Luggage Tray Apparatus

Abstract

A luggage tray apparatus for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage is provided. The luggage has a sliding grip, retractable handle with the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods. The luggage tray apparatus comprises a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge with the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge. An elongated slot is formed completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge with the elongated slot capable of slidably receiving the extension rods. A pair of support arms is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end secured to the bottom surface and the second end secured to the extension rods. Wherein the tray table provides a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/320,009 filed Apr. 8, 2016, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Work. Play and Eat Tray for Travel.” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of travel accessories and more specifically to the field of luggage tray apparatuses providing a tray table specifically designed to attach to a sliding grip handle of carryon luggage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whereas previous generations could only dream of traveling at will, today it is a reality for many across the globe. From a family embarking on a road trip to visit relatives or a newlywed couple taking a honeymoon cruise to an adventurous grandmother boarding a cross country train or a seasoned business traveler racking up scores of frequent flyer miles, millions of people set out on trips every day. For every journey, regardless if one is only taking a bus to the next state over or flying to a foreign land, travelers invariably find themselves cooling their heels for extended periods in airports and other travel stations.

Long layovers and delayed flights especially result in travelers spending hours at airport gates. Many travelers take advantage of this downtime by enjoying food and drink, or they work or play on their laptop or tablet computers. Comfortably doing these things while sitting at a gate is fraught with challenge. Diners have no choice but to eat food from their laps, while setting drinks on the floor, where other walking travelers may kick them over. Users of electronic media must balance cumbersome computers on their knees or stain the hands and neck holding and looking down at tablets. As a result, the stress and exhaustion inherent in travel layovers and delays are only exacerbated.

The prior art has put forth several designs for luggage table tops. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,349 to Monica E. Halko and Karen Heitz describes a portable suitcase tabletop system having a suitcase with a generally U shaped telescopic handle and a plurality of wheels located on the suitcase bottom surface. The system has a table with a table bottom surface pivotally attached to a generally U shaped telescopic table mount. A first table mount rod is located in a first table mount tube and a second table mount rod is located in a second table mount tube. The first table mount tube and the second table mount tube are located on a suitcase rear surface. In a first closed position, the table is located parallel with and pivoted against the suitcase rear surface. In a second open position, the table is pivoted into a position on a plane parallel with the suitcase top surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,472 to William S. McNeil describes a computer table attachable to a piece of luggage standing in an upright position upon which a portable computer is supported for typing use. One embodiment provides a simple, flat piece of ABS plastic with a foldable leaf portion adapted to be received in a cavity in the flat plastic tray. The leaf portion has trunnions adjacent one end which are adapted to be received into complemental slots to allow the leaf to fold away. In a second embodiment the tray is fitted with a fixed upstanding rib member rather than one which is folded away. In both embodiments a further but shorter rib is provided at the opposite end of the tray to insure that a computer stays on the tray while the tray is in use. Another slight rib extends about the periphery of the table.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,508 to Jon B. Ryburg describes a portable work surface for use with a luggage carrier including a work surface, a leg assembly operably coupled to the work surface and an engaging apparatus coupled to the work surface. The luggage carrier includes at least one support member having a handle and an engaging apparatus frictionally coupled to the support member.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tray table specifically designed to attach to a sliding grip handle of carryon luggage and provide travelers with a stable, flat surface upon which they are able to enjoy a meal or utilize electronic devices while spending extended periods of time in an airport or a train or bus station.

The present invention is a luggage tray apparatus for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage. The luggage has a sliding grip, retractable handle with the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods. The luggage tray apparatus comprises a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge with the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge. An elongated slot is formed completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table with the elongated slot capable of slidably receiving the extension rods. A first support arm is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the first support arm is secured to the bottom surface of the tray table and the second end of the first support arm is secured to one of the extension rods. A second support arm is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the second support arm is secured to the bottom surface of the tray table and the second end of the second support arm is secured to the other extension rod. Wherein the tray table provides a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

In addition, the present invention is a method for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage. The luggage has a sliding grip, retractable handle with the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods. The method comprises providing a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge with the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge, forming an elongated slot completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table, slidably receiving the extension rods within the elongated slot, providing a first support arm having a first end and a second end, providing a second support arm having a first end and a second end, securing the first ends of the support arms to the bottom surface of the tray table, securing the second ends of the support arms to the extension rods, and providing a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

The present invention further includes a luggage tray apparatus for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage. The luggage has a sliding grip, retractable handle with the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods. The luggage tray apparatus comprises a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge with the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge. An elongated slot is formed completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table with the elongated slot capable of slidably receiving the extension rods. A pair of support arms is provided having a first end and a second end with the first ends of the support arms pivotally secured to the bottom surface of the tray table and the second ends of the support arms pivotally secured to the extension rods. A joint is formed in each support arm allowing each support arm to bend such that the tray table is foldable against the retractable handle. The support arms extend downward from the bottom surface of the tray table angling in a general direction toward the retractable handle of the luggage. The tray table provides a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage tray apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed on the sliding luggage grip handle of a piece of luggage, showing the tray table with foldable support rods, underneath the tray table, that attach to the rods of the luggage handle.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the luggage tray apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed on the sliding grip handle of a piece of luggage, showing the tray table.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating the luggage tray apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed on the sliding grip handle of a piece of luggage, showing the tray table.

FIG. 4 is still another perspective view illustrating the luggage tray apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed on the sliding luggage grip handle of a piece of luggage, showing the tray table with foldable support rods, underneath the tray table, that attach to the rods of the luggage handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Luggage Tray Apparatus, indicated generally at 10, is a tray table 12 specifically designed to attach to a sliding grip, retractable handle 14 of luggage 16 and suitcases. The retractable handle 14 typically has a single extension rod or a pair of parallel extension rods 18 moved in and out of the luggage 16 with a handle 14 at the distal end. The Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 provides travelers with a stable, flat surface upon which they are able to enjoy a meal or utilize electronic devices while spending extended periods of time in an airport, train station or bus station.

The Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes the tray table 12 having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge. In addition, the outer perimeter edge of the tray table 12 can further include a front edge, a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge, and a pair of opposing side edges between the front edge and the rear edge. Preferably, the tray table 12 is constructed from a rigid plastic material in a rectangular shape although constructing the tray table 12 from other materials including, but not limited to, wood, metal, etc., and in other shapes including, but not limited to, square and octagonal, is within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, preferably, the tray table 12 has a length of approximately twelve (12″) inches, a width of approximately ten (10″) inches, and a depth of approximately one-quarter (¼″) inch although having a tray table 12 with different dimensions is within the scope of the present invention.

The tray table 12 of the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes an elongated slot 20 formed completely through the tray table 12 nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table 12. The elongated slot 20 is sized and shaped for slidably receiving the extension rods 18 of the retractable handle 14 of the luggage 16. The elongated slot 20 allows the tray to be adjusted in both a vertical direction up and down the retractable handle 14 and a horizontal direction to position the tray table 12 in a desired position. The elongated slot 20 is also preferably sized and shaped to allow the tray table 12 to fold down against the extension rods 18 while maintaining the extension rods 18 within the elongated slot 20, as will be described in further detail below.

In addition, the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes two support arms 22 each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arms 22 are pivotally secured to the bottom surface of the tray table 12. The support arms 22 extend downward from the bottom surface of the tray table 12 angling in a general direction toward the retractable handle 14 of the luggage 16. Mounted to the second end of the support arms 22 is an integrated snap on clamp 24 which removably and pivotably attaches to a corresponding extension rod 18 of the retractable handle 14 of the luggage 16. Preferably, the support arms 22 are jointed 26 allowing a user to fold the tray table 12 down against the retractable handle 14 and/or to fold the support arms 22 against the bottom surface of the tray table 12, when not in use, if necessary.

In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the support arms 22 of the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 of the present invention are secured to the bottom surface of the tray table 12 at a point between a longitudinal centerline of the tray table 12 and the front edge of the tray table. By securing the support arms 22 as described, the support arms 22 provide the most support for the tray table 12 thereby maintaining and increasing the stability of the tray table 12.

Also, it is preferable that the side edges of the outer perimeter edge of the tray table 12 of the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 of the present invention extend beyond the luggage 16. By extending the outer perimeter of the tray table 12, as described, the surface area of the top surface of the tray table 12 is increased thereby providing more space for meals and/or electronic devices.

Furthermore, the tray table 12 of the Luggage Tray Apparatus includes a beverage receptacle 28 recessed in the top surface of the tray table 12. The slim tray table 12 easily fits within a front pouch of the luggage 16 or can be inserted in an included protective casing for easy portability. The Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 is manufactured in a variety of colors and styles to appeal to individual tastes or to match one's luggage.

The Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 of the present invention effectively functions as a readymade surface for a variety of purposes when it is necessary to spend extended periods in a travel station. Installed and ready for use in matter of seconds, the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 allows travelers to relax and enjoy a sandwich and soda without having to keep food and beverages in their lap, in an adjoining chair or on a floor. As many travelers, who often arrive early or experience long layovers and delays, typically work or play on electronic devices to pass the time, the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 functions as an invaluable assist in supporting these devices. Durably constructed of high quality material and components, the Luggage Tray Apparatus 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A luggage tray apparatus for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage, the luggage having a sliding grip, retractable handle, the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods, the luggage tray apparatus comprising:

a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge, the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge;

an elongated slot formed completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table, the elongated slot capable of slidably receiving the extension rods;

a first support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first support arm secured to the bottom surface of the tray table, the second end of the first support arm secured to one of the extension rods; and

a second support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second support arm secured to the bottom surface of the tray table, the second end of the second support arm secured to the other extension rod;

wherein the tray table provides a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

2. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the tray table is flat and planar.

3. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tray table is constructed from a rigid plastic material in a rectangular shape.

4. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the outer perimeter edge of the tray table extends beyond the luggage.

5. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support arms extend downward from the bottom surface of the tray table angling in a general direction toward the retractable handle of the luggage.

6. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first end of the support arms are secured to the bottom surface of the tray table at a point between a longitudinal centerline of the tray table and the front edge of the tray table.

7. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising:

a snap on clamp mounted to the second end of the support arms.

8. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first end of the first support arm is pivotally secured to the bottom surface of the tray table and the second end of the first support arm is pivotally secured to one of the extension rods and wherein the first end of the second support arm is pivotally secured to the bottom surface of the tray table and the second end of the second support arm is pivotally secured to the other extension rod.

9. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising:

a joint formed in each support arm allowing each support arm to bend such that the tray table is foldable against the retractable handle.

10. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising:

a beverage receptacle formed in the top surface of the tray table.

11. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tray table is removable from the extension rods.

12. A method for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage, the luggage having a sliding grip, retractable handle, the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods, the method comprising:

providing a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge, the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge;

forming an elongated slot completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table;

slidably receiving the extension rods within the elongated slot;

providing a first support arm having a first end and a second end;

providing a second support arm having a first end and a second end;

securing the first ends of the support arms to the bottom surface of the tray table;

securing the second ends of the support arms to the extension rods; and

providing a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

13. A luggage tray apparatus for supporting food, electronics, and other devices on a piece of luggage, the luggage having a sliding grip, retractable handle, the retractable handle having a pair of parallel extension rods, the luggage tray apparatus comprising:

a tray table having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, and an outer perimeter edge, the outer perimeter edge having a front edge and a rear edge substantially opposite the front edge;

an elongated slot formed completely through the tray table nearingly adjacent the rear edge of the tray table, the elongated slot capable of slidably receiving the extension rods;

a pair of support arms having a first end and a second end, the first ends of the support arms pivotally secured to the bottom surface of the tray table, the second ends of the support arms pivotally secured to the extension rods; and

a joint formed in each support arm allowing each support arm to bend such that the tray table is foldable against the retractable handle;

wherein the support arms extend downward from the bottom surface of the tray table angling in a general direction toward the retractable handle of the luggage;

wherein the tray table provides a stable surface for placement of the food, electronics, and other devices.

14. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 wherein the top surface of the tray table is flat and planar.

15. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 wherein the tray table is constructed from a rigid plastic material in a rectangular shape.

16. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 wherein at least a portion of the outer perimeter edge of the tray table extends beyond the luggage.

17. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first end of the support arms are secured to the bottom surface of the tray table at a point between a longitudinal centerline of the tray table and the front edge of the tray table.

18. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 and further comprising:

a snap on clamp mounted to the second end of the support arms.

19. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 and further comprising:

a beverage receptacle formed in the top surface of the tray table.

20. The luggage tray apparatus of claim 13 wherein the tray table is removable from the extension rods.