US20070029848A1

US20070029848A1 - Child's Travel Tray

Info

Publication number: US20070029848A1
Application number: US11/531,367
Authority: US
Inventors: Alyson Probst
Original assignee: Starr Products dba Star Kids Products LLC
Current assignee: Starr Products dba Star Kids Products LLC
Priority date: 2003-10-31
Filing date: 2006-09-13
Publication date: 2007-02-08

Abstract

A device that is selectively interconnectable to a child's seat is provided. More specifically, the device is a travel tray that is adapted to selectively interconnect to a child safety seat, a stroller, a seat at a sports venue, or an airplane seat. The device may be constructed of compliant material that is adapted to receive and secure a plurality of cups and various other items with drink holders and pockets. Furthermore, the device may include a rigid area, wherein a child is provided with a location that is more stable in which to read, draw, or play.

Description

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/256,462, filed Mar. 20, 2006, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/698,776, filed Oct. 31, 2003, now abandoned, both applications being incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device that is adapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, such as a car safety seat or a stroller. One embodiment of the present invention includes one or more locations adapted to receive and secure a drink holder and may employ a reinforced area adapted for play or drawing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automobile child safety seats are required by law in many jurisdictions of the United States. That is, caretakers of young children are often mandated to restrain their child in government approved restraint seats while the child is seated in the automobile, thereby reducing the probability of injury to the child in the event of an accident. To increase safety, many public transportation systems accommodate child safety seats. Child safety seats provide a location for comfortably seating a child, a mechanism for securing the child therein, and locations wherein the child safety seat is attached to the interior of the automobile. Many jurisdictions also dictate that children be seated in the rear compartment of an automobile to further avoid serious injury to the child due to a collision or from airbag deployment, which are generally located in the front compartment of the automobile.
Since children are usually seated in the rear compartment of an automobile for protection, driver interaction with the child is practically impossible and often dangerous. Alternatively, if two people are in the car together, one often sits in the rear to tend to the child, making conversation between the two adults distracting and difficult. As most parents will appreciate, children tend to become bored without a sufficient amount of stimulation when driving on long car trips, which can lead to distraction of the driver of the automobile if the child becomes disruptive. Many automobiles employ entertainment devices to occupy children, such as DVD players, VCR players, and video games, either integrated into the ceiling or front seats of the automobile. Although these entertainment means provide children with sufficient stimulation during a trip, many parents either cannot afford an automobile that includes these amenities or do not wish their children to watch too much TV, for example. Thus, the child is left to his or her own devices during a long journey, which often leads to disruptive behavior.
Further during extended automobile trips and airline flights, children are in need of food or entertainment as well. Since airline practices generally dictate that during the flight passengers should be securely seat belted, feeding and interaction with the child is difficult. More specifically, the side-by-side seating arrangement of many aircraft renders child interaction difficult because the caretaker of the child must twist somewhat to face the child.
In addition, parents usually find interacting with their children difficult when using a stroller, because their main function is to push the stroller while performing everyday activities, such as grocery shopping. Thus, as described above, the child is potentially unstimulated.
Thus, there is a long felt need in the area of childcare to provide an apparatus that is adapted to selectively interface with a child's seat that allows the caretakers to perform their normal duties, while providing enough mental stimulation to the children in their care.
The following disclosure describes a device that is adapted for selective interconnection to a child safety seat, a stroller, an airplane seat, or any seat adapted to receive a child, wherein pockets, holders and play areas are provided such that the child will have an increased ability to play, store a beverage, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that is adapted for selective interconnection to a child safety seat generally used in automobiles. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to selectively interconnect with a child safety seat through the use of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, “C”-channels, latches, etc. Preferably, one embodiment of the present invention is provided with hook and loop fasteners, wherein the caretaker interconnects, with glue for example, one side of the fastener to the child safety seat and wherein the other mating surface of the fastener is interconnected to the tray. Upon seating a child and strapping them in safely into the child safety seat, the caretaker simply drapes the tray over the child's legs, thereby providing an area for play and storage. The tray is secured to the child safety seat by selectively interconnecting the hook and loop material halves together on both sides. Alternatively, the tray of the present invention may be rigidly interconnected to one side of the safety seat via screws or bolts, wherein the other side is selectively interconnected thereto to provide a hinged interconnection scheme.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that is adapted to interface with other child seating devices such as an airplane seat, a stroller seat or a high chair. With respect to an airplane seat, it is envisioned that magnets or other selective interconnection devices be employed to interconnect the tray to the existing arms of airplane seats. Alternatively, the tray of the present invention may be supplied with sleeves that slide onto the two arms of the air seats that are generally located on all commercial aircraft, thereby providing a stable foundation for which to support the tray. With respect to a baby stroller, the same interconnection method described above may be used. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides the consumer with a hook and loop fastener system, wherein one side of the fastener is permanently secured to an existing baby stroller. It is another aspect of the present invention to include a plurality of pockets integrated into the tray to provide locations wherein toys, books, or other items, generally used with children, may be stored. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides at least two mesh pockets that are adapted to hold items such as crayons, markers, drawing paper, baby bottles, video games, diapers, etc. In addition, as will be described in greater detail below, the present invention also includes a reinforced area for play. The reinforced area of one embodiment is adapted to be used for drawing and may include a plurality of pen holders or pockets to hold drawing supplies.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a location for drawing. In one embodiment of the present invention, rigid material, such as plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, tin, etc., is selectively interconnected to a portion of the tray that rests generally over the child's lap, thereby providing an area for playing or drawing. In a related embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion is removable, such that the tray may be used in a plurality of situations, depending on the needs of the child.
Another embodiment of the invention integrates a wipe on/wipe off board into a portion of the tray that is positioned over the child's lap, which is repeatedly used with non-permanent markers, thereby reducing clutter in the automobile. In addition, games such as tic-tac toe, etch-a-sketch, road bingo, etc., may be employed on the lap portion of the tray to provide entertainment to a child. The tray may also include a magnetic surface or a surface with hook and loop fasteners that provide a location for selective interconnection of magnetized blocks or toys with hook and loop material thereon, for example.
Another related aspect of the present invention is that it be capable of displaying video images directly on the lap portion of the tray. More specifically, as DVD players and computer screens become thinner, it is envisioned that such a screen therefore be integrated into the tray such that the addition of a power cord and video feed cord may be integrated into the present invention, wherein a child's favorite movies, games, or educational computer programs would be displayed thereon. Alternatively, the tray may be adapted to receive a tablet type computer, wherein the power source and the video feed capabilities are included therein.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a tray that may selectively secure a cup, can, plastic bottle, or other beverage storage device. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one drink holder. Preferably, the drink holders of the present invention are made of a mesh material. Alternatively, the drink holders are of a non-mesh material and are adapted to hold other items such as toys, crayons, tissues, pacifiers, snacks, etc.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is that it be constructed of cost effective materials. Preferably, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed from nylon, wherein the pockets and cup holders are sewn in one unit. Alternatively, other compliant materials, such as cloth, may be employed that provide an easily maintainable and repairable tray. One advantage of many compliant materials is their resistance to fluids, wherein spills may be contained on the tray. One embodiment of the present invention is hand or machine washable. In addition, a compliant tray is easily folded for storage. Alternatively, the present invention may be constructed, at least partly, from a rigid material to provide a more stable play location.
As should be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be easily scaled to any size or be constructed of any color material. In addition, it is envisioned that company logos, or brightly colored objects be integrated on the tray to provide additional visual stimulation to the child.
Thus it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a travel tray that selectively interconnects to a child safety seat comprising:
a surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said surface is adapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat;
a left fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said left edge of said surface, wherein said left fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the left arm of the child's seat;
a right fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said right fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the right arm of the child's seat; and
wherein said surface is made of a compliant material and is adapted to receive a substantially rigid panel that is positioned proximate to the child's lap and is adapted to support at least one of a toy, a book, and a play device when said left fastening mechanism and said right fastening mechanism are selectively interconnected to the left arm and the right arm of the child's seat.
The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a tray of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, wherein the present invention is selectively interconnected to a child's safety seat and draped over a child's legs;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein drink holders are omitted;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, which includes a centralized drink holder and an enlarged rigid panel;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, which includes a single drink holder and an enlarged rigid panel;
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, that is shown selectively interconnected to a child's safety seat and draped over a child's legs;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 further including side pockets;
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a right elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 22; and
FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 22.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:



#	Component

2	Tray
4	Pocket
6	Drink Holder
8	Rigid Panel
10	Child Safety Seat
12	Exterior Edge
14	Interior Edge
16	Left Edge
18	Right Edge
20	Child
22	Fastening Mechanism
24	Second Fastening Mechanism
26	Toy
28	TV or computer monitor
30	Game
32	Chalk board
34	Wipe on/wipe off board
35	Play Surface
36	Strap
38	Clasp
40	Lip
42	Side Panel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-25, a tray 2 of the present invention is shown. More specifically, the tray 2, which is generally comprised of a compliant material, employs a plurality of pockets 4 and a plurality of drink holders 6 along with a rigid panel 8 for play. The tray 2 of the present invention is constructed generally of a rectangular piece of compliant material that is adapted to selectively deflect and conform to a child's safety seat 14. The tray 2 of one embodiment of the present invention includes an exterior edge 12, an interior edge 14, a left edge 16 and a right edge 18. The rigid panel 8 is designed to lay across the lap of a child 20 such that he or she is afforded a stiffened location in which to play or write.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tray 2 of one embodiment of the invention includes a rectangular piece of compliant material that includes an exterior edge 12, an interior edge 14, a left edge 16, a right edge 18, a plurality of drink holders 6, and a plurality of pockets 4. In addition, a substantially rigid panel 8 is provided thereby providing a stable play or drawing area. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the location and size of the tray 2 may be altered to fit many types of child seating arrangements. For example, the present invention may be scaled up or down to fit stroller chairs, safety chairs, chairs in airplanes, stadium chairs, etc. In addition, the dimensions and locations of the drink holders 6, and pockets 4, and rigid panel 8 may be shaped and scaled in a plurality of ways. Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the drink holders 6 are between approximately 2 and 5 inches in diameter. In a preferred embodiment the drink holders are approximately 3½ inches in diameter. The right edge 18 and left edge 16 of one embodiment are between approximately 7 and 11 inches long. In a preferred embodiment the right edge 18 and left edge 16 are about 9 inches long. The exterior edge 12 and interior edge 14 are between approximately 30 and 34 inches long in one embodiment and in a preferred embodiment are about 32 inches long. The pocket 4 depth is between approximately 3 and 5 inches deep in one embodiment of the present invention. However, as mentioned above, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the edges are not required to be of equal length, and many shapes may be created with respect to the compliant material without departing from the scope of the invention.
As shown, the pockets 4 are created of a mesh material to facilitate the location and viewing of the items contained therein. Alternatively, a solid pocket may be used, or the pocket may be omitted altogether. As seen more distinctly in FIG. 2, a fastening mechanism 22 is also included proximate to the left edge 16 and right edge 18 of the present invention. The fastening mechanism 22, preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, is a hook and loop fastener that extends the length of both edges and that selectively interconnects to a second fastening member interconnected to the child safety seat. Alternatively, other fasteners such as snaps, latches, zippers, bolts, screws, “C” channels, etc., may be used to selectively fasten the tray 2 to the child seating area.
Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the present invention selectively interconnected to a child safety seat 10 is shown. The present invention is adapted to selectively interface with a fastening mechanism 24 on the child seat. The fastening mechanism 24 is interconnected to the seat 10 by a child's caretaker prior to attaching the tray 2. Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the caretaker interconnects, via glue, screws, zippers, snaps, etc., the fastening mechanism 24 that is adapted to selectively interconnect with the fastening mechanism 22 on the tray 2. Alternatively, other types of fastening mechanisms such as sleeves, clamps, magnets, etc., may be used to selectively interconnect the tray 2 to a chair that cannot be permanently altered, such as an airplane seat or a chair at a sports venue. As shown herein, the tray rests on or about the lap of the child 20, wherein compliant material selectively deflects and interfaces with the fastening mechanism 24. Thus, the drink holders 6 of one embodiment of the present invention are designed to straddle the legs of the child 20 and the rigid panel 8 provides sufficient location for play over the child's 20 lap. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may employ a rigid material, as described above, such that certain compliant areas are integrated therein to allow for the connection to the child seating area as shown. In addition, as shown herein, the exterior edge 12 faces away from the child 20. However, the present invention is designed to easily be reversed such that the exterior edge 12 is closer to the child 20, thereby locating the drink holders 6 closer to the child 20 so that children of smaller stature may reach their drinks or snacks.
Further, it is envisioned that the rigid panel 8 be either sewn into the compliant tray 2 or adapted to be selectively removed therefrom. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a pouch such that rigid material may be selectively interconnected thereto, thus providing a means to effectively clean the present invention, for example. A second alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a selectively interconnectable rigid panel 8. This embodiment of the present invention includes a fastening mechanism between the rigid panel 8 and compliant material halves, such that the rigid panel 8 may be separated from the compliant portions. This embodiment is envisioned to be used possibly with the previously mentioned embodiments that include touch screens or computer monitors, for example, wherein the compliant side panels are interconnected to the computer monitor and thus capable of being removed, cleaned or repaired.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the tray 2 is shown that omits drink holders. It may be desirable not to allow a child to have access to snacks or food. In this embodiment of the present invention, the child is limited to the pockets 4 and the rigid panel 8. However, other embodiments may be created wherein the pockets 4 are also omitted. Further, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the drink holders may be constructed wherein they are selectively interconnected to the tray such that they are removable, wherein the apertures left after removal may be covered by patches that are also selectively interconnected to the tray.
Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the tray 2 that includes a centralized drink holder 6 and larger rigid panel 8 is shown herein. This embodiment of the present invention is adapted to interface with the child seating area wherein the child's legs can straddle the drink holder 6. Also, the rigid panel 8 member is contoured to the shape of the drink holder 6. It is important to note that the rigid panel 8 of this and all embodiments of the present invention are envisioned to either be selectively interconnected to the tray 2 or rigidly connected thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the tray 2 is shown herein. This embodiment of the present invention provides a drink holder 6 that is oriented to one side of the child and a larger rigid panel 8. As it has been shown above, any combination or orientation of the drink holder 6, rigid panel 8, and pockets 4 may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 7-13, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention include an upward extending lip 40 depending from at least one of the left edge 16, right edge 18 and exterior edge 12. The lip 40 defines a semi-enclosed play surface 35 that substantially prevents items from slipping therefrom. In addition, embodiments of the present invention employ a strap 36 interconnected to the tray 2 via at least one clasp 38. Clasps 38 as shown herein are common in the art and are generally made of resiliently deflectable plastic components. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate the other interconnecting mechanism may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. As in previously described embodiments of the present invention, side panels may also be included that extend downwardly from the play surface 35. The side panels 42 provide a location for the interconnection of a pocket as described above. The strap 36 is adapted to be positioned about the side and rear portions of a child safety seat 10 such that the interior edge 14 is positioned adjacent to the child 20 and the side panels 42 are draped over the sides of the child safety seat 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment of the present invention is similar to that previously described, however the side panels 42 are omitted and a contoured interior edge 14 is provided. The lip 40 is also included that extends upwardly from the play surface 35.
Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the tray 2 includes the upperwardly extending lip 40 as described above along with side panels 42 that depend from the left and right edges of the play surface 35. However, the side panels 42 do not include pockets and are contemplated to be used for seat protection. More specifically, one skilled in the art will appreciate that side panels 42 as shown and described herein may be tucked between the child and the interior portion of the child's safety seat, wherein any spills would be directed to the inside of the child safety seat instead of the automobile upholstery.
Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tray 2 of this embodiment of the present invention includes a play surface 35 that has an arcuate exterior edge. This embodiment of the present invention is presented to illustrate the point that the child tray 2 as shown and described herein may be fashioned of any conceivable size and shape without departing from the scope of the invention.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable tray adapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, comprising:

a surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said surface is adapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat;

a left fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said left edge of said surface, wherein said left fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the left arm of the child's seat;

a right fastening mechanism interconnected proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said right fastening mechanism is adapted for selective interconnection to the right arm of the child's seat; and

wherein said surface is made of a compliant material and is adapted to receive a substantially rigid panel that is positioned proximate to the child's lap and is adapted to support at least one of a toy, a book, and a play device when said left fastening mechanism and said right fastening mechanism are selectively interconnected to the left arm and the right arm of the child's seat.

2. The tray of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one drink holder that includes a substantially cylindrical side wall and a bottom surface, which is interconnected to said surface of said tray, wherein said bottom surface is generally parallel to said surface of said tray.

3. The tray of claim 1, further comprising:

a left pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said left edge of said surface; and

a right pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said left pocket and said right pocket are adapted to receive at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book, and a food item.

4. The tray of claim 1, wherein said substantially rigid panel is selectively interconnected to said surface.

5. The tray of claim 1, wherein said left fastening mechanism and said right fastening mechanism, are constructed of hook and loop fastening members.

6. The tray of claim 1, further comprising two drink holders, which include generally cylindrical side walls and bottom surfaces that are interconnected to said surface of said tray, wherein said bottom surfaces are generally parallel to said surface of said tray, and where said two drink holders are adapted to be positioned proximate to the outside of the child's legs when said surface is positioned over the child's legs;

a left mesh pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said left edge of said surface; and

a right mesh pocket interconnected to said surface proximate to said right edge of said surface, wherein said left mesh pocket and said right mesh pocket are adapted to receive at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book and a food item.

7. A portable tray adapted for selective interconnection to a child's seat, comprising:

a substantially compliant surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said substantially compliant surface is adapted to be placed over the lap of a seated child;

a left fastening means interconnected to said left edge, wherein said left fastening means is adapted to selectively interconnect proximate to the left arm of the child's seat;

a right fastening means interconnected to said right edge, wherein said right fastening means is adapted to selectively interconnect proximate to the right arm of the child's seat;

at least one drink securing means that is generally cylindrical with a bottom surface, and which is interconnected to said substantially compliant surface, wherein access is gained through an aperture integrated into said substantially compliant surface; and

at least one pocket that spans approximately from said external edge to said internal edge and positioned proximate to said left edge or said right edge, said at least one pocket adapted for at least one of a toy, a diaper, a bottle, a writing device, a piece of paper, a book, and a food item.

8. The tray of claim 7, wherein said substantially compliant surface is constructed from at least one of a nylon, a cotton, a rubber, and a neoprene material.

9. The tray of claim 7, wherein said substantially compliant surface is adapted to receive a substantially rigid panel.

10. The tray of claim 7, wherein said left fastening means and said right fastening means are constructed from at least one of a latch, a snap, a clasp, a latch, a “C”-channel, a magnet, a sleeve, and a hook and loop member.

11. A portable tray, adapted for selective engagement with a child's seat, comprising:

a play surface that is defined by a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein said play surface is adapted for positioning over the lap of a child sitting in the child's seat, said play surface also including a lip depending from at least one of said left edge, said right edge and said exterior edge, said lip generally prevents play items positioned on said play surface from sliding therefrom; and

a strap interconnected to said play surface that is adapted to engage the child's seat.

12. The portable tray of claim 11, further comprising:

a side panel extending from at least one of said left edge and said right edge.

13. The portable tray of claim 12, wherein said side panel includes a pocket.

14. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein said play surface is adapted to selectively receive a rigid panel.

15. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein said strap has a first end and a second end that are each interconnected to said interior edge and is selectively divided by a means for fastening.

16. The portable tray of claim 11, wherein at least one of said interior surface and said exterior surface is arcuate.

17. A play device adapted for selective interconnection to a child's safety seat, comprising:

a play surface having a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge that is selectively positionable over the lap of a seated child;

a left means for fastening interconnected adjacent to said left edge, said left means for fastening is adapted to selectively interconnect to the left side of the child's safety seat;

a right means for fastening interconnected adjacent to said right edge, said right means for fastening is adapted to selectively interconnect to the right side of the child's safety seat;

a lip extending from at least one of said left edge, said right edge, said interior edge and said exterior edge; and

a side panel with a pocket extending from at least one of said left edge and said right edge.

18. The play device of claim 17, wherein said play surface is adapted to selectively receive a panel.

19. The play device of claim 18, wherein said panel is made of plastic.

20. The play device of claim 17, further comprising a strap interconnected to said play surface that is adapted to engage the child's safety seat.

21. The play device of claim 20, wherein said strap includes a means for selective interconnection.

22. A method of making a child's travel tray, comprising:

providing a play surface with a left edge, a right edge, an interior edge, and an exterior edge;

interconnecting a left means for fastening adjacent to said left edge;

interconnecting a right means for fastening adjacent to said right edge;

interconnecting a panel with a pocket to at least one of said left edge and said right edge; and

interconnecting a lip to at least one of said left edge, said right edge, said interior edge and said exterior edge.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising selectively interconnecting a panel to said play surface.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said panel is made of plastic.