Abstract: An improved design for a rolling suitcase having a retractable handle assembly is disclosed. The design includes a multi-piece molded shell having opposing side and end walls and a bottom wall, which together form a packing area. The telescoping tubes of the handle are located outside the packing area to maximize the packing area, and also to provide a flat bottom surface to minimize wrinkling of packed articles. The wheel skids are moved to the outer corners of the suitcase to minimize intrusion into the packing area. The tubes are made from fiber reinforced polymer for enhanced strength, and are concealed from view by a covering envelope. The handle assembly and wheel skids attach to the shell in a manner that enhances the structural strength and rigidity of the suitcase. Wear points on the handle assembly are provided with removable wear members made from abrasion-resistant material.

Abstract: A garment enclosure is disclosed having top and bottom panels, first and second side panels, and first and second end panels. The enclosure has a longitudinal axis and an unfolded length. First and second cylindrical members are connected to the top panel and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. First and second extensible panels are connected to the bottom panel at locations adjacent respective first and second cylindrical members. The extensible panels are extensible in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the garment enclosure. The extensible panels are not connected to the first and second side panels, so that when a garment is placed within the enclosure and the enclosure is folded about the first and second cylindrical members, the extensible panels extend longitudinally to prevent binding of the garment at the fold points. The elimination of binding substantially eliminates wrinkling of the garment. A method of using the garment enclosure is also disclosed.