Patent Publication Number: US-2016235175-A1

Title: Item of luggage with a fold-out tray

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The device and methods disclosed herein relate generally to luggage, and particularly to fold-out trays for luggage. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Many people choose to use suitcases with extension handles when traveling. The extension handles make it possible to tow luggage behind the user rather than carrying the luggage in hand or using shoulder straps. The result is less strain and exertion for the user, particularly where the luggage in question has wheels. Currently existent extension handles, however, can be somewhat unwieldy to grip, and provide mobility that is less than ideal. Current designs also fail to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the additional structure that extension handles represent for use with accessories. 
     Therefore, there remains a need for a luggage with more ergonomic extension handles having more features for user convenience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In one aspect, an item of luggage includes a first handle rod having a proximal end and a distal end. A grip is coupled to the distal end of the first handle rod. The item of luggage also includes a fold-out tray, the fold-out tray having a main panel having a distal end, a proximal end, and a work surface. A connector attached to the proximal end of the main panel permits the tray to be rotated between a first position substantially parallel to the first handle rod and a second position substantially perpendicular to the first handle rod. 
     Other aspects, embodiments and features of the disclosed device and method will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation at its initial drawing depiction. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the device and method is shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the device and method. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preceding summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed device and method, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 1C  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 1D  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 1E  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 2D  is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 2F  is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a supplemental support mechanism used in a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 4C  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 4E  is a schematic diagram illustrating a detail of a lid of an embodiment of a collapsible suitcase; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle attached to an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle usable with an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 5C  is a schematic diagram illustrating on embodiment of an extension handle usable with an item of luggage. 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle usable with an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle usable with an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle usable with an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a pocket; 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7C  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7D  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7E  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7F  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7G  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7H  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray; 
         FIG. 7I  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray, showing a perspective view of the top side of the tray with a slide member; 
         FIG. 7J  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray, as seen from the front edge of the tray; 
         FIG. 7K  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with a fold-out tray, with a view of the underside of the tray and a slide member; 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with an engagement latch; 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with an engagement latch; 
         FIG. 8C  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with an engagement latch; 
         FIG. 8D  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with an engagement latch; 
         FIG. 8E  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle with an engagement latch; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle incorporated in a chamber; 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle incorporated in a chamber; 
         FIG. 9C  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle incorporated in a chamber; 
         FIG. 9D  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle incorporated in a chamber; 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle attached to an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle attached to an item of luggage; 
         FIG. 10C  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an extension handle attached to an item of luggage; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method for collapsing a collapsible suitcase. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the disclosed suitcase provide travelers with an easily foldable suitcase that is compact when collapsed and rigid and protective when deployed. In some embodiments, the collapsed form of the disclosed suitcase may easily be carried as a satchel, stowed in other luggage items, or stored in a closet for future use. Some embodiments also include a uniquely ergonomic handle for pulling wheeled embodiments, as well as additional pockets for storage and trays to support electronic devices and books for work or entertainment. 
       FIGS. 1A-1E  depict some embodiments of a collapsible suitcase  100 .  FIGS. 2A-2F  illustrate the steps involved in collapsing some embodiments of the suitcase  100 ; in some embodiments, unfolding or deploying the suitcase involves reversing the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2F . As an overview, some embodiments of the collapsible suitcase  100  include a rigid bottom panel  101 , a rigid rear panel  102  connected to the bottom panel  101  by means of at least one rear hinge  103 , two side panels  104  each connected to the bottom panel by means of at least one side hinge  105 , and one front panel  106  connected to the bottom panel  101  by means of at least one front hinge  107 . 
     Viewing  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in further detail, in some embodiments the bottom panel  101  has an interior surface  108 , and an exterior surface  109 . The bottom panel  101  may be any shape conducive to its use as described herein. The bottom panel  101  may be substantially polygonal; for instance, the bottom panel  101  may be substantially square. The bottom panel  101  may be a substantially regular polygon. The bottom panel  101  may be substantially an irregular polygon; for instance, the bottom panel  101  may be rectangular. The bottom panel  101  may be trapezoidal. The bottom panel  101  may be substantially a combination of polygons. As an example bottom panel  101  may be describable in as a combination of variously sized and formed triangles. The bottom panel  101  may be curved. The bottom panel  101  may be elliptical. The bottom panel  101  may be circular. The bottom panel  101  may be a more complex curved form, such as a bent or irregular ellipse. The bottom panel  101  may be any combination of curved and polygonal forms; for instance, the bottom panel  101  may be rectangular with rounded corners. The bottom panel  101  may be a parabola truncated by at least one straight line. The bottom panel  101  may have indentations in its perimeter. The bottom panel  101  may have protrusions from its perimeter. In some embodiments, the bottom panel  101  is substantially quadrilateral; the bottom panel  101  may, for instance, be a rectangle, trapezoid, or parallelogram with sharp, squared, or rounded corners. In some embodiments, the bottom panel  101  has a rear edge  110 . The bottom panel  101  may have a front edge  111 . The bottom panel  101  may have two side edges  112 . In some embodiments, the bottom panel has additional edges. 
     The bottom panel may be constructed of any material or combination of materials that make the bottom panel rigid. In some embodiments, the bottom panel  101  is rigid if the bottom panel  101  exhibits only small amounts of displacement relative to the size of the bottom panel  101  when forces typical for the operation of a suitcase act against the interior  108  or exterior  109  surface of the bottom panel  101 . For instance, if the suitcase  100  is in its deployed form, as set forth in further detail below, and a person leans on the middle of the exterior surface  109  for support, the person may feel the bottom panel  101  flex only slightly; in some embodiments, the person may be incapable of detecting any displacement of the bottom panel at all. The bottom panel  101  may be constructed of materials including wood. The bottom panel  101  may be constructed of materials including plywood. The bottom panel  101  may be constructed of materials including metal. The bottom panel  101  may be constructed of materials including hard plastic, such as thermosetting plastics, hard thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetraflouroethylene, or hard polypropylene. The bottom panel  101  may be constructed of materials including natural polymers. The bottom panel  101  may include one or more layers of flexible material around the rigid material. The flexible material may include cloth, rubber, or other flexible polymers; the flexible material may be any material suitable for the construction of the exterior cover  400  as described in further detail below. The bottom panel  101  may be composed wholly or in part of flexible material stretched over a rigid frame or mesh. The bottom panel  101  may be composed wholly or partially of fiberglass. 
     The rear panel  102  may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . The rear panel  102  may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottom panel  101 . In some embodiments, the rear panel  102  has an interior surface  113 , an exterior surface  114 , a top edge  115 , two side edges  116 , and a bottom edge  117 . The at least one rear hinge  103  may allow the rear panel  102  to be rotated between a folded position in which the interior surface  113  of the rear panel is substantially parallel to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 , as shown below in  FIG. 2E , and a deployed position in which the interior surface  113  of the rear panel  102  is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 . 
     The two side panels  104  may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . Each side panel  104  may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottom panel  101 . In some embodiments, each side panel  104  has an interior surface  118 , an exterior surface  119 , a top edge  120 , a rear edge  121 , a front edge  122 , and a bottom edge  123 . The at least one side hinge  105  may allow each side panel  104  to be rotated between a folded position in which the interior surface  118  of the side panel  104  is substantially parallel to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 , as shown below in  FIGS. 2C-2D , and a deployed position in which the interior surface  118  of the side panel  104  is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 . 
     The front panel  106  may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . The front panel  106  may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottom panel  101 . In some embodiments, the front panel  106  has an interior surface  124 , an exterior surface  125 , a top edge  126 , two side edges  127 , and a bottom edge  128 . The at least one front hinge  107  may allow the front panel  106  to be rotated between a folded position in which the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106  is substantially parallel to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 , as shown below in  FIG. 2B , and a deployed position in which the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106  is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 . 
     In one embodiment, the suitcase  100  includes at least one latch  128  that secures the front edge  122  of at least one of the side panels  104  to the front panel  106  when the at least one side panel  104  is in deployed position and the front panel  106  is rotated into deployed position. The at least one latch  128  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . The at least one latch  128  may have one component attached to one or both side edges  127  of the front panel, and a second component attached to one or both front edges  122  of the side panel  104 . The at least one latch  128  may be formed to engage automatically when the front panel  106  is rotated into deployed position between the deployed side panels. As a non-limiting example, the at least one latch  128  may have a spring-biased bolt with an angled end that causes the bolt to retract slightly when an object presses against the bolt in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the bolt moves, and to be urged back into an extended position in the absence of external pressure, as in a tubular latch for a door. Persons skilled in the art will be aware of many other latches designed to engage automatically. The at least one latch  128  may have a component that enables the user to engage or disengage the at least one latch  128  manually; for instance, the at least one latch  128  may engage automatically when the front panel  106  is swung into deployed position between the two side panels, and remain engaged until a user disengages the at least one latch  128  manually; for instance, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the user may disengage each latch  128  prior to folding down the front panel  106  to commence collapsing the suitcase  100 . In some embodiments, at least one additional latch (not shown) secures one or both side panels  104  to the rear panel  102  when the rear panel  102  is in deployed position and the one or more side panels  104  are rotated into deployed position. 
     In some embodiments of the suitcase,  100 , at least one side edge of the rear panel includes at least one first engagement member  129 , and the rear edge of at least one side panel has a second engagement member  130  that slidably engages the first engagement member  129 , fixing the side panel  104  to the rear panel  102 , when the rear panel  102  is already in deployed position and the side panel  104  is rotated into deployed position. As an example, one or both of the side edges  116  of the rear panel  102  have one or more protrusions  131  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the interior surface  113  of the rear panel  102 ; the one or more protrusions  131  may extend from the top edge  115  to the bottom edge  117  of the rear panel  102 . Continuing the example, the one or more protrusions  131  may have at least one indentation or slot  129  positioned to engage a corresponding member  130  slidably. Further continuing the example, the rear edge  121  of at least one side panel may have at least one protrusion or tab  130  that slide into the at least one indentation or slot  129  in the at least one protrusion  131  when the rear panel  102  and each side panel  104  are in their unfolded positions. The mutually engaging members may secure the side panels  104  to the rear panel  102 ; the side panels  104  may be further secured in the deployed position by the at least one latch  128  securing the side panels  104  to the front panel  106 , causing the suitcase  100  to present a solid and rigid body when fully deployed. For instance, the front panel  106  may prevent the side panels  104  from rotating out of their deployed positions when the front panel  106  is in its deployed position, causing the engagement members  129 ,  130  to secure the rear panel in its deployed position, and lending rigidity to the connection between the rear panel  102  and the side panels  104   
     The hinges  103 ,  105 ,  107  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . The hinges  103 ,  105 ,  107  may have progressively larger clearances so that when the panels are folded in a certain order, each panel can rest on top of the previously folded panels in its folded position, substantially parallel to the top surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 . For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one front hinge  107  has a first clearance permitting the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106  to rest on the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  when the front panel  106  is in folded position, as shown in  FIG. 2B ; for instance, the at least one front hinge  107  may have a pivot point  107   a  at or very close to the juncture of the bottom edge  128  of the front panel  106  and the front edge  111  of the bottom panel  101 . The at least one side hinge  105  of each side panel  104  may have a larger clearance to fit the side panel  104  over the front panel  106  when the front panel  106  is in its folded position; for instance, each of the at least one side hinges  105  may have a second clearance sufficiently larger than the first clearance to allow the interior surface  118  of the side panels  104 , when in folded position, to rest on top of the exterior surface  125  of the front panel  106  when the front panel  106  is in folded position. As an example, the pivot  105   a  of the least one side hinge  105   a  may be offset from the junction of the bottom edge  123  of each side panel  104  and the corresponding side edge  112  of the bottom panel  101 ; the offset may be substantially the same as the thickness of the front panel  106 . In some embodiments, the two side panels overlap each other in folded position; in that case, one of the two side panels may have a hinge with a third clearance (not shown) permitting the interior surface  118  of that side panel  104 , when in folded position, to rest on top of the exterior surface  119  of the other side panel  104  when the other side panel  104  is in folded position. For instance, the offset of the hinge of one side panel  104  may be greater than the offset of the hinge of the other side panel. The at least one rear hinge  103  may have a larger clearance than that of the at side hinges  105  to fit the rear panel over the folded side panels  104  when the rear panel  102  is moved into its folded position; for example, in some embodiments, the at least one rear hinge  103  has a third clearance sufficiently larger than the second clearance to allow the interior surface  113  of the rear panel  102 , when in folded position, to rest on top of the exterior surfaces  119  of the side panels  104  when the side panels  104  are in folded position. The at least one rear hinge  103  may have a pivot point  103   a  that is further offset from the juncture of the bottom edge  117  of the rear panel  101  and the rear edge  110  of the bottom panel  101  than the offset of the side hinges  105 . The offset may be substantially the same as the combined thickness of the front and side panels when folded together, or slightly larger to accommodate folds of the exterior covering  400 , described in further detail below. The offset of the rear hinge  103  may be greater if the side panels  104  overlap each other when folded, as described above. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2C-D , the top edges  120  of two side panels do not meet in the middle of the suitcase  100  when the two side panels  104  are in folded position, resulting in a gap between the two side panels&#39; top edges  120 ; the rear hinge  103  may have a narrow central portion  103   b  to allow the rear hinge to pass between the top edges  120  of two side panels. 
     In some embodiments, at least one side panel  104  has at least one projection  132  at the front edges  122 . The at least one projection  132  may be substantially orthogonal to the plane of the interior surface  118  of the at least one side panel  104 . In some embodiments, the at least one projection  132  allows the side edges  127  of the front panel  106  to fit snugly against the at least one projection  132  while being slightly inset from the side edges  112  of the bottom panel  101 , allowing greater freedom of movement for the at least one hinge  105  of the side panels  104  when the side panels  104  rotate into folded position. Likewise, the at least one projection  131  of rear panel  102  may enable the rear edges  122  of the side panels  104  to be slightly inset from the rear edge  111  of the bottom panel  102 , allowing the bottom panel  102  to swing over the side panels  104  when being rotated into folded position. The top edge  126  of the front panel  106  may line up with the rear edges  122  of the side panels  104  when the front panel  106  is in folded position. The corners of the suitcase formed by the panels  101 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  may be sharp or rounded, depending on the shapes of the panels, engagement members, and extensions. In some embodiments, the front edge  122  at least one of the side panels  104  has a third engagement member  134 , and the corresponding at least one side edge  127  of the front panel  106  has a fourth engagement member  135  that slidably engages the first engagement member  134 , fixing the front panel  106  to the at least one side panel  104 , when the at least one side panel  104  is already in deployed position and the front panel  106  is rotated into deployed position. This may be implemented as described above for the first  129  and second  130  engagement members in reference to  FIG. 1A . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the suitcase  100  includes one or more additional structural elements to increase the strength of the suitcase  100  when deployed. For example, the bottom panel  101  may have at least one peg  300  set perpendicularly to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  where the bottom edge of the back panel  102 , side panel  104 , or front panel  106  contacts the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  when deployed, for insertion in a corresponding hole in the bottom edges; for instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the at least one peg  300  may be located on the portion of the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  where the bottom edge  117  of the rear panel  102  contacts the interior surface  108  when the rear panel  102  is deployed. Some embodiments include at least one hole  301  in the bottom edge of the back panel, side panel, or front panel, the at least one hole positioned to pass over the at least one peg when the rear panel, side panel, or front panel is rotated into deployed position. Continuing the example, the bottom edge  117  of the rear panel  102  may have at least one hole  301  positioned to pass over the at least one peg  300  when the rear panel  102  is rotated into deployed position. 
     In some embodiments, the suitcase  100  has one or more wheels  133 . In some embodiments, the suitcase  100  has a first wheel  133  at the corner formed by the rear edge  110  of the bottom panel  101  and a side edge  112  of the bottom panel  101 , and a second wheel  133  at the corner formed by the same side edge  112  of the bottom panel  101  and the front edge  111  of the bottom panel  101 . In other embodiments, the suitcase has four or more wheels. The wheels  133  may be oriented in a fixed direction relative to the suitcase  100 . The wheels  133  may be mounted on pivots; for instance, the suitcase  100  may have four wheels attached to the corners of the bottom panel  101 , a side panel  104 , the front panel  106  or the rear panel  102 . The one more or wheels  133  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . 
     In some embodiments, the suitcase  100  has an exterior covering  400 . In some embodiments, the exterior cover  400  is flexible. The exterior cover  400  may be constructed entirely of flexible materials. The exterior cover may  400  may include one or more rigid portions; for instance, the exterior cover  400  may include one or more rigid panels (not shown) joined to one another. The rigid panels may be joined by flexible sections; for instance, the rigid panels may be joined by strips or sections of flexible material (not shown); the rigid panels may be contained in pockets in a flexible material covering the entire external covering  400 . The rigid panels may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel  101 . In some embodiments, the exterior cover  400  is made wholly or in part of flexible material. The flexible material may be textile material; the textile material may include natural fibers. The natural fibers may include plant material, such as cotton, linen, hemp, or manila hemp; for example, the flexible material may be a woven product such as canvas. The natural fibers may include animal fibers such as wool or silk. The flexible material may include synthetic fibers, including fibers made from synthetic polymers, such as nylon and polypropylene. The flexible material may include fibers made from natural materials, such as rayon. The flexible material may include leather. The flexible material may include one or more sheets of natural polymers, such as rubber. The flexible material may include one or more sheets of synthetic polymers, such as flexible plastics. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible material is flexible along one axis, but not along another. For instance, the flexible material may include many closely-placed thin but long rigid substantially parallel strips or rods stuck to a flexible material, with sufficient space between the strips or rods to allow the material to flex along an axis substantially parallel to the strips; the strips or rods may prevent the flexible material from bending along any axis having a substantial component orthogonal to the direction of the strips or rods. The strips or rods may be rigid as defined above in for the bottom panel  101  in reference to  FIGS. 1A-2F . 
     The exterior covering may include a first portion  400   a  fixed to the exterior surface  119  of each side panel  106  and connecting the front edges  122  of the two side panels to each other, so that the exterior surface  125  of the front panel  106  rests against the first portion  400   a  when the front panel  106  is in deployed position; in other words, the first portion  400   a  of the exterior covering  400  may wrap around the front and sides of the suitcase  100 . In one embodiment, the exterior cover  400  or any portions thereof may be fixed to the exterior surface of a panel if the exterior cover  400  covers substantially all of the exterior surface of the panel both when the panel is folded and deployed; the exterior cover may be adhered or fastened to the exterior surface of the panel. The exterior cover may have a pocket or sleeve containing the panel; the panel may be sewn between layers of the exterior cover  400 . The first portion  400   a  may have a first perimeter edge  401  against the bottom edge  123  of both of the side panels  104  and against the front edge  111  of the bottom panel  101  and a second perimeter edge  402  against the rear edge  121  of each side panel  104 , the top edge  120  of each side panel, and the top edge  126  of the front panel  106  when the front panel  106  is in deployed position. The exterior covering  400  may include a second portion  400   b  fixed to the exterior surface  109  of the bottom panel  109  and fixed to the exterior surface  114  of the rear panel  102 . In some embodiments, the second portion  400   b  may have a first perimeter edge  403  fixed to the first perimeter edge  401  of the first portion  400   a , a second perimeter edge  404  against one side edge  116  of the rear panel  102 , and a third perimeter edge  405  against the other side edge  116  of the rear panel  102 . The first portion  400   a  and second portion  400   b  may or may not represent the physical sections assembled to create the exterior covering  400  in practice. In some embodiments, the first portion  400   a  and second portion  400   b  are made separately and fixed together, for instance by sewing the first perimeter edge  401  of the first portion  400   a  to the first perimeter edge  403  of the second portion  400   b . In other embodiments, the exterior covering  400  is made of more sections attached together by sewing or other means; the divisions between sections may not correspond to divisions between the second portion  400   b  and the first portion  400   a . In some embodiments, the exterior covering is constructed as a monolithic whole; for instance, the exterior covering  400  may be made as a cross-shaped sheet with its center sized to cover the exterior surface  109  of the bottom panel, and arms sized to cover the side panels  104 , rear panel  102 , and front panel  106 , to be sewn or otherwise attached together at the corner of the front panel  106  with the side panels  104 . Persons skilled in the art will be aware of other methods of construction and design that may be substituted for those described here to create the exterior covering  400  as described herein. In some embodiments, where the exterior covering  400  is flexible around only one set of parallel axes, the axes are arranged in the first portion  400   a  in a direction running from the bottom edge to the top edge of each side panel and the front panel. In some embodiments, the exterior covering  400  near to a hinge is flexible along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of that hinge. 
     In some embodiments, the second portion  400   b  includes a lid  406  that may be folded to a closed position covering an opening in the suitcase  100  bordered by the top edge  115  of the rear panel  102 , the top edge  120  of each side panel  104  and the top edge  126  of the front panel  106 , when the rear panel  102 , the side panels  104 , and the front panel  106  are in deployed position. The lid  406  may have any shape sufficient to cover the opening. The lid  406  may be secured to the opening by a zipper  407 . The zipper  407  may have a first half  407   a  that covers the second perimeter  402  of the first portion  400   a  and a second half  407   b  covering the second perimeter edge  404  of the second portion  400   b , a portion of the lid  406  that contacts the second perimeter  403  of the first portion  400   a  when the lid  406  is in the closed position, and the third perimeter edge  405  of the second portion. Thus, the zipper  407  may run up one side edge  116  of the rear panel  202 , along the top edge  120  of the adjacent side panel  104 , along the edge of the first portion  400   a  that is adjacent to the top edge  126  of the front panel  106 , along the top edge  120  of the next side panel  104 , and back down the second side edge  116  of the rear panel  102 . As a result, the zipper  407  may function both to secure the lid  406  in a closed position and to secure the second perimeter edge  404  and third perimeter edge  405  of the second portion  400   b  to the second perimeter edge  402  of the first portion  400   a . In some embodiments, the zipper  407  adds additional strength to the suitcase  100  when the zipper  407  is closed. In some embodiments, the zipper  407  has two sliders  408   a - b ; as a result, the lid  406  may be disengaged from the opening of the suitcase  100  and opened, while the portions of the zipper  407  holding together the second  404  and third  405  perimeter edges of the second portion  400   b  to the second perimeter edge  402  of the first portion  400   a  remain fastened. The zipper  407  may be any form of slide fastener. In other embodiments, at least one alternative fastener is used to hold the second  404  and third  405  perimeter edges of the second portion  400   b  to the second perimeter edge  402  of the first portion. The at least one alternative fastener may be any set of fasteners that fastens the second  404  and third  405  perimeter edges of the second portion  400   b  to the second perimeter edge  402  of the first portion  400   a , including without limitation hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, and ties. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2E , the lid  406  includes at least one rigid panel  200   a - c . The at least one rigid panel  200   a - c  may cause the lid  406  to present a substantially rigid surface when closed, according to the definition of rigidity described above for the bottom panel  101  in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1E . In some embodiments, the at least one rigid panel further includes a first panel  200   a  and a second panel  200   b  separated by a flexible portion  201 , so that the lid  406  may be wrapped around the suitcase  100  when the front panel  106 , side panels  104 , and rear panels  102  are in folded position, as shown in  FIG. 2F . In some embodiments, the lid  406  includes at least one fastener  202  that fastens the lid  406  to the second portion  400   b  at the exterior surface  109  of the bottom panel  101  of the suitcase  100  when the lid  406  is wrapped around the suitcase  100 . The at least one fastener  202  may be any fastener suitable for fastening one surface to another, including but not limited to a hook-and-loop fastener, a buckle such as a slide-release buckle, tension lock, or frame buckle, a snap, a button, or a tie. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener  202  also fastens the lid  406  to the first portion  400   a  at the exterior surface  125  of the front panel  106  when the lid  406  is in the closed position and the front panel  106 , is in deployed position. 
     In some embodiments, as is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , each of the distance from the top edge  115  of the rear panel  102  to the to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  and the distance from the top edge  126  of the front panel  106  to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  is less than the distance from the top edge  120  of each side panel  104  to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101 , and the at least one rigid panel  200   a - c  of the lid  406  includes a central panel  200   b  that has a front edge  203  and a rear edge  204 , occupying a position at the height of the top edges  120  of the two side panels  104  and substantially parallel to the interior surface  108  of the bottom panel  101  when the lid  406  is in its closed position, a forward panel  200   c  that slants down from the front edge  203  of the central panel  200   b  to the top edge  126  of the front panel  106  when the lid is in the closed position, and a back panel  200   a  that slants down from the back edge  204  of the central panel to the top edge  115  of the rear panel  102  when the lid is in the closed position. The suitcase may include one or more slanting top edges  136  that connect the higher top edges  120  of the side panels  104  to the lower top edges  115 ,  126  of the front panel  106  and the rear panel  102 . The forward  200   c  and back  200   b  panels of the lid  406  may rest on the slanting top edges  136  when the lid  406  is closed. In some embodiments, the joint between the back panel  200   c  and the central panel  200   a  is in a state of elastic equilibrium when the lid  406  is in a closed position; as a result the joint is  201  is biased to allow the lid  406  to fold over the suitcase  100  with less resistance when the suitcase  100  is in its collapsed position. As an example, where the lid  406  is made up of two flexible layers with the central panel  200   b , back panel  200   a , and front panel  200   c  sandwiched between the two flexible layers, the flexible layer that faces the interior surface of the bottom panel when the lid  406  is in its closed position may have a slightly smaller surface area than the flexible layer that is on top of the suitcase  100  when the lid  406  is in its closed position. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4E and 1B , the lid  406  includes at least one projection  409  that rests against at least one of the interior surface  113  of the rear panel  102 , the interior surface  118  of at least one side panel  104 , or the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106  when the lid  406  is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the at least one projection  409  is a lip or ledge extending downward from the underside of the lid  406 . The lip or ledge may be parallel to the edge of the lid  406 . In some embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length of each of the interior surface  113  of the rear panel  102 , the interior surface  118  of each of the side panels  104 , and the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106 . In other embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length of each of the interior surface  118  of each of the side panels  104 , and the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106 . In additional embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length of the interior surface  124  of the front panel  106 . In additional embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length of the interior surface  118  of at least one of the side panels  104 . In other embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length of the interior surface  113  of the rear panel  102 . The lip or ledge may cover only part of the length of the interior surface of one or more panels; as a non-limiting example, the at least one projection  409  may include one lip or ledge that rests against a part of the interior surface  118  of one side panel  104  and a second lip or ledge that rests against a part of the interior surface  118  of the other side panel. In some embodiments, the at least one projection  409  adds strength and stability to the suitcase  100  when the lid  406  is closed, by bracing against the interior surface of one or more panels. The at least one projection  406  may have any shape that accomplishes that purpose, including one or more dowels, wedges, or tabs. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate one embodiment of an extension handle  500  to be used with an item of luggage. Although  FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate an embodiment of an extension handle with a piece of luggage, the disclosed embodiments may be used with any other item that would benefit from having an extension handle. Examples of such other items include, but are not limited to, items that have wheels and that are used for moving objects, such as carts (e.g., luggage carts), platforms, pallets, and hand trucks. The disclosed embodiments may also be used with items that do not have wheels, such as, for example, step-ladders. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the extension handle  500  includes a handle portion  500   a , which includes at least one handle rod, a first handle rod  501 , having a proximal end  502  and a distal end  503 . When the extension handle  500  is in an extended position, the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  is closer to the item of luggage than is the distal end  503 . In some embodiments, the handle portion  500   a  includes a second handle rod  504  having a proximal end  505  and a distal end  506 . In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  includes a grip  507  coupled to the distal end  503  of the first handle rod  501 . It is to be understood that the word “coupled” means that the elements may be directly connected together, or they may be coupled through one or more intervening elements. In some embodiments, the grip  507  is directly connected to the distal end  503  of the first handle rod  501 . In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  includes a grip  507  coupled to both the distal end  503  of the first handle rod  501  and the distal end  506  of the second handle rod  504 . The extension handle  500  may be attached to an item of luggage  508 . The extension handle  500  may include additional handle rods (not shown). 
     The first handle rod  501 , and, if present, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod  504 , may be constructed from any material or combination of materials that render the at least one handle rod rigid and strong enough not to flex or break when used to haul a typical quantity of luggage or other item to which the extension handle  500  may be attached. The materials making up the at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod  501 , and, if present, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod  504 , may include metal, synthetic polymers (e.g., plastic), natural polymers, wood, or any combination of these or other materials. 
     The at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod  501 , and, if present, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod  504 , may be linear or curved, or it may have one or more portions that are linear and one or more portions that are curved. For example, the exemplary first handle rod  501  illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5B  includes a linear portion between the proximal end  502  and the distal end  503 . As described below, the distal end  503  may be attached to a bar  602 , but alternatively the bar  602  can simply be a curved portion of the first handle rod  501  that extends from the distal end  503 . 
     The at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod  501 , and, if present, additional handle rods, may be solid or hollow; for instance, the at least one handle rod may be a tube. Where the at least one handle rod is hollow, the interior space of the at least one handle rod may be formed to accommodate a latch actuator  803  as described below in connection with  FIGS. 8C-8E . The at least one handle rod may be a single, monolithic piece, or it may be constructed of multiple components connected together. In other embodiments, the at least one handle rod includes one or more mutually movable components (not shown). In some such embodiments, the one or more mutually movable components may be able to slide or pivot with respect to one another. For instance, the at least one handle rod may be incorporated in a telescoping handle, in which the at least one handle rod is slidably engaged in at least one chamber, where the at least one chamber is the interior of at least one additional handle rod (not shown). The at least one additional handle rod may be a stage in a telescoping handle; for instance, the at least one additional handle rod may slide into another hollow rod, or into a chamber in the luggage item or the item to which the extension handle  500  is attached. The at least one additional handle rod may be a plurality of nested telescoping sections. Persons skilled in the art will be aware that any number of such telescoping sections may be added to the at least one handle rod. The telescoping handle may include one or more latches (not shown) that can fix the one or more components relative to each other; for instance, where the handle is telescoping, the latches may fix each telescoping section with respect to the section in which it is inserted, so that when a given section is pulled out into an extended position, that section is fixed with respect to the section from which it is pulled out, making the telescoping handle substantially rigid until the latch is disengaged. The at least one handle rod may have any cross-sectional shape or combination of shapes, including polygons, circles, ellipses, and combined polygonal and curved shape; the cross-sectional shape may vary over the length of the at least one handle rod. Where the at least one handle rod includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the second handle rod  504  may be constructed from any material or combination of materials suitable for making the first handle rod  501 . The second handle rod  504  may have any form suitable for the construction of the first handle rod  501 . In some embodiments, the first handle rod  501  is substantially identical to the second handle rod  504 . In some embodiments, the second handle rod  504  is substantially a mirror image of the first handle rod  501 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 6A , the grip  507  is connected to the distal end  503  of the first handle rod  501  by a swivel  600  that allows the grip  507  to rotate freely about a first axis; for instance, the swivel  600  may allow the grip  507  to rotate about an axis parallel to the first handle rod  501 , in the direction indicated by the arrow  201  in  FIG. 5B , or in the opposite direction. In some embodiments having a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the swivel  600  is attached to a bar  602  joining the two handle rods  501 ,  504 ; the swivel  600  may be fixed to a point on that bar  602  that is equidistant from both handle rods  501 ,  504 . 
     In some embodiments, the swivel  600  is omitted, and the grip  507  is directly connected to the first handle rod  501 . For example, the grip  507  may include a protrusion, such as a rod or a screw, that may be inserted through a hole (not shown) in the first handle rod  501  and joined to a cap or nut that prevents the grip  507  from disengaging from the first handle rod  501  when a user pulls on the grip  507 . As another example, the grip  507  may include a grip-securing ridge (not shown) that allows the grip  507  to be rotatably mounted about a retaining lip (not shown) located on the end of the first handle rod  501 . In some embodiments having a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504  joined by a bar  602 , the grip  507  can be directly connected to the bar  602  in similar ways. As would be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, there are many ways of directly attaching the grip  507  to the first handle rod  501  or to a bar  602  joining the first handle rod  501  to a second handle rod  504 , and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting. 
     In other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , the grip  507  is attached to the distal end of the at least one handle rod by a neck portion  605 . The neck portion  605  may have a first end  605   a  affixed to the handle portion  500   a  and a second end  605   b  affixed to the grip  507 . In some embodiments, the neck portion  605  deforms elastically about a rotational axis intersecting the handle portion  500   a  and the grip  507  when the grip  507  is rotated relative to the handle portion  500   a  by a user. The axis may bisect the grip  507 ; rotation about the axis may occur in substantially the direction of rotation  606  shown in  FIG. 6B , or in the opposite direction. The neck portion  605  may have a range of motion in two directions of rotation about the axis, such as the direction of rotation  606  and the opposite direction of rotation. In some embodiments, the neck portion  605  includes an elastic component that elastically deforms upon rotation; the elastic component may exert a recoil force tending to move the grip back to an elastically neutral position. The elastically neutral position may be a position in which the grip  507  is in substantially the same plane as the handle portion  500   a . The elastic portion may be a spring, such as a coiled spring. The elastic portion may be a sleeve of elastic material, such as rubber. The elastic portion may be a strip of elastic material. The neck portion  605  may include a structural portion preventing the neck  605  from elongating or shearing. The structural portion may be a swivel joining the grip  507  to the handle portion  500   a ; as a non-limiting example, the swivel may have a first half fixed to the grip  507  and a second half fixed to the handle portion  500   a , with the first half and second half connected together so that they rotate with respect to one another. The neck portion  605  may have a limited range of motion. The elastic portion may limit the range of motion; for instance, the recoil force of the elastic portion may be sufficiently strong at the limit of the range of motion to prevent further rotation impelled by a typical amount of force exerted by a user holding the grip. The elastic portion may reach the limits of its elastically deformable range and resist further deformation at the limit of the range of motion. In other embodiments, the neck portion  605  includes one or more structural elements that limit the range of rotation of the neck portion  605 . For instance, at least one first structural element fixed to the grip  507  may engage at least one second structural element fixed to the handle portion  500   a  at each extreme of the range of motion. In some embodiments, the range of motion permits the grip  507  to rotate at most ninety degrees (π/2 radians) in either direction of rotation; in other words, the range of motion may permit the grip  507  to rotate a total of 180 degrees (n radians), between a first point 90 degrees (π/2 radians) in one direction of rotation from the elastically neutral point, and a second point 90 degrees (π/2 radians) in the other direction of rotation from the elastically neutral point. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5B and 6 , the grip  507  may have any shape conducive to being held easily in the hand of a user. In some embodiments, the grip  507  has a top  507   a , a bottom  507   b  coupled to the at least one handle rod (e.g., the first handle rod  501  and, if present, the second handle rod  504  and any other additional handle rods), a front  507   c , a back  507   d , and two sides  507   e . The grip  507  may take any shape conducive to use as a grip. In some embodiments, the grip  507  takes the form of a ring; in other words, the grip  507  has a transverse opening  507   f , which is defined as an opening passing from the front  507   c  of the grip to the back  507   d  of the grip  507 , so that a user&#39;s hand may be inserted through the transverse opening between the sides  507   e  of the grip  507  to take hold of the grip  507 . For instance, where the grip  507  is a toroid, the transverse opening may be the hole through the toroid. Where the grip  507  is a ring, the grip  507  may take the form of any ring having a transverse opening as described above. The grip  507  may be, for example, a toroidal ring, a square ring, a triangular ring, or a D-ring. The exterior perimeter of a cross-section of the grip  507  taken halfway between the front and the back and parallel to the plane of the front may be a regular or irregular polygon. The exterior perimeter may contain one or more curved portions; for instance, the grip  507  may have the form of a polygon with rounded corners, or may have a semicircular portion combined with a linear or polygonal portion. Where the grip  507  has a transverse opening  507   f  through the grip  507 , the cross-section may have an internal perimeter bordering the opening  507   f . The internal perimeter may be any shape useable for the exterior perimeter; for instance, the cross-section may have a substantially square external perimeter, and a substantially square internal perimeter. The cross-section may have a substantially triangular external perimeter and a substantially triangular internal perimeter. The internal perimeter may be a different shape from the external perimeter. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 5C , the grip  507  has an interior hollow portion  507   g ; for instance, where the grip  507  is a toroid, the grip  507  may be a tubular toroid similar to the inner tube of an automobile tire with an interior or lumen  507   g  that describes a toroid of air. In some embodiments, an object is inside the grip when it is within the interior hollow portion  507   g  of the grip  507 , rather than in the hole  507   f  through the grip. An object inside the grip  507  is thus enclosed by the outer surface of the grip  507 , while objects in the hole  507   f  are outside of the grip. Thus, for instance, a motion transfer ring  808  as described below in reference to  FIGS. 8C-8E  is inside the grip  507  if the motion transfer ring  808  is within the interior hollow portion  507   g  of the grip. In other words, the grip  507  may have an exterior surface  507   h , and the interior space  507   g  of the grip may be a space substantially all of which is enclosed by the exterior surface  507   h ; an object may be inside the grip if it is in a space substantially all of which is enclosed by the exterior surface  507   h.    
     In some embodiments, the grip  507  is substantially toroidal. The substantially toroidal grip  507  may be circular or elliptical. In embodiments in which the grip  507  is substantially toroidal, the bar  602  may be in the form of an arc, allowing it to conform to the shape of the toroidal grip  507 . 
     In some embodiments using a swivel  600  or neck portion  605 , the grip  507  may have a track  603  on its exterior surface, in which the swivel  600  or neck portion  605  is slidably engaged; the swivel  600  or neck portion  605  may be slidably attached to the track  603 , permitting the grip  507  to be rotated about a second axis, such as an axis orthogonal to the annular cross-section of the handle, about which the handle rotates in the direction indicated by the directional arrow  604  presented in  FIG. 6 . For instance, in some embodiments in which the grip  507  is substantially toroidal, the grip  507  contains a track  603  describing a substantial circle on the grip  507 . In some embodiments, having one or two axes of rotation about which the grip  507  can freely rotate allows the user to hold the grip  507  more naturally, with an ergonomic wrist angle. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7F , where the at least one handle rod includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the extension handle  500  includes at least one pocket  700  between the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504 . The at least one pocket  700  may have one or more flaps  701  that may be closed to secure the contents of the pocket  700  or opened to access the contents of the pocket  700 . The one or more flaps  701  may be secured in their closed position by one or more fasteners (not shown), such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, a button, a snap, Velcro®, or any other type of fastener or combination of fasteners suitable to secure the contents of the pocket  700  when the one or more flaps  701  are closed. 
     In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  includes fold-out tray  702 . The fold-out tray  702  may include at least one rigid panel, main panel  703  having a distal end  704 , a proximal end  705 , and a work surface  702   a . In some embodiments, the fold-out tray  702  includes a connector  706  that enables the fold-out tray  702  to be slidably attached to the handle portion  500   a . In other embodiments, the connector  706  is separate from the fold-out tray  702 . The connector may be any connector that allows the fold-out tray  702  to be slidably attached to the handle portion  500   a . Suitable connectors include, but are not limited to, hinges and ball joints. In some embodiments, the connector  706  attaches the proximal end  705  of the main panel  703  to the handle portion  500   a  (e.g., to the first handle rod  501  or, in embodiments having a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , to a rod or other rigid member (not shown) connected to one or both of the first handle rod  501  to a second handle rod  504 ). The connector  706  may permit the fold-out tray  702  to be rotated between a first position in which the work surface  702   a  of the fold-out tray  702  is substantially parallel to the first handle rod  501  and a second position in which the work surface  702   a  of the fold-out tray  702  is substantially perpendicular to the first handle rod  501 , with the distal end  704  projecting away from the first handle rod  501 . 
     In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7G and 7H , the connector  706  is attached to at least one mounting rod  710  of the handle portion  500   a . Where the at least one handle rod includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the at least one mounting rod  710  may be set between the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504 . The at least one mounting rod  710  may be oriented horizontally, vertically, or in any other orientation convenient for attaching the fold-out tray  702 . The at least one mounting rod  710  may be the at least one handle rod; for instance, the at least one rod may be the first handle rod  501 , the second handle rod  504 , or both the first and second handle rods  501  and  504 , as described above in reference to  FIGS. 5A-5B . Alternatively, the at least one mounting rod  710  may be entirely separate from the first and second handle rods  501  and  504 . In some embodiments, the at least one mounting rod  710  is coupled to the first and second handle rods  501  and  504 . In other embodiments, the at least one mounting rod  710  is coupled to an item of luggage but not to the first or second handle rods  501 ,  504 . The connector  706  may be slidably mounted on the at least one mounting rod  710 ; for instance, a hole through a part of the connector  706  may fit snugly but slidably on the at least one mounting rod  710 . In some embodiments, the connector  706  is mounted on the at least one mounting rod  710  using a sleeve fixed to the connector  706 , the sleeve fitting snugly around the at least one mounting rod  710 . In some embodiments, the weight of the fold-out tray  702  itself, or the weight of an item placed on the fold-out tray  702  in combination with the weight of the fold-out tray  702  itself, fixes the position of the connector  706  with respect to the at least one mounting rod  710  through static friction. In some embodiments, the connector  706  has a latch (not shown) causing the connector  706  to remain in a fixed position along the length of the at least one mounting rod  710 ; the latch may be any suitable latch to engage a connector to a rod. In some embodiments, the latch may be a spring-loaded bolt or pin mounted in the connector  706  that engages a hole or slot in the at least one mounting rod  710 , and which the user must push or pull out of the hole or slot to enable the connector  706  to slide again; the connector  706  may have an object on its outer surface that the user may push or pull to disengage the bolt or pin. In other embodiments, the at least one mounting rod  710  has an obstruction, such as a flange, that arrests the connector&#39;s movement when it has been slid to the proper height for deploying the fold-out tray  702 . The latch may engage automatically and disengage automatically given sufficient force by the user, as described below for a latch fixing the first handle rod  501  in reference to  FIGS. 8A-8E . The connector  706  may similarly be attached to the at least one handle rod  501 , first handle rod  501 , the second handle rod  504 , or to both handle rods; the connector  706  may be fixed to each or both of the handle rods, or slidably attached to each or both of the handle rods. 
     In some embodiments, the position of the at least one rod may be adjusted. In some such embodiments, the connector  706  is affixed (e.g., permanently affixed) to the at least one mounting rod  710 , and the position of the at least one mounting rod  710  can be adjusted to adjust the height of the fold-out tray  702  when it is deployed (i.e., when the work surface  702   a  of the fold-out tray is substantially perpendicular to the first handle rod  701 ). For example, in some embodiments, the at least one mounting rod  710  is oriented substantially horizontally (i.e., perpendicular to the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504 ) within the extension handle  500   a , with a first end coupled to the first handle rod  501  and a second end coupled to the second handle rod  504 , and the positions of the first and second ends of the mounting rod  710  are adjustable along the lengths of the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504 . It is to be understood that a plate or other component suitable for attachment to the fold-out tray  702  may be included in the extension handle  500   a  in lieu of the described at least one mounting rod  710 . 
     In some embodiments, the rotation of the fold-out tray  702  into its deployed position causes the position of the fold-out tray  702  to become fixed with respect to the at least one mounting rod  710  on which the connector  706  is slidably engaged. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting rod  710  has at least one support feature  711  including an upward-facing surface. The upward-facing surface of the at least one support feature  711  may be a surface substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the connector  706  travels on the at least one mounting rod  710 ; the upward-facing surface may be curved or slanted, as well. The at least one support feature  711  may be one or more notches, as depicted in  FIG. 7G , with the upward facing surface forming a floor of each notch; the one or more notches may be a plurality of notches arranged in a saw-tooth pattern. The at least one support feature  711  may be one or more grooves, as illustrated in  FIG. 7H ; the grooves may be substantially horizontal in orientation, such that an object traveling down one of the grooves will travel in a mostly horizontal direction. Each groove may be shaped to admit a member that rotates into the groove upon the rotation of the fold-out tray  702  about the connector for instance, each groove may be substantially arcuate. The fold-out tray  702  may include a member  712  that engages the at least one support feature  711  when the fold-out tray  702  is rotated about its connector  706  into deployed position; when the member  712  engages the at least one support feature  711 , the fold-out tray may become fixed with respect to the at least one mounting rod  710 . For example, the member  712  may be a protrusion that rests on the upward-facing surface when the pullout tray  702  is rotated into its deployed position. As a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIGS. 7G and 7H , the member  712  may be included in or attached to the connector  706  so that when the fold-out tray  702  is rotated into the deployed position, the member  712  engages the at least one support feature  711 . The member  712  may be constructed of any materials or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the at least one handle rod  501 . In some embodiments, when the member  712  is engaged with the at least one support feature  711 , by resting on the upward-facing surface, the connector  706  cannot slide with respect to the at least one mounting rod  710 ; as a result, while the fold-out tray  702  is deployed, it will not slide with respect to the at least one mounting rod  710 . In some embodiments, where the at least one support feature  711  is a plurality of notches arranged in a saw-tooth array, the member  712  and notches may be formed so that, if the fold-out tray  702  is in its deployed position, the user can move the connector  706  upward along the at least one mounting rod  710 , and the member  712  will travel up the plurality of notches, consecutively engaging each notch so that the fold-out tray  702  cannot travel down the at least one mounting rod  710  without being rotated out of the deployed position (e.g., by the user lifting the distal end  704  of the main panel  703  to disengage the member from the notches and then sliding the fold-out tray  702  down the at least one mounting rod  710 ). 
     The connector  706  may be constructed to have a range of motion substantially limited to 90 degrees; as a result, the fold-out tray  702  may be held in its extended, horizontal (i.e., deployed) position by the lower limit of the range of motion of the connector  706 . In other embodiments, the fold-out tray  702  has a brace or reinforcing rod (not shown) that further limits its downward motion and helps to support the weight of objects set on the tray. 
     In some embodiments, when the extension handle  500  includes a pocket  700 , the fold-out tray  702  may stow in the pocket when rotated into the position substantially parallel to the at least one handle rod. The stowing process may involve rotating or sliding the fold-out tray  702  down to stow it completely within the pocket  700 , and securing it in place by closing the pocket  700 . In some embodiments in which the fold-out tray  702  does not stow within a pocket  700 , the fold-out tray  702  may be maintained in its position substantially parallel to the at least one handle rod by a latch or strap, by one or more magnets, or by friction. For instance, in embodiments including the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  704 , the fold-out tray  702  may be sized to fit snugly between the first  501  and second  504  handle rods. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray  702  is detachable from the handle portion  500   a . For instance, a portion of the connector  706  that is slidably engaged with the at least one mounting rod  710  may be removable from the at least one mounting rod  710 . In some embodiments, the fold-out tray  702  is detachable from the connector  706 , and the connector  706  may or may not be detachable from the at least one mounting rod  710 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7C-7E , in some embodiments, the fold-out tray  702  has one or more leaves  707 , each of which has a work surface. In some embodiments, the one or more leaves  707  are joined to the main panel  703  by at least one connector  708  that permits the leaves  707  to be deployed from a folded position resting on the main panel  703  to deployed position adjacent to the main panel  703  so that the work surface of each of the one or more leaves  707  acts as an extension to the work surface  702   a  of the main panel  703 . In some embodiments, where there are two leaves  707  a first leaf may have a connector  708  having a larger offset than the connector  708  of a second leaf, so that the first leaf can rest on top of the second leaf when the second leaf and first leaf are in the folded positions. The one or more leaves  707  may be rigid, as defined above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1E . The at least one connector  708  may support the one or more leaves  707  in their deployed positions. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray  702  includes a lip  709  at the distal end  704  of the main panel  703 . The lip  709  may fold against the main panel  703 , for instance, using a connector (not shown), and may deploy to a substantially vertical position to help secure an object  718  placed on the fold-out tray  702 . 
     Some embodiments include features to make the tray extendible. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7I-7K , the extension handle  500  includes a slide member  713  fixed to the connector  706 . The connector  706  may be attached to the proximal end  705  of the main panel  703  by slidably engaging the main panel  703  with the slide member  713 . The slide member  713  may have a distal end  713   a  (shown in  FIGS. 7J and 7K ) and a proximal end  713   b  coupled to the connector  706 . In some embodiments, the slide member  713  is a panel. The slide member  713  may be inserted in the main panel  703 . The slide member  713  may be placed in contact with the underside of the main panel  703 . For instance, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7J-7K , the main panel  703  may have one or more downward projections  714  having grooves  715  that slidably engage the slide member  713 ; as a non-limiting example, there may be two downward projections  714  having grooves  715  that face each other and are spaced to slidably admit two opposite edges of a panel-shaped slide member  713 , holding the slide member  713  against the underside of the main panel  703  and constraining the main panel  703  to slide along only one axis. The slide member  713  may additionally include a stopper  716  that prevents the main panel  703  from detaching from the slide member  713 . The main panel  703  may have a stopper contacting member  717  that contacts the stopper  716  to prevent the main panel  703  from detaching from the slide member  713 ; as a non-limiting example, the stopper  716  may be located at the distal end  713   a  of the slide member  713 , and the stopper contacting member  717  may be located at the proximal end  705  of the main panel  703 . The stopper  716  may be on the underside  713   c  of the slide member  713 . The stopper-contacting member  717  may be attached to the underside of the main panel  703 . In some embodiments, the slide member  713  enables the length of the fold-out tray  702  to be extended by sliding the main panel  703  away from the connector  706  on the slide member  713 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the extension handle  500  may be attached to an item of luggage  508 . The item of luggage  508  may be a receptacle used to transport articles during travel. For example, the luggage  508  may be a suitcase, a wheeled suitcase, an attaché case, a duffel bag, a backpack, a bag (e.g., a canvas or laundry bag), a briefcase, an item of wheeled luggage, or any other receptacle or platform for moving items about. Any material or combination or materials used to make an item of luggage may be used to make the item of luggage  508 , including natural and synthetic textiles, any rigid materials such as metals, rigid polymers such as plastic, wood, ceramic, fiberglass, or other rigid composite materials, and any flexible or semi-flexible sheets of natural or synthetic polymers. In some embodiments, the luggage item  508  is a collapsible suitcase  100  as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-4D . As another example, the suitcase  100  may incorporate the extensible handle system  500 , and be wholly or partially collapsible or extensible using a different structure than the collapsible structure described above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-4D . 
     In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  is retractable. Where the at least one handle rod is part of a set of mutually sliding components as described above in reference to  FIGS. 5A-5B , the extension handle  500  may be retractable by sliding the components relative to each other so that the at least one handle rod reduces in length. For instance, where the first handle rod  501  and second handle rod  504  are made of telescoping sections, the extension handle  500  may be retracted by sliding the telescoping sections so that they nest within one another. In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  is retracted by sliding the handle with respect to the luggage  508 ; for instance, the at least one handle rod may each be slidably engaged on a track on the outside of the luggage  508 . In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  is slidably engaged inside of the luggage  508 , for example, in a chamber of the luggage  508 . The at least one handle rod  501  may be slidably engaged (e.g., on a track) in at least one chamber of the luggage  508 , so that a user can slide the at least one handle rod between a retracted position in which substantially all of the at least one handle rod is within the at least one chamber, and an extended position in which substantially all of the at least one handle rod except for the distal end of the at least one handle rod is outside of the at least one chamber. The at least one chamber may be incorporated in the luggage  508 . For example, the at least one chamber may be formed within the luggage  508 . The at least one chamber may be separately formed and attached to the luggage  508  using fasteners or other means. In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  is slidably engaged in a single chamber as described in further detail below in connection with  FIGS. 9A-9D . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8E , in embodiments in which the extension handle is retractable by slidable engagement with the luggage  508 , at least one engagement latch may fix the at least one handle rod in its extended position. For instance, the at least one engagement latch may include a first engagement latch  801  that fixes the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  relative to the luggage  508  when the first handle rod  501  is in the extended position. Where the at least one handle rod includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the at least one engagement latch may include a first engagement latch  801  that fixes the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  relative to the luggage  508  when the first handle rod  501  is in the extended position and a second engagement latch  801  (not shown) that fixes the proximal end  505  of the second handle rod  504  relative to the luggage  508  when the second handle rod  504  is in the extended position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8B , the engagement latch  801  may include a pin  801   a  in a chamber  801   b  in the first handle rod  501 , or in a surface past which the first handle rod  501  slides, which is urged out of its chamber  801   b  by a spring  801   c  or similar biasing means, so that when a corresponding chamber  801   d  in a structure  802  past which the first handle rod  501  slides moves opposite the chamber  801   b  containing the pin  801   a , the pin  801   a  will enter the corresponding chamber  801   d . The pin  801   a  may be rounded at the end that enters the corresponding chamber  801   d , so that a user can push the pin  801   a  back into its chamber  801   b  against the bias of the biasing means  801   c  using the corresponding chamber  801   d , for instance by pushing the at least one handle rod back into a retracted position. There may be several corresponding chambers  801   d , or alternatively, several pins  801   a  at various positions along the at least one handle rod or along a surface past which the at least one handle rod slides, so that the at least one handle rod can be secured at various degrees of extension or retraction. Where the at least one handle rod includes first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the same engagement latch  801  may secure both the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504  relative to the luggage item  508 , or multiple engagement latches  801  may be used to secure the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504 . Likewise, one or more engagement latches may engage one component of the at least one handle rod with another component of the at least one handle rod; for example, where the at least one handle rod is made up of telescoping sections, the one or more engagement latches may fix two sections together so they are not mutually slidable until the one or more engagement latches have been disengaged. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8C-8E , the one or more engagement latches  801  are disengaged by the action of at least one actuator  803 . The at least one actuator  803  may be in the handle portion  500   a  of the extension handle  500 . The at least one actuator  803  may move in a direction  803   a  that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of motion  801   a  of the one ore more engagement latches  801 . The at least one actuator  803  may be physically coupled to the one or more engagement latches  801  so that when the at least one actuator moves, it causes the one or more engagement latches  801  to retract, disengaging the one or more engagement latches  801 . Persons skilled in the art will be aware of many ways to physically couple two members whereby a substantially linear motion in a first direction  803   a  by at least one actuator  803  may be converted to a substantially linear motion in a substantially orthogonal second direction  801   e  by a second member  801 . As a non-limiting example, illustrated in  FIG. 8E , a face  804  of an actuator  803  that forms an acute angle with the direction of motion  803   a  of the actuator  803  may be forced past a surface  805  of an engagement latch  801  that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of motion  801   e  of the engagement latch  801 , forcing the engagement latch  801  to move in the direction of motion  801   a . A biasing means  801   c , such as a spring, may urge the engagement latch  801  in the opposite direction and into its engaged position when the actuator  803  is not being forced in the direction of motion  803   a.    
     The at least one actuator  803  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the at least one handle rod  501 ; for instance, the at least one actuator  803  may be constructed of metal. The at least one actuator  803  may be constructed in any shape conducive for its use in transferring linear motion to a latch  801 . For instance, part of the at least one actuator  803  may be a rod that runs in the direction of motion  803   a  of the actuator from near the grip  507  to the at least one latch  801 . An actuator  803  may include a rod  803   b  slidably contained inside of the first handle rod, so that the rod  803   b  can slide down within the first handle rod  501  when the actuator  803  moves in its direction of motion  803   a ; as the at least one latch  801  may be set partially inside of the first handle rod  501 , the physical coupling between the rod  803   b  set within the first handle rod  501  and the at least one latch  801  may also be inside of the first rod  501 . Similarly, where the handle portion  500   a  includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the at least one actuator  803  may include a rod  803   b  set inside the first handle rod  501  as described above, and the at least one actuator  803  may include a rod  803   c  that is set inside of the second handle rod  504 ; the rod  803   c  may couple with a latch  801  that is partially set inside of the second handle rod  504 . In some embodiments, the at least one actuator  803  includes a cross-bar  803   d  joining the first rod  803   b  to the second rod  803   c ; the cross-bar  803   d  may be located at the end of the handle portion  500   a  near to the grip  507 . 
     In some embodiments, the at least one actuator  803  is pushed in its direction of motion  803   a  when a button  806  physically coupled to the at least one actuator  803  is depressed by a user. The button  806  may have one or more biasing means  807  urging it into a non-depressed state when it is not being depressed by a user; as a non-limiting example, the one or more biasing means  807  may be one or more springs. 
     The button  806  may be coupled to the at least one actuator  803  by a motion transfer ring  808  that contacts the at least one actuator  803 . The motion transfer ring  808  may contact the at least one actuator  803  by way of a motion transfer rod  809  that passes through an opening that connects the interior space inside the grip  507  to an interior space inside the handle portion  500   a . The motion transfer rod may contact the at least one actuator  803 . In some embodiments, the motion transfer rod is connected to the at least one actuator  803  by a swivel. In other embodiments, the end of the motion transfer rod  809  rests against the at least one actuator  803 . As a non-limiting example, the at least one actuator  803  may have a depression in which the end of the motion transfer rod  809  rests, so that the motion transfer rod  809  may be rotated with respect to the at least one actuator  803  but does not easily slip off of the at least one actuator  803 . The motion transfer rod may be connected to the motion transfer ring  808  by a swivel. The motion transfer rod may rest against the motion transfer ring  808 . In some embodiments, the motion transfer rod can swivel with respect to the motion transfer ring  808  and is fixed to the at least one actuator  803 . In other embodiments, the motion transfer rod  809  can swivel with respect to the at least one actuator  803  and is fixed to the motion transfer ring  808 . Where the grip  507  is joined to the distal end of the at least one handle rod by a swivel  600 , the opening may pass through the swivel  600 ; as a result, the grip  507  may be able to swivel together with the motion transfer ring  808  with respect to the handle portion  500   a  and the at least one actuator  803 . Where the grip  507  is joined to the distal end of the at least one handle rod by a neck portion  605 , the opening may pass through the neck portion  605 . As a result, the grip  507  and motion transfer ring  808  may be able to rotate as far as permitted by the range of motion of the neck portion  605 . 
     The motion transfer ring  808  may be set inside the grip  507 ; in other words, the motion transfer ring  808  may be inside the interior space  507   g  of the grip  507 . The motion transfer ring  808  may have a shape that complements the shape of the grip  507 . For instance, where the grip  507  is ring-shaped, the motion transfer ring  808  may form a ring corresponding to the shape of the grip  507 , and set inside an interior hollow portion of the grip  507 . As a non-limiting example, where the grip  507  forms a toroidal ring, the motion transfer ring  808  may have a substantially circular form, and be inside of the grip  507 . Likewise, where the grip  507  is a D-ring, the motion transfer ring  808  may be a D-ring inside of the grip  507 , and where the grip  507  is a square ring, the motion transfer ring  808  may be a square ring inside of the grip  507 . As a result, the motion transfer ring  808  may be free to move in the direction of motion  803   a  of the at least one actuator  803  when the button  806  is depressed, while remaining inside of the grip  507 , causing the actuator  803  to move in its direction of motion  803   a . As a result, the user may not see the motion transfer ring, actuator, or latches at all, and the resulting user experience may be that the handle  500  locks in place in one or more extended positions, and becomes retractable when the button  806  is depressed. The motion transfer ring  808  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the at least one actuator  803 ; for instance, the motion transfer ring may be constructed of metal. In some embodiments, the extension handle  500  includes a rotation lock (not shown) that prevents the grip  507  from rotating relative to the handle portion  500   a  when the rotation lock is engaged, and permits the grip  507  to rotate relative to the handle portion when the rotation lock is disengaged. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9D , the extension handle  500  may include a chamber  901  from which the extension handle  500  extends and into which the extension handle  500  retracts. The chamber  901  may be incorporated in the luggage  508  (i.e., within the luggage  508 ), or it may be part of or formed by an external component attached to the exterior of the luggage  508  using fasteners such as screws, rivets, hook and loop fasteners, straps with buckles, or any other appropriate fastener, as would be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The chamber  901  may have a first end  902 . The first end  902  may be at any of the side, front, or rear edges of the luggage. The chamber  901  may have a second end  903 . The second end  903  may be opposite the first end  902 ; for instance, if the first end  902  is located at one side of the luggage  508 , the second end  903  may be located at the opposite side of the luggage  508 . The chamber  901  may include a first side  904 ; the first side  904  may be parallel to an edge of the luggage  508 . The chamber  901  may have a second side  905  parallel to and opposite to the first side  904 . The chamber  901  may have an opening  906  at the first end  902 . The chamber  901  may be closed at the first side  904 , second side  905 , and second end  903 . In some embodiments, where the at least one handle rod includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the first handle rod  501  and second handle rod  504  are inserted within the chamber  901  along the first side  904  and the second side  905  of the chamber  901 . The at least one handle rod may be free to slide out of the opening  906  into an extended position, as shown in  FIG. 5A . When in the extended position, the distal end  503  of the first handle rod  501  may extend out of the chamber  901  and the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  may remain within the chamber  901 . 
     The extension handle  500  may include at least one interior rod; the at least one handle rod may have a slot that slidably admits the at least one interior rod. In some embodiments, where the at least on handle rod includes a first handle rod  501  and a second handle rod  504 , the at least one interior rod includes two interior rods  912  inserted in the chamber  901  along the front  904  and back  905  sizes of the chamber  901 . In some embodiments, each handle rod  501 ,  504  has a slot  913  that slidably admits one of the two interior rods  912 . As a non-limiting example, there may be a first interior rod inserted in the chamber  901  along the first side  904  of the chamber  901 , the first handle rod  501  may contain a slot that slidably admits the first interior rod, and a first engagement latch may fix the first handle rod  501  to the first interior rod, and there may be a second interior rod inserted in the chamber along the second side  905  of the chamber, the second handle rod  504  may contain a slot that slidably admits the second interior rod, and a second engagement latch may fix the second handle rod  504  to the second interior rod. The at least one handle rod may be restricted by the interior rods  912  so that the at least one handle rod can only travel linearly by sliding along the rods  912 . In some embodiments, the at least one engagement latch  801  fixes the at least one handle rods to the interior rods  912 . Where there is at least one pocket  700 , the at least one pocket  700  may be capable of sliding into and out of the chamber  901  with the at least one handle rod; for instance, when the extension handle  500  includes both the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504 , the at least one pocket  700  may be confined to the space between the first handle rod  501  and the second handle rod  504  when the pocket  700  is closed. 
     As a non-limiting example, the extension handle  500  may retract into a chamber  901  in the bottom panel  101  of the collapsible suitcase  100 . The first end  902  of the chamber  901  may be located at one side edge of the bottom panel  101 ; the second end  903  may be located at the other side edge of the bottom panel  101 . Likewise, the first side  904  may be parallel to, and near to, an edge of the bottom panel  101 , such as the front edge of the bottom panel  101 . The second side  905  of the chamber  901  may be parallel to and proximal to the rear edge of the bottom panel  101 . 
     The extension handle  500  may be attached to the item of luggage  508  in a non-retractable fashion. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the handle  500  may be fixed to the luggage  508 ; for instance, the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  may be bolted, screwed, riveted, or otherwise fastened to the luggage  508 . A brace  1000  may attach the first handle rod  501  to the luggage, for added stability. The fixed attachment may be detachable; for instance, the extension handle  500  may be removably clamped or screwed to the luggage  508 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10B , the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  is attached to the item of luggage  508  by a connector  1001 . The connector  1001  may be any attachment that allows the first handle rod  501  to rotate relative to the luggage  508 ; the connector  1001  may allow the handle  500  to be stowed in a position in which it is substantially flat against the luggage  508 . The connector  1001  may be any kind of connector, including, but not limited to, a hinge (e.g., a pin hinge, a living hinge), a ball joint, or a strip of flexible material attached to both the extension handle  500  and the luggage  508 . A fastener  1002  may allow a user to engage the extension handle  500  with the luggage  508  so that the extension handle  500  remains in deployed position while in use. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10C , the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501  is coupled to a wheel  1003 , and the item of luggage, which has a compartment for holding items, is attached to the extension handle  500  between the distal end  503  of the first handle rod  501  and the proximal end  502  of the first handle rod  501 . For instance, the extension handle  500  may be a “dolly” or similar cart-like apparatus to which luggage  508  or other receptacles or platforms for transporting items may be attached. The luggage  508  may be attached to the extension handle  500  using straps (not shown), fasteners (not shown), or any other means for attaching one object to another object. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method  1100  for collapsing a collapsible suitcase. The method  1100  includes providing a collapsible suitcase as describe above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1E  ( 1101 ). The method  1100  includes rotating the front panel into folded position ( 1102 ). In some embodiments, this is implemented as described above in reference to  FIG. 2A . Rotating the front panel  106  may include disengaging the latch  128  as shown in  FIG. 2A . The method  1100  includes rotating each side panel into folded position ( 1103 ); in some embodiments this is implemented as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . The method  1100  may further include folding a portion of the exterior covering  400  up over the side panels, as depicted in  FIG. 2B . The method  1100  includes rotating the rear panel into folded position ( 1104 ); in some embodiments, this is implemented as depicted in  FIG. 2C . Some embodiments further include wrapping the lid  406  around the suitcase  100  after the suitcase  100  has been collapsed; in some embodiments, the lid  406  is secured to the second portion  400   b  of the exterior covering  400  using the fastener  202 . 
     It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.