Suitcase tabletop system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 8613349
  • Patent Number
    8,613,349
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, August 7, 2012
    13 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, December 24, 2013
    11 years ago
Abstract
The present invention features a portable suitcase tabletop system having a suitcase with a generally u-shaped telescopic handle and a plurality of wheels located on the suitcase bottom surface. The system has a table with a table bottom surface pivotally attached to a generally u-shaped telescopic table mount. A first table mount rod is located in a first table mount tube and a second table mount rod is located in a second table mount tube. The first table mount tube and the second table mount tube are located on a suitcase rear surface. In a first closed position, the table is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface. In a second open position, the table is pivoted into a position on a plane parallel with the suitcase top surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The basic concept of luggage has not changed significantly over the years with the exception of simple improvements such as implementing new sizes, materials of construction or convenience features such as wheels or telescopic handles. Traditionally, luggage such as carryon bags, duffle bags, trunks, totes and suitcases have been primarily used to carry clothing or other personal items when traveling. Because a traveler, along with his luggage, often spends time waiting for a connecting flight, a bus, or a taxi, the present invention features a portable suitcase tabletop system to provide a useful table surface for working and other uses.


SUMMARY

The present invention features a portable suitcase tabletop system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a generally hollow suitcase with a generally u-shaped telescopic handle. In some embodiments, the suitcase comprises a plurality of wheels located on the suitcase bottom surface close to the suitcase rear surface.


In some embodiments, the system comprises a generally planar table. In some embodiments, a table bottom surface is pivotally attached to a generally u-shaped telescopic table mount. In some embodiments, a first table mount rod is located in a first table mount tube and a second table mount rod is located in a second table mount tube. In some embodiments, the first table mount tube and the second table mount tube are located on a suitcase rear surface. In some embodiments, a plurality of horizontal support mount bars is located on the first table mount tube and the second table mount tube. In some embodiments, a first foldable locking support and a second foldable locking support are pivotally located on the table bottom surface for engaging the horizontal support mount bar.


In some embodiments, in a first closed position, the table is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface between the suitcase top surface and the suitcase bottom surface. In some embodiments, in a second open position, the table is pivoted into a position on a plane parallel with the suitcase top surface. In some embodiments, the first table mount rod is telescopically extended out from a first table mount tube and the second table mount rod is telescopically extended out from a second table mount tube. In some embodiments, a first foldable locking support second end is located on the horizontal support mount bar with the first foldable locking support fully extended and locked into position. In some embodiments, a second foldable locking support second end is located on the horizontal support mount bar with the second foldable locking support fully extended and locked into position.


Any feature or combination of features descried herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.



FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.



FIG. 3 is a rear view of the present invention.



FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention.



FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.





DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:

  • 100 Portable suitcase tabletop system
  • 200 Suitcase
  • 210 Suitcase rear surface
  • 220 Suitcase top surface
  • 230 Suitcase bottom surface
  • 240 Suitcase front surface
  • 250 Telescopic handle
  • 252 First handle rod
  • 254 Second handle rod
  • 256 Top handle rod
  • 260 First handle tube
  • 270 Second handle tube
  • 280 Wheel
  • 300 Table
  • 302 Table top surface
  • 304 Table bottom surface
  • 306 Table edge
  • 310 Table mount
  • 312 First table mount rod
  • 314 Second table mount rod
  • 316 Top table mount rod
  • 322 First table mount tube
  • 324 Second table mount tube
  • 330 Horizontal support mount bar
  • 332 Support mount bar first end
  • 334 Support mount bar second end
  • 340 First foldable locking support
  • 342 First locking support first end
  • 344 First locking support second end
  • 350 Second foldable locking support
  • 352 Second locking support first end
  • 354 Second locking support second end
  • 360 Slot
  • 362 Side edge
  • 364 Spring loaded pin
  • 366 Aperture
  • 400 Front support
  • 410 Front support cavity
  • 420 Front support edge
  • 500 Rear support
  • 510 Rear support cavity
  • 520 Rear support edge
  • 600 Storage compartment
  • 700 Cup aperture
  • 810 First table panel
  • 812 Table first side
  • 820 Second table panel
  • 822 Table second side


Referring now to FIG. 1-10, the present invention features a portable suitcase tabletop system (100). In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a generally hollow suitcase (200) having a generally rigid suitcase rear surface (210), a suitcase top surface (220), a suitcase bottom surface (230), and a suitcase front surface (240). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a generally u-shaped unitary telescopic handle (250) having a first handle rod (252), a second handle rod (254), and a top handle rod (256). In some embodiments, the telescopic handle (250) is slidably attached to the suitcase rear surface (210) via a first handle tube (260) and a second handle tube (270). In some embodiments, the top handle rod (256) is located parallel to the suitcase top surface (220). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) located on the suitcase bottom surface (230) close to the suitcase rear surface (210).


In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a generally planar table (300) having a table top surface (302), a table bottom surface (304), and a table edge (306). In some embodiments, the table (300) is pivotally attached to a generally u-shaped unitary telescopic table mount (310) having a first table mount rod (312), a second table mount rod (314), and a top table mount rod (316). In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) is located parallel to the second table mount rod (314). In some embodiments, the top table mount rod (316) is located parallel to the suitcase top surface (220). In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) and the second table mount rod (314) are located close to a table edge (306). In some embodiments, the top table mount rod (316) is located at an offset above and away from the table top surface (302) to enable space for gripping by a hand of a user.


In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) is slidably located in a first table mount tube (322) and the second table mount rod (314) is slidably located in a second table mount tube (324). In some embodiments, the first table mount tube (322) and the second table mount tube (324) are located on the suitcase rear surface (210) parallel with respect to each other and perpendicular to the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, the first table mount tube (322) and the second table mount tube (324) are located on the suitcase front surface (240) parallel with respect to each other and perpendicular to the suitcase bottom surface (230).


In some embodiments, a plurality of horizontal support mount bars (330) are perpendicularly located, each having a support member bar first end (332) located on an inside surface of the first table mount tube (322) and a support mount bar second end (334) located on an inside surface of the second table mount tube (324).


In some embodiments, a first foldable locking support (340) comprises a first locking support first end (342) pivotally located on the table bottom surface (304) and a first locking support second end (344) having a slot (360) located on a side edge (362) thereon for hooking on the horizontal support mount bar (330). In some embodiments, a second foldable locking support (350) comprises a second locking support first end (352) pivotally located on the table bottom surface (304) and a second locking support second end (354) having a slot (360) located on a side edge (362) thereon for hooking on the horizontal support mount bar (330).


In some embodiments, in a first closed position, the table (300) is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface (210) between the suitcase top surface (220) and the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, in a first closed position, the table (300) is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase front surface (240) between the suitcase top surface (220) and the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) is telescopically collapsed into a first table mount tube (322) and the second table mount rod (314) is telescopically collapsed into a second table mount tube (324). In some embodiments, a first locking support second end (344) is released from the horizontal support mount bar (330) with the first foldable locking support (340) folded into a retracted position for storage. In some embodiments, a second locking support second end (354) is released from the horizontal support mount bar (330) with the second foldable locking support (350) folded into a retracted position for storage.


In some embodiments, in a second open position, the table (300) is pivoted into a position parallel with the suitcase top surface (220). In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) is telescopically extended out from the first table mount tube (322) and the second table mount rod (314) is telescopically extended out from the second table mount tube (324). In some embodiments, the first locking support second end (344) is located on the horizontal support mount bar (330) with the first foldable locking support (340) fully extended and locked into position. In some embodiments, the second locking support second end (354) is located on the horizontal support mount bar (330) with the second foldable locking support (350) fully extended and locked into position.


In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) comprises a first spring loaded pin (364) located on a side thereon. In some embodiments, the first spring loaded pin (364) engages one of a plurality of first apertures (366) located on a side of the first table mount tube (322). In some embodiments, the first spring loaded pin (364) is depressed by a user for slidably adjusting the height of the table (300). In some embodiments, the second table mount rod (314) comprises a second spring loaded pin (364) located on a side thereon. In some embodiments, the second spring loaded pin (364) engages one of a plurality of second apertures (366) located on a side of the second table mount tube (324). In some embodiments, the second spring loaded pin (364) is depressed by a user for slidably adjusting the height of the table (300).


In some embodiments, a front support (400) is slidably located in a front support cavity (410). In some embodiments, the front support cavity (410) is located in the suitcase front surface (240) close to the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, in a first retracted position, the front support (400) is fully retracted into the front support cavity (410). In some embodiments, in a second extended position, the front support (400) is extended from the front support cavity (410). In some embodiments, the front support (400) locks into the second position, having a front support edge (420) that interfaces with a ground surface. In some embodiments, the front support (400) is for stabilizing the suitcase (200).


In some embodiments, a rear support (500) is slidably located in a rear support cavity (510). In some embodiments, the rear support cavity (510) is located in the suitcase rear surface (210) close to the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, in a first retracted position, the rear support (500) is fully retracted into the rear support cavity (510). In some embodiments, in a second extended position, the rear support (500) is extended from the rear support cavity (510). In some embodiments, the rear support (500) locks into the second position having a rear support edge (520) that interfaces with a ground surface. In some embodiments, the rear support (500) is for stabilizing the suitcase (200).


In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a storage compartment (600) located on the suitcase rear surface (210). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a storage compartment (600) located on the suitcase front surface (240). In some embodiments, the storage compartment (600) at least partially contains the table (300).


In some embodiments, the table (300) comprises a cup aperture (700) for receiving a drinking cup.


In some embodiments, a portable suitcase tabletop system (100) comprises a generally hollow suitcase (200) having a generally rigid suitcase rear surface (210), a suitcase top surface (220), a suitcase bottom surface (230), and a suitcase front surface (240). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a generally u-shaped telescopic handle (250) having a first handle rod (252), a second handle rod (254), and a top handle rod (256). In some embodiments, the telescopic handle (250) is slidably attached to the suitcase rear surface (210) via a first handle tube (260) and a second handle tube (270). In some embodiments, the top handle rod (256) is located parallel to the suitcase top surface (220). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) located on the suitcase bottom surface (230) close to the suitcase rear surface (210).


In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a generally planar table (300) having a table top surface (302), a table bottom surface (304), and a table edge (306). In some embodiments, the table (300) is located on the suitcase top surface (220).


In some embodiments, the table (300) comprises a first table panel (810) pivotally located on a table first side (812) and a second table panel (820) pivotally located on a table second side (822).


In some embodiments, a portable suitcase tabletop system (100) comprises a generally hollow suitcase (200) having a generally rigid suitcase rear surface (210), a suitcase top surface (220), a suitcase bottom surface (230), and a suitcase front surface (240). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a generally u-shaped telescopic handle (250) having a first handle rod (252), a second handle rod (254), and a top handle rod (256). In some embodiments, the telescopic handle (250) is slidably attached to the suitcase rear surface (210) via a first handle tube (260) and a second handle tube (270). In some embodiments, the top handle rod (256) is located parallel to the suitcase top surface (220). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) located on the suitcase bottom surface (230) close to the suitcase rear surface (210).


In some embodiments, the system comprises a generally planar table (300) having a table top surface (302), a table bottom surface (304), and a table edge (306). In some embodiments, the table (300) is pivotally attached to a first table mount rod (312) and a second table mount rod (314). In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) is located parallel to the second table mount rod (314).


In some embodiments, the first table mount rod (312) and the second table mount rod (314) are located close to a table edge (306).


In some embodiments, wherein the first table mount rod (312) and the second table mount rod (314) are located on the suitcase rear surface (210) parallel with respect to each other and perpendicular to the suitcase bottom surface (230).


In some embodiments, a first foldable locking support (340) comprises a first locking support first end (342) pivotally located on the table bottom surface (304) and a first locking support second end (344) located on the first table mount rod (312). In some embodiments, a second foldable locking support (350) comprises a second locking support first end (352) pivotally located on the table bottom surface (304) and a second locking support second end (354) located on the second table mount rod (314).


In some embodiments, in a first closed position, the table (300) is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface (210) between the suitcase top surface (220) and the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, in a first closed position, the table (300) is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase front surface (240) between the suitcase top surface (220) and the suitcase bottom surface (230). In some embodiments, the first foldable locking support (340) is folded into a retracted position for storage, and the second foldable locking support (350) folded into a retracted position for storage.


In some embodiments, in a second open position, the table (300) is pivoted into a position parallel with the suitcase top surface (220). In some embodiments, the first foldable locking support (340) is fully extended and locked into position and the second locking support second end (354) is fully extended and locked into position.


In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) located on the suitcase bottom surface (230) close to the suitcase rear surface (210). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) located on the suitcase bottom surface (230) close to the suitcase rear surface (210). In some embodiments, the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) located on the suitcase bottom surface (230) close to the suitcase front surface (240).


As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the reference number. For example, an embodiment wherein the table is about 10 inches in length includes a table that is between 9 and 11 inches in length.


The disclosures of the following U.S. Patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. D 403,899; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0236884; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2005/0098402; U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,602; U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,447; U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,019; U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,508; U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,367.


Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.


Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.


The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.

Claims
  • 1. A portable suitcase tabletop system (100), wherein said system (100) comprises: (a) a generally hollow suitcase (200) having a generally rigid suitcase rear surface (210), a suitcase top surface (220), a suitcase bottom surface (230), and a suitcase front surface (240), wherein the suitcase (200) comprises a generally u-shaped telescopic handle (250) having a first handle rod (252), a second handle rod (254), and a top handle rod (256), wherein the telescopic handle (250) is slidably attached to the suitcase rear surface (210) via a first handle tube (260) and a second handle tube (270), wherein the top handle rod (256) is disposed parallel to the suitcase top surface (220), wherein the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) disposed on the suitcase bottom surface (230) proximal to the suitcase rear surface (210); and(b) a generally planar table (300) having a table top surface (302), a table bottom surface (304), and a table edge (306), wherein the table (300) comprises a cup aperture (700) for receiving a drinking cup;
  • 2. A portable suitcase tabletop system (100), wherein said system (100) consists of: (a) a generally hollow suitcase (200) having a generally rigid suitcase rear surface (210), a suitcase top surface (220), a suitcase bottom surface (230), and a suitcase front surface (240), wherein the suitcase (200) consists of a generally u-shaped telescopic handle (250) having a first handle rod (252), a second handle rod (254), and a top handle rod (256), wherein the telescopic handle (250) is slidably attached to the suitcase rear surface (210) via a first handle tube (260) and a second handle tube (270), wherein the top handle rod (256) is disposed parallel to the suitcase top surface (220), wherein the suitcase (200) consists of a plurality of wheels (280) disposed on the suitcase bottom surface (230) proximal to the suitcase rear surface (210); and(b) a generally planar table (300) having a table top surface (302), a table bottom surface (304), and a table edge (306) wherein the table (300) consists of a cup aperture (700) for receiving a drinking cup;
  • 3. A portable suitcase tabletop system (100), wherein said system (100) comprises: (a) a generally hollow suitcase (200) having a generally rigid suitcase rear surface (210), a suitcase top surface (220), a suitcase bottom surface (230), and a suitcase front surface (240), wherein the suitcase (200) comprises a generally u-shaped telescopic handle (250) having a first handle rod (252), a second handle rod (254), and a top handle rod (256), wherein the telescopic handle (250) is slidably attached to the suitcase rear surface (210) via a first handle tube (260) and a second handle tube (270), wherein the top handle rod (256) is disposed parallel to the suitcase top surface (220), wherein the suitcase (200) comprises a plurality of wheels (280) disposed on the suitcase bottom surface (230) proximal to the suitcase rear surface (210); and(b) a generally planar table (300) having a table top surface (302), a table bottom surface (304), and a table edge (306), wherein the table (300) comprises a cup aperture (700) for receiving a drinking cup;
  • 4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein in a first closed position, the table (300) is disposed parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface (210) between the suitcase top surface (220) and the suitcase bottom surface (230) with the first foldable locking support (340) folded into a retracted position for storage and the second foldable locking support (350) folded into a retracted position for storage, wherein in a second open position, the table (300) is pivoted into a position parallel with the suitcase top surface (220), with the first foldable locking support (340) fully extended and locked into position and the second foldable locking support (350) fully extended and locked into position.
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