LUGGAGE, COMPUTER CASES OR THE LIKE, HAVING SHOCK ABSORBING QUIET OPERATING ELASTOMERIC WHEELS FILLED WITH COMPRESSIBLE MATERIAL

摘要

A mobile article carrier is disclosed for transporting articles wherein the article carrier is movably supported by at least a pair of rotatably mounted wheels, each wheel including an elastomeric synthetic or natural rubber tire shell filled with a compressible material to promote relatively cushioned quiet transport of the article carrier over hard and irregular surfaces, with effective shock absorption. In one embodiment the wheels are pneumatically filled with air at one atmosphere or air under pressure. The article carrier contemplated is an article of luggage, computer case, or the like, which may be directly or indirectly supported by at least one axle which is in turn, supported on the rotatable wheels. In another embodiment the tire shells are filled with a natural or synthetic rubber or combinations thereof, of predetermined resilient compressible character to provide shock absorption and quiet operation of the wheels over hard irregular surfaces. In still another embodiment the tire shells are filled with a resilient compressible foam rubber, polyurethane foam, or gel material or the like of predetermined hardness to promote shock absorption and quiet rolling operation over hard continuous or uneven surfaces. Although the tire shells are preferably rotationally molded of PVC, they may be otherwise molded o PVC combined with other synthetic rubber or natural rubber compounds. The wheels preferably are supported on ball bearing units to promote smooth rolling operation. Alternatively they may be directly supported on hubs and central axles without the use of bearing units. Variations in the wall thickness of the tire shells and the air pressure in the tire shells permit variations in the cushioning and shock absorption characteristics.