Systems and methods for retractable wheels

Abstract

Retractable wheels within a suitcase that are configured to be positioned within the suitcase responsive to applying a downward force on the suitcase.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wheel assembly for luggage comprising:
 a locking pin configured to move axially;   a gate with a first arm and a second arm configured to control the positioning of the locking pin, the first arm having a first length, and the second arm having a second length, the first length being shorter than the second length, wherein the locking pin is configured to be positioned between the first arm and the second arm when the wheel assembly is locked and the locking pin positioned below the first arm when the wheel assembly is unlocked;   a securing mechanism configured to secure the gate in place.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein when the wheel assembly is locked the first arm blocks movement of the locking pin. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism includes a ledge, the ledge being configured to be positioned under a distal end of the second arm when the wheel assembly is locked, and the ledge being positioned away from the distal end of the second arm when the wheel assembly is unlocked. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the ledge moves away from the distal end of the second arm to transition the wheel assembly from being locked to unlocked. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second arm extends at a downward angle to allow the locking pin to move upward. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wheel assembly includes a housing and a spring, the spring being configured to apply a constant downward spring force, wherein the constant downward spring force automatically moves the locking pin downward when the first arm is not extending across the slot. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein when an external force opposite the constant downward spring force the wheel assembly moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein when the external force is applied to the locking pin, the locking pin moves vertically along the linear axis to move the second arm of the gate upward. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a suitcase housing the wheel assembly, wherein the suitcase includes four independently operating wheel assemblies.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a cupholder positioned on a rear surface of the suitcase.