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: 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: 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 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.