Abstract:
A portable vanity tray rests on a sink and provides a work surface that can hold personal care items, cosmetics, etc. when counter space is insufficient. The portable vanity tray can have a workspace, one or more accessory hollows, a hot tool tray, and a faucet indent. Additional components can include one or more handles and a non-slip backing surface. The accessory hollows provide locations for items to be placed and retained. The hot tool tray is designed to hold beauty tools, especially those that become hot. Heat-dissipation ribbing can be incorporated therein. A faucet indent allows the tray to fit on sinks which have a protruding faucet. Handles provide for easy gripping locations in order manipulate the tray and allow it to be hung up. A non-slip bottom surface retains the tray in place once positioned on a sink or other location.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of sink accessories; and more particularly, to a portable vanity tray. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Washstands were early forms of sinks. They consisted of a small table or similar piece of furniture upon which stood a pitcher or other container of water and a basin, bowl, tub, etc. that could be used for washing the hands, face, etc. When indoor plumbing and “running water” became prevalent, washstands were rapidly replaced by sinks with faucets. Today, sinks with faucets are quite ubiquitous across the United States and can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other locations in homes and businesses as well as in kitchens and restrooms on boats, planes, trains, recreational vehicles (RVs), etc. Sinks in all those locations can be surrounded by counters, but often, such counter space is small or non-existent, especially in the latter group. 
         [0003]    Many sinks are backed by a mirror (or a mirror is otherwise located nearby) in order to provide people with a location to wash, groom, apply cosmetics, make use of toiletries/personal care items, etc. Since a ready supply of running water, a drain, and a mirror are useful items to have on hand when performing those activities, sinks provide an excellent location. However, because many sinks lack a surrounding counter or otherwise have limited available counter or shelf space nearby, there is a need for an add-on space that can hold cosmetics, toiletries, and/or personal care items and provide an extra work area. This is especially true in locations that are already somewhat cramped, like homes with smaller bathrooms as well as bathrooms in planes, boats, RVs, etc. Furthermore, in order to save space and allow the sink to remain functional, the add-on work area should be easily repositionable, removable, and portable. Many beauty/personal grooming tools such as hair dryers, curling irons, hot presses, trimmers, etc. require a stable location or tray to hold said tools when not in use; and since some can become quite hot, said tray should be at least somewhat heat-resistant. 
         [0004]    Therefore, what is needed is a portable vanity tray that can fit over a wide variety of sinks, can hold various types of cosmetics/toiletries, is easily repositionable/removable, provides an additional work space, and can safely hold beauty/personal grooming tools. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    One embodiment of the present invention can comprise a portable vanity tray having a workspace, one or more pluralities of accessory hollows, a hot tool tray, and a faucet indent. Additional components can include one or more handles and a non-slip backing surface in order to help keep the portable vanity tray in place on a sink. In one embodiment, the workspace is indented below the upper surface of the portable vanity tray so that workspace sidewalls can help to keep items within or on the workspace. This is an especially useful feature when the portable vanity tray is used on a sink in a boat, plane, RV, or any other location in which the tray could be moved, tipped, or otherwise shaken. In such cases, flat topped counters, shelves, etc. do not retain items nearly as well as the portable vanity tray. The one or more pluralities of accessory hollows provide locations for various cosmetics and beauty accessories to be placed and retained in an upright manner for easy access. For example, makeup brushes, lip glosses, etc. can be placed in an upright or vertical manner therein and they are then unable to roll around as well as being easily located and distinguished between by feel or location. The hot tool tray can comprise a hollowed or curved portion of the device that is designed to hold beauty/grooming tools, especially those that become hot such as hair dryers, curling irons, etc. Heat-dissipation ribbing or similar structures can be incorporated in the hot tool tray in some embodiments. A faucet indent can be included in a portable vanity tray in order to allow the tray to fit on sinks which have a protruding faucet or other encumbrance. Inclusion of one or more handles in the portable vanity tray provides for easy gripping locations in order to move, reposition and handle the tray as well as providing simple locations for hooks, pegs, etc. so that the portable vanity tray can be hung or stowed vertically. A non-slip backing surface can be added to the bottom of the portable vanity tray in order to help the tray to stay in place once positioned on a sink or other location. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates a left elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates a right elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The term “personal care items” can include cosmetics, personal grooming items, personal hygiene items, toiletries and/or other similar items. When used herein, it is desired that said term be interpreted as broadly as possible as different people employ a wide variety of such personal care items. 
         [0015]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . The portable vanity tray  10  can comprise a front face  20 , a right face  30 , a rear face  40 , a left face  50 , a workspace  70 , a plurality of accessory hollows  54  and  56 , a faucet indent  44 , and a hot tool tray  60 . Additional components can include a right handle  32 , a left handle  52 , a hot tool tray trough  62 , a plurality of heat dissipaters  64 , and a workspace sidewall  74 . 
         [0016]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the front face  20 , right face  30 , rear face  40 , and left face  50  have a curved shape that transitions from the bottom surface (not visible in  FIG. 1 ; see  FIG. 7 , bottom surface  80 ) to the top surface shown in  FIG. 1 . The curved shape fits the user&#39;s hands (especially when manipulating the handles  32  and  52 ) and so provides enhanced functionality as well as being aesthetically pleasing. In other embodiments, these faces may be differently shaped. 
         [0017]    The workspace  70  shown in  FIG. 1  includes the workspace surface  72  and the workspace sidewall  74 . The workspace surface  72  can be relatively flat and may be covered or coated with a material that grips or holds (or be an inherent property of the material comprising the workspace surface  72 ) so that items placed on the workspace surface  72  do not easily roll or slide around. The workspace sidewall  74  further contains items on the workspace surface  72  and helps to ensure that anything that is spilled or dropped is retained on the workspace surface  72 . The workspace sidewall  74  serves to indent the workspace surface  72  down into the top surface of the portable vanity tray  10 . In another embodiment, the workspace surface could be flush (or even raised) relative to the top surface; in such a case, the workspace sidewall  74  would comprise more of a raised retention rim. 
         [0018]    A plurality of accessory hollows  54  and  56  can be placed on the top surface of the portable vanity tray  10 . These hollows  54  and  56  are designed to hold makeup brushes, lip glosses, and other cosmetics, personal hygiene tools, etc. As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the accessory hollows  54  and  56  comprise cylindrical impressions that extend vertically downwards into the top surface of the portable vanity tray  10 . The top edge can be beveled to assist in placing items within the hollows  54  and  56 . In other embodiments, the plurality of accessory hollows  54  and  56  can have a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is triangular, rectangular, pentangular, ovular, or any other suitable shape. 
         [0019]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a faucet indent  44  is incorporated into the rear face  40  of the portable vanity tray  10 . The faucet indent  44  provides a cut-out like scallop on the rear face  44  in order for a protruding sink faucet or other encumbrance to be accommodated by the portable vanity tray  10 . The indent  44  allows the portable vanity tray  10  to closely abut the faucet and at least partially surround it. Without the faucet indent  44 , a low-slung faucet might interfere with proper placement of the vanity tray  10  on top of a sink, causing the tray to be unstable or otherwise not properly fit the sink. For example, if the portable vanity tray has to be placed too far forwards towards the edge of the sink, then large gaps could exist between the tray and the wall/counter edge leaving room for small items to fall within this gap, into the sink, and perhaps down the drain. By incorporating the faucet indent  44  into the tray  10 , such gaps are minimized. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the faucet indent  44  may be located on the left face  50  or right face  30  to accommodate sinks having faucets on one side or the other. Additionally, the portable vanity tray  10  may be reshaped to better fit various sizes and shapes of sinks. For example, a small diamond shaped sink designed for a wall corner location would be better served by a diamond shaped portable vanity tray  10  having a more pronounced faucet indent  44  on a rear face  40 . 
         [0021]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a hot tool tray  60  is shown. Hair dryers, curling irons, hot presses, and similar personal care tools can be placed in the hot tool tray  60  and be retained therein. The hot tool tray  60  comprises a hot tool tray trough  62  incorporating a plurality of heat dissipaters  64 . The concave shape of the trough  62  provides enhanced retention functionality to the hot tool tray  60  over other shapes. Additionally, the trough  62  has an increased surface area versus a similarly sized flat area so as to spread out the heat from any tool placed thereon over a larger area. Notwithstanding these advantages, in other embodiments, troughs having other shapes are contemplated. Additionally, in yet another embodiment, a hot tool tray  60  may not include a trough  62  and can instead comprise a stand, latch mechanism, flat area, shaped depression, or other work surface on which personal care tools can be placed. 
         [0022]    The plurality of heat dissipaters  64  can help to further dissipate heat by further enlarging the surface area, increasing cooling air-flow, etc. The heat dissipaters  64  shown in  FIG. 1  are simple raised ridges or ribbing. They can be made from any heat resistant material(s). The plurality of heat dissipaters  64  may also or alternatively have a high coefficient of friction so that they help to retain the tool(s) within the trough  62 . In yet other embodiments, the plurality of heat dissipaters  64  are built into the surface of the hot tool tray  60  and do not comprise a distinct separate structure. For example, heat-resistant material(s) could be used to construct the surface of the hot tool tray  60  and so no separate heat dissipater structures would be needed. 
         [0023]    The right handle  32  and left handle  52  provide multiple useful functions. For example, a user may grasp the portable vanity tray  10  by either handle  32  or  52  in order to move, align, reposition, steady, or otherwise manipulate the portable vanity tray  10 . Additionally, the handles  32  and  52  provide excellent structures from which to hang the portable vanity tray  10  in a vertical orientation from such items as hooks, pegs, nails, etc. If no such hangers are available, a user can tie a string, scarf, etc. through the handle and suspend the tray  10  from a closet clothes rod, clothesline, towel bar, etc. In an alternate embodiment, an “S” hook can be included with the portable vanity tray  10  to assist in hanging it. In yet another embodiment, the handle can comprise a hook shape so that the portable vanity tray  10  can be placed over a towel bar and hooked directly thereto. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the one or more handles  32  and  52  may be placed in alternate locations. For example, if the portable vanity tray  10  is designed to be used with a sink having a faucet on the left or right side (instead of in the more common rear location), the left or right handle could swap locations with the faucet indent  44 . Alternatively, the left or right handle could simply be replaced by the faucet indent  44 . In yet another embodiment, the handle(s) could be relocated to near the front face  20  and/or the rear face  40 . 
         [0025]    Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , other embodiments might include additional features. Examples of such additional figures may include, but are not limited to: storage compartments built into the body of the vanity tray; collapsible or foldable sections/hinges so that the tray may be collapsed into a smaller size; see-thru or opaque storage located under a hinged or removable workspace surface  72  or in other locations (such as under the bottom surface  80 , see  FIG. 7 ); and additional accessory hollows shaped to match specific tools, toiletries, etc. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . The front face  20  is visible as are the right face  30  and left face  50 . Note the curved shape of the faces as they transition from the bottom surface to the top surface, this shape is apparent when viewing the right and left faces  30  and  50  in the view illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Also highlighted by this view, is the concave shape of the trough  62  of the hot tool tray  60  as well as the plurality of heat dissipaters  64 . As discussed above, in some embodiments, the hot tool tray  60  may not include a trough  62 . 
         [0027]    The dissipaters  64  shown in  FIG. 2  are visibly raised above the surface of the hot tool tray trough  62 . However, in another embodiment, the dissipaters may be built into the surface of the hot tool tray trough  62  or the materials used in the trough itself may be made from heat-resistant materials and so can comprise the dissipaters  64 . In other embodiments, the height of the dissipaters  64  may be more or less pronounced. In yet other embodiments, heat dissipaters  64  may not be included. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . This view also highlights the curved shape of the right and left faces  30  and  50  and the shape of the hot tool tray  60 . Additionally, the faucet indent  44  is illustrated although it is difficult to discern its dimensions from this viewing angle. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates a left elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . The left handle  52  is just visible in this view with the remainder of the view showing mostly the left face  50 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates a right elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . The right handle  32  is just visible in this view with the remainder of the view showing mostly the right face  30 . The hot tool tray  60  can be seen extending into the front and rear faces. Also visible are a few of the plurality of heat dissipaters  64 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . As detailed in the other FIG. descriptions, the portable vanity tray  10  can comprise front, right, rear, and left faces  20 ,  30 ,  40  and  50 ; a workspace  70 ; a plurality of accessory hollows  54  and  56 ; a faucet indent  44 ; a hot tool tray  60 ; right and left handles  32  and  52 ; a hot tool tray trough  62 ; a plurality of heat dissipaters  64 ; and a workspace sidewall  74 . 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the front face  20 , right face  30 , rear face  40 , and left face  50  have a curved shape that transitions from the bottom surface to the top surface. The curved shape fits the user&#39;s hands and so provides enhanced functionality as well as being aesthetically pleasing. In other embodiments, these faces may be differently shaped. 
         [0033]    The workspace  70  shown in  FIG. 6  includes the workspace surface  72  and the workspace sidewall  74 . In one embodiment, the workspace surface  72  is relatively flat and un-textured. In another embodiment, a textured surface is provided to assist in keeping items placed thereon from shifting. Alternatively, the workspace surface  72  may be covered or coated with a material that grips or holds items placed thereon so they do not easily roll or slide around. In addition to properties of the workspace surface  72  itself, the sidewall  74  further helps to contain items on the workspace and ensures that anything that is spilled or dropped is retained. The workspace sidewall  74  serves to indent the workspace surface  72  down into the top surface of the portable vanity tray  10 . In one embodiment, the sidewall  74  is approximately one half inch in height. In another embodiment, the sidewall  74  can be either shorter or taller. 
         [0034]    A plurality of accessory hollows  54  and  56  can be placed on the top surface of the portable vanity tray  10 . These hollows  54  and  56  are designed to hold makeup brushes, lip glosses, and other cosmetics, personal hygiene tools, etc. 
         [0035]    A faucet indent  44  is incorporated into the rear face  40  of the portable vanity tray  10  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the faucet indent  44  provides a cut-out like scallop on the rear face  44  in order for a protruding sink faucet or other encumbrance to be accommodated by the portable vanity tray  10 . Although not displayed in  FIG. 6 , the portable vanity tray  10  can incorporate a strap or other attachment device that can wrap around a faucet, handle, or the sink itself in order to help retain the portable vanity tray  10  on the sink. 
         [0036]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a hot tool tray  60  is shown. The hot tool tray  60  comprises a hot tool tray trough  62  shaped to retain a tool therein. The hot tool tray trough  62  can include a plurality of heat dissipaters  64  to help to further dissipate heat by enlarging the surface area of the trough, increasing cooling air-flow, etc. The heat dissipaters  64  can be made from any heat resistant material(s) and may also have a high coefficient of friction so that they help to retain the tool(s) within the hot tool tray trough  62 . 
         [0037]    The right handle  32  and left handle  52  provide multiple useful functions. For example, a user may grasp the portable vanity tray  10  by either handle  32  or  52  in order to manipulate the tray  10 . Additionally, the handles  32  and  52  provide excellent structures from which to hang the portable vanity tray  10 . 
         [0038]    When utilizing the handles to transport the portable vanity tray  10 , a user can alternatively hold both handles and carry items placed upon the tray, or can hold only one handle and let the vanity tray swing vertically. The portable vanity tray  10  is especially useful when traveling as it allows a user to bring along his or her standard toiletries, cosmetics, grooming/personal care items and use them as he or she would at home. Furthermore, hotels, cruise ships, and other ‘hospitality industry’ locations often do not have necessary counter or shelf space near sinks and so the portable vanity tray  10  can meet that need. Commercial fashion and beauty providers such as nail salons, beauty salons, spas, waxing salons, etc. can also utilize the portable vanity tray. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portable vanity tray  10 . The various faces: front  20 , rear  40 , right  30 , left  50  are shown as are the faucet indent  44  and the handles  32  and  52 . Importantly, the bottom surface  80  is shown. This surface can have anti-slip or gripping materials or coatings applied to it or it can alternatively be made from such material(s). The anti-slip properties of the bottom surface  80  help to hold the portable vanity tray  10  on the sink and keep it in place. Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , it is contemplated that in some embodiments, storage compartments, retention straps or clamps may be incorporated into the bottom surface  80 . Note that the outer perimeter of the bottom surface  80  as well as the handle cut-outs  32  and  52  are beveled/rounded as depicted by the double lines. In other embodiments, the beveling can be enhanced, diminished, or completely removed. 
         [0040]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been described and disclosed in the present application, it should be understood that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the intention of this application to limit this invention in any way except as by the appended claims. 
         [0041]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above “Detailed Description” section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
         [0042]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0043]    In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0044]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention. 
         [0045]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.