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Multi-Function Work Surface for Roll-Along Suitcases

a multi-functional, suitcase technology, applied in the field of chairs, can solve the problems of insufficient seating in the waiting area, insufficient stability of the suitcase top, and insufficient space for most adults to sit comfortably. , to achieve the effect of increasing durability

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-09-01
MACLEAN CHARLES C III
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention is work surface for roll-along suitcases that enables the suitcase to convert into a seat or table. The work surface can be permanently attached or removably attachable to the suitcase. The permanently attached work surface is stored in a compartment with the retractable handle of the roll-along suitcase and is pivotally connected to the retractable handle. When the retractable handle is retracted, the work surface is secured substantially parallel with the legs of the handle. When the retractable handle is extended, the work surface pivots down away from the top of the handle to rest on the top of the suitcase. The removably attachable work surface is temporarily secured to the retractable handle of the roll-along suitcase with attachment means such as a tongue section defining opposing notches so that the work surface rests on the top of the suitcase. Side sections of the work surface unfold to form a bigger seat or work surface. The work surface additionally can define holes for ventilation or to hold items such as beverage containers, ID tags, or other accessories, can define ribs for accommodating hardware and for increasing durability, and can include risers for raising the work surface slightly to accommodate conventional suitcase hardware.

Problems solved by technology

Often the waiting area lacks enough seats for all for the travelers at a specific departure gate so many have to stand.
Further, many business travelers would prefer to do computer work or paperwork while they wait and, even if there are enough seats, there aren't enough work surfaces to allow all travelers to set out laptop computers or papers.
Unfortunately, however, the top of a suitcase is not large or stable enough for most adults to sit comfortably and there are usually handles, buckles, tags and other obstructions that would prevent even a small person from sitting comfortably on the top of a roll-along suitcase.

Method used

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  • Multi-Function Work Surface for Roll-Along Suitcases
  • Multi-Function Work Surface for Roll-Along Suitcases
  • Multi-Function Work Surface for Roll-Along Suitcases

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

first embodiment

[0046]With respect to the first embodiment, FIGS. 2 and 6-8 illustrate a closed position of the work surface 10. The side sections of work surface 10 are foldable over the center flap 51 to a size and shape that fits below the arch 12a and between the first and second legs 12c and 12d of retractable handle 12 of suitcase 11. Any size suitcase can be used, although carry-on sized suitcases are preferred. Preferably, the legs 12c and 12d are spaced at least eight inches apart; although the embodiment works equally well with legs spaced closer together or farther apart. When the work surface 10 is folded, the work surface 10 can be positioned between the legs 12c and 12d of handle 12 so that work surface 10 is substantially parallel to the handle 12 and moves with it.

[0047]FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an open position of the work surface, with FIG. 3 illustrating a folded open position and FIGS. 4-5 illustrating an unfolded open position. The work surface 10 is pivotally connected with a conne...

second embodiment

[0055]FIGS. 19-26 illustrate the present invention, the removably attachable work surface. The removable work surface 10 further includes a tongue portion 80 configured to cooperate with retractable handle legs 12c and 12d. FIGS. 19-24 illustrate the preferred tongue portion 80 comprising an elongated T-shape 81 that defines opposing notches 82. Notches 82 are sized to cooperate with handle legs 12c and 12d as shown in FIG. 19. Preferably, notches 82 are sized to accommodate the legs of most retractable handles. In particular, the T-shape 81 defines notches deep enough to accommodate both narrowly spaced retractable handle legs and widely spaced retractable handle legs. Preferably, the notches are 4¼ inches long and ⅞ inches wide. FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment where the tongue 80 further comprises clasps that secure around handle legs 12c and 12d. FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment where the tongue is minimal or absent and the work surface 10 is secured wi...

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PUM

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Abstract

A work surface for roll-along suitcases that enables the suitcase to convert into a seat or table. The work surface can be permanently attached or removably attachable to the suitcase. The permanently attached work surface is stored in a compartment or recess with the retractable handle of the roll-along suitcase and is pivotally connected to the retractable handle. When the retractable handle is extended, the work surface pivots down away from the top of the handle to rest on the top of the suitcase. The removably attachable work surface is temporarily secured to the handle of the roll-along suitcase preferably with a tongue section that accommodates a variety of sizes of retractable handles. The removably attachable work surface rests on the top of the suitcase. Side sections of the work surface unfold to form a bigger seat or work surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of co-pending provision application No. 61 / 309,199, filed Mar. 1, 2010.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to work surfaces and chairs. This invention relates particularly to a multifunction work surface that is adaptable to a roll-along suitcase or other travel item.BACKGROUND[0003]Many travelers use suitcases that are sized to be stored in overhead bins of airplanes, trains, and buses. These suitcases are known as carry-on suitcases because the travelers carry the bags onto the plane, train, or bus as opposed to checking the bag with the carrier. Typically these carry-on suitcases have wheels on the bottom to enable the traveler to roll the suitcase instead of having to lift and carry it. Suitcases with wheels are referred to herein as roll-along suitcases.[0004]Travel is a hurry-up and wait game these days, meaning that travelers often arrive at a departure gate in advance of a specific de...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A45C13/28A45C5/03A45C5/14
CPCA45C5/14A45C9/00A45F4/00A45C15/00A45C2009/002A45C13/28
Inventor MACLEAN, III, CHARLES C.MACLEAN, HEATHER
Owner MACLEAN CHARLES C III
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