Luggage Table
A luggage table that is configured to be securely and seamlessly attached to the handle of typical luggage in such a manner that the user can cater the table to the user's needs via adjustments and positioning. The table is such that it can be seamlessly stored in an outer luggage pocket and also removed from this pocket. The table also contains a reinforcement piece to maintain balance and account for weight issues. A locking mechanism is adjustable so that the table can be tilted to virtually any degree to accommodate a traveler regardless of the external constraints, conditions or limitations.
This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/161,945 filed on Mar. 20, 2009, and priority is claimed thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a table that is configured to be securely and seamlessly attached to the handle of a typical piece of luggage in such a manner that the user can cater the table to the user's needs via adjustments and positioning.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONTraveling involves one of the most unpredictable endeavors a person can undertake, and typically involves a good deal of waiting. People often find themselves waiting for a flight. Or waiting for a bus. Or waiting for a train. People also find themselves waiting in a hotel lobby or at some other unforeseen location. Sometimes there are long lines at the taxi stands or the person tasked with picking up a traveler is running late. These scenarios also don't include other such issues as being in a standing room only waiting area. Or being forced to sit in a typical waiting area composed of banks of chairs. Of course, children also may be involved as well. In all of this, there are perhaps two primary constants. First, some sort of luggage is typically involved. And second, travelers often find themselves trying to eat and drink while waiting.
Because of those factors, there is a need for a table that can be easily availed and also easily stowed. The table needs to be sturdy and steady so that comfortable eating and drinking can occur. In addition, the need relates to the fact that the table must be compact but large enough so that meals such as sandwiches can be prepared. Moreover, events happen quickly while traveling. This means that such an invention would need to be very easy to attach and remove, to include seamless storage without adding significant extra burden. The present invention satisfies each of these needs. The table of the present invention consists of a conventional sturdy material such as metal, hard heavy-duty plastic or PLEXIGLAS™. The table is formed with a reinforcement piece that corresponds with the latch mechanism of the present invention. These elements assist in permitting the user to tighten and adapt the table to varying types of luggage handles. And when the table needs to be stowed, it can quickly be removed from the luggage handle and slipped into a flat pocket of the luggage. In this manner, the present invention solves the need for quick and easy ability to stow and use the table for such activities as eating, drinking, working on a laptop, or even writing or coloring. In addition, the present invention offers the ability for the user to rest his or her head in a more comfortable and adaptable manner than merely trying to sleep without a place to rest the head.
There are a number of items that seek to include a table or workstation with a carrying case type product. However, these items differ from the present invention because the present invention makes the process of actuating the table element seamless and quick, which is much more conducive to the unpredictability associated with travel and waiting. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,258 issued to Hawley on Oct. 30, 1990, is a combination luggage, table and vanity. Unlike the present invention, Hawley requires a relatively complex set of hinges, mounts, and pivots to make the relevant transformation. The present invention, in contrast, does not require that a user purchase such specially produced luggage, as is the case with Hawley. In addition, the present invention is not bulky and as involved as Hawley in terms of transformation into such a table.
Other carrying items relate more to U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,355, a portable workstation issued to Thorp on May 30, 2000. Items such as Thorp are portable and involve a table, but do not solve the unique goals of the present invention in terms of traveling. Items such as Thorp also are mutually exclusive, meaning that the user must purchase the workstation instead of merely adapting the table to a preferred existing luggage or carrying case.
There remains a need for a sturdy table that can be easily attached and removed in the most constricted of travel situations. Currently, travelers find themselves in many of the situations described above. Moreover, people also are in the unenviable position of using adjacent seats as tables, which of course causes many problems in terms of convenience and even height. The present invention solves these needs through the use of its latch mechanism and reinforcement piece that permit an adaptable and stable eating, resting and work environment.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONThe present invention is a table that is formed to secure to an existing luggage handle. In addition, the table is sturdy and also formed to slide seamlessly into an external pouch. A latch mechanism is attached to the table via a reinforcement piece located at the center of the table. The user places the table at a designated point and designated angle on the luggage handle. The user secures the table to the luggage handle via the latch mechanism until the table is immovable. The table itself is structured to hold food and other items in a steady fashion. An additional embodiment of the present invention forms the table with a slight cup holder grate with depth of about ¾ of an inch.
Upon removal of the table from the luggage handle, the user releases the latch mechanism from the luggage handle. The latch mechanism is formed to be foldable so that the user can fold the latch mechanism relatively flat against the bottom end of the table.
The present invention relates to a table (10) that is configured to be securely and seamlessly attached to the handle of a typical luggage in such a manner that the user can cater the table (10) to the user's needs via adjustments and positioning.
As
The table (10) itself is formed to be thin. In an alternative embodiment, a relatively small—in regards to thickness—outward extension of the reinforcement piece (20) also has curved or otherwise smooth edges for easier slideablity. The table (10) is formed to be of slightly less width and length than standard luggage. This is so that the table (10) can slide into and out of a pocket of a luggage.
It also should be noted that an embodiment of the present invention relates to adding depth to various points of the table (10). This would serve as a cup holder. For example, the preferred embodiment of the present invention lowers the depth of the table (10) so that it has at least one depression at a circle of the circumference of a standard fountain drink cup to about ¾ inches below the surface of the table (10) top. In another embodiment, a slight ridge may extend subtly upward from the edges of the table (10) top so that items are prevented from rolling off the table (10).
An additional embodiment of the present invention relates to the table (10). The construction of the table (10) is envisioned to be a light but sturdy material. However, an embodiment with a first table layer and a second table layer relates to much of the same use and construction as described above. In this embodiment, the first table layer would be placed on top of a second table layer. Both the first table layer and the second table layer are of the same construction and symmetry. Sandwiching between the first table layer and the second table layer is a design. The design is an image, fabric, object or other flat material placed in between the first table layer and the second table layer.
It also should be noted that the table (10) of the present invention is hard and sturdy, but also thin. By thinness, the preferred embodiment envisions just enough width and depth to hold a typical meal or laptop without significant bending. In other words, the present invention features a table (10) that is at minimal thickness in proportion to the weight being placed upon the table (10). In the embodiment of the first table layer and the second table layer, the first table layer and the second table layer may each be half the minimal thickness so that when placed together, they achieve full minimal thickness in relation to the weight being placed. The reason for the minimal thickness of the table (10) is that the table (10) is supported under its center by the reinforcement piece (20) and then locked into place via the latch mechanism (30) and the luggage handle (40) as described above.
Claims
1. A luggage table, comprising:
- a piece of luggage;
- a handle, disposed from said luggage; and
- a table, disposed atop said handle.
2. The luggage table of claim 1, wherein said table has a planar surface.
3. The luggage table of claim 1, wherein said table has a width and a length smaller than the length and width of said luggage.
4. The luggage table of claim 1, wherein said table has at least one depression.
5. The luggage table of claim 1, wherein said table has a ridge that extends upward from edges of said table.
6. The luggage table of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement piece disposed under said table.
7. The luggage table of claim 1, further comprising a latch mechanism disposed under said table.
8. The luggage table of claim 6, further comprising a latch mechanism disposed under said table.
9. The luggage table of claim 6, wherein said reinforcement piece is configured as a centering weight.
10. A luggage table, comprising:
- a piece of luggage;
- a handle, disposed from said luggage;
- a table, disposed atop said handle;
- wherein said table has a planar surface;
- wherein said table has a width and a length smaller than the length and width of said luggage;
- wherein said table has at least one depression;
- wherein said table has a ridge that extends upward from edges of said table;
- a reinforcement piece disposed under said table;
- a latch mechanism disposed under said table; and
- wherein said reinforcement piece is configured as a centering weight.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 22, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 23, 2010
Inventor: Trina D. Brown (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 12/729,011
International Classification: A47B 3/10 (20060101); A45C 13/00 (20060101);