US20080224505A1

US20080224505A1 - Folding lap end table

Info

Publication number: US20080224505A1
Application number: US11/716,619
Authority: US
Inventors: John Louis Gerard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-12
Filing date: 2007-03-12
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

A lap/end table that attaches to the frame of a typical folding chair. The table is connected by a bracket on one end that provides a range of motion to allow the table to be used in several positions. The positions are the lap position, the end table position, or a folded or stored position. The table is adjustable to the user and chair size by incorporating a hinge and leg that provide advantages in the different positions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The attached application for patent is not part of or has any ties to federally sponsored research or development.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Folding Lap End Table (FLET) is designed to aid individuals who use portable chairs. Folding and collapsible chairs are commonplace and provide great ease of use allowing the user to sit where desired. Folding/collapsible chairs are defined as chairs that are typically portable in nature and have a metal frame structure that may fold or collapse. The challenge that FLET solves for is the lack of a table associated with this type of mobile seating.
This problem was approached after using several portable chairs without a sufficient area to eat meals. Another obstacle is carrying a separate table or surface that did not mirror to flexibility and ease my portable chair offered. The FLET is a combination Lap and End Table that address the pervious mentioned problem by providing a hard surface to eat on or utilize as desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Folding Lap End Table is a combination Lap and End Table designed to be attached to almost any and collapsible chair. The fundamental idea is to provide an eating surface if desired or a side end table if desired. In addition, the FLET is designed to fold away when not needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. A:: is a 45° front top view of the Folding Lap End Table configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#1 Table top
#2 Extendable table leg.
#3 Table base
#4 Swivel rod
#5 Swivel rod hole
#6 Table leg adjustor
#7 Cup holder

FIG. B:: is a left side view of the Folding Lap End Table configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#1 Table top
#2 Extendable table leg
#3 Table base
#4 Swivel rod
#6 Table leg adjustor
#8 Table leg hinge
#9 Table leg base

FIG. C:: is a front view of the Folding Lap End Table configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#1 Table top
#2 Extendable table leg
#3 Table base
#4 Swivel rod
#5 Swivel rod hole
#6 Table leg adjustor
#9 Table leg base
#10 Table to chair bracket

FIG. D:: is a top view of the Folding Lap End Table configured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

#1 Table top
#7 Cup holder

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The full embodiment of the Folding Lap End Table is best illustrated in FIG A with subsequent views designed to depict additional features and details. FIG A # 1 illustrates the table top of the unit. The table top may be comprised of a molded polyurethane and may be one solid piece connecting to the table base # 3. It is anticipated that the table top # 1 may offer variations in design such as, but not limited to, color and cup holder placement # 7.
The table base # 3 provided two functions. #3 represents the portion of the invention that when in the lap position rests on the seated individuals lap. #3 also provides the hole # 5 that the swivel rod # 4 is inserted. #4 is best depicted in FIG B and may be formed from metal rod of a diameter roughly ½ of an inch. The shape of #4 as illustrated in FIG A, B, C allows the Folding Lap End Table a range of motion described as follows:: #3 may slide along the length of #4 to the point of bend in #4. It is anticipated that #4 may have an end cap to prevent #3 from sliding off #4. The ability of #3 to slide the length (back and forth) on #4 allows the Folding Lap End Table to provide a better fit for the individual of varying physical builds using the table in the lap position; #3 may also rotate around #4 at #5 allowing the Folding Lap End Table to raise and be lowered on the end opposite #5.
#4 is attached to the Table to Chair Bracket # 10 as illustrated in FIG C. # 10 is comprised of molded polyurethane. # 10 is designed to mount the entire Folding Lap End Table to the desired chair. Where #10 is connected to #4, #4 will rotate freely within #10 allowing #4 an additional range of motion. #4 can slide freely with #10 up and down in addition to rotating this provides a better fit for the individual of varying physical builds using the table in the lap position. #10 is comprised of two parts. First the table to chair bracket and second the table to chair bracket face plate, both referred to as #10. To attach the Folding Lap End Table to the desired chair, remove #10 face plate that is secured with four bolts. # 10 has a molded open space between the face plate and main bracket. This open space is the area that will hold the frame of the desired chair. To attach, place # 10 back of the bracket behind the chair frame and #10 face plate in front of the chair frame and secure with four bolts.
FIG B depicts the Extendable Table Leg # 2 and other supporting components. #2 functions when the Folding Lap End Table is in the end table position. #2 is comprised of aluminum and may have a diameter of roughly ¾ inch. #2 is attached to #1 by the table leg hinge # 8 that may be comprised of metal or a molded polyurethane secured by four screws. # 8 allows the #2 to be folded down when in the end-table position and folded up when in the lap position.
#6 Table leg adjustor allows the table leg to extend or retract to the desired height. #6 may be comprised of molded polyurethane. This functions by turning the adjustor to increase or decrease tension allowing the leg to lock or slide to adjust height. The ability to adjust height allows the Folding Lap End Table to fit most chairs in the end-table position.
Finally, #2 may be capped by #9, the table leg base. #9 may be molded polyurethane.

Claims

1. An attachable table who's function allows it to work in concert with: portable/collapsible chairs. A swivel rod designed with a range of motion allowing a lap or end table position while attached to a portable/collapsible chair. The same swivel rod design allowing the table to fold away when not in use. Additionally the swivel rod design allows the table to be removed easily from the chair.

2. A portable/collapsible chair table that is adjustable to the seated individual through a range of motion. In the lap position this range of motion is provided by the swivel rod. In the end table position the range of motion is provided by the extendable table leg.

3. A table to chair bracket that allow a table to be attached to a portable/collapsible chair. This brackets design allows a solid attachment to most any frame. The range of motion considerations allows the bracket to work in nearly all cases, regardless of the angle or frame design of the folding/collapsible chair.