Abstract:
An apparatus that includes a suitcase and integrated support arrangements that are transformable from an extended state to provide support for a person to lie down and a stored state for ease of transport.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/449,453, filed Mar. 4, 2011, entitled A Suitcase Arrangement, to which a claim of priority is hereby made and the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to travel accessories and more particularly to an apparatus that can be selectively converted to an elongated support surface for use as a bed or the like support. 
       OBJECTIVE 
       [0003]    An objective of the present invention is to realize a suitcase or the like that can be converted into a bed or chaise lounge. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    It is well known that a traveler may become stranded in an airport terminal or the like place for an extended period of time due to unexpected delays in the availability of transport arrangements. In such circumstances, the traveler may need to stay at the airport until alternative arrangements are made. While waiting, a traveler may need to rest. Airports and other like facilities typically provide very little space suitable for rest. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,900 discloses a suitcase having foldable portions that can be arranged in an extended state to provide a support surface that can be used as a bed. The foldable portions discloses by U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,900 must traverse the storage space of the suitcase when stored or deployed for use. Thus, a traveler must remove the stored items in order to use the suitcase as a bed or the like resting apparatus, which is inconvenient and burdensome. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,005,709 discloses a trunk having an arrangement that can be transformed into a bed. This arrangement includes a mattress stored in a storage facility that is integrated with the trunk, the storage facility including two hinged support bodies that function to support a portion of the weight of the mattress when the apparatus is deployed for use. The purpose of the mattress is to provide a level surface to support a person in the lying position. Otherwise, the platform realized when the support bodies are deployed includes a substantially recessed surface in the mid section thereof which would not allow a traveler to comfortably use the same as a bed without the mattress. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,627 discloses a briefcase with extendable leaves that can be used as extra work space in an extended state. The extra support surfaces provided by the leaves are recessed below the top surface of the suit case. This arrangement does not provide a surface that could provide proper support for a person in a lying state. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,523 discloses a suitcase having extendable leaves to define a surface that can be used as an ironing board. The ironing board so defined is as narrow as the narrowest side of the suitcase. Moreover, the arrangement is not configured to provide proper support for a person in a lying state. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An object of the present invention is to provide a suitcase that includes integrated support mechanisms that can be extended to define a platform suitable for use as a bed or a chaise lounge by a user. The platform so defined may include support regions that can support at least the upper section (above the chest) and the mid section (between the chest and below the hips) of a user&#39;s body and preferably also the bottom section (below the hips and down to the ankles) of the user. 
         [0010]    A suitcase according to the present invention includes at least one support surface which in an extended state includes a region that intercepts a plane coinciding with an exterior region of a top panel or a base panel of the suitcase that can support a mid section of a user in a lying position. The intercepting region thus can support a portion of the upper section of the user in the lying position. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a support mechanism that can be changed from an extended state to a stored state without interfering with the storage space, whereby the user is not forced to remove the items in the storage space in order to deploy the supports for use as a bed or a chaise lounge. 
         [0012]    An apparatus according to the present invention, therefore, may include a suitcase having a base panel, a top panel spaced from the base panel, and a plurality of side panels extending from the base panel around a storage space between the top panel and the base panel for receiving items, the base panel and the top panels having a width and a length, and each side panel having a width, which is shorter than the length and the width of the base and top panels, a first support arrangement residing at one side of the suitcase selectively transformable from an extended state to a stored state and from a stored state to an extended state without interfering with the storage space, wherein in the extended state the support arrangement includes a support surface with a region that is intercepted by a horizontal plane coinciding and coplanar with an exterior region of one of the base panel and the top panel. Preferably, an apparatus according to the present invention includes a second support residing at another side of the suitcase opposite the one side and is selectively transformable from an extended state to a stored state and from a stored state to an extended state without interfering with the storage space. Preferably, each support arrangement is wider than the width of the side panels. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, in the extended state, each support arrangement includes a support surface with a region that is intercepted by a plane coinciding with an exterior region of one of the base panel and the top panel. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, each the support arrangement comprises a frame that includes two spaced elongated legs that are connected to one another by an elongated connector and a compliant body that is detachably connectable to the connector. The embodiment may further include a first longitudinally extending support and a second longitudinally extending support, each having two opposite open ends leading into a hollow interior, wherein each longitudinally extending support receives in the interior thereof a respective leg of a frame from one end thereof. The legs of the first support may be receivable in the interior of the legs of the second support in one variation of this embodiment. This embodiment may further include a roller mechanism associated with each compliant body, each roller mechanism including a roller body, wherein the compliant body is rolled around the roller body in the stored state. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the support surfaces overlap one another and one of the base panel and the top panel in the stored state. The support arrangements may rotate to move from the stored state to the extended state, or may slide when moved from the stored state to the extended state. 
         [0016]    An apparatus according to the present invention is: 
         [0017]    great for resting after a long day at the airport, bus station, or train; 
         [0018]    perfect for crowded airports, with no seats available; 
         [0019]    usable as an infant changing table; 
         [0020]    a secure way of guarding your valuables while you rest. 
         [0021]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  shows a first perspective view of a suitcase according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  shows another perspective view of a suitcase according to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a connector portion of a frame section of a support in a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0025]    FIG.  1 C′ illustrates a connector portion of a frame section of a support in a suitcase according to the present invention with the integrated stabilizer thereof partially deployed. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a roller for use with a support mechanism of a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0027]    FIG.  1 D′ illustrates another arrangement for coupling a sheet to a frame portion of a support. 
           [0028]    FIG.  1 D″ illustrates a frame portion configured for coupling to a hook-shaped coupling to realize the arrangement illustrated by FIG.  1 D′. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1E  illustrates a roller mechanism for use with a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 1F  illustrates a first bracket portion for receiving an end of a supporting rod of the roller mechanism. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1G  illustrates a second bracket portion for receiving another end of the supporting rod of the roller mechanism. 
           [0032]      FIG. 1H  illustrates the spring loading arrangement of the roller mechanism. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1I  illustrates the roller mechanism in a disassembled state. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1J  shows the interior of the container section of a suitcase according to the present invention without the rolling mechanisms. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1K  shows the interior of the container section of a suitcase according to the present invention with two rolling mechanisms installed in place, and one frame drawn out for illustrative purposes. 
           [0036]      FIG. 1L  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with one support arrangement in an extended state and one support arrangement in a stored state. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 1M and 1N  illustrate the arrangement of the roller mechanisms in a suitcase according to the embodiment disclosed by  FIG. 1L . 
           [0038]      FIG. 1O  illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1L  with both support arrangements in an extended state. 
           [0039]      FIG. 1P  illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1L  with both support arrangements in a stored state. 
           [0040]      FIG. 1Q  illustrates a side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1L  with a frame thereof in an extended state. 
           [0041]      FIG. 1R  illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1L  with a frame thereof in an extended state and ready for use as a handle for dragging the suitcase. 
           [0042]      FIG. 1S  illustrates a back plan view of an apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1L  with the support arrangements in a stored state. 
           [0043]      FIG. 1T  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1L  with the support arrangements in an extended state. 
           [0044]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a side plan view of a telescopic support mechanism for use with a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 2B  shows a cross-sectional view along line  2 B- 2 B in  FIG. 2A , viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
           [0046]      FIG. 2C  shows a top plan view of a portion of the telescopic support mechanism. 
           [0047]      FIG. 2D  shows a side plan view of a portion of the telescopic support mechanism in one state of operation. 
           [0048]      FIG. 2E  shows a side plan view of a portion of the telescopic support mechanism in another state of operation. 
           [0049]      FIG. 2F  shows a cross-sectional view along line  2 F- 2 F viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
           [0050]      FIG. 2G  illustrates a button operated, manual release mechanism for releasing two integrated catches in side legs of a frame of a support in a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 2H and 2I  further illustrate the operation of a release mechanism according to  FIG. 2G . 
           [0052]      FIG. 2J  illustrates an actuator mechanism for use with the release mechanism of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 2K  illustrates another actuator mechanism for use with the release mechanism of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 3A  shows a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 3B  shows a side plan view of the suitcase of  FIG. 3A  in one state (with the supports being deployed). 
           [0056]      FIG. 3C  shows a side plan view of a suitcase of  FIG. 3A  in another state (with the supports being in the stored state). 
           [0057]      FIG. 3D  shows a side plan view of the suitcase of  FIG. 3A  with the supports and a stabilizer deployed. 
           [0058]      FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of a suitcase according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of the suitcase shown in  FIG. 4A  in a state ready for use. 
           [0060]      FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrates a number of perspective views of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 6A  shows a side plan view of a suitcase according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIGS. 6B-6D  illustrate various plan views of a suitcase as illustrated by  FIG. 6A  in different states of use. 
           [0063]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of another support arrangement for use with a suitcase according to the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase that includes supports according to the support illustrated by  FIG. 7A . 
           [0065]      FIG. 7C  illustrates a perspective view of a suitcase according to  FIG. 7B  with supports in an in operative state. 
           [0066]      FIG. 8A  shows a top plan view of a suitcase with integrated, retractable supports according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0067]      FIG. 8B  shows a top plan view of the suitcase shown by  FIG. 8A  with the support sections thereof in an operative state. 
           [0068]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a slot on a side of a suitcase according to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 8A  for receiving a support. 
           [0069]      FIG. 8D  illustrates a top view of the interior of a suitcase of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0070]      FIG. 9A-9G  illustrate another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0071]    Unless otherwise indicated like numerals identify like features in the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0072]    The figures attached to this description are not drawn to scale. 
         [0073]    In this application, ′ and ″ are not to be understood to be designations for feet or inches or any other unit of measurement. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a perspective view of a first embodiment of a suitcase  10  in an apparatus according to the present invention. Suitcase  10  includes a container section  12 . Container section  12  is integrated with a top panel  14  which may be hingedly coupled to container section  12  so that it may be selectively moved to allow access to an interior storage space of container  12 . In a typical configuration, container section  12  may have a cubical configuration with two opposing and generally parallel long panels  12 ′ and two opposing and generally parallel short panels  12 ″ each being directly or indirectly attached to a common base panel  16  to define the storage space of container section  12 . The storage space so defined receives transportable, travel-related items such as clothing and other personal items. Top panel  14  is connected (e.g., via a living hinge or the like) to one of the panels  12 ′,  12 ″. In the embodiment illustrated, top panel  14  is connected to a long panel  12 ′, although it could also be connected to a short panel  12 ″ without deviating from the scope of the present invention. A top panel  14  so connected can be selectively rotated about its hinged connection to allow access to the storage space of container section  12 . Furthermore, top panel  14  can be coupled to panels  12 ′,  12 ″ to enclose the storage space of container section  12 . A handle  18  or the like may be coupled to an exterior surface of one or more of panels  12 ′,  12 ″. 
         [0075]    According to one aspect of the present invention, two support arrangements  20 ,  22  are integrated with container section  12 . In the first embodiment of the present invention, each support arrangement  20 ,  22  includes a frame section  24 , which is a relatively rigid body (e.g. a steel or aluminum tube), and a foldable or rollable sheet  26  of fabric, plastic, or the like compliant material that is detachably attachable to frame section  24 . 
         [0076]    In the first embodiment, the sheet  26  may be rolled around a spring loaded roller  28 , which may be an elongated, cylindrical rod, tube or the like body. A suitable spring loaded roller  28  may be a roller that is used for spring loaded shades, which are well known. The spring loading of roller  28  allows roller  28  to rotate under the force of a loaded spring so that, upon detachment from frame  24 , sheet  26  is rolled up by roller  28 . Note that the spring is loaded when sheet  26  is drawn out to be attached to a frame  24  much like a roller mechanism of a spring loaded shade. 
         [0077]    Alternatively, sheet  26  may be folded into a compartment. 
         [0078]    In the first embodiment, roller mechanism  28  resides adjacent the storage space of container section  12 . A cover  29  or the like may be used to separate a roller  28  from the items inside the storage space of container section  12  as illustrated by  FIG. 1D . 
         [0079]    In the first embodiment, each sheet  26  is accessible and retractable through a slot  30  defined between an edge of base panel  16  and an edge of a short panel  12 ″ as illustrated by  FIG. 1D . It should be noted that the free edge of each sheet  16  may include an integrated bar portion  17 . Bar portion  17  includes a plurality of spaced through holes  19  therein. Each hole  19  can be used to couple a sheet  16  to a portion of a frame  24  using a hook or the like fastener whereby sheet  16  can be readily attached to or detached from a frame section  24 . 
         [0080]    According to another aspect of the present invention, each frame section  24  includes two side legs  24 ′ and an elongated connector  24 ″ that is connected at each end thereof to an end of a respective side leg  24 ′. Each frame  24  may be a single piece of elongated material (e.g. a tube or a rod) which is bent to have two legs  24 ′ and a connector section  24 ″. Alternatively, a frame  24  may be made with two elongated bodies serving as legs  24 ′ which are connected at respective ends thereof to ends of another elongated body serving as a connector  24 ″. A sheet  16  in the first embodiment may be coupled to a connector  24 ″ by hooks or other appropriate means as described above. Optionally, at least one of the connector  24 ″ may include a handle section  34 . 
         [0081]    Each side leg  24 ′ is longitudinally aligned and receivable inside the interior space of a longitudinally extending, elongated support  32 , which may be a tube or the like body. According to one aspect of the present invention, two parallel supports  32  are provided positioned opposite one another, each extending along a bottom edge of a long panel  12 ′. Each support  32  is open at both opposing ends thereof. Each leg  24 ′ is receivable inside a support  32  from an open end of the support  32  whereby legs  24 ′ can be inserted into and retracted from supports  32  in a telescopic manner. 
         [0082]    Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a stabilizer  36  may be pivotably attached (e.g., with a pivot pin  38  or the like) at one end thereof to at least one connector  24 ″, but preferably both connectors  24 ″ as illustrated by  FIG. 1B . Stabilizer  36  may be a rigid body (e.g., a tube or the like body). Stabilizer  36  may be pivotably moved into a position so that it may be axially aligned generally transverse to the direction of the longitudinal axis of a leg  24 ′.  FIG. 1C  illustrates a stabilizer  36  in a stored state. As illustrated, a recess  36 ′ or the like feature may be provided to receive the stabilizer therein for storage. FIG.  1 C′ illustrates a stabilizer  36  in a partially deployed state. 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 1E , cover  29  includes two integrated brackets  47 ,  49  to support the mechanism that supports roller  28 . 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 1F , one bracket  47  includes an elongated slot  51  formed in the body thereof. Another bracket  49  includes a concave recess  53  formed in the body thereof as illustrated by  FIG. 1G . Referring to  FIG. 1H , roller  28  is coupled by a spring  55  to a supporting rod  57 . Supporting rod  57  is disposed inside roller  28  and includes a first end  59  (see  FIG. 1I ) which is cylindrical in shape and received in recess  53 , and another end  61  (see  FIG. 1I ) which is flat and receivable in slot  51 .  FIG. 1E  illustrates this arrangement. Sheet  26  is rolled around roller  28  and coupled at a terminal edge thereof to the body of roller  28 . When sheet  26  is withdrawn it causes roller  28  to rotate about its longitudinal axis. Since supporting rod  57  is fixed to brackets  47 ,  49 , it does not rotate with roller  28 . Consequently, the rotation of roller  28  stores energy in spring  55 , which is coupled to roller  28  and supporting rod  57 . The energy so stored can rotate roller  28  automatically, which would in turn allow sheet  26  to be automatically rolled around roller  28 . This mechanism has been employed for the automatic withdrawal of shades. 
         [0085]      FIG. 1J  shows the interior space of container section  12  without roller mechanisms.  FIG. 1K  shows the interior of container section  12  with the roller mechanism installed therein, and one frame withdrawn. Note that each cover  29  may include two integrated portions  63  the purpose of which is to extend over side legs  24 ′. As will be appreciated each cover  29  will separate the roller mechanisms from the storage space of container section  12  in order to prevent items stored therein from interfering with the operation of the roller mechanism. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 1L , in another embodiment of the present invention, a slot  30  for feeding a sheet  26  from the interior of container section  12  to the exterior thereof is defined in base panel  16  instead of between a side panel  12 ″ and base panel  16  as shown in  FIG. 1D . In this embodiment, recesses  65  are defined in the exterior of container section  12 . Recesses  65  are defined deep enough to at least partially receive connector sections  24 ″ to achieve a more compact arrangement when side legs  24 ′ are stored in supports  32 .  FIGS. 1O-1T  illustrate different views of the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1L . Thus,  FIG. 1O  shows the embodiment with both support arrangements  20 , 22  in an extended state.  FIG. 1P  illustrates the support arrangements in a stored state.  FIG. 1Q  shows a side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1L  with one frame  24  thereof in an extended state.  FIG. 1R  illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1L  with a frame  24  thereof in an extended state and ready for use as a handle.  FIG. 1S  illustrates a back plan view while  FIG. 1T  illustrates a perspective of the apparatus with the support arrangements  20 ,  22  in an extended state. Note that  FIG. 1T  discloses two spaced stabilizers  36  integrated with each support arrangement  20 ,  22 . 
         [0087]    According to another aspect of the present invention, flexible reinforcing ribs  67  may be integrated with sheet  26  to improve the mechanical integrity thereof.  FIGS. 1M and 1N  further illustrate the arrangement described above. 
         [0088]    Referring to FIG.  1 D′, bar portion  17  may be replaced with an elongated latch  17 ′. Elongated latch  17 ′ includes a hook-shaped profile (cross-section). Hook-shaped latch  17 ′ is receivable in an elongated slot  19 ′ having a cross-section with a shape complementary to the shape of the cross-section of latch  17 ′. Slot  19 ′ may be defined in connector  24 ″ portion of each frame as illustrated by FIG.  1 D″. When a latch  17 ′ is received in a slot  19 ′, sheet  26  that is attached to latch  17 ′ is coupled to a frame  24 . To disassemble sheet  26 , latch  17 ′ is withdrawn from slot  19 ′. In addition to what has been shown and described, other mechanisms such as hooks or the like may also be used to couple a sheet  26  to an associated frame  24 . 
         [0089]    To use a suitcase  10  according to the present invention, a user can pull out one or both frames  24  from supports  32 , pull out a sheet  26  associated with a frame  24  and attach the same to its associated frame  24  by attachment to a connector section  24 ″ thereof. Then, suitcase  10  is positioned so that top panel  14  makes contact with the floor or the like external support surface. Consequently, base panel  16  of container section  12  is positioned between two support sections  20 ,  22 , and therefore, can support most of the weight of an individual. Note that a suitcase  10  according to the first embodiment, can be converted into a bed without having to open top panel  14 . Moreover, advantageously, if base panel  16  is made of a flexible, compliant material, such as fabric, the soft items (e.g., clothing etc.) can serve as a soft support (e.g., a cushion). Thus, in an arrangement according to the present invention, most of the weight of the user can be supported by container section  12  and the contents thereof, which may allow for construction of frames  24  and sheets  26  with lighter weight materials. 
         [0090]    An apparatus according to the present invention advantageously embodies the following features. These features are present in every embodiment disclosed herein. 
         [0091]    Support arrangements  20 , 22  can be deployed and stored without having any part thereof interfering (i.e. crossing or passing through) the storage space of container section  12 . Thus, a user can conveniently make use of the support mechanisms of the present invention without the need to remove the items contained in the storage space of container section  12 . 
         [0092]    Moreover, when deployed (i.e. extended state) at least one support arrangement  20 , 22  (and preferably both support arrangements  20 , 22 ) will include a region on a support surface thereof (i.e. a portion on a sheet  26 ) that intercepts a horizontal plane coinciding and coplanar with a region of the exterior surface of base panel  16  (or top panel  14 ). Consequently, the mid section of a person can be supported by a region coinciding and coplanar with the exterior surface of base panel  16  (or top panel  14  if support arrangements  20 , 22  are located at a side nearest to top panel  14 ) while the upper section of the person can be supported by the region on a support surface that intercepts a horizontal plane coinciding and coplanar with the exterior surface of base panel  16 , whereby the body of the person lying down is not forced into an arched position. Rather, the body of the person lying down will find a support position for its mid section on a horizontal plane that coincides and is coplanar with a region on the exterior surface of base panel  16  and another support position for its upper section on a surface of sheet  26 . The distance between these two support positions can be determined statistically for a commercial embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, this distance will not be less than two feet. Note that the same support configuration can be provided to support the mid section and the lower section of a person lying down, whereby the body of a person lying down can be supported by three support points on a horizontal plane that coincides and is coplanar with a region on base panel  16 , is intercepted by a support surface of a sheet  26  in one support arrangement  20 , 22 , and intercepted by a support surface of a sheet  26  of the other support arrangement  20 , 22 . The appropriate distances between the support points can be determined statistically. 
         [0093]    As is apparent from the figures, the support arrangements are wider than the width of side panels  12 ′, 12 ″ to provide adequate surface area to support the width of a human body lying down. This width (i.e. the distance between legs  24 ′ in each frame) can also be calculated statistically. Preferably, the width is not less than eighteen inches. 
         [0094]    In one embodiment of the present invention, each side legs  24 ′ of one frame  24  is hollow, open at one end, and capable of receiving in the interior thereof a side leg  24 ′ of the other frame  24 .  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate one of the two side legs  24 ′ of frame  24 . The other of the two side legs  24 ′ would be arranged in the same manner. As illustrated, one side leg  24 ′ (side leg  24 ′ illustrated on the left) is a hollow tube which receives in the interior thereof another side leg  24 ′ (side leg  24 ′ on the right). Thus, one side leg  24 ′ is receivable into and retractable from the interior of another side leg  24 ′. Note that, both side legs  24 ′ are received in the interior of support  32  in a telescopic manner. Thus, the interior of support  32  is wide enough for both side legs  24 ′. Note that while in this embodiment one leg  24 ′ is received inside another leg  24 ′, such a configuration is not necessary. Each pair of legs  24 ′ can be telescopically received inside a respective common support  32  and arranged side by side or one under the other. 
         [0095]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2C-2F , in one embodiment, a side leg  24 ′ can be stopped from being further withdrawn by a catch mechanism. The catch mechanism includes a spring-loaded catch  40 , which may be a spring-loaded ball or the like, residing at a location near the free end of at least one side leg  24 ′. A corresponding opening  42  can be provided in support  32 . Opening  42  and catch  40  are positioned to register with one another when a side leg  24 ′ is withdrawn from support  32  far enough for the two features to coincide. Thus, catch  40  is received inside opening  42  whereby it abuts the interior wall of opening  42  to restrict leg  24 ′ from being further withdrawn. To insert leg  24 ′ into the interior of support  32 , catch  40  may be manually pressed down so that it no longer restricts the ability of leg  24 ′ to be inserted into support  32 . 
         [0096]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2G-2I , a release mechanism may be provided to release catch  40  so that legs  24 ′ may be inserted into supports  32 . The release mechanism includes a button  31 , which may be generally T-shaped, a first elongated transmission arm  33  and a second elongated transmission arm  35  each coupled to button  31 , and a first elongated release arm  37  and second elongated release arm  39  each coupled to a respective elongated transmission arm  33 ,  35 . T-shaped button  31  includes a narrow portion  31 ″ coupled to the middle of a wide portion  31 ′ to realize a T shape. Wide portion  31 ′ is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of connector  24 ″, and includes two terminal ends each connected by a pivot pin  41  to an end of an elongated transmission arm  33 , 35 . Each transmission arm  33 , 35  is coupled by another pivot pin  41  at an opposite end thereof to an end of a respective release arm  37 ,  39 , whereby the motion of each transmission arm  33 ,  35  can cause the motion of release arm  37 ,  39 . The release mechanism is configured to allow a user to cause the release arms  37 ,  39  to move along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of a side leg  24 ′. Specifically, each transmission arm  33 ,  35  is pivotably coupled by a pivot pin  41  to connector  24 ″ of frame  24  such that the motion of button  31  toward the interior of frame  24  causes release arms  39  to be directed in the opposite direction (see arrows). To realize this motion, each transmission arm  33 , is coupled to connector  24 ″ by a pivot pin  41 . Note that only narrow portion  31 ″ of button  31  may be accessible to a user, and the remaining parts may be disposed inside of connecter  24 ″ and side legs  24 ′ of frame  24 . 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIG. 2G , each release arm  37 ,  39  includes an actuator  43  at an end thereof that is cooperatively coupled with the spring loaded catch  40  so that when release arm  39  is moved upon moving button  30 , catch  40  can be withdrawn from opening  42 , thus allowing side legs  24 ′ to be inserted into support  32 . Note that a stop  45  may be provided inside each support  32  to abut catch  40  and prevent legs  24 ′ from being withdrawn completely from supports  32  in the event of misuse by the operator. Note that although only on arm  39  is illustrated, the other arm  37  will function in the same manner. Thus, a button  30  can cause the simultaneous operation of two arms  37 , 39 . 
         [0098]    Referring to  FIG. 2J  actuator  43  may be an enlarged body in which spring-loaded catch  40  resides. Thus, when release arm  39  is moved catch  40  is selectively moved to register with or deregister from opening  42 . Alternatively, a cradle  43 ′ may be defined in arm  39  (or  37 ) which is moved under ball catch  40  in order to effect release of catch  40  from opening  42 . Note that optionally a spring  70  or the like body may be coupled to the end of arm  39  (and  37 ) and abutted against a surface for additional mechanical force. Also, a stop  45  may be provided in the interior of leg  24 ′ to prevent the catch from falling out. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , in another embodiment of the present invention, supports  32  can be attached to the exterior surface of base panel  16  of container section  12  instead of being disposed adjacent the interior surface of base panel  16 , thus providing further space for storage of items.  FIG. 3A  further shows wheels  44  disposed on one of the short panels  12 ″. 
         [0100]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the provision of wheels  44  allows for the use of a connector  24 ″ as a handle for pulling the suitcase.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , with frames  24  in an extracted position.  FIG. 3C  illustrates a side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  with legs  24 ′ of frame  24  retracted inside support  32 .  FIG. 3D  illustrates a side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  with a stabilizer  36 . 
         [0101]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in which like numerals identify like features, support arrangements  20 ,  22  may be rigid flat bodies that are coupled to short panels  12 ″ of container section  12  by hinges  46  or the like devices. In this embodiment, the exterior section of top panel  14  (see  FIG. 4B ) may be used as part of the bed when supports  20 ,  22  are extended out to provide support points for a person lying down in the manner described above. Note that, in this embodiment, support arrangements  20 ,  22  may be received over the storage space of container section  12  below top panel  14  when not in use, but do not interfere with the storage space when extended for use as can be easily appreciated by an ordinary user. Further, note that each support in this embodiment, may include a stabilizer  36 , one of which is illustrated. As in the other embodiments, if top panel  14  is made of a soft material (e.g., fabric), soft items (e.g., clothes) inside container  12  may provide the necessary support when the suitcase is converted into a bed. 
         [0102]      FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate a plurality of views of a variation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In this variation, supports  20 ,  22  are not positioned under top panel  14  when stored. Rather, support arrangements  20 ,  22  fold over the exterior surface of top panel  14  (or alternatively exterior surface of base panel  16 ) and are secured in place by straps  48  that are long enough to wrap around the suitcase. Support  20 ,  22  may be hingedly connected (e.g. using living hinges) to short panels  12 ′ of container section  12 . Support arrangements  20 , 22  in this variation may also include stabilizers. 
         [0103]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a side plan view of a variation of an embodiment in which support arrangements  20 ,  22  are folded over top panel  14 . In this variation, one support arrangement  20  is stored directly over top panel  14 , and under the other support arrangement  22 . Both support arrangements may be coupled to exterior surfaces of short panels  12 ″ by hinges  46 . Note that to fit snuggly between support  22  and top panel  14 , support  22  is provided with a spacer section  23 . Spacer section  23  abuts top panel  14  to provide a space between the bottom surface of support  22  and top panel  14  to accommodate support  20 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 6B  shows a side plan view of the suitcase illustrated by  FIG. 6A , in which support arrangements  20 ,  22  are deployed.  FIG. 6C  shows a top plan view of the suitcase of  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 6D  illustrates schematically how support arrangements  20 ,  22  are deployed (the arrows illustrating rotation of supports  20 ,  22  about the axes of hinges  46 ). 
         [0105]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a support arrangement  20 , which includes an exterior closed frame  21  and a lattice  25  disposed inside and coupled to the interior of closed frame  21 . The provision of a lattice  25  can provide enough mechanical support for the user, while further reducing the weight of support arrangement  20 . A support arrangement  22  can be provided with the same features to further reduce the weight as illustrated by  FIG. 7B .  FIG. 7C  illustrates that support arrangements  20 ,  22  as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7D  can be folded over top panel  14  in the same manner as the embodiments of  FIGS. 5 , and  6 A- 6 D. 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8D , a suitcase according to another embodiment may include support arrangements  20 ,  22 , that are flat and relatively rigid, and slide out from the interior of container section  12  through slots  30  defined between side walls  12 ″ and base panel  16 . Support arrangements  20 ,  22  may be provided with handle sections  20 ′,  22 ′ to facilitate the manipulation thereof. 
         [0107]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, top panel  14  does not include a surface that coincides with the exterior, top surface of suitcase  10 . Rather, in this embodiment top panel  14  is hidden inside a cover section  100 . Cover section  100  cooperates to enclose hidden top panel  14 , and support arrangements  20 ,  22  in a space above the storage space of container section  12 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 9B  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9A  with a cover section  100  thereof open. As illustrated, hidden top panel  100  is received inside cover section  100 .  FIG. 9B  further illustrates support arrangements  20 ,  22  in a stored state. Note that in this embodiment support arrangements  20 ,  22  overlap one another. When cover section  100  is closed, hidden top panel  14  also overlaps support arrangements  20 ,  22 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 9C  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 9A  with support arrangements  20 ,  22  in an extended state. Support arrangements  20 ,  22  may be rigid flat bodies which are rotatably coupled to respective sides of container section  12  (e.g. interior edges of short sides  12 ″). A hinge or the like feature may be used to rotatably couple each support arrangement  20 ,  22  to a side of container section  12 . 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIG. 9D , once support arrangements  20 ,  22  are deployed and are in an extended state, hidden top panel  14  is moved to a position over the storage space of container section  12  and between support arrangements  20 ,  22  to provide a platform that can serve as a bed or the like for a person in a lying position. Note that a living hinge  102  can couple hidden top panel  14  to the interior surface of cover section  100 . Thus, hidden top panel  14  can also be rotatably moved into and out of cover section  102 . Further note that in this embodiment, two spaced stabilizers  36  can be integrated with each support arrangement  20 ,  22 . Each stabilizer  36  in this embodiment may be rotatably coupled (by a pivot pin or the like) to the support arrangement  20 ,  22  and rotated into a recess for storage. 
         [0111]      FIG. 9E  illustrates that optionally a covering like a curtain  106  can be integrated into cover section  100  and deployed for the user&#39;s privacy when needed. In this figure a headrest  108  that is integrated with one of the support arrangements  20  is also shown.  FIGS. 9E  (open with extended support arrangements  20 ,  22 ) and  9 G (closed position) are further views of the embodiment. 
         [0112]    As can be appreciated by a skilled person, an apparatus according to the present invention advantageously embodies the following features. These features are present in every embodiment disclosed herein. 
         [0113]    Support arrangements  20 , 22  can be deployed and stored without having any part thereof interfering (i.e. crossing or passing through) the storage space of container section  12 . Thus, a user can conveniently make use of the support mechanisms of the present invention without the need to remove the items contained in the storage space of container section  12 . 
         [0114]    Moreover, when deployed (i.e. extended state) at least one support arrangement  20 , 22  (and preferably both support arrangements  20 , 22 ) will include a region on a support surface thereof (e.g. a portion on a sheet  26  or a portion on the rigid bodies serving as support arrangements  20 , 22 ) that intercepts a horizontal plane coinciding and coplanar with a region of the exterior surface of base panel  16  or top panel  14 . Consequently, the mid section of a person can be supported by a region coinciding and coplanar with the exterior surface of a base panel  16  or top panel  14  while the upper section of the person can be supported by the region on a support surface that intercepts a horizontal plane coinciding and coplanar with the exterior surface of base panel  16  or top panel  14 , whereby the body of the person lying down is not forced into an arched position. Rather, the body of the person lying down will find a support position for its mid section on a horizontal plane that coincides and is coplanar with a region on the exterior surface of base panel  16  or top panel and another support position for its upper section on a surface of a support arrangement  20 , 22 . The distance between these two support positions can be determined statistically for a commercial embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, this distance will not be less than two feet. Note that the same support configuration can be provided to support the mid section and the lower section of a person lying down, whereby the body of a person lying down can be supported by three support points on a horizontal plane that coincides and is coplanar with a region on base panel  16  or top panel  14 , is intercepted by a support surface in one support arrangement  20 , 22 , and intercepted by a support surface of the other support arrangement  20 , 22 . The appropriate distances between the support points can be determined statistically. 
         [0115]    As is apparent from the figures, the support arrangements are wider than the width of side panels  12 ′, 12 ″ to provide adequate surface area to support the width of a human body lying down on his/her back. This width should be taken in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of support arrangements and can also be calculated statistically. Preferably, the width is not less than eighteen inches. 
         [0116]    Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.