Patent Abstract:
The auto caddy of the present invention may include a main housing having one or more receptacles for holding drinks or other items, and may include one or more attachment members having one or more sets of openings through which a vehicle headrest seat post may extend on installation with two points of contact, which may increase the stability of the auto caddy, especially during sudden movement of a vehicle. The auto caddy may include optional components for subdividing receptacles, one or more hooks from which a tray may be suspended, a strap for securing the tray, and slots for suspending a trash receptacle such as a plastic grocery bag. The auto caddy may also include offset sides for manufacturing cost efficiency, in which case offset washers (which may be hook-shaped) may be used at installation to maximize vertical and horizontal alignment and stability of the auto caddy.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of automobile caddies, and more particularly to a multi-purpose automobile caddy which may be stably mounted so that it may be used in a vehicle, and more particularly may be safely used in a moving vehicle as an organizer, a cupholder, an eating and/or working surface, and/or a trash receptacle holder. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Although auto caddies are well known and widely available, few, if any, offer a high degree of functionality in combination with secure, highly stable installation and safe operation. One of the more well-known conventionally available auto caddies is designed to sit on an auto seat, in either the front or rear of a vehicle. The middle seatbelt is generally used to restrict movement of this type of caddy during stops and starts, sharp turns, and other sudden vehicular movements. Typically, however, large drinks or top-heavy items housed in this kind of caddy may be easily dislodged and ejected from the caddy into the interior of the vehicle, potentially staining the vehicle interior or even causing injury to occupants where hot liquids are involved. Additionally, use of this caddy precludes a middle rider in the front or rear of the vehicle because the caddy occupies the middle seat and the middle seatbelt. Further, this type of caddy can generally only be used in vehicles that have a bench seat; it may not usually be used in vehicles with individualized bucket seats or consoles unless it is used in a primary seating position such as a passenger&#39;s seat, which is typically not feasible. 
     Other conventionally available automobile caddies are designed to be strapped to the headrest of a seat, more specifically to the headrest extension posts along which a headrest is generally adjustable. Most of these caddies include a strap with a buckle or closure that allows it to be extended around the headrest extension posts so that the caddy unit is suspended adjacent the back of the seat, and can be used on the driver or passenger seats. The primary problem with this kind of caddy is that it is only secured by the strap around the headrest post, leaving it free to shift and swing upon sudden stops, starts or sharp turns. Again, safety of passengers, whether back seat or front seat riders, is a primary concern where the caddy may be used to safely support hot liquids. 
     Some caddies of this type are also multi-function as they may hold trash receptacles and/or include hinged trays. Where the caddy is of a type which is only secured at one point, however, the trash receptacle will swing out along with the caddy on sudden stops or starts, potentially causing a mess from spilled contents or at least annoying back seat passengers within range of the arc that the caddy or the bag. Further, the trays that are typically incorporated in this kind of caddy are too small to be used as a workspace and too shallow to feasibly hold food during operation of the vehicle, making them generally impractical. Finally, this kind of caddy makes it exceedingly difficult for back seat passengers to enter and exit their seats, especially if they must avoid bumping the caddy for fear of shifting it and spilling its contents. 
     Yet another conventionally available caddy is a saddle style caddy which has flaps that are designed to hug the transmission housing in a vehicle floorboard in either the vehicle&#39;s front or rear seats. Ideally the flaps are rubberized to prevent slippage with stops and starts, but top heavy drinks or other items still run the risk of ejection. Further, severely sudden stops may still shift the caddy, especially where the friction coefficient between the rubber and the floorboard is not high enough to prevent slippage. 
     One other issue with many of the conventionally available automobile caddies is that they offer few, if any, options with regard to organization of the support it makes available. Most have a limited number of features, include openings in predetermined sizes, and generally do not allow for customization with add-on components. 
     Telescoping stabilization caddies may also be available and typically include a vise-like mechanism by which they may be attached to a seat back. Often, however, this kind of caddy includes an extension arm which protrudes over the top edge of the seat, potentially causing discomfort to the passenger&#39;s head or neck or possibly even causing injury to a passenger&#39;s head or neck during sudden stops and starts, collisions, or any other incident which may force a passenger&#39;s head or neck onto the extension arms. Additionally, if the strength of the vise mechanism is at all questionable, this kind of caddy may be easily dislodged with even a minimal amount of force, whether from bumping the unit during exit or entry or during a collision or other sudden movement of the vehicle. 
     What is therefore needed is an auto caddy which is competitively priced yet offers multiple options for customization, such as the addition of a practically-sized work or food tray, dividers for organization of contents, and custom cup inserts, for example. The ideal caddy should be custom fittable to nearly any vehicle, will be easy to install, and should be readily transferrable from one vehicle to another. Finally, the ideal auto caddy may be mounted or installed in a vehicle in such a way that there may be little or no movement of the caddy during stops, starts, sharp turns, or other sudden vehicular movements, thereby minimizing the possibility that contents will be ejected in transit and, consequently, providing a much safer and more stable alternative than conventionally available caddies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The auto caddy of the present invention may include a main housing having one or more molded compartments and may be mounted to the back of a vehicle seat for holding drinks or other items in a vehicle. Attachment members which accept slidable insertion of headrest seat posts of a vehicle (so that there are two points of attachment for each post) provide a higher degree of stability than is possible with other commonly available auto caddies and traditional attachment means. The auto caddy may be especially stable for safely holding such items when the vehicle is in motion, including, for example, during sudden starts and/or stops, sharp turns, collisions, or other sudden vehicle movement which is typically prone to eject compartment contents. 
     The auto caddy of the present invention may include one or more attachment members for attaching the caddy to the headrest seat posts of a vehicle. The attachment members may include one or more sets of openings which may be slipped over a set of headrest seat posts on installation, including a main opening on one side which may be used in combination with one of a plurality of openings opposite the main opening, the selection of which may depend on the angle of the headrest seat posts to which the caddy will be attached. Because each of the attachment members may ideally have at least two points of contact with the headrest seat post, the auto caddy of the present invention may be more level, more stable, and less likely to become dislodged than most conventional units. Further the attachment members enable the caddy to be vertically stabilize and support the caddy in an upright and stabilized way, rearward of the headrest seat posts. Where the auto caddy is manufactured with offset side surfaces shapes to minimize manufacturing costs and optimize ease of assembly, offset washers may be used at installation to maximize vertical and horizontal alignment and stability of the auto caddy. 
     The auto caddy of the present invention may also include optional components for subdividing its compartments to achieve a higher or customized level of organization. The auto caddy of the present invention may include one or more hooks from which a tray component may be suspended vertically or at an incline during non-use or which may alternatively be used to secure the tray component in a fixed horizontal or inclined position during use. The auto caddy may further include slots for suspending a trash receptacle such as a plastic grocery bag. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the auto caddy of the present invention attached to the headrest seat post of a vehicle, including a main housing, an attachment member, and a tray illustrated as suspended from a pair of hooks and shown in a vertically suspended position; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the auto caddy  23  of  FIG. 1  which illustrates the extent to which the main housing is supported level as it projects rearwardly from the headrest post, and also illustrates the tray in dashed line format in a second generally horizontal position as it might be during use or just before disengagement from the main housing and in a third position as it might appear when attached to the seat by an optional strap; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of the front of the main housing (the side of the housing which faces the rear seat user) of the auto caddy of the present invention, including end and center compartments, notches, a center compartment, tray hooks, side slots, bottom lip, and front openings; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of the rear of the main housing of  FIG. 3  (the side of the housing which faces the headrest posts when the caddy is in use) in which end and center compartments, notches, tray hooks, side slots, and bottom lip are illustrated, as are offset face and rear openings of main housing; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective bottom view of the front of the main housing of  FIGS. 3 and 4  in which notches, tray hooks, bottom lip, side slots, and the underside of end compartments, including drain openings, are seen; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  which illustrates main housing, an end compartment, notch, front face, rear face, tray hook, and drain opening; 
         FIG. 7  is a first perspective end view of an attachment member which illustrates a through-bore, a contoured edge, and a first side opening; 
         FIG. 8  is a second perspective end view of the attachment member of  FIG. 7  which illustrates a contoured edge and a plurality of side openings approximately opposite first side opening illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the auto caddy of the present invention, including housing, attachment member, offset washers, washers, screw, and bolt/screw; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a first main side of the offset washer(s) of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second main side of the offset washer(s) of  FIGS. 9 and 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the offset washer(s) of  FIGS. 10 and 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 9  which illustrates main housing attached to the attachment member, including two offset washers, washers, a nut, and a bolt/screw; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the auto caddy of the present invention as attached to a vertical headrest seat post by the attachment members, including a tray suspended from tray hooks and showing the angle of the headrest seat post with respect to the flange of the attachment member; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the auto caddy of the present invention as attached to an angled headrest seat post by the attachment member, including a tray suspended from tray hooks and showing the angle of the headrest seat post with respect to the flange of the attachment member; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the tray, including openings from which the tray may be suspended, a main top surface, two indentations, a clip with lever, and raised sides; 
         FIG. 17  is a detail view along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16  which illustrates the clip with lever; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the auto caddy of the present invention as attached to a headrest seat post by attachment members and illustrates a shopping bag suspended from the auto caddy; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a first main side of a hook-shaped offset washer which is an alternative to the offset washer shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a second main side of the hook-shaped offset washer of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the hook-shaped offset washer of  FIGS. 19 and 20 ; and, 
         FIG. 22  is identical to the cross-sectional view along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 9  which illustrates main housing attached to the attachment member with two offset washers, washers, a nut, and a bolt/screw, except that it illustrates one of the two offset washers as a hook-shaped offset washer as shown in  FIGS. 19 through 21 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the auto caddy  23  of the present invention which illustrates the auto caddy  23  attached to a pair of headrest seat posts  25  by a first attachment member  27  and a second attachment member  29 . Vehicle seat back  33  and headrest  37  are also shown in  FIG. 1  for environmental completeness. Auto caddy  23  may include a housing  43  adjacent attachment members  27  and  29 . Housing  43  may include a top surface  45 , a first upper side wall  47 , a first lower side wall  49 , a first side slot  53  extending between first upper and lower side walls  47  and  49  and including a first front terminus  54 , a second upper side wall  55 , a second lower side wall  57 , a second side slot  59  extending between second upper and lower side walls  55  and  57  and including a second front terminus  60 , an upper front wall  63 , a lower front wall  65 , a front ledge  67  extending between upper front and lower front walls  63  and  65 , and a bottom lip  69 . Although housing  43  is illustrated with front ledge  67  for ease and economy of manufacturing, upper front wall  63  and lower front wall  65  may conceivably be coplanar such that ledge  67  is eliminated. 
     First upper side wall  47  includes a notch  73 , and second upper side wall  55  includes a notch  75  for accommodating a cup handle where the auto caddy  23  is used to support drinks. A first front bolt/screw access slot  77  and a second front bolt/screw slot  79  are illustrated between upper and lower front walls  63  and  65  adjacent ledge  67 . Front bolt/screw access slots  77  and  79  allow for horizontally adjustable attachment of attachment members  27  and  29  to housing  43 . 
     Also visible in  FIG. 1  is one of a pair of hooks  81  from which a tray  83  may be suspended. Tray  83  is shown in a generally vertical position suspended from hooks  81 , but can be infinitely adjusted to rest generally horizontally on the lap of nearly any user to provide a flat surface for working, eating or other activities. Tray  83  may be used while attached to hooks  81  or may be unhooked from hooks  81  and used separately. Tray  83  may include a first indentation  84  in which items may be placed to keep them from sliding around tray  83 . Tray  83  may also include a clip  85  to secure items much like a traditional clipboard. Clip  85  may include a lever  86  by which it may be more easily openable. Tray  83  may include a second indentation  87  to keep tray  83  level if it is used separately, as on a table or other flat surface, for example. Finally, tray  83  may include raised sides  88  to keep contents from sliding off the tray  83  during use. Also seen are portions of a first end receptacle  93 , a second end receptacle  95 , and a middle receptacle  97 . 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the auto caddy  23  of  FIG. 1  which illustrates tray  83  in dashed line format in a second generally horizontal position as it might be during use. Tray  83  may also be fully detached from hooks  81  and used independently of housing  43 . Seat back  33  and headrest  37  are also shown in  FIG. 2  for environmental completeness. Also visible in FIG.  2  is one of hooks  81 , housing  43 , including top surface  45 , second upper side wall  55 , including notch  75 , second lower side wall  57 , and second side slot  59 , upper front wall  63 , lower front wall  65 , and attachment member  27 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates in dashed line format tray  83  as it would appear if secured to seat back  33  using an optional strap  91 . Tray  83  may be inserted into strap  91  to prevent tray  83  from swinging during transit and potentially striking a back-seat passenger&#39;s knees. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective top view of the front side of main housing  43  of the auto caddy  23  of the present invention, including top surface  45 , upper front wall  63 , lower front wall  65 , front ledge  67 , first upper side wall  47  with notch  73 , first lower side wall  49 , first side slot  53 , second upper side wall  55 , notch  75 , second lower side wall  57 , second side slot  59 , ledge  67 , bottom lip  69 , first and second front bolt/screw access slots  77  and  79 , and hooks  81 .  FIG. 3  illustrates first side slot  53  and second side slot  59  in more detail, including first front terminus  54  of first side slot  53  and second front terminus  60  of second side slot  59 . Both first and second front termini  54  and  60  may be significantly narrowed relative to the width of first and second side slots  53  and  59  so that a bag handle may pass through either of first or second side slots  53  and  59  and into either of termini  54  and  60 , which are designed to impinge the handle of a bag to help keep it in place inside slots  53  and  59  for suspending the bag from housing  43 . 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates further details of the first end receptacle  93 , second end receptacle  95 , and middle receptacle  97 . Also visible in  FIG. 3  are more details of receptacles  93 ,  95 , and  97 , including an opening  99  in first end receptacle  93  and an opening  101  in second end receptacle  95 , both of which be accessed for easier assembly of auto caddy  23 , as will be detailed in later figures. Receptacles  93 ,  95 , and  97  may be used to hold drinks or a variety of other items, and first and second end receptacles  93  and  95  may be especially suited to hold cups with handles, which may be more easily accommodated by notches  73  and  75 , respectively. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of the rear side of main housing  43 , including top surface  45 , first upper side wall  47  with notch  73 , first lower side wall  49 , first side slot  53 , second upper side wall  55 , notch  75 , second lower side wall  57 , second side slot  59 , bottom lip  69 , hooks  81 , first end receptacle  93 , second end receptacle  95 , and middle receptacle  97 .  FIG. 4  further illustrates an upper rear wall  103 , lower rear wall  105 , and a rear ledge  107  extending between upper and lower rear walls  103  and  105 . Also visible in  FIG. 4  is a first rear bolt/screw slot  109  and a second rear bolt/screw slot  111 , through which a bolt/screw may be passed during assembly and installation, as will be detailed in later figures. Bolt/screw slots  109  and  111  allow for adjustment (including horizontal or sideways) of attachment members  27  and  29  to accommodate different gaps between head rest seat posts  25  of different cars at installation, and also allow for assembly/installation of housing  43  in reverse of the direction shown in  FIG. 1  if desired. Note that  FIG. 4  illustrates first side slot  53  and second side slot  59  in more detail, including first rear terminus  113  of first side slot  53  and second rear terminus  115  of second side slot  59 . Both first and second rear termini  113  and  115  may be significantly narrowed relative to the width of first and second side slots  53  and  59  so that a bag handle may pass through either of first or second side slots  53  and  59  and into either of termini  113  and  115 , which are designed to impinge the handle of a bag to help keep it in place in slot  53  or  59 .  FIG. 4  also illustrates a pair of reinforcement structures  117   a  and  117   b  on the rear of each of pair of hooks  81  to help minimize the potential breakage of hooks  81 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective bottom view of the front of the main housing  43  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , including upper front wall  63 , lower front wall  65 , front ledge  67 , first and second front bolt/screw access slots  77  and  79 , first upper side wall  47 , first lower side wall  49 , first side slot  53  with first front terminus  54 , second upper side wall  55  with notch  75 , second lower side wall  57 , second side slot  59  with second front terminus  60 , bottom lip  69 , and hooks  81  on which one of the reinforcement structures  117  may be seen.  FIG. 5  further illustrates the bottoms  121 ,  123 , and  125 , respectively first end receptacle  93 , second end receptacle  95 , and middle receptacle  97 .  FIG. 5  also illustrates drain openings  131  and  133  of first and second end receptacles  93  and  95 , respectively. Drain openings  121  and  123  allow air to circulate in receptacles  93  and  95  so that any spills or condensation (from cold drinks, for example) that may collect in the receptacles  93  and  95  may drain and or evaporate more quickly than it would otherwise. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  (looking toward first end of main housing  43 ) which illustrates in more detail main housing  43 , including top surface  45 , upper front wall  63 , lower front wall  65 , front ledge  67 , bottom lip  69 , notch  73 , first end receptacle  93 , including drain opening  121 , an upper receptacle wall  137 , a lower receptacle wall  139 , and an inner ledge  141 . Lower receptacle wall  139  may be of a diameter which is smaller than that of upper receptacle wall  137 , as shown, for accommodating specialized drink containers such as graduated travel mugs, for example. Also visible in  FIG. 6  is upper rear wall  103 , lower rear wall  105 , rear ledge  107 , and one of the pair of hooks  81  along with one of the reinforcement structures  117 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a front accommodation space  143  between first end receptacle  93  and upper and lower front walls  63  and  65 . First front bolt/screw access slot  77  opens into front accommodation space  143  (as does second front bolt/screw slot  79 , not illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). Likewise,  FIG. 6  illustrates a rear accommodation space  145  between first end receptacle  93  and upper and lower rear walls  103  and  105  into which first rear bolt/screw slot  109  opens (as does second rear slot  111 , not illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). Accommodation spaces  143  and  145  are easily accessed from beneath housing  43  to simplify installation/assembly, and ideally they also provide sufficient clearance for any hardware necessary to install/assemble auto caddy  23 , as will be detailed in later figures. 
       FIG. 7  is a first perspective end view of an attachment member  147  identical to the attachment members  27  and  29  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Attachment member  147  has bottom  149  with through-bore  151 , first wall section  157  extending between bottom  149  and a second wall section  159 . Second wall section  159  may be greater in diameter and thickness than first wall section  157  and may extends between first wall section  159  and a third wall section  161  adjacent an open end  163 . Third wall section  161  may be greater in diameter and thickness than second wall section  159 , and the increasing thickness from first wall section  157  to third wall section  161  may help to strengthen attachment member  147  to prevent deformation of attachment member  147  from forces exerted on it either during or after installation.  FIG. 7  illustrates a first side opening  173 . First side opening  173  may begin at the intersection of second wall section  159  and third wall section  161  and may extend toward and into third wall section  161 . Contoured edge  165  ideally minimizes the edge material which is not used for vertical stability and slightly increases the clearance into the area just forward of the pair of headrest seat posts  25 . 
       FIG. 8  is a second perspective end view of the attachment member  147  of  FIG. 7  which illustrates first wall section  157 , second wall section  159 , third wall section  161 , and contoured edge  165 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 8  is a second side opening  175 . Second side opening  175  may begin at the intersection of second wall section  159  and third wall section  161  and may extend toward and into third wall section  161 . Second side opening  175  is approximately opposite (or possibly slightly offset) from first side opening  173 . When auto caddy  23  is installed, the vehicle headrest may be removed so that attachment member  147 , which may or may not be attached to housing  43  before installation in a vehicle, may be passed over the headrest seat post, allowing the headrest seat post to extend through two opposing openings on the attachment member  147  to maximize stability. For headrest seat posts which are essentially vertical, it is preferable to utilize first side opening  173  with second side opening  175  when fitting the attachment member  147  over the headrest seat posts.  FIG. 8  illustrates a third side opening  177  along second wall section  159  which is adjacent second side opening  175  and approximately opposite and about 15 to 30 degrees offset from first side opening  173 . Third side opening  177  may begin at the intersection of first wall section  157  and second wall section  159  and may extend toward and into third wall section  161 . Where a vehicle&#39;s headrest seat posts (illustrated in later figures) are angled, it is preferable to utilize first side opening  173  with third side opening  177  when fitting the attachment member over the headrest seat posts. Further, the third side opening  177  has a curved terminus closer to the bottom  149  than the curved terminus of second side opening  175  which would cause the caddy  23  to assume a different support angle. Although attachment member  147  is illustrated as slightly frusto-conical in shape, note that it may be any of a number of a shapes which allow the auto caddy  23  of the present invention to function as describe herein. First side opening  173  and second side opening  175  may ideally be the same distance from bottom  149 , and third opening  177  may ideally be closer to bottom  149  than first and second side openings  173  and  175 . By situating openings at different distances from bottom  149  and allowing attachment member  147  to be rotated about its longitudinal axis using through-bore  151 , head rests of different angles may be accommodated. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view which illustrates a first attachment member  195  and a second attachment member  197 , both of which are identical to attachment member  147  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . First attachment member  195  is shown attached to housing  43  and second attachment member  197  is shown exploded away from housing  43 , along with various components which may be used to connect attachment member  147  to housing  43 , including a bolt/screw  181 , first large washer  183 , first offset washer  185 , a second offset washer  187 , second large washer  189 , a small washer  191 , and a nut  193 . Alternatively, small washer  191  may interchangeably be a spring washer, split washer, spring, or similar component. Likewise, nut  193  may be exchanged for a nylock nut or similar component. Also visible in  FIG. 9  are top surface  45  of housing  43 , second upper and lower side wall  55  and  57 , second side slot  59 , upper and lower front wall  63  and  65 , and bottom lip  69 . Bolt/screw  181  attaches components  183  and  185  to main housing  43  and components  187 ,  197 ,  189 ,  191  and  193  and is accessible for tightening and/or loosening through opening  101  in compartment  95  or through bolt/screw slot  77  using a screwdriver, etc. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a first main side  201  of offset washer  185  (which is identical to washer  187 ) of  FIG. 9 , which includes a first surface  203 , a second surface  205  which is offset from first surface  203  and separated from first surface  203  by a step  207 . A through-bore  209  by which the washer  185  may be connected to other components opens onto first surface  203 . A third surface  211  of offset washer  185  is also visible in  FIG. 10 . Where housing  43  is manufactured with offset sides as illustrated in previous figures, offset washers  185  and  187  may be used during installation to keep housing  43  as level as possible. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second main side  213  of the offset washer  185  (and  187 ) of  FIGS. 9 and 10  which includes a fourth surface  215  of the offset washer  185  onto which through bore  209  also opens. Third surface  211  is also visible in  FIG. 11 , as is the step  207 . 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the offset washer  185  (and  187 ) of  FIGS. 9-11  and illustrates third surface  211  extending between first surface  203  and fourth surface  215  as well as between second surface  205  and fourth surface  215 . Third surface  211  is also visible in  FIG. 11 , as is the step  207  seen directly in side profile. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 9  which illustrates main housing  43  attached to attachment member  147 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates bisected first side opening  173 , second side opening  175 , and bisected third side opening  177  on member  147 . First and second side openings  173  and  175  may be situated the same distance from bottom  149 . Third side opening  177  is intact and may be situated closer to bottom  149  than first and second side openings  173  and  175 . Bolt  181  extends from rear accommodation space  145 , in turn, through first large washer  183 , first offset washer  185 , second rear bolt/screw slot  111 , second offset washer  187 , through bore  151  in bottom  149  of attachment member  147 , second large washer  189 , small washer  191 , and finally through nut  193 . Also visible in  FIG. 13  are upper and lower rear walls  103  and  105 , first wall section  157 , second wall section  159 , third wall section  161 , edge  165 , and third side opening  177  of attachment member  147 . Because attachment member  147  is cup-like, nut  193  may be accessed using a tool such as pliers through opening  167 . 
     Although  FIG. 13  illustrates a specific hardware arrangement for connecting main housing  43  to attachment member  147 , it should be noted that there may be an infinite variety of ways in which main housing  43  may be connected to attachment member  147 , and the components as shown in  FIG. 13  are in no way exclusive of any other arrangement which allows the auto caddy  23  of the present invention to function as intended. 
       FIG. 14  is a detailed side view of the auto caddy  23  of the present invention identical to that shown in  FIG. 1 . Visible in  FIG. 14  is one of headrest seat posts  25 , seat back  33 , headrest  37 , second attachment member  29 , and housing  43 , including top surface  45 , second upper side wall  55  with notch  75 , second lower side wall  57 , second side slot  59 , upper front wall  63 , lower front wall  65 , and front ledge  67 . In  FIG. 14 , the angle between the headrest seat post  25  and the horizontal, labeled θ 1 , is approximately 90 degrees. In this situation, with reference again to  FIG. 8 , headrest seat post  25  may preferably be passed through first side opening  173  and second side opening  175  of attachment member  29  so that the auto caddy  23  is as level as possible once installed. Note that θ 1  is used to indicate a headrest seat post which is perpendicular to the ground. 
       FIG. 15  is another detailed side view of the auto caddy  23  of the present invention identical to that shown in  FIG. 1 . Visible in  FIG. 15  is one of headrest seat posts  25 , seat back  33 , headrest  37 , attachment member  147 , and housing  43 , including top surface  45 , second upper side wall  55  with notch  75 , second lower side wall  57 , second side slot  59 , upper front wall  63 , lower front wall  65 , and front ledge  67 . In  FIG. 15 , the angle between the headrest seat post  25  and the horizontal, labeled θ 2 , is less than 90 degrees because of the angled headrest seat post  25 . In this situation, with reference again to  FIG. 8 , headrest seat post  25  may preferably be passed through first side opening  173  and third side opening  177  of attachment member  147  so that the auto caddy  23  is as level as possible once installed. 
       FIG. 16  is a top view of tray  83 , including first indentation  84 , clip  85 , second indentation  87 , raised sides  88 , main top surface  223 , and pair of openings  225  from which the tray  83  may be suspended from hooks  81  (not illustrated in  FIG. 16 ). 
       FIG. 17  is a detail view along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16  which more closely illustrates clip  85 . Clip  85  may include lever  86  by which it may be more easily pried opened and may function like a clipboard to keep objects, such as papers and the like, in place on tray  83 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the auto caddy  23  of the present invention which illustrates the auto caddy  23  attached to a pair of headrest seat posts  25  exactly as illustrated in  FIG. 1  except that in  FIG. 18  tray  83  has been replaced by a bag  231  having a first handle  233  and a second handle  235 . First handle  233  is located in first side slot  53 , then it is slid into termini  54  and  113  of housing  43  and second handle  235  is located in second side slot  59 , then it is slid into termini  60  and  115  of housing  43  so that bag  231  is suspended from housing  43  and may be used as a receptacle or an additional storage space, for example. Note that hooks  81  may also be used to suspend a bag such as bag  231 . Bag  231  may be used regardless of whether tray  83  is in place on hooks  81 , and may ideally be suspended in front of tray  83  when tray  83  is suspended from hooks  81 . Where a user wishes to utilize tray  83  while bag  231  is in place, one side of bag  231  may be temporarily removed from its corresponding slot  53  or  59  so that tray  83  may be accessed. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a hook-shaped offset washer  241 , which is a possible alternative to offset washer  185  shown in  FIGS. 10 through 12 . Hook-shaped offset washer  241  includes a first main side  243  which includes a first surface  245 , a second surface  247  which is offset from first surface  245  and is separated from first surface  245  by a step  249 . A through-bore  251  by which the washer  241  may be connected to other components opens onto first surface  245 . A third surface  253  of offset washer  241  is also visible in  FIG. 19 . Hook-shaped washer  241  includes curved end  254  by which a tray such as tray  83  (not illustrated in  FIG. 19 ) may be suspended. 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a second main side  255  of the hook-shaped offset washer  241  of  FIG. 19  which includes a fourth surface  257  onto which through bore  251  also opens. Third surface  253  is also visible in  FIG. 20 , as is the step  249  and curved end  254 . 
       FIG. 21  is a side view of the hook-shaped offset washer  241  of  FIGS. 19 and 20  and illustrates third surface  253  extending between first surface  245  and fourth surface  257  as well as between second surface  247  and fourth surface  257 . Third surface  253  is also visible in  FIG. 21 , as is the step  249  and curved end  254  seen directly in side profile. 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view which is identical to  FIG. 13  except that washer  185  has been replaced with hook-shaped washer  241  in  FIG. 22 . Hook-shaped offset washer  241  may eliminate the need to include a molded hook such as hook  81 . Like  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 22  illustrates main housing  43  attachment member  147 , first side opening  173 , second side opening  175 , and third side opening  177  on member  147 , bolt  181 , rear accommodation space  145 , first large washer  183 , second rear bolt/screw slot  111 , second offset washer  187 , through bore  151  in bottom  149  of attachment member  147 , second large washer  189 , small washer  191 , nut  193 , upper and lower rear walls  103  and  105 , first wall section  157 , second wall section  159 , third wall section  161 , edge  165 , and third side opening  177  of attachment member  147 . Hook shaped offset washer, by its shape and position, eliminates the need to take out one side of the bag to access tray  83  as described in  FIG. 18 . 
     Finally, although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1