US20070113757A1 - Lap tray - Google Patents
Lap tray Download PDFInfo
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- US20070113757A1 US20070113757A1 US11/286,804 US28680405A US2007113757A1 US 20070113757 A1 US20070113757 A1 US 20070113757A1 US 28680405 A US28680405 A US 28680405A US 2007113757 A1 US2007113757 A1 US 2007113757A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lap
- tray
- rigid base
- pillow
- lap tray
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
- A47B23/002—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported only by a person
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/06—Serving trays
- A47G23/0608—Lap trays
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to trays for holding items on a user's lap, and more particularly to a lap tray that can be used alternatively for eating or for writing.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,374 teaches a food container that is adapted to be mounted on an airline seat.
- the container is adapted to hold a meal, and includes recesses shaped accordingly.
- the container has a lid that closes over the food (or dirty dishes) to both contain the food and provide a writing surface.
- the tray assembly includes base and cover sections having a plurality of opposing recesses for enclosing a number of dishes, cups, and other utensils needed for a complete meal service.
- Proper vertical alignment of the two sections as they are fitted together is facilitated by corresponding lateral indentations in the side walls of both parts which serve in manual guiding of the cover into position upon the base, and by accurate shoulders spaced circumferentially about a generally central recess in one of the sections, such shoulders being received in a complementary channel in the other section.
- Pasmanick, U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,102 teaches a portable work and play station particularly suited for a child traveling in an automobile or airplane.
- a planar work surface is provided to which a clip for holding a workpiece in place is attached.
- the work surface is supported by a deformable support bag, preferably filled with particulate materials so as to rest on a child's legs while in use.
- Covered rectangular storage wells for writing instruments are provided and circular wells for drinks are included.
- An interior storage volume is provided for paper and other apparatus as well as a book holding device. Single piece and two piece folding configurations are disclosed.
- the tray for use by both children and adults while traveling in an automobile.
- the tray includes a box-like frame and is supported by hinged panel legs.
- the box-like frame has a food serving surface on one side, a smooth desk surface on the opposite side, and a storage compartment within the box-like frame.
- a hinged door provides access to the storage compartment.
- the tray is placed over the legs of a user and secured to the user's seat belt.
- the hinged panel legs may be rotated 180 degrees to allow the tray to be used as a food tray in the normal position and as a desk when the box frame is inverted.
- the tray includes a food serving surface supported by hinged legs which may fold under the food serving surface for storage.
- a storage bag which may be attached to the back of a passenger seat, provides for convenient storage of the folded tray.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,913 teaches a portable adjustable work station that including a base and a substantially planar work platform disposed vertically above the base.
- a support assembly extends between the base and proximate the work platform for support thereof.
- the support assembly includes structure for vertically adjusting the vertical spacing of the work platform above the base, and further includes an upper end. There is interposed between the upper end of the support assembly and the work platform structure for interconnecting the upper end of the support assembly to the work platform and defining an axis for rotation of the plane of the work platform in either direction from the horizontal between first and second limits.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,751 teaches a portable and adjustable activity surface for use by a wide variety of individual users and that can accommodate a wide range of different activities thereon.
- the device has a support pad with a resting surface, a forward surface, a rearward surface and a sloping surface.
- the device also has a platform that contacts the sloping surface. The height of the platform can be increased by moving the platform up the sloping surface, and the height of the platform can be decreased by moving the platform down the sloping surface.
- the platform remains in contact with the support pad either by frictional forces or with hook-and-loop fasteners.
- Blanchard U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,656, teaches a portable lap table to be used by small children for traveling in a vehicle.
- the lap table includes a kidney shaped board surface, a center support structure, and the center support structure being arched and contoured to fit the user's thighs for comfort and stability.
- the table's top surface may have various recesses for holding crayons, drinks, and the like, a gutter for containing liquid spills, an outer lip to prevent objects from rolling off the surface, and handles for portability.
- the inventive device includes a tray portion having a generally rectangular configuration.
- the tray portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface.
- the upper surface has a circular recess formed therein.
- Hayward, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,956 teaches an improved tray apparatus that includes a single, flat, opaque surface having a border.
- the border accommodates a member positioned on the surface for dividing the surface into at least two or four compartments.
- the opaque surface would allow light to be transmitted through the surface when the tray was placed upon a lighted table or the like, so that food could be easily identified by the user.
- the food lap tray includes a pair of pliant leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually secured beneath the legs of the user.
- the lap tray is adapted to be positively secured to the lap of the user, yet will not cause discomfort to the user or bind or excessively restrain the legs of the user during use.
- the lap tray enables rapid positioning on the lap of the user, as well as rapid removal from the lap of the user.
- Pipkin U.S. 2005/0178297, teaches a reading tray for mounting on an aircraft seat.
- the reading tray includes a substantially planar top side and bottom side; the top side being substantially parallel to the opposite, bottom side; a space in the center of the top side extending partially through the tray; a support panel that is removably insertable in the space; and an arm support assembly connected to the support panel for supporting the support panel in an open, inclined position, or in an alternate, closed position wherein the support panel fits closely within the space with an upper face of the support panel flush with the top side of the tray.
- the prior art teaches trays for holding food and for eating. However, the prior art does not teach a tray that is adapted for being positioned on a user's lap for either eating a meal or for writing.
- the present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
- the present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
- the present invention provides a lap tray for holding a plurality of eating utensils, or, alternatively, for providing a writing surface.
- the lap tray includes a rigid base, a lap pillow, a plurality of depressions, and a cover element.
- the rigid base has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral lip extending upwardly from the top surface.
- the lap pillow is adapted to be attached to the bottom surface of the rigid base, the lap pillow being adapted for supporting the lap tray on an uneven surface such as a lap of a user.
- the plurality of depressions in the top surface are shaped to hold the plurality of eating utensils.
- the cover element is shaped to be positioned over the top surface, on or within the perimeter lip, the cover element having a writing surface.
- a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a lap tray having advantages not taught by the prior art.
- Another objective is to provide a lap tray that enables the user to position the lap tray on his or her lap and use the lap tray either for eating a meal, or for writing.
- Another objective is to provide a lap tray that includes a lap pillow that may be removably attached to the lap tray.
- a further objective is to provide a lap pillow that includes a resilient, foam rubber element, and a flexible shell element, the flexible shell element being removable from the foam rubber element for cleaning and/or replacement.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lap tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a plurality of depressions adapted to receive a plurality of eating utensils;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof, illustrating a cover element positioned to cover the plurality of depressions shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a lap pillow of the lap tray.
- the lap tray 10 for holding a plurality of eating utensils 12 , or, alternatively, for providing a writing surface 42 .
- the lap tray 10 includes has a rigid base 20 , a plurality of depressions 28 , a cover element 40 , and a lap pillow 50 .
- the plurality of depressions 28 hold the plurality of eating utensils 12
- the cover element 40 provides the writing surface 42 .
- the rigid base 20 has a top surface 22 , a bottom surface 24 , and a peripheral lip 26 .
- the plurality of depressions 28 in the top surface 22 are shaped to hold the plurality of eating utensils 12 .
- the plurality of depressions 28 preferably includes a plate depression 30 shaped to receive and frictionally engage a plate 12 A, a cup depression 32 shaped to receive and frictionally engage a cup 12 B, and a flatware depression 34 that is adapted to hold and partially contain flatware such as a spoon 12 D and a knife 12 E. Other depressions may also be included for holding a fork 12 C and other items.
- the rigid base 20 may be formed from wood, synthetic, plastic, or any other suitable material.
- the peripheral lip 26 extends upwardly from the top surface 22 , and is preferably generally rectangular in shape.
- the peripheral lip 26 preferably includes a ledge 36 for receiving and frictionally engaging the cover element 40 .
- the rigid base 20 preferably includes a pair of C-shaped handles 38 extending from the rigid base 20 .
- the pair of C-shaped handles 38 enable the user to more easily grasp the rigid base 20 . While one particular form of handles is shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that the handles may have other shapes, and alternative embodiments should be considered within the scope of the claimed invention.
- the cover element 40 is shaped to be positioned over the top surface 22 , on or within the peripheral lip 26 .
- the cover element 40 includes a writing surface 42 , and functions to enable the user to use the lap tray 10 for writing.
- the cover element 40 is preferably generally planar, and may be constructed of wood, synthetic, plastic, or any other material that provides a suitable surface.
- the cover element 40 preferably includes a gripping element 44 that can be grasped while the cover element 40 is positioned over the top surface 22 of the rigid base 20 .
- the gripping element 44 preferably is at least one cutout area that enables the user to fit his or her finger through the cutout area and grasp the cover element 40 .
- the gripping element 44 preferably includes a pair of cutout areas, to facilitate grasping of the cover element 40 with either of the user's hands.
- the gripping element 44 may also include a loop (not shown) attached to the writing surface 42 , enabling the user to grasp the loop and remove the cover element 40 from the rigid base 20 .
- the lap pillow 50 is adapted to be attached to the bottom surface 24 of the rigid base 20 .
- the lap pillow 50 is adapted for supporting the lap tray 10 on an uneven surface, such as a lap of a user.
- the lap pillow 50 is removably attached to the rigid base 20 .
- the lap pillow 50 is preferably removably attached to the rigid base 20 with a hook and loop fastener 52 such as VELCRO®, although snaps or other fasteners are also considered within the scope of the claimed invention.
- a plurality of support elements 62 preferably extend from the bottom surface 24 of the rigid base 20 for supporting the lap tray 10 when the lap pillow 50 is removed.
- the lap pillow 50 preferably includes an interior component 54 and a shell element 56 .
- the interior component 54 may be a resilient foam rubber element, a plurality of resilient foam elements, or any other suitable materials.
- the shell element 56 preferably includes an aperture 58 for receiving the foam rubber element 54 , and a fastener 60 for closing the aperture 58 .
- the fastener 60 may be snaps, a zipper, a hooks and loops fastener, or any other suitable or equivalent fastener.
- the shell element 56 is preferably removable, so that it may be cleaned and/or replaced.
Landscapes
- Table Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A lap tray for holding a plurality of eating utensils, or, alternatively, for providing a writing surface, has a rigid base, a lap pillow, a plurality of depressions, and a cover element. The lap pillow is adapted to be attached to a bottom surface of the rigid base, the lap pillow being adapted for supporting the lap tray on an uneven surface such as a lap of a user. The plurality of depressions in a top surface of the rigid base are shaped to hold the plurality of eating utensils. The cover element is shaped to be positioned over the top surface to provide a writing surface.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to trays for holding items on a user's lap, and more particularly to a lap tray that can be used alternatively for eating or for writing.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- The following art defines the present state of this field:
- T. E. Nance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,374, teaches a food container that is adapted to be mounted on an airline seat. The container is adapted to hold a meal, and includes recesses shaped accordingly. The container has a lid that closes over the food (or dirty dishes) to both contain the food and provide a writing surface.
- Ryan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,688, teaches a tray assembly for the delivery and service of foods. The tray assembly includes base and cover sections having a plurality of opposing recesses for enclosing a number of dishes, cups, and other utensils needed for a complete meal service. Proper vertical alignment of the two sections as they are fitted together is facilitated by corresponding lateral indentations in the side walls of both parts which serve in manual guiding of the cover into position upon the base, and by accurate shoulders spaced circumferentially about a generally central recess in one of the sections, such shoulders being received in a complementary channel in the other section.
- C. A. Cramer, U.S. Pat. No. 2,808,191, teaches a lap tray that includes a top side with punched portions for receiving cups, plates, etc., and a flat bottom side for supporting the top side above a person's lap.
- Pasmanick, U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,102, teaches a portable work and play station particularly suited for a child traveling in an automobile or airplane. A planar work surface is provided to which a clip for holding a workpiece in place is attached. The work surface is supported by a deformable support bag, preferably filled with particulate materials so as to rest on a child's legs while in use. Covered rectangular storage wells for writing instruments are provided and circular wells for drinks are included. An interior storage volume is provided for paper and other apparatus as well as a book holding device. Single piece and two piece folding configurations are disclosed.
- Rousch, U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,292, teaches a tray for use by both children and adults while traveling in an automobile. The tray includes a box-like frame and is supported by hinged panel legs. The box-like frame has a food serving surface on one side, a smooth desk surface on the opposite side, and a storage compartment within the box-like frame. A hinged door provides access to the storage compartment. The tray is placed over the legs of a user and secured to the user's seat belt. The hinged panel legs may be rotated 180 degrees to allow the tray to be used as a food tray in the normal position and as a desk when the box frame is inverted. In an alternative embodiment, the tray includes a food serving surface supported by hinged legs which may fold under the food serving surface for storage. A storage bag, which may be attached to the back of a passenger seat, provides for convenient storage of the folded tray.
- Lorenzana, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,561, teaches a lap tray adapted to be supported across the upper legs of a seated person for providing recessed areas for food and beverage containers. The tray includes downwardly extending vertical projections at the ends of the body portion to engage the outer thighs to retain the tray positioned.
- Cloud, U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,913, teaches a portable adjustable work station that including a base and a substantially planar work platform disposed vertically above the base. A support assembly extends between the base and proximate the work platform for support thereof. The support assembly includes structure for vertically adjusting the vertical spacing of the work platform above the base, and further includes an upper end. There is interposed between the upper end of the support assembly and the work platform structure for interconnecting the upper end of the support assembly to the work platform and defining an axis for rotation of the plane of the work platform in either direction from the horizontal between first and second limits.
- With, U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,751, teaches a portable and adjustable activity surface for use by a wide variety of individual users and that can accommodate a wide range of different activities thereon. The device has a support pad with a resting surface, a forward surface, a rearward surface and a sloping surface. The device also has a platform that contacts the sloping surface. The height of the platform can be increased by moving the platform up the sloping surface, and the height of the platform can be decreased by moving the platform down the sloping surface. The platform remains in contact with the support pad either by frictional forces or with hook-and-loop fasteners.
- Blanchard, U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,656, teaches a portable lap table to be used by small children for traveling in a vehicle. The lap table includes a kidney shaped board surface, a center support structure, and the center support structure being arched and contoured to fit the user's thighs for comfort and stability. The table's top surface may have various recesses for holding crayons, drinks, and the like, a gutter for containing liquid spills, an outer lip to prevent objects from rolling off the surface, and handles for portability.
- Neville, U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,933, teaches a portable lap tray for securing to a user's thighs for use inside of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a tray portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The tray portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a circular recess formed therein.
- Hayward, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,956, teaches an improved tray apparatus that includes a single, flat, opaque surface having a border. The border accommodates a member positioned on the surface for dividing the surface into at least two or four compartments. The opaque surface would allow light to be transmitted through the surface when the tray was placed upon a lighted table or the like, so that food could be easily identified by the user.
- Eisenberg, U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,119, teaches a fast food lap tray that is particularly suitable for use in an automobile to support and secure fast foods and their containers. The food lap tray includes a pair of pliant leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually secured beneath the legs of the user. As such, the lap tray is adapted to be positively secured to the lap of the user, yet will not cause discomfort to the user or bind or excessively restrain the legs of the user during use. In particular, the lap tray enables rapid positioning on the lap of the user, as well as rapid removal from the lap of the user.
- Pipkin, U.S. 2005/0178297, teaches a reading tray for mounting on an aircraft seat. The reading tray includes a substantially planar top side and bottom side; the top side being substantially parallel to the opposite, bottom side; a space in the center of the top side extending partially through the tray; a support panel that is removably insertable in the space; and an arm support assembly connected to the support panel for supporting the support panel in an open, inclined position, or in an alternate, closed position wherein the support panel fits closely within the space with an upper face of the support panel flush with the top side of the tray.
- Other patents of interest include Davis, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,702 (portable tray); and Rousch, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 359,862 (ornamental design for a traveler's tray).
- The above-described references are hereby incorporated by reference in full.
- The prior art teaches trays for holding food and for eating. However, the prior art does not teach a tray that is adapted for being positioned on a user's lap for either eating a meal or for writing. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
- The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
- The present invention provides a lap tray for holding a plurality of eating utensils, or, alternatively, for providing a writing surface. The lap tray includes a rigid base, a lap pillow, a plurality of depressions, and a cover element. The rigid base has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral lip extending upwardly from the top surface. The lap pillow is adapted to be attached to the bottom surface of the rigid base, the lap pillow being adapted for supporting the lap tray on an uneven surface such as a lap of a user. The plurality of depressions in the top surface are shaped to hold the plurality of eating utensils. The cover element is shaped to be positioned over the top surface, on or within the perimeter lip, the cover element having a writing surface.
- A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a lap tray having advantages not taught by the prior art.
- Another objective is to provide a lap tray that enables the user to position the lap tray on his or her lap and use the lap tray either for eating a meal, or for writing.
- Another objective is to provide a lap tray that includes a lap pillow that may be removably attached to the lap tray.
- A further objective is to provide a lap pillow that includes a resilient, foam rubber element, and a flexible shell element, the flexible shell element being removable from the foam rubber element for cleaning and/or replacement.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lap tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a plurality of depressions adapted to receive a plurality of eating utensils; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof, illustrating a cover element positioned to cover the plurality of depressions shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof; and -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a lap pillow of the lap tray. - The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a
lap tray 10 for holding a plurality of eatingutensils 12, or, alternatively, for providing awriting surface 42. Briefly stated, thelap tray 10 includes has arigid base 20, a plurality ofdepressions 28, acover element 40, and alap pillow 50. As described in greater detail below, the plurality ofdepressions 28 hold the plurality of eatingutensils 12, and thecover element 40 provides the writingsurface 42. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , therigid base 20 has atop surface 22, abottom surface 24, and aperipheral lip 26. The plurality ofdepressions 28 in thetop surface 22 are shaped to hold the plurality of eatingutensils 12. The plurality ofdepressions 28 preferably includes aplate depression 30 shaped to receive and frictionally engage aplate 12A, acup depression 32 shaped to receive and frictionally engage acup 12B, and aflatware depression 34 that is adapted to hold and partially contain flatware such as aspoon 12D and aknife 12E. Other depressions may also be included for holding afork 12C and other items. Therigid base 20 may be formed from wood, synthetic, plastic, or any other suitable material. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theperipheral lip 26 extends upwardly from thetop surface 22, and is preferably generally rectangular in shape. Theperipheral lip 26 preferably includes aledge 36 for receiving and frictionally engaging thecover element 40. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , therigid base 20 preferably includes a pair of C-shapedhandles 38 extending from therigid base 20. The pair of C-shapedhandles 38 enable the user to more easily grasp therigid base 20. While one particular form of handles is shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that the handles may have other shapes, and alternative embodiments should be considered within the scope of the claimed invention. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thecover element 40 is shaped to be positioned over thetop surface 22, on or within theperipheral lip 26. Thecover element 40 includes a writingsurface 42, and functions to enable the user to use thelap tray 10 for writing. Thecover element 40 is preferably generally planar, and may be constructed of wood, synthetic, plastic, or any other material that provides a suitable surface. - The
cover element 40 preferably includes agripping element 44 that can be grasped while thecover element 40 is positioned over thetop surface 22 of therigid base 20. The grippingelement 44 preferably is at least one cutout area that enables the user to fit his or her finger through the cutout area and grasp thecover element 40. The grippingelement 44 preferably includes a pair of cutout areas, to facilitate grasping of thecover element 40 with either of the user's hands. - While one version of the
gripping element 44 is shown, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that alternative embodiments of thegripping element 44 should also be included in this description. For example, the grippingelement 44 may also include a loop (not shown) attached to the writingsurface 42, enabling the user to grasp the loop and remove thecover element 40 from therigid base 20. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thelap pillow 50 is adapted to be attached to thebottom surface 24 of therigid base 20. Thelap pillow 50 is adapted for supporting thelap tray 10 on an uneven surface, such as a lap of a user. In the preferred embodiment, thelap pillow 50 is removably attached to therigid base 20. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thelap pillow 50 is preferably removably attached to therigid base 20 with a hook andloop fastener 52 such as VELCRO®, although snaps or other fasteners are also considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Also as shown inFIG. 3 , a plurality ofsupport elements 62 preferably extend from thebottom surface 24 of therigid base 20 for supporting thelap tray 10 when thelap pillow 50 is removed. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thelap pillow 50 preferably includes aninterior component 54 and ashell element 56. Theinterior component 54 may be a resilient foam rubber element, a plurality of resilient foam elements, or any other suitable materials. Theshell element 56 preferably includes an aperture 58 for receiving thefoam rubber element 54, and afastener 60 for closing the aperture 58. Thefastener 60 may be snaps, a zipper, a hooks and loops fastener, or any other suitable or equivalent fastener. Theshell element 56 is preferably removable, so that it may be cleaned and/or replaced. - While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1. A lap tray for holding a plurality of eating utensils, or, alternatively, for providing a writing surface, the lap tray comprising:
a rigid base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral lip extending upwardly from the top surface;
a lap pillow adapted to be attached to the bottom surface of the rigid base, the lap pillow being adapted for supporting the lap tray on an uneven surface;
a plurality of depressions in the top surface, the plurality of depressions being shaped to hold the plurality of eating utensils; and
a cover element shaped to be positioned over the top surface, on or within the perimeter lip, the cover element having a writing surface.
2. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the lap pillow is removably attached to the rigid base, and further comprising a plurality of support elements extending from the bottom surface of the rigid base, the plurality of support elements being adapted for supporting the lap tray when the lap pillow is removed.
3. The lap tray of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of support elements comprise a plurality of support legs.
4. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the cover element includes a gripping element that can be grasped while the cover element is positioned over the top surface of the rigid base.
5. The lap tray of claim 4 , wherein the gripping element is at least one cutout area that enables the user to fit his or her finger through the cutout area and grasp the cover element.
6. The lap tray of claim 4 , wherein the gripping element includes a pair of cutout areas.
7. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of depressions includes a plate depression shaped to receive and frictionally engage a plate, and a cup depression shaped to receive and frictionally engage a cup.
8. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the rigid base includes a pair of C-shaped handles extending from the rigid base.
9. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the lap pillow includes a resilient foam rubber element, and a flexible shell element.
10. The lap tray of claim 9 , wherein the flexible shell element includes an aperture for receiving the resilient foam rubber element, and a fastener for closing the aperture.
11. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the lap pillow is removably attached to the rigid base, with a hook and loop fastener.
12. The lap tray of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral lip includes a ledge for receiving and frictionally engaging the cover element.
13. A lap tray for holding a plurality of eating utensils, or, alternatively, for providing a writing surface, the lap tray comprising:
a rigid base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral lip extending upwardly from the top surface;
a lap pillow adapted to be attached to the bottom surface of the rigid base, the lap pillow being adapted for supporting the lap tray on an uneven surface,
wherein the lap pillow includes a resilient, foam rubber element, and a flexible shell element, and wherein the flexible shell element includes an aperture for receiving the resilient foam rubber element, and a fastener for closing the aperture;
a hook and loop fastener for removably attaching the lap pillow to the rigid base;
a plurality of depressions in the top surface, the plurality of depressions being shaped to hold the plurality of eating utensils; and
a cover element shaped to be positioned over the top surface, on or within the perimeter lip, the cover element having a writing surface.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/286,804 US20070113757A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2005-11-23 | Lap tray |
PCT/US2006/042262 WO2007061578A2 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-10-30 | Lap tray |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/286,804 US20070113757A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2005-11-23 | Lap tray |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070113757A1 true US20070113757A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
Family
ID=38052231
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/286,804 Abandoned US20070113757A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2005-11-23 | Lap tray |
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US (1) | US20070113757A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007061578A2 (en) |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20110056413A1 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2011-03-10 | Andochick Scott E | Travel lap desk with magnetic coupling |
US20110174677A1 (en) * | 2008-08-18 | 2011-07-21 | Eureka Concepts International B.V. | Assembly of a food tray and a food container, and use thereof in an aircraft |
US20130043200A1 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2013-02-21 | Dan R. Johnson | Portable cushion tray |
US20140377499A1 (en) * | 2013-06-19 | 2014-12-25 | Elizabeth Davino | Airline tray table cover |
US20150108123A1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2015-04-23 | Regalo International, Llc | Dine and draw child lap tray apparatus |
US20150193020A1 (en) * | 2014-01-03 | 2015-07-09 | Dean Kawasawa | Cushioned Mouse Pad Device |
US20160059758A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat leveler for fragile cargo |
US9392870B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2016-07-19 | Michael J. Suman | Adjustable laptop support for electronic devices |
US20160325197A1 (en) * | 2014-01-09 | 2016-11-10 | Kids Go Co. | Content delivery system with modular travel station |
USD821131S1 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2018-06-26 | Donald L. Anderson | Multipurpose powered sofa console |
US10202060B2 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2019-02-12 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat leveler for transporting cargo |
USD906719S1 (en) * | 2019-09-01 | 2021-01-05 | Creative Manufacturing, Llc | Lap desk with device slot |
USD913720S1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2021-03-23 | Shenzhen Prime Technology Co., Ltd | Laptop desk |
USD914393S1 (en) * | 2020-09-06 | 2021-03-30 | Shenzhen Prime Technology Co., Ltd | Laptop desk |
US11014471B2 (en) * | 2018-08-06 | 2021-05-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle |
USD922090S1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2021-06-15 | Shenzhen Prime Technology Co., Ltd | Laptop desk |
US11064828B1 (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2021-07-20 | Michael Joyner | Elevated dishware having flatware receptacles |
USD932420S1 (en) | 2020-03-05 | 2021-10-05 | First Pull Co. | Portable tray |
US11284714B2 (en) * | 2018-10-22 | 2022-03-29 | Richard C Rayos | Food and drink drip guard and utility top and method for making the same |
USD955323S1 (en) * | 2020-11-30 | 2022-06-21 | Paccar Inc | Storage container |
US20230097174A1 (en) * | 2021-09-28 | 2023-03-30 | Margo Geddie | Lap Food Tray Assembly |
USD1001533S1 (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-10-17 | Huahui He | Tray table |
US11858398B2 (en) | 2020-03-05 | 2024-01-02 | First Pull Co. | Motor vehicle portable tray |
USD1019183S1 (en) * | 2021-07-28 | 2024-03-26 | Amber Brewer | Activity tray |
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Cited By (33)
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US20110174677A1 (en) * | 2008-08-18 | 2011-07-21 | Eureka Concepts International B.V. | Assembly of a food tray and a food container, and use thereof in an aircraft |
US8833583B2 (en) * | 2008-08-18 | 2014-09-16 | Eureka Concepts International B.V. | Assembly of a food tray and a food container, and use thereof in an aircraft |
US20110056413A1 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2011-03-10 | Andochick Scott E | Travel lap desk with magnetic coupling |
US9295348B2 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2016-03-29 | Dan R. Johnson | Portable cushion tray |
US20130043200A1 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2013-02-21 | Dan R. Johnson | Portable cushion tray |
US8807051B2 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2014-08-19 | Dan R. Johnson | Portable cushion tray |
US20140251187A1 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2014-09-11 | Dan R. Johnson | Portable cushion tray |
US9038545B2 (en) * | 2011-08-16 | 2015-05-26 | Dan R. Johnson | Portable cushion tray |
US20140377499A1 (en) * | 2013-06-19 | 2014-12-25 | Elizabeth Davino | Airline tray table cover |
US20140377480A1 (en) * | 2013-06-19 | 2014-12-25 | Elizabeth Davino | Airline tray table cover |
US9955811B2 (en) | 2013-10-17 | 2018-05-01 | Regalo International, Llc | Dine and draw child lap tray apparatus |
US10736450B2 (en) | 2013-10-17 | 2020-08-11 | Regalo International, Llc | Dine and draw child lap tray apparatus |
US9565929B2 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2017-02-14 | Regalo International, Llc | Dine and draw child lap tray apparatus |
US20150108123A1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2015-04-23 | Regalo International, Llc | Dine and draw child lap tray apparatus |
US20150193020A1 (en) * | 2014-01-03 | 2015-07-09 | Dean Kawasawa | Cushioned Mouse Pad Device |
US20160325197A1 (en) * | 2014-01-09 | 2016-11-10 | Kids Go Co. | Content delivery system with modular travel station |
US9392870B2 (en) | 2014-07-14 | 2016-07-19 | Michael J. Suman | Adjustable laptop support for electronic devices |
US20160059758A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat leveler for fragile cargo |
USD821131S1 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2018-06-26 | Donald L. Anderson | Multipurpose powered sofa console |
US10202060B2 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2019-02-12 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Seat leveler for transporting cargo |
US11014471B2 (en) * | 2018-08-06 | 2021-05-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle |
US11064828B1 (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2021-07-20 | Michael Joyner | Elevated dishware having flatware receptacles |
US11284714B2 (en) * | 2018-10-22 | 2022-03-29 | Richard C Rayos | Food and drink drip guard and utility top and method for making the same |
USD906719S1 (en) * | 2019-09-01 | 2021-01-05 | Creative Manufacturing, Llc | Lap desk with device slot |
USD932420S1 (en) | 2020-03-05 | 2021-10-05 | First Pull Co. | Portable tray |
US11858398B2 (en) | 2020-03-05 | 2024-01-02 | First Pull Co. | Motor vehicle portable tray |
USD922090S1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2021-06-15 | Shenzhen Prime Technology Co., Ltd | Laptop desk |
USD913720S1 (en) * | 2020-09-04 | 2021-03-23 | Shenzhen Prime Technology Co., Ltd | Laptop desk |
USD914393S1 (en) * | 2020-09-06 | 2021-03-30 | Shenzhen Prime Technology Co., Ltd | Laptop desk |
USD955323S1 (en) * | 2020-11-30 | 2022-06-21 | Paccar Inc | Storage container |
USD1019183S1 (en) * | 2021-07-28 | 2024-03-26 | Amber Brewer | Activity tray |
US20230097174A1 (en) * | 2021-09-28 | 2023-03-30 | Margo Geddie | Lap Food Tray Assembly |
USD1001533S1 (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-10-17 | Huahui He | Tray table |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007061578A2 (en) | 2007-05-31 |
WO2007061578A3 (en) | 2007-10-04 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |