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 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: 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 identification card holder that slides into and out of a receptacle. When substantially retracted from the piece of baggage, the identification holder is able to clearly display an identification card that has been secured thereto. At other times, the identification card holder can be retracted into the receptacle where it remains concealed from view and where it does not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the piece of baggage. A method of identifying a person associated with a piece baggage utilizing the piece of baggage described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: An identification card sleeve for use in a wallet or the like includes a semi-rigid tray with an edge channel surrounding three sides of the periphery of the tray to define a slot within which an identification card may be inserted or removed. A finger grab or tap is located on the side of the tray without the edge channel and provides a convenient locator and handle for inserting or removing the sleeve from a wallet slot. The front of the identification card is not obscured by any covering over the card and the relatively thin construction of the sleeve does not add significantly to the bulk or thickness of a wallet within which it is carried.

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.