l Retractable wheel assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A retractable wheel assembly includes a bracing member and a wheeled arm pivotally coupled to the bracing member. The wheeled arm is sized and positioned such that the wheeled arm rotates through an aperture of the bracing member. The wheeled arm includes an arm member, a wheel, and an aperture cover shaped and positioned such that when the wheeled arm is in a retracted mode, the aperture cover covers a majority of the aperture, but not substantially all, thereby forming a wheel gap. The wheel assembly includes a deployment arm and a trap member operationally coupled to the deployment arm, including a trap flange sized and positioned to cover the wheel gap when in a closed mode and to substantially uncover the wheel gap in an open mode. The retractable wheel assembly includes a handle operationally coupled to the trap member. Full Article
l Strap handle for a piece of luggage that has been modified to have the strap handle added thereon By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A strap handle for a piece of luggage that has been modified to have the strap handle added thereon. The strap handle includes a strap, and apparatus for having the strap handle added onto the piece of luggage. The apparatus sits within the piece of luggage. The strap engages into the apparatus. Full Article
l Storage and drying device for helmets and accessories (visor, gloves, shoulder pads, neck brace, knee pads, keys, etc.) By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a new method for the safe storage and drying of a helmet and related accessories (spare helmet face shield, sunglasses, goggles, primary gloves, secondary gloves, chin curtain, breath deflector/guard, helmet screws, neck brace, knee pads, elbow pads, chest protector, keys, and remote control gate/garage openers) employed in activities in which a helmet is utilized. The device is suspended utilizing various length interchangeable hanging straps possessing varied attachment methods to accommodate various hanging locations. The side connected hanging straps attach at an angle to the front opening so that the front opening is directed at an upward facing angle off of the vertical plane and a center angle adjustment and interlocking strap is utilized to set a preferred angle and interlink multiple devices hung vertically one under another. The angled orientation enables the device to be bumped or swung without concern that the helmet or other items stored therein will fall out. The shape and flexible nature of the device allows the sides to close in toward the helmet under the weight of a resting helmet. The device employs multiple attachment points and pockets to accommodate the related accessories and their related locations are such that they provide for the easy access to storage and removal based on frequency of use and order in which stored and removed. Full Article
l Combination foldable chair and rolling transport By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A foldable chair, operable between a seating configuration and a rolling transport configuration, the foldable chair comprising a plurality of legs with a roller secured to the distal end of each leg and the proximal end of each leg secured to a column base. Extending from the column base is a column with a first and second end, the column first end secured to the column base and the second end of the column secured to a first platform or seat cushion. A second platform extends downwardly from the first platform for attaching a carrying case. Also included is a backrest rotatably secured to the first platform such that when the backrest is perpendicular to the first platform two roller elements are fully shrouded. When the backrest is rotated 90 degrees and disposed substantially parallel to the seat cushion the roller elements are exposed for rolling contact with the ground surface. Full Article
l Fast detachable side wheel device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A fast detachable side wheel device, comprising: a first wheel cover, a second wheel cover, a wheel body, and a movable component. Firstly, wheel body is fixed in first receiving groove of second wheel cover as a replaceable component. Through positioning of a dovetail groove of first wheel cover and a dovetail tenon of second wheel cover, thus vibration, collision, or detachment of wheel body due to outside force can be avoided. Then, the movable component is used to control the positioning or detaching states between first wheel cover and second wheel cover, thus achieving fast and labor saving assembly and detachment of side wheels. Full Article
l Ultra lightweight suitcase By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT An ultralight suitcase comprises a case framework, case material, pull rods, wheels and supporting legs. The case framework comprises upper connectors, lower connectors, upper corner connectors and lower corner connectors; the bottom parts of the lower corner connectors are connected with the supporting legs; the upper connectors and the lower connectors are connected through supporting connectors; the upper corner connectors and the lower corner connectors are connected through supporting connectors; the upper connectors are connected through supporting connectors; the lower connectors are connected through supporting connectors; the upper corner connectors are connected through supporting connectors; the lower corner connectors are connected through supporting connectors; the whole framework of the case is firmer through the buckling connection between the upper corner connectors and the upper connectors and between the lower corner connectors and the lower connectors, and the total weight of the suitcase remains unchanged. Full Article
l Travel cover with a swivel handle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT Luggage, duffel bags, travel bags and travel covers including travel covers for sporting goods such as, but not limited to, golf bags, skis, snowboards, baseball equipment, soccer equipment, and tennis equipment, and travel covers for tradeshow or conference displays or graphics, product samples, tents (collectively, “travel covers”), for example, are commonly used for conveniently transporting and protecting large objects during travel by walking, car, train and/or airplane. The travel covers may have a handle that my rotate or swivel to adjust to an ergonomic position for pulling or pushing the travel cover. Full Article
l Luggage with a crush proof compartment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A carrying case with a first enclosure ad at least one additional enclosure which includes a substantially rigid, and selectively removable protective compartment which must be oriented at a predetermined position for both insertion and selective removal. The selectively removable protective compartment may be adapted for isolated and secure storing of delicate or fragile items. Full Article
l Customized luggage bag and vacuum forming method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT The instant disclosure relates to a customizable vacuum molding method for forming personalized luggage bags utilizing a customizable vacuum molding device having a main mold body (1) and a personalized pattern module (2) customized to suit a customer preference. The vacuum molding method comprising the steps of: 1) placing the personalized pattern module on a molding surface of the main mold body at a predetermined location; 2) placing a plastic luggage bag substrate onto the molding surface of the vacuum molding device and soften the substrate by heating; and 3) generating negative pressure in the vacuum molding device and stretching the plastic substrate onto the personalized pattern module on the molding surface of the main mold body while cooling the plastic substrate to form a personalized pattern. The instantly disclosed vacuuforming method provides a simple yet cost effective solution for manufacturing luggage bags having personalized patterns of a customer's choice. Full Article
l Expandable suitcase By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment of the present invention, an expandable suitcase comprises: a front portion; a back portion; a plurality of side panels, each side panel aligning with one of a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side of the suitcase, and each side panel having a primary board, at least a first side board rotatably connected to the primary board about a common edge therewith, and a first side flap rotatably connected to the first side board about a common edge opposing the common edge with the primary board; and a plurality of hinges disposed at an intersection of two side panels, each hinge comprising a first hinge panel attached to one of the side panels and a second hinge panel connected to the other side panel, wherein the hinge remains in a substantially planar position in a rested state. Full Article
l Carry-on wheeled luggage for photographic equipment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens. Full Article
l Expandable travel bag system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT An expandable travel bag system to aid in organizing toiletries when travelling features a flexible, planar anterior bag panel. A pair of item holding straps is located on an anterior bag panel front surface. An attachment strap is located on an anterior bag panel rear surface. The system features a posterior bag panel. A pair of item holding straps is located on a posterior bag panel front surface. An attachment pad is located on a posterior bag panel rear surface. The anterior bag panel is attached to the posterior bag panel via a second anterior hook and loop component attached to a first posterior hook and loop component. The anterior bag panel and the posterior bag panel are flexibly rolled into a cylindrical form for transport and held into a rolled up position via the attachment strap attached to the attachment pad. Full Article
l Handle for luggage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT An ergonomic handle for luggage is provided. In one aspect, the handle comprises at least one palm grip. The handle is attached to a compartment with wheels. The palm grip can be used to push the luggage as the wheels roll over a rolling surface. Full Article
l Luggage with an integrated weight scale and a weight scale configured to be flush with a surface of the luggage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A piece of luggage has a body with a surface. A weight scale has a top surface and is disposed in the body of the luggage. The top surface of the weight scale is coplanar with the surface of the body of the luggage. The weight scale determines a weight of the piece of luggage when in an operating state. When the weight scale is in a non-operating state it is stored safely within the body of the luggage. Most importantly the weight scale does not stick out from the body of the luggage so as to be susceptible to damage during transport of the luggage. Full Article
l Portable device case with corner protector By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A case for a portable electronic device such as cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and PDAs wherein said case includes material at the corners to provide protection to the electronic device. To reduce bulk at the corners and allow the material forming the case to conform with the contours of the device, the protection at the corners includes strips of material defining apertures there between. The apertures provide reduction in bulk and allow the case to conform to the corners of the device therein. Alternately, the protection at the corners can be provided by other structures co-molded into the corners of the cases. Such structures include material that is of a reduced thickness than other material used in the case, or structures that are formed to conform to the corners of the case. Such structures can be joined to the material forming the panels of the case by co-molding. Full Article
l Expandable multi-compartment luggage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT An expandable multi-compartment luggage having a second luggage bag hingeably attached to the first luggage bag. The second luggage bag having an upper portion and a collapsible lower portion. The collapsible lower portion being moveable between a collapsed position to an expanded position defining a lower interior compartment. The luggage also including a dividing wall disposed between the upper and lower portions of the second luggage bag, and which is movable from a closed position dividing the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag and the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag and an open position with the upper interior compartment of the second luggage bag being in communication with the lower interior compartment of the second luggage bag. Full Article
l Apparatus that includes a suitcase with integrated support arrangements for conversion to a bed or a chaise lounge By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST An apparatus that includes a suitcase and integrated support arrangements that are transformable from an extended state to provide support for a person to lie down and a stored state for ease of transport. Full Article
l Wheeled luggage case By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST This invention relates generally to wheeled luggage, and particularly to wheeled luggage with one or more controlled wheels for improved tracking and steering control of the luggage case when it is in motion. The invention provides a support structure for a luggage case comprising a plurality of spaced parallel wheels and at least one biasing element that is operable up to a certain torque to releasably restrain the angular movement at least one wheel to at least one angular position with respect to the base. Conveniently, the at least one angular position corresponds to a desired direction of travel. Full Article
l Luggage incorporating a weight determination mechanism and location determination system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention is a smart luggage having an outer case and an inner case with a weight determination mechanism therebetween in electrical communication with a circuit having firmware and an exterior electronic display. The circuit further incorporates a GPS locator and a transponder, whereby a user having a mobile device enabled with tracking software may be able to locate and retrieve lost or stolen luggage. Also provided within the smart luggage is a camera that can take one or more pictures when the smart luggage is opened by a person. Full Article
l Personal seated resting support By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to an item of luggage (101) incorporating a collapsed resting support (125) which when erected may be used to support portions of a resting person (55) in a forwards leaning seated position. The item of luggage comprises an external casing (102) that extends across a plurality of sides of the item of luggage, and a personal resting support (125) for supporting a resting seated person's upper torso, the personal resting support being removeably affixable to a side (103) of the casing when not in use for resting support of a seated person. The resting support includes a main supporting section (126) for supporting a seated user's upper torso in a forwards leaning seated position, and at least two supporting legs (117, 118; 146) for supporting the main supporting section and which in use extend downwardly from the main supporting section. The item of luggage (101) comprises at least one ground engaging rolling means (109, 110) by which the item of luggage may be wheeled along the ground when being moved about and a handle (114) by which the item of luggage may be pulled to wheel the item of luggage along the ground. The handle (114) is joined to the casing (102) through one or more of the legs (117, 118) when the personal resting support (125) is affixed to the side (103) of the casing. Full Article
l Multiple pocketbooks in one with primary pocketbook and accessory attaching and detaching system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to a pocketbook system that allows to easily mix and match how many pocketbooks, other carriers, and/or straps will suffice for that day or evenings' use while this pocketbook system is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture. More particularly, the pocketbook system has a primary pocketbook for carrying contents, one or more removably attached secondary carrier for carrying contents, a device(s) for removably attaching the secondary carrier(s) to the inside or outside of the primary pocketbook, or for attaching the primary pocketbook and secondary carrier together, and preferably has at least one removable flexible strap(s) and a device(s) for removably attaching the strap(s) to the primary pocketbook and/or secondary carrier. The user makes use of the pocketbook system by attaching, detaching, re-attaching, exchanging, and switching different parts and/or elements to form a suitable pocketbook structure for a particular use at a particular time. Full Article
l Display stand case table By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A display stand case table provides additional utility for users attending tradeshows, conventions and similar events by providing a work table or display table usable for various purposes. In addition to including a protective housing for transporting displays stands, the case is convertible to a table configuration wherein a carried tabletop is supported by a top edge of the case along with a related hinged lid. In this way, the tabletop is of sufficient size for the display of promotional items, samples, brochures, etc. while also being sufficiently supported. In addition, a secondary lid is provided at an interim location along one side of the case body. The secondary lid can be supported in a substantially horizontal orientation, thus providing an additional supporting shelf. It is contemplated that this secondary support shelf provides a surface to hold or contain audio visual equipment, laptop computers or promotional materials. Full Article
l Portable suitcase tabletop system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A portable suitcase tabletop system features a suitcase with a u-shaped telescopic handle located on a suitcase top surface. The telescopic handle slides out and away from the suitcase top surface when extended. The suitcase features a plurality of wheels located on a suitcase bottom surface. The system features a planar table pivotally located on a suitcase rear surface or a suitcase front surface. A U-shaped bar is slides out from the suitcase rear surface or the suitcase front surface next to a table bottom surface. The bar supports the table. The table and the bar are located in a zippered pouch. A telescopic front support slides out from a front support cavity located in the suitcase rear surface or the suitcase front surface close to the suitcase bottom surface. Full Article
l No-spill tackle, tool or utility box By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The unique element of this tackle box can also be applied to a toolbox, sewing box, or any other type of utility box used for carrying various supplies. That unique element is the handle itself and the way that it automatically secures the top lid of the box when it's being carried and in the fact that the handle itself is attached to lower portion of the box and not attached to the lid, as is the case for most prior inventions that are similar. By attaching the handle to the lower portion of the box and not the lid, this invention solves the problem that occurs when the user commonly forgets to secure the lid (as required in prior related inventions with this design flaw) resulting in accidental spillage of its contents. Full Article
l Cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures primarily includes a front cover sheet, a rear cover sheet and a flexible enclosure. The front cover sheet includes a first joining edge and a cover piece, whereas the rear cover sheet includes a cover assembly corresponding to the cover piece. The flexible enclosure includes a second joining edge and by engaging the first joining edge with the second joining edge, the front cover sheet and the flexible enclosure are fixed. Besides, the containing structure further includes a holding portion. Under a contained state, the holding portion is used to contain smaller objectives; whereas, in an unfolded state, in addition to using the flexible enclosure to contain larger objectives, the holding portion can be also used to contain smaller objectives. The present invention can be also applied to a piece of clothing combined with a bag unit or other flexible enclosure. Full Article
l Self-stabilized rollable luggage assembly and corresponding assembly method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A luggage assembly includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. An attachment member is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage so that the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary. Full Article
l Luggage table By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A luggage table adapted to couple to a suitcase and provide a conveniently located, relatively stable platform on which to place personal effects, is described. The luggage table typically rests securely on top of the suitcase, with an aperture in the residing in the middle of the luggage table and a suitcase handle protruding therethrough. In some embodiments, the luggage table includes a surface having a relatively high coefficient of friction, in order to reduce the chances of an item stored thereupon from sliding. In some embodiments, the luggage table includes vessel holders adapted to receive beverage containers such as coffee cups, drinking glasses, or beverage bottles. Full Article
l Suitcase with connection for a partition made of double material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A suitcase comprising a body with an edge adapted to be coupled to a space of a connection means for a partition adapted to divide the internal space of the suitcase into a smaller space and a larger space, the connection comprising a raceway adapted to be slidingly coupled to a sliding element which is complementary to the raceway and fixed to a support element with which the partition is integrally associated, the connection includes an internal portion of the body made of soft material, at the extremity of which the raceway which is made of rigid material is fixed, and an external portion of the body made of soft material, the sliding element being made of rigid material fixed to the support element which is made of soft material. Full Article
l Rigid self-supporting collapsible stackable reusable bag By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A self-supporting, rigid, and collapsible reusable bag made from flexible material and having a bottom, two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls, a top opening, and rigid insert. A rigid full-wall board is embedded in each of the two first sidewalls. A rigid insert comprised of at least one pair of sidewalls and bottom with substantially similar dimensions to the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag are placed in the interior and in frictional contact with the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag. The rigid insert sidewalls are held in place with securing devices located on the interior upper corners of the sidewalls of the bag. The bag can be collapsed by moving the rigid insert away from the second sidewalls and bottom to allow the second sidewalls to fold either inward or outward. A full-wall pocket is provided for each first sidewall to receive the full-wall board. Full Article
l Fold up luggage for elongate items By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A travel case for elongate items such as skis, golf clubs, snowboards, or the like comprises an elongate bag having a pair of hard sided end sections longitudinally spaced from a hard sided center section. Between each end section and the center section is a respective soft sided intermediate section. The hard sided end and center sections provide protection for the case contents at the vulnerable locations of those contents. The soft sided intermediate sections, made of collapsible and supple material, provide the advantage of reducing the weight of the overall case, and the suppleness permits the end sections to be folded in on the center section when the case is open along its length to educe the length and the required storage space for the case when not in use. Full Article
l Tool storage and transport system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A tool storage and transport system including a tool bag body formed from a base, a first exterior wall perpendicular to the base, and a second exterior wall perpendicular to the base and opposite the first exterior wall; and a tool organizer slidably engagable with at least one of the first and second exterior walls. The tool organizer includes an organizer tray having a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls generally perpendicular to the bottom wall, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is slidably engagable with the exterior wall. Full Article
l Accessory container and changing table By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An accessory container for containing baby accessories and for changing a baby's diaper when in proximity to a door includes a container member having a bottom wall with rear, front, and side walls extending upwardly therefrom and defining an interior area. A divider panel is positioned in the interior area of the container member so as to divide the interior area into first and second chambers. The front wall is movable between a closed configuration preventing access to the second chamber and an open configuration allowing access to the second chamber. A length adjustable frame assembly is mounted in the second chamber and is selectively movable between a stowed configuration contained in the second chamber and a deployed configuration extending away from the second chamber. A covering is the frame assembly is configured to support a baby on the frame assembly. Full Article
l Reconfigurable bag By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A reconfigurable bag is disclosed. The reconfigurable bag has a center expanding section and two bottom expanding sections, all of which may be moved between stored and open configurations. Opening one or more of the expanding sections changes the shape and configuration of the bag. Full Article
l Apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion. Full Article
l Luggage with support receptacle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Luggage includes an upper panel portion which has a receptacle. The receptacle enables a user to insert a portion of a tablet computer into the receptacle and the receptacle retains the tablet computer at a convenient angle for operation. Full Article
l Briefcase and backpack luggage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The briefcase and backpack luggage includes a housing that may carry a plurality of items. The housing comprises a case portion of the housing that may store the items. A folder portion of the housing is coupled to the case portion of the housing. The folder portion of the housing may store items. A handle is coupled to the housing. The handle may be gripped. A strap is coupled to the housing. The strap may be positionable on the user so the housing is retained on the user. Full Article
l Expandable item carrying device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An expandable item carrying device facilitates carrying items such as groceries and the like. The device includes a container having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall defining an interior space. A top edge of the perimeter wall defines an opening into the interior space. The perimeter wall has a pair of opposed ends sides and a pair of longitudinal sides extending between the opposed end sides. The longitudinal sides and the bottom wall are compactable along a longitudinal axis of the bottom wall. A primary handle comprises opposed ends coupled to a first one of the longitudinal sides of the perimeter wall. Full Article
l Nurse's travel bag By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The nurse's travel bag is a travel bag or suitcase for storing a plurality of medical devices and/or supplies that a nurse may need. The nurse's travel bag includes a suitcase with a plurality of compartments integrated inside of and along the exterior of the suitcase. Each storage compartment consists of a clear plastic storage compartment, an identifying label, and a zipper for opening and closing said compartment. The suitcase may include rollers and a telescoping handle, which enable rolling of said suitcase. The suitcase includes a collapsible cooler and sharps container that extend from opposing side surfaces, and enable storage therein. Full Article
l Movable container system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A movable, e.g., wheeled, container, system, such as an article of luggage, cooler or other wheeled container, can include a container body with an openable lid. The system can include one or more wheels secured to the container body and a handle that extends from the container body. The system can include one or more strap mechanisms attached to the interior of the container body. Each strap mechanism can provide a retractable strap to extend from the container body. Each strap can be extended over an item to be secured to an exterior surface of the container body. An extended end of each strap can be secured to a fastening device located on an exterior surface of the container body. The wheels may be driven by motors that can be controlled by a user. A movable container system can be releasably attached to one or more other movable container systems. Full Article
l Apparatus and method for self-stabilizing rollable luggage assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for forming a self-stabilized luggage assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes coupling a first piece of luggage in contact with a second piece of luggage using an adjustable stabilizer configured to couple a handle on the first piece of luggage to a handle on the second piece of luggage while wheels on the bottom of the first and second pieces of luggage remain on the ground when the first and second pieces of luggage are tilted, upright, moving, and stationary. Other embodiments are described and claimed. Full Article
l Inertial unit with several detection axes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Inertial unit for the measurement of accelerations and/or rotations comprising four sensors, spread out on two intersecting axes, each sensor comprising two inertial masses, each inertial mass comprising a moveable excitation part and a moveable detection part, the moveable excitation parts of a sensor being separate from those of the other sensors, said unit also comprising means for exciting the excitation parts of the sensors and means for detecting the movement of the detection parts, the two inertial masses of each sensor) being mechanically coupled, the four sensors being coupled by elastically deformable mechanical coupling means and able to transmit the excitation vibrations from one axis to the other. Full Article
l Gyro sensor and electronic device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gyro sensor according to the invention includes a first mass portion including a first detection portion, a second mass portion including a second detection portion, first drive portions vibrating the first mass portion in a direction of a first axis, and a force conversion portion fixed to an anchor portion. The first mass portion and the second mass portion are connected with the force conversion portion. The force conversion portion is displaced with the anchor portion as an axis, and vibrates the second mass portion in a direction of a second axis crossing the first axis in a plane view. Full Article
l Inertial sensor control module and method for controlling inertial sensor control module By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor control module. The inertial sensor control module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: an inertial sensor including a driving mass, a driving unit driving the driving mass of the inertial sensor according to a control signal to the inertial sensor, a control unit connected to the driving unit and generating the control signal to transfer the generated control signal to the driving unit, and a sensing unit connected between the inertial sensor and the control unit and detecting information about whether the driving mass of the inertial sensor is in a stabilized state or information about an inertial force of the inertial sensor to transfer the detected information to the outside or the control unit. Full Article
l Electronic device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element that is placed on the base body, and a lid body, formed from silicon, that is placed over the base body so as to cover the functional element. A hole portion and a sealing member that closes the hole portion are disposed in the lid body, in the hole portion, the area of a second opening disposed on a side opposite to a first opening is larger than the area of the first opening disposed on the base body side, and the ratio of the volume of the sealing member to the volume of the hole portion is equal to or higher than 35% and is equal to or lower than 87%. Full Article
l Angular velocity sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is an angular velocity sensor including: first and second mass bodies; a first frame provided at an outer side of the first and second mass bodies; a first flexible part connecting the first and second mass bodies to the first frame in a Y axis direction, respectively; a second flexible part connecting the first and second mass bodies to the first frame in an X axis direction, respectively; a second frame provided at an outer side of the first frame; a third flexible part connecting the first and second frames to each other in the X axis direction; and a fourth flexible part connecting the first and second frames to each other in the Y axis direction, wherein the first frame has a thickness in a Z axis direction thinner than that of the second frame. Full Article
l Method of setting valid output sections of 2-axis acceleration sensor or 3-axis acceleration sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a method of setting valid output sections of a 3-axis acceleration sensor mounted within a tire of a vehicle, including setting an output signal of the 3-axis acceleration sensor in the z-axis direction as a reference signal, setting a specific section of the output signal in the z-axis direction as a valid section where a part of the tire where the 3-axis acceleration sensor is mounted contacts a road surface, and setting sections of output signals of the 3-axis acceleration sensor in the x-axis and y-axis directions corresponding to the valid section in the z-axis direction as valid sections in the x-axis and y-axis directions. The method sets precise valid sections applied to detect information between the tire and a ground surface so as to minimize a component of a noise section by connecting output signals in the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions. Full Article
l Micromechanical component and manufacturing method for a micromechanical component By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A micromechanical component is described having a substrate which has at least one stator electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the substrate, a movable mass having at least one actuator electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the movable mass, and at least one spring via which the movable mass is displaceable. The movable mass is structured from the substrate with the aid of at least one separating trench, at least one outer stator electrode spans at least one section of the at least one separating trench and/or of the movable mass, the at least one actuator electrode protrudes between the at least one outer stator electrode and the substrate, and at least one inner stator electrode protrudes between the at least one actuator electrode and the substrate. A related manufacturing method is also described for a micromechanical component. Full Article
l Particle analysis in an acoustic cytometer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles. Full Article
l Apparatus and method for determining a damage state of a wheel bearing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and a method for determining a damage state of a wheel bearing (12), in which a wheel (15) with a tire (9) arranged on a rim (8) in such a manner that the wheel can be rotated on an axle, in a motor vehicle, in particular during maintenance work on the motor vehicle. In order to avoid the wheel bearing (12) being accessed unnecessarily, a sensor unit (1) which communicates with an evaluation unit and is removably fastened radially outside a screw circle (11) of the rim (8) is provided for the purpose of determining the damage state. Full Article
l ***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Ultrasonic inspection method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces. Full Article