US20070130731A1

US20070130731A1 - Case handle for protective cases

Info

Publication number: US20070130731A1
Application number: US11/304,149
Authority: US
Inventors: Mohammad Hakami
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Pelican Products Inc
Priority date: 2005-12-14
Filing date: 2005-12-14
Publication date: 2007-06-14

Abstract

A case handle assembly comprising a case handle is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the case handle is attached to a lid and extends the length of the lid. The case handle may fit into a depth defined by a mounting area on the top of the lid so that the top of the case is flush. A locking mechanism may be utilized to lock the case handle to the lid.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to a case handle, and more particularly to a case handle assembly for protective cases.
2. General Background
Cases are often used for storing or shipping of materials. Many of these cases are set on wheels to facilitate moving of the case. Additionally, cases are often fitted with handles to help a user move the case.
Different case handle configurations are known. It is desirable to have a case handle that assists movement of a case. It is also desirable to have a case handle that fits into the case so that additional space is not occupied by the case handle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for an improved case handle assembly. The case handle assembly allows for other cases to be stacked on top of the case. A locking mechanism secures the handle to the case.
In another aspect, the case handle may be connected to the top of a lid of the case and may be utilized for the purpose of pulling or pushing the case. In particular embodiments, the case handle is the length of the lid to provide the most leverage for a user.
In another aspect, the case handle may be locked into place in the lid using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism corresponds with a catch on top of the lid to lock the case handle to the lid.
In one aspect, the case handle is movable between a first position when the handle is located essentially wholly within the highpoint defined by a mounting area on top of the lid of the case and an extended second position. In exemplary embodiments, the top of the lid of the case becomes flush with the case handle is folded down. In other embodiments, such that in the first position the case handle doesn't essentially impair the stacking of a second case on the lid. This allows for stacking of additional mobile cases on top of the case.
In another aspect, the case handle is attached to the lid by a hinge. The hinge may be connected at the edge of the lid or close to the lid. A pivot pin enables the case handle may rotate about the hinge to enable a user to move the case.

DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and advantages of this invention will become more readily apparent and understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a mobile protective case with a case handle in a folded down and locked position.
FIG. 2 depicts the mobile protective case with the case handle in an unfolded position.
FIG. 3 depicts the opposite view of the mobile protective case with the case handle in an unfolded position.
FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the case handle.
FIG. 5 depicts a close-up view of the hand grip and locking mechanism of the case handle.
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the case handle.
FIG. 7 depicts a front view of the case handle in an unlocked configuration.
FIG. 8 depicts a close-up view of the handle-portion and locking mechanism of the case handle in an unlocked configuration.
FIG. 9 depicts a set of cases wherein a case is stacked on top of the second case, the case handle in the locked position on top of the case lid to enable stacking of the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a case handle assembly is provided. The case handle is set into the depth of a wall of the case, causing the wall to be approximately flat. The wall of the case could include the top or the side walls of the case. The case handle is locked into place on the case by setting into a depth created by a mounting base and utilizing a locking mechanism.
With reference to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of the mobile protective case 100, with a set of removable casters 105, side handles 110, and a lid 115 attached to the case 100 utilizing latches 120. In particular embodiment, the case 100 can be made from rigid materials, such as polymers, metals, or other composites.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a case handle 125 is depicted as locked and fitted into the area defining a mounting base on top of the lid 115. In this embodiment, by fitting the handle 125 into depth created by the mounting base 205 on top of the lid 115, the top of the case 110 is essentially flush, enabling other cases to be stacked on top of the case 110 when casters are removed. In other embodiments, the handle 125 such that in the first position the case handle 125 doesn't essentially impair the stacking of a second case on the lid 115 or the handle 125 is located essentially wholly within the highpoint and the mounting base 205. As a result, shipment or storage of the cases is made more efficient through stacking of multiple cases.
In other embodiments, the mounting base 205 is located on a wall of the case 105. The wall can be any wall of the case including the side walls, the top walls or the bottom wall. In particular embodiments, the wall utilized for the mounting base 205 is the top wall. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the top wall is the lid 115. In other embodiments, the side wall my be utilized as the storage for the handle.
The handle 125 may be constructed from the same materials as the case 100. However, the case handle 125 may also be made from a different material from the case 100. For example, in alternative embodiments, the case handle 125 may be constructed from metals or a different rigid material while the case 100 is constructed from a rigid polymer.
The case handle 125 is attached to the lid 115 by a pivot pin 130. The pivot pin 130 enables the handle 125 to be rotated about the lid 115. In a particular embodiment, the pivot pin 130 connecting the lid 115 to the case handle 125 is located at the edge of the lid 115. Locating the pin 130 at the edge of the lid enables the case handle 125 to be the length of the lid 115. Utilizing the whole length of the lid 115 allows the person moving the case to have more leverage to facilitate movement of the case 100 when the case is sitting on casters 105. However, the pin 130 does not have to be placed exactly at the edge of the lid 115. The pin may also located at various points of the lid 115.
At the intersection between the lid 115 and the case handle 125 is a heavy-duty hinge 135. The heavy-duty hinge 135 has interlocking members that allow for more heavy loads and pressure exerted by the user. The interlocking members of the heavy duty hinge 135 also allow for more comfortable pivoting of the case handle 125 about the surface. In particular embodiments, the hinge 135 may be located at the edge of the lid 115.
In other embodiments, the hinge 135 may be located on the side of the lid 115. In these embodiments, the case handle 115 will include an additional side piece to correspond with the side of the lid 115. In other embodiments, the hinge 135 may be located away from the edge of the lid 115. In this embodiment, the case handle 125 is not the full length of the lid 115. The case handle 125 can rotate about the lid 115 about 180 degrees.
Now with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the case handle 125 is shown rotated about the lid 115. The handle 125 is able to rotate to about 270 degrees depending on how the individual moving the case 100 is situated. In other embodiments, the handle 125 rotates only about 90 degrees about the lid 115. In still other embodiments, the handle 125 rotates only about 180 degrees about the lid 115.
In a particular embodiment, an L-shaped catch 200 is located on the mounting base 205 on top of the lid 115. The locking mechanism 210 cooperates with the L-shaped catch 200 to lock the handle to the lid 115. In exemplary embodiments, the catch 200 is connected to the mounting base 205 utilizing screws or similar attachment mechanisms. In other embodiments, the catch 200 can be molded onto the mounting base 205.
The mounting base further comprises an indention 220. The indention 220 is located at the same point that the hand grip 230 is located to enable a user of the assembly to be able to grip the handle when it is flush with the lid 115.
The front view of the case handle is depicted in FIG. 4. The case handle 125 includes a hand grip 230 to enable the user to use the handle. The case handle 125 further includes a locking mechanism 210. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 210 includes a hole to allow a user to grip the locking mechanism 220 to unlock the case handle 125 from the lid 115.
In exemplary embodiments, the case handle 125 also includes a large planar section 240 extending a substantial section of the length of the case handle 125. The planar section 125 provides more stability and strength to the case handle 125 to allow for more pressure exerted by the user.
Additionally, the case handle 125 may also include reinforcing grooves 245. The reinforcing grooves 245 provide more strength to the case handle 125 and allow for more pressure to be exerted by the user and heavier loads to be moved.
With reference now to FIG. 5, a close-up view of the locking mechanism 210 and hand grip 230. In a particular embodiment, the locking mechanism 210 comprises a hole 220. The hole 220 corresponds with the L-shaped catch 200 located in the lid 115 when the handle 125 is locked into place. The locking mechanism 120 further comprises an L-shaped end 225 to lock the handle 125 to the L-shaped catch 200 by cooperating the L-shaped end 225 with the L-shaped catch 200.
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the case handle 125. The case handle 125 is thin to enable the case handle to fit into a mounting base in the lid. The case handle includes a hand grip 230 and a locking mechanism 220. The locking mechanism 220 has an L-shaped end 225 to cooperate with the catch 200 in the lid. The case handle 125 also includes a hole 250 to connect the pivot pin 130.
With reference now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the locking mechanism of the case handle is shown in an unlocked configuration. In this particular embodiment, the locking mechanism 210 can be unlocked by sliding the locking mechanism 210 along the longitudinal axis of the case handle 125. By sliding the locking mechanism 210, the L-shaped end 225 of the locking mechanism 210 releases from the L-shaped catch 200 on the top of the lid 115. The case handle 115 can than be rotated about the lid 115 to enable movement of the case.
In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 210 is spring-loaded. By spring-loading the locking mechanism 210, the locking mechanism 210 automatically returns to its original locked position as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 after it has been moved down the longitudinal axis of the case handle 115 to unlock the case handle 125 from the lid 115. Utilization of a spring-loaded locking mechanism 210 will ensure that the case handle 125 remains locked to the lid 115 when the case handle 125 is not in use.
With reference now to FIG. 9, the placement of the case handle 125 in the depth of the mounting base 205 on the lid 115 of the case 105 allows a second case to be stacked on top of the first case. The case handle 125 does not prohibit the stacking by protruding out from the lid 115. In this particular embodiment, the case handle 125 is flush with the top of the lid 115 allowing the second case to sit across the top of the lid 115 and the case handle 125.
In other embodiments, the case handle 125 does not sit flush with the top of the lid 115. For example, the handle 125 maybe be in the first position such that the case handle 125 doesn't essentially impair the stacking of a second case on the lid 115 or the handle 125 is located essentially wholly within the highpoint and the mounting base 205.
While the above description contains many particulars, these should not be considered limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather a demonstration of embodiments thereof. The alloy composition, method for making and uses disclosed herein include any combination of the different species or embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by the above description. The various elements of the claims and claims themselves may be combined any combination, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, which includes the claims.

Claims

1. A case handle assembly for use with a protective case, the case having a receptacle body and a lid for the body, wherein:

the lid is attachable to the body of the case, the lid including a mounting base, the mounting base being located at a depth from a highpoint of the lid;

the assembly including a case handle movable between a first position when the handle is located essentially wholly within the highpoint and the mounting base and an extended second position, the case handle including a hand grip and a locking mechanism to lock the handle to the lid; and

a hinge including a pivot pin to connect the handle onto the lid and allowing the handle to rotate about the hinge.

2. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the hinge is located at the edge of the lid.

3. The case handle assembly in claim 2 wherein the handle is length of the lid.

4. The case handle assembly in claim 2 wherein the handle can rotate about the lid for about 270 degrees.

5. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch with an L-shaped end.

6. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded latch.

7. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the lid further comprises a catch on the top of the lid.

8. The case handle assembly in claim 7 wherein the locking mechanism cooperates with the catch to lock the case handle to the lid.

9. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the lid further comprises an indention located at a corresponding location to the hand grip.

10. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the case handle further comprises a planar section partially extending the length of the case handle.

11. The case handle assembly in claim 1 wherein the case handle further comprises reinforcing grooves on the sides of the case handle extending the length of the case handle.

12. A case handle assembly for use with a protective case, the case having a receptacle body and a lid for the body, wherein:

a catch located on top of the mounting base;

the assembly including a case handle movable between a first position when the handle is located essentially flush with the highpoint and an extended second position, the case handle including a hand grip and a spring-loaded locking mechanism, the locking mechanism having an L-shaped end to cooperate with the catch on top of the mounting base to lock the case handle to the mounting base; and

a pivot pin to connect the handle onto a edge of the lid and allowing the handle to rotate about the edge of the lid.

13. The case handle assembly claim 12 wherein the handle is length of the lid.

14. The case handle assembly in claim 12 wherein the handle can rotate about the lid for about 270 degrees.

15. A case handle assembly for use with a protective case, the case having a receptacle body, wherein:

a wall of the case including a mounting base, the mounting base being located at a depth from a highpoint of the wall;

the assembly including a case handle movable between a first position and an extended second position such that in the first position the case handle doesn't essentially impair the stacking of a second case on the lid, wherein the second case has an underside configuration formed for mating with the handle and lid when the handle is in the first position, the case handle including a hand grip and a locking mechanism to lock the handle to the lid; and

a hinge including a pivot pin to connect the handle onto the wall and allowing the handle to rotate about the hinge.

16. The case handle assembly claim 15 wherein the handle is length of the wall.

17. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the handle can rotate about the wall for about 270 degrees.

18. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch with an L-shaped end.

19. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded latch.

20. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the lid further comprises a catch on the wall.

21. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the locking mechanism cooperates with the catch to lock the case handle to the wall.

22. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the wall further comprises an indention located at a corresponding location to the hand grip.

23. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the case handle further comprises a planar section partially extending the length of the case handle.

24. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the case handle further comprises reinforcing grooves on the sides of the case handle extending the length of the case handle.

25. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the wall is a side wall of the case.

26. The case handle assembly in claim 15 wherein the wall is a top wall of the case, the top wall being a lid attachable to the receptacle body.

27. A protective case comprising:

a receptacle body;

a lid attachable to the body of the case, the lid including a mounting base, the mounting base being located at a depth from a highpoint of the lid;

a case handle movable between a first position when the handle is located essentially wholly within the highpoint and the mounting base and an extended second position, the case handle including a hand grip and a locking mechanism to lock the handle to the lid; and

28. A stackable set of cases comprising:

a plurality of receptacle bodies;

a plurality of lids attachable to the body of the case, a lid including a mounting base, the mounting base being located at a depth from a highpoint of the lid, the lid including a case handle;

the case handle movable between a first position when the handle is located essentially wholly within the highpoint and the mounting base and an extended second position to allow for stacking of a second case, wherein the second case has an underside configuration formed for mating with the handle and lid when the handle is in the first position, the case handle including a hand grip and a locking mechanism to lock the handle to the lid; and