Rotatable single pole pull handle for luggage case

Abstract

 An extendable handle assembly (22) for a luggage article (2) is provided. The luggage article (2) defines a back panel (6) and a top panel (8). The extendable handle assembly (22) includes a lower tube (24) coupled to the luggage article (2) and extending adjacent to the back panel (6), and an upper tube (26) telescopically received within the lower tube and configured to extend from the lower tube. The extendable handle assembly (22) may also include a handgrip (28) extending from the upper tube and defining a first section (34) extending away from the upper tube and a second section (38) attached to and extending away from a transition portion (36) connecting to the first section to form an angle with the first section and defining a free end (40). The upper tube (26) and the handgrip (28) are configured to rotate together.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to luggage articles, and in particular to a rotatable pull handle for luggage cases.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many luggage cases often include both a carry handle and an extendable pull handle. A user typically lifts the luggage by the carry handle, and guides or tows the luggage with the extended pull handle. The pull handle may sometimes also be used as a carry handle. This use may be awkward since the pull handle is not typically positioned to lift the luggage case in a balanced manner. For instance, since the hand grip of the pull handle is generally positioned in the same two dimensional planes as the tubes forming the extendable portion of the pull handle, the luggage case hangs at an angle when lifted off the ground and can interfere with the user's stride. Additionally, the hand grip and the upper tube are often able to rotate relative to one another, which may create a possible failure point or require frequent maintenance to the relatively complex nature of a rotational joint at the interface.

[0003] Documents that may be related to the present disclosure in that they include various approaches to luggage tow handle structure include US5943963, US6305514, CN2894387Y, US6317924, EP1604083, US6830135, EP2244601, US7832532, US7600618, and US7644743. These proposals, however, may be improved.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved luggage article or case, and in particular an improved luggage pull handle assembly, and even more specifically an improved single pole pull handle with a unitary hand grip and upper tube that rotates relative to a lower tube to allow use as an effective ergonomic carry handle and also ergonomic pull handle for the luggage article or case.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to the present invention there is therefore provided an extendable handle for a luggage article as described in the accompanying claims.

[0006] The present disclosure in particular provides a telescopic pull handle including a hand grip that may be advantageously positioned in both a first orientation directed away from the luggage case that allows a user to tow the luggage at an angle when the pull handle is in a fully extended position, as well as a second orientation directed inwardly over the top panel of the luggage case that allows a user to effectively guide the luggage case in an upright manner on its spinner wheels. The handgrip can also be positioned for use as a carry handle when the pull handle is in a partially extended position.

[0007] The hand grip extends from the top of the pull handle and is shaped to extend in three dimensions relative to the generally two dimensional extension of the extendable tube of the pull handle such that it can extend either inwardly or outwardly from the upper tube. In a carry position, the handgrip extends inwardly such that the handgrip is positioned near the center region of the top panel of the luggage. In a guide position when the luggage can be towed on two wheels or directed on its spinner wheels, the hand grip can be rotated together with the upper tube to an ergonomic position where the hand grip extends away from the luggage case.

[0008] The hand grip and the upper tube may be integrally formed, for example, from continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic, which has the benefit of improved strength and stiffness as well as light weight compared to conventional materials. The handgrip includes a base portion and a grip portion, coupled together by a curved transition portion. The grip portion defines a free end.

[0009] In an embodiment, an extendable handle assembly for a luggage article is provided. The luggage article defines a back panel and a top panel. The extendable handle assembly includes a lower tube coupled to the luggage article and extending adjacent to the back panel, and an upper tube telescopically received within the lower tube and configured to extend from the lower tube. The extendable handle assembly may also include a hand grip extending from the upper tube and defining a first section extending away from the upper tube and a second section attached to and extending away from a transition portion connecting to the first section to form an angle with the first section and defining a free end. The upper tube and the handgrip are configured to rotate together.

[0010] In some embodiments, the handgrip and the upper tube are integrally formed, preferably from a carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite. In some examples, the carbon fiber volume content (volume fraction or vol %) ranges between 40% and 75%, and more particularly between 50% and 70%. Corresponding carbon fiber weight content (weight fraction or wt %) ranges between: for epoxy resin with a density of 1.2 g/cm³, 30% to 85%, and more particularly 48% to 76%; and for polyamide 12 (PA12) with a density of 1.04 g/cm³, 40% to 90%, and more particularly 52% to 79%.

[0011] In some embodiments, the extended position includes a plurality of positions spaced further away from the top panel than the carry position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper tube (26) and the handgrip (28) rotate about the axis of the upper tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the upper tube extends from the lower tube a first amount to a carry position and extends from the lower tube a second amount to an extended position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extendable handle assembly may also include an intermediate tube coupled between the lower tube and the upper tube such that the extendable handle assembly can extend by the intermediate tube a third amount.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the carry position the hand grip is spaced apart from the top panel a first amount and the upper tube is rotationally fixed relative to the lower tube.

[0016] In some embodiments, in the guide position the hand grip is spaced apart from the top panel a second amount and the upper tube is rotatable relative to the lower tube.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second section of the handgrip is positioned near the central region of the top panel of the luggage article in the carry position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the upper and lower tubes may be positioned near the center of the back panel of the luggage article.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first section is configured to extend diagonally upwardly at an angle from the upper tube.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first section of the hand grip is configured to extend over the central region of the top panel when the hand grip is in the carry position or is configured to extend outwardly away from the top panel or over the central region of the top panel when the hand grip is in the guide position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second section may form an acute angle with the first section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the upper tube may be biased to automatically move from a fully retracted position to the carry position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first section of the handgrip is configured in a 3D shape to extend away from the top panel and curve over a central portion of the top panel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second section of the handgrip may be configured to be substantially linear and extends horizontally for gripping by a user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the grip portion may extend to lock in the carry position and return to the fully retracted position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the grip portion extends to the guide position and rotates to extend away from the top panel and lock in the guide position and return to the fully retracted position, the guide position being on an opposing side of the upper tube to the carry position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lower tube may be an outer tube, and the upper tube may be an inner tube.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first section and upper tube may be connected by a curved transition region.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first and second sections may be connected together by the curved transition portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the extendable handle assembly may be configured to be mounted centrally on the back panel of the luggage article.

[0031] In some embodiments, the extendable handle assembly may be mounted inside the luggage or outside the luggage.

[0032] In some embodiments, a luggage article may include a recess in the top panel of luggage such that the handgrip is disposable substantially flush and/or recessed with the top panel when fully retracted.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lower tube and the upper tube may be substantially cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, the lower and or upper tube may not be non-cylindrical.

[0034] In some embodiments, the grip portion may be parallel to the top panel and may also be parallel to line of closure of the luggage article.

[0035] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components are not drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized in that:

Fig. 1A is a perspective of a luggage case in a fully retracted position.

Fig. 1B is a rear view of the luggage case of Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1C is a top view of the luggage case of Fig. 1A.

Fig. 2A is a front view of a telescopic pull handle.

Fig. 2B is a side view of the telescopic pull handle of Fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C is an opposite side view of the telescopic pull handle of Fig. 2B.

Fig. 2D is a top view of the telescopic pull handle of Fig. 2A.

Fig. 2E is a top perspective view of the guide collar 66and integrally formed handgrip 28 and upper tube 26.

Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective and elevation views, respectively of the luggage of Fig. 1A with the grip handle in a carry position.

Figs. 3C, 3D and 3E are perspective, elevation, and top views of the luggage of Fig. 1A with the grip handle in a guide position.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the pull handle of Fig. 2A in a fully retracted position.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the pull handle of Fig. 2A in an extended position.

Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the lower tube.

Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the pull handle near the base bracket.

Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the pull handle near the guide member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring to Fig. 1A, a hard sided luggage case 2 includes a front panel 4, a rear panel 6, a top panel 8, a bottom panel 10, a right side panel 12, and a left side panel 14. The panels are connected to each other to form the luggage case housing. The luggage case may also include a closure mechanism 16, such as a zipper that extends along the central portions of the side panels and the top and bottom panels, and defines a line of closure, which divides the luggage case into two shell portions. A hinge 52, as shown in Fig. 3A, for pivotally connecting the two shell portions is positioned along a length of the zipper. The zipper can be unzipped to allow the two shell portions to pivot about the hinge portion to allow access to the interior. Various types of closure mechanisms and hinge structures are acceptable. The luggage case preferably also includes four spinner type wheels 18 as shown, or may include other wheel structures, to allow the user or towing the luggage case at an angle, or to guide it along in an upright position. The luggage case may also include a side carry handle 20 on a side panel. While described herein with reference to a hard sided luggage case having spinner wheels, the improvements described herein may also be advantageously implemented on other types of luggage, including soft side cases, hybrid cases, backpacks, and duffle bags.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 1A-D, an extendable pull handle 22 may be aligned along the outside of the rear panel 6 of the luggage case. Alternatively, the pull handle 22 may also be aligned along the rear panel 6 but positioned inside the luggage case.

[0039] The extendable pull handle 22 may include a lower member, also referred to in this example as a lower tube 24, and an upper member, also referred to in this example as an upper tube 26, arranged in telescopic relationship with each other. The pull handle 22 also may include a handgrip 28 which may be received in a recessed housing and flush with the top panel 8 when fully retracted. Alternatively, the grip portion 38 may also be positioned in a recessed housing sufficiently deep to be below flush with the top panel 8 when fully retracted. The recessed housing, in some examples, may have a shape closely matching the peripheral shape of the handgrip 28 (when viewed from above). For instance, as shown in Fig. 1C, the perimeter of the recessed housing has a generally triangular shape. In some embodiments, the pull handle 22 may also include an intermediate tube coupled between the lower tube 24 and the upper tube 26 to allow further extension of the pull handle 22. The upper 26 and lower 24 tubes may be characterized generally as elongated members, and may be hollow, or one or the other of the upper 26 and lower 24 tubes may be substantially solid in cross section so long as they are movable relative to their respective lengths, such as by moving telescopically relative to one another.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 2A-2E, the pull handle 22 includes a base bracket 30 and an upper bracket 32, which are respectively configured to attach the pull handle 22 to the luggage case. In this example the pull handle 22 is attached to the rear panel 6, and preferably at the center of the rear panel

[0041] Referring to Figs. 2A-F, the hand grip 28 extends from the top of the single pole extendable pull handle 22 in a complex 3D curve shape and is ergonomically user friendly as both a carry handle and a pull handle 22. In particular, the hand grip 28 extends from a top end 58A of the upper tube 26, with a conversion portion 56 positioned between the top end and a lower end 58B of the hand grip 28. The hand grip 28 can be used as a carry handle when in the "carry position" (Fig. 3A), such as when it extends inwardly over the top panel 8, or can be used to tow the luggage case when in the "guide position" (Fig. 3C), such as when it extends in a direction away from the top panel 8, as described in more detail below.

[0042] The handgrip 28 may include a base portion 34, a grip portion 38, and a transition portion 36, all having a generally cylindrical cross section. The base portion 34, or first section, extends from the top end of the upper tube 26 and curves in three dimensions such that it extends away from the upper tube 26. The grip portion 38 (or second section) extends from the base portion 34 at an angle relative to the base portion 34, and has a somewhat rectangular cross section to aid in gripping by the user. The interface between the base portion 34 and the grip portion 38 is referred to as a transition portion 36. The grip portion 38 defines a free end 40 forming the terminus of the handgrip 28. In this example the grip portion 38 extends in a linear shape, and is substantially parallel to the top panel 8 of the luggage case. In other examples, the grip portion 38 may be curved, or itself define a shape such as a solid oval or a hollow circle. In this example, the transition portion 36 is curved, and smoothly blends into the unitary shape of the handgrip 28. In other examples, the transition portion 36 may be a discrete section of the handgrip 28 and define a noticeable structural transition between the base portion 34 and the grip portion 38. While shown and described herein as having a generally cylindrical cross section, each of the grip portion 38, base portion 34 and transition portion 36 may have a different or same cross section from the other, which may include a non-cylindrical cross section, a square, oval or rectangular cross section, or the like. While the user may typically grip the handgrip 28 to carry or guide the luggage case, the user may also grip other parts of the pull handle 22, including the upper tube, conversion portion, base portion, and/or transition portion to carry or guide the luggage case.

[0043] In the carry position, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B the upper tube 26 is extended from the lower tube 24 a predetermined distance, and the grip portion 38 is spaced above the top panel 8 a sufficient distance for a user to grasp the grip portion 38 firmly. The grip portion 38 is also positioned generally over the central region 60 of the top panel 8 and is generally aligned with the center of gravity of the luggage case. The curvature of the base portion 34 in three dimensions away from the top of the upper tube 26 provides additional displacement (compared to a simple curve in two dimensions) of the grip portion 38 from the rear panel 6 of the luggage case and towards the central region 60 of the top panel 8, providing better balance for the luggage case when carried. In conventional luggage cases, the handgrip 28 of the pull handle 22 is positioned near a peripheral edge of the luggage case, creating a more unbalanced load when lifted.

[0044] The grip portion 38, in the carry position, is shown as being generally parallel to the line of closure, as well as parallel to the top panel 8 of the luggage case. Either one of these orientations, or both together, provide a grip position that aids the user in carrying the luggage case. The grip portion 38 may have a different orientation relative to the line of closure and the top panel 8. The line of closure 16 and the plane of the back panel of the luggage case, in this example, are parallel to one another, so the grip portion may also be parallel to the grip portion 38. In other examples, the line of closure and back panel may not be parallel to one another, so the grip portion 38 may be parallel to one but not the other. Also, the top panel may not be generally horizontally aligned and parallel to the grip portion 38.

[0045] In one example, in both the fully retracted and carry positions, the hand grip 28 is not rotatable relative to the lower tube 24, and the rotational position of the hand grip 28 remains fixed. This is beneficial because it provides improved structural properties for carrying the luggage case in the carry handle configuration. In other examples, the handgrip 28 may be rotatable relative to the lower tube 24 in the carry position if such function is desired. In at least one example, in addition to the grip handle 28 described herein, there may also be one or more traditional carry handles mounted on the luggage case, including on the top panel of the luggage case, for use in carrying or otherwise moving the luggage case.

[0046] In the guide position, as shown in Figs. 3C, 3D, and 3E, the upper tube 26 is extended from the lower tube 24 to a fully extended position, which is a greater distance than for the carry position. In this fully extended position, the hand grip 28 may be rotated relative to the lower tube 24 to extend away from the luggage case, approximately 180 degrees of rotation from the carry position (at 0 degrees rotation). In the guide position, the luggage case may be towed on two wheels, or may be maneuvered on its spinner wheels. The guide position provides benefits for use with spinner wheels because the length of the grip portion 38 is generally bisected by the axis A of the extendable tubes. In this relative position, the force applied by the user's hand to push the luggage case forwardly or rearwardly (with the luggage case orthogonal to the direction of motion) is along the axis D that is then applied to the center line of the luggage case. This aids in both straight line motion, as well as controlling the motion of the luggage case on a curved path. The user may also, to guide the luggage case, grip the base portion 34, transition portion, conversion portion, and/or the upper tube to provide an alternative steering input. Also, for further additional steering inputs, the hand grip 28 may be rotatably aligned in different positions around the axis A of the pull handle, as is described in additional detail below, based on the comfort and tendencies of the user.

[0047] The orientation of the handgrip 28 is maintained by an engagement mechanism positioned adjacent the bottom end of the top tube. The handgrip 28 may be oriented in any selected position between 0 and 180 degrees as allowed by the engagement mechanism. In this example the top tube and handgrip 28 are configured to rotate as a common unit. In some examples the upper tube 26 and handgrip 28 are formed as one structural unit and are integrally formed by continuous material. In another example, the upper tube 26 and the handgrip 28 may be one structural unit, but may be formed from separate structures joined together to rotate as one unit relative to the lower tube 24. The fully extended position noted above is intended to include lower and upper (and optionally intermediate) positions shorter than the total length attained by the tubes when positioned at their extreme limits, however the total extension length to be considered "fully extended" must be greater than the extension length while in the "carry position."

[0048] Referring back to Fig. 2A, the base portion 34 and the grip portion 38 form an acute angle when measured in the plane of the side view. Additionally, the base portion 34 and the grip portion 38 form an acute angle α when measured in the plane view above, such as in Fig. 2D. Also, in this example, since the base portion 34 is curved and the transition portion 36 is curved, and together form a complex curve, the grip portion 38 and the base portion 34 forms an acute angle ß in three dimensions. It is noted that these acute angles may vary with the length of the grip portion 38 and the depth of the luggage as shown in Fig. 1C. For a given depth of the luggage, when the length of the grip portion 38 increases, the angle between the grip portion 38 and the base portion 34 decreases. Larger angles may create less of a stress load on the transition region between the grip portion 38 and the base portion 34 during use, but also take up more space than a handle having a smaller angle. In some embodiments, the angle may vary between 20° and 80°, preferably 30° and 60°.

[0049] The extendable pull handle 22 also includes an engagement mechanism to selectively secure the length of extendable handle members, such as the upper 26 and lower 24 tubes, relative to one another. The extendable pull handle 22 may include an engagement member 62, such as an extendable/retractable pin, that is actuable by the engagement mechanism to be received in an aperture or through-hole formed in the lower tube 24 to secure the relative length of extension of the upper 26 and lower 24 tubes.

[0050] A button 52 positioned on the handle grip, such as that shown in Fig. 3C, and may be actuated by the user to cause the engagement mechanism to affect the engagement member 62 as described below. For instance, when actuated or pressed the button 52 causes the engagement mechanism to extract the engagement member 62 from the aperture and allow the upper 26 and lower 24 tubes to move relative to one another. Releasing the button 52 actuates the engagement mechanism to cause the engagement member 62 to be received in an aperture with which it is aligned to secure the relative positions of the extendable tubes. Examples of relative positions contemplated herein include a fully retracted position without any extension, a slightly extended carry position, and/or at least one fully extended guide position.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 2B, the lower tube 24 may include a first aperture 44 for receiving the engagement member 62 when the extendable pull handle 22 is a fully retracted position. The lower tube 24 may also include a second aperture 46 for receiving the engagement member 62 to lengthen the extendable pull handle 22 by a small amount to the carry position. At this position, the upper tube 26 cannot rotate. As shown in Figs. 4A and B, the extendable pull handle 22 may automatically move from the fully retracted position (Fig. 1A) to the carry position (Fig. 3A) under the biasing force of a coil spring 66 positioned and compressed between the lower end of the lower tube 24 and the guide collar 66 when in the fully retracted position. When the user wishes to move from the retracted position to the carry position, the button 52 is actuated to extract the engagement member 62 from the first aperture 44. Once the engagement member 62 is retracted, the coil spring 66 biases the upper tube 26 upwardly within the lower tube 24 until the engagement member 62 aligns with and extends into the second aperture 46, which fixes the upper and lower tube 24 relative to one another. This effect results in the handgrip 28 extending from the fully retracted position to the carry position without any upward force applied to the handle by the user.

[0052] The lower tube 24 may also include a third aperture for receiving the engagement member 62 to lengthen the extendable pull handle 22 by a larger amount, past the carry position to the guide position. At this position, the upper tube 26 may rotate relative to the lower tube 24. As noted above, there may be more than one position longer than the carry position where the upper tube 26 may be secured after rotating relative to the lower tube 24. The lower tube 24 may include a number of apertures, for instance the aperture 48 shown in Fig. 2B, at intermediate positions between the guide position and the carry position.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a guide collar 66 may be coupled to the lower end of upper tube 26. The guide collar 66 acts as a spacer and bearing surface between the upper tube 26 and the lower tube 24 during relative movement. The guide collar 66 may also incorporate a portion of the engagement mechanism, as well as house the engagement member 62 (such as the pin) that is used in securing the upper tube 26 relative to the lower tube 24, as described herein. The guide defines a slot 72 in its outer perimeter extending in the direction of relative movement between the upper 26 and lower 24 tubes. A pair of spaced ribs 70 extends along a portion of the length of the inner surface of the lower tube 24. The slot 72 in the guide collar 66 is aligned to receive the spaced ribs 70 when the lower and upper tube 26s is assembled together. The ribs 70 extend along the lower tube 24 to be engaged with the guide collar 66 when the upper tube 26 is in the fully retracted position, the carry position, and up to just below the guide position. During relative movement of the upper and lower tube 24, the engagement of the ribs 70 and the slot 72 form an alignment mechanism which keeps the guide collar 66, and thus the upper tube 26, from rotating relative to the lower tube 24 for the length of the ribs 70.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 5A, the ribs 70 terminate near the top of the lower tube 24, and below the third aperture 50. The guide collar 66, however, when the extendable handle is in the guide position, moves past the end of the ribs 70 and is thus no longer restricted in rotational movement relative to the lower tube 24. The engagement mechanism noted above may be utilized to secure the upper tube 26 in a rotational position relative to the lower tube 24 by causing the engagement member 62 to be received in the third aperture 50 (or one of a plurality of apertures) formed at desired rotational positions along the upper portion of the lower tube 24. For instance, as shown in Figs. 2B and 2C, the third aperture 50 and a fourth aperture 42 are positioned on opposite sides of the lower tube 24. The third aperture 50 is used to secure the upper tube 26 and hand grip 28 in a position extending over the luggage case without rotation (such as that position shown in Fig. 3A, but with the extendable pull handle 22 further extended to the guide position), and the other opposite fourth aperture 42 is used to secure the upper tube 26 and hand grip 28 in the guide position after a rotation of 180° (see Fig. 3C). Other apertures may be incorporated around the circumference of the top end of the lower tube to allow the hand grip 28 to be rotated to different rotational positions determined by the placement of the additional apertures. The engagement mechanism may selectively engage an additional aperture for this purpose. For instance, the hand group 28 may be rotated such that the grip portion 38 extends at an angle to the line of separation, or to the plane defined by the back panel, other than being parallel to either one or both of them, for instance the grip portion 38 may be perpendicular there to, or may be at an acute or obtuse angle thereto.

[0055] The 3-dimensional curved shape of the handgrip 28 makes the pull handle 22 more ergonomically user-friendly than conventional handgrip 28s. However, it is difficult to use conventional plastics, such as polypropylene or polyamide, for fabrication of such shapes exhibiting sufficient strength for the intended use. The transition portion of the hand grip 28 is subject to significant stresses during testing and use, and may fail if not sufficiently strong. The use of carbon reinforced plastic composite is suitable for fabricating the 3-dimension curved shape of the handgrip 28 having suitable strength. Fig. 2E shows the hand grip 28 and upper tube 26 as an integral structural member 54 formed with carbon reinforced plastic composite, which structure has suitable strength and stiffness for this application. The integration of the hand grip 28 with the upper tube 26 may also allow for reduced costs associated with assembly, as well as weight savings, as well as enhanced strength and durability. The integrated handgrip 28 and upper tube 26 may be fabricated in such a way as to allow the button 52 and related mechanisms, such as a wire or linkage, to be received within the handgrip and upper tube 26 and allowed to operate as necessary to actuate the engagement mechanism as noted above.

[0056] The integrated handgrip 28 and upper tube 26 may also be formed of continuous woven carbon fiber reinforced plastic. This material may provide better strength and stiffness than discontinuous fibers or non-woven fibers. Also, since carbon fibers are lighter than aluminium, the total weight of the handgrip 28 and the upper tube 26 may still be lighter than the total weight of a conventional plastic handgrip 28 and the aluminium upper tube 26.

[0057] The composite for fabricating the handgrip 28 and upper tube 26 may include carbon fibers ranging in volume fractions (vol%) of 40% to 75%, and preferably 50% to 70%. The weight fractions (wt%) of the fibers range generally between 30% to 85% when using epoxy resin with a density d of 1.2 g/cm³, and more particularly 48% to 76%, or when using polyamide 12 (PA12) with a density of 1.04 g/cm³ range generally between 40% and 90%, and more particularly between 52% to 79%, as shown in the table below:

	Volume fraction (%)	40	53	57	62	70
PA12 (d = 1.04)	Weight fraction	52	64	68	72	79
Epoxy (d = 1.2)	weight fraction	48	61	65	69	76

[0058] With increased amount of carbon fibers, the pull handgrip 28 and upper tube 26 would have higher strength and stiffness. In another example, the handgrip 28 may be formed of another material, such as metal, reinforced plastic, plastic, wood, or other materials having sufficient strength and stiffness. The upper tube 26 may or may not be formed of the same material, and may be a separate member suitably attached to the handgrip 28.

[0059] A thermoplastic reinforced with carbon fibers may be used to integrally fabricate the handgrip 28 and the upper tube 26 integrally. The thermoplastic may be a single plastic such as polyamide or a polymer blend. The thermoplastic is a matrix that embeds the continuous carbon fibers to provide the composite with impact resistance or toughness. The method includes laying up the carbon fibers, and molding the thermoplastic with the carbon fibers to form an integrated composite component. The method may include injection molding or compression molding.

[0060] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as not limiting the scope of the invention.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Claims

1. An extendable handle assembly (22) for a luggage article (2), the luggage article defining a back panel (6) and a top panel (8), the handle assembly (22) comprising:

a lower tube (24) coupled to the luggage article (2) and extending adjacent to the back panel (6);

an upper tube (26) telescopically received within the lower tube (24) and configured to extend from the lower tube (24);

a hand grip (28) extending from the upper tube (26) and defining a first section (34) extending away from the upper tube (26) and a second section (38) attached to and extending away from a transition portion (36) connecting to the first section to form an angle with the first section and defining a free end (40); and

the upper tube (26) and the handgrip (28) configured to rotate together.

2. An extendable handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hand grip (28) and the upper tube (26) are integrally formed, preferably from a reinforced plastic composite, more preferably a carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite.

3. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper tube (26) and the handgrip (28) rotate about the axis of the upper tube.

4. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper tube (26) extends from the lower tube (24) a first amount to a carry position and extends from the lower tube (24) a second amount to an extended position.

5. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an intermediate tube coupled between the lower tube (24) and the upper tube (26) such that the extendable handle assembly can extend by the intermediate tube a third amount.

6. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the carry position the hand grip (28) is spaced apart from the top panel (8) a first amount and the upper tube (26) is rotationally fixed relative to the lower tube (24).

7. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the guide position the hand grip (28) is spaced apart from the top panel (8) a second amount and the upper tube (26) is rotatable relative to the lower tube (24).

8. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section of the handgrip (28) is positioned near the central region (60) of the top panel (8) of the luggage article in the carry position.

9. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper and lower tubes (24, 26) are positioned near the center of the back panel of the luggage article.

10. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section is configured to extend diagonally, preferably diagonally upwardly and/or laterally at an angle from the upper tube (26).

11. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section of the hand grip (28) is configured to extend over the central region (60) of the top panel (8) when the hand grip (28) is in the carry position and/or is configured to extend outwardly away from the top panel (8) and/or over the central region (60) of the top panel (8) when the hand grip (28) is in the guide position.

12. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section forms an acute angle with the first section.

13. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip portion (38) extends to lock in the carry position and return to the fully retracted position, wherein the grip portion (38) extends to the guide position and rotates to extend away from the top panel (8) and lock in the guide position and return to the fully retracted position, the guide position being on an opposing side of the upper tube (26) to the carry position.

14. An extendable handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (34) and upper tube (26) are connected by a curved conversion region (56), and wherein the first and second sections are connected together by the curved transition portion (36).

15. A luggage article (2) formed with the extendable handle assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the extendable handle assembly (22) is mounted inside the luggage or outside the luggage.

Drawing