Tray-table assembly

Abstract

A tray-table assembly capable of secured to an automobile seat is disclosed. The tray table assembly includes a detachable tray-table, a frame member, at least one strap, and a pair of adjustable support brackets. The detachable tray-table includes a flat support face and an indented support face, and is capable of being flipped to provide one of the flat support face and the indented support face. The frame member is capable of enclosing the detachable tray-table. The at least one strap is capable of securing the frame member to the automobile seat. The pair of adjustable support brackets is attached to the frame member and the detachable tray-table, the pair of adjustable support brackets capable of enabling a movement of the detachable tray-table between an upright position and a horizontal service position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 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

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tray-table assembly that is capable of being installed easily in an automobile.

[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tray-table assembly that is easily portable.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a tray-table assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an indented support face of the tray-table assembly of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] 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

[0015] 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.

[0016] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

Claims

1. A tray-table assembly capable of being secured to an automobile seat, the tray-table assembly comprising: a detachable tray-table comprising, a flat support face, and an indented support face opposite to the flat support face; a frame member capable of enclosing the detachable tray-table; at least one strap capable of securing the frame member to the automobile seat; and a pair of adjustable support brackets attached to the frame member and the detachable tray-table, the pair of adjustable support brackets capable of enabling a movement of the detachable tray-table between an upright position and a horizontal service position, wherein the detachable tray-table is capable of being flipped to provide one of the flat support face and the indented support face.

2. The tray-table assembly of claim 2 further comprising a compressible pad disposed on a back surface of the frame member, the compressible pad capable of being deformed based on a curvature of the automobile seat upon being secured thereto.

3. The tray-table assembly of claim 1, wherein the detachable tray-table is composed of a plastic material.

4. The tray-table assembly of claim 1, wherein the flat support face of the detachable tray-table is painted with a chalkboard paint.

5. The tray-table assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is composed of a nylon material.

6. The tray-table assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one clasp buckle attached to the at least one strap for securing the tray-table assembly to the automobile seat.

7. The tray-table assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is composed of an elastic material.

8. The tray-table assembly of claim 1, wherein the indented support face of the detachable tray-table comprises at least one compartment, and wherein each of the at least one compartment being capable of holding at least one article.

9. The tray-table assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one compartment comprises a lip portion extending inwardly from a peripheral portion of the at least one compartment, the lip portion capable of preventing dropping of the at least one article held in the at least one compartment.