CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 /986,306, filed April 30, 2014, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/106,972, filed January 23, 2015, each of these applications being incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to luggage with wheels. BACKGROUND

[0003] Hard-sided luggage has become increasingly popular in recent years. Hard-sided luggage can have some differences as compared to soft-sided baggage, including attractiveness, durability and weight. One additional difference is that when using hard-sided luggage the contents tend to be well protected. Hard-sided luggage can include features such telescoping handles, and wheels that allow for maneuvering. Hard-sided luggage can also include a secure locking mechanism, including TSA-approved locks, for example. Internally, hard-sided luggage can include features such as dividers, pockets and straps to hold its contents in place.

[0004] Hard-sided luggage can be constructed of several different materials, including aluminum, polycarbonate, ABS and polypropylene. Hard- sided luggage is available in multiple colors and designs, and the shells can be scratch-resistant, dent-resistant, and generally waterproof.

[0005] US Patent No. 4,575, 109 disclosed a luggage case having a retractable handle and retractable wheels which includes a clothes bar for hanging clothes and other items as well as inner compartments, at least one of which is accessible without opening the luggage case. The case is made up of a top portion and a bottom portion which are pivotally connected to each other so that they have an open and a closed position. When in the closed position the top and bottom portions form a case having top and bottom walls, front and rear walls and a pair of side walls. The retractable handle and retractable wheels can be linked so that extension of the retracted handle causes extension of the retracted wheels.

[0006] US Patent Publication No. 2004/0163910 discloses a retractable luggage wheel. A container (e.g. luggage) wheel control mechanism includes a container handle mechanically coupled to a container, configured to expand and compress, and a container wheel mechanically coupled to the container handle and responsive to movement of the container handle, configured to extend from the surface of the container when the container handle is expanded and to retract from the surface of the container when the container handle is compressed. Advantages of the invention include more compact luggage storage, easier luggage handling, and reduced damage to luggage wheels.

[0007] US Patent No. 5,758,752 discloses an automatically retractable and extendable wheel assembly 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.

SUMMARY

[0008] The following paragraphs are intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subject matter.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a luggage bag may include an outer shell having a bottom side and defining a luggage bag volume and surrounding an openable storage compartment within the luggage bag volume. The bag may include at least a first wheel housing having a first housing interior surface at least partially bounding a first housing interior. The bag may include at least a first wheel and at least a first wheel support connecting the first wheel to the luggage bag. The first wheel may be moveable relative to the outer shell between a deployed position, in which the first wheel extends at least partially outboard of the bottom side to rollingly support the luggage bag on a surface, and a stowed position, in which the first wheel is at least partially disposed within the first housing interior and is at least partially inboard of the bottom side.

[0010] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel may be entirely within the first housing interior and is entirely inboard of the bottom side. [001 1 ] The first wheel housing may be external and/or separate from the storage compartment.

[0012] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the bottom side may form the bottommost portion of the luggage bag.

[0013] When the first wheel is in the stowed position at least a portion of the first wheel support may be within the first wheel housing.

[0014] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel support may be entirely within the first wheel housing.

[0015] The outer shell may include a top side spaced apart from the bottom side in a first direction and the first housing interior surface may include a first base wall that is inboard of the bottom side and is disposed between the bottom side and the top side in the first direction.

[0016] The first wheel support may include a first support portion connected to the luggage bag and a second support portion rotatably supporting the first wheel and movably coupled to the first support portion between a first position, in which the first wheel is in the deployed position, and a second position, in which with the first wheel is in the stowed position.

[0017] The first support portion may be connected to the first base wall of the first wheel housing.

[0018] The second support portion may be hingedly connected to the first support portion and can pivot between the first and second positions relative to the first support portion about a first pivot axis.

[0019] A biasing member may be coupled to the second support portion and biasing the second support portion toward at least one of the first and second positions.

[0020] A deployment locking mechanism may be positioned to engage the second support portion and configurable in an unlocked configuration, in which the second support portion is moveable between the first and second positions, and a locked configuration, in which movement of the second support portion between the first and second positions is restrained.

[0021 ] The first support portion may be swivelly coupled to the luggage bag and the wheel support may swivel about a first swivel axis that is generally orthogonal to the bottom side. [0022] The first support portion may be swivelly coupled to the first base wall.

[0023] The first wheel may be rotatable about a first rotation axis and , when the wheel is in the stowed position the first rotation axis may be generally parallel to the first swivel axis.

[0024] When the first wheel is in the deployed position the first rotation axis may be generally orthogonal to the first swivel axis.

[0025] The first wheel support may be swivelable between an aligned storage orientation and at least one non-aligned orientation. When the first wheel support is in the aligned storage position the first wheel may be movable from the deployed position to the stowed position, and when the first wheel support is in the at least one non-aligned orientation the first wheel may not be movable from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0026] A swivel locking mechanism may be positioned to engage the first wheel support and configurable in an unlocked configuration, in which the first wheel support is swivelable between the aligned storage orientation and the non- aligned orientation, and a locked configuration, in which first wheel support is secured in the aligned storage orientation.

[0027] The first wheel housing may include a first housing opening at least partially bounded by the first housing interior surface and the bottom side, and wherein the first wheel may pass at least partially through the first housing opening when the first wheel moves from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0028] The first wheel may be rotatable about a first rotation axis. When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel axis may intersect the storage compartment, and when the first wheel is in deployed position the first rotation axis may be external (i.e. does not intersect) the storage compartment.

[0029] The outer shell may include a top side spaced apart from an opposing the bottom side and a front side extending between the top side and bottom side, and the first housing opening may be at least partially bounded by the front side. The outer shell further may include a left side extending between the top side and bottom side and intersecting the front side, and wherein the first housing opening may be at least partially bounded by the left side.

[0030] The luggage bag may be a hard-sided luggage bag and the outer shell may include a rigid first shell portion and a rigid second shell portion releasably connected to the first shell portion via a closure mechanism so that the luggage bag can be opened and closed to provide access to the storage compartment.

[0031 ] The outer shell may include a top side opposite the bottom side and spaced apart from the bottom side by a shell height. The first wheel may have a first wheel diameter that is at least about 10% of the bag height.

[0032] The outer shell may include a top side opposite and spaced apart from the bottom side, a front side extending between the top and bottom sides and a back side that is opposite and spaced apart from the front side by a bag depth. The first wheel may have a first wheel diameter that is at least about 15% of the bag depth.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, that may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, an article of luggage may include an outer shell surrounding an openable internal storage compartment and having a top side, a bottom side spaced apart from the top side and at least a first wheel housing. At least a first wheel support may be disposed proximate the first wheel housing. The first wheel support may have an upper portion that is coupled to the outer shell by a first coupling, and a lower portion that is movably coupled to the upper portion by a second coupling. At least a first wheel may be coupled to the lower portion and may be rotatable about a rotation axis. At least one of the first and second couplings may allow the wheel to pivot relative to the outer shell about a pivot axis. The first wheel may be pivotable between a deployed position in which, the first wheel rolling supports the article of luggage on a surface, and a stowed position, in which the first wheel is at least partially received within the first wheel housing.

[0034] At least one of the first and second couplings may allow the first wheel to swivel relative to the outer shell about a swivel axis. When the first wheel is in the deployed position the rotation axis may be generally parallel to the pivot axis and may be generally orthogonal to the swivel axis.

[0035] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the rotation axis may be generally parallel to the swivel axis.

[0036] When the first wheel is in the deployed position the swivel axis may intersect the first wheel.

[0037] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel may be spaced apart from the swivel axis. [0038] When the first wheel is in the deployed position and when the first wheel is in the stowed position the swivel axis may intersect the pivot axis.

[0039] The article of luggage may include a swivel locking mechanism including a first engagement member on the first wheel support and a complimentary second engagement member disposed on the outer shell. When the first wheel is in the deployed position the first engagement member may be spaced apart from the second engagement member, and when first wheel is in the stowed position the first engagement member may engage the second engagement member thereby inhibiting swiveling of first wheel about the swivel axis.

[0040] Pivoting the first wheel from the stowed position toward the deployed position may disengage the first engagement member from the second engagement member.

[0041 ] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the lower portion may be in a first position. The first engagement member may be engageable with the second engagement member by swiveling the lower portion about the swivel axis while the lower portion is in the first position.

[0042] When in the stowed position the first wheel may be disposed entirely on one side of a plane containing the bottom side, and when in the deployed position the rotation may be is on an opposing side of the plane containing the bottom side

[0043] When in the stowed position the first wheel may be disposed entirely within the first the wheel housing.

[0044] The first wheel housing may include a downward facing base surface, and the first coupling may connect the upper portion to the base surface and may be a swivel coupling.

[0045] A distance between the top side and the bottom side defines a stowed height, and when the first wheel is in the deployed position a distance between the top side and the bottom surface of the first wheel defines a deployed height. The stowed height may be at least 5% less than the deployed height.

[0046] The first wheel may have a wheel diameter that is at least 10% of the stowed height.

[0047] The second coupling may allow the lower portion to pivot relative to the upper portion. [0048] The outer shell may include a first shell portion and a complimentary second shell portion releasably connected to the first shell portion via a closure mechanism. The first shell portion may include two wheel housings and the second shell may include two wheel housings.

[0049] The article of luggage may include a deployment locking mechanism. When the deployment locking mechanism is unlocked the first wheel may be pivotable between the stowed and deployed positions, and when the deployment locking mechanism is locked movement of the first wheel between the stowed and deployed positions may be restrained.

[0050] A release actuator may be disposed at an interface between the upper portion and the lower portion and may be engagable by a user to unlock the deployment locking mechanism.

[0051 ] The release actuator may be translatable in a first direction that is parallel to the pivot axis and translation of the release actuator in the first direction may disengage the first and second locking members.

[0052] The deployment locking mechanism may include a first locking member on the upper portion and a complimentary second locking member on the lower portion that is selectably engagable with the first locking member and a biasing member biasing at least one of the first locking member and second locking member into engagement with the other one of the first locking member and second locking member, whereby the deployment locking mechanism automatically returns to the locked configuration when the release actuator is not engaged.

[0053] A guard member may surround at least a portion of the release actuator to inhibit inadvertent engagement of the release actuator.

[0054] When in the deployed position the first wheel may be in a first orientation and when in the stowed position the first wheel may be in a second orientation that is generally orthogonal to the first orientation.

[0055] In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, that may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, an article of luggage may include an outer shell having a bottom side and surrounding an openable storage compartment, at least a first wheel housing provided in the outer shell; and at least a first wheel and at least a first wheel support moveably connecting the first wheel to the outer shell. The first wheel may be displaceable relative to the outer shell about between a deployed position, in which the first wheel is in a first orientation and extends at least partially outboard of the bottom side to rollingly support the article of luggage on a surface, and a stowed position, in which the first wheel is in a second orientation and is at least partially disposed within the first housing interior and is at least partially inboard of the bottom side.

[0056] The second orientation may be orthogonal to the first orientation.

[0057] The first wheel may pivot about a pivot axis between the deployed and stowed positions.

[0058] The first wheel may swivel relative to the outer shell about a swivel axis that is different from the pivot axis.

[0059] The first wheel may be rotatable about a first rotation axis and when the first wheel is in the deployed position a plane containing the pivot axis may be parallel to and offset from a plane containing the rotation axis.

[0060] The first wheel support may include an upper portion swivelly connected to the outer shell and a lower portion pivotally connected to the upper portion. The first wheel may be rotatably coupled to the lower portion. When the first wheel is in the deployed position the rotation axis may be generally orthogonal to the swivel axis and when the first wheel is in the stowed position the rotation axis may be generally parallel to the swivel axis.

[0061] The swivel axis may be orthogonal to the bottom side.

[0062] The swivel axis may intersect the wheel when the wheel is in the deployed position.

[0063] The wheel may be spaced apart from the swivel axis when in the stowed position.

[0064] The article of luggage may include a swivel locking mechanism positioned to engage the first wheel support. When the swivel locking mechanism is unlocked the first wheel support may be swivelable relative to the outer shell, and when the swivel locking mechanism is locked, the first wheel support cannot swivel relative to the outer shell.

[0065] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel axis may intersect the storage compartment, and when the first wheel is in deployed position the first rotation axis may be external the storage compartment.

[0066] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel may be entirely within the first housing interior and is entirely inboard of the bottom side. [0067] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the bottom side may form the bottommost portion of the luggage.

[0068] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel support may be entirely within the first wheel housing.

[0069] The first wheel support may be connected to a first base wall within the first wheel housing.

[0070] The article of luggage may include a biasing member biasing the first wheel toward at least one of the stowed and deployed positions.

[0071 ] The article of luggage may include a deployment locking mechanism positioned to engage the first wheel support. When the deployment locking mechanism is unlocked first wheel may be moveable between the deployed and stowed positions and when the deployment locking mechanism is locked the movement of the first wheel between the deployed and stowed positions may be restrained.

[0072] The first wheel support may also include a release actuator disposed at an interface on the first wheel support and engagable by a user to unlock the deployment locking mechanism.

[0073] The release actuator may be translatable in a first direction and translation of the release actuator in the first direction may disengage the first and second locking members.

[0074] The deployment locking mechanism may include a first locking member on the upper portion and a complimentary second locking member on the lower portion that is selectably engagable with the first locking member and a biasing member biasing at least one of the first locking member and second locking member into engagement with the other one of the first locking member and second locking member, whereby the deployment locking mechanism automatically returns to the locked configuration when the release actuator is not engaged.

[0075] A guard member may surround at least a portion of the release actuator to inhibit inadvertent engagement of the release actuator.

[0076] The article of luggage may be hard-sided and the outer shell may include a rigid first shell portion and a rigid second shell portion releasably connected to the first shell portion via a closure mechanism so that the outer shell can be opened and closed to provide access to the storage compartment. [0077] The outer shell may include a top side opposite the bottom side and spaced apart from the bottom side by a shell height, and wherein the first wheel has a first wheel diameter that is at least 10% of the bag height.

[0078] In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, that may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a wheel assembly for an article of luggage having an outer shell with at least one wheel housing may include: a wheel support having an upper portion connectable to an outer shell of an article of luggage and a lower portion connected to the upper portion and moveable relative to the upper portion. At least one wheel may be coupled to the lower portion. The wheel may be rotatable about a rotation axis and may be movable with the lower portion relative to the upper portion between a deployed position in which, the wheel is in a first orientation so that when wheel assembly is connected to the outer shell the wheel can rollingly support the article of luggage, and a stowed position, in which the wheel is in a second orientation so that when the wheel support is connected to the outer shell the wheel and wheel support can fit at least partially within a wheel housing on the outer shell.

[0079] The second orientation may be orthogonal to the first orientation.

[0080] The lower portion may be pivotable relative to the upper portion and the wheel pivots with the lower portion between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

[0081 ] The upper portion may be swivelly connectable to the outer shell so that when the wheel assembly is connected to the outer shell the wheel support can swivel relative to the outer shell about a swivel axis.

[0082] When the wheel is in the deployed position the rotation axis may be orthogonal to the swivel axis, and when the wheel is in the stowed position the rotation axis may be parallel to the swivel axis.

[0083] When the wheel is in the deployed position the swivel axis may intersect the wheel and may be spaced apart from the rotation axis.

[0084] The pivot axis may be at least substantially orthogonal to the swivel axis and may intersect the swivel axis.

[0085] The lower portion may include a pair of opposed struts spaced apart from each other and disposed on opposite sides of the wheel. At least one of the struts may include a first engagement member configured to engage a corresponding second engagement member provided on the article of luggage when the wheel is in the stowed position to inhibit swiveling of the wheel assembly when the wheel is stowed.

[0086] Pivoting the wheel from the stowed position toward the deployed position may disengage the first engagement member from the second engagement member.

[0087] The wheel assembly may include a deployment locking mechanism including a first locking member on the upper portion and a complimentary second locking member on the lower portion that is selectably engagable with the first locking member whereby the deployment locking mechanism is configurable between an unlocked configuration, in which the lower portion can pivot relative to upper portion about a pivot axis, and a locked configuration in which movement between the lower portion and the upper portion is restrained.

[0088] A release actuator may be disposed at an interface between the upper portion and the lower portion and may be engagable by a user to unlock the deployment locking mechanism.

[0089] The release actuator may be translatable in a first direction that is parallel to the pivot axis and translation of the release actuator in the first direction may disengage the first and second locking members.

[0090] A biasing member may bias at least one of the first locking member and second locking member into engagement with the other one of the first locking member and second locking member, whereby the deployment locking mechanism automatically returns to the locked configuration when the release actuator is not engaged.

[0091] A guard member may surround at least a portion of the release actuator to inhibit inadvertent engagement of the release actuator.

[0092] The wheel may have a diameter and a thickness that is less than

35% of the diameter.

[0093] A biasing member may bias the wheel toward at least one of the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0094] In accordance with another aspect of the teachings described herein, that may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, an article of luggage may include an outer shell having a bottom side and surrounding an openable storage compartment, at least a first wheel housing provided in the outer shell, and at least a first wheel connected to the outer shell and moveable between a deployed position, in which the first wheel is in a first orientation and extends at least partially outboard of the bottom side to rollingly support the article of luggage on a surface, and a stowed position, in which the first wheel is in a second orientation and is at least partially disposed within the first housing and is at least partially inboard of the bottom side.

[0095] The article of luggage may include at least a first wheel support connecting the first wheel to the outer shell. The first wheel support may include an upper portion, that is coupled to the outer shell by a first coupling, and a lower portion that is movably coupled to the upper portion by a second coupling. At least one of the first and second couplings may allow the first wheel to swivel relative to the outer shell about a swivel axis. When the first wheel is in the deployed position the rotation axis may be generally parallel to the pivot axis and may be generally orthogonal to the swivel axis.

[0096] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the rotation axis may be generally parallel to the swivel axis.

[0097] When the first wheel is in the deployed position the swivel axis may intersect the first wheel.

[0098] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the first wheel may be spaced apart from the swivel axis.

[0099] When the first wheel is in the deployed position and when the first wheel is in the stowed position the swivel axis may intersect the pivot axis.

[00100] A swivel locking mechanism may include a first engagement member on the first wheel support and a complimentary second engagement member disposed on the outer shell. When the first wheel is in the deployed position the first engagement member may be spaced apart from the second engagement member, and when the first wheel is in the stowed position the first engagement member may engage the second engagement member thereby inhibiting swiveling of the first wheel about the swivel axis.

[00101 ] Pivoting the first wheel from the stowed position toward the deployed position may disengage the first engagement member from the second engagement member.

[00102] When the first wheel is in the stowed position the lower portion is in a first position and the first engagement member may be engageable with the second engagement member by swiveling the lower portion about the swivel axis while the lower portion is in the first position. [00103] When in the stowed position the first wheel may be disposed entirely on one side of a plane containing the bottom side, and when in the deployed position the rotation axis is on an opposing side of the plane containing the bottom side.

[00104] When in the stowed position the first wheel may be disposed entirely within the first wheel housing.

[00105] A distance between a top side of the outer shell and the bottom side defines a stowed height, and when the first wheel is in the deployed position a distance between the top side and a bottom surface of the first wheel defines a deployed height, and the stowed height may be at least 5% less than the deployed height.

[00106] The first wheel may have a wheel diameter that is at least 10% of the stowed height.

[00107] The outer shell may include a first shell portion and a complimentary second shell portion releasably connected to the first shell portion via a closure mechanism and wherein the first shell portion comprises two wheel housings and the second shell comprises two wheel housings.

[00108] A deployment locking mechanism may include a first locking member and a complimentary second locking member that is selectably engagable with the first locking member to lock and unlock the deployment locking mechanism. When the deployment locking mechanism is unlocked the first wheel may be pivotable between the stowed and deployed positions, and when the deployment locking mechanism is locked movement of the first wheel between the stowed and deployed positions may be restrained .

[00109] A release actuator may be engagable by a user to unlock the deployment locking mechanism. The release actuator may be translatable in a first direction that is parallel to the pivot axis and translation of the release actuator in the first direction may disengage the first and second locking members.

[001 10] A biasing member may bias at least one of the first locking member and second locking member into engagement with the other one of the first locking member and second locking member, whereby the deployment locking mechanism automatically returns to the locked configuration when the release actuator is not engaged. [001 1 1 ] A guard member may surround at least a portion of the release actuator to inhibit inadvertent engagement of the release actuator.

[001 12] The second orientation is generally orthogonal to the first orientation.

[001 13] Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific examples of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[001 14] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[001 15] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of luggage;

[001 16] Figure 2 is a rear view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 with both visible wheels in a deployed position;

[001 17] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 in an opened configuration;

[001 18] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 1 with a wheel in a first orientation;

[001 19] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 1 with the wheel in a second orientation;

[00120] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 1 with the wheel in a stowed position;

[00121] Figure 7 is a rear view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 with one visible wheel in a stowed position;

[00122] Figure 8 is a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 7 with one visible wheel in a stowed position;

[00123] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the article of luggage of Figure 1 with four wheels in a stowed position;

[00124] Figure 10 is a perspective view of another example of an article of luggage;

[00125] Figure 1 1 is a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 10 with the wheels deployed; [00126] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 10;

[00127] Figure 13 is a side view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 12;

[00128] Figure 14 is an end view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 12;

[00129] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 10 with the wheels stowed;

[00130] Figure 16 is a bottom view of the article of luggage of Figure 15;

[00131 ] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 15;

[00132] Figure 18 is a side view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 17;

[00133] Figure 19 is an end view of the portion of the luggage bad of Figure 17;

[00 34] Figure 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 12;

[00135] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 15 with the wheel deployed;

[00136] Figure 22 is another perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 21 ;

[00137] Figure 23 is another perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 21 ;

[00138] Figure 24 is perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 21 with the wheel in a stowed position;

[00139] Figure 25 is a perspective view of another example of an article of luggage with the wheels deployed;

[00140] Figure 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 25;

[00141 ] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the article of luggage of Figure 25 with the wheels stowed; [00142] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 27;

[00143] Figure 29 is a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 25 with the wheels stowed;

[00144] Figure 30 is an enlarged view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 29;

[00145] Figure 31 is a side view of the article of luggage of Figure 25 with the wheels deployed;

[00146] Figure 32 is an enlarged view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 31 ;

[00147] Figure 33 is an end view of the article of luggage of Figure 25 with the wheels deployed;

[00148] Figure 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of the article of luggage of Figure 33;

[00149] Figure 35 is a perspective view of a portion of an article of luggage with another example of a wheel support;

[00150] Figure 36 is a side view of one side of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 35;

[00151 ] Figure 37 is a side view of the other side of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 35;

[00152] Figure 38 is an end view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 35;

[00153] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 35 in a partially stowed configuration;

[001 54] Figure 40 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 35 in a partially stowed configuration;

[00155] Figure 41 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 35 in a stowed configuration;

[00156] Figure 42 is a perspective view of a portion of an article of luggage with another example of a wheel support;

[00157] Figure 43 is a side view of one side of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 42; [00158] Figure 44 is a side view of the other side of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 42;

[00159] Figure 45 is an end view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 42;

[00160] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 42 in a partially stowed configuration;

[00161 ] Figure 47 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 42 in a partially stowed configuration;

[00162] Figure 48 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 42 in a stowed configuration;

[00163] Figure 49 is a perspective view of a portion of an article of luggage with another example of a wheel support with the wheel in a deployed position;

[00164] Figure 50 is an end view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 50 with the wheel in a deployed position;

[00165] Figure 51 is another perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 50;

[00166] Figure 52 is yet is another perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 50;

[00167] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 50 with the wheel in a stowed position;

[00168] Figure 54 is another perspective view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 50 with the wheel in a stowed position; and

[00169] Figure 55 is a side view of the portion of the article of luggage of Figure 50 with the wheel in a stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00170] Various apparatuses or methods are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses and methods having all of the features of any one apparatus or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[00171 ] Referring to Figure 1 , an example of a hard-sided article of luggage is shown generally at 100. The bag 100 extends in a depth direction 102 between a front side 104 and a back side 106. The bag 100 extends in a width direction 108 between a left side 1 10 and a right side 1 12. The bag 100 extends in a height direction 1 14 between a top side 116 and a bottom side 1 18.

[00172] In the example illustrated, the bag 100 is a generally rigid, hard- sided bag and includes a rigid first, rearward shell portion 120 and a rigid second, forward shell portion 122. Referring also to Figure 3, the shell portion 122 is releasably connected to the shell portion 120 so that the bag 100 can be opened and closed. The shell portions 120, 122 can be formed of a variety of materials, including, for example but not limited to, aluminum, polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, and composites thereof. In some examples, one or both of the shell portions can be a hybrid of hard-sided and soft-sided materials, with a combination of at least one shell portion and fabric materials. In such examples, the soft-sided portions can be formed of, for example but not limited to, polyester, nylon or polypropylene fabric materials.

[001 73] The shell portions 120, 122 can be generally complementary in size and shape. The outer surface of each shell portion can be formed as a unitary, one-piece member. Alternatively, either or both of the shell portions can be formed from a plurality of different members which are joined together using any suitable fastening mechanism, including, for example, adhesives, welding, stitching, zippers and other suitable means. The shell portions 120, 122 can include an interior lining (not shown) formed of fabric material, and can include various internal features such as dividers, pockets and straps to hold its contents in place.

[00174] Referring to Figure 3, the shell portion 120 includes a first rim portion 124 and the shell portion 122 includes a complementary second rim portion 126. The rim portions 124, 126 can be coupled together so that the shell portions 120, 122 enclose an interior storage compartment 127 of the bag 100. The first rim portion 124 is releasably joined to the second rim portion 126 by a closure mechanism 128 (Figure 8). The storage compartment can be accessed by releasing the closure mechanism 128. In the example illustrated, the closure mechanism 128 includes a zipper 130. In other examples, the closure mechanism can include, alternatively or additionally, clasps, buckles, belts, latches and other fasteners.

[00175] In the example illustrated, the rim portions 124, 126 are shown to be generally intermediate of the front and back sides 104, 106 of the bag 100 so that, once the closure mechanism 128 is released, the bag 100 can be opened into two roughly equal halves. The shell portions 120, 122 can also be secured together with a hinge (not shown) arranged along the rim portions 124, 126 at one side of the bag 100.

[00176] Referring to Figures 2, 7 and 8, the shell portions 120, 122 can be any suitable shape, including rectangular, cylindrical, curved , or other shapes. In the example illustrated, the shell portion 120 is generally rectangular and includes a generally planar base wall 132 that lies generally in a plane 133 defined by the directions 108, 1 14 (Figure 8). The shell portion 120 is shown to further include a left side wall 134, a right side wall 1 36, a top side wall 138 and a bottom side wall 140 (see also Figure 9). The side walls 134, 136, 138, 140 meet a periphery of the base wall 132 at respective intersections or junctures, and extend generally in the depth direction 102 to the rim portion 124. Each of the side walls 134, 136, 138, 140 includes a distal edge that is spaced apart from the base wall 132, and forms part of the rim portion 124 of the shell portion 120. Similarly, the shell portion 122 is shown to include a base wall 142 and side walls 144, 146, 148, 150 (see also Figure 9).

[00177] In the illustrated example, the base wall 142 is generally planar and lies in a plane 143, which is generally parallel to plane 133 (Figure 8). The side walls 136 and 146 are both generally planar, and are co-planar with each other and lie in a plane 137 (Figure 9). Similarly, side walls 134 and 144 are both generally planar, and are co-planar with each other and lie in a plane 135, which is generally parallel to plane 137 (Figure 9). The top side walls 1 38 and 148 are both generally planar, and are co-planar with each other and lie in a plane 139 (Figure 2). The bottom side walls 140 and 150 are both generally planar, and are co-planar with each other and lie in a plane 141 (Figure 9) that is generally parallel to plane 139. In this configuration, the overall luggage bag volume is a generally rectangular-prism shaped volume that is bounded by planes 133, 143, 135, 137, 139 and 141 . [00178] Optionally, the bag 100 can include one or more handles, straps, wheels, expansion panels, support feet or other features to help facilitate carrying, transporting and handling of the bag.

[00179] In the example illustrated, the bag 100 includes wheels 152 arranged on the bottom side 1 18 (Figure 1 ). In the example illustrated, two of the wheels 152 are fixed to, and can move with, the shell portion 120, and two of the wheels 152 are fixed to, and can move with, the shell portion 122 (see Figure 3). Optionally, some or all of the wheels 152 can be swivel wheels that are capable of rotating about one axis and swiveling relative to the suitcase 100 about a different axis. Alternatively, at least some of the wheel supports, and optionally all of the wheel supports may be fixedly connected to the bag 100 such that the wheel supports do not swivel. In this configuration, the wheel supports may still include some or all of the pivoting and folding features described herein (so that the wheels can be stowed), but need not swivel. For example, two of the wheel supports may be configured as fixed wheel supports, while the other two of the wheel supports may be configured to swivel. Optionally, the bag 100 may include more than 4 wheels and corresponding wheel supports, or alternatively may include fewer than two wheels and corresponding wheel supports. Optionally, if the wheel support is not swivelly connected to the outer shell the upper portion of the wheel support may be partially or entirely integrally formed with the wheel housing. For example, the upper portion may be integrally formed with the base wall 416.

[00180] Referring to Figure 3, in the example illustrated, the bag 100 includes an extendable handle 154 that can help a user manipulate and steer the bag 100 while it is rolling on its wheels 152.

[00181 ] In the example illustrated, the bag 100 also includes an upper carrying handle 156 disposed on the top side wall 138 and a secondary carrying handle 158 disposed on the left side wall 134. The carrying handles 156 and 158 can be of any suitable configuration.

[00182] Luggage that is carried onto certain types of vehicles can be subject to one or more restrictions or limitations. For example, some commercial airlines impose limitations on the size and weight of luggage that can be stowed in the cargo hold of the airplane as "checked baggage" and/or carried into the airplane cabin as "carry on" luggage. Limitations on the size of a particular piece or type of luggage can be expressed as a limit on the volume of the luggage article or alternatively as a limit on the overall/ maximum linear extent for each of the luggage's primary dimensions - length, width and height (or the sum of these linear dimensions). In some instances, the limits on the overall height, width and depth of the luggage will include any wheels and handles and other external surface features that extend outwardly from the surfaces of the shell of the luggage.

[00183] For example, the maximum allowable size for a carry on article may be 23cm x 40cm x 55cm or less (expressed as length, width and height - approximately 9in x 15.5in x 21 .5in) including the wheels and handles, and the maximum weight may be 10kg (about 22lbs) or less. Checked luggage may also be subject to maximum size limitations. For example, an article of luggage may be required to weigh less than 23kg (about 50lb) and the maximum sum of its primary linear dimensions (i.e. height + width + length) may be required to be less than a predetermined number, such as about 158cm (about 62 inches).

[00184] Having to accommodate external components, such as wheels and handles, within the overall size/ volume allowance of an article of luggage may result in the size of the internal storage compartment in the luggage (i.e. the region that can be used to hold the contents of the luggage) being reduced to a smaller percentage of the overall article of luggage volume in order to accommodate the protrusion of the wheels and handles. The resulting space that is external the internal storage compartment, but within the overall article of luggage volumes (such as the open space between the luggage wheels or surrounding a protruding handle) may be wasted or underutilized in such a configuration. This can result in the actual storage capacity of an article of luggage being less than the allowable overall luggage volume.

[00185] Optionally, a luggage article may be configured so that components outside the internal storage compartment, such as the wheels and handles, are moveable between a deployed position, in which the component is in a useable configuration, and a stowed position, in which the component may or may not be in a useable state but in which the component does not extend as far beyond the perimeter of internal storage compartment or outer shell of the luggage article. Configuring the external components in this manner may help facilitate the luggage being configured so that the internal storage volume, for example as defined by an outer shell of the luggage, can be relatively larger than a luggage article conforming to the same overall volume restrictions but on which the external components are not reconfigurable.

[00186] For example, if a carry-on article of luggage has fixed wheels with a total height of 5cm, and is limited to a maximum height of 55cm including the wheels, the shell of the article of luggage (defining the internal storage compartment) may be limited to about 50cm or less. Alternatively, if the wheels on the article of luggage could be moved to a stowed position such that their effective height (i.e. an amount that they contribute to the overall height of the luggage when stowed) is less than 5cm, and optionally is reduced to 0cm, the height of the shell of the article of luggage may configured to be more than 50cm, and in some circumstances may be about 55cm. Providing a shell with a larger height may help facilitate providing a larger internal storage compartment within the article of luggage while still fitting within a given size/ volume restriction.

[00187] The external components, such as wheels, may be movable between their deployed and stowed positions in a variety of ways and using a variety of different suitable mechanisms. For example, the wheels for supporting an article of luggage may be configurable in a deployed position , in which they can rollingly support the article of luggage above a surface (such as a floor), and a stowed position, in which the wheels do not extend as far below the bottom side of the article of luggage as they do in the deployed position. Optionally, when the wheels are in the stowed position they can be at least partially, and preferably substantially (i.e. at least about 50% to about 99%) or completely positioned above or inboard from the bottom side of the article of luggage. If the wheels can be positioned inboard from the bottom side of the article of luggage their contribution to the overall luggage height (when stowed) may be reduced, and optionally may be reduced to 0cm. This may help maximize the height of the luggage shell portion while keeping the overall height of the article of luggage below a given threshold. While wheels are most typically positioned on the bottom side of an article of luggage, the same configuration and re-configurations may be utilized with respect to the sides of the article of luggage (i.e. such that the wheels are partially, substantially or completely inboard of at least one side of the article of luggage, or optionally substantially or completely inboard of all of the sides and the bottom of the article of luggage). Configuring an article of luggage so that the wheels can be stowed inboard of the bottom, top, front, rear, left and right sides, may help facilitate configuring the outer shell so that its height, width and depth can each be maximized, thereby optionally increasing the volume of the internal storage compartment, while still conforming to luggage size restrictions.

[00188] The wheels may be movable between the deployed and stowed positions in one or more of a plurality of suitable ways. For example, when in the stowed position the wheels (and optionally some or all of any related wheel supports, mounting hardware, etc.) may be detachable from the article of luggage and stowed within the internal storage chamber and/or an alternative location. In this configuration, the wheels may be detached when the article of luggage is being measured and/or is being loaded into the storage hold of a vehicle. The wheels can then be re-attached when desired. Alternatively, the wheels may be retractable, collapsible or otherwise movable between the deployed and stowed positions. Movement of the wheels between the deployed and stowed positions may be done manually by a user, or optionally the article of luggage may include one or more actuator assemblies configured to adjust the position of one or more of the wheels.

[00189] Positioning the wheels, and the related wheel supports, etc. , at least partially inboard of the bottom and/or sides of the luggage shell may help protect the wheels from impact and damage while the luggage is being handled. For example, placing the wheels in stowed position such that they do not extend outboard of the bottom, front, rear or side faces of the luggage shell may shelter the wheels from impact when the luggage is transported along automated conveyor belts, transferred to luggage trollies or carts and when the luggage is stacked on or against other luggage articles in a cargo hold. Protecting the wheels from impact may help reduce damage to the wheels, and may help reduce the frequency with which the wheels need to be serviced or replaced.

[00190] Positioning the wheels in the stowed position may also help prevent the wheels on one piece of luggage from impacting or damaging an adjacent piece of luggage, and/or from contacting or damaging the interior of a vehicle or other location where the luggage is stored.

[00191 ] Providing wheels that can be moved to a stowed configuration may help facilitate the use of relatively large wheels (e.g. wheels that have a relatively large diameter, thickness and/or both) as compared to a similarly sized article of luggage with fixed wheels. For example, relatively large wheels, for example with a diameter of about 5cm to about 10cm or more may be desirable if the article of luggage is going to be rolled over rough or uneven terrain. If the wheels are stowable, the height 10cm height of the wheels (for example) can be at least partially reduced, if not reduced to zero, when the wheels are stowed so that the wheel height does not use up a part of the maximum height allowance of the article of luggage. In contrast, fixedly positioned wheels with a relatively large diameter may require the shell and interior storage compartment to be relatively smaller in order to fit within the same maximum height allowance.

[00192] Referring to Figure 1 , in the illustrated example the side walls of the shell, and their corresponding planes, can define an overall article of luggage volume, and the shell portions 120 and 122 co-operate to surround the openable storage compartment 127, which is positioned within the article of luggage volume. The article of luggage 100 includes wheels 152 that are movable and can be selectably moved between deployed position (as shown, for example, in Figure 1 ) and a stowed position (as shown, for example, in Figure 9). Referring to Figure 7, in the illustrated example each wheel 152 is coupled to the article of luggage 100 by a respective wheel support 410. Together, a wheel and its respective wheel support may form a wheel assembly.

[00193] To help accommodate the wheels 152 when they are in the stowed position, in the illustrated example the article of luggage in the form of a bag 100 includes wheel housings 412 formed in the outer shell (see Figures 1 , 7 and 8). The wheel housings may be of any suitable size and shape and are generally sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the corresponding wheel when the wheel is moved into the stowed position.

[00194] Each wheel 152 is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation 404. In the illustrated example, the wheel supports 410 are also swivelly coupled to their respective shell portions 120 and 122 and can swivel about respective swivel axes 406 (see Figures 7 and 8). In the illustrated configuration the swivel axes 406 are at least substantially orthogonal to the bottom side 1 8 of the luggage bag 100, and plane 141 (i.e. optionally generally orthogonal or within about 5-10 degrees of orthogonal). Alternatively, the swivel axes 406 may be non-orthogonal relative to the bottom side 1 18 and plane 141 . In the illustrated example, when the wheels 152 are stowed the respective wheel supports 410 are also positioned within the wheel housing 412. When the wheels are deployed, at least a portion of the wheel supports 410 extends outside the wheel housing 412.

[00195] In the deployed position, the wheels 152 are in a generally vertical orientation and extend downwardly, outboard of the bottom side 1 18 of the luggage bag 100, which in the example illustrated means that the wheels 152 project below the bottom side walls 140 and 150, and below plane 141 . In this configuration, the wheels 152 form the lowermost portion of the luggage bag 100, and are positioned so that they can rollingly support the luggage bag 100 above a surface 400 (Figure 2). When the wheels 152 are deployed, the rotation axes 404 are generally parallel to the plane 141 , substantially orthogonal to the swivel axes 406 (i.e. optionally orthogonal or generally within about 5-10 degrees of orthogonal) and do not intersect the internal storage compartment 127 of the luggage bag 100. In this configuration, it is the height (i.e. diameter 446 - Figure 7) of the wheel 152, or at least a portion of the height that contributes to the overall height of the suitcase. In the illustrated example, when the wheels 152 are deployed the rotation axes 404 are below (i.e. outboard) of the plane 141 (see Figure 8). Alternatively, the rotation axes of the wheels can be co-planar with, or may be positioned above the plane 141 when the wheels are in the deployed position.

[00196] In contrast, in the illustrated example, when the wheels 152 are in the stowed position (see Figure 7) they are moved into a generally horizontal orientation (as illustrated) and folded generally inwardly such that the rotation axis 404 of each wheel 152 is generally parallel to (and offset from) the swivel axis 406 of its respective wheel support 410 (i.e. perpendicular to its generally vertical orientation when in the deployed position). In this example, when in the stowed position the rotation axes 404 are generally perpendicular to plane 141 and intersect the internal storage compartment 127. In this configuration, it is the thickness 447 (Figure 8) of the wheel 152 that contributes to the overall height of the suitcase. Optionally, the wheels 52 can be configured so that the thickness 447 is less than the diameter 446, and optionally the thickness 447 can be less than about 75% of the diameter, less than about 50% or than about 35% of the diameter 446. This may help accommodate wheels with a relatively large diameter 446.

[00197] In the illustrated example, the wheel housings 412 are each formed as generally rectangular cavities in the outer shell of the luggage bag, and are generally open-sided. That is, each wheel housing includes a housing interior surface 414 and at least one open side or region to receive the wheel 152. In the illustrated example, the housing interior surface 414 includes a housing base wall 416 (see Figure 7) and a housing side walls 418 and 420 extending from the periphery of the base wall 416. In the illustrated example, the base walls 416 are generally planar and are parallel to, but spaced inboard from the side walls 140 and 150, and plane 141 . The housing side walls 418 are generally parallel with each other and the base walls 132 and 142, and are generally parallel to, but positioned laterally between the planes 133 and 143. The housing side walls 420 are generally planar and parallel with each other, as well as being generally parallel and offset between side walls 134, 136, 144 and 146, and planes 135 and 137. While the wheel housings have a generally identical configuration in the example illustrated, in other embodiments, the wheel housings 412 need not be identical. [00198] Referring to Figure 7, in the housing 412 illustrated toward the bottom left of this Figure the housing base wall 416 intersects the rear base wall 1 32 as well as the right side wall 136, the housing side wall 418 intersects the bottom side wall 140 and the right side wall 136, and the housing side wall 420 intersects the rear base wall 132 and the bottom side wall 140. The other wheel housings 412 have analogous configurations and intersect the surrounding portions of the shell portions 120 and 122 in an analogous manner.

[00199] In this configuration, each wheel housing 412 has a housing opening, or open side, that is at least partially bounded by the housing interior surface 414 and the bottom side 1 18 of the luggage bag. In the illustrated example, the openings of the housings 412 are not entirely bounded by the bottom side 1 18 of the outer shell, but alternatively the opening on some or all of the wheel housings 412 may be entirely bounded by the bottom side 1 18 of the luggage bag, such that the open portion of the housing 412 is generally downward facing. In either configuration, to when moving into the stowed position at least a portion of each wheel 152 can pass through the housing opening (i.e. either through the generally open bottom of the housing 412, through one of the open sides of the housing 412, or a combination thereof).

[00200] Referring to Figure 2, in the illustrated example, the distance 417 between the housing base wall 416 and the plane 141 defines a wheel housing height, and the distance 440 between the housing side wall 420 and the plane 1 37 defines a wheel housing width (see also Figure 9). Optionally, the wheel housing height 417 may be less than the diameter 446, but greater than the thickness 447 of the wheels 152. Alternatively, the wheel housing width 440 may be greater than both the wheel diameter 446 and thickness 447.

[00201 ] Referring to Figures 1 and 9, in the illustrated example each housing interior surface 414 helps at least partially bound a respective housing interior 422 or volume that is sized to accommodate the respective wheel 152 in the stowed position. In the illustrated example, the interior of the wheel housings 412 is separate from and external the internal storage compartment 127 of the luggage bag 100. In this configuration, the capacity and configuration of the internal storage compartment 127 is not affected by the position of the wheels 152. Further, as the wheels 152 do not incur into the internal storage compartment 127, the contents within the internal storage compartment 127 are not exposed to the wheel surfaces, which may be dirty from rolling on the ground. Alternatively, in some embodiments the interior 422 of some or all of the wheel housings may be co-incident with portions of the internal storage compartment 127.

[00202] In some embodiments, each wheel 152 may be only partially nested within its wheel housing 412 when stowed. Alternatively, as shown in the illustrated example, each wheel 152, along with its corresponding wheel support 410, can be entirely within their respective wheel housings 412 when in the stowed position. In this configuration the wheels 152 and wheel supports 410 are positioned entirely inboard of the bottom side 18 of the luggage bag 100 (and plane 141 ), and also entirely inboard of each of the sides 104, 106, 1 10 and 1 12 (and corresponding planes 133, 143, 135 and 145).

[00203] Referring to Figure 7, when the wheels 152 are in the deployed position, a deployed height 402a of the luggage bag 100 can be measured between the bottom of the wheels 152 and an upper most portion of the top side 1 16, such as the handle 156. When the wheels 152 are moved into the stowed position, the height of the luggage bag may be reduced, as illustrated by stowed height 402b (which can be the distanced between the top side and the bottom side). Optionally, the luggage bag 100 may be configured so that the deployed height 402a is greater than a maximum height allowance for the luggage bag 100, and stowed height 402b is less than or equal to the allowed maximum height. For example, if the maximum height for a carry-on bag is 55cm, the stowed height 402b may be equal to or less than 55cm, while the deployed height can be greater than 55cm. Optionally, the difference between the deployed height 402a and the stowed height 402b may be more than 5% of the deployed height 402a. For example, the stowed height 402b may be between about 85% and about 99% of the deployed height 402a, may be less than about 95% of the deployed height and in the example illustrated is about 92% of the deployed height 402a. That is, if the deployed height 402a were about 55cm, the stowed height 402b could be about 50cm.

[00204] In this configuration, when the wheels 152 are deployed they form the bottom-most portion of the luggage bag 100, and when wheels 152 are stowed in the wheel housings 412, the bottom side 1 18 (i.e. the combination of walls 140 and 150) forms the bottom-most portion of the luggage bag 100.

[00205] Referring to Figure 2, the wheel housings 412 and wheels 152 are configured such that a stowed width 424b is less than the deployed width 424a of the luggage bag 100, and that the stowed width 424b is equal to or less than the distance between the planes 135 and 137, while the deployed width 424a can be greater than the distance between the planes 135 and 137. Similarly, referring to Figure 8, the wheels 152 can be configured so that a deployed depth of the luggage bag 100 (i.e. a depth in direction 102 when the wheels are deployed) can be greater than a distance between planes 133 and 143 (for example when a wheel 152 is swiveled as shown in Figure 5), and a stowed depth 426b of the luggage bag 100 can be equal to or less than the deployed depth and the distance between planes 133 and 143.

[00206] To help facilitate movement of the wheels 152 between their deployed and stowed positions, the wheels supports 410 may be configured to allow the wheels 152 to swivel (about axes 406) and to be re-configurable to allow the wheels 152 to be folded inwardly, into the wheel housings 412.

[00207] Referring to Figures 4-6, in the illustrated example, each wheel support 410 includes an upper portion 430 that is coupled to the interior surface 414 of the wheel housing 412 by a first coupling (the base wall 416 in the illustrated configuration), and a lower portion 432 that is moveably coupled to the upper portion 430 by a second coupling (see also Figure 9). Optionally, at least one of the first and second couplings can allow the wheel to pivot relative to the outer shell, and at least one of the first and second couplings can allow the wheel to swivel relative to the outer shell. In the illustrated example, the first coupling is a swivel coupling that allows the wheel support 410, and the wheel 152 mounted thereto, to swivel relative to the outer shell, and the second coupling allows the lower portion 432, and the wheel 152, to pivot relative to the upper portion 430 and the outer shell. Alternatively, the upper portion 430 may be pivotally coupled to the outer shell and the lower portion 432 may be swivelly coupled to the upper portion 430. This may allow the wheel 152 to be deployed and stowed as described herein. Similarly, in some embodiments one of the first and second couplings may allow both swiveiing and pivoting, while the other of the first and second couplings is a non-movable, fixed-type connection. This may also allow the wheel 152 to be deployed and stowed as described herein .

[00208] Referring again to Figure 4-6, in the illustrated example the connection between the upper and lower portions 430 and 432, includes a hinged connection such that the lower portion 432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 430 about a hinge or pivot axis 434. The wheels 152 are rotatably coupled to the lower portions 432 of the wheel supports 410. Preferably, the pivot axis 434 is at least substantially orthogonal to the swivel axis 406 (i.e. orthogonal or generally within about 5-10 degrees of orthogonal).

[00209] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 432 is a generally planar member and is movable between a generally upright/ vertical position (Figures 4 and 5) that corresponds to the wheels 152 deployed position, and a generally flat or horizontal position (as illustrated in Figure 6), that corresponds to the wheels stowed position.

[00210] Referring to Figure 9, in the illustrated example the wheel housings 412 are generally rectangular, and have a housing depth 438 (in direction 102) that is less than the housing width 440 (in direction 108). Alternatively, the wheel housings 412 can be oriented such that the depth (in direction 102) is greater than the width (in direction 108) or so that the depth and width are generally equal.

[0021 1 ] If the housing depth 438 is different from the housing width 440, the wheel supports 410 and wheels 152 may be configured such that they have a wheel assembly length 442 that is less than the housing width 440, but is greater than the housing depth 438. In this configuration, the wheels supports and wheels 1 52 may need to be rotated to an aligned storage orientation, relative to the housing 412 and outer shell, before being moved from the deployed position to the stowed position. As illustrated in Figure 9, both the housing width 440 and the housing depth 438 may be at least equal to, and preferably are both greater than, the wheel diameter 446.

[00212] Referring to Figures 4-6, in the illustrate example, when the luggage bag is in use the wheel 152 may swivel into a non-aligned orientation (Figure 4) in which the wheel 152 cannot be directly moved into the stowed position. If a user wishes to stow the wheels 152, optionally the wheel 152 may first be rotated from the non-aligned orientation into the aligned storage orientation (Figure 5). Once aligned, the lower portion 432 of the wheel support 410 can be pivoted inwardly, moving the wheel 152 from the deployed position to the stowed position and into the wheel housing 412 for storage. Alternatively, in other embodiments the lower portion 432 of the wheel support 410 can be pivoted/ folded before rotating the wheel support into the aligned storage orientation, and then the horizontal lower portion 432 and wheel 152 can be swiveled into the wheel housing 412.

[00213] Optionally, as described herein, configuring the wheels 152 to be movable to a stowed position may help facilitate the use of relatively larger wheels on the luggage bag than might otherwise be desirable if using a fixed wheel configuration. For example, referring to Figure 7, the wheels 152 may be sized so that the wheel diameter 446 is between about 5% and about 20% of the stowed height 402b. Optionally the diameter 446 may be between about 8% and about 1 5%, and may be at least 10% or at least 12% of the stowed height 402b. Similarly, the diameter 446 may be between about 5% and about 30% of the stowed width 424b. Optionally the diameter 446 may be between about 15% and about 25%, and may be about 17% of the stowed width 424b. Optionally, the diameter 446 may be between about 15% and about 40% of the stowed depth 426b. Optionally, the diameter 446 may be between about 20% and about 33%, and may be about 27% of the stowed depth 426b.

[00214] Optionally, the luggage bag may include one or more biasing members to help urge the wheels 152 toward the deployed position, the stowed position, or both. For example, a biasing member could be coupled to the lower portion 432 of the wheel support 410 to bias the lower portion 432 toward its vertical or horizontal position. Biasing the lower portion 432 toward its vertical position may help keep the wheels 152 in the deployed position. This may help prevent the wheels 152 from collapsing into the stowed position while the luggage bag is being rolled across a surface. Biasing the lower portion 432 toward the horizontal position may help keep the wheels 152 in the stowed position. This may help prevent the wheels 152 from unintentionally from moving from the stowed to deployed position. This may help prevent unintentional deployment of the wheels 152 when the luggage bag is in transit.

[00215] Optionally, in addition to or as an alternative to a biasing member, the luggage bag may include one or more locking mechanisms configured to inhibit movement of the wheel supports 410, or portions thereof, relative to the outer shell. For example, the luggage bag may include a deployment locking mechanism operable to lock the wheels in the deployed position, the stowed position, or both. The deployment locking mechanism may be configurable in an unlocked configuration, in which the lower portion 432 is moveable between its vertical and horizontal positions, and a locked configuration, in which movement of the lower portion 432 between the vertical and horizontal positions is restrained.

[00216] Optionally, the luggage bag may also include a swivel locking mechanism to selectively inhibit swiveling of the wheel supports 410. This may help facilitate keeping the wheels supports 410 in the aligned storage orientation, and/or may help inhibit the wheel supports 410 from swiveling out of the wheel housings 412 when in the stowed configuration. For example, a swivel locking mechanism may be positioned to engage the wheel and/or the wheel support and may be configurable in an unlocked configuration, in which the wheel support is swivelable between the aligned storage orientation and a non-aligned orientation, and a locked configuration, in which wheel support is secured in the aligned storage orientation and/or in the stowed position.

[00217] Referring to Figures 10-24 a simplified illustration of another embodiment of a luggage bag 1 100 includes shell portions 1 120, 1 122 and wheels 1 152 that are coupled to the bag 1 100 using respective wheel supports 1410. The luggage bag 100 is similar to the luggage bag 100 and like features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 1000. While not all features of the luggage bag 1100 are described in detail below, the luggage bag 1 100 may include some or all of the features of the luggage bag 100.

[00218] The wheels 1 152 and wheels supports 1410 are analogous to wheels 152 and wheel supports 410, and can be selectably moved between deployed position (as shown, for example, in Figures 10-14) and a stowed position (as shown, for example, in Figures15-19). In the stowed position, the wheels 1 152 and wheels supports 1410 are nested within respective wheel housings 1412.

[00219] Referring to Figures 12-14 and 20, in the illustrated example, each wheel support 1410 includes an upper portion 430 that is swivelly coupled to the interior surface 1414 of the wheel housing 1412 (the base wall 1416 in the illustrated configuration - Figure 12), and a lower portion 1432 that is movably coupled to the upper portion 1430. In the illustrated example, the connection between the upper and lower portions 1430 and 1432 includes a pivot joint 1450 configured such that the lower portion 1432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 1430 about a pivot axis 1434. The wheels 1 152 are rotatably coupled to the lower portions 1432 of the wheel supports 1410, and are rotatable about respective rotation axes 1404 (Figure 10). In this configuration, the wheels 152 are offset from the swivel axis 406 of their respective wheel supports 410 such that the swivel axis 1406 does not intersect the wheels 1 152 when in the deployed position (see Figure 14).

[00220] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 1432 is a generally planar member and is movable between a generally upright/ vertical position (Figures 12-14) that corresponds to the wheels 1152 deployed position, and a generally flat or horizontal position (as illustrated in Figure 17-19), that corresponds to the wheels stowed position.

[00221] Referring to Figure 20, one example of a deployment locking mechanism 1452 that is operable to lock the wheels 1 152 in both the deployed and stowed positions is illustrated. In the illustrated example, the deployment locking mechanism 1452 is operable selectably inhibit movement of the lower portion 1432 relative to the upper portion 1430.

[00222] In the illustrated example, the pivot joint 1450 includes an axel member 1454 on the lower portion 1432 that is rotatably received in a corresponding bushing 1456 on the upper portion 1432. Optionally, a torsion spring 1458, or other such biasing member, can be provided in the pivot joint 1450 to bias the lower portion 1432 toward the deployed position, the stowed position, or both. Alternatively, the pivot joint 1450 may be configured so that the lower portion 1432 can be urged toward the deployed position by gravity (if the luggage bag 1 00 is in the upright, use configuration) and/or can be manually moved between positions.

[00223] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 1432 includes a deployed slot 1460 and a retracted slot (only the deployed slot is visible in Figure 20) which are configured to receive a movable latch 1462 member provided in the pivot joint 1450. The latch member 1462 is translatable between an engaged position, in which it is positioned within the slot 1460 (as illustrated in Figure 20), and a retracted position in which the latch 1462 is disengaged from the slot 460 (by translating to the left as shown in Figure 20). When the latch 1462 is disengaged from the deployed slot 1460, the lower portion 1432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 1430 so that retracted slot becomes aligned with the latch 1462. The latch 1462 can then be inserted into the retracted slot, thereby securing the lower portion 1432 in the retracted position. In the illustrated example, the latch 1462 is biased toward its engaged position by a spring 1466. This may help the latch 1462 automatically snap into its engaged position when one of the deployed or retracted slots are rotated into alignment with the latch 1462. This may help facilitate automatic locking of the lower portion 1432 when it is positioned in its deployed and retracted positions.

[00224] Preferably, the deployment locking mechanism includes a release actuator, optionally a user-activated release actuator, to selectively unlock the mechanism and allow rotation of the lower portion 1432. In the illustrated example, the deployment locking mechanism release actuator is a user-activated actuator provided in the form of a button 1468 that is located on the wheel support 1410. The button 1468 can be engaged by a user to selectably lock or unlock the lower portion 1432.

[00225] In the illustrated example, the button 1468 is attached to one end of a connecting rod 1470, which is also coupled to the latch 1462. In this configuration, pushing the button 1468 inward (i.e. to the left as illustrated in Figure 20) will cause a resulting translation of the connecting rod 1 70 and the latch 1462, thereby disengaging the latch 1462 from the slot 1460. The spring 1466 urging the latch 1462 toward the engaged position will also urge the button 1468 toward its extended position (i.e. to the right as illustrated in Figure 20). In this example, the button 1468 translates in a direction that is parallel to, and coincident with the rotation axis 1434. Alternatively, the button 1468 may translate in another direction, and/or may be offset from the rotation axis 1434.

[00226] Referring to Figure 12, in the illustrated example the button 1468 is surrounded by a guard member in the form of a guard ring 1474. The guard ring 1474 is positioned such that when the button 1468 is extended the outer most surface of the button is recessed slightly inwardly from the rim of the guard ring 1474. In this configuration, the guard ring 1474 may help protect the button 1468 from inadvertent contact (such as for example impacting an object while the luggage bag 1 100 is rolling on the wheels 1 152). Protecting the button 1468 from inadvertent contact may help prevent unwanted disengagement of the deployment locking mechanism, which may help prevent unintentional deployment and/or retraction of the wheels 1 152. Optionally, instead of, or in addition to the guard ring 1474, the deployment locking mechanism may include any other suitable type of guard, cover and/or "lock out" mechanism to help prevent accidental disengagement of the locking mechanism. While the ring 1747 is shown completely surrounding the button 1468, alternatively the guard member may only partially surround the release actuator, or may be absent altogether.

[00227] In the illustrated example, the deployment locking mechanism is integrated into the wheel support 1410, at the interface between the upper portion 1430 and the lower portion 1432, such that at least some of the locking mechanism swivels with the wheel support 1410. Alternatively, some or all of the deployment locking mechanism may be external the wheel support 1410, and need not move or swivel with the wheel support 1410.

[00228] Referring to Figures 15-19, in the illustrated example, when the wheels 1 152 are in the stowed configuration, the entirety of the wheel supports 1410, including the deployment locking mechanisms and related actuators, are located within their respective wheel housing 1412 and do not protrude beyond the surfaces of the luggage bag 1 100.

[00229] Optionally, in addition to or as an alternative to the deployment locking mechanism, the luggage bag 1 100 may include a swivel locking mechanism to inhibit swiveling of the wheel supports 1410 and/or wheels 1 152 when the wheels are stowed, and optionally when the wheels are deployed. Inhibiting swiveling of the wheel supports 1410 while stowed may help retain the wheels 1 152 and wheels supports 1410 within their respective wheel housings 1412 while stowed. This may help prevent rattling and shaking of the wheels while stowed. It may also help inhibit the wheels 1 152 and wheel supports 1410 from pivoting out of the wheel housings 1412 while stowed, which may help prevent damage to the wheels 1152 and wheel supports 1410 and may help prevent portions of the wheels 1 152 and wheel supports 1410 from extending beyond the surface of the luggage bag 1 100.

[00230] Referring to Figures 21 -24, in the illustrated example the wheel supports 1410 include a swivel locking mechanism in the form of a swivel lock 1500 that includes a first engagement member, in the form of aperture 1502 on the lower portion 1432, and a corresponding second engagement member, in the form of a peg 1504 provided on the base wall 1416. The peg 1504 is configured to be inserted into the aperture 1502. When the peg 1504 is inserted into the aperture 1502 rotation of the wheel support 1410 about the swivel axis 1406 is inhibited.

[00231 ] Referring to Figure 21 , when the wheel support 1410 is deployed, i.e. when the lower portion 1432 is extended, the aperture 1502 is spaced apart from the peg 1504 and the wheel support 1410 is free to swivel about the swivel axis 1406.

[00232] Referring to Figure 22, when a user wishes to stow the wheels 1 152 the user will rotate the lower portion 1432 about axis 1434 toward the base wall 1416. Moving the lower portion 1432 in this manner will bring the aperture 1 502 toward the base wall 1416 supporting the peg 1504. If the aperture 1502 happened to be aligned/ registered with the peg 1504 when the lower portion 1432 was rotated, the aperture 1502 may engage the peg 1504 thereby locking the wheel support 1410 and preventing swiveling.

[00233] Alternatively, if the aperture 1502 is not registered with the peg 1 504 when the lower portion 1432 is pivoted, the aperture 1502 may be positioned within a plane containing the peg 1504, but may not be directly engaged. The wheel support 1410 can then be swiveled to bring the aperture 1 502 into engagement with the peg 1504.

[00234] Optionally, the swivel locking mechanism may include alignment members that may help a user align the aperture 1502 and peg 1504 for engagement with each other, either before or after the lower portion 1432 is rotated for stowing.

[00235] Referring to Figure 23, in the illustrated example the swivel locking mechanism 1500 includes alignment mechanism in the form of complementary abutment surfaces 1508 and 1 510. In the illustrated example, the abutment surface 1508 is provided on the lower portion 1432, and the abutment surface 1510 is provided on the engagement end of the peg 504. The abutment surface 1508 is an inclined, generally smooth surface that forms an outer surface of the lower portion 1432. Alternatively, the abutment surface 1508 may have a different configuration, and need not be flat or smooth.

[00236] In the example illustrated the abutment surface 1508 forms the forward most surface of the lower portion 1432 when the wheel support 1410 is swiveled around the swivel axis 1406 in an engagement direction, to the right as illustrated in Figure 23. In this configuration, the abutment surface 1508 is the region of the lower portion 1432 that will first contact the peg 1504 if the wheel support 1410 is swiveled while the wheel 1 152 is stowed.

[00237] Optionally, one or more of the abutment surfaces 1508 and 1510 may be configured to help guide the peg 1504 into the aperture 1502. In the illustrated example, the abutment surfaces 1508 and 1510 are each inclined (relative to the direction of the swivel axis 1406) such that they can act as a guiding or camming surface. When the lower portion 1432 is swiveled toward the engagement between the abutment surface 1508 and 1510 may tend to urge the peg 1 504 away from the lower portion 1432 (downwardly as illustrated in Figure

23) . Moving the peg 1504 in this manner may help facilitate further swiveling of the lower portion 1432 in the engagement direction by moving the peg 1504 downwardly and allowing the lower portion 1432 to continue swiveling until the aperture 1502 is registered above the peg 1504. Movement of the lower portion 1432 past the point at which the aperture 1502 is registered above the peg 1 504 is limited by engagement between mating stop surfaces 1512 and 1514 (Figure

24) . To engage the swivel locking mechanism the peg 1504 can then be moved outwardly, and inserted into the aperture 1502.

[00238] Preferably, the peg 1504 is biased outwardly, for example using a spring or other suitable biasing member. In this configuration, the force exerted by the abutment surface 1508 may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force and retract the peg 1504, but the biasing force may be sufficient to extend the peg 1504 when the aperture 1502 is aligned with the peg 1504 (i.e. in the absence of the force exerted by the abutment surface 1508). In this configuration, the peg 1504 may automatically extend into the aperture 1502 without requiring a user to manually engage the peg 1504. The biasing may also help retain the peg 1504 within the aperture, and may help inhibit the peg 1504 from retracting or otherwise becoming disengaged from the aperture 1502. While the peg 1504 is inserted into the aperture 1502 swiveling of the wheel support 1410 is inhibited. Alternatively, instead of being biased the peg 1504 may be moved between its retracted and extended positions using any other suitable mechanism or actuator.

[00239] In the illustrated example, to disengage the swivel locking mechanism a user can move the lower portion 1432 away from the peg 1504 by pivoting the lower portion 1432 about the pivot axis 1434 (i.e. toward the deployed position). Pivoting the lower portion 1432 in this manner can automatically lift the aperture 1502 off of the peg 1504, thereby disengaging the peg 1504 from the aperture 1502 without requiring retraction of the peg 1504. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be configured so that the peg 1504 can be selectably retracted so as to be withdrawn from the aperture 1502, which may disengage the locking mechanism without requiring pivoting/ deployment of the lower portion 1432.

[00240] Referring to Figures 25-34 a simplified illustration of another embodiment of a luggage bag 2100 includes shell portions 2120, 2122 and wheels 2152 that are coupled to the bag 2100 using respective wheel supports 2410 The luggage bag 2100 is similar to the luggage bag 100 and like features are identified using like reference characters indexed by 2000. While not all features of the luggage bag 2100 are described in detail below, the luggage bag 2100 may include some or all of the features of the luggage bag 100.

[00241 ] In this example, the wheels 2152 and wheel supports 2410 are analogous to wheels 152 and wheel supports 410, and can be selectably moved between deployed position (as shown, for example, in Figures 25, 26 and 31 -34) and a stowed position (as shown, for example, in Figures 27-28). In the stowed position, the wheels 2152 and wheel supports 2410 are nested within respective wheel housings 2412.

[00242] Referring to Figures 26 and 28, in the illustrated example, each wheel support 24 0 includes an upper portion 2430 that is swivelly coupled to the base wall 2416 of the wheel housing 2412, and a lower portion 2432 that is movably coupled to the upper portion 2430. In the illustrated example, the connection between the upper and lower portions 2430 and 2432 includes a pivot joint 2450 (Figures 26 and 34) configured such that the lower portion 2432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 2430 about a pivot axis 2434. The wheels 2152 are rotatably coupled to the lower portions 2432 of the wheel supports 2410, and are rotatable about respective rotation axes 2404.

[00243] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 2432 is movable between a generally upright/ vertical position (Figure 26) that corresponds to the wheels 2152 deployed position, and a generally flat or horizontal position (as illustrated in Figure 28), that corresponds to the stowed position.

[00244] Referring to Figures 26 and 30, the luggage bag 2100 includes deployment locking mechanism that is operable to lock the wheels 2152 in both the deployed and stowed positions. Specifically, the deployment locking mechanism is operable selectably inhibit movement of the lower portion 2432 relative to the upper portion 2430.

[00245] In this example, the deployment locking mechanism includes a user-accessible actuator in the form of a moveable linkage member 2480. The linkage member has a first end 2482 that is connected to the upper portion 2430 and a second end 2484 that is connectable to the lower portion 2432. In the illustrated example, the lower portion 2432 includes two apertures 2486a (Figure 30) and 2486b (Figure 26), spaced apart from each other, that are each configured to receive a prong 2488 (Figure 26 and 30) extending from the second end 2484 of the linkage member 2480. The apertures 2486a and 2486b are positioned, and the linkage member 2480 is sized, so that when the wheels 2152 are deployed the prong 2488 engages the lower aperture 2486a. In this configuration, the linkage member 2480 braces the lower portion 2432 in the vertical position, inhibits movement of the lower portion 2432 relative to the upper portion 2430 and thereby locks the wheel 2152 in the deployed position .

[00246] When the wheels 2152 are stowed, the linkage member 2480 is positioned so that the prong 2488 engages the upper aperture 2486b. In this configuration, the linkage member 2480 secures the lower portion 2432 in the horizontal position, inhibits movement of the lower portion 2432 relative to the upper portion 2430 and thereby locks the wheel 2152 in the stowed position.

[00247] To move the wheels 2152 between the deployed and stowed positions, the user can manually move the linkage member 2480 so that the prong 2488 is withdrawn from both apertures 2486a and 2486b, move the lower portion 2432 into the desired position and then re-engage the linkage member 2480 so that the prong 2488 is inserted into the appropriate aperture 2486a or 2486b to lock the lower portion 2432 in place. [00248] Optionally, the linkage member 2480 may be removable from the wheel support 2410. Alternatively, the first end 2482 of the linkage member 2480 may be non-removably fastened to the upper portion 2340 but can be allowed to translate and/or rotate relative to the upper portion 2340 to facilitate reconfiguration of the linkage member 2480.

[00249] In the illustrated example, when the wheels 2152 are in the stowed configuration, the entirety of the wheel supports 2410, including the linkage members 2480, are located within their respective wheel housing 2412 and do not protrude beyond the surfaces of the luggage bag 2100.

[00250] Referring to Figures 35-41 , another example of a wheel support 3410 that can be used in combination with the luggage bag 100 is illustrated (for example as an alternative to any of the other wheel supports described herein). The wheel support 3410, and wheel 3152, are analogous to the wheel support 410 and wheel 152 and like features are illustrated using like reference characters indexed by 3000.

[00251 ] Referring to Figures 35 and 36, in the illustrated example, each wheel support 3410 includes an upper portion 3430 that is swivelly coupled to the base wall 3416 (i.e. rotatable about swivel axis 3406), and a lower portion 4432 that is pivotally coupled to the upper portion 4430, by pivot joint 3450, such that the lower portion 3432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 3430 about a pivot axis 3434. The wheels 3152 are rotatably coupled to the lower portions 3432 of the wheel supports 3410, and are rotatable about respective rotation axes 3404. The connection between the upper portion 3430 and the lower portion 3432 may include any suitable type of biasing and/or locking mechanism to provide selective pivoting of the lower portion 3432 relative to the upper portion 3430, including those described herein.

[00252] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 3432 is movable between a generally upright/ vertical position (Figures 35-38) that corresponds to the deployed position, and a generally flat or horizontal position as illustrated in Figures 40 and 41 .

[00253] Referring to Figure 38, in the illustrated example the lower portion 3432 includes two spaced apart struts 3600a and 3600b positioned on opposite sides of the wheel 3152. The wheel 3152 is rotatably connected to each strut 3600a and 3600b. In this configuration, both sides of the wheel are supported by the lower portion 3432, as opposed to being only supported on one side as illustrated in wheel support 410. This may help support the wheel 3152. [00254] Referring also to Figure 37, the struts 3600a and 3600b are configured so that when the wheel 3152 is deployed at least a portion of the wheel 3152 is located below the swivel joint so that the swivel axis 3406 intersects the wheel 3152. In the illustrated example the struts 3600a and 3600b have a swept-type configuration so that while the swivel axis 3406 intersects a portion of the wheel 3152, the rotation axis 3404 is offset from the swivel axis 3406 by an axis offset distance 3602. Offsetting the rotation axis 3404 from the swivel axis 3406 may help facilitate swiveling of the wheel support 3410 while the suitcase is rolling along a surface. Optionally, the offset distance 3602 may be any suitable distance that is less than or equal to half of the diameter 3446 of the wheel 3152. Alternatively, the struts 3600a and 3600b may be configured so that the offset distance 3602 is greater than half of the diameter 3446 and the wheel 3152 is laterally aligned with but not actually intersected by the swivel axis 3406.

[00255] To move the wheel 3152 into the stowed position , the lower portion 3432 is pivoted about the pivot axis 3434 into a horizontal orientation (Figures 39 and 40), and then swiveled (if necessary) about the swivel axis 3406 (Figure 41 ) into the final stowed position.

[00256] Referring to Figures 39-41 , in the illustrated example the wheel support 3410 includes a swivel locking mechanism in the form of a swivel lock 3500 that includes a first engagement member, in the form of an open region 3604 in the interior of the strut 3600a, and a corresponding second engagement member, in the form of a peg 3504 provided on the base wall 3416. The peg 3504 is analogous to peg 504 and may operate in an analogous manner. When the peg 3504 is inserted into the open region 3604 rotation of the wheel support 3410 about the swivel axis 3406 is inhibited.

[00257] Referring to Figure 35, when the wheel support 3410 is deployed, i.e. when the lower portion 3432 is vertical, the open region 3604 is spaced apart from the peg 3504 and the wheel support 3410 is free to swivel about the swivel axis 3406.

[00258] Referring to Figures 39-41 , when a user wishes to stow the wheels 3152 the user will pivot the lower portion 3432 toward the base wall 3416 and bring the open region 3604 toward the peg 3504. If the open region 3604 happened to be aligned/ registered with the peg 3504 when the lower portion 3432 was rotated, the aperture 3502 may engage the peg 3504 thereby locking the wheel support 3410 and preventing swiveling. Alternatively, if the open region 3604 is not registered with the peg 3504 when the lower portion 3432 is pivoted, as shown in Figures 39-41 , the lower portion 3432 can be rotated to bring the open region 3604 into alignment with the peg 3504. The lower portion 3432 and peg 3504 can be provided with any type of suitable alignment and/or engagement surfaces to help facilitate alignment, including those described herein. To disengage the open region 3604 from the peg 3504, the lower portion 3432 can be pivoted away from the peg 3504.

[00259] Optionally, the wheel support 3410 can include any suitable deployment locking mechanism. In the illustrated example, the wheel support 3410 includes a deployment locking mechanism 3452 (Figure 35) that is analogous to deployment locking mechanism 1452, and includes a release actuator in the form of a button 3468. In the illustrated example, the button 3486 is at the juncture between the upper portion 3430 and the lower portion 3432, and is translatable along the axis 3434. The internal portions of the deployment locking mechanism 3452 are not illustrated in the figures, but can be analogous to the internal portions of the locking mechanism 1452.

[00260] Referring to Figure 36, in the illustrated example the strut 3600a includes a pair of spaced apart arms 3610. Each arm 3610 is pivotally coupled to the upper portion 3430, so that the strut 3600a has two pivot connection points with the upper portion 3430.

[00261 ] Referring to Figures 42-48, another example of a wheel support 4410 that can be used in combination with the luggage bag 100 is illustrated (for example as an alternative to any of the other wheel supports described herein). The wheel support 4410, and wheel 4152, are analogous to the wheel support 410 and wheel 152 and like features are illustrated using like reference characters indexed by 4000.

[00262] Referring to Figures 42 and 43, in the illustrated example, each wheel support 4410 includes an upper portion 4430 that is swivelly coupled to the base wall 4416 (i.e. rotatable about swivel axis 4406), and a lower portion 4432 that is pivotally coupled to the upper portion 4430, by pivot joint 4450, such that the lower portion 4432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 4430 about a pivot axis 4434. The wheel 4152 is rotatably coupled to the lower portions 4432 of the wheel supports 4410, and is rotatable about respective rotation axis 4404. The connection between the upper portion 4430 and the lower portion 4432 may include any suitable type of biasing and/or locking mechanism to provide selective pivoting of the lower portion 4432 relative to the upper portion 4430, including those described herein. [00263] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 4432 is movable between a generally upright/ vertical position (Figures 42-45) that corresponds to the deployed position, and a generally flat or horizontal position (as illustrated in Figure 49), that corresponds to the stowed position.

[00264] Referring to Figure 42, in the illustrated example the lower portion 4432 includes two spaced apart struts 4600a and 4600b positioned on opposite 4ides of the wheel 4152. The wheel 4152 is rotatably connected to each strut 4600a and 4600b. In this configuration, both sides of the wheel are supported by the lower portion 4432, as opposed to being only supported on one side as illustrated in wheel support 410. This may help support the wheel 4 52.

[00265] Referring also to Figure 43 and 44, the struts 4600a and 4600b are configured so that when the wheel 4152 is deployed at least a portion of the wheel 4152 is located below the swivel joint so that the swivel axis 4406 intersects the wheel 4152. In the illustrated example the struts 4600a and 4600b have a swept-type configuration so that while the swivel axis 4406 intersects a portion of the wheel 4152, the rotation axis 4404 is offset from the swivel axis 4406 by an axis offset distance 4602.

[00266] To move the wheel 4152 into the stowed position, the lower portion 4432 is pivoted about the pivot axis 4434 into a horizontal orientation and then swiveled (if necessary) about the swivel axis 4406 (Figure 41 ) into the final stowed position. The lower portion 4432 may engage the peg 4504 in the manner described herein with relation to lower portion 3432.

[00267] Optionally, the wheel support 4410 can include any suitable deployment locking mechanism. In the illustrated example, the wheel support 4410 includes a deployment locking mechanism 4452 (Figure 46) that is analogous to deployment locking mechanism 1452, and includes a release actuator in the form of a button 4468. In the illustrated example, the button 4468 is at the juncture between the upper portion 4430 and the lower portion 4432, and is translatable along the axis 4434. The internal portions of the deployment locking mechanism 4452 are not illustrated in the figures, but can be analogous to the internal portions of the locking mechanism 1452.

[00268] Referring to Figure 44, in the illustrated example the strut 4600b includes a pair of spaced apart arms 4610. However, instead of being directly and pivotally coupled to the upper portion 4430, each arm 4610 is connected to a bridge portion 4612 which is pivotally coupled to the upper portion 4430. This may help simplify the construction of the swivel joint 4450. [00269] Referring to Figures 49-55, another example of a wheel support 5410 that can be used in combination with the luggage bag 100 is illustrated (for example as an alternative to any of the other wheel supports described herein). The wheel support 5410, and wheel 5152, are analogous to the wheel support 410 and wheel 152 and like features are illustrated using like reference characters indexed by 5000.

[00270] Referring to Figures 49 and 51 , in the illustrated example, the wheel support 5410 includes an upper portion 5430 that is swivelly coupled to the base wall 5416 (i.e. rotatable about swivel axis 5406), and a lower portion 5432 that is pivotally coupled to the upper portion 5430, by pivot joint 5450, such that the lower portion 5432 can pivot relative to the upper portion 5430 about a pivot axis 5434. The wheel 5152 is rotatably coupled to the lower portion 5432 of the wheel support 5410, and is rotatable about respective rotation axis 5404. The connection between the upper portion 5430 and the lower portion 5432 may include any suitable type of biasing and/or locking mechanism to provide selective pivoting of the lower portion 5432 relative to the upper portion 5430, including those described herein.

[00271 ] In the illustrated example, the lower portion 5432 is movable between a generally upright/ vertical position (Figures 49-52) that corresponds to the wheel deployed position, and a generally flat or horizontal position (as illustrated in Figures 53-55), that corresponds to the wheel stowed position.

[00272] Referring to Figure 51 , in the illustrated example the lower portion 5432 includes a single strut member rotatably supporting the wheel 5152. Referring also to Figures 50 and 52, in the illustrated example the lower portion 5432 is shaped so that when the wheel 5152 is deployed at least a portion of the wheel 51 52 is located below the swivel joint so that the swivel axis 5406 intersects the wheel 5152. In the illustrated example the lower portion 5432 has a swept-type configuration so that while the swivel axis 5406 intersects a portion of the wheel 51 52, the rotation axis 5404 is offset from the swivel axis 5406 by an axis offset distance 5602.

[00273] Optionally, the wheel support 5410 may include a swivel locking mechanism to help prevent the wheel support 5410 and wheel 5152 from swiveling while in the stowed position. The swivel locking mechanism may be of any suitable configuration, including the swivel locking mechanism described above. [00274] In the illustrated example the wheel support 5410 includes a swivel locking mechanism having a first engagement member in the form of a post 5520 (Figure 52) that is provided on the lower portion 5432, and a second engagement member in the form of an aperture 5522 (Figure 51 and 53) in the base wall 5416 that is sized to snugly receive the post 5520.

[00275] To move the wheel 5152 into the stowed position, the wheel support 54 0 can be swiveled about the swivel axis 5406 until the post 5520 is in an aligned storage orientation, in which the post 5520 is generally registered with the aperture 5522. Then, the lower portion 5432 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 5434 until the free end of the post 5520 is inserted into the aperture 5522. This can inhibit swiveling of the wheel support 5410.

[00276] To unlock the swivel locking mechanism, the lower portion 5432 is pivoted away from the base wall 5416, thereby extracting the post 5520 from the aperture 5520.

[00277] Optionally, the wheel support 5410 can include any suitable deployment locking mechanism. In the illustrated example, the wheel support 5410 includes a deployment locking mechanism 5452 (Figure 53) that is analogous to deployment locking mechanism 1452, and includes a release actuator in the form of a button 5468 and a guard member in the form of a guard ring 5474. In the illustrated example, the button 5468 is at the juncture between the upper portion 5430 and the lower portion 5432, and is translatable along the axis 5434. The internal portions of the deployment locking mechanism 5452 are not illustrated in the figures, but can be analogous to the internal portions of the locking mechanism 1452.

[00278] While illustrated in different embodiments above, it is understood that other embodiments of wheel assemblies may include different combinations and sub-combinations of the upper portions, lower portions, wheels, couplings, deployment locking mechanisms, swivel locking mechanisms and other features described herein, as well as other suitable couplings and mechanisms.

[00279] For example, the deployment locking mechanism in the embodiments of Figures 10-24 may be used in combination with the upper and lower portions of any other embodiments (including the embodiments of Figures 35-55). Similarly, the deployment locking mechanism in the embodiment of Figures 26-24 may also be used in combination with the upper and lower portions of any other embodiments (including the embodiments of Figures 35- 55). The swivel locking mechanism of Figures 20-25 may be used in combination with any other aspects of the wheel supports illustrated herein, including, for example the upper and lower portions of Figures 1 -19 and 26-55, and any suitable deployment locking mechanism, including the mechanisms of Figures 10-55.

[00280] The swivel locking mechanism of Figures 49-55 may be used in combination with any other aspects of the wheel supports illustrated herein, including, for example the upper and lower portions of Figures 1 -48, and any suitable deployment locking mechanism, including the mechanisms of Figures 10-55.

[00281 ] Any of the swivel and locking mechanisms may be used in combination with wheel supports in which the lower portion includes a single strut (i.e. mounted to one side of the wheel) and/or wheel supports in which the lower member includes a pair of spaced apart struts (i.e. one strut provided on each side of the wheel).

[00282] While the above description provides examples of one or more apparatuses or methods, it will be appreciated that other apparatuses or methods may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.