BACKGROUND

Traditionally, carrying cases, including suitcases have had a single carrying handle located on the top middle portion of the case. The traveler would pick up the piece of luggage and "carry" his belongings as he travelled. Rather than carry the case, wheels were soon added making travelling with belongings more convenient. By using the middle handle the user could roll the case around or alternatively use a "leash" handle and pull the case behind them. With further development, telescoping handles coupled with wheels were soon added which made moving cases easier. Even though technology has advanced, placement of the handle has remained relatively the same; the center of the top panel of the case.

Whether the carrying case is an upright (where the longest dimension is the height) or a "hand carried" case (where the longest dimension is horizontal) the telescoping handle is most commonly placed along the top center of the back panel of the case. The poles for the telescoping handles are located either on the interior or exterior of the case. When the handle is fully extended it is raised above the top panel in the center of the case.

The number and configuration of wheels can vary. Some cases have two wheels coupled with "feet" while others have four wheels. Cases with four wheels can be pulled and moved while standing upright with all weight being carried on the four wheels. Traditional handles that are located on the backside are particularly not effective at maneuvering cases with four wheels because the case tends to wander or "fishtail." Cases with this configuration generally require the user to stand equally with the case walking alongside it, in order to control the direction of travel. This is a disadvantage for several reasons, for example if the user has to walk next to the case this adds to the width which can be challenging in crowded, narrow areas such as airplane isles or parking lots. Additionally, it is difficult to move the case on surfaces that are not smooth, such as on carpet, uneven concrete or asphalt, and uphill. And finally, most people are more comfortable pulling an object from behind.

For these reasons there is a need for alternative locations and designs to current carrying case handles that will improve the method by which cases are transported. SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies these needs by providing better solutions to maneuver a carrying case by modifying the position and design of the handles, which are also durable and inexpensive to manufacture. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for a carrying case comprising a body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface, wheels on the body for rolling the case on a surface, and a handle assembly comprising at least one handle bar being pivotally attached to the body for pivoting between a retracted position proximate to the body and an extended position with the handle distal from the body.

In still another embodiment, the present invention provides for a carrying case comprising a body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface, wheels on the body for rolling the case on a surface, and a handle assembly comprising at least one handle bar being pivotally attached to the body for pivoting between a retracted position proximate to the body and an extended position with the handle distal from the body; and a support bar supported by the body and engaging the handle bar in the handle bar's extended position for supporting the handle assembly. In another embodiment, the support bar is a telescoping support bar. In another embodiment, the support bar is a folding hinge.

In another embodiment, the carrying case further comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and opposed side panels, both side panels are shorter in width than the front and rear panels, with the handle bar pivotally attached to a side panel. Typically, the holsters that house a telescoping handle bar on a traditional carrying case are located on the interior of the back panel. This location of the holsters not only takes up interior packing space but also can make packing items more difficult because the surface is not flat. By attaching the handle bar to a side panel, the interior of the carrying case has an increased, flat area for packing.

In yet another embodiment, the wheels of the carrying case are attached to the bottom surface. While the handle assembly can be used in connection with any configuration or number of wheels in a preferred embodiment the carrying case comprises four wheels. In a most preferred embodiment the wheels are capable of 360 degree rotation. By having 360 rotation, the carrying case can travel in any direction with ease.

In another embodiment, the handle bar of the carrying case telescopes. The telescoping aspect advantageously allows the handle of the present invention to be folded neatly away when not in use, and eliminates the need for a user to attach and re-attach add-on handle conversion devices. The integrated aspect of the handle bar also facilitates both pulling and pushing of the carrying case, and ensures that any grip device will not become dislodged while running, cornering, or making other sudden movements during travel.

When the handle bar is fully extended without pivoting the user can tilt the carrying case on two wheels and pull the carrying case behind them. However, when all the weight of the carrying case is balanced on four wheels, the handle bar pivots at an angle. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the handle bar pivots at an angle between 0 to 90 degrees. In a most preferred embodiment, the handle bar pivots at an angle greater than 10 degrees. At this range most users are comfortable towing an object from behind while still being able to maintain control of the object. The angle of the pivot can also be measured by the distance from the surface of the carrying to the handle bar when the handle bar is fully extended. In order to walk comfortably, the lateral distance from the handle to the carrying case should be between the range of 1 to 40 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, the lateral distance is at least 8 inches.

In yet another embodiment, the handle bar pivots from location between the top and bottom of the suitcase. The pivoting of the handle bar from top to bottom provides for adjustment of the pivot angle. If the handle bar pivots up the lateral distance, the pivot angle decreases. Conversely, when the handle bar pivots down the lateral distance the pivot angle increases. A locking mechanism can be added to engage the handle bar at a certain location. The locking mechanism can secure the handle bar at an exact position that is most comfortable for the user.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides for methods of using the carrying case as disclosed and described above. By placing the handle on the side surface maneuvering the carrying case becomes much easier on uneven terrain or through narrow spaces both of which are commonly encountered when travelling. For example, currently, many travelers lift and carry their wheeled luggage down the narrow aisle of an aircraft. In order to do so, the user must hold the suitcase awkwardly either in front or behind them.

DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

Figure 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of the present invention in an upright and extended configuration;

Figure 2A is a front plan view of one embodiment of the present invention in an upright and closed configuration;

Figure 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in a open configuration;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 5 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 6A and 6B are a perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention with the handle in the extended position;

Figure 8A is top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention with the handle in the extended position;

Figure 8B is top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention similar to Figure 8A with the handle in the retracted or stowed position;

Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 10 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. Many of the techniques and procedures described or referenced herein are well understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art.

Definitions

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variants are intended to be non- limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or other items that can be added to the listed items.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising," "comprises" and "comprised" are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Thus, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to."

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the method steps disclosed are not intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that each step is essential to the method or that each step must occur in the order disclosed.

Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. It should be emphasized that while the present invention is discussed principally herein is in the context of a upright or traditional suitcase or piece of luggage however, the present invention is equally applicable to a variety of other carrying cases including instrument cases, brief cases, or any other container capable of holding objects.

Figure 1 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an upright and extended configuration. The carrying case 10 comprises a body 12 with a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, and at least one side surface 18, wheels 20 on the body 12 for rolling the case 10 on a surface, and a handle assembly 22 comprising at least one handle bar 24 being pivotally attached to the body 12 for pivoting between a retracted position proximate to the body 12 and an extended position with the handle bar 24 distal from the body 12, and a support bar 26 supported by the body 12 and engaging the handle bar 24 in the handle bar 24 extended position for supporting the handle assembly 22.

Most suitcases are built in the general shape of a right rectangular parallelepiped, or cube, having three unequal dimensions. Suitcases are often flat, rectangular- shaped bag with rounded/square corners, either metal, hard plastic or made of cloth, vinyl or leather that more or less keeps its shape. Although this invention is described in connection with a rectangular parallelepiped shaped body 12 it is also contemplated this invention can be used with other shaped carrying cases, including a round or oval shaped cases.

When the body 12 of the carrying case 10 is in the rectangular parallelepiped configuration the top surface 14 is usually of equal size and dimension as the bottom surface 16. The top surface 14 commonly has a carrying handle 30 while the bottom portion is generally where the wheels 20 are located. As illustrated in Figure 2A, the height is the longest dimension of the carrying case 10. When the height of the suitcase is the longest dimension, some manufacturers refer to this configuration as "upright suitcase" to distinguish it from the traditional, hand carried, suitcase which usually has its longest dimension horizontally as shown in Figure 2B. If the case is configured as an upright suitcase or traditional suitcase, the side surface 18 is the side panel 18. The front panel 32 and the back panel 34 (opposite the front panel) are generally larger in width than the two opposing side panels 18.

As mentioned above, wheels 20 are located on the bottom surface 16 for rolling the case 10 on a surface. The number and wheel configuration can vary. Support legs, or sometimes referred to as "feet" can also be attached to the bottom surface 16 to support the case 10 as it rests on the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the case 10 has two wheels mounted on a rigid axle or axles located along an edge where the base and one side of the suitcase intersect. The user tilts the opposite end, which is the top of the suitcase, so that only the two wheels remain on the floor. Depending on how the wheels 20 are coupled to the carrying case 10 will determine the axis about which the wheels 20 can rotate. In a most preferred embodiment the carrying case 10 has four wheels attached to the case 10 with casters provide for easy movement in any direction and are sometimes referred to as "spinner luggage." A swivel caster incorporates a wheel mounted to a fork, but an additional swivel joint above the fork allows the fork to freely rotate about 360 degrees, thus enabling the wheels 20 to roll in any direction. This makes it possible to easily move the carrying case 10 in any direction without changing its orientation. Swivel casters are sometimes attached to handles so that an operator can manually set their orientation. In a preferred embodiment the carrying case 10 has four wheels 20 attached to the carrying case 10 with casters that allow for 360 degree rotation of the wheels 20.

Figure 3, illustrates an upright carrying case 10 with the handle bar 24 in a retracted position. This embodiment of the handle assembly 22 comprises the handle bar 24, a handle 40 and in a preferred embodiment the support bar 26. The handle bar 24 has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the handle bar 24 is pivotally attached to the body 12 for pivoting between an extended position where the upper portion is distal to the body 12 as seen in Figure 1 and a retracted position with the upper portion of the handle bar proximate to the body 12 as seen in Figure 2A. The handle bar 24 is disengaged from the handle assembly 22 and extended when the carrying case 10 is in motion. When not in motion, the handle bar 24 can be retracted and reengaged to the handle assembly 22. When the handle bar 24 is engaged with the handle assembly 22, the handle bar 24 will be neatly aligned with the side panel 18 in a stowed position. The body 12 of the case can be indented to receive the size and dimension of the handle bar 24 so that when the handle bar is stowed, it will neatly rest inside the indention. The indention will also protect the handle bar 24 from damage when not in use. The pivoting handle bar 24 can be configured with one or more than one pole, which can be any shape including but not limited to flat, round, or square. The handle bar 24 can be configured anywhere on the body 12 as long as the handle bar 24 extends from the side surface 18.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of the handle bar 24 when it is attached to the rear panel 34 of the carrying case 10. At this position, the handle bar 24 will be used as a traditional back panel handle. The carrying case can be tilted and pulled with two wheels on the floor. The handle bar 24 can also rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner. This rotation will position the handle bar 24 so that it can extend from the side surface 18 of the case 10. In this position, the handle bar 24 will be used as the handle bar located on the side surface 18 of the carrying case 10. The carrying case 10 can be pulled with all four wheels on the floor.

Now referring to Figure 5, regardless of where the handle bar is located a hinge or pin 42 can connect the handle bar to the body in order to pivot the handle diagonally and upward. The handle bar 24 features lever- like capabilities in which the angle between the handle bar 24 and the carrying case 10 is not fixed, but rather can be adjusted flexibly up and down like a lever. This allows for comfortable pulling of the suitcase while still allowing it to roll upright. A locking means would allow for the handle bar 24 to be locked at a desired angle. The locking means for example, can be a spring-based latch and aperture mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the handle bar 24 can pivot from 0 to 90 degrees, and in a most preferred embodiment, the handle bar pivots at an angle between 10 and 45 degrees; this is called the pivot angle 44. As illustrated in Figure 5, the pivot angle can also be measured by a lateral distance 38. The lateral distance 38 is measured from the side surface 18 of the carrying case 10 to the distal end of the handle bar 24 when fully extended. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral distance is 1 to 40 inches, and in a most preferred embodiment, the lateral distance is 8 to 24 inches.

As illustrated in Figure 6A, in this configuration the handle bar 24 can be positioned at any point on the side surface 18. Regardless of where the handle bar 24 is located on the side panel 18, the handle bar 24 can be locked in upright position (extending from the side surface 18) which allows the carrying case to be pulled on its side with two wheels on the floor in the same manner as if the handle bar 24 were located on the back panel 34 of the carrying case as illustrated in Figure 6B. Depending on the location of the handle bar 24 a support bar 26 may be needed.

Now referring to Figure 7, a handle 40 is attached to the distal end of the handle bar 24. The handle 40 can have any configuration that is ergonomically favorable to the user. The handle 40 can optionally be outfitted with a gripping material or bands that fit around the handle 40 for a more comfortable grip and easier identification at baggage claim. A hinge can be added whereby the handle 40 can rotate or pivot for comfort or ease of pulling.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle bar 24 is a telescoping handle bar 24. A telescoping handle works on a latch-key system. The handle ratchets up or down and locks into place; at a touch of a button it releases or retracts the handle so that the traveler can either put the carrying cases on the conveyor or wheel it on through. A telescoping handle incorporates internal locking elements to prevent separation of the telescoping segments. Telescoping handles can be found in a variety of configurations, including a single pole, two or more parallel poles. The poles can be round, oval, square or other shapes to reduce the bulkiness. Telescoping handles can also be flat. Telescoping handles comprise a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes characterized by having relative sliding stiffness between each of the tubes and having a similar resistance to rotation. In general the hollow tubes have a crimped portion extending radially inward over an axial extent of the sleeve intermediate opposite

circumferential ends thereof, the one of the tubes having an axially extending first slot adjacent a first end thereof, the first slot having axial and circumferential dimensions corresponding to the crimped portion of the sleeve for receiving the crimped portion when the sleeve is positioned on the one of the tubes; another of the telescoping tubes positioned in sliding engagement over the one of the tubes and having one end terminating in a necked down portion having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the one of the tubes and smaller than a diameter of the sleeve when the sleeve is positioned on the one of the tubes whereby the one end of the another one of the tubes cannot pass over the sleeve on the one of the tubes; a plurality of stiffeners having an outside diameter sized to fit snugly within an inside diameter of an associated tube, each stiffener positioned in an end of the associated tube remaining within an adjacent larger diameter tube when in an extended state and having an axial length at least as long as an overlap length of the associated tube and the adjacent larger diameter tube when in the extended state. Telescoping handle bars are well known in the art.

Figures 8 A and 8B are top plan views of the carrying case 10 showing the support bar

26 in the extended position (Fig. 8A) and in the retracted position (Fig. 8B). The support bar 26 can be attached to the body 12 and engage the handle bar 24 in the handle bar 24 extended position for supporting the handle assembly 22. The support bar 26 can be located anywhere on the body 12 including the top surface 14, the front panel 32, back panel 34 or the side surface 18. In Fig 1-3 and 7-8 and 10 the support bar 26 is retracted and stored on the top of the suitcase. In Figures, 9A and 9B the support bar 26 is folded and stored along the side surface 18 of the carrying case 10. The support bar 26 can be attached to the handle bar 24 with a non- movable connection as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2B or a movable connection as shown in Figs. 7 and 10. If the connection is movable the support bar 26 can slide up and down the handle bar 24.

In a most preferred embodiment the support bar 26 is a telescoping support bar. In this configuration, the poles of the telescoping support bar 26 can be preferably located on the top interior of the suitcase. By placing the poles on the exterior of the suitcase any damage on the housing can stop the telescoping support bar 26 from functioning. To protect the poles from damage, one way is to have protection shells to cover the holsters; the other way is to place the holsters inside the suitcase. However, when the holsters for the telescoping poles are located on the interior of the suitcase it may take up interior packing room therefore telescoping poles that are more flat are desirable.

The support bar 26 can also be located on the side surface 18 of the carrying case 10 as illustrated in Figures 9 A and 9B. In this configuration the support bar 26 is coupled to the handle bar 24 so that when the handle bar 24 is extended from the body 12 the support bar 26 automatically raises upward in a locked position. In this configuration a folding hinge bracket can be used as the support bar to facilitate the movement and locking of the support bar 26. Hinge brackets are generally made of metal with a positive locking feature. Hinge brackets are commonly known in the art and examples of a hinge brackets can be found at the Hardware Source®. Alternatively, the distal end of the support bar 26 can have bearings that roll on tracks on the interior of the handle bar 24. The bearings would then engage a lock at a certain location on the handle bar 24.

The handle assembly 22 as described above can also be used in connection with other handles. For example as illustrated in Figure 10, the handle assembly 22 can be used in connection with a traditional telescoping handle located on the back panel 34 of the carrying case 10 whether it is a traditional case or an upright case. In this configuration the user would have the choice of using the handle on the back panel 34 or the pivoting handle bar 24 located on the side surface 18. The carrying case 10 can be pulled with all four wheels on the floor by extending the handle bar 24 located on the side surface 18. Alternatively, by using the traditional handle on the back panel 34 or by locking the handle bar 24 on the side surface 18 in an upright position (as in Figure 6B), the carrying case could be tilted and pulled with two wheels on the floor.

Special design considerations of the carrying cases could maximize the function of the handle assembly 22 and extend the life span of the carrying cases. For example, reinforcement of the side panels and top and bottom panels to create a rigid box structure could allow the handle assembly to pull the carrying cases easier and make the carrying cases stronger to last longer. Without the traditional back handles, the back panel might also need some

reinforcement to support heavy contents inside the carrying cases.

In use, the user can release the handle bar 24 from the retracted position. If desired, the user can lengthen the handle bar 24 by utilizing the optional telescoping mechanism. The user can then grasp the handle 40 of the handle bar which is now in the extended position and pull the carrying case 10 behind them. When the handle bar 24 is no longer needed, if the telescoping mechanism were used the user would shorten the handle bar to the original configuration and place the handle bar 24 back in the retracted position, flush with the side surface 18.

Materials and Methods

Methods and materials are described herein. However, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Incorporation by Reference

Throughout this application, various publications, patents, and/or patent applications are referenced in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. The disclosures of these publications, patents, and/or patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, and for the subject matter for which they are specifically referenced in the same or a prior sentence, to the same extent as if each independent publication, patent, and/or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Other Embodiments

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.