Abstract: A carrying device for extending into a piece of luggage and for absorbing and minimizing shocks when carrying the piece of luggage. The carrying device includes a handle and apparatus for absorbing and minimizing shocks when carrying the piece of luggage by the handle. The apparatus is normally disposed within the piece of luggage so as not to be unaesthetically visible, and is operatively connected to the handle so as to allow for the absorbing and the minimizing of the shocks when carrying the piece of luggage by the handle.

Abstract: A quick-release buckle for a shoulder strap and preventing unintentional release when tension exerted by the shoulder strap. The buckle includes a socket member, a plug member, and a locking member. The plug member has the shoulder strap connected thereto, and is replaceably engaged with the socket member. The locking member is an operative part of the socket member. The plug member replaceably engages in the locking member in such a manner so to be released therefrom, the locking member is released and the plug member has to be pulled in a direction opposite to that in which tension from the shoulder strap is exerted so as to prevent the unintentional release of the quick-release buckle when the tension is exerted by shoulder strap, while the tension exerted by the shoulder strap when the plug member is engaged in the locking member assures unintentional release of the quick-release buckle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an expandable suitcase comprises: a front portion; a back portion; a plurality of side panels, each side panel aligning with one of a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side of the suitcase, and each side panel having a primary board, at least a first side board rotatably connected to the primary board about a common edge therewith, and a first side flap rotatably connected to the first side board about a common edge opposing the common edge with the primary board; and a plurality of hinges disposed at an intersection of two side panels, each hinge comprising a first hinge panel attached to one of the side panels and a second hinge panel connected to the other side panel, wherein the hinge remains in a substantially planar position in a rested state.

Abstract: A closed loop strap handle for a piece of luggage that has been modified to have the closed loop strap handle replaceably added thereon. The closed loop strap handle includes a strap, and apparatus for replaceably having the closed loop strap handle added onto the piece of luggage. The apparatus sits within the piece of luggage. The strap replaceably engages into the apparatus and loops to replaceably engage itself.

Abstract: A strap handle for a piece of luggage that has been modified to have the strap handle added thereon. The strap handle includes a strap, and apparatus for having the strap handle added onto the piece of luggage. The apparatus sits within the piece of luggage. The strap engages into the apparatus.

Abstract: A quick-release buckle for a shoulder strap and preventing unintentional release when tension exerted by the shoulder strap. The buckle includes a socket member, a plug member, and a locking member. The plug member has the shoulder strap connected thereto, and is replaceably engaged with the socket member. The locking member is an operative part of the socket member. The plug member replaceably engages in the locking member in such a manner so to be released therefrom, the locking member is released and the plug member has to be pulled in a direction opposite to that in which tension from the shoulder strap is exerted so as to prevent the unintentional release of the quick-release buckle when the tension is exerted by shoulder strap, while the tension exerted by the shoulder strap when the plug member is engaged in the locking member assures unintentional release of the quick-release buckle.

Abstract: An interchangeable wheel cover for a wheel of a piece of luggage, including a center cap assembly and a trim ring assembly. The center cap assembly interchangeable affixes the trim ring assembly to the wheel of the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A carrying device for extending into a piece of luggage and for absorbing and minimizing shocks when carrying the piece of luggage. The carrying device includes a handle and apparatus for absorbing and minimizing shocks when carrying the piece of luggage by the handle. The apparatus is normally disposed within the piece of luggage so as not to be unaesthetically visible, and is operatively connected to the handle so as to allow for the absorbing and the minimizing of the shocks when carrying the piece of luggage by the handle.

Abstract: A combination mobile shoulder strap and stationary shoulder cushion for carrying a receptacle, via appropriate releasable connectors, without movement of the stationary shoulder cushion and without the consequences caused at least by such movement to a wearer. The combination includes a stationary shoulder cushion, a pair of mobile strap elements, and apparatus that laterally pivotally attaches the pair of mobile strap elements to the stationary shoulder cushion so as to allow the pair of mobile strap elements to carry the receptacle, via the appropriate releasable connectors, and move relative to the stationary shoulder cushion, while the stationary shoulder cushion does not move so as to eliminate the consequences to a wearer caused at least by such movement of the pair of mobile strap elements. The apparatus is underlaid by the stationary shoulder cushion so as to eliminate the consequences caused by the apparatus undesirably engaging the wearer.

Abstract: A checkpoint-friendly backpack for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion. The backpack includes a dedicated compartment and a non-dedicated compartment. The non-dedicated compartment stores items other than the laptop computer.

Abstract: A checkpoint-friendly bag for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion. The bag includes a dedicated compartment and a non-dedicated compartment. The non-dedicated compartment stores items other than the laptop computer.

Abstract: A towing arrangement includes a pivotal handle which allows a user to position the handle more comfortably that would otherwise be possible with a conventional towing arrangement. The relative motion of the handle can also increase the maneuverability of a piece of luggage by eliminating the need for a person to reposition his or her hand on the handle when attempting to redirect the piece of luggage.

Abstract: Stabilizing means for a secondary bag carried on a wheeled luggage case is attached to the telescoping handle assembly of the case. The handle assembly has a single telescoping tube and a stabilizing arm or arms pivotally mounted on the outer section of the telescoping tube. When the handle assembly is withdrawn from the case, the stabilizing arm or arms are pivoted to a horizontal position. On retraction of the handle into the case, the arm or arms are pivoted to a position parallel to the tube section. In another embodiment, collar affixed to the outer section of the tube carries a pair of L-shape members, each with a leg extending downwardly and parallel to the tube section. The collar and L-shaped arms move with the outer tube section into and out of the luggage case.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a multiple expansion capability, including an expandable main compartment and an expandable external pocket. The luggage item also includes a pair of internal tie-down panels for better holding of clothes within the item and for providing additional storage pockets. A low-profile clothes hanger bracket is provided which is useful with either wire or wooden clothes hangers and includes a harness to avoid unintentional dislodgement of the hangers.