U.S. patent application number 13/845000 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-26 for luggage with rechargeable power supply and storage shelves.
This patent application is currently assigned to WESTSIDE DESIGN LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is WESTSIDE DESIGN LLC. Invention is credited to Marvin Lein, Jim Leis.
Application Number | 20130248309 13/845000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49210745 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130248309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lein; Marvin ; et
al. |
September 26, 2013 |
Luggage With Rechargeable Power Supply and Storage Shelves
Abstract
An article of luggage that incorporates a rechargeable battery
that may be used to recharge personal electronic devices with
multiple electrical interconnects for interfacing with various
types of plugs. The invention is defined by luggage that includes
an integral tray for holding liquids, aerosols and gels. The tray
is easily slid out of the luggage when the luggage is placed on the
x-ray conveyer so that the bag holding the liquids, aerosols and
gels is appropriately exposed for proper security screening at
airports. The luggage further includes an integral tray for holding
a laptop computer. The tray is easily slid out of the luggage when
the luggage is placed on the x-ray conveyer so that computer is
appropriately exposed for proper security screening. The laptop and
liquid trays may be longitudinally slid out of, and into the main
body of the luggage, and may be alternately pivoted to provide
access to contents held on the trays.
Inventors: |
Lein; Marvin; (Bend, OR)
; Leis; Jim; (Bend, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WESTSIDE DESIGN LLC |
Bend |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WESTSIDE DESIGN LLC
Bend
OR
|
Family ID: |
49210745 |
Appl. No.: |
13/845000 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61614635 |
Mar 23, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/065 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A45C 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/9 |
International
Class: |
A45C 5/00 20060101
A45C005/00 |
Claims
1. An article of luggage, comprising: a luggage main body defining
a frame; a laptop computer tray adapted for receiving a laptop
computer, said laptop computer tray attached to and reciprocally
slidable into and out of the frame between a retracted position in
which the laptop computer tray is entirely within said main body
and an extended position in which the laptop computer tray is
exposed, and wherein when said article of luggage is laid with its
rear panel on a surface and said laptop computer tray is in the
extended position, apart from said laptop computer tray there are
no structural components of said article of luggage either above or
below a laptop computer received on said laptop computer tray.
2. The article of luggage according to claim 1 further comprising a
liquids tray reciprocally slidable into and out of the frame
between a retracted position in which the liquids tray is entirely
within said main body and an extended position in which the liquids
tray is exposed.
3. The article of luggage according to claim 2 wherein when said
article of luggage is laid with its rear panel on a surface and
said liquids tray is in the extended position, apart from said
liquids tray there are no structural components of said article of
luggage either above or below said liquids tray.
4. The article of luggage according to claim 1 wherein said laptop
computer tray has a first end and a second end and said first end
is connected to said frame with a hinge so that said laptop
computer tray is pivotally movable about said hinge between a
stowed position and an access position.
5. The article of luggage according to claim 4 wherein said laptop
computer tray is pivotally movable between the stowed position and
the access position when the laptop computer tray is in either the
retracted or extended position.
6. The article of luggage according to claim 2 wherein said liquids
tray has a first end and a second end and said first end is
connected to said frame with a hinge so that said liquids tray is
pivotally movable about said hinge between a stowed position and an
access position.
7. The article of luggage according to claim 6 wherein said liquids
tray is pivotally movable between the stowed position and the
access position when the liquids tray is in either the retracted or
extended position.
8. The article of luggage according to claim 1 further comprising:
a rechargeable battery in the main body; an electrical interface
panel electrically connected to the rechargeable battery and having
plural electrical interconnects for charging personal electronic
devices.
9. The article of luggage according to claim 1 wherein the frame is
defined by front and rear panels, opposed side panels and top and
bottom panels.
10. The article of luggage according to claim 9 wherein the rear
panel of the frame is defined by a molded structure.
11. The article of luggage according to claim 1 wherein the
distance between the distance between a laptop computer held in the
laptop computer tray when the laptop computer tray is in the
extended position and the surface is no greater than about 11/4
inches.
12. An article of luggage, comprising: a luggage main body having
front and rear panels, opposed side panels and top and bottom
panels; a laptop tray reciprocally slidable into and out of one of
either the top or bottom panel between a retracted position in
which the laptop tray is entirely within said main body and an
extended position in which the laptop tray is exposed; and a
liquids tray reciprocally slidable into and out of the opposite of
either the top or bottom panel from the laptop tray and between a
retracted position in which the liquids tray is entirely within
said main body and an extended position in which the liquids tray
is exposed; and a rechargeable battery.
13. The article of luggage according to claim 12 wherein the laptop
tray is adapted for receiving a laptop computer and wherein when
said article of luggage is laid with its rear panel on a surface
and said laptop tray is in the extended position, apart from said
laptop computer tray there are no structural components of said
article of luggage either above or below a laptop computer received
on said laptop tray.
14. The article of luggage according to claim 13 wherein the
liquids tray is adapted for receiving a container of liquid and
wherein when said article of luggage is laid with its rear panel on
a surface and said liquids tray is in the extended position, apart
from said liquids tray there are no structural components of said
article of luggage either above or below a container of liquid
received on said liquids tray.
15. The article of luggage according to claim 14 further comprising
an electrical interface panel electrically connected to the
rechargeable battery and having plural electrical interconnects for
charging personal electronic devices.
16. The article of luggage according to claim 15 wherein said
electrical interface panel is movable with said laptop tray when
said laptop tray is moved from the retracted to the extended
position.
17. An article of luggage, comprising: a main body defining a frame
for front and rear panels, and opposed top and bottom panels and
opposed side panels; a first tray attached to and reciprocally
slidable into and out of the frame between a retracted position in
which first tray is entirely within a perimeter of said main body
and an extended position in which the first tray is exposed,
wherein when said article of luggage is laid with the rear panel on
a surface and said first tray is in the extended position, there
are no additional structural components of said article of luggage
either above or below the first tray, said first tray further
pivotally attached to said frame for pivotal movement between a
stowed position and an access position in which an item retained on
said first tray may be removed therefrom; a second tray attached to
and reciprocally slidable into and out of the frame between a
retracted position in which second tray is entirely within a
perimeter of said main body and an extended position in which the
second tray is exposed, wherein when said article of luggage is
laid with the rear panel on a surface and said second tray is in
the extended position, there are no additional structural
components of said article of luggage either above or below the
second tray, said second tray further pivotally attached to said
frame for pivotal movement between a stowed position and an access
position in which an item retained on said second tray may be
removed therefrom; and a battery in the main body and an electrical
interface panel electrically connected to the battery and having
plural electrical interconnects for recharging electronic
devices.
18. The article of luggage according to claim 17 wherein the first
and second trays may be moved between their stowed and their access
positions when said trays are in both their retracted and their
extended positions.
19. The article of luggage according to claim 18 including a handle
attached to the frame and reciprocally movable from a retracted
position to an extended position.
20. The article of luggage according to claim 19 wherein said
battery and electrical interface panel move with said first tray as
it is moved between its retracted and its extended position, but
said battery and electrical interface panel do not move with said
first tray as it is moved between its stowed position and its
access position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to luggage, and more
particularly to a travel bag that is incorporates a built-in
rechargeable battery for recharging computers and other personal
electronic devices. The inventive luggage further comprises storage
shelves that are retained in the luggage and easily slid out of and
into the luggage; one shelf is adapted for holding liquids in
containers appropriate for carry-on luggage in domestic flights and
the other shelf is adapted for holding a laptop computer. Both
shelves are easily moved to an extended position to expose liquids
and a laptop computer in an appropriate manner for security
screening at airports.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Air travelers are very familiar with security screening
regulations currently in place at airports in the United States for
domestic flights and at foreign airports for flights into the US.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has put in place
numerous regulations for security screening. While the vast
majority of air travelers recognize the importance of these
security screening measures for insuring safety, travelers are just
as aware of the slowdowns and delays caused by current safety
screening requirements. Frequent flyers are especially aware of
safety screening requirements as these flyers are often subject to
screening multiple times every day.
[0003] Among other TSA requirements, liquids, aerosols and gels,
are allowed in carry-on luggage only in limited quantities. The TSA
currently follows the "3-1-1" rule: each traveler is limited to
carrying aboard an aircraft liquids in a 3.4 ounce (100 ml) bottle
or less (by volume) , in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top
bag, with 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. By
consolidating the bottles into one bag and X-raying them separately
from the carry-on bag enables security officers to quickly clear
the items.
[0004] Laptop computers are similarly subject to special screening
rules. Generally speaking, the laptop must be placed in a bin on
the x-ray conveyer such that there is nothing above or below the
computer and so that the computer lies flat. Moreover, TSA
regulations currently specify that the distance between the bottom
of the computer and the conveyer is no more than 11/4 inches. There
are some "checkpoint friendly" laptop bags on the market that
purportedly make security screening easier. The TSA indicates that
such bags have a designated laptop-only section that has no metal
snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on-top of the
laptop-only section, that there are no pockets on the inside or
outside of the laptop-only section, that there is nothing in the
laptop compartment other than the laptop, and that the traveler
must completely unfold the bag so that there is nothing above or
below the laptop-only section, allowing the bag to lie flat on the
X-ray belt.
[0005] All air travelers will appreciate that despite advancements
in checkpoint friendly luggage such as those just described, there
is a serious need for luggage that makes passage through security
screening checkpoints more efficient and fast. Such luggage should
recognize the dual needs of simplifying use for the traveler, while
making security screening simple and reliable.
[0006] At the same time, most travelers utilize one or more
personal electronic devices such as a laptop, smart phone, and
electronic tablets. These devices are indispensable to many
travelers but are notorious for needing recharging. As a result,
quick recharging stations can be found strategically located in
most airports. Despite the convenience of such recharging stations,
there is a clear need for alternate methods of charging personal
electronic devices while traveling.
[0007] The present invention comprises a carry-on bag that
addresses each of the needs described above.
[0008] In one embodiment, the invention is defined by luggage that
incorporates a rechargeable battery that may be used to recharge
personal electronic devices.
[0009] In another embodiment, the invention is defined by luggage
that includes an integral shelf for holding liquids, aerosols and
gels in the 1-quart zip top bag approved by the TSA. The shelf is
easily slid out of the luggage when the luggage is placed on the
x-ray conveyer so that the bag holding the liquids, aerosols and
gels is appropriately exposed for proper security screening.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the invention is defined by
luggage that includes an integral shelf for holding a laptop
computer. The shelf is easily slid out of the luggage when the
luggage is placed on the x-ray conveyer so that computer is
appropriately exposed for proper security screening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will be better understood and its numerous
objects and advantages will be apparent by reference to the
following detailed description of the invention when taken in
conjunction with the following drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a piece of luggage according
to the present invention showing some internal components and
illustrating the liquid-tray and laptop tray in their out or
extended positions. In FIG. 1 the luggage is lying flat as it would
normally be laid on an x-ray conveyer belt.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of the luggage shown in
FIG. 1 illustrating the liquid and laptop trays and their
orientation relative to the luggage.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second piece of luggage
according to the present invention, similar to the luggage shown in
FIG. 1 except larger in dimensions, showing some internal
components and illustrating the liquid-tray and laptop tray in
their out or extended positions. In FIG. 2 the luggage is lying
flat as it would normally be laid on an x-ray conveyer belt.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of the luggage shown in
FIG. 2 illustrating the liquid and laptop trays and their
orientation relative to the luggage.
[0016] FIGS. 3 through 6 are perspective views of yet another piece
of luggage according to the present invention:
[0017] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of luggage in which the
liquid and laptop trays are shown in their stowed positions.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the luggage shown in
FIG. 3 illustrating the laptop tray being slid longitudinally out
of the main body of the luggage.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the luggage shown in
FIG. 3 illustrating the alternative pivotal movement of both the
laptop and liquid trays.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the luggage shown in FIG. 3
illustrating the both the laptop and liquid trays being slid
longitudinally out of the main body of the luggage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] An article of luggage 10 incorporating the illustrated
invention is shown in the figures as having a main body 12 with an
extendable/retractable handle 14 and with wheels 16. Main body 12
defines a rectangular geometric configuration with, for purposes
herein, a front panel 18, rear panel 20, opposed side panels 22 and
24, respectively, and opposed top and bottom panels 26 and 28,
respectively. A hand grip 30 is attached to side panel 24.
Throughout this specification, like structures shown in different
drawings are given the same reference numbers. More specifically,
like structures in the piece of luggage 110 shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A
are identified with the same reference numbers as the corresponding
structures in FIGS. 1 and 1A. And like structures in the luggage
200 shown in FIGS. 3 through 6 are assigned the same reference
numbers as corresponding structures in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2 and
2A.
[0022] At times herein, relative directional terms are used to
identify structural features of the invention and their
relationship to other features. The geometric center of main body
12 is considered to be the "center" of luggage 10 and the hand grip
10 will be considered at the upper or top end of the mail body; the
wheels 16 are located at the lower or bottom end of the main body.
Other relative directional terms correspond to this convention:
"inner" or "inward" refers to the geometric center of the main
body, or the direction toward the geometric center, and so on.
[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 1A, luggage 10 comprises
the following components. As detailed below, these same components
are also found in the article of luggage 200 illustrated in the
embodiment of FIGS. 3 through 6. [0024] 1) a laptop tray 50 that is
reciprocally and slidably extendable out of and into top panel 26
of main body 12 as illustrated with arrows A in FIGS. 1 and 1A;
[0025] 2) a liquids tray 100 that is reciprocally and slidably
extendable out of and into bottom panel 28 of main body 12 as
illustrated with arrows B in FIGS. 1 and 1A; and [0026] 3) an
integrated rechargeable battery system 150 that is housed within
main body 12 and which includes electrical connections adapted for
recharging personal electronic devices.
[0027] Each of these three components is described below.
1. Laptop Tray 50
[0028] As noted, laptop tray 50 is reciprocally slidable into and
out of the main body 12, which defines a frame structure for
attaching the laptop tray 50. The tray is sized to hold a
conventional laptop computer 52 and may be fitted with optional
retaining straps 54 to retain the laptop 52 on the tray 50. The
tray has opposed lateral edges that are slidable in appropriate
tracks in the interior of main body 12 of luggage 10. It will be
appreciated that there are numerous structures known to those of
ordinary skill in the art to slidably attach a tray in the manner
illustrated and described. For example, rails may be attached to
the structural frame or opposed interior sides of the main body 12
of luggage 10 and the tray 50 may be fitted with wheels that ride
in the rails. As another example, the tray 50 may be reciprocally
movable in slots formed in the interior sides of the main body 12.
The tray 50 is movable between an extended position shown in FIG. 1
and a stowed position (not shown) in which the tray 50 is
completely contained within the main body. In the stowed position,
the tray is latched in place with an appropriate latching mechanism
to retain the tray in the stowed position and to prevent unintended
movement of the tray to the extended position. The top panel 26 may
include a zippered compartment or equivalent covering to hide and
protect the laptop tray 50 when it is in the stowed position.
[0029] Laptop tray 50 is preferably designed so that it meets TSA
guidelines for security inspection of a laptop computer when the
tray is in its extended position and the luggage 10 is laid flat on
an x-ray conveyer belt as shown in the figures--that is, when the
rear panel 20 of luggage 10 is laid onto the conveyer and the
wheels 16 are on the conveyer. For instance, laptop tray 50 is a
designated laptop-only section that has no metal snaps, zippers or
buckles inside, underneath or on-top of the laptop tray 50, there
are no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop tray 50.
Accordingly, there is nothing in the laptop tray 50 other than the
laptop 52 and with the tray 50 in the extended position the
traveler laptop "compartment" is completely unfolded so that there
is nothing above or below the laptop tray 50 (except of course the
supporting panel portion of the tray on which the laptop rests),
allowing the laptop 52 to lie flat on or parallel to and closely
spaced apart from the x-ray belt for good security screening. More
specifically, the laptop tray 50 is installed in luggage 10 so that
when the luggage is lying on its rear panel 20 on a conveyer with
the laptop tray 50 in its extended position, the lower surface of a
computer 52 held on the tray is separated from the conveyer by no
more than 11/4 inches. Because there are no structural parts from
luggage 10 either above or below the laptop 52 when the tray 50 is
in its extended position as shown in FIG. 1, the luggage 10 may be
scanned without requiring removal of the laptop 52 from the tray
50. Upwardly projecting peripheral side edges 56 help retain the
laptop 52 in place in the tray 50 and as noted, the laptop tray 52
includes a support panel on which the laptop rests.
[0030] The laptop tray may include interior padding 56 and/or
strips of padding, both on the inner-facing edges of side edges 56
and on the support panel, that pad the computer 52 to prevent
damage while in transit, and also to allow the user to adjust the
relative size of the laptop tray to accommodate and snugly retain
laptops having different dimensions.
2. Liquids Tray 100
[0031] As with laptop tray 50, liquids tray 100 is reciprocally
slidable into and out of the main body 12, but as shown in the
drawings, liquids tray 100 is slidable out of the opposite end of
luggage 10 in bottom 28. The liquids tray 100 is appropriately
sized to hold a traveler's liquids in compliance with TSA
regulations, and especially the 1-quart zip top bags, shown
schematically at 102, that comply with the "3-1-1" rule. As
described above with respect to laptop tray 50, the liquids tray
100 has opposed lateral edges that are slidable in appropriate
tracks in the interior of main body 12 of luggage 10. And again as
described above, it will be appreciated that there are numerous
structures known to those of ordinary skill in the art to slidably
attach a tray in the manner illustrated and described. And like the
laptop tray 50, liquids tray 100 has upwardly extending peripheral
side edges 104 that help retain liquids within the confines of the
tray.
[0032] The liquids tray 100 is movable between an extended position
shown in FIG. 1 and a stowed position (not shown) in which the tray
100 is completely contained within the main body. In the stowed
position, the tray is latched in place with an appropriate latching
mechanism to retain the tray in the stowed position and to prevent
unintended movement of the tray to the extended position. The
bottom panel 28 may include a zippered compartment or equivalent
covering to hide and protect the liquids tray 100 when it is in the
stowed position. As with laptop tray 50, when the luggage 10 is
laid with its rear panel 16 on an x-ray conveyer belt and liquids
tray 100 is in the extended position there are no structural
components of the luggage 10 either above or below the liquids tray
that would interfere with proper x-ray screening. Thus, the support
panel portion of the liquids tray on which liquids are supported
does not render screening ineffective with respect to TSA screening
rules.
[0033] Main body 12 includes interior compartments that define
close-fitting panels that cover the upper (i.e., exposed) portions
of both laptop tray 50 and liquids tray 100 when the trays are in
their retracted positions. Although the interior panels are now
shown in the drawings, the panels fit closely against the upper
portions of the trays so that articles retained on the trays are
retained tightly in place on the trays when the luggage 10 is moved
about. Thus, a laptop 52 is retained snuggly in place in laptop
tray 50 when the tray is in its retracted position and while
luggage 50 is moved about, even if optional retaining straps 54 are
not included and/or used. Likewise, a zip top bag 102 containing
multiple individual containers of liquid is retained snuggly in
place in liquids tray 100 when the tray is in its retracted
position and while luggage 50 is moved about. Because the objects
on the trays (i.e., laptop 52 and bag 102) are relatively immovable
relative to the trays themselves on which they are retained, damage
to the objects is prevented.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the relative positions of laptop
tray 50 and liquids tray 100 may be reversed so that the laptop
tray slides into and out of the bottom panel 28 and the liquids
tray 100 slides into and out of the top panel 26.
3. Battery System 150
[0035] The rechargeable battery system 150 comprises a rechargeable
battery 152 that is removably housed in main body 12, an electrical
interface panel 154 and electric wiring such as a wiring harness
156 that electrically interconnects the battery 152 with the
interface panel 154. Rechargeable battery 152 is a standard battery
that is rechargeable with standard 120 volt current from a
conventional wall electrical outlet. A typical rechargeable battery
useful herein is a lithium ion or lithium polymer type of battery,
although those of skill in the art will recognize that there are
numerous types of batteries that are appropriate for use with the
present invention. The battery 152 is retained in an internal
compartment in main body 12 that is accessible for services and
replacement of the battery as needed. A conventional recharging
cord (not shown) is supplied for recharging the battery 152 with
standard current from a wall electrical outlet.
[0036] The electrical interface panel 154 defines a location where
a traveler may connect a variety of different personal electronic
devices such as laptop 52, smart phones and tablets to battery 152
to thereby recharge the batteries in the personal electronic
devices. The interface panel 154 is accessible through a closable
panel that opens on the side panel 26, such as a zippered flap. It
will be appreciated that there are innumerable recharging
interconnect types on the market today. As such, in addition to a
standard US compliant plug interface, interface panel includes
plural standard charging interconnects--such as, for example, USB
connections--so that the traveler is able to connect their various
electronic devices to the battery 152 for recharging. It will be
understood that in view of the many different standard
interconnects on the market today, most travelers and users of
electronic devices also carry converters that are capable of
interfacing with different interconnects.
[0037] To recharge an electronic device such as laptop 52, the
recharging cord for the laptop is attached to the appropriate plug
in the electrical interface 154. This may be done with the tray in
either its extended position, or its stowed position. In addition,
more than one electronic device may be simultaneously attached to
interface 154 so that both devices are recharged simultaneously.
This is advantageous when a traveler wants to have all electronic
devices fully charged at the end of a long flight. The interface
154 may further include battery charge indicators such as light
emitting diodes that give the user a quick indication of the state
of charge off the battery 152.
[0038] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, it may be seen that
the size of luggage 10 may be varied to provide a range of sizes
from the relatively larger bag shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, to the
relatively smaller bag 200 shown in FIG. 2. The size of the trays
50 and 100 are the same in both FIGS. 1 and 2. As such, their
relative positions in the bags at which the trays slid in the main
body may be varied so that the trays do not hit one another or the
battery when in the stowed positions. Thus, in the embodiment of
FIGS. 2 and 2A the laptop tray 50 is offset in respect of the
liquids tray 100 in order for the trays to be fully movable in the
luggage.
4. Third Embodiment
[0039] Turning now to the series of FIGS. 3 through 6, an
alternative third embodiment of an article of luggage 200 according
to the present invention is shown. As with the first and second
embodiments described above, like structures shown the piece of
luggage 200 of FIGS. 3 through 6 are identified with the same
reference numbers as the corresponding structures in FIGS. 1 and 1A
and 2 and 2A.
[0040] As detailed below, there are several differences between the
luggage 200 and the luggage 10 of FIG. 1. Among those differences
is that the main body 202 of the luggage 200 is fabricated from a
molded, hard-sided frame-set 204 that defines a rigid back for the
luggage and a separate soft-sided luggage portion 206 that is
attached to the frame-set 204. In effect, by manufacturing the
luggage 200 with hard-sided frame-set 204 and a separate soft-sided
luggage portion 206 allows the pieces to be manufactured and sold
separately. For example, one manufacturer may fabricate the
frame-set 204 and sell that product to multiple manufacturers who
can customize the luggage portion 206 with their own designs and
colors, etc.
[0041] Another primary difference is that the laptop tray 50 and
liquids tray 100 that are used with luggage 200 are
dual-functioning: both are retractably slidable into and out of the
main body 202 of the luggage in much the same manner as detailed
above with respect to luggage 10, but in the embodiment of FIGS. 3
through 6, the trays 50 and 100 are also hingedly attached to the
main body so that the trays may be pivoted about the hinged
attachment for access to the trays while they are in either their
extended or retracted positions.
[0042] The frame-set 204 is preferably molded from a plastic
material, although other materials may be used. The frame-set 204
defines the rear panel 20 of the luggage 200 and includes integral
wrap around side portions--in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 the wrap around side
portion 208 is visible and in FIG. 6 the wrap around side portion
210 is visible. The frame-set 204 includes integrally molded
opposed skid rails 212, 214 into which retractable handle 14 is
inserted and the frame-set 204 defines the base for the laptop tray
50 and the liquids tray 100, both of which are nestled between the
opposed skid rails 212 and 214. The wheels 16 are also attached to
the frame-set 204.
[0043] As noted, both the laptop tray 50 and the liquids tray 100
are separately reciprocally slidable between retracted positions in
which the trays are completely within the outer perimeter of the
main body 202, and extended positions in which the trays are
exposed to allow the user to access them. The laptop tray 50 is
shown in its extended position in FIG. 4 and is movable in the
direction of arrow A. A door 218 is hinged to the frame-set 204 so
that when tray 50 is in its retracted position there is no access
to the laptop tray and so that the computer is hidden and
protected. The tray is sized to hold a conventional laptop computer
(not shown) and may be fitted with optional retaining straps (not
shown) to retain the laptop on the tray. The tray 50 has opposed
lateral side edges 222 and 224 that are slidable in appropriate
tracks formed in the corresponding interior of main body 202, and
more specifically, tracks that are in one embodiment formed in the
frame-set 204. It will be appreciated that there are numerous
structures known to those of ordinary skill in the art to slidably
attach a tray in the manner illustrated and described. As another
example, and as noted above, separate rails may be attached to the
frame-set 204 and the tray 50 may be fitted with wheels that ride
in the rails. As noted, the tray 50 is movable between the
retracted or stowed position shown in FIG. 3, and an extended
position shown in FIG. 4 in which the tray 50 is extended out of
the main body so that the user may access a computer retained on
the tray. In the stowed position, the tray is latched in place with
an appropriate latching mechanism to retain the tray in the stowed
position and to prevent unintended movement of the tray to the
extended position--hinged door 208 may serve this function.
[0044] Liquids tray 100 is likewise slidably retractable into and
out of main body 202 as indicated with arrow A in FIG. 6, and may
be connected to the main body 202 in the same manner as laptop tray
50. A hinged door (not shown) also opens and closes access to the
liquids tray in the same manner as with hinged door 218 described
above.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 5, both laptop tray 50 and
liquids tray 100 are also hingedly connected to the main body 202
so that the trays may be pivoted to provide access to the trays.
Specifically, the lower end 226 of tray 50 is pivotally hinged to
the frame-set 204, and the lower end 228 of tray 100 is pivotally
hinged to the frame-set 204 so that the trays may separately be
pivoted (arrows A and B) from their stowed positions in which the
trays are coplanar with the rear panel 20 and an access positions
shown in FIG. 5. The trays may be pivoted as shown with arrows A
and B from their stowed positions to their access positions both
when they are in their retracted positions shown in solid lines in
FIG. 5, and when they are slid into their extended position as
exemplarily shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5 with tray 50.
[0046] The embodiment of luggage 200 shown in FIGS. 3 through 6
includes a rechargeable battery system 150 as detailed in respect
of the other embodiments described above, although it is shown only
schematically in FIG. 6. The battery system 150 comprises a
rechargeable battery 152, an electrical interface panel 154 and
electric wiring harness 156 that electrically interconnects the
battery with the interface panel and which is routed through a
channel formed in the tray. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 through 6,
battery 152 is attached to and slidable with laptop tray 50 and the
electrical interface panel 154 is located at the opposite (i.e.,
outermost) edge of the laptop tray, interiorly of hinged door 218.
It will thus be appreciated that when the laptop tray is in the
stowed position (FIG. 3), opening of door 218 (as shown in FIG. 3)
exposes the interface panel 154 and also allows the laptop tray 50
to be slid outwardly to its extended position (FIG. 4).
[0047] With reference to FIG. 4, the laptop tray 50 is shown in its
extended position. In this position it may be seen that battery 152
and interface panel 154 move with the laptop tray when it is moved
between the stowed and opened positions. With the tray in the open
position and with the luggage 200 lying with its rear panel 20
resting on a screening conveyer (as in FIG. 6, with the conveyer
not shown) there is nothing either above or below a laptop retained
on tray 50, and as detailed above with respect to the embodiment of
FIG. 1, there is no greater than 11/4 inches of separation between
the lower surface of a computer and the surface of the screening
conveyer on which the luggage 200 is lying, thereby satisfying TSA
regulations.
[0048] As noted, both laptop tray 50 and liquids tray 100 are
pivotally attached to base frame-set 204. As best illustrated in
FIG. 5, the pivotal movement of the trays from their home (i.e.,
stowed) positions to their access positions is illustrated with
arrows A and B (for trays 50 and 100, respectively). It will be
noted that when laptop tray 50 is pivoted to its access position,
the electrical interface panel 154 does not pivot with the tray and
instead remains in place relative to frame-set 204.
[0049] Alternately, either or both of the laptop trays 50 and 100
may be installed and equipped such that the trays are pivotally
openable to approximately 90 degrees relative to the plane defined
by the rear panel 20 of the luggage 200. In this position with, for
example, the luggage resting in the position shown in FIG. 3 and
the laptop tray opened to its 90 degree position (i.e., so the tray
is generally parallel to the ground plane), the laptop tray serves
and a tray table or work table.
[0050] While the present invention has been described in terms of
preferred and illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill that the spirit and scope of the invention
is not limited to those embodiments, but extend to the various
modifications and equivalents as defined in the appended
claims.
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