US20150374179A1

US20150374179A1 - Portable vanity tray

Info

Publication number: US20150374179A1
Application number: US14/318,539
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith Wilson; Brandon Kelly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-27
Filing date: 2014-06-27
Publication date: 2015-12-31

Abstract

A portable vanity tray rests on a sink and provides a work surface that can hold personal care items, cosmetics, etc. when counter space is insufficient. The portable vanity tray can have a workspace, one or more accessory hollows, a hot tool tray, and a faucet indent. Additional components can include one or more handles and a non-slip backing surface. The accessory hollows provide locations for items to be placed and retained. The hot tool tray is designed to hold beauty tools, especially those that become hot. Heat-dissipation ribbing can be incorporated therein. A faucet indent allows the tray to fit on sinks which have a protruding faucet. Handles provide for easy gripping locations in order manipulate the tray and allow it to be hung up. A non-slip bottom surface retains the tray in place once positioned on a sink or other location.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of sink accessories; and more particularly, to a portable vanity tray.

BACKGROUND

Washstands were early forms of sinks. They consisted of a small table or similar piece of furniture upon which stood a pitcher or other container of water and a basin, bowl, tub, etc. that could be used for washing the hands, face, etc. When indoor plumbing and “running water” became prevalent, washstands were rapidly replaced by sinks with faucets. Today, sinks with faucets are quite ubiquitous across the United States and can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other locations in homes and businesses as well as in kitchens and restrooms on boats, planes, trains, recreational vehicles (RVs), etc. Sinks in all those locations can be surrounded by counters, but often, such counter space is small or non-existent, especially in the latter group.
Many sinks are backed by a mirror (or a mirror is otherwise located nearby) in order to provide people with a location to wash, groom, apply cosmetics, make use of toiletries/personal care items, etc. Since a ready supply of running water, a drain, and a mirror are useful items to have on hand when performing those activities, sinks provide an excellent location. However, because many sinks lack a surrounding counter or otherwise have limited available counter or shelf space nearby, there is a need for an add-on space that can hold cosmetics, toiletries, and/or personal care items and provide an extra work area. This is especially true in locations that are already somewhat cramped, like homes with smaller bathrooms as well as bathrooms in planes, boats, RVs, etc. Furthermore, in order to save space and allow the sink to remain functional, the add-on work area should be easily repositionable, removable, and portable. Many beauty/personal grooming tools such as hair dryers, curling irons, hot presses, trimmers, etc. require a stable location or tray to hold said tools when not in use; and since some can become quite hot, said tray should be at least somewhat heat-resistant.
Therefore, what is needed is a portable vanity tray that can fit over a wide variety of sinks, can hold various types of cosmetics/toiletries, is easily repositionable/removable, provides an additional work space, and can safely hold beauty/personal grooming tools.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention can comprise a portable vanity tray having a workspace, one or more pluralities of accessory hollows, a hot tool tray, and a faucet indent. Additional components can include one or more handles and a non-slip backing surface in order to help keep the portable vanity tray in place on a sink. In one embodiment, the workspace is indented below the upper surface of the portable vanity tray so that workspace sidewalls can help to keep items within or on the workspace. This is an especially useful feature when the portable vanity tray is used on a sink in a boat, plane, RV, or any other location in which the tray could be moved, tipped, or otherwise shaken. In such cases, flat topped counters, shelves, etc. do not retain items nearly as well as the portable vanity tray. The one or more pluralities of accessory hollows provide locations for various cosmetics and beauty accessories to be placed and retained in an upright manner for easy access. For example, makeup brushes, lip glosses, etc. can be placed in an upright or vertical manner therein and they are then unable to roll around as well as being easily located and distinguished between by feel or location. The hot tool tray can comprise a hollowed or curved portion of the device that is designed to hold beauty/grooming tools, especially those that become hot such as hair dryers, curling irons, etc. Heat-dissipation ribbing or similar structures can be incorporated in the hot tool tray in some embodiments. A faucet indent can be included in a portable vanity tray in order to allow the tray to fit on sinks which have a protruding faucet or other encumbrance. Inclusion of one or more handles in the portable vanity tray provides for easy gripping locations in order to move, reposition and handle the tray as well as providing simple locations for hooks, pegs, etc. so that the portable vanity tray can be hung or stowed vertically. A non-slip backing surface can be added to the bottom of the portable vanity tray in order to help the tray to stay in place once positioned on a sink or other location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray;

FIG. 3 illustrates rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray;

FIG. 4 illustrates a left elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray;

FIG. 5 illustrates a right elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “personal care items” can include cosmetics, personal grooming items, personal hygiene items, toiletries and/or other similar items. When used herein, it is desired that said term be interpreted as broadly as possible as different people employ a wide variety of such personal care items.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. The portable vanity tray 10 can comprise a front face 20, a right face 30, a rear face 40, a left face 50, a workspace 70, a plurality of accessory hollows 54 and 56, a faucet indent 44, and a hot tool tray 60. Additional components can include a right handle 32, a left handle 52, a hot tool tray trough 62, a plurality of heat dissipaters 64, and a workspace sidewall 74.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front face 20, right face 30, rear face 40, and left face 50 have a curved shape that transitions from the bottom surface (not visible in FIG. 1; see FIG. 7, bottom surface 80) to the top surface shown in FIG. 1. The curved shape fits the user's hands (especially when manipulating the handles 32 and 52) and so provides enhanced functionality as well as being aesthetically pleasing. In other embodiments, these faces may be differently shaped.
The workspace 70 shown in FIG. 1 includes the workspace surface 72 and the workspace sidewall 74. The workspace surface 72 can be relatively flat and may be covered or coated with a material that grips or holds (or be an inherent property of the material comprising the workspace surface 72) so that items placed on the workspace surface 72 do not easily roll or slide around. The workspace sidewall 74 further contains items on the workspace surface 72 and helps to ensure that anything that is spilled or dropped is retained on the workspace surface 72. The workspace sidewall 74 serves to indent the workspace surface 72 down into the top surface of the portable vanity tray 10. In another embodiment, the workspace surface could be flush (or even raised) relative to the top surface; in such a case, the workspace sidewall 74 would comprise more of a raised retention rim.
A plurality of accessory hollows 54 and 56 can be placed on the top surface of the portable vanity tray 10. These hollows 54 and 56 are designed to hold makeup brushes, lip glosses, and other cosmetics, personal hygiene tools, etc. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the accessory hollows 54 and 56 comprise cylindrical impressions that extend vertically downwards into the top surface of the portable vanity tray 10. The top edge can be beveled to assist in placing items within the hollows 54 and 56. In other embodiments, the plurality of accessory hollows 54 and 56 can have a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is triangular, rectangular, pentangular, ovular, or any other suitable shape.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a faucet indent 44 is incorporated into the rear face 40 of the portable vanity tray 10. The faucet indent 44 provides a cut-out like scallop on the rear face 44 in order for a protruding sink faucet or other encumbrance to be accommodated by the portable vanity tray 10. The indent 44 allows the portable vanity tray 10 to closely abut the faucet and at least partially surround it. Without the faucet indent 44, a low-slung faucet might interfere with proper placement of the vanity tray 10 on top of a sink, causing the tray to be unstable or otherwise not properly fit the sink. For example, if the portable vanity tray has to be placed too far forwards towards the edge of the sink, then large gaps could exist between the tray and the wall/counter edge leaving room for small items to fall within this gap, into the sink, and perhaps down the drain. By incorporating the faucet indent 44 into the tray 10, such gaps are minimized.
In another embodiment, the faucet indent 44 may be located on the left face 50 or right face 30 to accommodate sinks having faucets on one side or the other. Additionally, the portable vanity tray 10 may be reshaped to better fit various sizes and shapes of sinks. For example, a small diamond shaped sink designed for a wall corner location would be better served by a diamond shaped portable vanity tray 10 having a more pronounced faucet indent 44 on a rear face 40.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a hot tool tray 60 is shown. Hair dryers, curling irons, hot presses, and similar personal care tools can be placed in the hot tool tray 60 and be retained therein. The hot tool tray 60 comprises a hot tool tray trough 62 incorporating a plurality of heat dissipaters 64. The concave shape of the trough 62 provides enhanced retention functionality to the hot tool tray 60 over other shapes. Additionally, the trough 62 has an increased surface area versus a similarly sized flat area so as to spread out the heat from any tool placed thereon over a larger area. Notwithstanding these advantages, in other embodiments, troughs having other shapes are contemplated. Additionally, in yet another embodiment, a hot tool tray 60 may not include a trough 62 and can instead comprise a stand, latch mechanism, flat area, shaped depression, or other work surface on which personal care tools can be placed.
The plurality of heat dissipaters 64 can help to further dissipate heat by further enlarging the surface area, increasing cooling air-flow, etc. The heat dissipaters 64 shown in FIG. 1 are simple raised ridges or ribbing. They can be made from any heat resistant material(s). The plurality of heat dissipaters 64 may also or alternatively have a high coefficient of friction so that they help to retain the tool(s) within the trough 62. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of heat dissipaters 64 are built into the surface of the hot tool tray 60 and do not comprise a distinct separate structure. For example, heat-resistant material(s) could be used to construct the surface of the hot tool tray 60 and so no separate heat dissipater structures would be needed.
The right handle 32 and left handle 52 provide multiple useful functions. For example, a user may grasp the portable vanity tray 10 by either handle 32 or 52 in order to move, align, reposition, steady, or otherwise manipulate the portable vanity tray 10. Additionally, the handles 32 and 52 provide excellent structures from which to hang the portable vanity tray 10 in a vertical orientation from such items as hooks, pegs, nails, etc. If no such hangers are available, a user can tie a string, scarf, etc. through the handle and suspend the tray 10 from a closet clothes rod, clothesline, towel bar, etc. In an alternate embodiment, an “S” hook can be included with the portable vanity tray 10 to assist in hanging it. In yet another embodiment, the handle can comprise a hook shape so that the portable vanity tray 10 can be placed over a towel bar and hooked directly thereto.
In another embodiment, the one or more handles 32 and 52 may be placed in alternate locations. For example, if the portable vanity tray 10 is designed to be used with a sink having a faucet on the left or right side (instead of in the more common rear location), the left or right handle could swap locations with the faucet indent 44. Alternatively, the left or right handle could simply be replaced by the faucet indent 44. In yet another embodiment, the handle(s) could be relocated to near the front face 20 and/or the rear face 40.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, other embodiments might include additional features. Examples of such additional figures may include, but are not limited to: storage compartments built into the body of the vanity tray; collapsible or foldable sections/hinges so that the tray may be collapsed into a smaller size; see-thru or opaque storage located under a hinged or removable workspace surface 72 or in other locations (such as under the bottom surface 80, see FIG. 7); and additional accessory hollows shaped to match specific tools, toiletries, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. The front face 20 is visible as are the right face 30 and left face 50. Note the curved shape of the faces as they transition from the bottom surface to the top surface, this shape is apparent when viewing the right and left faces 30 and 50 in the view illustrated in FIG. 2. Also highlighted by this view, is the concave shape of the trough 62 of the hot tool tray 60 as well as the plurality of heat dissipaters 64. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the hot tool tray 60 may not include a trough 62.
The dissipaters 64 shown in FIG. 2 are visibly raised above the surface of the hot tool tray trough 62. However, in another embodiment, the dissipaters may be built into the surface of the hot tool tray trough 62 or the materials used in the trough itself may be made from heat-resistant materials and so can comprise the dissipaters 64. In other embodiments, the height of the dissipaters 64 may be more or less pronounced. In yet other embodiments, heat dissipaters 64 may not be included.
FIG. 3 illustrates rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. This view also highlights the curved shape of the right and left faces 30 and 50 and the shape of the hot tool tray 60. Additionally, the faucet indent 44 is illustrated although it is difficult to discern its dimensions from this viewing angle.
FIG. 4 illustrates a left elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. The left handle 52 is just visible in this view with the remainder of the view showing mostly the left face 50.
FIG. 5 illustrates a right elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. The right handle 32 is just visible in this view with the remainder of the view showing mostly the right face 30. The hot tool tray 60 can be seen extending into the front and rear faces. Also visible are a few of the plurality of heat dissipaters 64.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. As detailed in the other FIG. descriptions, the portable vanity tray 10 can comprise front, right, rear, and left faces 20, 30, 40 and 50; a workspace 70; a plurality of accessory hollows 54 and 56; a faucet indent 44; a hot tool tray 60; right and left handles 32 and 52; a hot tool tray trough 62; a plurality of heat dissipaters 64; and a workspace sidewall 74.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the front face 20, right face 30, rear face 40, and left face 50 have a curved shape that transitions from the bottom surface to the top surface. The curved shape fits the user's hands and so provides enhanced functionality as well as being aesthetically pleasing. In other embodiments, these faces may be differently shaped.
The workspace 70 shown in FIG. 6 includes the workspace surface 72 and the workspace sidewall 74. In one embodiment, the workspace surface 72 is relatively flat and un-textured. In another embodiment, a textured surface is provided to assist in keeping items placed thereon from shifting. Alternatively, the workspace surface 72 may be covered or coated with a material that grips or holds items placed thereon so they do not easily roll or slide around. In addition to properties of the workspace surface 72 itself, the sidewall 74 further helps to contain items on the workspace and ensures that anything that is spilled or dropped is retained. The workspace sidewall 74 serves to indent the workspace surface 72 down into the top surface of the portable vanity tray 10. In one embodiment, the sidewall 74 is approximately one half inch in height. In another embodiment, the sidewall 74 can be either shorter or taller.
A plurality of accessory hollows 54 and 56 can be placed on the top surface of the portable vanity tray 10. These hollows 54 and 56 are designed to hold makeup brushes, lip glosses, and other cosmetics, personal hygiene tools, etc.
A faucet indent 44 is incorporated into the rear face 40 of the portable vanity tray 10 as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the faucet indent 44 provides a cut-out like scallop on the rear face 44 in order for a protruding sink faucet or other encumbrance to be accommodated by the portable vanity tray 10. Although not displayed in FIG. 6, the portable vanity tray 10 can incorporate a strap or other attachment device that can wrap around a faucet, handle, or the sink itself in order to help retain the portable vanity tray 10 on the sink.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a hot tool tray 60 is shown. The hot tool tray 60 comprises a hot tool tray trough 62 shaped to retain a tool therein. The hot tool tray trough 62 can include a plurality of heat dissipaters 64 to help to further dissipate heat by enlarging the surface area of the trough, increasing cooling air-flow, etc. The heat dissipaters 64 can be made from any heat resistant material(s) and may also have a high coefficient of friction so that they help to retain the tool(s) within the hot tool tray trough 62.
The right handle 32 and left handle 52 provide multiple useful functions. For example, a user may grasp the portable vanity tray 10 by either handle 32 or 52 in order to manipulate the tray 10. Additionally, the handles 32 and 52 provide excellent structures from which to hang the portable vanity tray 10.
When utilizing the handles to transport the portable vanity tray 10, a user can alternatively hold both handles and carry items placed upon the tray, or can hold only one handle and let the vanity tray swing vertically. The portable vanity tray 10 is especially useful when traveling as it allows a user to bring along his or her standard toiletries, cosmetics, grooming/personal care items and use them as he or she would at home. Furthermore, hotels, cruise ships, and other ‘hospitality industry’ locations often do not have necessary counter or shelf space near sinks and so the portable vanity tray 10 can meet that need. Commercial fashion and beauty providers such as nail salons, beauty salons, spas, waxing salons, etc. can also utilize the portable vanity tray.
FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray 10. The various faces: front 20, rear 40, right 30, left 50 are shown as are the faucet indent 44 and the handles 32 and 52. Importantly, the bottom surface 80 is shown. This surface can have anti-slip or gripping materials or coatings applied to it or it can alternatively be made from such material(s). The anti-slip properties of the bottom surface 80 help to hold the portable vanity tray 10 on the sink and keep it in place. Although not shown in FIG. 7, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, storage compartments, retention straps or clamps may be incorporated into the bottom surface 80. Note that the outer perimeter of the bottom surface 80 as well as the handle cut- outs 32 and 52 are beveled/rounded as depicted by the double lines. In other embodiments, the beveling can be enhanced, diminished, or completely removed.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims.
Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above “Detailed Description” section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.
The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.
The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable vanity tray adapted to rest on a sink, comprising:

a top surface and a bottom surface;

a front face extending from the bottom surface to the top surface;

a right face extending from the bottom surface to the top surface;

a rear face extending from the bottom surface to the top surface;

a left face extending from the bottom surface to the top surface;

the top surface comprising a workspace adapted to hold personal care items thereon;

the top surface further comprising a plurality of accessory hollows adapted to hold personal care items therein;

the top surface further comprising a hot tool tray adapted to retain therein at least one personal care tool; and

a faucet indent adapted to at least partially surround a sink faucet.

2. The portable vanity tray of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of handles extending through the top surface and the bottom surface and adapted to allow a user to grasp and manipulate the portable vanity tray.

3. The portable vanity tray of claim 1, wherein the hot tool tray further comprises a hot tool tray trough adapted to retain therein the at least one personal care tool.

4. The portable vanity tray of claim 2, wherein the hot tool tray further comprises a hot tool tray trough adapted to retain therein the at least one personal care tool.

5. The portable vanity tray of claim 1, wherein the hot tool tray further comprises a plurality of heat dissipaters adapted to dissipate heat.

6. The portable vanity tray of claim 2, wherein the hot tool tray further comprises a plurality of heat dissipaters adapted to dissipate heat.

7. The portable vanity tray of claim 3, wherein the hot tool tray further comprises a plurality of heat dissipaters adapted to dissipate heat.

8. The portable vanity tray of claim 4, wherein the hot tool tray further comprises a plurality of heat dissipaters adapted to dissipate heat.

9. The portable vanity tray of claim 1 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

10. The portable vanity tray of claim 2 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

11. The portable vanity tray of claim 3 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

12. The portable vanity tray of claim 4 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

13. The portable vanity tray of claim 5 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

14. The portable vanity tray of claim 6 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

15. The portable vanity tray of claim 7 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

16. The portable vanity tray of claim 8 wherein the workspace comprises a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items.

17. The portable vanity tray of claim 16 wherein the plurality of accessory hollows each comprise a depression that extends vertically downwards into the top surface.

18. A portable vanity tray adapted to rest on a sink, comprising:

a top surface and a bottom surface;

the workspace comprising a workspace surface extending horizontally and surrounded by a workspace sidewall extending vertically therefrom, the workspace surface adapted to retain a plurality of personal care items thereon and the workspace sidewall adapted to assist in retention of the personal care items;

the top surface further comprising a hot tool tray having a hot tool tray trough and a plurality of heat dissipaters and adapted to retain therein at least one personal care tool;

the bottom surface comprising a non-slip surface; and

a faucet indent adapted to at least partially surround a sink faucet.

19. The portable vanity tray of claim 18, further comprising:

20. The portable vanity tray of claim 19 wherein the plurality of accessory hollows each comprise a depression that extends vertically downwards into the top surface.