Automatically Retractable Adjustable Foot For Luggage Case With Wheels

Abstract

An article of upright rolling luggage with wheels is provided having one or more adjustable feet for stabilizing the luggage case in the upright position. The luggage case includes one or more wheels rotatably mounted to a portion of the luggage case substantially at a rear edge of a bottom wall of the luggage case. One or more bases extend from the bottom wall and have at least one portion spaced apart from the wheel. One or more feet are movably mounted to the base where the foot is movable from a first position substantially adjacent to the bottom wall to a second position extending away from the bottom wall. A locking mechanism is provided which allows the foot to be held in the first position and manually rotated and automatically looked into the second position. Upon depressing a release mechanism, the foot is unlocked and automatically rotated from the second position into the first position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to luggage, and more particularly, automatically retractable movable structures for stabilizing luggage with wheels.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] It is known that a rolling luggage case can be equipped with one or more adjustable feet to prevent the luggage case from falling from an upright position. The one or more adjustable feet can be extended from a retracted position to an extended position when required to stabilize the luggage case in the upright position. Without the one or more feet in the extended position, the center of gravity of a large luggage case or heavily loaded luggage case could cause the luggage case to topple over.

[0004] One example of a rolling luggage case with one or more feet for stabilizing the luggage case in the upright position can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,436 to Hoberman et al. The rolling luggage case is equipped with one or more bases extending from the bottom wall and one or more feet movably mounted to the base. The one or more feet are movable between a first position substantially adjacent to the bottom wall to a second position extending away from the bottom wall. The one or more bases and/or feet can include any suitable mechanism for locking the one or more feet in one or more positions, particularly the first or retracted position and the second or extended position.

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a pushbutton for disengaging a key from a bore which allows the foot to be manually rotated between the first and second positions. In another embodiment, the foot is defined by a disc disposed in a recess defined in the base. The disc includes a nub for engaging one or more notches formed in the peripheral wall of the recess. A bias member can be provided to bias the disc toward the peripheral wall. Once the nub is disengaged from the one or more notches, the disc is free to rotate within the recess from a first locked position to a second locked position.

[0006] One drawback to the foregoing embodiments of the one or more bases and/or feet mounted on the bottom wall of the rolling luggage case with a locking mechanism is that the foot must be manually unlocked and rotated when it is desired to move the one or more feet between the first and second positions. This can be especially inconvenient when transiting between an automobile and the luggage check and/or luggage claim at an airport. It is much more desirable to be able to rotate the one or more feet from the first or retracted position to the second or extended position without having to unlock the feet. Moreover, it is also desirable that the one or more feet automatically lock into position when rotated into the second or extended position. Finally, it would also be highly desirable to be able to conveniently unlock the one or more feet from the second or extended position and have the one or more feet automatically move to the first or retracted position.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a luggage case with one or more bases and/or feet that automatically lock when rotated to the second or extended position. Further, the present invention includes a release mechanism which is depressed to release the one or more feet allowing the one or more feet to automatically rotate to the first or retracted position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to an article of luggage of the upright rolling type. The luggage case includes a luggage case having a bottom wall, a top wall opposed from the bottom wall and a rear wall extending between a rear edge of the bottom wall and a rear edge of the top wall. The invention also includes one or more wheels rotatably mounted to a portion of the luggage case substantially at the rear of the edge of the bottom wall.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, there is one or more base members that extend from the bottom wall and have at least one portion spaced apart from the wheel. There is one or more adjustable feet movably mounted to the base member where the foot is movable from a first position substantially adjacent to the bottom wall to a second position extending away from the bottom wall. The upright rolling luggage case includes an extensible luggage handle mounted adjacent to the rear wall of the luggage case.

[0010] The base members include an elongated body extending between opposing end portions and a foot pivotally attached to the opposing end portions. Additionally, the elongated body extends in a direction generally parallel to the rear edge of the bottom wall where the feet are pivotally attached to the opposing end portions. Further, the one or more feet extend a first distance from the bottom wall when moved to the second position and the one or more wheels can extend a second distance from the bottom wall where the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0011] The one or more base members include a ground engaging surface opposed from the bottom wall. The fool is movable from the first position, where the foot is between the bottom wall and the ground engaging surface, to a second position where at least a portion of the foot extends from the bottom wall and beyond the ground engaging surface.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the luggage case includes one or more base members that extend from the bottom wall and have at least one portion spaced apart from the wheel. There is one or more adjustable feet movably mounted to the base members where the foot is movable from a first position substantially adjacent to the bottom wall to a second position extending away from the bottom wall.

[0013] The one or more base members include a ground engaging surface opposed from the bottom wall. The foot is movable from the first position, where the foot is between the bottom wall and tire ground engaging surface, to a second position where at least a portion of the foot extends from the bottom wall and beyond the ground engaging surface.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more base members also include a locking mechanism associated with the foot. The locking mechanism is configured for maintaining the foot in the first position while allowing the foot to be rotated into the second position. The locking mechanism is further configured for locking the foot into the second position when the foot is rotated to the second position. The invention includes a locking mechanism operatively associated with the locking mechanism which is operated to unlock the foot from the second position. Once the release mechanism is operated, the foot is unlocked from the second position and a first biasing member automatically causes the foot to be rotated into the first position.

[0015] The release mechanism includes at least one movable member. The at least one movable member includes a slidable block having a nub on one end. The sliding block and nub are biased towards the foot by a second biasing member. The second biasing member includes a coil spring. The nub engages a notch on the foot when the foot is rotated into the first position to maintain the foot in the first position. The nub also engages a slot in the foot to lock the foot in the second position when the foot is rotated into the second position. The release mechanism also includes a pushbutton which is operatively connected to the slidable block. The pushbutton is depressed to cause the slidable block to move and retract the nub from the slot in the foot when the foot is in the second position. The retraction of the nub from the slot allows the foot to freely rotate relative to the end of the base member. The first biasing member automatically rotates the foot towards the first position until the nub engages the notch on the foot. Once the foot is rotated into the first position, the nub engages the notch on the foot to prevent the foot from being rotated past the first position. Thus, the foot is maintained in the first position by the nub engaging the notch on the foot. The foot is maintained in the first position until manually rotated into the second position.

[0016] The foot includes one or more recessed portions which are configured for grasping the foot and rotating the foot from the first position to the second position. The recessed portions include a knurled grip having a plurality of ridges for easy grasping of the foot.

[0017] The foot is rotatably mounted on the end of the base member by being fitted over a spindle. The spindle is defined in a cover that fits over a recess in the end of the base member. The spindle is fitted into a bore in a cylindrical boss defined in the recess. When assembled, the foot is sandwiched between the cover and the recess. A fastening means such as one or more fasteners secure the cover over the recess on the end of the base member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of upright rolling luggage that is useful for understanding the invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base for the article of upright rolling luggage of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the bottom of the upright rolling luggage of FIG. 1 with the feet in a first position.

[0021] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bottom of the upright rolling luggage of FIG. 1 with the feet in a second position.

[0022] FIG. 3C is a side view of a portion of the base in FIG. 2 that is useful for understanding how a foot can be moved from a first position to a second position.

[0023] FIG. 4A is a side view of the article of upright rolling luggage of FIG. 1 with feet in a first position.

[0024] FIG. 4B is a side view of the article of upright rolling luggage of FIG. 1 with feet in a second position.

[0025] FIG. 5A is an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of a luggage base that is useful for illustrating a mechanism for locking a foot in a plurality of positions.

[0026] FIG. 5B is an exploded front perspective view of the portion of the luggage base shown in FIG. 5A.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view of a portion of a luggage base with a cover removed that is useful for illustrating a mechanism for locking a foot in a first position.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the portion of a luggage base with the cover removed shown in FIG. 6A that is useful for illustrating the mechanism locking the foot in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention includes an article of upright rolling luggage that provides a solution to rolling luggage that has a tendency to topple. More particularly, the invention provides additional support for articles of rolling luggage with expandable front loading compartments that can shift the luggage's center of gravity, resulting in the increased tendency to topple. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to rolling luggage with front loading compartments and can be used with any type, design, and configuration of rolling luggage.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is an article of upright rolling luggage 100 in one arrangement appropriate for use when extra support is needed. The article of rolling luggage 100 includes a luggage case 10, one or more rotatably mounted wheels 15, one or more bases 120, and one or more feet 150 pivotally mounted to the base 120. The article of rolling luggage 100 can also include an extensible luggage handle 30 and expandable front compartment 60.

[0031] The case 10 includes a bottom wall 35 and a top wall 40 opposed from the bottom wall 35. The bottom wall 35 and the top wall 40 can be generally parallel with each other as is known with most rectangular shaped luggage; however, the invention is not limited in this regard as either the bottom wall 35 or the top wall 40 can include curved portions that would not be considered parallel with each other. As used herein, the phrase generally parallel includes true parallel and slight deviations therefrom.

[0032] The luggage case 10 further includes a rear wall 45 that extends between a rear edge 50 of the bottom wall 35 and a rear edge 55 of the top wall 40. The case 10 can also include a front wall 65 that extends between a front edge 70 of the bottom wall 35 and a front edge 75 of the top wall 40. Similar to the bottom wall 35 and the top wall 40, the front wall 85 and the rear wall 45 can be generally parallel with each other; however, such a configuration is not necessary. The luggage case 10 can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a cloth material, a webbed material, leather, hard plastic, and even metal. Further, it should be noted that the luggage case 10 can be constructed of multiple materials in combination, such as luggage case 10 with walls of cloth and edges of hard plastic.

[0033] The one or more wheels 15 can be rotatably mounted to a portion of the luggage case 10 substantially at the rear edge 50 of the bottom wall 35. Thus, the scope of invention includes variations having the wheels 15 rotatably mounted to the bottom wall 35, rotatably mounted to the rear wall 45, rotatably mounted in the general region defined by the junction of the rear wall 45 and the bottom wall 35, and rotatably mounted to the rear edge 50. The wheels 15 can be rotatably mounted with any suitable structure, such as on an axel coupled to the case 10. Additionally, the wheels 15 can be constructed of any suitable material such as hard plastic, rubber, and the like.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the wheels 15 can extend some distance beyond the bottom wall 35 so that the luggage case 10 can be rolled on the wheels 15. The distance beyond the bottom wall 35 which the wheels 15 extend can vary according to the point of coupling and/or the radius length of the wheel 15; however, the invention is not limited to any particular distance as any distance beyond the bottom wall 35 is suitable. It should be noted that providing a wheel 15 having a radius that extends a relatively large distance beyond the bottom wall 35 can ease the burden of rolling the luggage case 10 over uneven terrain.

[0035] The luggage case 10 can also include an expandable front compartment 60 that can be coupled to and/or included with the front wall 85. As is known in the arts, the front compartment 80 can be used for storing additional objects and can be extended outward from the front wall 85. When the front compartment 80 is loaded with objects, particularly heavy objects, the center of gravity of the luggage case 10 can shift towards the front compartment 60. Consequently, the shift in the center of gravity can result in inadvertent and unwanted toppling of the luggage case 10.

[0036] To add extra support to the luggage case 10 and prevent the luggage falling from an upright position, the luggage case 10 includes one or more bases 120 extending from the bottom wall 35 and having one or more portions spaced apart from the wheel 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the base 120 can be located on the bottom wall 35 proximate to the front edge 70 and can extend outward from the bottom wall 35 in a downward direction. Furthermore, the base 120 can have an elongated body 180 and can be orientated so that the elongated body 180 extends in a direction generally parallel to the rear edge 50. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited in either location of the base 120 and the orientation of the base 120. For example, the base 120 can be located along any portion of the bottom wall 35 where one or more portions of the base 120 are spaced from wheel 15. Additionally, the base 120 can be orientated so that the elongated body 180 extends in a direction that is at an angle with the rear edge 50 and in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the rear edge 50.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the base 120. The base 120 is shown having the elongated body 180 extending between opposing end portions 185 and 190. The base 120 can include one or more cylindrical bosses 105 for receiving fasteners, such as screws, for mounting the base 120 to the bottom wall 35 of the luggage case 10. Although the base 120 is shown as being generally rectangular, the invention contemplates a variety of other configurations, including shapes with curves such as a crescent shape. Additionally, the base 120 can be constructed of any suitable material such as a hard plastic, rubber, metal, and the like.

[0038] The base 120 can have one or more feet 150 movably mounted to the base 120. In one arrangement, the feet 150 can be movably mounted to the base 120 and partially housed within a recess 121 (FIG. 5A) of the base 120. The feet 150 could have a bore 152 (FIG. 5A) that pivots about a spindle 145 (FIG. 5A) Inside the recess 121 (FIG. 5A). This arrangement allows the feet 150 to be movable from a first or retracted position (FIG. 3A) that is substantially adjacent to the base 120 to a second or extended position (FIG. 3B) that positions the feet 150 extended away from the bottom wall 35. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited in this regard as any movable coupling arrangement can be used.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the feet 150 can be movably coupled to the opposing end portions 185 and 190. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to an arrangement where the feet 150 are attached to both end portions 185 and 190. In one embodiment (not shown), the elongated body 180 of base 120 can be orientated generally perpendicular with bottom edge 50 and only one foot 150 can be movably coupled to an opposing end 185 that is adjacent to the front wall 65 and opposite to the rear wall 45. While such an arrangement will adequately support the article of rolling luggage 100, one skilled in the art would appreciate the balancing affect provided by adding more than one base 120 orientated generally perpendicular with the bottom edge 50 and having a foot 150 movably attached to an opposing end 185. Still further, the invention is not limited to the feet 150 being attached to the end portions 185 and 190, as the feet 150 can be movably mounted anywhere along the elongated body 180.

[0040] Further, it should be noted that the base 120 and/or the feet 150 can include any suitable mechanism for locking the feet 150 in one or more positions, particularly including the first position and the second position. In one arrangement, there is a locking mechanism for each foot 150 for locking the foot 150 in the second or extended position. In use, a foot 150 is simply rotated from the retracted or first position to the extended or second position and the associated locking mechanism locks the foot 150 into the extended or second position. Each foot 150 can have a recessed portion or grip 158 for grasping the foot 150 and rotating the foot 150 from the retracted position to the extended position. The recessed portion or grip 158 can be knurled to provide additional friction for improved grasping.

[0041] Each of the aforementioned locking mechanisms can also be operatively associated with a release mechanism for releasing the foot from the extended or second position. The release mechanism can include a spring biased sliding pushbutton 184 disposed adjacent to the respective end portions 185 and 190. When either or both of the pushbuttons 184 are depressed, the associated locking mechanism releases the foot 150 so the foot 150 is free to rotate to the first or retracted position. The motion of depressing the pushbutton 184 in the direction of towards the center of the base 120 is illustrated in phantom and with arrow 300 in FIG. 3C. In addition, the pushbutton 184 can be knurled for improved grasping. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as there could be other types of release mechanisms other than pushbutton 184.

[0042] Each foot 150 is spring biased in the direction of the first or retracted position so that when the foot 150 is released from the second or extended position by depressing pushbutton 184, the foot 150 automatically moves to the first or retracted position. The motion of depressing the pushbutton 184 in the direction of towards the center of the base is illustrated in phantom and with an arrow in FIG. 3C. The automatic rotation of foot 150 by depressing pushbutton 184 affords greater convenience in returning foot 150 from the second or extended position to the first or retracted position.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, a foot 150 is movable from a first position substantially adjacent to the bottom wall 35 to a second position extending away from the bottom wall 35. The first position can orientate the foot 150 to laterally extend from the end portion 185 and the second position can orientate the foot 150 to extend in a downward direction away from the bottom wall 35. The motion of moving the foot 150 from the first position to the second position is illustrated in phantom and with arrow 305.

[0044] The base 120 can also include a ground engaging surface 182 that is opposed from the bottom wall 35. As the ground engaging surface 182 extends outwardly from the bottom wall 35, the ground engaging surface 182 can prevent the bottom wall 35 from engaging the ground. Thus, the ground engaging surface 182 can protect the bottom wall 35 from damage such as tears and/or scratches. The ground engaging surface 182 can include a durable material, such as a hard plastic or rubber, that is able to withstand wear and tear associated with dragging the ground engaging surface 182 along the ground.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3C, the foot 150 can be positioned in a first position where the foot 150 is between the bottom wall 35 and the ground engaging surface 182. In this first position, the foot 150 does not extend outward beyond the ground engaging surface 182. Thus, the ground engaging surface 182 will generally be the portion, other than wheels 15, of the article of upright rolling luggage 100 that contacts the ground when rested in an upright orientation.

[0046] Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 4A which depicts a side view of luggage case 10 standing level in the upright position resting on the wheels 15 and the ground engaging surface 182 of base 120. This arrangement may adequately support the article of luggage 100 when the center of gravity is not too far toward the front the luggage case 10. In these circumstances, the feet 150 can be conveniently stored in the first position where they do not extend beyond the edge of the case, and therefore, are positioned to limit interference and damage. Nevertheless, the feet 150 are readily available when additional support is needed.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, foot 150 can be moved to a second position where the one or more portions of the foot 150 extend away from the bottom wall 35 and beyond the engaging surface 182. In this second position, the foot 150 will be the portion of the article of upright rolling luggage 100 to engage the ground, instead of the engaging surface 182, when rested in an upright orientation. By extending beyond the ground engaging surface 182 and away from the bottom wall 35, the foot 150 can extend a distance from the bottom wall 38 which is approximately equal to or greater than the distance that the wheel 15 extends from the bottom of the wall 35. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited in this regard. For instance, the engaging surface 182 can extend away from the bottom wall 35 the same distance at which the wheel 15 extends from the bottom wall 35. Thus, when the foot 150 is moved to the second position, at least a portion of the foot 150 will extend beyond the ground engaging surface 182 and away from the bottom wall 35 a greater distance than the distance that the wheel 15 extends from the bottom of the wall 35.

[0048] Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 4B which depicts a side view of luggage case 10 standing in the upright position at an angle with the ground and resting on feet 150 and wheels 15. The feet 150 are in the second position extending a distance from the bottom wall 35 which is relatively greater than the distance which the wheels 15 extend from the bottom wall 35. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to any particular distance that the feet 150 or the wheels 15 extend from the bottom wall 35 as the distances are relative to each other. It should be readily understood that the feet 150 can extend a first distance from the bottom wall 35 when moved to the second position and that the wheels 15 can extend a second distance from the bottom wall 35. In this embodiment, the first distance is greater than the second distance. Such a difference in distance can cause the article of rolling luggage 100 to stand at an angle with the ground when in the upright position, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0049] Such an arrangement is useful when the front compartment has been loaded, and consequently, the luggage case 10 center of gravity has shifted. Extending the feet 150 to the second position causes the luggage case 10 to lean and effectively supports the shifted center of gravity. Without the feet 150 in the second position, the shifted center of gravity may cause the luggage case 10 to fall from its upright position.

[0050] The luggage case 10 can also include an extensible luggage handle 30 mounted adjacent to the rear wall 45. The extensible luggage handle 30 can include elongated telescoping support members with a handle. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the invention is not limited in this regard as any suitable extensible luggage handle 30 that is known within the arts can be used. Additionally, the extensible luggage handle 30 can be constructed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or hard rubber.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is illustrated an exploded rear perspective view of an end portion 190 of base 120 showing an arrangement for permitting a foot 150 to be rotated between the first or retracted position and the second or extended position. A foot 150 could also be similarly mounted on the opposite end portion 185 (FIG. 2).

[0052] The foot 150 includes an aperture 152 which is fitted over a spindle 145 (FIG. 5B) defined on a cover 140. There is a cylindrical boss 123 which extends from the sidewall 122 of a recess 121 defined partially in the end portion 190 of base 120. The foot 150 includes a pair of opposing recessed portions 155. One of the recessed portions 155 is fitted into the recess 122. The other recessed portion 155 is covered by cover 140. This arrangement effectively sandwiches foot 150 between cover 140 and recess 121 securing foot 150 to the end portion 190 of base 120.

[0053] A threaded borehole 124 in cylindrical boss 123 receives a fastener such as screw 149 for securing cover 140 over foot 150 and recess 121. An aperture 148 in cover 140 allows screw 149 to pass through cover 140 into threaded borehole 124. A pair of opposing threaded cylindrical bosses 129 is disposed on a shelf 130 that is disposed adjacent to recess 121. A pair of complementary apertures 141 formed in cover 140 is for allowing a fastener such as a screw 149 to pass therethrough for threading into a respective threaded borehole 129.

[0054] Collectively, screws 148 passing through apertures 141, 141 and 146 in cover 140 and threaded info the threaded cylindrical bosses 129 and threaded borehole 124 secure cover 140 and foot 150 to base 120. However, it should be understood that other fastening means besides screws 149 that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art could be used to secure cover 140 to recess 121.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5B, there is illustrated an exploded front perspective view of an end portion 190 of the base 120 showing an arrangement for permitting a foot 150 to be rotated between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The arrangement includes a release mechanism such as the aforementioned pushbutton 184. The pushbutton 84 has a post 183 which is inserted through an elongated slot 120a in base 120. The elongated slot 120a allows pushbutton 184 to move relative to base 120 as illustrated by the phantom lines and arrow 300 in FIG. 3C. The post 183 has a square cross-sectional shape and is fitted during assembly into a bore 127a in slidable block 127. The bore 127a also has a square cross-sectional shape to keep post 183 of pushbutton 184 and bore 127a aligned after assembly. A screw 149 (FIG. 5A) inserted into a threaded borehole snot shown) in post 183 is used to secure slidable block 127 to pushbutton 184.

[0056] FIG. 5B also shows how the aperture 152 of foot 150 is fitted over a spindle 145 defined on cover 140. Prior to the foot 150 to be fitted onto spindle 145, a first biasing member such as torsion spring 148 is fitted over spindle 145. A hook 147 on the end of torsion spring 148 is fitted into a slot 142 defined in cover 140. The hook 147 is fitted into slot 142 to prevent the rotation of torsion spring 148 relative to spindle 145. This is an important design feature that enables the automatic rotation of the foot 150 from the second or extended position to the first or retracted position.

[0057] The other end of torsion spring 148 has a projection 149 which during assembly is fitted into an aperture 157 in foot 150. Once foot 150 is assembled onto cover 140, the resulting assembly is installed onto the end portion 190 of base 120. When foot 150 is assembled onto spindle 145 defined on cover 140, foot 150 is in the normal first or retracted position and biased therein by torsion spring 148. The cylindrical boss 123 (FIG. 5A) extending from sidewall 122 of recess 121 is inserted into a bore 146 of spindle 145. When assembled, foot 150 is rotatable about spindle 145 as described further hereinbelow. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the torsion spring 148 as the means for biasing foot 150 into the first position. It should be understood that any suitable biasing means known to one of ordinary skill in the art could be used.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, shown are rear perspective views of an end portion 190 of a base 120 with a foot 150 in a first or retracted position (FIG. 6A) and a locked second or extended position (FIG. 6B). The cover 140 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) has been removed for illustrative purposes. The foot 150 on the end portion 185 (FIG. 2) on the opposite end of base 120 is a rear mirror view of the end portion 190 of base 120 shown in FIG. 8A. The cover 140 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) has been removed to show the operation of the foot 150 as it moved from the first or refracted position (FIG. 6A) to the second or extended position (FIG. 6B).

[0059] The foot 150 is secured in the first or retracted position in FIG. 6A by a slidable block 127 that has a nub 128 extending from one end. The slidable block 127 is fitted into a recess 125 defined in base 120. The slidable block 127 can translate in the recess 125 from one side of the recess 125 to an opposite side of the recess 125. When slidable block 127 is on the one side of the recess 125, such as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a nub 128 on slidable block 127 extends from within recess 125. The nub 128 extends from recess 125 through an aperture defined by a pair of opposing ledges 126. The nub 128 extends into the recessed portion 121 (FIG. 5A) of base 120. Thus, when in the extended position, nub 128 will engage one of a notch 153 (FIG. 6A) or a slot 154 (FIG. 6B) defined in foot 150.

[0060] As previously discussed, slidable block 127 is connected to the pushbutton 184 through an elongated slot 120 disposed in the sidewall partially defining recess 125. Thus, when pushbutton 184 is depressed in the direction of arrow 300 (FIG. 3C), slidable block 127 is forced to translate towards the opposite side of recess 125. This causes nub 128 to retract from within the recessed portion 121 (FIG. 5A) of base 120. When pushbutton 184 is released, a second biasing member such as coil spring 132 is inserted between slidable block 127 and the sidewall of recess 125 to urge slidable block 127 back towards the opposing sidewall. This causes nub 128 to extend from within recess 125 into recess 121 (FIG. 5A) of base 120. The extension and retraction of nub 128 from within recess 121 (FIG. 5A) of base 120 when pushbutton 184 is depressed and released provides a locking feature.

[0061] Specifically, in FIG. 6A the foot 150 is maintained into the first or retracted position partially by the nub 128 engaging a notch 153 formed in foot 150. As previously discussed, torsion spring 148 (FIG. 5B) constantly urges foot 150 to rotate towards the first or retracted position in the direction of arrow 305. However, foot 150 is prevented from rotating any further upward in the direction of arrow 305 by nub 128 engaging notch 153. This effectively maintains foot 150 in the first or retracted position.

[0062] Oppositely, notch 153 does not prevent the rotation effect 150 downward in the direction of arrow 306. Thus, if a downward force in the direction of arrow 306 is placed on foot 150 large enough to overcome the biasing force of torsion spring 143, foot 150 will rotate downward in the direction of arrow 306. The recessed portions or grips 156 could be used for this purpose. This rotation of foot 150 will continue until the slot 154 in foot 150 is rotated in front of nub 128.

[0063] As foot 150 is rotated from the first or retracted position to the second or extended position, a cam portion 153 on foot 150 urges nub 123 into recess 125. Once foot 150 is fully rotated into the second or extended position shown in FIG. 6B, and the nub 128 is aligned with slot 154, nub 128 will be urged into slot 154 by a second biasing member 132 which could be a coil spring 132. This effectively locks foot 150 into the second or extended position. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the coil spring 132 as the means for biasing slidable block 127 and nub 128 towards recess 121. It should be understood that any suitable biasing means known to one of ordinary skill in the art could be used.

[0064] In view of the foregoing, foot 150 will remain in the second or extended position until nub 128 is retracted from slot 154. This only occurs when pushbutton 184 is depressed in the direction of arrow 300 (FIG. 3C). When pushbutton 184 is depressed with enough force to overcome the biasing force of coil spring 132, slidable block 127 is moved to the opposite side of recess 125 and nub 128 is retracted from within slot 154. When this occurs, foot 150 is unobstructed and free to rotate about spindle 145 (FIG. 5B). Since foot 150 is urged upward in the direction of arrow 305 by torsion spring 148, foot 150 will be forced to rotate to the first or retracted position. The foot 150 will be forced to rotate in this manner about spindle 145 (FIG. 5B) until nub 128 engages notch 153 on foot 150. When this occurs, foot 150 is again disposed in the first or refracted position until manually moved to the second or extended position in FIG. 6A.

[0065] The foregoing operation of extending foot 150 can be repeated every time if is desired to ensure the luggage case 10 is stabilized in the upright position. After use, foot 150 is returned to the retracted position automatically by depressing pushbutton 184 (FIG. 5B). This ensures foot 150 is stowed substantially adjacent the bottom wall (FIG. 3A) of the luggage case 10 to prevent foot 150 from being snagged and/or broken when handled or moved on baggage conveyors, sidewalks, luggage carts, escalators, or other places.

[0066] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An article of upright rolling luggage, comprising: a luggage case having a bottom wall, a top wall opposed from said bottom wall, and a rear wall extending between a rear edge of said bottom wall and a rear edge of said top wall; at least one wheel rotatably mounted to a portion of said luggage case substantially at said rear edge of said bottom wall; at least one base extending from said bottom wall and having at least one portion spaced apart from said wheel; at least one foot rotatably mounted to said base, said foot normally biased into a first position where a length of said foot extends in a first direction so that said foot is substantially adjacent to said bottom wall and rotatable to a second position where said length of said foot extends in a second direction away from a plane defined by said bottom wall; and a locking mechanism disposed in said base associated with said foot, said locking mechanism configured for allowing said foot to be freely rotated from said first position to said second position, locking said foot in said second position, and releasing said foot from said second position and automatically rotating said foot from said second position to said first position.

2. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 1 further comprising an extensible luggage handle mounted adjacent to said rear wall of said luggage case.

3. The article of upright rolling luggage of claim 1 wherein said at least one foot is normally biased into said first position by a first biasing member and automatically rotated from said second position to said first position by said first biasing member.

4. The article of upright rolling luggage of claim 3 wherein said first biasing member is a torsion spring.

5. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 1 wherein said base is comprised of an elongated body extending between opposing end portions.

6. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 5 wherein said at least one foot is pivotally attached to one of said opposing end portions.

7. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 6 wherein a second foot is pivotally attached to a second one of said opposing end portions.

8. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 6 wherein, said elongated body extends in a direction generally parallel to said rear edge of said bottom wall.

9. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 8 wherein said at least one foot is pivotally attached to one of said opposing end portions.

10. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 9 wherein a second foot is attached to a second one of said opposing end portions.

11. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism includes a slidable block having a nub that engages a notch in said foot to hold said foot in said first position and a slot in said foot to lock said foot in said second position.

12. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 11 wherein said slidable block and said nub are urged into operative engagement with said notch and said slot on said foot by a second biasing member.

13. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 12 wherein said second biasing member is a coil spring.

14. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 1 further comprising a release mechanism operatively connected to said locking mechanism, said release mechanism being operated to cause said locking mechanism to release said foot from said second position.

15. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 11 wherein said release mechanism includes a pushbutton.

16. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 1 wherein said foot includes a recessed portion for grasping said foot when rotating said foot from said first position to said second position.

17. An article of upright rolling luggage, comprising: a luggage case having a bottom wall, a fop wall opposed from said bottom wall, and a rear wall extending between a rear edge of said bottom wall and a rear edge of said top wall; at least one wheel rotatably mounted to a portion of said luggage case substantially at said rear edge of said bottom wall; at least one base extending from said bottom wall and having at least one portion spaced apart from said wheel; at least one foot rotatably mounted to said base, said foot normally biased into a first position where a length of said foot extends in a first direction so that said foot is substantially adjacent to said bottom wall and rotatable to a second position where said length of said foot extends in a second direction away from a plane defined by said bottom wall; a locking mechanism disposed in said base associated with said foot, said locking mechanism configured for allowing said foot to be freely rotated from said first position to said second position, locking said foot in said second position, and releasing said foot from said second position and automatically rotating said foot from said second position to said first position; and a release mechanism operatively connected to said locking mechanism, said release mechanism being operated to cause said locking mechanism to release said foot from said second position.

18. The article of upright rolling luggage of claim 17 wherein said at least one foot is normally biased into said first position by a first biasing member and automatically rotated from said second position to said first position by said first biasing member.

19. The article of upright rolling luggage of claim 18 wherein said first biasing member is a torsion spring.

20. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 17 wherein said locking mechanism includes a slidable block having a nub that engages a notch in said foot to hold said first in said first position and a slot in said foot to lock said foot in said second position.

21. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 20 wherein said slidable block and said nub are urged into operative engagement with said notch and said slot on said foot by a second biasing member.

22. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 21 wherein said second biasing member is a coil spring.

23. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 17 wherein said release mechanism includes a pushbutton.

24. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 17 wherein said foot includes a recessed portion for grasping said foot when rotating said foot from said first position to said second position.

25. The article of upright rolling luggage according to claim 17 wherein said at least one foot are two feet rotatably mounted one each on opposing ends of said base.