Wheeled Patents (Class 190/18A)
  • Patent number: 5921635
    Abstract: Luggage cases usually include wheels to aid in their transport. The wheels and their mounting systems must themselves be extremely sturdy, and should not cause weakness or mechanical failure of the luggage case to which they are mounted. The disclosed cantilever wheel mounting assembly 18 includes an axle 22 with a protruding end 26 that fits into an elastomeric mounting block 20 that in turn is received in a corresponding cavity in a molded luggage case shell. A screw fastener 38 passes through one of the walls 15 of the cavity, and through a corresponding hole 44 in the mounting block and through a hole 28 through the end of the axle 22 to hold the assembly in place while permitting the axle to pivot about the fastener when the elastomeric block flexes in response to vibrations and impacts in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Deliman, Daniel G. Elles, James S. Gregg, William L. King, Roger Pedlar, Elliot J. Younessian
  • Patent number: 5918710
    Abstract: An assembly for forming a rollable piece of luggage having a U-shaped pull rod, two fastening members, a fastening frame, two caster members, and two locating members. The pull rod has two arms each having a retaining projection for engaging the fastening frame which is fastened with the shell of the piece of luggage, in conjunction with the fastening members. Each of two caster members has a caster frame and a caster fastened pivotally with the caster frame which is in turn fastened with the fastening frame and the locating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Yi Sher
  • Patent number: 5908112
    Abstract: A travel case for dolls incorporating a doll enclosure having a bottom wall, opposed upstanding end walls and two side walls interconnecting the bottom and end walls. A top wall is provided which is secured to the top edges of the side walls and is inclined relative to the bottom wall. The top wall is provided with an aperture and a cover of clear transparent material is secured to the top wall in overlying relationship to the aperture therein to permit the doll to be observed at all times by the doll owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Susan Ann Hardie
  • Patent number: 5908093
    Abstract: A bag including a freely opening and closing bag body, casters mounted to a bottom face of the bag body, a handle having a grip at upper extremities of extensible rods mounted on the bag body in a free extensible manner, and stoppers for locking the handle in a fully extended position and in a fully retracted position. The grip, when pulled up from the bag body, is positioned between right and left sides of the upper face of the bag body and extends in a direction of the long side of the bag. The extensible rods of the bag body are fixed to the top and the bottom of a lateral face of the bag body, and the extensible rods are also curved to position the grip between the right and left sides of the bag body, when in the pulled-out condition. Also, the external face of the bag body connecting the extensible rods can be formed in a slanted or oblique orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Swany Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 5890570
    Abstract: A wheeled carry-on case has a rigid base and a guide extending perpendicular to said base in which a retractable handle is slidably received, the base having wheels positioned along the major dimension of the base at one edge thereof, and having wheels positioned at spaced positions along at least one of the minor dimensions of the base, thus permitting the case to be wheeled over a ground surface in a first direction perpendicular to a front and rear of the case, and also, in a second direction extending parallel to the front and rear wall of the case. A single retractable handle is operably positioned to guide the movement in either of the first or second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ourigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard David Sadow
  • Patent number: 5890571
    Abstract: A wheeled article of luggage, such as a carry-on case, is provided with an elongate member which is extensible for it to secure an article of auxiliary luggage positioned on a top wall of the wheeled case. The extensible member can be built into the carry-on case, or into the towing handle of the case, or, can be provided as an add-on to an existing prior art case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Outrigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard David Sadow
  • Patent number: 5878853
    Abstract: A pull device for a wheeled luggage carrier which has a retractable handle for tilting and pulling of the luggage carrier where the pull device is readily attachable to the handle of the wheeled luggage carrier. The pull device has an elongated handle element configured symmetrically about the handle element axis and sized for gripping by a hand, an elongate extension element coupled to said handle element for extension in a direction substantially perpendicular to element axis, and fastening elements at the end of the extension element remote from the handle element for fastening the extension element to the handle of a wheeled luggage carrier where the handle is substantially perpendicular to the handle element axis when attached. The fastening elements are constructed and arranged to allow pivotal movement of the extension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Mary Z. DeRouen, Leslie R. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5876048
    Abstract: An extensible draw bar device comprises a pair of outer pipes, a pair of middle pipes disposed in the corresponding outer pipes respectively, a pair of longitudinal inner pipes disposed in the corresponding middles pipes respectively, and a pair of press rods disposed in the corresponding inner pipes respectively. A transverse crossbar has two ends to receive two hollow plug seats respectively. The hollow plug seats receive two upper ends of two press rods respectively. The hollow plug seats are inserted in two upper ends of the two inner pipes respectively. An upper connecting seat has two hollow arms to receive two upper ends of the two outer pipes respectively. A lower connecting seat crosses the lower ends of the two outer pipes respectively. The upper connecting seat and the lower connecting seat connect a suitcase. Two wheel are disposed at the lower end of the lower connecting seat respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Chi-Tsai Lee
  • Patent number: 5875876
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage including a body portion having a primary case and a secondary case engageable with the primary case by means of a zipper, a L-shaped member mounted on a bottom of the body portion, an axle disposed on the L-shaped member and mounted across the two corners, two wheel protectors each fitted in one of the two recesses of the body portion, two wheels each pivotally connected with an end of the axle, two plugs fitted on a top of the body portion and each having a cylindrical portion and a plurality of clamping members enclosing the cylindrical portion and having a distance therefrom, an annular member having an inner diameter which is just equal to an outer diameter of a cylinder formed by the clamping members, two tubular members having a lower end vertically mounted on the L-shaped member and an upper end inserted between the cylindrical portion and the clamping members of the plug, and a handle having two pull rods each inserted in one of the tubular members and provided with a guide member a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Yuan Liang Wang
  • Patent number: 5875519
    Abstract: A universal angle wheel assembly has a wheel holder plate, a main seat disposed on the wheel holder plate, a cover plate disposed on the main seat, a shaft extending from a top portion of the wheel holder plate, and a pivot pin fastening a wheel in the wheel holder plate. A positioning block is disposed in the main seat defining an upper hollow interior and a lower hollow interior. A guide hole is formed on the positioning block. A through hole is formed on a bottom of the main seat. A coiled spring, a bearing, and a cushion ring are inserted in the lower hollow interior. The shaft passes through the through hole, the cushion ring, the bearing, the coiled spring, and the guide hole. A round hole is formed on the shaft. A first positioning pin passes through the cushion ring and the round hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Cheng-Tsan Chou
  • Patent number: 5873145
    Abstract: A wheel assembly has a wheel holder seat having a hollow pivot end and two lugs, and a main seat having a reinforced main body, a hollow pivot cover, a notch, two inner flanges, an inner interior, and a post. The wheel holder seat has two laterals engaging with the inner flanges. A push rod has an upper recess hole. The push rod is inserted in the inner interior. A coiled spring has a lower portion inserted in the upper recess hole and an upper portion enclosing the post. The hollow pivot end is inserted in the hollow pivot cover. A pivot shaft fastens the hollow pivot cover and the hollow pivot end together. A pivot pin fastens a wheel between two lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Cheng-Tasn Chou
  • Patent number: 5873439
    Abstract: A supporting device for a wheeled suitcase includes a positioning member to be mounted on the back wall of the suitcase, and a leg member which has an upper end connected pivotally to the positioning member and a bottom wheel. The leg member is turnable outward from the back wall of the suitcase to be in an operative inclining position and inward to be in a position folded over the back wall. A locking member can lock the leg member in the operative inclining position. The locking member is operable for releasing the leg member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Sung-Ming Liang
  • Patent number: 5868406
    Abstract: An inclined handle structure for a wheeled case comprises an inclined handle attached at a fixed angle with respect to a wall of the wheeled case. The inclined handle retracts toward and extends from the wall of the wheeled case while being held in a guide which is fixedly attached to the wheeled case. The wheeled case can be tipped on its wheels and pushed or pulled by means of the inclined handle. Alternatively, if the wheeled case has sufficient wheels the case can be pushed or pulled in an upright position by the inclined handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Outrigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard David Sadow
  • Patent number: 5862898
    Abstract: A retractable handle mounting structure includes two inner bars joined by a hand grip and moved with two sliding tracks in and out of two sleeves between a top frame and a wheeled bottom frame, two control blocks forced by a respective spring to lock the inner bars, and a control bar mounted in a hole at one end of the hand grip and supported on a spring at the bottom of one inner bar and depressed to force one control block out of engagement with the corresponding inner bar, and a linkage coupled between the control blocks, the linkage being actuated to pull both control blocks out of engagement with the inner bars upon depress of the control bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Fu-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5833039
    Abstract: A soft-sided roller supported luggage or case with telescopic handle rods is provided with housings that secure to at least two of the top wall, end wall, or rear wall of the case. In one embodiment the housings are secured to all three of the top, rear, and end walls. The housings extend less than the full length of the case leaving considerable extra storage space within the case and, for external housings, reducing the chance of bending or other damage to the housings. The rigid connection between the housings and at least at two walls and preferably three walls provides sufficient support for holding the weight of the case with the handle rods extended. The housings on an internal case are preferably located at or close to the corners of the rear and end walls of the case to again increase the unobstructed storage space in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Skyway Luggage Company
    Inventor: Henry L. Kotkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5829558
    Abstract: A tube assembly for a luggage trolley includes a mounting seat fixedly mounted to a luggage and an inner tube/outer tube assembly detachably mounted to the mounting seat. The inner tube/outer tube assembly includes two outer tubes, two inner tubes respectively, telescopically received in the outer tubes and each having an upper end and a lower end, and an operative handle mounted to the upper ends of the inner tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Shih-Min Cheng
  • Patent number: 5819891
    Abstract: A retractable luggage with an extendable handle includes a retractable bag including a base plate, an extendable handle assembly having an inverted U-shaped member, a pair of inner tubular members, a pair of outer tubular members, a pair of split collars, a pair of sleeves, and a pair of plugs, the inner tubular members being fixedly mounted on the base plate, the sleeves having a tubular portion inserted in an upper end of the inner tubular members, a center hole for receiving a lower end of the inverted U-shaped member, a flange with a plurality of slits, and a pair of protuberances adapted to engage holes of the inner tubular members and having a slit at both sides thereof, the outer tubular members fitted over the inner tubular members, the split collars having a tubular portion inserted into an upper end of the outer tubular members, a flange at one end, a groove under the flange, and a pair of protuberances under the groove adapted to engage holes of the outer tubular members, the plugs being fitted in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Yuan Liang Wang, Chi Chen Lung
  • Patent number: 5819890
    Abstract: A rigid frame garment bag travel case combination is formed in a rectilinear shaped case having opposed openable main compartments which share a common side. Each compartment is bounded by a partial rigid U-shaped frame. Between the openable compartments is a common wall provided with a separate planar frame which protects garments, especially suits or dresses, which may be hung from one compartment across the common side and into the other main compartment and secured by crossing straps. A small fold-out fabric panel attached to the lower edge of a lower main compartment is capable of holding dresses which are longer than both compartments. A larger fold-out panel is attached to one side of both main compartments and has a number of pockets for soft garments. The larger panel is folded over the openable compartments and the smaller panel. It is secured along its edge with a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Paragon Luggage, Inc.
    Inventor: Shin-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 5819892
    Abstract: There is provided a wheel handle whose functional length is easily extended or shortened with respect to a wheeled luggage case. The wheel handle includes a handle grip mounted atop a pair of longitudinal tubes or rods slidable axially through a bezel fixed upon the luggage case. A mechanism including a minimal number of moving parts permits the user to lock and unlock the position of the extendible/collapsible wheel handle with the press of a spring-biased button. The button movement actuates a helical cam, which rotates a cam follower. Rotation of the cam follower extends or retracts a pair of sliding pins engageable into holes in the longitudinal handle tubes. With the button depressed against the force of the spring, the pins are withdrawn to allow adjustment of the effective handle length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Deliman, Roger Pedlar, Elliot Younessian
  • Patent number: 5816374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock mechanism of a pull handle assembly for locking a pull handle of the pull handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo Chung Hsien
  • Patent number: 5813503
    Abstract: A luggage case structure with a retrievable handle and wheels having a case body, a locating cover member, a handle, two wheel sets, two L-shaped fixing plates, two L-shaped linking members, two locking plates, and two locking seats. The case body has two stepped wheel seats into which the wheel sets are assembled by pivot pins are located. And via the L-shaped linking members. The handle controls the movement of the wheel sets. Thus, when not in use, the handle is withdrawn inside the case body will and abuts against L-shaped linking members which will retrieve the wheel sets into their stepped wheel seats so that the luggage case can be placed evenly on the ground. Yet, when the handle is drawn out of the case body for use, the wheel sets in a mechanism will spring out of the stepped wheel seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Yuan-Chi Chang
  • Patent number: 5810132
    Abstract: A retractable handle mounting arrangement includes a top frame, a bottom frame, a retractable handle connected between the top frame and the bottom frame and a press control device mounted in the top frame and forced springs to lock the inner bars of the retractable handle. The press control device includes two control blocks forced by springs into engagement with the inner bars of the retractable handle. A hand pulls the control block inwards, causing them to release the inner bars of the retractable handle, allowing the retractable handle to be extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Fu-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5806638
    Abstract: A base for mounting a luggage pull rod is composed of at least one guide hole for holding the luggage pull rod, a mounting hole for fastening the base with the luggage shell, and a fastening member for fastening the base with the luggage shell in conjunction with the mounting hole. The fastening member comprises a head and two parallel arms extending in the same direction from the head such that free ends of the two arms form together a hooked portion engageable with the retaining slot of the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Chen Show Mao
  • Patent number: 5803470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in storing and transporting a child's stroller. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a rear cover, with an associated stroller wheel receiving recess, hingedly secured to a front cover, with an associated stroller wheel receiving recess. The storing and transporting device of the present invention also employs a number of detachable pouches which are securable within the interior of the device. Wheels and a retractable handle are both provided for use in transporting the entire assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Jayne E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5797617
    Abstract: A luggage system including a plurality of luggage pieces has a dolly connector unit including a latch plate member fixably located on each of the luggage pieces; and a dolly including a wheeled base. A handle frame including a parallel spaced pair of telescoping columns of first through last column members projecting from the base. A handle member being rigidly connected between the last column members of the columns for manipulation of the dolly. A platform is pivotally connected to the base on a platform axis proximate the handle frame and having an extended position perpendicular to the handle frame and a retracted position parallel to and proximate the handle frame, a support for contacting the roadway surface in the extended position of the platform for providing a rest position of the dolly wherein the platform is fixed parallel to the roadway surface with the wheels also contacting the roadway surface, the dolly also having an inclined transport position with the wheels rollably supporting the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Shiou Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 5794744
    Abstract: Wheeled luggage apparatus having a pair of independent wheel assemblies is formed with a frame having first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. A first notch (which extends from edge to interior side surfaces of the first and second sidewalls) and a second notch (which extends from edge to interior side surfaces of the second and third sidewalls) are formed in the frame. First and second wheel assemblies, each fully independent from the other, are mounted to the frame of the wheeled luggage apparatus. Each of the independent wheel assemblies is comprised of first and second subassemblies. Each of the first subassemblies are comprised of a central wheel well and first and second flanges while each of the second subassemblies are comprised of a central portion and first and second flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Paragon Luggage, Inc.
    Inventor: Shin-Fu (Eiken) Lin
  • Patent number: 5791469
    Abstract: A bowling ball carrier, carrying a plurality of bowling balls at the same time and allowing a user to receive or take bowling balls into or out of bowling ball bags and being selectively used as a travelling carrier, is disclosed. The bowling ball carrier has a telescopic handle frame and an integrated bag provided on the lower end of the handle frame by attaching the bottom part of the integrated bag to the lower end of the handle frame. A support block is placed in the bottom part of the bag. Both side walls of the support block are rounded inwardly at the same radius of gyration as a bowling ball thus forming bow side surfaces. An upper bag holder frame is attached to the handle frame at a position above the integrated bag and is supported by the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Sung Hoan Be
  • Patent number: 5788032
    Abstract: An auxiliary hand article of luggage is disclosed, which includes an exteriorly accessible pocket which can be readily converted to a strap for temporarily securing the auxiliary hand article to the U-shaped handle extending upward from the top of a separate article of wheeled luggage. The externally accessible pocket is readily converted into a securement strap by the opening of a closure, which may be in the form of a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: United States Luggage, L.P.
    Inventor: Richard J. Krulik
  • Patent number: 5782325
    Abstract: A rolling suitcase has a bottom assembly to which the wheel wells are connected which can be molded in one size and cut to suit various case widths. A pullout handle assembly is braced against the internal frame of the case to prevent rotation of that assembly and utilizes a rotating lever mechanism for minimum friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignees: Andiamo, Inc., Royalox International, Inc.
    Inventors: James O'Shea, Jay Evan Myers
  • Patent number: 5769194
    Abstract: A luggage truck includes a base frame fixedly fastened to a luggage body at the bottom, two parallel sleeves respectively pivoted to the base frame and joined by a transverse connecting bar, two sliding tubes respectively sliding in the sleeves and joined by a handle grip outside the sleeves, and two sliding coupling devices moved on the sleeves and coupled to a locating frame at the rear side of the luggage body, each sliding coupling device including a sliding block mounted around one sleeve, a connector having a first coupling tube coupled to the sliding block and a second coupling tube extended from the first coupling tube at right angles, a first link having a hooked bottom end inserted into a through hole in the sliding block and hooked on the first coupling tube of the connector and a top end coupled to the handle grip, and a second link having one end pivoted to the locating frame of said luggage body and an opposite end connected to the second coupling tube of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Tandu Incorporation Canniness Import-Export Associated Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 5762168
    Abstract: A suitcase has four casters respectively fitted to the four corner portions of the suitcase body, and a handle capable of being stopped in an extended position where the handle is extended up from the suitcase body and a lowered position where the handle is pushed into the suitcase body. The casters are free casters which can freely run in all directions. The handle is provided at its upper end with a gripping part. The gripping part of the handle is disposed in the middle or substantially in the middle of the upper face of the suitcase, and is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the upper face of the suitcase body. When the handle is pushed down into the suitcase body, a gripping space is defined between the gripping part and the upper face of the suitcase body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Swany Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 5762169
    Abstract: An auxiliary luggage attachment and security tether mechanism secure an auxiliary luggage case to a main luggage case for support on and by an exterior surface of a main luggage case, and secure at least the main luggage case to an object. The attachment mechanism comprises a clutch mechanism, an elongated flexible strap having an inner end fixably attached to the clutch mechanism and the outer end attached to a hook, the clutch mechanism being biased to pull the flexible strap onto the clutch mechanism and retract the hook to the clutch mechanism. A lid is pivotally mounted adjacent to the clutch mechanism and has a selectively open position where the hook and strap are accessible, and a selectively closed position where the lid covers the clutch mechanism and the strap or hook to the extent the strap is retracted onto the clutch mechanism. The lid engages the clutch mechanism in the open position to release the clutch mechanism whereby the strap can be extended from the clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Deliman, Daniel G. Elles, David W. Fiddes, James S. Gregg, Rik Hillaert, William L. King, Jon C. Nordmark, Roger Pedlar, Robert M. Tesman, Carlo Felice Zezza, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5762170
    Abstract: The combination briefcase and computer bag assembly includes a housing member having a bottom member, a plurality of side members, and a pair of pivotable top flap members. One of the side members includes a flexible floating compartment that is dimensionally configured to receive a portable computer. When the portable computer is held in the flexible floating compartment, it will substantially extend in the briefcase enclosure to protect the portable computer. Straps on the top flaps enable a top flap to be held in an open position when fastened about an extendable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Goodhope Bags Ind., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Shyr, Godfrey S. Shyr
  • Patent number: 5758752
    Abstract: Automatically retractable and extendable wheel assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with luggage cases, especially upright carry-on luggage cases and garment bags. Luggage wheels automatically extend to provide a luggage case which is tilted and with a long wheel base so that the case may comfortably and with stability be pushed or pulled across the floor upon three or more wheels, thereby removing the weight of the case from the user's arm. When the case is removed from the floor, the luggage wheels automatically retract to a protected position, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the case to permit it to be carried aboard aircraft and stored in overhead luggage bins. Apparatus is disclosed for preventing inadvertent retraction of a wheel when the wheel encounters a pebble or crack in the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: William L. King, David Crumrine
  • Patent number: 5758751
    Abstract: A suitcase which is constructed of individual panels joined to each other by hinge mechanisms. The hinge mechanisms allow the panels to selectively form right angles so that the panels form a suitcase shell in the shape of a rectangular prism having a storage space, or selectively allow the panels to be folded against each other so that the suitcase may be stored flat. The suitcase has wheel assemblies, and straps which help hold the suitcase together, and hold the wheel assemblies against the suitcase shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Shulamit Charles
  • Patent number: 5749503
    Abstract: A luggage container which conveniently converts for use as wheeled suitcase, a backpack and a hand-carry bag having a first and second compartment for storage of belongings. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted to an axle which is at an edge along the bottom of the first compartment. A pair of shoulder straps are provided in the second compartment and are concealed by a cover. When the container is used as a backpack, the cover is opened to reveal the shoulder straps. The cover is wrapped over the wheels and secured to the bottom side of the first compartment. In this manner the traveler and the traveler's belongings are protected when cartage is on the traveler's back from filth that accumulates on the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Eagle Creek, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Wulf, Richard Steven Barker
  • Patent number: 5749446
    Abstract: A collapsible luggage piece is provided. The luggage piece has a collapsed configuration and an erect configuration and includes a front panel, a rear panel and a collapsible wall structure disposed between the front and rear panels for cooperation therewith to define an expandable compartment. The wall structure has a first aperture therethrough and a first erecting panel is connected to the collapsible wall structure. The first erecting panel has a first locking element disposed thereon, wherein in the erect configuration the first erecting panel is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel and the first locking element is disposed through the aperture to rigidly attach the first erecting panel to the collapsible wall structure to maintain the luggage piece in the erect configuration and wherein in the collapsed configuration the first erecting panel is moved to a position not perpendicular to the rear panel to allow the luggage piece to collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Jet General Investment Company
    Inventor: Aquino Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5746295
    Abstract: Disclosed is Manually-drayable Floor-rollable Luggages including a preferably wholly-cellulosic upright and cargo-chargeable hollow container that is upwardly/downwardly slidably provided at vertical-bars with a manually-drayage which has underlying wheeled first-axle and co-horizontal wheeled second-axle that are together upwardly abuttable against the hollow container's lower extremity as the vertical-bars' manual-drayage is upwardly manually motivated by virtue of a manually-engageable pull-handle located above the hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Frederick G. Schweser, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5743363
    Abstract: A rolling duffle bag or backpack has a stiff supporting sheet and framework attached to the flexible bag upon which a pull-out handle assembly is mounted. An arcuate molded bottom protector is formed with the wheel wells and has an arcuate plate extending from the back around to the bottom and a pair of webs transverse to the plate at opposite ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Royalox International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Rekuc, Carmen Cook
  • Patent number: 5732443
    Abstract: A handle assembly for carts and wheeled luggage includes a pair of tube assemblies disposed in substantially parallel relation and connected by a handle member. The tube assemblies carry locks that cooperate with the tubes to releasably lock the tube assemblies in an extended or a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Remin Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Kazmark, Jr., Thaddeus Strozak, Tadeusz Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5730264
    Abstract: A luggage structure to which an additional luggage case can be freely added. The luggage structure includes a luggage pull rod and a pair of adjustable latch boards. The luggage pull rod includes a pair of inner tubes, a handle, an engaging board and a base seat. The adjustable latch boards includes an upper pressing board and a base board. The upper pressing board is a reverse L-shaped board body having a vertical section disposed with two latch clips on two sides. Each latch clip is disposed with a through hole for the outer tube to pass thereinto and for a bolt to tighten the outer tube. A horizontal section of the pressing board is formed with several through holes for riveting pin members therein so as to secure the additional luggage case. The base board is an L-shaped board body having a vertical section disposed with two latch clips on two sides. Each latch clip is disposed with a through hole for the outer tube to pass thereinto and for a bolt to tighten the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ting Cheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lien-Ching Lu
  • Patent number: 5729866
    Abstract: A retractable handle assembly for a suitcase includes a handle with an actuating member. Each end of the actuating member is connected to an end of a rod which is received in an inner tube slidably received in an outer tube. The outer tube has an inner side with a plurality of protrusions extending radially therefrom so as to define a plurality of recesses. A first member disposed on the other end of the inner tube has a top from which a flexible plate depends. The plate has a block disposed at a distal end. The second end of the rod is connected to a second member. The second member pushes the block against the inner side of the outer tube. When the actuating member is lifted, it lifts the rod and frees the block. The inner tubes can then be lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Chang Chin Chg
  • Patent number: 5722518
    Abstract: A baggage handle for a wheeled luggage case is positioned at a curved corner of the case and is attached by a retractable strap allowing the handle to be extendable from the case and, when not extended, the handle seats against the curved corner of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Delsey
    Inventor: Michel Aumasson
  • Patent number: 5713439
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attaching auxiliary items of luggage to a main luggage case, especially a wheeled main luggage case. The apparatus consists in part of a strap which ordinarily accompanies the auxiliary luggage item. The strap, which consists in part of two belts that may be moved past each other to adjust the length of the strap, is attached to the main luggage case at dual separate points in order to improve the stability of the attachment of the auxiliary item to the main luggage case. The strap may be disengaged from the main luggage case and used as a shoulder strap solely in conjunction with the auxiliary item to carry the auxiliary item over the user's shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Lewis Zionts, Agnes Csilla Domotor, Mark T. Salander
  • Patent number: 5709398
    Abstract: A telescopic pull lever structure for a luggage case, which can be adjusted up and down according to the size of the luggage case so as to snugly receive the luggage case. The pull lever structure includes a pull lever receiving board having a pair of handle pull levers and a pair of telescopic pull levers and a base seat. Any specific luggage case can be snugly received between the upper locking end of the receiving board and the base seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Lien-Ching Lu
  • Patent number: 5706921
    Abstract: A handle assembly includes a supporting bracket fixedly mounted on a top wall of a suitcase and including a base plate having two end portions each with a socket defined therein, and a side extension wall extending downwardly from one side of the base plate. Two receiving casings are each fixedly mounted on the side extension wall and each communicate with a corresponding socket. Two catches each formed on the side extension are each located in a corresponding casing. Two rotary drums are each rotatably received in a corresponding receiving casing and each have a plurality of teeth formed on an outer periphery thereof and each meshing with an associated catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jin-jiao Wang
  • Patent number: 5704725
    Abstract: A locating structure for luggage pull rod, including a rectangular outer tube, a rectangular inner tube, a locating cord, an engaging body, a small spring, a large spring, a control linking lever, two opposite cover bodies and two sealing caps. The outer tube is integrally made and two ends of top face of the outer tube are respectively formed with two notches. The top face of the inner tube is formed with an arch channel. The locating cord is disposed with multiple ball members at equal intervals. The engaging body is U-shaped. The top face of the engaging body is disposed with two concaves, while the bottom face thereof is formed with a central circular dent. One end of the control linking lever is connected with a control body, while the other end thereof is connected with a depression body. Two ends of the control body are disposed with two abutting legs. A rectangular hole is formed between the two abutting legs. Each of the two cover bodies has a small dimension insertion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Ruen-Liann Horing
  • Patent number: 5701843
    Abstract: A pet carrier with adequate ventilation for even a large animal. The carrier has a handle which can be folded to conserve space and retractable wheels which can be placed in a down position when moving the carrier with the pet inside, or can be placed in an up or inactive position when mobility is not necessary or when it is desired to maintain the carrier in a stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Gus Lazides
  • Patent number: 5690196
    Abstract: A retractable handle assembly includes a supporting bracket fixedly mounted on a top wall of a suitcase and including two end portions each having a socket vertically defined therein and a side extension wall extending downwardly from an underside thereof. Two receiving casings are each fixedly mounted on the side extension wall of the supporting bracket and each communicate with each of the two sockets. Two rotary cylinders are each rotatably received in a corresponding one of the two receiving casings and each have a passage radially defined therein and aligning with an associated socket. A U-shaped handle includes two upright legs each movably mounted on the supporting bracket and each slidably extending through a corresponding one of the two sockets and an associated passage. A handgrip has two distal ends each having a sleeve extending downwardly therefrom and fixedly mounted on an upper end of a corresponding one of the two upright legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Jin-jiao Wang
  • Patent number: 5685401
    Abstract: A piece of luggage has a first body portion joined to a second body portion along two spaced lines of stitching so as to form a passageway between the lines of stitching and between the facing sidewalls of the first and second body portions. This passageway has open ends such that the passageway may be registered with a handle of a wheeled suitcase and the piece of luggage slipped onto the handle in order to support the piece of luggage on the handle. The second body portion has a compartment and the piece of luggage may be oriented such that the compartment faces a user after the piece of luggage has been slipped onto a handle in order to provide a relatively secure and readily accessible pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Sally-Ann Macgillivray, Marten Charles Mann, Dianne Betty Mann, Michael Gerard Culliton