Abstract: A collapsible frame structure for a luggage assembly comprises two elongated bar members telescopically and movably received within two elongated tubular members at the lower ends thereof through skew holes provided on the receiving ends of the tubular members so as to make the bar members skew with respect to the tubular member and thus a frictional sleeve attached to the lower end of each of the bar members is in a frictional engagement with the inside surface of the respective tubular member. With such a frictional engagement, the bar members are allowed to move relative to the tubular members when forcibly pushed or pulled while capable of being maintained at any desirable position along the length of the tubular members.

Abstract: A travel bag having a handle assembly consisting of an elongated handle bar movably inserted in a channel plate for carrying, and a U-shaped auxiliary handle pivoted to the channel plate for lifting. The travel bag also has a fixed castor on a curved bottom thereof in the middle, a first pair of opposite swivel castors on one end of the bottom edge, and a second pair of opposite swivel castors on an opposite end of the bottom edge. The fixed castor and either pair of opposite swivel castors are in contact with the ground as the luggage is moved.

Abstract: A luggage case has a bottom wall supported on four swivel wheels that permit the luggage case to be turned in any direction about a vertical axis. Two of the swivel wheels are part of a leading wheel assembly, and two of the swivel wheels are part of a trailing wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly has a one-piece molded plastic base including an elongated plate extending transversely of the bottom wall of the luggage case and attached thereto, and a pair of downwardly open protective cups surrounding respective swivel wheels. A retractable handle system includes a fixed portion mounted on the top wall of the case, and a movable portion having a handle that may be extended and tilted upwardly for pulling the case along the ground.

Abstract: A suitcase made in a rectangular configuration having a retractable handle assembly detachably fastened to one long side thereof, the retractable handle assembly having wheel holders fixed thereto at the bottom to hold two wheels by bolts and lock screws, a hollow base frame fastened to one short side thereof to hold a retractable bracket, and a tie strap having a middle part detachably fastened to an opposite short side of the suitcase and two hooks on two opposite ends thereof hooked on the retractable bracket to hold a case, etc., outside the suitcase.

Abstract: A wheelable cooler includes a cooler body and a pair of wheelgear assemblies. The cooler body is generally boxlike in form, and the wheelgear assemblies include a U-shaped handle, with extension arms extending from a crossbar. The wheelgear assemblies also include fender assemblies, each including a fender body that carries a wheel. A mounting member extends from the fender body at a selected angle, with a handle extension arm is slidably carried in each mounting member. The handle is movable between a retracted position in which the extension arms are inserted into the mounting members, and an extended position in which the extension arms are only partially inserted into the mounting members. Detent assemblies lock the extension arms in the retracted and extended positions. A support rod joins the fender assemblies, extending through each fender assembly and carrying the cooler body.

Abstract: A hard sided clamshell suitcase with integrally formed wells in top and bottom side panels is disclosed. The wells include a well periphery having a peripheral shelf upon which a reinforced periphery of a pouch is seated, the pouch being secured to standoff regions within the interior of the well. A wall defining a raised structure with a well floor that is co-planar with the side panel has an upper surface of the wall co-planar with a wheel base plane to provide a stable plane of rest for a suitcase when laid on its bottom. The well in the top side panel is recessed and has a soft cover that is co-planar with the side panel.

Abstract: An improved expandable tote bag has an upper storage unit and a contractible central unit that is mounted above a lower storage base unit. The base unit includes a support assembly that can mount wheel assemblies for enabling the traveler to pull the luggage across the support surface. The upper storage unit and central unit can be pivoted to one side of the lower base unit to enable full access to items stored in the base unit.

Abstract: An improved luggage bag includes an internal rigidifying frame which can be actuated quickly and easily to shift the luggage bag between relatively rigid and relative flexible states. The internal frame comprises tension cables threaded through an interlocking succession of lock segments or links, in combination with an externally mounted actuator handle movable to apply tension to the cable and thereby draw the lock segments into an interlocking, relatively rigid configuration. Alternately, the actuator handle is movable to relax the cable tension and thereby permit the lock segments to assume a loose or flexible configuration.

Abstract: The wheeled luggage has upper and lower cast skeletal frame members and substantially parallel tubular members interconnecting the upper and lower skeletal frame members and maintaining the skeletal frame members in a predetermined spaced apart relation so as to define a body cavity therebetween. The wheeled luggage also has a covering connected to the skeletal frame members and enclosing the body cavity with an openable fastener on the covering for providing access to the interior of the body cavity. A retractable handle having elongate substantially parallel side members telescopically is received in the tubular members and is in an extended position when the luggage is being transported. Spaced apart wheel mounting members extend from rear portions of the lower skeletal frame member and are cast integral therewith.

Abstract: A suitcase including a luggage member, a support structure attached to the luggage member, the support structure having a first horizontal member having two wheels thereon to facilitate towing on the ground, a second horizontal member, two tubular members coupling the first and second horizontal members, thereby forming a rectangular frame, a shaft in extensible slidable engagement in each of the tubular members, the shafts being connected by a first handle, the shafts being extensible between a collapsed position in the tubular members and a fully extended position to enable towing of the luggage member on the wheels, at least one of the shafts including a wedging member slidable within the respective tubular member which is received frictionally in a first bore provided at an end of the respective tubular member adjacent the second horizontal member to maintain the shafts in the fully extended position.

Abstract: A transport device is provided that includes a wheel assembly having a round axle that supports a pair of wheels and a handle and that has at least two separated flattened portions. The flattened portions each have a diametrical dimension smaller than the axle diameter in one direction only. At least two first wall members extend away from a surface and are positioned to accept the flattened portions of the axle. Each wall member terminates in a first edge and defines a first slot therein. One end of each slot has an opening just large enough to pass one of the flattened portions of the axle but not large enough to pass the full diameter of the axle. The slots of each wall member are aligned for jointly holding the axle. At least one second wall member is included that extends away from the surface and terminates in a second edge. The second wall member defines a second slot therein for accepting and retaining a portion of the handle when the handle is positioned parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A "flight bag" style carry-on bag incorporates a pair of wheels positioned at a bottom corner of the bag and spaced along the width dimension of the bag. A pull handle is integrated with the bag, and preferably both the pull handle and the wheels are attached to an internal support structure such as a bottom pan. The wheels have an exterior surface presenting an edge upon which the wheels roll at the furtherest spaced apart locations to increase the width of lateral support provided by the wheels. The pull handle assembly includes at least one rod moving in a channel with a slider member connected to the rods to effectively transmit torque between a grip connected to the rod and the internal support structure.

Abstract: A mobile cooler including a compartment having pivotable wheels and a handle assembly for pulling the cooler. A pair of wheel assemblies individually pivot within recesses in the cooler from a raised to a lowered position. In the lowered position the cooler can be transported over smooth or uneven terrain. The handle telescopes partly into the compartment, and partly folds down by a pair of hinges to fit within recesses in the compartment lid. The handle length can be adjusted to suit the user.

Abstract: A camera bag having a substantially rigid rectilinear well with a plurality of rigid bins disposed therein. The bins are mounted for rotation about horizontal axes disposed toward the front of the bag and may be selectively rotated between a home position in which they fit in the interior of the bag and an open position at which their contents may be easily accessed. Apparatus for maintaining the bins and both their open and home position is disclosed. A retractable U-shaped handle having telescoping rods is used to pull the bag on a pair of wheels when desired. The telescoping rods become journaled in tubular guides disposed within the interior of the bag. Removable side pockets are particularly designed for carrying lenses and specifically designed to be quickly removed from the sides of the bag and carried on the belt of a user.

Abstract: An article of wheeled luggage is provided with retractible outriggers that are biased in a direction for them to extend beyond the lateral sides of the article of luggage, thus to provide stabilization for the luggage and militate against accidental tipping over of the luggage during towing of the article of wheeled luggage, the outriggers being movable against the resilient bias, in the event that an arm of the outrigger encounters an obstacle. Dual or multiple such outriggers can be provided for a large article of luggage, the outriggers being interconnected in the form of a parallelogram. A pull cord is provided for retracting the outriggers against the resilient bias for storage of the article of luggage.

Abstract: A formed panel for a bag and method of manufacturing therefore is provided which allows the bag to maintain an original shape without deformation even though the bag may be acted on by external forces, and also allows the bag to appear soft from the outside thereof. The panel is formed from the impression of a fabric material onto a rigid plastic material. Also provided is a hard-sided, soft-gusseted luggage to protect the contents of the luggage without a totally rigid construction. A method of manufacturing a hard panel for luggage which includes impressing a fabric sheet onto a plastic sheet to form a combined sheet and molding the combined sheet to the desired shape.

Abstract: A roller supported traveling luggage has a large central platform supported by wheels and having opposite side edges, in one embodiment, there are first and second cases joined at their laterally outer edges to the outer side edges of the platform. The cases can be held together by suitable fasteners and provide a very stable traveling luggage when the cases and platform are pulled or dragged along the ground. The bags when they are swung open have access openings on their inner walls for good accessibility to the contents of the bags. In a second embodiment, a single case is pivotally secured to an outer edge also to a laterally outer edge of the platform. The single case has an access opening in its bottom wall that is concealed when overlying the platform. The central platform may also have a central access opening and may be vertically expandable.

Abstract: A wheeled article of luggage comprising a wheeled frame and a garment bag mounted on the frame. The frame comprises a generally rectangular base, one of the long edges of the base constituting the front edge of the base and the other long edge constituting the back edge of the base, and a post extending up from the base closely adjacent the back edge of the base generally at the center of length of the base, for hanging garments on hangers in front of the post. The bag has a bottom, front, back, sides and a top. The bag bottom is of a generally rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the base and is secured to the base. The front of the bag extends up from the front edge of the base and is openable for access to the interior of the bag. A bracket is cantilevered forward from the upper end of the post, carrying a rod. A handle is attached to the bracket extending on the outside of the top of the bag arranged for pushing the wheeled bag in direction lengthwise of the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible article of luggage or bag in which a plurality of pivotally mounted reinforcing panels and corner insertions permit the luggage to assume either a rigid or semi-rigid configuration or collapsed space-saving shape. Additionally, the top and bottom enclosure are secured to each other by a continuous zipper or slide fastener. This provides for ease of assembly by the manufacturer by merely zippering or fastening these elements together and welding the zipper at two points along its length to provide for permanent attachment of the top member to the bottom enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to luggage equipped with four rolling elements. Three of the elements (34, 36, 38) swivel on axles which are mounted more or less perpendicular to the face (28) of the luggage to which they are attached, while the fourth element (40) has a fixed rotation axis. According to this embodiment, the luggage may be moved either by pushing it while it rests on all four rolling elements or by pulling it, in which case it rests on the two swiveling rolling elements (34, 36) located along the longer side of the luggage face (28) to which they are attached.

Abstract: Luggage has a generally rectangular container. A vertical sheath is fixed to the inside of the container along an end wall. A rigid handle is slidably mounted in the sheath and when extended is pivotable to a forwardly-inclined attitude for pulling the luggage. A wheel is mounted on the bottom wall of the luggage and centered between the forward and rearward end walls. A pair of wheels are mounted on the bottom wall adjacent each end wall.

Abstract: This is a device for detachably attaching large wheels to the bottom of a suitcase. The wheels are connected together by a common axle. A bracket is molded or attached to the bottom of the suitcase and the bracket has axle receiving slots formed therein. A lever is pivotally mounted on the bracket, and when the axle of the wheels is inserted in the axle receiving slots, the lever is pivoted in a direction which closes off the entrance to the slot and locks the axis in the slot. A device is provided for pivoting the lever in a direction which allows the axle to be removed from the slot.

Abstract: The portable cart a cooler is made by having a vinyl roller on one of its carry handles. There are two roller handle stops or locks that are in the walls of the cooler body, they are on direct opposite sides from each other. They allow for the locking of the roller handle in position for the carting or towing feature of this invention. The pull or tow handle of the cooler is longer in length than the roller handle to allow user to walk in an upright position and to keep cooler from striking users heels when towing. As stated earlier ordinary portable coolers, ice chests do not have the features of this cart a cooler invention, therefore the cart a cooler could be classified a new and useful improvement over older objects considered to be portable coolers, ice chests.

Abstract: A frame for luggage includes a plywood floor, a channel-shaped main frame attached to the ends of the floor and projecting therefrom, a pair of A-frame brackets capturing the ends of the floor at their bases and being attached at their apexes to the main frame, a pair of major wheels rotatably mounted on transverse axles fixed to the floor centered longitudinally between the ends of the floor, and a caster wheel mounted to said floor at the each end thereof. The luggage frame is strong, yet lightweight and is supported primarily on the major wheels which being on fixed axles maintain the luggage frame tracking in the direction in which it is pulled while the castered wheels provide low friction ground support for the ends of the floor.

Abstract: A moveable article of luggage includes a closeable article-receiving interior compartment, a bottom wall, at least one free-spinning rear wheel attached to the bottom wall, the front wheels at a fixed distance apart, and a pull-type handle device. The retaining and pivoting assembly provides for unitary and concurrent pivoting of the front wheels about a forward pivoting axis and is pivotally secured to the bottom wall of the luggage article at the forward pivoting axis. The handle device is attached to the retaining and pivoting assembly for distributing and translating the forces required for moving the luggage along an underlying support surface and for changing the direction of rolling travel of the luggage by arcuately pivoting the retaining and pivoting assembly in a direct and unitary manner. In one embodiment, the retaining and pivoting assembly includes a tubular sleeve through which a common axle, on which the two front wheels are carried, is journalled.

Abstract: A collapsible suitcase consists of a collapsible shell (10) and stiffening frames (23) in the form of resilient loops having a shape corresponding to the lateral cross-sectional shape of the suitcase. The frames may be retained in end compartments (19), or may be located within the central compartment of the case by means of tabs (24) or pockets (25).

Abstract: A cooler tote that is easily attached and removed from a picnic cooler permitting easy wheeling of the cooler to its destination and thereby eliminating the need for carrying. The tote consists of a wheeled support to support the cooler and to which are attached straps that are secured lengthwise around the bottom, ends, and top of the cooler. Large wheels provide mobility over rough terrain. Angled supported brackets and cross straps prevent the cooler from repositioning or disengaging itself from the tote. A handle provides a convenient way of pulling the cooler.

Abstract: Combined luggage and cart apparatus includes a cart disposed within a luggage case. The cart has tubular legs joined at one end by a base plate. A U-shaped handle is inserted in the legs and a locking arrangement prevents separation of the handle from the legs, once inserted. The locking arrangement includes a sleeve inserted in the legs, and a split ring insertable through the sleeve and held captive on the handle. The sleeve includes a locking tab to engage the legs, and the split ring engages the sleeve when the handle is placed in use.

Abstract: An easily detachable and/or assembleable and/or longstandingly endurable luggage roller is provided. The roller includes a top plate mounting, or rotatably mounting, thereunder a hollow mounting medium having two dovetail-shaped wings having a lower width larger than an upper width, a shaft passing through the two wings for rotatably mounting a rolling medium in the hollow mounting medium, and two decorating pieces respectively engaging with two wings.

Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly, housed in an inverted well, has an elongated arm mounting wheels, is pivotally mounted in the well and is pivotally movable manually between a retracted position by which the arm is releasably locked interiorly of the inverted well and an extended operative position by which the arm is releasably locked with its wheels exposed. The arm has spring-biased detents for such manipulatively releasable locking engagements with detent recesses for both positions. Wheel assemblies in bottom rear-corner wells of a suitcase allow "wheel-barrowing" movement of the suitcase. Wheel assemblies in the bottom inverted wells at all four suitcase corners allow "trolleying" movement of the suitcase.

Abstract: Luggage cases which include four wheels may uncontrollably roll down inclined conveyor belts and the like. Disclosed is a brake system for selectively disabling at least some of the four wheels 12,14 on such a case 10. Preferably, this brake system is selectively operated by a pull strap or the like. In one condition, the brake system deploys a ground engaging arm which supports one end of the case 10 and prevents the wheels to be disabled from engaging the inclined surface of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A box for storing, transporting, and displaying clothes having front and rear portions, the front portion being divided into left and right portions, a first hanger rod located in the rear portion, and second and third rods located inside the left and right portions of the front portion, where when the left and right portions are fully opened, the first, second and third hanger rods form a substantially continuous hanger rod extending across the combined width of the left, right and rear portions.

Abstract: An improved carry-on case having a built-in travel cart capable of being towed by itself or with several pieces of luggage. The handle of the cart can be retracted for convenient storage.

Abstract: A luggage case is constructed from four flat extruded plastic beams having ribs on one surface, and four inside corner pieces that include tongues extending into the recesses defined by the ribs. Fabric fits over the frame thus provided. Exterior corner pieces overlie the corners of the fabric and are attached to the inner corner pieces. The corner pieces extend the full width of the case to support the fabric. Wheels may be provided to allow the case to be pulled. Cases of different sizes are produced by cutting a plastic extrusion to form beams of different lengths. The same corner pieces are used for cases of all sizes.

Abstract: A garment bag including inner and outer panels, a pair of sides and ends joined together and joined to the outer panel defining an interior packing space, the inner and outer panels being foldable along a central axis such that the bag can be moved from a folded position and an unfolded position providing access to the inner packing space. The inner panel is divided into two separate sections either of which may be zipped and unzipped independent of the other to provide access to the inner packing space.

Abstract: A suitcase incorporates a foldable handle assembly (22) and wheels (15,16) which are automatically moved into protruding positions when the handle assembly is extended. With the extended handle upright, a major face of the case is substantially horizontal and further cases can be stacked on the case, which serves as a trolley.

Abstract: A suitcase (K) consists of two suitcase shells (1) and (2), which can be folded together, and includes castors and a pull handle (Z). The pull handle is on the narrow side (14) opposite the castors, and is swingably seated on a mounting plate (17) attached to the other suitcase shell (2). The suitcase shell (2) is adapted to be connected to the opposite suitcase shell (1) by at least one closure which extends over a fold joint (3) of the suitcase. This achieves a structurally advantageous configuration which is stable in use due to an interpenetration between hasp closure (I) and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A suitcase including a plurality of independently, selectively accessible compartments defined by a pair of opposed sides and having retaining devices for securing articles in the compartments with respect to the sides of the suitcase, a handle attached to the sides of the suitcase for supporting such sides and for allowing the suitcase to be carried by the handle, wheels mounted on the suitcase for supporting the suitcase on the ground and a pull strap attached to the sides of the suitcase at forward and rearward points or attachment for manually pulling the suitcase along the ground.

Abstract: A wheel-equipped carrying case can be carried by hand or rolled along the ground using an extensible U-shaped handle conveniently stored when not in use. The extensible handle slides through holes in substantially rigid end walls into a pair of storage tubes in the interior of the case. Wheels are rotatively attached to ends of the storage tubes extending beyond one end wall. For added stiffness each end wall includes a flange around the periphery of the wall with a groove therein. The grooves accommodate the free ends of the side and bottom walls of the case during assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the extensible handle telescopes into tubes mounted on the bottom of the case and wheels are attached to the end wall opposite the end wall through which the extensible handle projects. One or more pivotally mounted support frames on the bottom of the case wheels allow the case to rest in a level position when it is not being carried or rolled.

Abstract: A zipped suitcase having a top side, two narrow side walls, a bottom part and two large side walls which can be folded back from a frame-reinforced body via zippers extending over the two narrow side walls wherein the frame-reinforced body includes a broad first section reinforced by two spaced-apart peripheral frames, which broad first section has a partition between the two peripheral frames, and of a narrow second section connected to the broad first section via a zipper and likewise reinforced by a third peripheral frame.

Abstract: A duffle bag comprised of a top wall, a bottom wall, front and back side walls, and end walls constructed to define a main storage compartment and separate end storage compartments, and at least one of the end storage compartments includes wheel assembly means for transporting the duffle bag. A further aspect of the duffle bag includes end storage compartments which are rigid and will pop open automatically when unfastened to provide a large opening to facilitate packing.

Abstract: A luggage case including a rectangular shell of relatively flexible material having a back, front, top, bottom and ends, with the front having a closable opening therein; a reinforcing strip which extends along the top and partially down each of the side for providing structural support to the shell to maintain the rectangular shape thereof; and a pair of support rods respectively secured to the sides, each of the support rods having a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the perimeter of each of the sides, and being secured thereto. In this manner, when a force is exerted on the sides, the sides may flex in the direction of the force, and when the force is removed, the sides will resume their initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the support rods. Both the reinforcing strip and the support rods are disposed on the inside surfaces of the luggage case.

Abstract: A retractable handle assembly is disclosed, comprising an elongate handle body (8, 10) having a lower end pivotally attached to an upper surface of the storage case, and extendable from a retracted position to an extended position. The handle body is adapted having an elongate internal cavity, and a profiled opening (56) extending through a lower surface. A release spring plate member (16) is fixedly mounted at one end within the handle body cavity, and has a profiled free end extending within the cavity in cantilever fashion toward handle lower body end. The release spring plate member pivots about the anchored end in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the handle body. A handle link plate member (22) is further provided having a lower end pivotally attached to the case upper surface, inboard of the handle lower end.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting, storing and carrying a plurality of bowling balls, bowling accessories and equipment, includes a housing having vertically stacked interior compartments for storing bowling balls. Each compartment is adequate to house a single bowling ball. The housing is integrally molded with and rests on top of a base member having wheels. The base member includes a drawer compartment for storing bowling accessories and equipment. The base also includes a handle for lifting the entire apparatus. Each interior compartment is equipped with a pivotal front opening and closing bowling ball support. Each support includes a pair of molded orthogonal legs, with one constituting a cradle for holding a bowling ball in front of the housing when the support is tilted forward, and the second leg is provided with a central aperture for providing a stable position for a bowling ball to rest on within the housing, when the support is closed.

Abstract: A luggage carrier for attachment to the rear side of a vehicle and including an external bottom frame having channel means for pivotally supporting the carrier on a receiver post projecting rearwardly at about the level of the vehicle bumper. The luggage carrier further includes an internal frame having a bottom subframe portion, a pair of lateral subframes and a forward, vertically extending subframe. A rigid panel is secured to the forward vertically extending subframe. An arcuate closure subassembly is pivotally connected to the upper side of the forward subframe, and is pivotable to a position covering the opening at the top of the luggage carrier. The internal frame is covered by a flexible fabric sleeve or encasement, and vinyl pads are interposed between the fabric encasement and the frame to smooth the flexible fabric of the encasement.

Abstract: A luggage case comprises a luggage frame which is substantially continuous and centrally located so as to support the top, bottom, and end walls of the luggage, which has two flexible side walls provided with a zipper opening and closing means, and a flexible center partition which is removable and adapted to provide either two separate, individually accessible compartments for the luggage case or a single compartment accessible through one of the side wall openings.

Abstract: Luggage has a generally rectangular container. A vertical sheath is fixed to the inside of the container along an end wall. A rigid handle is slidably mounted in the sheath and when extended is pivotable to a forwardly-inclined attitude for pulling the luggage. A spring attached to the lower end of the handle returns the handle to a vertical position when it is released. Major wheels are mounted on the luggage by fixed transverse axles adjacent the bottom wall and centered between the forward and rearward end walls. A castered wheel is mounted on the bottom wall adjacent each end wall.

Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid suitcase consists of a central frame forming a closed rigid annulus to which are assembled two rigid shells, one shell being welded to one side of the frame and the other shell being hinged on the other side. The suitcase is further characterized in that the central frame, made of a single piece, is shaped so that it comprises, in its latch portion or top panel, a recess closed by a reinforcing member with which the recess cooperates so as to form a hollow beam serving as a stiffening member for the top of the suitcase, the hollow beam receiving the locking mechanisms, the central handle and the lateral handle of the suitcase.

Abstract: A luggage cart adapted to remain attached to the luggage during stowage includes a wheeled support structure and a pair of bracket members set apart by the length of a piece of luggage. The bracket members are conformed to the shape of the cross-sectional contour of the rim of the piece of luggage to be transported and are clamped in position between two halves of the luggage to connect the luggage to the cart.

Abstract: The present invention shows a multi-purpose, utility bag comprising:a bag member, said bag member having a base portion and a back portion and being constructed of flexible material;a support member integrated into said bag member and providing firm support for said bag member at least in the area of said base portion and said back portion of said bag member; and,a non-linear array of load-bearing, rotatable castors fixedly attached to the base portion of said support member permitting the utility bag to sit upright and roll across a flat surface upon said castors.