Process for applying handles to bags or suitcases, as well as bag or suitcase produced with this process

Abstract

A process for applying a handle to a bag or suitcase is disclosed. The process includes producing at least one handle having at least one strip which covers at least partially a rope and is shaped so as to form one or more tongues which protrude from the rope; inserting the tongues into at least one or two slots, respectively, made on a side of the bag or suitcase; and fixing the handle to the bag or suitcase side. The present invention also relates to the bags and the suitcases produced with this process.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . Bag or suitcase comprising at least one handle which has at least one end fixed to the outside of a side of the bag or suitcase and comprises at least one strip that covers at least partially a rope, wherein one or more portions of the strip are shaped so as to form one or more tongues, respectively, which protrude from the rope and are inserted in one or more slots, respectively, made on a side of the bag or suitcase. 
     
     
         17 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein the rope is applied to a longitudinal portion of the strip, which longitudinal portion is arranged between two lateral portions of the same strip, and wherein the strip is arranged around the rope and the two lateral portions are joined together by at least one longitudinal seam adjacent to the rope. 
     
     
         18 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein said lateral portions of the strip are trimmed along said seam, except for one or more portions which are shaped so as to form said tongues in one or both lateral portions of the strip, at given distances from the ends of the strip. 
     
     
         19 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein one or two anti-tear patches are glued onto at least one of the lateral portions of the strip, at given distances from the ends of the strip. 
     
     
         20 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein the distances between the tongues and the ends of the strip are substantially equal to each other and/or are substantially equal to the distances between said anti-tear patches and the ends of the strip. 
     
     
         21 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein the tongues comprise a pointed portion which is connected to the strip by an intermediate portion having a width narrower than the width of the pointed portion. 
     
     
         22 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  6 , wherein the outer edges of the pointed portion are tapered. 
     
     
         23 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  6 , wherein the height of a slot is substantially equal to the width of the intermediate portion of at least one tongue inserted in this slot. 
     
     
         24 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein the slots are made at substantially symmetrical positions in the upper half of said side and form an angle less than 15° or less than 5°, with a vertical axis. 
     
     
         25 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein one or two tapes are sewn with at least one seam beside one or both slots on the inner surface of said side. 
     
     
         26 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  10 , wherein the tongues inserted in a slot are sewn to each other and/or to said tapes by means of at least one seam, in particular substantially parallel and adjacent to the same slot. 
     
     
         27 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  10 , wherein at least one tongue is glued to a tape, which in turn is glued inside of the side. 
     
     
         28 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein the distance between one end of the strip and the upper edge of the side of the bag or suitcase is greater than the distance between the same end of the strip and the lower edge of the side of the bag or suitcase. 
     
     
         29 . Bag or suitcase according to claim  1 , wherein a cover is sewn with at least one seam outside of the side over one or both ends of the strip, so as to fix these ends between the cover and the side. 
     
     
         30 . Process for applying at least one handle to a bag or suitcase, comprising:
 producing at least one handle comprising at least one strip which covers at least partially a rope and is shaped so as to form one or more tongues which protrude from the rope;   inserting said tongues into at least one or two slots, respectively, made on a side of the bag or suitcase; and   fixing at least one end of said handle to the outside of said side.   
     
     
         31 . Process according to  claim 30 , wherein the rope is applied to a longitudinal portion of the strip, which longitudinal portion is arranged between two lateral portions of the same strip, wherein the strip is arranged around the rope and the two lateral portions are joined together by at least one longitudinal seam adjacent to the rope. 
     
     
         32 . Process according to  claim 31 , wherein said lateral portions of the strip are trimmed along said seam, except for one or more portions which are shaped so as to form said tongues in one or both lateral portions of the strip, at given distances from the ends of the strip. 
     
     
         33 . Process according to  claim 30 , wherein one or two anti-tear patches are glued onto at least one of the lateral portions of the strip, at given distances from the ends of the strip. 
     
     
         34 . Process according to  claim 30 , wherein the distances between the tongues and the ends of the strip are substantially equal to each other and/or are substantially equal to the distances between said anti-tear patches and the ends of the strip. 
     
     
         35 . Process according to  claim 30 , wherein the tongues comprise a pointed portion which is connected to the strip by an intermediate portion having a width narrower than the width of the pointed portion.