Abstract:
An apparatus for transporting clothing comprising a wheeled suitcase and a detachable garment bag. The garment bag is adapted to wrap around outside panels of the suitcase and is held snuggly against the suitcase by a fastener system including connectively interlocking clips or the like. Auxiliary hook and loop strips ensure that the garment bag is securely held on the suitcase. The wheeled suitcase, in its generally upright position, includes an upper end and lower end. The upper end has an opening free of the wrapped garment bag affording ready access. Corners of the suitcase are rounded to facilitate gentle wrapping such that clothing within the garment bag is not subject to folding or wrinkling. The suitcase is slightly smaller than the size limited by airline regulations for carry-on luggage. Thus, when wrapped with the unique garment bag, the combined suitcase and garment bag will not exceed regulations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a Continuation-in-Part of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/661,957, filed on Sep. 15, 2003 and now abandoned; in turn, entitled to the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/451,238 filed Mar. 3, 2003; all benefits of the priority of both such applications are hereby claimed under 35 USC 120 and 119(e) respectively. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE TO “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to luggage both of the wheeled variety and the foldable type adapted to transport relatively large clothing pieces such as suits and dresses with minimal wrinkling. 
   Luggage for transporting clothing typically takes the form of suitcases of the box or trunk style or the foldable variety known as garment carriers or garment bags. Accommodating the carrying of relatively large garment pieces such as suits, jackets, shirts, blouses, and dresses, while avoiding wrinkles, has been an ongoing problem for travelers everywhere. Traditional luggage, commonly referred to as suitcases cannot accommodate large garments such as suits or dresses without folding them to fit inside. Compression and relative friction brought on by folding and packing result in garment wrinkles and unsightly creases. 
   As a solution to stuffed suitcases, garment bags were introduced as a means of transporting large garments. Garment bags are widely used despite a number of problems encountered with their use. Usually the user must suffer the strain and awkwardness of reaching backward across a shoulder to grasp a hanger hook from which the unfolded garment bag is suspended. Alternatively, the garment bag may be folded for easier handling, but the clothing held therein will suffer. This is because garment bags along with their contents require doubling or folding to a size that, at most, is half their overall length. The objective is to make garment bags just large enough to accommodate suits and dresses, yet small enough to be carried reasonably conveniently, and to permit them to be brought aboard a commercial flight. Occasionally, airline flight personnel will permit hanging the garment bag during flight, but typically the bag must be folded and stuffed into an overhead compartment, where they often are subjected to crushing pressure from adjacent bags of other passengers. The garment bag suffers similar distress in the trunks of taxicabs or the luggage hold of buses. 
   Another problem with respect to garment bags is they typically add to the luggage load for a user who already is struggling with lifting and managing a regular suitcase or duffle bag. The added load can be inconvenient, tiring and uncomfortable. Besides that, more than one “carry-on” item often is not permitted onboard an airplane. An undesirable outcome is that the “soft” or delicate garment bag may be relegated to bruising transport within the airplane&#39;s luggage hold. 
   A relatively recent development has been luggage with wheels and retractable handles, of the type exemplified by Rollaboard®. Early wheeled luggage of this type is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,487 issued to Plath. Rather than having to carry the suitcase, the Plath invention enables a user to pull the suitcase in such a way that the load is carried on small wheels or rollers. This type of suitcase has become extremely popular due to the obvious improvement in comfort and convenience to the user. 
   The most popular types of rolling suitcases are those sized to meet the carry-on width/length/girth limits imposed by airline regulations. Generally speaking, present standards, dictate that the carry-on suitcase will not exceed 22″×14″×9,″ although such a designated, chosen or dictated dimension can vary slightly from airline to airline and country to country. When it comes to packing and transporting clothing of various shapes and sizes, roller-equipped or wheeled suitcases which, by design, are relatively small, suffer from the same deficiency or inadequacy of larger, non-wheeled suitcases. That is, wheeled suitcases cannot accommodate large garments without considerable folding and compression. 
   Manufacturers have tried to combine the convenience of the smaller, wheeled and non-wheeled suitcase with the larger clothes-carrying capacity of a garment bag. They accomplish this by incorporating a garment bag within the confines of the suitcase itself. This allows suits and large garments to be inserted inside the suitcase. Luggage of this nature is known in the industry as a suiter. Such a suitcase eliminates the need to carry two separate pieces of luggage; but, the typical suiter is by no means small. In fact it wields a sizable footprint and significant heft. Besides that, the internal garment bag feature consumes valuable packing space. Alas, the so-called suiter suffers the problem common to regular suitcases, garment bags and the smaller wheeled versions: larger articles of clothing must be folded, and often into several folded layers. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,402, Godshaw describes soft-sided luggage with separate compartments in a saddle-bag configuration designed to fit on top of a wheeled type suitcase. An opening in the soft-sided luggage allows it to fit over a handle of wheeled suitcase so as to extend downwardly along the suitcase sides. One embodiment of this design is a garment bag to hold suits. This luggage carries a number of disadvantages. 
   While the construction contemplated in the Godshaw patent allows clothing to be carried on the outside of wheeled luggage so as to be portably moveable therewith, it faces the same deficiency as previously described luggage because it requires large garments such as suits to be folded to fit into a garment bag portion of the Godshaw luggage. The resultant combination is bulky and heavy, and must be disassembled to afford access the interior of the wheeled suitcase. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,026, Chernoff demonstrates the concept of rolling clothing around a cylinder to reduce wrinkles. This concept of rolling or wrapping large garments for storage, rather than the traditional folding process has been a major step in the right direction since it eliminates many of the problems of folding, thus going a long way in avoidance of wrinkles. However, a garment bag of this type still must be carried since it is in no way associated with wheels. 
   While the above discussed patent references as well as others of record in the above noted parent application relate to the present invention disclosed and claimed herein, none has the distinguishing features of the present inventive apparatus and method to be discussed below. More specifically, it is believed that prior to this invention there existed no wheeled luggage adapted to carry relatively larger articles of clothing such as suits dresses and the like in such a way that avoids abusive folding required to fit said clothing inside (or to drape it across) wheeled luggage. In other words, none of the prior art includes the novel features of the present inventive and method disclosed and claimed herein. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A principal objective of this invention is to present an improved luggage apparatus and method of using said apparatus that combines the convenience of a wheeled suitcase with the carrying capacity of a large garment bag, while avoiding or at least considerably reducing clothing wrinkles and creases associated with traditional embodiments of both. This invention is embodied in a unique apparatus combination and its method of use. More specifically, the apparatus includes a wheeled suitcase of special and unique configuration and a similarly uniquely configured garment bag adapted to be wrapped around and attached to an outside surface of said wheeled suitcase. 
   It is an objective to provide a wheeled suitcase structurally defined by six principal exterior surfaces, and adapted to cooperatively support a uniquely configured garment bag wrapped therearound. Four of said exterior surfaces are substantially vertical when said wheeled suitcase is in a standing mode supported by wheels of said suitcase. These four surfaces may be identical in configuration, or more typically may include two major, generally vertical panel surfaces and two minor generally vertical panel surfaces. 
   Such generally vertical surfaces may be interconnected to form relatively rounded corners at lateral edges of said major and minor surfaces, thus defining a container of a designated, chosen shape and size, and with a first and second end. The designated shape and size are deliberately chosen as generally smaller than dictated airline standards for carry-on luggage. The remaining two of said six surfaces include a top, removable panel element and a bottom panel element affixed respectively to said first and second ends. 
   At least one handle element may be provided and adapted as a towing handle positioned at or adjacent said top panel, and one or more wheels may be provided at said bottom panel. When in a reclined or resting position on one of said lateral surfaces, the wheeled suitcase lies in a generally horizontal mode. In its rolling or standing position the wheeled suitcase assumes a generally vertical position where the lateral surfaces are substantially vertical. The phrase “substantially vertical,” as applied herein, will be understood to include a slightly tilted attitude of the wheeled suitcase when pulled by said at least one handle and rolled in transport. 
   Another objective is to provide a uniquely configured garment bag designed to complement said designated or chosen shape and size of said container, and adapted to wrap around said substantially vertical surfaces of the wheeled suitcase. A final shape and size of the resultant combination of suitcase and garment bag are pre-designed to approximate said dictated standard. When applied or mounted to the suitcase, the garment bag fully covers the major and minor generally vertical outside panel surfaces of said suitcase, yet remains spaced from said removable top panel; 
   Another objective is that the garment bag be constructed to turn gently at rounded suitcase corners when mounted thereon, and uniquely adapted to be firmly connected to said suitcase surfaces so as to prevent sliding or unintentional removal thereof. Still another objective is to eliminate the need to fold the clothing or the garment bag containing said clothing. Instead of folding, the garment bag is gently wrapped around the outside of the suitcase surfaces, avoiding unwelcome wrinkles and creases. 
   Accordingly, the several objects and advantages of the invention allow large articles of clothing to be carried on the outside of a suitcase, while still providing substantial protection expected from typical garment bags. Not only does this configuration or arrangement eliminate the need to fold said clothing articles, but it also reserves more space within the suitcase for other articles. Another object of the present apparatus is to enable one to travel with large garments without the hazardous stress and discomfort of having to lift or carry a heavy garment bag. Still another object is to create a two-part luggage apparatus that can be used together as described herein, or as a separate garment bag and suitcase. 
   Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following full description and the appended claims, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding elements in the various figures. 

   
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the wheeled suitcase portion of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a dosed garment bag portion of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a PRIOR ART illustration of well-known buckle connectors or male/female clips. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an opened garment bag; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the invention with a garment bag aligned with a suitcase, ready for engagement; 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a suitcase portion of the invention illustrated as including a top panel access and at least one major surface access opening ready for packing, but without the garment bag; 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation of the invention illustrating details of the garment bag wrapped around a wheeled suitcase. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Detailed descriptions of the inventive apparatus are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for claims included herein and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present inventive method and apparatus in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
   Referring to the drawings in detail,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the two main components of the invention, a wheeled suitcase  10  and a garment bag  20 . At least one access opening  11  is defined on wheeled suitcase  10 ; said opening  11  is adapted to be closed by access panel  11 ′. Garment bag is shown (see  FIG. 2 ) as having two generally elongated edges  39  bounded at their ends by two relatively shorter end edges,  22  and  35 . At least one access opening  21  is defined on garment bag  20 ; said access opening is adapted to be closed by fastener  21   a  adapted to releasably interconnect at least three edges of the perimeter of the garment bag  20  so as to form a secure enclosure. 
   Garment bag fastener element  21  may be chosen from any of a variety of well known interconnecting elements. As examples, and without intent to limit the scope of the appended claims, fastener  21  may comprise one or more zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, hook and eye fasteners, interlocking or connective clips of the male/female component interconnection type, and the like, or a combination of two or more of such fasteners. For purpose of illustration only, the drawings schematically depict fastener  21  as including zipper  21   a  (depicted in  FIG. 2  as a broken line). 
   The wheeled suitcase  10  is presented herein as a generally rectangular container with six principal exterior surfaces (although other configurations such as square are within the scope of the present invention claims). In the example illustrated, two of said six exterior surfaces are constructed as major lateral surface panels  48 , while two are minor lateral surface panels  47 . 
   As viewed in  FIG. 6 , where said suitcase is in a generally vertical position, said major and minor lateral surface panels  47  and  48  are interconnected at their respective lateral edges to define said container having a first end  16  and second end  53 , closed respectively by a top panel  15  and bottom panel  52 . Said top panel  15  is adapted to be opened and fixedly closed. 
   Other openings may be provided on surface panels of suitcase  10  as deemed desirable or necessary for access and packing convenience. Lateral surface panels  47  and  48  have a relatively gentle, rounded interconnection at said lateral edges so as to present smoothly rounded corners  41 , each (for example) with a radius of curvature. By itself, i.e., as shown in  FIG. 6  without an attached garment bag  20 , wheeled suitcase  10  has a resultant overall shape and dimensional size somewhat smaller than the commercial airline standard for carry-on luggage. 
   Said at least one towing handle may be provided in the form of retractable handle  12 , and is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  7  as positioned along at least one major lateral panel surface  48  of said wheeled suitcase  10 . Towing handle  12  is adapted to be slidably extended (as indicated by directional arrows  12   c  in  FIG. 7 ) to a position well beyond said top panel  15 . As illustrated, handle  12  is positioned along suitcase rear face panel  48   r  which may be termed the leading lateral surface when said suitcase is transported (or rolled) by being towed along a floor or other transit surface. 
   Towing handle  12  is further provided with a grip portion  12   b  configured to be grasped by at least one hand of a user. In its extended position, handle  12  may be straight relative to said at least one major lateral side or panel as indicated in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, said handle  12  with grip portion  12   b  may have a slight bend or crook  12   a  (best viewed in  FIG. 7 ) so as to require less tilt when tipping said wheeled suitcase for ease of movement. 
   A limited tilt of the suitcase  10  through the advantage of crook  12   a  results in a reduction in weight and force transferred to the user&#39;s wrist while pulling said wheeled suitcase. Another advantage of the limited tilt is that the user can avoid dragging a lower portion of said garment bag along the ground, walkway, roadway, tarmac, and so forth. 
   At least one wheel  14  is positioned along a bottom panel  52 , normally adjacent said leading lateral surface or panel. Two wheels  14  are illustrated as an example. Said at least one wheel  14  may be recessed as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , or fully exposed as shown in  FIG. 7 . A fully exposed wheel offers the advantage of further providing said wheel with a caster mechanism (not shown) to facilitate movement. Bottom panel  52  is provided with at least one lug or foot element  54 . Said element  54  is adapted to extend from said bottom panel  52  to provide stable support for said wheeled suitcase when positioned in a generally upright or standing state as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . As wheeled suitcase  10  is tilted for rolled movement, the lug or foot element  54  is lifted from engagement with the floor or surface over which the wheeled suitcase  10  is moved. 
   Opened up as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the wheeled suitcase  10  may be loaded with shoes, toiletries, and smaller articles of clothing through access opening  11  (or other openings provided therefor) on front surface  48   f . The closure panel  11 ′ for access opening  11  may be releasably secured with a zipper  13  or alternative fasteners of the type noted hereabove. For example, zipper  13  may extend substantially around at least three sides of the perimeter of access opening  11  and panel  11 ′. This is not, however, where larger articles of clothing such as dresses, shirts, suits or the like are to be loaded. Instead, larger articles are to be carried in the separate garment bag  20  uniquely adapted to be physically combined with suitcase  10 . 
   Garment bag  20  is constructed as elongated in shape, including elongated side edges bounded at their ends by relatively shorter first and second garment bag end edges,  22  and  35  respectively. The first and second edges  22  and  35  are generally coextensive with said lateral edges of said four interconnected panels of said suitcase container. Garment bag  20  is provided with a zipper  21   a  (for example) which may extend substantially around three sides of a perimeter edge thereof. Thus, garment bag  20  is adapted to be opened to form two opposing or complementary halves,  24  and  25 , so as to be closed and interconnected along a common edge  23  thereof as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
   The opposing, complementary garment bag halves  24  and  25  are thus adapted to enclose therebetween large items of clothing of the type described hereabove. The novel structural design of garment bag  20  offers a useful accessory optionally connectable to a wheeled suitcase  10  for manual transport therewith. Of course, garment bag  20  and wheeled suitcase  10  are useful as stand-alone pieces of luggage. 
   Garment bag  20  is to be attached to suitcase  10  by interconnection of fastener systems employing any of a variety of fastening elements (with options set forth hereabove with respect to fastener  21 ). As an illustration of the present inventive apparatus, and without intent to limit claim scope, these fastener systems are shown to comprise connectively interlocking clip elements. Such clip elements have cooperative or matching interconnection configurations (e.g.,  30  and  31 ′ shown in PRIOR ART  FIG. 3 ). Fastener clip elements  30 ,  31  are typical of a variety of quick release buckles of the male/female type particularly suited for attachment to high strength nylon belts or webbing, and frequently employed in luggage, handbags, jackets, knapsacks and so forth. These interlocking clip elements are commercially available under the name UTX DURAFLEX® and WEINERLOCK®. 
   As illustrated, each set of clip elements of the present fastener systems is essentially the same construction (i.e., interconnecting male and female elements). However, clarity of explanation demands that a convention be assigned when referencing each clip element component. For example, a clip element component of the female type is designated  30 ; the male type,  30 ′. It will become evident that clip element components fixed at a common location on suitcase  10  or garment bag  20  carry common reference characters. For example all clip elements affixed at edge  22  of bag  20  are designated  30 ,  30 ,  30 ′; and associated webbing is designated  30   w  and  30 ′ w . All such clips, by the way, are shown as associated with webbing strips. 
   It is important to note that precise placement of either a male or female fastener component element upon a luggage part to be interconnected is, in most cases, inconsequential so long as each said component element is matched with a clip element component of opposite gender. In other words, the male element component clip elements  31 ′ and female components clip element  30  to be affixed to one or the other item or material surface to be interconnected may be positionally swapped as a matter of design or convenience. However, certain combinations of gender choice in clip element placement can have advantages as will be explained herebelow. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a suitcase panel fastener system is illustrated along a panel  48  of suitcase  10 , and includes one or more clip elements  31  or  31 ′ (e.g. three clips) and associated webbing. Viewing  FIGS. 2 and 4 , it will be seen that a garment bag first end fastener system includes one or more clips,  30  or  30 ′ affixed by fabric webbing (e.g.,  30   w  or  30 ′ w ) to garment bag  20  at or near edge  22  of exterior bag half  24  as viewed in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A garment bag second end fastener system including one or more clip elements (e.g.  33 ) is illustrated (also for example) as three juxtaposed clip elements affixed by fabric webbing strips (e.g.,  31   w ) at edge  35  of exterior bag half  24 . 
   Further, a garment bag external fastener system is indicated schematically (again for example) as three juxtaposed clip units (e.g.,  34 ′) with webbing strips (e.g.,  34 ′ w ) at a location along exterior surface  38  of bag half  24  between said garment bag first and second end. For example, clip elements  34 ′ are positioned on said exterior surface  38  between clips  30  and  31 . The location significance and purpose of the aforementioned sets of clips located on exterior bag half  24  will become apparent when the assembly of the garment bag  20  and suitcase  10  is explained. It is important to note that clip units  34 ′ are affixed to webbing strips  50  in such a way as to be adjustable, as will be explained. 
   Near said edge  22  of exterior half  24  is a single auxiliary clip element  36 ′, shown for example as a male clip element in  FIG. 4 , with webbing adapted to releasably engage an adjacent female clip element  30  (selected for example as a center clip  30 ). Thus, when the garment bag  20  is detached from its wrapped position about suitcase  10 , the auxiliary clip element  36 ′ and center clip element  30  may be interlocked. When interconnected in this manner, the clip elements and their associated webbing join to form a loop from which said garment bag  20  may be hung on a hook or closet hanger bar (not shown). When not in use, clip element  36 ′ and its associated webbing simply reside along the exterior half  24 , concealed by an overlapping portion of said garment bag  20  in its wrapped position about the wheeled suitcase  10 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates garment bag  20  fully opened by separating bag halves  24  and  25  with internal surface panels  27  and  28 , respectively, having smooth, waterproof inner faces or linings (see surface  29  partially illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) for protectively enclosing larger clothing pieces. When garment bag  20  is closed and attached to suitcase  10 , and subsequently wrapped therearound, (in such a way that bag  20  fully encompasses suitcase  10 , yet remains spaced from the removable top panel  15 ), bag half  24  forms a relatively smooth continuous external surface  38  of the luggage combination. Thus, the outwardly facing surface  38  of half  24  may be fabricated of a ruggedly durable material such as that known as ballistic nylon. 
   Interior garment bag half  25  may be fabricated of a material which is less rugged and more flexible as compared to the external surface  38  just described, since bag half  25  will remain safely beneath the surface of the luggage combination. Surface  28  will be generally smooth so as not to frictionally engage, restrict or snag suits, dresses and such enclosed thereby. 
   The surface  37  (of panel half  25 ) adapted to directly engage the suitcase  20  may be fabricated of a light weight, generally smooth woven material, and may include at least one pocket  26  (see  FIG. 2 ) for storing smaller items such as underwear, neckties, socks and the like. While pocket  26  may be structured or fabricated in a variety of ways and from a range of materials, the use of a mesh fabric provides the advantage of easily viewing pocket contents. In addition to the fastener systems just described, one or more auxiliary fastener elements are provided to aid in fixedly connecting garment bag  20  to suitcase  10 , to be described as follows. 
   In order to accurately and firmly secure garment bag  20  to wheeled suitcase  10 , auxiliary fastener elements are provided for interfacing portions of each. These auxiliary fasteners may be selected from a variety of connectors such as hook and loop fastener material, snaps, hook and eyelets, and the like. Illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 , and  6  is the application of at least one strip of hook and loop fastener material  40  disposed on garment bag  20  (along surface  37 ) and aligned with at least one complementary strip of hook and loop fastener material  40  disposed on the suitcase  10  in a manner to be described. Hook and loop fastener material is generally available under the trade name VELCRO®. 
   While only a single unit of hook and loop fastener material  40  might be sufficient,  FIG. 2  presents an example where a pair of such units is disposed on the suitcase-engaging surface  37  of interior half. Shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6  are corresponding or matching hook and loop fastener units  40 , positioned on said wheeled suitcase  10  so as to be aligned with said hook and loop fastener units  40  on said interior half  25 . While the hook and loop material  40  is shown in each instance as single elongated strips, it should be apparent that segmented strips will suffice, as well. With fastener systems and auxiliary fasteners appropriately prepared, packing and mounting of garment bag  20  may proceed as follows. 
   After opening the garment bag  20  (as for example unzipping said halves  24  and  25 ), articles of clothing such as suits, dress shirts, neckties, dresses, blouses and the like are placed onto the inside face  27  of the exterior half  24  of the garment bag  20 . For example, suits may be placed on hangars (e.g., see  55 ) mounted in place on hangar loops  51 . The bag  20  is generally rectangular in configuration, with a longer dimension and shorter dimension typical of rectangular shapes. Once said articles of clothing are in place on said exterior half  24 , the opposing interior half  25  is folded over said clothing, and the two halves  24  and  25  are joined together, for example, by sliding zipper  21   a  along access opening  21 . When closed, garment bag  20  is ready for attachment to the wheeled suitcase  10 . 
   Suitcase  10  and garment bag  20 , suitably packed with clothing and other articles are placed on a work surface such as a bed, table or floor. Said wheeled suitcase  10  is positioned adjacent to said garment bag  20  generally as shown in  FIG. 5 . The suitcase panel fastener system, including for example a first set of clip components  31  and  31 ′ affixed to suitcase  10  are interconnected with a garment first end fastener system, e.g., a second set of clip components  30  and  30 ′ affixed along a first edge  22  of garment bag  20 . 
   Once the suitcase  10  and garment bag  20  are interconnected, the user then rolls or turns the suitcase  10  relative to the longer dimension of garment bag  20 . The direction of wrapping will depend on the specific design or configuration of the garment bag, but the objective is to have the more rugged surface  38  on the outside of the luggage combination. With the relative motion of suitcase  10  and bag  20 , the bag becomes wrapped around the lateral panels of suitcase  10 . 
   In the  FIG. 5  illustration, the garment bag  20  is designed so as to initially wrap across the front face or panel  48   f  of suitcase  10 . In other words, if viewed in its generally upright position (i.e., on its wheels) the relative wrapping movement of garment bag  20  around suitcase  10  would be clockwise. 
   Alternatively, bag  20  could be configured to initially wrap across the rear face  48   r  suitcase panel (where the towing handle  12  is attached). This would result in a final wrapped condition as illustrated (merely as an example) in  FIG. 7 , where the garment bag  20  is shown as having been configured and wrapped counterclockwise relative to suitcase  10 . This is a product design matter without consequence as long as rugged surface  38  will face outwardly of the combination suitcase and garment bag, 
   When garment bag  20  is wrapped around suitcase  10 , surface  37  is in direct contact with the exterior surfaces of suitcase  10 . In their relative movement, these surfaces are aligned such that corresponding hook and loop fastener units  40  engage and mutually interlock, thus affixing garment bag  20  to suitcase  10 . Rugged surface  38  of garment bag  20  then faces outwardly (with respect to the suitcase-garment bag combination) and provides a durable and protective surface for the clothes contained inside the garment bag  20 . At least one additional hook and fastener unit  43  is positioned on a portion of said rugged surface  38  adjacent end  35  so as to engage at least one strip of hook and loop material  40  on inside surface  37 . 
   As garment bag  20  continues to wrap around suitcase  10 , second edge  35  of the garment bag  20  overlaps the first edge  22  thereof and the interconnected clip components  30 ,  30 ′,  31 , and  31 ′. Second edge  35  then continues around suitcase  10  to a point where said garment bag second end fastener system at edge  35 , shown as clip components  33 , engages with said garment bag external surface fastener system, e.g. clip components  34 ′ positioned between said garment bag first and second end fastener systems. 
   Once connective clip components  33  and  34 ′ are interconnected, webbing straps  50  associated with clip components  34 ′ are tightened so as to pull bag  20  tightly against suitcase  10 . Some positional readjustment of the engagement of hook and loop fasteners  40  may be necessary in order to ensure a smooth surface of bag  20  around the entire suitcase  10  and to minimize slipping and movement of clothing contained in bag  20 . 
   A luggage combination of garment bag  20  and suitcase  10  (with panels  48   f  and  48   r  represented by phantom lines) is illustrated in  FIG. 7 , standing in a generally upright position. Web straps  50  are tightly adjusted in combination with clip elements  33  and  34 ′. Additional pockets on the exterior surface  38  of garment bag  20  are indicated by closures  38 Z. As is apparent, surface  38  presents a relatively smooth continuous external surface including only optional, flat pocket zippers  38 Z, Towing handle  12  with crook  12   a  is extended, and the luggage is ready to be tilted and advanced upon at least one wheel  14 ′ shown here as exposed rather than recessed in bottom  52 . 
   While traveling, the user may find it desirable or necessary to access the interior of suitcase  10  without having to remove garment bag  20  so as to reach main access door  11 . With the current invention, this is easily accommodated.  FIG. 6  illustrates the suitcase  10  structure with some elements removed (for simplicity of explanation). Top panel  15  of suitcase  10  is shown as opened up to expose interior space  18 . Panel  15  is releasably securable with a zipper  19  extending around three sides of the panel  15  perimeter along top edge  16 . 
   An interior panel  17  may be positioned so as to form a sub-container (or auxiliary container) within interior space  18 . Panel  17  may be further opened by means of a fastener, e.g. zipper unit  19   a  along at least three sides thereof, thus providing further access to suitcase  10  contents without having to remove garment bag  20 . 
   Because the garment bag  20  wraps around suitcase  10  without being folded as is necessary with conventional garment bags, it is advantageous to fabricate suitcase  10  with gently rounded corners as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 . In other words, while lateral surfaces  47  and  48  of suitcase  10  extend at right angles to one another, they follow a radius of curvature  42  at their area of actual intersection. This rounded configuration avoids pressure points that would tend to crease or distress the clothing in the garment bag  20 . 
   One possible method of manufacture to achieve these rounded edges is to use a curved piece of molded plastic (not shown) as a frame member of suitcase  10  either beneath or on the outside of the exterior fabric. Another method to achieve rounded edges is to use an internal frame utilizing vertical rods (not shown) of circular cross section placed within and along each corner edge  41  such that the exterior fabric of suitcase  10  wraps around and conforms to the shape of these frame members. These are merely examples of methods of manufacture and not intended in any way as limiting to appending claims. 
   In the earlier description concerning the manner by which the hanger bag  20  would be affixed to the wheeled suitcase  10 , it was suggested that male and female clip components  30 ,  31 ′ and the like may be positionally swapped (in terms of gender) as a matter of convenience. While this is the case, practically speaking, certain positional clip element placements can be advantageous. It has been found that selectively choosing gender placement (i.e., male and female) of clip components  30  relative to that of clip components  31 ′ (as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) will aid the user in quickly determining the correct “starting” orientation of the garment bag  20  where it first engages suitcase  10 . 
   Returning to the description of the suitcase panel fastener system and said garment bag first end fastener system, it is pointed out that (in the example described) three fastener clips arranged along panel  48  of suitcase  10  include two end clips separated by a generally central clip. Note that one end clip component  31 ′ is identical, in terms of gender, to the generally central clip component  31 ′ (e.g. both male), while the remaining end clip component  31  is of a different gender (e.g., female). 
   Readied to fixedly receive clip components  31  and  31 ′, the garment bag first end fastener system includes one male clip component  30 ′ and two adjacent female clip components  30 . Note also, that the garment bag second end fastener system, namely the set of clips affixed to the garment bag edge  35  all include female clip components  33 . Thus, the garment bag  20  can be received and connected in only one orientation relative to said wheeled suitcase clips  31 . 
   If the user, in confusion, attempts to attach clips  33  at edge  35  of garment bag  20  to suitcase  10 , the clip array for  33  will find no matching clips (male-to female) in the clip array  31 ,  31 ′. Similarly, if the user attempts to place the external side  38  against the suitcase for attachment, clips elements  30 ,  30 ′ will not find a match in the array of clips  31 ,  31 ′. Again, it is pointed out that the described fastener systems may comprise clips, as shown, or equivalent snaps, buttons, hook and eye connectors, zippers and the like, or a combination of such well known connectors. 
   Combining a garment bag and a wheeled suitcase into one apparatus, as described in this specification, has many advantages over existing luggage. All conventional luggage, from carry-on size up to the largest suitcase, requires large clothing to be folded to fit inside. Large luggage may require clothes be folded at least once (i.e., in half), and the smaller and more popular carry-on size luggage requires large clothing to be folded at least twice (i.e., in thirds). The result is that the folded clothing will develop at least one and typically two serious and unsightly creases due to having been folded. 
   The inventive apparatus described herein eliminates the need to fold large clothing. By wrapping the garment bag around the exterior of a suitcase with rounded edges, large clothing gently wraps around the perimeter of the suitcase, eliminating folding and creasing and reducing the chance for the clothes to become wrinkled. Wrapping large clothing around the outside of the suitcase also frees up space inside the suitcase. This allows the suitcase to be made smaller than a conventional suitcase. The result of reducing the size of the suitcase is that it weighs less and is easier to lift and easier to fit in confined spaces such as the overhead bins on an airplane. 
   Perhaps more importantly, interconnecting the garment bag and wheeled suitcase, provides the distinct advantage of avoiding having to carry the garment bag while wheeling the suitcase, thus incurring an added burden to the traveler and occupying both hands. Also eliminated is the clumsiness of draping a garment bag over the wheeled suitcase. Fastener systems for such combinations can easily be configured so as to direct the user in assembly of the combined luggage. Finally, an interconnected suitcase/garment bag unit of the type presented herein counts as only one carry-on bag, thus satisfying an increasingly imposed passenger carry-on limitation. 
   Upon careful reading of the foregoing specification and reviewing the accompanying drawings it will be evident that this invention is susceptible of modifications, combinations, and alterations in a number of ways which may differ from those set forth. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such alterations and modifications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.