Abstract: A flexible attached lap pad container to minimize user fatigue during manipulation of a computer mouse is disclosed. The flexible attached lap pad container is comprised of five parts: a containment part, a receptacle part, a flexible part, an attachment part, and a pad part. The containment part panels are sized and shaped to enable a comfortable movement of the arms and hands within the containment part to do such things as move a computer mouse, manipulate computer joy sticks, play cards, manipulate toys, cut vegetables, write notes and other work/play activities which can make use of a flat planar surface. The containment part panels are sized and shaped to prevent small items placed within the containment part from falling out of the containment part when not in use. The receptacle part is preferably a rectangular box shape with an open side panel. The top surface of the receptacle part can have a number of slots, holes and openings to hold user items such as pens, pencils, cards, cups, and toys.

Abstract: A lifting aid apparatus permits easy stocking of shelves while in use and unimpeded movement by an individual wearing the lifting aid apparatus while not being used. The apparatus includes a support table which moves between an inoperative or closed position and an operative or horizontal position using a biased hinge. With the bias positioning the table in a somewhat vertical position, the table is out of the way when an individual is moving about while donning the apparatus. The table can be pivoted downwardly so that it is generally horizontal and be used to support at least a portion of a container so that contents of the container can be readily accessed by the individual. The individual can position the support table with respect to an adjacent shelf so that another portion of the container can be supported by the shelf wherein the container rests on both the support table and the shelf for easy container emptying, particularly for restocking shelves.

Abstract: The swiveling automotive kneeboard has a base, a writing plate, a memo pad clip, and an elastic strap with hook and loop fastening material. The base has a substantially flat, planar top surface and a concave bottom surface reinforced with ribs. The writing plate is flat and planar on both top and bottom surfaces. The writing plate is pivotally attached to the base so that the writing plate may swivel 360.degree. in a plane parallel to the base. A memo pad clip is attached to the writing plate for holding a pad of memo paper. A hook which pivots 360.degree. about an axis parallel to and concentric with its stem is pivotally attached to the end of the memo pad clip, the hook being used to store the kneeboard on the steering wheel when not in use. The strap is used to secure the kneeboard to the user's thigh. The base includes a hinge so that the width of the base may be adjusted to the size of the user's thigh. The kneeboard is made from a lightweight, thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A lap desk (10) is disclosed which has a base (12) which mounts a lid (14) through hinges (16, 18). The base (12), on three sides, defines tray attachment sections (40) for external attachment of one or more trays (38) to carry accessories. The lid (14) has cutout sections (50, 52, 54) which permit the lid to be moved between the open and closed position and used in the closed position with the trays (38) supported on the base (12). The base (12) can be provided with a storage lip (64) which receives the trays within the compartment (32) within the base (12) for storage.

Abstract: A video game stand facilitates utilization of a control mechanism (such as a steering wheel and steering column connected to a controller), making it easier to play the video game, and in some situations making a home video game much like an arcade game. A controller mounting platform has a substantially flat top surface and is supported by a mechanical support frame constructed so that the height of the platform from the floor may be readily adjusted. The video game control mechanism is positioned on the platform by cooperating hook and loop fasteners, an adapter having a cavity which securely fits a video game control mechanism, and/or an elastic or substantially inelastic belt.

Abstract: A portable activity surface and pillow. The activity surface and pillow may be utilized in various configurations whereby either side of the activity surface may be utilized or the pillow may be used independently. A removable insert provides an alternate surface for one side of the activity surface.

Abstract: A mousepad assembly has a stiffened pad upon which a computer mouse can ride, and a stay, in the nature of a releasable strap, that can be wrapped about the upper thigh of the user. As located the mousepad assembly sits in the user's lap. It has a profile that has smoothly rounded comers and a recess for accommodating the torso of the user. The mousepad sits at a skewed angle relative to the user's lap. The mousepad is reversibly mountable in left-handed or right handed configurations.

Abstract: A shelf for being positioned on a generally parallelpiped shaped appliance is provided. The appliance has a top surface and first and second side surfaces extending therefrom. The shelf includes a platform on which articles may be placed and a first leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first leg is connected to the platform. The second end of the first leg includes one or more interlocking members configured to securely engage one of the surfaces of the appliance. The shelf includes a second leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second leg is connected to the platform. The second end of the second leg includes one or more interlocking members configured to securely engage one of the surfaces of the appliance whereby the first and second legs support the platform above the top surface of the appliance.

Abstract: An arm resting stand for permitting a user to rest their arms thereon when reading on a toilet. The arm resting stand includes a bin with an open top and a lid substantially covering the open top of the bin. The lid has a resiliently compressible exterior layer. The sides of the bin each comprise a leg panel downwardly depending from the open top of the bin. The sides of the bin each comprise a side panel extending between the leg panels. Each of the side panels has a spaced apart pair of generally semi-circular leg cutouts.

Abstract: A computer mouse support comprising a mouse-supporting pad in a generally rectangular configuration. The pad is formed of an upper component of a semi-rigid foam and constitutes about seventy percent of the thicknesses of the pad with an exposed upper surface adapted to receive a computer mouse and with a lower component of a soft foam secured to the lower surface of the upper component for constituting a resilient surface positionable on a user's lap or leg.

Abstract: A cup holder adapted to be attached to a person's thigh, so that a person's hands may be kept free for other tasks. The cup holder is formed from a material having elastic memory and is comprised of a receptacle member forming a generally cylindrical shell which is open at its top end and closed at its bottom end, and two arcuate arms which extend downwardly therefrom. The receptacle member has a pair of vertical slots formed in the sidewall of the receptacle member running from its top edge to a small distance from its bottom end to allow the receptacle member to flex outwardly to receive a large beverage container and to allow a beverage container having a handle to be placed therein. The arms are formed integrally on the bottom of the receptacle member and they extend downwardly therefrom in spaced relation to each other on opposite sides of the receptacle member so that they may clamp comfortably onto a person's thigh to support the receptacle member vertically thereupon.

Abstract: A strap on implement support mechanism which includes a belt, a support extending from the belt, and an implement engaged to the support such that the computer implement remains on the support during normal movement as walking, sitting, getting up from the sitting position, bending down, turning around, and twisting around. The implement is preferably a computer implement. A shock absorber is preferably engaged between the belt and the support to minimize jarring to the computer implement when the support comes into contact with an object. The vented belt mechanism includes a relatively wide and cushioned section between the belt and the person to distribute the pressure from wearing the belt over a rather large area of the midsection of the person wearing the strap on support mechanism. The support includes a framework having frame portions extending laterally, vertically, longitudinally, and obliquely.

Abstract: A portable work surface having a leg contoured tray 10 for being placed and used in the lap of an individual 11 for positioning a keyboard console 12 thereon and having a raised padded front portion 28 whereupon the wrists of the user 11 rest while typing. The laptop tray 10 has a recessed and retractable sideboard 14 held in place by clips 16 for placement and manipulation of a mouse 22. An additional embodiment discloses the lap tray 10 having a padded bottom 34.

Abstract: A holder for retaining an item, particularly a turkey call, other game call, clipboard, pad or the like on the limb of a user while leaving his or her hands free. The holder includes a base having a hollow center. Rubber feet are arranged about the hollow center to support the item. The item is held against the rubber feet by an elastic band. A nylon web strap, provided with a snap buckle, is used to secure the holder to the user's limb. A belt attached tether may be provided to assist in retaining the holder on a limb (e.g., the thigh) of the user.

Abstract: A portable writing desk which includes a light which can be positioned below the writing surface for illuminating tracing materials or can be positioned above the writing surface for illuminating reading, writing or drawing activities. A portable desk has a removable drawer with a writing surface on the removable drawer. A portable desk also includes a removable board, which has a third writing surface. A cushion is attached which allows for comfortable placement of the writing desk on a person's lap while in a seated position.

Abstract: An article for use with a laptop computing device protects the device during periods of non-use, including transport, while stabilizing the device when positioned on a user's lap. The article provides a base panel having front, rear and two side sections, a lower surface adapted to rest on a user's lap, and an upper surface to receive the bottom surface of the laptop device. The preferred embodiment includes two side panels, each with a storage compartment, which may be dressed over the user's thighs to assist in stabilizing the laptop device during use. Attachment means are preferably provided for securing the side panels to one another across the top surface of the computing device during periods of non-use or transport. Preferably flexible front and rear panels may also be folded over and onto the top surface of the computer in overlapping fashion beneath the secured side panels to create a protective device wrapper in conjunction with surrounding closure means and a carrying handle.

Abstract: An expandable tray that includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, the ends being substantially transverse to the edges. The sheet includes a plurality of oppositely folded portions disposed between the first end and the second end forming a plurality of folds extending from the first edge to the second edge, a first securement device for securing the folds in a stacked configuration near the first edge, and a second securement device for securing the folds in a stacked configuration near the second edge. The portion of the folds extending between the secured ends is movable to an expanded position to form a container defining a volume. The disclosure also features a method for protecting a surface using the expandable tray.

Abstract: A leg-worn support assembly for a laptop computer. There is a substantially planar, rigid platform for attachment to the computer, and first and second tensioned leg straps which depend from the edges of the platform for extending around the user's leg. A pad is mounted on the lower surface of the platform and has a channel area therein for engaging the upper edge of the leg. Non-slip surfaces are formed on both the leg straps and the channel area for frictionally engaging the leg so as to provide a stable work platform.

Abstract: A computer keyboard holding device, designed to keep the keyboard on the computer operator's lap comprising: A leg strap encircling one leg and adjustably fixed above the knee of the computer operator. A holding mechanism consisting of one clip to hook the bottom of the keyboard and a second clip to hook the top of the keyboard. The two clips are mounted in an opposing fashion on elastic. The keyboard holding mechanism, which is attached to the leg strap, lies on the top portion of the operator's leg. The two opposing clips hold the keyboard gaining a small mechanical advantage from the elastic as it stretches. It is an ergonomic device.

Abstract: A work pad for supporting an input device of a computer comprises a flat upper working surface for supporting a computer input device, said flat upper working surface being completely planar, and a flat bottom surface on a reverse side of the working surface. Protrusions are provided on the bottom surface, with the protrusions being permanently attached to the bottom surface for supporting the work pad on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A resting surface attachable to a chair arm for supporting a computer peripheral is provided including a top resting plate and at least a pair of legs coupled to the top resting plate. Further provided is a clamping assembly for clamping the legs to the chair arm such that a computer peripheral may be situated on the top resting plate during use.

Abstract: A keyboard saddle which sits on a user's legs while the user is using a keyboard, and which comfortably and reliably holds the keyboard in place while it is being used. The keyboard saddle includes a pillow-like container formed of a material that is essentially non-slippery when placed on the user's legs or clothing and which is filled with a stuffing material which has sufficient weight to cause the pillow-like container to assume a weighted, malleable character so that it will conform to the user's legs when placed thereon. Hook and loop fasteners are secured directly to the top of the pillow-like container so that the keyboard can be selectively and easily attached or detached therefrom.

Abstract: A laptop computer case and stand (10) comprising a base (12) having a compartment (14) for holding a laptop computer (16) therein. A lid (18) is hinged at (20) to the base (12). A facility (22) along a rear edge of the lid (18) is for engaging an upper surface of a pair of legs (24) of a person (26) sitting in a chair (28), when the lid (18) is opened. A component (30) on the lid (18) is for transporting the base (12) and the lid (18) by the person (26), when the lid (18) is closed, so as to be conveyed to various locations.

Abstract: A new portable lap tray for securing to a user's thighs for use inside of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a tray portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The tray portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a circular recess formed therein. The tray portion is defined by a long forward edge, a long rearward edge and opposed short side edges. The long forward edge curves inwardly at a central extent thereof. The long rearward edge and the opposed short side edges have a continuous upwardly extending peripheral ridge. The tray is securable to the thighs of a user.

Abstract: An improved tray apparatus, which includes a single, flat, opaque surface having a border there around with the border accommodating a member positioned on the surface for dividing the surface into at least two or four compartments. The opaque surface would allow light to be transmitted through the surface when the tray was placed upon a lighted table or the like, so that food could be easily identified by the user.

Abstract: A portable food serving device for young children which comprises a tubular member of flexible material in a generally U-shape having spaced apart legs and a back portion joining the leg portions with a flexible sheet attached to the bottoms of said leg and back portions which defines a food receiving portion. The tubular member is inflatable and deflatable by means of a valve member. Attachment members are provided on the bottom of the device for attachment to a table surface. When defated the device may be folded and placed in a pouch for portability or storage.

Abstract: A collapsible stand (1) for a book has, when erected for use, an upper member (7) that provides a support surface for a book, first and second side wall members (8) that are hingedly connected to the upper member (7), and front and rear wall members (10,11), that are hingedly connected to the side wall members (8). The upper member (7) and the front and rear wall members (10,11) are each foldable laterally about substantially the center line of the stand (1). The arrangement is such that folding the upper member (7) upwards from the erected position causes the first and second side wall members (8) to collapse towards one another and the front and rear wall members (10,11) to fold inwards.

Abstract: A forearm postal tray is an aid for the sorting and delivery of articles of mail and the like and comprises an arch braced member for setting on a user's forearm by a securing strap. A tray plate is rotatably and selectively connected to the arched brace member by a screw. The tray plate has an end wall along a portion of its length and a side wall along a portion of its width, such that articles of mail may be set upon the tray plate without being displaced therefrom and without requiring the user to hand hold the same in place.

Abstract: A portable auxiliary table top for adaptation to a conventional horizontal-topped desk or table. A work surface member is hinged to an elongated support member along a common edge region. A semicircular locking member is pivotally engaged to the support member for securing a substantially perpendicular relationship therebetween to achieve a tilted work surface. The locking member may be released so that the support and work surface members are substantially parallel for easy transport. A handle and contacting pads of adhesive composition are fixed to the support and work surface members to assist during transport of the device.

Abstract: The invention is meant to be used on the thigh above the knee. The innovative idea is a concave bottom (FIG. 2 a), which corresponds to the shape of the thigh and a flat surface (FIG. 2 b). Thus, the upper limb can rest on the thigh. In addition, the wrist is more solidly placed in this work position. The upper limb stays better in its position. There is no need to make an unnecessary movement with it or flex it. The upper limb acts as a weight to the ergonomic mouse pad.

Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. The carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting. The top cover, or a releasable bottom piece, may be rolled to form a rolled portion for use as an elevating device in sitting work platform position. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a computer keyboard or laptop computer on the lap of the user is generally comprised of a top member, medial member, and lower member assembled in vertically stacked relationship. The top member includes an upper surface for supporting a computer keyboard or laptop computer. A raised ledge adjacent to the upper surface includes a pair of resilient pads to engage the wrists of the user in supporting relationship. An interior cavity extends laterally below the upper support surface to receive a drawer which may be withdrawn slidably from either end of the cavity. The drawer is formed in bilateral sections, one supporting a mouse pad, the other storing floppy disks. A removable copy stand may be erected by engaging a pair of holes formed in each bilateral portion of the drawer. The lower member is provided with a wedge form tapering from the distal edge to the proximal edge, with a pair of shallow troughs formed in the bottom surface to accommodate the legs of the user.

Abstract: A securement device provides for efficient, releasable attachment of an electronic device or other article to the human body, such as on the lap or at any other appropriate anchor point. The securement device, which prevents the electronic device from slipping or dropping, features an encircling strap and coacting strips of hook-and-loop fastener material. Through the hook-and-loop strips, the strap secures itself around a limb or limbs or other appropriate anchor point while also holding the device. A first variation enables the user to secure one or more articles such as a laptop computer on the lap using a non-elastic strap which encircles both legs at the thighs. A second variation enables the user to secure a smaller device such as a palmtop computer or cellular telephone to a single thigh or to an arm. This version can make use of an elastic strap of generally greater width and shorter length.

Abstract: A weight supporting apparatus supports the weight of a structure required to have very high surface precision, without affecting the surface precision of the structure. The weight support apparatus includes a driving unit for moving a driven body in the direction of gravity with respect to a base, and a supporting unit for supporting the weight of the driven body at a position after being driven, wherein the driving unit and supporting unit are so arranged that the drive force of the driving unit and the support force of the supporting unit are on the same axis.

Abstract: A mouse pad and item holder having a top surface with a mouse tracking surface, that may be a textured surface or a separate mouse pad held in a recessed area, is supported by a shaped base having a number of openings formed between a bottom surface of the base and the top surface of the holder to allow various items to be inserted into and removed from drawers, dispensers, trays and the like, movably held in the base.

Abstract: A knee guard (10) is a substantially elongated rectangular foam member (14) that has a protuberance disposed thereon. That protuberance is formed as a matter of convenience into a V-shape (16). Knee guard (10) has an elongated flexible sheet foldable across its width and covering elongated foam member (14) and V-shaped protuberance (16a and 16b). The sheet (18) has perimeter edges sewn together thereby securing foam member (14) within the folded sheet. A strap (20) is connectively disposed onto sheet (18) thereby retaining knee guard (10) about the knee of an intended user.

Abstract: A portable lap desk and activity station is provided for use by a small child, middle aged children and even adults. The lap desk includes a front side wall, a rear side wall and edge walls extending therebetween which define a main compartment. The front side wall is substantially planar and rigid for use as a work or writing surface by the child. The rear side wall is flexible and padded for comfortably resting on the lap of a child.

Abstract: A tray member having an upper surface which is partitioned into a plurality of container portions each of the portions containing a particular food item therein, and other container portions for supporting a circular item such as a cup for drink; a bib portion extending at an angle from the rear edge of the tray, upward, the bib portion of sufficient length to extend from the tray upward, to the upper torso of the person; a pair of shoulder attachments secured to the bib portion, the shoulder attachments each including an upper arcuate arm member which would fit onto the shoulders of the wearer, the shoulder portions being adjustable vertically in order to compensate for the size of the wearer; and a rear extender portion likewise movable in a horizontal manner, the extender portion secured to the side of the tray, and adjustable rearwardly in order to rest against the torso of the wearer, and maintain the tray portion positioned outward from the user, the adjustable shoulder portions and rearward extender po

Abstract: A portable eating table is provided for securement to a user's neck whereupon the portable eating table is pendent therefrom and can support and hold articles, such as food and beverage items and eating utensils, thereon so that the user's hands are free for other purposes, and includes a foldable main body member comprising a first article supporting portion which rests against the user's chest and a second article supporting portion attached to the first article supporting portion and which can pivot to or away from the first article supporting portion. In order to provide rigidity and stability to the first and second article supporting portions, flat insert members are insertable into respective insert pocket members of the first and second article supporting portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides lap table for a portable computer. The lap table comprises a supple main body that has a top surface joined to a bottom surface and a sealed hollow interior for containing a filling material to give the main body a degree of rigidity sufficient to support the portable computer thereon. The filling material may be either an inflating gas or styrofoam beads. The lap table also includes a securing wall integral with the top surface that is configured to receive a footprint of the portable computer and exert a positive securing force against the portable computer, to thereby secure the portable computer to the top surface when the hollow interior is filled with the filling material. The securing wall may comprise four spaced-apart opposing right angled projections, the projections spaced to receive four opposing bottom corners of the portable computer.

Abstract: A kneeboard is providing having an extending ear to support a hand-held avionics instrument conveniently astride the working surface of the kneeboard.

Abstract: A students portfolio type organizer is convertable to form a seat cushion, a lap desk or a rain hat and includes a hinged cover having inner and outer layers of waterproof sheet material defining between them first and second pockets joined by an elongate gusset hinge. Board members and pads of cushioning are retained in respective pockets providing a firm, outer writing supporting surface and a soft, inner cushioning surface. Inside compartments or pockets are provided for the receipt of writing materials. A strap member can be releasably attached at alternative locations as a carrying strap or as a chin strap retaining the cover in partly open position with the inner, cushioned layer engaging a top of a user's head.

Abstract: A universal holder for retaining various configurations of game calls affixed to a limb of a hunter includes a platform provided with a circular aperture within which similarly configured game calls may be nested. The game call is retained in this manner by an elastic member having no less than one stretch bridging the aperture and when thus retained, its bottom sound emanating surface is maintained in a position elevated from a user's limb by legs depending from the platform. An adjustable, flexible body attaching member serves to secure the retained game call relative the user's limb. Non-circular or elongated box-type game calls are retained atop the platform by the same elastic member but wherein the stretch is passed beneath the platform with a portion thereof displaced upwardly through the aperture to releasably engage a catch element on the game call.

Abstract: A portable laptop table which is readily selectively adjustable in the height of the table over the user's lap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reconfigurable space frame cabinet for mounting to a vehicle and a method of assembly therefor. The reconfigurable space frame cabinet includes four elongated corner members having two parallel extending grooves on a first side and a plurality of mounting holes on a second side for adjustably mounting various hardware fittings. First and second channel members having first and second channels, respectively, are mounted substantially perpendicular to the four elongated corner member. First and second side panels are positioned within the first and second channels adjacent to the elongated corner members. Four trim covers, each having two parallel extending fingers are used for removably engaging the two parallel extending grooves in the elongated corner members. A top assembly having various recessed features is mounted substantially perpendicular to each elongated corner member.

Abstract: According to the invention, a support pillow has a shape and construction that makes the support pillow particularly useful in situations in which it is necessary or desirable to have a support surface near the body of a user. The support pillow can be securely attached to the body to, for example, aid in supporting a baby during feeding, provide support of the elbows, forearms and wrists while reading or using a keyboard, or provide support for the forearms or external objects while engaging in an activity such as watching television or eating. The support pillow cushions and supports the back, and helps to hold the back in an orthopedically correct position. The support pillow also relieves muscle stress associated with holding a baby or other object by enabling the baby or object to be supported by the pillow.

Abstract: An inflatable serving tray that is convertible into a booster seat. The device consists of a predefined surface area that allows for securement of a serving plate and beverage in such a manner so as to avoid spillage during consumption. Should spillage occur, a recess is provided so as to contain the spillage and direct it to the beverage holder where it can be easily removed. In addition, when the serving tray is not in use, the device may be used as a booster seat so as to raise the child to approximate the level of an average adult while seating. As a booster seat a recessed section operates to position the child correctly so as to help prevent the child from accidentally falling off the booster seat as well as contain liquids such as excess water from a child's swimming suit. A slot is provided for placement of napkins or eating utensils. Through hole chambers reduce the amount of air required for inflation and eliminate the pillowing of an inflatable device by providing internal surface support.

Abstract: A fast food lap tray is provided which is particularly suitable for use in an automobile to support and secure fast foods and their containers. The food lap tray includes a pair of pliant leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually secured beneath the legs of the user. As such, the lap tray is adapted to be positively secured to the lap of the user, yet will not cause discomfort to the user or bind or excessively restrain the legs of the user during use. In particular, the lap tray enables rapid positioning on the lap of the user, as well as rapid removal from the lap of the user. Furthermore, the lap tray does not rely on the vehicle restraint system of the automobile, such as a lap belt, and will not hinder the user from rapidly exiting an automobile if immediate escape is necessary. The lap tray is also configured to maximize its stability on the lap of the user.

Abstract: A self adjusting lap table includes a strap to maintain the table in a coiled position when not in use. When used the storage strap is released and the lap table is uncoiled and placed on the users lap. When the table is placed on the users lap it tends to return to the coiled position causing the table edges to grip the users legs. Openings in the table top provide locations to insert drinking cups or other items.

Abstract: The present invention comprises legless storage and play table for use by children, comprising a first member operatively arranged to form a first side of the table, the first member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a second member operatively arranged to form a second side of the table in parallel spaced relationship to the first side, the second member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a third member operatively arranged to form a third side of the table positioned perpendicularly to the first and second sides, the third member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; a fourth member operatively arranged to form a fourth side of the table in parallel spaced relationship to the third side, the fourth member having a trough-like section extending outwardly with respect to the table; fasteners connecting the four members together to form a rectangularly shaped table, wherein the fasteners com