Abstract: A towable baggage item is provided. The towable baggage item includes a body defining a storage compartment, the storage compartment configured to receive and carry objects. The towable baggage item also includes a retractable towing member coupled to the body. Furthermore, the towable baggage item also includes a retractable wheel assembly responsive to a position of the retractable towing member, wherein the retractable wheel assembly comprises at least one wheel and an actuator operatively coupled to each the wheel, wherein the actuator is movable along a first linear axis to extend and retract the wheel along a second linear axis different from the first linear axis.

Abstract: A towing member for a piece of towable baggage is provide with towing handle that is pivotal relative to an arm portion of the towing member. The pivotal relation of the towing handle and the arm potion enables the towing handle to be rotated into a position where a person can grasp the towing handle in a comfortable position by his or her side when the piece of baggage is being towed. The pivotal relation of the towing handle and the arm potion also improves the maneuverability of a towable piece of baggage by reducing the need for a person to twist his or her wrist when steering the piece of baggage. The invention also allows the towing handle of retractable towing members to be pivoted into an appropriate position relative to the piece of baggage such that the towing handle lies flush with the baggage and will not become snagged on other items.

Abstract: A towable, wheeled-backpack includes a towing handle attached to a curved, single-pole, telescoping towing member which retracts into the backpack when not in use. The curvature of the towing member provides support for a backing sheet that is attached to the towing member, and the backing sheet is contoured so that the backpack can be comfortably supported on a wearer's back. A rigid base with wheels is pivotally attached to a bottom end of the towing member. The pivot attachment allows the base and wheels to move independently of the towing member as the bag is worn or as the bag is rolled along the ground.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body having opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs, and a base ring enclosing the body proximate the lower end. A foot is coupled to the base, wherein the base ring is pivotably mounted to the foot adjacent an outer perimeter of the base. The base ring is movable over the foot between a standing position and an inclined position when the foot is located stationary on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A golf bag carrier includes a body and a golf club protection assembly. The body extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a cavity adapted to contain a golf bag with a set of golf clubs therein. The golf club protection assembly is adapted to protect the golf club shafts and the golf club heads. The protection assembly includes a helmet configured to extend over the top of the golf club heads and adapted to constrain the golf clubs from moving in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and a protective member configured to extend circumferentially around the golf bag and clubs.

Abstract: An equipment bag includes a body having a cavity with an opening for placement of items within the cavity and a rigid side opposite the opening. The rigid side is defined by opposite end edges and opposite side edges extending between the end edges, and the rigid side comprises an exterior recess therein located at a distance from each of the end edges and the side edges. A handle is pivotally mounted in the recess and movable between a stowed position substantially flush with an outer surface of the rigid side and a pulling position extending outward from the recess. By distancing the handle from the edges of the bag, an angle of inclination of the bag with respect to the ground is increased when the bag is pulled with the handle.

Abstract: A towable, wheeled-backpack includes a towing handle attached to a curved, single-pole, telescoping towing member which retracts into the backpack when not in use. The curvature of the towing member provides support for a backing sheet that is attached to the towing member, and the backing sheet is contoured so that the backpack can be comfortably supported on a wearer's back. A rigid base with wheels is pivotally attached to a bottom end of the towing member. The pivot attachment allows the base and wheels to move independently of the towing member as the bag is worn or as the bag is rolled along the ground.

Abstract: A weight determining mechanism and a method for determining the weight of a piece of loaded luggage, particularly a backpack. The mechanism is generally incorporated into a carry handle of the piece of luggage allowing for it to be integral with the luggage and allowing for it to not take up additional space while allowing for quick and easy weight determinations without need for an external scale.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a retractable pocket that is configured to support a beverage container on the exterior of the piece of baggage. The pocket is constructed of a mesh material and has an elastic strap along an upper edge that allows the pocket to expand to support various size containers, such as bottled water. When not in use, the pocket can be held collapsed against or inside the piece of baggage by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. This conceals the pocket to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage and reduces the risk of snagging the mesh pocket as the piece of baggage is transported.

Abstract: A pivoting shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a retaining plate positioned within the backpack, a shoulder strap having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to being connected to the backpack, and a pivoting mechanism positioned on the second end of the shoulder strap and adapted to being mated to the retaining plate.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a retractable pocket that is configured to support a beverage container on the exterior of the piece of baggage. The pocket is constructed of a mesh material and has an elastic strap along an upper edge that allows the pocket to expand to support various size containers, such as bottled water. When not in use, the pocket can be held collapsed against or inside the piece of baggage by a closure mechanism such as a zipper. This conceals the pocket to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage and reduces the risk of snagging the mesh pocket as the piece of baggage is transported.