CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/31 1 ,938 filed on March 23, 2016 and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/405,413 filed on October 7, 2016. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wheeled luggage, and, more specifically, to a case provided with axle-free labyrinth wheels.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A suitcase is a general term for a distinguishable form of luggage. Its most common shape is a flat, rectangular bag with impact-proof corners. Typically, a suitcase is made of a combination of metals, plastics, cloth, leathers, polymers, composite materials, leather, etc. It usually has a carrying handle and is used mainly for transporting clothes and other possessions during trips. It has an opening for access to its contents and the various sections. Many modern suitcases have built-in small wheels enabling them to be rolled along surfaces by a fixed or extendable handle or by a retractable or stowable leash.

[0004] A known technical solution is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,1 18,146, according to which a wheeled luggage case has a pair of freely rotating large wheels characterized by a diameter substantially greater than the height of the center of gravity of the wheeled luggage case itself (when in an upright, at rest position). The weight of the wheeled luggage case is largely transferred to the large wheel pair when being towed, reducing the load burden on a user and making it easier to pull the wheeled luggage case over long distances, for example, between airport terminals.

[0005] WO 2015/063752 discloses a wheeled luggage case including (a) a storage chamber, (b) a cover at an opening on at least one side of the storage chamber for providing ready access therein and at least two labyrinth axle-free wheels operatively connected to the chamber for towing the case along a ground surface. The labyrinth axle-free wheel includes an internal rim, an external rim provided with a ground interface, rollers being rotatably disposed within a roller spacer between the internal and external rims in a uniform circumferential manner with a spacer and external covers. A labyrinth type dust collection passage in the wheel is defined by the rims and the external plates that are mechanically connected to the internal rim.

[0006] While in operation, rotating components of the wheels may be covered with dust collection and wheel rotation is hampered. Thus, there is a need to provide a wheeled luggage case that ensures safe operation in dusty, icy, wet, humid, uneven surface, snow-bound and slippery conditions.

SUMMARY

[0007] In the many aspects of the present disclosure, a labyrinth axle-free wheel includes an internal rim; (b) an external rim; (c) a polymer tire member circumferentially disposed on the external rim; (d) rollers cooperatively disposed within a ball cage between the internal and external rims in a uniform manner with the ball cage such that the internal and external rims are rotatable with respect to each other; (e) a side cover securable to at least one of the internal and external rims and covering a first side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel; and (f) a first labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the rims and the side cover.

[0008] In the many aspects, the polymer tire member can include a side extension portion that can at least partially cover a second side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel. The labyrinth axle-free wheel can include a second labyrinth type dust collection passage that can be defined by the rims and a side extension portion of the polymer tire member. In the many aspects, the side cover can be mechanically securable to the at least one of the internal and external rims with at least one resilient snap fixable on a surface of the internal and external rims.

[0009] In the many aspects, a labyrinth axle-free wheel can include (a) an internal rim; an external rim; (c) a polymer tire member circumferentially disposed on the external rim; (d) rollers cooperatively disposed within a ball cage between the internal and external rims in a uniform manner with the ball cage such that the internal and external rims are rotatable with respect to each other; (e) a side cover securable to at least one of the internal and external rims and covering a first side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel; and (f a first labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the rims and the side cover.

[0010] In the many aspects, the external rim can have a side extension portion that can at least partially cover the internal rim. The labyrinth axle-free wheel can also include a second labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the internal and external rims. In the many aspects, the side cover can be mechanically securable to the at least one of the internal and external rims with at least one resilient snap fixable on a surface of the internal and external rims.

[0011] In the many aspects, a wheeled luggage case includes (a) a storage chamber; (b) a cover at an opening on at least one side of the storage chamber for providing ready access therein; and (c) at least two labyrinth axle-free wheels operatively connected to the chamber for towing the case along a ground surface; each labyrinth axle-free wheel includes: (i) an internal rim; (ii) an external rim; (iii) a polymer tire member circumferentially disposed on the external rim; (iv) rollers cooperatively disposed within a ball cage between the internal and external rims in a uniform manner with the ball cage such that the internal and external rims are rotatable with respect to each other; (v) a side cover securable to at least one of the internal and external rims and covering a first side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel; and (vi) a first labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the rims and the side cover.

[0012] In the many aspects, the polymer tire member can include a side extension portion that can at least partially cover a second side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel. The labyrinth axle-free wheel can include a second labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the rims and a side extension portion of the polymer tire member.

[0013] In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can include a flexible strap for towing the wheeled luggage case in a group manner. The flexible strap can be reciprocally deployable from an inner cavity within the storage chamber via a port at top wall thereof. The flexible strap can be retractable by a manually movable slider or an elastic member connected to the flexible strap.

[0014] In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can include an interchangeable supporting member mounted opposite to the labyrinth axle-free wheels to provide a steady vertical position. In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can be provided with an expansion foot connectable to the wheeled luggage case for stability improvement. In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can include at least two spaced apart rollers rotatable around an axis perpendicular to a rotation axis of the labyrinth axle-free wheels. In the many aspects, the interchangeable supporting member can include at least one light source.

[0015] In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can include a mobile device functioning as a wi-fi hot spot. In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can include at least one light source providing internal illumination within the storage chamber. In the many aspects, the labyrinth axle-free wheels can be provided with a plurality of light sources circumferentially distributed thereover. In the many aspects, the wheeled luggage case can include a wireless pad for charging mobile devices supporting wireless charge.

[0016] In the many aspects, a wheeled luggage case can include: (a) a storage chamber defined by walls thereof; each of two opposite side walls of the storage chamber has an open recess thereon; (b) a cover at an opening on at least one side of the storage chamber for providing ready access therein; and (c) two labyrinth axle-free wheels operatively connected to the chamber for towing the case along a ground surface. The two-labyrinth axle-free wheels can be separately mounted within recesses on two opposite side walls of the storage chamber. Each of the at least two labyrinth axle-free wheels includes: (i) an internal rim; (ii) an external rim; (iii) a polymer tire member circumferentially disposed on the external rim; (iv) rollers cooperatively disposed within a ball cage between the internal and external rims in a uniform manner with the ball cage such that the internal and external rims are rotatable with respect to each other; (v) a side cover securable to at least one of the internal and external rims and covering a first side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel; and (vi) a first labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the rims and the side cover. In the many aspects, the external rim can include a side extension portion that can, at least partially, cover the internal rim. The labyrinth axle-free wheel can include a second labyrinth type dust collection passage defined by the internal and external rims.

[0017] In the many aspects of the present disclosure, a wheeled luggage case includes (a) a non- foldable, rigid, or semi-rigid store shell having at least two members hingedly interconnected therebetween; the non-foldable, rigid, or semi-rigid store shell having an envelope dimension; (b) quick-release fastener configured for releasably fastening the two members to each other; (c) a telescopic handle for towing the wheeled luggage case by a user; the telescopic handle extendable from the store shell by up to three-fold envelope dimension: and at least two wheels mechanically connected to opposite surfaces of the non-foldable, rigid, or semi-rigid store shell; the axle-free wheels having an outer diameter.

[0018] In the many aspects of the present disclosure, an outer diameter of the wheels is not less than one-third of the envelope dimension of non-foldable, rigid, or semi-rigid store shell. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, the wheels selected from the group consisting of wheels having an axel and axel-free wheels. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, the wheels include at least one friction type bearing. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, the friction type bearing is selected from the group consisting of a skid bearing and an oil bearing. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, the wheeled luggage case includes at least partition member dividing the case into at least two compartments. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, the partition member is exchangeable. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, a position of the partition member is variable.

[0019] The many aspects of the present disclosure include an axle-free dust labyrinth wheel having an internal rim within an external rim between which there are rollers disposed within a ball cage to permit the internal and external rims to rotate relative to each other. A ground interface member is circumferentially disposed on the external rim. The ground interface member defines an extension portion that extends toward the internal rim. A side cover is connected to one of the internal and external rims and covers a portion of a first side of the axle-free wheel and opposite from a second side of the axle-free wheel and the extension portion of the ground interface member. A dust labyrinth has a section on the first side of the axle-free wheel defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the side cover. A section on the second side of the axle-free wheel is defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the extension portion of the ground interface member.

[0020] In many aspects of the present disclosure, the side cover is configured to connect to the internal rim with a resilient snap fixable on a surface of the internal rim.

[0021] The many aspects of the present disclosure include an axle-free dust labyrinth wheel including an internal rim within an external rim between which there are rollers disposed within a ball cage to permit the internal and external rims to rotate relative to each other. A ground interface member is circumferentially disposed on the external rim. The external rim defines an extension portion that extends toward the internal rim. A side cover is connected to one of the internal and external rims and covers a portion of a first side of the axle-free wheel and opposite from a second side of the axle-free wheel and the extension portion of the external rim. A dust labyrinth includes a section on the first side of the axle-free wheel defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the side cover. A section on the second side of the axle-free wheel is defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the extension portion of the external rim.

[0022] In many aspects of the present disclosure, the side cover is configured to connect to the internal rim with a resilient snap fixable on a surface of the internal rim. [0023] The many aspects of the present disclosure include a luggage case including a storage chamber formed in the luggage case, a cover configured to provide access to the storage chamber, and at least two axle-free wheels rotatably connected to the luggage case that permit the luggage case to be rolled along a ground surface. Each of the axle-free wheels includes an internal rim within an external rim between which there are rollers disposed within a ball cage to permit the internal and external rims to rotate relative to each other. A ground interface member is circumferentially disposed on the external rim. An extension portion extends toward the internal rim and extending from one of the ground interface member and the external rim. A side cover is connected to one of the internal and external rims and covers a portion of a first side of the axle-free wheel and opposite from a second side of the axle-free wheel and the extension portion. A dust labyrinth includes a section on the first side of the axle-free wheel defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the side cover. A section on the second side of the axle-free wheel is defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the extension portion.

[0024] In many aspects of the present disclosure, the side cover is configured to connect to the internal rim with a resilient snap fixable on a surface of the internal rim.

[0025] The many aspects of the present disclosure include side walls of the luggage case that each forms a recess in which a portion of one of the at least two axle-free wheels is disposed in proximity to the storage chamber. A portion of the recess is configured to cover a portion the ground interface member associated with one of the at least two axle-free wheels.

[0026] The many aspects of the present disclosure include side walls of the luggage case that each forms a recess in which a portion of one of the at least two axle-free wheels is disposed. A portion of one of the at least two axle-free wheels extends beyond the recess and the side walls a distance to establish a clearance distance between a bearing area on which the at least two axle-free wheels are configured to contact and a portion of the storage chamber closest to the bearing area.

[0027] The many aspects of the present disclosure include a telescoping handle that extends from a top wall of the luggage case and that permits the luggage case to be moved between a tow condition and an upright condition. In many aspects, a bottom wall of the luggage case is opposite the top wall and defines an arcuate shape disposed between each of the recesses formed in the side walls of the luggage case. The arcuate shape is proximate the storage chamber and defines a distance from the bottom wall of the luggage case and the bearing area. The distance from the bottom wall of the luggage case and the bearing area increases when the luggage case is moved from the upright condition to the tow condition.

[0028] In many aspects of the present disclosure, the recess includes a surface establishing an angle with a side wall of the luggage case whose value in a first and third portion of the recess is less than a value of the angle in the second portion of the recess that is disposed between the first portion and the third portion. In many aspects of the present disclosure, the value of the angle in a portion of the second portion of the recess is about ninety degrees. In many aspects, the value of the angle in a portion of the first portion of the recess and a portion of the third portion of the recess is less than 45 degrees. In many aspects, the value of the angle in a portion of the first portion of the recess and a portion of the third portion of the recess decreases in value the further its position is from the second portion of the recess. In many aspects, the value of the angle in a portion of the first portion of the recess and a portion of the third portion of the recess gradually changes from a perpendicular angle proximate the second portion of the recess to a value of the angle being less than 45 degrees at a position in the portion of the first portion of the recess and the portion of the third portion of the recess farthest from the second portion.

[0029] The many aspects of the present disclosure include a flexible strap configured for towing the wheeled luggage case in a group manner. In many aspects of the present disclosure, the flexible strap is deployable from an inner cavity defined within a portion of the storage chamber and through a port at a top wall of the luggage case and retractable by one of a manually movable slider and an elastic member connected to the flexible strap.

[0030] The many aspects of the present disclosure include an interchangeable and selectively deployable supporting member mounted opposite to the labyrinth axle-free wheels. The luggage case sits the at least two axle-free wheels and the interchangeable and selectively deployable supporting member when in a steady vertical position.

[0031] The many aspects of the present disclosure include at least two spaced apart rollers rotatable around an axis perpendicular to a rotation axis of the labyrinth axle-free wheels. The luggage case sits the at least two axle-free wheels and the least two spaced apart rollers when in a steady vertical position. The many aspects of the present disclosure include at least one light source providing internal illumination within the storage chamber. The many aspects include at least one light source and an interchangeable and selectively deployable supporting member mounted opposite to the labyrinth axle-free wheels. The luggage case sits the at least two axle- free wheels and the interchangeable and selectively deployable supporting member when in a steady vertical position. The light source directs illumination outward from the supporting member.

[0032] The many aspects include at least one light source that directs illumination outward from one of the at least two axle-free wheels. In many aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one light source that directs illumination outward from one of the at least two axle-free wheels is a plurality of circumferentially distributed light sources. The many aspects of the present disclosure include a wireless pad formed in a wall of the luggage case for wirelessly charging mobile devices.

[0033] The many aspects of the present disclosure include a wheeled luggage case for towing by a user. The wheeled luggage case includes a rigid shell including at least two members having a hinged connection movable between an open condition that allows access to a storage compartment in the wheeled luggage case and a closed condition that prevents entry into the storage compartment. The rigid shell has an envelope dimension in the closed condition. A quick- release fastener is configured for releasably fastening the two members to each other. The wheeled luggage case also includes a telescopic handle for towing the wheeled luggage case by the user. The telescopic handle is extendable from the rigid shell by up to twice the envelope dimension. Two axle-free wheels are rotatably connected to the luggage case that permit the luggage case to be towed by the user. Each of the axle-free wheels includes an internal rim within an external rim between which there are rollers disposed within a ball cage to permit the internal and external rims to rotate relative to each other. A ground interface member is circumferentially disposed on the external rim of each of the two axle-free wheels and defines an outer diameter of the two axle-free wheels that are greater than or about equal to one-third of the envelope dimension.

[0034] The many aspects of the present disclosure include an extension portion that extends toward the internal rim and extending from one of the ground interface member and the external rim. A side cover is connected to one of the internal and external rims and covering a portion of a first side of the axle-free wheel and opposite from a second side of the axle-free wheel and the extension portion. The wheel luggage case also includes a dust sealable labyrinth having a section on the first side of the axle-free wheel defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the side cover. The dust labyrinth also has a section on the second side of the axle-free wheel defined by cooperation between portions of the internal rim, the external rim, and the extension portion. [0035] In many aspects of the present disclosure, the two axle-free wheels each include at least one friction-type bearing. In many aspects of the present disclosure, the friction type bearing is one of a skid bearing and an oil bearing. The many aspects of the present disclosure include at least one partition member dividing the case into at least two compartments and strap members that hold the at least one partition member between the two members of the rigid shell. In many aspects of the present disclosure, the partition member is removable and exchangeable. In many aspects of the present disclosure, a position of the partition member is adjustable relative to the strap members and the two members of the rigid case. In the many aspects of the present disclosure, the ground interface member is a tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to understand the many aspects of the present disclosure and to see how it may be implemented in practice, many examples are described herein, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a labyrinth axle-free wheel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first example of a labyrinth axle-free wheel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a labyrinth axle-free wheel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating securement of a covering plate m accordance with the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 is a general isometric view of a wheeled luggage case in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0042] Figures 6 and 7 are general isometric and enlarged cross-sectional views of a wheeled luggage case provided with a flexible strap, respectfully, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0043] Figures 8 and 9 are general isometric and enlarged side views of a wheeled luggage case illustrating side recesses and labyrinth axle-free wheel mounted for rotation on the walls that form the recess in accordance with the present disclosure. [0044] Figures 10 and 1 1 are general and enlarged isometric views of a wheeled luggage case provided with an interchangeable supporting member, respectively, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0045] Figures 12 and 13 are general and enlarged isometric views of a wheeled luggage case provided with an expansion foot, respectively, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a wheeled luggage case provided with an internal light source in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 15 is an isometric view of a wheeled luggage case with labyrinth axle-free wheels provided with internal light sources in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 16 is a partial isometric view of a wheeled luggage case provided with a pad for wireless charge of mobile devices in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0049] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate side mobility of a wheeled luggage case provided with auxiliary rollers in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 19 is a general isometric view of a wheeled case in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0051] Figures 20, 21 , and 22 are isometric views of the wheeled luggage case in open and closed positions in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 23 is a side view of the wheeled luggage case with extended telescopic handle in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the many examples disclosed herein including the best modes contemplated for carrying out the many inventions as defined in the claims. Various modifications of the many aspects of the present disclosure including axle-less wheels on wheeled luggage that include dust labyrinth to keep dust and debris from the insides of the axle-free wheels and maintain their operation.

[0054] In the many aspects, the term "labyrinth axle-free wheel" or "axle-less wheel having a dust labyrinth" can refer hereinafter to a wheel mechanically attachable to a plane of attachment on the luggage case where a wheel plane is parallel to (or about parallel to) the plane of attachment on the luggage case but otherwise lacks a traditional central axle on which the wheel can spin. [0055] Reference is now made to Figure 1 that depicts an exploded view of axle-free dust labyrinth wheel 100. The wheel 100 can include an external rim 15 on which a ground interface 10 can be mounted. In many aspects, the ground interface 10 can be a tire, a polymer, or the like. An internal rim 40 can hold rollers 20 rotatably disposed within a roller cage 30 against the external rim 15 to permit the external rim 15 and ground interface 10 to rotate relative to the internal rim 40. A side cover 50 can be configured to secure to the internal rim 40. The side cover 50 can also be configured to secure to the external rim 15. In many aspects, the ground interface 10 can be a tire, a polymer, or the like.

[0056] Reference is made now to Figure 2 that depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of the axle-free dust labyrinth wheel 100a including a dust labyrinth configuration 25 that can be shown to reduce the propensity of the internals of the axle-free wheel from encountering a sufficient amount of dust or debris that would otherwise interrupt the normal operation of the axle-less wheels 100a. The dust collection labyrinth 25 having two sections 60, 70. The section 60 can be located at an internal side of the wheel 100 (i.e., the opposite side from where the side cover 50 resides) and can be configured to be fixed to walls of the luggage 200 (Figure 3) that form a storage chamber 210 (Figure 14).

[0057] The section 60 can be defined by the cooperation of the internal rim 40 and an extension lOaa of the ground interface 10a that can extend beyond the external rim 15. The section 70 at an external side of the wheel 100a can be defined by the cooperation between portions of the side cover 50, the external rim 15, the ball cage 30 and the internal rim 40. The sections 60, 70 and the extension lOaa can prevent or reduce penetration of dust or debris that would other impede the rolling motion of the rollers 20 and the ball cage 30 between the internal rim 40 and the external rim 15. In many aspects, the ground interface 10a can be a tire, a polymer, or the like.

[0058] Reference is made now to Figure 3 depicting another exemplary cross-sectional view of a labyrinth axle-free wheel 100b in accordance with the present disclosure. The axle-free wheel 100b can include a similar two-sided dust collection labyrinth having a section 60a and the section 70. The section 60a can be located at an internal side of the wheel 100b (i.e., the opposite side from where the side cover 50 resides) and can be fixed or connected to walls of the luggage case 200 (Figure 3) that form the storage chamber 210 (Figure 14). The section 60a can be defined by the cooperation between portions of the internal rim 40 and an extension 15aa of the external rim 15a. Unlike what is shown in Figure 2 where the extension l Oaa can be formed from (or be an extension of) the ground interface 10a, the extension 15aa in Figure 3 can be formed from (or be an extension of) the material of external rim 15a. Like the wheel 100a, the section 70 in the wheel 100b can be located at an external side of the labyrinth axle-free wheel 100b. The section 70 in the wheel 100b can be defined by the cooperation between portions of the side cover 50, the external rim 15a, the ball cage 30 and the internal rim 40. The sections 50a, 70a, and the extension 15aa can prevent or reduce penetration of dust or debris that would other impede the rolling motion of the rollers 20 and the ball cage 30 between the internal rim 40 and the external rim 15a.

[0059] Reference is now made to Figure 4 depicting an exemplary side cover 50a that can secure to the axle-free wheels 100, 100a (Figure 2), 100b (Figure 3). The side cover 50a can be configured with at least one resilient snap 55 fixable on a step 45 located on a surface of an internal rim 40a. In the many aspects, the side cover 50a can also be secured to an external rim 15.

[0060] Reference is now made to Figure 5 depicting a wheeled luggage case 200 having the axle- free wheels 100, 100a (Figure 2), 100b (Figure 3). The wheeled luggage case 200 can define the storage chamber 210 and a case cover 220 that can open to expose and provide access to the storage chamber 210 (Figure 14). The case cover 220 can also close and lock to prevent access to the storage chamber 210. At two opposite sides of the storage chamber 210, walls of the luggage case 200 can define side recesses 240 onto which the axle-free wheels 100, 100a, 100b can be mounted for rotation within the side recesses 240. The side recesses 240 can be recessed (toward the inside of the case 200) relative to side walls 225 to permit portions of the recesses 240 to hide portions of the ground interface 10, 10a from view as those portions rotate into proximity of the recess 240. In this configuration, the user is not able to view the top of the tires 10, 10a when rolling the luggage case 200 in operation.

[0061] Reference is now made Figures 6 and 7 depicting a flexible mechanism for towing wheeled luggage case in a group manner including a flexible strap 230. The flexible strap 230 can be deployable from and retractable into a port 235. A mechanism 237 can be configured to deploy and retract the flexible strap 230 from and into the port 235 at a wall of the storage chamber 210.

[0062] Reference is now made to Figures 8 and 9 depicting the side recess 240 on each of the side walls 225 of the storage chamber 210. The side recess 240 can be located on the exterior of the luggage case 200 but is located near a front lower corner of the storage chamber 210 (relative the view depicted in Figure 8). The axle-free wheel 100, 100a, 100b can mount for rotation within the recess 240. A portion of an outer periphery of the axle-free wheel 100, 100a, 100b can protrude beyond the front lower corner (behind the wheel 100 and opposite reference number 243 in Figure 8) to permit movement with luggage 200 in tow and permit positioning the luggage case 200 in a park position when not in tow. When the user takes the luggage 200 in tow and moves the luggage case 200 into a slant position by the handle 360 (Figure 23), the luggage case 200 becomes easily movable on the axle-free wheels 100, 100a (Figure 2), 100b (Figure 3) over any bearing or road area such as a ground, a floor, a pediment, cobblestones, slightly broken concrete, or alike.

[0063] Recess 240 has a side surface including first, second and third portions 241 , 242 and 243, respectively. First and third portions 241 and 243 can border on corners of the storage chamber 210. Second portion 242 is located between the first and third portions. The second portion 242 can be perpendicular to (or about perpendicular to) the side wall 225 of the storage chamber 210, while first and third portions 241 and 243 can be tilted relative to the side wall of the storage chamber 210. Angle a (alpha, Figure 9) of first and third portions 241 and 243 to the side wall can gradually change from the perpendicular angle (or almost perpendicular angle) at a connection with second portion 242 to a minimal angle at the corner of the storage chamber 210 farthest from the second portion 242. In many aspects, the minimal angle is less than forty-five degrees.

[0064] The second portion 242 of the side surface of the recess 240 can be parallel to (or about parallel to) a periphery of labyrinth axle-free wheel 100 that can be mounted in recess 240 at a distance that can be shown to be effective for free rotation of the labyrinth axle-free wheel. First and third portions 241 and 243 can be gradually diverted from the periphery of labyrinth axle-free wheel 100. It should be emphasized that first and third portions 241 and 243 can be gradually spaced apart from labyrinth axle-free wheel 100 in order to prevent the user from catching fingers or hand in the gap between labyrinth axle- free wheel 100 and recess 240.

[0065] The many features of the examples of the wheeled luggage case disclosed herein including the exterior of the wheeled luggage have many ornamental features independent and distinct from the many functional aspects set forth herein.

[0066] Reference is now made to Figures 10 and 1 1 depicting the wheeled luggage case provided with interchangeable supporting member 250. The aforesaid interchangeable supporting member 250 can be used for customization of the wheeled luggage case according to client choices. Interchangeable supporting member 250 can be provided with different decorative patterns including light sources of different colors. The interchangeable supporting member 250 can include advertising. The interchangeable supporting member 250 may also include logos and branding of customers that wish to purchase the luggage case 200 and have it branded with their business brand.

[0067] Reference is now made to Figures 12 and 13 depicting the wheeled luggage case provided with expansion foot 260 that can be connected to, and extended from, the wheeled luggage case and can be shown to improve the stability of the wheeled luggage case when not in use.

[0068] Reference is now made to Figure 14 depicting the wheeled luggage case provided with internal light source 270 that can emit light rays 275 to illuminate an internal space within storage chamber 210. Power can be derived from an onboard power system 277 such as a portable battery and power delivery infrastructure in the luggage case 200.

[0069] Reference is now made to Figure 15 depicting the wheeled luggage case provided with labyrinth axle-free wheels 100 provided with embedded light sources 105.

[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 16 depicting the wheeled luggage case provided with a pad 280 for a wireless charge of mobile devices. In Figure 16, mobile device 285 such as a mobile phone, a tablet or like can be disposed on pad 280 for wirelessly charging.

[0071] Reference is now made to Figures 17 and 18 illustrating side mobility of a wheeled luggage case provided with auxiliary rollers 295 mounted with a suspension mechanism 290. The wheeled luggage case 200 can be movable in a direction perpendicular to the movement of labyrinth axle- free wheels 100 when tilted such that labyrinth axle-free wheels 100 do not contact with the supporting surface (i.e., opposite of the slant position) and luggage case 200 is moved on rollers 295, as shown in Figure 18.

[0072] Reference is now made to Figure 19 depicting a general view of another example of a wheeled case 300 provided with a pair of axle-free wheels 320. The case 300 includes a rigid, semi-rigid or otherwise un-foldable store shell having at least two members 330 and 340. The members 330 and 340 can pivotally couple and interconnect to each other. The members 330 and 340 can be releasably fastened to each other by a quick-release fastener 350, such as a slide fastener or zipper. The wheeled case 300 can be provided with the telescopic handle 360 (Figure 23) for towing the wheeled luggage case 300 by a user. The telescopic handle 360 can be extendable from member 30 and housed therein in a retracted position.

[0073] It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that a force moment applied, in use, to the handle 360 can depend on a length of the handle 360 and a diameter of the axle-free wheel 320 connected to the wheeled luggage case. It will also be appreciated in light of the disclosure that a decrease in the force moment can make use of the wheeled luggage case 200, 300 more comfortable. Users' comfortability can be achieved by positioning a rotation axis of case wheels 320 at a greater height over the ground surface and lengthening a length of the extendable telescopic handle 360. In many aspects of the present disclosure, the height of rotation axis of case wheels 320 can be greater than about X/6 (wheel diameter equals to X/3) where X is envelope dimension (height) of the upright store shell (member 30).

[0074] Reference is now made to Figures 20 and 21 depicting the wheeled luggage case 300 that includes main members 330 and a covering member 340 interconnected by a connecting mechanism limiting opening the covering member 340 such as a zipper.

[0075] Reference is now made to Figure 22 showing a compartmentalized wheeled case. According to the specific aspects of the present disclosure, the member 330 can include dividers by partition members 370 that can be interconnected by straps 375. The straps 375 can serve as outermost members that can connect to member 330 and 340 and can restrict full pivotal motion. When the case 300 is opened, the members 370 can be spaced apart from each other for access and held in place by the straps 375

[0076] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, positions of partition members 370 can be variable and can me movable relative to the straps 375. The partition members 370 can also be exchangeable to provide customizable compartmentalization of wheeled case 300 according to different requirements of the user.

[0077] Reference is now made to Figure 23 showing wheeled case with extendable telescopic handle 360 with a maximum deployment by a length of 2X. I X can be the envelope dimension (height) of the store shell as shown in Figure 19. It can be shown that extending the handle 360 to its maximum extension (i.e., 2X) can correspond to a minimum towing force being applied to the case 300 and to the user.

[0078] In accordance with the present invention, a wheeled luggage case includes (a) an unfoldable store shell having at least two members hingedly interconnected therebetween; the unfoldable store shell having an envelope dimension; (b) quick-release fastener configured for releasably fastening the two members to each other; (c) a telescopic handle for towing the wheeled luggage case by a user; the telescopic handle extendable from the store shell by up to three-fold envelope dimension: and at least two wheels mechanically connected to opposite surfaces of the unfoldable store shell; the axle-free wheels having an outer diameter. [0079] In the many aspects of the present disclosure, an outer diameter of the wheels is not less than one-third of the envelope dimension of unfoldable store shell. In many aspects, the wheels include at least one friction type bearing. In many aspects, the friction type bearing is a skid bearing or an oil bearing. In many aspects, the wheeled luggage case includes at least partition member dividing the case into at least two compartments. In many aspects, the partition member is exchangeable. In many aspects, a position of the partition member is variable.

[0080] Detailed aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0081] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition).

[0082] While only a few aspects of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the following claims. All patent applications and patents, both foreign and domestic, and all other publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0083] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network having multiple cells. The cellular network may either be frequency division multiple access (FDMA) network or code division multiple access (CDMA) network. The cellular network may include mobile devices, cell sites, base stations, repeaters, antennas, towers, and the like. The cell network may be a GSM, GPRS, 3G, EVDO, mesh, or other networks types.

[0084] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. The mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players and the like. These devices may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices. The computing devices associated with mobile devices may be enabled to execute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon. Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute program codes. The mobile devices may communicate on a peer-to-peer network, mesh network, or other communications network. The program code may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within the server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium. The storage device may store program codes and instructions executed by the computing devices associated with the base station.

[0085] The computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g. USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

[0086] The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.

[0087] The methods and/or processes described above, and steps associated therewith, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software suitable for a particular application. The hardware may include a general- purpose computer and/or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine-readable medium.

[0088] While the disclosure has been produced in connection with the many aspects shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing examples but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

[0089] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non- claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0090] While the foregoing written description enables one skilled in the art to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those skilled in the ait will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific aspects and examples herein. The disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above-described aspects and examples, but by all aspects and examples within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0091] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f). In particular, any use of "step of in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f).

[0092] Persons of skilled in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of aspects of the present disclosure, the scope of the inventions are hereby defined the claims.