Handle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handle for use with an item of luggage. The handle comprises an outer shell, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer shell at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar. The arrangement is such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge.

1 . A handle for use with an item of luggage, said handle comprising an outer part, at least one inner bar and at least one strain gauge, wherein the at least one inner bar extends out from within the outer part at each end of the handle such that the item of luggage may be attached to the handle using the at least one inner bar, the arrangement being such that when an item of luggage is lifted using the handle, the weight of the suitcase is measured using the at least one strain gauge. 
     
     
         2 . A handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner bar is a continuous bar extending from one end of the handle to the other with the at least one strain gauge mounted on the continuous bar or within a recess in the continuous bar. 
     
     
         3 . A handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner bar comprises two parts linked by the at least one strain gauge. 
     
     
         4 . A handle according to  claim 3 , wherein the two parts of the at least one inner bar are linked by a single strain gauge. 
     
     
         5 . A handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage. 
     
     
         6 . A handle according to  claim 5 , wherein the display means comprises a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
         7 . A handle according to  claim 5 , wherein the display means is protected by a retractable cover. 
     
     
         8 . A handle according to  claim 7 , wherein the retractable cover can retract such that it is housed within the outer part. 
     
     
         9 . A handle according to  claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises a battery. 
     
     
         10 . A handle according to  claim 9 , wherein the handle further comprises an on/off switch. 
     
     
         11 . An item of luggage comprising a handle according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . An item of luggage according to  claim 11 , wherein the item of luggage further comprises display means for displaying the weight of the item of luggage. 
     
     
         13 . An item of luggage according to  claim 12 , wherein the display means comprises a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
         14 . An item of luggage according to  claim 12 , wherein the display means is protected by a retractable cover. 
     
     
         15 . An item of luggage according to  claim 11 , wherein the handle can pivot between an upstanding position and a flat position. 
     
     
         16 . An item of luggage according to  claim 15 , wherein the item of luggage comprises a recess, and wherein, when the handle is in the flat position, the handle is located within the recess. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled)