CASE COMPRISING A HANDLE

Abstract

A case comprising a handle is provided. In one embodiment, the case may include a wheeled luggage case wherein at least a portion of the handle extends substantially over at least one of the centroid and center of gravity of the case.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/813,952, filed on Apr. 19, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cases, particularly wheeled cases such as luggage cases, can be difficult to maneuver. Often, luggage cases are pushed or pulled on two or four wheels via a handle extending from, and substantially aligned with, a side of the luggage case. Because the handle is offset to one side of the luggage case, pushing or lifting the luggage case via the handle is difficult, as the luggage case will naturally move toward its center of gravity.

What is needed is a luggage case with a handle oriented more centrally over the centroid or center of gravity of the case or the case's storage area.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a case is provided, the case comprising: a body portion comprising a centroid; and a handle comprising a gripping portion, wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extends above the centroid.

In another embodiment, a case is provided, the case comprising: a centroid; a handle comprising a gripping portion and at least one handle member; and a first frame member; wherein the first frame member is operatively connected to the handle; and wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extends above the centroid.

In another embodiment, a case is provided, the case comprising: a body portion; a lid operatively connected to the body portion, a handle; and a first frame member; wherein the first frame member is operatively connected to the handle; wherein at least one of the lid and the first frame member comprises at least one closure mechanism; and wherein the at least one closure mechanism is configured to engage at least one of the first frame member and the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses, systems, and methods, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 100 in a first configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of case 100 in a second configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front elevation view of an example arrangement of a case 300.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front perspective view of an example arrangement of a case 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 504.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 704.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 804.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 904.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example arrangement of a handle 1004.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1100 in a first configuration.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example arrangement of case 1100 in a second configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example arrangement of a case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 100 in a first configuration. Case 100 may include a body portion 102 and a handle 104. Handle 104 may comprise a first elongated handle member 106, a second elongated handle member 108 and a gripping portion 110. Case 100 may additionally comprise a tray 112, at least one wheel 114, a lid 115, and at least one closure mechanism 116.

Case 100 may comprise any device configured to store items, including a storage case, a luggage case, a carry-on luggage case, a computer case, a lockable security case, and an instrument case. Case 100 may be configured with appropriate size, weight, and structural integrity considerations for use as a luggage case for checked or carry-on luggage for air travel.

Body portion 102 may comprise a substantially hollow container configured to store items. Body portion 102 may comprise any of a variety of materials, including one or more of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a polymer, a natural textile, a synthetic textile, or another organic material. Body portion 102 may comprise any of a variety of shapes, including substantially a cube, a cuboid, a sphere, and a cylinder. Body portion 102 may comprise rounded edges for at least one of ergonomic, aesthetic, and safety purposes.

In one embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially flexible and may act as soft-sided luggage. In another embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially rigid and may act as hard-sided luggage. In one embodiment, body portion 102 comprises an external frame, which may maximize internal storage volume. In another embodiment, body portion 102 comprises an internal frame.

In one embodiment, at least one of case 100 and body portion 102 comprises a centroid, which is defined as the geometric center of a body. In another embodiment, at least one of case 100 and body portion 102 comprises a center of gravity, which is defined as the point through which the sum of gravitational forces on a body is considered to act.

Handle 104 may comprise any of a variety of materials, including one or more of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a polymer, or another organic material. In one embodiment, handle 104 is configured to extend from one edge of body portion 102. In another embodiment, handle 104 is configured to extend from any part of body portion 102. In another embodiment, handle 104 is configured to extend from two or more edges of body portion 102. In one embodiment, at least a portion of handle 104 extends over at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of case 100 and body portion 102. In another embodiment, at least a portion of handle 104 extends directly above at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of case 100 and body portion 102.

In one embodiment, handle 104 extends up from a corner of body portion 102, along a first edge of body portion 102, across body portion 102, and down to a point substantially centrally oriented on a second edge of body portion 102. In one embodiment, body portion 102 is a cuboid having two long edges and two short edges, and the first edge of body portion 102 and the second edge of body portion 102 are the long edges of body portion 102.

In one embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable. In another embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable in height to allow a user to select the desired height of handle 104. In another embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable to two or more positions. In another embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable to an infinite number of positions bound between an upward-most position and a downward-most position. In another embodiment, handle 104 is vertically adjustable to a downward-most position, where handle 104 may be stowed for minimizing the size of case 100. In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises an adjustment mechanism which may be locked or unlocked to allow for the vertical adjustment of handle 104.

In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises at least one elongated handle member, such as a first elongated handle member 106 and a second elongated handle member 108. In one embodiment, the at least one elongated handle member is telescoping. First elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 may extend downwardly into a channel, a tube external to body portion 102, a tube internal to body portion 102, or a compartment of body portion 102. In one embodiment, at least one of first elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 extend downwardly into a first frame member (not shown) and a second frame member (not shown). First elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 may comprise any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including for example a circle, a square, an oval, a triangle, and any other regular or irregular polygon shape.

In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises at least one handle member. In another embodiment, handle 104 comprises an elongated handle member, such as elongated handle member 106 or 108. In one embodiment, the handle member is fixed. In another embodiment, the handle member is a retractable elongated handle member that is retractable into body portion 102. In another embodiment, the handle member is a telescoping elongated handle member. In another embodiment, the elongated handle member is a rope or cable configured to allow a user to lift and/or manipulate case 100. In another embodiment, the elongated handle member is any member configured to allow a user to lift and/or manipulate case 100.

In one embodiment, handle 104 comprises a gripping portion 110. Gripping portion 110 may comprise a substantially right angle shape as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, gripping portion 110 may comprise a substantially circular, sweeping, or angular shape. In one embodiment, gripping portion 110 incorporates an adjustment mechanism such as a trigger, knob, switch, lever, or button configured to allow for the vertical adjustment of handle 104. In one embodiment, gripping portion 110 is ergonomically designed to fit the hand of a human. In another embodiment, gripping portion 110 may include enhanced gripping surfaces to increase the comfort or purchase of a user's grip.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of gripping portion 110 extends over at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of case 100 and body portion 102. In another embodiment, at least a portion of gripping portion 110 extends directly above at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of case 100 and body portion 102.

Handle 104 and gripping portion 110 may be used to pull case 100 on one or more wheel, push case 100 on one or more wheel, lift case 100, manipulate case 100, or carry case 100.

In one embodiment, case 100 comprises a tray 112. Tray 112 may comprise any of a variety of materials, including one or more of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a polymer, or another organic material. In one embodiment, tray 112 is oriented on the upper-most portion of body portion 102. In another embodiment, tray 112 is oriented on the top of body portion 102.

In one embodiment, tray 112 comprises a ridge or lip extending substantially about the periphery of tray 112. In one embodiment, tray 112 comprises at least one of: a cup holder, a void configured to accept at least a portion of gripping portion 110, and a void configured to accept at least a portion of a user's hand. In another embodiment, tray 112 includes a void configured to accept gripping portion 110, such that gripping portion 110 at least substantially fills in the void to create a substantially flat surface in tray 112. In another embodiment, tray 112 includes a void configured to accept a least a portion of a user's hand as a user grips gripping portion 110 and lowers gripping portion 110 to its lower-most position. In another embodiment, tray 112 comprises a substantially planar surface configured to support a food plate, book, magazine, laptop computer, or tablet computer. In another embodiment, tray 112 comprises at least one divider. In another embodiment, tray 112 comprises a pocket.

Case 100 may comprise at least one wheel 114. In one embodiment, at least one wheel 114 extends from body portion 102 on a plan below the centroid of at least one of case 100 and body portion 102. In one embodiment, case 100 comprises one wheel 114, which is oriented substantially below at least one of the centroid of case 100 and the center of gravity of case 100. In another embodiment, case 100 comprises at least two wheels 114. In one embodiment, at least two wheels 114 extend from body portion 102 on a plane below the centroid of at least one of case 100 and body portion 102. In one embodiment, case 100 comprises four wheels 114. In another embodiment, four wheels 114 extend from body portion 102 on a plane below the centroid of at least one of case 100 and body portion 102.

In one embodiment, case 100 is configured to be operated on at least one wheel while being tilted, similar to a hand truck. In another embodiment, case 100 is configured to be pushed or pulled on at least one wheel. In another embodiment, case 100 is configured to be operated on more than two wheels while substantially maintaining contact between the wheels and a surface, similar to an automobile. In another embodiment, case 100 comprises more than one wheel and case 100 is configured to be operated either on one wheel or more than one wheel.

In one embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is a swivel wheel. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is fixed and cannot swivel. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is neither fixed nor swivels. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 may be selectively switched between a swivel operation and a fixed operation. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is retractable, for example, into body portion 102. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is retractable into a frame portion of case 100. In another embodiment, at least one of at least one wheel 114 is foldable, for example, into body portion 102 or a frame portion of case 100.

In one embodiment, one or more wheel 114 is operatively connected to a brake mechanism (not shown). The brake mechanism may be configured to at least partially arrest the rolling and/or swiveling of at least one or more wheel 114. In one embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises a device configured to physically interfere with a tread portion, a spoke portion, or an axle portion of wheel 114. In another embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises a flip lever on at least one wheel 114. In another embodiment, the brake mechanism may comprise a lever on handle 104 configured to be actuated to activate the brake mechanism. In another embodiment, the brake mechanism may comprise a foot switch on body portion 102 or at least one wheel 114, the foot switch being configured to be actuated to activate the brake mechanism.

In one embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises the retraction or folding of at least one wheel 114 such that the lower-most portion of body portion 102 comes into contact with the floor, ground, or other surface upon which case 100 may travel. Contacting the lower-most portion of body portion 102 with the floor, ground, or other surface may create a friction force capable of at least partially arresting the motion of case 100.

In one embodiment, the brake mechanism comprises contacting at least one of first elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 with the floor, ground, or other surface upon which case 100 travels. In this embodiment, at least one of first elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 extend through the entire height of body portion 102, such that when handle 104 is in its lower-most position, the lower-most end of first elongated handle member 106 and/or second elongated handle member 108 comes into contact with the floor, ground, or other surface, at least partially arresting the motion of case 100. Likewise, when handle 104 is raised, at least one of first elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 is removed from contact with the floor, ground, or other surface. In one embodiment, the lower-most end of at least one of first elongated handle member 106 and second elongated handle member 108 comprises a cleat configured to increase friction between the lower-most end and the floor, ground, or other surface. The cleat may comprise any material with a high friction coefficient, including for example a rubber.

In one embodiment, case 100 comprises a lid 115 operatively connected to body portion 102. In another embodiment, lid 115 is connected to body portion 102 via one or more of a hinge, a fabric, or other flexible material. In one embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially cuboidal, and lid 115 makes up an entire edge of body portion 102 or a portion of an edge of body portion 102. In another embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially cuboidal, and lid 115 makes up at least a portion of more than one edge of body portion 102. In another embodiment, body portion 102 is substantially cuboidal, and lid 115 makes up about half of body portion 102. In one embodiment, at least one wheel 114 is oriented on the bottom of lid 115, on the same or similar plane as the remaining wheels 114.

Case 100 may comprise at least one closure mechanism 116. Closure mechanism 116 may comprise any of a variety of closure systems, including for example, a latch, a zipper, a strap, a hook and loop fastener, a pin, a bolt, a magnet, an adhesive, a snap, or a belt. In one embodiment, closure mechanism 116 is configured to be lockable to help prevent unauthorized access to the contents of case 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of case 100 in a second configuration. Case 100 may include body portion 102 and handle 104. Handle 104 may comprise first elongated handle member 106, second elongated handle member 108, and gripping portion 110. Case 100 may additionally comprise tray 112, and at least one wheel 114. Handle 104 is illustrated in a retracted position.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example arrangement of case 300. Case 300 may include a body portion 302 and handle 304. Handle 304 may comprise a first handle member (not shown) and a second handle member (not shown). Case 300 may comprise at least a first frame member 307 and a second frame member 309. Case 300 may additionally comprise a tray 312, and at least one wheel 314.

At least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 may be substantially hollow. In one embodiment, at least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 are substantially tubular. In one embodiment, first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 are substantially coaxial with a first handle member (not shown) and a second handle member (not shown), respectively. In another embodiment, a first handle member is configured to extend at least partially within first frame member 307. In another embodiment, a second handle member is configured to extend at least partially within second frame member 309. In another embodiment, first frame member 307 is a first handle member. In another embodiment, second frame member 309 is a second handle member.

In one embodiment, first frame member 307 is operatively connected to handle 304. In another embodiment, second frame member 309 is operatively connected to handle 304.

At least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 may be operatively connected to additional frame members (not shown). In one embodiment, at least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 are operatively connected to at least one of wheel 314, handle 304, and tray 312.

In one embodiment, second frame member 309 is oriented substantially centered on a first edge of case 300. In another embodiment, first frame member 307 is oriented substantially at or near an intersection of a second edge of case 300 and a third edge of case 300. In another embodiment, first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 are oriented on substantially opposite sides of at least one of a centroid of case 300 and a center of gravity of case 300.

In one embodiment, gripping portion (not shown) extends substantially from the first edge of case 300 to the third edge of case 300. In another embodiment, gripping portion (not shown) extends substantially across the centroid of case 300 from a first side of case 300 to a second side of case 300. In another embodiment, gripping portion (not shown) extends from the first edge of case 300 substantially over the centroid of case 300.

Case 300 may comprise a lid 315 connected to body portion 302 via at least one hinge (not shown). In one embodiment, lid 315 is operatively connected to body portion 302. As illustrated, lid 315 may be opened to reveal an interior volume 320. Lid 315 may comprise at least one closure mechanism 316 configured to selectively arrest the motion of lid 315 relative to body portion 302. In one embodiment, at least one closure mechanism 316 is configured to engage at least a portion of first frame member 307. In another embodiment, first frame member 307 comprises at least one closure mechanism (not shown), and the at least one closure mechanism is configured to engage at least a portion of lid 315.

At least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309 may be configured to perform one or more of the following roles: (1) provide a channel within which a first handle member may extend; (2) provide a channel within which a second handle member may extend; (3) provide structural integrity to case 300; (4) provide a locking point for at least one closure mechanism 316.

Case 300 may comprise at least one secondary handle 324. Secondary handle 324 may be utilized to pick up or carry case 300.

Handle 304, shown in a retracted position, may include one or more of brake mechanism 326. Brake mechanism 326 may include the lower-most portion of first elongated handle member 306 and/or second elongated handle member 308. In one embodiment, brake mechanism 326 is operatively connected to at least one of first frame member 307 and second frame member 309.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example arrangement of case 300. Case 300 may comprise at least a first frame member 307 and a second frame member 309.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 404 having a first elongated handle member 406, a second elongated handle member 408, and a gripping portion 410.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 504 having a first elongated handle member 506, a second elongated handle member 508, and a gripping portion 510.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 604 having a first elongated handle member 606, a second elongated handle member 608, and a gripping portion 610.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 704 having a first elongated handle member 706, a second elongated handle member 708, and a gripping portion 710.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 804 having a first elongated handle member 806, a second elongated handle member 808, and a gripping portion 810.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 904 having a first elongated handle member 906, a second elongated handle member 908, and a gripping portion 910.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example arrangement of handle 1004 having a first elongated handle member 1006, a second elongated handle member 1008, and a gripping portion 1010.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1100 in a first configuration.

Case 1100 may comprise a body portion 1102 and a handle 1104.

Handle 1104 may comprise a lower elongated handle member 1106 and an upper elongated handle member 1108. At least one of lower elongated handle member 1106 and upper elongated handle member 1108 may be configured to telescope to adjust the height of handle 1104. In one embodiment, at least one hinge element connects lower elongated handle member 1106 and upper elongated handle member 1108 such that one can hinge relative to the other.

Handle 1104 may comprise a gripping portion 1110 oriented at the top of upper elongated handle member 1108. In one embodiment, upper elongated handle member 1108 comprises multiple upper elongated handle members 1108, with gripping portion 1110 oriented between the multiple upper elongated handle members 1108. Gripping portion 1110 may be oriented to extend above the centroid or center of gravity of at least one of case 1100 and body portion 1102.

Case 1100 may comprise at least one wheel 1114 attached to body portion 1102. Case 1100 may also comprise a lid 1115 operatively connected to body portion 1102.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example arrangement of case 1100 in a second configuration, wherein handle 1104 is in its retracted position and upper elongated handle member 1108 is rotated into contact with body portion 1102.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1200. Case 1200 includes a body portion 1202 and a handle 1204. Handle 1204 may comprise an upper elongated handle member 1208 and a gripping portion 1210, wherein gripping portion 1210 extends above at least one of the centroid or center of gravity of at least one of case 1200 and body portion 1202. Case 1200 may comprise a tray 1212, at least one wheel 1214, and a lid 1215 operatively connected to body portion 1202.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1300. Case 1300 comprises a body portion 1302 and a handle 1304.

Handle 1304 may comprise a handle member 1308 and a gripping portion 1310. In one embodiment, handle member 1308 extends from case 1300 at any point on case 1300, wherein gripping portion 1310 extends substantially above the centroid of body portion 1302. In another embodiment, handle member 1308 extends substantially vertically from a point on body portion 1302 substantially above the centroid of body portion 1302.

Case 1300 may additionally comprise at least one wheel 1314 oriented on a plane substantially below the centroid of body portion 1302.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1400. Case 1400 comprises a body portion 1402 and a handle 1404.

Handle 1404 may comprise at least one handle member 1408 and a gripping portion 1410. In one embodiment, at least one handle member 1408 extends from case 1400 at any point on case 1400, wherein gripping portion 1410 extends substantially above the centroid of body portion 1402. In another embodiment, at least one handle member 1408 extends substantially vertically from a point on body portion 1402 on a plane substantially above the centroid of body portion 1402. In one embodiment, at least one handle member 1408 comprises at least two handle members 1408, wherein a first handle member 1408 is oriented on a first side of body portion 1402, and a second handle member 1408 is oriented on a second side of body portion 1402.

Case 1400 may additionally comprise at least one wheel 1414 oriented on a plane substantially below the centroid of body portion 1402.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example arrangement of a case 1500. Case 1500 comprises a body portion 1502 and a handle 1504.

Handle 1504 may comprise a handle member 1508 and a gripping portion 1510. In one embodiment, handle member 1508 extends from case 1500 at any point on case 1500, wherein gripping portion 1510 may extend substantially above the centroid of body portion 1502. In another embodiment, handle member 1508 extends substantially vertically from a point on body portion 1502 substantially above the centroid of body portion 1502.

Handle member 1508 may comprise a non-rigid apparatus, such as a rope, cable, or chain having tensile strength configured to allow a user to lift and/or manipulate body portion 1502.

Case 1500 may additionally comprise at least one wheel 1514 oriented on a plane substantially below the centroid of body portion 1502.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. To the extent that the term “substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components have the relation or qualities indicated with degree of error as would be acceptable in the subject industry. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A case, the case comprising:

a body portion comprising a centroid; and

a handle comprising a gripping portion and at least one of: a telescoping elongated handle member, a retractable elongated handle member, and an elongated handle member,

wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extends above the centroid.

2. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one wheel extending from the body portion on a plane below the centroid.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein the handle is vertically adjustable.

4. The case of claim 1, further comprising a center of gravity, wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extends above the center of gravity.

5. The case of claim 1, further comprising a first frame member, wherein the first frame member is operatively connected to the handle.

6. A case, the case comprising:

a centroid;

a handle comprising a gripping portion and at least one handle member; and

a first frame member;

wherein the first frame member is operatively connected to the handle; and

wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extends above the centroid.

7. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member is a telescoping elongated handle member.

8. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member is a retractable elongated handle member.

9. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member is an elongated handle member.

10. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member extends at least partially within the first frame member.

11. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member is coaxial with the first frame member.

12. The case of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle member is the first frame member.

13. The case of claim 6, further comprising a second frame member operatively connected to the handle.

14. The case of claim 13, further comprising a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, wherein the first frame member is substantially centered on the first edge, and wherein the second frame member is oriented at an intersection of the second edge and the third edge.

15. The case of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the gripping portion extends substantially from the first edge to the third edge.

16. A case, the case comprising:

a body portion;

a lid operatively connected to the body portion,

a handle; and

a first frame member;

wherein the first frame member is operatively connected to the handle;

wherein at least one of the lid and the first frame member comprises at least one closure mechanism; and

wherein the at least one closure mechanism is configured to engage at least one of the first frame member and the lid.

17. The case of claim 16, further comprising a second frame member operatively connected to the handle.

18. The case of claim 17, further comprising a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, wherein the first frame member is oriented at an intersection of the second edge and the third edge, and wherein the second frame member is substantially centered on the first edge.

19. The case of claim 16, wherein the body portion comprises a centroid, and wherein at least a portion of the handle extends above the centroid.

20. The case of claim 17, wherein the body portion comprises a centroid, and wherein at least a portion of the handle extends from the first frame member, above the centroid, to the second frame member.