Luggage Handle Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention generally relates to luggage handle devices. More specifically, the present invention is a snap-on luggage handle accessory that facilitates the ability to push wheeled luggage while also providing additional carrying capacity and stability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]A travel trolley is a suitcase on wheels that you can easily pull behind you while travelling. Available in different sizes, styles and materials, they are designed to keep your belongings safe and organized during your trip. However, travelers who have to walk any distance with their large and/or carry on suitcase and personal items and/or travelers acquiring additional personal items/bags while on travel (e.g., when shopping at airport duty-free), may need some additional assistance maneuvering their luggage while travelling. Further, travelers who pack their luggage to the maximum weight, may create strain on elbow and knee joints when having to pull their bag(s). A luggage accessory that can provide additional stability to push wheeled luggage while also providing additional carrying capacity is a rare find in the current market.

[0003]An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a luggage handle device that can provide additional assistance and stability while pushing a wheeled luggage. Further, the present invention is intended to allow users to hang additional luggage to the handle device. Travelers who desire to use their wheeled luggage for added stability when walking (back issues/need to lean) may need a bigger and more stable handle while pulling their luggage and the present invention provides that. Furthermore, the main rod of the present invention that snaps onto the handle of a luggage trolley helps travelers who must traverse bumpy or uneven terrain (e.g. sidewalks or cobblestones) with their luggage beyond the transport station, whereby the ability to push the bag makes it easier to handle and navigate. Additionally, the strap attachment along with the main rod of the present invention enables users to hang additional bags to the trolley bag, thereby helping travelers who do not have time to fetch a luggage cart or who do not want to pay extra money to rent a cart at the airport.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004]The present invention is an apparatus that is intended to provide users with a luggage handle device that can provide additional assistance and stability while pushing wheeled luggage. Further, the present invention is intended to allow users to hang additional luggage to the handle device. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a main rod with a cut out cavity, an extendable strap and a plurality of integrated fasteners that can provide additional stability and functionalities for the luggage trolley. More specifically, travelers who desire to use their wheeled luggage for added stability when walking (back issues/need to lean) may need a bigger and more stable handle while pulling their luggage and the present invention provides that. Furthermore, the main rod of the present invention that snaps onto the handle of a luggage trolley makes it easier for travelers to handle and navigate their luggage who must traverse bumpy or uneven terrain (e.g. sidewalks or cobblestones) with their luggage beyond the transport station. Additionally, the strap attachment along with the main rod of the present invention enables users to hang additional bags to the trolley bag, thereby helping travelers who do not have time to fetch a luggage cart or who do not want to pay extra money to rent a cart at the airport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 3 is a bottom-front-right perspective of the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 4 is a detailed view taken about circle 4 in FIG. 3.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the present invention, wherein an extension strap is attached to the restraining strap.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention being in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012]All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0013]In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, the present invention is a luggage handle device.

[0014]The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a main rod 2, a protective padding 4, a restraining strap 6, and at least one fastener 8. Preferably, the main rod 2 comprises a rod body 10 and a handle-receiving slot 12. In the preferred embodiment, the main rod 2 is cylindrical in shape, is made of 1 ¼″ PVC pipe, and is 15″ long. However, the main rod 2 may be made of any other material and comprise a different outer shape, as long as the intents of the present invention are not hindered. The handle-receiving slot 12 is a rectangular slot that is intended to house the telescopic handle of a luggage trolley. To that end, the handle-receiving slot 12 laterally traverses into the rod body 10, and the handle-receiving slot 12 is positioned centrally along the rod body 10. In other words, the design of the main rod 2 has a cutout cavity that easily slips on/off most wheeled luggage handles. In the preferred embodiment, the handle-receiving slot 12 extends between a first inner end wall 14 and a second inner end wall 16, wherein the first inner end wall 14 and the second inner end wall 16 are positioned opposite to each other along the handle-receiving slot 12.

[0015]In order to protect the handlebar within the handle-receiving slot 12, the protective padding 4 is mounted within the handle-receiving slot 12. The protective padding is preferably a soft yet firm material like foam or silicone, that can provide a non-abrasive surface for the handlebar of the telescopic handle that sits within the handle-receiving slot 12. The protective padding 4 preferably comprises a first padding segment 20 and a second padding segment 22, wherein the first padding segment 20 is mounted adjacent to the first inner end wall 14 and the second padding segment 22 is mounted adjacent to the second inner end wall 16. As seen in FIG. 4, the first padding segment 20 and the second padding segment 22 are positioned offset from each other. Further, the positioning of the protective padding 4 prevents the actuation button on a handlebar of the luggage, from deploying while being positioned within the main rod 2. In other words, the strategically placed foam padding within the cavity keeps the original luggage handle extension/retraction button from deploying while in use, thereby providing stability and enables the telescopic handlebar to accommodate variations in the luggage handle sizes/designs to which it attaches. It should be noted that the protective padding 4 may comprise any other material, size, and shape that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

[0016]As seen in FIG. 1, the restraining strap 6 may comprise a first strap end 24 and a second strap end 26. Preferably, the first strap end 24 is positioned opposite to the second strap end 26 along the restraining strap 6. This is so that the strap may be used to secure the rod around the luggage and hold additional luggage. Further, the first strap end 24 of the strap is centrally mounted adjacent the rod body 10, and the second strap end 26 is positioned offset from the rod body 10. In other words, the loose end of the strap or the second end of the restraining strap 6 may be further used to attach additional travel items (bags, purses, backpacks, jackets, etc.), or the traveler can simply hang items on the sturdy handle. Thus, as seen in FIG. 7, the restraining strap 6 is operatively coupled to the main rod 2, wherein the restraining strap 6 and the at least one fastener 8 are used to secure the main rod 2 around a telescopic handle 9 of a trolley luggage. The sturdy strap can also be extended if needed with additional hook and loop strap. To accomplish this, the at least one fastener 8 is integrated onto the restraining strap 6. More specifically, the at least one fastener 8 may be integrated along the complete length of the restraining strap 6, such that the at least one fastener 8 can be secured at any point after wrapping tightly around the handler bar and luggage handler to make it secure or to also loop through other bags or luggage handles. Preferably, the at least one fastener 8 is a hook and loop fastener. However, the at least one fastener 8 may comprise any other kind of fasteners or fastening techniques that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Examples of some other fasteners include but are not limited to snap buttons, D-clips, magnetic fasteners, etc.

[0017]Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the main rod 2 further comprises a strap-receiving slit 18. Preferably, the strap-receiving slit 18 helps to attach one end of the restraining strap 6 along the rod body 10. To that end, the strap-receiving slit 18 laterally traverses through the rod body 10 and traverses into the handle-receiving cavity. As seen in FIG. 4, the strap-receiving slit 18 is positioned adjacent to the handle-receiving cavity, and the first strap end 24 is threaded through the strap-receiving slit 18. Thus, one end of the restraining strap 6 is threaded through the strap-receiving slit 18 and secured with the help of a fastening technique such as through sewing, hook and loop fasteners or a button fastener. In other words, the first strap end 24 is externally attached to the rod body 10. The other end or the second strap end 26 is set free for securing the handlebar within the handle-receiving cavity, or for holding additional luggage.

[0018]In order to protect the user from sharp ends and for providing aesthetic appeal, the present invention may comprise a first end cap 28, and a second end cap 30. As seen in FIG. 6, the first end cap 28 is mounted onto a first rod end 32, and the second end cap 30 is mounted onto a second rod end 34, wherein the first rod end 32 is positioned opposite to the second rod end 34 across the main rod 2.

[0019]In an alternate embodiment and in reference to FIG. 6, the present invention may comprise an extension strap 36. Preferably, the extension strap 36 is used for hanging additional luggage or securing different accessories needed for travel. To that end, the extension strap 36 is connected adjacent to the second strap end 26 through the at least one fastener 8. More specifically, the extension strap 36 may be a strip of hook and loop fastener that may be attached at any length along the restraining strap 6, according to the user's preference.

[0020]Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.