Abstract:
A tray assembly adapted to be removably connected to a fixture, e.g. a tripod, ladder, chair, a rigid fixture or other single or multi-legged device, the assembly including a tray adapted to support objects, a securing mechanism for operatively attaching the tray to the fixture and optionally a support leg for maintaining the tray at a desired position in relation to the fixture. Methods for securing a tray assembly to a fixture and using the assembly are disclosed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/730,308, filed on Nov. 27, 2012, herein fully incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a tray assembly adapted to be removably connected to a fixture, e.g. a tripod, ladder, chair, tree, a rigid fixture or other single or multi-legged device, the assembly including a tray adapted to support objects, with or without side walls, a securing mechanism for operatively attaching the tray to the fixture and optionally a support leg for maintaining the tray at a desired position in relation to the fixture. Methods for securing a tray assembly to a fixture and using the assembly are disclosed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tables and trays normally rely upon their own supporting leg, or in some embodiments are set upon a table in the case of a tray, whereas this invention relies primarily on the support of a rigid fixture, such as a tripod, chair, cabinet drawer, etc. Tripods and tripod-like devices such as surveying devices, telescopes, and easels are long known and used in many different applications. For example, tripods have been used to support cameras, video equipment, telescopes, and artist&#39;s mediums such as canvases. For many applications, it would be desirable to provide the tripod with a tray to support accessories, tools, documents, computers, tablets, electronics, painting equipment, surveying tools, note pads, other accessories applicable to the primary use or the like. 
     Various trays have been proposed for use in conjunction with fixtures, e.g. tripods. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,984,443 relates to a holder for an artist&#39;s palette and has for one of its objects the provision of means for reportedly securely supporting such palette on an artist&#39;s easel in a position on the latter where it is most convenient to the artist and accessible to the artist when a canvas or board for a painting is also supported on said easel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,857 relates to a removable shelf assembly for use with a tripod or easel having three legs, including a shelf with at least two boot-shaped cutouts formed in the back edge of the shelf and a pair of support arms, that provides a work and storage surface for the tripod or easel user. The removable shelf assembly mounts onto the tripod by attaching the shelf to two of the tripod legs at the cutouts, and attaching the support arms to the same two tripod legs with clamps pivotally mounted at the ends of the support arms. Hooks and holders are also optionally provided with the shelf to facilitate convenient placement of tools and materials adjacent to the shelf. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,407 relates to accessory trays supported between the legs of a camera tripod. In a first embodiment, a semicircular tray having side walls is supported on the stabilizing arms or the end cap of a camera tripod and is attached to the lower portion of the center post by a retaining device. In a second embodiment, two semicircular trays are supported on the stabilizing arms of a camera tripod and surround the center post. In the second embodiment, each semicircular portion has a recess into which the center post fits. In this second embodiment, the semicircular portions are attached to each other in a variety of ways. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0053344 relates to a removable tray assembly for use with a tripod or easel. The tray assembly includes a shelf having a back edge, a front edge, and two side edges. The tray assembly also includes a pair of support tabs spaced from the back edge of the shelf by respective slots. The removable tray is attached to two legs of the tripod, with one leg passing through each slot. The support tabs contact the side of the tripod legs opposite the shelf and thereby support the shelf in a cantilever fashion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,470 relates to a personal computer, video monitor or other electronic equipment mounted directly on a camera tripod by a tray offering a cantilever technique of support by having a rear end supported by two clamps individually positioned at the same height on two of the tripod legs, and a front end locked by a third clamp at a higher elevation on the remaining leg of the tripod. 
     Even in view of the trays proposed in the art, there is still a need for an adjustable, durable, portable, reliable and stable tray assembly, which is infinitely adjustable in height and angle, foldable, and solely self-contained requiring no accessory parts to secure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a tray assembly including one or more of the needed features. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tray assembly having a securing mechanism that allows the tray to be secured to a fixture or tripod at a plurality of different vertical heights thereby allowing the user to select a comfortable or necessary working distance in relation to an upper surface of the tray. 
     Yet another object is to provide a tray assembly having a tray comprising a major tray plane that can be secured to a fixture such as a tripod at a plurality of different angles with respect to a vertical plane. 
     Yet another object is to provide a tray assembly with a securing mechanism having a length-adjustable attachment element, such as a cord in order to provide at least a minimum amount of tension to maintain the tray in a desired position. 
     A further object is to provide a securing mechanism with a plurality of different connector segments for two mounting points for example two tripod legs, such as slots formed in the tray to allow multiple connection points at different vertical heights on a tripod. 
     Still another object is to provide a securing mechanism comprising a high-friction, yet conformable and resilient connector segment that is adapted to mold about a leg of the fixture or an area of a fixture to which the tray is operatively connected to aid in securing the tray assembly to the tripod. 
     An additional object is to provide the tray assembly with a support leg for bracing the tray at a desired position, with the support leg having one or more of an adjustable length and an adjustable angle, to provide versatility to the tray assembly. 
     Yet another object is to provide a support leg, that in addition to contacting the tray, contacts one or more of a ground surface and a leg of the fixture not in contact with the tray. 
     Other objects of the present invention include providing the tray with an aperture at a distal end located away from the tripod, and a support leg with a projection extendable through the aperture in order to provide the tray with an additional brace, if desired. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a construction wherein the attachment element is wrapped around a leg of the fixture at least one full rotation which provides a protrusion, one of the benefits of allowing the attachment element to self-tighten due to supporting at least some of the weight of the tray and also provide a seat for a portion of the tray. 
     Still another object is to provide the tray assembly with an additional attachment element which is connected to the fixture or tripod at a location above the tray and a portion of the attachment element extends through an aperture in the tray at a location relatively close to and between the front legs of the tripod, the attachment element extended around a portion of the support leg to provide support thereto. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide the tray with an upper surface that is magnetic and a tray accessory that is also magnetic and is adapted to form a magnetic bond with the tray. In other embodiments the tray accessory, such as a document holder or shelf or the like is provided with its own attachment element that is connectable to the tray at a desired location. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention a tray assembly for a device comprising a tripod is disclosed, comprising a single or multi-legged device, or a rigid structure, the tray assembly comprising a tray having an upper surface, a lower surface, a back side, a front side, and two ends a securing mechanism including first and second attachment elements each comprising an adjustable length cord; and wherein the tray includes one or more of a) a plurality of pockets adapted to accept a leg of the device and b) a conformable fitting adapted to accommodate a leg of the device, wherein the tray further includes one or more of i) an aperture and ii) a notch for each securing mechanism present, and wherein the first and second attachment elements are adapted for operatively connecting the tray to the tripod, multi-legged device, or a rigid structure whereby the tray is supported thereby. 
     In another aspect of the invention a tray assembly that can be secured to a device is disclosed comprising a single leg, tripod, multi-legged device or a rigid structure at a plurality of different vertical heights, the tray assembly comprising a tray comprising a major tray plane having an upper surface and a lower surface, the tray plane bounded by a back side, a front side and two ends, wherein the tray can be secured to the device such that the major tray plane is located at a plurality of different angles with respect to a vertical plane a securing mechanism having a length-adjustable attachment element for providing at least a minimum amount of tension to maintain the tray in a desired position in relation to the device, wherein the securing mechanism is connected to the tray at two different locations and also adapted to contact the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tray assembly of the present invention connected to a tripod; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an embodiment of a tray assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front left perspective view of an embodiment of a tray assembly having a tray connected to a tripod and having a tray plane that is non-horizontal; 
         FIG. 5  is a front left perspective view of a tripod assembly having a support leg connected to the tripod and the tray; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view illustrating a support leg of a tripod having an attachment element wrapped therearound over a full winding or revolution; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a left front perspective view illustrating a support leg including a projection that is extended through an aperture in a distal end of a tray located away from the end of the tray in contact with the tripod; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a right rear side view of a further embodiment of the invention illustrating an additional attachment element connected at one end to a portion of the tripod located at a vertical height above the tray and a second end connected to a support leg that is also connected at one end to a rear leg of the tripod, the attachment element extending through an aperture in a portion of the tray adjacent the front legs of the tripod; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a tray accessory, in particular a shelf operatively connectable to the tray; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a conformable fitting connected to the tray, with a portion of the conformable fitting being removed from the tray to illustrate features, in particular notches or pockets, present in the side surface of the tray; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates further embodiments of various notches for attachment elements &amp; friction points for tensioning conformable fitting. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a further embodiment of a tray connected to a drawer handle of a filing cabinet, the tray assembly additionally including a support leg; 
         FIG. 13  is a left side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a tray assembly connected to legs of a stool; 
         FIG. 14  is a close-up perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  illustrating the operative connection between the tray including a conformable fitting as well as an attachment element; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a tray assembly of the present invention including a connector operatively connected to a tray and an attachment element for supporting the tray; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment of a suitable connector for use in conjunction with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a further embodiment of a suitable connector for use in connection with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This description of useful embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. 
     The tray assembly of the present invention provides an easily attachable and removable, versatile, and transportable device for a fixture, such as but not limited to a tripod, other multi-legged device or rigid structure. The assembly includes a tray with a work surface, generally an upper surface, suitable for many uses, including, but not limited to a support for items to be photographed, recorded, or the like. Many different objects can be placed on the tray. Due to the unique structure of the tray assembly, the tray thereof can be located at a plurality of different vertical heights in relation to the fixture or tripod which is adapted to be operatively connected thereto. Additionally, the tray assembly is relatively simple to connect to the fixture or tripod, and requires no additional tools for set up, and can be easily taken down or removed from the fixture or tripod after use. The structure of the tray assembly provides sufficient support for the tray while being light in weight. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate one embodiment of a tray assembly  10  including a tray  20  operatively connected to a tripod  80  by a securing mechanism  30 . The tray is bolstered by a support leg  50 . Obviously the tripod has three legs  82 , and it is to be understood that the assembly  10  can be used with substantially any fixture such as a “multi-pod” having two or more legs or a rigid structure essentially having a single leg in some embodiments. The term “tripod” is used herein and can be replaced with any said fixture, e.g., multi-pod or other rigid structure device for which a tray having work surface or other surface would be suitable. Tripods are often called by other names, generally depending on end use applications, for example, but not limited to easels such as painter&#39;s easels, artist&#39;s easels, display easels, camera tripods, telescope tripods, surveyor tripods and videographer tripods, tables, chairs, a tree, or any supportive fixture. 
     The tray assembly  10  of the present invention is versatile and can be produced having a multitude of configurations. In an “in use” position, see  FIG. 1  for example, the tray  20  is constructed to provide a strong, stable support for one or more objects to be placed thereon. In one embodiment the tray includes an upper surface  21  upon which objects can be placed, a lower surface  22 , a front side  23  and a back side  24 . Additional sides or ends  25  are located adjacent the front side  23  and back side  24 . In one embodiment, the tray is foldable and can include hinges, perforated segments, fold lines or the like so the tray can be compactly transported or stored when not in use. 
     The dimensions of the tray can vary depending on the application. The tray should at least have a large enough surface area to hold one or more desired objects, but not be too large to conveniently store and/or transport to different locations. That said, the length and width dimensions of the tray can vary depending upon desired end use. The thickness of the tray also depends on desired end use applications. The type of material utilized and the thickness of the material can vary depending upon the expected load to be supported by the tray. That said, the tray thickness can be variable along any portion thereof and can include reinforcing elements such as ribs or the like. 
     The tray can be formed generally from any desired materials such as a polymer, natural material such as wood, or metal or the like. In one embodiment the tray is formed from a polymeric material such as a polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride or the like. In one embodiment, the tray comprises moderately expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride, such as Sintra® board available from Laird Plastics. Still other trays can be formed from foam core board or composite metal boards having a metallic, magnetically attractable surface, if desired. The polymer can be foamed or not. In a further embodiment, the tray is formed from cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard in one embodiment. It is to be understood that while the tray is shown in  FIG. 1  is rectangular, the tray can have any general shape desired by the end user, such as square, circular, oval, or the like. 
     Any surface, that is, one or more surfaces of the tray, such as the upper surface  21 , work surface or main surface, can be provided with any number of suitable finishes or coatings, such as but not limited to, dry erase coatings, non-skid coatings, green board or the like. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention, the tray has an upper surface, or any other desired surface that is provided with indicia  29 . Indicia includes, but is not limited to signage, placement aids, grids, and measurement increments. For example, when photographing or video recording objects, such as in the asset archiving field, it is desired, if not mandatory in some instances to record the size or scale of an object and providing measurement scales is a means for accomplishing the requirement. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the tray is provided with a wing  90 , see  FIG. 7  that can be connected and disconnected from the main tray  20  as desired by a user. One or more of each wing  90  and tray may be provided with one or more of a projection  94  and an aperture or recess  92  which allow a wing  90  to be connected to a tray  20 , generally at a side surface thereof. Alternatively, each wing and tray can be provided with apertures or holes in which couplers can be inserted in order to connect a wing to a tray. Couplers can be provided in the form of a preferably rigid post or T type connector or post that can be press-fit into apertures in the side surface and throughout, see  FIG. 16 . 
     As described hereinabove, the tray is secured to the fixture or tripod using a securing mechanism  30 . In one embodiment, a pressure or compression fit is used to operatively connect the tray to the fixture or tripod. The pressure or compression fit is accomplished, for example by providing a securing mechanism that has an attachment element  31 , such as a cord that can be adjustable to apply at least a minimum pressure between a portion of the tripod and the tray in order to prevent downward movement between the tray and portion of the tripod to which the tray is in contact with. Additionally, the attachment element  31  has an adjustable length. For example one or both ends can be shortened from an original length by tying a knot in an end area. For example  FIG. 1  illustrates an attachment element  31 , in particular a flexible, stretchable cord, e.g. a bungee cord, having a first end  32  connected to the tray  20 , at a first location, the cord extending around one leg  82  of the tripod and a second end  32  of the attachment element  31  connected to a second location on the tray  20 , spaced apart from the first location. At the first location, the tray includes an aperture  26  through which a portion of the attachment element extends and is operatively connected such that the attachment element cannot be removed from the aperture. At the second location, such as shown in  FIG. 2 , the tray includes a depression or notch  27  to which the attachment element  31  can be operatively and removably connected whereby pressure prevents the attachment element from being removed from the notch during use. The shape of the notch can vary and can be a slot, L-shaped, T-shaped etc.  FIG. 11  illustrates different shapes of notches  27  of tray  20 , with a generally T-shaped notch, diagonal notch, and a curved notch being illustrated. The first location and second location on the tray  20  are spaced from each other sufficient distance such that the attachment element  31  in conjunction with the first and second locations provide a desired tension and pressure between the leg of tripod  80  and the tray. Stated in another matter, the tripod leg  82  is pressed or firmly held between a portion of the attachment element  31  and the tray  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment at least two attachment elements  31  are utilized, each being connected to two different locations on the tripod  80 , each to a separate leg  82  thereof. 
     In one embodiment, such as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the attachment element  31  is wrapped around a tripod leg  82  at least one full revolution or at least one complete loop  33 . This configuration aids in tightening the attachment element around the leg  82  of tripod  80 . Additionally, having at least one loop  33  provides a seat that tray  20  can rest on. 
     In order to assist in securing the tray  20  to the tripod  80 , the tray can additionally be provided with one or more joint segments or pockets  34 , such as shown in  FIG. 2 . The back side surface  24  of the tray preferably includes a plurality of pockets  34  and most preferably at least two for each leg  82  of the tripod  80  to which the tray  20  is to be attached. The shape of each pocket  34  can vary and can have a perimeter that is rounded, angled, or the like or combinations thereof, providing additional friction surface area. The pockets  34  illustrated in  FIG. 2  vary in size and are rounded to accommodate a rounded stationary fixture mount. In  FIG. 2 , three pockets are provided for each leg which allows the tray to be adjusted at three different vertical heights along the axial length of the tripod. The pockets additionally provide for greater surface area contact between the tripod legs and the tray. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the securing mechanism includes a conformable fitting  35 , see  FIG. 10 . In one embodiment, the conformable fitting  35  comprises a piece of resilient material such as a foamed polymer. Preferably the conformable fitting has a high friction surface and can deform between the tray  20  and a leg  82  of the tripod  80 . The conformable fitting can be preformed having joint segments or pockets as described hereinabove. In yet other embodiments a conformable fitting can provide a snap-fit to a leg of the tripod. In an embodiment where a snap-fit conformable fitting is utilized, the opening in the fitting is placed adjacent the tripod leg and the tray is pushed against the leg so that the snap-fit conformable fitting engages the tripod leg. 
     The conformable fitting  35  can be provided in a number of different forms. For example, the conformable fitting can be a generally linearly extending element of a predetermined length connected to the back side  24  surface of the tray as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In additional embodiments, a plurality of individual conformable fittings are connected to the back side surface of the tray, wherein a first conformable fitting is spaced a first distance from a second fitting and a second fitting is spaced a second distance from a third fitting. A plurality of conformable fittings can be provided to be used in conjunction with a single tripod leg. Thus, when the tray is operatively connected to two different tripod legs, a plurality of conformable fittings can be provided for each tripod leg. 
     In still further embodiments, the attachment element  31  can be provided as a cord having an adjustable length, for example due to the presence of a buckle, ratchet mechanism, or the like. In other embodiments, the attachment element can be provided as a cord having an adjustable length due to the presence of a line or cord stop  140 , see  FIG. 13  for example a push-button operated stop  144  can be utilized in place of or in combination with other features of the attachment element, for example a knot. The cord extends through aperture  142  in the tray  20  and also through aperture  146  in the cord stop  140 . 
     The tray assembly  20  of the present invention is additionally provided with a support leg  50  in various embodiments, see  FIG. 1  for example. The support leg has a second end  54  and a second end  54 , with the first end adapted to contact a ground surface. The first end  52  is adapted to be placed into contact with or connected, permanently or removably connected, to a portion of tray  20 , such as lower surface  22 . In various embodiments, the support leg is adjustable in length between the first end and the second end. The length adjustability of the support leg allows the tray to be positioned at the plurality of different vertical heights in relation to the length of the tripod. In one embodiment the support leg comprises a plurality of telescoping segments  55  that can be fixed at different intervals in order to provide length adjustability. In other embodiments the support leg comprises a plurality of threaded segments which can be locked in relation to each other to provide length adjustability. 
     Preferably, the support leg  50  is provided with a tray mount  56  that is operatively connectable to a surface of the tray  20 . In one embodiment, the tray mount  56  comprises a suction cup that is connectable to the bottom surface of the tray such as shown in  FIG. 3 . Other suitable tray mounts comprise for example Velcro. In other embodiments, such as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the support leg  50  is provided with a projection  59  that is adapted to mate with an aperture  28  provided in tray  20 . 
     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the support leg  50  is provided with an angle mount  58 , see  FIG. 4 , preferably at one end of the support leg. The angle mount can be pivoted at an angle greater than 0° to about 90° with respect to a vertical axis. Using an angled amount allows the tray  20 , which has a major plane, to be situated at an angle other than horizontal, such as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As numerous tripod mounts  84  cannot tilt such that the lens of a camera  140  or other device can be pointed straight down or placed at a horizontal angle and therefore it is desirable to provide the tray with the ability to be positioned with the major plane parallel to the lens of the camera or other device. When the tray plane is not substantially horizontal it is desirable to utilize a non-skid material on the upper surface or any other surface on which objects will be placed. 
     It is important to note that in some embodiments the support leg may be absent or not necessary as the securing mechanism alone may be utilized to locate the tray at a fixed position in relation to a tripod. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the support leg  50  is connected directly to a leg of the tripod preferably a leg of the tripod  90  that does not contact the tray  20 , such as a back leg  86 , see  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment the second end of the support leg is operatively connected to a leg  86  of the tripod utilizing an additional securing mechanism, such as clamp  57 . As illustrated in the figure, the support leg  50  runs or extends under a section of the tray  20 . The tray is also connected to the tripod leg attachment element  31 . Thus, in one embodiment the support leg  50  is free of any connection to a ground surface and yet fully supports tray  20 . 
     In a further embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the support leg  50  is operatively connected to the tripod  80  at least at two locations. One end of the support leg  50  is connected via a clamp  57  to rear leg  86 . The other end of the support leg extends underneath tray  20  which is connected via attachment elements  31  to the front legs  82  of the tripod  80 . An additional attachment element  131  has a one end connected to a portion of the tripod located above a vertical height of the tray  20 . A second end of the attachment element  131  is operatively connected about support leg  50 . A portion of the additional attachment element  131  extends through an aperture  28  in tray  20 . The further aperture  28  is located on tray  20  away from tripod legs  82 , the greater amount of weight the tray  20  can support due to the leverage provided. 
     In order to further increase the versatility of the tray assembly of the present invention, in a further embodiment the tray is provided with a tray accessory  110 , such as document holder that can be utilized to secure documents or other objects to the tray, see  FIG. 9  for example. In one embodiment the tray accessory comprises a cord  114 , which is adjustable in length, such as a bungee cord, that can be operatively connected to tray  20  in order to prevent an object, which can be secured between the cord and the tray, from moving, shifting, or the like. In other embodiments the tray accessory can be provided with a magnetic element  112 , see  FIG. 9  that allows the tray accessory  110  to be magnetically connected to the upper surface of tray  20 . 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a second tray  120  is provided and is connected to an upper end of the tripod, such as a neck thereof. The lower end of the tray can rest on the first tray or otherwise be suspended from the tripod. 
     Multiple trays and accessory items can be attached to one another. In primary design, this invention is self-contained, infinitely variable in elevation and angle, relative to its attached rigid fixture. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a tray assembly  10  operatively connected to a rigid structure  20 , namely a filing cabinet, essentially having a single leg. A lower surface of the tray assembly rests upon a handle  122 . A pair of attachment elements  31  are operatively connected about the handle to connect the tray  20  to the rigid structure  120 . A support leg  50  provides additional support for the tray in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention wherein tray assembly  10  is operatively connected to the legs  132  of a stool  130 .  FIG. 14  shows a close-up view of an attachment element  31  connecting tray  20  to leg  132 . 
       FIGS. 15 through 17  illustrate embodiments of connectors also suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention. In  FIG. 15  connector  150  includes a body  154  having a threaded shank  158  that can be operatively connected to base  156  with a portion of tray  20  being located therebetween. The shank  158  can be inserted through an aperture, or a notch  27  to provide a removably fixed connection between connector  150  and tray  20 . The connector  150  includes a slot  152  through which a portion of the securing mechanism can be extended as the slot  152  has a variable width. The attachment element is bound with the connector when the width of the slot is narrower than the width of the securing mechanism. The body  154  can be fixed or disposed at a variable angle in relation to shank  158 .  FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment where base  156  is connected to shank  158  utilizing a fastener  159 . In this view, the securing mechanism is illustrated connected at a mid portion of slot  152 .  FIG. 17  utilizes a pair of bases  56  disposed on either side of tray  20  with a shank located therebetween. The assembly is connected by fastener  159 . 
     While in accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.