At an airport, most people are pulling rolling luggage behind them. They are available in various sizes and are typically built to withstand the rigors of luggage transport systems. They are ideal for business travel, family visits, road excursions, and visits to cities. But when was the rolling suitcase invented?
The rolling suitcase appeared in 1972. Bernard D. Sadow designed it to be towed with a leash, allowing travelers to shed portable luggage.
The History of Rolling Suitcase
Bernard D. Sadow, a former vice president of a Massachusetts luggage company, designed the first rolling suitcase 50 years ago. Sadow’s design eliminated the need for travelers to carry a hefty suitcase by the handle. As Sadow patented it in 1972, the Rolling Luggage sat on top of wheels and was pushed about the airport by a strap.
When Macy’s purchased inventory and conducted a marketing campaign calling his innovation the baggage that glides, Rolling Luggage gained popularity. However, the design had faults, as it frequently tipped over or bumped the carrier’s ankles. While these annoyances may not have upset the casual passenger, they did irritate airline staff, who were tired of hauling their cumbersome carry-on luggage through the airport. Northwest Airlines 747 pilot Robert Plath was particularly irritated and began tinkering with the idea. He eventually created the Rollaboard. (Source: Travel Pro)
Rolling Suitcase Pros and Cons
A baggage is referred to as a roller bag if it has two wheels and is pulled at a 45-degree angle. Accordingly, rollers also exert strain on your wrists and, depending on how heavy the bag you’re pushing with one arm is, may result in backaches.
However, on rocky ground, rollers are more dependable. They won’t likely get caught or be damaged if you roll them over rocks, fissures, cobblestones, and the like. Because they don’t allow for as many movements as a spinner, rollers’ wheels are more durable. Most roller wheels are cut into the luggage, which puts less strain on them and makes it extremely unlikely that they would break.
On the other hand, rollers only move in the direction you pull them because of their rigid wheels. They don’t roll sideways, and sliding the suitcase backward rarely works unless there’s a calamity on the horizon. Because the luggage is also behind you and out of sight, you are more likely to get your bag hooked on something when rounding a corner, run over people, or trip people because you can’t monitor its every move. The good news is that it won’t roll away when you’re on a shuttle or tram! (Source: The Manual)
The Best Luggage Wheels
Luggage wheels are an essential component of any wheeled luggage. Luggage with broken wheels has lost its principal advantage.
You may have the wheels repaired if you can locate a reputable baggage repair business. This can be difficult or impractical if the wheels break while you vacation.
Repairing suitcase wheels is also an expense, and you may purchase a new bag rather than repair an old and battered one.
Because soft materials can get bent or deformed with repeated use, rigid materials are superior.
The best luggage wheels are polyurethane in-line skate wheels, a highly resilient, flexible plastic. These are the toughest and most durable wheels on the market today.
Rubber and various plastics are also utilized in suitcase wheels. These materials tend to wear out too soon or have excessive rolling resistance. (Source: B for Bag)