U.S. patent application number 12/333098 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for storage tray with magnetic attachment.
Invention is credited to Scott E. Andochick.
Application Number | 20100147861 12/333098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42239300 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100147861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andochick; Scott E. |
June 17, 2010 |
STORAGE TRAY WITH MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT
Abstract
A storage tray includes a container having an opening and one or
more elastic strips each coupled to the container and traversing
the opening of the container. An object placed in the container
through the opening is restrained by at least one the elastic
strips. The container may be supported by a deformable pad coupled
to the underside of the container. Magnetic elements may be use
coupled the deformable pad to the container. The storage tray may
be used for transporting objects in a vehicle.
Inventors: |
Andochick; Scott E.;
(Potomac, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEVEQUE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, P.C.
241 E. 4th Street, #102
FREDERICK
MD
21701
US
|
Family ID: |
42239300 |
Appl. No.: |
12/333098 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/694 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/002 20130101;
A47G 2400/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/694 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A storage tray comprising: a container having an opening; and a
plurality of elastic strips, each coupled to the container and
traversing the opening of the container; wherein one or more
objects placed in the container through the opening are restrained
by at least one of the plurality of elastic strips.
2. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one
of the plurality of elastic strips is movably coupled to the
container so as to accommodate objects of differing sizes.
3. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, wherein an elastic
strip of the plurality of elastic strips is coupled to the
container via a hook.
4. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, wherein the container
has lip at the opening and wherein an elastic strip of the
plurality of elastic strips is coupled to the container via a hook
that engages the lip and may be slid along the lip to vary the
spacing between adjacent elastic strips.
5. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a
deformable pad coupled to the underside of the container.
6. A storage tray in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: a
first magnetic element coupled to the top surface of the deformable
pad; and a second magnetic element coupled to the underside of the
container, wherein the deformable pad is removably coupled to the
underside of the container by magnetic attraction between the first
and second magnetic elements.
7. A storage tray in accordance with claim 6, wherein the top
surface of the deformable pad has a raised edge around at least
part of its perimeter, the deformable pad and raised edge being
sized such that the raised edge encompasses the lower part of the
container and thereby restrains lateral motion of the
container.
8. A storage tray in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one
magnetic element of the first and second magnetic elements
comprises a flexible magnet.
9. A storage tray in accordance with claim 4, wherein the
deformable pad is saddle shape to facilitate placement on the lap
of a user.
10. A storage tray in accordance with claim 4, wherein the
deformable pad comprises: a flexible bag; and a plurality of
separate elements contained within the flexible bag.
11. A storage tray in accordance with claim 4, wherein the
deformable pad comprises: a flexible bag; and a gel contained
within the flexible bag.
12. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
at least one carrying handle attached to the container
13. A storage tray in accordance with claim 12, wherein the at
least one carrying handle is movable from a first carrying position
to a second position in which it does not interfere with access to
objects in the container.
14. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, further comprising
two carrying handles, coupled to the container are opposite sides
of the opening.
15. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
container comprises: a base; a frame that defines the opening;
first and second collapsible walls coupled between the frame and
the base at opposite sides of the frame; and first and second
substantially rigid walls, hinged to the frame at opposite sides of
the frame, wherein first and second substantially rigid walls may
be pivoted to a first position substantially in the plane of the
base, thereby enabling the container to be collapsed, and may be
pivoted to the second position substantially perpendicular to the
base and in contact with the base, thereby extending the first and
second collapsible walls into tension and forming the
container.
16. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
container is at least partially constructed of perforated
material.
17. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
container is at least partially constructed of a mesh.
18. A storage tray in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
a magnetic element attached to a side of the container and
configured to removably couple an external holder to the container
using magnetic attraction.
19. A storage system comprising: a first container having an
opening; a plurality of elastic strips, each coupled to the
container and traversing the opening of the container, the
plurality of elastic straps being positioned to restrain one or
more objects placed in the container; a first deformable pad
coupled to the underside of the container; a second container; a
first magnetic element attached to a side of the first container;
and a second magnetic element attached to a side of the second
container; wherein the second container is removably coupled to the
first container by magnetic attraction between the first and second
magnetic elements.
20. A storage system in accordance with claim 19, further
comprising a third magnetic element coupled to the top surface of
the first deformable pad; and a fourth magnetic element coupled to
the underside of the container and wherein the first deformable pad
is coupled to the underside of the container by magnetic attraction
between the third and fourth magnetic elements.
21. A storage tray in accordance with claim 19, wherein at least
one of the plurality of elastic strips is movably coupled to the
container so as to accommodate objects of differing sizes.
22. A storage tray in accordance with claim 19, further comprising:
a second deformable pad; and a third magnetic element coupled to
the upper surface of the deformable pad; wherein the first magnetic
element is attached to the upper surface of the base of the first
container and the second magnetic element is attached to the
underside of the second container, and wherein the second magnetic
element is adapted to mate with the first magnetic element when the
second container is placed in the first container and adapted to
mate with the third magnetic element when the second container is
placed on the second deformable pad.
23. A storage tray in accordance with claim 19, wherein the second
container comprises a bowl.
24. A storage tray in accordance with claim 19, wherein the second
deformable pad is sized to fit on the lap of a user.
25. A storage tray in accordance with claim 19, wherein the second
deformable pad has a raised edge to catch spills from the second
container.
26. A storage tray in accordance with claim 25, wherein the raised
edge of the second deformable pad supports one or more pockets.
27. A storage system comprising: a first container having an
opening defined by side walls; a plurality of elastic strips, each
coupled to the container and traversing the opening of the
container, the plurality of elastic straps being positioned to
restrain one or more objects placed in the container; and a second
container having lip along the tops of two side walls of the second
container; wherein the second container is sized such that the lip
of the second container rests on the tops of at least two of the
side walls of the first container, enabling the second container to
be supported within the first container.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A variety of lap trays are known in the art. Commonly, they
are designed for use by a person seated in a bed or in a chair. For
people seated in beds, the trays may be supported by the bed using
legs attached to the tray. More generally, the trays are supported
the users legs. The legs provide an uneven support surface, and a
variety of means are used to stabilize a tray on a user's legs.
These include shaping the underside of the tray to accommodate the
user's legs, making the underside compliant, using foam rubber for
example, so that the underside compresses to follow the shape of
the legs, and making the underside of a bean-bag structure, that
is, a flexible bag that contains many separate elements.
[0002] Since a lap tray may not be perfectly horizontal in use, and
is subject to movement when the user moves, the upper surface of
the tray is often covered with a rubber-like material to reduce the
chance of objects slipping on the tray.
[0003] When a lap tray is used in a vehicle, such as an automobile,
boat or light aircraft, the movement of a lap tray is greatly
increased. In particular, the tray may be subject to sudden
vertical movements. A non-slip surface is unable to prevent objects
from bouncing off of the tray. Thus, most lap trays are not suited
to use in vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 1 is an example storage tray in accordance with some
embodiments of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an example storage tray with a magnetic attachment
in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIGS. 3 and 4 are example storage trays with carrying
handles in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example storage tray with a
collapsible container in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0009] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a system including a storage tray, a bowl
and a support pad in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0010] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further system including a storage
tray, a bowl and a support pad in accordance with some embodiments
of the invention.
[0011] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that
the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps
and apparatus components related to a storage tray and its use.
Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been
represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the
drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to
understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to
obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the
description herein.
[0013] In this document, relational terms such as first and second,
top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one
entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily
requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between
such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or
any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by
"comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a storage tray in
accordance with some embodiments. The storage tray 100 includes a
container 102 having an opening 104, and one or more elastic strips
106. Each elastic strip 106 is coupled to the container 102 and
traverses the opening 104 of the container. In use, one or more
objects 108 placed in the container 102 through the opening 104 are
restrained by at least one of the elastic strips 106. Placing an
object in the container 102 deforms or more of the elastic strips
106, putting the strips into tension. This tension increases the
friction between the strips and the object and holds the object in
place. The elastic strips 106 may be constructed of a material,
such as rubber, that resists slippage. The elastic strips provide
sufficient tension to hold objects in placed while the container is
shaken in a vehicle, but also allow objects to be easily removed by
a user.
[0015] The elastic strips may be bands, straps, cords or strings,
for example.
[0016] The elastic strips 106 may be movably coupled to the
container 102 so as to accommodate objects of differing sizes. For
example, in one embodiment an elastic strip is coupled to the
container via a hook 110. Other methods of attachment may be
used.
[0017] By adjusting the elastic strips, the container may
accommodate multiple and various objects. For example, the objects
may be cups and/or bowls.
[0018] The container may have various sizes. In one embodiment, the
width of the container is selected to accommodate two cups. For
example, the width may be approximately 7.5 inches. The container
may be sized to accommodate six cups in two rows of three. In a
further embodiment, the container may be sized to accommodate a
rectangular bowl of a specified width. In this embodiment a lip
around the perimeter of the bowl may rest on top of the container
sides, so that the bowl is supported by the sides of the
container.
[0019] In some embodiments, the storage tray 100 includes a
deformable pad 112 coupled to the underside of the container 102.
The deformable pad may be permanently coupled to the container 102
or it may be removably coupled to it.
[0020] In one embodiment, the deformable pad 112 comprises a
flexible bag containing multiple separate elements. The separate
elements may be constructed of man-made or natural materials, such
as dried beans, foam balls, Styrofoam balls, recycled cardboard
balls or paper balls.
[0021] In a further embodiment the deformable pad 112 comprises a
flexible bag containing a gel.
[0022] The deformable pad and the container may be constructed from
a water resistant material, such as plastic or vinyl.
[0023] The deformable pad 112 provides a degree of vibration
isolation between the supporting surface and the container 102.
[0024] Handles 114 may be attached to container 102. The attachment
points are selected such that the center of gravity on the
container (and any objects in it) is within the region defined by
the attachment points so that the container may be carried without
tipping. In one embodiment, the handles are attached to opposite
ends of the container, as shown in FIG. 1. The handles may be
constructed of rope or cord, for example, and may swivel at the
attachment points.
[0025] In one embodiment, the container may have solid walls. In
other embodiments the container may have perforated walls or mesh
walls.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the deformable pad 112
is coupled to the container 102 using a first magnetic element 202
coupled to the top surface of the deformable pad 112 and a second
magnetic element 204 coupled to the underside of the container 102.
The deformable pad 112 is coupled to the underside of the container
102 by magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic
elements. This coupling method prevents the container from being
bounced from the pad by movement of the vehicle or movement of a
user. In addition, it also allows the container to be removed from
the pad for transportation, cleaning, etc.
[0027] Either, or both, of the magnetic elements 202 and 204 may
comprise rigid or flexible magnets.
[0028] In one embodiment, the top surface of the deformable pad 112
has a raised edge 206 around at least a part of its perimeter and
the deformable pad 112 and raised edge 206 are sized such that the
raised edge 206 encompasses the lower part of the container 102 and
thereby restrains lateral motion of the container. In FIG. 2, the
raised edge 206 is shown on three sides of the deformable pad 112.
However, is should be recognized that pads and containers of other
shapes may be used and that the raised edge may be on all edges or
only some edges of the pad.
[0029] Optionally, the container 102 may have one or more carrying
handles. In FIG. 2, the carrying handles comprise holes 114 at each
end of the container 102.
[0030] The elastic strips 106 may be movably coupled to the
container 102 so as to accommodate objects of differing sizes. For
example, in one embodiment an elastic strip is coupled to the
container via a hook 110. The hooks may be fastened to a lip 210 of
the container, so that the hooks can be slid along the lip to vary
the gaps between the elastic strips 106.
[0031] A hinged flap or ledge 208 may be coupled to one side of the
container 102. The hinged flap 208 may be used, for example, to
secure the container on the rear seat of an automobile by hooking
the flap over a center console of the seat. This further increases
the resistance of the container to sliding.
[0032] In FIG. 3, the carrying handles 114 comprise lips that may
be integral with the walls of container 102. Also shown in FIG. 3
is an optional additional magnetic element 302. One or more
optional additional magnetic elements 302 may be used to attach
other objects to a side of container 102, provided that the object
306 to be attached has a corresponding magnetic element 304 or is
itself magnetic. In one embodiment, the object 306 is an external
holder for utensils, sunglasses, writing implements, or other
articles. In a further embodiment, the object 306 is an external
holder comprising a ring that supports a bag for trash or the
like.
[0033] In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the carrying
handles 114 are attached to the sides of the container 102. The
handles 114 may be rigid handles connected to opposite sides of the
container 102 at pivots 402, of they be flexible handles, such as
rope handles. A hand grip 404 may be incorporated to improved
comfort for a user. When not in use, the carrying handles may be
moved from the carrying position (shown in FIG. 4) to a second
position, in which they do not interfere with access to objects in
the container 102. The handles may be attached towards the ends of
the container, so that the container, and objects within it, may be
carried without tilting.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, the container may be constructed of a
perforated material having holes 406. All or some of the surfaces
of the container may be perforated. Similarly, the container may be
constructed of a mesh, such as a wire mesh.
[0035] In one embodiment, the container and the objects it
contains, such as food or drink containers, are made of a
deformable material. In the event that the container is used in an
automobile, deformation of the material would prevent injury to a
user in the event of a crash.
[0036] The deformable pad 112 may be configured in a `saddle` shape
to facilitate the placement of the pad on the user's lap.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a collapsible storage tray in
accordance a further embodiment. The container includes a
substantially stiff base 502, a frame 504 that defines the opening
104. The frame 504 may be a wire, wood or plastic frame, for
example. The container also includes first and second collapsible
walls 506, which are coupled between the frame 504 and the base 502
at opposite sides of the frame 504, and first and second stiff
walls that are hinged to the frame 504 at opposite sides of the
frame. The collapsible walls 506 may be constructed of a fabric,
such as a woven nylon, or a flexible sheet. The first and second
stiff walls 508 may be pivoted inwards to a first position
substantially in the plane of the base 502, thereby enabling the
container to be collapsed by lowering the frame towards the base.
The walls 508 may be pivoted outwards to the second position
substantially perpendicular to the base 502 and in contact with the
base, thereby extending the first and second collapsible walls 506
into tension and forming the container. The ends of the base may be
shaped to restrain the first and second stiff walls 508 when they
are in the second position.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a further diagram of a collapsible storage tray in
accordance a further embodiment. In this embodiment, a flexible
pouch 602 is attached, either permanently or removably, to a side
of the storage tray. The flexible pouch 602 may be attached to the
frame 504 or to a flexible wall 506, for example. Handles 114 may
be attached to the frame. In one embodiment, the handles are
attached to the corners of the frame. The weight of the container
base 502 and any placed objects in the container extends the
collapsible walls 506 and weight is transferred from the walls to
the frame 504 and handles 114.
[0039] The storage tray may be used as a lap tray for seated
person. In particular, the storage tray may be used as a lap tray
for an occupant of a vehicle. The storage tray may be placed on a
passenger seat in a vehicle. The deformable tray conforms to the
shape of the seat and provides a stable base for the container. The
elastic straps hold objects, such as food and drink containers,
securely in the tray and prevent spillage. This is in contrast to
prior lap trays, which do not have any means for preventing
vertical motion of an object relative to the tray. The deformable
pad 112 reduces sudden motion of the container by providing a
degree of isolation between the container and the seat. This
reduces spillage of liquids, such as drinks, held in the
container.
[0040] Objects may be secured in the storage tray using a single
hand, simply by pressing the object into the opening. No further
action is required to secure the object in the container.
[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a system including a storage tray, a bowl
and a support pad in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a bowl 702, or other object,
includes a magnetic element 704 affixed to the underside of the
bowl. The magnetic element allows the bowl to removably held in the
storage tray 100 by magnetic attraction between the magnetic
element 704 and a magnetic element 706 fixed to the base of the
container 102.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, the bowl 702 may be removed from the
storage tray 100 and placed on a support base 802. The magnetic
element 704 on the bowl 702 allows the bowl to be removably held on
the support base 802 by magnetic attraction between the magnetic
element 704 and a magnetic element 804 fixed to the support base
802. In one embodiment, the support base 802 is deformable pad
comprising a flexible bag that contains multiple separate elements.
The separate elements may be constructed of man-made or natural
materials, such as dried beans, foam balls, Styrofoam balls,
recycled cardboard balls or paper balls. The support base may be
smaller that the storage tray and may be adapted to be placed on a
user's lap. This enables the user to eat from the bowl while in an
automobile, since the support base 802 deforms to the shape of the
user's legs to prevent slippage, and magnetic attraction between
the magnetic elements 704 and 804 prevents slippage of the bowl 702
relative to the support base 802. Further, the support base 802
acts as a vibration absorber and reduces the tendency for items to
spill from the bowl.
[0043] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further system including a storage
tray, a bowl and a support pad in accordance with some embodiments
of the invention. In FIG. 9, the bowl 702 includes a rim or lip 902
along at least two side walls of the top of the bowl 702. The bowl
702 and container 102 are sized such that portions of the lip 902
rest on the top 904 of the side walls of the storage tray 100. In
this manner, the bowl 702 is securely supported within the storage
tray 100. The depth of the bowl 702 is less than the depth of the
storage tray 100.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 10, the bowl 702 may be removed from the
storage tray 100 and placed on a support base 802. A magnetic
element 704 on the bowl 702 allows the bowl to be removably held on
the support base 802 by magnetic attraction between the magnetic
element 704 and a magnetic element 804 fixed to the support base
802. In one embodiment, the support base 802 is deformable pad
comprising a flexible bag that contains multiple separate elements.
The separate elements may be constructed of man-made or natural
materials, such as dried beans, foam balls, Styrofoam balls,
recycled cardboard balls or paper balls. The support base may be
smaller that the storage tray and may be adapted to be placed on a
user's lap. This enables the user to eat from the bowl while in an
automobile, since the support base 802 deforms to the shape of the
user's legs to prevent slippage, and magnetic attraction between
the magnetic elements 704 and 804 prevents slippage of the bowl 702
relative to the support base 802. Further, the support base 802
acts as a vibration absorber and reduces the tendency for items to
spill from the bowl.
[0045] The support base 802 may comprise a deformable pad with a
raised or lipped edge to catch spills of food or liquids and to
help locate the bowl 702 on the base. In one embodiment, the
lateral edges and the edge closest to the user are approximately
1'' high, while the edge farthest from the user is approximately
2'' high. The raised edge may support one or more pockets 1006 that
are sized for holding objects such as cellular telephones,
navigation devices, audio players, cutlery, tissues, etc. The
pockets 1006 may be constructed of mesh or plastic materials, for
example,
[0046] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the
present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the
specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s)
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or essential features or elements of any or all the
claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims
including any amendments made during the pendency of this
application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
* * * * *