanism, in which the set length is locked. For ease of use, it has proven particularly advantageous that the released and locking positions can be adjusted externally by means of an adjustment mechanism located in the handle 1.

[0129] It is expressly emphasized that all the aforementioned embodiments also apply to versions with a shell 4 that has more than two shell elements. Furthermore, the features of the bearing section 10, regardless of whether they are described in the context of an embodiment of the handle 1 with one bearing section 10 or with two bearing sections 10, apply to both embodiments of the handle 1, with one bearing section 10 or with two bearing sections 10.

[0130] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also includes all embodiments that have the same effect within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual partial feature can also have inventive significance independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all disclosed individual features. This means that, in principle, practically every individual feature of claim 1 P45556PC00 / II l / JEB

[0131] 24 may be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application.

[0132] P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0133] 25

[0134] List of reference signs

[0135] 1 handle

[0136] 2 basic shapes

[0137] 4 cases

[0138] 6 First, upper shell element

[0139] 8 Second, lower shell element

[0140] 10 Storage section

[0141] 12. Borehole in the bearing section

[0142] 14 Stop section

[0143] 16 First section of the camp section

[0144] 18 Second section of the camp section

[0145] 20 First section of the stopping section

[0146] 22 Impact surface

[0147] 24 joint lip

[0148] 26 Mounting tab

[0149] 28 Carrier tab

[0150] 30 bore

[0151] 32 screw

[0152] 33 Threaded hole

[0153] 34 recording bag

[0154] 36 wall

[0155] 38 Breakthrough

[0156] 40 wire construction

[0157] 41 Pushbutton

[0158] 42 springs

[0159] 43 Lagersteg

[0160] 46 bearing tab

[0161] 48 Holding Dome

[0162] 52 metal wire

[0163] 54 storage area

[0164] 56 Mounting bracket P45556PC00 / III / JB

[0165] 26

[0166] 58 Control rod

[0167] 60 rest shots

Claims

P45556PC00 / III / JB 27 Claims 1. Handle (1) for a suitcase, comprising a base body (2) formed from a first material, wherein the base body (2) has at least one bearing section (10) for connection with a support device of the suitcase and a holding section (14) extending perpendicular to the bearing section (10) for gripping the suitcase, characterized in that at least the holding section (14) of the base body (2) is surrounded by an externally visible shell (4) formed from at least a second material, and the shell (4) is formed in at least two parts from a first shell element (6) and a second shell element (8), and the first material of the base body (2) has a higher strength than the second material of the shell (4).

2. Handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material of the base body (2) is a first plastic and in particular the second material of the casing (4) is a second plastic. 3 Handle (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first material of the base body (2) is a plastic reinforced with a filler, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic.

4. Handle (1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the base body (2) and / or the casing (4) are injection molded. P45556PC00 / III / JB 28 5. Handle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base body (2) is T-shaped or L-shaped with a bearing section (10) and a holding section (14) extending perpendicular to the bearing section (10) or the base body (2) is U-shaped or rr-shaped with two mutually parallel bearing sections (10) and a holding section (14) extending perpendicular to the bearing sections (10) and connecting the bearing sections (10).

6. Handle (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first shell element (6) of the casing (4) and the second shell element (8) of the casing (4) are each independently connected to the base body (2).

7. Handle (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first shell element (6) of the casing (4) is designed as an upper shell element (6) facing away from the support device and the second shell element (8) of the casing (4) is designed as a lower shell element (8) facing towards the support device, wherein the upper shell element (6) of the casing (4) abuts at least one contact surface (22) on at least one corresponding contact surface (22) of the lower shell element (8) of the casing (4), wherein the contact surfaces extend in a plane perpendicular to the bearing section (10).

8. Handle (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upper shell element (6) of the casing (4) is mechanically connected to the base body (2). P45556PC00 / III / JB 29 9. Handle (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper shell element (6) has at least two, in particular four, mounting tabs (26) pointing towards the base body (2) and the base body (2) has at least two, in particular four, correspondingly designed support tabs (28) pointing towards the upper shell element (6), wherein the mounting tabs (26) and the support tabs (28) have bores (30) arranged coaxially to each other on a common mounting axis for passing at least one screw perpendicular to the bearing section (10).

10. Handle (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least two mounting tabs (26) of the upper shell element (6) bear axially to the mounting axis against each of a support tabs of the base body (2) in such a way that a displacement of the upper shell element (6) axially to the mounting axis is positively blocked.

11. Handle (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the base body (2) has two support tabs (28) and two threaded bores (33) formed coaxially to the mounting axis, which are arranged between the support tabs (28) and are formed in mutually repelling directions, each pointing towards one of the support tabs.

12. Handle (1) according to claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the upper shell element (6) has at least two, preferably four, mounting tabs (26) pointing towards the base body (2) and the base body (2) has at least two, in particular four, correspondingly designed support tabs (28) pointing towards the upper shell element (6), wherein the mounting tabs (26) and the support tabs (28) are coaxial with each other on a P45556PC00 / III / JB 30 common mounting axis have bores (30) for passing at least one screw perpendicular to the bearing section (10).

13. Handle (1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the lower shell element (8) of the casing (4) is materially bonded to the base body (2), in particular by gluing.

14. Handle (1) according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the base body (2) has a receiving pocket (34) open to the upper shell element (6) for arranging an adjustment mechanism for releasing and locking a telescopically length-adjustable carrier device of the case, and the upper shell element (6) has an opening (38) corresponding to the receiving pocket (34), so that the adjustment mechanism arranged in the receiving pocket (34) can be acted upon from the outside.

15. Handle (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the base body has a receiving pocket (34) with an internally molded fastening geometry in which a wire construction (40) is pivotably mounted, and a push button (41 ) is attached to the wire construction (40), and the push button (41 ) is subjected to a restoring force via at least one spring (42).

16. Handle (1 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that the fastening geometry has at least two spaced-apart bearing webs (43) and a bearing tab (46) arranged between them. P45556PC00 / III / JB 31 17. Handle (1 ) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the wire construction (40) is U-shaped and formed from a single piece of metal wire extending over the longitudinal side of the receiving pocket (34), wherein the base of the U-shaped wire construction (40) forms a bearing section (54) by means of which the wire construction (40) is pivotably mounted in the receiving pocket (34), and a fastening web (56) for fastening the push button (41 ) is arranged at each of the free ends of the U-shaped wire construction (40).

18. Handle (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at least the first shell element (6) of the cover (4) and / or the second shell element (8) of the cover (4) have an additional covering layer, in particular made of a natural material, preferably leather, preferably that at least the first shell element of the cover (4) and the second shell element (8) of the cover (4) have a common covering layer.

19. Suitcase, in particular a rolling suitcase, comprising a receiving space for receiving objects, wherein the receiving space is connected to a support device and a handle (1) for grasping the suitcase is formed on the support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 18.

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