Abstract: In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for providing foldable duffle bags are presented. Such exemplary collapsible duffles can have two states: (i) a fully extended state in which said luggage is used by a user to hold, for example, clothing and objects, and its wheels fully extended and usable, and (ii) a compressed or folded state in which the luggage has a minimum volume and can be easily and conveniently stored and carried, especially where space is a premium, where the wheels are invisible and out of the way. Various novel technologies are used to obtain maximal compression in the compressed state, and to allow for convenient transformation between the two states. Exemplary duffles of rather significant fully expanded size can be rolled or folded onto themselves, the wheels can be turned inside out, and the article compressed into a small hand held carrying case.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for providing collapsible luggage are presented. Such exemplary collapsible luggage can have two states: (i) a fully extended state in which said luggage is used by a user to hold, for example, clothing and objects, and (ii) a compressed or folded state in which the luggage has a minimum volume and can be easily and conveniently stored, especially where space is a premium. Various novel technologies are used to obtain maximal compression in the compressed state, provide rigidity and structural support in the fully extended state, and to allow for convenient transformation between the two states. One of such technologies is a self-locking hinge mechanism requiring no direct contact from a user, which also provides audible feedback to the user.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for providing foldable duffle bags are presented. Such exemplary collapsible duffles can have two states: (i) a fully extended state in which said luggage is used by a user to hold, for example, clothing and objects, and its wheels fully extended and usable, and (ii) a compressed or folded state in which the luggage has a minimum volume and can be easily and conveniently stored and carried, especially where space is a premium, where the wheels are invisible and out of the way. Various novel technologies are used to obtain maximal compression in the compressed state, and to allow for convenient transformation between the two states. Exemplary duffles of rather significant fully expanded size can be rolled or folded onto themselves, the wheels can be turned inside out, and the article compressed into a small hand held carrying case.

Abstract: Collapsible luggage uses self-locking hinges to allow horizontal support structures to collapse by folding said supporting panels onto, or nearly onto, each other. The hinges can include a first arm provided with a cylinder containing a spring and a ball, and a second arm, each arm rotatably connected to an axis; and a curved flange, coaxial with the axis and fixed with respect to the second arm, having notches at selected positions along its arcuate surface corresponding to preset stops. The flange can be placed so as to abut the ball at the end of the cylinder. Double versions of such self-locking hinges can be provided, which can be used in various collapsible surfaces in luggage and various other containers and bags.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for providing collapsible luggage are presented. Such exemplary collapsible luggage can have two states: (i) a fully extended state in which said luggage is used by a user to hold, for example, clothing and objects, and (ii) a compressed or folded state in which the luggage has a minimum volume and can be easily and conveniently stored, especially where space is a premium. Various novel technologies are used to obtain maximal compression in the compressed state, provide rigidity and structural support in the fully extended state, and to allow for convenient transformation between the two states. One of such technologies is a self-locking hinge mechanism requiring no direct contact from a user, which also provides audible feedback to the user.