Patents by Inventor Bonnie M. Earl

Bonnie M. Earl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5575362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescoping pull handle for use in towing wheeled luggage. The handle may be collapsed to a reduced length to accommodate easy use with luggage that is carried onto and stowed in passenger transportation vehicles. The invention also is extendable to a sufficient length to permit the user comfortably to tow the wheeled luggage across a supporting surface. The invention includes incorporating into the telescoping handle devices permitting the user to strap or hook to the wheeled luggage auxiliary items of luggage. An improved extendable grip is disclosed for use with the inventive handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Dana Franklin, Bonnie M. Earl
  • Patent number: 5560458
    Abstract: A handle and restraint assembly is for carries and maneuvering a main luggage case having wheels. An extendable handle is moveable into a fully extended position, a fully retracted position, and a selected intermediate position. A restraint device is operatively connected to the handle to selectively restrain the handle in the extended and retracted positions. The restraint device includes a selectively extendable elongated flexible belt by which to connect an auxiliary luggage case for carrying on the main case. The elongated flexible element is extendable for connection to the handle, and may restrain the handle in an intermediate position for carrying the case or for pulling the case on the wheels. A first clutch controls the extension, retraction and retention of the belt, and a second clutch controls the extension, retraction and retention of the handle. The first and second clutches are separately operable independently or they are interconnected to operate simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Dana Franklin, Bonnie M. Earl
  • Patent number: 5501324
    Abstract: An openable and closeable soft-sided luggage case having an external flexible panel, an internal frame structure surrounding an internal cavity, and a carrying handle or a carrying strap connected to the frame structure, includes a first packing compartment which is connected to the external panel. The first packing compartment extends into the interior cavity and consumes a portion of the interior cavity when the case is closed. The remaining portion of the interior cavity forms a second packing compartment. The first packing compartment includes a cover member which is selectively closeable for separating the first and second packing compartments when the case is closed and which is selectively openable for allowing access to the first packing compartment when the case is opened. The first and second packing compartments are equally accessible and available for packing. The first packing compartment may function as a garment bag. A packing and unpacking method is also used for the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Dana Franklin, Bonnie M. Earl
  • Patent number: D383604
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: William L. King, Bonnie M. Earl, David A. Crumrine
  • Patent number: D385115
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Bonnie M. Earl, David A. Crumrine