Abstract:
Described herein is a transparent tray that is attachable to and removable from the handrails of a walker for the physically infirm. The improvement comprises the transparency of the tray.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention described herein relates generally to walkers, and specifically to walkers typically used by the elderly and physically infirm. In particular, the feature described and claimed in this disclosure is a transparent tray. The tray removably attaches to the walker and facilitates use of, the walker by allowing the user to see his feet and the immediate path ahead. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    The prior patent art with regard to walkers for the elderly and physically infirm is extensive and searchably responsive to the simplest of key word inquiries. Every aspect and feature of walkers with trays is ostensibly disclosed and described in the prevailing patent art. Most of the patents describe features, methods and means for attaching, removing or utilizing a tray in association with the commonly used four-legged walker. None, however, addresses the ease of use and enhanced safety features resulting from the attachment of a transparent tray to walker 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Notwithstanding the disclosures of the prior art, there remains a need for an improved four-legged walker for the infirm that is easier and safer to use than walkers described and used heretofore. Specifically, the walker described herein is for the ambulatory support of the infirm and features a walker having a pair of handrails and a tray that is removably attachable to the handrails and wherein the improvement comprises the transparency of the tray. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the transparent tray for a walker as described herein. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the transparent tray. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0006]    With specific-regard to the disclosed transparent tray for a walker, reference should be made to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawing.  FIG. 1  is a perspective depiction of a walker fitted with a transparent tray  10 . The walker can be any of a variety of commercially available walkers. The only structural requirement necessary for the walker and its user to benefit from the disclosed transparent tray  12  is that it be equipped with a pair of handrails  22   a  and  22   b.    
         [0007]    The transparent tray  12  is a generally rigid plastic tray molded from polymers formulated to produce a transparent tray, which allows the user of a walker so equipped to observe his feet and the path ahead. The transparent tray is typically four-sided with top  14  and bottom  16  surfaces. The perimeter of the top surface is preferably defined by a ridge  18 , which assists in confining certain and sundry items to the top surface  14  of the tray  12 . 
         [0008]    Currently, the transparent tray  12  is vacuum formed using a polycarbonate thermoplastic such as Lexan®. Other plastics, such as acrylics, may also be used to form the transparent tray  12 , and materials and methods ultimately used will be dictated by costs and properties. 
         [0009]    Laterally positioned and extending through the surfaces  14 ,  16  of the tray  12  are a pair of elongated slots  20   a  and  20   b.  These slots are positioned to accommodate the insertion of the handrails of the walker, as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The tray is thus attachable to and removable from the walker. The ability to easily attach and remove the tray  12  facilitates folding the walker for ease of transport and storage. 
         [0010]    Optionally, the tray  12  can be molded to incorporate a variety of other features such as the opening  19 , which is intended to accommodate the insertion of a cup or similar container. 
         [0011]    Currently, the tray  12  is preferably molded and shaped to have a concave edge  15  to allow the user to bring the walker closer to the body for greater stability and control. For aesthetics and ease of forming, the tray  12  currently features a convex edge  17 , diametrically opposite the concave edge and having generally parallel edges  21   a  and  21   b.    
         [0012]    While the foregoing is a detailed and complete description of the preferred embodiment of the disclosed transparent tray for a walker, it should be apparent that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the disclosed tray and utilized to implement the overall purpose of the tray without deviating or departing from spirit of the invention, which, is fairly defined by the appended claims.