DEVICE FOR HOLDING AN ITEM DURING TRAVEL, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A device for holding an item during travel via an airplane, train or bus, includes a body, a first coupler and a second coupler. The body has a first section, a second section that is moveable relative to the first section toward a first position and toward a second position, and a third section that is moveable relative to the first section toward a first position and toward a second position. The first coupler couples the body's first section with the body's second section and holds the second section in the first position and in the second position. The second coupler couples the body's first section with the body's third section and holds the third section in the first position and in the second position.

Description

BACKGROUND

Travelers in vehicles such as trains, planes and buses, often use their phones and/or tablets to view and/or listen to content for entertainment or work. Unfortunately, after a while, holding such a device with their hand gets burdensome. A traveler's hand and/or arm can quickly tire from holding the phone and/or tablet in a specific, if not awkward, position. Thus, there is a need for a device that a traveler can use, without their hands, to hold their phone and/or tablet while they consume content displayed by the phone and/or tablet.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, a device for holding an item during travel via an airplane, train or bus, includes a body, a first coupler and a second coupler. The body has a first section, a second section that is moveable relative to the first section toward a first position and toward a second position, and a third section that is moveable relative to the first section toward a first position and toward a second position. The first coupler couples the body's first section with the body's second section and holds the second section in the first position and in the second position. When the second section is in the first position, the second section positions the device's body to hold, without the help of a person's hands, an item for use during travel. When the second section is in the second position, the first and second sections, combined, form a configuration in which the device's body is stored for future use. The second coupler couples the body's first section with the body's third section and holds the third section in the first position and in the second position. When the third section is in the first position, the third section holds, without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel. When the third section is in the second position, the first and third sections, combined, form a configuration in which the device's body is stored for future use.

With the second and third sections held in their respective first positions, the device is configured to hold, without the help of the traveler, an item oriented relative to the traveler at a location near the traveler to allow the traveler to access the item. The item may include a cup for holding a beverage and/or a phone, a tablet or other apparatus for visually and/or aurally displaying content, such as a movie, a game, a book, one or more documents for work, and/or music. By freeing the traveler from having to hold the item himself/herself, the traveler can avoid the burdensome task of holding the item in a specific position for a long period and thus avoid tiring his/her hand, wrist and/or arm. In addition, the traveler is free to use his/her hand for other tasks. With the second and third sections held in their respective second positions, the device is configured to be easily and efficiently stored while not in use.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for holding an item during travel via an airplane, train or bus, includes moving a second section of a body of a device relative to a first section of the device's body, toward a first position in which the second section positions the device's body to hold, without the help of a person's hands, an item for use during travel. The method also includes moving a third section of the device's body relative to the body's first section, toward a first position, in which the third section holds, without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel. The method also includes positioning the device's body to hold, without the help of the person's hands, the item for use during travel; and holding, with the third section of the device's body and without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of a device being used to hold, without one's hands, an item for use while traveling, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the device shown in FIG. 1 in a different configuration being used to hold an item, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective, partial-cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a different cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a component of the device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a portion of the device, according to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a portion of the device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 also shows a plan view of a portion of the device, according yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Each of FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a view of a device 20 being used to hold, without one's hands, an item 22 for use while traveling, each according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows the device 20 in a configuration in which it holds the item 22 while sitting on top of a surface, such as a tray-table 24 of an airplane's seat. FIG. 2 shows the device 20 in a different configuration in which it holds the item 22 while hanging from an edge of the tray-table 24 when the tray-table 24 is in a stowed position. The device 20 may be used while one travels via an airplane as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or while one travels via a train, bus or even a car by attaching the device 20 to a car's head rests. In addition, the device 20 may be used in any circumstance in which one would want to read, watch or listen to content displayed by the item 22 while using one's hands for another task, such as while eating breakfast in bed or knitting outside in a park.

The device 20 includes a body 25 that has a first section 26, a second section 28, and a third section 30. The device 20 also includes a first coupler 32 that couples the second section 28 with the first section 26. The first coupler 32 allows the second section 28 to move relative to the first section 26 and holds the second section 28 in a first position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the second section 28 positions the device's body 25 to hold, without the help of a person's hands, an item 22 for use during travel. The device 20 also includes a second coupler 34 that couples the third section 30 with the first section 26. The second coupler 34 allows the third section 30 to move relative to the first section 26 and holds the third section 30 in a first position (also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the third section 30 holds, without the help of a person's hands, the item 22 for use during travel. Each of the first and second couplers 32 and 34, respectively, also holds its respective one of the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, in a second position in which the device's body 25 forms a configuration in which the device's body 25 is stored for future use.

With the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, held in their respective first positions, the device 20 is configured to hold, without the help of one's hands, the item 22 near and oriented relative to one to allow one to access the item 22. The item 22 may include a phone, a tablet or other apparatus for visually and/or aurally displaying content, such as a movie, a game, a book, one or more documents for work, and/or music. By freeing one from having to hold the item 22 himself/herself, one can avoid the burdensome task of holding the item in a specific position for a long period and thus avoid tiring his/her hand, wrist and/or arm. In addition, one is free to use his/her hand for other tasks. With the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, held in their respective second positions, the device 20 may be easily and efficiently stored while not in use.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first positions of the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, may be any desired position relative to the first section 26 that allows the sections 26, 28 and 30 of the body 25 to function as expressed above. For example, in this and other embodiments the first position of the second section 28 may have the second section 28 extending substantially straight from the first section 26 at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first section 26 (shown in FIG. 1). And, in other embodiments the first position of the second section 28 may have the second section 28 extending substantially straight from the first section at an angle of about 50 degrees relative to the first section 26 (shown in FIG. 2), forming a chevron with the first section 26. The location of the second section 28 in the first position depends largely on where the device 20 is to hold the item 22 and how the device's third section 30 is to hold the item 22. In still other embodiments, the first position of the second section 28 may have the second section 28 extending in an arc from the first section 26 to form a hook so that the second section 28 can wrap partially around a bar to allow the device 20 to hang vertically. Similarly, in this and other embodiments the first position of the third section 30 may have the third section 30 extending substantially straight from the first section 26 at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first section 26 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). This allows the item 22 to rest against the third section 30 and the first section 26 while the device 20 holds the item 22 such that gravity keeps the item 22 against the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively. In other embodiments, the first position of the third section 30 may have the third section 30 also extending in an arc such that the third section 30 can cup the item 22 to hold it when the first section 26 hangs beyond vertical.

Similarly, the second positions of the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, may be any desired position relative to the first section 26 that allows the sections of the body 25 to be configured for easily and efficiently storing the device 20 while not in use. For example, in this and other embodiments the second position of the second section 28 may have the second section 28 extending substantially straight from the first section 26 at an angle of about 0 degrees relative to the first section 26; and the second position of the third section 30 may also have the third section 30 extending substantially straight from the first section 26 at an angle of about 0 degrees relative to the first section 26. In such a configuration, the body 25 of the device 20 forms a substantially flat sheet whose area is the summation of the individual areas of each of the sections 26, 28 and 30. In other embodiments the second position of the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, may have each of the sections 28 and 30 extending substantially straight from the first section at an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the first section 26. In this configuration, the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, may be folded over and against the first section 26 and result in body 25 forming a substantially flat sheet having less area but thicker than the embodiment discussed earlier.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, the first and second positions of the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, may include the second and third section 28 and 30 extending from the first section 26 in a direction that is not substantially straight, such as an arc or series of substantially straight directions that changes like a zig-zag pattern or a “Z” pattern.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective, partial-cutaway view of the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of the couplers 32 and 34 couple a respective one of the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, with the first section 26 and hold their respective sections 28 and 30 in the first and second positions. And, as discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, in this and other embodiments the device's body 25 includes a coating 40 that surrounds the first, second and third sections 26, 28 and 30.

The coupler 32 may be configured as desired to perform the functions discussed elsewhere in this application. For example, in this and other embodiments the coupler 32 lies between the first and second sections 26 and 28, respectively, and is a unique portion of a sheet of aluminum that the first and second sections 26 and 28, respectively, include. Because the coupler 32 is aluminum the coupler 32 is plastically deformable so that it can hold the second section 28 in the first and second positions. Moreover, because the coupler 32 is a unique portion of the sheet of aluminum that the first and second sections 26 and 28, respectively, include, the location of the coupler 32 between the first and second sections 26 and 28, respectively, may be anywhere between the sections 26 and 28. For example, in one embodiment the distance between the coupler 32 and the edge of the second section 28 that is farthest away from the coupler 32 may be one inch, and in another embodiment the distance may be six inches. That is, in this embodiment of the device 20, because the coupler 32 is a unique portion of the aluminum sheet that extends into the first and second sections 26 and 28, respectively, the location of the coupler 32 between the sections 26 and 28 may be changed to allow the device 20 to be configured into many different shapes. This flexibility allows one to use the device 20 in a variety of different situations that otherwise would make it difficult for one to position the second section 28 so that the device 20 can hold an item 22 near and oriented such that one can access the item 22.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, as shown and discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 6, the coupler 32 may not be a unique portion of a sheet of material that extends into the first and second sections 26 and 28, respectively. Rather, the coupler 32 may include a hinge that allows the second section 28 to pivot relative to the first section 26. For another example, although the coupler 32 is discussed as holding the second section 28 in a first and a second position, the coupler 32 may hold the second section 28 in three or more different positions, such as a third, a fourth and a fifth position.

Similar to the coupler 32, the coupler 34 may be configured as desired to perform the functions discussed elsewhere in this application. For example, in this and other embodiments the coupler 34 lies between the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively, and is a unique portion of a sheet of aluminum that the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively, include. Because the coupler 34 is aluminum the coupler 34 is also plastically deformable so that it can hold the third section 30 in the first and second positions. Moreover, because the coupler 34 is a unique portion of the sheet of aluminum that the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively, include, the location of the coupler 34 between the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively, may be anywhere between the sections 26 and 30. For example, in one embodiment the distance between the coupler 34 and the edge of the third section 30 that is farthest away from the coupler 34 may be one inch, and in another embodiment the distance may be six inches. That is, in this embodiment of the device 20, because the coupler 34 is a unique portion of the aluminum sheet that extends into the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively, the location of the coupler 34 between the sections 26 and 30 may be changed to allow the device 20 to be configured into many different shapes. This flexibility allows one to use the device 20 in a variety of different situations that otherwise would make it difficult for one to position the third section 30 so that the device 20 can hold an item 22 near and oriented such that one can access the item 22.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, as shown and discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 6, the coupler 34 may not be a unique portion of a sheet of material that extends into the first and third sections 26 and 30, respectively. Rather, the coupler 34 may include a hinge that allows the third section 30 to pivot relative to the first section 26. For another example, although the coupler 34 is discussed holding the third section 30 in a first and a second position, the coupler 34 may hold the third section 30 in three or more different positions, such as a third, a fourth and a fifth position.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the shape and size of the device 20 may be any desired shape and size. For example, in this and other embodiments the device 20 is rectangular with the length of the body 25 in the longitudinal direction (with the sections 26, 28 and 30 arranged in series) about nine inches and the length of the body 25 in the transverse direction (with the sections 26, 28 and 30 arranged in parallel) about four inches. In addition, the thickness of the body 25 is about 4 millimeters. In this configuration, the device 20 is large enough to hold a small to medium sized cell phone in any orientation while remaining small and sleek when the second and third sections 28 and 30, respectively, are in their respective second positions to easily and efficiently store the device 20.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, the device 20 may be larger. In such a configuration the device 20 may be rectangular with the length of the body 25 in the longitudinal direction about twelve inches, the length of the body 25 in the transverse direction about seven inches, and the thickness of the body 25 about six millimeters. For another example, the device 20 may be rectangular but smaller in size than the size discussed in the preceding paragraph, or larger in size than the size previously discussed in this paragraph. For yet another example, the device 20 may be circular or oval, and may be smaller or larger than the size discussed in the preceding paragraph. For another example, the device 20 may have a shape that is not a basic geometric shape, but rather a complex shape such as one that includes one or more curves found on a French curve. For another example, the device 20 may have a shape that is designed to mimic the emblem or logo of a sports team or any other well know logo like the Nike swoosh.

Each of FIGS. 4 and 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 20 shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section along a longitudinal direction of the device 20, and FIG. 5 shows a cross-section along a transverse direction of the device.

The body 25 may be configured as desired to allow the sections 26, 28 and 30 to form a configuration in which the third section 30 holds an item (22 in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the second section 28 positions the body 25 to hold, without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel. For example, in this and other embodiments the body 25 includes a sheet 42 of aluminum that is about 0.5 millimeters thick surrounded by a coating 40. The coating 40 is irradiated, crosslinked polyethylene foam (IXPE foam) that is about three millimeters thick. In addition, the coating 40 includes text and/or a graphic design that describes how to use the device 20. The coating 40 protects the aluminum sheet 42 from the ambient environment in which the aluminum sheet 42 could be inadvertently scratched and/or exposed to liquids and/or gasses that include chemicals that could damage the aluminum sheet 42. The coating 40 also increases the coefficient of friction or stickiness of the contact between the item and coating 40 when the third section 30 holds the item.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, the aluminum sheet 42 may not be surrounded by a coating 40, but rather partially surrounded by a coating or the coating may be omitted entirely. For another example, the body 25 may include an aluminum sheet whose thickness is less than or greater than 0.5 millimeters. For another example, the body 25 may not include an aluminum sheet but rather a sheet of another metal, such as copper, brass, and/or steel. In addition, the body 25 may include any alloy of any of the metals. The body 25 could also include a plastically deformable material that is not metallic, such as a plastic polymer. For yet another example, the body 25 may include a coating 40 that is thinner or thicker than three millimeters. The body 25 may also include a coating 40 that is cotton, thread, mesh fabric, Neoprene foam, Lycra, Nylon, Spandex, Polyurethane foam, Polyethylene foam, Polystyrene foam, and/or leather.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a section of a device 50, according to another embodiment of the invention. The device 50 is similar to the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-5 except the device 50 includes a coupler 52 that does not plastically deform to allow the second section 54 to move relative to the first section 56 toward a first position (shown) and a second position (not shown), and to hold the second section 54 in the first and second positions. Like the device 20, the device 50 also includes a second coupler (not shown) that couples the first section 56 with a third section (not shown) of the device 50. And, although the subject of the discussion below is the coupler 52 that couples the first section 56 with the second section 54, the discussion below also applies to the second coupler of the device 50.

In this and other embodiments, the coupler 52 is a hinge that allows the second section 54 to pivot in the direction of the arrows 58a and 58b. To hold the second section 54 in the first and second positions, the hinge includes two friction plates (not shown) that contact each other when the second section 54 is in the first position and in the second position. One of the friction plates is fixed to the first section 56, and the other friction plate is fixed to the second section 54. When one moves the second section 54 in either direction indicated by the arrows 58a and 58b, the friction plate fixed to the second section 54 rotates relative to the friction plate fixed to the first section 56. Then, when the second section 54 is either in the first or second position, the friction generated by the contact between the two friction plates holds the second section 54 in the position.

Other embodiments are possible. For example, the coupler 52 may include two cogs (in lieu of friction plates that engage each other to hold the second section 54 in a position relative to the first section 56.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of a device 60, according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The device 60 is similar to the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-5 except the third section 62 of the device 60 includes a cupholder 64.

In this and other embodiments, the cupholder 64 includes a hole through the third section 62 that has four tabs 66 extending in toward the center of the hole. The tabs 66 are plastically deformable so that one can use the cupholder 64 for a variety of different sized cups. When the tabs 66 extend straight in toward the center of the hole (as shown), the cupholder 64 is configured to hold a small cup, such as one that holds coffee. When one or more of the tabs 66 are plastically deformed toward a surface of the third section 62, the cupholder 64 is configured to hold a larger cup. In this and other embodiments, the third section 62 includes a material that provides adequate support for the weight of the cup and liquid that the cup would hold. The material can do this by either being thicker than the material used in the device 20 of FIGS. 1-5, or having a greater modulus of elasticity (degree of stiffness).

Other embodiments are possible. For example, the third section 62 may include two or more cupholders 64. For another example, the cupholder 64 may be configured to hold a single size or narrow range of cup sizes by making the tabs 66 not plastically deformable or omitting the tabs 66 altogether. For another example, the cupholder 64 may include a mesh bag to hold a cup. For yet another example, the cupholder 64 may include a strap that holds a cup, can and/or bottle to the third section 62 and whose length is adjustable so that the cupholder 64 can hold short cups, cans and/or bottles as well as tall cups, cans and/or bottles.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a portion of a device 70, according to still another embodiment of the invention. The device 70 is similar to the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-5 except the device 70 includes a fourth section 72 that extends from a third section 74 of the device 70. In this and other embodiments the fourth section 74 is plastically deformable so that it can be configured as desired to hold an additional item (not shown) or a component (not shown) of an item (not shown) held by the third section 74, such as headphones or glasses. In other embodiments, the fourth section 72 is not plastically deformable and may be configured to hold a specific item or component of an item.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a portion of a device 80, according to another embodiment of the invention. The device 80 is similar to the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-5 except the device 80 includes a pocket 82. In this and other embodiments, the pocket 82 is located on the first section 84 and specifically configured to hold a battery 86 for powering the item (not shown) held by the device 80. In other embodiments, the pocket 82 may be located on the third or second sections (not shown) of the device 80 and may be configured to hold other things such as business cards, credit cards and/or identification cards. In yet other embodiments, the battery may be integrated into the device 80, that is, not disposed or held in a pocket 82 of the device but embedded in the body of the device 80.

FIG. 10 also shows a plan view of a portion of a device 90, according yet another embodiment of the invention. The device 90 is similar to the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1-5 except the device 90 includes a transmitter 92 and receiver 94 to transmit and receive signals to another receiver and from another transmitter located in the item (not shown) held by the device 90 and/or any other item within range of the transmitter 92 and receiver 94. The transmitter 92 and receiver 94 may be configured to send and receive any desired communication signals, such as high-frequency Bluetooth signals, lower frequency wireless signals, radio signals, and/or infrared light. The transmitter 92 and receiver 94 may be configured to help the item held by the device 90 communicate with another item and/or device to help the item held by the device 90 receive content to be displayed. The transmitter 92 and receiver 94 may also be configured to cast content to other items. In this and other embodiments, the transmitter 92 and receiver 94 are imbedded in the body of the device 90. But in other embodiments the transmitter 92 and receiver 94 may be held in a pocket similar to the pocket shown and discussed in conjunction with FIG. 9.

The preceding discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for holding an item during travel via an airplane, train or bus, the device comprising:

a body having: a first section, a second section moveable relative to the first section toward a first position and toward a second position, and a third section moveable relative to the first section toward a first position and toward a second position;

a first coupler that couples the body's first section with the body's second section and holds the second section: in the first position wherein the second section positions the body to hold, without the help of a person's hands, an item for use during travel, and in the second position wherein the first and second portions, combined, form a configuration in which the body is stored for future use; and

a second coupler that couples the body's first section with the body's third section and holds the third section: in the first position wherein the third section holds, without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel, and in the second position wherein the first and third portions, combined, form a configuration in which the body is stored for future use.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein while the body's second section is in the first position, the body's second section forms a hook that extends away from the body's first section.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein while the body's second section is in the first position, the body's first and second sections, combined, form a chevron.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein while the body's third section is in the first position, the body's third section forms a ledge that extends away from the body's first section at an angle between 0° and 180°.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the body's third section includes a region configured to hold a cup.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein while the body's second section is in the second position, the body's first and second sections form a flat sheet.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein while the body's third section is in the second position, the body's first and third sections form a flat sheet.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a pocket configured to hold a business card.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a pocket configured to hold a power source for the item.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a fourth section operable to hold another item for use during travel.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a plastically deformable material.

12. The device of claim of 1, wherein the body includes a plastically deformable material and each of the body's sections includes a portion of the plastically deformable material.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a sheet of aluminum and each of the body's sections includes a portion of the aluminum sheet.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a sheet of aluminum surrounded by a polymer.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first coupler includes a plastically deformable material that plastically deforms when the body's second section is moved relative to the body's first section to the first position.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the second coupler includes a plastically deformable material that plastically deforms when the body's third section is moved relative to the body's first section to the first position.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the body includes a single piece of aluminum sheet that is plastically deformable,

each of the first, second and third sections include a unique portion of the single piece of aluminum sheet,

the first coupler includes a unique portion of the single piece of aluminum sheet that lies between the portions of the single aluminum sheet that correspond to the body's first and second sections, and

the second coupler includes a unique portion of the single piece of aluminum sheet that lies between the portions of the single aluminum sheet that correspond to the body's first and third sections.

18. The device of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter and a receiver, each operable to transmit and receive signals to another receiver and from another transmitter, respectively, to convey and receive information.

19. A method for holding an item during travel via an airplane, train or bus, the method comprising:

moving a second section of a body of a device relative to a first section of the device's body, toward a first position wherein the second section positions the device's body to hold, without the help of a person's hands, an item for use during travel;

moving a third section of the device's body relative to the body's first section, toward a first position, wherein the third section holds, without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel;

positioning the device's body to hold, without the help of the person's hands, the item for use during travel; and

holding, with the third section of the device's body and without the help of a person's hands, the item for use during travel.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein moving the second section of the device's body includes plastically deforming a portion of a material that couples the first and second sections of the device's body together.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein moving the third section of the device's body includes plastically deforming a portion of a material that couples the first and third sections of the device's body together.

22. The method of claim 19 further comprising moving the second section of the device's body relative to the first section of the device's body, toward a second position wherein the first and second portions, together, form a configuration in which the body is stored for future use.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein moving the second section of the device's body relative to the first section of the device's body, toward the second position includes plastically deforming a portion of a material that couples the first and second sections of the device's body together to form a configuration in which the first and second sections together form a flat sheet.

24. The method of claim 19 further comprising moving the third section of the device's body relative to the first section of the device's body, toward a second position wherein the first and second portions, together, form a configuration in which the body is stored for future use.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein moving the third section of the device's body relative to the first section of the device's body, toward the second position includes plastically deforming a portion of a material that couples the first and third sections of the device's body together to form a configuration in which the first and third sections together form a flat sheet.