Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
Pivotal Handle for Towable Baggage
Cross Reference to Related Applications
This application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial
No.
10/238,390, United States Patent Application Serial No. 10/072,042, and United
States Patent
Application Serial No. 09/705,171. The entire disclosure of all these
references is herein
incorporated by reference.
B aclc rg ound
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the field of hand towable travel baggage. More
particularly,
this invention pertains to a towing member having a towing handle that is
pivotally attached to
an arm portion of the towing member and can be locked into a plurality of
positions. The pivotal
connection between the towing handle and the arm portion of the towing member
allows a
person to hold the towing handle in a position that is more comfortable than
would otherwise be
possible when towing a piece of baggage along a surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is common for many varieties of baggage to be equipped with one or more
wheels that
enable the baggage to be towed by persons when traveling. Typically, a towable
piece of
baggage is also provided with a towing member having an arm portion that
connects a towing
handle to the piece of baggage. The length of the arm portion connecting the
towing handle to
the piece of baggage prevents the baggage from coming into contact with the
person's legs and
feet as the piece of baggage is being towed.
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
Baggage that are not permanently equipped with either wheels or towing members
can
also be towed using portable towing carts. A typical cart can be removably
secured to a piece of
baggage to provide wheels and a towing member for towing the piece of baggage.
Regardless of whether a towing member is an integral part of a piece of
baggage or
whether it is part of a towing cart, the majority of towing members allow a
towing handle to be
selectively extended from and retracted toward a piece of baggage being towed.
The ability to
extend and retract the towing member allows the towing member to be
unobtrusive when the
piece of baggage is not being towed. Furthermore, with the towing member in
the retracted
position, the piece of baggage can more easily be placed into the tnu~lc of an
automobile or into
an overhead compartment of an airplane when traveling.
In those cases where the wheels and the towing member of towable baggage are
permanently secured to the baggage, it is common for a wheeled piece of
baggage to have an
extendable towing member comprised of a pair of parallel telescoping poles,
bridged by a towing
handle, that slide into separate vertically oriented tubular receptacles
rigidly attached to an
interior compartment of the piece of the baggage. It is also l~nown to utilize
a single-pole
telescoping tow member that extends and retracts from a single htbular
receptacle centrally
positioned between the wheels of a piece of baggage. In either situation, a
piece of baggage
having a permanently secured towing member typically has a receptacle for the
towing handle
such that the towing handle lies flush with an exterior surface of the piece
of baggage when the
towing member is retracted. This prevents the towing handle from being
obtrusive and reduces
the chance of snagging the towing handle on other items, while also improving
the aesthetic
appearance of the piece of baggage when the piece of baggage is not being
towed.
2
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
Perhaps more common of towing carts, other types of baggage utilize non-
telescoping
extendable towing members such as bars or poles that are hinged to swing
relative to the piece of
baggage. Typically, such hinged towing members have some form of clasp that
holds the towing
member against a side of the piece of baggage when the baggage is not being
towed and that
releases the towing member, when desired, to allow the towing member to pivot
upwardly into
an extended position.
Regardless of the type of towing member, extendable towing members are usually
provided with a mechanism for locking the towing member in the extended
position. Such
locking mechanisms are well known in the art and include such devices as
spring-loaded detents,
cam loclcs, and other interference locks. Some locking mechanisms are
unlocleed by manually
operating a release mechanism. Other locking mechanisms, such as many spring-
loaded detent
mechanisms, are automatically released by simply exerting a force on the
towing handle that is
sufficient to retract the detent. Additionally, some towing members have
loclcing mechanisms
that are capable of locking the towing member in the retracted position.
Despite the convenience of being able to tow a piece of baggage as opposed to
carrying it
when traveling, towing a piece of baggage can be awkward and uncomfortable.
One reason that
towing a piece of baggage can be uncomfortable lies in the positioning and the
shape of the
towing handle of most towing members. As mentioned above, it is common for the
towing
handle of dual-pole towing members to be a bridge spanning between the poles.
Such towing
handles are therefore generally oriented horizontal to the surface upon which
the piece of
baggage is being towed and extend perpendicular to the path along which the
piece of baggage is
being towed. In this configuration, a person must generally grasp the towing
handle behind his
of her back with his or her wrist rotated to almost its limit of rotation in
either direction. When
3
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
towing such baggage long distances, this position can become uncomfortable,
and such persons
often find it necessary to switch hands one or more times to prevent fatigue.
Regardless of the disadvantages in comfort associated with the towing handle
configuration as described above, alternative orientations of the towing
handles are often not
available without compromising other aspects of the utility of such devices.
For example,
shaping the handle of an extendable towing member in a manner that would be
more comfortable
is lil~ely to cause the handle to protrude from the piece baggage or require a
larger receptacle for
the handle when the towing member is retracted. Another disadvantage
associated with the
towing handle configuration described above is that, due to the grasp needed
to hold onto the
towing handle, the maneuverability of a towed piece of baggage becomes limited
by the person's
inability to further twist his or her wrist.
Summary of the Invention
The towing member of the present invention is configured for use in
combination with a
piece of towable baggage. In accordance with the present invention, a towing
member is
provided with a towing handle that is pivotally connected to an arm portion of
the towing
member about at least one axis and that in some embodiments may be locl~ed
into predetermined
positions.
The relative movement between the towing handle and the arm portion of the
towing
member allows a person to grasp the towing handle in a comfortable position
when towing a
piece of baggage. Additionally, the relative movement between the towing
handle and the arm
portion of the towing member~may increase the maneuverability of a towed piece
of baggage by
eliminating the need for a person to adjust his or her grip on the towing
handle when attempting
to redirect the piece of baggage. Furthermore, the relative movement between
the towing handle
4
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
and the arm portion allows the towing handle to be repositioned when the arm
portion is .
retracted such that it is unobtrusive and does not otherwise interfere with
the use of the piece of
baggage.
In general, the towing member of the present invention comprises an arm
portion and a
towing handle. The ann portion is configured to connect the towing handle to a
piece of baggage
and the towing handle is connected to the ann portion in a mamier such that
the towing handle
can pivot relative to the ann portion. In a first embodiment of the invention,
the arm portion
utilizes a curved, single-pole telescoping member that enables the towing
handle to be selectively
extended from and retracted toward a piece of baggage. The towing handle of
the first
embodiment is T-shaped and a pivot mechanism allows the handle to pivot about
a center-axis of
the arm portion that is defined by the length of the arm portion.
By enabling the towing handle to pivot about the center-axis of arm portion,
the towing
handle of the first embodiment can be pivoted such that its crossbar or hand
grip portion extends
up and back relative to a person using the towing member to tow a piece of
baggage. Thus,
unlilce towing members having handles oriented horizontally and side-to-side,
the towing handle
of the first embodiment can be grasped by a person with their hand by their
side and with their
palm facing their waist. Thus, the towing handle of the first embodiment can
be grasped in a
natural and comfortable manner similar to how one carnes a briefcase. The
slope up and back of
the hand grip provides additional comfort by allowing a person to position his
or her wrist in the
middle of its range of motion. Additionally, the pivoting relative motion
between the towing
handle and the arm portion reduces the need for a person to twist his or her
wrist when
maneuvering the piece of baggage.
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
The towing member of the first embodiment is adapted to be permanently secured
to a
piece of baggage and preferably comprises a receptacle for recessing the
towing handle therein
when it is desirable to retract the towing handle. When so doing, the towing
handle can be
pivoted such that the hand grip is oriented horizontally and side-to-side,
which is generally
preferable for recessing towing handles due to preferred placement of towing
members
immediately adjacent an exterior surface of the baggage.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the arm portion has a length with
opposite
proximal and distal ends and the proximal end of the arm portion is
operatively secured to a
piece of baggage. The towing handle of the second embodiment is operatively
connected to the
distal end of the arm portion for pivoting movement of the towing handle about
at least two pivot
axes relative to the amn portion. Because the towing handle of the second
embodiment of the
towing member is able to pivot about at least two pivot axes relative to the
arm portion, the
second embodiment of the towing member provides all of the benefits as
discussed above in
reference to the first embodiment, but is also an improvement thereon.
In a third embodiment of the invention, a towing member comprising, a towing
handle,
an arm portion operatively connected to the towing handle, a pivot mechanism,
and a locking
mechanism. The ann portion is configured and adapted to secure the towing
handle to a piece of
baggage. The pivot mechanism connects the towing handle to the ann portion in
a manner that
allows the towing handle to be pivoted about a pivot axis relative to part of
the arm portion that
is spaced from and external of the piece of baggage when the towing handle is
secured to the
piece of baggage via the arm portion. The locking mechanism is operatively
connected to the
towing handle and the arm portion and is also selectively moveable between a
locked position
and an unlocked position relative to the arm portion. The loclcing mechanism
limits the pivoting
6
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
of the towing handle about the pivot axis relative to the part of the arm
portion when it is in the
locked position but does not limit the pivoting of the towing handle about the
pivot axis when it
is in the unlocked position.
In the fourth embodiment, the ann portion has a length with opposite proximal
and distal
ends and the proximal end of the am portion is operatively secured to a piece
of baggage. The
towing handle of the fourth embodiment is operatively connected to the distal
end of the arm
portion for pivoting movement of the towing handle about at least two pivot
axes relative to the
arm portion and further includes a loclcing mechanism. The loclcing mechanism
is operatively
connected to the towing handle and the arm portion. The locking mechanism is
also selectively
moveable between a loclced position and an unlocked position relative to the
arm portion. When
locked, the locking mechanism prevents motion in the two axes. When unloclced,
the locking
mechanism releases motion in at least one axis, and preferably releases motion
in both axes. The
locking mechanism may also release the components of the arm portion to
telescope back within
each other.
While the principle advantages and features of the present invention have been
described
above, a more complete and thorough understanding and appreciation for the
invention may be
attained by referring to the drawings and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments,
which follow.
Brief Description off the Drawings
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the towing member of the first embodiment
secured to a
wheeled backpack with the arm portion in an extended position and with the
towing handle
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
rotated relative to the arm portion such that the hand grip of the towing
handle lies in a generally
vertical plane that includes the center-axis of the arm portion.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the towing member of the first embodiment
secured to a
wheeled baclcpaclc with the arm portion in a retracted position and with the
towing handle rotated
relative to the arm poution such that the hand grip of the towing handle is
horizontally oriented.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the towing handle of the towing member of the first
embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the towing handle and pivot mechanism of the
towing
member of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the towing handle and pivot mechanism of the towing
member
of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, partial view of the towing member of the first
embodiment
showing the assembly of the towing handle to the arm portion.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the towing member of the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a partial elevation view of the towing member of the second
embodiment
showing the towing handle and the distal end of the am portion in a first
orientation of the
towing handle relative to the arm portion.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the towing member of the second embodiment
taken
about the line 9-9 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is a pautial side view of the towing member of the second embodiment
showing
the towing handle and the distal end of the aim portion in the first
orientation of the towing
handle relative to the arm portion.
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the towing member of the second embodiment
showing
the towing handle and the distal end of the ann portion with the towing handle
in a second
orientation relative to the arm portion.
FIG. 12 is an exploded assembly view of the towing handle and connector of the
third
embodiment of the towing member.
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the towing handle and connector of the third
embodiment
shown with the handle loclced in its first position relative to the comlector.
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the towing handle and connector of the third
embodiment
shown with the handle unlocked in its first position relative to the
connector.
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the towing handle and connector of the third
embodiment
shown with the handle unlocked and between its first and second loclcable
positions relative to
the connector.
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the towing handle and connector of the third
embodiment
shown with the handle loclced in its second position relative to the
connector.
FIG. 17A is an isometric view of the towing handle and comiector of the fourth
embodiment with the handle in a first locked position.
FIG. 17B is an isometric view of the towing handle and connector of the fourth
embodiment in a second locked position where only a single pivot axis has been
used relative to
the position of FIG. 17A.
FIG. 17C is an isometric view of the towing handle and connector of the fourth
embodiment with the handle in a third locked position where both pivot axes
have been used
relative to the position of FIG. 17A.
9
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
FIG. 18 is a view of the towing handle and connector of the fourth embodiment
showing
the entire structure.
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 showing detail of
the handle
area.
FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 showing the internal
structure of
the two directional (two axis) locking mechanism of the handle grip.
FIG. 21A is a, detailed cutaway view of the same segment as FIG. 20 at a
slightly
different angle showing structure of the two axis locking mechanism in the
locked position.
FIG. 21B is the same view as FIG. 21A except that the locking mechanism is in
the
unloclced position.
FIG. 22 shows a detailed view of the paddle structure.
FIG. 23 is a cutaway view of the same segment as FIG. 21A but with one of the
end caps
removed to show additional internal structure.
FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the exploded portion of FIG. 18 showing the
exploded
~ constniction at the proximal end of the first tubular section.
FIG. 25 is a reverse angle of the view of FIG. 24
Reference characters in the written specification indicate corresponding parts
throughout
the several views of the drawings.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The first embodiment of the towing member of the invention is specifically
adapted and configured to be an integral part of a piece of baggage. As shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the towing member (20) of the first embodiment is attached to a wheeled
backpack (22) and is
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
comprised of an arm portion (24), a towing handle (26), and a pivot mechanism
(28). Although
shown attached to a wheeled backpack, the towing member is not limited to this
use and can be
used with other types of wheeled baggage, any type of wheeled bag, and/or with
wheeled carts
for baggage.
As shown in FIG. 1, the arm portion (24) of the first embodiment is a curved,
retractable
single-pole telescoping member formed by a plurality of slidably engaged
tubular sections (30),
(32), (34). The tubular sections (30), (32), (34) each have an elliptical or
oval cross-section and
are configured to slide one inside the other in a telescoping manner. To
reduce wear and provide
sufficient strength, the tubular sections (30), (32), (34) are preferably made
of steel, aluminum,
or other suitable materials. The tubular section (34) having the largest cross-
section is fixed to
inside of the backpack (22) and the remaining tubular sections (30), (32)
telescope therefrom
along an arcuate path that defines a center axis A-A along the length of the
arm portion (24). A
locking mechanism (not shown) is preferably configured to automatically lock
the arm portion
(24) in the extended position once the arm portion is fully extended. Such
locking mechanisms
are well known in the art and the specific type of loclcing mechanism is not
relevant to the
operation of the towing member. Opposite the tubular section (34) that is
fixed to the backpaclc
(22), the distal tubular section (30) having the smallest cross-section has an
end (38) that remains
free to support the towing handle (26). A pair of holes (39) are provided
adjacent the free end
(38) to secure the towing handle (26) to the ann portion (24) as described
below.
The towing handle (26) is preferably T-shaped and is preferably formed of a
polymeric
material. The T-shape of the towing handle (26) is formed by a stem (40) that
preferably extends
perpendicularly from a crossbar or hand grip (42) along a center axis B-B of
the stem. The stem
(40) of the towing handle (26) terminates at a flat, circular bearing surface
(44) that is
11
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
perpendicular to the center axis. A cylindrical through-hole (46) extends
along the center axis
through the stem (40) and hand grip (42). A counter-bore (52) is preferably
formed into the
towing handle (26) at the top of the through-hole (46). The bearing surface
(44), the tltrough-
hole (46), and the counter-bore (52) of the towing handle (26) form portions
of the pivot
mechanism (28) as described below. Finally, a recessed cavity (48) and a pair
of blind holes (50)
are preferably formed in the top of the towing handle (26) to receive a
release mechanism (not
shown) for unloclcing a loclcing mechanism used with the arm portion (24).
Although the first
embodiment of the towing handle is T-shaped, other shapes could be used. For
example, the
stem could extend from one end of the hand grip and curve such that the
bearing surface (44) is
centered relative to the hand grip or two stems could extend from the opposite
ends of the hand
grip and curve to join at a bearing surface.
W addition to the bearing surface (44), the through-hole (46), and the counter-
bore (52) of
the towing handle (26), the pivot mechanism (28) preferably comprises a
connector (54), a
journal-pin or pivot pin (56), and a nut (58). Like the towing handle (26),
the connector (54) is
preferably formed of a polymeric material and preferably has an upper, flat
circular bearing
surface (60) at one end and a base (62) at its opposite end. The bearing
surface (60) of the
connector (54) is preferably equal in area to the area of the bearing surface
(44) of the towing
handle (26). The connector (54) also has a center-bore (64) having a diameter
equal to the
diameter of the through-hole (46) of the towing handle (26) that extends
through the connector
(54) perpendicularly from the bearing surface (60). The base (62) of the
connector (54) has a
cross-section similar to the cross-section of the free end (38) of the
smallest tubular section (30)
and terminates at an annular rim (66). A pair of parallel flats (68) are
formed on opposite sides
12
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
of the base (62) parallel to the center-bore (64) and a pair of coaxial blind-
holes (70) extend
perpendicularly into the flats (68).
The journal-pin (56) of the pivot mechanism (28) is preferably formed of steel
or
aluminum and has an outer cylindrical diameter substantially equal to the
diameter of the
through-hole (46) of the towing handle (26) and the center bore (64) of the
connector (54). The
journal-pin (56) preferably has a head (72) at one of its opposite axial ends
and a threaded
portion (74) at the other of its opposite axial ends. The threaded portion
(74) is configured for
receiving the nut (58) of the pivot mechanism (28). The journal-pin (56) also
preferably has an
axial through-hole or center bore (76).
As shown in FIG. 6, the towing member (20) of the first embodiment is
assembled by
passing the journal-pin (56) through the through-hole (46) of the towing
handle (26) and the
center-bore (64) of the connector (54) with the head (72) of the journal-pin
recessed in the
counter-bore (52) of the towing handle (26) and the nut (58) threaded on the
threaded portion
(74) of the pin. Thus, the journal-pin (56) attaches the towing handle (26) to
the connector (54)
in a manner such that the bearing surface (44) of the towing handle (26) is in
a flush, rotational
sliding engagement with the bearing surface (60) of the connector (54). The
base (62) of the
connector (54) is inserted into the free end (38) of the smallest telescoping
section (30) until the
rim (66) of the connector is engaged with the free end. The connector (54) is
preferably secured
to the free end (38) of the telescoping section (30) by a pair of screws or
rivets (78) passing
through the holes (39) of the free end (38) into the blind-holes (70) of the
connector (54).
However, other means of connection could be used. The connector secured to the
free end (38)
of the telescoping section (30) defines the distal end of the arm portion
(24).
13
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
Configured as describe above, the journal-pin (56) is aligned with the center-
axis A-A of
the arm portion (24) and the towing handle (26) is free to pivot thereabout.
The configuration of
the telescoping tubular sections (30), (32), (34) allows the arm portion (24)
to be movable
between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended
position as shown in
FIG. 1, the towing handle (26) is positioned away from the backpack (22),
thereby allowing a
person to tow the backpack without the baclcpack coming into. contact with the
person's feet. In
the retracted position, the tubular sections (30), (32), (34) of the arm
portion (24) are retracted
into each other and the towing handle (26) is thereby retracted into a
receptacle (80) provided in
the top of baclcpaclc (22), as shown in FIG. 2. The shape of the towing handle
(26) allows a
person to grip the hand grip (42) in his or her palm with the stem (40)
extending between the
person's index finger and his or her middle forger when towing the backpack
(22). Furthermore,
the towing handle (26) can be pivoted such that the hand grip (42) of the
towing handle extends
up and back, thereby allowing a person to grasp the towing handle without
twisting his or her
wrist. Furthermore, when stowing or wearing the backpack (22), the towing
handle (26) can be
pivoted and retracted into the receptacle (80) of the backpack where it lies
flush and is wlikely
to become snagged or hooked on other items. The recess (48) and blind-holes
(50) in the towing
handle (26) and the center bore (76) of the pivot pin (56) allow a release
mechanism to be
positioned on the towing handle and extending through the pivot pin center
bore (76) for
releasing a locking mechanism (not shown) that allows the am portion (24) to
be retracted into
the baclcpaclc (22). The pivotal connection between the towing handle (56) and
the arm portion
(24) also allows a person to steer the baclcpaclc (22) without twisting his or
her wrist, thereby
reducing fatigue and improving the overall maneuverability of the piece of
baggage when being
towed.
14
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
The second embodiment of the towing member of the invention, like the first
embodiment, is specifically adapted and configured to be an integral part of a
piece of baggage.
As shown in FIGS. 7-11, the towing member (100) of the second embodiment is
preferably
comprised of an arm portion (102), a towing handle (104), and an intermediary
member (106).
Although not shown in the FIGS., the towing member (100) of the second
embodiment, is
configured to be attached to a piece of towable baggage in a manner similar to
the towing
member (20) of the first embodiment. Thus, in describing the second
embodiment, details of
how the towing member is attached to the piece of baggage are not explicitly
provided.
However, it should be appreciated that the second embodiment could be attached
to the piece of
baggage in a mamzer similar to the first embodiment or by other means known in
the art.
As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the ann portion (102) of the towing member (100) of
the second
embodiment is preferably a curved telescoping member much life the arm portion
(24) of the
first embodiment. However, unlike the arm portion (24) of the first
embodiment, the arm portion
(102) of the second embodiment is preferably a dual-pole member that slides
into and out of a
single receptacle (not shown) within the piece of baggage. The arm portion
(102) has a length
with a proximal end (not shown) that is slidably engaged with the piece of
baggage and an
opposite distal end (108) that can be retracted toward and extended away from
the piece of
baggage. A pair of spaced apart tubular members (110) formed of aluminum,
steel, or other
suitably strong materials connect the proximal end of the arm portion (102) to
the distal end
(108) of the arm portion. The tubular members (110) of the arm portion (102)
extend side-by-
side along the length of the arm portion (102) in close proximity to each
other and are preferably
rigidly connected to each other at the opposite proximal and distal (108) ends
of the arm portion
(102). Thus, the two tubular members (110) of the arm portion (102) function
much lilce a
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
conventional single-pole member and the two members are utilized in place of a
single tubular
member mainly for aesthetic purposes. Finally, a through-hole (112) is
preferably formed
through each of the tubular members (110) adjacent the distal edge (114) of
each of the tubular
members.
The ann portion (102) also comprises a pair of distal end caps (116) that are
preferably
formed of a polymeric material. Each of the end caps (116) has a base portion
(118) that is
configured and adapted to slide into the distal end of one of the tubular
members (110) in a
soclceting manner. A shoulder (120) is formed on each of the end caps (116)
adjacent the base
portion (118) and is configured to engage against the distal edge (114) of
each of the tubular
members (110) to prevent the end cap from sliding further into the tubular
member. A first
through-hole (122) is formed through the base portion (118) of each end cap
(116). Each base
portion through-hole (122) aligns with the though-hole (112) of the respective
tubular member
(110) when the base portion of the end cap is inserted into the tubular member
and the shoulder
(120) of the end cap is engaged with the distal edge (114) of the tubular
member. A fastener
(124), such as a rivet, passes through the through-hole (112) of each tubular
member (110) and
the first through-hole (122) of each end cap base portion (118) and thereby
secures the end caps
to the tubular members.
Each of the end caps (116) also comprises a planer bearing surface (126) that
is oriented
perpendicular to the shoulder (120) of the end cap. The bearing surface (126)
preferably has a
circular periphery. A second through-hole (128) is formed through each end cap
(116) and is
centered in and perpendicular to the bearing surface. The second through-holes
(128) of the
bearing caps are coaxial. The second through-hole has a counter-bore (130)
that is formed into
the side of each end cap (116) opposite the bearing surface (126). The counter-
bore (130)
16
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
thereby forms a recessed annular shelf (132). With each end cap (116) attached
to one of the
tubular members (110) of the arm portion (102) as described above, the bearing
surfaces (126) of
the end caps are spaced apart and are oriented parallel to and facing each
other.
The towing handle (104) of the second embodiment of the towing member (100) is
preferably formed of polymeric material and metal. The towing handle (104) is
T-shaped and
comprises a grip portion (134) formed of polymeric material and having
opposite free ends
(136). A stem portion (138) of the towing handle (104) is also formed of
polymeric material,
preferably integrally with the grip portion (134). The stem portion (138)
intersects the grip
portion (134) and extends preferably peupendicularly therefrom. A circular
bearing surface (140)
is formed at the.end of the towing handle stem portion (138). The towing
handle (104) also
comprises a handle pivot shaft (142) that is preferably formed of metal and is
centered in and
protrudes perpendicularly from the stem portion bearing surface (140). The
pivot shaft (142)
projects from the stem portion bearing surface to a threaded portion (144) of
the shaft adjacent its
distal end. The opposite end (146) of the handle pivot shaft (142) extends
into the handle grip
portion (134) and is preferably narrowed, l~nurled, or otherwise textured (not
shown) and the grip
portion (134) and stem portion (138) of the towing handle (104) are molded
around the handle
pivot shaft securing the handle pivot shaft to the towing handle grip and stem
portions.
The intermediary member (106) of the towing member (100) is preferably formed
of a
polymeric material as a single monolithic part. A pair of first and second
circular bearing
surfaces (146), (148) are formed at opposite ends of the intermediary member
(106) and are
parallel to and aligned with each other. A third circular bearing surface
(150) is formed on the
intermediary member (106) and is oriented perpendicular to the first and
second bearing surfaces
(146), (148). A first through-hole (152) extends through intermediary member
(106)
17
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
perpendicularly from the center of the first bearing surface (146) to the
center of the second
bearing surface (148). A second-through-hole (154) extends through the
intermediary member
(106), perpendicularly from the center of the third bearing surface (150). The
second through-
hole (154) has a counter bore (156) that is formed into the intermediary
member (106) from the
side opposite to the third bearing surface (150). The counter-bore (156) foams
a recessed annular
shelf (158).
In addition to the arm portion (102), the towing handle (104), and the
intermediary
member (106), the towing member (100) of the second embodiment also comprises
a shoulder-
bolt (160), a shoulder-bolt nut (162), and a handle pivot shaft nut (164) that
are utilized to
connect the components of the towing member together. The towing handle (104)
is assembled
to the arm portion (102) of the towing member (100) via the intermediary
member (106).
The assembly of the various components of the towing member (100) of the
second
embodiment is achieved by first inserting the handle pivot shaft (142) of the
towing handle (104)
into the second through-hole (154) of the intermediary member (106) such that
the bearing
surface (140) of the towing handle engages against the third bearing surface
(150) of the
intermediary member. The handle pivot shaft nut (164) is then inserted into
the counter-bore
(156) of the intermediary member (106) and is threaded onto the threaded
portion (144) of the
handle pivot shaft (142) until it lightly engages against the recessed annular
shelf (158) of the
intermediary member. Thus, the handle pivot shaft nut (164) thereby holds the
bearing surface
(140) of the towing handle (104) against the third bearing surface (150) of
the intermediary
member (106). The handle pivot shaft nut (164) is preferably a self locking
type of nut and a
washer (not shown) is preferably utilized such that, once assembled, the
towing handle (104) and
the handle pivot shaft nut are free to pivot together about the axis of the
second through-hole
18
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
(154) of the intermediary member (106) relative to the intermediary member,
without requiring
excessive torque and without the nut loosening. It should also be appreciated
that the handle
pivot shaft (142) of the towing handle (104) and the handle pivot shaft nut
(164) are dimensioned
such that the first through-hole (152) of the intermediary member (106)
remains unobstructed.
5. Once the towing handle (104) has been assembled to the intermediary member
(106) as
described above, the intermediary member is then assembled to the arm portion
(102) of the
towing member (100) using the shoulder-bolt (160) and the shoulder-bolt nut
(162). This is done
by first positioning the first and second bearing surfaces (146), (148) of the
intermediary member
(106) between the bearing surfaces (126) of the end caps (116) of the arm
portion (102) and
aligning the first through-hole (152) of the intermediary member with the
second through-hole
(128) of each of the end caps. Next, the shoulder-bolt (160) is inserted into
the counter-bore
(130) of one of the end caps (116) such that it extends through the second
through-hole (128) of
each of the end caps and through the first through-hole (152) of the
intermediary member (106).
The shoulder-bolt nut (162) is then inserted into the counterbore (130) of the
other end cap (116)
where it is then threaded onto the shoulder-bolt (160). Like the handle pivot
shaft nut (164), the
shoulder-bolt nut (162) is preferably a self locking type of nut. As the
shoulderbolt nut (162) is
tightened onto the shoulder-bolt (160), the head of the shoulder-bolt and the
shoulder-bolt nut
engage against the recessed annular shelves (132) of the end caps (116) and
thereby act to move
the end caps toward each other. The intermediary member (106) is dimensioned
such that only a
slight interference fit exists between first and second bearing surfaces
(146), (148) of the
intermediary member and the bearing surfaces (126) of the end caps (116). It
should be
appreciated that the shoulder-bolt nut (162) is tightened onto the shoulder-
bolt (160) only as
much as is necessary to eliminate any gap between the end caps (116) and the
intermediary
19
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
member (106) and is not tightened to the point that significantly prohibits
pivoting movement
between the inteumediary member and the end caps about the axis of the
shoulder bolt.
Once the towing member (100) of the second embodiment is assembled as
described
above, the towing handle (104) can be pivoted about two axes relative to the
arm portion (102) of
the towing member. A first one of the axes is the axis of the shoulder-bolt
(160) about which the
towing handle (104) and the intermediary member (106) pivot together relative
to the end caps
(116) of the arm portion (102) of the towing member (100). This first axis
remains generally
parallel to the rotation axis of the wheels of the piece of baggage to which
the towing member
(100) is ultimately attached. A second one of the axes is the axis of the
handle pivot shaft (142)
about which the towing handle (104) and the handle pivot shaft nut (164) are
free to rotate
relative to the intermediary member (106) of the towing member (100).
The mufti-axis pivoting of the towing member (100) of the second embodiment
allows
the towing handle (104) to be oriented as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, relative
to the ann portion
(102) of the towing member. In FIG. 10, the towing handle (104) is shown in an
orientation
wherein the grip portion (134) of the towing handle (104) is oriented parallel
to the first axis. In
this orientation, the towing handle (104) can be easily retracted into the
piece of baggage in a
manner similar to the manner described in reference to the towing member (20)
of the first
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the towing handle (104) has been pivoted
about both the.first
and second axes in a manner such that the second axis extends vertically and
the grip portion
(134) of the towing handle extends horizontally in a plane perpendicular to
the first axis. In this
orientation, the grip portion (134) of the towing handle (104) is ideally
positioned for a person to
tow the piece of baggage without-flexing his or her wrist, regardless of the
angle of inclination of
the piece of baggage.
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
The third embodiment of the towing member comprises the towing handle (200)
and
connector (202) shown in FIGS. 12-16. FIG. 12 shows an exploded assembly view
of the towing
handle (200) and connector (202) of the third embodiment of the towing member.
In general, the towing handle (200) of the third embodiment of the towing
member
S comprises a lower portion (204), an upper portion (206), two end caps (208),
and a
unloclcing/release button (210) that are preferably formed of polymeric
material. Lilce the first
and second embodiments, the towing handle (202) of the third embodiment is
preferably T-
shaped. The lower portion (204) of the towing handle (200) forms one half of
the hand grip
(212) of the towing handle and comprises an integrally formed stem (214) that
preferably
extends perpendicularly from the handgrip portion along the center axis of the
towing handle.
The stem (214) has a necked portion that forms a cylindrical shaft (216) and
terminates with a
locl~ing protrusion (218). The locking protrusion (218) essentially has the
form of a cylinder
having two intersecting channels (220) formed into its terminal face (222).
The channels (220)
are preferably perpendicular to each other and intersect at the axis of
symmetry of the towing
handle. For reasons discussed below, each of the channels (220) preferably has
opposed walls
that diverge from each other slightly as they extend radially from the center
axis. A through-hole
(226) is aligned with the center axis of the towing handle (200) and extends
through the lower
portion (204). Finally, a plurality of grooves (228) are formed into the hand
grip (212) part of
the lower portion of the towing handle (200) to increase a person's grip of
the towing handle and
to improve the aesthetics of the towing handle.
The upper portion (206) of the towing handle (200) has a generally semi-
cylindrical shell
shape that forms the upper half of the hand grip (212) of the towing handle.
An opening (230)
having an oval periphery extends through center of the upper portion (206).
21
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
The end caps (208) of the towing handle (200) are preferably identical to each
other and
are preferably formed as flat plates having oval perimeters. A pair of
countersunk screw holes
(232) preferably extend tluough each of the end caps (208).
The unlocl~ing/release button (210) comprises anoval shaped protrusion (234)
with a
circumscribing rim (236) formed thereabout. The oval shaped protrusion (234)
is dimensioned
slightly smaller than the oval opening (230) of the upper portion (206) of the
towing handle
(200) such that the oval shaped protrusion can pass therethrough. However, the
rim (236) of the
unlocking/release button (210) is dimensioned larger than the oval opening
(230) of the upper
portion (206) of the towing handle (200) such that the entire
unlocking/release button (210)
cannot pass through the opening. The opposite end of the unlocl~ing/release
button (210)
comprises a rod (238) that cantilevers from the remainder of the button. The
rod of the
unlocking/release button (210) is preferably cylindrical in shape.
The connector (202) of the third embodiment of the towing member comprises two
identical connector halves (240) and a locking member (242) that are
preferably formed of
polymeric material. Each of the connector halves (240) preferably comprises a
cavity (244) that
is substantially surround by a peripheral ridge (246). A flat surface (248) is
formed in the cavity
(244) and a pair of tubular posts (250) extend perpendicularly from the flat
surface. Each of the
connector halves (240) also comprises semi cylindrical journal surface (252)
that is formed into
its peripheral ridge (246). A semi-cylindrical channel (254) recess having a
slightly larger radius
than the journal surface (252) is formed in the cavity (244) immediately
adjacent and aligned
with the journal surface. The journal surface (252) is dimensioned to
correspond to the length
and diameter of the cylindrical shaft (216) of the stem (214) of the towing
handle (200). A
smaller semicylindrical opening is aligned with the journal surface (252) and
is formed into the
22
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
opposite side of the peripheral ridge (246) of each of the connector halves
(240). Finally, a
plurality of alignment pins (258) and alignment holes (260) are formed into
the peripheral ridge
(246).
The locking member (242) of the connector (202) is generally rectangular in
shape and
has a pair of opposite parallel surfaces (262). A pair of oval slots (264)
extend through the
loclcing member (242) from one of the opposite parallel surfaces (262) to the
other. The locking
member (242) also has opposite top (266) and bottom (268) end portions and has
a cylindrical
blind-hole (270) in the bottom end portion that extends toward the top end
portion.
Having described the various components of the towing handle (200) and the
connector
(202) of the third embodiment of the towing member, the assembly of the
components will now
be discussed. The towing handle (200) of the third embodiment of the towing
member is
assembled by first slidably inserting the rod (238) of the unlocl~ing/release
button (210) into the
through-hole (226) of the lower portion (204) of the towing handle from
thereabove. Once this
is done, the upper portion (206) of the towing handle (200) is brought into
engagement with the
lower portion (204) of the towing handle. As this is done, the oval shaped
protrusion (234) of
the unloclcing/release button (210) is positioned extending through the
opening (230) of the
upper portion (206). Once the upper (206) and lower (204) portions of the
towing handle (200)
are engaged with each other, the unlocking/release button (210) becomes
captured therebetween
due to the fact that the rim (236) of the unlocl~ing/release button is larger
than the opening (230)
of the upper portion of the towing handle. With the upper (206) and lower
(204) portions of the
towing handle (200) engaging each other, the end caps (208) are then attached
to the opposite
ends of the hand grip (212) of the towing handle using screw fasteners (not
shown) that are
inserted through the screw holes (232) of the end caps. With the end caps
(208) attached as
23
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
described above, the upper (206) and lower (204) portions of the towing handle
(200) are secured
together and cannot be separated without removing the ends caps.
The connector (202) is assembled to the lower portion (204) of the towing
handle (200).
This is done by first positioning the shaft (216) of the stem (214) of the
lower portion (204) of
the towing handle (200) against the journal surface (252) of one of the
connector halves (240).
The loclcing member (242) of the connector (202) is then positioned with one
of its opposite
parallel surfaces (262) engaging the flat surface (248) of the connector halve
(240) and with the
blind-hole (270) of the locking member facing away from the towing handle
(200). In this
position, the posts (250) of the connector halve (240) extend partially into
the oval slots (264) of
the locking member (242). Finally, the other of the connector halves (240) is
then attached to the
assembly by aligning the alignment pins (258) of each of the connector halves
with the
alignment holes (260) of the other of the connectors halves and moving the
halves toward each
other until the peripheral ridge (246) of each of the halves engages with the
other. The connector
halves (240) are dimensioned and shaped such that when they are engaged with
each other as
described above, the posts (250) of each connector halve engages with the
posts of the other
halve within the oval slots (264) of the locking member (242). This prevents
the flat surfaces
(248) of the connector halves (240) from clamping the locking member (242)
therebetween.
Thus, the locking member (242), although trapped with the internal volume of
the connector
(202) that is created by the cavities (244) of the connector halves (240),
remains free to translate
toward and away from the stem (214) of the towing handle (200). The towing
handle (200)
itself, except when loclced as discussed below, remains free to pivot about
its center axis relative
to the connector (202) but cannot be removed therefrom due to the fact that
the locking
24
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
protrusion (218) is trapped between the semi-cylindrical channels (254) of the
connector halves
(240).
As assembled above, the towing handle (200) and connector (202) of the third
embodiment are then attached to the distal end of the arm portion (not shown)
of the towing
member that is preferably of the type described in reference to the first
embodiment of the
towing member. Similar to the first embodiment of the towing member, the
connector (202) of
the third embodiment is preferably dimensioned to slide tightly into the
tubular end of the arm
portion. While this is done, a release member (272) is inserted through the
opening at the base of
the connector (202) created by the semi-cylindrical openings (256) of the
connector halves (240)
and into the blind-hole (270) of the locking member (242). The release member
(272) is
configured and adapted to actuate a locking mechanism (not shown) when it is
pressed so as to
allow the arm portion of the towing member to be retracted into the baggage to
which it is
attached. Such release members and locking mechanisms are well known in the
field of the art
and the particular configuration and details thereof are not relevant to the
present invention
except as otherwise indicated. However, it should be appreciate that towing
handle (200) and
connector (202) of the third embodiment is specifically configured to work in
conjunction with a
release member of the type that is spring biased toward the towing handle.
Once the connector
(202) has been assembled to the arm portion of the towing member as discussed
above, a pair of
fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the distal end of the arm portion
and through the
tubular posts (250) of the connector halves (140) to secure the connector to
the arm portion of
the towing member, thereby completing the assembly process.
Once fully assembled, the towing handle (200) can be selectively locked in two
orientations relative to the connector (202) and arm portion of the towing
member of the third
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
embodiment. To describe how this is achieved, towing handle (200) and
connector (202)
assembly is shown with one of the connector halves (240) removed in FIGS. 13-
16. As shown in
its first orientation in FIG. 13, the towing handle (200) is positioned such
that its hand grip (212)
is oriented generally parallel to the flat surfaces (248) of the connector
halves (240). In this
position, the biasing force of the release member (272) causes the locking
member (242) of the
connector (202) to move toward the towing handle (200) until the top end
portion (266) of the
locking member moves into one of the channels (220) formed in the locking
protrusion (218) of
the towing handle. As a result of the locking member (242) being positioned
between the
opposed walls (224) of the respective charnel (220), the towing handle (200)
is prevented from
freely rotating about its center axis relative to the connector (202) by the
engagement of the
opposed walls of the channel with the locking member. However, the opposed
walls (224) of
each of the channels (220) are specifically dimensioned to be slightly further
apart than are the
opposite parallel surfaces (262) of the locking member (242) such that the
towing handle (200)
can pivot slightly through approximately a twenty degree arc relative to the
connector (202)
when locked in its first orientation.
When desired, the towing handle (200) can be selectively locked in its second
orientation
relative to the connector (202) and towing member. This is done by pressing
the oval shaped
protrusion (234) of the unlocking/release button (210) on the towing handle
(200) and rotating
the handle to its second orientation shown in FIG. 16. When the
unloclcing/release button (210)
is pressed as shown FIG. 14, the rod (238) of the unloclcing/release bllttoll
(210) extends into the
channels (220) of the locking protnision (218) of the stem (214) of the towing
handle (200) and
engages the locking member (242) of the connector (202). This action overcomes
the biasing
force that the release member (272) exerts on the locking member (242) and
forces the locl~ing
26
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
member away from the towing handle (200), thereby disengaging the top end
portion (266) of
the loclcing member from the respective channel (220) of the locking
protrusion (218) of the
towing handle as shown in FIG. 14. The towing handle (200) can then be freely
rotated relative
to the connector (202), so long as the unloclcing/release button (210) remains
pressed.
If desired, the towing handle (200) can then be locked in its second
orientation relative to
the connector (202) and arm portion of the towing member. This is done by
simply releasing the
unloclcing/release button (210) of the towing handle (200) after the towing
handle has been
rotated to its second orientation. When the unlocking/release button (210) has
been released, the
biasing force of the release member (272) once again forces the locking member
(242) toward
the towing handle (200) until the top end portion (266) of the loclcing member
moves into the
other of the channels (220) formed in the locking protrusion (218) of the
towing handle. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 16, the towing handle (200) is once again prevented from freely
rotating about its
center axis relative to the connector (202) by the engagement of the opposed
walls (224) of the
charnel (220) with the locking member (242). As discussed above, it should be
appreciated that,
due to the opposed walls (224) of each of the channels (220) being dimensioned
to be slightly
further apart than are the opposite parallel surfaces (262) of the locking
member (242), the
towing handle (200) remains able to pivot through approximately a twenty
degree arc relative to
the comlector (202) when locked in its second orientation. The
unloclcing/release button (210)
can be pressed at any time to allow the orientation of the towing member (200)
to be adjusted as
desired relative to the remainder of the towing member. Additionally, it
is.important to
understand that as the unlocking/release button (210) is pressed, the movement
of the locking
member (242) within the connector (202) causes the release member (272) to
resiliently move
away from the towing handle (200). Thus, by pressing the unloclcing/release
button (210), the
27
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
release member (272) actuates the locking mechanism so as to allow the arm
portion of the
towing member to be retracted into the baggage.
As described above, the towing handle (200) of the tlurd embodiment of the
towing
member can be pivoted in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment
relative to the
remainder of the towing member. However, the towing handle (200) can also be
locked in any
one of a plurality of orientations relative to the remainder of the towing
member. This locking
feature allows a person towing a piece of baggage to exert a torque relative
to the axis of the
towing member when desired and thereby prevents inadvertent rollover of the
piece of baggage
(20) when the piece of baggage is towed over uneven ground, such as a curb.
The fourth embodiment of the towing member of the invention, like the first
through
third embodiments, is specifically adapted and configured to be an integral
part of a piece of
baggage. The fourth embodiment is generally of similar appearance and
operation to the second
embodiment, but like the third embodiment, incorporates a locking mechanism
and a loclc release
into its structure. In the fourth embodiment, the loclcing mechanism is
particularly designed to
allow for a single button activation by the user to unlock the handle and
allow for free motion of
the handle along both the allowed axes of motion. In the depicted embodiment
of FIGS. 17-25,
the structure particularly allows for only two different positions of the
button, so that when the
button is depressed, both axes of motion are simultaneously released. In
another embodiment,
however, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand how the structure
described below
could be modified to allow for a particular button depression to release the
motion along only
one axes and a second motion to release the other axis. For instance,
depression of the button to
a first predetermined depth could release one axis of rotation and to a
further depth could release
28
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
the second. Alternatively, multiple buttons (for example, one for each axis)
could be used in
another embodiment.
Shown in overview in FIG. 18, is an embodiment of a locking handle allowing
motion in
two axes which can be alternatively locked into one of a plurality of
predetermined positions, or
unlocked to allow for free motion of the handle in two axes. The towing member
(700) of the
fourth embodiment is preferably comprised of an arm portion (702), a handle
grip (704), and an
intermediary member (706). Although not shown in the FIGS., the towing member
(700) of the
fourth embodiment, is configured to be attached to a piece of towable baggage
in a manner
similar to the towing member (102) of the second embodiment. The arm (702) is
also preferably
formed of three tubular sections (802), (902), and (602). The tubular sections
(802), (902) and
(602) preferably have an elliptical, oval, or figure-8 cross-section and are
preferably configured
to slide one inside the other in a telescoping manner and to be curved in a
manner similar to am
portion (102) of the second embodiment or am portion (24) of the first
embodiment. In
describing the fourth embodiment, details of how the towing member is attached
to the piece of
baggage that are not explicitly provided should be presumed to be of similar
design to those of
other embodiments. However, it should be appreciated that the fourth
embodiment could
specifically be attached to the piece of baggage in a manner similar to the
second embodiment or
by other means lmown in the art.
FIGS. 19 through 22 provide for a cutaway view of the design of the handle
(704) of the
system and the first tubular section (802) to which it is connected. Lilce the
arm portion (102) of
the second embodiment, the outermost first tubular section (802) of the fourth
embodiment is
preferably a dual-pole member that slides into and out of a single receptacle
within the piece of
baggage. The first tubular section (802) has a length with.a proximal end
(808) that is slidably
29
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
engaged with the second tubular section (902) and an opposite distal end (708)
that can be
retracted toward and extended away from the piece of baggage. A pair of spaced
apart tubular
members (710), which may be formed of, but are not limited to, aluminum,
steel, plastic or other
suitably strong materials and connect the proximal end (808) of the first
tubular section (802) to
the distal end (708) of the tubular section (802). The tubular members (710)
of the first tubular
section (802) extend side-by-side in a generally parallel manner along the
length of the first
tubular section (802) in close proximity to each other and are preferably
rigidly connected to
each other at the opposite proximal (808) and distal (708) ends. This may be
accomplished
through the use of end cap (811) at the proximal end (808) and the comzecting
structures
discussed below at the distal end (708). Thus, the two tubular members (710)
of the first tubular
section (802) function much lilce a conventional single-pole member and the
two members are
utilized in place of a single tubular member mainly for aesthetic purposes.
Finally, at least one
through-hole (712) is preferably formed through each of the tubular members
(710)
corresponding with the tubular members being considered generally hollow. The
first tubular
section (802) will generally slide into the second tubular section (902) which
in turn will slide
into a third tubular section (602) which may be the arm portion (702)
receptacle in the piece of
baggage. In another embodiment any number of tubular sections may be used and
the
telescoping connection may alternatively be obtained by alternative
structures.
The first tubular section (802) also comprises a pair of distal end caps (716)
that may be
formed of, but are not limited to polymeric materials or metals. Each of the
end caps (716) is of a
generally elbow shape and has a base portion (718) that is configured and
adapted to slide onto
the distal end (708) of one of the tubular members (710) in a socl~eting
manner. A shoulder (not
shown) may be formed within each of the end caps (716) adjacent the base
portion (718) and
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
may be configured to engage against the distal edge (708) of each of the
tubular members (710)
to prevent the end cap from sliding further onto the tubular member. A first
through-hole (722)
may be formed through the base portion (718) of each end cap (716). Such a
base portion
through-hole (722) generally aligning with the through-hole (712) of the
respective tubular
member (710) when the base portion of the end cap (716) is inserted onto the
tubular member
(710) and the shoulder of end cap (716) is engaged with the distal edge (708)
of the tubular
member (710). In an alternative embodiment, the end cap need not include a
through-hole (722)
but may be solid in its internal structure. The end caps (716) may be affixed
to the appropriate
tubular member (710) by any means know to one of ordinary skill in the art
including, but not
limited to, adhesives, fasteners, welds, or other types of fastening.
Each of the end caps (716) also comprises a planar bearing surface (726) that
is oriented
perpendicular to the base portion of the end cap. The bearing surface (726)
preferably has a
generally circular periphery. A second through-hole (728) may be foamed
through each of the
bearing surfaces (726) which is preferably centered in and perpendicular to
the bearing surface
(726). This through-hole (728) may later be used to house bullet shaft (691).
In another
embodiment the through-hole (728) may be eliminated malting end cap (716)
solid. It is
preferred that the second through-hole (728), if included, be of generally
similar diameter to that
of the first through-hole (722) but that is by no means required.
Attached to the bearing surface (726) is a collar (791) of generally circular
shape and
having a diameter generally less than the diameter of the bearing surface
(726). Attached to the
collar (791) there is then a slotted ring (751) which is also of generally
circular shape and has an
outer diameter greater than the diameter of the collar (791), but generally
less than the diameter
of the bearing surface (726), although larger or smaller slotted rings (751)
may be used in
31
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
alternative embodiments. The second through-hole (728), if present, continues
through the collar
and the slotted ring (751) malting each of the slotted ring (751) and the
collar (791) hollow.
Even if the second through-hole (728) is eliminated, the slotted ring (751)
will still generally be
of hollow shape malting the ring circumjacent an opening. Each slotted ring
(751) includes at
least one slot (753) therein. The slot (753) is a cut through the side of
slotted ring (751) along a
radius of the slotted ring (751) and therefore connects the opening to which
the ring is
circumjacent to the space outside the slotted ring (751) (or alternatively
simply creates an
opening in that direction even if not connected fully through to the outside
space). Each slot
(753) is of a predetermined width and depth. The width is preselected to be
equal to or greater
than the thickness of paddle (771) (discussed later). The depth may be of any
depth and may go
entirely through the slotted ring, or be of any depth shorter. The depth will
preferably, however,
be sufficient to engage and hold an object of width similar to the width of
the slot (753) without
it being able to be twisted from within the slot. The slotted ring (751) of
one end cap (716) is
generally parallel to and separated from with the slotted ring (751) of the
other end cap (716).
From FIG. 19 The towing handle (704) of the fourth embodiment of the towing
member
(700) is preferably formed of polymeric material andlor metal, but may be
formed of any
materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The towing handle (704)
is generally "T"-
shaped (although may be offset as shown in the FIGS.) and comprises a grip
portion (734)
having opposite free ends (736) and (737) and a stem portion (738). Stem
portion (738) of the
towing handle (704) is preferably integrally formed with the grip portion
(734) but that is by no
means necessary. Both the grip portion (734) and the stem portion (738) are
preferably of
generally hollow construction. The stem portion (738) intersects the grip
portion (734) and
32
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
extends preferably perpendicularly therefrom. A circular bearing surface (740)
is formed at the
end of the stem portion (738) separated from the grip portion (734).
An intermediary member (706) of the towing member (700) is preferably formed
of a
polymeric material as two halves later connected together by any means know to
one of ordinary
slcill in the art, but may, alternatively, be formed of any other number of
parts. The intermediary
member (706) is of generally "T" shaped construction and includes a pair of
first and second
circular bearing surfaces (746), (748) which are formed at opposite ends of
the intermediary
member (706) and are parallel to and spaced from each other. A third circular
bearing surface
(750) is formed on the intermediary member (706) and is oriented perpendicular
to and spaced
from the first and second bearing surfaces (746) and (748). Intermediary
member (706) is
preferably generally hollow. Fuuther, each of said three bearing surfaces has
a through-hole
therethrough. The through-hole is bounded by a ridge (846), (848) or (850)
wherein the ridge
(846), (848), or (850) is designed to have a diameter and thickness so that
the size of the through-
hole at the ridge corresponds to the outside diameter of the collar about
which the particular arm
portion of the intermediate member will be attached while the interior hollow
section provides
for a greater open area. Specifically the side ridges (846) and (848) encircle
the collar (791) on
the end caps (716) and the top ridge (850) encircles the collar (873) on the
pivot shaft (742) with
the slotted rings (773) and (751) within the hollow interior of intermediate
member (706) and
prevented from removal from the hollow interior of intermediate member by the
sides of ridges
(846), (848), and (850). It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art
that the collar/ridge
construction provides for rotational movement, while preventing linear
movement of the
intermediate portion (704).
33
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
FIGS. 20 and 21 provide for views of the internal structure of the area of
FIG. 19 by
removal of portions of the grip portion (734) and stem portion (738). Within
the grip portion
(734) there is included an opening (739) at one end (737). The opening (739)
has placed
therethrough a portion of button mechanism (741). In the preferred embodiment,
the button
mechanism (741) includes a piece of its construction which extends a
particular fixed distance
through said opening (739). This portion may be covered by a button cover
(743). Further, there
is generally a biasing member (745) (in this case a spring) which biases the
button mechansm
(741) to a position with the portion extended through the opening (739). The
button mechanism
(741) will generally also have a lip, shoulder, or similanportion so that when
biased by the
biasing mechanism (745) the button mechanism extends partially beyond the
opening (739) but
cannot be freely removed through the opening (739).
The towing handle (704) also comprises a handle pivot shaft (742) and a handle
depression pin (747) which extend in generally perpendicular relation to the
handle grip (734)
and through the stem portion (738). The handle pivot shaft (742) is preferably
generally tubular
in construction and has a central through-hole (842) through which the handle
depression pin
(747) can slideably move. The pivot shaft (742) will also be generally free
floating with regards
to button mechanism (741) but will generally be rigidly attached to the stem
portion (738). The
depression pin (747) is designed to translate motion from the depression of
the button
mechanism (741) by a user into linear displacement of the depression pin (747)
through the
through-hole (842) in the pivot shaft (742). In the depicted embodiment, this
is accomplished by
designing the depression pin (747) to have a shaped head (749) with an angle
on a side. The
button mechanism will then have a correspondingly sized depression (751) into
which the shaped
head (749) is placed when the button mechanism (741) is biased through the
opening (739)
34
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
toward the button mechanism (741) by a biasing mechanism (not shown). As the
button
mechanism (741) is depressed by the user against the biasing force of biasing
member (745), the
mating angles slide against each other and force the depression pin (747) to
linearly displace a
distance along the axis of the pivot shaft (742) and through the stem portion
(738) and pivot shaft
(742). One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that depicted button
mechanism (741) is
only one of a plurality of different types of button mechanisms which could be
used. In an
alternative embodiment, the button mechanism could be designed to be pushed in
an alternative
direction (for instance, linearly in the direction of the depression pin
displacement) and with
appropriate design choice, any of this button motion could be translated into
linear motion of the
depression pin (747) along the axis of the pivot shaft (742). One of ordinary
skill in the art
would also recognize that this motion is also accomplished by the button of
the third
embodiment, which could alternatively be used.
It is preferred that depression pin (747) and through-hole (842) have a non-
circular cross
section or that the depression pin (747) be prevented from rotating about the
axis of the pivot
shaft (742) relative to the pivot shaft or otherwise rotating within the
through hole (842). In a
preferred embodiment the depression pin (747) and through-hole (842) are both
generally
polygonal in cross section, and more preferably square in cross section.
At the base of depression pin (747) there is held a paddle (771). The paddle
(771) is
shown separated from the other stricture in FIG. 22 but within the handle
(704) in the other
FIGS. The paddle (771) will generally be planar with a predetermined thickness
and may be of
an "arrowhead" shape, but other shapes could be used as would be understood by
one of ordinary
slcill in the art. The paddle (771) will be attached to the depression pin
(747) in a manner such
that linear displacement of the depression pin (747) will result in linear
displacement of the
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
paddle (771) and that the depression pin (747) can freely rotate about the
axis of the pivot shaft
(742) relative to the paddle (771). In the depicted embodiment, tlus is
accomplished by making
the depression pin (747) hollow and then attaching a paddle pin (890) to an
edge of the paddle
(771). This detail of the paddle is shown in FIG. 22. The paddle pin (890) is
preferably of
cylindrical construction or of another type of construction so that the paddle
pin (890) can freely
rotate about the axis of the pivot shaft (742) within the hollow center of
depression pin (747). To
assemble the structure, the paddle pin (890) will be placed inside the hollow
center of the
depression pin (747). Further the paddle (771) will be biased toward the
depression pin (747) by
a biasing mechanism (not shown) so as to insert the paddle pin (890) as far as
possible into the
depression pin (747) as shown in FIG. 21. The linear motion of the paddle
(771) is
accomplished by the external structure of the depression pin (747) pushing
against the edge of
the paddle (771) and/or paddle pin (890) when the displacement pin (747) is
displaced by the
button mechanism (741).
At the base of the pivot shaft (742); there is included a collar (873) and
slotted ring (773)
similar in design to slotted ring (751). Slotted ring (773) generally includes
at least two coplanar
and parallel slots (874) therethrough. The slots (874) each have a width
similar to the thickness
of the paddle (771) and are generally similar to the slots (753) in slotted
ring (751). Through-
hole (842) extends through said collar (873) and said slotted ring (773) in
much the same mamler
that the second through-holes (728) can extend through the bearing surfaces of
end caps (716)
and associated collar (846) or (848) and slotted rings (751)
The locking and unlocking of the handle's 2-axial motion is obtained by moving
paddle
(771) between two positions based on the depression or lack thereof of the
button mechanism
(741). In the first position (shown in FIG. 21A), the paddle (771) is
positioned in at least one
36
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
slot (753) in each of said slotted rings (751) and in at least one slot (973)
(but generally two
parallel slots) in slotted ring (773). In the second position (shown in FIG.
21B), the paddle has
been linearly displaced from the slots and into the space within the openings
to which slotted
rings (751) are circumjacent and above the slotted ring (773) . The paddle
(771) has been
displaced into the hollow interior of intermediate member (706) and is clear
of the slots (874)
and (753). These positions correspond to a "Locked" and "unlocked" position
respectively.
In order to better understand the locking and unlocking operations, it is
easiest to explain
the interrelationship of intermediate member (706), pivot shaft (742) and end
caps (716) during
operation. It is preferred that the intermediate member allow bearing surface
(973) of pivot shaft
(742) and bearing surface (740) on stem portion (738) to be freely rotatable
on bearing surface
(750) of the intermediate member (706) by having the ridge (850) of the
intermediate member
rotate about the collar (873) of the pivot shaft. In the same way, bearing
surface (726) of end
caps (716) can also freely rotate on bearing surface (746) or (748) by having
the appropriate
ridge (846) or (848) rotate above the appropriate collar (791).
Presuming that there is no paddle (771) present, the handle (704) can traverse
two
interrelated degrees of motion similar to that allowed by the second
embodiment. In this case,
however, the use of the two pins in the second embodiment about which the
interlocking member
(706) and stem portion (738) rotate is replaced by the rotation of the ridge
(846) and/or (848)
about the collars (791) of the end caps (716), and the rotation of the pivot
shaft collar (873) on
the ridge (850) of the intermediate member (706). In particular, the handle
(704) can rotate
about the axis of the pivot shaft (742) by rotating with the pivot shaft (742)
relative to the
intermediate member (706). Further, the intermediate member (706) and the
handle (704) can
rotate about an axis perpendicular to the bearing surfaces (726) of the end
caps (716). This
37
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
motion is similar to the motion described with regards to the second
embodiment above allowing
the handle to rotate about two different (and generally perpendicular) axes.
It is preferred that
these axes be generally of similar alignment to the axes of the second
embodiment relative to the
piece of baggage, but such arrangement is by no means necessary. It should
also be apparent
that only rotational motion about those two axes is allowed by the structure
as all other motion is
prevented due to structure in the intermediate member (706), handle (704), or
end caps (716).
The available motion when there is no paddle (771) present, is the same as the
motion
available when the paddle (771) is within the hollow of the intermediate
member (706) and
therefore corresponds to the motion when the paddle (771) is in the unlocked
position. In the
depicted embodiment, the user could depresses the button mechanism (741) which
would
overcome any biasing present and in turn result in movement of the depression
pin (747) linearly
away from the handle grip (734), the movement of the depression pin (747)
would in turn push
the paddle (771) away from the grip (734) and would move the paddle from
within the slots.
Once free of the slots, the depression pin (747) can freely rotate around the
paddle (771). The
paddle (771) is preferably prevented from movement about that same axis by any
method known
to one of ordinary slcill in the art, for instance another pin may be attached
internal to the
intermediate member (706) to pass through hole (~91) in the paddle (771) to
prevent its rotation
(this would be perpendicular to the page of FIG. 20). The paddle (771) and
intermediate member
(706) combination can also freely rotate relative to the end caps (716).
Once the paddle (771) has been moved from the obstructing position, the handle
(704)
can be pivoted about two axes relative to the arm portion (702) of the towing
member. The
multi-axis pivoting of the towing member (700) of the fourth embodiment allows
the handle
(704) to be oriented as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C.
38
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
The slotted rings (773) and (751), provide for a locking position of the
paddle for locking
the handle grip (734) into a predetermined position. If the paddle (771) is
retracted toward the
handle grip (734) so that it enters one slot on each of the adjoining slotted
rings (751). The entry
of this slot (since the slots are only about as wide as the paddle is thick)
essentially prevent the
paddle from rotating about the axis between the end caps, as the solid portion
of slotted rings
(751) obstructs the motion. Further, since the depression pin can only move
linearly with
regards to the handle grip (734), the handle grip is now locked in position
relative to the axis
perpendicular to the end caps (716) bearing surfaces.
A similar result about the pivot shaft (742) axis can be obtained by
retracting the paddle
(771) into two parallel slots in the slotted ring (773). The rigid design of
the paddle (771) when
placed through the slots (973), will prevent the pivot shaft (742) from
rotating relative to the
paddle (771). Now, if the paddle (771) was allowed to freely rotate about the
pivot shaft (742)
axis at this point, the handle (704) would not be locked as the paddle (771)
could rotate with the
pivot shaft (the paddle (771) could not rotate with the intermediate member
(706) because there
is no attachment between them), but, in the preferred embodiment, when the
paddle is in the slots
(973) of slotted ring (773) on the pivot shaft (742), the paddle (771) is also
within the slots (753)
of slotted rings (751) on the end caps (716). Therefore, the slotted rings
(751) prevent the paddle
(771) from rotating about the pivot shaft (742) axis as the paddle (771) is
obstructed by the
slotted rings (751) (further, the design for lceeping the paddle from rotating
in this axis when in
the unlocked position, preferably also prevents motion by the paddle in this
axis when in the
locked position). This obstruction prevents the depression pin (747) and pivot
shaft (742) from
rotating about the pivot shaft (742) axis.
39
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
As discussed above, it is preferable that the pivot shaft (742) be designed so
that it is
unable to rotate about the depression pin (747) on the pivot shaft (742) axis,
and therefore
motion by the handle (704) in either axis is prevented as the depression pin
(747) and pivot shaft
(742) are held together and neither can rotate freely. This corresponds to the
locked position,
and the handle (704) cannot be moved in either axis when in this position.
It is preferable, that the paddle (771) be biased to its position within the
slots (973) and
(753), if any slots are aligned with the paddle (771). The paddle (771)
attempts to return to a
position where it is in a slot if one is available for it to enter. It should
be apparent that the
slotted rings (773) and (751) allow for the user to depress the button
mechanism (741), to move
the grip (734) slightly, and then to release the button mechanism (741)
and'then move the handle
(704) to a position desired where there is a slot in the ring, presuming there
are no slots between
the original position, and the slot for the desired position. If the button
mechanism (741) is
released when the paddle (771) is not lined up with a set of slots, the paddle
(771) will not be
able to retract into a slot and will only retract to the surface of the
slotted ring (773) and/or (751).
In this position, the paddle (771) can move smoothly over the surface of the
ring, and will not
prevent motion of the grip (734), until the paddle (771) becomes aligned with
a series of slots
and is biased into the slots, preventing movement.
In the embodiment pictured in FIGS. 20 and 21, it should also be apparent that
because of
the size of the slotted rings (773) and (751), in order to retract the paddle
(771) into one set of
slots (973) or (753), the paddle (771) must also be able to be retracted into
a second set of slots
(973) or (753), as one slotted ring will obstruct the paddle (771) from
retracting into the other
slotted ring. This means that the user either has both axes of motion freed or
locked. While this
does provide for some benefits, one of skill in the art would recognize that
in alternative
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
embodiments, the paddle (771) could be allowed to enter one series of slots,
even if entering the
other series is still obstructed.
The slots (973) and (753) can be chosen to correspond to preselected positions
where the
user might like to have the handle (704) lock into position. In this way, the
handle (704) can be
moved to a position predetermined to be desirable where it locks into place.
This locking
provides that the user has the freedom to alter the position of the handle as
shown in FIGS. 17A
and 17B, which show how two different positions which share an axis could be
accomplished,
and 17C, which provides for a locked position with both axes adjusted. The
user need not use the
musculature in their wrist to maintain the handle (704) in the preselected
position, as the handle
(704) is held there by the locking mechanism in the positions of 17A, 17B, and
17C.
In some embodiments of the fourth embodiment, it may be desirable to also have
the
depression of the button mechanism (741) release the locking mechanism for
keeping the arm
portion (702) extended. This may be accomplished through the inclusion of
additional structure
in at least one of the end caps (716). As shown in FIG. 23, there can be
included within an end
cap a bullet shaft (691), which is designed to slide linearly within the
second through-hole (728)
and into the end cap (716). The bullet shaft (691) may be pressed into the end
cap (716) as the
paddle (771) is pressed into the intermediate section (716) by the user
depressing the button
mechanism (741). The arrowhead shape of the paddle (771) may act on an
opposing angle of the
bullet shaft (601) in much the same way'that the button mechanism (741) acts
on the depression
pin (747). The bullet shaft (601), may then in turn depress a handle shaft
(811) which extends
through the first tubular section (802). Taming attention to FIGS. 24 and 25,
which show the
proximal end (808) of the first tubular section (802), the handle shaft (811)
may extend and in
turn depress a interaction cap (605) which operates on a key paddle (603)
which in turn retracts
41
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
an extension pin (607) into a hole (609) in the end cap (811). The extension
pin (607) is
preferably biased so as to extend from hole (609) and through aperture (809)
in the second
tubular section (902) when the handle shaft (811) has not been displaced by
displacement of the
button mechanism (741). When through this aperture (809), the tubular sections
(802) and (902)
are held in an extended state relative to each other and may not be retracted
as the extension pin
(607) obstructs movement of them relative to each other.
When the button mechanism (741) is depressed by the user, it is therefore
possible to
release the motion of the handle grip (734) in both pivotal axes, as well as
simultaneously
releasing the lock in the ann portion (702) so that it can collapse in a
reverse telescoping manner.
One of ordinary skill in the art would also understand that the motion of the
components could
be further translated to release additional locking mechanisms such as to
release a loclc to allow
the arm portion (702) to extend. In logical continuation, the single button
depression could be
used to unlock motion of any portion of the towing member (700) relative to
any other portion.
Therefore a single button release of the towing member (700) can be
accomplished.
One of skill in the art would understand that the fourth embodiment depicted
in FIGS. 17-
is merely one embodiment of a loclcing mechanism which would allow for release
of the
handle for motion in two axes, and the optional release of additional locking
mechanisms. Other
structures could be used without undue experimentation. For instance, the
paddle (771) could be
of a shape other than an "arrowhead" particularly if the button depression was
only to release the
20 two axial motions and not to translate into other motion. Further, a paddle
and slotted ring
locking mechanism need not be used but other structures could be used as a
loclcing mechanism
which allow for the depression of the button mechanism to release the two axes
of motion. Still
further, as briefly discussed, the two axes of motion need not be released
simultaneously and in
42
CA 02467685 2004-05-17
WO 2004/032664 PCT/US2002/032211
an alternative embodiment, either motion could be released before the other,
the user could select
a motion to release first or release both axes simultaneously, or another
interrelationship of the
release of motions could be used.
While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred
embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided
details.
Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without
departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments should be
understood to be
encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the
art.
43
