LUGGAGE ARTICLE CONTROL HANDLE
A handle assembly of a luggage article is disclosed. The handle assembly may be configured to detect input from a user that is used to manipulate an orientation and/or speed of articulable wheels or other support members of the luggage article. In an example, the handle includes an engagement portion that is slideable and twistable relative to a main portion of the handle. A sensor assembly within the handle detects the sliding, twisting, and magnitude thereof. The detected input may be used by one or more processing units of the luggage article to control a direction and speed of the wheels.
The described examples relate generally to luggage articles. More particularly, the present examples relate to controlling a luggage article using inputs detected by a handle.
BACKGROUNDIn luggage articles, a handle may be employed to manipulate movement of the article. In many traditional luggage articles, the handle is solely a mechanical structure engaged with a body or shell of the article. As such, physical manipulation of the handle causes the body or other associated or attached structure of the article to move accordingly. And while wheels or other support members may facilitate such movement, often such wheels are unpowered or unassisted. A luggage article often contains a user's belongings, which may be heavy, bulky, and so on, thus possibly demanding an elevated level of exertion by the user to manipulate the luggage article. Thus there is a need for systems and techniques that can be used to facilitate assisted control of the luggage article movement.
SUMMARYExamples of the present invention are directed to a luggage article and a handle assembly including a sensor assembly for detecting input used to manipulate movements of the luggage article.
In an example, a handle assembly of a luggage article is disclosed. The luggage article includes articulable wheels. Than handle assembly includes a main portion connected to a retractable feature of the luggage article. The luggage article further includes an engagement portion slidable and twistable relative to the main portion. The luggage article further includes a sensor assembly within the main portion and configured to initiate a control signal based on a sliding or a twisting of the engagement portion. The handle assembly is communicatively coupled with the luggage article for steering the articulable wheels using the control signal.
In another example, the retractable feature includes two trolley rails substantially parallel to one another and retractable into a body of the luggage article. The main portion defines an elongated handle grip of the luggage article extending between the two trolley rails. The engagement portion covers the main portion opposite the two trolley rails. The sensor assembly further includes a first sensor configured to detect the sliding of the engagement portion along an elongated direction of the main portion. The sensor assembly further includes a second sensor configured to detect the twisting of the engagement portion about a rotational axis substantially parallel with the two trolley rails.
In another example, at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor includes a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is configured to detect a magnitude of a respective one of the sliding or the twisting of the engagement portion. The control signal indicates the magnitude detected by the pressure sensor. The sensor assembly further includes a lateral engagement feature protruding from the main portion. The engagement portion further includes an underside, the underside configured to move the lateral engagement feature in response to the sliding of the engagement portion.
In another example, the sensor assembly further includes a sled connected to the lateral engagement feature and within the main portion. The lateral engagement feature and sled cooperate to move the sled laterally in response to the sliding of the engagement portion and to trigger a switch event. In some cases, the lateral engagement feature may be a first lateral engagement feature. In this regard, the sensor assembly further includes a second lateral engagement feature protruding from the main portion and offset from the first lateral engagement feature. The underside of the engagement portion may be further configured to move the first lateral engagement feature in a first direction in response to a sliding of the engagement portion in the first direction. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement portion may be further configured to move the second lateral engagement feature in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction, in response to a sliding of the engagement portion in the second direction. As such, the sensor assembly may be configured to distinguish between the movement of the first lateral engagement feature and the movement of the second lateral engagement feature.
In another example, the control signal includes information associated with a direction of movement of the engagement portion. The control signal may affect an orientation of the articulable wheels toward the direction of movement. In some cases, the handle assembly may further include a tactile feedback structure configured to resist one or both of the sliding or the twisting of the engagement portion.
In another example, a handle assembly of a luggage article is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a main portion defining a housing interior. The handle assembly includes an engagement portion over the housing interior. In a first mode, the engagement portion is moveable along a first direction of the main portion. In a second mode, the engagement portion is moveable along a second direction of the main portion. The handle assembly further includes a sensor assembly within the housing interior and configured to detect a value of the movement of the engagement portion in the first direction and the second direction.
In another example, the sensor assembly includes one or more pressure sensors configured to detect a degree of displacement of the engagement portion in one or both of the first direction or the second direction. The first direction may be a lateral direction. The engagement portion may be slideable in the first direction in the first mode. Further, the second direction may be a rotational direction. The engagement portion may be rotatable in the second direction in the second mode.
In another example, the main portion defines a notched region along an exterior top surface. The engagement portion may be seated within the notched region. The main portion defines a first end region and a second end region. The notched region may be arranged between the first end region and the second end region. In some cases, an exterior top surface of the engagement portion is substantially flush with each of an exterior top surface of the first end region and an exterior top surface of the second end region. The engagement portion may remain substantially contained within the notched region during the movement associated with each of the first mode and the second mode.
In another example, a handle assembly of a luggage article is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a housing assembly connected to a retractable feature of the luggage article. The housing assembly has a moveable engagement portion. The handle assembly further includes a first sensor within the housing assembly and configured to detect a first movement of the engagement portion along a lateral direction of the housing assembly. The handle assembly further includes a second sensor within the housing assembly and configured to detect a second movement of the engagement portion about a normal axis of the housing assembly. The first sensor and the second sensor are communicatively coupled with a control component of the luggage article. The control component is responsive to each of the first movement of the first sensor and the second movement of the second sensor.
In another example, the second sensor is a pair of second sensors. In this regard, a first of the pair of second sensors may be configured to detect a first rotation of the engagement portion about the normal axis and in a substantially clockwise direction. Further, a second of the pair of second sensors may be configured to detect a second rotation of the engagement portion about the normal axis and in a substantially counterclockwise direction.
In another example, the engagement portion defines an underside. Each of the pair of second sensors protrude from an interior of the housing assembly and toward the underside. The underside may contact the first of the pair of second sensors in response to the first rotation of the engagement portion, thereby triggering a first rotational switch event. The underside may further contact the second of the pair of second sensors in response to the second rotation of the engagement portion, thereby triggering a second rotational switch event.
In another example, the luggage article includes articulable wheels associated with the control component. In response to the first rotational switch event, the articulable wheels orient in the substantially clockwise direction. Further, in response to the second rotational switch event, the articulable wheels orient in the substantially counterclockwise direction.
In another example, the housing assembly further includes a base defining an interior housing of the first sensor and the second sensor. The housing assembly further includes a cover substantially enclosing the base and defining a first aperture on a top surface and a second aperture on a side surface. In some cases, the first sensor may be at least partially positioned within the first aperture. Further, the second sensor may be at least partially positioned within the second aperture. The engagement portion may be positioned over the cover and overlapping both of the first sensor and the second sensor.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and examples described above, further aspects and examples will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various examples described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated example to the exclusion of examples described with reference thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.
The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to luggage articles and associated control systems and input structures. Luggage articles, such as cases, duffle bags, and other containers described herein may generally include a handle that is used to carry or tow the article. For example, the luggage article may include articulable wheels or other support members, and a user may physically manipulate the handle to control movements of the article. Moving the luggage may thus require physical exertion by the user. However, with the luggage article containing large and possibly heavy or bulky belongings, relying solely on physical forces provided by a user to move and steer the luggage article may prove unwieldy and limit the adaptability and versatility of the luggage article for a variety of potential user groups.
The luggage articles described herein may mitigate such hindrances, thereby allowing for manipulation of the luggage article (including steering and propulsion) that is not solely reliant on the physical exertions of the user. For example, described herein is a handle assembly that detects input that is used to manipulate movements of the luggage article. The handle assembly may be, or form, a component or assembly of, a tow handle, a retractable handle, a trolley system, and/or other gripping portion of the luggage article that is configured for engagement by a user.
The handle assembly may be communicatively coupled to one or more control systems or components of the luggage article. Such control components may provide power-assist or otherwise cause the articulable wheels or other support structures to move and thus propel the luggage article separate from the force provided at the handle. Additionally or alternatively, the control component of the luggage article may operate to cause the articulable wheels to steer, orientate, or otherwise be positioned in a desired direction, and thereby allow the luggage article to move in a corresponding direction upon propulsion of the wheels. Sample mechanisms include induction-driven units, including high-torque configurations, and rotary actuators, including adjustable-speed drives, as examples, each of which may directly or indirectly cause movement of the articulable wheels, as described in greater detail below. For example, in some examples, separate guide, driven or “power-assist” wheels may be propelled or orientated by a control component, and the articulable wheels (such as those at the corners of a case) may follow the manipulations of the power-assist wheels.
Broadly, the handle assembly may detect user input and the user input is used to manipulate (e.g., steer, propel) wheels of the luggage article. To facilitate the foregoing, the handle assembly may include an engagement portion that is moveable relative to a main portion or other structure of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a sensor assembly, including one or more pressure sensors configured to detect the movement of the engagement portion and/or a value or magnitude of the movement. In turn, the sensor assembly may generate a control signal or other electrical response based on the detected movement.
The various control components and systems of the luggage article may use this control signal to move the luggage article in a corresponding direction and at a corresponding rate. For example, in response to a movement of the engagement portion in a first direction, the luggage article may move in the first direction, whereas in response in a movement of the engagement portion in a second direction, the luggage article may move in a second direction. The sensor assembly may also be configured to detect a value or degree of the movement of the engagement portion (e.g., using various arrangements of pressure sensors), and as such, the luggage article may be propelled at a rate based at least partially on the detected degree of movement in the appropriate direction.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various features of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, skill, and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.
According to the examples described herein, the handle assembly 160 may be configured to receive user input. The handle assembly 160 uses a detection of the input to generate one or more signals that cause movement of the luggage article 100, including signals that are used to influence speed and direction of the luggage article 100. Sample inputs include a sliding or twisting input. The handle assembly 160 and/or other processing unit or control logic of the luggage article 100 may distinguish between a direction of input, and in some cases determine a magnitude of the input. Wheels of the luggage article 100, in conjunction with the control components 190, may be responsive to the inputs, including orientating in a direction corresponding to a direction of the input and moving (e.g., rotating) at a rate corresponding to a magnitude of the input.
While the handle assembly 160 may be implemented in a variety of different types or luggage articles, suitcases, and so on, described in greater detail below, with reference to
The luggage article 100 illustrated in
The luggage article 100 may generally be manipulated between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration (shown in
As shown in
The luggage article 100 may include one or more support members 180 to support the luggage article 100 against a support surface (e.g., against the ground). Broadly, the support members 180, which may be a foot, a fixed wheel assembly, a wheel assembly, or any combination thereof, may be associated with any suitable panel of the housing 102, such as in at least one example connected to at least the bottom panel 122.
In the example of
While the support members 180 may include a variety of appropriate components to facilitate movement of the luggage article 100, in the example of
The wheel portion 182 may be coupled with the articulable portion 184, as shown in
The luggage article 100 may include additional control assemblies and components that are used to propel and orientate the luggage article 100. Such control assemblies can include wheels, belts, conveyors, and the like that cooperate to move the luggage article 100. The movement may occur with the assistance of a motor, such as an electric or induction motor. In this manner, the luggage article 100 may be caused to move without relying solely on the efforts of a user, for example, in pulling a handle.
To facilitate the foregoing, the luggage article 100 includes control components 190, which may be or include a first power-assisted wheel assembly 190a and a second power-assisted wheel assembly 190b. Each of the first power-assisted wheel assembly 190a and the second power-assisted wheel assembly 190b may include active or “driven” wheels. In this manner, the first power-assisted wheel assembly 190a and the second power-assisted wheel assembly 190b may have or be coupled with a motor or other drive mechanism, and associated drive components, to power the associated driven wheel. The first power-assisted wheel assembly 190a and the second power-assisted wheel assembly 190b may be powered by a variety of appropriate techniques in order to provide power to the respective driven wheels. As one example, the luggage article 100 include a battery assembly 176 within the internal storage volume 103. As described in greater detail below with respect to
The first power-assisted wheel assembly 190a and the second power-assisted wheel assembly 190b may cooperate to rotate the respective driven wheels in a common direction, thereby advancing the luggage article 100 in the common direction (e.g., as shown in
As shown in
The first power-assisted wheel assembly 190a is shown in
The power-assisted wheel assembly 190a generally includes a wheel and the control housing 192 includes components that operate to propel or rotate the wheel. In this regard,
In this manner, rotation of the power-assisted wheel 196 may cause the luggage article 100 to move in a corresponding direction. As described in greater detail below, the articulable wheels of the support structure 180 may be follower-type wheels, in that the articulable wheel may not necessarily be independently rotated or otherwise power assisted. As such, the movement of the luggage article 100 by the power-assisted wheel 196 may cause the articulable wheels of the support members to orientate in a corresponding manner (e.g., as shown in greater detail below with respect to
In the example shown in
As generally shown in
The luggage article 100 also include the handle assembly 160, such as that shown in
The handle assembly 160 may include many configurations facilitating movement of the handle assembly 160 between its retracted and extended positions. For instance, the handle assembly 160 may include one or more retractable features 156, including extensible tubes, poles, trolley rails, and so on (e.g., first pole 156a and second pole 156b). Each pole of the retractable features 156 may include one or more telescoping tubes to allow the handle assembly to extend and retract. While the examples of
The retractable features 156 are generally received within the luggage article 100 when in a retracted position. For example, the luggage article 100 may include tubes 157 that receive the retractable features 156. As shown in the open configuration of the luggage article 100 (shown in
The handle assembly 160 may configured to manipulate the retractable features 156, for example, such as controlling movement of the retractable features 156 between the retracted position and the extended position. With reference to
In a particular example, the luggage article 100 includes internal rods 170 (shown in phantom in
The handle assembly 160 also includes a power-assisted wheel button 166. The power-assisted wheel button 166 may be used to manipulate a configuration of the power-assisted wheel assemblies of the luggage article 100. For example, the power-assisted wheel button 166 may detect input (e.g., a press input) and trigger a switch event. The switch event may cause the power-assisted wheel of one or both of the power-assisted wheel assemblies 190a, 190b to transition between a first retracted position and a second extended position. This allows the power-assisted wheels to be stored (substantially within the internal storage volume 103), and subsequently deployed for use in propelling the luggage article 100. As described herein, when in the deployed or extended position, the input detected at the engagement portion 164 of the handle assembly 160 causes the power-assisted wheels to move.
In response to a detection of input at, for example, the power-assisted wheel button 166, the power-assisted wheel 196 may move from the first retracted position shown in
In some examples, the housing 102 may be configured to accommodate at least portions of the handle assembly 160. By way of example, as shown in
The main portion 212 may be an integral or one-piece structure that defines the internal volume of the handle assembly 210. In the example of
The handle assembly also includes an engagement portion 216. Broadly, the engagement portion 216 may be a manipulatable structure that is moveable relative to the main portion 212. For example, the engagement portion 216 may be configured to slide or twist relative to the main portion 212, as described herein. The handle assembly 210 may detect the manipulations of the engagement portion 216 and generate one or more control signals for manipulating the luggage article 200 in a corresponding manner. In this regard, the engagement portion 216 may define at least a portion of a gripping surface or other feature that is configured to receive input (e.g., physical manipulations) from the user.
While the engagement portion 216 may be arranged in a variety of manners, the example of
Notwithstanding the movement of the engagement portion 216, the engagement portion 216 may remain substantially contained within the notched region 218. For example, in a first mode, the engagement portion 216 may slide laterally between the respective end regions 201a, 201b and remain substantially within the notched region 218. Further, in a second mode, the engagement portion 216 may rotate or twist about the normal axis extending from the top surface of the handle assembly 210, and the engagement portion 216 may remain substantially within the notched region 218. This may help shield or protect the engagement portion 216 from unintended manipulations or movements. And further, the main portion 212, such as the main portion cap 214b that defines a boundary of the notched region 218, may limit or define a maximum range of movement of the engagement portion 216, which may help limit exposure of the engagement portion 216 (and associated internal sensors and assemblies) to excess or undue forces. As a further protection mechanism, top surfaces of the end regions 201a, 201b of the main portion cap 214b may be substantially flush with the top surface of the engagement portion 216 in the unactuated configuration shown in
The handle assemble 210 is used to detect input from a user. For example, as described herein, the handle assembly 210, may detect the physical manipulation of the engagement portion 216 relative to the main portion 212. The handle assembly 210 may therefore include various sensor assemblies, including pressure switches, that detect the movement of the engagement portion 216, including sliding and twisting of the engagement portion 216. The handle assembly 210 is shown in
For example,
With reference to
One or more sensors of the luggage article 300, such as those disposed within the handle assembly 360, may detect the movement of the engagement portion 364 along the direction 370a. Such sensors, described in greater detail below with respect to
In the example of
As such, the support members 380 may follow or otherwise be caused to move and orientate by the power-assisted wheel assemblies 390a, 390b. Additionally or alternatively, the various control components of the luggage article 300 may directly articulate one or more of the support members 380, including in some cases causing one or more of the support members 380 to move and propel the luggage article 300 in a given direction. In this regard, while
In this regard,
To facilitate the configuration of
With reference to
As described above, one or more sensors of the luggage article 300, such as those disposed within the handle assembly 360, may detect the movement of the engagement portion 364 along the direction 370b. In turn, various control mechanisms of the luggage article 300 may cause the support members 380 to move, including orientating the support members 380 in order to steer or position the luggage article 300. In the example of
To facilitate the configuration of
The handle assembly 360 may also be configured to detect input that is used to spin the luggage article 300 about a rotational axis. In this regard, the engagement portion 364 may be configured to twist or rotate relative to the main portion 362. For example, the engagement portion 364 may be configured to rotate about a normal axis extending from the top surface of the handle assembly 360. The rotation of the engagement portion 364 may be in range of 5 degrees to 15 degrees; however, in other cases, the engagement portion 364 may rotate less than 5 degrees or more than 15 degrees. The handle assembly 360, as described herein, may detect this rotation, and initiate an electrical response or other control signal that is used by various control components and mechanisms for movement (e.g., spinning) of the luggage article 300 in a corresponding manner.
To illustrate, with reference to
As described above, one or more sensors of the luggage article 300, such as those disposed within the handle assembly 360, may detect the movement of the engagement portion 364 in the direction 370c. In turn, various control mechanisms of the luggage article 300 may cause the support members 380 to move, including orientating the support members 380 in order to steer or position the luggage article 300. In the example of
To facilitate the configuration of
With reference to
As described above, one or more sensors of the luggage article 300, such as those disposed within the handle assembly 360, may detect the movement of the engagement portion 364 in the direction 370d. In turn, various control mechanisms of the luggage article 300 may cause the support members 380 to move, including orientating the support members 380 in order to steer or position the luggage article 300. In the example of
To facilitate the configuration of
With reference to
The handle assembly 510 includes various sensor assemblies and structures that cooperate to detect the movements of the engagement portion 516. In the example of
In order to facilitate input detection at the engagement portion 516, in the example of
In the example shown in
To illustrate, the engagement portion 516 may be moved along a positive x-direction (e.g., toward the second end portion 501b). This movement along the positive x-direction may cause the lateral engagement portions 524 associated with the first lateral sliding sensor 525a to move in a corresponding direction. Such movement of the lateral engagement portion 524 associated with the first lateral sliding sensor 525a may cause a sensor, such as a pressure-based contact switch to trigger a switch event indicative of the sliding movement of the engagement portion 516. The engagement portion 516 may also be moved along a negative x-direction (e.g., toward the first end portion 501a). This movement along the negative x-direction may cause the lateral engagement portion 524 associated with the second lateral sliding sensor 525b to move in a corresponding direction. And similar to the first lateral sliding sensor 525a, such movement of the lateral engagement portions 524 associated with the second lateral sliding sensor 525b may cause a sensor, such as a pressure-based contact switch to trigger a switch event indicative of the sliding movement of the engagement portion 516.
The handle assembly 510 also include various structures that are configured to detect rotational movements of the engagement portion 516. In the example shown in
Each of the rotational engagement features 527 may be components of or associated with a rotational sensor of the handle assembly 510. For example, a first of the rotational engagement features 527 positioned adjacent the first end portion 501a may be associated with a first rotational sensor 529a. Another of the rotational engagement features 527 positioned adjacent the second end portion 501b may be associated with a second rotational sensor 529b. As described in greater detail below with respect to
To illustrate, the engagement portion 516 may be rotated or twisted in a positive manner about the y-direction (e.g., in a clockwise manner). This rotation about the y-direction may cause the rotational engagement portion 527 associated with the first rotational sensor 529a to move at least partially into the main portion 512. Such movement of the rotational engagement portion 527 associated with the first rotational sensor 529a may cause a sensor, such as a pressure-based contact switch to trigger a switch event indicative of the rotational movement of the engagement portion 516. The engagement portion 516 may also be moved in a negative manner about the y-direction (e.g., toward the first end portion 501a). This movement about the y-direction may cause the rotational engagement portion 527 associated with the second rotational sensor 529b to move at least partially into the main portion 512. And similar to the first rotational sensor 529a, such movement of the rotational engagement portion 527 associated with the second rotational sensor 529b may cause a sensor, such as a pressure-based contact switch to trigger a switch event indicative of the sliding movement of the engagement portion 516.
As described above, the first rotational sensor 529a and the second rotational sensor 529b may be configured to detect rotational or twisting input received at the handle assembly 510. For example, and with reference to
The rotational engagement portion 528 may be depressed by the engagement portion 516 (or other input surface of the handle assembly 510) and one or more switches or sensors may detect the depression of the rotational engagement portion 528. In this regard, the rotational engagement portion 528 may be connected or otherwise associated with a contact sensor 528. The contact sensor 528 may include a variety of sensors that are configured to detect the depression of the rotational engagement portion 527, including resistive and capacitive-based configurations. In some cases, the contact sensor 528 may be or include a pressure switch or other device that measures the magnitude or value of the depression of the engagement portion 528.
Each contact switch may therefore produce an electrical response in response to a rotational movement of the engagement portion 516. For example, the contact sensor 528 associated with the first rotational sensor 529a may produce a first electrical response or control signal in response to the movement of the engagement portion 516 in a generally clockwise direction. Similarly, the contact sensor 528 associated with the second rotational sensor 529b may produce a second electrical response or control signal in response to the movement of the engagement portion 516 in a generally counterclockwise direction. A processing unit and/or other control circuitry or logic of the handle assembly 510 (or more generally of an associated luggage article) may distinguish between the electrical response from the contact switch of the first rotational sensor 529a and the electrical response of the contact switch of the second rotational sensor 529b. Such processing unit may also optionally determine information from the associated electrical response as to the magnitude or degree of rotational movement of the engagement portion, if applicable. In turn, this information may be used to manipulate movement of the luggage article, including using one or more control mechanisms, described herein.
The housing interior 513 also includes the lateral sliding sensors positioned herein. As described above, the first lateral sliding sensor 525a and the second lateral sliding sensor 525b may be configured to detect a sliding input received at the handle assembly 510. For example and with reference to
To facilitate the foregoing, the lateral engagement portions 524 are shown connected to a moveable structure positioned within the housing interior 513. The moveable structure may engage a contact-based switch when moved, and as such, allow for the detection of the sliding movement of the engagement portion 516 of
Within the housing interior 513 is a guide 532. The guide 532 may generally be fixed within the housing interior 513, such as to an interior surface of a main portion shell 514a. In the example of the
A sensor, such as a contact-based pressure sensor, may be generally arranged between the sled 530 and the guide 532. Accordingly, the sled 530 may move toward the sensor in response to movements of the lateral engagement portion 524, which may cause a contact with the sensor disposed between the sled 530 and the guide 532. In turn, the sensor may generate an electrical response including a control signal indicative of a sliding movement of the engagement portion 516 connected to the corresponding lateral engagement portion 524. In some cases, this response may include information associated with a magnitude or value of the sliding movement.
In this regard, more broadly, each of the first later lateral sliding sensor 525a and the second lateral sliding sensor 525b may produce an electrical response associated with sliding movements of the engagement portion. For example, the first lateral sliding sensor 525a may produce a first electrical response or control signal in response to the movement of the engagement portion 516 in a generally positive x direction. Similarly, the second lateral sliding sensor 525b may produce a second electrical response or control signal in response to the movement of the engagement portion 516 in a generally negative x direction. A processing unit and/or other control circuitry or logic of the handle assembly 510 (or more generally of an associated luggage article) may distinguish between the electrical response from the first lateral sliding sensor 525a and the second lateral sliding sensor 525b. Such processing unit may also optionally determine information from the associated electrical response as to the magnitude or degree of rotational movement of the engagement portion, if applicable. In turn, this information may be used to manipulate movement of an associated luggage article, including using one or more control mechanisms, described herein.
To illustrate the particular operation and components of the lateral sliding sensors, with reference to
In the exploded view of
To facilitate the foregoing, the contact sensor 544 is generally positioned between the sled 530 and the guide 532. The sled 530 moves relative to the guide 532, which in turn causes the contact sensor 544 to trigger a switch event, such as initiate an electrical response indicative of the movement of the sled 530. In this regard, the contact sensor 544 may include a variety of sensor types that are configured to detect the movement of the sled 530, including resistive and capacitive-based configurations. In some cases, the contact sensor 544 may be or include a pressure switch or other configuration that measures the magnitude or value of the movement of the sled 530.
The sled 530 is shown connected to a pair of the lateral engagement portions 524. The pair of lateral engagement portions 524 may be connected to an engagement portion of the handle assembly (e.g., engagement portion 516 of
The sled 530 may include or be coupled with a variety of features that facilitate movement of the sled 530 toward the contact sensor 544. In the example of
The contact sensor 544 may be at least partially separated from the sled 530 by plate 538. For example, in an assembled configuration the contact sensor 544 may be positioned adjacent the guide 532 and the plate 538 may be positioned adjacent the contact sensor 544 opposite the guide 532. The plate 538 may generally help secure the contact sensor 544 within the assembly and/or align or maintain a position of the contact sensor 544. In this regard, the plate 538 may be secured to the guide 532 using fasteners 539. The fasteners 539 may extend through the plate 538 and into the guide 532 (such as being threaded into receiving features of the guide 532) however in other cases, other fastener types are possible.
The plate 538 therefore may include multiple openings. At least some of the openings may be used for secure the plate 538 to the guide 532. Other openings, such as guide pin openings 540a and 540b, may be generally aligned with corresponding ones of the guide pins 536 and the internal track 534. The guide pins 536 may be at least partially positioned within and configured to slide along the guide pin openings 540a, 540b. This may further enhance stability of the guide pins 536 and more generally the sled 530 in response to movement of the sled 530. At least one opening of the plate 538 may be aligned with a contact region of the contact sensor 544. For example, the plate 538 shows a sensor opening 540c. The sled 530 may engage one or more features of the assembly through the sensor opening 540c which causes the contact sensor 544 to detect movement of the sled 530 and trigger a switch event.
To illustrate,
In some cases, the physical engagement between the contact 542 and the contact sensor 544 may close a circuit that causes the contact sensor 544 to initiate an electrical response. The electrical response may be indicative of the movement of the engagement portion 516, for example, to the extent that the movement of the engagement portion causes movement of the sled 530 that closes a circuit of the contact sensor 544. In some cases, the contact sensor 544 may be a pressure sensor and as such, may initiate an electrical response indicative of a degree of movement of the sled 530. For example, as the sled 530 is moved closer toward the contact sensor 544, the force exerted on the contact sensor 544 by the contact 542 may increase. The contact sensor 544 may detect this increase in force, such as by detecting an increase resistance within circuitry of the contact sensor 544, and initiate a corresponding electrical response. In this manner, the electrical response may be based on the magnitude of the movement of the sled 530.
With reference to
In particular, the handle assembly 510 may include a retractable feature control assembly 550. The retractable feature control assembly 550 may be positioned generally within an interior of the main portion 512, such as within the housing interior 513. The retractable feature control assembly 550 may include a variety of linkages and control features that release the retractable features from a given position and allow the retractable features 506 to slide or telescope relative to an associated luggage article.
To facilitate the foregoing, the retractable feature control assembly 550 may include a first linkage 552a and a second linkage 552b. The first linkage 552a and the second linkage 552b may be coupled with the retractable feature button 508. The retractable feature button 508 may be substantially located at bottom portion of the handle assembly 510, however in other cases, other configurations are possible. Each of the first linkage 552a and the second linkage 552b may further be coupled with the internal rods 570 at a respective rail manipulation portion 556. The internal rods 570, as described with respect to
In operation, the retractable feature button 508 may be configured to receive input from a user. This may be a push input that at least partially depresses a portion of the button inward, which in turn causes one or both of the linkages 552a, 552b to move. Movement of one or both of the linkages 552a, 552b may manipulate the internal rods 570 at the rail manipulation portion 556, causing the internal rods 570 to move within the retractable features 506. The internal rods 570 extend into the retractable feature 506 and toward locking mechanisms within the luggage article that temporarily retrain movement of the retractable features 506. As described above with respect to
As a further illustration, the retractable features 506 may generally slide from a first retracted position to a second extended position. In either the first retracted position or the second extended position, the retractable features 506 may be prevented from relative movement. For example, a clip, pin, lock, or other structure may mitigate relative movement of the retractable features in either position. The movement of the internal rods 570 caused by the input at the retractable feature button 508 may release or unseat the clip, pin, or the like, and thus permit the movement of the retractable features 506 into another telescoping position. In other examples, other configurations may be possible.
To facilitate the reader's understanding of the various functionalities of the examples discussed herein, reference is now made to the flow diagram in
In this regard, with reference to
At operation 904, relative movement between housing portions of a handle assembly is detected. For example and with reference to
At operation 908, wheels of a luggage article are orientated based on the relative movement detected at the operation 904. For example and with reference to
At operation 912, a magnitude of the relative movement is determined. For example, with reference to
At operation 916, the speed of the wheels is controlled based on the magnitude detected at the operation 912. For example, with reference to
As shown in
The steering device 1004 may include components of the power-assisted wheel assemblies described herein, for example, such as the power-assisted wheel assemblies 190a, 190b of
The luggage article 1000 may also include a drive device 1008. Broadly, the drive device 1008 may include a variety of electromechanical mechanisms that cause support members (e.g., wheels) of the luggage article to move or propel the luggage article 1000. For example, the luggage article 1000 may include a variety of wheels and the drive device 1008 may cause the wheels to rotate along a support surface or other environment upon which the luggage article rests. In this regard, the drive device 1008 may include similar electromechanical mechanisms as that described in relation to the steering device 1004 above, including rotary actuators, and induction units.
The drive device 1008 may generally include components of the power-assisted wheel assemblies described herein, for example, such as the power-assisted wheel assemblies 190a, 190b of
As noted above, each of the steering device 1004 and the drive device 1008 may be communicatively coupled with a processing unit of the luggage article 1000. As shown in
The memory 1016 may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory 1016 is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media 1020 may also include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media including, for example, a hard-drive storage device, a solid state storage device, a portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device.
In this example, the processing unit 1012 is operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the memory 1016 and/or computer-readable media 1020. The computer-readable instructions may adapt the processing unit 1012 to perform the operations or functions described above with respect to
As shown in
The luggage article 1000 may also include a battery 1030 that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the luggage article 1000. The battery 1030 may include one or more power storage cells that are linked together to provide an internal supply of electrical power. In this regard, the battery 1030 may be a component of a power source 1028 (e.g., including a charging system or other circuitry that supplies electrical power to components of the luggage article 1000). The battery 1030 may be operatively coupled to power management circuitry that is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for individual components or groups of components within the luggage article 1000.
The luggage article 1000 may also include one or more sensors 1024. The sensor 1024 may include the various lateral sliding and rotational sensors described herein that are configured to detect sliding and/or rotational input. Additionally or alternatively, the luggage article 1000 may include other sensors used to detect a touch and/or force input, environmental condition, orientation, position, or some other aspect of the luggage article 1000. In this regard, the sensors 1024 may be used to detect an input at a touch-sensitive display (e.g., display 1036) of the luggage article 1000 and/or other surface or feature, such as a handle assembly or other external surface of the luggage article 1000 defined by an outer enclosure or shell. This may include resistive and contact based sensors may also be used, for example, such as those described above with respect to the lateral sliding sensors and rotational sensors of
The sensors 1024 may also be broadly defined to include wireless positioning devices including, without limitation, global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, Wi-Fi circuitry, cellular communication circuitry, and the like. As such, the sensors 1024 may be used to identify an environment of the luggage article 1000. The luggage article 1000 may also include one or more optical sensors including, without limitation, photo-detectors, photosensors, image sensors, infrared sensors, or the like. The sensors 1024 may also include one or more acoustic elements, such as a microphone used alone or in combination with a speaker element. This may allow the luggage article 1000 to be operable by voice control, among other possibilities.
The luggage article 1000 may also include a variety of tactile feedback structures 1040. For example and described above with respect to
The luggage article 100 may also include a communication port 1032 that is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication port 1032 may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, adaptor, or other type of electrical connector. In some examples, the communication port 1032 may be used to couple the luggage article 1000 with a computing device and/or other appropriate accessories configured to send and/or receive electrical signals.
Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and Band C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described examples. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
Claims
1. A handle assembly of a luggage article, the luggage article having articulable wheels, the handle assembly comprising:
- a main portion connected to a retractable feature of the luggage article;
- an engagement portion slideable and twistable out of alignment relative to a length of the main portion;
- a sensor assembly within the main portion and configured to initiate a control signal based on a sliding or a twisting of the engagement portion; and wherein
- the handle assembly is communicatively coupled with the luggage article for steering the articulable wheels using the control signal.
2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein:
- the retractable feature includes two trolley rails substantially parallel to one another and retractable into a body of the luggage article;
- the main portion defines an elongated handle grip of the luggage article extending between the two trolley rails;
- the engagement portion covers the main portion opposite the two trolley rails; and
- the sensor assembly further comprises: a first sensor configured to detect the sliding of the engagement portion along an elongated direction of the main portion; and a second sensor configured to detect the twisting of the engagement portion about a rotational axis substantially parallel with the two trolley rails.
3. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein:
- at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor configured to detect a magnitude of a respective one of the sliding or the twisting of the engagement portion; and
- the control signal indicates the magnitude detected by the pressure sensor.
4. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein:
- the sensor assembly includes a lateral engagement feature protruding from the main portion; and
- the engagement portion includes an underside, the underside configured to move the lateral engagement feature in response to the sliding of the engagement portion.
5. The handle assembly of claim 4, wherein:
- the sensor assembly further includes a sled connected to the lateral engagement feature and within the main portion; and
- the lateral engagement feature and sled cooperate to move the sled laterally in response to the sliding of the engagement portion and trigger a switch event.
6. The handle assembly of claim 4, wherein:
- the lateral engagement feature is a first lateral engagement feature;
- the sensor assembly further includes a second lateral engagement feature protruding from the main portion and offset from the first lateral engagement feature;
- the underside of the engagement portion is further configured to: move the first lateral engagement feature in a first direction in response to a sliding of the engagement portion in the first direction; and move the second lateral engagement feature in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction, in response to a sliding of the engagement portion in the second direction; and
- the sensor assembly is configured to distinguish between the movement of the first lateral engagement feature and the movement of the second lateral engagement feature.
7. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the control signal:
- includes information associated with a direction of movement of the engagement portion; and
- affects an orientation of the articulable wheels toward the direction of movement.
8. The handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tactile feedback structure configured to resist one or both of the sliding or the twisting of the engagement portion.
9. A handle assembly of a luggage article, the handle assembly comprising:
- a main portion defining a housing interior;
- an engagement portion over the housing interior, wherein: in a first mode, the engagement portion is moveable along a first direction of the main portion; and in a second mode, the engagement portion is moveable along a second direction of the main portion; and
- a sensor assembly within the housing interior and configured to detect a value of the movement of the engagement portion in the first direction and the second direction.
10. The handle assembly of claim 9, wherein the sensor assembly includes one or more pressure sensors configured to detect a degree of displacement of the engagement portion in one or both of the first direction or the second direction.
11. The handle assembly of claim 9, wherein:
- the first direction is a lateral direction; and
- the engagement portion is slideable in the first direction in the first mode.
12. The handle assembly of claim 9, wherein:
- the second direction is a rotational direction; and
- the engagement portion is rotatable in the second direction in the second mode.
13. The handle assembly of claim 9, wherein:
- the main portion defines a notched region along an exterior top surface; and
- the engagement portion is seated within the notched region.
14. The handle assembly of claim 13, wherein:
- the main portion defines a first end region and a second end region;
- the notched region is arranged between the first end region and the second end region; and
- an exterior top surface of the engagement portion is substantially flush with each of an exterior top surface of the first end region and an exterior top surface of the second end region.
15. The handle assembly of claim 13, wherein the engagement portion remains substantially contained within the notched region during the movement associated with each of the first mode and the second mode.
16. A handle assembly of a luggage article, the handle assembly comprising:
- a housing assembly connected to a retractable feature of the luggage article, the housing assembly having a moveable engagement portion;
- a first sensor within the housing assembly and configured to detect a first movement of the engagement portion along a lateral direction of the housing assembly; and
- a second sensor within the housing assembly and configured to detect a second movement of the engagement portion about a normal axis of the housing assembly, wherein
- the first sensor and the second sensor are communicatively coupled with a control component of the luggage article, the control component responsive to each of the first movement of the first sensor and the second movement of the second sensor.
17. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein:
- the second sensor is a pair of second sensors;
- a first of the pair of second sensors is configured to detect a first rotation of the engagement portion about the normal axis and in a substantially clockwise direction; and
- a second of the pair of second sensors is configured to detect a second rotation of the engagement portion about the normal axis and in a substantially counterclockwise direction.
18. The handle assembly of claim 17, wherein:
- the engagement portion defines an underside;
- each of the pair of second sensors protrude from an interior of the housing assembly and toward the underside;
- the underside contacts the first of the pair of second sensors in response to the first rotation of the engagement portion, thereby triggering a first rotational switch event; and
- the underside contacts the second of the pair of second sensors in response to the second rotation of the engagement portion, thereby triggering a second rotational switch event.
19. The handle assembly of claim 18, wherein:
- the luggage article includes articulable wheels associated with the control component;
- in response to the first rotational switch event, the articulable wheels orient in the substantially clockwise direction; and
- in response to the second rotational switch event, the articulable wheels orient in the substantially counterclockwise direction.
20. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein:
- the housing assembly further comprises: a base defining an interior housing the first sensor and the second sensor; a cover substantially enclosing the base and defining a first aperture on a top surface and a second aperture on a side surface;
- the first sensor is at least partially positioned within the first aperture;
- the second sensor is at least partially positioned within the second aperture; and
- the engagement portion is positioned over the cover and overlapping both of the first sensor and the second sensor.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 17, 2018
Publication Date: Jun 18, 2020
Inventors: Paul Melkebeke (Tsim Sha Tsui), Ruban Harry Thottakath (Chwa Ko Ling)
Application Number: 16/222,148