Features

Snapshot: 1972, Delsey’s first wheeled suitcase

28 May 2016 by Valerian Ho
Valerian Ho recalls the launch of rolling luggage.

Few people these days have any idea what their luggage weighs as they approach check-in. Why? Because virtually everyone pulls or pushes their bag courtesy of either two or four small wheels attached to its base. This seemingly simple invention is not as old as you might imagine – but who actually came up with the idea?

In 1970, Bernard Sadow – former vice-president of US Luggage – was on his way back from Aruba with his wife and kids, lugging two heavy cases. Passing through customs, he watched a worker moving a machine on skids equipped with wheels.

An inspired Sadow went home, crudely attached four wheels underneath a suitcase and added a strap. It worked – although it looked like he was pulling a dog on a leash. He applied for a US patent, but his competitors went to court and broke the patent two years later.

The way was now clear for Delsey to become the first luggage maker to create a rigid trolley case on two wheels, which it launched in 1972. The wheels were positioned at the back in moulded recesses, to keep them out of harm’s way when it was in transit, and popped into position when the handle was pulled out.

Rolling luggage has come a long way since – and so has Delsey. It is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month with a pop-up store in Paris’s Marais district (23 Rue du Roi de Sicile; until June 19), where some of its early luggage will be on display. Delsey
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