Inflatable lap desk

Abstract

The present invention is an inflatable lap desk that includes an inflatable body and at least one attachable activity sheet. The inflatable body includes a predetermined shape when inflated, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a chamber, and at least one valve. The activity sheet has sufficient flexibility for being placed in a first position and in a second position, and is adapted for being removably secured about the top side of the inflatable body. The activity sheet is adapted for providing at least one activity for a user. In another embodiment, the present invention is a kit that includes an inflatable body, at least one attachable activity sheet, and a storage container. Each of these embodiments may further include at least one cup holder, at least one utility tool holder, and a pair of securing straps.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/283,901, filed on Dec. 10, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lap desks, lap tables, lap trays, portable travel trays, and similar devices and apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable lap desk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Providing travelers, especially children, during travel and people at home with activities and/or games is desired. Providing travelers, especially children, during travel and people at home with a device or apparatus that functions as a food and beverage tray is also desired. Thus, there remains a strong need for portable devices or apparatuses that are able to provide people with activities and/or games and to possibly also function as a food and beverage tray.

The Applicant is unaware of inventions or patents, taken either singly or in combination, which are seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an inflatable lap desk that is collapsible for easy storage and transport. In an embodiment, the present invention is an inflatable lap desk that includes an inflatable body or bladder and at least one attachable activity sheet or plate. This embodiment may further include one or more of at least one cup holder, at least one utility tool holder, and a pair of securing straps. The inflatable body includes a predetermined shape when inflated, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a chamber, and at least one valve adapted for the inflation and deflation of the inflatable body. The chamber is defined by the top side, bottom side, front side, rear side, left side, and right side of the inflatable body. The attachable activity sheet is adapted for being removably secured about the top side of the inflatable body. The activity sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and is adapted for providing at least one activity for a user. The activity sheet has sufficient flexibility for being placed in a first position and in a second position.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a kit that includes an inflatable body or bladder, at least one attachable activity sheet or plate, and a carrying or storage container. Also, this embodiment may further include one or more of at least one cup holder, at least one utility tool holder, and a pair of securing straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, right side view of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective, left side view of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of the inflatable lap desk of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an activity sheet, shown in a first position, of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, side view of an activity sheet, shown in a second position, of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an activity sheet, shown including an example of a pre-printed game or activity, of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an activity sheet, shown including another example of a pre-printed game or activity, of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of a pair of securing straps of an embodiment of an inflatable lap desk according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective, side view of a storage container of an embodiment of a kit according to the present invention.

It should be understood that the above-attached figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In an embodiment and referring to FIGS. 1-9, the present invention is an inflatable lap desk 100 that includes an inflatable body or bladder 120 and at least one attachable activity sheet or plate 140. This embodiment may further include one or more of at least one cup holder 160, at least one utility tool holder 170, and a pair of securing straps 180.

The inflatable body or bladder 120 has a predetermined shape when inflated, and includes a top side 122, a bottom side 124, a front side 126, a rear side 128, a left side 130, a right side 132, a chamber 134, and at least one valve 136 adapted for the inflation and deflation of the inflatable body 120. The chamber 134 is defined by the top side 122, bottom side 124, front side 126, rear side 128, left side 130, and right side 132 of the inflatable body 120.

As a non-limiting example, a wedge-shaped configuration of the inflatable body 120 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. In this example, the front side 126 of the inflatable body 120 has a curvature 138 directed rearwardly toward the rear side 128, and there is an incline from the direction of the front side 126 toward the rear side 128 such that the height from the top side 122 to the bottom side 124 at about the front side 126 is less than the height from the top side 122 to the bottom side 124 at about the rear side 128. This wedge-shaped configuration, along with the curvature 138 of the front side 126, allow the user 190 to more easily access and use the inflatable lap desk 100 and activity sheet 140. The curvature 138 of the front side 126 is dimensioned to accommodate the torso and midsection of the user 190 when the inflatable lap desk 100 is in use. It is preferred that the corners 142 of the inflatable body 120 are rounded and that the inflatable body 120, or at least the outer surface 144 of the inflatable body 120, is manufactured of or includes a material that is soft or cushioned to provide comfort and safety for the user. As non-limiting examples, some materials are PVC or soft plastic, cloth, velvet, vinyl, leather, and any other material that is well known in the art. When the inflatable body 120, or at least the outer surface 144 of the inflatable body 120, is manufactured of or includes a material that is soft or cushioned, the inflatable body 120 may preferably be turned over and used as a pillow.

For simplicity of manufacturing, ease of use and transportability, and safety of the user, it is preferred that the chamber 134 is an air chamber, that there is an inflation valve 136a for inflation of the inflatable body 120, a deflation valve 136b for deflation of the inflatable body 120, and that both valves 136a, 136b are air valves. The air chamber 134 is adapted for receiving air being blown or introduced into the air chamber 134 through the inflation valve 136a, and for air being removed from the air chamber 134 through the deflation valve 136b. It is well known by one of ordinary skill in the art that the air chamber 134 can also be inflated by an electric air pump when used in connection with a corresponding inflation valve and be deflated via a corresponding deflation valve, similar to the types used to inflate and deflate inflatable air mattresses. Also, it is well known by one of ordinary skill in the art that the air valve may be substituted by a water valve when water or a liquid is used to inflate the chamber, or by a substance valve when sand, beads, or another substance is used to inflate the chamber. Further, it is well known by one of ordinary skill in the art that the inflatable body 120 may include only a single valve 136 for both the inflation and deflation of the inflatable body 120.

The inflatable body 120 may farther include a peripheral raised lip 146 located about the perimeter 148 of the inflatable body 120 and a crease 150 formed at the bottom 152 of the peripheral raised lip 146. The peripheral raised lip 146 and crease 150 help to removably attach or secure the attachable activity sheet 140 to the inflatable body 120. It is preferred that the peripheral raised lip 146 is continuous about the perimeter 148 of the inflatable body 120. Also, the peripheral raised lip 146 helps to retain utility tools upon the inflatable body 120 when the inflatable lap desk 100 is in use, such as during car travel.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6-9, the attachable activity sheet or plate 140 has a top surface 154 and a bottom surface 156, and is adapted for providing at least one activity for a user. It is preferred that the activity sheet 140 is thin enough to be rolled or folded and thick enough to be written or drawn upon. Also, it is preferred that the top surface 154 of the activity sheet 140 may allow the user 190 to write and do drawings upon the top surface 154, or has at least one game, exercise, or activity pre-printed or included on or about, or viewable from, the top surface 154. As non-limiting examples, some games, activities or exercises are tracing the alphabet or numbers, dot to dot pictures, coloring pictures, American sign language alphabet, and language sheets or plates—pictures with various languages. For example, a picture of a bear and it is translated into three or four languages. It is preferred that the inflatable lap desk 100 includes a plurality of activity sheets 140 so that the user 190, or someone assisting the user, can easily or readily provide the user 190 with different activities.

Also, the activity sheet 140 has sufficient flexibility for being placed in a first or use position 158 (as shown in FIG. 6) and in a second or storage position 162 (as shown in FIG. 7). The activity sheet 140 is in the use position 158 when the sheet 140 is generally flat, and is in the storage position 162, for example, when the sheet 140 is rolled up or folded up. It is preferred that the activity sheet 140 has sufficient rigidity and strength to retain its original shape when the sheet 140 goes back and forth from the use position 158 to the storage position 162, and vice versa. As a non-limiting example, the activity sheet 140 may be manufactured of a plastic material or any other material that is well known in the art that has sufficient flexibility. As a non-limiting example, the activity sheet 140 may be a dry erase board.

The attachable activity sheet 140 is removably attached, secured, mounted, or engaged to or about the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120. As a non-limiting example, the activity sheet 140 is positioned above the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120 when in use. As non-limiting examples, the engagement of the activity sheet 140 and inflatable body 120 may be accomplished by a variety of methods, such as by a hook-and-loop fastener engagement or a magnet-to-magnet engagement at predetermined positions on the bottom surface 156 of the activity sheet 140 and the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120. When the inflatable body 120 includes a peripheral raised lip 146 located about the perimeter 148 of the inflatable body 120 and a crease 150 formed at the bottom 152 of the peripheral raised lip 146, the activity sheet 140 may be removably secured or engaged to or about the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120 by being positioned or tucked about the bottom 152 of the peripheral raised lip 146 about the crease 150 such that the bottom 152 of the peripheral raised lip 146 and the perimeter 164 of the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120 form a generally secure engagement.

This embodiment may further include at least one cup holder 160, at least one utility tool holder 170, and a pair of securing straps 180. As non-limiting examples, the cup holder 160 and utility tool holder 170 are located at predetermined positions about the inflatable body 120, or about the attachable activity sheet 140, or about both the inflatable body 120 and attachable activity sheet 140 wherein the positions about the inflatable body 120 and attachable activity sheet 140 correspond respectively to one another. As a non-limiting example, the cup holder 160 and utility tool holder 170 are indented a predetermined distance into the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120 and have corresponding holes or openings 166 in the attachable activity sheet 140 when the attachable activity sheet 140 is removably secured to the top side 122 of the inflatable body 120. The cup holder 160 is sufficiently spaced for accommodating a cup or other drink containers. The utility tool holder 170 is sufficiently spaced for accommodating such tools as crayons, markers, pens, pencils, erasers, and scissors. As non-limiting examples, the securing straps 180 may be manufactured to be permanently secured to the inflatable body 120, or may be of the type that can be removably attached or secured to the inflatable body 120 about the bottom side 124 at about the front side 126. The straps 180 can be attached to any seat belt (preferably around the waist) for stability, or, when used in the home, two removable weighted straps can be attached.

When in use, the inflatable lap desk 100 is inflated and positioned upon or about the lap of the user 190. As a non-limiting example, the inflatable lap desk 100 may be secured to the waist of the user 190 via the securing straps 180. When inflated, the inflatable lap desk 100 may serve different functions, such as a drawing or activity pad, tray, or table. When deflated, the inflatable lap desk 100 is flexible enough to be rolled up or folded up and stored in a carrying or storage container 192 (described in more detail below) for easy transport.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a kit that includes an inflatable body or bladder 120, at least one attachable activity sheet or plate 140, and a carrying or storage container 192. This embodiment may further include one or more of at least one cup holder 160, at least one utility tool holder 180, and a pair of securing straps 180.

The storage container 192 is adapted for storing and transporting the inflatable body 120 and at least one attachable activity sheet 140 when the inflatable body 120 and at least one attachable activity sheet 140 are not in use. As a non-limiting example, the storage container 192 may have a cylindrical shaped body 194, a rounded dome top 196, and a clip 198, such as a carabiner type clip.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that the inflatable body or bladder 120, at least one attachable activity sheet or plate 140, at least one cup holder 160, at least one utility tool holder 180, and a pair of securing straps 180, are substantially or exactly the same as those in the other embodiment previously described above.

The inflatable lap desk 100 may be manufactured in various sizes to accommodate different users, such as children and adults.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An inflatable lap desk comprising:

an inflatable body comprising a predetermined shape when inflated, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a chamber, and at least one valve adapted for the inflation and deflation of said inflatable body, wherein said chamber is defined by said top side, said bottom side, said front side, said rear side, said left side, and said right side of said inflatable body; and

at least one attachable activity sheet adapted for being removably secured about said top side of said inflatable body, wherein said activity sheet comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and is adapted for providing at least one activity for a user, wherein said activity sheet has sufficient flexibility for being placed in a first position and in a second position.

2. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape of said inflatable body is a wedge-shaped configuration, wherein said wedge-shaped configuration includes an incline from the direction of said front side of said inflatable body toward said rear side of said inflatable body wherein a height from said top side of said inflatable body to said bottom side of said inflatable body at about said front side of said inflatable body is less than a height from said top side of said inflatable body to said bottom side of said inflatable body at about said rear side of said inflatable body.

3. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 2, wherein said front side of said inflatable body has a curvature directed rearwardly toward said rear side of said inflatable body.

4. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, wherein said at least one valve is an air valve.

5. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, wherein said at least one valve includes an inflation valve for inflation of said inflatable body, and a deflation valve for deflation of said inflatable body.

6. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 5, wherein said inflation valve is an air valve, and said deflation valve is an air valve.

7. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, wherein said inflatable body further comprises a peripheral raised lip located about a perimeter of said inflatable body, and a crease formed at a bottom of said peripheral raised lip.

8. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, wherein said activity sheet is in said first position when said activity sheet is generally flat and is in said second position when said activity sheet is rolled up or folded up.

9. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, wherein said top surface of said activity sheet includes at least one game, exercise, or activity.

10. The inflatable lap desk according to claim 1, further comprising at least one selected from the group of at least one cup holder, at least one utility tool holder, and a pair of securing straps.

11. A kit comprising:

an inflatable body comprising a predetermined shape when inflated, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a chamber, and at least one valve adapted for the inflation and deflation of said inflatable body, wherein said chamber is defined by said top side, said bottom side, said front side, said rear side, said left side, and said right side of said inflatable body;

at least one attachable activity sheet adapted for being removably secured about said top side of said inflatable body, wherein said activity sheet comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and is adapted for providing at least one activity for a user, wherein said activity sheet has sufficient flexibility for being placed in a first position and in a second position; and

a storage container.

12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein said predetermined shape of said inflatable body is a wedge-shaped configuration, wherein said wedge-shaped configuration includes an incline from the direction of said front side of said inflatable body toward said rear side of said inflatable body wherein a height from said top side of said inflatable body to said bottom side of said inflatable body at about said front side of said inflatable body is less than a height from said top side of said inflatable body to said bottom side of said inflatable body at about said rear side of said inflatable body.

13. The kit according to claim 12, wherein said front side of said inflatable body has a curvature directed rearwardly toward said rear side of said inflatable body.

14. The kit according to claim 11, wherein said at least one valve is an air valve.

15. The kit according to claim 11, wherein said at least one valve includes an inflation valve for inflation of said inflatable body, and a deflation valve for deflation of said inflatable body.

16. The kit according to claim 15, wherein said inflation valve is an air valve, and said deflation valve is an air valve.

17. The kit according to claim 11, wherein said inflatable body further comprises a peripheral raised lip located about a perimeter of said inflatable body, and a crease formed at a bottom of said peripheral raised lip.

18. The kit according to claim 11, wherein said activity sheet is in said first position when said activity sheet is generally flat and is in said second position when said activity sheet is rolled up or folded up.

19. The kit according to claim 11, wherein said top surface of said activity sheet includes at least one game, exercise, or activity.

20. The kit according to claim 11, further comprising at least one selected from the group of at least one cup holder, at least one utility tool holder, and a pair of securing straps.