SEAT BACK TRAY ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus that includes a first and second attachment strap, a tray member coupled to a first end of the first attachment strap and a first end of the second attachment strap, a first fastener coupled to a second end of the first attachment strap, a second fastener coupled to a second end of the second attachment strap, and a support member coupled to the tray member and at least one of the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/110,492, filed on Oct. 31, 2008 entitled “SEAT BACK TRAY ASSEMBLY.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of automobiles has long been an everyday aspect of life in modern society. Passengers such as children may spend time in cars between one activity and another, such as between school and soccer practice. Time spent in a car ride is often used to eat, play games, and perform other tasks. This can, however, prove difficult for passengers while the car is in motion since, for example, eating may require two hands, leaving the passenger unable to hold onto a beverage securely. In a longer car ride, a passenger may also wish to consume snacks periodically. For example, a child may have a bag of chips and eat a few chips off and on as he likes. He may then place the bag of chips on the seat of the vehicle while he is not eating, and a pile of crumbs may spill out onto the seat or floor of the vehicle, creating a mess. In addition, passengers may like to play games in the back seat of a car, and those games with multiple pieces may be difficult to manage over a car seat.

Various types of trays assemblies that may be used in a vehicle back seat have been developed. Such trays may be disposed over the legs of a passenger, in which case the passenger may feel restricted through the car ride. Some trays rest on the floor and are raised up by a pedestal-like feature. These floor trays may impinge on the passenger's leg space. If situated away from the passenger's leg area, the passenger would be required to reach toward the tray in an awkward manner.

Another type of tray assembly is supported from a front car seat so that it may be disposed against the back of the front seat. These trays are often bulky, and are thus not conducive to portability when travelling. They may also be relatively costly to manufacture.

Hence, it is desirable to have a solution, without the above-described disadvantages. As will be seen, the invention provides such a solution in an elegant manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of the invention in use.

FIGS. 2B-C illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of the invention in use.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of the invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a seat back tray assembly. In particular, the invention is directed to an apparatus comprising a first attachment strap; a second attachment strap; a tray member coupled to a first end of the first attachment strap and a first end of the second attachment strap; a first fastener coupled to a second end of the first attachment strap; a second fastener coupled to a second end of the second attachment strap; and a support member coupled to the tray member and at least one of the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap.

The invention is also directed to an apparatus comprising an attachment strap; a tray member coupled to a first end and a second end of the attachment strap; a height adjustment mechanism coupled to the attachment strap; and a support member coupled to the tray member and the attachment strap.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment 100 of the invention. Tray assembly 100 may include, for example, a first attachment strap 102, a second attachment strap 104, and a tray member 106 coupled to a first end 102A of the first attachment strap 102 and a first end 104A of the second attachment strap 104. A first fastener 107 may be coupled to a second end 102B of the first attachment strap 102, and a second fastener 108 coupled to a second end 104B of the second attachment strap 104. A support member 110 may be coupled to the tray member 106 at ends 112A and 114A of support member 110, respectively. Support member 110 may also be coupled to first attachment strap 102 at portion 112B, and to second attachment strap 104 at portion 114B. Attachment straps 102/104 and/or support member 110 may be formed using one of a variety of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, a material that is flexible may be used. Support member 110 may not only keep tray member 106 up at a position substantially parallel to the floor, but may also provide stability to the tray member 106 when, for example, a vehicle makes turns.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment 200 of the invention as it may be supported on a front seat 252 of a vehicle. In this example, headrest 256 may be removed from seat 252 so as to allow fasteners, such as rings 206/208, of tray assembly 200 to be disposed around headrest supports 254 in the shown position. Headrest 256 may also be removed so as to free the tray assembly 200 from the supports 254.

Alternatively, the fasteners may include a hook 206B or a hook-and-loop assembly 206C, such as that marketed under the trademark Velcro, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, which may not require removing the headrest 256 or its supports 254 for installation. An additional advantage to using a hook-and-loop assembly 206C as illustrated is the ability to adjust the position at which hook side 207A attaches to loop side 207B. This inherently allows a user to adjust the height of tray assembly 200 relative to the back of seat 252.

FIG. 3A shows another embodiment 300 of a tray assembly, in which the tray height may be adjusted. For example, attachment straps 302/304 may include height adjustment mechanisms 303/305. The illustrated figure shows the adjustment mechanisms as snap-button assemblies, but they may alternatively be buckles, clasps, hook-and-loop assemblies, or any other suitable mechanism for adjusting the length of straps 302/304.

Additionally, angle adjustment mechanisms, such as buckles 307/309 shown, may allow a user to adjust the length of support member 310 at portions 110A and 110B. This inherently allows the angle 301 (see FIG. 3B) between attachment straps 302/304 and tray member 306 to be adjusted. This may be useful in the case that seat 352 is tilted back or forward, so as to keep tray member 306 as parallel to the floor as possible.

As shown in FIG. 4A, another embodiment 400 of the invention may include three separate members to form the analogous segments of support member 310 in FIG. 3. For example, tray assembly 400 may include a first support segment 412, a second support segment 414, and a joining segment 410, as independent segments coupled together as shown. In the case that these three segments are independent, angle adjustment mechanisms may be employed as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, an adjustment mechanism such as but not limited to a hook-and-loop assembly, buckle, clasp, or button assembly, may be employed at the end of segment 414, in conjunction with strap 404. A hook-and-loop assembly with loop side 420 and hook side 422 is shown. Segment 414 may pass through loop 424, and then loop side 420 may fasten against hook side 422 in an adjustable manner so as to vary the angle 401 between strap 404 and tray member 406.

In an embodiment of the invention, a closure assembly, such as but not limited to a hook-and-loop assembly, buckle, clasp, or button assembly, may be employed to fasten a portion of tray member 406 to joining segment 410. As an example, hook-and-loop assembly 430/432 is shown in FIG. 4A. Fastening loop portion 430 to hook portion 432 allows the tray assembly 400 to be placed in a closed position while supported against the back of a car seat. This closed position may also be convenient for storage and travel purposes.

In an embodiment of the invention, straps 402 and 404 may be formed as one piece or otherwise connected, as shown in FIG. 4A, so as to loop around a front seat headrest in entirety. Optionally, an adjustment mechanism 450 may be included so as to allow height adjustment of the tray assembly relative to the seat back.

In an embodiment of the invention, tray member 406 may include one of a variety of options, manufactured to be suited for one of various purposes. For example, tray member 406 may include an opening 440 to accept a beverage container, indentation 442 to secure an object such as food, crayons, poker cards, etc. Various accessories, such as but not limited to pouch 444, may also be included in, about, or coupled to tray member 406.

Tray member 406 may be formed using one of various materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as but not limited to corrugated material, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic, and metal. In an embodiment of the invention, tray member 406 may employ corrugated or honeycomb-form material so as to crush within itself should force be applied. This may be desirable, such as in the case of an accident in which a passenger or other object is suddenly forced upon the tray member 406, so as to potentially prevent injury to the passenger from contact against the tray member 406.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tray assembly may be formed using low-cost, disposable materials. This may be advantageous for purposes of commercial use, for example, as offered with products at fast food restaurants or convenience stores. It may also be desirable for individuals who prefer to dispose of instead of cleaning the assembly. Further, liners may be manufactured and used in conjunction with the assembly, so as to maintain cleanliness of the tray assembly by allowing disposal of the liner portion. Other options may also be included, such as those directed toward particular purposes of eating, children's entertainment, or other activities. For example, a bib may be fixedly or detachably coupled to an edge of the tray member, and configured to extend out to a passenger's neckline, so as to aid in keeping the vehicle seat and floor free from food or other debris.

Thus, the invention provides a seat back tray assembly that is lightweight, compact, easy to install and cost-effective for manufacturing. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a first attachment strap;

a second attachment strap;

a tray member coupled to a first end of the first attachment strap and a first end of the second attachment strap;

a first fastener coupled to a second end of the first attachment strap;

a second fastener coupled to a second end of the second attachment strap; and

a support member coupled to the tray member and at least one of the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the support member, the first attachment strap, and the second attachment strap is made of flexible material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first height adjustment mechanism coupled to the first attachment strap; and

a second height adjustment mechanism coupled to the second attachment strap.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first height adjustment mechanism and the second height adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a clasp, a hook-and-loop assembly, and a button assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is coupled to the tray member at a first end and a second end of the support member, and is coupled to the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap, wherein a center portion of the support member is disposed between the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

a first angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member between the first end of the support member and the first attachment strap; and

a second angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member between the second end of the support member and the second attachment strap.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first angle adjustment mechanism and the second angle adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a clasp, a hook-and-loop assembly, and a button assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

a closure assembly configured to fasten a portion of the tray member to the center portion of the support member.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the closure assembly is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a clasp, a hook-and-loop assembly, and a button assembly.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is coupled to the tray member at a first end of the support member, and is coupled to the first attachment strap at a second end of the support member, and further comprising:

another support member coupled to the tray member at a first end of the another support member, and coupled to the second attachment strap at a second end of the another support member.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a first angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member; and

a second angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the another support member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first angle adjustment mechanism and the second angle adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a clasp, a hook-and-loop assembly, and a button assembly.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a joining member disposed between and coupled to the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a closure assembly configured to fasten a portion of the tray member to the joining member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the closure assembly is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a clasp, a hook-and-loop assembly, and a button assembly.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are configured to support the apparatus about a headrest of a car seat.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fastener and the second fastener is selected from the group consisting of a ring, a hook, and a hook-and-loop assembly.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a section of the tray member forms an opening configured to accept a beverage container.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a section of the tray member forms an indentation configured to secure an object.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray member is formed with one of the group consisting of corrugated material, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic, and metal.

21. An apparatus, comprising:

an attachment strap;

a tray member coupled to a first end and a second end of the attachment strap;

a height adjustment mechanism coupled to the attachment strap; and

a support member coupled to the tray member and the attachment strap.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the attachment strap is configured to support the apparatus about a headrest of a car seat, and wherein the height adjustment mechanism may be adjusted to vary the length of the attachment strap.