Patent Publication Number: US-2015083767-A1

Title: Multipurpose personal plane support device

Description:
The invention disclosed herein is a multipurpose personal plane support device. 
     Although both hands are available when in walking or in static standing position, the need may arise for a flat surface to lay items on. 
     The well-known knapsack is often used to transport equipment, or water supply directly accessible from an integrated container equipped with a straw. 
     Some accessories may be attached to a belt, but this does not meet the needs for a portable flat surface. 
     No device currently exist allowing users to lay items, such as electronic devices, on a flat surface to view or use them with a keyboard while in standing position or walking. 
     While in a sitting position, users must lay the device on the knees, and keep hold of the device in an attempt to counteract the lack of a firm balance. 
     Visitors of exhibits, trade shows, exhibitions or other events are required to stop over for meals, while they may prefer to continue exploring the premises or attending the event while eating. Even a simple lunch of a sandwich and a drink requires the use of both hands and prevents users from grabbing, touching, or maneuvering objects such as buttons, phones or photography devices. 
     The invention described herein answers the needs outlined above by providing a simple and practical device. 
     What follows is a detailed description of the core features of the device, as well as a number of possible improvements, all supported with graphic representations: 
    
    
     
         FIG. 1 : perspective view of the device in operating position; 
         FIG. 2 : side elevation view of the device in operating position; 
         FIG. 3 : side elevation view of the device in non-operating position; 
         FIG. 4 : device with the stabilizer; 
         FIG. 5 : perspective view of the device with accessories. 
     
    
    
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the multipurpose flat support device, comprises a tray ( 10 ), a front rest ( 12 ) attached with fasteners ( 14 ) to the waist, and interposed hinges ( 16 ) between the tray ( 10 ) and the front rest ( 12 ). 
     One of the long sides of the roughly rectangular tray ( 10 ) forms the rear edge attached to the articulated links ( 16 ), while the opposite side remains free and forms the front edge. 
     To optimize function and safety, all free angles and the front ledge are rounded. 
     The widest side measures approximately 30 cm, and the shortest approximately 25 cm (these measurements are provided for indicative purposes, and are not definitive). 
     The front rest ( 12 ) is comprised of a roughly rectangular plate ( 18 ) standing vertically, laying on the right flank. The resting point is low in relation to its width. The rest&#39;s width is 30 cm (equal to that of the tray), and height is 10 cm (these measurements are provided for indicative purposes, and are not definitive). 
     To further increase practicality, the front rest is ergonomically shaped and slightly curved to adapt to the body. 
     The front rest ( 12 ) is attached to the parts ( 14 ) fastening the device to the user. The fasteners may be comprised of a belt ( 20 ) with length-adjustable click-lock buckles, or of a belt with Velcro for easy adjustment. 
     Articulated links ( 16 ) between the tray ( 10 ) and the front rest ( 12 ) contain at least one hinge ( 22 ), with a XX′ pivot axis tangentially oriented relatively to the user, perpendicular with the direction of travel. 
     The hinge/s ( 22 ), allow/s the tray to be deployed at approximately 90° from the non-operating position, facing up and parallel with the stance of the wearer ( FIG. 3 ), and the operating position, perpendicular with the stance of the user ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The second position blocks the tray ( 10 ), preventing it from tipping down or tilting. 
     Efficiently is increased by the hard swivel hinge/s preventing any free wobbling of the tray around the XX′ axis, even under the motion of walk. 
     Similarly, hard swivel prevents the tray ( 10 ) from suddenly and uncontrollably going from the non-operating to operating position a service. 
     Furthermore, it is possible to add lock/unlock components in non-operating and operating positions. However, for safety reasons, it is preferable to retain the free movements of the tray, in case of a fall, for instance. 
       FIG. 4  shows the device with the optional stabilizer ( 24 ). 
     The stabilizer is comprised of a rectangular plate ( 26 ) similar to the front rest ( 12 ). 
     The plate ( 26 ) is articulated on the lower edge of the front rest ( 12 ) by articulated links ( 28 ): at least one hinge ( 30 ), whose YY′ pivot axis is parallel to the tray&#39;s XX′ pivot axis. The hinge has two positions: either retracted between uses, with the plate ( 26 ) in horizontal position perpendicular with the wearer&#39;s stance, or with the plate standing vertically, roughly aligned with the surface of the front rest ( 12 ). 
     The hinge/S( 30 ) is/are also hard swivel or locking. 
     The stabilizer is ergonomic and, as an added feature, the lower edge (not hinged) is not rectilinear and points upward. 
     The stabilizer sits on the lower abdomen only, when the front rest ( 12 ) is attached to the waist, without hindering movements or walk. 
     The invention is used as follows, when used with the stabilizer. 
     The user provides its own device or rents it if available when visiting an exhibit or a trade show, or attending a sporting event. 
     It is worth noting that the device is flat when the tray is in its initial non-operating position, and when the stabilizer is also in non-operating position. 
     The first step is to adjust and attach the fasteners ( 14 ), namely the belt ( 20 ), around the waist. 
     Then, the user may put the tray in the first position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), in which the tray&#39;s surface is directly usable to lay any item, food, or documents. 
     To maintain the tray perfectly perpendicular with the stance of the user, the user may tilt the stabilizer plate to align it with the front rest ( 12 ). 
     This increases the supporting surface. 
     When not in use, the tray can be brought back vertically, parallel with the stance of the user. The user brings the stabilizer back in non-operating position, perpendicular with his or her stance. Its thinness mitigates added bulk. 
     The stabilizer automatically folds when the user sits. 
     The device described above is molded in plastic materials to minimize cost, ease manufacturing, and even increase recyclability. 
     Materials could also have specific added features, such as a non-slip surface on the surface of the tray. 
     Many accessories could be added. 
     As illustrated, a removable container ( 32 ) can be attached to, or molded directly in the tray to transport drinks or mobile phones. 
     This receptacle may also contain an collar ( 34 ) of flexible petals to stabilize the position of items stored in the cavity. 
     The tray could have a raised ledge to prevent items from rolling over ( 10 ). 
     The device could also be used with  36  elastics attached to the tray, to easily secure and remove items, including screens or tablets. 
     The device outlined in this invention description enables the user to walk while using electronic devices on a flat surface, laying a small meal, a drink, documents, phone, while retaining the use of hands to hold a child&#39;s hand, grab an item or use a photographic or another device.