Abstract: A compression-expansion locking device for an article of luggage and an expandable article of luggage comprising one or more such devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a housing member having two or more columns of parallel housing teeth protruding from an inside surface, and a ratchet member movably disposed over the inside surface and comprising complimentary protruding teeth to releasably engage the housing teeth and a release projection disposed in a slot extending along the axial direction of the ratchet member. A release member slidaby disposed within the slot comprises an internal camming surface which when pulled over the release projection by the users urges the ratchet teeth away from the housing teeth to permit movement between the housing and ratchet members. A release button which can be engaged, e.g., by a user's thumb, can be connected to the release member to permit further convenient one-handed operation.

Abstract: A compression-expansion locking device for an article of luggage and an expandable article of luggage comprising one or more such devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a housing member having an internal passageway with protruding housing teeth and one or more cam elements. A rack member slidably disposed in the internal passageway has rack teeth releasably engageable with the housing teeth. A release member moveably disposed in the internal passageway comprises a release cam and is displaceable from a first position locking movement of the rack member in the expansion direction, to a second position wherein the release cam impinges against the housing cam element effective to urge apart the housing teeth and rack teeth sufficient to allow movement between the housing member and the rack member in the expansion direction.

Abstract: A shock absorbing component for a luggage wheel is disclosed. In one practice, the component comprises a resilient circular member comprising an outer circumference; a center hole comprising an incompressible sleeve inserted into the center hole and configured to receive a wheel axle; and a plurality of openings radially disposed between the outer circumference and the center hole, the plurality of openings configured to resiliently deform to absorb shock when the circular member is subjected to force along its longitudinal axis. A wheel assembly for an article of luggage and an article of luggage comprising the shock absorbing component are also separately disclosed.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: A compression-expansion locking device for an article of luggage and an expandable article of luggage comprising one or more such devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a housing member having an internal passageway with protruding housing teeth and one or more cam elements. A rack member slidably disposed in the internal passageway has rack teeth releasably engageable with the housing teeth. A release member moveably disposed in the internal passageway comprises a release cam and is displaceable from a first position locking movement of the rack member in the expansion direction, to a second position wherein the release cam impinges against the housing cam element effective to urge apart the housing teeth and rack teeth sufficient to allow movement between the housing member and the rack member in the expansion direction.

Abstract: A stabilized luggage article is disclosed. In one practice, the luggage article comprises a plurality of swiveling wheel assemblies, each assembly comprising one or more wheels having a horizontal axis of rotation and mounted to a pivot member, such as a pivot post that has a vertical axis of wheel rotation; the vertical axis of rotation is laterally spaced from the horizontal axis of rotation and is projected outwardly toward the front wall of the luggage but not beyond it, the pivot post extending downwardly at least to the level of the horizontal axis of wheel rotation, preferably beyond it for further increased stability.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: An embodiment of an article of luggage is disclosed, the luggage in one practice having compression and expansion capability comprising an interposed metal frame of split configuration having an expansion portion positioned between the split where the metal frame is attached to one side of the luggage. One of more expansion and locking devices permit compression of contents and also enables locking the luggage in its expanded shape.

Abstract: A piece of luggage is provided. A main body and an expandable body of the luggage are connected to each other by a collapsible portion. The luggage has a cover pivotably connected to the expandable body. A first half of a zipper is fixed to the expandable body and a second half of the zipper is fixed to the cover. The engagement of the first half and the second half closes the cover to the expandable body, and thus a substantially enclosed space is defined by the main body, the expandable body and the cover. The luggage also has multiple rotational wheels mounted to the main body and/or the expandable body. The luggage stands on the rotational wheels and is rotatable with respect to one or more predetermined axes through these wheels.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: The article of luggage includes a luggage main body having a bottom surface and a cavity formed to receive articles for packing; an expansion body having a perimeter defining a cavity; a foldable gusset joining the luggage main body to the expansion body; and an expansion and locking device disposed internally at opposite ends of the article of luggage. The expansion and locking device is configured to allow free movement of the expansion body in a compression direction towards the luggage main body and configured to allow locking movement of the expansion body in an expanding direction away from the luggage main body. One expansion and locking device is preferably attached to two or more walls of the luggage. After finishing packing, the luggage is closed and the user pushes the expanding member towards the base member, ratcheting the pawl past the ratchet teeth to collapse the luggage.

Abstract: An embodiment of an article of luggage is disclosed, the luggage in one practice having compression and expansion capability comprising an interposed metal frame of split configuration having an expansion portion positioned between the split where the metal frame is attached to one side of the luggage. One of more expansion and locking devices permit compression of contents and also enables locking the luggage in its expanded shape.

Abstract: A hard-sided case is disclosed having a first housing member and a second housing member configured to form an interior compartment therebetween. Additionally, an external compartment lid is disposed on a planar surface of the second housing member. The external compartment lid is dimensioned and configured to seal a cavity formed on the planar surface of the second housing member to create an enclosed compartment.

Abstract: A piece of luggage is provided. A main body and an expandable body of the luggage are connected to each other by a collapsible portion. The luggage has a cover pivotably connected to the expandable body. A first half of a zipper is fixed to the expandable body and a second half of the zipper is fixed to the cover. The engagement of the first half and the second half closes the cover to the expandable body, and thus a substantially enclosed space is defined by the main body, the expandable body and the cover. The luggage also has multiple rotational wheels mounted to the main body and/or the expandable body. The luggage stands on the rotational wheels and is rotatable with respect to one or more predetermined axes through these wheels.

Abstract: A hard-sided case is disclosed having a first housing member and a second housing member configured to form an interior compartment therebetween. Additionally, an external compartment lid is disposed on a planar surface of the second housing member. The external compartment lid is dimensioned and configured to seal a cavity formed on the planar surface of the second housing member to create an enclosed compartment.

Abstract: Lightweight reinforced modular tubes of extruded plastic material are provided for the first stage of a trolley-type carry case, in combination with a locking mechanism, which facilitates effective extension and collapse of a multi-telescopic handle system. The tubes are made of extruded plastic material and include a pair of opposed metal strips having appropriately spaced and dimensioned apertures for reception of spring loaded locking pins of the telescopic system. The metal strips are respectively retained in position by a pair of radially extending elongated flange members which overlap marginal positions of the strips. The tubes and the metal strips can easily and quickly be cut to size to fit any size carry case. While the metal insert strips are preferably made of aluminum, any material stronger than the extruded plastic of the first stage tube can be used, i.e., steel, nylon, PVC, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or the like.