Spinning handle grip assembly for towable luggage item

Abstract

A handle grip assembly includes a connector housing configured to connect to a support post, an upper housing mounted stationary to the connector housing, and a lower housing and handle grip extending between the connector and the upper housing. The lower housing is freely rotatable relative to the upper housing.

1 . A handle grip assembly comprising: 
 a connector housing configured to connect to a support post;    an upper housing mounted stationary to said connector housing; and    a lower housing and handle grip extending between said connector and said upper housing, said lower housing freely rotatable relative to said upper housing.    
   
   
       2 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a shaft fixedly mounted to said upper housing, said shaft extending through said lower housing, said lower housing rotatable about an axis of said shaft.  
   
   
       3 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a shaft fixedly mounted to said upper housing, said shaft fixedly coupled to said connector housing.  
   
   
       4 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a bearing interface element sandwiched between said upper and lower housing, said bearing interface element configured to allow relative movement of said lower housing with respect to said upper housing.  
   
   
       5 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein each of said upper and lower housing comprises an annular flange and a bearing surface, said annular flanges extending toward one another and engaging a bearing interface element therebetween.  
   
   
       6 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said upper housing is substantially semispherical.  
   
   
       7 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said lower housing is funnel shaped.  
   
   
       8 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said upper and lower housing collectively define a mushroom shape.  
   
   
       9 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a release button extending from said upper housing.  
   
   
       10 . A handle grip assembly for a towable item comprising: 
 a connector housing configured to connect to a support post;    a shaft mounted in fixed relation to said connector housing;    an upper housing mounted stationary to said connector, said upper housing having an outer surface, said outer surface being continuously curved; and    a lower housing and handle grip extending between said upper housing and said connector, said lower housing configured to spin about an axis of said shaft.    
   
   
       11 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said upper housing is substantially semispherical.  
   
   
       12 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said upper housing comprises an annular flange spaced from said outer surface, said handle grip assembly further comprising an interface element received over said flange, said interface element comprising a bearing surface permitting movement of said lower housing with respect to said upper housing.  
   
   
       13 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  further comprising a bearing interface element, said bearing interface element comprising opposite bearing surfaces, one of said bearing surfaces comprising a flange cooperating with a respective one of said upper and lower housings to maintain a position of said bearing element with respect to said upper and lower housings.  
   
   
       14 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  wherein each of said upper and lower housing comprises an annular flange and a bearing surface, said annular flanges extending toward one another and engaging a bearing interface element therebetween.  
   
   
       15 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said upper housing is substantially semispherical.  
   
   
       16 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said lower housing is funnel shaped.  
   
   
       17 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said upper and lower housing collectively define a mushroom shape.  
   
   
       18 . A towable baggage item comprising: 
 a body defining a cavity to store articles;    a support post coupled to said body; and    a handle grip assembly coupled to said support post, said handle grip assembly comprising an upper housing mounted stationary to said support post; and    a lower housing defining a handle grip located between said upper housing and said support post, said lower housing configured to spin about an axis of said support post relative to said upper housing.    
   
   
       19 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 18  wherein said upper housing is substantially semispherical.  
   
   
       20 . A handle grip assembly in accordance with  claim 18  wherein each of said upper and lower housing comprises an annular flange and a bearing surface, said annular flanges extending toward one another and engaging a bearing interface element therebetween.