The wheel was invented sometime around 3500 to 4000 BC. And the suitcase first made the scene in the late 19th century when train travel became more popular and the heavy trunks travelers used were replaced by the easier-to-transport suitcase. The first suitcase brands included Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Rimowa, Antler and Samsonite, which was founded as Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company in Denver in 1910.
The global luggage market is huge, expected to reach close to $80 billion by 2027. That’s a lot of wheels.
So when were wheels first put on suitcases and who had the idea? Continue reading to find out.
Bernard D. Sadow got the first patent for a rolling suitcase in 1970 for a design for a bag with four wheels and a strap. in 1987 Robert Plath created the Rollaboard™, the suitcase with wheels and a telescoping handle.
Anita with her customized suitcase. (Photo: www.winnetkahistory.org)
However, the first known instance of a wheeled suitcase was from Anita Willets-Burnham of Illinois who traveled with her family on long trips with a rolling bag. Her son created her suitcase for her using two wheels from a baby carriage and a telescoping wooden handle. But she didn’t pursue a patent for her idea.
Our theory for why it took so long is that it was mostly wealthy families who took extended trips and they traveled with servants who carried luggage for them. With the rise in air travel, more people could afford it and needed a way to transport their own luggage.
– The Travel 100 staff