Case with removable handle and wheel assembly

• US 6,994,193 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2003
• Issued: 02/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: McKlein Company LLC
• Original Assignee: Chettha Saetia
• Inventors: Saetia, Chettha
• Primary Examiner(s): Weaver, Sue A.
• Application Number:
  US10/609,970
• Publication Number:
  US 20040011617A1
• Time in Patent Office: 953 Days
• Field of Search: 190/18.A, 190/1, 190/108, 190/115, 190/116, 190/18.R, 280/DIG.3, 280/655, 280/47.17, 280/37, 161/131, 224/153
• US Class Current: 190/18.00A
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/262 for wheeled luggage
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/385 with rolling means trunks with built-in rolling means A45C5/14
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 3/02 Briefcases or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 5/143 detachable
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/02 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of one strap passing over the shoulder
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/04 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 190/903 Zipper

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.

Claims

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 is adjacent to the second side of the wheel and handle assembly.

100. The apparatus of claim 99, 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.

101. The apparatus of claim 99, 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 height between the top and the bottom, wherein the business case comprises the width between the first side and the second side, wherein the first face of the business case comprises the perimeter.

102. An apparatus, comprising:

a small luggage case that comprises a top, bottom, first face, second face, first side, and second side, wherein at least one portion of the small luggage case comprises a cross section that 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;

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 wheel and handle assembly comprises a perimeter of the first face of the wheel and handle assembly; and

an extendable handle that is employable by a user to roll the small luggage case and the wheel and handle assembly;

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.