Patent Publication Number: US-7717263-B2

Title: Support systems for portable containers

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This utility patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/073,154 to the same inventors. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a pool cue portable container support system including a pool cue portable container for transporting pool cue sticks that is reconfigurable as a stand for pool cue sticks, and more particularly to a pool cue portable container system having at least one stowable support in an optionally detachable external re-closable enclosure. The present invention is useful for supporting portable containers in preferred orientations generally. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Pool cue sticks are used for shooting pool and in related billiard games. A pool cue stick having two-piece construction typically has a coupling between the pool cue shaft and the handle portion that may be connected or disconnected by hand. Two-piece cue sticks may be transported in a pool cue portable container when disassembled. Pool cue cases for two-piece cues are generally cylindrical tubes, of various cross-sectional shapes, that are slightly longer than the shaft and handle of a disassembled pool cue stick. A pool cue portable container may have an insert, such as polyurethane foam insert, that substantially fills the interior of the portable container except for tapered bores in the insert adapted to receive disassembled cue sticks. Commercially available pool cue cases may have a handle, carrying strap, and/or one or more zippered pouches attached to the exterior of the pool cue portable container with straps. Zippered pouches may be used for carrying such essentials as chalk, spare tips spare ferrules, and similar game-related supplies and paraphernalia, for example. 
   When a pool player transports his cue sticks in a pool cue portable container to a tournament, he encounters at least two problems, as recognized by the present inventors. First, once the pool cue sticks are removed from the pool cue portable container and assembled, there is often no place to safely and securely place the pool cue sticks while not in actual use. A player may have different cues for different purposes. For example, he may have a break cue, a jump cue, and a shooting cue. Accordingly, a shooter may need a safe and secure place for two of his cues, even while shooting with one cue. At tournaments, it is common for wall racks for pool cue sticks to be inadequate for the crowd, and pool cue sticks can end up propped up against a wall or laid on the floor. Some pool cue sticks cost thousands of dollars, and such precarious temporary storage in crowded tournament rooms risks serious damage to the pool cue stick. 
   Second, there is no provision for storing the pool cue cases at many tournaments. As a result, the cases are often left on chairs, countertops, floors, tables, and other inconvenient places, adding annoyance to an already crowded room. The cases need to be kept in general proximity to the players for access to the contents thereof and for security. Players may move 50 feet or more between games and so may have to retrieve their cases after each game and carry their assembled cue sticks and their cases to the next game. This is cumbersome with current technology. In tournament play, shooters often have to wait a substantial amount of time between games. During this waiting time, the shooter wants to have a way to protect the cue sticks neatly out of the way while avoiding having to keep them in hand or having the cue sticks precariously laying about the tournament room. 
   Some attempts to partially solve each one of these problems have been made without great commercial success. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,352 (expired) to Hoffman disclosed a container stand, which could be a pool stick portable container, with deployable support legs attached to the exterior of the portable container to support the portable container in a nearly upright position. The legs could be attached directly to the portable container or to a strap that could then be secured to the portable container. The legs and bracket were exposed on the outside of the portable container, creating a risk of damage to the legs and to other luggage. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,218 (expired), Hoffman further disclosed retaining means for holding the legs adjacent to the portable container when not in use supporting the portable container. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,332 (expired) to Ouelette disclosed a portable Pool Cue Holder with deployable legs internally stowable in the cylindrical holder. Ouelette&#39;s holder appears vertical with a tripod stand that provides a significant increase in the footprint of the device when in use. Ouelette&#39;s holder discloses a preference that the holder be small, having a preferred height of 5¼ inches and a cylinder diameter of 1⅝ inches, holding one pool cue while the pool cue is not in use. 
   The present inventors have identified and isolated the problems: what is lacking are apparatuses (together comprising a pool cue portable container system) which enable pool cues and pool cue cases to be kept both neatly out of the way (such as near a table in a waiting area) and readily at hand during tournament play. Another problem identified by the present inventors is for a pool cue portable container for two-piece pool cues to be used as an assembled pool cue stand with reduced risk of damage to the support legs and to adjacent luggage during transport. The present inventors also identified the need for a pool cue portable container that may act as a pool cue stand for a plurality of assembled pool cues, and that is big enough to be seen in a crowded room and that has a reduced foot print on the floor. 
   The present inventors have also identified that the problem of supporting a pool cue portable container is similar to the problem of supporting portable containers generally. For example, and without limitation, golf bags; luggage; musical instrument cases; sports equipment bags, such as those used for baseball, skiing, fencing, and lacrosse; bags generally; briefcases; and computer cases. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a pool cue portable container system with supports that enable the pool cue portable container to be supported in a nearly upright position on a floor. A further need is that the supports are stowable for transport, if not within the portable container, then within a re-closable enclosure, such as a zippered pouch, removably attached to the exterior of the main portable container tube. A further need is that the supports can be releasably coupled to the portable container by being coupled to a re-closable enclosure releasably attached to the exterior of the main portable container tube. Another need is for supports to be coupled to an interior surface of a re-closable enclosure releasably attached to the exterior of the main portable container tube and for the floor-engaging ends of the supports to be deployable out of the re-closable enclosure. A further need is for the option to have the supports constantly coupled to the re-closable enclosure. A further need is for the supports to be extendable. Yet a further need is for the deployment of the legs to not increase the footprint of the pool cue portable container on the floor. Yet another need is for the pool cue portable container system to accommodate a plurality of assembled pool cues, so that an unused cue will normally be in the nearly upright pool cue portable container. Yet another need is for a re-closable enclosure having deployable supports. Yet another need is for the re-closable enclosure to be operable to be coupled to a pool cue portable container. Yet another need is for re-closable enclosures having deployable supports that are sized, shaped, and arranged to support various portable containers, including cases and bags. To meet the above-mentioned needs and to solve the above-mentioned problems, applicants present what follows. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of the present invention provides a portable container with a re-closable enclosure operable to be releasably coupled to the exterior of the portable container, a support for the portable container that is internally stowable within the re-closable enclosure, and a support coupling coupled to the re-closable enclosure. Another embodiment provides a portable container having a portable container reconfigurer operable to enable the pool cue portable container to support, in an inclined position, assembled disconnected sections of a pool cue, and a re-closable enclosure, operable to be releasably coupled externally to the portable container and operable to enclose at least part of the portable container reconfigurer in a stowed position. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a re-closable enclosure further having a support coupling coupled to at least a portion of the re-closable enclosure, a support having a proximal end operable to be coupled to the support coupling and a distal end at least partially deployable outside the re-closable enclosure, and at least one adaptation for enabling releasable coupling of the re-closable enclosure with a portable container to be supported. Additional embodiments provide various instantiations of design for the re-closable enclosure, supports, support coupling, and adaptations for coupling the re-closable enclosure to the portable container, including couplings that are part of the re-closable enclosure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue case support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system, of  FIG. 1  in use as a stand for a plurality of assembled pool cues; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool portable container cue system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool portable container cue system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9A  is a side elevation view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9B  is a side elevation view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 9A , according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10A  is a side elevation view illustrating a fifteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10B  is a side elevation view illustrating a fifteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system as shown in  FIG. 10A , according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view illustrating a ninth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation view illustrating a tenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13A  is a side elevation view illustrating an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 13B  is a side elevation view illustrating the eleventh exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 13A , according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13C  is a side elevation cutaway view illustrating the eleventh exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 13B , according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 14A  is a side elevation view illustrating a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 14B  is a rear elevation view illustrating a twelfth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 14A , according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15A  is a side elevation view illustrating a thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system in which the re-closable enclosure and the container are the same, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15B  is a side elevation view illustrating the thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system as shown in  FIG. 15A , with the supports partially deployed, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15C  is a side elevation view illustrating the thirteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system as shown in  FIG. 15A , with the supports fully extended and deployed, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 16A  is a side elevation view illustrating the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 16B  is a rear elevation view illustrating the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 16A , according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 16   c  is a side elevation view illustrating the fourteenth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 16A , with the supports deployed according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  100 , according to the present invention. Pool cue portable container  102  is illustrated as a generally rectangular cylindrical tube containing a core material  108 , which has a plurality of pool cue shaft bores  107  and pool cue handle bores  106  for receiving portions of a pool cue stick. Pool cue portable container  102  has a lid  104  for covering the ends of pool cue shafts and handles during storage and transport. Releasably coupled to the exterior of the portable container  102  are re-closable enclosures  110  and  114  from which supports  130  extend to support the portable container in a nearly vertical position. The re-closable enclosures  110  and  114  are preferably made of leather at least ⅛-inch thick or other semi-rigid material capable of protecting the supports  130  from damage when stowed for transport within re-closable enclosures  110  and  114 . Each re-closable enclosure  110  and  114  has a closure  120  and a closure actuator  122 . The closure is preferably a continuous closure, such as a zipper, a zip-lock, or a hook and loop fastener. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, ergonomic factors, and cost, other types of closures, such as snaps, buttons, and the like, may suffice. 
   Re-closable enclosures  110  and  114  are coupled to the pool cue portable container by releasable couplings  112 . The releasable couplings  112 , illustrated as straps, are preferably integral to the re-closable enclosures  110  and  114 . In some embodiments, the releasable couplings  112  may be separable from the re-closable enclosures  110  and  114 . For example, the re-closable enclosures  110  and  114  may have adaptations, such as slots, for receiving releasable couplings  112 , such as straps. For the exemplary embodiment using straps for releasable couplings  112 , the straps may be fastened by any means known in the art, including hook and loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, and the like. Preferably, the re-closable enclosures  110  and  114  are adjustable to various positions on the pool cue portable container  102 . Preferably, the supports  130  are positionable, when deployed, to provide no increase in the footprint  140  of the pool cue portable container  102  and any attached enclosures, such as re-closable enclosures  110  and  114 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, additional enclosures  170  for chalk, shooting bridges, and other paraphernalia are also coupled to the exterior of portable container  102 . Likewise, in a preferred embodiment, a carrying handle  161  and a shoulder strap  160  (shown partially connected for clarity of the drawing: the disconnected end attaches near the foot  132 ), are also coupled to the outside of the pool cue portable container  102 . Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and portability, other releasable couplings  112 , such as snaps, clamps, locks, etc., may suffice. 
   In another preferred embodiment, re-closable enclosures  110  and  114  are sized for the dual role of stowing the supports  130  and carrying the chalk, shooting bridges, and other paraphernalia. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and ergonomics, other shapes, sizes, and numbers of re-closable enclosures  110  and  114 , adapted to a particular portable container shape, handle  161  position, carrying strap  160  position, and the positions and sizes of other enclosures  170  coupled to the exterior of pool cue portable container  102 , etc., may suffice. 
   Supports  130  may be of any substantially rigid material and are preferably comprised of a lightweight material such as aluminum, boron-epoxy composite, titanium, plastic, and the like. Supports  130  are preferably extendable legs, each comprised of segments  124 ,  126 , and  128 , which are preferably extendable by telescoping. The segments  124 ,  126 , and  128  are preferably sized to fit within the re-closable enclosure  110  or  114  for stowage during transport and storage. In a preferred embodiment, the supports  130  are extendable legs that are preferably spring-biased with a release mechanism that can be actuated to extend the supports  130 . In another preferred embodiment, a closed re-closable enclosure  110  or  114  constrains a spring bias in the telescoping extendable leg supports  130  such that each of the supports  130  extend automatically when its respective re-closable enclosure  110  or  114  is opened. Other types of supports  130 , such as folding legs (including folding tent-pole-type legs with internal elastic cord connecting the segments  124 ,  126 , and  128 ), discrete connectable segments, scissor-action legs, and articulated legs with locks are preferred in various other preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and material properties, other supports, such as pedestals, tripods, and legs of various decorative or adaptive shapes, may suffice. 
   Each support  130  is preferably flexibly coupled to the re-closable enclosure  110  or  114 . The flexible support coupling  118  is configured to enable deployment of supports  130  in a tripod configuration with the pool cue portable container  102  forming one tripod leg, as shown. The support coupling  118  may include spring bias toward the extended, or deployed, position or toward preferential positioning, such as by a détente in coupling base  116 . Other flexible support couplings  118  between the support and the re-closable enclosure  110  are also preferred in various preferred embodiments and may include any type of support coupling  118  as known in the art. For example, the art of extendable card table supports and the art of extendable golf-bag supports provides numerous approaches to flexible support couplings  118  for supports  130  and for deploying the supports  130  to a preferred position. The support coupling  118  is preferably coupled directly to the re-closable enclosure  110  and at least part of the support coupling  118  is preferably permanently coupled to the re-closable enclosure  110 . Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and material properties, other support couplings  118 , such as two-axis couplings, universal couplings, and couplings integral with supports  130 , etc., may suffice. 
   In yet another preferred embodiment, each support  130  is preferably flexibly coupled to the re-closable enclosure  110  or  114  and to the exterior of pool cue portable container  102  and covered by at least a portion of re-closable enclosure  110  or  114 . While it is preferred to couple the support coupling  118  to an interior portion of the re-closable enclosure  110  or  114  adjacent the pool cue portable container  102 , it will be appreciated that the support coupling  118  may be coupled to any portion of the re-closable enclosure  110  or  114 . 
   Supports  130  preferably have high-friction feet  134  to reduce slippage. High-friction feet  134  maybe made of any suitable material, such as rubber, neoprene, and the like. High-friction feet  134  are preferably integral with segment  128 . In another embodiment, high-friction feet  134  are preferably removable and stowable in re-closable enclosure  110  and/or  114  in an alternate preferred embodiment. Pool cue portable container  102  preferably has a high-friction foot  132  to reduce slippage. The high-friction foot  132  is preferably integral to pool cue portable container  102 . In an alternate preferred embodiment, high-friction foot  132  is preferably removable and stowable in re-closable enclosure  110  or  114 . Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and material properties, other high-friction feet  134  and high-friction foot  132 , such as ribbed feet, swivel-mounted feet, angled feet, etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment  200  of a portable container support system, or pool cue support system  100 , of  FIG. 1  in use as a stand for assembled shooter cue  202 , assembled break cue  230 , and assembled jump cue  204 . Pool cues  202 - 204  are illustrated in assembled configurations with the shaft ends of the pool cues  202 - 204  inserted into pool cue shaft bores  107 . The pool cues  202 - 204  are readily available for use while taking up little floor space. Further, the pool cues  202 - 204  are relatively safe from being knocked over, impacted by furniture or clumsy persons, or otherwise damaged. Preferably, embodiment  200  will also have a carrying handle  161  and a shoulder strap  160  (shown partially connected for clarity of the drawing: the disconnected end attaches near the foot  132 ), as well as additional enclosures  170  coupled to the exterior of pool cue portable container  102 . By keeping the cues  202 - 204  nearly vertical (preferably 60-89 angular degrees measured up from the floor), bending forces on the pool cues  202 - 204  are reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of warping. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and pool cue portable container  102  designs, other bores  107 , such as a deeper, wider bore  107  to receive a longer portion of assembled pool cue  202 - 204 , an extra bore specifically adapted to hold more than half of an assembled pool cue  202 - 204 , closable openings in the lid  104  aligned to the bores  107 , etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  300 , according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosures  310  are sized to receive little more than the extendable, segmented supports  330  for stowage. Segments  325 ,  326 ,  327 , and  328  may be any type of extendable leg segments and are preferably telescoping and more preferably spring-biased telescoping segments. Releasable coupling  312 , between the re-closable enclosures  310 , and the pool cue portable container  302  is illustrated as a single, broad strap but may be any type of coupling that will releasably couple the re-closable enclosures  310  to the pool cue portable container  302 . Bore  340  is a single large portable container interior space for holding a plurality of items together or individually wrapped or encased in removable covers. Closures  320  may be of any type, but are preferably zippers. Lid  304  is optional. In an alternate embodiment, portable container  303  may be sized for golf clubs and feet  332  and  334  may be adapted for non-floor surfaces, such as turf. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other enclosable supports  330  adapted to other portable container designs, such as suit cases, traveling display cases, camera cases, etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  400 , according to the present invention. Pool portable container system  400  has a single re-closable enclosure  410  adjustably and releasably coupled to pool cue portable container  402  via releasable coupling  412 , illustrated as two straps. Frontal closure  420  is preferably a zipper, operable with closure mechanism  422 , preferably a zipper pull. Other types of closures  320 , as mentioned above relating to  FIG. 1 , are also preferred in alternate preferred embodiments. Extendable, or deployable, segmented supports  430  are preferably coupled to the rear interior surface of re-closable enclosure  410 . Pool cue shaft bores  407  and pool cue handle bores  406  are preferably arranged pair-wise, but may be in any configuration in other embodiments. Lid  404  preferably has a semi-circumferential closure, such as a zipper, for securing the lid  404  to pool cue portable container  402 . Feet  432  and  434  are preferably configured to reduce slippage on smooth surfaces and on carpeted floors. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other re-closable enclosures  410 , such as re-closable enclosures having closures  420  of various types, locations, orientations and configurations, etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  500 , according to the present invention. Pool cue system  500  is preferably a single, bottom-opening re-closable enclosure  510  adjustably and releasably coupled to pool cue portable container  502  with releasable coupling  512 , which is illustrated as a single broad strap. Re-closable enclosure  510  is preferably sufficiently rigid to protect the legs  530 , when stowed therein, from the hazards of transport and luggage handling. In an alternate embodiment, re-closable enclosure  510  is preferably rigid and has a hinged door with a latch for a closure  510 . Extendable, or deployable, segmented supports  530  are preferably coupled to the rear interior surface of re-closable enclosure  410  but may be coupled at any point at least partially interior to re-closable enclosure  410 . Feet  534  and  532  are preferably adapted for high friction in contact with floors. Cue shaft bores  507  and cue handle bores  506  are arranged in core  508  to provide stability and balance when the portable container is used as a pool cue stand. Lid  502  is shown in the open position and is preferably semi-rigid and more preferably rigid with interior padding to protect the ends of pool cue shafts and handles during transport. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other approaches for improving balance and stability, such as weighting the bottom of the pool cue portable container  502 , angling the pool cue shaft bores  507  to hold cues vertically when the portable container  502  is supported in an inclined position, etc., may suffice. 
   In another alternate embodiment, the bottom of the re-closable enclosure  510  preferably uses feet  534  as the closures of adaptively shaped and sized openings in the bottom portion of re-closable enclosure  510 . In this alternate embodiment, the supports  530  are preferably rigidly coupled to the interior of the re-closable enclosure  510  and are preferably spring-biased telescoping legs which telescope into and out of the adaptively shaped and sized openings, or holes, such that, in the stowed position, the feet  534  close the holes. The rigid coupling is preferably angled to direct the supports  530  into a desired tripod configuration with the portable container  502  as one leg. 
     FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  600 , according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  610  is shown with closure  620 , illustrated as a zipper with pull-tab  622 , in an open position with supports  630  partially deployed through closure  620 . Couplings  617  provide rotation about a first axis and brackets  619  hold an axle for rotation about a second axis. Feet  634  are preferably adapted to frictionally engage a surface when in use. Releasable couplings  612 , illustrated as straps, are preferably integral to re-closable enclosure  610  but may, in some alternate embodiments be releasable from the re-closable enclosure  610 . Re-closable enclosure  610  is preferably sufficiently rigid to provide protection for the supports  630  during transport and luggage handling. Supports  630  are illustrated as telescoping legs, which may be locked in various telescoped positions by means known in the art of telescoping tripod legs. It will be understood that re-closable enclosure  610  is preferably sized and shaped adaptive to various cases and applications, and that the invention is not limited to re-closable enclosures  610  of a particular shape and size. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other releasable couplings  612 , such as snaps, clamps, hook and loop fasteners, etc., may suffice. Pool cue support system  600  may be adapted to any container  102 ,  302 ,  402 ,  502 , or others mentioned below, that need to be supported in a preferred orientation, including, without limitation, flexible bags suspended by the top rim, laptop computer cases supported underneath by four extendable supports  1230  to provide a laptop computer desk, briefcases, luggage, exhibit containers, containers of goods for sale, and even non-traditional containers, such as human beings, may be supported in a preferred orientation by various alternate embodiments of pool cue support system  600 . 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  700 , according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  710  is preferably coupled to pool cue portable container  702  using releasable couplings  712  and  713 , illustrated as straps. Coupling  713  is preferably a strap of resilient material such as thick leather or the tough material used to make mud flaps for trucks. Coupling  713  has a flange  717  having two bores  719  there through. Supports  730  with feet  734  are preferably stowable in re-closable enclosure  710 . Each support  730  preferably has a pin  731  in the end of support  730  opposite the end having foot  734 . Each pin  731  is shaped and sized to be inserted and held in a bore  719 , illustrated as insertion along line  715 . The force exerted by the resiliency of the material holds the supports  730  in position. In alternate embodiments, flange  717  is preferably placed variously on the upper coupling  712 , on the re-closable enclosure  710 , or in the re-closable enclosure  710 . For example, flange  717  may be integral to closure  711 , illustrated as a flap to re-closable enclosure  710 . Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other approaches to making coupling  713 , such as angled bores  719 , bores in flap  711 , additional mechanical constraints to maintain preferred positions of supports  730 , and supports  730  of various designs, etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  800 , according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  810  is adjustably and releasably coupled to pool cue portable container  812  using releasable couplings  812 , which are illustrated as straps. Closure  820  is shown in the open position with non-segmented supports  830  deployed there through. Feet  832  and  834  are preferably adapted to reduce slippage on floors. Pool cue shaft bores  807  and pool cue handle bores  806  in core  808  are preferably adapted to particular cue types, where appropriate. This embodiment illustrates that the supports  830  need not be extendable. Lid  804 , shown in the fully open position, is operable to be fastened over the top end of portable container  802 . Zippered pouches  870  may be attached to any surface of the portable container  802 , but are shown on the side for clarity of the drawing. Shoulder strap  860  is shown disconnected at one end for clarity in the drawing: the disconnected end is normally attached near the foot  832 . It is preferable to have the foot  832 , the lid  804 , the re-closable enclosure  810 , and the shoulder strap on the same side of the portable container  802 . Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other arrangements of the shoulder strap  860 , the re-closable enclosure  810 , the zippered pouches  870 , such as placing some of the items on various sides of portable container  902 , adding a carrying handle, etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 9A  is a side elevation view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  900 , according to the present invention.  FIG. 9A  shows the portable container  902  in a position to be pulled by a person via handle  901 . Re-closable enclosure  910  is preferably coupled to portable container  902  with releasable coupling  912 , shown as a strap, in a position to extend support  930  to support portable container  902  in the generally upright position. Carry-on luggage, for example, is often unstable in an upright position because people piggy-back other luggage on top surface  903 , making unstable a portable container  902  that was originally designed to be stable. One popular technique is to piggy-back a laptop computer portable container or other additional luggage on surface  905 , creating a torque about wheel  950  which tends to tip the luggage over backwards. In this configuration, the handle  901  transmits an upward force on the hand of the person pulling the portable container  902 . As a result, the person pulling the portable container  902  does not have to lift any weight when pulling on level ground. This makes pulling the portable container  902  a great deal easier, but then the portable container  902  falls over when parked. By adding the enclosable and deployable support  930  to the portable container  902 , a portable container  902  used in piggy-back mode can be made to stand nearly upright when parked. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other arrangements of the re-closable enclosure  910 , such as placing the re-closable enclosure  910  on surface  905 , having two re-closable enclosures  910 , etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 9B  is a side elevation view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of the portable container support system, or pool cue support system  900  as shown in FIG.  9 A, according to the present invention.  FIG. 9B  shows the portable container  902  in an upright position, supported by support  930 . 
     FIG. 10A  is a side elevation view illustrating a fifteenth exemplary embodiment  1000  of the exemplary portable container support system, according to the present invention. Portable container support system  1000  extends the use of the present invention to various portable containers.  FIG. 10A  shows the portable container, or portable container, or luggage,  1002  in a position to be pulled by a person via handle  1001 .  FIG. 10B  shows the portable container  1002  in an upright position, supported by extendable and deployable support  1030 . Re-closable enclosure  1010  is preferably coupled to portable container  1002  with releasable coupling  1012 , shown as a strap, in a position to extend support  1030  parallel to the floor to support portable container  1002  in the generally upright position. While the releasable coupling  1012  is shown strapped around the sides of the portable container  1002 , it may also be employed strapped front to back. Support  1030  is coupled to the interior of re-closable enclosure  1010  using a support coupling (not shown). The support coupling is preferably coupled to the inside of the re-closable enclosure distal the opening though which the supports  1030  extend, thereby maximizing the cantilever action of the support  1030 . Preferably, support  1030  is a pair of supports  1030  that extend proximate the sides of the portable container. Preferably, the re-closable enclosure  1010  is made of a tough material for this application. 
   Carry-on luggage is often unstable in an upright position because people piggy-back other luggage on top surface  1003 , making unstable a portable container  1002  that was originally designed to be stable. The cantilever action of the deployed support  1030  assists in keeping the portable container  1002  upright when parked. Another popular technique is to piggy-back a laptop computer portable container or other additional luggage  1099  on back surface  1005 , securing the additional luggage  1099  using buckled straps  1098 . This arrangement creates a torque about wheel  1050 , which tends to tip the luggage  1002  and  1099  over backwards (counter clockwise, in this view). In this configuration, the handle  1001  transmits an upward force on the hand of the person pulling the portable container  1002 . As a result, the person pulling the portable container  1002  does not have to lift any weight when pulling on level ground. This makes pulling the portable container  1002  a great deal easier, but then the portable container  1002  falls over when parked. By securing re-closable enclosure  1010  to the bottom surface  1060  of portable container  1002 , the support  1030  can be deployed and extended to support a portable container  1002  used in piggy-back mode in a substantially upright orientation when parked by using the cantilever action of the extendable and deployable support  1030 . In an alternate embodiment, the re-closable enclosure  1010  may be permanently affixed to the bottom surface  1060  of portable container  1002  and releasable coupling  1012  may be omitted. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as market forces, user preferences, and intended use, other arrangements of the re-closable enclosure  1010 , such as placing the re-closable enclosure  1010  on surface  1005 , having two re-closable enclosures  1010 , etc., may suffice. 
     FIG. 11  is a side view illustrating a ninth exemplary embodiment  1100  of the exemplary portable container support system, according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  1110  is preferably coupled to portable container  1102  with releasable coupling  1112 , shown as straps, in a position to extend supports  1130  to support golf bag, or container,  1102  in the generally upright position. Supports  1130  have feet  1134  with cleats  1197  adapted to engage turf. In an alternate embodiment, the re-closable enclosure may be built into the golf bag  1102 . In another alternate embodiment, the re-closable enclosure  1110  may be coupled to the golf bag  1102  with alternate releasable couplings  1112 , such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. In still yet another alternate embodiment, the re-closable enclosure  1110  may be affixed onto the exterior of the golf bag, for example, by stitching. In a particular embodiment, the re-closable enclosure  1110  may at least partially intrude interior to the golf bag  1102 . While supports  1130  are shown as fixed-length supports  1130 , any type of support  1130  may be used. For example, in an alternate embodiment, re-closable enclosure  1110  may be much shorter than the golf bag  1102  and the supports  1130  enclosable in the re-closable enclosure  1110  may be extendable. 
   Re-closable enclosure  1110  may fully contain a mechanism for deploying supports  1130  in response to pressure from the weight of the golf bag  1102  on the portion of re-closable enclosure  1110  proximate the ground. As the golf bag  1102  is lowered to the ground in an upright position, the force on the bottom portion of the re-closable enclosure  110  activates a mechanical linkage and forces the supports  1130  to deploy. The re-closable enclosure  1110  must be open for this mechanism to function with the present invention. 
     FIG. 12  is a side elevation view illustrating a tenth exemplary embodiment  1200  of the portable container support system, according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  1210  is shown attached to a musical instrument portable container, or portable container,  1202 . The musical instrument portable container  1202  is an example of a container that does not open at the top. With such containers  1202 , using a strap as a releasable coupling  1212  may be less convenient. The re-closable enclosure  1210  is shown coupled to the container  1202  without a strap. The releasable coupling  1212  is preferably by hook and loop fasteners  1212 . 
     FIG. 13A  is a side elevation view illustrating an eleventh exemplary embodiment  1300  of the portable container support system, according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  1310  is shown attached to a sports equipment bag  1302 , or portable container,  1302 . The sports equipment bag  1302  is an example of a container that is not rigid. With such containers  1302 , the container  1302  must be supported from the top. The re-closable enclosure  1310  is shown open with stowable, extendable, and deployable legs  1330  formed in a tripod structure. The first releasable coupling  1312  and the second releasable coupling  1313  are not visible in this view, but see  FIGS. 13B and 13C , below. 
     FIG. 13B  is a side elevation view illustrating the eleventh exemplary embodiment  1300  of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 13A , according to the present invention. Supports  1330  are showed deployed but not extended. From re-closable enclosure  1310 . First releasable coupling  1312  is shown as a hook on a side of the re-closable enclosure  1310  opposite the side through which the supports  1330  are deployed. In various alternate embodiments, other first releasable couplings  1312  may be used. For example, the first releasable coupling  1312  may be a carbineer, a snap buckle, a hook on a flexible chain, or the like. In various alternate embodiments, the first releasable coupling  1312  may be located elsewhere on the re-closable enclosure  1310 . Second releasable coupling  1313  is shown as a pair of ties. This embodiment illustrates that more than one releasable coupling  1312  and  1313  may be used with one re-closable enclosure  1310 . In various alternate embodiments, other second releasable couplings may be used. 
     FIG. 13C  is a side elevation cutaway view illustrating the eleventh exemplary embodiment  1300  of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 13B , according to the present invention. The cutaway reveals support coupling  1318 , which serves to retain one end of each support  1330 . Support coupling  1318  may also constrain the possible orientations of supports  1330  to create a tripod. In this preferred embodiment, first releasable coupling  1312  may connect to support coupling  1318  though openings in the material of the re-closable enclosure  1310  which openings would be closed with screws, bolts, or other fasteners connecting the releasable coupling  1312  to the support coupling  1318 . 
     FIG. 14A  is a side elevation view illustrating a twelfth exemplary embodiment  1400  of the portable container support system, according to the present invention. The portable container  1402  of a laptop computer is supported in a preferred orientation by supports  1430  extended from re-closable enclosure  1410  that is coupled to the underside of the portable container  1402 . Re-closable enclosure  1410  is preferably coupled to the underside of the portable container  1402  using hook and loop fasteners (not shown) as a releasable coupling. In addition to improving the keyboard angle for typing, embodiment  1400  also improves air circulation under the laptop portable container  1402  for cooling the computer within the portable container. 
     FIG. 14B  is a rear elevation view illustrating a twelfth exemplary embodiment  1400  of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 14A , according to the present invention. The supports  1630  may extend from the re-closable enclosure  1610  either directly, or by rotation. 
     FIG. 15A  is a side elevation view illustrating a thirteenth exemplary embodiment  1500  of the portable container support system in which the re-closable enclosure  1510  and the container are the same, according to the present invention. Re-closable enclosure  1510  is a flexible bag  1510 , which is sized to also contain sports equipment  1596 . Support coupling  1518  is preferably fixed to an interior surface of an end of the re-closable enclosure  1510 . Preferably, the area of contact between the support coupling  1518  and the re-closable enclosure  1510  is reinforced for longer wear. A zipper, indicated by zipper tab  1595 , runs along at least a portion of the top (in this view) of the re-closable enclosure  1510 . 
     FIG. 15B  is a side elevation view illustrating the thirteenth exemplary embodiment  1500  of the portable container support system as shown in  FIG. 15A , with the supports  1530  partially deployed, according to the present invention. The zipper has been opened, as indicated by the position of zipper tab  1995 . The supports  1530  are partially deployed, and the displacement of the connection between the support coupling  1518  and the interior of re-closable enclosure  1510  has begun to turn an end portion of the flexible re-closable enclosure  1510  inside out. 
     FIG. 15C  is a front elevation view illustrating the thirteenth exemplary embodiment  1500  of the portable container support system as shown in  FIG. 15A , with the supports  1530  fully extended and deployed, according to the present invention. The supports  1530  form a tripod (partially visible in this view). An end portion of the re-closable enclosure  1510  is turned inside out over the support coupling  1518 , supporting the re-closable enclosure  1510  in an upright position. The re-closable enclosure  1510  remains open in this configuration, allowing easier access to sports equipment  1596 . 
     FIG. 16A  is a side elevation view illustrating the fourteenth exemplary embodiment  1600  of the portable container support system, according to the present invention. Container  1602  is shown as a backpack  1602 . Re-closable enclosure  1610  is shown releasably coupled to container  1602  by releasable coupling  1612 , illustrated as straps. Re-closable enclosure may be opened and closed with a zipper, as indicated by zipper tab  1695 , shown in a closed position. In various alternate embodiments, other closure devices may be used. 
     FIG. 16B  is a rear elevation view illustrating the fourteenth exemplary embodiment  1600  of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 16A , according to the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, the top portion of re-closable enclosure  1610  may be reduced or eliminated and two separate re-closable enclosures may be used. In yet another alternate embodiment, a single support  1630  may be used. 
     FIG. 16C  is a side elevation view illustrating the fourteenth exemplary embodiment  1600  of the portable container support system, as shown in  FIG. 16A , with the supports  1630  deployed according to the present invention. Support  1630  is illustrated as a rigid support  1630  extending from support coupling  1618 . In various alternate embodiments, other supports  1630 , such as telescoping supports  1630 , may be used. 
   While multiple exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. The number of embodiments in not intended to be an exhaustive enumeration of the possibilities, but only as an inspiration to commerce. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.