Patent Publication Number: US-2009217846-A1

Title: Tray-table assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a tray-table assembly, and, more particularly, to a tray-table assembly capable of being mounted on a backside of an automobile seat. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Journey in an automobile, particularly for a long distance, requires passengers to involve in various activities such as eating, reading, writing and working on laptops. Particularly, in case the passenger is a child, then to relieve the child of boredom, the child may be given with games, toys and the like. Children also require food and other eatables during the journey. As the automobiles generally lack a facility for carrying out such activities, there is always a possibility of scattering the foodstuffs, eatables, toys and the like inside the automobile. Further, a user, for example, an adult person my face difficulty in performing other activities like reading, writing and working on laptops while traveling in the automobile. 
     Accordingly, based on the foregoing, there is a need for a system that is capable of being utilized while traveling in an automobile for performing various activities such as eating, reading, writing, and working on a laptop. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a tray-table assembly configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tray-table assembly that is capable of supporting diverse activities such as reading, writing, eating and working on a laptop. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a tray-table assembly that is capable of being installed easily in an automobile. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tray-table assembly that is easily portable. 
     In light of above objects, in one aspect of the present invention provides, a tray-table assembly capable of being secured to an automobile seat is provided. The tray-table assembly comprises a detachable tray-table, a frame member, a pair of adjustable support brackets and at least one strap. The detachable tray-table comprises a flat support face and an indented support face. Further, the frame member is capable of enclosing the detachable tray-table. Moreover, the pair of adjustable support brackets enables a movement of the detachable tray-table between an upright position and a horizontal service position. The at least one strap is capable of securing the frame member to the automobile seat. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a tray-table assembly is provided that is capable of being flipped to provide one of a flat support face and a indented support face, thereby enabling a user to utilize the tray-table assembly for holding food items as well as for performing other activities such as, holding a laptop, a book, and the like. 
     These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present 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 exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a tray-table assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an indented support face of the tray-table assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the tray-table assembly of  FIG. 1  being secured to an automobile seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the tray-table assembly of  FIG. 1  being secured to the automobile seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular tray-table assembly, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   3  and  4  a tray-table assembly  100  capable of being secured to an automobile seat is shown. More specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of the tray-table assembly  100 . Further,  FIG. 2  illustrates an indented support face of the tray-table assembly  100 . Moreover,  FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the tray-table assembly  100  being secured to the automobile seat; and  FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the tray-table assembly  100 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tray-table assembly  100  includes a detachable tray-table  200 , and a frame member  300  capable of receiving and enclosing the detachable tray-table  200 . The tray-table assembly  100  further includes at least one strap, for example, a first strap  402  and a second strap  404  for securing the frame member  300  to a backside of the automobile seat (not shown). Moreover, the tray-table assembly  100  includes a compressible pad  500  disposed on a back surface of the frame member  300 . 
     The detachable tray-table  200  includes a flat support face  202  and an indented support face (not shown) opposite to the flat support face  202 . More specifically, the detachable tray-table  200  is capable of being flipped to expose one of the flat support face  202  and the indented support face. The flat support face  202  of the detachable tray-table  200  may be utilized as a support while performing diverse activities, for example, writing, playing, holding a laptop, and the like. Moreover, the flat support face  202  may be utilized for placing a book or a paper thereon, thereby facilitating a convenient reading. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flat support face  202  of the detachable tray-table  200  may be painted with a chalkboard paint, thereby allowing a user, for example, a child to utilize the flat support face  202  of the detachable tray-table  200  for the purpose of writing, and painting without harming the flat support face  202 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the detachable tray-table  200  further includes the indented support face such as an indented support face  204  opposite to the flat support face  202 . The indented support face  204  includes at least one compartment; for example, a compartment  206 , and a compartment  208 , capable of holding at least one article therein. For example, the compartment  206  may be utilized for holding and storing foods articles such as chicken nuggets, french fries and the like. Moreover, the at least one compartment (hereinafter referred to as the compartments  206 ,  208 ) may be utilized to hold articles apart from the food articles, for example, toys, jewellery items and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, the indented face of the detachable tray-table  200  may include a compartment, for example, a compartment  210  for holding a cylindrical container, for example a glass or a cup. 
     As disclosed herein, the indented support face  204  may include more or lesser number of compartments. Further, shape and size of the compartments may vary depending on the application thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compartments  206 ,  208  may include a lip portion (not shown) extending inwardly from a peripheral portion (not shown) thereof. The lip portion prevents dropping of the at least one article held in the compartments  206 ,  208 . For example, the compartment  206  may hold a liquid or a semi-liquid food item. Accordingly, the lip portion configured around the peripheral portion of the compartment  206  may prevent spillage of the liquid food item held therein. 
     For the purpose of this description the detachable tray-table  200  is shown to be rectangular in shape. However, it should be understood that the detachable tray-table  200  may have any shape apart from a rectangular shape depending on the need of the user. For example, for use by a child, the detachable tray-table  200  may have a shape similar to that of a child character such as Mickey Mouse, Spider man and the like. Accordingly, the receptacle configured within the frame member  300  may have a shape similar to the shape of the detachable tray-table  200  for receiving the detachable tray-table  200  therein. Moreover, the detachable tray-table  200  may have dimension depending upon the dimension of the automobile seat. Preferably, the detachable tray-table  200  has a length of twelve inches, width of twelve inches and thickness of four inches. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable tray-table  200  is composed of a plastic material. The plastic material of the detachable tray-table  200  enables easy washing and cleaning thereof. For example, after using the detachable tray-table  200  for the purpose of holding food articles, the detachable tray-table  200  may be washed and cleaned in a dishwasher. 
     As disclosed herein, the detachable tray-table  200  may assume one of an upright position and a horizontal service position. More specifically, when not in use, the detachable tray-table  200  may be held in the upright position. The upright position of the detachable tray-table  200  will be explained in conjunction with  FIG. 3 . Further, while being used, the detachable tray-table  200  may be held in a horizontal service position. The horizontal service position of the detachable tray-table  200  will be explained further in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in the upright position, the detachable tray-table  200  may be enclosed in the frame member  300  for securing the detachable tray-table  200  therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame member  300  of the tray-table assembly  100  includes a receptacle (not shown) configured therewithin for receiving and enclosing the detachable tray-table  200 . It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the shape of the receptacle configured within the frame member  300  is complementary to the configuration of the detachable tray-table  200  for properly receiving the detachable tray-table  200  therein. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the detachable tray-table  200  may be held in the upright position by means of a releasable lock mechanism, for example, a lock mechanism  302  configured on the frame member  300 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the releasable lock mechanism  302  is a turn lock for convenient sealing and releasing the detachable tray-table  200  with the frame member  300 . However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the lock mechanism  302  may include any other sealing arrangement apart from the turn lock. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the tray-table assembly  100  being secured to a backside of the automobile seat is shown. More specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates the detachable tray-table  200  held in the horizontal service position for use thereof. The detachable tray-table  200  may be held in the horizontal service position by means of a pair of adjustable support brackets  304 , hereinafter referred to as the brackets  304 , attached to the frame member  300  and the detachable tray-table  200 . The brackets  304  are capable of providing a movement to the tray-table  200  between the upright position and the horizontal service position. Moreover, the brackets  304  are capable of stabilizing the detachable tray-table  200  when the tray-table  200  is in a horizontal service position. More specifically, a vertical alignment of the brackets  304  may be varied for adjusting a position of the detachable tray-table  200  with respect to horizontal ground. Accordingly, for use by a child, the detachable tray-table  200  may be positioned to a lower height as compared to the height of the detachable tray-table  200  when utilized by an adult. 
     In the horizontal service position, one of the indented support face  204  and the flat support face  202  of the detachable tray-table  200  may be utilized by the user. For example, the indented support face  204  of the detachable tray-table  200  may be utilized for holding food items or a similar purpose. Alternatively, the user may utilize the flat support face  202  of the detachable tray-table  200  for performing numerous activities like drawing, sketching, holding a loptop, and the like. For utilizing the flat support face  202 , the detachable tray-table  200  exposing the indented support face  204  thereof may be removed from the frame member  300  and flipped to expose the flat support face  202  to the user. Thereafter, the detachable tray-table  200  with the flat support face  202  exposed to the user may be reattached to the frame member  300 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 , the table-tray assembly  100  further includes at least one strap coupled to the frame member  300 . The at least one straps is capable of securing the frame member  300  to the automobile seat. For example, the table-tray assembly  100  includes the first strap  402  and the second strap  404  for securing the frame member  300  to the automobile seat. More specifically, the first strap  402  allows the frame member  300  to be secured to a headrest portion, for example, a headrest portion  602  of the automobile seat. Further, the second strap  404  allows the frame member  300  to be secured to a backrest portion, for example, a backrest portion  604  of the automobile seat. 
     The first strap  402  may be coupled to the frame member  300  by means of two strap openings, for example, strap openings  306  configured on an upper portion (not shown) of the frame member  300 . More specifically, the strap openings  306  enable the first strap  402  to emerge therefrom to configure a loop. The loop configured by the first strap  402  encircles the headrest portion  602  of the automobile seat, thereby allowing the frame member  300  to be secured to automobile seat. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one the strap, for example, the first strap  402  and the second strap  404  (hereinafter referred to as the straps  402 ,  404 ) are composed of a nylon material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the straps  402 ,  404  are composed of an elastic material, thereby allowing the frame member  300  to be attached to an automobile seat of any size. In one embodiment of the present invention, the straps  402 ,  404  include clasp buckles (not shown) attached at end portions thereof for securing the frame member  300  to the automobile seat. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the tray-table assembly  100  further includes the compressible pad  500  disposed on the back surface (not shown) of the frame member  300 . The compressible pad  500  enables adjustment of the tray-table assembly  100  to the backside of the automobile seat. More specifically, the compressible pad  500  is capable of being deformed so as to match the curvature of the automobile seat, thereby enabling the tray-table assembly  100  to be attached to any design of automobile seat. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressible pad  500  may be composed of a rubber foam material. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the compressible pad  500  may be composed of any material capable of being compressed and molded to match the curvature of the automobile seat. 
     For the purpose of this description, the tray-table assembly  100  is shown secured to an automobile seat. However, it should be understood that the tray-table assembly  100  disclosed herein may be secured to any other seat structure having a back support apart from the automobile seat without departing for the scope of the present invention. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages. The tray-table assembly of the present invention is capable of being flipped and utilized on both sides thereof. Accordingly, the present invention may be utilized as a tray for holding food items as well as a table for resting books, paper, and laptop thereon. Moreover, the tray-table assembly disclosed herein is also capable of being installed easily on an automobile seat or any seat with a back support. Further, the tray-table assembly of the present invention is portable and accordingly not restricted to use in automobiles only. For example, the tray-table assembly may be carried to a restaurant and the indented support face thereof may be utilized for holding food articles. Furthermore, the tray-table assembly includes a compressible pad disposed on a back surface of the frame member for supporting the tray-table assembly on an automobile seat. Accordingly, the tray-table assembly disclosed herein may be secured to any design of automobile seat. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.