Briefcase Convertible into a Portable Workstation

Abstract

A convertible briefcase, which has a first operative orientation in which it functions as a briefcase, and a second operative orientation in which it functions as a workstation. In a carrying, or briefcase, operative orientation, a lower surface of the briefcase is disposed substantially parallel to an upper surface of the briefcase, and is attached to a lower frame portion. In this operative orientation, a plurality of extendable support structures are in a folded mode and are disposed within a lower compartment of the briefcase. In a converted, workstation operative orientation, the lower surface is at least partially detached from the lower frame portion to expose the extendable support structures. The extendable support structures are in an extended mode perpendicularly away from the briefcase, to support the briefcase on a support surface, such as a floor or any other base surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

The disclosed technology relates generally to convertible briefcases, and, more specifically, to a briefcase which may be converted into a portable workstation suitable for using a laptop computer or for doing other office work.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

Many people use briefcases for carrying their work papers and tools, such as laptops and books while traveling. Additionally, many people wish to be able to work conveniently while “on the go”, for example on trains, airplanes, or when waiting at a train-station or airport. However, many such locations do not include any suitable work surfaces or tables. In some places that do include tables or other surfaces, the surfaces are often too small, too low, or otherwise uncomfortable for a user to work conveniently.

The prior art describes various types of portable briefcases, suitcases, and tables. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,747,957 to Lencioni discloses a portable folding table, having a latch to secure the table in the open position. The tabletop is hinged at the center so that the table may be folded with hinged legs flat against an underside of the top surface of the table into a compact portable unit resembling a suitcase. The foldable table includes a latch which automatically acts to hold the table in operative position when the two halves of the table top are moved into coplanar relation, and which is automatically released when the legs of the table are collapsed to storage or traveling position (col. 1).

U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,337 to Bell discloses a rigid luggage case having a cover that is divided into a nose portion of an ironing board that can be folded out to combine with the base panel of the case to form an ironing board, and a pair of partial cover members that folds out to provide support for the ironing board. The ironing board surface is a collapsible unit that is simply folded out in a manner akin to the folding out of the legs of a card table, and the resulting ironing board or table can simply be folded back in place when it is desired to close the case. The case and ironing board are a unitary structure, preventing the user from forgetting or losing an essential portion of the mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,536 to Teichner discloses a self-contained, collapsible demonstration table with a backboard, for use in product demonstrations and displays. The table can be conveniently changed manually between a closed, suitcase-like structure which is easily stored and carried, and an open table with a large tabletop and an upstanding display background.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,580 to Berman et al, discloses a collapsible article of luggage or bag in which a plurality of pivotally mounted reinforcing panels and corner insertions permit the luggage to assume either a rigid or semi-rigid configuration or a collapsed space-saving shape. Additionally, the top and bottom enclosure are secured to each other by a continuous zipper or slide fastener.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,472 to McNeil discloses a computer table attachable to a piece of luggage standing in an upright position upon which a portable computer may be supported. A flat tray includes a protruding leaf adapted to be held in the handle of a suitcase or piece of luggage, while the luggage is upright. Another rib is provided to ensure that a computer does not slide off the tray while the tray is in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,722 to Moreno et al discloses a travel assisting luggage system to carry articles and otherwise assist a person while travelling. The luggage system includes a frame, a container connected around the frame, an axle connected to the frame and to wheels, an entertainment center attached to a container side, and a seat system connected to the frame. The seat system may include a seat extension, a backrest, a support feet, a support feet housing, and a support plate. The luggage system may also include an organization system positioned within the container interior.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0137959 to Zauderer discloses convertible luggage which includes a body and a detachable and reversible panel having a first face and a second face having a different appearance than the first face. The detachable and reversible panel can be securely attached to the body such that in a first configuration the first face faces out and in a second configuration the second face faces out. The detachable and reversible panel can create a pocket for housing items.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0175960 to Moskowitz et al discloses a wheeling frame for a suitcase which has its own rolling wheels. The frame supports a pair of leaning wheels arranged at ends of a pair of pivotable legs, with a first wheel arranged at the end of a first leg and the second wheel arranged at the end of a second leg. The leg positions are adjustable between stowed position and a deployed, adjustable position extending at an angle to the frame. The legs have a movable pivoting axis and adjustable lengths. A handle system at a proximal end of the frame is adjustable in length and angle, and is operable in conjunction with the leaning wheels to roll the suitcase in a stable leaning position, to allow walking the suitcase on steps of a staircase, and to be converted into a suitcase table, to ease packing and unpacking.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0140120 to Rasmussen discloses a luggage system which comprises a plurality of interchangeable components. Each component has at least one perimeter attachment means which is mateable with a counterpart perimeter attachment means on an adjacent component, thereby making the various components releaseably attachable and completely detachable. The possible components of the luggage system may be a luggage case, a spacing member, an enclosure piece, and/or carrying means to allow a traveler to build a variety of luggage pieces that suit the particular packing, organizing, and transporting needs of the traveler.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0166414 to Moore discloses a mobile office comprising a wheeled luggage with telescoping handle, a top surface comprising an integrated seat, multiple internal and external storage compartments, a removable organizer drawer, and a removable table with extendable legs.

However, there remains a need in the art for a briefcase, which is small enough to be carried by a user while containing the user's laptop and/or papers, and can be converted into a convenient and portable workstation for using the laptop and/or papers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the disclosed technology, a convertible briefcase, which includes an upper surface, at least one interior surface, and a lower surface, all having substantially the same dimensions. An upper frame portion is disposed about a perimeter of the upper surface, substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and extends to the interior surface. A lower frame portion is disposed about a perimeter of the interior surface, substantially perpendicular to the interior surface, and extends to the lower surface. The lower surface is at least partially detachable from the lower frame portion. A lower compartment is defined by the lower surface, the at least one interior surface, and the lower frame portion. A plurality of extendable support structures are adapted to be anchored to the interior surface. In a carrying operative orientation, the lower surface is disposed substantially parallel to the interior surface and is attached to the lower frame portion, and the plurality of extendable support structures are in a folded mode and are disposed within the lower compartment. In a converted, workstation operative orientation, the lower surface is at least partially detached from the lower frame portion and is angled relative to the interior surface, and the plurality of extendable support structures are in an extended mode and are anchored to the interior surface, extending perpendicularly outwardly from the interior surface, to support the briefcase on a support surface, such as a floor or any other base surface.

In some embodiments, the interior surface includes a first interior surface and a second interior surface. In these embodiments, the upper frame portion extends from the upper surface to the first interior surface, and the lower frame portion extends from the second interior surface to the lower surface. In some such embodiments, the briefcase further includes an intermediate frame portion, which is disposed about a perimeter of the first interior surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and extends to the second interior surface. The intermediate frame portion is substantially flush with the upper frame portion and with the lower frame portion. An interior compartment is defined by the first interior surface, the second interior surface, and the intermediate frame portion.

In some embodiments, the briefcase further includes at least one portal formed in at least one of the intermediate frame portion and the lower frame portion. At least one shelf is extendable through the at least one portal between a stowed operative orientation and an extended operative orientation. In the stowed operative orientation, the at least one shelf is disposed within the interior compartment, such that a lip of the at least one shelf is flush with a frame of the at least one portal. In the extended operative orientation, the at least one shelf extends slidably out of the at least one portal, such that at least a portion of a surface area of the at least one shelf is disposed outside of a footprint of the upper and lower surfaces.

In some embodiments, the briefcase is dividable into two smaller briefcases. In such embodiments, the briefcase further includes an additional cover, having substantially the same dimensions as the upper surface. The additional cover is connectable to the upper frame portion. In such embodiments, the upper frame portion and the upper surface, together, are detachable from the at least one interior surface, and have a connected operative orientation and a separated operative orientation. In the connected operative orientation, the upper frame portion engages the at least one interior surface, such that the upper frame portion is substantially flush with the lower frame portion. In this operative orientation, an upper compartment is formed by the upper surface, the at least one interior surface, and the upper frame portion. In the separated operative orientation, the upper frame portion is detached from the at least one interior surface, and the additional cover engages an edge of the upper frame portion. As a result, a first case including a first compartment is formed by the upper surface, the additional cover, and the upper frame portion, and a second case including the lower compartment is formed by the at least one interior surface, the lower surface, and the lower frame portion.

In some embodiments, the additional cover includes at least a pair of wheels on one edge thereof, and a handle extending from an opposing edge of the additional cover. As such, in the separated operative orientation, a user can push the first case on the wheels using the handle.

In some embodiments, each of the upper compartment and the first compartment is sufficiently large to hold a laptop computer.

In some embodiments, the briefcase further includes a secondary upper surface having substantially the same dimensions as the upper surface. The secondary upper surface is pivotable relative to the upper surface. The briefcase further includes an angling mechanism disposed between the secondary upper surface and the upper surface, the angling mechanism having a closed operative orientation and an open, or angled, operative orientation. In the closed operative orientation, the secondary upper surface is disposed parallel to the upper surface and adjacent thereto. In the open operative orientation, the secondary upper surface is pivoted relative to the upper surface and is anchored at an acute angle relative to the upper surface by the angling mechanism.

In some embodiments, the secondary upper surface includes a support leaf, partially detachable from the secondary upper surface. The support leaf is pivotable relative to the secondary upper surface, between a storage operative mode and a support operative mode. In the storage operative mode of the support leaf, the support leaf is disposed parallel to the secondary upper surface and adjacent thereto. In the support operative mode of the support leaf, the support leaf is disposed at an angle relative to the secondary upper surface.

In some embodiments, when the secondary upper surface is in the open operative orientation and is angled relative to the upper surface, and the support leaf is in the support operative orientation, the support leaf is adapted to support an edge of an object resting on the secondary upper surface.

In some embodiments, the briefcase further includes a fastening mechanism adapted for fastening the support leaf to the secondary upper surface in the storage operative mode of the support leaf.

“Substantially” and “substantially shown,” for purposes of this specification, are defined as “at least 90%,” or as otherwise indicated. Any device may “comprise” or “consist of” the devices mentioned there-in, as limited by the claims. It should be understood that the use of “and/or” is defined inclusively such that the term “a and/or b” should be read to include the sets: “a and b,” “a or b,” “a,” “b.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective view illustrations of a convertible briefcase according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, from opposing sides of the convertible briefcase.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of the convertible briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with a lower surface thereof being open, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective view illustrations of telescoping legs extending from the briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B when the lower surface of FIG. 2 is open, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, at three different times during deployment of the telescoping legs.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are perspective view illustrations of telescoping legs extending from the briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B when the lower surface of FIG. 2 is open, according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at three different times during deployment of the telescoping legs.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are perspective view illustrations of telescoping legs extending from the briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B when the lower surface of FIG. 2 is open, according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technology, at three different times during deployment of the telescoping legs.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are perspective view illustrations of the convertible briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B at different stages of conversion of the briefcase into a workstation according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective view illustrations of two alternative uses of the upper cover for the briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to embodiments of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is a top view planar illustration of a top panel of the upper cover of the briefcase of FIGS. 1A and 1B including a book support, according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are perspective view illustrations of the upper cover of FIG. 8, at various stages of deploying an angling mechanism disposed on an inner surface of the top panel of the upper cover, according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a briefcase includes a lower surface which is openable to expose telescoping legs, which enable the briefcase to be converted into a table usable as a workstation for a laptop computer. The workstation may include a paper shelf and/or a mouse shelf, both of which may be stowed within the briefcase when not in use. In some embodiments, the briefcase may include multiple compartments, for example for storing a computer mouse, a computer cable, and the like. In some embodiments, an upper surface of the briefcase may include an angling mechanism, which may be used, when deployed, to support a book or any other object an angle relative to the horizontal, thereby enabling the user to see the book more conveniently and comfortably.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the teachings herein, there is provided a convertible briefcase, which includes an upper surface, at least one interior surface, and a lower surface, all having substantially the same dimensions. An upper frame portion is disposed about a perimeter of the upper surface, substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and extends to the interior surface. A lower frame portion is disposed about a perimeter of the interior surface, substantially perpendicular to the interior surface, and extends to the lower surface. The lower surface is at least partially detachable from the lower frame portion. A lower compartment is defined by the lower surface, the at least one interior surface, and the lower frame portion. A plurality of extendable support structures are adapted to be anchored to the interior surface. In a carrying operative orientation, the lower surface is disposed substantially parallel to the interior surface and is attached to the lower frame portion, and the plurality of extendable support structures are in a folded mode and are disposed within the lower compartment. In a converted, workstation operative orientation, the lower surface is at least partially detached from the lower frame portion and is angled relative to the interior surface, and the plurality of extendable support structures are in an extended mode and are anchored to the interior surface, extending perpendicularly outwardly from the interior surface, to support the briefcase on a support surface, such as a floor or any other base surface.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following description of the drawings.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are perspective view illustrations of a convertible briefcase 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, from opposing sides of the briefcase.

The briefcase 10 includes an upper, generally rectangular surface 12, and a lower, generally rectangular surface 14. Disposed between upper surface 12 and lower surface 14 are a first interior surface 16 (seen clearly in FIG. 6E) and a second interior surface 18 (seen clearly in FIG. 2). Surfaces 12, 14, 16, and 18 are all of substantially the same dimensions. In some embodiments, surfaces 12, 14, 16, and 18 have a length in the range of 15 to 20 inches, or a length of 18 inches, and a width in the range of 10 to 15 inches, or a width of 13 inches. When the briefcase 10 is closed and is in a carrying operative orientation, surfaces 12, 14, 16, and 18 are disposed substantially parallel to one another, such that first interior surface 16 is disposed between upper surface 12 and second interior surface 18, and second interior surface 18 is disposed between first interior surface 16 and lower surface 14.

A upper frame portion 20 is connected to upper surface 12 along a perimeter thereof, and extends from upper surface 12 towards first interior surface 16, substantially perpendicularly to the upper surface. The upper frame portion includes a forward segment 20a disposed along a first long side of upper surface 12, first and second side segments 20b and 20c disposed respectively along first and second short sides of upper surface 12, and a rear segment 20d disposed along a second long side of upper surface 12. In some embodiments, upper surface 12 is pivotable relative to upper frame portion 20 along an upper edge of rear segment 20d, as explained hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 9A to 9D. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the upper frame portion is fixedly attached to upper surface 12. The upper frame portion and upper surface 12 together form an upper cover of briefcase 10. A hollow defined by upper surface 12, upper frame portion 20, and first interior surface 16, forms an upper compartment 21 of briefcase 10 (seen clearly in FIG. 6E).

A intermediate frame portion 22 is connected to first interior surface 16 and to second interior surface 18, along respective perimeters thereof, substantially perpendicularly to the first and second interior surfaces, thereby forming an interior compartment of briefcase 10. The intermediate frame portion includes a forward segment 22a disposed along a first long side of first interior surface 16, first and second side segments 22b and 22c disposed respectively along first and second short sides of first interior surface 16, and a rear segment 22d disposed along a second long side of first interior surface 16. In some embodiments, the intermediate frame portion 22 is fixedly attached to surfaces 16 and 18.

A lower frame portion 24 is fixedly attached to second interior surface 18 along a perimeter thereof, and extends from second interior surface 18 towards lower surface 14, substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface. The lower frame portion 24 includes a forward segment 24a disposed along a first long side of second interior surface 18, first and second side segments 24b and 24c disposed respectively along first and second short sides of second interior surface 18, and a rear segment 24d disposed along a second long side of second interior surface 18. Lower surface 14 is pivotable relative to lower frame portion 24 along a lower edge of rear segment 24d, as explained hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 2. A hollow defined by lower surface 14, lower frame portion 24, and second interior surface 18, forms a lower compartment 25 of briefcase 10 (seen clearly in FIG. 2).

Segment 20a of the upper frame portion, segment 22a of the intermediate frame portion, and segment 24a of the lower frame portion, are all flush with one another when the briefcase 10 is closed and is in a carrying operative orientation. Similarly, segments 20b, 22b, and 24b, segments 20c, 22c, and 24c, and segments 20d, 22d, and 24d are respectively flush with each other in the carrying operative orientation of briefcase 10.

A handle 26, or any other suitable carrying mechanism, may be mounted onto intermediate frame portion 22, for example along forward segment 22a thereof, and may, in some embodiments, be pivotable relative to the intermediate frame portion.

In some embodiments, first side segment 22b of the intermediate frame portion includes a portal 27, connected to the interior compartment of the briefcase, and adapted for passage of a removable paper tray 28 therethrough, into and out of the interior compartment of the briefcase 10, as described in further detail with respect to FIG. 6D. In some embodiments, second side segment 22c of the intermediate frame portion includes a portal 30, connected to the interior compartment of the briefcase, and adapted for passage of a mouse shelf 32 therethrough, into and out of the interior compartment of the briefcase 10, as described in further detail with respect to FIG. 6C. In some embodiments, first side segment 24b of the lower frame portion includes a portal 34, connected to the lower compartment 25 of the briefcase, and adapted for passage of a paper shelf 36 therethrough, into and out of the lower compartment of the briefcase 10, as described in further detail with respect to FIG. 6B. In some embodiments, when paper tray 28, mouse shelf 32, and paper shelf 36 are stowed within briefcase 10, edges an edge thereof is flush with side segments 22b, 22c, and 24b, respectively.

Reference is now additionally made to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view illustration of the convertible briefcase 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with lower surface 14 thereof being open, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

As seen in FIG. 2, lower surface 14 is opened by pivoting it relative to an upper edge of rear segment 24d of the lower frame portion to an open position of the lower surface 14, thereby to expose the lower compartment 25.

Lower compartment 25 may include multiple pockets or compartments therein. In the illustrated embodiment, lower compartment 25 includes a first pocket 40, for example suitable for storage of a computer mouse, a second pocket 42, for example suitable for storage of a computer cable, and a third pocket 44, for example suitable for storage of a book. In some embodiments, pockets 40, 42, and 44 may each be defined only by a perimeter wall, and the content thereof may be exposed once lower surface 14 is in its open position. In other embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, pockets 40, 42, and 44 each include a base portion and a cover portion, such that the contents of the pockets are enclosed even when the lower surface 14 is in the open position.

Lower compartment 25 further includes a plurality of telescoping legs 50, which, when in a closed operative orientation, lie on second inner surface 18. In some embodiments, the telescoping legs may be disposed along walls defined by inner surfaces of lower frame portion 24. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the two legs 50 are disposed along an inner surface of segment 24a, and two legs 50 are disposed along an inner surface of segment 24d. However, the legs 50 may be disposed within compartment 25 in any suitable arrangement, and need not necessarily be arranged as illustrated in FIG. 2 or along the inner surfaces of frame portion 24.

Each of telescoping legs 50 includes a plurality of segments, which are disposed within one another in the closed operative orientation, and may be extended outwardly, away from second interior surface 18, to an extended operative orientation of the legs.

In some embodiments, legs 50 may pivot relative to second inner surface 18 about hinges 52. Such embodiments are also illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, which are perspective view illustrations of the telescoping legs 50, at three different times during deployment of the telescoping legs. As seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, legs 50 may be deployed by pivoting the legs about hinges 52 to form an acute angle between the legs 50 and second interior surface 18 (FIG. 3A). The user may continue to pivot the legs until the legs are disposed at a right angle relative to second interior surface 18 (FIG. 3B), and may then extend the telescoping portions of the legs 50, to result in extended legs (FIG. 3C). In some embodiments, the hinges 52 include a mechanism to lock the legs 50 when they are at a right angle relative to the surface 18, so as to prevent unintentional pivoting of the legs.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, which are perspective view illustrations of telescoping legs 50′ extending from the briefcase 10 when the lower surface 14 is open, according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at three different times during deployment of the telescoping legs. As seen in FIG. 4A, lower compartment 25 of briefcase 10 may include leg receiving elements 54 anchored to second interior surface 18, each sized to fit one of telescoping legs 50′ and including a pair of bores 56. Each of legs 50′ includes a pair of pins 58, disposed at top (non-telescoping) ends of the leg. The pins 58 are sized and arranged to fit within bores 56, thereby to anchor legs 50′ to the leg receiving elements 54.

Legs 50′ are not fixedly attached to lower compartment 25, and are only stored therein when not in use. For use, legs 50′ are removed from compartment 25, as shown in FIG. 4A, and are pushed into leg receiving elements 54, such that pins 58 snap fit into bores 56, as shown in FIG. 4B. Subsequently, the user may extend the telescoping portions of legs 50′ to result in extended legs, as shown in FIG. 4C.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, which are perspective view illustrations of telescoping legs 50″ extending from the briefcase 10 when the lower surface 14 is open, according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technology, at three different times during deployment of the telescoping legs 50″. As seen in FIG. 4A, lower compartment 25 of briefcase 10 may include leg base elements 60 anchored to second interior surface 18, having a screw 62 or other male threaded element extending outwardly therefrom toward lower surface 14 (or the location thereof when the lower surface is in the closed orientation). Each of legs 50″ includes a female threaded bore 64, disposed at top (non-telescoping) ends of the leg. The bores 64 are sized and arranged to receive screws 62, thereby to anchor legs 50″ to the leg base elements 60.

Legs 50″ are not fixedly attached to lower compartment 25, and are only stored therein when not in use. For use, legs 50″ are removed from compartment 25, as shown in FIG. 5A, and are rotated for threaded mutual engagement of screws 62 of leg base elements 60 within bores 64 of the legs 50″, as shown in FIG. 5B. Subsequently, the user may extend the telescoping portions of legs 50″ to result in extended legs, as shown in FIG. 5C.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E, which are perspective view illustrations of the convertible briefcase 10 at different stages of conversion of the briefcase into a workstation according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

As seen in FIG. 6A, initially the lower surface 14 of briefcase 10 is opened by pivoting it relative to an upper edge of rear segment 24d of the lower frame portion, as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 2, and the telescoping legs 50 are extended outwardly from lower compartment 25 such that the briefcase 10 may be supported on the legs 50, in a stable manner, with upper surface 12 facing away from the ground. Though four legs 50 are illustrated, any number of legs that would enable briefcase 10 to be held stably as a table are considered within the scope of the present invention.

The extending of the telescoping legs may be by pivoting the telescoping legs 50 and then extending them as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, by snap fitting the telescoping legs 50′ into anchoring elements and then extending them as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, or by screwing the telescoping legs 50″ onto anchoring elements and then extending them as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C.

In FIG. 6B, paper shelf 36 is pulled outwardly of the interior compartment of the briefcase via portal 34, such that it extends outwardly of first side segment 24b of the lower frame portion. In some embodiments, the paper shelf may be sided to comfortably fit a letter size sheet of paper or an A4 size sheet of paper. In other embodiments, the paper shelf 36 may be smaller than a standard sheet of paper, so as to fit easily and conveniently into the briefcase 10.

In some embodiments, paper shelf 36 includes stopping elements (not shown) which prevent the shelf from being fully removable from the portal 34, and limit the degree to which the shelf extends outward from segment 24b. In some embodiments, the paper shelf 36 includes a paper bearing tray 70 and a lip portion 72, the lip portion extending slightly above (and in some cases also slightly below) paper bearing tray 70, to prevent papers from slipping off the edge of the paper shelf. In some such embodiments, lip portion 72 is sized to fill the portal 34 when the shelf 36 is stowed within the lower compartment of briefcase 10.

In FIG. 6C, mouse shelf 32 is pulled outwardly of the interior compartment of the briefcase via portal 30, such that it extends outwardly of second side segment 22c of the intermediate frame portion. In some embodiments, mouse shelf 32 includes stopping elements (not shown) which prevent the shelf from being fully removable from the portal 30, and limit the degree to which the shelf extends outward from segment 22c. In some embodiments, the mouse shelf 32 includes a tray 74 for bearing a computer mouse, and a lip portion 76, the lip portion extending slightly above (and in some cases also slightly below) tray 74, to prevent the user from accidentally moving the mouse of the tray 74 and prevent the mouse from slipping off the edge of the mouse shelf. In some embodiments, the tray 74 may be formed of, or coated by, a material facilitating smooth motion of the mouse, similar to the material used for a mouse pad. In some such embodiments, lip portion 76 is sized to fill the portal 30 when the shelf 32 is stowed within the interior compartment of briefcase 10.

In FIG. 6D, removable paper tray 28 is fully removed from the interior compartment 10 via portal 27 in first side segment 22b of the intermediate frame portion, and is placed above paper shelf 36. In some embodiments, paper tray 28 includes a planar tray portion 78 sized and configured to have papers placed thereon, and a rim 80 surrounding the planar tray portion 78, so as to prevent paper, pens, pencils, and other office supplies, from slipping or rolling off the tray. In some embodiments, at least one side of rim 80 is sized to fill the portal 27 when the removable tray 28 is stowed within the interior compartment of briefcase 10.

In some embodiments, the removable paper tray 28 may be sided to comfortably fit a letter size sheet of paper or an A4 size sheet of paper. This is particularly important when the paper shelf 36 is not large enough to comfortably fit a sheet of paper. In some embodiments, the removable paper tray 28 is fitted with an anchoring mechanism (not shown) to anchor it to paper shelf 36, such as, for example, a rim on the bottom surface of tray 28 sized and arranged to surround the perimeter of shelf 36 and to prevent the tray 28 from moving when it is disposed on shelf 36.

In FIG. 6E, the user has opened an upper cover of briefcase 10, including upper surface 12 and upper frame portion 20, thus opening the upper compartment 21 and exposing first interior surface 16 supporting a laptop computer 82, or any other contents of the upper compartment 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cover of the briefcase is opened by pivoting a lower edge of segment 20d of the upper frame portion relative to a lower edge of segment 22d of intermediate frame portion, and is held in the open position by a pair of hinges 84. The hinges 84 also define the extent to which the upper cover can be opened.

In some embodiments, a lip 86 surrounds the perimeter of first interior surface 16, such that hinges 84 may be anchored to an inner surface of first and second side segments 20b and 20c of the upper frame portion at one end thereof, and to side segments of lip 86 at the other end thereof. Lip 86 also engages upper frame portion 20 when the briefcase 10 is closed, thereby securing the top cover and ensuring that contents of the upper compartment 21 of briefcase 10.

It will be appreciated that when briefcase 10 is set up as illustrated in FIG. 6E, a user may comfortably work using laptop computer 82 with an external mouse 88 disposed on mouse shelf 32, and writing on papers 90 disposed within paper tray 28. In the operative orientation shown in FIG. 6E, the briefcase functions as a workstation table, disposed at suitable height for the user to work comfortably and conveniently, even when “on-the-go”.

It will be appreciated that the components of briefcase 10 may be used as needed, and need not necessarily all be deployed at the same time. For example, a user who only needs to type a document, may extend legs 50, extract mouse shelf 32, and open the upper cover to expose his laptop computer, but may leave paper shelf 36 and removable paper tray 28 stowed within the briefcase. It will further be appreciated that once the legs 50 are opened and the briefcase is standing stably, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the order in which the additional components of the briefcase are deployed may be selected as convenient to the user. One user may choose to first open the upper cover of the briefcase to remove their papers, and only then pull out the paper shelf, while another user may follow the order presented in FIGS. 6A to 6E described herein.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are perspective view illustrations of two alternative uses of the upper cover of briefcase 10, according to embodiments of the disclosed technology.

In some embodiments, the upper cover of briefcase 10 may be completely removable therefrom. For example, the upper cover including upper surface 12 and upper frame portion 20 may be openable not by hinges, as illustrated in FIG. 6E, but rather by being fully removable from the remainder of the briefcase 10.

In some such embodiments, the upper cover of briefcase 10 may be used as a separate laptop case 100 following being closed with an additional cover. In other words, briefcase 10 may be dividable into a first case, having as its outer surfaces first interior surface 16, lower surface 14, and second and lower frame portions 22 and 24, and a second laptop case 100 including the upper cover 12, upper frame portion 20, and an additional cover. Such embodiments may be particularly useful, for example, when the user only needs to carry a laptop and does not wish to carry the extra weight of legs 50, shelves 32 and 36, and tray 28, and/or when briefcase 10 does not fit in a limited space, such as beneath an airplane seat, and the user wishes to store only the laptop portion of the briefcase in the limited space.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, the laptop case 100 includes upper surface 12 and upper frame portion 20 of briefcase 10, as well as an additional cover 102. In this mode, laptop case 102 may be carried by the user, for example under the user's arm, without carrying excess weight.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B, an additional cover 102′ includes a pair of wheels 104 and a handle 106, which may be a retractable handle, thereby turning laptop case 100 into a wheeled laptop case. In some embodiments, additional cover 102′ may also include additional pockets (not shown), for example for storage of identification documents during a flight.

FIG. 8 is a top view planar illustration of the upper cover of briefcase 10 including a book support 110, according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

As seen in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, upper surface 12, or the uppermost surface of briefcase 10 may include a book support leaf 110, which may be separable from the upper surface 12 as explained in further detail hereinbelow. In some embodiments, when not in use, book support leaf 110 is connected to the remainder of upper surface 12 by any suitable means, such as zipper 112 illustrated in FIG. 8. The book support leave 110 is adjacent one of the long edges of upper surface 12.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, which are perspective view illustrations of the upper cover of FIG. 8, at various stages of deploying an angling mechanism disposed the upper cover of briefcase 10, according to a further embodiment of the disclosed technology.

As seen in FIG. 9A, a secondary upper surface 121 is disposed above upper surface 12 of briefcase 10 and is pivotable relative to a long edge of the upper surface about hinges 122. The following description relates to the pivoting of secondary upper surface 121 being relative to rear segment 20d of the upper frame portion. However, it is appreciated that the pivoting may be relative to forward segment 20a of the upper frame portion.

In other embodiments, a rim 126 surrounds the perimeter of secondary upper surface 121, and a corresponding protrusion 128 surrounds a perimeter of upper surface 12, such that when secondary upper surface 121 is closed onto upper surface 12, the rim 126 engages protrusion 128 to ensure proper closing of secondary upper surface 121.

Laying against an inner side 129 of secondary upper surface 121 are a pair of angling surfaces 130, which are connected to inner side 129 along side edges thereof by hinges 131. Each of angling surfaces 130 includes a first edge 132 extending along one of side segments 20b and 20c, a second edge 134, generally perpendicular to the first edge 132 and extending along a portion of rear segment 20d. A third edge 136, extends from first edge 132 at an acute angle thereto, and is also at an acute angle to forward segment 20a. A fourth edge 138 connects second edge 134 to third edge 136, and is disposed at a right angle to third edge 136, at an acute angle to one of side segments 20b or 20c, and at an acute angle to forward segment 20a. Each of angling surfaces 130 is anchored to the inner side 129 along fourth edge 138 by any suitable anchoring means. In the illustrated embodiment, each of angling surfaces 130 includes one side of a fastener 140a, and a strap 142 connected at one end to inner side 129 includes the other side of fastener 140b at the opposing end, and engages the portion of the fastener on angling surface 130, so as to fasten angling surface 130 to the inner side 129 of secondary upper surface 121.

Turning to FIG. 9B, the user has unfastened fastener 140a from fastener 140b, thereby releasing angling surfaces 130. The user has also pivoted angling surface 130 about hinges 131 relative to inner side 129 of secondary upper surface 121, such that surfaces 130 are perpendicular to secondary upper surface 121. In the illustrated embodiment, secondary upper surface 121 is pivoted about hinges 122 until it is at a 180 degree angle from the upper surface 12. However, the angling surfaces 130 may be pivoted to the position illustrated in FIG. 9B also when secondary upper surface 121 is at a right angle or at an obtuse angle relative to upper surface 12.

In FIG. 9C, the user has pivoted secondary upper surface 121 about hinges 122 towards upper surface 12, until edges 138 of angling surfaces 130 engage upper surface 12. In this arrangement, secondary upper surface 121 is disposed at an acute angle relative to upper surface 12, and is stable in that position by leaning on edge 138 of angling surfaces 130. In this arrangement, because of the right angle between edges 136 and 138, third edge 136 of angling surfaces 130 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 12.

In FIG. 9D, the user has opened the book support leaf 110 and has pivoted the book support leaf 110 relative to secondary upper surface 121, such that the support leaf is at a substantially right angle relative to the secondary upper surface. Additionally, the user has rotated the briefcase such that the secondary upper surface 121 is visible to the user and rear segment 20d of the upper frame portion faces the user. In this arrangement, a book placed on the secondary upper surface 121 leans on book support leaf, and is angled so as to make the book easier for the user to see without holding the book in his or her hands.

It will be appreciated by people of skill in the art that although the angling mechanism of FIGS. 9A to 9D is illustrated on the upper cover of the briefcase when it is separated from the remainder of the briefcase, the same mechanism may form part of an upper cover of a briefcase which is connected to the remainder of the briefcase by hinges, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6E. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the angling mechanism may be oriented such that the hinges 122 are disposed along front segment 20a of the upper frame portion, and the secondary upper surface 121 is angled toward the front of the briefcase, and not toward the rear of the briefcase, as in the illustrated embodiment.

While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods and apparatuses described hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A convertible briefcase, comprising:

an upper surface, at least one interior surface, and a lower surface, all having substantially the same dimensions;

an upper frame portion, disposed about a perimeter of said upper surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and extending to said at least one interior surface;

a lower frame portion, disposed about a perimeter of said at least one interior surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and extending to said lower surface, said lower surface being at least partially detachable from said lower frame portion;

a lower compartment, defined by said lower surface, said at least one interior surface, and said lower frame portion; and

a plurality of extendable support structures adapted to be anchored to said at least one interior surface,

wherein, in a carrying operative orientation, said lower surface is disposed substantially parallel to said at least one interior surface and is attached to said lower frame portion, and said plurality of extendable support structures are in a folded mode and are disposed within said lower compartment, and

wherein in a converted, workstation operative orientation, said lower surface is at least partially detached from said lower frame portion and is angled relative to said at least one interior surface, and said plurality of extendable support structures are in an extended mode and are anchored to said at least one interior surface, extending perpendicularly outwardly from the at least one interior surface, to support said briefcase on a support surface.

2. The convertible briefcase of claim 1, wherein said at least one interior surface comprises a first interior surface and a second interior surface, said upper frame portion extends from said upper surface to said first interior surface, said lower frame portion extends from said second interior surface to said lower surface, said briefcase further comprising:

an intermediate frame portion, disposed about a perimeter of said first interior surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and extending to said second interior surface, said intermediate frame portion being substantially flush with said upper frame portion and with said lower frame portion; and

an interior compartment, defined by said first interior surface, said second interior surface, and said intermediate frame portion.

3. The convertible briefcase of claim 2, further comprising:

at least one portal formed in at least one of said intermediate frame portion and said lower frame portion; and

at least one shelf, extendable through said at least one portal,

wherein, in a stowed operative orientation of said at least one shelf, said at least one shelf is disposed within said interior compartment, such that a lip of said at least one shelf is flush with a frame of said at least one portal, and in an extended operative orientation of said at least one shelf, said at least one shelf extends slidably out of said at least one portal, such that at least a portion of a surface area of said at least one shelf is disposed outside of a footprint of said upper and lower surfaces.

4. The convertible briefcase of claim 1, further comprising:

an additional cover, having substantially the same dimensions as said upper surface and connectable to said upper frame portion,

wherein said upper frame portion and said upper surface, together, are detachable from said at least one interior surface,

wherein, in a connected operative orientation, said upper frame portion engages said at least one interior surface, said upper frame portion is substantially flush with said lower frame portion, and an upper compartment is formed by said upper surface, said at least one interior surface, and said upper frame portion, and

in a separated operative orientation, said upper frame portion is detached from said at least one interior surface, and said additional cover engages an edge of said upper frame portion, such that a first case including a first compartment is formed by said upper surface, said additional cover, and said upper frame portion, and a second case including said lower compartment is formed by said at least one interior surface, said lower surface, and said lower frame portion.

5. The convertible briefcase of claim 4, wherein said additional cover includes at least a pair of wheels on one edge thereof, and a handle extending from an opposing edge thereof, such that, in said separated operative orientation, a user can push said first case on said wheels using said handle.

6. The convertible briefcase of claim 4, wherein each of said upper compartment and said first compartment is sufficiently large to hold a laptop computer.

7. The convertible briefcase of claim 1, further comprising:

a secondary upper surface having substantially the same dimensions as said upper surface, pivotable relative to said upper surface; and

an angling mechanism disposed between said secondary upper surface and said upper surface,

wherein, in a closed operative orientation, said secondary upper surface is disposed parallel to said upper surface and adjacent thereto, and in an open operative orientation said secondary upper surface is pivoted relative to said upper surface and is anchored at an acute angle relative to said upper surface by said angling mechanism.

8. The convertible briefcase of claim 7, wherein said secondary upper surface includes a support leaf, partially detachable from said secondary upper surface and pivotable relative thereto,

wherein, in a storage operative mode of said support leaf, said support leaf is disposed parallel to said secondary upper surface and adjacent thereto, and

in a support operative mode of said support leaf, said support leaf is disposed at an angle relative to said secondary upper surface.

9. The convertible briefcase of claim 8, wherein, when said secondary upper surface is in said open operative orientation and is angled relative to said upper surface, and said support leaf is in said support operative orientation, said support leaf is adapted to support an edge of an object resting on said secondary upper surface.

10. The convertible briefcase of claim 8, further comprising a fastening mechanism adapted for fastening said support leaf to said secondary upper surface in said storage operative mode of said support leaf.

11. A separable briefcase system, comprising:

an upper surface, at least one interior surface, and a lower surface, all disposed substantially parallel to one another and having substantially the same dimensions;

an upper frame portion, disposed about a perimeter of said upper surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and extending to said at least one interior surface;

a lower frame portion, disposed about a perimeter of said at least one interior surface, substantially perpendicular thereto, and extending to said lower surface;

a lower compartment, defined by said lower surface, said at least one interior surface, and said lower frame portion; and

an additional cover, having substantially the same dimensions as said upper surface and connectable to said upper frame portion,

wherein, in a connected operative orientation, said upper frame portion engages said at least one interior surface, defining an upper compartment between said upper surface, said at least one interior surface, and said upper frame portion, said upper frame portion being flush with said lower frame portion, and

in a separated operative orientation, said upper frame portion is detached from said at least one interior surface, and said additional cover engages an edge of said upper frame portion, such that a first case including a first compartment is formed by said upper surface, said additional cover, and said upper frame portion, and a second case including a second compartment is formed by said at least one interior surface, said lower surface, and said lower frame portion.

12. The separable briefcase system of claim 11, wherein said additional cover includes at least a pair of wheels on one edge thereof, and a handle extending from an opposing edge thereof, such that, in said separated operative orientation, a user can push said first case on said wheels using said handle.

13. The separable briefcase system of claim 11, wherein said first compartment is sufficiently large to hold a laptop computer.

14. The separable briefcase of claim 11, further comprising:

a secondary upper surface, having substantially the same dimensions as said upper surface and pivotable relative to said upper surface; and

an angling mechanism disposed between said secondary upper surface and said upper surface,

wherein, in a closed operative orientation, said secondary upper surface is disposed parallel to said upper surface and adjacent thereto, and in an open operative orientation said secondary upper surface is pivoted relative to said upper surface and is anchored at an acute angle relative to said upper surface by said angling mechanism.

15. The separable briefcase of claim 14, wherein said secondary upper surface includes a support leaf, partially detachable from said secondary upper surface and pivotable relative thereto,

wherein, in a storage operative mode of said support leaf, said support leaf is disposed parallel to said secondary upper surface and adjacent thereto, and

in a support operative mode of said support leaf, said support leaf is disposed at an angle relative to said secondary upper surface.

16. The separable briefcase of claim 15, wherein, when said secondary upper surface is in said open operative orientation and is angled relative to said upper surface, and said support leaf is in said support operative orientation, said support leaf is adapted to support an edge of an object resting on said secondary upper surface.

17. A briefcase book stand combination device, comprising:

an upper surface and a lower surface, disposed substantially parallel to one another and having substantially the same dimensions;

a frame portion, detachably connecting said secondary surface and said lower surface about perimeters of said secondary and said lower surfaces and being substantially perpendicular thereto;

a secondary upper surface, having substantially the same dimensions as said upper surface and pivotable relative to said upper surface; and

an angling mechanism disposed between said secondary upper surface and said upper surface,

wherein, in a closed operative orientation, said secondary upper surface is disposed parallel to said upper surface and adjacent thereto, and in an open operative orientation said secondary upper surface is pivoted relative to said upper surface and is anchored at an acute angle relative to said upper surface by said angling mechanism.

18. The briefcase book stand combination device of claim 17, wherein said secondary upper surface includes a support leaf, partially detachable from said secondary upper surface and pivotable relative thereto,

wherein, in a storage operative mode of said support leaf, said support leaf is disposed parallel to said secondary upper surface and adjacent thereto, and

in a support operative mode of said support leaf, said support leaf is disposed at an angle relative to said secondary upper surface.

19. The briefcase book stand combination device of claim 18, wherein, when said secondary upper surface is in said open operative orientation and is angled relative to said upper surface, and said support leaf is in said support operative orientation, said support leaf is adapted to support an edge of an object resting on said secondary upper surface.

20. The briefcase book stand combination device of claim 18, further comprising a fastening mechanism adapted for fastening said support leaf to said secondary upper surface in said storage operative mode of said support leaf.