LUGGAGE STAND

Abstract

One aspect provides a stand for use with a piece of luggage. The stand, in one embodiment, includes a first surface configured to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage, and a second surface slidably coupleable to the first surface. In this embodiment, the first and second surfaces coordinate to provide a work surface of adjustable size.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/451,862 filed on Mar. 11, 2011, 61/479,686 filed on Apr. 27, 2011, 61/492,084 filed on Jun. 1, 2011, 61/582,718 filed on Jan. 3, 2012 and 61/600,883 filed on Feb. 20, 2012 entitled “TRIPAD,” to Kyle Meadows, et al., commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to a stand and, more specifically, to a stand configured to attach to a piece of luggage or other similar device.

BACKGROUND

Travelers, among others, often find themselves stuck in airports and other secluded places. As an example, a typical traveler may spend from about 1 to about 3 hours at an airport terminal for each flight he/she may take. Many of these hours, unfortunately, are spent without a proper work surface from which to work, including a proper work surface to support one's laptop, writing pad, etc. What is needed in the art is a device, which solves the aforementioned disadvantages of being stuck without a proper work surface.

SUMMARY

One aspect provides a stand for use with a piece of luggage. The stand, in one embodiment, includes a first surface configured to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage, and a second surface slidably coupleable to the first surface. In this embodiment, the first and second surfaces coordinate to provide a work surface of adjustable size.

Another aspect provided an alternative stand for use with a piece of luggage. The stand, in this embodiment, includes a first surface, and a T feature coupled to the first surface. The T feature, in this embodiment, is configured to engage and interpose support structures of a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate various views of one embodiment of a stand for use with luggage;

FIG. 3 illustrates the stand depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 attached to a piece of luggage;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate alternative embodiments of stands for use with luggage; and

FIG. 6 illustrates the stand depicted in FIG. 5 attached to a piece of luggage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the acknowledgement that travelers, particularly those travelling with luggage, have limited space and resources for supporting other much needed resources necessary for their task. Based at least in part on this acknowledgment, it is recognized that a stand that can couple to a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage would greatly benefit travelers.

Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated is one embodiment of a stand 100 for use with luggage. The stand 100 includes a first surface 110, in this embodiment, slidably coupled to a second surface 160. The first and second surfaces 110, 160, in this embodiment, advantageously coordinate to provide a work surface of adjustable size. The first and second surfaces 110, 160 may be removably coupled to one another, or alternatively fixedly coupled to one another, so long as the first and second surfaces 110, 160 slide with respect to one another.

The first surface 110, in one embodiment, is configured to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. For example, the first surface 110 may employ a variety of features to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first surface 110 includes an opening 120 therein configured to slide over and engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. In accordance with this embodiment, the opening 120 may have certain sizes and shapes. For example, in the embodiment shown, the opening 120 is substantially shaped as a smashed circle. For instance, the opening 120 might have a length (L) ranging from about 6 inches to about 9 inches, and might have a depth (D) ranging from about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches. In another embodiment, the opening 120 might have a length (L) of at least about 5 inches, and a depth (D) of at least about 1 inch. In one embodiment, the opening 120 is substantially centered on a width (W) of the stand 100.

While the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates a smashed circle opening 120, other embodiments exist wherein the shape and size of the opening 120 differ from that shown, for example wherein the opening 120 is a rectangle, among others. Additionally, other embodiments exist wherein a feature, other than an opening, is used to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. For example, a feature, such as a T feature, may be used to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. (See, FIGS. 4 and 5).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 110 includes one or more extensions 130. The extensions 130, in one embodiment, slide into and out of the first surface 110. The extensions 130 may embody a variety of uses. For instance, the extensions 130, in one embodiment, may be configured as a cup holder. In this embodiment, an opening in the extension 130 may be configured to accept the base of a cup. In another embodiment, the extensions 130 may be configured as a mouse pad. In yet other embodiments, the extensions 130 may be configured as a writing pad, utility tray, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions 130 slide into and out of the first surface 110 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction the second surface 160 slides into and out of the first surface 110. Other embodiments may exist, however, wherein the extensions 130 slide into and out of the second surface 160.

The first surface 110 may additionally include one or more footing structures 140. The footing structures 140, in this embodiment, are designed to flip down from the first surface 110 and thereby provide a support structure for the first surface 110 upon an upper surface of a piece of luggage. The footing structures 140, in this embodiment, help maintain the first surface 110 in a substantially level position when the stand 100 is deployed on a piece of luggage. Those skilled in the art understand the myriad of footing structure 140 designs, which might be employed to help provide a level first surface 110.

The stand 100, and particularly the first surface 110 in this embodiment, may additionally include other features 150. The features 150 may have a variety of sizes, shapes, locations, purposes, etc. In one embodiment, the stand 100 includes a feature 150 comprising a solar panel. In this embodiment, the solar panel might be integrated with, or into, the first or second surfaces 110, 160, and might be configured to power or charge electronic equipment of the user. In another embodiment, the stand 100 might include a feature 150 comprising a battery pack. In this embodiment, the battery pack might be integrated with, or into, the first or second surfaces 110, 160, and might be configured to power electronic equipment of the user. In yet another embodiment, the stand 100 might include a feature 150 comprising a connector or docking station. In this embodiment, the connector or docking station might be integrated with, or into, the first or second surfaces 110, 160, and might be configured to electronically couple multiple electronic devices of the user. For instance, a docking station configured to attach a monitor (e.g., including an ITouch, IPhone, IPad, etc.) to other electronic equipment, might be employed. Additionally, the feature 150 might comprise one or more speakers, a USB or firewire connector, memory, etc.

The second surface 160, in the example embodiment, includes a lip 170. The lip 170, in this embodiment, is at an edge of the second surface 160 distal where the first and second surfaces 110, 160 slidably engage one another. As those skilled in the art appreciate, the lip 170 helps prevent, or at least reduce, any resource being used with the luggage from slipping from the stand 100.

Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is the stand 100 of FIG. 1 wherein the second surface 160 is deployed outward with respect to the first surface 110. In the illustrated view, the second surface 160 may be deployed by a maximum distance (x). The term maximum distance, as used herein, is intended to reference the greatest distance the first and second surfaces 110, 160 may separate in a given stand 100 configuration. The particular distance (x) may be important to the design of the device. For instance, the greater the distance (x) the greater the working area. However, there are limitations on the distance (x), particularly because the opening 120 is located in the first surface 110, and the guides for the second surface 160 preferably do not extend into the opening 120. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the maximum distance (x) should range from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. In another embodiment, the maximum distance (x) should be no greater than about 7 inches. In one embodiment, however, the maximum distance (x) would be chosen to maximize the area of the work surface without interfere with the design of the opening 120, or for that matter the design of the extension 130.

FIG. 2 additionally illustrates the footing structure 140 in a deployed state. For example, the footing structure 140 of FIG. 2 is deployed in a position that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 110. The footing structure 140, in this embodiment, might engage a top surface of a piece of luggage.

Turning briefly to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example embodiment wherein a stand 300, which may be similar to the stand 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, attached to a piece of luggage 310. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the stand 300 is supporting a piece of electronic equipment, in this embodiment a laptop. As those skilled in the art appreciate, the stand 300 may support other devices, electronic and not.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an alternative stand 400 manufactured in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. The stand 400, in this embodiment, includes a first surface 410. The first surface 410, in this embodiment, may be similar to the first surface 110 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and thus include many of the same features as the first surface 110. Nevertheless, other first surfaces 410 may bed used and remain within the purview of the disclosure.

The stand 400, in this embodiment, may include a T feature 420 coupled to the first surface 410. The T feature 420, in this embodiment, is configured to engage and interpose support structures (e.g., parallel support structures in one embodiment) of a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. In one embodiment, the T feature 420 has a width (Y) greater than a width of the support structures. For example, the width (Y) of the T feature 420, in one embodiment, may be at least 20 percent greater than a width of the support structures it is designed to engage and interpose. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the width (Y) of the T feature 420 may be at least about 5 inches. In another embodiment, the width (Y) of the T feature 420 may range from about 6 inches to about 9 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 410 has a general footprint. The general footprint of the first surface 410, in the illustrated embodiment, is depicted by the dotted line 430. In this embodiment, the general footprint is substantially rectangular shaped. The T feature 420, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, may exist substantially within the general footprint. Other embodiments, however, exist wherein the T feature 420 extends outside of the general footprint. The exact location of the T feature 420, at least as it relates to the general footprint of the first surface 410, may thus vary by embodiment.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is yet another alternative stand 500 manufactured in accordance with the principles of the disclosure. The stand 500 is substantially similar to the stand 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, with the addition of a few features. Accordingly, like reference numbers are being used to illustrate like features. A major difference between the stand 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the stand 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, is the inclusion of a hook feature 510 and a post feature 520 in the first surface 410. The hook and post features 510, 520, in one embodiment, allow the first surface 410 to removably couple to an accepting structure of a separate second surface (not shown). The combination of the first surface 410, and the second surface (not shown) could then be used as a stand for a tripod.

Turning briefly to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example embodiment wherein a stand 600, which may be similar to the stand 500 discussed with regard to FIG. 5, is attached to a piece of luggage 610. In the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the stand 600 is supporting a piece of electronic equipment, in this embodiment a laptop. As those skilled in the art appreciate, the stand 600 may support other devices, electronic and not.

A stand, such as the stand illustrated in FIGS. 1 thru 6 may comprise a variety of different materials. For instance, in one embodiment, the stand comprises a strong carbon fiber material or heavy plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the stand comprises metal. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art understand that the stand may comprise any material within the scope of its intended purpose and remain within the purview of this disclosure. Given a particular material, those skilled in the art would easily understand how to manufacture a specific stand.

Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A stand for use with luggage, comprising:

a first surface configured to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage; and

a second surface slidably coupleable to the first surface, the first and second surfaces coordinating to provide a work surface of adjustable size.

2. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein an opening in the first surface is configured to slide over and engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage.

3. The stand as recited in claim 2 wherein the opening has a width (W) of at least about 5 inches and a depth (D) of at least about 1 inch.

4. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein the first surface includes a T feature configured to engage and interpose support structures of a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage.

5. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein the second surface slides apart from the first surface by a maximum distance (X) of no greater than about 7 inches.

6. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein the second surface slides apart from the first surface by a maximum distance (X) ranging from about 3 inches to about 6 inches.

7. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including an extension configured to slide into and out of the first surface.

8. The stand as recited in claim 7 wherein the extension slides into an out of the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction the second surface is slidably coupled to the first surface.

9. The stand as recited in claim 7 wherein the extension is selected from the group consisting of:

a cup holder;

a mouse pad;

a writing pad; and

a utility tray.

10. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including a solar cell attachable to at least one of the first or second surfaces.

11. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including a hard drive or battery pack attachable to at least one of the first or second surfaces.

12. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including connectors or a docking station associated with at least one of the first or second surfaces, the connectors or docking station configured to couple to other electronic components.

13. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including one or more speakers attachable to at least one of the first or second surfaces.

14. A stand for use with luggage, comprising:

a first surface; and

a T feature coupled to the first surface, wherein the T feature is configured to engage and interpose support structures of a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage.

15. The stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the first surface has a general footprint, and further wherein the T feature extends outside of the general footprint.

16. The stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the first surface has a general footprint, and further wherein the T feature exists substantially within the general footprint.

17. The stand as recited in claim 14, wherein the first surface further includes a hook feature on one side of the T feature and a post feature on an opposing side of the T feature.

18. The stand as recited in claim 14, further including a solar cell, hard drive, speaker or battery pack attachable to the first surface.

19. The stand as recited in claim 14, further including connectors or a docking station associated with the first surface, the connectors or docking station configured to couple to other electronic components.

20. The stand as recited in claim 14, further including an extension configured to slide into and out of the first surface.