Abstract:
A wheel assembly for luggage, a method of mounting the wheel assembly and a luggage are provided. The wheel assembly comprises a housing rotatably mountable to the wheel mount, a wheel rotatably mounted to the housing, and post connected to the housing. The method involves inserting a post into an opening of the wheel mount and securing the post to the wheel mount. The luggage includes a compartment for receiving articles, a chassis supporting the compartment and a wheel assembly.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present specification relates generally to luggage and more specifically relates to a wheel assembly for luggage. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In order to address the difficulties carrying luggage, wheeled luggage has been developed. Wheeled luggage refers to the various suitcases and baggage that employ wheeling devices, and allow users to roll their luggage instead of carry it. The wheeled luggage typically deploys a handle to aid in the transport and typically the luggage has a plurality of wheels integrated into the design. The wheels are features of the luggage and often support the weight of the luggage and rotate so as to allow the luggage to be rolled in any desired direction. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In accordance with an aspect of the specification, there is provided a wheel assembly for luggage having a wheel mount. The wheel assembly includes a housing rotatably mountable to the wheel mount. The housing is configured to rotate about a first axis. The wheel assembly also includes a wheel rotatably mounted to the housing. The wheel is configured to roll along a surface. The wheel is rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The wheel assembly further includes a post having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is connected to the housing. The second end is configured to extend through and beyond an opening in the wheel mount when the wheel assembly is subjected to a load. 
         [0004]    The wheel assembly may further include a fastener for securing the post to the wheel mount. 
         [0005]    The wheel mount and the fastener may form a gap therebetween when the wheel assembly is subjected to the load. The gap may be configured to provide rotational freedom of the housing about the first axis. 
         [0006]    The fastener may be a screw. 
         [0007]    The screw may include a head. The head may have a dimension greater than the opening. 
         [0008]    The wheel assembly may further include a member disposed at the second end of the post. The member may be configured to engage the fastener and the post. The member may have a dimension greater than the opening and the member configured to secure the post to the wheel mount 
         [0009]    The member may be a washer. 
         [0010]    The wheel mount and the member may form a gap therebetween when the wheel assembly is subjected to the load. The gap may be configured to provide rotational freedom of the housing about the first axis. 
         [0011]    The wheel assembly may further include a bearing assembly disposed between the housing and the wheel mount. The bearing assembly may be for reducing friction during rotation about the first axis. 
         [0012]    The bearing assembly may include a rolling element, a first race and a second race. 
         [0013]    The bearing assembly may be configured to transition between an unloaded state and a loaded state. The unloaded state may have the rolling element disposed loosely between the first race and the second race. The loaded state may have the rolling element compressed between the first race and the second race. 
         [0014]    The loaded state of the bearing may allow for the post to extend further beyond the opening. 
         [0015]    The housing may be compressible and the housing may be configured to transition between an unloaded state and a loaded state. The loaded state of the housing may allow for the post to extend further beyond the opening in the wheel mount. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the specification, there is provided a method of mounting a wheel assembly to a wheel mount of luggage. The method involves inserting a post of the wheel assembly into an opening of the wheel mount. An end of the post is configured to extend through and beyond the wheel mount when the wheel assembly is subjected to a load. The method may also involve securing the post to the wheel mount with a fastener, the wheel mount rotatable about a first axis. 
         [0017]    Securing may involve providing a gap between the wheel mount and the fastener when the wheel assembly is subjected to the load. The gap may be configured to provide rotational freedom of the wheel assembly about the first axis. 
         [0018]    Securing with the fastener may involve using a screw having a head with a dimension greater than the opening. 
         [0019]    Securing with the fastener may involve engaging a member with the fastener. The member may have a dimension greater than the opening. 
         [0020]    Securing may involve providing a gap between the wheel mount and the member when the wheel assembly is subjected to the load. The gap configured to provide rotational freedom of the wheel assembly about the first axis. 
         [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of the specification, there is provided a luggage. The luggage includes a compartment for receiving articles. The luggage also includes a chassis supporting the compartment, the chassis having a wheel mount. Furthermore, the luggage includes a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a housing rotatably mountable to the wheel mount. The housing configured to rotate about a first axis. The wheel assembly also includes a wheel rotatably mounted to the housing. The wheel is configured to roll along a surface. The wheel is rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The wheel assembly further includes a post having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is connected to the housing. The second end is configured to extend through and beyond an opening in the wheel mount when a load is applied to the wheel assembly. a fastener for securing the post to the wheel mount. The wheel assembly also includes a fastener for securing the post to the wheel mount. 
         [0022]    The wheel assembly may further include a member disposable at the second end of the post. The member may be configured to engage the fastener and the post. The member may have a dimension greater than the opening and the member configured to secure the post to the wheel mount. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a luggage in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the luggage shown in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view showing a bearing assembly in the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a first state of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  and a wheel mount; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the wheel assembly and the wheel mount shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a zoomed in view of the area VI of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a second state of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3  and a wheel mount; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the wheel assembly and the wheel mount shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a zoomed in view of the area X of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a zoomed in view of the area X of  FIG. 6  when overtorqued; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a right side view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a left side view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a rear view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  is a right side view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  is a left side view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  is a front view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  is a bottom view of the wheel assembly in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 18 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, etc.) are for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , luggage is indicated generally at  50 . In a non-limiting example embodiment, the luggage  50  includes a compartment  54  supported by a chassis  56  for storing and transporting personal effects or other articles. The luggage  50  also includes a plurality of wheel assemblies  58 - 1 ,  58 - 2 ,  58 - 3  and  58 - 4 . (Collectively, wheel assemblies  58 , and generically, wheel assembly  58 . This nomenclature is used elsewhere herein.) The wheel assemblies  58  are mounted to compartment  54 , and can be used to roll the luggage  50  along a substantially smooth surface. Although the present embodiment discloses four wheel assemblies  58 - 1 ,  58 - 2 ,  58 - 3  and  58 - 4 , it is to be re-emphasized that the present embodiment is not particularly limited and that the luggage  50  can be modified to include more or less than four wheel assemblies. 
         [0050]    In the present embodiment, the luggage  50  also includes a handle  62  that connects to compartment  54  via a pair of retractable rods  66 . In  FIG. 1 , the retractable rods  66  are in a fully extended position so that handle  62  is brought within an arm&#39;s reach while a person is standing substantially upright. It is to be understood that the retractable rods  66  are movable between the extended position shown in  FIG. 1  and a retracted position within a recessed chamber (not shown) disposed within a side of compartment  54  that is opposite from the side of compartment  54  to which wheel assemblies  58  are mounted in the present embodiment. 
         [0051]    It is to be re-emphasized that the structure shown in  FIG. 1  is a non-limiting representation only. It is to be understood that the handle  62  and the retractable rods  66  are not particularly limited and that several different configurations are contemplated. For example, the pair of retractable rods  66  can be modified to be a single retractable rod. As another example, the retractable rods  66  need not be retractable and can be modified to be foldable or removeable from the luggage  50 . 
         [0052]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in a present embodiment, the compartment  54  can be opened to receive or remove articles, and can be closed for storage or transportation. It is to be understood that the nature of compartment  54  is not particularly limited, and that variations on the configuration of the compartment  54  are contemplated. For example, the compartment  54  can be of a hard material (e.g. plastic or metal) or a soft material (e.g. fabric). The compartment  54  can also have different configurations, including a split configuration comprising two equal size portions or non-equal size portions. The compartment  54  can be a backpack, dufflebag, carrying case, purse, computer case or transporter, briefcase, or any type of bag or transporter having wheels. The compartment  54  can also be configured to open from one or more different sides, and the means by which it is opened is not particularly limited. Likewise the configuration, orientation and type of hinging mechanism (not shown) are not particularly limited. A variety of other types of compartments will now occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0053]    In the present embodiment, the compartment  54  is supported by the chassis  56  and the chassis  56  includes a plurality of wheel mounts  57 - 1 ,  57 - 2 ,  57 - 3 , and  57 - 4 . The corners are connected using rigid members (not shown) to maintain the shape of the luggage  50 . It is to be appreciated that the exact configuration of the chassis  56  is not particularly limited and that several variations are contemplated. For example, the chassis  56  can be modified to be a unitary rigid frame. Alternatively, the chassis  56  can also be modified to be a solid shell to form the compartment  54 . In other embodiments, the chassis  56  can be semi-rigid and/or collapsible. It is to be understood that the chassis  56  is not particularly limited to any material and that several different types of materials are contemplated such as materials which have mechanical properties appropriate for supporting the compartment  54 . Some examples of suitable materials include metals, plastics, composites and other materials commonly used for luggage frames. 
         [0054]    In a present embodiment, four wheel assemblies  58  are provided. As shown in  FIG. 1 , each wheel assembly can rotate along a rotational axis  74  that is substantially parallel to a surface so that the luggage  50  can be rolled in direction “A” in reaction to a force applied along the direction “B” to the handle  62 . The wheel assemblies  58  are also configured to rotate about an axis  78  that is perpendicular to the surface to thereby change the orientation of rotational axis  74  so that the luggage  50  can be rolled in any direction along the surface. To illustrate this point, in  FIG. 2  the luggage  50  is shown as being moved in direction “C” (approximately perpendicular to direction “A” in  FIG. 1 ) in reaction to force applied in an approximately perpendicular direction “D” on the handle  62  such that wheel assemblies  58  rotate initially rotate about each rotational axis  78  approximately 90 degrees and subsequently rotate about each rotational axis  74  to move the luggage  50 . 
         [0055]    It is to be re-emphasized that the structure shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a non-limiting representation only. Notwithstanding the specific example, it is to be understood that the number and nature of wheel assemblies  58  is not particularly limited. For example, fewer or more wheel assemblies  58  can be provided. In other configurations, one or more of the wheel assemblies  58  can be configured to rotate, or not, about the axis  78 , while one or more of the wheel assemblies  58  are modified to be fixed with respect to the axis  78 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a wheel assembly  58  is shown in greater detail. It is to be understood that the wheel assembly  58  shown in the present embodiment is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of wheel assemblies are contemplated including other embodiments discussed in greater detail below. The wheel assembly  58  includes a housing  100 , a wheel  104 , a post  108 , a bearing assembly  124 , and a member  112 . 
         [0057]    It is to be re-emphasized that the structure of the wheel assembly  58  is not particularly limited and that variations are contemplated. For example, although the wheel assembly  58  of the present embodiment shows a single wheel  104  in a housing  100  between a fork, other structures are contemplated. For example, the wheel assembly  58  can be modified to include more than a single wheel connected by an axle. Alternatively, the wheel assembly  58  can be further modified to include a plurality of wheels, each with their own axle. 
         [0058]    In the present embodiment, the housing  100  is rotatably mountable to the luggage  50  to provide rotation about the axis  78 . The manner by which the housing  100  rotates about the axis  78  is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, a bearing assembly  124  is used to provide rotation about the axis  78 . In other embodiments, the housing  100  can be configured to fit within an opening in the luggage  50  such that the fit provides for rotational movement. The housing  100  is typically constructed from materials which can support the weight of the luggage  50 . Some examples of suitable materials include plastics, metals, composites, and other materials commonly used for wheel assemblies. 
         [0059]    The wheel  104  is rotatably mounted to the housing  100  and can be rotated about the axis  74 . The wheel  104  is generally configured to roll along a surface to move the luggage  50  along a surface. The manner by which the wheel  104  rotates about the axis  74  is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the wheel  104  is mounted to the housing  100  with a bearing assembly. In other embodiments, the wheel  104  can be mounted using other types of bearings such as plain bearings, roller bearings, fluid bearings, or magnetic bearings. In further embodiments, the bearing assembly  124  can be omitted completely if an alternative mechanism for providing rotational motion is substituted. It is also to be understood that the wheel  104  is not particularly limited to any material and that several different types of materials are contemplated. A suitable material for a wheel is generally a durable material that is resiliently deformable such that the wheel can absorb vibrations from rolling without excessive wear. Examples of such materials include rubber, silicone, and plastic. 
         [0060]    The post  108  is connected to the housing  100  and extends from the housing  100  to engage the luggage  50 . In the present embodiment, the post  108  is cylindrical in shape connected to the housing  100  at one end, and configured to receive a fastener  116  at the other end. In the present embodiment, the central axis of the post  108  coincides with the axis  78 . It is to be appreciated that the post  108  is configured to extend from the housing  100  through an opening of the wheel mount  57  where the fastener  116  secures the post  108 . The manner by which the post  108  is connected to the housing  100  as well as the manner by which the post  108  is secured to the luggage  50  is not particularly limited. As discussed above, in the present embodiment, the post  108  is inserted into the wheel mount  57  through an opening and secured with the fastener  116 . The bearing assembly  124  provides for rotational movement of the wheel assembly about the axis  78 . 
         [0061]    In the present embodiment, the post  108  is configured to extend beyond the wheel mount  57  when the wheel assembly  58  is subjected to a load, which will be discussed in greater detail below. It is to be re-emphasized that the present embodiment is a non-limiting representation only, and that variations are contemplated. For example, when the wheel assembly  58  is not subjected to a load, the post  108  can extend beyond the wheel mount  57  in some embodiments, and not extend beyond the wheel mount  57  in other embodiments. As another example, in some embodiments, the post  108  may not extend beyond the wheel mount  57  when the wheel assembly  58  is subjected to a load. In such embodiments, the force of friction acting against the rotation of wheel mount  57  about the axis  78  can be reduced by reducing the amount of normal force applied to the wheel mount  57  by the fastener  116 . 
         [0062]    The post  108  is typically constructed from materials which are rigid and which can withstand the forces associated with moving the luggage  50 . Some examples of suitable materials include plastics, metals, composites, and other materials. 
         [0063]    In the present embodiment, the bearing assembly  124  is disposed between the housing  100  and the wheel mount  57 . The bearing assembly  124  is generally configured to reduce friction during rotational motion of the housing  100  about the axis  78 . The manner by which the bearing assembly  124  reduces friction is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 , the bearing assembly  124  includes a rolling element  128 , a first race  132  and a second race  136 . The first race  132  and the second race  136  include a track for the rolling element  128 . The housing  100  includes a tab  140  configured to engage the first race  132  to hold the bearing assembly within the housing  100 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the bearing assembly  124  is optional and that other ways to reduce friction between the wheel assembly  58  and the wheel mount  57  are contemplated. For example, a smooth surface configured to allow sliding can be used. 
         [0064]    The member  112  is generally configured to be disposed at the end of the post  108  and is generally configured to engage the fastener  116 . In the present embodiment, the member  112  has a dimension greater than the opening of the wheel mount  57 . By engaging the fastener  116 , the member  112  engages the post  108  to secure the post  108  to the wheel mount  57 . In addition, since the member  112  engages the post  108  instead of the wheel mount  57 , the member  112  allows for rotational of the housing  100  about the axis  78 . In this present embodiment, the rotational freedom is maintained by reducing the extent by which the member  112  frictionally engages the mount  57 . It is to be understood that any frictional engagement can reduce the rotational freedom of the housing  100 , especially when overtorquing the fastener  116 . 
         [0065]    It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the member  112  is optional and can be included as part of the wheel assembly  58  or as a separate component which can be obtained from another manufacturer. In the present embodiment, the member  112  is generally included as part of the wheel assembly  58  for use to mount the wheel assembly  58  to the wheel mount  57 . 
         [0066]    The structure of the member  112  is also not particularly limited and can include several different structures. In the present embodiment, the member  112  is a washer; however, in other embodiments, the member  112  can be modified to be a clip or other structure capable of securing the housing  100  to the wheel mount  57 . In other embodiments, the member  112  can be integrally formed on the post or the fastener  116 , for example, if the wheel mount is configured to wrap around the post  108  between the member  112  and the housing  100 . Alternatively, the member  112  can be omitted, for example, if the fastener  116  is greater in diameter than the post  108  to secure the housing  100  to the wheel mount  57 . It is also to be understood that the member  112  is not particularly limited to any material and that several different types of materials are contemplated including plastics, metals, composites, and other materials. 
         [0067]    The fastener  116  is generally configured secure the post  108  to the wheel mount  57 . It is to be appreciated that the fastener  116  is not particularly limited and can include various types of fasteners capable of securing the post  108  to the wheel mount  57 . In the present the fastener  116  is a screw for engaging the member  112 . In other embodiments, the fastener  116  can be a bolt, nail, or other type of fasteners capable of securing the post  108  to the wheel mount  57 . It is to be appreciated that in embodiments where the fastener  116  includes a head having a dimension greater than the opening of the wheel mount  57 , the fastener  116  can be used to directly secure the post  108  to the wheel mount  57  and the member  112  can be omitted. Furthermore, the fastener  116  can be included as part of the wheel assembly  58  during manufacture or can be an additional component obtained from another source. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the wheel assembly  58  is shown in an unloaded state. The post  108  is generally configured to extend through the wheel mount  57  such that the member  112  can be fastened to the end of the post  108 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this specification, that the member  112  is configured to engage with the wheel mount  57  to prevent the wheel assembly  58  from falling out of the wheel mount  57  when there is no load on the wheel assembly  58 . 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the bearing assembly  124  in the unloaded state includes the rolling element  128  disposed loosely between the first race  132  and the second race  136 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the bearing assembly  124  is not particularly limited and need not be loose as shown in  FIG. 6  and can even be omitted. In other embodiments, the housing  100  can be compressible or resiliently deformable such that the housing  100  is in the uncompressed state when the wheel assembly  58  is in the unloaded state. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a schematic representation of the area VII of  FIG. 6  is shown to illustrate the member  112  engaging the wheel mount  57  in greater detail. In the present embodiment, the member  112  is configured to overlap the wheel mount  57  for securing the wheel assembly  58  within the wheel mount  57 . 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the wheel assembly is shown in a loaded state where a load applies a downward force on the wheel assemblies  58  shown in the orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The post  108  is generally configured to extend through and beyond the wheel mount  57  such that a gap  126  is formed above the surface of the wheel mount as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In the present embodiment, the gap  126  is formed between the wheel mount  57  and the member  112 . However, in other embodiments, such as those without a member, the gap  126  can be formed between the wheel mount  57  and the component used to secure the post  108 , for example, the fastener  116 . 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the bearing assembly  124  in the loaded state includes the rolling element  128  compressed between the first race  132  and the second race  136 . It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the bearing assembly  124  is not particularly limited and can even be omitted. In other embodiments, the housing  100  can be compressible or resiliently deformable such that the housing  100  is in the compressed state when the wheel assembly  58  is in the unloaded state. 
         [0073]    It is to be understood that the gap  126  arises from the application of a load force on the components of the wheel assembly  58  such that the load removes the smaller gaps from wheel assembly  58  or compresses the housing  100  causing the post  108  to be urged further through and/or beyond the opening of the wheel mount  57 . For example, the bearing assembly  124  can include gaps between a rolling element  128  and a first race  132  as well as the rolling element  128  and a second race  136  as shown in  FIG. 6 . When a force from a load is applied to the bearing assembly  124 , the bearing assembly  124  transitions from the unloaded state to the loaded state by eliminating the gaps. By forming the gap  126  between the wheel mount  57  and the member  112 , frictional forces between the wheel mount  57  and the wheel assembly  58  are reduced. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the gap  126  provides rotational freedom to the housing  100  about the axis  78 . 
         [0074]    In the present embodiment, the gap  126  reduces the frictional force, which ultimately inhibits the rotation of the wheel assembly  58  about the axis  78 , between the member  112  and the wheel mount  57 . In the present embodiment, the gap  126  is approximately 15 thou. It is to be appreciated that the size of the gap  126  is not particularly limited and is dependent on predetermined tolerances of the wheel assembly  58  based on manufacturing considerations as well as the typical load placed on the wheel assembly  58 . For example, the gap  126  can be smaller or larger than 15 thou. In other embodiments, the gap  126  can be as small as 5 thou. In further embodiments still, the gap  126  can be modified to be smaller than 5 thou. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description if the gap  126  is reduced, the housing  100  can be more tightly mounted to the wheel mount  57  for reducing the amount of wiggle. Therefore, a smaller gap  126  generally increases the stability of the luggage  50 . However, reducing the gap  126  also is associated with a reduction in an acceptable tolerance which can increase the cost of manufacturing. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a schematic representation of the area X of  FIG. 9  is shown and illustrates the gap  126  in greater detail. It is to be appreciated that by extending the post  108  beyond the wheel mount  57 , the gap  126  spaces the member  112  away from the wheel mount  57  to reduce contact and in turn, reduce the frictional forces between the member  112  and the wheel mount  57 . Therefore, the post  108 , the member  112  and the fastener  116  are free to rotate about the axis  78  with little or no frictional force when the fastener  116  is overtorqued. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a schematic representation of the area indicated in the area X of  FIG. 9  illustrates the gap  126  in greater detail when the fastener  116  is overtorqued on the post  108 . Under this overtorqued state, the fastener  116  applies a large amount of force on a portion of the member  112  under the fastener  116 . The force can cause the portion of the member  112  under the fastener  116  to deform in a direction toward the post  108  while the post  108  can apply an opposite force to cause a portion of the member  112  over the post by not under the fastener. In the illustrated example, it is to be appreciated that these opposing forces cause the member  112  to bend away from the wheel mount  57  as shown in  FIG. 8 . It is to be appreciated that the bending of the member  112  as shown moves the member  112  away from the wheel mount  57  to maintain the gap  126  when the fastener  116  is overtorqued. Therefore, when the fastener  116  is in an overtorqued state in the present embodiment, no additional frictional force is applied between the member  112  and the wheel mount  57  and the rotational freedom about the axis  78  is preserved. 
         [0077]    It is to be re-emphasized that the structure shown in  FIGS. 3 to 8  is a non-limiting representation only. Notwithstanding the specific example, it is to be understood that other mechanically equivalent structures and wheel assemblies can be devised to perform the same function as the wheel assembly  58 . 
         [0078]    As an example of a variation, the post  108  can be mounted to the housing  100  with a bearing assembly disposed between the post  108  and the luggage  50 . In other embodiments, the bearing assembly  124  can be modified to be any other type of bearing such as a plain bearing, a roller bearing, a fluid bearing, or a magnetic bearing. As another variation, it is also to be understood that the wheel assembly  58  can be modified so that the bearing is disposed within the post  108 . Alternatively, the bearing assembly  124  can be omitted completely if and the post  108  can be allowed to rotate sufficiently freely relative to the luggage  50  to provide for easy steering during use. 
         [0079]    Various advantages will now be apparent. Of note is the increase of the tolerances associated with servicing the wheel assembly  58  on the luggage  50  such as installation or replacement. In general, overtorquing the fastener  116  can result in failure of the wheel assembly  58 . In particular, it is to be appreciated that overtorquing can result in the increase of frictional forces between the rotating portions of the wheel assembly  58  and the luggage  50 . The overtorquing can cause the post  108  and/or the housing  100  to deform, resulting in a reduced ability to rotate about the axis  78 . In addition, overtorquing can result in damage to the post  108  and the fastener  116  such as stripping of thread. By increasing the tolerances, it is to be appreciated that probability of problems associated with overtorquing the fastener are reduced. Therefore, the replacement of the wheel assembly  58  can be carried out under more conditions such as with less skilled technicians. 
         [0080]    Another advantage, which will also be apparent to a person of skill in the art, is that the installation of the wheel assembly  58  can now be easily completed by tightening the fastener  116  using much larger torques for consistency in the manufacture of the luggage  50  as well as the repair of luggage  50 . Accordingly, this reduces the need for accurately measuring the torque applied to the fastener  116  or loosening a tightened fastener  116  to ensure rotational freedom. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 12 to 17  show other views of the present embodiment to aid in the understanding of the present embodiment. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , another embodiment of a wheel assembly  58   a  is shown in greater detail. Like components of the wheel assembly  58   a  bear like reference to their counterparts in the wheel assembly  58 , except followed by the suffix “a”. The wheel assembly  58   a  is configured to be rotatable about an axis  78   a . The wheel assembly  58   a  includes a housing  100   a , a first wheel  104   a - 1 , a second wheel  104   a - 2 , a post  108   a , a bearing assembly  124   a , and a member  112   a . The post  108   a  is configured to receive a fastener  116   a.    
         [0083]      FIGS. 19 to 24  show other views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  to aid in the understanding of the embodiment. 
         [0084]    While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serve to limit the accompanying claims. 
         [0085]    Further variations, combinations, and subsets of the foregoing will now occur to those skilled in the art.