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EP2593758A1 - Handle - Google Patents

Handle

Info

Publication number
EP2593758A1
EP2593758A1 EP11721568.1A EP11721568A EP2593758A1 EP 2593758 A1 EP2593758 A1 EP 2593758A1 EP 11721568 A EP11721568 A EP 11721568A EP 2593758 A1 EP2593758 A1 EP 2593758A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
handle
item
luggage
display means
strain gauge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11721568.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Palmer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2593758A1 publication Critical patent/EP2593758A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/52—Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. furniture
    • G01G19/58—Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. furniture combined with handles of suit-cases or trunks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
    • A45C13/28—Combinations of handles with other devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a handle, and, more particularly, to a handle that enables the weight of an item of luggage to be measured.
  • Various means of measuring the weight of an item of luggage are known, including the use of an external weighing mechanism and weighing mechanisms that are integrated within an item of luggage.
  • the simplest external weighing mechanism is a set of scales, but other external weighing mechanisms specifically designed for use with an item of luggage have also been developed.
  • GB 2411966 discloses an electronic weighing device that may be used to lift an item of luggage by way of a strap releaseably fitted around the handle of the item of luggage.
  • external weighing mechanisms have an inherent disadvantage in that a user is required to carry a separate device with them to wherever they may wish or need to measure the weight of the suitcase.
  • Known weighing mechanisms that are integrated within an item of luggage include mechanisms using springs and load sensors.
  • US 3090454 discloses a handle for use with an item of luggage, in which a weighing mechanism comprising springs is built into the handle. Lifting an item of luggage with a handle according to US '454 causes the weight of the item of luggage to be displayed mechanically. However, such a device is inaccurate and the mechanical display would be difficult for a user to read. Even more recent developments tend to suffer from multiple disadvantages.
  • US 2006/0266563 discloses a weighing mechanism comprising one or more load sensors that are built into the base or the top surface of an item of luggage.
  • the present invention seeks to provides an improved handle that overcomes many of the disadvantages associated with prior art mechanisms for weighing an item of luggage.
  • a handle for use with an item of luggage comprising an outer part, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer part at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar, the arrangement being such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge.
  • the outer part is an outer shell.
  • the outer shell may be made out of any durable material, such as a hard plastic or a metal.
  • a hard plastic outer shell provides a robust handle whilst helping to minimise its weight.
  • the outer shell may be ergonomically designed, may comprise a textured outer surface and/or may comprise an additional outer layer, such as rubber, to improve grip.
  • the at least one inner bar may be made out of any durable material, such as a hard plastic or a metal.
  • the at least one inner bar may be a continuous bar extending from one end of the handle to the other with the at least one strain gauge mounted on the continuous bar or within a recess in the continuous bar.
  • the at least one inner bar may comprise two parts linked by the at least one strain gauge.
  • the at least one inner bar may be maintained in a fixed position within the outer shell by the close fit of parts of the outer shape of the at least one inner bar with parts of the internal shape of the outer shell.
  • the at least one inner bar may also be maintained in a fixed position within the outer shell by the close fit of parts of the outer shape of the at least one strain gauge with parts of the internal shape of the outer shell.
  • the handle comprises a single strain gauge.
  • the strain gauge may be connected to a printed circuit board that converts the signal from the strain gauge into a weight measurement.
  • the handle of the present invention may also comprise display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage. Suitable display means include a liquid crystal display.
  • the weight may be displayed in any unit of measurement and the display means may comprise a button to switch between different units of measurement, e.g. between kilograms and pounds.
  • the display means may be protected by a retractable cover to prevent the display means being damaged at times when it is not necessary to weigh the item of luggage, e.g. when the item of luggage is being processed by baggage handlers at an airport.
  • the retractable cover may be designed to retract such that it is housed within the outer shell and may comprise two parts that move away from each other as they retract to uncover the display means.
  • the handle of the present invention may also comprise a battery to supply power to the weighing mechanism and/or the display means.
  • the battery may be stored behind a removable cover to ensure that the battery may readily be changed.
  • the handle may also comprise an on/off switch to improve battery life.
  • a suitcase comprising the handle of the present invention.
  • Any item of luggage incorporating a handle may be covered by the present invention, for example the item of luggage may be a suitcase, a rucksack, a bag, a trunk or a briefcase.
  • the item of luggage may also comprise display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage either in addition to or instead of the display means that may be present in the handle.
  • display means suitable for use with the handle include a liquid crystal display.
  • the display means suitable for use with the item of luggage may be protected by a retractable cover, may display the weight in any unit of measurement and may comprise a button to switch between different units of measurement.
  • the item of luggage may be designed such that the handle can pivot between an upstanding position and a flat position.
  • the item of luggage will comprise a recess, the recess being shaped such that when the handle is in the flat position it is located within the recess. This helps ensure the handle is not damaged when it is not in use.
  • the at least one inner bar may be attached to the item of luggage by any suitable means, such as springs, pins, spigots and/or pegs.
  • the pivot point of the handle may be extended inwards (towards the middle of the handle) to help distribute the weight of the item of luggage.
  • Figure 1 is a view of the inside of a handle according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a close up of a part of Figure 1.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handle for use with an item of luggage. The handle comprises an outer shell, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer shell at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar. The arrangement is such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge.

Description

Handle
The present invention relates to a handle, and, more particularly, to a handle that enables the weight of an item of luggage to be measured.
Various means of measuring the weight of an item of luggage are known, including the use of an external weighing mechanism and weighing mechanisms that are integrated within an item of luggage. Clearly the simplest external weighing mechanism is a set of scales, but other external weighing mechanisms specifically designed for use with an item of luggage have also been developed. For example, GB 2411966 discloses an electronic weighing device that may be used to lift an item of luggage by way of a strap releaseably fitted around the handle of the item of luggage. However, external weighing mechanisms have an inherent disadvantage in that a user is required to carry a separate device with them to wherever they may wish or need to measure the weight of the suitcase.
Known weighing mechanisms that are integrated within an item of luggage include mechanisms using springs and load sensors. For example, US 3090454 discloses a handle for use with an item of luggage, in which a weighing mechanism comprising springs is built into the handle. Lifting an item of luggage with a handle according to US '454 causes the weight of the item of luggage to be displayed mechanically. However, such a device is inaccurate and the mechanical display would be difficult for a user to read. Even more recent developments tend to suffer from multiple disadvantages. For example, US 2006/0266563 discloses a weighing mechanism comprising one or more load sensors that are built into the base or the top surface of an item of luggage. Use of the weighing mechanism of US '563 would require the modification of the item of luggage itself and the weighing mechanism is located in a place where it is likely to be damaged during use of the item of luggage. The present invention seeks to provides an improved handle that overcomes many of the disadvantages associated with prior art mechanisms for weighing an item of luggage. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle for use with an item of luggage, said handle comprising an outer part, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer part at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar, the arrangement being such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge.
In the preferred embodiment, the outer part is an outer shell. The outer shell may be made out of any durable material, such as a hard plastic or a metal. A hard plastic outer shell provides a robust handle whilst helping to minimise its weight. Optionally, the outer shell may be ergonomically designed, may comprise a textured outer surface and/or may comprise an additional outer layer, such as rubber, to improve grip. The at least one inner bar may be made out of any durable material, such as a hard plastic or a metal. The at least one inner bar may be a continuous bar extending from one end of the handle to the other with the at least one strain gauge mounted on the continuous bar or within a recess in the continuous bar. Alternatively, the at least one inner bar may comprise two parts linked by the at least one strain gauge.
The at least one inner bar may be maintained in a fixed position within the outer shell by the close fit of parts of the outer shape of the at least one inner bar with parts of the internal shape of the outer shell. In embodiments in which the at least one inner bar comprises two parts linked by the at least one strain gauge, the at least one inner bar may also be maintained in a fixed position within the outer shell by the close fit of parts of the outer shape of the at least one strain gauge with parts of the internal shape of the outer shell.
Preferably, the handle comprises a single strain gauge. Using a single strain gauge enables the accurate measurement of the weight of the item of luggage. The strain gauge may be connected to a printed circuit board that converts the signal from the strain gauge into a weight measurement. The handle of the present invention may also comprise display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage. Suitable display means include a liquid crystal display. The weight may be displayed in any unit of measurement and the display means may comprise a button to switch between different units of measurement, e.g. between kilograms and pounds.
The display means may be protected by a retractable cover to prevent the display means being damaged at times when it is not necessary to weigh the item of luggage, e.g. when the item of luggage is being processed by baggage handlers at an airport. The retractable cover may be designed to retract such that it is housed within the outer shell and may comprise two parts that move away from each other as they retract to uncover the display means.
The handle of the present invention may also comprise a battery to supply power to the weighing mechanism and/or the display means. The battery may be stored behind a removable cover to ensure that the battery may readily be changed. The handle may also comprise an on/off switch to improve battery life.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a suitcase comprising the handle of the present invention. Any item of luggage incorporating a handle may be covered by the present invention, for example the item of luggage may be a suitcase, a rucksack, a bag, a trunk or a briefcase.
The item of luggage may also comprise display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage either in addition to or instead of the display means that may be present in the handle. As with the display means suitable for use with the handle, display means suitable for use with the item of luggage include a liquid crystal display. Also as with the display means suitable for use with the handle, the display means suitable for use with the item of luggage may be protected by a retractable cover, may display the weight in any unit of measurement and may comprise a button to switch between different units of measurement. The item of luggage may be designed such that the handle can pivot between an upstanding position and a flat position. Preferably, the item of luggage will comprise a recess, the recess being shaped such that when the handle is in the flat position it is located within the recess. This helps ensure the handle is not damaged when it is not in use.
The at least one inner bar may be attached to the item of luggage by any suitable means, such as springs, pins, spigots and/or pegs. In embodiments in which the handle can pivot, the pivot point of the handle may be extended inwards (towards the middle of the handle) to help distribute the weight of the item of luggage.
One embodiment of a handle according to the present invention is depicted in the Figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a view of the inside of a handle according to the present invention; and
Figure 2 is a close up of a part of Figure 1.

Claims

Claims;
1. A handle for use with an item of luggage, said handle comprising an outer part, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer part at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar, the arrangement being such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge.
2. A handle according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner bar is a continuous bar extending from one end of the handle to the other with the at least one strain gauge mounted on the continuous bar or within a recess in the continuous bar.
3. A handle according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner bar comprises two parts linked by the at least one strain gauge.
4. A handle according to claim 3, wherein the two parts of the at least one inner bar are linked by a single strain gauge.
5. A handle according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle further comprises display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage.
6. A handle according to claim 5, wherein the display means comprises a liquid crystal display.
7. A handle according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the display means is protected by a retractable cover.
8. A handle according to claim 7, wherein the retractable cover can retract such that it is housed within the outer part.
9. A handle according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle further comprises a battery.
10. A handle according to claim 9, wherein the handle further comprises an on/off switch.
1 1. An item of luggage comprising a handle according to any preceding claim.
12. An item of luggage according to claim 1 1 , wherein the item of luggage further comprises display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage.
13. An item of luggage according to claim 12, wherein the display means comprises a liquid crystal display.
14. An item of luggage according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the display means is protected by a retractable cover.
15. An item of luggage according to any of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the handle can pivot between an upstanding position and a flat position.
16. An item of luggage according to claim 15, wherein the item of luggage comprises a recess, and wherein, when the handle is in the flat position, the handle is located within the recess.
17. A handle substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying Figures.
18. An item of luggage substantially as described herein.
EP11721568.1A 2010-04-30 2011-04-28 Handle Withdrawn EP2593758A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1007263.5A GB201007263D0 (en) 2010-04-30 2010-04-30 Handle
PCT/GB2011/000674 WO2011135317A1 (en) 2010-04-30 2011-04-28 Handle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2593758A1 true EP2593758A1 (en) 2013-05-22

Family

ID=42289908

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11721568.1A Withdrawn EP2593758A1 (en) 2010-04-30 2011-04-28 Handle

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20130037363A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2593758A1 (en)
CN (1) CN103038615A (en)
GB (1) GB201007263D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2011135317A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2816414C (en) * 2010-10-29 2019-12-24 Reinhard Meersschaert Luggage with a recessed zipper
CA2854446A1 (en) * 2011-01-26 2012-08-02 Heys (USA), Inc. Handle-scale for suitcase
USD793200S1 (en) * 2015-03-06 2017-08-01 Jacobo Zyman Beer Handle with integrated tactile scale
US9080910B1 (en) * 2015-03-06 2015-07-14 Jacobo Zyman Beer Tactile handle integrated scale
LU92874B1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2017-06-08 Luxembourg Patent Co Tap assembly with cover and electronic status indicator
WO2018046018A1 (en) * 2016-09-12 2018-03-15 Suzhou Swandoo Children's Articles Co., Ltd. Child transportation device weight sensing

Citations (1)

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US20070007048A1 (en) * 2005-07-05 2007-01-11 Michael Gill Luggage scale

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AU8415698A (en) * 1997-06-25 1999-01-04 Barry David Brighton Gas content scale for portable gas cylinders
JPH11169219A (en) * 1997-12-12 1999-06-29 Takayuki Eguchi Bag incorporated with balance in handle
CN2417757Y (en) * 2000-03-01 2001-02-07 张正安 Handle of suitcase
CN2468024Y (en) * 2001-02-27 2001-12-26 尚宝哲 Sensor of clothes quantity for washing machine
AUPS252102A0 (en) * 2002-05-23 2002-06-13 Marks, Peter John Weighing devices
DE20210055U1 (en) * 2002-07-02 2002-10-02 Munkert, Winfried, 91443 Scheinfeld Integrated luggage overweight scale with display
US7404506B1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2008-07-29 Ross Anthony C System and related methods for preventing back injury
GB0403251D0 (en) 2004-02-13 2004-03-17 Travelite Ltd Apparatus
US20050217904A1 (en) * 2004-04-05 2005-10-06 Hughes Michael L Container with built-in weighing device
US20060266563A1 (en) 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 Kaplan Myron D Carrying case with integrated electronics system
US7378604B2 (en) * 2005-11-12 2008-05-27 Ricardo Beverly Hills Luggage with built-in weight measurement device and method of use
US7271353B1 (en) * 2006-01-18 2007-09-18 Tfb Global Llc Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points
CN201126386Y (en) * 2007-09-05 2008-10-01 中山市创源电子有限公司 Force-measuring sensor and application thereof
TW201014544A (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-16 C & C Luggage Mfg Co Ltd Protection structure of suitcase draw bar having the ejection function included
CN201337068Y (en) * 2008-12-05 2009-11-04 李梓鸿 Suitcase with weighing device

Patent Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070007048A1 (en) * 2005-07-05 2007-01-11 Michael Gill Luggage scale

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN103038615A (en) 2013-04-10
WO2011135317A1 (en) 2011-11-03
GB201007263D0 (en) 2010-06-16
US20130037363A1 (en) 2013-02-14

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