Retractable Luggage Wheel System

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-07-30
LEIMENSTOLL ROBERT
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a luggage with wheels that can be easily moved in and out, and quickly hidden away when not in use. The mechanism for extending and retracting the transport means is simple and cost-effective. The retractable wheel system is easy to repair and reduces the likelihood of damaging the wheels when not in use.

Problems solved by technology

Because the wheels cannot be retracted, the luggage requires more space for storage than would be required if the luggage did not have wheels.
In the case of carry-on luggage, the extra space required due to the un-retractable wheels may necessitate that the luggage be checked onto cargo deck of the plane rather than fitting into the more convenient overhead bins in the cabin of the plane.
Checking luggage onto the plane creates additional hassles for the traveler and requires additional time, as well as additional fees.
Another problem with the conventional luggage wheels is that they may break more easily because they do not retract.
Because the luggage wheels in a carrying case are extended even when not in use, luggage wheels are often prone to damage, especially when frequently used.
Rather than replace the luggage entirely, many individuals simply use the damaged luggage, which can be difficult and frustrating.
Additionally, when not in use, the wheels can be inconvenient and can take up precious cargo space.
They can also snag vehicle interiors or closet walls, causing damage to the luggage body and other surfaces.
These prior art devices, however, fail to provide a luggage wheel retraction system that includes recoil springs and cables, whereby the raising and lowering of a luggage handle facilitates a likewise movement of the luggage wheels.
Additionally, the prior art devices do not allow four wheels of a luggage case to be extended and retracted simultaneously, or allow for the wheels to freely pivot in any direction allowing the luggage to move in any desired direction.

Method used

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  • Retractable Luggage Wheel System
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Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0023]Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the retractable wheels system for luggage. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for extending and retracting the wheels when the wheels are in their inoperative and operative positions. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0024]Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cutaway view of the retractable wheel system for luggage according to one embodiment of the present invention. The retractable wheel system may include a luggage body 102, at least two wheels 112 disposed at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102, an actuator 114, a cable wire 116, a rotary wheel 118, a pair of cable track wheels 120 guiding the cable wire 116 along the rotary wheel 1...

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PUM

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Abstract

A retractable wheel system for luggage. The retractable wheel system includes a luggage body with a base portion, a top portion and a plurality of sides, which define a packing compartment. At least two wheels are pivotably mounted to the base portion of the luggage body. An actuator is coupled to the housing, the actuator retracts or extends a cable wire. The cable wire extends from the actuator to the retractable wheels. The cable wire is guided to a rotary wheel by a pair of cable track wheels. The cable track wheels guide the cable wire along the rotary wheel from the actuator to the wheels. A recoil spring is connected to the actuator, the recoil spring contracts the cable wire and retracts the wheels. Further, a plurality of pockets are disposed at the base portion to house the wheels when the wheels are retracted.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 932,333 filed on Jan. 28, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to a wheel system for luggage. More particularly, the present invention relates to a retractable wheel system for luggage that protects the wheels when not in use.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There are a great number of suitcase and luggage case products of different sizes and shapes presently available. They are used primarily for transporting clothing and other personal items during travel. Many of these luggage cases are outfitted with wheels at the base of the luggage carrying case for efficient transport. The luggage wheels enable a traveler to move the luggage more easily because he or she can roll the luggage rather than carry the luggage...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A45C5/14
CPCA45C5/146
InventorLEIMENSTOLL, ROBERT
OwnerLEIMENSTOLL ROBERT