Abstract:
An ergonomic support system that comprises a tray type support surface, in conjunction with a system of extendable support arms, designed to afford the user maximum functional capability in an ergonomic setting. The system may comprise a portable embodiment, or may also comprise a stationary mounted embodiment which may be located within an office apparatus such as a desk, or within a vehicle such as an automobile, a train, a boat or an airplane. The stationary mounted embodiments may additionally comprise components with retractable capabilities for ease of use and stowage and pivotable with respect to the support arm so that the same surface of the tray that faces upwardly during use that may become soiled also faces outwardly when the tray table is stowed in the seatback.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application takes priority from and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/533,880 filed on Sep. 13, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present system relates to ergonomic systems for individual usage and more particularly to portable and fixed ergonomic tray table systems and the like which may be utilized for multipurpose applications and stowed when not in use. The present system further relates to ergonomic tray table systems which are disposed for usage within vehicular applications. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Concurrent systems and methods for tray table systems designed for support of articles such as food, laptops, books, magazines and other reading materials have been created for specific applications and purposes. A variety of concurrent portable tray tables have been fashioned for use in laptop applications as well as for passengers of vehicles. 
         [0006]    In concurrent embodiments of portable laptop tray table systems, the tray tables are normally designed such that the user will be in awkward and non ergonomic position during usage. Many concurrent systems do not possess support mechanisms for typical table tray type apparatuses for supporting computers or reading materials and thus must be supported by the lap of the user. Thus, the useful features of these concurrent systems are often vitiated by the non-ergonomic effect on the body of the user. 
         [0007]    In concurrent embodiments of laptop tray table systems designed for vehicle adaptation, once set in place in usage mode, the tables are normally distant from the user and provide no arm support for the user. Even in the cases wherein the tray table systems are adjustable to get closer to the user&#39;s body, these concurrent systems do not comprise ergonomic and body contour features. 
         [0008]    Tray tables are typically stowed in the seatback of most passenger seats in a non-operative position, and are lowered into an operative position during flight. As a result of the stowage of the tray tables in the rear of the seatbacks, a passenger generally utilizes the tray table stowed in the seatback that is immediately forward of the passenger. Thus, tray tables are customarily connected to a set of arms which pivot downwardly from the seatback to an operative position. Other regularly utilized systems comprise a foldable-table assembly whereby both the seat and tray table rotate about a horizontal axis as a unit to enable the seat to recline or systems which rotate from a stowed position in the seatback to an extended position for passenger use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. A versatile article support apparatus and portable computing device transport system, which assists the user in maintaining proper posture in utilizing a laptop. Thus the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein. 
         [0010]    The present system relates to ergonomic systems for individual usage and more particularly to both portable and fixed ergonomic tray tables and the like which may be utilized for multipurpose applications and stowed when not in use. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the instant device may comprise a portable laptop tray table system, designed to be compact enough to be carried on the person of a user. In an additional embodiment, the portable laptop tray table system may comprise provisions for carrying articles such as a laptop or other personal items, as the portable laptop tray table system may comprise a foldability feature, wherein upon folding the portable laptop tray table system for traveling, an enclosed area. 
         [0012]    In an additional embodiment, the instant device may comprise incarnations including an armrest system designed to work with a normal desk assembly. In one embodiment, the armrest may be installed into an existing table or desk within the factory. In another embodiment, the ergonomic armrest system may be retro fit adapted to fixed tables in order to render the tables ergonomically viable. In the retro systems, the ergonomic armrest system may also be retractable, and may also be disposed to be invisible to the naked upon positioning in retraction more and may thus be contained in to an enclosed, hidden compartment. It is envisioned that the instant apparatus will encompass the identical construction to the portable system and thus provide ergonomic support for the user of a normal desk or table. 
         [0013]    In an additional embodiment, the instant device may comprise a retractable laptop tray table system also comprising a stowage start here for moving vehicles, such as automobiles, trains, planes, and water vehicles. A tray table assembly is provided that includes a tray table and an arm connected to the tray table which extends from the rear portion of a seatback. The tray table is pivotable with respect to the support arm so that the same surface of the tray that faces upwardly during use that may become soiled also faces outwardly when the tray table is stowed in the seatback. A seat assembly is also provided that includes a passenger seat having a seatback defining a recess for permitting the tray table assembly to be stowed in the seatback. The seatback recess is shaped and positioned in such a way that a major surface of the tray table can only be positioned outwardly when stowed in the seatback recess, thus preventing the seat from facing the seat in the stowed position. 
         [0014]    In a further embodiment, a wholly retractable system design for vehicle, school or office usage is exemplified. This system will comprise a storage area and an animated, actuation/retraction arm which will allow for ergonomic utilization of the table while providing “hideaway” storage of the ergonomic table and actuation/retraction arm. 
         [0015]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the versatile tray table embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0016]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0017]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front side elevational view of the portable tray table assembly of one advantageous embodiment of the present invention showing the assembly in an operational position with the legs extended; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a rear side elevational view showing the tray table assembly of  FIG. 1  in its operative position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view showing the tray table assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view showing the seatback in its lowered position and illustrating sequential views of the tray table of  FIG. 1  as the tray table is rotated; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view showing the tray table assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view showing the tray table assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a bottom elevational view showing the tray table assembly of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top elevational view showing the tray table assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of one embodiment support and transport system  10 , illustrating a portable ergonomic workstation  11  comprising: a main work area member that may include an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side portion and a right side portion. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a left shoulder member in communication with the left side portion of the main work area member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a right shoulder member in communication with the right side portion of the main work area member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a left arm member in communication with the left shoulder main member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a right arm member in communication with the right shoulder main member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a left static leg member and a left dynamic leg member in communication with the left static leg member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a right static leg member and a right dynamic leg member in communication with the right static leg member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a human contour receiving area. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a main work area member wherein the main work area member is disposed to retain work materials. 
         [0029]    The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise an adjustably disposed, auxiliary work area member comprising a retaining mechanism in slidable communication with the main work area member. Additionally, the left shoulder member may be in slidable communication with the main work area member and the right shoulder member may be in slidable communication with the main work area member. And, the portable ergonomic workstation left arm member may be in slidable communication with said main work area member and wherein the right arm member may be in slidable communication with said main work area member. 
         [0030]    In a further embodiment, the portable ergonomic workstation may comprise a left dynamic leg member in hinged communication with the left static leg member and a right dynamic leg member in hinged communication with the right static leg member. The portable ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a left dynamic leg member disposed for orientation at a ninety degree angle to the left static leg member and a right dynamic leg member disposed for orientation at a ninety degree angle to the right static leg member and the orientation at a ninety degree angle of the left dynamic leg member and orientation at a ninety degree angle the right dynamic leg member define a substantially closed storage area between the define lower portion of the main work area member and the left dynamic leg member and the right dynamic leg member. The portable ergonomic workstation may also comprise an embodiment wherein an individual of the left dynamic leg member or right dynamic leg member comprises a locking mechanism and an opposing individual of the left dynamic leg member or right dynamic leg member comprises a locking mechanism receiving mechanism. 
         [0031]    The portable ergonomic workstation may also comprise an embodiment wherein the main work area member further comprises a substantially circular cut away area disposed for retaining substantially cylindrical objects. The portable ergonomic workstation may also comprise a configuration wherein the left arm member and the right arm member comprise contours disposed to retain a human arm. The portable ergonomic workstation may also comprise a configuration wherein the dynamic leg members comprise cutaway areas for weight reduction and wherein the dynamic leg member cutaway areas may be substantially triangular. 
         [0032]    In a further overall embodiment, an ergonomic workstation is illustrated An ergonomic workstation is illustrated, which may comprise a desk area member, which may comprise a work surface including a frontward edge, a rearward edge and a cross sectional area wherein the cross sectional area comprises an internally displaced cavity. The desk area member may additionally comprise a plurality of work surface support mechanisms. The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise at least two support arms. The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a rail system disposed substantially within the internally displaced cavity comprising a set of substantially fixed rail members and a set of substantially movable rail members in sliding communication with the set of substantially fixed rail members; wherein the at least two support arms are attached to the set of substantially movable rail members for retractable operation. The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a posture correction system in communication with the internally displaced cavity. The posture correction system may comprise a human interaction member and a rail system disposed substantially within the internally displaced cavity comprising a set of substantially fixed rail members and a set of substantially movable rail members in sliding communication with the set of substantially fixed rail members; and, wherein the human interaction member is attached to the set of substantially movable rail members for retractable operation. Additionally, the ergonomic workstation may be configured such that the posture correction system is attached to the least two support arms for retractable operation. 
         [0033]    An ergonomic workstation is illustrated, which may comprise a desk area member, which may comprise a work surface including a frontward edge, a rearward edge and a cross sectional area wherein the cross sectional area comprises an internally displaced cavity. The desk area member may additionally comprise a plurality of work surface support mechanisms. The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise at least two support arms. The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a rail system disposed substantially within the internally displaced cavity comprising a set of substantially fixed rail members and a set of substantially movable rail members in sliding communication with the set of substantially fixed rail members; wherein the at least two support arms are attached to the set of substantially movable rail members for retractable operation. The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a posture correction system wherein the posture correction system is attached to the at least two support arms for retractable operation. 
         [0034]    The ergonomic workstation may additionally comprise a posture correction system in communication with the internally displaced cavity. The posture correction system may additionally comprise a main work area member comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side portion and a right side portion. The posture correction system may additionally comprise a left shoulder member in communication with the left side portion of the main work area member and a right shoulder member in communication with the right side portion of the main work area member. Also, the left shoulder member may be in slidable communication with the main work area member and the right shoulder member may be in slidable communication with the main work area member. 
         [0035]    In an added embodiment, the ergonomic workstation may be configured such that the at least two support arms further comprise a left arm member in communication with the left shoulder main member and a right arm member in communication with the right shoulder main member. And, the ergonomic workstation may be arranged in a manner that the left arm member is in slidable communication with the main work area member and wherein the right arm member is in slidable communication with the main work area member and the left arm member and the right arm member may comprise contours disposed to retain a human arm. In additional embodiments, each of the at least two support arms may be independent of the other arm and the arms may also be joined by the posture correction system. Finally, this embodiment of the instant system may be constructed to reside entirely within the internally displaced cavity is not visible from an outside view in retraction mode. 
         [0036]    An ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications is illustrated, which may comprise a retaining arm disposed to move between a frontal usage location and a storage compartment. The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a main work area member comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side portion and a right side portion. The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a left shoulder member in communication with the left side portion of the main work area member and a right shoulder member in communication with the right side portion of the main work area member. The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a left arm member in communication with the left shoulder member and a right arm member in communication with the right shoulder member. 
         [0037]    The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a left static leg member and a left dynamic leg member in communication with the left static leg member. The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a right static leg member and a right dynamic leg member in communication with the right static leg member. The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a human contour receiving area. The ergonomic retractable tray table system for vehicle applications may additionally comprise a main work area member wherein the main work area member is disposed to retain work materials and wherein the main work area member is pivotally connected to said arm and disposed to pivot while said arm is in the extended position, wherein said entire tray is adapted to pivot from the storage compartment to the frontal usage location such that the upper portion of the main work area member faces upwardly to a user. In one embodiment, the left shoulder member may exist in slidable communication with the main work area member and the right shoulder member may exist in slidable communication with the main work area member. Additionally, the left shoulder member may be in laterally slidable communication with the main work area member and the right shoulder member may be in laterally slidable communication with the main work area member. Furthermore, the left arm member and the right arm member may be longitudinally adjustable with respect to the main work area member and the left arm is in hinged in communication with the left shoulder member and disposed to fold onto the left shoulder member. Moreover, the right arm member maybe in hinged communication with the right shoulder member and may be disposed to fold onto the right shoulder member. 
         [0038]    In an additional embodiment, an ergonomic tray system for mobile applications is illustrated, which may comprise a translating primary arm mechanism comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a main work area member comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side portion and a right side portion in rotating communication with the primary arm mechanism. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a left shoulder member in communication with the left side portion of the main work area member and a right shoulder member in communication with the right side portion of the main work area member. 
         [0039]    The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a left arm member in communication with the left shoulder member and a right arm member in communication with the right shoulder member. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a left static leg member and a left dynamic leg member in communication with the left static leg member. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a right static leg member and a right dynamic leg member in communication with the right static leg member. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a human contour receiving area. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a storage compartment, wherein the proximal end of the translating primary arm mechanism is in pivotal communication with the storage compartment and the distal end of the translating primary arm mechanism is in pivotal communication with the main work area member. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may additionally comprise a storage compartment wherein the translating primary arm is disposed to pivot while the translating primary arm is in the extended position and wherein the translating primary arm mechanism and the main work area member are adapted to pivot from the storage compartment to the frontal usage location such that the upper portion of the main work area member faces upwardly to a user. 
         [0040]    The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may also comprise an alignment wherein the left shoulder member is in laterally slidable communication with the main work area member and the right shoulder member is in laterally slidable communication with the main work area member. The ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may also comprise a further alignment wherein the left arm is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the main work area member and wherein the right arm is longitudinally adjustable with respect to the main work area member. Additionally, the ergonomic tray system for mobile applications may also comprise an embodiment wherein the left arm member is in hinged in communication with the left shoulder member and disposed to fold onto the left shoulder member and wherein the right arm member is in hinged in communication with the right shoulder member and disposed to fold onto the right shoulder member. 
         [0041]    In an additional embodiment, an ergonomic tray table is illustrated, which may comprise a main work area member comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side portion and a right side portion. The ergonomic tray table may additionally comprise a left arm member in communication with the left side portion of the main work member and a right arm member in communication with the right side portion of the main work member. The ergonomic tray table may additionally comprise at least two main work area member support mechanisms. Each of the at least two main work area member support mechanisms may comprise a first arm connected at a first end to either of the left side portion of the main work area or the right side portion of the main work area at least two main work area utilizing a first hinge. Each of the at least two main work area member support mechanisms may additionally comprise a second arm connected at a first end to a second end of the first arm utilizing a second hinge. Each of the at least two main work area member support mechanisms may additionally comprise a third arm connected at a first end to a second end of the second arm utilizing a third hinge. The ergonomic tray table may also be configured wherein the left side portion of the main work area member and right side portion of the main work area member are in sliding communication for inward and outward lateral adjustment. 
         [0042]    The ergonomic tray table may also be configured such that the left side portion of the main work member comprises a rolling cylindrical mechanism comprising a hinge in communication with the left arm member and wherein the right side portion of the main work member comprises a rolling cylindrical mechanism comprising a hinge in communication with the right arm member. Further the left arm member may be substantially collapsible and the right arm member may be substantially collapsible. Additionally, upon retraction of the left arm member, the first arm may lie next to a first side of the base, the second arm may lie next to the first arm and neither the first arm nor the second arm may rise above the height of the base. 
         [0043]    Additionally, in the retracted position of the left arm member, the left arm member first arm lies next to a first side of the base, the left arm member second arm lies next to the left arm member first arm and neither the left arm member first arm nor the left arm member second arm rises above the height of the base. In the same manner, in the retracted position of the right arm member, the right arm member first arm lies next to a second side of the base, the right arm member second arm lies next to the right arm member first arm and neither the right arm member first arm nor the right arm member second arm rises above the height of the base. 
         [0044]    Furthermore, the main work area member may comprise recesses for retaining the first arm of the left arm member and the first arm of the right arm member when the left arm member and the right arm member are in the retracted position. Additionally, the first hinge, the second hinge and the third hinge may comprise ball socket mechanisms. Moreover, in the instant embodiment of the ergonomic tray table, the main work area member further may comprise a body contour receiving mechanism.