ROLLING BRIEFCASE

Abstract

A rolling briefcase is provided that includes a plurality of storage compartments positioned on either side of a retractable handle. The briefcase may include two, and preferably four, wheels that allow a user to easily roll the briefcase in one or more directions. The retractable handle can assume a first position of use locked adjacent to an upper surface of the briefcase and a second position of use wherein the handle is positioned away from the upper surface of the briefcase.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to rolling briefcases. In one embodiment, a rolling briefcase is provided that includes storage compartments located on either side of a telescoping handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Because traditional briefcases are difficult to carry for extended periods of time, rolling briefcases have become a popular alternative to traditional hand-carried briefcases. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, rolling briefcases 2 include at least one wheel 6, or other rolling member, associated with a bottom edge 10 thereof. User's push or pull rolling briefcases 2 with a handle 14 that is telescopingly interconnected to one side of the briefcase 2. Current rolling briefcases 2 include a plurality of storage compartments 18 similar to common briefcases, messenger bags, and luggage. Further, rolling briefcases 2 include two stands 22 that coincide with the wheels 6 such that when the briefcase rests upright, the wheels and the stands position a bottom surface 26 of the briefcase 2 generally parallel to the ground. Rolling briefcases 2 have two modes of operation: 1) a standard mode, wherein the telescoping handle 14 is retracted at least partially into the briefcase 2; and 2) a rolling mode wherein the handle 14 is extended from the briefcase 2 such that the user can easily pull or push the rolling briefcase 2.

One drawback of rolling briefcases is that the telescoping handle cannot be used to carry the briefcase in a traditional manner (i.e., in a non-rolling manner). Thus, current rolling briefcases include additional straps 30 or handles for carrying, because telescoping handles usually do not lock adjacent to the top surface of the briefcase. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, telescoping handles of prior art rolling briefcases are associated with one side of the briefcase wherein storage compartments are located on an opposite side of the briefcase, which renders carrying the briefcase by the retractable handle awkward and uncomfortable. More specifically, assuming that the retractable handle is lockable in the retracted position, and that the briefcase was carried in a traditional manner, the center of gravity of the briefcase relative to the retractable handle will cause the briefcase to tilt. A tilted briefcase is difficult to handle and could injure the user's leg if the briefcase is contacted thereby.

In operation, the user grasps the handle 14 and extends a telescoping member, and then either pushes or pulls the briefcase 2 to a desired location. The briefcase 2 also includes at least one stand 22 that is associated with the wheels 6 positioned on a lower bottom edge 10 of the briefcase. The stands 22 work in conjunction with the wheels 6 to ensure that the bottom surface 26 of the briefcase is generally parallel with the horizontal surface when the briefcase is in an upright position.

Thus it is a long felt need to provide a rolling briefcase that can transition into a traditional briefcase wherein additional straps or handles are omitted, and wherein the user can use the retractable handle to carry the briefcase in a traditional fashion without difficulty or discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a rolling briefcase that includes storage areas on both sides of a retractable handle. The contemplated briefcase employs a retractable handle that can be selectively locked in at least two positions of use to allow the briefcase to be rolled when the handle is extended or carried in a traditional manner when the handle is retracted.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a rolling briefcase having a plurality of storage areas and locations. The briefcase also includes a lower surface defined by a peripheral edge with at least two wheels, or rolling members, positioned at the corners thereof. Some embodiments of the present invention employ four wheels or rolling members. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the traditional wheels may be replaced with spherical members, caster wheels, other rolling members known in the art that provide rotation in at least two degrees of freedom. Such rolling members allow the briefcase to be rolled with the retractable handle generally upright, wherein a bottom surface of the briefcase remains generally parallel to the floor or ground. In some embodiments of the present invention, the wheels are selectively concealable within the briefcase.

The rolling briefcase of some embodiments of the present invention further includes a plurality of storage compartments that are positioned on both sides of a housing that selectively receives the telescoping member. The telescoping member, which is similar to those commonly employed on rolling briefcases and luggage, is associated with a handle. The retractable handle can lock adjacent to the upper surface of the briefcase and away therefrom. The handle may have a button or other device that releases all or segments of the telescoping member to allow the telescoping member to selectively expand away from the top surface of the briefcase or collapse within the briefcase. The contemplated button is also used to release the handle when it is locked in a first position of use adjacent to the top surface of the briefcase.

It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide enhanced access. More specifically, storage compartments of traditional briefcases are often positioned in a stacked relationship relative to the telescoping members (i.e., in series). It is, thus, difficult to access the storage compartment closest to the telescoping member because the weight of the items stored in the outer storage compartments tend to flip the inner storage compartments open. Also, because the storage compartments are in a stacked relationship, it is often difficult to ascertain where certain items are stored.

Thus it is another aspect of the present invention to provide a plurality of storage compartments that are positioned on either side of the retractable handle and associated telescoping members. In one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration and number of storage compartments is symmetric about the telescoping members. In other embodiments of the present invention, one side of the telescoping members includes more storage compartments than the other. Still further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the telescoping members are not directly centered between a front surface and a rear surface of the briefcase. For example, one embodiment of the present invention has two storage compartments positioned on one side of the telescoping members for storing files, computers, and related items. The opposite side of the briefcase has only one storage compartment for storing clothes, a removable, garment bag, shoes, toiletries, etc. Thus the user can visually ascertain the location of stored items by assessing the location and size of the individual storage compartments. Other embodiments of the present invention, however, include storage compartments that are symmetric about the telescoping members. To facilitate stored item identification and location, some embodiments include color codes or markings that help the user quickly find stored items. For example, markings may be affixed to the outside of the briefcase, or zipper pulls may be color coded or marked in a fashion that helps the user identify the location of the items stored within a particular storage compartment. The briefcase may also have easily accessible storage areas positioned on one or more outer surfaces for cell phones, business cards, passports, wireless devices, tablet computers, and other small items that are commonly used by business travelers. Further, some of the storage compartments may include shock-resistant properties such that stored electronic devices are protected in the event the briefcase is dropped.

The housing that operably receives the telescoping members of the one embodiment of the present invention can be used to store additional items. More specifically, traditional rolling briefcases accommodate telescoping members in individual sleeves that are associated with the rear surface of the briefcase. Conversely, one embodiment of the present invention accommodates the telescoping member, or members, with a housing located generally in the center of the briefcase. To save weight, the housing may include a hollow cavity, which can be used to store computer peripheral items, such as power cables, mice, extra batteries, etc. One embodiment the present invention utilizes at least a portion of the hollow cavity to accommodate a power source that includes a 100 to 240V DC power supply or appropriate adapter. The power source may also include at least one USB port that is used to charge and/or communicate with mobile devices, such a mobile phone or tablet. The battery may be integrated directly into the housing and, thus, the rechargeable by interconnection to a common wall outlet. Alternatively, the power source may be removable to charge outside the briefcase.

The cavity may also accommodate a solid-state memory device or a disk drive, which may be physically associated with the power supply, in electrical communication with the power supply, or which includes stand-alone power supply. The contemplated memory device is able to selectively communicate by known means with a mobile communication device, a laptop computer, tablet, etc. For example, digital information may be transferred between an electronic device and the briefcase via a Bluetooth® connection, a USB connection, or other wired or wireless connection method known in the art. The memory device may be shielded such that it is protected from the harmful effects of x-rays or magnetic fields. The cavity may be accessed via an opening between the telescoping members on the upper surface of the housing, or by way of an opening in the briefcase, which is accessible when a storage compartment adjacent to the housing is at least partially open.

It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a rolling briefcase that omits the use of additional handles or straps. By omitting the ancillary straps shown specifically in FIG. 1, reference number 30, the briefcase has a sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing look and feel. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes only one handle, which is associated with telescoping members. The contemplated handle is used to transport or carry the briefcase regardless of the mode of operation. As described above, the handle is capable of locking adjacent to the upper surface of the briefcase such that a traditional briefcase is provided. Again, the rolling briefcase of embodiments of the present invention omits the use of additional handles or straps that are located adjacent to the briefcase for grasping, because the retractable handle can provide both functions regardless of mode of operation. One of skill in the art will appreciate, however, that an elongate strap that is often found on messenger bags for positioning on a user's shoulder can be provided.

It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a rolling briefcase, comprising: a first surface; a second surface; a first lateral surface interconnected to the first surface and the second surface; a second lateral surface interconnected to the first surface and the second surface; a top surface interconnected to an upper edge of the first surface, the second surface, the first lateral surface, and the second lateral surface; a bottom surface interconnected to a lower edge of the first surface, the second surface, the first lateral surface, and the second lateral surface; a plurality of wheels associated with the bottom surface; at least one telescoping member selectively positioned within a volume defined by the first surface, the rear surface, the first lateral surface, the second lateral surface, the top surface, and the bottom surface, the at least one telescoping member penetrating the top surface; a first storage compartment associated with a first surface; a second storage compartment associated with a second side; and wherein the at least one telescoping member has a first position of use wherein the at least one retractable member is substantially concealed within the volume, and a second position of use wherein a portion of the at least one telescoping member is positioned out of the volume.

It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a briefcase comprising: a housing for receipt of a retractable handle; a first storage compartment associated with a first side of the housing; a second storage compartment associated with a second side of the housing; a first means for rolling associated with a first bottom corner of the briefcase; a second means for rolling associated with the second corner of the briefcase; and wherein the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment each have a lower surface, are positioned on either side of the housing, and wherein the housing receives a retractable handle that can be locked in a first position of use adjacent to the briefcase and in a second position of use positioned away from the briefcase.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wheeled briefcase of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a left elevation view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left elevation of FIG. 1, wherein the briefcase is configured in a second mode of use for pulling or pushing;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wheeled briefcase of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wheeled briefcase of FIG. 4 wherein a retractable handle is positioned in a second position of use for pulling or pushing;

FIG. 6 is a left elevation view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a left elevation view of FIG. 4, wherein the briefcase is being carried by a user in a first mode of use that is similar to the use of a traditional briefcase;

FIG. 8 is a left elevation of FIG. 4, wherein the retractable handle is fully extended such that the rolling briefcase is tilted and riding on wheels in a second mode of use;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention that employs a plurality of caster wheels;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a housing that accommodates the retractable handle, wherein a top surface of the briefcase and a portion of the handle have been removed for clarity;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10 that shows a housing and associated power supply;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a briefcase showing an alternate handle configuration;

FIG. 13 is a front detailed view of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 12 wherein a primary handle is retracted within the briefcase and a secondary handle is positioned outside the briefcase.

To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

#   Component
2   Rolling briefcase
6   Wheel
10  Bottom edge
14  Handle
18  Storage compartment
22  Stand
26  Bottom surface
30  Strap
42  Housing
48  Telescoping member
200 Rolling briefcase
202 Front surface
204 Rear surface
206 Wheel
210 Bottom edge
214 Handle
216 Bottom surface
218 Storage compartment
220 Storage compartment bottom surface
226 Bottom surface
234 Upper surface
238 Lateral surface
242 Housing
248 Telescoping member
252 Caster wheels
256 Bore
260 Storage cavity
264 Inner surface
268 Power source
272 DC interface
276 USB interface
280 Zipper
284 Zipper pull
290 Secondary handle
294 Hinge
298 Button

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 4-11 the rolling briefcase 200 of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The briefcase 200 is comprised of a front surface 202, a rear surface 204, an upper surface 234, bottom surface 226, and opposing lateral surfaces 238. The bottom surface 226 includes a bottom edge 210 having four corners each accommodating a wheel 206. One of skill in the art will appreciate that two wheels 206 may be provided along one edge of the bottom surface 226 with corresponding stands similar to traditional rolling briefcases shown, for example, in FIG. 2.

In addition, the briefcase 200 includes a housing 242 located between the front surface 202 and rear surface 204. The housing 242 accommodates a retractable handle 214, which is interconnected to at least one telescoping member 246. Similar to traditional rolling briefcases and luggage, the telescoping members are comprised of a plurality of members that move relative to each other to selectively expand and retract the handle 214. The telescoping members may be selectively locked in an extended position, in a fully retracted position and various positions therebetween. The housing 242 is shown generally in the middle of the briefcase 200, but one of skill in the art will appreciate that the housing 242 may be located in any location of the briefcase such that storage compartments 218 are positioned on each side thereof. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the storage compartments 218 as contemplated by the present invention are bigger than pockets or sleeves commonly found on the outer surface of the rolling luggage that are adapted to store owner identifying information, papers, small items, etc. for example. The storage compartments located on either side of the housing may also have a bottom surface 220, unlike sleeves or pockets. Some of the contemplated storage compartments 218 as shown in FIG. 6, for example, extend the entire height of the front surface 202 or the rear surface 204. Again, although four storage compartments 218 are shown, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of storage compartments may be provided and storage compartments do not have to be symmetrically located about the housing. For example, in one embodiment, two storage compartments are positioned on one side of the housing and one storage compartment positioned on the other side of the housing.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the briefcase is shown in a first mode of use. Here, a user grasps the handle 14 that has been locked in a first position of use such that telescoping members are fully or substantially concealed within the housing. The handle 214 of one embodiment of the present invention is designed not to coincide with the upper surface 234 of the briefcase. More specifically, to allow the user to fit fingers beneath a bottom surface 215 of the handle, a space should be left between the bottom surface 216 of the handle and the upper surface of the briefcase 234. Thus one embodiment of the present invention employs a handle 214 that can selectively lock adjacent to but at a predetermined distance from the upper surface 234 of the briefcase. In this embodiment, the handle lock may be actuated to allow the handle 214 to be fully concealed within the briefcase, which facilitates storage in an overhead airplane compartment, for example. Some embodiments of the present invention employ a housing that is large enough to accommodate the user's fingers when the handle is fully retracted with the briefcase. The technology associated with retractable handles and locking thereof via a button on the handle 214 of the briefcase is commonly employed in the luggage arts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,241, which is incorporated by reference herein, and patents in the same field, disclose handle locking mechanisms. Further, the handle may be pivotable relative to the briefcase as disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,791 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,190, which are incorporated by reference herein. Here, when the user grasps the handle 214, the briefcase 200 will hang generally vertically such that the user will not contact his or her leg with the briefcase 200 when walking.

FIG. 8 shows the briefcase in a second mode of use wherein the retractable handle 214 has been fully extended and locked (in some instances) to maintain the length of the associated telescoping members 246. In operation, the user angulates the handle 214 and the telescoping members to 46 relative to the ground which rotates the briefcase 200 about the wheels 206 that are in contact with the ground to lift the opposite wheels off the ground. In one embodiment, the telescoping members may be located as much as 45° relative to the ground without adversely rolling. (See angle θ on FIG. 8). In other embodiments, where the wheels are located adjacent to the bottom edge of the briefcase, the angle between the ground and the retractable handle is reduced. In an alternative use, the handle 214 is locked relative to the briefcase 200 and the user pushes the briefcase 200 in the direction opposite from the direction of travel shown in FIG. 8. As briefly discussed above, one of skill in the art will appreciate that other rolling mechanisms on casters or spherical members may be used.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention employs a plurality of caster wheels 252 that are associated with bearings that allow the caster wheels 252 to spin in a plane generally parallel to the ground. The caster wheels 252 allow the briefcase 202 to be rolled in two directions when the bottom surface of the briefcase is parallel to the ground. This embodiment of the present invention is also able to rotate at least 45° relative to the ground before the bottom edge contacts the ground. As shown, the caster wheels 252 are offset somewhat from the corners of the bottom surface 226, but one of skill in the art will appreciate that the caster wheels 252 be placed closer to the corners of the bottom surface 226. Further, the wheels may be selectively concealable within the briefcase. The other features of this embodiment of the present invention are substantially the same to those described above.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the housing 242 of one embodiment of the present invention, which may include a plurality of bores 256 for operably receiving the telescoping members 248. Counter from traditional briefcases, which use individual sleeves associated with the back surface of the briefcase to accommodate telescoping members, the housing of one embodiment of the present invention is positioned at or near the center of the briefcase and includes at least one storage cavity 260 positioned between the bores. The storage cavity 260 may be accessible through an opening in the upper surface as shown in FIG. 11. Alternatively, an opening may be provided in the inner surface 264 of an interior storage compartment, for example, the second storage compartment 218″. In this example, a first storage compartment 218′, second storage compartment 218″, third storage compartment 218″ and a front storage compartment 218″ are shown. One of skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the number and size of the storage compartments do not have to be symmetrical wherein the housing 242 is offset from center without departing from the scope of the invention. The storage cavity 260 is designed to accommodate various items. For example, computer peripheral items, i.e., power cords, extra batteries, and the like can be stored.

The storage cavity in FIG. 11 is designed to accommodate an integral or removable power source 268. It is contemplated that users on long business trips may need additional power to charge or run laptop computers, cell phones, and other devices. Thus this provides the storage a power source 268 that includes at least a DC interface 272 and a USB interface 276. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other interfaces may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the power source may be removed such that the storage cavity can also be used to store items, if desired. Removal of the power source may be desirable to meet FAA/TSA regulations. Again, the power source may be inserted into the storage cavity via an opening associated with the top surface of the housing 242, or an opening in the inner surface 264 of the second storage compartment 218″ as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows that the adjacent storage compartments are interconnected by way of common closure mechanisms such as zippers 280. The zippers may be color-coded or their associated pulls 284 may be color-coded to help the user identify what is stored in the storage compartments 218. That is, some of the contemplated embodiments have symmetrical storage compartments, which may make it difficult to identify what is stored in each storage compartment. Color coding or marking to the zippers 280 or zipper pulls 284 to allow the user to quickly ascertain what is stored in the storage compartments. Although zippers are disclosed, one of skill in the art will appreciate other closure mechanisms known in the art may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 12-14 show another embodiment of the present invention that employs a secondary handle 290. The secondary handle 290 is interconnected to the primary handle 214 by way of a hinge 294. When the telescoping members 248 are extended outside of the briefcase 200, the user can grasp either the primary handle 214 or the secondary handle 290. Preferably, however, the user will grasp the primary handle 214 as the secondary handle will rotate in such a way to allow unobstructed access to the primary handle 214.

FIG. 14 shows the telescoping members retracted within the briefcase. In this configuration, the primary handle is also at least partially concealed within the briefcase. Accordingly, only the secondary handle 290 is positioned outside of the briefcase 200, the common briefcase configuration. The hinged nature of the secondary handle 290 allows the briefcase 200 to be handled in a traditional briefcase.

In another contemplated embodiment of the present invention, the secondary handle 290 is not required and a button, or other device, is used to release the handle 214 to allow it to rotate relative to the telescoping members 248, which allows the handle 214 to function similar to that of the secondary handle when the telescoping members are retracted. More specifically, the refracted telescoping members 248 will position the primary handle 214 outside of the briefcase similar to what is shown in FIG. 14. Unlocking of the handle 214 relative to the telescoping members 248 with, thus, allow the briefcase 200 to be handled in a traditional briefcase.

The internal and external panels and components of the briefcase may be made of leather, nylon, or other similar materials. Further, traditional sewing techniques commonly used in the construction of luggage may be employed to fabricate the rolling briefcase.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Claims

1. A rolling briefcase, comprising: a first surface;a second surface;a first lateral surface interconnected to said first surface and said second surface;a second lateral surface interconnected to said first surface and said second surface;a top surface interconnected to an upper edge of said first surface, said second surface, said first lateral surface, and said second lateral surface;a bottom surface interconnected to a lower edge of said first surface, said second surface, said first lateral surface, and said second lateral surface;a plurality of wheels associated with said bottom surface;at least one telescoping member selectively positioned within a volume defined by said first surface, said rear surface, said first lateral surface, said second lateral surface, said top surface, and said bottom surface, said at least one telescoping member penetrating said top surface;a first storage compartment associated with a first surface;a second storage compartment associated with a second side; andwherein said at least one telescoping member has a first position of use wherein said at least one retractable member is substantially concealed within said volume, and a second position of use wherein a portion of said at least one telescoping member is positioned out of said volume.

2. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said plurality of wheels comprise: a first wheel associated with a corner defined by the intersection of said bottom surface, said first lateral surface, and said second surface; anda second wheel associated with a corner defined by the intersection of said bottom surface, said second lateral surface, and said second surface.

3. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said plurality of wheels comprise: a first wheel associated with a corner defined by the intersection of said bottom surface, said first lateral surface, and said second surface;a second wheel associated with a corner defined by the intersection of said bottom surface, said second lateral surface, and said second surface;a third wheel associated with a corner defined by the intersection of said bottom surface, said first lateral surface, and said first surface; anda fourth wheel associated with a corner defined by the intersection of said bottom surface, said second lateral surface, and said first surface.

4. The briefcase of claim 1, further comprising a housing for receipt of said at least one telescoping member is selectively positioned within a housing, said housing being integrated with said volume and positioned substantially directly between said first surface and said second surface.

5. The briefcase of claim 4, wherein said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment are symmetrically oriented about said housing.

6. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said first storage compartment is associated with a zipper and said second storage compartment is associated with a zipper.

7. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said first surface, said second surface, said 1st lateral surface, said top surface, and said bottom surface are devoid of grasping members in addition to a handle associated with said at least one telescoping member.

8. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said at least one telescoping member comprises a first telescoping member and a second telescoping member having a handle positioned therebetween.

9. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said at least one telescoping member is associated with a lock that fixes the position of said at least one telescoping member and said first position of use and in said second position of use.

10. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said plurality of wheels are comprised of rolling devices that allow said briefcase to roll and at least two directions.

11. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said plurality of wheels are retractable within said volume.

12. The briefcase of claim 1, wherein said at least one telescoping member is comprised of a plurality of operably interconnected segments that may be locked relative to each other.

13. A briefcase comprising: a housing for receipt of a retractable handle;a first storage compartment associated with a first side of said housing;a second storage compartment associated with a second side of said housing;a first means for rolling associated with a first bottom corner of said briefcase;a second means for rolling associated with said second corner of said briefcase; andwherein said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment each have a lower surface, are positioned on either side of the housing, and wherein said housing receives a retractable handle that can be locked in a first position of use adjacent to said briefcase and in a second position of use positioned away from said briefcase.

14. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment are generally the same volume.

15. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said retractable handle comprises at least one telescoping member.

16. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said retractable handle comprises a first telescoping member and a second telescoping member having a handle positioned therebetween.

17. The briefcase of claim 16, wherein said handle is hingedly interconnected to said first telescoping member and said second telescoping member.

18. The briefcase of claim 16, further comprising a secondary handle that is hingedly interconnected to said handle.

19. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said housing includes a cavity.

20. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein at least one means for rolling comprise a caster wheel.

21. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment are symmetrically oriented about said housing.

22. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said briefcase is devoid of grasping members in addition to a handle associated with said at least one telescoping member.

23. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said at least one telescoping member is associated with a lock that fixes the position of said at least one telescoping member and said first position of use and in said second position of use.

24. The briefcase of claim 13, wherein said at least one telescoping member is comprised of a plurality of operably interconnected segments that may be locked relative to each other.