Lap tray

Abstract

Representative embodiments provide for a lap support system in which a support includes a first fastener. A leg strap can be releasably secured to a user's thigh with a second fastener configured to releasably engage the first fastener and thereby attach the support to the user. The leg strap can be mounted to the thigh and the support can be operably and selectively attached and detached to and from the leg strap without requiring coincidental attachment and detachment of the leg strap to and from the thigh.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Various kinds of eating, writing, or other activities that occur within a vehicle, or for that matter anywhere, can be made easier by use of a lap tray. Eating in a vehicle is a good example of an activity where a lap tray can be advantageously used. The tray can be used to support a variety of materials including food and utensils, thereby freeing the user's hands for selectively accessing each item on the tray.

[0002] Various forms of lap tray constructions have been developed in the past, in recognition of the problems associated with eating, writing, or performing other manual activities without an appropriate table or similar work surface at hand.

[0003] It remains desirable to make effective use of a support such as a tray that can be readily attached and detached to and from a user's leg in such a manner that the support is relatively secure on the user's lap when in use, but can be readily detached to allow the user a normal range of motion.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides for any number of different embodiments of a support system in which a support, which can be a tray, or another structure used to provide temporary support to articles such as food, with the intent to facilitate selective mounting and dismounting of the support to and from a user's leg, particularly the thigh.

[0005] One embodiment provides a lap mounted support system in which a support has a top surface and a bottom surface. A first fastener is provided on the bottom surface. A leg strap is configured to be formed in a thigh receiving loop and has a second fastener configured for releasable engagement with the first fastener. The first fastener is selectively engageable with the second fastener on the leg strap to releasably attach the support to the leg strap. The leg strap is configured to extend about and be secured to a human thigh with the second fastener positioned adjacent an anterior surface of the thigh

[0006] Another embodiment provides a lap mounted support system in which a tray has a top surface and a bottom surface, with a first hook-and-loop fastener patch on the bottom surface. A leg strap that extends between opposed ends, has longitudinally spaced second and third hook-and-loop fastener patches on one side and a fourth hook-and-loop fastener patch on an opposite side. The first hook-and-loop patch is selectively engageable with the second hook-and-loop fastener patch on the leg strap to releasably attach the tray to the leg strap. The fourth hook-and-loop fastener patch is selectively engageable with the third hook-and-loop fastener patch to form a leg encircling loop in the leg strap. The strap is configured to extend about and be secured by engagement of the third and fourth hook-and-loop fastener patches about a human thigh with the second hook-and-loop fastener patch positioned adjacent an anterior surface of the thigh and in position thereon to engage and releasably secure the first hook-and-loop fastener patch and the tray attached thereto.

[0007] In a still further embodiment, the lap mounted support system comprises a tray defining a bottom surface with a first fastener, and a leg strap configured to be releasably secured to a human thigh. The leg strap has a second fastener configured to releasably engage the first fastener on the tray to thereby releasably secure the tray and the leg strap. The leg strap can be mounted to a human thigh and the tray can be operably and selectively attached and detached to and from the leg strap without requiring coincidental attachment and detachment of the leg strap to and from the thigh.

[0008] These and other aspects and embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present support system on a user's lap.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a frontal fragmented schematic view depicting a user in a standing position.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a support embodiment and first fastener.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a fragmented perspective view of an exemplary leg strap.

[0013] FIGS. 5 and 6 are fragmented sectional detail views illustrating connection and separation of exemplary forms of fasteners with respect to a support and leg strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In representative embodiments, the present teachings provide a lap mounted support system that is generally designated in the drawings by the reference numeral 10. It is intended that embodiments of the present system 10 be releasably secured to a human user 12. In more specific embodiments, the system 10 can be mounted to either one of the user's legs 13, by releasable attachment to a thigh 14 substantially as illustrated by FIG. 1. Mounted in this manner, the system 10 can be used to provide support to numerous articles for access, especially when the user 12 is situated in a sitting position as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0015] For purposes of later description, each of the thighs 14 includes an anterior surface 15 that in FIG. 1 is oriented substantially horizontally and facing upwardly when the user is sitting. The same anterior thigh surface 15 is oriented substantially vertically when the user 12 is standing as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0016] In general terms, embodiments of the present system 10 include a support 11 that, as depicted in the drawings, can be a relatively flat structure that will provide support to an article or articles resting on a top surface 17 thereof. It is noted that the support 11 can be provided in many different forms and that the illustrated tray configuration is but one example.

[0017] The depicted support 11, for purposes of further description, can include a top surface 17 that can be flat as shown or configured for special use purposes. Support 11 can also include a bottom surface 18 and a perimeter defined by ends 19 and sides 20. The illustrated rectangular configuration is exemplary and it should be understood that other configurations including rectilinear, curved or combinations thereof can also be provided. The tray configuration of the support 22 can be rigid, and formed of any appropriate material such as plastic, resin impregnated glass fiber, wood, wood by-product, or another appropriate material.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 21 (FIGS. 3, 5, and 6) can be provided on the support 11. In the illustrated forms, the first fastener 21 can be provided on the bottom surface 18 of the support 11, and can be comprised of a patch of hook-and-loop fastener material that can be adhered or otherwise fastened to the support 11. In the exemplary embodiments, a pair of first fasteners 21 (FIG. 3) can be provided on the bottom surface 18, and be situated adjacent one of the support ends 19 or to one side of a support center line X.

[0019] It is noted at this point that that while the first fastener 21 is depicted as a patch of hook-and-loop fastener material, other forms of releasable, mating forms of fasteners can also be used, including but not limited to snaps, clips, buttons, buckles clamps, and clasps. That aspect being noted, the depicted hook-and-loop first fastener 21 can be of the loop portion of a fastener set, with a mating hook portion comprising a second fastener 30. The first fastener 21, in loop form, allows for use of the support for other purposes, and with minimal chance that the loops of the first fastener 21 will snag on clothing or fabric materials supported on the anterior thigh surface 15.

[0020] FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6 all show exemplary forms of a leg strap 23 as part of the present system 10. The leg strap 23 can be used to assist in releasably securing the support 11 to a user's leg 13, as suggested in FIG. 1. A loop formed by leg strap 23 can be extended about the thigh 14 in order to provide a secure attachment location for the first fastener 21, and the attached support 11.

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 show pairs of leg straps 23 that can be substantially identical, so description of one will suffice for description of both.

[0022] FIG. 4 is included to depict an embodiment of the leg strap 23 as an elongated flexible member that has sufficient length to extend about an adult human thigh, with capability for adjustment and extension. To this end, the leg strap 23 can be made with at least a portion being formed of a conventional elastic material (not specifically identified) to facilitate longitudinal adjustment, and to gently secure the leg strap length about the user's thigh 14.

[0023] Although the leg strap 23 is shown in FIG. 4 to be of finite length, the leg strap 23 can also possible be provided as a continuous loop. Such a loop configuration requires mounting by slipping a foot through the loop, and pulling the loop along the leg length to a selected position along the thigh 14. On the other hand, a finite length leg strap 23, as depicted, can provide for quick mounting, and dismounting, of the leg strap 23 to and from a user's thigh 14, simply by wrapping the strap length about the selected thigh 14. The finite length leg strap is also better suited for loop size adjustment without adversely affecting the degree of tension along the strap length. Still further, a finite length leg strap 23 can be easily attached to a leg 14 in a confined area such as, for example, within the cab of an automobile or other vehicle.

[0024] The leg strap 23 can be provided with second, third and fourth fasteners 30, 31, and 32 respectively. The second fastener 30 can be located along the leg strap 23 to receive and engage with the first fastener 21 on the support 11, thereby releasably securing the leg strap 23 and support 11 together. The second fastener 30 is complimentary to and fits with the first fastener 21. Thus in the illustrated embodiments the second fastener 30 can be formed as a patch of hook-and-loop fastener material, selected to mate with the first fastener 21. If the first fastener 21 is formed as a patch of loop type fastener material, the material selected for the second fastener 30 will be a patch of hook type fastener material.

[0025] To facilitate mounting and dismounting, the second fastener 30 can advantageously be situated on one side and adjacent one end of the leg strap 23. In this way, the remaining third and fourth fasteners 31, 32 can also be situated adjacent ends and on opposite sides of the leg strap so all the fasteners can overlap, substantially as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the system is to be mounted and dismounted. All of the fasteners can thus be adjacent the anterior surface 15 of the user's thigh and all of the fasteners 21, 30, 31, and 32 can be easily accessed by the user 12.

[0026] The third and fourth fasteners 31, 32 can be hook-and-loop fasteners of the same nature as the first and second fasteners 21, 30, but can be other fastener forms as well. Belt buckle arrangements can be substituted for the third and fourth hook-and-loop fastener components 31. 32. Likewise, snaps, buttons, slide clasps, cinch arrangements and the like can also be used.

[0027] As illustrated, the third and fourth fasteners 31, 32 can be situated at ends of the leg strap and on opposite sides thereof to facilitate engagement when the leg strap 23 is formed in a loop, as suggested in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thus it can be that the second and fourth fasteners 30, 32 are on one side of the leg strap 23, and the third fastener 31 is on the opposite side.

[0028] The third fastener 31 can be a patch of loop fastener material, and the fourth fastener 32 can be a patch of hook material that is sewn, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the leg strap 23. One or both of the third and fourth fasteners 31, 32 can extend along a substantial length of the leg strap to facilitate length adjustment by allowing selective overlapping engagement. As depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the lengths of third and fourth fasteners 31, 32 can be unequal. In one example, third fastener 31 is a patch of loop fastener material which, as can be seen from FIG. 6, places the loop fastener material adjacent the user's skin or clothing (not shown in FIG. 6) when in use. This is advantageous since the hook fastener material may irritate or damage clothing over time.

[0029] As can be seen in the example illustrated FIG. 1, two leg straps 23 are provided. Both leg straps 23 can be identical and configured as described above. The extra first and second fasteners 21, 30 on the support 11 and leg straps assure a stable grip to hold the support 11 firmly in position on the user's lap.

[0030] It is noted that the number of leg straps and fasteners depicted in the drawings can be altered. For example a single, wide leg strap (not shown) can be used along with matching size fasteners, to achieve similar stability. More leg straps 23 and fasteners can also be used.

[0031] It is noted that the first fastener 21 is depicted as being located adjacent to one of the support ends 19. This can be done to allow attachment of the support 11 in such a manner that the first and second fasteners 21, 30 can be connected over one leg 13 and the remainder of the support can extend over the user's lap and the other leg, in the manner depicted by FIG. 1. The user's legs are thus free to move independently while the support 11 is connected to only one leg 13 and will remain as such until the user detaches it from the second fastener 30.

[0032] The above is a distinct advantage over prior known lap trays especially if an emergency situation should arise and the user suddenly needs to move quickly. The single leg mount will allow relative movement of the user's legs 13 without likelihood that the leg straps 23 or support 11 will cause tripping or otherwise hinder movement.

[0033] Operation of the present system will now be described.

[0034] To attach the system 10, the user 12 first mounts the leg straps 23 to either the right or left leg. FIG. 1 shows the user 12 with two leg straps mounted to thigh 14. This is done simply by fitting the leg straps 23 around the thigh 14, in such a manner that the second fasteners 30 face upwardly and are substantially centered on the anterior surface 15 of the thigh 14. The user can pull the successive leg straps 23 taut, overlap the third and fourth fasteners 31, 32 and then press them together to complete the loops. These steps are repeated for both leg straps 23, with care taken to space the second fasteners 30 apart along the thigh 14 by a distance substantially equal to the spacing between the first fasteners 21 on the support 11. The second fasteners 30 are now ready to engage and secure the first fasteners 21 and attached support 11.

[0035] It is noted that the steps to this point involve only attaching the leg straps 23 to the user's thigh 14, and that the support 11 can be physically separate from the assembly. The user 12 is free to move about, as can be understood plainly from viewing FIG. 2. Thus it can be seen that motion is not impaired by attachment of the leg straps 23.

[0036] Any time the user 12 would like to make use of the support 11, he or she can simply attach it by pressing the bottom surface 18 downwardly so the first fasteners 21 will mate with the second fasteners 30 on the leg straps 23. The support is now securely attached to the user's leg and will not readily slide off. During this time, the free leg is unencumbered and can move about, sliding under the support 11. In fact, should an emergency situation occur, the user can stand, walk or move about without danger that the leg straps 23 or the support 11 will become a significant impediment.

[0037] The support 11 can be tipped upwardly to quickly disengage the fasteners 21, and 30 and thereby allow the support 11 to be separated from the user 12. It is noted that this step can be accomplished without requiring removal of the leg straps 23. In fact, the leg straps 23 can be left in position on the user's leg 13 without impairing normal functioning. This capability can be of significance on, for example, road trips where it can be desirable to use the support 11 from time to time, but where it would be most convenient to avoid attaching, removing, and re-attaching the leg straps 23. The leg straps 23 can instead be attached once, and be left on until whatever time it becomes desirable to remove them. Attachment and removal of the support 11 can occur at any number of occasions during a single interval of time that the leg straps 23 are secured on the user's leg. 13

[0038] While the above methods and apparatus have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features, it is to be understood, however, that they are not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the embodiments provided for herein into effect. The methods and apparatus are, therefore, claimed in any of their forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with then-prevailing law.

Characterization

[0039] The following "characterizations" are to be considered as part of the "Detailed Description", and are to be further considered as selected generic embodiments of the correspondingly identified exemplary embodiments. While a "characterization" of an embodiment may be described below with reference to a specific exemplary embodiment, the referenced exemplary embodiment should not be considered as limiting the scope of the corresponding "characterization". Further, the "characterizations" set forth below should not be considered as limiting the scope of the current claims, or any future claims to be presented in any continuation, divisional, reissue, or reexamination patent application following from the current application.

[0040] A lap support mounting process (as exemplarily embodied by the entire accompanying description, without limitation), including providing a support that includes a first fastener;

[0041] providing a leg strap configured to be releasably secured to a human thigh and having a second fastener thereon configured to releasably engage the first fastener on the support; and

[0042] selectively securing and detaching the support to and from the leg strap by selectively engaging and disengaging the first and second fasteners.

[0043] A lap support system (as exemplarily embodied by the entire accompanying description, without limitation) comprising:

[0044] a support;

[0045] a first fastener on the support;

[0046] a leg strap configured to be releasably secured to a human thigh and having a second fastener thereon configured to releasably engage the first fastener to thereby releasably secure the support and the leg strap to the human thigh.

[0047] A lap support system (as exemplarily embodied by the entire accompanying description, without limitation) comprising:

[0048] a rigid elongated tray having a top surface and a bottom surface extending between opposed tray ends;

[0049] a first hook-and-loop fastener patch on the bottom surface of the tray adjacent one of the opposed tray ends;

[0050] an at least partially elastic leg strap extending between opposed leg strap ends and having longitudinally spaced second and third hook-and-loop fastener patches on one side thereof and a fourth hook-and-loop fastener patch on a side opposite the one side thereof;

[0051] wherein the first hook-and-loop patch is selectively engageable with the second hook-and-loop fastener patch on the leg strap to releasably attach the tray to the leg strap;

[0052] wherein the fourth hook-and-loop fastener patch is selectively engageable with the third hook-and-loop fastener patch to form a leg encircling loop in the leg strap; and

[0053] wherein the leg strap is configured to extend about and be secured by engagement of the third and fourth hook-and-loop fastener patches about a human thigh with the second hook-and-loop fastener patch positioned adjacent an anterior surface of the thigh and in position thereon to engage and releasably secure the first hook-and-loop fastener patch and the tray attached thereto.

Claims

1. A lap mounted support system, comprising: a support having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first fastener on the bottom surface; a leg strap configured to be formed in a thigh receiving loop and having a second fastener configured for releasable engagement with the first fastener; wherein the first fastener is selectively engageable with the second fastener on the leg strap to releasably attach the support to the leg strap; and wherein the leg strap is configured to extend about and be secured to a human thigh with the second fastener positioned adjacent an anterior surface of the thigh in position to engage and releasably secure the first fastener and the attached support to the thigh.

2. The lap mounted support system of claim 1, wherein the leg strap is elongated with opposed first and second ends and includes third and fourth fasteners that are engageable with one another to facilitate forming the leg strap into a loop.

3. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein the first and second fasteners are hook-and-loop fasteners.

4. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein the fasteners are hook-and-loop fasteners and wherein the second fastener is a hook fastener patch disposed along the leg strap and the first fastener is a loop fastener patch on the leg strap.

5. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein at least a part of the leg strap is elastic.

6. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein the support is a rigid elongated tray extending between opposed tray ends and wherein the first fastener is situated adjacent one of the opposed tray ends.

7. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein a pair of the first fasteners are disposed on the support, and the leg strap is comprised of a pair of leg straps with second fasteners configured to releasably connect with the pair of first fasteners.

8. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein: the leg strap is comprised of a strip of at least partially elastic material with the second and a third fastener on one side and a fourth fastener on an opposite side of the strip; and wherein the third and forth fasteners are configured to interconnect with one another to form the thigh receiving loop.

9. The lap mounted support system of claim 1 above, wherein: the support is a rigid elongated tray with the first fastener situated toward one end thereof; the leg strap is comprised of a strip of least partially elastic material with the second and a third fastener on one side and a fourth fastener on an opposite side of the strip; and wherein the third and forth fasteners are configured to interconnect with one another to form the thigh receiving loop.

10. A lap mounted support system, comprising; a tray having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first hook-and-loop fastener patch on the bottom surface of the tray; a leg strap extending between opposed ends and having longitudinally spaced second and third hook-and-loop fastener patches on one side and fourth hook-and-loop fastener patch on an opposite side; wherein the first hook-and-loop patch is selectively engageable with the second hook-and-loop fastener patch on the leg strap to releasably attach the tray to the leg strap; wherein the fourth hook-and-loop fastener patch is selectively engageable with the third hook-and-loop fastener patch to form a leg encircling loop in the leg strap; and wherein the leg strap is configured to extend about and be secured by engagement of the third and fourth hook-and-loop fastener patches about a human thigh with the second hook-and-loop fastener patch positioned adjacent an anterior surface of the thigh and in position thereon to engage and releasably secure the first hook-and-loop fastener patch and the tray attached thereto.

11. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above wherein the tray is elongated between opposed ends and the first hook-and-loop fastener patch is disposed on the bottom surface adjacent to one of the ends of the tray.

12. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, wherein the first hook-and-loop fastener patch is comprised of loop fasteners.

13. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, wherein the leg strap is at least partially elastic.

14. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, further comprising: a pair of the first hook-and-loop fastener patches on the bottom surface of the tray; and a pair of the leg straps, each with second, third and fourth hook-and-loop patches.

15. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, wherein the first hook-and-loop fastener patch is comprised of loop fasteners.

16. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, wherein the leg strap is elongated and wherein the second hook-and-loop fastener is situated at one end thereof.

17. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above wherein tone of the third and fourth hook-and-loop fasteners extend along the leg strap unequal distances.

18. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, wherein the second, third and fourth hook-and-loop fastener patches are situated at ends of the leg strap.

19. The lap mounted support system of claim 10 above, wherein: the first hook-and-loop fastener is comprised of loop fastener elements; the second hook-and-loop fastener patch is comprised of hook fastener elements and is positioned along the leg strap adjacent one end thereof; the third and fourth hook-and-loop fasteners are situated at opposed ends of the leg strap and on opposite sides thereof, with the fourth hook-and-loop fastener being disposed on a side of the leg strap opposite to the second hook-and-loop patch; and the third and fourth hook-and-loop fasteners extend along the leg strap by different distances.

20. A lap mounted support system, comprising; a tray defining a bottom surface; a first fastener on the bottom surface of the tray; a leg strap configured to be releasably secured to a human thigh and having a second fastener thereon configured to releasably engage the first fastener on the tray to thereby releasably secure the tray and the leg strap; and whereby the leg strap can be mounted to a human thigh and the tray can be operably and selectively attached and detached to and from the leg strap without requiring coincidental attachment and detachment of the leg strap to and from the thigh.