Automatically extendable and retractable wheel assembly for luggage
US5758752A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA45C5/14
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Automatically retractable and extendable wheel assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with luggage cases, especially upright carry-on luggage cases and garment bags. Luggage wheels automatically extend to provide a luggage case which is tilted and with a long wheel base so that the case may comfortably and with stability be pushed or pulled across the floor upon three or more wheels, thereby removing the weight of the case from the user's arm. When the case is removed from the floor, the luggage wheels automatically retract to a protected position, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the case to permit it to be carried aboard aircraft and stored in overhead luggage bins. Apparatus is disclosed for preventing inadvertent retraction of a wheel when the wheel encounters a pebble or crack in the floor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.