Combination pet carrier and pet bed

1. A combination pet carrier and pet bed, comprising:

an air permeable transportable case with rigid, opposing sidewalls, the case having a length of no more than about 18 inches, and a width and height of each no more than about 11 inches, enabling the case to be stored in the under-seat carry-on space of an airplane, the case having a bulbous first end width and a narrowed opposing, second end width, an interior of the case being capable of being entered or exited by a pet by opening a partition in a sidewall, or by opening the case by pivoting one sidewall away from the other, and the case capable of being closed and secured for transport by closing the partition and securing the sidewalls, and the case also allowing the pet to breathe when the case is fully closed and secured for transport, wherein the case at its bulbous width has an interior space supporting a bed for a pet, and wherein an inner portion of the case includes padded internal siding;

an expandable and retractable enclosure communicating with the partition located at the bulbous width of the case, an atmosphere of the enclosure being air permeable with an outside environment and the enclosure when expanded providing floor space, additional to the interior space of the case, to allow the pet to move or recline in the additional space; and

the pet bed being removably located within the case, and the interior space and the pet bed being configured to enable the pet to be located within the interior space: (1) when the case is either open or closed; or (2) when the case is stationary or during transport of the case;

wherein the case can be transported while the pet is supported by the pet bed within the interior space of the case, thereby allowing the pet carrier to simultaneously function as both a pet carrier and a pet bed.

2. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the air permeable enclosure is extendible and retractable from both of, or either of, the top or bottom portions of the bulbous width of the case.

3. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the padded internal siding comprises one or more of the following: mesh; rope; polyester; or Cordura® fabric.

4. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , Wherein the case is opened and closed using one or more of the following fastening mechanisms: zippers; Velcro®; hinges; or buttons.

5. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein at least one side portion of the case includes a laterally projecting section which is flat and rigid, providing stability and balance, such that the case can stand upright on the laterally projecting section.

6. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 5 , wherein the case further comprises one or more rigid laterally projecting edges extending from the case to facilitate balance of the case in an upright position when the case is lying on its side portion.

7. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the case is in the shape of a guitar case.

8. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the case further comprises at least one carrying strap or handle.

9. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the weight of the case, excluding the weight of any pet, is less than about 6 pounds.

10. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 5 , wherein the at least one side portions of the case comprises a rigid, shape-retaining, water-proof material.

11. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the internal siding comprises an absorbent material.

12. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 5 , wherein the at least one side portions of the case comprises Cordura® fabric or rubber.

13. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein a pocket is located on an external surface of the case, the pocket being configured to hold personal items and accessories, including but not limited to pet care supplies and food.

14. The combination pet carrier and pet bed of claim 1 , wherein the at least one side portion includes air permeable openings having a peripheral border which is rimmed to prevent blockage of the air permeable openings.

15. The combination pet carrier and pet bed in claim 1 , wherein the case when opened exposes an entrance to at least a majority of the internal surface area of the case, thereby allowing the pet to enter or exit the case.