WO2007046827A2

WO2007046827A2 - Adjustable armchair tray

Info

Publication number: WO2007046827A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/043802
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel V. Steenson
Original assignee: Steenson Daniel V
Priority date: 2005-10-13
Filing date: 2005-12-01
Publication date: 2007-04-26
Also published as: WO2007046827A3; US20060108841A1

Abstract

A multi-functional adjustable tray that mounts on the arm of a chair to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support a computer mouse and other IO devices. The adjustable tray may be easily mounted to an arm of a chair and provides width, length, rotation, and storage adjustments. The adjustable tray includes a platform that is pivotally connected to an armchair stop. The armchair stop may be supported by adjustable guide that may be secured to the chair arm by a compression element. The tray may include one or more rotatable joints to allow the platform or IO devices to be tilted to a comfortable working angle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of computer accessories.

More particularly, the present invention provides an adjustable tray that may be easily

mounted to the arm of a chair to provide a generally planar working surface to support

a computer mouse and other accessories, devices and objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Computers are operated through the use of peripheral systems and devices

such as a keyboard, roller mouse or optical mouse, pen, joystick, keyboard, keypad,

roller ball, trackball, personal digital assistant, cell phone, or similar device or other

device, referred to collectively as IO devices. IO devices enable a user to interact with a

computer or network to send or receive information, make decisions, and carry out

various other functions Direct physical contact with, and therefore close proximity to,

these devices are essential to their operation.

[0003] However, in most circumstances a computer user works at a desk and leans

forward or sideways from a comfortable sitting position to reach a keyboard or mouse

on a desk or other flat surface. Reaching for the keyboard or the mouse in this way

makes it very difficult to maintain proper posture and operate the computer

comfortably. Use of IO devices on a desktop stresses the back, shoulder and the wrist.

For wrist stress and carpal tunnel syndrome, numerous products, such as ergonomically shaped mice and wrist supports, attempt to address the symptoms of

this stress without addressing the awkward positioning that often causes strain.

[0004] Additionally, persons with debilitating injuries may find that reaching to a

desk to use IO devices is difficult or painful. Accordingly, there is a need for a surface

for supporting one or more IO devices that maintains a position so that the user may

maintain ergonomically correct posture and wrist position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The physical stresses resulting from the awkward positioning and use of IO

devices on a desktop may be remedied by mounting an adjustable tray to the left or

right arm of a chair in order to facilitate the operation of a mouse or other IO device as a

natural extension of a person's arm from a comfortable seated position. An adjustable

tray that can be quickly and efficiently mounted to the arm of a chair may facilitate

comfortable use of a computer keyboard on a person's lap without reaching for other IO

devices, or use of a keyboard on the platform, further correcting the hunched forward

position of many computer users. Multiple trays may be used simultaneously; for

example, with a keyboard and a mouse, or split keyboards adapted for use with the left

and right hands. [0006] As used herein, the adjustable armchair tray is referred to simply as an

adjustable tray. The adjustable tray includes a platform that provides a generally

planar working surface particularly suited for operation of IO devices. The platform is

rotatably fastened to a chair arm attachment body, which is adjustable to fit various

styles, widths, and lengths of chair arms.

[0007] The platform also preferably includes retainers around its perimeter to

prevent devices from sliding off the platform, and retainers to retain a pad on the

platform when the platform is rotated and stored to the side of the chair.

[0008] The main components of the chair arm attachment body are an armchair stop,

guides and one or more compression elements. The armchair stop supports the

platform for use and storage, and connects the platform to the guides that mount on the

arm of a chair. The armchair stop preferably defines a groove, cavity or interconnecting

groove by which the armchair stop is pivotally connected by a fastener to the platform

through one of the slots in the platform. This interconnection allows the platform to

slide and rotate withm the horizontal plane for use, and within the vertical plane for

storage of the platform to the side of a chair.

[0009] The adjustable tray includes guides for allowing the adjustable tray to be

mounted to the chair arm. The manner of attachment presents various embodiments of the adjustable tray. In some embodiments, the guides are slidably interconnected to the

armchair stop and fixed against the chair arm by at least one securing device. The

securing device is preferably a strap with a buckle for easy attachment In other

embodiments, the guides retract into corresponding cavities in the chair arm

[0010] The adjustable tray is preferably adjustable to various sizes of chair arms.

The adjustable tray may also include a pad disposed on the platform and retained by a

retainer around the periphery of the platform or, one or more discrete pad retainers.

Cushioning material may be used on the armchair stop, the plurality of guides, the

plurality of vertical guides and the bottom support member to prevent movement of the

adjustable tray or marring of the chair during use.

[0011] In other embodiments, the armchair stop is securely attached directly to the

chair arm, eliminating the adjustable guides while still allowing the platform to be

placed in a generally horizontal plane for use and a generally vertical plane for storage.

In still other embodiments, a rotatable joint may be used to tilt or angle the platform to

accommodate the user's wrist rotation, which is particularly useful for ergonomic use of

keyboards

[0012] The purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the United States Patent

and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or

phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of

the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the

invention, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the

scope of the invention in any way.

[0013] Still other features and advantages of the present invention will become

readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description

wherem only the preferred embodiments of the invention will be described and shown,

simply by way of illustration of the best modes contemplated to manifest the invention.

As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects

all without departing from the mvention Accordingly, the drawmgs and description of

the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as

restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the mvention.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, as mounted on a chair arm.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1. [0017] Fig 4 shows a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Fig. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention where the armchair

stop is secured directly to the chair arm.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a side view of an embodiment having a rotatable joint.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a side view of an embodiment having a slideable guide.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0022] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative

constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the

drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that

there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed; on the

contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and

equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention include an adjustable tray that may be

mounted on various types of chair arms. Although many different uses are available

for the present invention as there are uses for chairs, the present invention will

commonly be referenced as an adjustable tray. Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable tray 10. The adjustable tray 10 includes a platform 12,

which provides a generally planar surface for IO devices and other writing utensils.

Additionally, the platform 12 may be used to write notes, secure a remote control, hold

food or a beverage, or facilitate other similar uses. The adjustable tray 10 may be used

on any device or location that is equipped with a chair arm or substantially equivalent

structure For example, many automobile seats are now equipped with armrests that

the adjustable tray 10 would easily adapt to fit for the previously mentioned uses.

[0024] The shape defined by the perimeter 12 may vary with the application,

including square, rectangular, circular, or other shapes. The chairs to which the

adjustable tray 10 may be attached are often mounted on rollers. In normal operation,

the user may roll the chair and cause the platform 12 to contact a desk or other external

object To avoid being captured between the external object and the chair arm, the

perimeter of the platform 12 may be shaped generally as an oval or an ellipse in some

embodiments, and preferably modified by a peak 15 Peak, in this context, means a

region of the perimeter that converges more sharply than an oval or ellipse. The overall

oval shape of the platform 12 allows the platform 12 to rotate to either side of the chair

arm and slide along the object as the object gently pushes it aside. The peak 15 insures

that the platform 12 swings to one side or the other, rather than being captured along

the long axis of the chair arm. The perimeter of the platform 12 need not be perfectly elliptical; rather, the perimeter of the platform 12 preferably curves smoothly along the

sides, and curving more sharply on the end.

[0025] The platform 12 and other parts of the adjustable tray 10 may be built or

molded of any material that allows for strength and ease of use such as wood, plastic or

other similar materials. The platform 12 may incorporate at least one retainer 14,

preferably located around the periphery of the platform 12, to allow a mouse pad, or

other devices to be retained within the perimeter of the platform 12. The retainer 14

provides a boundary that prevents IO devices or other materials from falling off the

platform 12 In some embodiments, one or more discrete retainers 14 may be placed on

all sides of the platform 12 to assure that a device does not fall off any side of the

platform.

[0026] A pad 16 or other similar material may be positioned on top of the platform

12 and configured to be easily replaced when worn out. The pad 16 is preferably made

of materials similar to those used for basic stand-alone computer mouse pads, typically

neoprene. Additionally, the pad 16 may be rubber, plastic or other material that

facilitates the operation of a roller ball mouse, optical mouse or other similar computer-

interfacing device. To prevent the pad 16 from falling when the platform 12 is placed in

a stored or disengaged position, pad 16 may be held in place by glue or restraining tabs (not shown) protruding from the retainer 14. In other embodiments, the pad retainers

may be a molded part of the platform or clamps, tie downs, hook and loop fasteners,

snaps or other elements that could similarly maintain the correct positioning of the pad

16 on the platform 12.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, IO devices may be rigidly

attached to the platform 12, eliminating the need for retainer 14. Alternatively, the

platform 12 may be integrated with the case of the IO device, so that the platform 12

and the IO device are presented to the user as a unit.

[0028] A movable fastener 18 passes through a hole 20 in the platform 12, pivotally

securing the platform 12 to an armchair stop 22. As herein defined, the movable

fastener 18 is a threaded nut and bolt, a pin connection with a threaded end for

tightening purposes, or any other element that provides a rotational pivot for the

angular adjustment of the platform 12, while still interconnecting the platform 12 with

the armchair stop 22. In the embodiment of movable fastener 18 shown in Fig. 4, the

movable fastener 18 includes a threaded bolt 40 Threaded nut 42 screws onto the

shank of bolt 40, capturing the platform 12 between threaded nut 42 and the head 44 of

bolt 40. Tightening the nut 42 secures the platform 12 and prevents it from rotating; loosening nut 42 slightly releases the platform 12 enough to allow rotation to a

comfortable position, [check whether should talk about neoprene retainer, 51, 52]

[0029] The movable fastener 18 is preferably ergonomically designed or covered so

that it does not interfere with the user during use of devices on the adjustable tray 10.

This may be accomplished by incorporating a rounded or other shape that allows it to

be easily tightened while simultaneously maintaining user comfort. Rounded, in this

context, means that the nut has no sharp edges exposed to the user when installed.

[0030] Referring now to Fig. 2, a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, the armchair

stop 22 is shaped to be positioned directly against a chair arm 24 while preventing the

platform 12 from sliding toward the back of the chair On some chairs, that position

will be where the armrest transitions from horizontal to vertical. The adjustable tray 10

will also work on different styles of arms and chairs with the only general compatibility

requirement being that the chair has an armrest equivalent The armchair stop 22 has a

curved or slanted region 26 to accommodate any curvature of chair arm 24. When the

region 26 of armchair stop 22 abuts the chair arm 24, the chair arm 24 provides

additional support to the adjustable tray 10.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the platform 12 is constructed on two levels: a

first level that supports an IO device, and a second level lower than the first level through which the fastener 18 passes This two- tier structure allows the first level to be

generally level with the chair arm, so that the user's wrist is approximately straight

when using the input device without interference by the fastener 22. Optionally, a wrist

pad or cover (not shown) may be placed on the second level to help support the user's

wrist.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a front view of the embodiment shown in Fig 1. Referring to Figs. 1,

2, and 3, the movable fastener 18 flexibly secures the platform 12 to armchair stop 22 by

passing through the hole 20 in the platform 12, through a slot 28 in the armchair stop 22,

and into a cavity 30 (Fig 3) in armchair stop 22. The slot 28 m the armchair stop 22 has

a generally horizontal top leg 32 (Fig. 1) having curved regions on each end and

connecting to two generally vertical legs 34 on either side of armchair stop 22 (Fig. 2)

The slot 28 has additional generally horizontal side legs 36 on either side of armchair

stop 22, terminating in an enlarged hole 38. The shape of slot 28 allows the platform 12

to be positioned on the top of armchair stop 22 for use, or positioned to either side of

chair arm 24 by sliding the fastener 18 from horizontal leg 32 mto one of vertical legs 34.

Vertical legs 34 need not be precisely vertical: they may slope fore and aft or side-to-

side to accommodate chair arms of various shapes. Similarly, horizontal side legs 36

need not be precisely horizontal. [0033] As a result, a person may use the adjustable tray 10 with the platform

horizontal and then rotate the platform and the movable fastener 18 within the slot 28

so that the platform 12 is in a vertical storage position The transition is easily made by

loosening the movable fastener 18 slightly, and then sliding the movable fastener 18 and

the connected platform 12 within the slot 28 from the horizontal plane to the vertical

plane. In another embodiment, the slot 28 has only one vertical leg 34 so that the

platform 12 may be stored only on one side of the chair arm 24.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 2, the platform 12 may be removed from the armchair stop

22 by sliding the movable fastener 18 along the leg 36 of the slot 28 to enlarged hole 38

Hole 38 is sufficiently large to allow an end of movable fastener 18 to pass through,

releasing the movable fastener 18 and the platform 12 from the armchair stop 22.

[0035] The embodiment of the movable fastener 18 shown m Fig. 4 has a threaded

bolt 40 and an ergonomically shaped threaded nut 42. Bolt 40 has a head 44 that is

small enough to pass through enlarged hole 38, yet still engage legs 32, 34, and 36 of slot

28 An embodiment of bolt 40 has a f rustoconical ring 46 circumvolving the shank of

bolt 40 and one or more bosses 48 protruding from the shank of bolt 40.

[0036] The hole 20 m the platform 12 may be sized to allow the bolt 40 with the ring

46 to pass through as a press fit. After the ring 46 passes through the hole 20 (Fig. 2), the bolt 40 is captured on the topside of the platform 12 by the ring 46 and on the

bottom side by head 44, while still allowed to move a short distance in an axial

direction. The hole 20 may optionally be made of a smaller diameter at the upper end,

to allow the ring 46 to easily pass through during assembly, while still capturing the

bolt 40 during operation. In another embodiment, annular ring may be replaced with

one or more barbs.

[0037] One or more bosses 48 engage corresponding axial grooves or similar features

in the hole 20 to prevent rotation of the bolt 40 relative to the platform 12 when the nut

42 is tightened, eliminating the need for a washer and facilitating tightening of the nut

42 to secure the platform 12. While the bosses 48 are depicted as cylinders, the bosses 48

may be of any shape that engages the grooves and prevents rotation, including a

polyhedron or hemisphere.

[0038] The adjustable tray 10 further includes one or more guides 50 connected to

the armchair stop 22. Viewed from above as shown in Fig. 1, the guides 50 are

approximately L-shaped on each end, and one leg of each guide is inserted into a hole

58 and a hole 60 in the armchair stop 22. Holes 58 and 60 are offset, permitting the legs

inserted into the slot to be relatively long, accommodating both wide chair arms and

narrow chair arms, where the legs overlap each other in the slots In an embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the rear of the armchair stop 22 may include one or more recesses 62

sized to accommodate guides 50, allowing guides 50 to be adjusted to accommodate a

chair arm 24 narrower than armchair stop 22.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, the guides 50 are compressed

against the sides of the chair arm by at least one securing device 52. The securing device

52 as herein defined includes, but is not limited to, a clamp, tape, bungee cords, string,

tie cords, or straps. Each securing device 52 preferable passes around the chair arm 24

and guides 50 and is preferably fastened by a fastener 54. Fastener 54 may be a Velcro

fastener, a Tabler buckle, a clip, or similar buckling device. The compression force of

the devices 52 presses the guides 50 against the chair arm and into the armchair stop,

effectively securing the adjustable tray 10. This embodiment provides the advantage of

simplicity and allows the adjustable tray 10 to be quickly and easily mounted to the

chair arm with ease.

[0040] Another embodiment may include at least one strap slot or loop in each guide

50 in which to thread the securing devices 52 to compress and secure the guides 50 to

the chair arm. The strap slots preferably run a substantial length of the guides 50

allowing the securing devices 52 to be slid or moved to accommodate the configuration

of the chair arm and particularly the support members. [0041] In a preferred embodiment, the guides 50 each have a tab 56 on the end

furthest from the armchair stop 22 to prevent securing devices 52 from slipping off the

ends of guides 50. Guides 50 may also be tapered to better conform to curved chair

arms.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 3, the guides 50 may curve downward in the region 64

nearest the armchair stop 22 so that the platform 12 is approximately level with the

uppermost surface of guides 50 Without the curved region 64, the platform 12 would

be positioned above the chair arm 24, causing the user's wrist to flex upward when

using a mouse or other IO device, potentially causing carpal tunnel stress within the

wrist. In another embodiment, a shallower or deeper curve positions the platform 12

above or below the chair arm 24, respectively, which may be comfortable for some

users. Curved region 64 need not be smoothly curved in the S-shape shown, it may

descend sharply in a Z-shape or with perpendicular angles.

[0043] Adjustable tray 10 may include multiple sets of guides 50, each set tapered,

curved, and including features that best fit a class of chair arms. The user may then

select the set of guides that best fits the user's chair.

[0044] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, each guide 50 may be inserted into a

corresponding cavity 65 in chair arm 24 The walls of the cavity support the guide 50, which in turn supports the armchair stop 22. Each guide 50 may slide in and out of the

cavity, allowing the user to place the platform 12 a comfortable distance away from the

chair arm 24. In some embodiments, the chair arm 24 has an additional cavity 67

adapted to accept the armchair stop 22, so that the armchair stop 22 may be retracted

mto the chair arm 24 and out of the way of the user. In some embodiments, only one

guide 50 is required, because there is no need to adapt the adjustable tray 10 to fit the

width of the chair arm 24.

[0045] Guides 50 may be eliminated by securing armchair stop 22 directly to chair

arm 24, as shown in Fig. 6. Armchair stop 22 may be secured with one or more

permanent fasteners 68, such as screws or glue, or removable fasteners, such as key and

slot hangers. Using a key and slot hanger, one or more keys attached to armchair stop

22 engage slots in chair arm 24. Each slot has an enlarged region so that the key may be

disengaged from the slot, allowing removal of the armchair tray. It is preferable to

install the slots on chair arm 24, rather than the key, so that the key does not protrude

from chair arm 24 when armchair stop 22 is removed.

[0046] The armchair stop 22, the guides 50, and the securing devices 52 are

preferably lined with a cushioning material 66. The cushioning material 66 allows the

guides 50 and the armchair stop 22 to be tightened against the surface of a chair without scratching or other marring of the chair. Cushioning material 66 also provides a non-

slip surface that prevents movement during the use of the adjustable tray 10.

Cushioning material 66 may be any material such as rubber, plastic or cloth that

prevents slippage and marring of the arm of the chair. In a preferred embodiment, the

cushioning material 66 is neoprene or other non-skid rubberized material used to form

traditional stand-alone mouse pads.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention having rotatable joints that

allow the platform 12 to be tilted to comfortably accommodate a user's hand and wrist

position while using a keyboard or other IO device. In particular, a keyboard that is

split into two parts, one for the left hand and one for the right hand, allows each

keyboard segment to be rotated to fit the user's hand when the user's arm is resting on

the chair arm or held comfortably above it The left keyboard segment is preferably

tilted or rotated counter-clockwise from the user's perspective; the right keyboard

segment is preferably tilted or rotated clockwise. The angle of rotation varies with the

user, the layout of the chair arm, and the size and configuration of the keyboard.

Referring to Fig. 7, the platform 12 is attached to an arm 70 that is divided into three

segments by a first rotatable joint 72 and a second rotatable joint 74. An inboard

segment 76 of the arm 70 is attached to the armchair stop 22 by the movable fastener 18,

and an outboard segment 78 of the arm 70 is attached to the platform 12. A middle segment 80 connects rotatable joints 72 and 74. In a preferred embodiment, the

outboard segment 78 rotates on a first pin 82, and the middle segment 80 rotates about a

second pin 84. Fig. 7 shows the outboard segment 78 in an exemplary first position

where the user's wrist extends upward, designated as 78, and an exemplary second

position where the user's wrist flexes downward, designated as 78'. The rotation of

segment 78 about joint 74 is not limited to the positions shown and may extend to wider

or narrower angles.

[0048] The outboard segment 78 may be prevented from rotating beyond the desired

angle by static factional contact between the middle segment 80 and the outboard

segment 78. The static friction may be overcome by applying a manual moment to the

outboard segment of the arm 70. The ease of rotation may be controlled by using a bolt,

machine screw, or lag screw with a knurled head as the pin 82 so that the bolt may be

tightened or loosened to control the friction between the segments An optional

rotational control device 86 may be used to control rotation, such as a rubber washer,

fiber washer, toothed surfaces on segments 78 and 80, or other suitable rotation

controlling device. Rotation of joint 74 may be controlled in a similar manner, including

use of a rotation control device 86 between the surfaces of middle segment 80 and

inboard segment 76. [0049] The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 allows the platform to be rotated about the

long axis of the arm 70 via rotatable joint 72. In other embodiments, the arm 70 or the

joint 72 may be angled from the long axis of the arm 70 to allow the platform to rotate

about an arbitrary axis Alternatively, the rotatable joint 70 may be combined with a

universal joint to increase flexibility when positioning the platform 12. It may also be

recognized that some applications require only one rotatable joint, so that platform 12

has only one axis of rotation.

[0050] In some embodiments, the platform 12 is connected to the arm 70 by an

adjustable fastener 88. The adjustable fastener 88 may be a bolt with a knurled head, a

pin connection with a threaded end for tightening purposes, or any other element that

provides a rotational pivot for rotational adjustment of the platform 12. A friction

element 90 may be placed between the arm 70 and the platform 12 to prevent rotation of

the platform 12 when the adjustable fastener 88 is tightened. The friction element 90

may be a rubber washer, fiber washer, star washer, or other frictional device capable of

resistmg the rotation of platform 12. Alternatively, the arm 70 may be permanently

affixed to the platform 12.

[0051] While the rotatable joint 72 is particularly useful with keyboard applications,

it is not limited to keyboard applications and may be used, by way of example, with other IO devices such as trackballs. In embodiments employing rotatable _joint 72, it is

preferable to insure that the size of the retainer 14 is adequate to retain the IO device

when the platform 12 is tilted away from a level position As shown in Fig. 7, the

retainer 14 is sized to accommodate a keyboard 100.

[0052] Fig. 7 also shows an alternative embodiment for controlling the rotation of

fastener 18. Flexible material 92 may be affixed to the inboard segment 76. The fastener

18 passes through the flexible material 92 so that the factional contact with the material

prevents easy rotation of the fastener 18. Flexible material 92 may also cushion the

inboard arm 76 where it contacts the armchair stop 22 and may prevent rotation of the

inboard arm 76 relative to the chair arm. Flexible material 92 may be neoprene, rubber,

or similar material capable of lightly gripping the shank of fastener 18, fπctionally

preventing rotation of the inboard arm 76, or cushioning the inboard arm 76.

Optionally, a friction element 94 may be placed on the shaft of fastener 18 so that it

contacts armchair stop 22 when fastener 18 is tightened, as in Fig. 2. The friction

element 94 may be a rubber washer, fiber washer, star washer, or other fπctional device

capable of resisting the rotation of fastener 18.

[0053] While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiments of the

invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but

may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From

the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made

without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following

claims.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim-

1. An adjustable tray for use on a chair arm having a top surface and a width

dimension, comprising-

an armchair stop fastened to the chair arm;

a platform defining a securing hole; and

a movable fastener having body and a head, the body passing through the

securing hole into the armchair stop, wherein the platform is rotatably connected to the

armchair stop by the movable fastener, and wherein the platform is movable from an

approximately horizontal plane to an approximately vertical plane.

2. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the armchair stop further comprises.

a generally horizontal surface defining a first slot, the first slot adapted to retain

the head of the movable fastener and to allow the body of the movable fastener to pass

therethrough, and

a generally vertical surface defining a second slot, the second slot connected to

the first slot and adapted to retain the head of the movable fastener and to allow the

body of the movable fastener to pass therethrough;

wherein the movable fastener passes from the first slot to the second slot and

vice-versa, allowing the platform to be positioned in an approximately horizontal plane

and an approximately vertical plane.

3. The adjustable tray of claim 2, wherein the vertical surface further defines:

a third slot in the vertical surface, the third slot connected to the second slot and

adapted to allow the body of the movable fastener to pass therethrough and adapted to

retain the head of the movable fastener; and

a hole connected to the third slot and adapted to allow the head of the movable

fastener to pass therethrough;

whereby the platform may be released from the armchair stop by passing the

movable fastener through the third slot and passing the head through the enlarged

region.

4 The adjustable tray of claim 1, further comprising:

an elongated guide adjustably connected to the armchair stop, wherein the

elongated guide supports the armchair stop, the elongated guide is adjustable to fit the

adjustable tray to the width dimension of the chair arm, and the elongated guide has a

first end and a second end; and

a compression element αrcumvolving the chair arm and the elongated guide to

secure the elongated guide to the chair arm.

5 The adjustable tray of claim 4, wherein the armchair stop further defines a hole

adapted to receive the first end of the elongated guide, and wherein the first end of the

elongated guide is slideable within the hole to adjust the adjustable tray to fit the width

dimension of the chair arm

6. The adjustable tray of claim 4, wherein the elongated guide further defines at

least one slit; wherein the compression element passes through the slit to secure the

elongated guide to the chair arm.

7. The adjustable tray of claim 4, wherein the elongated guide is shaped in an S-

curve to maintain the generally planar working surface approximately level with the

top of the chair arm.

8. The adjustable tray of claim 4, wherein the elongated guide further comprises a

tab connected to the second end, wherein the tab is adapted to keep the compression

element between the first end and the second end.

9. The adjustable tray of claim 4, wherein the compression element is a strap.

10. The adjustable tray of claim 9, further comprising a hook and loop style fastener.

11. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the armchair stop is rigidly affixed to the

chair arm.

12. The adjustable tray of claim 1, further comprising a retainer affixed to the

platform to retain objects on the platform.

13. The adjustable tray of claim 1, further comprising a cushioning material disposed

on the platform, on the elongated guide, and on the armchair stop.

14. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the platform defines a perimeter shaped

generally as an oval.

15. The adjustable tray of claim 14, wherein the perimeter defines a region

converging more sharply than an oval, whereby the converging region tends to urge the

platform aside when the platform comes in contact with an obstacle.

16. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the movable fastener body comprises a

threaded shank and a threaded nut fastenable on the threaded shank, the threaded nut

having no sharp edges when fastened to the shank.

17. The adjustable tray of claim 16, wherein the movable fastener further comprises a

friction device that resists rotation of the movable fastener.

18. The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises a

generally planar working surface that is approximately level with the top of the chair

arm.

19 The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises.

an arm defining the securing hole and having a first rotatable joint, wherein the

rotatable joint allows the generally planar surface to be rotated around a first axis.

20. The adjustable tray of claim 19, wherein the arm further comprises.

a second rotatable joint, wherein the second rotatable joint allows the generally

planar surface to be rotated around a second axis.

21 The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the arm further comprises:

flexible material affixed to the arm and positioned so that the movable fastener

passes therethrough;

whereby the flexible material resists rotation of the movable fastener and resists

rotation of the arm

22 The adjustable tray of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises an IO

device.

23. The adjustable tray of claim 22, wherein the IO device comprises a keyboard.

24 The adjustable tray of claim 1, further comprising:

an elongated guide connected to the armchair stop, wherein the elongated guide

supports the armchair stop;

wherein the chair arm defines a first cavity adapted to movably accept the

elongated guide;

whereby the position of the armchair stop relative to the chair arm may be

adjusted by moving the elongated guide within the first cavity.

25. The adjustable tray of claim 24, wherein the chair arm further defines a second

cavity adapted to receive the armchair stop.

26. An adjustable tray for use on a chair arm having a top surface and a width

dimension, comprising:

an armchair stop;

a platform;

a first arm attached to the platform;

a second arm defining a securing hole;

a joint rotatably connecting the first arm and the second arm, wherein the

platform may be rotated by rotating the first arm relative to the second arm; and

a fastener having a body and a head, the body passing through the securing hole

into the armchair stop, wherein the second arm is rotatably connected to the armchair

stop by the movable fastener.

27. The adjustable tray of claim 26, wherein the armchair stop further comprises:

therethrough; and

body of the movable fastener to pass therethrough,

wherein the movable fastener passes from the first slot to the second slot and

and an approximately vertical plane.

28 The adjustable tray of claim 27, wherein the vertical surface further defines:

retain the head of the movable fastener; and

a hole connected to the third slot and adapted to allow the head of the movable

fastener to pass therethrough,

whereby the platform may be released from the armchair stop by passing the

region

29. The adjustable tray of claim 26, further comprising.

an elongated guide adjustably connected to the armchair stop, wherein the

first end and a second end; and

a compression element circumvolving the chair arm and the elongated guide to

secure the elongated guide to the chair arm.

30. The ad_justable tray of claim 29, wherein the armchair stop further defines a hole

dimension of the chair arm.

31. The adjustable tray of claim 29, wherein the elongated guide further defines at

least one slit, wherein the compression element passes through the slit to secure the

elongated guide to the chair arm.

32. The adjustable tray of claim 29, wherein the elongated guide is shaped in an S-

top of the chair arm.

33. The adjustable tray of claim 29, wherein the elongated guide further comprises a

element between the first end and the second end.

34. The adjustable tray of claim 29, wherein the compression element is a strap.

35. The ad_justable tray of claim 34, further comprising a hook and loop style

fastener.

36. The adjustable tray of claim 26, wherein the armchair stop is rigidly affixed to the

chair arm.

37. The adjustable tray of claim 26, further comprising a retainer affixed to the

platform to retain objects on the platform.

38. The adjustable tray of claim 26, further comprising a cushioning material

disposed on the platform, on the elongated guide, and on the armchair stop.

39. The armchair tray of claim 26, wherein the platform is rotatably attached to the

first arm.

40. The armchair tray of claim 26, wherein the platform is adapted to accommodate a

mouse.

41. The adjustable tray of claim 26, wherein the platform further comprises an IO

device

42. The adjustable tray of claim 41, wherein the IO device comprises a keyboard.

43. The adjustable tray of claim 26, further comprising:

an elongated guide connected to the armchair stop, wherein the elongated guide

supports the armchair stop;

and wherein the chair arm defines a first cavity adapted to movably accept the

elongated guide;

whereby the position of the armchair stop relative to the chair arm may be

adjusted by moving the elongated guide within the first cavity.

44. The adjustable tray of claim 43, wherein the chair arm further defines a second

cavity adapted to receive the armchair stop.

45. An adjustable tray for use on a chair arm, comprising:

a rotatable platform having at least one generally planar surface, wherein the

platform defines a perimeter shaped generally as an oval and wherein the perimeter

defines a region converging more sharply than an oval, whereby the converging region

tends to urge the platform aside when the platform comes in contact with an obstacle.

46. The adjustable tray of claim 45, further comprising"

a movable fastener having body and a head; and

an armchair stop fastened to the chair arm, the armchair stop comprising:

therethrough, and

body of the movable fastener to pass therethrough,

wherein the movable fastener passes from the first slot to the second slot and

and an approximately vertical plane.

47. An adjustable tray for use on a chair arm having a top surface and a width

dimension, comprising.

a platform; and

an elongated guide supporting the platform;

wherein the chair arm defines a first cavity adapted to movably accept the

elongated guide, and

whereby the position of the platform relative to the chair arm may be adjusted by

moving the elongated guide within the first cavity.

48. The adjustable tray of claim 47, further comprising:

a movable fastener having body and a head; and

an armchair stop attached to the elongated guide, the armchair stop comprising.

therethrough; and

body of the movable fastener to pass therethrough;

wherein the movable fastener passes from the first slot to the second slot and

and an approximately vertical plane.

49 An adjustable tray, for use on a chair arm having a top and defining a width,

comprising:

a platform comprising:

a planar working surface having a curved perimeter, the perimeter defining a

peak wherein the peak serves to urge the platform aside when the platform contacts an

obstacle, and

a second surface offset from the plane of the first surface and defining a securing

hole;

a movable fastener,

an armchair stop having an approximately horizontal top, an approximately

vertical first side, and an approximately vertical second side; the armchair stop defining

an elongated slot in the top, the first side, and the second side, and a cavity, wherein the

platform is rotatably connected to the armchair stop by the movable fastener, and

wherein the movable fastener passes through the securing hole, through the elongated

slot, and into the cavity, allowing the movable fastener to pass along the slot to place

the platform in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane, the armchair stop further

defining a first hole in the first side and a second hole in the second side, offset from the

first hole, a first guide comprising a first leg insertable in the first hole and a second leg

adapted to conform to the chair arm,

a second guide comprising a third leg insertable in the second hole and a fourth

leg adapted to conform to the chair arm;

a compression element capable of passing around the first and second guides

and the chair arm to secure the first and second guides to the chair arm,

whereby the first leg and third leg of the first and second guides, respectively,

are insertable into the first and second holes a distance appropriate to accommodate the

width of the chair arm, and holding the armchair stop and platform so that the working

surface is approximately level with the top of the chair arm when the first and second

guides are secured to the chair arm.

50. An adjustable tray, comprising:

platform means for supporting an input/output device;

body means for supporting the platform means in a generally horizontal and

generally vertical plane,

fastening means for fastening the platform to the body means, and

attachment means for attaching the body means to a chair arm.