Abstract:
A portable workstation includes a top panel having a distal edge and a lower surface. Also included are a bottom panel having a proximal edge and an upper surface, and a middle panel connected by a hinge to the distal edge and to the proximal edge. The middle panel and the bottom panel are spanned by a first folding support. The middle panel and the top panel are spanned by a second folding support, so that the first folding support and the second folding support hold the top panel, the bottom panel. and the middle panel in a predetermined, expanded position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of pending published application no.  2011 / 0126739 , filed on May 23, 2010, which claims the priority benefit of provisional application No. 61/181,801, filed on May 28, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    A wide variety of trays, tables and supports exist to hold various different items. For example, some devices currently in the art support laptop computers or DVD players. There are also collapsible portable trays such as bed trays for food service, etc. Travelers on vehicles such as airplanes, trains and buses are typically provided a single tray table within a confined amount of space, and in some case no tray tables are provided. 
         [0003]    One aspect of the prior art is that current tray tables provide limited usable space and generally offer no separation for keeping food and beverages away from devices or items that may be damaged, including laptop computers, PDAs, hooks, DVD players, game players or other electronic devices. For example, a typical airplane seatback tray table is approximately 10.5 inches by 16 inches, does not exceed the width of the seat hack, and folds upright along the seat back when not in use. In use, such a tray table typically rests slightly above a traveler&#39;s lap and is in close proximity to the user&#39;s waist. This position is often too low for effectively using items with screens such as laptops or DVD players and can strain a user&#39;s wrists, hands, arms. back, neck, head, and eyes. 
         [0004]    A person using a tray table at such a low level must bend their neck to a stressful position, often for long periods of time during flight or travel in order to use or enjoy devices placed on the tray table, which may result in pain or discomfort. Current tray tables often give little or no options with positioning. and the angle of the seat back in front of the traveler can interfere with the use of laptop computers or DVD players. 
         [0005]    Conventional airplane tray tables are designed for food and beverage service and general use such as writing or reading a book or magazine. Today, portable electronic devices such as, music players, DVD players, laptops. CD players, and game players are also commonly used. These devices require better use of the available space in a seat. In some instances, laptops and DVD players can consume all of the flat space provided by a tray table, and when food or beverage is served travelers must balance all of these items on one surface where liquids could harm electronic devices. 
         [0006]    By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art is that there are currently notebook stands and devices that support secondary devices such as laptop computers or hooks available that have adjustable angles for viewing, and there are trays and tables that are collapsible and portable that have stands or appendages. However, collapsible tables and trays that exist generally are not within a size requirement that Would allow them to operate in connection and conjunction with an airplane seat hack tray or a table in a confined space such as, but not limited to, on an airplane or train. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A portable workstation includes a top panel having a distal edge and a lower surface. Also included are a bottom panel having a proximal edge and an upper surface, and a middle panel connected by a hinge to the distal edge and to the proximal edge. The middle panel and the bottom panel are spanned by a first folding support. The middle panel and the top panel are spanned by a second folding support, so that the first folding support and the second folding support hold the top panel, the bottom panel, and the middle panel in a predetermined, expanded position. 
         [0009]    The workstation ideally has the first folding support affixed to its lower surface by a hinge. Also, the second folding support is affixed to the middle panel by a hinge. Multiple points of contact may engage the first folding support, and multiple points of contact adapted to engage the second folding support, providing strength and resiliency to the workstation. Preferably, housings will be provided for the first folding support and the second folding support. 
         [0010]    In order to hold items on the top panel, the top panel may include a front holding bar, and a back holding bar. Additionally, to provide for holding objects such as a tablet computer in an upright configuration, the top panel may also include a rectilinear holding slot. In any event, for any configuration of holding mechanisms, the top panel will preferably include non-slip surface characteristics such as rubberized strips. 
         [0011]    The middle panel includes an opening, and the bottom panel includes a sliding tray adapted to slide through the opening for holding items, including an indented portion and a circular cut-out portion. To hold the workstation firmly in position, the bottom panel should include an attachment mechanism for affixing the lower plate to an airline seatback tray table. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes clips. In other embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include a resilient band. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate exemplary tray table devices in use in an airplane, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of a tray table device mounted to an existing tray table, and  FIG. 1B  is a side view of multiple users of tray table devices using these devices in various different manners. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2A through 2V  illustrate various views of an exemplary tray table device. in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a side perspective view of the tray table device in a collapsed state.  FIG. 2B  is a detailed and partially cut-away view of a frame surface panel hinge.  FIG. 2C  is a diagrammatic top view of a surface panel.  FIG. 2D  is a diagrammatic bottom view of the surface panel.  FIG. 2E  is a side perspective view of the tray table device in an open state.  FIG. 2F  is a diagrammatic side view of the tray table device.  FIG. 2G  is a side perspective view of the tray table device with stand appendages extended.  FIG. 2H  is a side perspective view of the tray table device with a removable plug removed.  FIG. 2I  is a side perspective view of the tray table device with a small electronic device being held by rectilinear lingers.  FIG. 2J  is a diagrammatic top view of a frame.  FIG. 2K  is a diagrammatic bottom view of the frame.  FIG. 2L  is a side perspective view of a stand appendage and a mounting clip.  FIG. 2M  is a side perspective view of the bottom of the frame.  FIG. 2N  is a side perspective view of the tray table device mounted on a tray table.  FIG. 2O  is a side perspective view of the bottom of the frame with the stand appendages extended.  FIG. 2P  is a side perspective view of the bottom of a frame stand hinge.  FIG. 2Q  is a diagrammatic side view of the frame stand hinge.  FIG. 2R  is a side perspective view of the bottom of the frame with the stand appendages collapsed.  FIG. 2S  is a diagrammatic bottom view of the frame with the stand appendages removed.  FIG. 2T  is a bottom perspective view of the tray table device mounted to the tray table.  FIG. 2U  is a diagrammatic rear view of the tray table device mounted to the tray table, and  FIG. 2V  is an exploded view of the tray table device with an attachable cushion. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment adjustable workstation. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a variety of alternative embodiment workstations in use aboard an airplane. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment workstation. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternative hinging arrangement. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative hinging arrangement 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment workstation 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment workstation in an expanded configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment workstation with a tray extended. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment workstation in a partially collapsed configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment workstation in a partially opened configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment workstation adapted for holding a tablet computer. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the underside of an alternative embodiment workstation including an anchoring mechanism. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment workstation affixed to a seatback tray table. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment workstation. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 17A-17C  show an alternative embodiment workstation being incorporated into a tray table. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 18A-18B  show an alternative embodiment workstation being incorporated onto a carrying bag. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 19A-1911  show an alternative embodiment workstation being incorporated onto a travel pillow. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 20A-20C  show an alternative embodiment workstation incorporated on a tripod. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0032]      10 . Workstation 
         [0033]      12 . Seat Back 
         [0034]      14 . Tray Table 
         [0035]      16 . Drink 
         [0036]      18 . Laptop Computer 
         [0037]      20 . First Passenger 
         [0038]      22 . Second Passenger 
         [0039]      24 . Third Passenger 
         [0040]      26 . Fourth Passenger 
         [0041]      28 . Laptop Screen 
         [0042]      30 . Pins 
         [0043]      32 . Arms 
         [0044]      34 . Tracks 
         [0045]      36 . Lock 
         [0046]      38 . Catch 
         [0047]      40 . Tablet Computer 
         [0048]      42 . Receptacle 
         [0049]      44 . Carrying Bag 
         [0050]      46 . Catch 
         [0051]      48 . Travel Pillow 
         [0052]      50 . Tripod 
         [0053]      52 . Tripod Mount 
         [0054]      54 . Canvas 
         [0055]      100 . Top Panel 
         [0056]      102 . Front Holding Bar 
         [0057]      104 . Back Holding Bar 
         [0058]      106 . Holding Slot 
         [0059]      108 . Rubberized Strips 
         [0060]      110 . Cut-outs 
         [0061]      112 . Holding Slot 
         [0062]      200 . Middle Panel 
         [0063]      202 . Arm Members 
         [0064]      204 . Center Member 
         [0065]      206 . Hollow Space 
         [0066]      208 . Rubberized Hold 
         [0067]      300 . Bottom Panel 
         [0068]      302 . Retractable shelf 
         [0069]      304 . Handle 
         [0070]      306 . Soda Can Holder 
         [0071]      308 . Drink Holder 
         [0072]      310 . Tabs 
         [0073]      312 . Shelf Guides 
         [0074]      314 . Anchoring Clips 
         [0075]      316 . Slide Guides 
         [0076]      318 . Feet 
         [0077]      320 . Mounts 
         [0078]      327  Tripod Nut 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0079]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate exemplary tray table devices in use in an airplane, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of a tray table device  2  mounted to an existing tray table  1 . and  FIG. 1B  is a side view of multiple users  104 ,  105  and  106  of tray table devices  101 .  102  and  103  using devices  101 ,  102  and  103  in various different manners. In the present embodiment referring to  FIG. 1A , tray table  1  is a compact surface that is collapsible and durable. Tray table  1  is approximately 16.5 inches by 10.5 inches by approximately 1 inch thick, which is a typical size for tray tables of this type, and is attached to a seat back  1 A. Fray table device  2  is compact, collapsible, lightweight and durable and may be made of various materials including, without limitation, plastics, rubbers and metals. The dimensions of tray table device  2  preferably range from no greater than 16.5 inches by 10.5 inches to an approximate thickness of one half inch to 1.5 inches. However, tray table devices in alternate embodiments may be larger or smaller. In the present embodiment, tray table device  2  works in conjunction with the limits of space provided by environments such as, but not limited to, an airplane seat back tray table  1 . where size is important for tray table device  2  to perform as desired. Tray table  2  preferably does not exceed the width of seat back  1 A so that it may function properly. In the present embodiment, tray table device  2  is mounted to tray table  1  by mounting clips  14 A. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 2A through 2V  illustrate various views of an exemplary tray table device  2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a side perspective view of tray table device  2  in a collapsed state.  FIG. 2B  is a detailed and partially cut-away view of a frame surface panel hinge  6 A.  FIG. 2C  is a diagrammatic top view of a surface panel  3 .  FIG. 2D  is a diagrammatic bottom view of surface panel  3 .  FIG. 2E  is a side perspective view of tray table device  2  in an open state.  FIG. 2F  is a diagrammatic side view of tray table device  2 .  FIG. 2G  is a side perspective view of tray table device  2  with stand appendages  8  extended.  FIG. 2H  is a side perspective view of tray table device  2  with a removable plug  13  removed.  FIG. 2I  is a side perspective view of tray table device  2  with a small electronic device  23  being held by rectilinear fingers  13 A.  FIG. 2J  is a diagrammatic top view of a frame  6 .  FIG. 2K  is a diagrammatic bottom view of frame  6 .  FIG. 21L  is a side perspective view of a stand appendage  8  and a mounting clip  14 A.  FIG. 2M  is a side perspective view of the bottom of frame  6 .  FIG. 2N  is a side perspective view of tray table device  2  mounted on a tray table  1 .  FIG. 2O  is a side perspective view of the bottom of frame  6  with stand appendages  8  extended.  FIG. 2P  is a side perspective view of the bottom of a frame stand hinge  6 E.  FIG. 2Q  is a diagrammatic side view of frame stand hinge  6 E.  FIG. 2R  is a side perspective view of the bottom of frame  6  with stand appendages  8  collapsed.  FIG. 2S  is a diagrammatic bottom view of frame  6  with stand appendages  8  removed.  FIG. 2T  is a bottom perspective view of tray table device  2  mounted to tray table  1 .  FIG. 2U  is a diagrammatic rear view of tray table device  2  mounted to tray table  1 . and  FIG. 2V  is an exploded view of tray table device  2  with an attachable cushion  12 . 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 3 . an alternative embodiment of an adjustable workstation  10  (hereinafter referred to simply as a “workstation”), is shown in use on an airplane seatback  12  tray table  14 . The workstation  10  is adapted to removably affix to the tray table  14  to provide multiple surfaces to create room for objects commonly used in flight, such as a drink  16 , snacks (not shown) and a laptop computer  18 , which normally will not fit together on a conventional airplane tray table at once. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 4 . workstations  10  are shown in use aboard an airplane. The first passenger  20  is shown attempting to use a laptop computer  18  on an existing tray table  14 . In this configuration, the laptop screen  28  impacts the seatback  12  from which the tray table  14  extends. This tends to put the laptop screen  28  at an angle unsuitable for both viewing and typing. The laptop Computer  18  also takes up all of the room on the tray table  14 . 
         [0083]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 . the second passenger  22  is using a workstation  10  to dispose the laptop  18  such that the laptop screen  28  is at the proper angle. The third passenger  24  has the workstation  10  adjusted to dispose the laptop  18  above the tray table  14 . Which creates extra room for additional items under the laptop  18 . The fourth passenger  26  has positioned the workstation  10  adjusted to provide a resting surface. while also creating room for additional items. 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 5 . the workstation  10  comprises three panels, a top panel  100 , a middle panel  200 , and a bottom panel  300 . The top panel  100 , middle panel  200  and bottom panel  300  are hingedly connected, in a manner such that the top panel  100  and bottom panel  300  are connected to opposite sides of the middle panel  200 . In the illustrated embodiment hinge pins  30  are used to create a hinged connection. Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7  alternative hinging arrangements are shown. In any event, various hinged arrangements, for instance barrel hinges. butterfly hinges, or even living hinges may be used depending on desired characteristics. In one preferred embodiment. the workstation  10  is approximately 16.5 inches by 10.5 inches to fit on a conventional tray table (not shown) 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIG. 8 . the top panel  100  of the workstation  10  includes features useful for holding objects, such as a laptop computer (not shown) on the workstation  10 . Among other features. the top panel  100  may include a front holding bar  102  for preventing items from slipping off the top panel  100  when disposed at an angle. A back holding bar  104  may also be incorporated on the opposite side of the top panel  100 . In addition to the front holding bar  102  and back holding bar  104 , the top panel  100  may incorporate a holding slot  106  for holding objects such as tablet computer (not shown), and include rubberized strips  108  for preventing slippage. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the workstation  10  is shown in expanded for use. The top panel  100  is shown with the front holding bar  102  and back holding bar  104  in a raised configuration. The top panel  100  is designed with cut-outs  110 , which allow the front holding bar  102  and back holding bar  104  to rest flush with the top panel  100  when not in use. In order to raise the front holding bar  102  and back holding bar  104 , pins  30  may be used to create an articulating arrangement. 
         [0087]    Still referring to  FIG. 9 . the middle panel  200  is generally horseshoe shaped, including two arm members  202  extending from the top panel  100  to the bottom panel  300 , and a center member  204  connecting the two arm members  202  and connecting the middle panel  200  to the top panel  100 . The ends of the arm members  202  opposite the center member  204  connect the middle panel  200  to the bottom panel  300 . The bottom panel  300  includes a retractable shelf  302 , which a user may pull out, thereby creating more space. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable shelf  302  may include a handle  304 , a ring-like soda can holder  306 , and a conventional drink holder  308 . which may be a hollow circle, thereby allowing a drink cup (not shown) to depend from the underside of the retractable shelf  302 . The bottom panel  300  may also include tracks  310  for adjusting the position of the workstation  10 . 
         [0088]    Still referring to  FIG. 9 . the workstation  10  is adjusted and positioned by a series of arms  32 , which extend between the top panel  100  and the middle panel  200 , and between the middle panel  200  and the bottom panel  300 . The arms  32  between the top panel  100  and the middle panel  200  articulate from hinge pins  30  in the top panel  100 , allowing the arms  32  to swing downward and engage tracks  206  in the middle panel  200 . When not in use the arms  32  between the top panel  100  and the middle panel  200  may be articulated into housings (not shown) on the underside of the top panel  100  making them flush with the top panel  100  for storage, and to allow the top panel  100  to rest flat against the middle panel  200 . 
         [0089]    Still referring to  FIG. 9 , in addition to the arms  32  between the top panel  100  and middle panel  200 , folding supports or arms  32  are also disposed between the middle panel  200  and bottom panel  300 . Like the arms  32  between the top panel  100  and middle panel  200 , the arms between the middle panel  200  and bottom panel  300  are hinged, preferably by pins  30  to the middle panel  200  such that they may be articulated downward to engage tracks  34  on the bottom panel  300 . Because the position of the middle panel  200  has a large effect on the overall position of the top of the workstation  10 , it is anticipated that multiple tracks  34  will be located on the bottom panel  30  to create a variety of positions. 
         [0090]    Still referring to  FIG. 9 , in some instances, it may be desirable to have a very slight angle to the top panel  100 . Since the arms  32  depending from the middle panel  200  place the top panel  100  at a more extreme angle, the bottom panel  300  may also include articulating tabs  310 . Like the arms  32 , the tabs  310  are preferably disposed in the bottom panel  300  when not in use, and articulate into position by pins  30 . The tabs  310  may also engage tracks  34  located on the underside of the middle panel  200 .  FIG. 10  shows the workstation  10  with the retractable shelf  302  extended. In one embodiment, the retractable shelf  302  may be guided by shelf guides  312  incorporated into the bottom member  300 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 11  shows the workstation  10  set up in an alternate configuration, where creating an additional work surface is not necessary, but where an angled work surface is preferred. In this illustration. the top panel  100  and middle panel  200  have been angled relative to the bottom panel  300  to create a slanted surface. such as for reading. In order to prevent objects on the top panel  100  from sliding therefrom, the front holding bar  102  has been articulated into a holding position. The arms  32  depending from the middle panel  200  are shown engaging the preferred tracks  34  on the bottom panel  300 . thereby preserving the angle of the top panel  100  and middle panel  200 . 
         [0092]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show the workstation  10  in another configuration. In this view a lock  36  on the underside of the top panel  100  fits into a catch  38  on the middle panel. The lock  36  may be coated with flexible material such as rubber. enabling the material to expand and hold the top panel  100  tight against middle panel  200 . Ideally. manual pressure can separate and join the lock  36  and catch  38 . A user may then adjust the supporting arms  32  to hold the top panel  100  at a preferred angle.  FIG. 13  illustrates how a hollow space  206  in the middle panel  200  can be used for storage. In the illustrated example a tablet computer  40  is shown resting in the hollow space  206 . In one embodiment. the top panel  100  may have a complimentary holding slot  112  to provide more room for storage. In order to hold an object securely. the middle panel  200  may also have a rubberized hold  208  to prevent slippage. 
         [0093]      FIG. 14  shows the underside of the workstation  10 . including a mechanism for holding the workstation  10  on a surface. In the illustrated embodiment. anchoring clips  314  are inserted along slide guides  316  where they are held in place. The sliding nature of the anchoring clips  314  enables them to be easily removed from the slide guides  316  when not needed. Also shown in  FIG. 14  are feet  318 . preferably rubber feet  318 . for preventing the workstation  10  from sliding on a surface. Also shown are mounts  320 . for affixing the workstation  10  to a surface.  FIG. 15  shows the workstation  10  mounted on a tray table  14 . In this view, the workstation  10  is mounted such that the anchoring clips  314  slide over the forward portion of the tray table  14 . In alternate embodiments, the clips or another mounting mechanism may engage the sides or bottom of the tray table  14 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the workstation  10 . In this view, another mounting mechanism is shown in the form of a standard tripod nut  322 . 
         [0095]      FIGS. 17A-17C  show how the workstation  10  may be incorporated into a tray table having an indented area. In  FIG. 17A . the workstation  10  is shown in its expanded configuration and ready for use.  FIG. 17B  shows a modified seatback  12  tray table  14 . having a receptacle  42  designed for holding the workstation  10  or a similar flat object.  FIG. 17C  shows the workstation  10  collapsed and installed in the receptacle  42 . In this manner, the workstation  10  can be easily collapsed when meals or other objects are placed on the tray table  14 . Ideally, the workstation  10  will be of a thickness relative to the receptacle  42  to present a uniform surface as shown in  FIG. 17C . 
         [0096]      FIGS. 18A-18B  show the workstation  10  as designed to be incorporated onto a carrying bag  44 .  FIG. 18A  shows the workstation  10  prepared for installation on a carrying bag  44  having catches  46  installed on the exterior of the carrying bag  44 . It is anticipated in one embodiment that the catches  46  will engage the mounts  320  (not shown) on the bottom panel  300  (not shown), allowing the top panel  100  to be exposed to view.  FIG. 18B  shows the workstation installed on a carrying bag. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 19A-19B  show the workstation  10  as designed to be incorporated onto a travel pillow  48 .  FIG. 19A  shows the workstation  10  prepared for installation on a travel pillow  48 . Like the carrying bag  44  (not shown), the travel pillow  48  includes catches  46  installed on one side for attaching to the workstation  10 .  FIG. 1913  shows the workstation  10  attached to the travel pillow  48 . In this illustration, the workstation  10  is in use, with the top panel  100  and middle panel  200  raised relative to the bottom panel  300  with arms  32  for support. In this configuration, the travel pillow  48  provides a soft surface for resting the workstation  10  on a person&#39;s lap (not shown). 
         [0098]      FIGS. 20A-20C  show the workstation  10  affixed to a tripod  50 .  FIG. 20A  shows the workstation  10  attached to the tripod mount using the tripod nut  322  (not shown), allowing the workstation to be tilted into at any preferred angle. including flat, as shown. enabling the workstation  10  to function as a table.  FIG. 2013  shows the workstation  10  and tripod  50  functioning as an easel. By raising the top panel  100  and middle panel  200  relative to the bottom panel  300  with arms  32  for support, the workstation provides a slanted surface with which to hold a canvas  54 . The canvas  54  is held in place by the front holding bar  102 . Also in this view. the retractable shell  302  is extended for holding an object such as a palette (not shown).  FIG. 20C  shows the workstation  10  affixed to a tripod  50  and extended to create an upper and lower surface. In this manner. items may be held on both the top panel  100  and bottom panel  300  easily and conveniently.