Traveling Case Patents (Class 280/37)
  • Patent number: 8286767
    Abstract: A combination suitcase and baby carrier having a housing and a handle movable between a storage position and an extended position. The handle is also pivotal between a first position in which the handle is coplanar with the bottom and a second position in which the handle lies in a plane oblique to the plane of the housing bottom. A rear wheel support bracket having at least one rear wheel is pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the end of the housing between a collapsed position in which the rear wheel is contained within the housing, and an operational position in which the rear wheel protrudes outwardly and downwardly from the housing bottom. A front wheel also extends outwardly from the bottom of the housing so that the housing can be supported by both the rear and front wheel. A housing top may then be open and movable against the handle to form a seat back for a baby carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Susan M. Malinowski
  • Patent number: 8282109
    Abstract: An apparatus which is convertible from a portable cargo container to a wheeled vehicle. In particular, the present invention is a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle. The present invention is particularly useful for transporting relatively heavy loads along with a human operator, quickly and with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Hamid Arjomand, Phillip H. Neal
  • Patent number: 8201837
    Abstract: Disclosed are a backpack skateboard system and methods for use thereof in which a skateboard is movably attached to a backpack, so that the skateboard can pivot 180° along the longitudinal axis thereof and rotate 90° into a folded configuration in which the skateboard is substantially parallel to the backpack with rear wheels of the skateboard facing the backpack and pivot 180° along the longitudinal axis thereof and to rotate 90° into an unfolded configuration in which the skateboard is substantially perpendicular to the backpack with the rear wheel assembly positioned downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Animations an Accessory Innovations Company
    Inventor: Steven Dweek
  • Patent number: 8201672
    Abstract: An enhanced structure for the base with roller and belt of hardshell zipper case is provided, including a hardshell zipper case main body, a plurality of hidden roller units, a retractable belt unit, and an auxiliary wheel set. The hidden roller units and the retractable belt unit are placed inside the roller housing trench and the belt housing trench located at the bottom of the hardshell zipper case main body. When the hidden roller units are not in use, the roller units are entirely hidden inside the roller housing trench so that the roller unit will not be damaged due to careless handling. To move the hardshell zipper case, the outer rim of the roller units are exposed outside of the surface of the roller housing trench so that the roller units can roll along when moved. The belt of retractable belt unit can be easily pulled out from one end of the bottom of the hardshell zipper case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Sheng Cho Yang
  • Patent number: 8118317
    Abstract: One embodiment of a carrier for carrying articles and luggage may include a case member. The case member may include a container and a lid pivotally attached to the container. The carrier may further include a railing arrangement, which may include a plurality of telescopic members and a plurality of rail members. The plurality of telescopic members may extend from the lid, and may be extended and retracted. The plurality of rail members may be disposed horizontally on the plurality of telescopic members for extending and retracting the plurality of telescopic members. The extension of the plurality of telescopic members may enable the railing arrangement to assume an open position for configuring and defining a confined space above the lid to receive the luggage therein. The carrier may further include a plurality of wheels, which may be coupled to the container for moving the case member and the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Koesterich
  • Patent number: 8033369
    Abstract: A luggage device having fully recessed legs that may be selectively engaged to translate and pivot about an axis to facilitate controlled movement from a fully recessed storage position to an operative position for conveniently transporting large heavy objects within the luggage. The fully recessed translation biased cantilever leg luggage device includes a dextral leg recess for receiving a dextral leg, and a sinistral leg recess for receiving a sinistral leg. Each leg recess has an engagement region, a storage region, and a pivot. Additionally, the engagement region includes a leg engagement region storage location, a leg engagement region operative location, and a leg engagement region transition region; through which a portion of the leg pivots about the axis and transitions from the fully recessed storage position to an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Club Glider Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Sherrell, Michael J. Baum, William Pangburn, Adam Smith, Cameron Smith, Glenn Johnson
  • Patent number: 7997591
    Abstract: There is a chassis with retractable wheels, wherein the chassis includes a housing. The chassis may also include a chassis sled slidably disposed within the housing. In addition, the chassis may include a pair of lever arms, each said lever arm being disposed in the lower portion of the housing. Furthermore, the chassis includes a pair of mounting wheels, a fender configured to cover the wheels openings in a retracted position, and a web joining the fender to the wheel lever, and having a second end. The chassis with retractable wheels includes a chassis sled, wherein the chassis sled includes an isosceles trapezoid configuration. The chassis sled also includes a pair of receiving members pivotly attached to the first end of the pair of lever arms. The chassis further includes a separation panel attached to the housing configured to conceal the mechanical components of the chassis with retractable wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Retrac Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph I Arthur
  • Publication number: 20110193304
    Abstract: The combination scooter and messenger bag is an article-carrying device that can be converted into a wheeled land vehicle. When used as an article carrying device, the invention resembles a conventional messenger bag with a single strap positioned to be placed over one of the user's shoulders and across the chest. This use is known as “carrying mode.” When used as a wheeled land vehicle, the invention resembles a kick scooter. This use is known as “riding mode.” The invention employs a mechanism that quickly and easily converts the combination scooter and messenger bag from “carrying mode” to “riding mode” and vice versa. The mechanism functions when a user raises and lowers a handlebar. Raising the handlebar shifts the messenger bag-style carrier from a position on top of the footboard to a position to the side of the footboard. Lowering the handlebar shifts the messenger bag-style carrier from a position on the side of the footboard to a position on top of the footboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Hughesdon Turner, Ryan Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 7984797
    Abstract: A rolling soft sided luggage case enclosing a volume and having opposing sidewalls, the sidewalls being supported by a tubular strut frame structure independent of the wheel housings mounted at the rear corners of the case. A straddle bracket affixed to a middle region of a side edge of the structural base joins the rear sidewall strut to the rigid base without engaging the wheel housing in order to facilitate ease of construction and repair of the wheel bracket. The levered portion of the base to which the wheel housing is affixed serves as a dampened swing arm on which the luggage case is sprung in order to isolate the structural frame of the case from bumps while being rolled and to and dampen shocks to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Delsey Luggage, Inc.
    Inventor: David Bieber
  • Patent number: 7861834
    Abstract: A towable baggage item is provided. The towable baggage item includes a body defining a storage compartment, the storage compartment configured to receive and carry objects. The towable baggage item also includes a retractable towing member coupled to the body. Furthermore, the towable baggage item also includes a retractable wheel assembly responsive to a position of the retractable towing member, wherein the retractable wheel assembly comprises at least one wheel and an actuator operatively coupled to each the wheel, wherein the actuator is movable along a first linear axis to extend and retract the wheel along a second linear axis different from the first linear axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: TRG Accessories, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Aaron Gorga, Chris W. Cicenas, Joseph M. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7837206
    Abstract: A wheeled article carrier is operational in either one of two conditions. A frame with a horizontal base is supported by three or four wheels with a vertical member upstanding from the base. A receptacle may be attached to the frame. A telescoping handle extends above the frame. The frame may be pulled by the handle to roll on two of the wheels. A foot board is retracted to lie securely along the vertical member. In the second condition, the carrier becomes a scooter, with the foot board extending horizontally from the base, with two of the wheels supporting the distal end of the board and the proximal end of the board fixed to the base and supported by the one or two other wheels attached to the base. A steering mechanism connects the one or two wheels on the base to the handle so that the rider may steer the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Freddy Theo Lee
  • Patent number: 7793949
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle frame includes a first main body, a second main body having a pedal portion and at least one joint portion, and a connecting mechanism connected to the first main body and the second main body. The connecting mechanism further includes a pair of rod parts, and the pair of rod parts respectively has a head end and a tail end. The head end is rotatably connected to the first main body, and the tail end is rotatably connected to the second main body, such that the connecting mechanism is turned over and stacked at a lower layer of the first main body, and the pedal portion of the second main body is folded under the turned-over connecting mechanism, so as to form a folded state. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism, the first main body, and the second main body are all unfolded simultaneously to form an unfolded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Freerider Corp.
    Inventor: Arthur Wang
  • Patent number: 7748508
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wheeled luggage case having a luggage receptacle, the receptacle having a bottom wall, a top wall, opposed end walls and opposed side walls forming a luggage compartment, wherein said luggage case further comprises:—(I) a plurality of support wheels located at one end of the bottom wall; (II) a retractable steering wheel assembly or assemblies, located on the bottom wall, distanced from the support wheels, said steering wheel assembly being moveable between an active position in which the wheel assembly extends below the bottom wall of the luggage receptacle and an inactive position in which the wheel assembly is substantially within the profile of the luggage receptacle; (III) a handle means located at one end of the luggage receptacle for steering, pushing, pulling and lifting purposes wherein when the steering wheel assembly is in an active position the base wall forms an acute angle with respect to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Tee Hui Lee, Marc Tee Huang Lee
  • Patent number: 7731204
    Abstract: The combination scooter/backpack is an article carrying device with the capacity to be converted into a wheeled land vehicle, and therefore has two modes of usage. The article carrying device resembles a conventional backpack with two straps positioned to be placed over the user's shoulders, entitled backpack mode. The wheeled land vehicle functions as a popular collapsible scooter, two wheels mounted upon a board member with propulsion means provided by user's contact with the ground, entitled scooter mode. A horizontal handlebar is positioned at the top of the combination and serves to steer the front wheel during scooter mode. Conversion between backpack mode and scooter mode is accomplished with the raising and lowering of said handlebar and the manipulation of releasable fasteners and latches. In both backpack and scooter modes, a cover circumferentially surrounds the combination scooter/backpack to secure and protect components that are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Hughesdon Turner, Ryan Patrick Murphy, Duston E A Stutzman, Kah-Thart Goo
  • Patent number: 7726671
    Abstract: A wheeled bag assembly having an elongated wheeled bottom assembly made out of a rigid and moldable material with an upperside, an underside, first and second lateral sides, first and second ends defined, respectively, by first and second folds along said underside, said first fold extending away from said underside a first predetermined distance. Wheel members mounted to the lateral sides opposite to a supporting fold with cooperative dimensions to permit the bottom assembly to be at rest at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to a supporting surface. A bag member with flat bottom wall is mounted over the upperside and extends upwardly defining an internal compartment and an upper end opening. A user tilts the bag assembly and pulls it from handles mounted adjacent to the opening causing the wheels to roll and the assembly to easily move with its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Skyworld Business Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Musi
  • Patent number: 7644743
    Abstract: A towing arrangement includes a pivotal handle which allows a user to position the handle more comfortably that would otherwise be possible with a conventional towing arrangement. The relative motion of the handle can also increase the maneuverability of a piece of luggage by eliminating the need for a person to reposition his or her hand on the handle when attempting to redirect the piece of luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventors: Timm J. Fenton, Paul V. Scicluna
  • Publication number: 20090315284
    Abstract: A luggage case which is convertible between a first configuration similar to a suitcase and a second configuration similar to a wheeled cart. The luggage case may have wheels and a pivotal handle. The pivotal handle may be supported by a strut pivotally fixed thereto at one end and arranged at the other end to slide along a groove in a guide track fixed to the luggage case. The strut may be entrapped to stop at a predetermined location along the groove with the handle fixed at an angle suitable for pushing the luggage case on its wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ignacio Tapia Osorno
  • Patent number: 7617956
    Abstract: A backpack combination comprising a storage compartment having a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, first and second side walls, and a top wall; shoulder straps affixed to the rear wall at upper and lower portions thereof; a first and second zipper means extending along the periphery of the rear wall from lower to upper portions thereof; a padded back panel congruent with the rear wall and having third and fourth zipper means along peripheral portions thereof adapted for selective connection to the first and second zipper means; a trolley having a support panel congruent with the rear wall and having fifth and sixth zipper means along peripheral portions thereof adapted for selective connection to the first and second zipper means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Global Design Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Sabbah
  • Patent number: 7614628
    Abstract: A collapsible wheeled cart for carrying cases comprises a handle, a support platform for a carrying case pivotally connected to a lower end of the handle, a pair of wheel arms each having an outer end carrying a wheel and an inner end pivotally connected to the lower end of the handle, and an actuator operable to effect movement of the platform and wheel arms in unison from a non-deployed position in a collapsed configuration for the cart to a deployed position in an expanded configuration for the cart. The actuator is operable by a user applying a single manual operative motion to the actuator, which serves to expand the depth and width of the cart when it is placed in the expanded configuration from the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: EZM, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles S. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7597341
    Abstract: A bag carrying system having a removable handle and wheel assembly is provided. The system includes a bag having a back portion with a panel overlying the back portion and a handle and wheel assembly comprising a handle portion, a wheel portion and a longitudinally extending supporting element connected therebetween. Significantly, the longitudinally extending supporting unit of the handle and wheel assembly is designed to be placed between the panel and back portion of the bag for releasably attaching the assembly thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Fashion Accessory Bazaar LLC
    Inventor: Steve Russo
  • Publication number: 20090160147
    Abstract: There is a chassis with retractable wheels, wherein the chassis includes a housing. The chassis may also include a chassis sled slidably disposed within the housing. In addition, the chassis may include a pair of lever arms, each said lever arm being disposed in the lower portion of the housing. Furthermore, the chassis includes a pair of mounting wheels, a fender configured to cover the wheels openings in a retracted position, and a web joining the fender to the wheel lever, and having a second end. The chassis with retractable wheels includes a chassis sled, wherein the chassis sled includes an isosceles trapezoid configuration. The chassis sled also includes a pair of receiving members pivotly attached to the first end of the pair of lever arms. The chassis further includes a separation panel attached to the housing configured to conceal the mechanical components of the chassis with retractable wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph I. Arthur
  • Patent number: 7549652
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for luggage includes a main body having at least a slot, and a fitting member having an identification portion. The identification portion defines a shape corresponding to the shape of the slot, and engages with the slot and extends out of an outer surface of the main body. Such identification portion of different luggages is distinguished from each other, which makes the travelers can easily identify their luggage from similar luggages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Hersun Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Chuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20090114493
    Abstract: Luggage having an angularly retractable handle includes: a main body; a mounting plate, positioned at a front wall of the main body; a pivot, positioned at the mounting wall; an angularly retractable handle, connected to the mounting plate by the pivot, wherein the angularly retractable handle rotates with respect to the front wall of the main body via the pivot; a plurality of first wheel carriers, fixed on the bottom of the main body; a plurality of second wheel carriers, positioned on the bottom of the main body in a rotatable way; and at least four wheels, respectively assembled on the first wheel carriers and second wheel carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Yu Kei Leung
  • Patent number: 7503439
    Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly (110) for a carrier (100) is disclosed wherein the wheels (120) are rotatably mounted in cowls (130), which are pivotably disposed in wheel wells (116L, 116R) on a housing. The cowls are connected with a cowl axle assembly (140) that includes a coil spring, preferably a constant force spring (150) that biases the cowls towards a retracted position. The constant force spring is connected to a retractable handle (104), preferably with a spring engagement member (160), such that extending the retractable handle will bias the cowls towards an extended position, wherein the wheels extend out of the wheel wells for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy J. C. O'Shea, Terence R Ellard, Wayne C Higgins
  • Patent number: 7500680
    Abstract: A wheeled transport device, such as luggage, a trash can, a garden cart or other hand cart configured to be manually wheeled in an inclined position by a pedestrian user, includes a collapsible handle at one end and wheels at the other end. The wheels are independently connected to the device by respective suspensions that exhibit a compliance, in response to forces applied to their respective wheels by the surface in a direction opposing wheel motion, selected to sufficiently alter suspension geometry to temporarily change an attitude, such as toe, camber or caster, of their respective wheels to counter a tendency of the device to overturn in response to the applied forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Florian Altmann
  • Patent number: 7478711
    Abstract: An ergonomic wheeled baggage case includes top and bottom sides, and front, rear, and left and right panels. A first distance between the front and rear panels is shorter than a second distance between the left and right panels. A set of front wheels and a set of rear wheels are attached respectively to front and rear ends of the bottom side, and have bottommost ends which are substantially coplanar on a plane. The bottom side is oblique to the plane so that the front end of the bottom side is higher than the rear end thereof, thereby shifting the center of gravity of the case body rearwardly. The front, rear, left and right panels are substantially perpendicular to the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Liang
  • Patent number: 7438308
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheeled luggage item with an ergonomic telescopic handle assembly. The ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention allows a user to use the luggage using just one hand. Furthermore, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly shifts the weight of the bag onto the bag, rather than the user's arm, reducing strain on the user's arm, and it provides for a greater space between the user's heel and the bag, reducing the chance that the user will kick the bag while walking. Finally, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention is stored compactly within the luggage, maximizing the volume available within the luggage for storage of personal items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: JanSport Apparel Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Kim, Doug Golenz
  • Patent number: 7431311
    Abstract: The combination scooter/backpack is an article carrying device with the capacity to be converted into a wheeled land vehicle, and therefore has two modes of usage. The article carrying device resembles a conventional backpack with two straps positioned to be placed over the user's shoulders, entitled backpack mode. The wheeled land vehicle functions as a popular collapsible scooter, two wheels mounted upon a board member with propulsion means provided by user's contact with the ground, entitled scooter mode. A horizontal handlebar is positioned at the top of the combination and serves to steer the front wheel during scooter mode. Conversion between backpack mode and scooter mode is accomplished with the raising and lowering of said handlebar and the manipulation of releasable fasteners and latches. In both backpack and scooter modes, a cover circumferentially surrounds the combination scooter/backpack to secure and protect components that are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Hughesdon Turner, Ryan Patrick Murphy, Duston E A Stutzman, Kah-Thart Goo
  • Publication number: 20080223677
    Abstract: The sports equipment bag of the present invention is capable of assuming three configurations: a hang-up, a stand-up, and a transport configuration. It comprises two compartments, with partitions and pockets for equipment and items of clothing. The compartments are connected by a connecting strip, to accommodate moving the compartments to and from each other between the transport configuration and the hang-up configuration. Fastening means on one compartment engage fastening means on the other compartment, to secure the compartments in either the transport configuration or the stand-up configuration. Each compartment comprises a frame, sufficiently rigid to render the bag stable in the stand-up configuration. Rear and front panels of the compartments, as well as partitions and pockets, are manufactured of open texture material, to facilitate ventilation and drying of items carried in the bag. In one embodiment, one of the compartments comprises a pair of wheels and a retractable handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CORE BRAND, INC.
    Inventor: SALVATORE MAURO
  • Patent number: 7419037
    Abstract: An equipment bag includes a body having a cavity with an opening for placement of items within the cavity and a rigid side opposite the opening. The rigid side is defined by opposite end edges and opposite side edges extending between the end edges, and the rigid side comprises an exterior recess therein located at a distance from each of the end edges and the side edges. A handle is pivotally mounted in the recess and movable between a stowed position substantially flush with an outer surface of the rigid side and a pulling position extending outward from the recess. By distancing the handle from the edges of the bag, an angle of inclination of the bag with respect to the ground is increased when the bag is pulled with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: TRG Accessories, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Nordstrom
  • Publication number: 20080135364
    Abstract: A foldable luggage structure includes a main bag, in which two opposite movable bases are disposed at two sides. Male and female fastener members for fastening the main bag, which is folded one half, are disposed on the main bag near long sides of the main bag. Male and female fastener hooks for hooking the main bag, which is completely folded, are disposed near the outer long sides. Two wheels are disposed at two corners of the main bag. One hand strap has one end fixed to a bottom of the main bag near a middle between the two wheels, and the other end extending upward. The hand strap is fixed and positioned by at least one fixing strap disposed on a backside. Thus, the high mobility and the high convenience can be achieved and the retracted luggage structure occupies less space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Hsien-Wen Chang, Shek-Hing Yu
  • Patent number: 7374183
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage case includes a main body having a rectangular housing so as to define an interior and the housing includes a back panel which has a back portion connected to the back panel by a zipper. A base frame is located in the main body and has two corner members. A wheel unit is connected to the base frame and has two wheels. A back plate is located in the main body and a lower edge of the back plate is connected between the corner members and the wheel unit. A handle unit is located between the back plate and the back portion of the housing, and includes two retractable tubes and a handle connected between the two retractable tubes. The handle extends through an opening defined in a top of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Tsai Yen-Lung
  • Patent number: 7350607
    Abstract: A wheeled transport device, such as a piece of luggage configured to be manually wheeled by a pedestrian user, in provided with an electrical generator operably coupled to a rolling wheel of the device and configured to produce electrical energy as the user wheels the device along a supporting surface. The generator provides power to charge a battery contained within the device and/or one or more electrical appliances being transported within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.
    Inventors: Sung K. Park, David E. Duncanson, John M. O'Fallon
  • Patent number: 7338053
    Abstract: A wheeled transport device includes a body having a compartment configured to contain goods. Wheels are rotatably attached to a lower portion of the body, and a handle is attached to an upper portion of the body. The handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body. An electronic device is mounted to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Dave Duncanson, Sung K. Park
  • Patent number: 7331454
    Abstract: A tool bag with wheels includes a base and back side reinforced by a polymeric board covered with a fabric material. Wheel wells and telescoping handle affixed to the polymeric sheet or board facilitate maintenance of the configuration of the open topped tool bag. Additional polymeric boards and/or ribs are included in the lateral side walls and a front wall to further facilitate the maintenance of the configuration of the open topped, wheeled tool bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Travel Caddy Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7322583
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheeled luggage item with an ergonomic telescopic handle assembly. The ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention allows a user to use the luggage using just one hand. Furthermore, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly shifts the weight of the bag onto the bag, rather than the user's arm, reducing strain on the user's arm, and it provides for a greater space between the user's heel and the bag, reducing the chance that the user will kick the bag while walking. Finally, the ergonomic telescoping handle assembly of the present invention is stored compactly within the luggage, maximizing the volume available within the luggage for storage of personal items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: JanSport Apparel Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Kim, Doug Golenz
  • Patent number: 7284763
    Abstract: A portable storage container assembly having a bottom container, a top container and a cover, wherein the bottom and top containers may be selectively and individually accessed through the use of a sliding latch member that engages one or more of a series of male members or flanges associated with the bottom container, top container and cover. A locking member may be attached to the latch and a male member to secure the containers in the closed position. Additional storage may be provided through a storage tray accessible from the outside of the bottom container or through a covered recessed area in the cover. The top container may include a pair of stand members for permitting a bow or other elongated devices to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Kelly King
  • Patent number: 7261060
    Abstract: A container of a pet transporter defines an interior space for a pet. An interior space of the container is defined by a rigid chassis including a platform bounding a bottom of said interior space, a rear panel attached to said chassis and bounding a rear of said interior space, side panels respectively attached to opposite lateral sides of said chassis and bounding sides of said interior space, and a flexible top covering that is releasably fastened, directly or indirectly, to said chassis and which, when fastened thereto, extends in a closed covering position from the rear panel to a front of said chassis thereby bounding a top of said interior space. The chassis further includes a rear support frame and two pairs of side support frames. The platform, rear support frame, and two pair of side support frames comprise a single, inseparable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Diane Garofola, Pete Garofola, Ian Kovacevich, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Kevin Dahlquist, Brad Eudy
  • Patent number: 7252296
    Abstract: A bag with caster wheels includes a base frame 1 having caster wheels 6 and a main bag 3. The base frame 1 includes a stand 2 mounting the main bag 3 thereon and telescopic rods 5 joined on one side of this stand 2 or between both sides. The stand 2 includes supporting cylinders 7 into which the telescopic rods 5 are inserted to be joined. The supporting cylinders 7 are arranged between the caster wheels 6 provided at four corners of the stand 2, and are projected in a lower surface of the stand 2, so that a projection height (d) thereof is made lower than a height (h) of the caster wheels 6. In lower surface projected parts 7A of the supporting cylinders 7, reinforcement walls 8 joined to the lower surface of the stand 2 are provided. The reinforcement walls 8 are arranged between the caster wheels 6 and in a posture oriented in a lateral direction of the stand 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Swany Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 7246805
    Abstract: A convertible cargo carrier for offering a traveler the advantages of both pulling and pushing systems for use in conveying objects during their travels. The apparatus includes a cargo platform having a base, and a back coupled to the base; a motive structure coupled to the base for moveably supporting the cargo platform above a surface; a handle, coupled to the back, and a rack member, moveably and extendably coupled to the base, including one or more rack motive elements, the rack member including a first mode for engaging the surface with the one or more rack motive elements and a second mode with the one or more rack motive elements disengaged from the surface, the rack member presenting a platform adjacent the cargo platform when in the first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Jon Oxford, Wade Spital
  • Patent number: 7232018
    Abstract: This invention provides a structured luggage system that allows for maximum versatility in luggage piece dimensions and using two luggage pieces. Each of the two luggage pieces can be converted from a full-height luggage piece to an approximately half-height piece with relative ease. The lower or main piece includes conventional wheels and a retractable/extendible handle for easy transport. The upper or secondary piece is adapted to stack on and be secured to the extended handle and (in full-height configuration) offer a secondary grip for added stability adjacent to the handle grip. The lower piece includes an inner central septum that can be sealed or opened to selectively define either a two-compartment piece or large, single compartment piece. Each compartment includes easily removable stiffeners in corresponding side pockets. By removing the upper compartment stiffeners, the pocket can be collapsed into a thickened top that includes the septum as the thickened top's inside face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: The Gem Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark T. Salander
  • Patent number: 7226073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a luggage cart with a telescoping handle and fixed wheels including the addition of a foldable supportive wheel structure which is incorporated within the telescoping handle of a conventional luggage cart with fixed wheels to reduce the load that is applied to a user when a conventional luggage cart is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Hormoz Zahiri
  • Patent number: 7219902
    Abstract: A travel bag fabricated of flexible material such as nylon and is combined with a specialized rigid support to form combination. The support is configured to protect portions of the bag which are subject to high wear and tear during normal use. In addition, the support is formed to receive and hold wheels therein which facilitate transportation of the bag. The support is constructed of a high impact rigid material such as plastic to resist wear due to friction and impact which may accompany a bag in use. The support is specially arranged to cooperate with the flexible portion of the bag. The shape of the support tends to defend the corners of the bag against particular wear. The flexible main portion and the support portions are affixed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: West Coast Trends, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Herold
  • Patent number: 7188715
    Abstract: An adjustable grip angle of the grip handle specific to a pull handle of luggage compartment. The bottom of the grip handle is provided with a connecting base, which makes the grip handle rotate round the pivot. A linkage bar is vertically provided within the grip handle. The top of the linkage bar is activated by the button while the bottom of the linkage bar is extended to the base of the grip handle. A rotary bar is provided at the bottom of the linkage bar. The back end of the rotary bar is provided with a fixation pin, which can shift vertically. The top of the fixation pin is connected to the second bar end of the rotary bar. The top of the connecting base is provided with at least two fixation holes, both of which can be joined with the base of fixation pin so as to fix the angle of grip handle when the grip handle stands upright, or stands by a preset degree of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shou Mao Chen
  • Patent number: 7165661
    Abstract: A bag mounted with casters has a bag body attached to a base frame mounted with the casters at four corners of a bottom surface thereof. The base frame includes a loading table, and vertically extensible rods with a grip mounted at upper ends thereof. The extensible rods are fixed on one side of the loading table so as to stand on their own. Further, when the grip is raised, the extensible rods are curved or tilted so that the grip moves toward the middle of the loading table. The extensible rods are secured at a position in a retracted state by stoppers so that the grip is positioned at an upper portion of the bag body or above the bag body, and are secured at a position by the stoppers in an extended state so that a height of the grip from the bottoms of the casters is in a range of 60 to 100 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Swany Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 7150466
    Abstract: A cargo trailer having a frame assembly with pivotally mounted wall structures or frames. The frame assembly can be collapsed into a compact shipping configuration wherein the wall structures are positioned substantially parallel with the floor structure of the trailer. Various parts of the cargo trailer can also be stowed in the collapsed frame assembly for shipment of the frame assembly and stored parts. After shipment of the cargo trailer, the wall structures are pivoted into their upright positions and the final assembly of the cargo trailer is completed. Exterior panels may be shipped together in a compact stack with the frame to the final assembly location where the panels are attached to the cargo trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Scott T. Chapman, Kevin Francis Owens
  • Patent number: 7147089
    Abstract: A case having a rectangular parallel-piped shape includes a rigid board inserted into a pocket defined in a lateral and bottom sides of the case. The board maintains the shape of the case in cooperation with wheel housings and a bracket attached to the bottom and lateral sides. A telescoping handle is also attached to the reinforcing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 7143878
    Abstract: A method of constructing a hard suitcase including forming a shaped base portion and a shaped lid portion from a plastics material of such characteristic that the portions retain their intended shape, and attaching to each of said portions the respective zipped portions of a zip fastener arrangement by a stitching operation involving a securing thread. A further Zip arrangement provided between the Zip arrangement and the lid portion enables increase in the storage volume of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Landor & Hawa International Limited
    Inventor: Sedat Selvi
  • Patent number: 7097181
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage case is provided with a universal pivoting extendable handle assembly that includes a handle that is movable from a protected retracted position in a contoured mounting plate to a fixed angularly rotated position that is about 35° from the vertical in order to minimize the vertical force on the handgrip experienced by users of wide range of heights while towing the luggage. The handle can be provided with one or a pair of telescoping legs and various handgrip configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Outrigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard D. Sadow
  • Patent number: 7070190
    Abstract: A wheeled luggage case that is tilted for towing is provided with a retractable and, optionally, telescoping handle (4) assembly that is withdrawn from the interior of the case to an extended vertical position at the intersection of the top and rear walls, from which it is angularly rotated by the user to a position that minimizes the vertical force that is required to support the hand grip to comfortably tow the luggage. Preferred angular displacements for a wide range of users and loads positioned in and on the luggage case have been found to be at about 17° and 35° from the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Outrigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard D. Sadow