METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PORTABLE TRANSPORTING DEVICE WITH

EXTENDABLE WORK SURFACE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/701565, filed Feb. 2, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention pertains to transport systems, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method and system for portable transport device with extendable work surface.

History of the Related Art

[0003] Laptop computers and similar devices have been developed to enable travelers to perform tasks while traveling. Despite their convenience, they are not truly comfortable to use on one ^' s lap. In an airplane, this discomfort may be alleviated by the use of the folding tray tables with which aircraft seats are equipped. But in airport waiting rooms and hotel lobbies, where travelers necessarily spend a significant amount of time, there are no suitable work surfaces where laptop computers may be placed and used.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with the present invention, a method and system for a portable transport device with extendable work surface is provided which substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a combined desk and article earner assembly adapted for multiple modes of operation is provided. One embodiment includes three modes, including a first collapsed mode for

both storage and mobility, a second, semi-collapsed mode for transporting at least one article and for serving as a work desk in an expanded third mode. The assembly comprises a frame having upper and lower ends, the lower end having wheels and the upper end of the frame, including a handle upwardly telescopic relative thereto for facilitating the mobility of the frame on the wheels thereof. An article support shelf may be pivotally connected to a first side of the frame near the lower end thereof and adapted to pivot outwardly and downwardly away from the frame to a generally horizontal position for supporting at least one article placed thereon in the second mode. A desk-top shelf is pivotally connected to a second, opposite side of the frame near a top end thereof and adapted to pivot outwardly and upwardly to a generally horizontal position to form a work desk in the third mode. Finally, a deployable foot support is pivotally connected to, and adapted for transverse, angular deployment outwardly from the second side of the frame near a bottom end thereof in the third mode of operation.

[0006] In another embodiment, there are four modes of operation. In one mode, the assembly is collapsed and in a second, it may be loaded with bags for rolling transport. In a third mode, the handle extends upwardly from the desk-top shelf during use, while in a fourth mode, the handle is collapsed to be flush with the desk top shelf. In one design embodiment, the deployable foot is angularly connected to a mounting brace in a comer region of the frame. The deployable foot comprises in this embodiment, an elongate bar that pivots transversely outwardly and locks in position for providing stability to the assembly in the expanded, third and fourth modes, described herein.

(0007] In another aspect, a combined desk and article carrier assembly adapted for transporting at least one article in one mode and for serving as a work desk in another mode is provided. The assembly including a chassis having upper and lower ends, the lower end having wheels and the upper end having first and second telescoping arms extending therefrom in generally parallel spaced relationship; a handle connecting distal ends of the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm; a cross member disposed between the handle and the chassis and having the first and second telescoping arms running therethrough in slidable engagement therewith; an article support shelf connected to a first side of the chassis near the lower end thereof for supporting at least one article

placed thereon; a desk-top shelf pivotally connected to the cross member and adapted to pivot outwardly and upwardly to a position generally orthogonal to the first and second telescoping arms to form a work desk. Another embodiment includes a telescoping strut with a first end pivotally connected to an underside of the desk-top shelf for securing the desk-top shelf in the position generally orthogonal to the first and second telescoping arms. Another embodiment includes a second end of the telescoping strut is slidably connected to the chassis via mounting brackets. Another embodiment includes a deployable foot connected to a corner region of the lower end of the chassis and adapted to angularly extend outwardly therefrom for stabilizing the chassis. Another embodiment contemplates the article support shelf being pivotally connected to the chassis and adapted to extend outwardly and downwardly therefrom. Another embodiment includes the article support shelf locking into place when pivoted to a position generally orthogonal to the chassis. Another embodiment includes the desk-top shelf fitting with at least a portion of the chassis when the cross member is disposed at a position along the first and second telescoping arms closest to the chassis. Another embodiment includes the cross member locking into place when the cross member is slid along the first and second telescoping arms to a predetermined height above the chassis. Another embodiment includes the cross member comprising a release button that must be depressed before the cross member can be slid up the first and second telescoping arms and wherein the handle is adapted to be lowered to a level substantially flush with a top surface of the desk-top shelf.

[0008] In another aspect, a combined desk and article earner assembly adapted for transporting at least one article in one mode and for serving as a work desk with loading thereupon in another mode, the assembly including a chassis formed of plastic having upper and lower ends, the lower end having wheels and the upper end having first and second telescoping arms extending therefrom; a handle connecting distal ends of the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm; an article support shelf connected to a first side of the chassis near the lower end thereof for supporting at least one article placed thereon; a mounting structure secured across a surface area in a corner region near the lower end of the chassis and adapted to distribute loading forces thereacross; a deployable support foot pivotally connected to the mounting structure and adapted to angularly deploy outwardly from the chassis for stabilization thereof is provided. Another embodiment

includes a desk-top surface slidably connected to the first and second telescoping arms and adapted to pivot outwardly and upwardly to a position generally orthogonal to the first and second telescoping aπns. Another embodiment includes the deployable support foot being adapted to run substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the second side of the chassis and be secured thereagainst when not angularly deployed. Another embodiment includes the deployable support foot pivoting along a plane that is greater than or equal to ninety degrees from the chassis. Another embodiment includes an axle for connecting a first end of the deployable support foot to the mounting structure. Another embodiment includes a top end of the axle being a greater distance from the first and second telescoping arms than a bottom end of the axle for angling a second end of the deployable foot lower than the first end of the deployable foot. Another embodiment includes the mounting structure being metal. Another embodiment includes the mounting structure being secured across a large enough surface area to prevent damage to the chassis caused by a load placed on the desk-top surface. Another embodiment includes the deployable foot locks into place when fully deployed. Another embodiment includes the mounting structure transfers loading forces caused by a load placed on the desk-top surface to the deployable foot to prevent the chassis from tipping over.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with a tray extended into a working configuration for supporting a laptop computer or the like thereupon;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 from an opposite side thereof and illustrating the deployment of a lower support shelf for support of luggage and/or other containers thereupon;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing a handle fully

extended, the work surface orthogonally extended, and the lower shelf and support foot extended;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the work surface orthogonal to a chassis and the handle being in a recessed position;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a collapsed mode where the handle and work surface are in a recessed position;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 from a different side;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of FIG. 5 showing the deployable foot in a closed position;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an underside of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a brace unit of one embodiment used for securing the deployable foot to the chassis; and

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flow chart describing a method of converting one embodiment from a collapsed mode to a desk mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a cart desk 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. The cartdesk 10 includes a set of wheels 12 for ease of transportation. One embodiment may also include a lower support shelf 14 for receiving luggage or the like. The cartdesk 10 includes a desktop surface 16 and a handle 18 that may be extended for purposes of control and transport. The handle 18 may extend via a pair of telescoping anus 22 that connect to a chassis 20. As will be described in more detail below, the handle 18 may be extended to aide in the transportation of the cartdesk 10 and any luggage or other articles that may be placed on the lower support shelf 14. The handle 18 may also be retracted to a lower position when the desktop surface 16 is orthogonally extended or when the cartdesk 10 is in a compact storage mode. In the embodiment shown, the desktop surface 16 has been pivoted outwardly to an orthogonal position relative to the

telescoping arms 22 for use as a tray. In this mode, a computer or the like may be placed thereupon. The desktop surface 16 may be structurally stabilized and supported by virtue of a telescoping support assembly 52. It can also be seen that the desktop surface 16, when orthogonally disposed, is in an elevated position in conjunction with the pivotally mounted, outwardly angularly oriented foot assembly 50 wherein stabilization is afforded to the cartdesk 10. Foot assembly 50 is provided to further stabilize the cartdesk 10 and to prevent the assembly from tipping if too heavy of a load is placed on desktop surface 16. The deployable foot support 50 can be swung out and locked in place at an angle sufficient to stabilize the cartdesk 10 as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0021 J Referring now to FIG. 2, there is a perspective view of the cartdesk 10 shown in a mode of operation wherein the handle 18 is fully extended upwardly, while the desktop surface 16 is in a position for the placement of an object, such as a computer laptop, thereon. The lower support shelf 14 is in an orthogonal position relative to the chassis 20. A strap (shown in FIG. 5) can be used to secure luggage or the like thereupon. As will be explained further below, in one embodiment, a handle release button 19 may need to be depressed before the handle 18 may be raised. In this particular view, desktop surface 16 is pivotally attached to a desk slide 24 which has been upwardly extended out of chassis 20 along telescoping arms 22 for positioning therealong and generally orthogonal extension out therefrom for the placement of the computer laptop or the like thereon for providing a work surface. In one embodiment, an actuator button 26 may need to be depressed before the desk slide 24 may be lifted to the top of a first section 32 of the telescoping support amis 22. In one embodiment, desk slide 24 locks into place and may be lowered after actuator button 26 is depressed.

(0022] Still referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the handle 18 has been fully extended upwardly from the carrier 10. The telescoping characteristic of the arms 22 can also be seen from this view. When fully extended, the telescoping arms 22 may be locked into the fully extended position so that they will not unintentionally retract. In one embodiment, a handle release button 19 may need to be depressed before the handle 18 can be lowered and the telescoping amis 22 retracted.

[0023] In this particular configuration, the cartdesk 10 has been prepared for use as a desktop surface for support of an object, such as a computer thereon. It can also be seen that in this embodiment a bag or the like may be placed upon the support shelf 14. The telescoping arms 22 pass through tube guides located on distal ends of the desk slide 24. A stow latch (not shown) may be disposed on a lower portion of the desk slide 24 for securing the desk slide 24 in place. As shown, each section of the telescoping anus 22 are fully extended one from another and also fully extended from the chassis 20. When fully extended from the chassis 20, desk slide 24 may be raised to the top of the first section 32 of the telescoping arms and locked into place. Locking buttons disposed on desk slide 24 mate with detent holes in the first section 32 of telescoping arms 22 to secure the desk slide 24 in that position. In one embodiment, an actuator button 26 must be pressed to withdraw the locking buttons to allow the desk slide 24 to be lowered down along the first section 32 of the telescoping arms 22. The desk slide 24 may be raised until flush with the bottoms of ring stoppers (not shown), at which point, the desk slide 24 locks into place. In the embodiment shown, the ring stoppers are located at the top of the first section 32 of the telescoping arms 22, but the stoppers may be placed at any predeteπnined height. The stoppers prohibit the desk slide 24 from being raised to a height above a desired height. In one embodiment, the support arms 22 have holes located below the stopper rings for the desk slide 24 to lock into. In other embodiments, other locking mechanisms are contemplated for securing the desk slide 24 into place along the first section 32 of the telescoping arms 22. As will be described below, when the support shelf 14 is in a lowered position, a locking mechanism locks the support shelf 14 into place. A release button can then be depressed in order to raise support shelf 14 back against chassis 20. Locking support shelf 14 into place helps to provide support to cartdesk 10 and helps prevent cartdesk 10 from tipping over.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of the fully extended cartdesk 10 of FIG. 2. It may be seen that an article of luggage secured thereupon can remain on support shelf 14 during use of desktop surface 16. The stability of the cartdesk 10 is enhanced by the supports 28 on the bottom of lower shelf 14. Supports 28 help additionally stabilize cartdesk 10 when support shelf 14 is in the orthogonal position. In one embodiment, lower support shelf 14 locks into place when in the orthogonal

position. Additional stabilization is provided by the foot assembly 50. When the foot assembly 50 is fully extended outwardly from chassis 20, the moment forces caused by weight being placed on the desktop surface 16 are countered by the foot assembly 50. In the embodiment shown, the foot assembly 50 is not exactly orthogonal to the chassis 20 when in the fully opened position. As will be explained in more detail below, the foot assembly 50 rotates on an axis that is angled away from the chassis 20. The tilted axis allows the foot assembly to be off the ground when in a closed position, while still contacting the ground when in a fully opened position. Latch 66 can be seen from this view extending from a distal end of foot assembly 50. Latch 66 secures foot assembly 50 against the chassis 20 when in a fully closed position. It can also be seen that the telescoping support arm 52 angularly connects the desktop surface 16 and the chassis 20. Once the desktop surface 16 has been orthogonally pivoted so that it is substantially perpendicular to both the support aπns 22 and the chassis 20, the support arm 52 locks into place. From this view it can be seen that the telescoping support arm 52 is attached to the bottom of the desktop surface 16 via attaching bracket 62. The attaching bracket 62 slides within a slot in the bottom of the desktop surface 16 to allow the cartdesk 10 to be more compactable when in the storage mode. A release button 64 must be depressed in order for the sliding bracket 62 to be slid back towards the support arms 22, allowing the desktop surface 16 to be swung down. Also, a desk attachment bracket 33 can be seen extending from one end of the desk slide 24. The desk attachment bracket 33 secures the desk slide 24 to the desktop surface 16. The desk attachment bracket 33 rotates around an axis running parallel to the desk slide 24 to allow the desktop surface 16 to rotate from a stowed position parallel to the telescoping arms 22 and the chassis 20 to an in-use position perpendicular to the aπns 22 and the chassis 20.

[0025J Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the stabilizing foot of FIG. 1 is in a closed position, running alongside a bottom edge of the chassis 20. When in this position, the stabilizing foot can be secured against the chassis 20 with the latching mechanism 66. In this view, it can be seen that the support arm transfers part of the load from desktop surface 16 to support brackets 54. When desktop surface 16 is rotated outwardly to be substantially perpendicular to telescoping arms 22, support arm 52 angles outwardly so that it is no longer parallel to the telescoping arms 22. The support arm

52 pivots around the top of support brackets 54 to help support the weight of a load being placed on desktop surface 16. Support brackets 54 are connected to chassis 20 with a plurality of screws 56 in order to distribute the weight of a load placed on desktop surface 16. Additionally, arms 22 are stabilized by sheaths 28. When desktop surface 16 is swung out to a position perpendicular to arms 22, there are three points supporting desktop surface 16: the two arms 22 held in place by sheaths 28 and angled support arm 52 supported by brackets 54. This configuration allows an object to be placed on the top of desktop surface 16 without the interference of handle 18 or telescoping arms 22.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cartdesk 10 is shown in a mode of operation wherein the cartdesk 10 is in a fully collapsed storage configuration. In this collapsed state, the cartdesk 10 may be stored with minimal intrusion relative to other items and is particularly adapted for being placed in either an overhead storage area or under a seat in a conventional commercial aircraft. It may be seen that the handle 18 is fully collapsed relative to the top portion of the chassis 20 of the cartdesk 10 such that the handle 18 does not extend outwardly therefrom any appreciable distance. It is further seen that a strap or belt 30 is provided for extending around the side of the cartdesk 10 and securing the support shelf 14 as will be discussed further below. Referring now to FIG. 5 in particular, there is shown a perspective view of the cartdesk 10 wherein the strap 30 may be seen. In this particular embodiment, the strap 30 is shown securing the lower support shelf 14 of the cartdesk 10 against the chassis 20 in a collapsed position to further facilitate storage. Other ways of securing the support shelf 14 against the chassis 20 are also contemplated such as, for example, a latch or a snap. In one embodiment, the two ends of the strap 30 that are not attached to the chassis 20 are connected with an interlocking mechanism 32. Other ways of fastening are contemplated such as, for example, hook and loop fasteners. In an expanded condition as shown in FIG. 1 , the support shelf 14 may become a surface upon which luggage or the like may be placed and any luggage can be secured thereto by the strap 30. In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the desktop surface 16 fits within the chassis 20 in this collapsed mode of operation.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective view of the cartdesk 10 of FIGS. 5 and 6 further illustrating various aspects thereof. From this view the

stabilization foot 50 beneath the chassis 20 can be seen. When in an extended position, as in FIG. 1 , the cantilever loading of an object placed on desktop surface 16 is transferred through the telescoping struts and the support arm to a mounting base that allows the support thereof. A latching member 66 on the end of stabilization foot 50 can also be seen. While stabilization foot 50 is not in use, it is secured against chassis 20 by latching member 66. Latching member 66 must be depressed in order for stabilization foot 50 to be swung out away from chassis 20. It can also be seen that handle 18 has been pushed back down so that the top of handle 18 is at substantially the same level as the top of the chassis 20.

[0028] The figure shows cartdesk 10 in a first mode of operation where desktop surface 16 is stowed within chassis 20. Alternatively, desktop surface 16 may be stowed outside of chassis 20, or in another manner that allows cartdesk 10 to be more compact when desktop surface 16 is not in use. In the mode shown, handle 18 is disposed relatively close to chassis 20 and desk slide 24 is disposed therebetween. Stabilization foot 50 is in a stowed position wherein stabilization foot 50 runs along a bottom edge of chassis 20. Stabilization foot 50 attaches to chassis 20 at an attachment point. In the embodiment shown, it can be seen that stabilization foot 50 is curved at one end. As will be explained in more detail below, the curved end may provide advantages over a stabilization foot that is straight throughout. However, several variations to stabilization foot 50 are contemplated including being completely straight, being curved at one end, being curved throughout, or a combination of curved or angled portions and straight portions.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 8 an underneath view of the cartdesk 10 can be seen. From this view, the bracket connecting the support aπn to the desktop can be seen. The slot the bracket slides in when the desktop surface is lowered can also be seen.

[0030] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view, of mounting base 58 connected to a corner of the chassis of the cartdesk. The cartdesk is prevented from tipping over by the stabilization foot. Mounting base 58 is secured to the chassis with a plurality of screws. In one embodiment, the chassis is formed from molded plastic, but other materials are

contemplated depending on desired characteristics. When the stabilization foot is extended out, any load put on the desktop surface will create a moment force. The weight of a load placed on the desktop surface bears down on the arms and the stabilization arm causing a cantilever effect upon the chassis. Mounting base 58 is of a substantial expanse including multiple attachment points in order to more uniformly distribute the stress of this loading. In essence, mounting base 58 transfers the load of the cantilevered desktop surface throughout a sufficient region of the chassis to provide adequate support. In order to transfer the load from the mounting base to the chassis, multiple screw races may be needed.

[0031] An axis 68 around which the stabilization foot rotates can also be seen. In one embodiment, axis 68 is not parallel to the chassis and the support arms, but instead the top of axis 68 is tilted at an angle of a few degrees. Tilting axle 68 allows the stabilization foot to provide support by having one end in contact with the ground when extended away from the chassis while the other end that is attached to the mounting base is not touching the ground. When the stabilization foot is fully extended, a locking mechanism locks the stabilization foot in place. The locking mechanism must be depressed before the stabilization foot can be pushed back alongside the bottom edge of the chassis. It can be seen that the axis of rotation is not straight up and down, but rather tilted slightly. In this manner, the end of the stabilization foot attached to the chassis does not move vertically during rotation, while the other end moves from a higher point when in a stowed position to a lower point when fully extended. This provides the advantage of having ground- clearance room when the stabilization foot is in a stowed position and having one end of the stabilization foot in contact with the ground when in a fully extended position. Alternative embodiments are contemplated including an angled stabilization foot or other stabilization foot structure or axis angle to provide sufficient support for the cartdesk.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart is shown outlining the steps for converting the cartdesk 10 from a collapsed mode to an expanded mode. The flowchart 100 begins at step 101 where the cartdesk is in a stowed condition. A user may extend the handle upwardly. In one embodiment, a unlock button must be depressed before the handle can be slid upwardly. At step 105, a user may lower the baggage shelf and place

an article thereon. In one embodiment, a strap may need to be unfastened or a unlock button may need to be depressed. At step 107, a user may deploy a deployable support such as an arm or a foot. In one embodiment a latch may need to be undone before extending the support. Next, at step 109, the desktop surface is raised along the telescoping arms. The desktop can then be pivoted outwardly and locked into an orthogonal position at step 111. Then, at step 1 13, a user may lower the handle by retracting the arms down until the handle is flush with a top surface of the desktop. The steps may then be done in a reverse order to convert from a desk to a stowed position.

[0033] The previous description is of preferred embodiments for implementing aspects of the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claim.