GB1121150A - Improvements in or relating to trays - Google Patents

Abstract

1,121,150. Lap trays and desks. D. E. CAMERON. 25 Oct., 1966 [17 Dec., 1965], No. 53651/65. Headings A4A and A4X. A lap-tray (Fig. 2) which may also be used as a lap-desk (Fig. 4) comprises a substantially flat surface 20 of quadrilateral shape having the front edge parallel to the back edge located in a first plane, first support means 22 and 23 arranged laterally of said surface and extending perpendicularly therefrom in at least one direction and second support means 21 extending in said one direction from said surface and located in a second plane forming an acute angle with said first plane in the region of the back edge of said first surface and positioned centrally with respect to the back edge, the arrangement being such that when the support means 21 is placed on the lap, the surface 20 of the tray is horizontal, when the surface 20 is placed on the lap the support means 21 provide a lap desk and when the tray is placed on a flat surface the first support means 22 and 23 and, if necessary, the lower edge of the second support means 21 keep the surface 20 horizontal to the supporting surface. The support means 21 and/or the flat surface 20 may be made of transparent material so that when used as a desk articles inserted between the surfaces 20 and 21 may be viewed therethrough. The tray or desk (made of plastic material) may be modified (Figs. 8 and 9) to provide recesses for food 34 and cups 35 and 36, the said recesses also providing support means for the tray when placed on a flat surface and may include page holders 45 when used as a desk. The latter tray modification containing recesses may also include a removable trough 40 to fit into the deepest part of recess 34 with the aid of flanges 41 and 42 fitting on to the flat surface 20 of the tray. This latter tray modification may also include a detachable flat plate-like member 43 fitted with a rim 44 to engage on to the flat portion 20 and cover well 34. Another modification of the plastic tray has the well divided across the tray to form a deep well and a shallow well (Figs. 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11, not shown).