Abstract:
A utility tray apparatus is provided which is attachable to lightweight foldable chairs. The chairs generally consist of tubular frames with fabric seat and backrests. The utility tray apparatus has a body portion and a tray portion. The body portion has two channels formed therein. The channels are suitable for receipt of the tubular leg members of the chair. The channels are tapered such that an interference fit is achieved when the diameter of the tubular leg member matches the width of the respective channel. An attachment member may be provided which fits within the channels of the body portion. The attachment member having a clamp on the bottom thereof suitable for clamping to a square or circular tubular member, such as a rail on a deer stand.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to lightweight foldable travel or camping chairs. More particularly, the present invention the relates to an attachable tray for lightweight foldable travel or camping chairs. Even more particularly, the present invention the relates to a tray attachable to foldable chairs as well as other square or round tubular members. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98 
     Common today are lightweight foldable chairs, also known as travel, camping, or sport chairs. These are easily transportable, and provide quick seating while attending sporting events, campgrounds, and other areas with limited seating. These chairs normally have a tubular frame connected with pivot points and covered with nylon or other weather-resistant fabric for the arms, back and seat. They create width as a seating area and depth as a backrest when unfolded. 
     An example of such a chair is shown  FIG. 1 . The chair  10  has a seating area  12  and a frame  14 . The frame  14  is composed of a number of tubular leg members  18 . These tubular leg members  18  have a round cross section or circular cross section and meet and are pivotally connected together at a number of intersection points  16 . 
     When not in use, these types of chairs are folded up and kept in a carrying bag normally made from the same material the chair is made from. While most chairs have a weight rating of 225 pounds, recently with the use of larger diameter tubing some of these chairs have ratings of 400 to 500 pounds. There are also smaller versions of these types of chairs made for children. 
     While these chairs provide a quick elevated place to sit, the areas at ground level are not the best places to set drinks, snacks, a purse, glasses, magazines, etc. Recently, some of these chairs have been designed to include a collapsible drink holder in the arm portion of the chair, but no suitable place for other items. 
     Various patents have issued in the past relating to chairs with attachments thereon, and other methods and apparatuses for attaching items to folding chairs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,737, issued on Jul. 22, 1997 to Behnke, teaches a chair tray. The chair tray has a tray, a block joined to the tray, and a brace pivotally connected to the block. The block is supported on a horizontal portion of a chair arm, and the brace is placed against a vertical portion of the chair arm. Spring clips clamp the tray and block to the chair arm horizontal portion and the brace to the chair arm vertical portion. The chair tray can also be attached to the vertical leg using mushroom heads and a cut out slot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,155, issued on Jan. 20, 1998 to Terracciano, describes a chair tray which is attachable to a lawn chair arm using a bracket with pins and a hinged bracket. The mount bracket is attached to the arm of the chair. Pin tracks are disposed in the mount bracket. A hinge bracket is attached to a tray table. Pin holes are disposed in the hinge bracket. The hinge bracket is pivotally engaged to the mount bracket by a clevis pin that extends through the pin holes and the pin tracks. The tray table can be moved from a first position where the tray table is maintained in a horizontal position, to a second position in which the tray table is free to rotate to the side of the chair. In the horizontal position, tabs on the hinge bracket engage slots in the mount bracket, thereby retaining the tray table in the horizontal position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,124, issued on Feb. 2, 1999 to Wroe, describes a tray for a lawn chair which uses a cylindrical clamping mechanism to attach the tray thereto. The table attachment for lawn chairs and the like includes a gripping foot having a pair of semi-cylindrical members which are frictionally engageable to clamp about a leg of a chair on which the table attachment is to be mounted, one of the semi-cylindrical members having an externally-threaded neck portion projecting outward and upward therefrom, a tubular angle member having an internally-threaded end mateable with the neck portion and having a the opposite end castellated, a generally fan-shaped table platform having an opening formed adjacent the narrow end thereof for receiving a drinking glass and having a shaft projecting downwardly from the table platform adjacent the narrow end formed with a castellated interior mateable with the opposite end of the angle member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,331, issued on Apr. 13, 1999 to Diletto, essentially teaches a tray with a telescoping hinged leg using a c-clamp, thumb screws and velcro. The structure includes a tray of a substantially rectangular configuration having a telescoping hinged leg mounted to the bottom of the tray at one side thereof and projecting portions on the opposite side extending outwardly to fixedly engage clamp members in mating apertures. The clamp members mount to the side of a lounge chair or chaise while the telescoping leg is extended at a right angle to the tray and rests upon the ground where it is locked place. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,085, issued on Jan. 25, 2000 to LaCroix, describes a folding chair tray which attachable to the folding chair arm using thumb screws. The LaCroix tray is directed towards the type of folding chairs which are less common currently. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,627, issued Feb. 17, 2004 to Einsel, describes a height adjustable lawn chair table. The height adjustable lawn chair table is attachable to the arm of the lawn chair using velcro. Height adjustable means allow the table to be adapted to various types of lawn chairs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,746, issued on Nov. 6, 2007 to Macias, teaches a tray which is attachable to a chair. The tray is attachable to the chair by utilizing a member which fits within the pre-existing beverage holder on the chair arm. 
     Notably absent from the prior art discussed hereinabove is prior art pertaining to trays which are easily detachable and attachable to the lightweight foldable chairs. One notable example is found, however. U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,386, issued on May 31, 2005 to Antone, describes a folding chair tray assembly. The tray of the Antone patent uses a table top platform connected to both arms of the chair with a pair of bracket assemblies. 
     Chair manufactures have also responded to public need for such a tray by developing foldable chairs with a fabric tray. The fabric tray is fixed to chair with long tubes and sliding clamp mechanisms. There are a number of disadvantages to having the tray built into the folding chair mechanism. 
     Most of the prior art relates to trays for folding beach or lounge chairs, director type, and lawn chairs. Some prior art has provided a tray or tabletop attachments that require a strictly vertical tube or horizontal arm to attach to. Others are complex with attachment points requiring hardware such as screws, clamps, pins, ferrules, hinges or clips. Some use snaps, brackets and hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps. Further, others require attachment to and are limited to only one side of the chair. Some are attached to the arms of the chairs making the chairs easy to tip over. Many are not accessible to the general public. Others are expensive to produce or purchase. Some, when attached inhibit the ability to exit the chair. Thus, none of the prior art solutions is entirely satisfactory. 
     It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a utility apparatus for lightweight foldable chairs which can be easily attached, detached, and stored. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus that can be stored in a drawstring or backpack style bag made of nylon or other weather resistant materials. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus that can fit a plurality of leg tubing diameters of foldable chairs. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray which is attached at a low point on the side of the foldable chair to keep the chair from tipping over when exiting. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus that requires no hardware for attachment to the foldable chair. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus which attaches above the intersecting leg support hinge point at the angle created by the unfolding of the chair. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus that can be attached to any side of the chair. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus having a drink holder or compartments to secure other objects. 
     It is further object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture, which can be produced in a variety of materials. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a utility tray apparatus that can have a logo or trademark placed on the tray surface. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an apparatus attachable to a folding chair, the apparatus having a tray and a body portion affixed to the tray. The body portion has a first end and a second end. A first channel is formed in the body portion and opens to the first end of the body portion and extends toward a center of the body portion. The first channel has a width decreasing from the first end of the body portion toward the center of the body portion. A second channel is also formed in the body portion and opens to the second end of the body portion and extends toward the center of the body portion. The second channel has a width decreasing from the second end of the body portion toward the center of the body portion. 
     In the present invention, each of the first and second channels have a first face extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion and a second face opposite the first face. The second face extends at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The first face of the first channel is in alignment with the first face of the second channel. 
     The folding chair has a first tubular leg and a second tubular leg in a crossed configuration. The first channel is suitable for interference fit with the first tubular leg of the folding chair and the second channel is suitable for interference fit with the second tubular leg of the folding chair. 
     The first faces of the first and second channels may have angular steps defining first and second widths between the respective first and second faces of the channels. A cantilever member may be affixed to and extend outwardly from the body portion and may be affixed to or formed with tray. The first and second channels may have a respective abutment surface opposite the ends of the body portion 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second channels define a female portion. A male portion may be provided which is engageable with the female portion. The male portion has a clamp for clamping the male portion to a surface thereunder. 
     The present invention is also an apparatus including a folding chair with first and second tubular legs in a crossed configuration, a body portion having a first end and a second end, and first and second channels. The first channel opens to the first end of the body portion and extends toward the center of the body portion. The first channel has a width decreasing from the first end of the body portion toward the center of said body portion and is suitable for interference fit with the first tubular leg of the folding chair. The second channel opens to the second end of the body portion and extends toward the center of said body portion. The second channel has a width decreasing from the second end of the body portion toward the center of the body portion, and is suitable for interference fit with the second tubular leg of the folding chair. 
     A tray may be affixed to the body portion. The first channel and said second channel each may have a stepped configuration. The first and second channels may have an abutment surface opposite the respective ends of the body portion. 
     The present invention is also a tray table attachable to a folding chair and other items. The tray table includes a tray and a body portion affixed to the tray. The body portion has a first end and a second end. A first channel is formed in the body portion opens to the first end of the body portion and extends toward the center of the body portion. The first channel has a width decreasing from the first end of the body portion toward the center of said body portion. A second channel is also formed in the body portion opens to the second end of the body portion and extends toward the center of the body portion. The second channel has a width decreasing from the second end of the body portion toward the center of the body portion. A male member is engageable within the first channel and the second channel. The male portion has a clamp for clamping the male portion to a surface thereunder, such as a square or circular tubular member. Each of the first channel and second channels includes a first face extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion, and a second face opposite the first face. The second face extends at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. 
     The first face of the first channel is in alignment with the first face of the second channel. The folding chair has a first tubular leg and a second tubular leg in a crossed configuration. The first channel is suitable for interference fit with the first tubular leg of the folding chair, and the second channel is suitable for interference fit with the second tubular leg of the folding chair. The second faces of the first and second channels each have angular steps defining first and second widths between respective first and second faces. 
     The foregoing section is described, in generality, the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is understood that modifications to this preferred embodiment can be made within the scope of the present invention. This section is not to be construed, in any way, as limiting of the scope of the present invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a conventional foldable chair. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the utility tray apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the utility tray apparatus of the present invention attached to the legs of a foldable chair. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the utility tray apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   a  is an isolated view of the tapered face of one of the channels of the utility tray apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5   b  is an isolated view of the face as shown in  FIG. 5   a , wherein a large diameter tubular leg member is received by the channel. 
         FIG. 5   c  is an isolated view of the face as shown in FIGURE Sa, wherein a medium diameter tubular leg member is received by the channel. 
         FIG. 5   d  is an isolated view of the face as shown in  FIG. 5   a , wherein a small diameter tubular leg member is received by the channel. 
         FIG. 6  is another isolated perspective view of the tapered face of one of the channels showing the angled steps thereon. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view showing the utility tray apparatus of the present invention having an additional attachment for affixing the tray to other surfaces. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  there is shown the utility tray apparatus  20  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The utility tray apparatus  20  is shown having a body portion  30  and a tray portion  32 . The tray portion  32  is shown as having a cup holder  22  and a plate depression  24 . While the tray portion  32  is shown as having a generally oval configuration, various other configurations such as squared or rectangular tray portions are also envisioned by the inventor. The top surface of the tray portion  32  would be suitable for showing a logo or trademark, such as a football mascot. 
     The body portion  30  of the utility tray apparatus  20  has a first end  34  and a second end  36 . A center point  37  is shown for reference. The body portion  30  has a first channel  26  opening to the first end  34  of the body portion  30 . The first channel  26  has a straight face  38  and a tapered face  40 . The body portion  30  also has a second channel  28  opening to the second end  36  of the body portion  30 . Similarly, the second channel  28  has a straight face  42  and a tapered face  44 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the straight faces  38  and  42  are aligned along imaginary line  46 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , it can be seen how the foldable chair  10  has a plurality of tubular leg members  18  which intersect and are pivotally connected together at various intersection points  16 . The utility tray apparatus  20  can be positioned on any of the intersection points  16 . Preferably however, the utility tray apparatus  20  is positioned on one of the intersection points  16  on the sides of the chair adjacent the arms of the chair. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the channels  26  and  28  of the body portion  30  receive the leg members  18 . The intersection point  16  of the chair is generally positioned below the center point  37  of the body portion  30 . 
     The tapered arrangement of the faces of the channels  26  and  28  allow for various sizes of tubular leg members  18  to be accommodated within the channels. Depending on the size of the tubular leg members  18  or the diameter of the tubular leg members  18 , the leg members  18  will interference fit within the respective channels at the depth within the channel wherein the width of the channel matches the diameter of the leg member. Thus, the utility tray apparatus  20  can be used on all sizes of folding chairs and can be easily attached and detached therefrom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of the utility tray apparatus  20  affixed to the legs of a chair. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the utility tray apparatus rests above the intersection point  48  of the first leg  50  and the second leg  52 . The legs  50  and  52  are received within the channels of the utility tray apparatus  20 . Also shown in the  FIG. 3  is the top surface of the tray portion  32 . Resting just above the intersection point  48 , the utility tray apparatus is low enough on the chair so as to prevent tipping over when exiting the chair. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the is shown a bottom view of the utility tray apparatus  20  of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , the taper of the various channels can be more easily seen. In  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that a width W is defined between the respective tapered and straight sides of the respective channels. As the channels approach the center point  37 , the width decreases. Also shown in  FIG. 4  are the solid portions  56  located within the first channel  26  and the second channel  28 . The solid portions  56  are angled upwardly at an angle which approximately matches the angles θ made by the intersecting leg members as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 4  is an optional cantilever member  58 . The cantilever member  58  extends from and is attached to the body portion  30 . The cantilever member  58  can be formed within or on a top or bottom side of the tray portion  32 . The cantilever member  58  provides additional stability to the utility tray apparatus  20  of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  show isolated, partially cross-sectional views of a tapered face  60  of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In addition to being tapered, as shown in the previous embodiments, the tapered faces  60  shown in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   d  have a number of steps. In  FIG. 5   a , it can be seen how there is a first angled step  62  and a second angled step  64 . W1, W2 and W3 are representative of the width, or distance, between the tapered face and the straight face on the opposite thereof. W1 is the widest and may taper slightly inward toward the first step  62 . The first step  62  steps up to the beginning of W2. W2 may taper slightly toward the second step  64 . Second step  64  steps up to W3 which may taper slightly toward the solid portion  56 . The arrangements of the various widths W1, W2 and W3 and steps  62  and  64  allow for a good interference fit for a variety of sizes of tubular leg members. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   b , the tapered face  60  is shown with a large tubular member  66  received therein. The diameter of the large tubular leg member  66  is slightly less than the first width W1, but greater than the second width W2. As such, when inserted into the channel, the large tubular member  66  abuts the first step  62 . Referring back to  FIG. 1 , there are shown angles θ along the first step  62  and the second step  64 . The angle θ is approximately equal to the angle θ shown in  FIG. 1  formed by the intersection of the various tubular leg members. As such, the large tubular leg member  66  not only has an interference fit between the tapered face  60  and the respective straight face, but also abuts the first step  62  for a more secure fit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   c , there is shown the tapered face  60  when a medium size tubular leg member  68  is received therein. The medium sized tubular leg member  68  has a diameter less than the width W1 but greater than the width W3. As such, the medium sized tubular leg member  68  fits within width W2, and abuts the second step  64 . As W2 may decrease slightly between the first step  62  and second step  64 , an interference fit may be achieved before the medium sized tubular member  68  abuts the second step  64 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   d , there is shown the tapered face  60  wherein a small diameter tubular leg member  70  is received therein. The small diameter tubular leg member  70  has a diameter less than widths W1 and W2, and as such abuts against the angled solid portion  56  adjacent W3. The solid portion  56  will accommodate any tubular leg member smaller than W1, W2 and W3. The angled nature of the solid portion  56  allows for even the small diameter tubular leg members to be accommodated by the channels of the utility tray apparatus of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  there is shown an isolated, partially cross-sectional view of the tapered face  60 . In  FIG. 6 , the configurations of the first step  62 , second step  64  and solid portion  56  can be more easily seen. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an additional feature of the present invention. In  FIG. 7 , a utility tray apparatus  80  is shown similar to the previous embodiments. The utility tray apparatus  80  has a body portion  82  and a tray portion  84 . First channel  86  and second  88  are formed within the bottom of the body portion  82 . The channels  86  and  88  can take the form of a generally tapered channel as shown in  FIG. 2  or a stepped, tapered channel as shown in other figures. Importantly, an attachment  90  is also shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The attachment  90  has a first male portion  92  and a second male portion  94 . The male portions  92  and  94  are shaped so as to be received within and fill the spaces within the first channel  86  and the second channel  88 . As such, by placing the attachment  90  with male portions  92  and  94  in the channels  86  and  88  of the body portion  82 , the attachment  90  is secured beneath the body portion  82 . The attachment  90  includes a clamping member  96  affixed to a bottom surface thereof. 
     The clamping member  96  is suitable for clamping the utility tray apparatus  80  to another surface, such as a square tubing  98  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The clamping member  96  can take a number of configurations so as to clamp the utility tray apparatus to any number of surfaces such as those found on deer stands, all-terrain vehicles, golf carts and other items. The attachment  90  and clamping member  96  adds to the versatility of the utility tray apparatus  80 . As such, a user may utilize the utility tray apparatus  80  on a camp chair while attending a football tailgate on one day and can then utilize the utility tray apparatus on a deer stand when hunting on another. 
     A tray having a similar structure may also be suspended on an all-terrain vehicle, golf cart, or other moving vehicle. In this alternative embodiment, the attachment member may be suspended under a swivel member attached to the moving vehicle. The tray portion would be placed over the attachment member. When the vehicle is moving, the swivel member would compensate for movement of the vehicle, allowing items placed on the tray to remain relatively level. In this embodiment, the clamping portion of the attachment member may be removably affixed to the bottom thereof. 
     The disadvantages of the prior art are clearly overcome by the structure of the present invention. The utility tray apparatus of the present invention is easily attached, detached and stored. No hardware is required to attach the utility tray apparatus to a chair and the utility tray apparatus can be easily be removed and stored in a bag for transport. The tapered nature of the channels of the utility tray apparatus allowed to be used on all sizes of foldable chairs. Currently, the diameters of the tubular leg members are approximately between 16 and 22 millimeters and the various steps and channels can be formed accordingly. However, other sizes could be accommodated by adjusting the size of the channels of the present invention. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.