Rolling case with radially recessed roller

#This invention relates to a rolling carrying case which includes a rolling means, such as an elongated roller along an edge of its bottom wall, and an extensible handle above the top wall for rolling the case along a ground surface.

#A plurality of luggage cases are known which may be readily converted from a manual carrying mode of operation to a rolling mode of operation when it is desired to extensively traverse a ground surface. A rolling means, which may be in the form of individual wheels or an elongated roller assembly, is located along, and depends downwardly from, the bottom wall. When it is desired to operate the rolling case in its rolling mode of operation, an extensible handle is moved above the top wall, grasped by the user, and the case is tilted backwards to provide appropriate engagement between the rolling means and ground surface without an interference relationship with respect to other portions of the bottom wall. The bottom wall may also typically include a plurality of feet downwardly extending therefrom. The feet are positioned to support the case on the ground surface in its stationary mode of operation, with the bottom surface being generally parallel to the ground surface.

#The wheels, or other form of rolling means, provided along the bottom surface have, in prior cases, generally depended downwardly an amount greater than the length of the supporting feet. Thus when such prior cases are in their stationary mode of operation and supported by the depending feet, the rolling means has also been in contact with the ground surface. This disadvantageously can affect the stability of the rolling case, particularly if it is on an inclined surface, while the case is being maintained in its stationary mode of operation.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolling carrying case incorporating the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a detailed front view of the lower portion of the carrying case shown in the stationary mode of operation, and the rolling mode of operation being shown in dot/dash.

#FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the case.

#Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3 the rolling carrying case 10 includes opposed top and bottom walls 12, 14; front and back walls 16, 18; and end walls 20, 22. These external walls collectively define an enclosed volume for the reception and removal of contents. An access means, such as zipper 15, may be provided for the opening of the case to permit access to its enclosed volume when it is desired to insert or remove contents therefrom.

#The aforedescribed walls of the case are preferably formed of a soft but rugged fabric material, such as canvas, vinyl, or leather, with such materials being illustrative of the numerous types of materials that may be used to form such carrying cases. A manual handle 13 is provided along the top wall 12 when it is desired to lift and manually carry the case. If desired, additional shoulder straps (not shown) may be provided should it be desired to manually carry the case over the user's shoulders.

#A retractable handle assembly 25 of the well known variety is extendable above the top wall 12. Retractable handle assembly 25 preferably includes a plurality of telescoping sections which may be telescoped downwardly into the case when it is desired to utilize the case in its manual carrying, non-rolling, mode of operation. A rolling means 30 is mounted to an edge of the case at the juncture of bottom wall 14 and rear wall 18. Rolling means 30 is shown as an elongated roller assembly having coaxial sections 32, 34 rotatably mounted about axis 35. It should however be understood that although an elongated roller 30 is shown extending substantially along the entire length of a bottom edge of case 10, alternatively a plurality of individual wheels may be spaced along this edge.