INTRODUCTION
The present disclosure relates generally to a luggage device, such as a suitcase, having improved user features.
When traveling, a person often has a number of items to carry, including a ticket, identification, reading material, food or drink, and other belongings. At various points while traveling, a person may be waiting for a next form a transportation, whether an airplane, train, bus, or other vehicle. Aspects presented herein provide a suitcase or other type of luggage that may provide added user features to assist the user throughout the traveling experience.
SUMMARY
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Aspects presented herein comprise a suitcase or luggage device having any combination of aspects that provide additional functionality beyond carrying contents. In some aspects, a retractable tray is provided that enables the user to have a work surface as needed while traveling. In some aspects, the suitcase may include a portion that is configured to receive a removable container. The removable container may be configured to hold liquids, such as drinks. The portion of the suitcase that holds the drink container may enable the user to carry the drink and avoid spilling the drink while traveling. Incorporating the holder into the suitcase may help to reduce the number of items that the user must carry by hand as the user moves from one location to the next. The suitcase may include a location tracking feature, a weight sensing feature, a charging port feature, a memory and Bluetooth feature, and/or features that interact with an application at a user device. Various combinations of aspects may provide the user with a portable work station built into their luggage, which the user may access while traveling.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.
Additional advantages and novel features of aspects of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a receptacle component that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a view of a portion of a suitcase including a receptacle component and a removable container in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate example cross-section shapes for a receptacle component and corresponding removable containers in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate various placement of a receptacle component on a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a portion of a suitcase having a removable container fully inserted into a receptacle component in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate example aspects of a receptacle component that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates example aspects of a receptacle component that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 illustrate example aspects of an extended tray that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 illustrate example aspects of an extended tray that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 illustrate example aspects of a slot component configured to receive and extend a retractable tray that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate an example retractable wheel mechanism that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 illustrates a view of a bottom of a suitcase and including a weight sensor that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of an example suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example processing device that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrates an example port and connectors that may be included in a suitcase in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the suitcase in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the suitcase in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate side views of the suitcase in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
FIG. 20 illustrates a close up view of a locking mechanism to hold the removable container within the opening of the receptacle in accordance with aspects presented herein.
FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C illustrate views of an example locking mechanism engaged to hold the removable container within the opening of the receptacle in accordance with aspects presented herein.
FIG. 22 illustrates a view of an example suitcase having a receptacle and tray in a retracted position in accordance with aspects presented herein.
FIG. 23 illustrates a view of an example suitcase having a receptacle and tray in an extended position in accordance with aspects presented herein.
FIG. 24 illustrates a view of an example suitcase having an empty receptacle and tray in an extended position in accordance with aspects presented herein.
FIG. 25 illustrates a view of an example suitcase having a receptacle holding a removable container and tray in an extended position in accordance with aspects presented herein.
FIG. 26 illustrates an interior view of an example suitcase in accordance with aspects presented herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details or with any combination of the specific details.
Aspects presented herein comprise a suitcase or luggage device having any combination of aspects that provide additional functionality beyond carrying contents. In some aspects, a retractable tray is provided that enables the user to have a work surface as needed while traveling. In some aspects, the suitcase may include a portion that is configured to receive a removable container. The removable container may be configured to hold liquids, such as drinks. The portion of the suitcase that holds the drink container may enable the user to carry the drink and avoid spilling the drink while traveling. Incorporating the holder into the suitcase may help to reduce the number of items that the user must carry by hand as the user moves from one location to the next. The suitcase may include a location tracking feature, a weight sensing feature, a charging port feature, a memory and Bluetooth feature, and/or features that interact with an application at a user device. Various combinations of aspects may provide the user with a portable work station built into their luggage, which the user may access while traveling.
Example aspects of the present invention will be described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of aspects of the present invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
While aspects and implementations are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. In some practical settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described aspect. It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, systems, arrangements, components, devices, etc. of varying sizes, shapes, and constitution.
FIG. 1 illustrates view of an example suitcase 102 having a main body. The suitcase 102 includes a receptacle component having an opening 104 sized to receive a removable container. FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the receptacle component 112 separate from the suitcase 102. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a round or circular opening that may be configured to receive a cylindrical removable container. FIG. 3 illustrates a partial view of the suitcase 102 showing removable container 302 being inserted into the opening 104 of the receptacle component. The removable container may be configured to hold liquids, such as drinks. FIG. 3 illustrates the removable container having a removable lid 304. In other examples, the opening 104 may have a different shape sized to receive a corresponding shape of removable container. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various examples of different opening 104 shapes and corresponding removable containers, e.g., 302 that the opening may be sized to receive. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates that a square, or rectangular, shaped opening 104a may be provided and shaped to receive a removable container 302a having a square cross-section. FIG. 4B illustrates that a triangular opening 104b may be provided and shaped to receive a triangular shaped removable container 302b. FIG. 4C illustrates that a hexagon shaped opening 104c may be provided and shaped to receive a removable container 302c having a hexagon cross-section. The examples of different shaped openings in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4A-C are merely examples, and the opening 104 may be configured with any shape or dimension that is shaped to receive a corresponding removable container, e.g., 302.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the receptacle component 112 may be provided at a side or corner of the suitcase 102. This is merely one example. In other examples, the receptacle component 112 may be provided at a different corner of the suitcase, such as shown in the example in FIG. 5A, or at a central position of the suitcase, such as shown in FIG. 5B.
The receptacle may include a locking mechanism to hold the removable container within the opening. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a latch 106 or sliding lock mechanism may be provided. When the latch 106 is slid in one direction, a lock may engage that holds the removable container 302 within the opening 104. When the latch 106 is moved in the opposite direction, the lock may disengage and may allow the removable container 302 to be withdrawn from the opening 104. The locking mechanism may further engage a height adjustment component that changes a height at which the removable container is received within the opening. For example, FIG. 7A shows that when the latch 106 is at a first position, a movable piece 710 within the receptacle component 112 may be at a lowered position so that a top of the removable container is at or below a surface of the receptacle, as shown in FIG. 6, and may further be locked or held within the receptacle. If the latch 106 is at a second position, the movable piece 710 within the receptacle component 112 may be raised, as shown in FIG. 7B, so that a top of the removable container is above the surface of the opening 104 in the receptacle component 112, as shown in FIG. 3, which may assist the user in removing the container from the receptacle. For example, the view in FIG. 3 illustrates an example view in which the locking mechanism is disengaged, which raises the removable container 302 relative to a surface of the suitcase 102. FIG. 6 illustrates an example view in which the container 302 is fully received in the receptacle 112, and has an upper surface that is at or below an upper surface of the opening 104. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example in which a spring 712 may be provided below the movable piece 710. In some aspects, a third position, e.g., between the first and second positions may unlock the container and allow it to be removed from the opening without raising a position of the container.
A latch 106 or slide is merely one example of a mechanism to hold the container 302 within the receptacle. In other aspects, a toggle element, a mechanical press button mechanism, an electronic button, or other example mechanisms, may be provided to engage and disengage a lock that holds the removable container 302 in a fixed position relative to the suitcase 102. In some aspects, the lock may include a cover that the latch slides across the opening. FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the suitcase 102 showing a closed cover 815 over the opening 104. The cover 815 may hold the container within the receptacle. In some aspects, the latch 106 may be used to slide the cover into place across the opening 104. When the latch is in a first, e.g., unlocked, position, the cover may be moved to a position that does not cover the opening 104 and enables the container to be inserted into the receptacle component 112 or removed from the receptacle component 112. When the latch is in a second, e.g., locked, position, the cover may be moved to a position across the opening 104 of the receptacle component 112. When the container 302 is removed from the suitcase, the cover 815 may also be closed over the opening 104. While the example in FIG. 8 illustrates a cover that covers the entire opening 104, the cover may cover only a part of the opening, e.g., and a part of the container.
In some aspects, the locking mechanism may be provided without a latch or slide. For example, a spring, e.g., 712, may be provided below a platform, e.g., 710, within the receptacle. FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a spring 712 that compresses to lower the movable piece 710 so that the removable container 302 would be at a height at or below the surface of the suitcase, as shown in FIG. 6. In an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 7B, the spring 712 raises the movable piece 710 so that the removable container would extend above the top of the receptacle, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3. The locking mechanism may be engaged, causing the spring to compress and remain in the compressed state of FIG. 7A by pressing down on the container 302. The locking mechanism may then be disengaged by pressing down on the container 302 while the spring 712 is in the compressed state and the container 302 is in the lowered position. In response, the locking mechanism may disengage and the spring may expand lifting the container 302 above the top of the opening 104 of the receptacle component 112.
The portion, e.g., 112, of the suitcase 102 that is configured to receive the container may comprise a plastic material. The body of the suitcase 102 may also comprise a plastic material. The receptacle component 112 may include a different plastic than the body of the suitcase, in some aspects. In other aspects, the receptacle component 112 may include a same plastic material as the body of the suitcase 102. In some aspects, the receptacle component 112 and/or the body of the suitcase may comprise a metal material. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the receptacle component 112 forms a corner of the suitcase 102 and includes an extension piece 114 that extends along a portion of the side of the suitcase 102. The receptacle component 112 may include a first portion 120 along at least a portion of a first side of the suitcase, and a second portion 121 that extends along at least a portion of a second side of the suitcase 102. The receptacle component 112 may also include a third portion 122 that extends along or over a third side of the suitcase 102. The extensions, e.g., 121 and/or 122, along the second and third sides of the suitcase may provide added stability for the receptacle component 112 relative to the suitcase 102. In some aspects, the portion 121 that extends along the side may have a length corresponding to a side of a removable container to be received in the opening 104, and may provide added protection or stability for the container 302 and the receptacle component 112 relative to the suitcase 102. In some aspects, the receptacle component 112 may be formed as an integral piece of the suitcase body. In some aspects, the receptacle component 112 may be a separate piece that is fixed or attached to the suitcase body.
FIG. 1 also shows a retractable tray feature. The body of the suitcase 102 includes a rectangular opening 140 that is configured to receive a tray, allowing the tray to slide into a holder, or space, that is provided in the interior of the suitcase 102. FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the extended tray 150. FIG. 10 illustrates a close up view of the extended tray 150. In the illustrated example, the tray 150 is a flat, rectangular tray. The tray may have different dimensions than the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, which are merely examples to illustrate the concept. The tray 150 is configured to slide from the interior of the suitcase 102 to the exterior of the suitcase and to rotate to provide a flat surface that is substantially parallel with a top of the suitcase. The slot (e.g., opening 140) is sized to allow the tray to slide into the different positions, e.g., a retracted position in which the majority of the tray is within the interior of the suitcase and substantially parallel to a first wall, or first surface of the suitcase, and an extended position in which a majority of the tray is exterior to the suitcase and is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the suitcase, which may be perpendicular to the first wall or first surface of the suitcase. In the extended position, a portion of the tray is retained within the opening 140 and includes a portion that is held by the opening 140 of the retractable tray feature. In some aspects, a locking mechanism may be provided to hold the tray in a retracted position. The locking mechanism may be disengaged to allow the tray to be moved into an extended position. The end of the tray 150 that remains within the opening 140 may include a protrusion or extended portion that supports the tray in the extended and rotated position. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a slot component 152 for the retractable tray feature separate from the suitcase 102. The slot component 152 includes an exterior portion 156 that is provided exterior to the suitcase 102 and is shaped to form an exterior portion of the suitcase 102, e.g., a rounded corner of the suitcase. The slot component 152 includes a portion 158 that is configured to be situated within the interior of the suitcase 102. An interior portion of the slot component 152 receives and supports the tray 150. FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 illustrate the slot component 152 having an exterior component 156 formed along a rounded side of the suitcase 102 and having a rectangular opening 140 in which the tray 150 is positioned. The slot component also has an interior extension 157 that extends parallel to the tray 150 when the tray is inserted into, or retracted into, the suitcase 102. The extension 157 may extend to a length that is substantially the same as the tray. FIG. 11 also shows the tray having an extension or stopping mechanism 154 that extends a width of the tray at the bottom and prevents the tray 150 from being fully removed from the slot. The extension 157 may also be shaped to provide added stability to the tray when in an extended position. FIG. 11 illustrates a handle 153 formed in a leading edge of the tray to assist a user in grabbing the tray to pull the tray to the exterior of the suitcase 102 before rotating the tray 150 into a position extending substantially parallel to the upper surface of the suitcase 102, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In some aspects, the slot component 152 may have a first side and a second side with an opening therebetween that is sized to receive the retractable tray 150.
The tray 150 may be made of a plastic material. In some aspects, the tray 150 may include a metal material. The material may be selected to balance the need to minimize the added weight to the suitcase and a sufficient stability to allow use as a table. When traveling, the tray 150 may enable the user to access a table like surface for their personal use. The tray 150 may be configured to support a laptop so that the user has a portable work surface. The retractable tray 150 may provide a surface that the user may use to eat a meal, review papers, make notes, or do other types of work.
The position of the slot component 152 and retractable tray on the suitcase may be different than the example position shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 10. The slot component 152 may be provided at a middle position of the suitcase, at an opposite corner of the suitcase, etc.
In some aspects, the wheels 160 of the suitcase may be retractable. When the user engages a retraction mechanism, such as a lever or button, the wheels 160 move from an extended position in which the wheels 160 extend below a bottom of the suitcase 102 to a retracted position in which the wheels 160 are at or above a bottom surface of the suitcase 102. In some aspects, a handle 161 may provide the mechanism for extending or retracting the wheels 160. When the handle 161 is in an extended position, such as shown in FIG. 9, the wheels 160 may be extended into the extended position, as shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12B illustrates a middle position in which the handle is partially extended and the wheels are partially extended. FIG. 12C illustrates a fully retracted position in which the handle is in a closed position and the wheels are in a fully retracted position. The suitcase 102 may be formed with an indented or hollowed portion that forms a wheel well in which the wheels may be received in the retracted position.
In some aspects, the suitcase 102 may include a weight sensor or scale that displays a weight of the suitcase to a user. The weight sensor may be provided at a side of the suitcase to allow the user to obtain the weight of the suitcase including its contents in a direct manner using the suitcase. In some examples, a plate may be provided at a bottom of the suitcase, and the weight sensor may be provided at the plate. FIG. 13 illustrates an example bottom view of the suitcase 102 and shows an example weight sensor component 170. In some aspects, the weight sensor 170 may engage with the floor when the wheels 160 are in a retracted position. In other aspects, the weight sensor 170 may be provided at a different side of the suitcase 102, and the suitcase may be placed on the particular side in order to weight the suitcase. In some aspects, the scale or sensor 170 may be a removable component that the user places on the suitcase 102 in order to obtain a weight measurement for the suitcase. In some aspects, the weight sensor 170 may provide the weight measurement at a display. The display may be provided at the sensor itself, such as at the removable weight sensor. The display for a sensor incorporated into the suitcase may be provided at another portion of the suitcase. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which the sensor 170 is provided at a bottom of the suitcase 102 and, as shown in FIG. 14, the display 171 may be provided at the top of the suitcase 102. In some aspects, the weight measurement may be provided from the sensor 170 to the display 171 via a wired connection. In some aspects, the weight measurement may be provided to the display via a wireless connection. In some aspects, the display 171 may be at a remote user device, and the measurement may be provided by a communication component to the remote user device.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example system diagram of various hardware components and other features, for use in accordance with aspects presented herein. In some aspects, the suitcase 102 may include a processing device 180. The aspects may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one example, the aspects may include one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.
The processing device 180 includes one or more processors, such as processor 181. The processor 181 may be connected to a communication infrastructure 182 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Various software aspects are described in terms of this example computer system.
The processing device 180 may include a display interface 189 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 182 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 171. The processing device 180 may also include memory 183, and may include a removable memory 184 or an interface for accessing removable memory. As will be appreciated, the memory 183 or 184 may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein computer software, code, and/or data.
The processing device 180 may also include a communications interface 185, which may include at one or more transceiver or antenna 186. The communications interface 185 allows software and data to be transferred between the processing device 180 and external devices. The communication interface 185 may provide a communication port or path to allow for transmission and reception of signals. Software and data transferred via the communications interface 185 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 185. These signals may be provided to communications interface 185 via a communications path (e.g., channel). This path carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF) link, a Bluetooth link, a WiFi link, and/or other communications channels.
Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic or code) are stored in the memory 183 and/or the removable memory 184. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface 185. Such computer programs, when executed, enable a processing system including processing device 180 to perform the features presented herein, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 181 to perform the features presented herein. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the processing system including processing device 180. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor 181, causes the processor 181 to perform the functions as described herein. In another example, aspects may be implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s). In yet another example, aspects presented herein may be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software. The processing device 180 may be part of a communication system that includes one or more accessors (also referred to interchangeably herein as one or more “users”) and one or more terminals such as user devices 1502, 1504, 1506. In one aspect, data for use in accordance aspects presented herein, for example, may be input and/or accessed by accessors via user devices 1502, 1504, 1506, such as telephonic devices, smart devices, wireless devices, such as personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or a hand-held wireless devices coupled to a server 1510, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository for data and/or connection to a repository for data, via, for example, a network 1508, such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings 1511. The couplings 1511 may include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiber optic links. For example, a wireless coupling may comprise a cellular communication link or Wi-Fi connection.
In some aspects, an application may be provided at the remote user device (e.g., 1502, 1506, etc.), the application being associated with the suitcase. In other aspects, the remote user device may access information at a website provided by the server 1510.
In some aspects, the user may access weight information for the suitcase 102 via the application or website at the remote user device. For example, the processing device 180 may include a weight component 188 that is configured to receive the weight measurement from the weight sensor 170 and to provide the weight measurement to the display interface 189 to be displayed at the display 171 or to the communication interface 185 to be provided to a display at the remote user device 1502 or 1506. In some aspects, the user may turn the weight sensor on by selection of an option at the application. If the option is not selected, the sensor may turn off, and the communication component may refrain from sending a weight measurement. The user instructions may be received via the communication interface 185 and provided to the weight component that may control the weight sensor.
In some aspects, the suitcase may include a location device that transmits a signal that enables a location of the device to be obtained. For example, the processing system including the device 180 may include a location component 187 that is configured to either obtain a location of the suitcase and provide the location to a user or server via the communication interface or that is configured to transmit a signal that enables a service to detect the location of the suitcase. The location component 187 may also be referred to as a tracker component. The application at the user device 1502 or 1506 may include an option to view a current location of the suitcase, and may display a map showing a current location of the suitcase. The location component 187 may further provide notifications to the user based on movement of the suitcase, which may be provided to the user at the user device 1502 or 1506. In some aspects, the notifications may be based on a user request for notifications. As a user may have multiple suitcases and may track movement of the multiple suitcases through a single application, the application may include a feature for linking different suitcases with a particular user. Additionally, the application may enable the user to monitor or track a subset of suitcases. In some aspects, the user may scan a code provided on a particular suitcase, which may link the suitcase with a user profile at the application. In other aspects, the user may connect the user device with the suitcase, such as via a port, in order to associate the suitcase with the user profile. In some aspects, the code may be provided in a location that is not easily accessible, such as an interior of the suitcase. In some aspects, the profile may be associated with a user subscription for the application. The user may receive notifications that inform the user of the progress of the suitcase when traveling, such as movement of the suitcase at an airport. As an example, the user may receive a notification when the suitcase is loaded on an airplane, when the suitcase is unloaded from an airplane to an airport, or when the suitcase is available at baggage claim. In some aspects, the user may receive a notification when the suitcase leaves an airport.
In some aspects, the suitcase 102 may include a charging port 190 and battery storage 191, e.g., for a rechargeable battery source. The battery storage 191 may be connected to a battery source in order to store battery power. Then, a user device, e.g., such as 1502, 1504, 1506 may be connected to the charging port 190 to access the battery storage. FIG. 16A illustrates an example of a port 1602 that may enable the user to charge a user device, such as 1502, 1504, 1506. FIG. 16B illustrates a view of a backside 1604 of the port 1602 on an interior side of the suitcase 102. The port may include a connector 1606 that allows the user to connect a smart phone, tablet, or other device. In some aspects, a pocket, slot or other receiving component may be provided at the interior of the suitcase that allows the user to connect a device, such as a phone, to the interior connector 1606 and to place a phone or other device inside the suitcase. The port 1602 on the outside of the suitcase may be used to access information on the device inside the suitcase and/or may be used to connect to a power source in order to charge the device inside the suitcase. In some aspects, the communication component may provide a wireless signal to a user device, such as 1502, 1504, 1506. In some aspects, the signal may include a Bluetooth signal, which plays media stored in memory 183. In some aspects, one or more components of the processing system or processing device 180 may be removable, or detachable, from the suitcase. For example, at least some of the components of the processing system or processing device 180 may be included in a detachable component that may be removed and checked separately by security.
FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the suitcase 102 from FIG. 1. FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the suitcase 102 from FIG. 1 from an opposite side than FIG. 17. FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a side views of the suitcase 102 from FIG. 1. FIG. 19A shows a view from a side on which the portion 121 of the receptacle component 112 extends. FIG. 19B illustrates an example view of the suitcase from FIG. 1 from a side opposite the view in FIG. 19A.
FIG. 20 illustrates a close up view of a locking mechanism to hold the removable container within the opening of the receptacle. FIG. 20 shows an example operating element, e.g., 106, that slides to cause an extension 107 to extend within the opening 104 of the receptacle. The extension 107 locks or holds a removable container within the receptacle. FIG. 21A illustrates a close up view of the locking mechanism engaged to hold the removable container within the opening of the receptacle. FIG. 21A shows that the extension 107 may extend over a top, e.g., lid 304, of the removable container when the operating element, e.g., 106 is moved to a first position, as shown in FIG. 21B. The extension may be connected to the operating element so that when the operating element is moved to a second position, such as shown in FIG. 21C, the extension 107 retracts out of the opening 104 and the removable container, e.g., 302, can be removed. As described in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B, a spring or other mechanism may raise a portion of the removable container 302 above opening 104 when the latch is disengaged and the extension 107 is retracted, so that the user may access the removable container and remove it from the receptacle. In the example holding mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21C, the operating element, e.g., 106, may be a button that the user slides within a groove 109 or opening. The extension 107 may be a unitary piece with the button or operating element (e.g., 106) so that a movement of 106 within the groove similarly moves the extension 107 into and out of the opening 104 of the receptacle. In other examples, the operating element for the latch may be a mechanism button that the uses presses to engage the latch and presses again to disengage the latch. In other examples, the operating element may turn in a first direction to engage the latch and may turn in an opposite direction to disengage the latch. In some aspects, the operating element may include a button that electronically engages the latch. In some aspects, the user may press down on the removable container 302 to engage the latch.
FIG. 22 illustrates a view of an example suitcase having a receptacle and tray in a retracted position. In FIG. 22, a removable container, e.g., 302, is received in the opening of the receptacle. FIG. 23 illustrates a view of an example suitcase having a receptacle with opening 104 and tray 150 in an extended position. The tray may have a leading edge 151 that the user uses to pull the tray 150 through the slot (e.g., opening 140) into the extended position shown in FIG. 23. In some aspects, the tray 150 may include a slot 159, groove, or other feature at or near the leading edge 151. In some aspects, the slot or groove may be positioned to assist the user in grabbing the tray 150 when in a retracted position and moving the tray into an extended position. FIG. 24 illustrates a view of an example suitcase 102 having an empty receptacle, e.g., with opening 104, and tray 150 in an extended position, e.g., in contrast to FIG. 23. FIG. 25 illustrates a similar view of the example suitcase 102 having the tray 150 in an extended position and showing a user removing the removable container 302 from the opening 104 of the receptacle. FIG. 25 shows the body of the container 302 and the lid 304 of the container with a space 307 between the edge of the lid 304 and the body of the container. In some aspects, the latch or locking mechanism may engage with an indent, space 307, or gap between the lid and the body of the container. In some aspects, the locking mechanism may surround a circumference of the container 302 and may contract in a locked position to hold the container within the receptacle and may expand in an unlocked position to allow the container 302 to freely move into and out of the receptacle.
FIG. 26 illustrates an interior view of an example suitcase 102 showing portions of the receptacle component 112 for receiving the removable container and component 152 that receives the retractable tray 150 that interior to the body of the suitcase 102.
The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”
Patent Application
20230320467
