Towable wheeled backpack

Abstract

A towable, wheeled-backpack includes a towing handle attached to a curved, single-pole, telescoping towing member which retracts into the backpack when not in use. The curvature of the towing member provides support for a backing sheet that is attached to the towing member, and the backing sheet is contoured so that the backpack can be comfortably supported on a wearer's back. A rigid base with wheels is pivotally attached to a bottom end of the towing member. The pivot attachment allows the base and wheels to move independently of the towing member as the bag is worn or as the bag is rolled along the ground.

1 - 20 . (cancelled).  
     
     
         21 . A piece of baggage for use as a backpack, the piece of baggage comprising: 
 a pack constructed of a flexible material, the flexible material enclosing a hollow interior of the pack;    at least two shoulder straps attached to said pack on a first side, said shoulder straps enabling a user to carry said pack on their back;    a rigid base attached to a bottom of the pack; and    a backing sheet attached to said first side of the pack that rests against the user's back when the piece of baggage is worn as a backpack, the backing sheet and the rigid base being twistable relative to each other via the flexible material.    
     
     
         22 . The piece of baggage of  claim 21 , wherein: 
 the backing sheet has a contoured surface that conforms to a user's back when the piece of baggage is worn as a backpack.    
     
     
         23 . The piece of baggage of  claim 21  can be used as a backpack and as a hand towed piece of baggage, the piece of baggage further comprising: 
 at least two wheels mounted for rotation to the rigid base; and  
 a towing member operatively connected to the rigid base intermediate the at least two wheels.  
 
     
     
         24 . The piece of baggage of  claim 23 , wherein: 
 the towing member is curved and telescopes in an arcuate path between extended and retracted positions relative to the baggage.    
     
     
         25 . A piece of baggage comprising: 
 a pack for receiving and carrying objects;    at least two wheels mounted for rotation on the pack and for supporting the pack when the pack is being towed; and    a towing handle attached to the pack by a curved, telescoping member, the telescoping member allowing the handle to be selectively extended upwardly and forwardly from the pack and retracted back toward the pack along an arcuate path curved away from the pack;    wherein the at least two wheels have a common axis and the telescoping member is operatively attached to the pack via a ball-and-socket joint in a manner that allows the telescoping member to pivot relative to the axis of the wheels.    
     
     
         26 . The piece of baggage of  claim 25 , wherein: 
 the towing member comprises a single-pole towing member.