Abstract: A multipurpose piece of luggage with wheels and a collapsible handle having a garment enclosure in which large articles of clothing may be hung and lesser enclosures for storage of small articles. The invention also serves as a cart for other luggage. Its handle may be collapsed, support feet retracted and garment enclosure folded to give it the appearance and utility of a normal suitcase.

Abstract: A resilient bearing support is provided for suitcase rollers and the like. A single part made of resilient material is configured to rotatably support travel rollers in a lower fork-like projection. The tip of this part is connected to a lower corner of a frame of a suitcase. To facilitate desired shock absorbing characteristics, the part is provided with a transversely extending triangular opening. The shortest side of this opening is bounded by a thin wall section that is curved outwardly to accommodate flexure of this wall during compression of the part. The other two sides of the triangular opening are curved inwardly to roll on one another to increase the resistance of the bearing part to compression in response to increasing loads.

Abstract: A strap for towing a wheeled suitcase, passing through a slit in an end wall of the suitcase, is retractable into a housing adjoining that wall from within and containing a coil spring whose free end is coupled with that strap, advantageously through a roller or other deflecting member around which the strap is looped inside the housing. The free outer end of the strap is secured to a handgrip by having holes traversed by pins on a backing plate integral with that handgrip, the front of this strap end being covered by a flap which may be an integral extension of the backing plate folded around the strap and clamped in position with a snap fit. The backing plate has two rearwardly projecting lips which enter the slit of the suitcase wall in a retracted position and are separated by a gap traversed by the strap, these lips passing between ribs of a shield plate that penetrate the slit and engage the housing.

Abstract: A wheeled suitcase is provided in which each of the wheels (6) comprises a cylindrical running strip (13) integral with a central hub (14) having an external annular rib (15), a support (16) comprising studs (17) spaced at equal distances from a bore (18) coaxial with the hub and each ending in a radial lug (19) under which the rib (15) of the hub fits and a shaft (20) passing through the bore (18) of the support to penetrate inside the hub (14), one of the ends of this shaft bearing a plate (21) applied against the face of the support (16) which is opposite the studs (17) whereas its other end comprises an annular groove (22) cooperating with a complementary annular rib (23) formed inside the hub, means (32) being provided for securing the plate (21) and the support (16) inside the housing (7) formed in the external face of the corresponding shell (1).

Abstract: A carrier for use with a folded garment carry-on bag includes a stiffening frame within the lower half of the bag. The longitudinally extending frame members extend through the bottom wall of the bag and are provided with horizontal terminal portions on which the ground wheels are rotatably supported, thus obviating an external axle and permitting the ground wheels to be placed inwardly of the longitudinal side edges of the bag.

Abstract: A detachable luggage-supporting, ground-engaging convertible accessory unit comprises a base member and at least one slide member which is guided for sliding movement on the base member. The base member is secured to a piece of luggage. A caster roller device is mounted on one slide member to form a caster roller assembly. A runner skid is connected to another slide member to form a skid-type runner assembly. A cantilever leaf spring on the base member snappingly engages each slide member for interconnecting the base member and the respective slide member with snap-type action. An access opening is formed on each slide member to expose the spring to permit a disassembly tool to remove the slide member from the base member, to thereby effect the rapid interchange of one caster roller assembly for another, or for the skid-type runner assembly. The slide member covers the spring except at the access opening so that the members are not readily detachable during luggage transport.

Abstract: A soft-sided piece of luggage comprises a container portion and a hinged cover including a lateral skirt. The skirt has a peripheral edge adapted for alignment with a peripheral edge of the container portion to accommodate the closure of cooperating zipper parts on the cover and container portion. Interior reinforcing means stiffens the luggage, and comprises a floor plate positioned along the inside of a rear wall of the container portion. The plate includes curved ends extending along rear corners of the container portion. The reinforcing plate projects beyond the peripheral edge of said container portion to shape respective rear and corner portions of the skirt when said cover is closed. A reinforcing U-bar extends along the inside of the container portion and is connected to the floor plate. A pair of curved stiffening plates are disposed at the inside of front corners of the container portion and are reinforced by the reinforcing bar.

Abstract: A carrier for use with a foldable garment carry-on bag includes a frame within the lower half of the bag. The frame extends through the bottom of the bag and is provided with a wheeled axle. In one embodiment of the invention the upper half of the bag is also provided with a frame to obviate the usual transversely extending stiffeners and to permit securing the folded bag by a single central fastener rather than the two or four fasteners usually used on such bags.

Abstract: A portable case having a mechanism capable of converting said case into a trolley. The mechanism is formed from basically two related sets of components, including base members connected to the sides of the case and each capable of extending a forward end beyond one end of the case, and a handle structure having arm members longitudinally slidable in relation to the base members and capable of being pivoted and locked at an angle with respect to the base members. In one embodiment, wheels are supported on the rear of the arm members so as to project downward therefrom when the arm members are pivoted and locked in their trolley position. In other embodiments, wheels are supported near the forward end of the base members. With both configurations, the wheels support the entire case when the locked arm members are tilted forward for trolley use.

Abstract: A wheeled garment carry-on bag is constructed to permit the bag to be folded along a transverse fold line to a wheeled condition with the folded portions secured together and with the ground wheels outwardly of the bag. The bag is further constructed to permit the bag to be folded in a reverse manner to a carrying condition with the wheels between the folded portions to protect the wheels during transport.

Abstract: A rotatable roller assembly includes a roller, a housing, a support pivotably connected at one end to the housing for pivotal movement between a first retracted position and a second extended position, the roller being rotatably connected to the other end of the support, first and second notches defined in the support for establishing the first and second positions, respectively, and a locking mechanism slideably movable into and out of locking engagement with the first and second notches to effect releasable locking of the support and thus the roller in the first and second positions, respectively.

Abstract: A caster assembly adapted for incorporation in the frame of a suitcase, the caster assembly comprising a caster housing with a housing recess enclosing a major portion of the swivelable caster wheel, housing side walls limiting its swivel range, and a swivel bearing with a stationary journal plate attachable to the bottom wall of the caster housing by means of a slot-engaging protrusion and rivets. The caster housing may be an integral part of the suitcase frame.

Abstract: A carrier for use with a garment carry-on bag is provided with an inner light weight frame connected at its upper end to an external handle and connected at its lower end to an external wheeled axle.

Abstract: A gusseted suit case with two superimposed gussets defined by vertically spaced webbings sewn to the body of the case. Each of the gussets is provided with a substantially V-shaped opening and a fastener is attached to the opening to erect and collapse the associated gusset. When collapsed, the gusset is completely concealed from the exterior not to impair the appearance of the body of the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suit-case on wheels with an incorporated dragging device, of the type comprising a grippable handle connected in an articulated manner to the suit-case body which is composed of two half-shells, wherein said handle is housed hidden in an extractable manner in a seat disposed in the roof zone of one of said half-shells, and is pivoted to a slider which is slidably guided in said seat.

Abstract: Handle device for suitcase of shell type or rigid structure type, equipped with one or more casters or rollers or indeed one or more pairs of casters or rollers, the device being composed in known manner of a fixed component, attached to the transverse side of the suitcase, and of another, opening component, that is to say an element capable of moving away from the perimeter of the suitcase and forming the handle proper, these two components being pivotally mounted with respect to each other, the first and second component are basically constituted of a straight member of channel section (U-section), the first, fixed component having a length considerably less than that of the second, opening component and the member constituting the first component being of a smaller sectional dimension than the member constituting the basic portion of the second component in such a manner as to be capable of being seated therein when the opening component is folded back, the two components being integrally connected to each

Abstract: A carrier for use with a garment carry-on bag includes a wheeled support for the bottom end of the bag when the latter is in unfolded condition. An elongated vertically extending member is connected at its lower end to the axle of the wheeled support and formed at its upper end to provide a handle. The member and the axle are positioned substantially entirely within the bag.

Abstract: A pair of wheeled L-shaped frame members are snugly received in channels in the bottom of the suitcase and are telescopically engaged by a generally U-shaped handle at their upper ends and a generally U-shaped base at their lower ends. Plates on the bottom of the suitcase hold the frame members in the channels, and these plates are slidably retractable to uncover the channels for removal of the frame members without disconnecting them from the handle on the base.

Abstract: A luggage case is disclosed that includes a roller assembly that is detachably secured to a section of the luggage case, wherein a roller engages a surface to enable the luggage case to be conveniently rolled thereover. The roller assembly is mounted such that it cannot be accidentally dislodged, even when the roller abruptly contacts an obstruction such as a rut, rock or curb.

Abstract: A relatively pliable device upon which equipment may stand when in normal use and to which the equipment may be fastened for transport and storage. The device may comprise a carpet having a substantially skid-proof pile surface and a backing. A water impervious material may be bonded to the backing and a number of fastening straps may be anchored to the carpet. When equipment is fastened to the carpet by the anchor straps, the carpet may be rolled into a cylindrical configuration in which it may be held by a plurality of exterior straps. A moveable shoulder strap may be fastened to the exterior straps for ease in carrying and handling the device. A wheeled cap may be mounted on one end of the carpet so that a person transporting it need not bear the entire weight.

Abstract: A luggage roller featuring a diabolo-shaped wheel, which is preferably detachable from the piece of luggage, i.e. a container, to which it is mounted. The diabolo-shaped wheel is more stable than prior art configurations, because of its greater effective width leading to greater bearing area. The detachable feature of the wheel leads to changeability of the luggage roller wheel when wear occurs, so that the piece of luggage does not have to be discarded when the installed wheel wears down. This detachable feature is typically attained by providing an axle on which the wheel is mounted which is detachable from the container. The axle is generally of one of several alternative configurations in which a threaded connection is provided between portions of the axle assemblage, so that one portion of part of the axle assemblage may be unscrewed from the other portion or part.

Abstract: A piece of luggage has a case with a substantially flat bottom wall formed with a pair of generally parallel grooves, with a pair of longitudinally spaced relatively wide outwardly open recesses in each groove, and with a wheel cutout adjacent a lower end of each groove. Respective solid support blocks are force-fitted in the recesses and are each formed with a throughgoing passage aligned with the respective groove. Respective tubes extend longitudinally along the grooves through the respective passages in the blocks and are rotatable in these blocks. Pivot mounts for wheels are carried on the lower tube ends and a handle is connected to the upper tube ends and are displaceable longitudinally relative thereto. Structure in the tube between the handle and the pivot mounts pivots these mounts through about 90.degree. between positions with the wheels in the cutouts and the wheels standing up from the bottom wall on displacement of the handle longitudinally away from the upper tube ends.

Abstract: Suitcase comprising two shells (1,2) assembled on one side by a hinge and on the other side by gripping (5,5') (6,6') and lockable closure means. One of the edges (10) perpendicular to the hinge is provided with rolling means (11,12) allowing to move it into two different positions, one of them being almost flat so that the side faces are strongly tilted relative to the rolling plane, the other position being such that the suitcase may almost rest edgewise. Rollers (11,12,21,22) are sunk into alveolus (12,13) containing a support (14) for the axis (15) of said roller. These supports (14) may be separated from the alveolus (13) by pushing on the small tongues (140). The suitcase comprises two handles (5,6) of which at least one allows to hold it on the rollers thereof. The handle (5,6) pivots about two axes (52) set into the side walls of the housing (50); each of the ends of the branches (53,54) comprises a boss (530,540 ) which fits into a corresponding recess of the housing (50).

Abstract: A luggage case with a pair of wheels located at the lower edge has a handle assembly that can be folded into a side wall or swung outwardly into pulling (or pushing) relation. A two-part brace maintains a quasi locking of the handle assembly when in the open position such that it may be closed by merely applying a significant rotating force to the assembly about its pivotal interconnection with the case. A latch operates to secure the handle assembly within the case recess when closed or during nonuse and includes a finger actuated button for releasing the latch.

Abstract: A combined portable case and luggage trolley which, in its preferred form, includes a rigid frame which, when folded, engages a face of the case to become an integral part thereof and which is extendable therefrom to form a luggage support in cooperation with a spaced pair of frame support arms pivotally connected to the case. When extended, the rigid frame is alignable with the support arms in a common plane to define a luggage receiving framework in cooperation with the case. Wheels are mounted within recesses in the case for selective extension in association with extension of the framework.

Abstract: A fixture for luggage which has a flexible outer casing housing independent bottom and end panels disposed in substantially right angular relation to each other, the fixture having a base plate adapted to be mounted on the casing in fixed relation to the bottom panel adjacent to the end panel; a mounting plate borne by the base plate in upstanding relation; and a pivot assembly secured on the mounting plate and adapted to mount the end panel for pivotal movement about an axis substantially parallel to the bottom panel.

Abstract: The suitcase cart includes a suitcase and parallel tubular frame members affixed to the bottom of the suitcase. The frame members are L-shaped. A U-shaped handle telescopes relative to one pair of legs of the frame members, and a U-shaped base member telescopes relative to the other pair of legs of the frame members. Wheels are provided at the corners of the frame members. The handle is manipulated to wheel the suitcase along with or without an additional article on the base.

Abstract: A pull handle for a roller mounted suitcase includes an elongated supporting tube secured just beneath the top side of the suitcase telescopically receiving an extension member having a gripping handle on one end. Cooperating indexing arrangements are provided on the supporting tube and extension member for holding the member in a given extended telescoped position relative to the suitcase in which position, the gripping handle is at a sufficient distance from the suitcase for convenient gripping by a user for guiding the suitcase on its rollers along the ground. Manual release arrangements are provided to release the telescoping extended member and permit retraction of the same into its supporting tube when not in use.

Abstract: Trunks and luggage having retractable wheels connected to a wheeling handle. The motion of each wheel is controlled by a cam slot so that the wheel moves out when the handle is extended but returns to storage position when the handle is retracted. Any required lost motion in extending the handle is provided by either an interlocking wire loop or a curved cam slot.

Abstract: This invention relates to theatrical illusion apparatus in general, and more specifically to an apparatus for performing a levitation illusion. The apparatus includes an improved body support frame which enhances the illusion that the suspended object or person has no external supporting means, when employed in conjunction with a rigid hoop which is passed around and over the suspended body. The support frame is supported through the aperture in a hinged lid of a trunk. The trunk has rollers for mobility when packed, and the trunk lid serves as the upper surface of a stage. A motor drive provides power to raise or lower the upper portion of the support frame with respect to the trunk stage.

Abstract: A suitcase which includes two shells and at least two rollers disposed in housings provided in the outer face of the shells, so as to project outwardly wherein each roller is disposed in its housing between two complementary members forming an added box, and is rotatably mounted inside the latter, on a shaft extending between these two complementary members, and a securing member being provided for maintaining the box in the housing, inside the shells, while interlocking the component parts thereof.

Abstract: A suitcase having retractable rolling means at the bottom is provided with a generally U-shaped handle means which is slidably received within generally triangular sleeves secured on the interior of said suitcase. The U-shaped handle may be extended when the suitcase is being wheeled along the ground. The handle means further includes collapsible legs to support the suitcase in a stationary position off the ground when said handle means is extended and said wheels are in operative position.

Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly for an article of luggage has a housing formed with side and end walls, closed top and open bottom. The housing fits into an opening in a side of the luggage and has a peripheral flange for attachment to the luggage. The housing has a well in which is a fork supporting a rotatable wheel. The fork is rotatable on a stationary pin and is movable laterally on the pin. A coil spring on the pin biases the fork against an abutment in the well so the fork and wheel are held retracted in the well. A catch cooperates with the spring in holding the fork and wheel retracted. When the catch is disengaged the fork can be rotated on the pin to an outward position where the coil spring moves the fork laterally into engagement with a flat, U-shaped bracket at the bottom of the housing. There the fork is held extended until moved manually laterally against the bias of the spring to disengage the fork from the bracket, so that the fork and wheel can be rotated into the well.

Abstract: A wheeled baggage hinge system (10) adapted for use on a luggage carrier (12). The luggage carrier (12) is adapted for wheeled rotation on a base surface (16) and is further structurally defined to allow opening of lid element (18) and bottom element (20) on a base surface (16) in a manner such that lid sidewall (30) and bottom sidewall (34) lie in interfacing contact with the horizontal base surface (16) when luggage carrier (12) is opened. The wheeled baggage hinge system (10) includes a hinge mechanism (44) composed of a pair of bottom planar elements (52) and (54) rotatively coupled to a central planar element (56) which is pivotally mounted to each of bottom planar elements (52) and (54). The central planar element (56) includes an extended transverse length to allow non-interference of wheel elements (38) and (40) when lid element (18) and bottom element (20) are opened for interfacing contact with a base surface (16).

Abstract: A briefcase or like article having accordian folds or pleats forming its bottom wall is provided with wheels attached to said bottom wall so as not to interfere excessively with the expansion or contraction of the width of the bottom wall through the action of the pleats or folds. A wheel mount is clamped to one side of the briefcase and to an adjacent fold of the accordian-like bottom wall.

Abstract: A wheeled support for carrying articles such as suitcases, trunks, sample cases and the like which may be readily installed on conventional carrying articles without requiring a great deal of skill. An aperture is cut in one corner at which two sidewalls intersect and a wheel housing is secured at such aperture. Adequate stability may be achieved by applying a pair of spaced apart housings along a long corner of the article to be wheeled.

Abstract: A suitcase surrounded by paired circular raceways forming an endless track is disclosed. Into each of these raceways there is mounted a complementary revolving rim rotating upon bearings placed at intervals around the raceway. The rim, preferably taking the form of a circular tube, surrounds the suitcase. This rim forms the points of rotating transport over the ground. In operation, the suitcase is propelled by a handle which protrudes from the end wall of the suitcase between the raceways, yet permits convenient opening of the suitcase. The suitcase, because of its attachment at the handle, does not rotate. The tubes within the raceways do rotate and provide continuously revolving contact points with the ground.

Abstract: A unitary double-halved shipping container is provided with a wheel well, and detachable arms and wheel assembly to convert the container into a wheelbarrow configuration. This permits ease of handling and maneuvering at low cost in view of the quickly detachable arms and wheel assembly. Integral slots are provided in the container body which accommodate the prongs of a conventional fork lift truck should movement of a number of containers be desired or should the distance of movement be such as to be more conveniently done by fork lift machinery. The halves of the containers are nestable and the slots accommodate securing or shipping straps. The wheel assembly includes a U-shaped spring member, the ends of which are brought together for ease of insertion and release of the wheel. The U-shaped spring member is also provided with a number of outwardly projecting sharp protrusions to secure the wheel assembly to the container when the ends of the U-shaped member are released.

Abstract: A collapsible suitcase wherein a bottom member has side walls foldably secured thereto with slide fasteners connecting each side wall to form a box-like enclosure. The pull rings of the slide fasteners are locked in closed position by a latch on each corner of an attachable top. The actual volume of the case can be varied according to the extent the slide fasteners are zippered. Rollers are mounted under the bottom of the case to facilitate transport.

Abstract: A valise or suitcase utilizes a self supporting, height adjustable, wheeled undercarriage, which when not in use is concealed in an open-bottomed compartment at the base of the suitcase.

Abstract: A sample case assembly has a pair of open ended containers each of which is supported by one section of a two-section wheeled base member or dolly. The dolly sections are pivotally joined together and with their respective display enclosures are pivoted horizontally between open and closed positions. The containers may be hinged together on one side to form sample cases and detachably connected to the dolly. A plurality of sample cases may be stacked one above the other on the dolly and aligned to pivot open simultaneously with opening of the dolly sections. A transport handle is attached to the uppermost case to facilitate mobility of the assembly.

Abstract: A device or wheel unit for mounting in a suitcase, said device having an extensible and retractable wheel for rollably supporting the suitcase, and comprising a housing and a wheel the bearing of which is fixed in a pivotable bifurcated bracket, which device is to be mounted in a corner of the suitcase.

Abstract: A long, bent hook and a set of detachable wheels are used to transport luggage. The housing for the wheels is attached to a suitcase by means of a self-adhesive plate. The wheel axles are spring loaded so they can be taken off. The hook incorporates a metal rod bent 270.degree. at one end to form a handle and a perpendicularly bent J-shaped hook at the other end that is used for holding one or more bags. Furthermore, the metal rod is again bent about a third of the way from the handle to the hook.

Abstract: A support pallet carrying at opposite ends thereof, jointly extensible tow-handle and pair of rollers, which pallet can form original-construction false bottom of luggage container such as suit case, or as free form can be extended to form hand cart for manually moving one or several containers. Operating mechanism comprises parallel pair of oppositely (90.degree.) twisted, flat-faced rigid ribbons each simultaneously rotatable on its longitudinal axis and lengthwise forming a helical slide track. Each track is transversely engaged jointly by a bifurcate-ended, slide yoke forming a distal cross arm of a lengthwise displaceable tow handle. Distal end of each track-ribbon is attached to a ground-support roller, which rollers are jointly movable by transverse pivoting between housed and functional positions effected by longitudinal movement of cross-arm-yoke and tow handle.

Abstract: Herein described is a bowling ball and bowling ball equipment carrier which includes an upper compartment for holding the equipment and a lower compartment for carrying a pair of bowling balls. A front opening door is provided for access to the lower compartment and a top opening door is provided for access to an upper compartment. A strap is provided in both the lower compartments which is placed under the bowling ball and extends into the upper compartment so that as the selected strap is pulled it moves the selected bowling ball from its resting place in the lower compartment out into a similar resting place on the front door.

Abstract: A carrier for tennis equipment is characterized by a generally rigid and easily transportable case which is internally configured and equipped to contain and protect equipment customarily used in the playing of tennis.In the disclosed embodiment of the carrier, the case has inner walls in the shape of a tennis racquet for receiving and holding therewithin a plurality of racquets, and storage compartments are formed within the case for tennis balls, tennis shoes, and the like. A door hinged with the case closes the case, and an inner surface of the door advantageously is provided with pockets and/or elastic bands for conveniently holding toiletry and other items. The carrier is transportable either by wheels on the bottom of the case which enable the carrier to be rolled from one location to the next, or by a handle on the side of the case for lifting the carrier.

Abstract: A combined garment bag and carrier constructed as a unit consisting of a garment bag, a pair of ground engaging wheels secured to the bottom portion thereof, tubular members extending within and along the full length of the garment bag to maintain the garment bag in an extended position, means mounted at the midportion of the tubular members permitting the folding of the garment bag, a sleeve slidably mounted on the tubular members preventing the folding of the garment bag, a handle secured to the tubular means at the top portion of the garment bag for actuating the sleeve to its folding and non-folding positions, and a foldable bracket mounted adjacent to the wheels for carrying luggage thereon.

Abstract: A suitcase having rolling means at the bottom is provided with a retractable handle including a pair of longitudinally extendable tubes connected to a sidewall of the suitcase at their proximal ends and connected at their distal ends to a cross-member forming a grip, said tubes received in retracted position within said sidewall. In extended position, said tubes in combination with the top of the suitcase providing a luggage supporting surface for additional pieces of luggage. The suitcase further having a pair of pivotal support arms attached to the bottom of the suitcase which in extended position provide an additional luggage supporting surface.

Abstract: A soft-walled garment bag has rigid means, e.g., a central, internal post or column, interconnecting its upper and lower ends. The lower end comprises a rigid platform borne on a tandem pair of wheels that are steerable by manipulation of the upper end of the structure, e.g., via a handle fixed to the upper end of the column or post. A clothing hanger or hangers are detachably connectable to the rigid means to carry a suit or coat or the like about which the garment bag is closely fitted. The cover sheets of the garment bag are peripherally secured to the lower end of the platform and one side of the bag incorporates a carrying strap for suspending the piece of luggage under an arm from one hand in an erect position against one side of the body of the user for transportation over stairs, or in other such situations which inhibit wheel supported movement of the luggage.

Abstract: A stroller for attachment to a carrying case which includes a mounting plate and a wheel support plate interconnected by a plurality of shock absorbing members. A plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted on the support plate for 360.degree. swivel movement. Interengaging fastening members are provided having portions respectively on the mounting plate and the carrying case for removably attaching the stroller to the case. The stroller further includes cushioning members on the mounting plate engageable with the carrying case in the region of attachment.