U.S. patent application number 12/504703 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for foldable tray attachment and package for chair.
Invention is credited to Andrea Zabinski.
Application Number | 20100032395 12/504703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41651926 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100032395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zabinski; Andrea |
February 11, 2010 |
FOLDABLE TRAY ATTACHMENT AND PACKAGE FOR CHAIR
Abstract
A foldable tray attachment for a chair comprises a middle
member, a pair of side panels, at least one holder, at least one
support member and a securing mechanism. The middle member is
capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair.
Each side panel of the pair of side panels is pivotally coupled to
the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge for
facilitating folding of the foldable tray attachment. The each side
panel includes at least one recess. The at least one holder is
capable of being removably coupled to the at least one recess. The
at least one support member is fixedly attached to a portion of a
front surface of the foldable tray attachment to support the pair
of side panels in an open position. The securing mechanism is
configured to detachably couple the foldable tray attachment to the
chair.
Inventors: |
Zabinski; Andrea; (Gibsonia,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAY M. SCHLOFF
6960 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 315
West Bloomfield
MI
48322
US
|
Family ID: |
41651926 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504703 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61087314 |
Aug 8, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/62 20130101; A47B
97/00 20130101; A47C 7/624 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/132.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/00 20060101
A47B097/00; A47G 23/06 20060101 A47G023/06 |
Claims
1. A foldable tray attachment for a chair, the foldable tray
attachment comprising: a middle member having a pair of
longitudinal edges, the middle member capable of supporting a body
portion of a user seated on the chair; a pair of side panels, each
side panel of the pair of side panels pivotally coupled to the
middle member at a respective longitudinal edge of the pair of
longitudinal edges, the pivotal coupling enabling the each side
panel to fold about the respective longitudinal edge of the middle
member, thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel
over the middle member in a folded position of the foldable tray
attachment, the each side panel comprising at least one recess
configured therein; at least one holder capable of being removably
coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one recess, the at
least one holder capable of holding at least one article therein;
at least one support member fixedly attached to a portion of a
front surface of the middle member and a portion of a front surface
of the each side panel, the at least one support member being
adapted to support the pair of side panels in an open position of
the foldable tray attachment, the pair of side panels being aligned
substantially parallel to the middle member in the open position;
and a securing mechanism capable of being detachably coupled to a
back surface of the each side panel, thereby facilitating a
detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to a portion of
the chair.
2. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the middle
member comprises a first half portion, and a second half portion
pivotally coupled to the first half portion about a pivot axis for
facilitating positioning of the first half portion over the second
half portion in the folded position of the foldable tray
attachment.
3. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the securing
mechanism comprises, a strap member having a loop fastener attached
to each longitudinal extremity thereof, and a plurality of hook
fasteners fixedly attached to a back surface of the each side
panel, each of the plurality of hook fasteners capable of being
coupled to a respective loop fastener, thereby facilitating the
detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to the portion
of the chair.
4. The foldable tray attachment of claim 3, wherein the strap
member is composed of a nylon material.
5. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the securing
mechanism comprises, a strap member having one or more plugs
attached to each longitudinal extremity thereof, and one or more
caps attached to a back surface of the each side panel, the one or
more caps capable of receiving the one or more plugs therein,
thereby facilitating the detachable coupling of the foldable tray
attachment to the portion of the chair.
6. The foldable tray attachment of claim 5, wherein the strap
member is composed of a nylon material.
7. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the securing
mechanism comprises a plurality of strings obliquely attached to a
back surface of the middle member for facilitating the detachable
coupling of the foldable tray attachment to the portion of the
chair.
8. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein each of the at
least one holder comprises one of a mesh pouch and a cloth
pouch.
9. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least
one holder is removably coupled to the at least one recess through
a plugs and caps assembly.
10. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least
one support member is composed of a nylon material.
11. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the middle
member is composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard
material.
12. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the each side
panel of the pair of side panels is composed of one of a plastic
material and a cardboard material.
13. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, further comprising at
least one hook disposed on a back surface of at least one side
panel of the pair of side panels.
14. A foldable tray attachment package, the foldable tray
attachment package comprising: a foldable tray attachment for a
chair, the foldable tray attachment comprising, a middle member
having a pair of longitudinal edges, the middle member capable of
supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair, a pair of
side panels, each side panel of the pair of side panels pivotally
coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge of
the pair of longitudinal edges, the pivotal coupling enabling the
each side panel to fold about the respective longitudinal edge of
the middle member, thereby facilitating positioning of the each
side panel over the middle member in a folded position of the
foldable tray attachment, the each side panel comprising at least
one recess configured therein, at least one holder capable of being
removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one
recess, the at least one holder capable of holding at least one
article therein, at least one support member fixedly attached to a
portion of a front surface of the middle member and a portion of a
front surface of the each side panel, the at least one support
member being adapted to support the pair of side panels in an open
position of the foldable tray attachment, the pair of side panels
being aligned substantially parallel to the middle member in the
open position, and a securing mechanism capable of being detachably
coupled to a back surface of the each side panel, thereby
facilitating a detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment
to a portion of the chair; a cushion member, the cushion member
capable of being removably coupled to the middle member of the
foldable tray attachment; and a carry bag having an open top
portion and a closed bottom portion, the carry bag configured to
receive at least one of the foldable tray attachment and the
cushion member therein.
15. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the
carry bag is configured to receive the foldable tray attachment in
the folded position.
16. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the
carry bag comprises a drawstring disposed at the open top portion,
the drawstring configured to control an opening and a closing of
the open top portion of the carry bag.
17. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the
carry bag comprises at least one length adjustable strap attached
to a portion of the carry bag, the at least one length adjustable
strap facilitating holding of the carry bag.
18. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the
cushion member is coupled to the middle member of the foldable tray
attachment by a suction cup arrangement disposed on a back surface
of the cushion member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority under 35 United
States Code, Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/087,314 filed on Aug. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a tray
attachment and a package, and, more particularly, to a foldable
tray attachment that may be attached to a chair, such as a lounge
chair.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Typically, a user seated in a chair such as a couch, a
lounge chair and the like, needs to access various articles for
his/her use while being seated on the chair. For example, the user
seated on the lounge chair on a beach may wish to access a music
player, a mobile phone, a sun tan lotion, a cup or a can filled
with beverage, and the like.
[0004] Generally, in order to access these articles, the user may
place these articles at a convenient location that may be readily
accessed by the user. For example, the user may place the articles
on the ground close to the chair for easy access thereto. However,
articles kept on the ground are usually associated with a risk of
getting wet or being damaged. For example, if the user keeps
his/her music player on the ground while being seated on the lounge
chair near a pool or the beach, there is a risk of the music player
getting splashed with water. This can potentially damage the music
player. Further, if the user keeps his/her sunglasses on the
ground, then there is a risk of someone stepping on the sunglasses
and potentially cracking the sunglasses.
[0005] Alternatively, a side table may be utilized that may be kept
close to the chair to place the articles thereon, so that the
articles may be accessed easily by the user. However, the side
table occupies a significant amount of space, thereby causing
inconvenience to the user. Currently, a utility tray is also
utilized for holding articles thereon. Lateral edges of said
utility tray are attached to side members of the chair such that
the utility tray is positioned above a seating area of the chair on
which the user is seated. However, the positioning of the utility
tray causes obstruction in movement of the user on the chair.
Specifically, the user needs to detach the utility tray from the
side members to sit on the chair or to get out of the chair, which
may cause inconvenience to the user.
[0006] In light of the drawbacks mentioned above, there is a need
for an attachment for a chair, such as a lounge chair, that allows
a user to hold articles at a conveniently accessible location while
being seated on the chair. Further, there is a need for an
attachment for a chair that facilitates holding of articles above
the ground level. Furthermore, there is a need for an attachment
for a chair, that may be portable and conveniently stored when not
in use.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a
foldable tray attachment for a chair and a foldable tray attachment
package configured to include all the advantages of the prior art,
and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to
provide a foldable tray attachment for a chair that is capable of
holding one or more articles above the ground level.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
foldable tray attachment for a chair that may allow a user to
conveniently access articles while sitting on the chair, without
obstructing movement of a user in and out of the chair.
[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide
a foldable tray attachment for a chair, which is portable and is
capable of being conveniently stored when not in use.
[0011] To achieve the above objects, the present disclosure
provides a foldable tray attachment for a chair. The foldable tray
attachment includes a middle member, a pair of side panels, at
least one holder, at least one support member and a securing
mechanism. The middle member includes a pair of longitudinal edges.
The middle member is capable of supporting a body portion of a user
seated on the chair. Each side panel of the pair of side panels is
pivotally coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal
edge of the pair of longitudinal edges of the middle member. The
pivotal coupling of each of the pair of side panels to the middle
member enables the each side panel to fold about the respective
longitudinal edge of the middle member, thereby facilitating
positioning of the each side panel over the middle member in a
folded position of the foldable tray attachment.
[0012] Further, the each side panel includes at least one recess
configured therein. The at least one holder is capable of being
removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one
recess. The at least one holder is capable of holding at least one
article therein. The at least one support member is fixedly
attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle member and a
portion of a front surface of the each side panel for supporting
the pair of side panels in an open position of the foldable tray
attachment. The pair of side panels is aligned substantially
parallel to the middle member in the open position. The securing
mechanism is capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface
of the each side panel, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling
of the foldable tray attachment to a portion of the chair.
[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable tray
attachment package is provided. The foldable tray attachment
package includes a foldable tray attachment, a cushion member and a
carry bag. The foldable tray attachment includes a middle member, a
pair of side panels, at least one holder, at least one support
member and a securing mechanism. The middle member includes a pair
of longitudinal edges. The middle member is capable of supporting a
body portion of a user seated on the chair. Each side panel of the
pair of side panels is pivotally coupled to the middle member at a
respective longitudinal edge of the pair of longitudinal edges of
the middle member. The pivotal coupling of each of the pair of side
panels to the middle member enables the each side panel to fold
about the respective longitudinal edge of the middle member,
thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the
middle member in a folded position of the foldable tray attachment.
Further, the each side panel includes at least one recess
configured therein.
[0014] The at least one holder is capable of being removably
coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one recess. The at
least one holder is capable of holding at least one article
therein. The at least one support member is fixedly attached to a
portion of a front surface of the middle member and a portion of a
front surface of the each side panel for supporting the pair of
side panels in an open position of the foldable tray attachment.
The pair of side panels is aligned substantially parallel to the
middle member in the open position. The securing mechanism is
capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface of the each
side panel, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the
foldable tray attachment to a portion of the chair. The cushion
member is capable of being removably coupled to the middle member.
The carry bag is configured to receive at least one of the foldable
tray attachment and the cushion member.
[0015] These together with other aspects of the present disclosure,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the
present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure.
For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating
advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The advantages and features of the present disclosure 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:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper side of a
foldable tray attachment in an open position, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an environment
depicting utility of the foldable tray attachment of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an underside of
the foldable tray attachment of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an underside of a
foldable tray attachment, according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the foldable tray
attachment of FIG. 1 collapsing into a folded position, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable tray
attachment package, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0023] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0024] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in
composition, structure, and design. It should be emphasized,
however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular
a foldable tray attachment for a chair and a foldable tray
attachment package, 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
disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items.
[0025] Unless limited otherwise, the terms "disposed," "coupled,"
"attached," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and
encompass direct and indirect arrangements. The term "top,"
"bottom," "front," "back," "first," "second," and the like, herein
do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are
used to distinguish placement of one element over another. 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
items.
[0026] The present disclosure provides a foldable tray attachment.
The disclosed foldable tray attachment is capable of holding one or
more articles while providing support to a portion of a user's body
upon the user being seated on a chair. The foldable tray attachment
may be removably attached to a portion of the chair such as a
lounge chair, and the like. Specifically, the foldable tray
attachment may be attached to a back rest portion of the chair such
that the user may rest his/her head portion on the foldable tray
attachment. Moreover, the foldable tray attachment may be folded
when not in use.
[0027] Additionally, the present disclosure provides a foldable
tray attachment package. The disclosed foldable tray attachment
package includes the foldable tray attachment, a cushion member,
and a carry bag for holding the foldable tray attachment and the
cushion member therein. The cushion member may be a cushion pillow
that may be attached to a portion, specifically the back rest
portion of the chair for enabling the user to conveniently rest
his/her head portion thereon. The carry bag is capable of holding
the foldable tray attachment and the cushion member therein,
thereby facilitating convenient portability of the foldable tray
attachment.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, perspective views of a
foldable tray attachment 100 (hereinafter referred to as
`attachment 100`) are illustrated. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates
a perspective view of an upper side of the attachment 100 in an
open position, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an environment
depicting utility of the attachment 100, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view
of an underside of the attachment 100, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure; and FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective
view of an underside of the attachment 100, in accordance with
another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] The attachment 100 may be utilized for holding one or more
articles while providing support to a portion of a user's body upon
the user being seated on a chair 200. Examples of the chair 200 may
include a lounge chair, a couch and the like. The present
disclosure is explained with reference to a lounge chair, however,
it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the
disclosed attachment 100 may be attached to any other chair also
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0030] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment 100
includes a middle member 102, a pair of side panels such as a side
panel 104a and a side panel 104b (hereinafter collectively referred
to as `side panels 104`), at least one holder such as a holder
106a, a holder 106b and a holder 106c, at least one support member
such as a support member 108a and a support member 108b, and a
securing mechanism (not shown).
[0031] The middle member 102 may be of a rectangular shape having a
pair of longitudinal edges, such as longitudinal edges 110a, 110b
and a pair of latitudinal edges, such as latitudinal edges 112a,
112b. The middle member 102 is capable of supporting a body portion
of a user seated on the chair 200. Specifically, upon the
attachment 100 being supported on a back rest portion of the chair
200, the middle member 102 allows the user to rest his/her head
portion on the middle member 102. In the present embodiment, the
middle member 102 is shown and described to assume a rectangular
shape, however, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art
that the middle member 102 may assume any other shape also, such
as, a square shape, a polygonal shape, and the like without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle member 102
includes a first half portion 102a, and a second half portion 102b
pivotally coupled to the first half portion 102a about a pivot axis
114. The pivotal coupling of the first half portion 102a with the
second half portion 102b facilitates positioning of the first half
portion 102a over the second half portion 102b in a folded position
of the attachment 100. The folded position of the attachment 100 is
explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle member 102 is
composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard material.
[0032] Each side panel of the side panels 104 is pivotally coupled
to the middle member 102 at a respective longitudinal edge of the
pair of longitudinal edges 110a, 110b. Specifically, the side panel
104a and the side panel 104b are pivotally coupled at the
longitudinal edge 110a and the longitudinal edge 110b respectively
of the middle member 102. The pivotal coupling of the side panels
104 with the middle member 102 enables the each side panel, such as
the side panel 104a and the side panel 104b to fold about the
respective longitudinal edge, such as the longitudinal edge 110a
and the longitudinal edge 110b of the middle member 102, thereby
facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the middle
member 102 in the folded position of the attachment 100. The folded
position of the attachment 100 is explained in detail in
conjunction with FIG. 4.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the side panels
104 are pivotally coupled to the middle member 102 by means of a
seamed attachment (not shown). Specifically, the middle member 102
and the side panels 104 may be covered by a fabric covering or a
plastic covering so that the said coverings may be seamed together
for facilitating the pivotal movement of the side panels 104 about
the longitudinal edges 110a, 110b of the middle member 102. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, each side panel of the side
panels 104 is composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard
material.
[0034] Each of the side panels 104 includes at least one recess
configured therein. For example, the side panel 104a includes
recesses 116a and 116b configured therein. Moreover, the side panel
104b includes recesses 116c and 116d configured therein. The at
least one recess may be configured in a variety of shapes and
sizes. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recess
116a is configured to assume a semicircular shape while the recess
116b is configured to assume a circular shape. In an embodiment of
the present disclosure, the circular shaped recess such as the
recess 116b may be utilized to hold a container having a circular
cross-section, specifically a tumbler such as a cup, a glass, a
can, a bottle and the like. The said recess having a circular
cross-section, such as the recess 116b may be configured on the
side panel 104a such that the user may conveniently access the
tumbler while being seated on the chair 200.
[0035] The attachment 100 includes at least one holder, such as the
holder 106a, the holder 106b, and the holder 106c (hereinafter
collectively referred to as `holders 106`) removably coupled to a
peripheral portion of the recess 116a, the recess 116c and the
recess 116d respectively. The recess 116a, the recess 116b, the
recess 116c, and the recess 116d will hereinafter be collectively
referred to as `recesses 116`. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the at least one holder is one of a mesh pouch and a
cloth pouch. Each of the holders 106 is capable of holding at least
one article therein. Examples of articles may include a music
player, a mobile phone, a sun tan lotion and the like. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the holders 106 are removably
coupled to the recesses 116 by means of a plugs and caps assembly.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the holder 106a includes one or more plugs
such as a plug 118a and a plug 118b configured thereon. Moreover,
one or more caps such as a cap 120a and a cap 120b may be disposed
on the peripheral portion of the recess 116a. The plug 118a and the
plug 118b may be received in the cap 120a and the cap 120b
respectively to detachably couple the holder 106a to the recess
116a. Similarly, the holder 106c may be detachably coupled to the
recess 116c and the holder 106b may be detachably coupled to the
recess 116d.
[0036] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least one support
member, such as the support member 108a and the support member 108b
is fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle
member 102 and a portion of a front surface of each of the side
panels 104. Specifically, the support member 108a and the support
member 108b (hereinafter collectively referred to as `support
members 108`) are fixedly attached to a portion of the front
surfaces 122a, 122b of the first half portion 102a and the second
half portion 102b of the middle member 102, and a portion of the
front surfaces 124a, 124b of the side panels 104. The support
members 108 may be fixedly attached to the respective portions of
the front surfaces of the middle member 102 and the side panels 104
through adhesive glue, a stitching mechanism and the like. However,
it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various
other techniques for fixedly attaching the support members 108 may
be utilized herein without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the disclosure.
[0037] The support members 108 are adapted to support the side
panels 104 in an open position of the attachment 100. Specifically,
the support members 108 facilitate the alignment of the side panels
104 substantially parallel to the middle member 102 in the open
position of the attachment 100, thereby preventing downward sagging
of the side panels 104 upon the attachment 100 being held on the
chair 200 in the open position of the attachment 100. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the support members 108 may
be composed of a nylon material. However, it may be apparent to a
person skilled in the art that the support members 108 may be
composed of any other material that is capable of fixedly
supporting alignment of the side panels 104 substantially parallel
to the middle member 102.
[0038] The attachment 100 includes a securing mechanism capable of
being detachably coupled to a back surface of the side panels 104,
thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the attachment 100 to
a portion of the chair 200. Referring specifically to FIG. 3A, a
perspective view of an underside of the attachment 100 is
illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The attachment 100 is secured to a portion of the chair
200. In the present embodiment, the securing mechanism includes a
strap member 126 removably attached to the underside of the
attachment 100 by means of hook and loop fasteners.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the securing mechanism includes
the strap member 126 having a loop fastener attached to each
longitudinal extremities 126a, 126b thereof, and a plurality of
hook fasteners fixedly attached to a back surface of the side
panels 104a, 104b. Specifically, loop fasteners 128a, 128b
(hereinafter collectively referred to as loop fasteners 128) are
attached on opposite longitudinal extremities of the strap member
126. Further, hook fasteners 130a, 130b (hereinafter collectively
referred to as hook fasteners 130) are attached to back surfaces
132a, 132b of the side panel 104a and the side panel 104b
respectively. The hook fasteners 130 are capable of coupling to the
loop fasteners 128, thereby facilitating the detachable coupling of
the attachment 100 to the portion of the chair 200. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the strap member 126 is
composed of a nylon material. However, it will be apparent to a
person skilled in the art that the strap member 126 may be composed
of a material other than nylon material without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0040] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
securing mechanism includes a plugs and caps assembly. The
embodiment disclosing the plugs and caps assembly for securing the
disclosed attachment 100 to the chair 200, is explained further in
detail in conjunction with FIG. 3B.
[0041] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
securing mechanism for detachably coupling the attachment 100 to
the portion of the chair 200 may further include a plurality of
strings, such as a string 134a and 134b (hereinafter collectively
referred to as `strings 134`) obliquely attached to corner portions
of the middle member 102 of the attachment 100. Specifically, each
of top-end corner portions of the middle member 102 may include a
pair of apertures, such as apertures 136a, 136b configured therein
for receiving the string 134a. The pair of apertures may be
configured in the middle member 102 such that the strings 134 may
be aligned obliquely on the middle member 102. The oblique
alignment of the strings 134 allows the attachment 100 to be
detachably coupled to the portion of the chair 200, specifically,
the corner portions of the backrest of the chair 200. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the strings 134 may be
tightened to securely couple the attachment 100 to a portion of the
chair 200, according to the user's preference. In an embodiment of
the present disclosure, a plurality of elastic members (not shown)
may be utilized instead of the plurality of strings. Each elastic
member of the plurality of elastic members may include a plurality
of caps disposed at one end thereof and a plug disposed on other
end. The plug may be inserted in one of the plurality of caps based
on a degree of coupling required between the attachment 100 and the
chair 200.
[0042] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
attachment 100 includes at least one hook, such as a hook 138
(shown in FIG. 3A) disposed on a back surface, such as the back
surface 132b of at least one of the side panels 104. The hook 138
is capable of holding one or more clothing items such as a towel, a
swimwear and the like. It will be evident to a person skilled in
the art that the attachment 100 may include more than one hook
configured on one of the back surface 132b or the front surface
124b thereof for holding one or more clothing items thereon.
Further, it will be apparent that in the present disclosure, the
hook 138 is assumed to be a typical C-shaped hook. However, the
attachment 100 may include any other type of hook also know in the
art without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
For example, the attachment 100 may include a push through type of
hook (not shown). Moreover, said push through hook may assume any
of the shapes known in the art, such as a star shape, and the
like.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3B, a perspective view of an underside of
a foldable tray attachment 300 (hereinafter referred to as
attachment 300) is illustrated, according to another embodiment of
the present disclosure. The attachment 300 is similar to the
attachment 100 (of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A) with an exception that the
securing mechanism of the attachment 100, i.e. the hook and loop
fastener arrangement is replaced by a plugs and caps assembly in
the attachment 300. Specifically, various components of the
attachment 300, namely, a middle member 302; a pair of side panels
such as a side panel 304a and a side panel 304b; at least one
holder such as a holder 306a, a holder 306b and a holder 306c; at
least one support member (not shown) are similar to respective
components, i.e. the middle member 102; the pair of side panels
such as the side panel 104a and the side panel 104b; the at least
one holder such as the holder 106a, the holder 106b and the holder
106c; and the at least one support member such as the support
member 108a and the support member 108b of the attachment 100.
[0044] Further, longitudinal edges 308a, 308b of the middle member
302; latitudinal edges 310a, 310b of the middle member 302; pivot
axis 312 of the middle member 302; recesses 314a, 314b configured
in the side panel 304a; and recesses 314c, 314d configured in the
side panel 304b of the attachment 300 are similar to the
longitudinal edges 110a, 110b of the middle member 102; the
latitudinal edges 112a, 112b of the middle member 102; the pivot
axis 114 of the middle member 102; the recesses 116a, 116b
configured in the side panel 104 a; the recesses 116c, 116d
configured in the side panel 104 b respectively of the attachment
100.
[0045] Moreover, plugs 316a, 316b configured on the holder 306a;
caps 318a, 318b for receiving the plugs 316a, 316b; front surfaces
(not shown) of the first half portion 302a and the second half
portion 302b of the middle member 302; and front surfaces (not
shown) of the side panels 304a, 304b, are similar to the plugs
118a, 118b configured on the holder 106a; the caps 120a, 120b for
receiving the plugs 118a, 118b; the front surfaces 122a, 122b of
the first half portion 102a and the second half portion 102b of the
middle member 102; the front surface 124a, 124b of the side panels
104a, 104b, respectively of the attachment 100.
[0046] However, in the present embodiment, the securing mechanism
of the attachment 300 includes a plug-and-cap assembly unlike the
hook and loop fasteners of the attachment 100. Specifically, the
securing mechanism of the attachment 300 includes a strap member
320 having one or more plugs attached to each longitudinal
extremity thereof. For example, plugs 322a, 322b, are attached to a
longitudinal extremity 320a while plugs 322c, 322d are attached to
a longitudinal extremity 320b of the strap member 320. Moreover,
corresponding one or more caps are fixedly attached to back
surfaces, such as back surfaces 326a, 326b of each of the pair of
side panels 304a, 304b of the attachment 300. For example, caps
324a, 324b, are attached to a back surface 326a while caps 324c,
324d are attached to a back surface 326b of the side panels 304a,
304b. The caps 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d are capable of receiving the
plugs 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d respectively, thereby facilitating the
detachable coupling of the attachment 300 to the portion of the
chair 200.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strap member
320 is composed of a nylon material. However, it will be apparent
to a person skilled in the art that the strap member 320 may be
composed of a material other than nylon material without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it
will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various
components, such as oblique strings configured to secure the
attachment 300 with a portion of a chair, such as the chair 200,
and hook for hanging garments thereon are similar to corresponding
elements of the attachment 100. Specifically, strings 328a, 328b;
apertures 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d; and a hook 332 of the attachment
300 are similar to the strings 134a, 134b; the apertures 136a,
136b, 136c, 136d; and the hook 138 of the attachment 100.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the
attachment 100 depicting the attachment 100 collapsing into a
folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure is illustrated. Specifically, when not in use, the
attachment 100 may be folded to assume a folded position. In the
folded position, the attachment 100 occupies less space, thereby
facilitating convenient storage thereof. As disclosed herein, the
folded position is explained with reference to the attachment 100.
However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that a
folded position of the attachment 300 is similar to the folded
position of the attachment 100. Accordingly, the description of the
folded position of the attachment 300 is omitted herein.
[0049] While assuming the folded position of the attachment 100,
the side panels 104 are pivotally moved over so as to be positioned
over the middle member 102. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the first half portion 102a of the middle member 102 is
pivotally coupled to the second half portion 102b of the middle
member 102 about the pivot axis 114.
[0050] The disclosed attachment, such as the attachment 100 may
have such dimensions that enable a user to conveniently carry the
attachment 100. For example, width of the attachment 100 while in a
completely open position may be about 16 inches while the length of
the attachment 100 may be about 45 inches. Specifically, the length
of the middle member 102 may be about 24 inches and the length of
each of the side panels 104a, 104b may be about 11 inches. Further,
length of each of the first half portion 102a and the second half
portion 102b may be about 12 inches.
[0051] In the folded position of the attachment 100, each of the
side panels may overlap over a half portion, such as the first half
portion 102a and the second half portion 102b of the middle member
102. Accordingly, in the folded position the length of the
attachment 100 may be about 12 inches. Further, the recess 116b may
have a diameter of about 3.5 inches. Furthermore, the holder 106
may be about 7 inches deep when coupled to the peripheral portion
of the recesses 116. Although preferred dimensions of various
components of the attachment 100 are disclosed herein, it will be
evident to a person skilled in the art that the such dimension may
not be construed as limiting, and may be varied based on
manufacturing requirements of the attachment 100. Further, it will
be understood that the present embodiment referring to various
dimensions of the disclosed attachment is explained herein with
referenced to the attachment 100, the same dimensions are equally
applicable for the attachment 300.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, a foldable tray attachment package 1000
(hereinafter referred to as `package 1000`) is illustrated, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The
package 1000 includes an attachment, such as the attachment 100; a
cushion member 400 and a carry bag 500. The cushion member 400 is
capable of being removably coupled to the middle member 102 of the
attachment 100. The cushion member 400 may be filled with a
cushioning material to provide a cushioning effect to a portion of
the user's body upon being attached to the middle member 102. For
example, the cushion member 400 may provide the cushioning effect
to a head portion of the user when the attachment 100 is coupled to
a top portion of the chair 200. Similarly, the cushion member 400
may provide the cushioning effect to legs of the user when placed
at a bottom portion of the chair 200. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the cushion member 400 is composed of a
water-proof material enabling water to be utilized as the
cushioning material to provide the cushioning effect.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cushion
member 400 is removably coupled to the middle member 102 by means
of a suction cup arrangement. The suction cup arrangement includes
one or more suction cups, such as a suction cup 402a, a suction cup
402b, a suction cup 402c, a suction cup 402d (hereinafter
collectively referred to as `suction cups 402`) disposed on a back
surface 404 of the cushion member 400. It will be apparent to a
person skilled in the art that the cushion member 400 with
different number, size and shape of the suction cups 402 may be
embodied without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cushion
member 400 may be removed from the middle member 102 and utilized
individually to provide a cushioning effect to a portion of the
user's body.
[0054] The carry bag 500 is configured to receive at least one of
the attachment such as the attachment 100 and the cushion member
400 therein in a folded position. Specifically, the carry bag 500
includes an open top portion 502 and a closed bottom portion 504,
such that the open top portion 502 is capable of allowing the carry
bag 500 to receive the attachment (in the folded position), such as
the attachment 100, and the cushion member 400. Further, the carry
bag 500 includes a drawstring 506 disposed on the open top portion
502 such that the drawstring 506 may control an opening and a
closing of the open end portion 502 of the carry bag 500.
Specifically, tightening the drawstring 506 may close the open top
portion 502 of the carry bag 500. In an alternative embodiment of
the present disclosure, a zipper arrangement (not shown) may be
utilized for controlling the opening and closing of the open end
portion 502 of the carry bag 500.
[0055] The carry bag 500 also includes at least one length
adjustable strap, such as a strap 508a and a strap 508b, coupled to
a portion of the carry bag 500 for facilitating holding of the
carry bag 500 by a user. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the at least one length adjustable strap, such as the
straps 508a, 508b are coupled to a portion (not shown) of the carry
bag 500 through a stitching mechanism (not shown). The user may
adjust the length of the at least one length adjustable straps,
such as straps 508a, 508b through a length adjustment mechanism
(not shown), according to his/her requirements. It will be apparent
to a person skilled in the art that the attachment 100 with
different position of coupling of the at least one strap than
depicted in FIG. 1 may be embodied without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0056] As disclosed above, the package 1000 is configured to
receive at least one of the attachment such as the attachment 100,
and the cushion member 400. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the carry bag 500 may have the length of about
20 inches and the width of about 12 inches. Further, since the
cushion member 400 is capable of being detachably coupled to the
middle member 102, the cushion member 400 may have the length of
about 20 inches and the width of about 14 inches.
[0057] A foldable tray attachment, such as the attachment 100 and
the attachment 300 is advantageous for holding articles such that
the articles may be accessed conveniently by a user while sitting
on the chair 200. Further, the foldable tray attachment supports a
portion of a user's body through a detachable cushion such as the
cushion member 400 while supporting the articles. Furthermore, the
foldable tray attachment may be folded into a smaller size and may
be conveniently stored in a bag such as the carry bag 500, thereby
enhancing the portability of the disclosed foldable tray
attachment.
[0058] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present disclosure 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 disclosure and
its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the
art to best utilize the present disclosure 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 circumstance may
suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present disclosure.
* * * * *