Title: Case with removable handle and wheel assembly
Abstract: A luggage case is provided with straps or handles for carrying the case and a wheel and an extendable handle assembly for dragging or pulling the case. The wheel and extendable handle assembly is removably attachable to the case, such that it need not be carried when the case is carried by the straps or handles. The wheel and handle assembly are formed as a shell to snugly surround the luggage case. In the preferred embodiment, the case and the shell are joined by mating zippers at the bottom front and top rear edges of the assembly.
Patent Number: 6,994,193 Issued on 02/07/2006 to Saetia
| Inventors:
|
Saetia; Chettha (1850 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60622)
|
| Assignee:
|
Saetia; Chettha (Lake Villa, IL)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
609970 |
| Filed:
|
June 30, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
190/18A; 190/102; 190/115; 190/903; 224/153; 280/37; 280/655 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
A45C 5/14 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
190/18 A,1,108,115,116,18.R
280/DIG.3,655,471.7,37
16/113.1
224/153
|
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| |
Primary Examiner: Weaver; Sue A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Patti & Brill, LLC
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of Application No. 10/044,456, filed Jan. 10, 2002, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,334.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a small luggage case that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second face, first
side, and second side, wherein the small luggage case is generally of a rectangular
shape, wherein the small luggage case comprises a first dimension between the top
and the bottom, wherein the small luggage case comprises a second dimension between
the first side and the second side, wherein the first face of the small luggage
case comprises a perimeter; and
a wheel and handle assembly that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second
face, first side, and second side, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
a first dimension between the top and the bottom, wherein the wheel and handle
assembly comprises a second dimension between the first side and the second side,
wherein the first face of the wheel and handle assembly comprises a perimeter;
wherein the first dimension of the small luggage case and the first dimension
of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially same first dimension,
wherein the second dimension of the small luggage case and the second dimension
of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially same second dimension;
wherein the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly comprise a plurality
of readily releasable securement devices, wherein a readily releasable securement
device of the plurality of readily releasable securement devices is employable
to readily releasably secure the small luggage case to the wheel and handle assembly along:
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case; and
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly
such that:
the first face of the small luggage case abuts the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the top of the small luggage case is adjacent to the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
the bottom of the small luggage case is adjacent to the bottom of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the first side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the first side of the
wheel and handle assembly; and
the second side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the second side of the
wheel and handle assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the readily releasable securement device
comprises complementary first and second portions;
wherein the small luggage case comprises the complementary first portion of the
readily releasable securement device, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
the complementary second portion of the readily releasable securement device;
wherein the first face of the small luggage case comprises an outer edge, wherein
the complementary first portion of the readily releasable securement device is
located about a portion of the outer edge of the first face of the small luggage case;
wherein the first face of the wheel and handle assembly comprises an outer edge,
wherein the complementary second portion of the readily releasable securement device
is located about a portion of the outer edge of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly;
wherein the complementary first and second portions of the readily releasable
securement device are employable in a cooperative relationship for readily releasable
securement of the small luggage case to the wheel and handle assembly.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the readily releasable securement device
comprises a zipper, wherein the complementary first portion of the zipper is stitched
to the outer edge of the first face of the small luggage case, wherein the complementary
second portion of the zipper is stitched to the outer edge of the first face of
the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the complementary first and second portions of the zipper are employable
in the cooperative relationship for readily releasable securement of the small
luggage case to the wheel and handle assembly such that the first face of the small
luggage case is abuttable with the first face of the wheel and handle assembly.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the complementary first portion of the readily
releasable securement device is movably locatable about an entirety of the outer
edge of the first face of the small luggage case;
wherein the complementary second portion of the readily releasable securement
device is movably locatable about an entirety of the outer edge of the first face
of the wheel and handle assembly.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the complementary first portion of the readily
releasable securement device comprises a first zipper half movably locatable about
an entirety of the outer edge of the first face of the small luggage case;
wherein the complementary second portion of the readily releasable securement
device comprises a second zipper half movably locatable about an entirety of the
outer edge of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first zipper half and the second zipper half are employable in a
cooperative relationship for readily releasable securement of the small luggage
case to the wheel and handle assembly such that the first face of the small luggage
case is abuttable with the first face of the wheel and handle assembly.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the readily releasable securement device
comprises one or more of zippers, snaps, and/or hook and loop fasteners.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
an extendable handle that is employable by a user to roll the small luggage case
and the wheel and handle assembly.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted
at the second face of the wheel and handle assembly.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second face of the wheel and handle
assembly comprises a bracket arrangement, wherein the extendable handle is slidably
mounted at the second face of the wheel and handle assembly through employment
of the bracket arrangement.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted
to the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein upon a complete telescopic collapse of the extendable handle:
along a direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and
handle assembly; and
toward the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is telescopically received within
the bracket arrangement.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein upon a complete telescopic extension of
the extendable handle:
along the direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel
and handle assembly; and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is located outside the bracket
arrangement, distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly, and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bracket arrangement comprises an upper
bracket and a lower bracket, wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted
at the second face of the wheel and handle assembly through employment of the upper
bracket and the lower bracket.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein upon a complete telescopic collapse of
the extendable handle:
along a direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and
handle assembly; and
toward the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is telescopically received between
the upper bracket and the lower bracket.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein upon a complete telescopic extension of
the extendable handle:
along the direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel
and handle assembly; and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is located outside the bracket
arrangement, distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly, and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted
to the wheel and handle assembly:
wherein the extendable handle is telescopically extendable and collapsible along
a direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and handle assembly.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein upon a complete telescopic collapse of
the extendable handle along the direction substantially orthogonal relative to
the top of the wheel and handle assembly and toward the bottom of the wheel and
handle assembly, a substantial portion of the extendable handle superimposes the
second face of the wheel and handle assembly.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein upon a complete telescopic extension of
the extendable handle along the direction substantially orthogonal relative to
the top of the wheel and handle assembly and away from the bottom of the wheel
and handle assembly, a substantial portion of the extendable handle is located
distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly and away from the
bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
18. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted
to the wheel and handle assembly:
wherein the extendable handle comprises a telescopic handle.
19. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted
to the wheel and handle assembly:
wherein the extendable handle is extendable between:
a first position proximate to the top of the wheel and handle assembly; and
a second position distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly
and away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein upon a location of the extendable handle
at the first position proximate to the top of the wheel and handle assembly, a
substantial portion of the extendable handle superimposes the second face of the
wheel and handle assembly.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein upon a location of the extendable handle
at the second position distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly
and away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly, a substantial portion
of the extendable handle is located distally outward from the top of the wheel
and handle assembly and away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the top of the wheel and handle assembly
comprises an access zipper;
wherein the extendable handle is extendable, through the access zipper when the
access zipper is open, between:
the first position proximate to the top of the wheel and handle assembly; and
the second position distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly
and away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second face and the bottom of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise a wheel housing arrangement.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted within the wheel housing arrangement.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the wheel housing arrangement covers a
portion of the plurality of wheels.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the portion of the plurality of wheels
comprises a first portion of the plurality of wheels at a first position of the
wheel and handle assembly, a second portion of the plurality of wheels at a second
position of the wheel and handle assembly, and a third portion of the plurality
of wheels at a third position of the wheel and handle assembly.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the wheel housing arrangement conforms
in shape to the portion of the plurality of wheels.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the wheel housing arrangement is contoured
to accommodate the portion of the plurality of wheels.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the portion of the plurality of wheels
comprises a first portion of the plurality of wheels at a first position of the
wheel and handle assembly, a second portion of the plurality of wheels at a second
position of the wheel and handle assembly, and a third portion of the plurality
of wheels at a third position of the wheel and handle assembly.
30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the wheel housing arrangement comprises
a first wheel housing and a second wheel housing, wherein the plurality of wheels
comprise a first wheel and a second wheel;
wherein the first wheel is rotatably mounted within the first wheel housing,
wherein the second wheel is rotatably mounted within the second wheel housing.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the first wheel housing covers a portion
of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing covers a portion of the second wheel.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the portion of the first wheel comprises
a first portion of the first wheel, wherein the portion of the second wheel comprises
a first portion of the second wheel;
wherein the first wheel housing covers the first portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers the first portion of the second wheel at a first
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a second portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a second portion of the second wheel at a second
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a third portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a third portion of the third wheel at a third position
of the wheel and handle assembly.
33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the first wheel housing conforms in shape
to the portion of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing conforms in
shape to the portion of the second wheel.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first wheel housing is contoured to
accommodate the portion of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing is
contoured to accommodate the portion of the second wheel.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the portion of the first wheel comprises
a first portion of the first wheel, wherein the portion of the second wheel comprises
a first portion of the second wheel;
wherein the first wheel housing covers the first portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers the first portion of the second wheel at a first
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a second portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a second portion of the second wheel at a second
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a third portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a third portion of the third wheel at a third position
of the wheel and handle assembly.
36. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the first wheel comprises first and second
major faces, wherein the second wheel comprises first and second major faces;
wherein the first wheel housing partially covers the first and second major faces
of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing partially covers the first
and second major faces of the second wheel.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first wheel comprises the first and
second major faces and a rim, wherein the portion of the first wheel comprises
a portion of the first and second major faces and the rim;
wherein the second wheel comprises the first and second major faces and a rim,
wherein the portion of the second wheel comprises a portion of the first and second
major faces and the rim;
wherein the first wheel housing conforms in shape to the portion of the first
and second major faces and the rim of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel
housing conforms in shape to the portion of the first and second major faces and
the rim of the second wheel.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the first wheel housing is contoured to
accommodate the portion of the first and second major faces and the rim of the
first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing is contoured to accommodate the portion
of the first and second major faces and the rim of the second wheel.
39. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the first wheel is spaced apart from the
second wheel, the apparatus further comprising:
a first foot; and
a second foot that is spaced apart from the first foot, wherein upon a location
of the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly in a substantially
upright position, the small luggage case, the first wheel, the second wheel, the
first foot, and the second foot comprise a support relationship.
40. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:
a plurality of feet, wherein upon a location of the small luggage case and the
wheel and handle assembly in a substantially upright position, the small luggage
case, the plurality of wheels, and the plurality of feet comprise a support relationship.
41. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second face and the bottom of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise a contoured wheel housing arrangement.
42. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially same second dimension
between the first side and the second side of the small luggage case and between
the first side and the second side of the wheel and handle assembly is larger than
the substantially same first dimension between the top and the bottom of the small
luggage case and between the top and the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
43. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially same first dimension
between the top and the bottom of the small luggage case and between the top and
the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly is larger than the substantially same
second dimension between the first side and the second side of the small luggage
case and between the first side and the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.
44. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the small luggage case comprises one or
more straps that are employable by a user to carry the small luggage case.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the one or more straps comprise:
a shoulder strap; or
a plurality of backpack straps.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more straps comprise the shoulder
strap and a plurality of hand straps, wherein the shoulder strap is employable
by the user to carry the small luggage case, wherein the plurality of hand straps
are employable by the user to carry the small luggage case.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the substantially same second dimension
between the first side and the second side of the small luggage case and between
the first side and the second side of the wheel and handle assembly is larger than
the substantially same first dimension between the top and the bottom of the small
luggage case and between the top and the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the shoulder strap is employable by the user to carry the small luggage
case as a business case, wherein the plurality of hand straps are employable by
the user to carry the small luggage case as the business case.
48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the one or more straps comprise the plurality
of backpack straps, wherein the plurality of backpack straps are secured to the
first side and the second side of the small luggage case, wherein the plurality
of backpack straps are employable by the user to carry the small luggage case as
a backpack.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the substantially same first dimension
between the top and the bottom of the small luggage case and between the top and
the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly is larger than the substantially same
second dimension between the first side and the second side of the small luggage
case and between the first side and the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.
50. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the small luggage case comprises one or
more auxiliary compartments located at the second face of the small luggage case.
51. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of feet, wherein upon a location of the small luggage case and the
wheel and handle assembly in a substantially upright position, the small luggage
case and the plurality of feet comprise a support relationship.
52. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the small luggage case comprises a wear-resistant fabric.
53. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top and the bottom of the small luggage
case are substantially parallel, wherein the first face and the second face of
the small luggage case are substantially parallel, wherein the first side and the
second side of the small luggage case are substantially parallel.
54. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the readily releasable securement device
of the plurality of readily releasable securement devices is employable to readily
releasably secure a plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of
the small luggage case to a plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first
face of the wheel and handle assembly.
55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter
of the first face of the small luggage case comprise two or more of:
the top;
the first side; and
the second side of the small luggage case;
wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise two or more of:
the top;
the first side; and
the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.
56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter
of the first face of the small luggage case comprise the top, the first side, and
the second side of the small luggage case;
wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise the top, the first side, and the second side of the
wheel and handle assembly.
57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter
of the first face of the small luggage case comprise a first portion, a second
portion, and a third portion;
wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion;
wherein the readily releasable securement device of the plurality of readily
releasable securement devices is employable to readily releasably secure the first
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case to the first
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the readily releasable securement device of the plurality of readily
releasable securement devices is employable to readily releasably secure the second
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case to the second
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the readily releasable securement device of the plurality of readily
releasable securement devices is employable to readily releasably secure the third
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case to the third
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly.
58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the first portion of the perimeter of
the first face of the small luggage case comprises a portion along the first side
of the small luggage case;
wherein the first portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a portion along the first side of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the second portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage
case comprises a portion along the top of the small luggage case;
wherein the second portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a portion along the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the third portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage
case comprises a portion along the second side of the small luggage case;
wherein the third portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a portion along the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.
59. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the second face and the bottom of the
wheel and handle assembly comprise a wheel housing arrangement.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted within the wheel housing arrangement.
61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the wheel housing arrangement comprises
a first wheel housing and a second wheel housing, wherein the plurality of wheels
comprise a first wheel and a second wheel;
wherein the first wheel is rotatably mounted within the first wheel housing,
wherein the second wheel is rotatably mounted within the second wheel housing.
62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the first wheel is spaced apart from the
second wheel, the apparatus further comprising:
a first foot; and
a second foot that is spaced apart from the first foot, wherein upon a location
of the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly in a substantially
upright position, the small luggage case, the first wheel, the second wheel, the
first foot, and the second foot comprise a support relationship.
63. The apparatus of claim 62, further comprising:
a plurality of feet that comprise the first foot and the second foot, wherein
upon a location of the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly in
a substantially upright position, the small luggage case, the plurality of wheels,
and the plurality of feet comprise a support relationship.
64. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the small luggage case comprises a business case;
wherein the business case comprises the top, the bottom, the first face, the
second face, the first side, and the second side, wherein the business case is
generally of the rectangular shape, wherein the business case comprises the first
dimension between the top and the bottom, wherein the business case comprises the
second dimension between the first side and the second side, wherein the first
face of the business case comprises the perimeter.
65. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the wheel housing arrangement comprises
a skid plate along the second face of the wheel and handle assembly.
66. An apparatus, comprising:
a small luggage case that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second face, first
side, and second side, wherein the small luggage case comprises a first dimension
between the top and the bottom, wherein the small luggage case comprises a second
dimension between the first side and the second side, wherein the first face of
the small luggage case comprises a perimeter; and
a wheel and handle assembly that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second
face, first side, and second side, wherein the second face of the wheel and handle
assembly comprises a wheel housing arrangement, wherein the wheel and handle assembly
comprises a first dimension between the top and the bottom, wherein the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a second dimension between the first side and the second
side, wherein the first face of the wheel and handle assembly comprises a perimeter;
wherein the first dimension of the small luggage case and the first dimension
of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially same first dimension,
wherein the second dimension of the small luggage case and the second dimension
of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially same second dimension;
wherein the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly comprise a plurality
of readily releasable securement devices, wherein a readily releasable securement
device of the plurality of readily releasable securement devices is employable
to readily releasably secure the small luggage case to the wheel and handle assembly along:
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case; and
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly
such that:
the first face of the small luggage case abuts the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the top of the small luggage case is adjacent to the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
the bottom of the small luggage case is adjacent to the bottom of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the first side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the first side of the
wheel and handle assembly; and
the second side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the second side of the
wheel and handle assembly.
67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted within the wheel housing arrangement.
68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the wheel housing arrangement covers a
portion of the plurality of wheels.
69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the portion of the plurality of wheels
comprises a first portion of the plurality of wheels;
wherein the wheel housing arrangement covers the first portion of the plurality
of wheels at a first position of the wheel and handle assembly, a second portion
of the plurality of wheels at a second position of the wheel and handle assembly,
and a third portion of the plurality of wheels at a third position of the wheel
and handle assembly.
70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the wheel housing arrangement conforms
in shape to the portion of the plurality of wheels.
71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the wheel housing arrangement is contoured
to accommodate the portion of the plurality of wheels.
72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the portion of the plurality of wheels
comprises a first portion of the plurality of wheels;
wherein the wheel housing arrangement is contoured to accommodate the first portion
of the plurality of wheels at a first position of the wheel and handle assembly,
a second portion of the plurality of wheels at a second position of the wheel and
handle assembly, and a third portion of the plurality of wheels at a third position
of the wheel and handle assembly.
73. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the wheel housing arrangement comprises
a first wheel housing and a second wheel housing, wherein the plurality of wheels
comprise a first wheel and a second wheel;
wherein the first wheel is rotatably mounted within the first wheel housing,
wherein the second wheel is rotatably mounted within the second wheel housing.
74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first wheel housing covers a portion
of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing covers a portion of the second wheel.
75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the portion of the first wheel comprises
a first portion of the first wheel, wherein the portion of the second wheel comprises
a first portion of the second wheel;
wherein the first wheel housing covers the first portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers the first portion of the second wheel at a first
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a second portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a second portion of the second wheel at a second
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a third portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a third portion of the third wheel at a third position
of the wheel and handle assembly.
76. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the first wheel housing conforms in shape
to the portion of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing conforms in
shape to the portion of the second wheel.
77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the first wheel housing is contoured to
accommodate the portion of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing is
contoured to accommodate the portion of the second wheel.
78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the portion of the first wheel comprises
a first portion of the first wheel, wherein the portion of the second wheel comprises
a first portion of the second wheel;
wherein the first wheel housing covers the first portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers the first portion of the second wheel at a first
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a second portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a second portion of the second wheel at a second
position of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the first wheel housing covers a third portion of the first wheel and
the second wheel housing covers a third portion of the third wheel at a third position
of the wheel and handle assembly.
79. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the first wheel comprises first and second
major faces, wherein the second wheel comprises first and second major faces;
wherein the first wheel housing partially covers the first and second major faces
of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing partially covers the first
and second major faces of the second wheel.
80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the first wheel comprises the first and
second major faces and a rim, wherein the portion of the first wheel comprises
a portion of the first and second major faces and the rim;
wherein the second wheel comprises the first and second major faces and a rim,
wherein the portion of the second wheel comprises a portion of the first and second
major faces and the rim;
wherein the first wheel housing conforms in shape to the portion of the first
and second major faces and the rim of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel
housing conforms in shape to the portion of the first and second major faces and
the rim of the second wheel.
81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the first wheel housing is contoured to
accommodate the portion of the first and second major faces and the rim of the
first wheel, wherein the second wheel housing is contoured to accommodate the portion
of the first and second major faces and the rim of the second wheel.
82. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the first wheel is spaced apart from the
second wheel, the apparatus further comprising:
a first foot; and
a second foot that is spaced apart from the first foot, wherein upon a location
of the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly in a substantially
upright position, the small luggage case, the first wheel, the second wheel, the
first foot, and the second foot comprise a support relationship.
83. The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising:
a plurality of feet, wherein upon a location of the small luggage case and the
wheel and handle assembly in a substantially upright position, the small luggage
case, the plurality of wheels, and the plurality of feet comprise a support relationship.
84. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the wheel housing arrangement comprises
a contoured wheel housing arrangement, wherein the second face and the bottom of
the wheel and handle assembly comprise the contoured wheel housing arrangement.
85. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the top and the bottom of the small luggage
case are substantially parallel, wherein the first face and the second face of
the small luggage case are substantially parallel, wherein the first side and the
second side of the small luggage case are substantially parallel.
86. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the wheel housing arrangement comprises
a skid plate along the second face of the wheel and handle assembly.
87. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the readily releasable securement device
of the plurality of readily releasable securement devices is employable to readily
releasably secure a plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of
the small luggage case to a plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first
face of the wheel and handle assembly.
88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter
of the first face of the small luggage case comprise two or more of:
the top;
the first side; and
the second side of the small luggage case;
wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise two or more of:
the top;
the first side; and
the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.
89. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter
of the first face of the small luggage case comprise the top, the first side, and
the second side of the small luggage case;
wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise the top, the first side, and the second side of the
wheel and handle assembly.
90. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter
of the first face of the small luggage case comprise a first portion, a second
portion, and a third portion;
wherein the plurality of portions of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel
and handle assembly comprise a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion;
wherein the readily releasable securement device of the plurality of readily
releasable securement devices is employable to readily releasably secure the first
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case to the first
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the readily releasable securement device of the plurality of readily
releasable securement devices is employable to readily releasably secure the second
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case to the second
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the readily releasable securement device of the plurality of readily
releasable securement devices is employable to readily releasably secure the third
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case to the third
portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly.
91. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein the first portion of the perimeter of
the first face of the small luggage case comprises a portion along the first side
of the small luggage case;
wherein the first portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a portion along the first side of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the second portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage
case comprises a portion along the top of the small luggage case;
wherein the second portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a portion along the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the third portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage
case comprises a portion along the second side of the small luggage case;
wherein the third portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly comprises a portion along the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.
92. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the small luggage case comprises a business case;
wherein the business case comprises the top, the bottom, the first face, the
second face, the first side, and the second side, wherein the business case comprises
the first dimension between the top and the bottom, wherein the business case comprises
the second dimension between the first side and the second side, wherein the first
face of the business case comprises the perimeter.
93. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
an extendable handle that is employable by a user to roll the small luggage case
and the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted to the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises a bracket arrangement, wherein
the extendable handle is slidably mounted to the wheel and handle assembly through
employment of the bracket arrangement;
wherein upon a complete telescopic collapse of the extendable handle:
along a direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and
handle assembly; and
toward the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is telescopically received within
the bracket arrangement;
wherein upon a complete telescopic extension of the extendable handle:
along the direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel
and handle assembly; and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is located outside the bracket
arrangement, distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly, and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
94. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
an extendable handle that is employable by a user to roll the small luggage case
and the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted to the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises a bracket arrangement, wherein
the extendable handle is slidably mounted to the wheel and handle assembly through
employment of the bracket arrangement;
wherein the bracket arrangement comprises an upper bracket and a lower bracket,
wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted to the wheel and handle assembly
through employment of the upper bracket and the lower bracket;
wherein upon a complete telescopic collapse of the extendable handle:
along a direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and
handle assembly; and
toward the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is telescopically received between
the upper bracket and the lower bracket,
wherein upon a complete telescopic extension of the extendable handle:
along the direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel
and handle assembly; and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly;
a substantial portion of the extendable handle is located outside the bracket
arrangement, distally outward from the top of the wheel and handle assembly, and
away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
95. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
an extendable handle that is employable by a user to roll the small luggage case
and the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the extendable handle is slidably mounted to the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein the extendable handle is telescopically extendable and collapsible along
a direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
wherein upon a complete telescopic collapse of the extendable handle along the
direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and handle
assembly and toward the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly, a substantial
portion of the extendable handle superimposes the second face of the wheel and
handle assembly;
wherein upon a complete telescopic extension of the extendable handle along the
direction substantially orthogonal relative to the top of the wheel and handle
assembly and away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly, a substantial
portion of the extendable handle is located distally outward from the top of the
wheel and handle assembly and away from the bottom of the wheel and handle assembly.
96. An apparatus, comprising:
a small luggage case that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second face, first
side, and second side, wherein the small luggage case comprises a first dimension
between the top and the bottom, wherein the small luggage case comprises a second
dimension between the first side and the second side, wherein the first face of
the small luggage case comprises a perimeter;
a wheel and handle assembly that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second
face, first side, and second side, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
a first dimension between the top and the bottom, wherein the wheel and handle
assembly comprises a second dimension between the first side and the second side,
wherein the first face of the wheel and handle assembly comprises a perimeter; and
a plurality of feet, wherein upon a location of the small luggage case and the
wheel and handle assembly in a substantially upright position, the small luggage
case and the plurality of feet comprise a support relationship;
wherein the first dimension of the small luggage case and the first dimension
of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially same first dimension,
wherein the second dimension of the small luggage case and the second dimension
of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially same second dimension;
wherein the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly comprise a plurality
of readily releasable securement devices, wherein a readily releasable securement
device of the plurality of readily releasable securement devices is employable
to readily releasably secure the small luggage case to the wheel and handle assembly along:
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case; and
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly
such that:
the first face of the small luggage case abuts the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the top of the small luggage case is adjacent to the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
the bottom of the small luggage case is adjacent to the bottom of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the first side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the first side of the
wheel and handle assembly; and
the second side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the second side of the
wheel and handle assembly.
97. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the top and bottom of the small luggage
case are substantially parallel, the first face and the second face of the small
luggage case are substantially parallel, and the first side and the second side
of the small luggage case are substantially parallel.
98. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the small luggage case comprises a business case;
wherein the business case comprises the top, the bottom, the first face, the
second face, the first side, and the second side, wherein the business case comprises
the first dimension between the top and the bottom, wherein the business case comprises
the second dimension between the first side and the second side, wherein the first
face of the business case comprises the perimeter.
99. An apparatus, comprising:
a small luggage case that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second face, first
side, and second side, wherein the small luggage case comprises a height between
the top and the bottom, wherein the small luggage case comprises a width between
the first side and the second side, wherein the first face of the small luggage
case comprises a perimeter;
a wheel and handle assembly that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second
face, first side, and second side, wherein the wheel and handle assembly comprises
a height between the top and the bottom, wherein the wheel and handle assembly
comprises a width between the first side and the second side, wherein the first
face of the wheel and handle assembly comprises a perimeter;
wherein the height of the small luggage case and the height of the wheel and
handle assembly comprise a substantially same height, wherein the width of the
small luggage case and the width of the wheel and handle assembly comprise a substantially
same width;
wherein the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly comprise a plurality
of readily releasable securement devices, wherein a readily releasable securement
device of the plurality of readily releasable securement devices is employable
to readily releasably secure the small luggage case to the wheel and handle assembly along:
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the small luggage case; and
a portion of the perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly
such that:
the first face of the small luggage case abuts the first face of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the top of the small luggage case is adjacent to the top of the wheel and handle assembly;
the bottom of the small luggage case is adjacent to the bottom of the wheel and
handle assembly;
the first side of the small luggage case is adjacent to the first side of the
wheel and handle assembly; and
the second side of the small luggage case
