Field of Invention The present disclosure provides a device for providing an improved handle, or improving a handle, in particular a handle for luggage.

Background Luggage with telescopic handles and wheels is well known and widely used, particularly as carry-on luggage and for business travel. It is common for travellers to remove items of outerwear (coats, jackets, blazers and the like) and suit jackets when indoors, for example in an airport terminal concourse. It is also common to then either carry this outerwear draped over the arm or to hang it on the extended telescopic luggage handle. Both of which result in the garment becoming creased.

The present disclosure provides a solution to this common problem by integrating a folding garment hanger into the handle of such luggage. Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, there is provided a handle for use with luggage wherein the handle comprises an elongate body and at least two extendable arms that move from a closed first position wherein the handles substantially encompass the body to an open second position wherein the arms extend away from the body by means of a pivot which secures the body to the arms thereby providing a device for hanging clothes.

Advantageously the handle permits the traveller to hang clothing on the luggage whilst still being able to use the handle when needed. Further advantageously, the handle permits garments to be hung in such a way as to minimise creasing.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle for use with luggage wherein the handle comprises an elongate body and at least two extendable arms that move from a closed first position wherein the arms substantially encompass the body to an open second position wherein the arms extend away from the body by means of a pivot which secures the body to the arms thereby providing a device for hanging clothes wherein the body has a substantially isosceles trapezoid face wherein the narrower dimension is positioned toward the bottom of the handle and the wider dimension to the top of the handle thereby providing ends of the body angled from around 10 to around 20 degrees from the vertical, and wherein the angled ends of the body comprise the pivot such that when the arms are in the second open position, the arms are angled downwards.

The handle of the present disclosure can be provided at the point of manufacture or even retrofitted to existing luggage thereby avoiding the expense of purchasing new luggage.

Brief Description of Figures

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1a shows an isometric view of an embodiment in the closed first position. Figure 1 b shows an isometric view of an embodiment in the open second position.

Figures 2a-2c show respective top, bottom and side views of an embodiment of the disclosure in the closed first position. Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure in the closed first position.

Figure 4 shows a plan view from below of an embodiment in an open second position. Figure 5 shows an isometric view from above of an embodiment in the open second position.

Figure 6a shows a rear view of an embodiment in the open second position.

Figure 6b shows a reverse isometric view of an embodiment in the closed first position. Figure 7 shows a front view of an embodiment in the closed first position.

Figure 8a shows an isometric view of the handle in a partially open position, wherein the handles are between the closed first position and the second open position (also illustrated in Figure 8b).

Figure 8b shows a top view of the handle in the partially open position also illustrated in Figure 8a. Figure 9 shows a view from underneath of an embodiment in the closed first position. Figure 10 shows a front view of an embodiment in the open second position. Figure 1 1 shows a side view of an embodiment in the closed first position.

Figure 12A shows a view from above of an embodiment in the closed first position. Figure 12B shows a cross-section of the view from above of Figure 12A. Figure 13 shows an isometric view of an angled section through the handle.

Figure 14 shows a view from above of an embodiment in the open second position Figure 15 shows a front view of an embodiment in the closed first position.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description. With reference to the figures there are shown embodiments of a handle device arranged to convert from a closed first position where the device provides a luggage, suitcase, case, golf trolley or bag hand grip into an open second position, providing a clothes hanger. In this way, the device advantageously allows garments such as jackets and coats to be draped neatly over the device and luggage when the device is in the hanger position.

In one embodiment, in the second open position, the hanger is wide enough to extend beyond the edges of the luggage, thereby permitting the garment to hang without being crushed against the main body of the luggage. The present disclosure comprises replacement or substitute handles or supplementary handles to be attached to an existing handle for an item of luggage. In such way these embodiments of the device may be envisaged or utilised as replacements for known handles on luggage at manufacture, retail or aftermarket. Replacement or substitute handles may require removal of the existing handle.

Supplementary handles may be attachable to the exiting handle without replacing it, for example by means of clip, strap or other fastener. During travel, outerwear garments such as coats are often removed as a user passes through indoor environments such as airports, which means the user is left with extra items to carry or force into their luggage.

Using the present disclosure such items are able to be conveniently carried, whilst remaining readily accessible. The device of the present disclosure acts as both a conventional suitcase or luggage handle handgrip as well as a hanger. In some embodiments the device comprises: a central uppermost release button 4 on an elongate main body 21 ; wherein the body comprises, at each opposing end, arms 20 extending on pivots

The handle generally includes an elongate body having a substantially isosceles trapezoid face wherein the narrower dimension is positioned toward a bottom of the handle and the wider dimension to the top of the handle thereby providing ends of the body angled from around 10 to around 20 degrees from the vertical, and wherein the angled ends of the body comprise the pivot such that when the arms are in the second open position, the arms are angled downwards. The ends of the body may be angled from around 12 to 17 degrees from the vertical, generally at around 15 degrees from the vertical.

The inclusion of the pivot at an angle to the vertical results in the arms being angled from the horizontal in the open position. The provision of sloping arms in the open position is more suitable for hanging an item of clothing (for instance for supporting the shoulders of a jacket) compared to horizontally extending arms.

The angle of the pivot ensures that the angle of the arms is between approximately 20 and 40 degrees to the horizontal, such as approximately 30 degrees to the horizontal.

The arms of the handle of the present teachings are generally supported by the pivot, angled from the vertical. The arms of the handle of the present teachings are thus self- supporting through the pivot. In contrast, a vertical pivot arrangement would result in horizontally extending arms which would not be particularly suitable for hanging an item of clothing such as a jacket or coat, and would not follow the shape of a traditional coat hanger.

A horizontal pivot arrangement would result in arms which were not supported by the pivot and would require the inclusion of an additional supporting member, such as a stop mechanism.

The pivots may be hinge joints 12, which in some embodiments comprise pins 13 and torsion springs 14. Advantageously, the torsion springs allow a spring bias to the arms, such that the arms are self-opening and optionally provided with a soft opening mechanism.

The body houses a known or standard spring and release mechanism for the telescopic poles providing the case's handle extender, wherein the luggage may have a separate bag carrying handle. Such mechanisms are of the type commonly found on rolling luggage, that is, luggage with wheels.

In some embodiments, the arms comprise rubberised grip sections 3 to improve grip and comfort capabilities for the hand grip. The arms may laterally extend around the elongate body when in the closed first position. Suitably the arms may laterally extend around the elongate body towards the top of the elongate body to substantially encompass the elongate body from both sides, thus wrapping around the elongate body. In the closed position, the arms are generally housed alongside the top end of the elongate body, typically fully encompassing the elongate body.

This "wrap around" design provides rigidity in the design where the arms are in the open position. This is important as the arms need to be able to support an item of clothing in the open position. In contrast, several prior art hangers have a narrow edge and do not provide sufficient rigidity to support an item of clothing.

The arms may move from the closed first position towards the second open position by moving in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

The arms may further comprise substantially orthogonally extending end portions 10, which end portions widen the arms' garment holding capabilities and aid in effective hanging of the garment. The end portions wrap around the elongate body 21 ends when in the closed first position.

In some embodiment, the arms still further comprise radiused or rounded edge profiles to limit creasing and angular interaction with the garment.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a substantially isosceles trapezoid face (that is, in front view as viewed from the front of the luggage when the handle is in situ), with a longest side A facing uppermost (see figure 7). This provides a narrower dimension near the bottom of the handle and wider dimension near the top of the handle. In this way, the end portions are inclined downwards, such that the hinge joints 12 are inclined facing downwards also and correspondingly the arms fold downwards.

In some embodiments, the body further comprises indented corners 8, which allow the arms to pivot out and fold downwards without hitting against the body 21.

In some embodiments the body and arms may be curved so as to form a gentle curvature when folded out. In some embodiments, the device comprises angled hinges to ensure that, when opened, they slope down like a known coat hanger to help keep the shape of the garment. The arms of the hanger are angled downwards to create an overall angle of approximately 20 to 40 degrees, such as 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 or 39 degrees, for example approximately 30 degrees to ensure that the garment sits correctly when placed upon the hanger.

As employed herein approximately is intended to mean within a tolerance of ±10%. The arms are substantially the same length as the body, and comprise a three-sided shell form. That is, a hollowed-out shape wherein the hollow side is in contact with the body when in the closed first position. The arm is arranged to close over and around one side of the body, comprising a seam 7 between the two arms that runs down the middle of the device when the arms are closed. The user can convert the handgrip to the clothes hanger by simply unfolding arms from either side of the main body wherein the arms represent the shoulders of a hanger and fold out from the front and back of the main body 21 of the device.

The arms are generally positioned substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the handle in the open second position. The arms are suitably substantially identically sized, and typically similarly or identically shaped.

The device is shown with two pole holes 6 in the body and corresponding cut-outs 9 in the arms, but may be embodied in both single and twin pole luggage cases. That is, luggage wherein the handle extends on one or two telescopic poles. With single pole embodiments, the device may comprise bearings or otherwise allow rotation of the device about the pole.

With double pole embodiments, there may be an overhang of the device at its sides to stop the extended hanger obstructing the poles. That is, the device may be wider than the poles.

In some embodiments, the arms clip back into the main body using magnets, friction, interference or tolerance fitting. In the pictured embodiment, resiliently deformable raised parts 1 1 deform as the arms are folded in and prevent unauthorised opening of the arms through interference fit. The parts 1 1 may comprise thin magnetic strips or as shown in Figure 8a, small displaceable studs or magnetic pips which may be used to ensure the arms remain closed and do not open unintentionally, such that, advantageously, the arms when closed do not pinch the hand when wheeling the case along.

In use, the button 4 raises the handle to its fullest extent and device to its highest position, where the handle locks in place. The arms are released and open around the pivot. Once the arms are fully open and the device converted from the hand grip to the hanger, the user may drape the garment over the hanger, making sure the shoulders sit correctly.

In further embodiments (not shown) the device may be provided in aftermarket or retrofit embodiments which may be installed onto, over or alongside the luggage's existing handle. In this way, the device may comprise a temporary conversion for example whilst travelling with a suit or jacket. Advantageously this permits existing luggage to be converted, thereby avoiding the expense of buying new luggage.

Such embodiments may clip over or around existing luggage handles and comprise sprung arms to create the hanger extending from a body. Retrofitting may necessitate an enlarged body providing a housing to fit over the existing handle, or a body comprising a mechanism to provide and support the arms, for example comprising a securement means over the handle, such as clip, adjustable or elasticated members such as straps. Such body may further include a button acting to depress a button on the existing handle, wherein said button may be sprung. In some embodiments, the body may comprise a lacuna or opening arranged so as to allow the user to utilise the existing handle's button.

The handle of the present teachings is suitable for use with an item of luggage including a handle portion connected to the luggage by a single pole or a two pole handle.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

As employed herein handle means the part of the luggage with which the hand comes into contact in use. That is, the part used to pull the bag along. Typically, the handle does not include the telescopic poles used to extend the handle away from the main body of the luggage.

As employed herein luggage means a bag, trolley (for instance golf trolley) or suitcase, generally with wheels and a telescopic handle which retracts to be stored within the main body of the luggage and extends to bring the handle into a more ergonomic position during use. The luggage may be soft or rigid construction and typically comprises wheels to improve manoeuvrability. The luggage may be intended for check-in, that is too large to be considered carry-on by an airline (e.g. larger than approximately 56 x 45 x 25cm), or for carry on. As employed herein elongate body means a substantially rectangular parallelepiped (prism or solid) wherein the dimensions have a length, width and depth wherein the length is substantially more than the width and depth.

As employed herein extendable arms refers to the parts of the handle that move from the closed first position wherein they are utilised as a handle to the open second position wherein they form the "shoulders" of the clothes hanger. Typically, the arms extend in substantially the same plan as the elongate body when in the open second position. In one embodiment, there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the body has a substantially trapezoid face wherein the narrower dimension is positioned toward a bottom of the handle and the wider dimension to the top of the handle thereby providing angled ends of the body.

As employed herein isosceles trapezoid face means that the side of the elongate body that has the longest dimension (length) in view has an isosceles trapezoid shape. That is, a trapezoid is a 4-sided shape with straight sides that has a pair of opposite sides in parallel. In an isosceles trapezoid the sides that aren't parallel are equal in length and both angles coming from a parallel side are equal. As employed herein narrower dimension means the dimension of the trapezoid wherein the length is shortest.

As employed herein wider dimension means the dimension of the trapezoid wherein the length is longest.

As employed herein angled ends refers to the ends of the trapezoid which are not parallel. Typically, the angled ends angle inwards toward the main body of the luggage.

In one embodiment, there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the angled ends of the body comprise the pivot such that when the arms are in the second open position, the arms are angled downwards.

As employed herein angled downwards means the arms are closer to the main body of the luggage than the elongate body of the handle is and that they are increasingly closer the further away from the elongate body you progress along the length of the arm.

In one embodiment, there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the angle of the arms is between approximately 20 and 40 degrees, such as approximately 30 degrees.

In one embodiment, there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the pivot is a hinge. In one embodiment, there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the hinge is a tension hinge. As employed herein tension hinge means a hinge that has a spring action to preferentially keep it in the open position.

In one embodiment there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure further comprising a fastener arranged to hold the arms in the first closed position.

As employed herein fastener means and fastening device arranged to keep the arms wrapped around the elongate body of the handle in the closed first position. The fastener may be a resistance fastener or a magnetic fastener for example.

In one embodiment there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the fastener is magnetic.

In one embodiment there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure further comprising at least one grip portion, such as a rubberised grip portion.

Grip portion as employed herein refers to a part of the handle arranged to improve the user's ability to grip it. The grip portion may be textured in some way to make it less slippery, for example it may be rubberised.

In one embodiment there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure further comprising a release button arranged to release at least one retractable extension pole. As employed herein retractable extension pole refers to the part of the luggage that permits the handle to be stowed in the main body of the luggage when not in use and to be pulled out of, and extended away from, the luggage for ease of moving the bag when in transit. In one embodiment, there is provided a handle according to the present disclosure wherein the arms each have a substantially orthogonally extending end portion.

In one embodiment, the end portions are rounded. Advantageously, rounded end portions create a smoother surface for any garments that are hung on the hanger, thereby reducing and risk of creasing. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an item of luggage including the handle of the present teachings.

In the context of this specification "comprising" is to be interpreted as "including".

Aspects of the invention comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments "consisting" or "consisting essentially" of the relevant elements. Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined.

Embodiments are described herein as comprising certain features/elements. The disclosure also extends to separate embodiments consisting or consisting essentially of said features/elements. Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Any embodiments specifically and explicitly recited herein may form the basis of a disclaimer either alone or in combination with one or more further embodiments.