U.S. patent application number 13/416869 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for luggage stand.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tri-pad, LLC. Invention is credited to Allen Donald Gollott, JR., Kevin Kuykendall, Kyle Meadows, Greg H. Parker, Philip E. Smid.
Application Number | 20120227637 13/416869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45932495 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120227637 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meadows; Kyle ; et
al. |
September 13, 2012 |
LUGGAGE STAND
Abstract
One aspect provides a stand for use with a piece of luggage. The
stand, in one embodiment, includes a first surface configured to
engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage, and a second
surface slidably coupleable to the first surface. In this
embodiment, the first and second surfaces coordinate to provide a
work surface of adjustable size.
Inventors: |
Meadows; Kyle; (Keller,
TX) ; Kuykendall; Kevin; (Trophy Club, TX) ;
Parker; Greg H.; (Dallas, TX) ; Gollott, JR.; Allen
Donald; (Missouri City, TX) ; Smid; Philip E.;
(Tempe, AZ) |
Assignee: |
Tri-pad, LLC
Trophy Club
TX
|
Family ID: |
45932495 |
Appl. No.: |
13/416869 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61451862 |
Mar 11, 2011 |
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61479686 |
Apr 27, 2011 |
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61492084 |
Jun 1, 2011 |
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61582718 |
Jan 3, 2012 |
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61600883 |
Feb 20, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/28 ; 108/102;
108/152; 108/50.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/00 20130101;
A47B 23/00 20130101; F16M 11/32 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101;
F16M 13/022 20130101; F16M 2200/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/28 ; 108/102;
108/50.11; 108/152 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/00 20060101
A47B083/00; A47B 45/00 20060101 A47B045/00 |
Claims
1. A stand for use with luggage, comprising: a first surface
configured to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage;
and a second surface slidably coupleable to the first surface, the
first and second surfaces coordinating to provide a work surface of
adjustable size.
2. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein an opening in the first
surface is configured to slide over and engage a telescoping handle
of a piece of luggage.
3. The stand as recited in claim 2 wherein the opening has a width
(W) of at least about 5 inches and a depth (D) of at least about 1
inch.
4. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein the first surface
includes a T feature configured to engage and interpose support
structures of a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage.
5. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein the second surface
slides apart from the first surface by a maximum distance (X) of no
greater than about 7 inches.
6. The stand as recited in claim 1 wherein the second surface
slides apart from the first surface by a maximum distance (X)
ranging from about 3 inches to about 6 inches.
7. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including an extension
configured to slide into and out of the first surface.
8. The stand as recited in claim 7 wherein the extension slides
into an out of the first surface in a direction substantially
perpendicular to a direction the second surface is slidably coupled
to the first surface.
9. The stand as recited in claim 7 wherein the extension is
selected from the group consisting of: a cup holder; a mouse pad; a
writing pad; and a utility tray.
10. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including a solar cell
attachable to at least one of the first or second surfaces.
11. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including a hard drive
or battery pack attachable to at least one of the first or second
surfaces.
12. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including connectors
or a docking station associated with at least one of the first or
second surfaces, the connectors or docking station configured to
couple to other electronic components.
13. The stand as recited in claim 1, further including one or more
speakers attachable to at least one of the first or second
surfaces.
14. A stand for use with luggage, comprising: a first surface; and
a T feature coupled to the first surface, wherein the T feature is
configured to engage and interpose support structures of a
telescoping handle of a piece of luggage.
15. The stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the first surface has
a general footprint, and further wherein the T feature extends
outside of the general footprint.
16. The stand as recited in claim 14 wherein the first surface has
a general footprint, and further wherein the T feature exists
substantially within the general footprint.
17. The stand as recited in claim 14, wherein the first surface
further includes a hook feature on one side of the T feature and a
post feature on an opposing side of the T feature.
18. The stand as recited in claim 14, further including a solar
cell, hard drive, speaker or battery pack attachable to the first
surface.
19. The stand as recited in claim 14, further including connectors
or a docking station associated with the first surface, the
connectors or docking station configured to couple to other
electronic components.
20. The stand as recited in claim 14, further including an
extension configured to slide into and out of the first surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. Nos. 61/451,862 filed on Mar. 11, 2011, 61/479,686
filed on Apr. 27, 2011, 61/492,084 filed on Jun. 1, 2011,
61/582,718 filed on Jan. 3, 2012 and 61/600,883 filed on Feb. 20,
2012 entitled "TRIPAD," to Kyle Meadows, et al., commonly assigned
with this application and incorporated herein by reference
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application is directed, in general, to a stand and,
more specifically, to a stand configured to attach to a piece of
luggage or other similar device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Travelers, among others, often find themselves stuck in
airports and other secluded places. As an example, a typical
traveler may spend from about 1 to about 3 hours at an airport
terminal for each flight he/she may take. Many of these hours,
unfortunately, are spent without a proper work surface from which
to work, including a proper work surface to support one's laptop,
writing pad, etc. What is needed in the art is a device, which
solves the aforementioned disadvantages of being stuck without a
proper work surface.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect provides a stand for use with a piece of luggage.
The stand, in one embodiment, includes a first surface configured
to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage, and a second
surface slidably coupleable to the first surface. In this
embodiment, the first and second surfaces coordinate to provide a
work surface of adjustable size.
[0005] Another aspect provided an alternative stand for use with a
piece of luggage. The stand, in this embodiment, includes a first
surface, and a T feature coupled to the first surface. The T
feature, in this embodiment, is configured to engage and interpose
support structures of a telescoping handle of a piece of
luggage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate various views of one embodiment of
a stand for use with luggage;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates the stand depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2
attached to a piece of luggage;
[0009] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate alternative embodiments of stands
for use with luggage; and
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates the stand depicted in FIG. 5 attached to
a piece of luggage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the
acknowledgement that travelers, particularly those travelling with
luggage, have limited space and resources for supporting other much
needed resources necessary for their task. Based at least in part
on this acknowledgment, it is recognized that a stand that can
couple to a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage would greatly
benefit travelers.
[0012] Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated is one embodiment of a stand
100 for use with luggage. The stand 100 includes a first surface
110, in this embodiment, slidably coupled to a second surface 160.
The first and second surfaces 110, 160, in this embodiment,
advantageously coordinate to provide a work surface of adjustable
size. The first and second surfaces 110, 160 may be removably
coupled to one another, or alternatively fixedly coupled to one
another, so long as the first and second surfaces 110, 160 slide
with respect to one another.
[0013] The first surface 110, in one embodiment, is configured to
engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. For example, the
first surface 110 may employ a variety of features to engage a
telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. In the embodiment of FIG.
1, the first surface 110 includes an opening 120 therein configured
to slide over and engage a telescoping handle of a piece of
luggage. In accordance with this embodiment, the opening 120 may
have certain sizes and shapes. For example, in the embodiment
shown, the opening 120 is substantially shaped as a smashed circle.
For instance, the opening 120 might have a length (L) ranging from
about 6 inches to about 9 inches, and might have a depth (D)
ranging from about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches. In another
embodiment, the opening 120 might have a length (L) of at least
about 5 inches, and a depth (D) of at least about 1 inch. In one
embodiment, the opening 120 is substantially centered on a width
(W) of the stand 100.
[0014] While the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates a smashed circle
opening 120, other embodiments exist wherein the shape and size of
the opening 120 differ from that shown, for example wherein the
opening 120 is a rectangle, among others. Additionally, other
embodiments exist wherein a feature, other than an opening, is used
to engage a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. For example,
a feature, such as a T feature, may be used to engage a telescoping
handle of a piece of luggage. (See, FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 110
includes one or more extensions 130. The extensions 130, in one
embodiment, slide into and out of the first surface 110. The
extensions 130 may embody a variety of uses. For instance, the
extensions 130, in one embodiment, may be configured as a cup
holder. In this embodiment, an opening in the extension 130 may be
configured to accept the base of a cup. In another embodiment, the
extensions 130 may be configured as a mouse pad. In yet other
embodiments, the extensions 130 may be configured as a writing pad,
utility tray, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions
130 slide into and out of the first surface 110 in a direction that
is substantially perpendicular to a direction the second surface
160 slides into and out of the first surface 110. Other embodiments
may exist, however, wherein the extensions 130 slide into and out
of the second surface 160.
[0016] The first surface 110 may additionally include one or more
footing structures 140. The footing structures 140, in this
embodiment, are designed to flip down from the first surface 110
and thereby provide a support structure for the first surface 110
upon an upper surface of a piece of luggage. The footing structures
140, in this embodiment, help maintain the first surface 110 in a
substantially level position when the stand 100 is deployed on a
piece of luggage. Those skilled in the art understand the myriad of
footing structure 140 designs, which might be employed to help
provide a level first surface 110.
[0017] The stand 100, and particularly the first surface 110 in
this embodiment, may additionally include other features 150. The
features 150 may have a variety of sizes, shapes, locations,
purposes, etc. In one embodiment, the stand 100 includes a feature
150 comprising a solar panel. In this embodiment, the solar panel
might be integrated with, or into, the first or second surfaces
110, 160, and might be configured to power or charge electronic
equipment of the user. In another embodiment, the stand 100 might
include a feature 150 comprising a battery pack. In this
embodiment, the battery pack might be integrated with, or into, the
first or second surfaces 110, 160, and might be configured to power
electronic equipment of the user. In yet another embodiment, the
stand 100 might include a feature 150 comprising a connector or
docking station. In this embodiment, the connector or docking
station might be integrated with, or into, the first or second
surfaces 110, 160, and might be configured to electronically couple
multiple electronic devices of the user. For instance, a docking
station configured to attach a monitor (e.g., including an ITouch,
IPhone, IPad, etc.) to other electronic equipment, might be
employed. Additionally, the feature 150 might comprise one or more
speakers, a USB or firewire connector, memory, etc.
[0018] The second surface 160, in the example embodiment, includes
a lip 170. The lip 170, in this embodiment, is at an edge of the
second surface 160 distal where the first and second surfaces 110,
160 slidably engage one another. As those skilled in the art
appreciate, the lip 170 helps prevent, or at least reduce, any
resource being used with the luggage from slipping from the stand
100.
[0019] Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is the stand 100 of FIG. 1
wherein the second surface 160 is deployed outward with respect to
the first surface 110. In the illustrated view, the second surface
160 may be deployed by a maximum distance (x). The term maximum
distance, as used herein, is intended to reference the greatest
distance the first and second surfaces 110, 160 may separate in a
given stand 100 configuration. The particular distance (x) may be
important to the design of the device. For instance, the greater
the distance (x) the greater the working area. However, there are
limitations on the distance (x), particularly because the opening
120 is located in the first surface 110, and the guides for the
second surface 160 preferably do not extend into the opening 120.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, the maximum distance (x) should
range from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. In another embodiment,
the maximum distance (x) should be no greater than about 7 inches.
In one embodiment, however, the maximum distance (x) would be
chosen to maximize the area of the work surface without interfere
with the design of the opening 120, or for that matter the design
of the extension 130.
[0020] FIG. 2 additionally illustrates the footing structure 140 in
a deployed state. For example, the footing structure 140 of FIG. 2
is deployed in a position that is substantially perpendicular to
the first surface 110. The footing structure 140, in this
embodiment, might engage a top surface of a piece of luggage.
[0021] Turning briefly to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example
embodiment wherein a stand 300, which may be similar to the stand
100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, attached to a piece of
luggage 310. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the stand 300 is
supporting a piece of electronic equipment, in this embodiment a
laptop. As those skilled in the art appreciate, the stand 300 may
support other devices, electronic and not.
[0022] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an alternative stand
400 manufactured in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure. The stand 400, in this embodiment, includes a first
surface 410. The first surface 410, in this embodiment, may be
similar to the first surface 110 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and
thus include many of the same features as the first surface 110.
Nevertheless, other first surfaces 410 may bed used and remain
within the purview of the disclosure.
[0023] The stand 400, in this embodiment, may include a T feature
420 coupled to the first surface 410. The T feature 420, in this
embodiment, is configured to engage and interpose support
structures (e.g., parallel support structures in one embodiment) of
a telescoping handle of a piece of luggage. In one embodiment, the
T feature 420 has a width (Y) greater than a width of the support
structures. For example, the width (Y) of the T feature 420, in one
embodiment, may be at least 20 percent greater than a width of the
support structures it is designed to engage and interpose.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, the width (Y) of the T feature 420
may be at least about 5 inches. In another embodiment, the width
(Y) of the T feature 420 may range from about 6 inches to about 9
inches.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 410 has a
general footprint. The general footprint of the first surface 410,
in the illustrated embodiment, is depicted by the dotted line 430.
In this embodiment, the general footprint is substantially
rectangular shaped. The T feature 420, as illustrated in the
embodiment of FIG. 4, may exist substantially within the general
footprint. Other embodiments, however, exist wherein the T feature
420 extends outside of the general footprint. The exact location of
the T feature 420, at least as it relates to the general footprint
of the first surface 410, may thus vary by embodiment.
[0025] Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is yet another
alternative stand 500 manufactured in accordance with the
principles of the disclosure. The stand 500 is substantially
similar to the stand 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, with the addition
of a few features. Accordingly, like reference numbers are being
used to illustrate like features. A major difference between the
stand 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the stand 500 illustrated in
FIG. 5, is the inclusion of a hook feature 510 and a post feature
520 in the first surface 410. The hook and post features 510, 520,
in one embodiment, allow the first surface 410 to removably couple
to an accepting structure of a separate second surface (not shown).
The combination of the first surface 410, and the second surface
(not shown) could then be used as a stand for a tripod.
[0026] Turning briefly to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example
embodiment wherein a stand 600, which may be similar to the stand
500 discussed with regard to FIG. 5, is attached to a piece of
luggage 610. In the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the stand 600 is
supporting a piece of electronic equipment, in this embodiment a
laptop. As those skilled in the art appreciate, the stand 600 may
support other devices, electronic and not.
[0027] A stand, such as the stand illustrated in FIGS. 1 thru 6 may
comprise a variety of different materials. For instance, in one
embodiment, the stand comprises a strong carbon fiber material or
heavy plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the stand comprises
metal. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art understand that the
stand may comprise any material within the scope of its intended
purpose and remain within the purview of this disclosure. Given a
particular material, those skilled in the art would easily
understand how to manufacture a specific stand.
[0028] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates
will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions,
substitutions and modifications may be made to the described
embodiments.
* * * * *