Abstract:
A stabilized container is provided. The stabilized container includes a container, a portion of which is adapted to be a seat. The stabilized container also includes a stabilization device configured to stabilize the container. The stabilization device can include a frame. The stabilization device can also include a platform flexibly coupled to the frame at one or more locations. The portion adapted to be the seat can be coupled to the platform, and a free end of the platform can move relative to the frame in response to an amount of weight present on the portion. The container can include one or more wheels configured to contact a floor surface in a first orientation. The stabilization device can also include a skid configured to support the container in a second orientation in which the wheels are out of contact with the floor surface.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/727,488, filed Oct. 17, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Portable containers such as luggage, backpacks, tool boxes, tackle boxes and golf club bags are frequently used to transport contents to locations where seating is unavailable, inconvenient or limited. For example, a traveler may have a suitcase in a long, slow-moving airport security, ticketing or check-in line. Such a weary traveler may be tempted to sit on one of his portable containers. However, typical portable containers are ill suited for being sat upon. First, the tops of portable containers are not designed to comfortably accommodate a user who wishes to sit on them. Second, the container may not be able to support the weight of someone sitting upon it. As a result, the container and/or its contents may be damaged. Further, the container may tip, roll or slide, causing the person sitting on it to fall and possibly be injured. Also, it is typically not comfortable to sit upon a typical container.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]     A stabilized container is provided. The stabilized container includes a container, a portion of which is adapted to be a seat. The stabilized container also includes a stabilization device configured to stabilize the container. The stabilization device can include a frame. The stabilization device can also include a platform flexibly coupled to the frame at one or more locations. The portion adapted to be the seat can be coupled to the platform, and a free end of the platform can move relative to the frame in response to an amount of weight present on the portion. The stabilization device can include a guide member that couples a free end of the platform to the frame. The container can include one or more wheels configured to contact a floor surface in a first orientation. The stabilization device can also include a skid configured to support the container in a second orientation in which the wheels are out of contact with the floor surface. The wheels can be retractable into the container such that an outer portion of the container rests on a floor surface when the wheels are retracted. The wheels can be coupled to the container by a spring retraction device configured to cause the wheels to automatically retract into the container if a threshold amount of weight is placed on the portion adapted to be the seat. The container can include a power source configured to provide power to an electronic device. The power source can be a rechargeable battery. The electronic device can be a laptop. The power source can be configured to supply power to the laptop when the laptop is placed in a pocket of the container.  
         [0004]     A portable container is also provided. The container includes a shell, an opening in the shell providing access to a storage compartment, a seat disposed on the shell, and a support structure configured to substantially maintain a shape of the shell if a user sits on the seat. The shell can include a top portion and a base portion, the top portion being smaller than the base portion, and the seat being disposed on the top portion. The container can also include a power source operable to provide power to an electronic device. The power source can be a rechargeable battery. The electronic device can be a laptop computer. The power source can be configured to supply power to the electronic device when the electronic device is placed in the storage compartment.  
         [0005]     An attachable seat is also provided. The seat includes a seat portion and a securing device configured to secure the seat portion to a piece of luggage. The seat can be padded and conformed into a chair or saddle-like contour for sitting in various positions. The seat can be located on the top or side of the luggage. The seat portion can include a recessed portion configured to receive a top portion of the piece of luggage. The securing device can be a strap configured to at least partly encircle the piece of luggage. The seat can alternatively be integrated into the structural frame of the container. The seat can have an embedded handle by which the container can be lifted, carried, or moved. The seat can have permanent or removable covers.  
         [0006]     Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a portable container with a seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2A  is a diagram of a locking stabilizing device for a portable container in an unlocked position in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2B  is a diagram of a locking stabilizing device for a portable container in a locked position in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a portable container showing one location of a locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a portable container which has stabilizing skids in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a portable container which has stabilizing skids in a tilted position in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of a portable container having a seat and a stabilizing leg in a retracted position in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of a portable container having a seat and a stabilizing leg in a stabilizing position in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of a container that resembles a backpack in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a container adapted to serve as a tacklebox in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of a backpack-style container adapted for use by students in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  is a diagram of a container adapted to serve as a golf bag in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 12  is a diagram of a container adapted to serve as a toolbox in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0020]      FIG. 13  is a diagram of a container adapted for use by executives in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 14A  is perspective view of a portable container with an integrated recessed seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 14B  is side view of a portable container with an integrated recessed seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 14C  is frontal view of a portable container with an integrated recessed seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0024]      FIG. 15A  is perspective view of a portable container with an integrated saddle seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0025]      FIG. 15B  is side view of a portable container with an integrated saddle seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0026]      FIG. 15C  is frontal view of a portable container with an integrated saddle seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0027]      FIG. 16A  is perspective view of a portable container with a narrow top and wide base in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0028]      FIG. 16B  is side view of a portable container with a narrow top and wide base in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0029]      FIG. 16C  is frontal view of a portable container with a narrow top and wide base in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0030]      FIG. 17A  is perspective view of a portable container with a narrow top and wide base and straps in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0031]      FIG. 17B  is side view of a portable container with a narrow top and wide base and straps in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0032]      FIG. 17C  is frontal view of a portable container with a narrow top and wide base and straps in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0033]      FIG. 18A  is front and side view of a seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0034]      FIG. 18B  is front and side view of another seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0035]      FIG. 18C  is front and side view of another seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0036]      FIG. 18D  is front and side view of another seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0037]      FIG. 18E  is front and side view of another seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is perspective view four seat covers in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0039]      FIG. 20A  is perspective view of a portable container with a laptop pocket in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0040]      FIG. 20B  is side view of a portable container with a laptop pocket in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0041]      FIG. 20C  is frontal view of a portable container with a laptop pocket in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0042]      FIG. 21A  is perspective view of a strap-on seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0043]      FIG. 21B  is side view of a strap-on seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0044]      FIG. 21C  is frontal view of a strap-on seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0045]      FIG. 22A  is frontal view of a rigid container with a latch in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0046]      FIG. 22B  is side view of a rigid container with a latch in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0047]      FIG. 23A  is frontal view of a duffle bag container in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0048]      FIG. 23B  is side view of a duffle bag container in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0049]      FIG. 24A  is perspective view of a frame with a suspension system in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0050]      FIG. 24B  is side view of a portion of a frame with a suspension system in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0051]      FIG. 24C  is perspective view of another frame with a suspension system in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0052]      FIG. 24D  is side view of a portion of another frame with a suspension system in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0053]      FIG. 24E  is side view of another frame with a suspension system in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0054]      FIG. 24F  is perspective view of another frame with a suspension system in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0055]      FIG. 25A  is a perspective view of a portable container with a retractable seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0056]      FIG. 25B  is a side view of a portable container with a retractable seat in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0057]      FIG. 25C  is a top view of a portable container with a retractable seat in which a user is pulling the retractable seat towards an extended position in accordance with one embodiment.  
         [0058]      FIG. 25D  is a top view of a portable container with a retractable seat in a retracted position in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0059]     Various embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 1-25D . In one embodiment, the container can be used to alleviate some of the strains of frequent travel, such as standing in ticketing lines and taxi lines and sitting on floors or leaning on walls while waiting to board a plane or bus; however, the container can be used in any suitable situation.  
         [0060]     One function of the container can be to transport belongings and contents during travel; however, the container can transport any suitable items. The container can resemble and/or act as luggage, a backpack, a carrying case or any other suitable portable container design. The container can have an upper surface that is adapted to function as a seat for the user; however, any suitable portion or no portion of the contain can be adapted to function as a seat. The container preferably includes a rigid frame or hard shell; however, the container is not required to have a rigid frame or a hard shell. The container preferably includes a stable base; however, the container is not required to have a stable base. Further, the container preferably includes a handle, which may be extensible or telescopic; however, the container is not required to have a handle or the handle can be of any suitable type.  
         [0061]     The container can include a base including one or more wheels. The wheels can be configured to be locked or otherwise restricted in motion. The wheels can be retractable, such that they no longer protrude from the container or the base of the container; however, the wheels are not required to be retractable or the wheels can be retractable in any suitable manner. The base can include rails and/or legs configured such that the wheels do not touch the ground or other rolling surface when the user positions the container for sitting; however, the rails and/or legs can be configured in any suitable manner. The rails and/or legs can be fixed or extendible from the base or from the sides of the container, such as by unfolding or by extending from a compartment or can be arranged in any other suitable manner. The wheels can be coupled to springs, or the wheel axles or any other suitable portion of the portable container can be coupled to springs that allow the wheels to turn and the container to be rolled when in transport, but that compress or contract causing the wheels to move at least partly into the base of the container when the user sits on the upper surface such that the bag does not roll and/or is stable for sitting.  
         [0062]     The portable container can include additional features for the convenience of the user and/or to increase stability, portability, and/or usefulness. The container can include a pouch or receiving sleeve for a laptop or portable computer or any other suitable item. The pouch or sleeve can include a connection to a power source, so that a laptop or other electronic device, when inserted into the pouch and/or connected to the power source, is supplied with power to operate or recharge a battery. In one embodiment, the power source includes a rechargeable battery and is coupled to a power connector which can couple to another power source (such as a typical power outlet) to recharge the battery and/or supply power directly to the laptop computer or other electrical device.  
         [0063]     In other embodiments, the container can include one or more internal and/or external pockets for receiving contents and for easy organization and storage. The container can include a zipper or other closure along at least a portion of the perimeter of the upper surface, which may join the upper surface and the sides of the container, allowing access to at least a portion of the interior of the container. The container can alternatively include a zipper or other closure along at least a portion of at least one side of the container, which may join the upper surface and the side or the side and at least one other side, allowing access to at least a portion of the interior of the container. The container can include a zipper or other closure along any suitable portion.  
         [0064]     The container can include hard materials, such as plastics or metals, and/or soft metals, such as canvas, leather, corduroy, duralite, microfiber, nylon, polyester, and rayon, and/or any other suitable material. The frame or shell can include any suitable material, including plastics and metals. The sides, upper surface, and base of the container can be joined to at least a portion of the frame or shell or may comprises at least a portion of the frame or shell or can be arranged in any other suitable manner.  
         [0065]     In various embodiments, the container can be configured in the form of a backpack with an integrated seat in the upper surface and an internal frame made from aluminum tubing. The container can include a wide base at the bottom in order to provide stability when the user sits upon the upper surface. Preferably, at least one edge of the base and potentially one side of the container are crescent shaped or otherwise designed to fit comfortably and securely around the back of the user; however the container can be arranged in any suitable manner. The container can also include two wheels as part of the base and a telescoping handle.  
         [0066]     In other embodiments, a container can resemble a carrying case which serves one function as luggage or a backpack. The container can also include a functioning seat integrated into the basic design as a secondary function. Some users of these portable containers may consider the primary function of the portable containers as a carrying case for travel, sports, school, or other personal items, but preferably will be able to use the device, with little or no modification and with little or no assembly, as a stable seat that can support any suitable amount of weight (e.g., at least 300 lbs, at least 500 lbs, etc.). The container can resemble, in one of its many forms, a typical carry-on suitcase or backpack, although the container will preferably contain rigid internal frames or hard-body shells, a seat on top, and a stable base.  
         [0067]     A portable container can be configured to resemble any suitable container type such as a carrying case, luggage, or backpack. The portable container preferably includes an integrated seat. One possible function of the container is as a carrying case, for example, for travel, sports, school, or other personal items. Another possible function of the container, with little or no modification and with little or no assembly, is as a stable seat. The container can resemble a typical carrying case, suitcase, or backpack. The container can include at least one of a rigid internal frame and a hard-body shell, a seat, and a stable base. The container can include one or more wheels on its base and an extendible handle.  
         [0068]     A portable container can look like a travel suitcase design to serve as a seat when the container is in the upright position. The side that faces up when the container is in an upright position preferably has a padded seat integrated into the face of the side. The seat may or may not be padded, and may or may not be contoured for comfort and oriented for use in either direction. The container&#39;s shape is preferably reinforced by an aluminum frame capable of withstanding the weight of an adult sitting on it. The container can include a retractable handle, wheels and a two handles, one on the top side and another on the side. The exterior fabric of the container can be any suitable material including microfiber, nylon, leathers and suede.  
         [0069]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , in one embodiment, the container  100  can be at least partly stabilized by locking the wheels  102 . When a telescoping handle  104  is retracted into the container  100 , a rubber grip  106  at the base of the handle  104  preferably latches on to the axel  108 , preventing the wheels  102  from turning; however, a retracted telescopic handle  104  or other element can lock or impede movement of the wheels  102  in any suitable manner. Preferably, the locked wheels  102  enhance the stability of the container  100  making it sturdier to sit on. The container  100  preferably also includes a padded and/or formed seat  110 ; however a padded or formed seat  110  is not required. The seat  110  is preferably configured so that the handle can rise past or through the seat  110 . The container  110  can also optionally have a handle  112  on one or more surfaces. Further, the container  112  preferably includes one or more legs or skids  114  arranged such that when the container  110  rests on the wheels  102  and the legs  114 , the seat  110  is substantially parallel to the surface on which the container  100  rests.  
         [0070]     As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , in one embodiment, similar to the above embodiment, the container  200  preferably includes a seat  206 , a telescoping handle  208  and one or more other handles  210 . The container  200  can include one or more large skids  202  on the base of the base of the container  200 . Preferably, when the container  200  is in the upright position, the wheels  204  are slightly suspended off the ground and the container  200  rests solely on the skids  202 . In order to roll the container  200 , the container  200  needs to be tilted towards the wheels  204 , enabling the wheels  204  to touch the ground.  
         [0071]     The wheels (or axels) of a container can rest on springs. When the container is sat on, the wheels will retract at least partly into the container, causing the container to rest on its bottom side. If no one is sitting on container, the springs push the wheels out enabling the user to roll the container.  
         [0072]     As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , in one embodiment, similar to the above embodiment, the container  300  preferably includes one or more handles  304 , wheels  306 , and one or more legs or skids  308 . The container  200  can include a seat or portion of a seat  302  can be flipped out from a side (e.g., the back side) of the container  300 . Preferably, if the seat  302  is pulled out to a seating enabling position as shown in  FIG. 7 , an additional stabilizing leg  310  also automatically folds out. However, in other embodiments, the additional leg  310  folds out independently of the seat  302  or is absent.  
         [0073]     Preferably, the seat  302  is supported by aluminum hinges  312  that lock when the seat  302  is unfolded to the seating enabling position; however, the seat  302  can be supported in any suitable manner and the hinges  312  can be any suitable material. Preferably, hinges  314  stabilize the leg  310  in the unfolded position as shown in  FIG. 7 , and the hinges  314  also lock, similar to hinges  312 ; however, the leg  310  can be stabilized in any suitable manner. The additional leg  310  widens the base of the container  300 , resulting in a more stable seating platform in at least one axis (e.g., the axis running through the leg  308 , wheel  306  and additional leg  310 ). Individuals tend to be more stable in a left-right axis when sitting than they are in a front-back axis. To accommodate for this difference in human stability, in one embodiment, the seat  302  is contoured or otherwise configured to encourage a user to sit on the seat  302  such that the user&#39;s front-back axis is substantially parallel to axis made more stable by the additional leg  310 .  
         [0074]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, the container  400  can resemble a backpack with rigid internal frames so as to provide support for the seat  402  located on the top of the pack. Preferably, waterproof material (e.g., gortex) covers the bottom  404  and runs six inches (or any suitable distance) up the sides of the container so that when the container is set down in the upright position in a moist environment, the contents in the container will not get wet. However, the waterproof material is not required, and water control can be implemented in any suitable manner, including but not limited to lining an interior portion or pocket surface with a waterproof or water resistant material.  
         [0075]     Preferably, the container  400  in this embodiment includes straps  406  and several mesh pockets  408 . Additionally, the container  400  preferably has an expandable vinyl outer shell; however, the exterior of the container  400  can have any suitable properties and can include any suitable material. Further, the container  400  is preferably lightweight and suitable for transporting sports goods (e.g., large enough to transport a basketball or other sports equipment).  
         [0076]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, a portable container  500  is configured to help fishermen transport fishing tackle and potentially the day&#39;s catch. Preferably, the container  500  includes wheels  502 , one or more legs,  504  a telescoping handle  506  and one or more retractable trays  508  to store tackle. Preferably, the top half of the container  500  includes a waterproof cooler  510  to carry the day&#39;s catch, bait, a picnic, drinks or any other suitable item. Alternatively, the container  500  can include a refrigeration device. In the upright position, the hinged top or a portion thereof of the container preferable serves as a seat  512 . Preferably, the top forms a water-tight seal for the cooler  510  and can be removed to access the cooler  510 ; however, the top can be configured in any suitable manner and the cooler  508  can be accessed in any suitable manner. Further, the shell of the container  500  is preferably a rigid plastic; however, the shell can include any suitable material.  
         [0077]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, a portable container  600  can be configured to be useful for students of any age. The container  600  preferably includes a telescoping handle  602 , wheels  604 , one or more legs  606 , a padded laptop sleeve  608  and straps  610  so that it can be carried as a backpack. The container can include an internal aluminum frame designed to support the seat  612  and a canvas outer shell; however the internal frame and outer shell can each include any suitable material. When the bag is in the upright position, the seat  612  can be integrated into the top side of the container or a portion thereof.  
         [0078]     The laptop sleeve  608  can include or be coupled to a power source. The power source can include one or more plugs, adaptors, induction devices or any other devices suitable for supplying power to a laptop or other electronic device placed in or coupled to the sleeve  608 . Preferably, the power source is a rechargeable battery which can be coupled to another power supply (e.g., a wall outlet) to recharge; however, the power supply can be any suitable power supply. In one embodiment, a generator is included to recharge the battery. The generator can generate energy as a result of the turning of wheels  604 , the motion of the container  600  when moved or worn similar to batteryless no-wind watches, the action of a fuel cell, a solar panel, a wind turbine or any other suitable energy generating mechanism.  
         [0079]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , in one embodiment, a portable container  700  can resemble a golf bag with a seat  702  integrated into its design. The container  700  preferably appears like a typical golf bag, and the container  700  can include wheels  704  in order to make the easy to transport on and off the golf course and legs  706  to increase the stability of the container in a seating enabling position. Preferably, the seat  702  protrudes from the main bag and is supported by an aluminum frame; however, the seat  702  can be supported in any other suitable manner. Under the seat, there is preferably storage space  708  accessible through a zipper or any other suitable accessing device. In one embodiment, the container  700  includes a ball washer. The ball washer can be of the crank or plunger variety or any other suitable washing device.  
         [0080]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , in one embodiment, a portable container  800  can resemble a rolling toolbox with an integrated seat  802  on the topside. Preferably, the container  800  includes a retractable handle  804  and wheels  806  enabling the user to roll the container  800  easily. Similar to other embodiment, the container  800  also has one or more legs  808 . Preferably, the container  800  includes one or more trays  810  that can be pulled out from the front side of the container and in which tools can be stored and/or organized. Further, the seat  802  is preferably hingedly attached to the container  800  so that the seat  802  can be raised to provide access to an additional equipment tray  812 .  
         [0081]     Preferably, the container  800  includes a power source that can include one or more plugs, adaptors, induction devices or any other devices suitable for supplying power to corded power tool or a rechargeable batter for a cordless power tool. Preferably, the power source is a rechargeable battery which can be coupled to another power supply (e.g., a wall outlet) to recharge; however, the power supply can be any suitable power supply. In one embodiment, a generator is included to recharge the battery. The generator can generate energy as a result of the turning of wheels  806 , the motion of the container  800  when moved similar to batteryless no-wind watches, the action of a fuel cell, a solar panel, a wind turbine or any other suitable energy generating mechanism.  
         [0082]     As shown in  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment, a portable container  900  can project a classy image with its exterior being made of black or tan leather; however, the exterior can include any suitable material and can have any suitable color or pattern. Preferably, the container  900  includes a telescoping handle  902 , wheels  904 , one or more legs or skids  906 , and strong additional handle on one or more sides to make it easy to transport. The interior preferably includes a padded sleeve for laptops and a rigid frame to support a seat  908 . The seat  908  is preferably integrated into the topside of the bag when the container is in an upright position. The container  900  also preferably includes several other pockets  910  on the outside of the main carrying space. Preferably, the dimensions of the container  900  are small enough so that it will enable the owner to carry the bag on an airplane as carry-on rather than checked luggage.  
         [0083]     As shown in FIGS.  14 A-C, in one embodiment, a portable container  1000  can have an integrated recessed seat  1002 . The container also optionally includes a telescoping handle  1004 , wheels  1006 , legs  1008 , one or more exterior pockets  1010 , and an interior cavity accessibly by opening a front surface  1012 . Preferably, the front surface  1012  is opened by unzipping three sides of the front surface  1012 , preferably excluding the bottom side; however, the interior cavity can be accessible in any suitable manner.  
         [0084]     Preferably, the seat  1002  is padded; however, the seat  1002  is not required to be padded. Further, the seat  1002  is preferably configured such that the top surface of the container  1000  slopes downward towards the portion of the container  1000  that is over the legs  1008  rather than the wheels  1006 . As a result, the seat  1002  is provided with additional depth. Further, the seat  1002  guides the person sitting upon it to sit at approximately an area of the seat which provides for substantially optimal stability. For example, the user is guided to sit with more weight forward, over the legs  1008  instead of back over the wheels  1006 . As a result, more of the user&#39;s weight is supported by the legs  1008  instead of the wheels  1006 , making the container  1000  less likely to tip backwards or roll. In another embodiment, the seat  1002  is configured to cause a user to sit substantially over the center of gravity of the container  1000 .  
         [0085]     As shown in FIGS.  15 A-C, in one embodiment, a portable container  1100  includes an integrated saddle seat  1102 . The container also optionally includes a telescoping handle  1104 , wheels  1106 , legs  1108 , one or more exterior pockets  1110 , and an interior cavity accessibly by opening a front surface  1112 . Preferably, the front surface  1112  is opened by unzipping three sides of the front surface  1112 , preferably excluding the bottom side; however, the interior cavity can be accessible in any suitable manner.  
         [0086]     The seat  1102  also preferably includes a handle portion  1114  and is configured to guide a user to sit facing a right or left side of the container  1100  instead of the front or the back. Further, the seat  1102  preferably covers the entire top surface of the container  1100 , is padded and rounded with a depression substantially near the center, and has a raised back, making the seat  1102  similar to a bicycle seat. Further, the seat is preferably slightly sloped towards the front end. As a result, the user&#39;s least stable axis (forward and back) is aligned with the longer of the two dimensions of the container  1100  when in the seating enabling position. Consequently, the user&#39;s greater ability to stabilize in a left and right direction prevents the user from tipping the container  1100  in those directions and the container&#39;s greater stability along the user&#39;s front and back directions prevents the user from tipping the container  1100  in those directions.  
         [0087]     As shown in FIGS.  16 A-C, in one embodiment, a portable container  1200  has a wider base than top. Similar to other embodiments, the container  1200  optionally includes a telescoping handle  1204 , wheels  1206 , legs  1208 , one or more exterior pockets  1210 , and an interior cavity accessibly by opening a front surface  1212 . Preferably, the front surface  1212  is opened by unzipping three sides of the front surface  1212 , preferably excluding the bottom side; however, the interior cavity can be accessible in any suitable manner.  
         [0088]     The seat  1202  is located at the top of the container  1200  and preferably extends beyond one or more sides of the container  1200 . Preferably, the sides slope inwards from the base to the seat  1202 . As a result, the seat is preferably located over the center of mass of the container  1200 , increasing the stability of the container  1200 .  
         [0089]     As shown in FIGS.  17 A-C, in one embodiment, a portable container  1300  similar to the one illustrated in FIGS.  16 A-C, having a wider base than top, can also be a backpack. Accordingly, the container  1300  includes straps  1302 . Preferably, the container  1300  includes padding on the side which will rest on the user&#39;s back. Further, the container  1300  optionally includes a waist strap to distribute some of the weight of the container  1300  to the user&#39;s hips rather than the shoulders and back. Preferably, the straps  1302  and waist strap, if any, can be retracted and/or stored in compartments of the container  1300 .  
         [0090]     FIGS.  18 A-E show different possible seat configurations for use in one or more embodiments. A saddle style seat  1400  encourages a sitter to sit long-wise on a container and use the sitter&#39;s legs to stabilize against left/right tipping. Another saddle style seat  1402  has a depression near the center, creating an appearance and functionality similar to that of a bicycle seat. A basic seat  1404  has a rectangular shape and a substantially flat seating surface. A recessed seat  1406  provides comfort and positions a sitter in a location configured to substantially optimize the stability of a container. The seat  1406  can have a sloped surface similar to the one described above. Alternatively, the seat  1408  can have a substantially flat top surface surrounding the recessed portion.  
         [0091]      FIG. 19  shows four exemplary seat covers  1500 . The seat covers  1500  are preferably at least partly elastic to cause the covers  1500  to fit tightly on a seat; however, the seat covers are not required to have any elasticity. Further, the covers  1500  preferably include a Velcro strip configured to attach to another Velcro strip on the container, thus securing the cover  1500  to the container; however, the covers  1500  can be secured to the containers in any suitable manner. The covers  1500  can include any suitable material and can have any suitable pattern or design, including flags, university or company, sports team, or government entity logos or other indicators, images of one or more individuals (e.g., a loved one, an enemy, or a liked or unliked celebrity).  
         [0092]     As shown in FIGS.  20 A-C, in one embodiment, a portable container  1600  includes an isolated laptop storage pocket  1602 . The pocket  1602  preferably has access from the side of the container  1600  and is accessibly by a zipper, Velcro or any other suitable opening and closing device. As a result, a user can access a laptop in the pocket  1602  or place a laptop in the pocket  1602  without the need to open the main compartment. The container  1600  also optionally includes a telescoping handle  1604 , wheels  1606 , legs  1608 , a cup holder, and a seat  1610 . The container  1600  preferably includes an internal aluminum frame designed to support the seat  1610 ; however the internal frame can include any suitable material. Further, the container  1600  preferably includes padding (e.g., a foam or gel pad) above and below the laptop to reduce the compressive forces that may be exerted on the laptop when the user sits on the seat  1610 .  
         [0093]     The pocket  1602  can include or be coupled to a power source. The power source can include one or more plugs, adaptors, induction devices or any other devices suitable for supplying power to a laptop or other electronic device placed in or coupled to the pocket  1602 . Preferably, the power source is a rechargeable battery which can be coupled to another power supply (e.g., a wall outlet) to recharge; however, the power supply can be any suitable power supply. Preferably, the battery can be recharged while power is simultaneously supplied to the laptop (e.g., to operate the laptop or to recharge its battery). For example, a user can place the laptop in the pocket  1602  and plug the container into the wall to recharge both the container&#39;s rechargeable battery and the laptop&#39;s battery.  
         [0094]     In another embodiment, the container  1600  includes a retractable platform upon which a laptop can rest while being operated. The platform is preferably located such that when a user is sitting as desired in the seat (i.e., sitting in a substantially optimal position for stability), the platform is substantially in front of the user. The platform can include a plug, cord, adapter or any other device suitable to couple the laptop to the container&#39;s  1600  power source.  
         [0095]     In one embodiment, a generator is included to recharge the battery. The generator can generate energy as a result of the turning of wheels  1606 , the motion of the container  1600  when moved or worn similar to batteryless no-wind watches, the action of a fuel cell or any other suitable energy generating mechanism.  
         [0096]     In one embodiment, a device which provides vibration or massaging action to the seat  1610  is powered by the container&#39;s  1600  power source. The vibration provides additional comfort and relaxation to the user.  
         [0097]     As shown in FIGS.  21 A-C, in one embodiment, a seat  1700  is provided. The seat  1700  can be harnessed to a container  1702  to provide a user with the ability to sit comfortably on the container  1702 . The seat  1700  can have any suitable design including those described in embodiment above, ones resembling a booster chair or seats with backs. The seat  1700  can include any suitable material, such as molded plastic or aluminum. The seat  1700  can also include any suitable cushioning such as gel, foam, or cotton. Further, the seat can have any suitable covering, such as a smooth fabric.  
         [0098]     Preferably, the seat has a recessed area or compressible area into which a top portion of the container  1702  can be positioned. Preferably, the seat  1700  attaches to the container  1702  by a harness system including Velcro straps  1704 ; however, the seat  1700  can be attached to the container in any suitable manner such as hooks, clasps, metal teeth fasteners, snaps and buttons. The container  1702  may be designed to mate with the recess of the seat  1700 ; however, the seat  1700  can also be generically usable on pre-existing containers (e.g., by configuring the compressible area to accommodate more than one different size and shape of container).  
         [0099]     In one embodiment, a collapsible or adjustable support frame is provided with the seat  1700 . The frame can be positioned within the container  1702  to ensure the container  1702  does not collapse when a user sits on it. The height and width of the frame can be adjusted in any suitable manner, including a ratchet system or a strong twist system similar to those used in many camera tripods.  
         [0100]     FIGS.  22 A-B show an exemplary embodiment of a large suitcase having an embedded seat. This embodiment is similar to above embodiments and includes a latch  1800 ; however, a container can have any suitable closing or locking device or no such device. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of 12″×24″×36″ are exemplary only and other embodiments can have other dimensions. For example, the embodiment shown in FIGS.  23 A-B is a sports dufflebag with an embedded seat having a height of 12″ and a width in the range of 24″ to 36″.  
         [0101]     FIGS.  24 A-F show three embodiments in which the frames  1900   a,    1900   b  and  1900   c  include a suspension system. The suspension system both provided additional comfort to a user and causes the seat to tip forward when the user sits so that the user&#39;s weight is shifted towards the front of the container. As a result, the container is more stable to sit upon. The frame  1900   a  or  1900   b  is shown as including twelve rods connected to form a box frame; however, the frame can include any suitable number of rods, panels or other structures and form any suitable shape, for example that shown in frame  1900   c,  which has fewer rods than frames  1900   a  and  1900   b  and in which some of the rods are curved.  
         [0102]     Preferably, two of the upright rods or members of the frame extend beyond the box and curve around so that the portion becomes substantially parallel to the top of the box. The seat  1902   a  or  1902   b  is placed upon this parallel portion  1904   a  or  1904   b  such that the user will sit facing away from the curve  1906   a  or  1906   b  of the upright members. Preferably, the curve  1906   a  or  1906   b  is flexible. As a result, portion  1904   a  or  1904   b  will rest in one position  1908   a  or  1908   b  when no one is sitting in the seat  1902   a  or  1902   b,  and a second, lower (e.g., one to three inches lower) position  1910   a  or  1910   b  when someone is sitting in the seat  1902   a  or  1902   b.  Thus, a sitter is leaned slightly forward, making the container more stable. The frame  1900   a  or  1900   b  preferably includes a compressible guide portion  1912   a  or  1912   b  which couples the end of the portion  1904   a  or  1904   b  (e.g., the free end) to the front upright members; however, such a guide portion is not required. The guide portion  1912   a  or  1912   b  can preferably help prevent the parallel portion  1904   a  or  1904   b  from moving too far in a downward or sideways direction. Further, the frame also preferably includes a cross bar  1914   a  or  1914   b  between the ends of the parallel portion  1904   a  or  1904   b;  however, such a cross bar is not required.  
         [0103]     FIGS.  25 A-D show a portable container having an extendible seat. The container  2000  is similar to one or more above described embodiments. The container includes a seat and an extendible seat portion  2002 . Preferably, the extendible seat portion  2002  can retract into an opening or shelf in the container  2000  below the seat. Preferably, the seat portion  2002  is manually extended and/or retracted; however, the seat portion  2002  can be extended and/or retracted in any suitable manner utilizing any suitable device, including a spring mechanism or a latch/release mechanism. Preferably, the seat portion  2002  includes a stopping device which prevents the seat portion from being completely removed from the container  2000 ; however, in various embodiments, the seat portion  2002  can be completely removed from the container  2000 .  
         [0104]     It should be understood that various aspects of the embodiments described above can be used in or with other embodiments described above. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.