Multi-Function Work Surface for Roll-Along Suitcases

Abstract

A work surface for roll-along suitcases that enables the suitcase to convert into a seat or table. The work surface can be permanently attached or removably attachable to the suitcase. The permanently attached work surface is stored in a compartment or recess with the retractable handle of the roll-along suitcase and is pivotally connected to the retractable handle. When the retractable handle is extended, the work surface pivots down away from the top of the handle to rest on the top of the suitcase. The removably attachable work surface is temporarily secured to the handle of the roll-along suitcase preferably with a tongue section that accommodates a variety of sizes of retractable handles. The removably attachable work surface rests on the top of the suitcase. Side sections of the work surface unfold to form a bigger seat or work surface.

1 . A suitcase comprising:
 a. a retractable handle comprising an arch, a first leg connected to the arch, and a second leg connected to the arch and spaced a predetermined distance from the first leg; and   b. a work surface pivotally connected to the retractable handle between the first leg and second leg, wherein the work surface is configured to rest on, and substantially parallel with, a to surface of the suitcase when the retractable handle is at least partially extended and is configured to be maintained substantially parallel to the retractable handle when the handle is retracted.   
     
     
         2 . The suitcase of  claim 1  wherein the work surface further comprises a first side section pivotally connected to the center section, and a second side section pivotally connected to the center section and wherein the first side section can be folded onto the center section or can be unfolded to be substantially planar with the center section and wherein the second side section can be folded onto the center section. 
     
     
         3 . The suitcase of  claim 2  wherein the retractable handle further comprises a fastener positioned near the arch of the retractable handle, wherein the fastener engages the center section of the work surface when the work surface is positioned parallel to the first and second legs. 
     
     
         4 . The suitcase of  claim 2  wherein the retractable handle further comprises an abutment fixedly connected to at least the first or second leg such that the abutment prevents the work surface from over-rotating. 
     
     
         5 . The suitcase of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a. a back, a top, and a bottom, wherein the retractable handle retracts along the back of the suitcase; 
 b. two or more wheels attached to the back of the suitcase near the bottom of the suitcase; and 
 c. one or more feet attached to the bottom. 
 
     
     
         6 . The suitcase of  claim 5  further comprising:
 a. a retractable handle housing attached to the top of the suitcase and defining a first housing recess configured to accommodate the retractable handle when retracted and a second housing recess; and 
 b. a suitcase handle disposed in the second housing recess; wherein the work surface can rest substantially flat on the retractable handle housing. 
 
     
     
         7 . The suitcase of  claim 6  wherein the retractable handle housing further defines one or more storage compartments. 
     
     
         8 . The suitcase of  claim 2  wherein the work surface further comprises one or more first twin-pin hinges pivotally connecting the first side section to the center section and one or more second twin-pin hinges pivotally connecting the second side section to the center section. 
     
     
         9 . The suitcase of  claim 8  wherein the first and second side sections are each substantially one half the width of the center section and wherein the first and second twin-pin hinges pivotally connect the first and second side sections to the center section such that each of the first and second side sections substantially fold over one half of the center section. 
     
     
         10 . A work surface for a suitcase comprising:
 a. a center section;   b. a first side section pivotally connected to the center section;   c. a second side section pivotally connected to the center section; and   d. attachment means attached to the center section for securing the work surface to a retractable handle of the suitcase;   wherein the first side section can be folded onto the center section and can be unfolded to be substantially planar with the center section and wherein the second side section can be folded onto the center section and can be unfolded to be substantially planar with the center section.   
     
     
         11 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the attachment means comprises a tongue section integral with the center section and comprising one or more fasteners configured to removably secure the work surface to the retractable handle. 
     
     
         12 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the attachment means comprises a pivoting connector configured to secure the center section of the work surface between two legs of the retractable handle. 
     
     
         13 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the first side section is substantially one half the width of the center section and wherein the second side section is substantially one half the width of the center section. 
     
     
         14 . The work surface of  claim 11  wherein the first side section is pivotally connected to the center section with one or more twin-pin hinges and wherein the second side section is pivotally connected to the center section with one or more twin-pin hinges. 
     
     
         15 . The work surface of  claim 14  wherein the twin-pin hinges are self-supporting. 
     
     
         16 . The work surface of  claim 15  wherein the twin-pin hinges are fastened to the first and second side sections and the center section with rivets. 
     
     
         17 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the center section further comprises a first irregular edge where the first side section and center section abut and a second irregular edge where the second side section and center section abut. 
     
     
         18 . The work surface of  claim 11  wherein the tongue section comprises an elongated t-shape defining two opposing notches. 
     
     
         19 . The work surface of  claim 18  wherein the opposing notches are configured to accommodate suitcases having retractable handles with substantially narrowly spaced legs and suitcases having retractable handles with substantially widely spaced legs. 
     
     
         20 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the center section, first side section, and second side section each comprise vacuum-formed plastic. 
     
     
         21 . The work surface of  claim 20  wherein the center section, first side section, and second side section each further comprise one or more ribs. 
     
     
         22 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the center section, the first side section, and the second side section each define one or more apertures. 
     
     
         23 . The work surface of  claim 11  wherein the tongue section further defines an aperture sized to accommodate a cup. 
     
     
         24 . The work surface of  claim 10  wherein the work surface further comprises one or more risers fixedly attached to the center side section. 
     
     
         25 . A work surface for a suitcase comprising:
 a. a center section;   b. a tongue section connected to the center section a first side section; and   c. attachment means for securing the tongue section to a retractable handle of the suitcase;   wherein the attachment means is configured to secure the work surface resting on, and substantially parallel with, a to surface of the suitcase.