Body Related Patents (Class 108/43)
  • Patent number: 5429057
    Abstract: A tray for mounting on the torso of a wearer which includes a tray surface capable of holding objects and a three-point support system employing an anchor tab and two side buttress panels. The tray surface may contain holes for beverage containers, eating utensils napkins or the like. The tray is formed from a relatively rigid sheet of material such as corrugated cardboard or the like and may be printed with indicia such as advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: John C. Buescher
  • Patent number: 5421499
    Abstract: A portable table includes a frame that is worn by various size users while standing or sitting and can be used where free-standing tables are impractical for writing, eating and other purposes. Two hooks that telescope longitudinally from the main frame fit over the user's shoulders. A table is affixed rotatingly at a bottom side to the main frame and rotatingly and removably at a top side to a slider which is slidably affixed to the main frame. Moving the slider upward thereby rotates the table surface toward the main frame for storage while moving the slider downward rotates the table surface essentially perpendicular to the main frame for use. The slider can further be locked into place using convention means. In addition, a support bar is affixed rotatingly to the bottom of the main frame and can be rotated toward and affixed to the table in a conventional manner while the table is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Alan C. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5410922
    Abstract: A locating table apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a housing, a base member fixed in the housing, a table mounted so as to freely move in a longitudinal direction, driving members located on the base member for supporting and driving the table, and a plurality of electrostatic dust absorbing members arranged at predetermined positions in the housing via respective electrical insulative members, wherein the electrostatic dust absorbing members provide a parallel plate-shaped condenser. Further, the locating table apparatus may provide a dust counter for monitoring the dust density at predetermined positions outside the housing, a device for operating the electrostatic dust absorbing members when the monitored dust density exceeds a warning level, and a device for forcing the motor to stop in response to a level of a signal detected by the dust counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Katahira
  • Patent number: 5408938
    Abstract: A height-adjustable, free standing tray stand having a tray-supporting surface with a cut-out section in the forward edge of the surface. Not only is it adjustable in height, it is readily set for an individual waiter's comfort during use.The tray top, when viewed from above, is "U" or horseshoe shaped and defines a forward facing opening that allows a waiter to approach the stand with a loaded tray carried from about waist to shoulder height. In use, the waiter simply moves the loaded tray over the top of the U-shaped opening which allows his arm to move between the forward facing arms of the horseshoe and lower the loaded tray until it firmly rests securely on the upper surface on top of the tray stand. The waiter may then lower his wrist, hand and arm and conveniently remove them from beneath the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Nelson J. Genest
  • Patent number: 5388530
    Abstract: A lap top desk includes a pair of stacked and spaced apart plate-like members which both provide respective work surfaces to a user of the desk, and which are both pivotally and translatably connected so that the user may refer to a portion of the lower member while also keeping all of the upper work surface in sight. Alternatively, the user may choose to pivot the upper member work surface out of sight in order to completely reveal the work surface of the lower member. A dual function strap is provided which when sat upon by the user keeps the desk on the lap, and which also secures the desk in a storage or transportation condition. A flexible arrangement of clamps, and open spaces on the work surfaces allows a user to arrange desk top contents in a variety of utilitarian ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Frederick B. Jacobus
  • Patent number: 5381717
    Abstract: A table including a top wall having a foam cushion insert extending from a first end of the table to a second end of the table in a spaced relationship, such that a handle is directed through the table, with a foam cushion block mounted between the handle extending onto the insert to position a string instrument neck thereon. Securement strap structure is provided to secure the instrument onto the table during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Gary L. Brokaw
  • Patent number: 5355811
    Abstract: The adjustable leg supported mouse pad designed to enable a user to use a mouse input device directly over his or her upper leg or thigh while sitting. The leg supported mouse pad includes a saddle structure capable of engaging the user's thigh and horizontally aligning a planar mouse pad attached thereto over the user's thigh. The saddle structure includes a rectangular shaped flexible panel with two five-sided support members attached to the top surface thereon on opposite sides of the flexible panel's transverse axis. When the flexible panel is disposed transversely over the user's upper leg while sitting, the support members are repositioned so that their medial planar surfaces are oriented in a substantially horizontal position. The support members are spaced apart on the flexible panel so that a mouse pad maybe supported on two support member's medial planar surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Brian H. Brewer
  • Patent number: 5328070
    Abstract: An article supporting device includes a tray for receiving articles to be supported by the device, an arm having one end secured to one side of the tray and extending longitudinally of the tray at the one side thereof; and a crossbar connected at one end to the opposite end of the arm. The crossbar extends substantially perpendicularly to the arm across the width of the tray with the opposite end of the crossbar spaced from the opposite side of the tray to define a space for the application of the device to the body of a person, thereby enabling the person to support the tray by the person's body alone and without the use of the person's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Dan Lavi
  • Patent number: 5295742
    Abstract: A container with a padded base and a hinged flat top shelf contains a compartment former therein. The compartment former has divider system for providing adjustable compartments suitable for holding a variety of handicraft materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Carol A. Knutson
  • Patent number: 5285940
    Abstract: A food tray (40) is pivotally attached on one side (42) to a vertical breast portion (24), which in turn is pivotally attached at it's top end by a bolt and wingnut (22) to a neck hook (29), for hanging the unit on the user's neck. A drinking cup ring (50) is pivotally attached to the center of breast portion (24), for supporting a drinking cup. Two oppositly pivoting arms (30) open outwardly at the top end of breast portion (24) to support a napkin (36) between breast plate (24) and the user, to protect user's clothing. The unit folds up by swiveling arms (30) inwardly, swiveling neck hook (20) downward,, cup ring (50) upward, and breast portion downward into food tray (40). The unit will pack into box 12" .times.10".times.3" deep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Victor H. Goulter
  • Patent number: 5279488
    Abstract: An adjustable workstation for vehicles includes a mounting bracket, an upstanding support arm extending upward from the support bracket, and a planar working surface coupled to the support arm. The workstation includes a hinge means interconnecting the mounting bracket and the support arm, an extension means within the support arm for adjusting the height of the support arm, and a pivot means interconnecting the support arm and the working surface for positioning the working surface in a desired orientation. The hinge means, extension means, and pivot means form a combined adjustment means which allows the workstation to be readily adjusted so that the working surface is positioned in a desired location and orientation. The mounting bracket and the combined adjustment means also allow the workstation to be installed into and removed from a vehicle, and allows the workstation to be collapsed into a compact, transportable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: James Fleming
  • Patent number: 5263423
    Abstract: A securement device for releasable attachment of a laptop computer or other article to a user's leg includes a table member and a pair of in-folding leg members, one each of which is attached for hinged movement relative to a corresponding side edge portion of the table member. Elastic webbing interconnects the free end portion of each leg member to a central portion on the underside of the table member. The securement device is centered on a user's leg and a pair of coacting straps are used to snugly encircle the user's leg to prevent pivotal movement of the securement device relative thereto and the leg members brace the table member to prevent displacement thereof as a result of ordinary unbalanced imposed forces. Elastic straps are provided whereby an article such as a laptop computer may be releasably attached to the supporting surface of the table member. The securement device allows a user of a laptop computer to stand and walk a few steps without displacing the laptop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Rolf Anderson
  • Patent number: 5255612
    Abstract: A securement device for releasable attachment of a lapboard to a user's leg includes a table member and a pair of in-folding leg members, one each of which is attached for hinged movement relative to a corresponding side edge portion of the table member. Elastic webbing interconnects the free end portion of each leg member to a central portion on the underside of the table member. The securement device is centered on a user's leg with the leg members bracing the table member to prevent displacement thereof as a result of ordinary unbalanced imposed forces. When removed from a user's leg, the securement device folds to a compact storage position flush with the table member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Rolf Anderson
  • Patent number: 5254007
    Abstract: A baby entertainment and learning apparatus for highchairs including a removable tray having in its top surface a series of pressure sensitive microswitches. A series of interchangeable tray top panels, each presenting a series of depressible picture blocks, may be selectively placed on the highchair tray for overlaying and activating the microswitches of the tray. Each tray top panel has a panel identity device. Circuitry components are mounted to the underside of the tray and include: an integrated circuit microchip within which is stored voice, sound and musical information; a low voltage battery power source; an audio speaker; and panel switches corresponding in number to the series of tray top panels and each positioned to interact with a single panel identity device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Chris S. Eagan
  • Patent number: 5221032
    Abstract: A holder tray assembly for mounting on a torso of a wearer includes a tray capable of supporting objects and a pair of laterally-spaced apart support rods. Each rod has a pair of vertical and horizontal leg portions, the vertical leg portions for resting against the front torso area of a wearer, the horizontal leg portions projecting outwardly from the vertical leg portions and supporting the tray in a substantially horizontal plane and forwardly of a front side of the wearer's torso. The holder tray assembly also has a transverse support member extending between and attached to the vertical leg portions of the rods and a flexible member for encircling a back side of the wearer's torso and being attached at one end to the transverse support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventors: Glenn R. Bott, Michael J. Dillon
  • Patent number: 5186375
    Abstract: A body supported combination holder and writing surface for use with hand held computers used in the field of utility meter reading provides for the retention of such a computer within a channel of the holder. The computer is retained within the channel by channel extensions which extend slightly over the edges of the computer, and by retaining clips within the bottom of the channel. The keyboard of the computer is fully accessible through the open upper side of the channel, and the writing surface is essentially coplanar with the keyboard of the computer when such a computer is installed within the holder. The membrane keyboard typical of such computers permits the writing surface to extend across the relatively narrow face of the computer in order to provide a larger writing surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Byron J. Plonk
  • Patent number: 5176274
    Abstract: A leg supported tray and more specifically, a combination serving tray, book holder and game board that is supported from the legs of the person using the tray with the tray including an upstanding peripheral edge to retain articles on the tray and a pair of downwardly opening, generally semicircular leg engaging support members connected to the tray by a pivotal connection which can be locked in adjustable angular position. In a modified form of the invention, the leg engaging support members are each provided with a leg encircling strap that is adjustable in length by utilizing hook and loop pile fastening devices available under the trademark "VELCRO".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: James H. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5171037
    Abstract: A fender guard associated with and protecting the fenders mounted on a utility type trailer or similar vehicle. The fender guard includes a plurality of generally parallel, laterally spaced rails or frame members that overlie the upper surface of a fender with downwardly and outwardly inclined end portions forming a continuation of the rails or frame members having an attaching bracket at the lower end thereof for mounting on the trailer frame or other rigid component of the trailer. The rails or frame members which overlie the fender are also connected to the fender to provide protection for the fender from heavy objects coming into contact with the fender and also provides a surface on which a person can stand when performing various functions associated with loading and unloading a trailer. The fender guard saves the fenders from damage due to individuals standing on the fenders or hitting the fenders with various loads, equipment and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventors: Clinton K. Thompson, Bart A. Baker
  • Patent number: 5134930
    Abstract: An inflatable serving tray for holding meals is described. The tray has a base sheet with a rigid base portion at the bottom, an upper sheet at the top and the sheets are peripherally connected by an internal strip and an external strip, and two leg portions are attached to the base sheet at the bottom on opposite sides thereof. The internal strip has an air valve therein through which air is admitted into the air chamber defined within the upper and base sheets and the legs and internal and external strips. By the use of the air valve, the serving tray can also be deflated for storage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Hsieh Mei-Hwa
  • Patent number: 5127339
    Abstract: A foldable lap tray is formed from a unitary blank of semi-rigid sheet material, such as corrugated cardboard. The blank is cut and scored so that it can be bent along the score lines into a configuration having a top portion, side portions extending downwardly from each of two opposed sides of the top portion, and a pair of bottom portions, each extending from one of the side portions toward the other side portion. When the top portion is located on the lap of a seated person, the bottom portions can be extended underneath the thighs of the seated person to lend stability to the tray. The bottom portions terminate in clasping elements for removably interlocking the bottom portions together. The side portions are each divided by a lateral score line into upper and lower side portions that can be bent relative to each other to vary the separation between the top portion and the bottom portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: John J. Hood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5106156
    Abstract: A detachable foldable tray adapted for use with a child's vehicle safety seat. Two tray parts are pivotally connected together and upon being extended are spread over the arm rests of the vehicle safety seat and Velcro means for securing the extended tray parts thereover. A releasable double latch bar is pivoted to one of the tray parts and when turned across the underfaces of the parts, will hold them against collapsing. The bar is bendable to release its Velcro connection with the tray parts and permit them to be folded. Bendable spring straps with Velcro means are bent down from underneath the tray parts for securement to frontal faces of the safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: James R. Marquis
  • Patent number: 5090334
    Abstract: A lap desk includes a top member and a subplanar element having a port through which a granular material may pass and air passages formed along its perimeter. A flexible casing is attached to the subplanar element and the casing has a border covering the air passages. A flowable granular material is located within the flexible casing and the flexible casing is attached to the perimeter of the subplanar element and the top member is attached to the fabric border of the flexible casing and the subplanar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Lloyd M. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5081936
    Abstract: A desk arrangement is provided that includes a laterally compressible desk top portion with an upper surface sufficiently adapted to support writing activity thereon. Preferred embodiments of the desk arrangement include a desk top portion that is also resilient. Typically, and preferably, the desk arrangements are composed of a flexible cellular plastic material having at least an upper surface coated with a flexible elastomeric skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Gerald L. Drieling
  • Patent number: 5075897
    Abstract: A multi-purpose garment comprised of an absorbent textile material. The garment being intended to protect the lap and chest while commuting as well as having additional utility. The garment will be worn by a strap from the neck and will prevent spills and stains from clothing worn while commuting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Victory A. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5075148
    Abstract: A garden bench board made of a plastic material, particularly of recyclable plastic material, having a reinforcement which is embedded into the plastic material to prevent bending, includes one deformable zone respectively provided preferably at the longitudinal-side ends of the reinforcement so that a warping of the garden bench board or a tearing-apart of the sheathing is reliably avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Dr. Spiess Kunstoff-Recycling GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Burcky, Theo Rydmann
  • Patent number: 5074222
    Abstract: A body supported tray table which may be reversed so that either an essentially flat table surface or a tray surface containing a rim can be placed uppermost relative to the user. The body supported tray table includes body support means which may be adjustable both longitudinally and transversely for ease of use and comfort to the user and which also provides for compact storage and portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Joe A. Welch
  • Patent number: 5069375
    Abstract: There is disclosed a food support tray that is intended to be secured while resting on the lap of an occupant of a motor vehicle. The tray has a fastener which detachably secures it on the lap of the occupant. Preferably, the fastener is a clip which secures the tray to the seat belt of the vehicle when the seat belt is fastened about the occupant. The tray is generally planar with longitudinal forward and rear edges and opposite and shorter end edges. The rear edge is arcuately bowed inwardly, contouring to the waist of the occupant. The forward edge can also be bowed inwardly at a central location to provide clearance for the steering wheel, thus permitting its use by the driver of a vehicle. The tray has vertically walled recesses on its upper surface, preferably at least one is provided for reception of a beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Sandra Flick
  • Patent number: 5038688
    Abstract: A clamping device adapted to be positioned between the legs in the area above the knees is provided to support a small table to hold the control pack for the nintendo game or for playing any of the other television games or for any other purpose such as writing, reading, eating, etc., is provided to answer the often asked question, "If only I had another hand?" The device is provided with arcuately shaped concave holding areas to fit the inside of the operators legs of a person above the knees. The concave end supports are yieldingly connected to opposite ends of the small table in such a manner that a degree of lateral movement is provided between the supports and the table. With this small increment of spring action movement between the concave supports and the table there is little danger of the concave supports losing contact with the legs. It is thus apparent that by maintaining slight inward pressure between the legs and the concave supports the device will remain securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: William F. Permenter
  • Patent number: 5016147
    Abstract: A flight desk is simple yet provides visual indicators so that a more failsafe procedure may be followed utilizing the device for pilot pre-flight checklists, or other lists or procedures. A board assembly includes a main body having a flat top surface, and a number of visual indicators, such as LEDs. The LEDs are mounted on the main body top surface so that when an indicator card with pre-flight or in-flight indicia is mounted on the flat surface, the indicia line up with the LEDs. A clip, or like holding device, holds the indicator card on the flat top surface. A storage compartment is formed in the body for receipt of a number of the indicator cards, with tabs of the cards extending outwardly from the body. Channels are defined along the top and bottom edges of the body for receipt of electrical accessories with protrusions shaped like the channels, or mechanical accessories with similarly shaped protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Scott W. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 5005702
    Abstract: A portable tray comprising a tray body and legs extending outward therefrom, the tray body and legs each having a core of a resiliently compressive matrix and an outer layer of visco-elastic material. A second embodiment comprises a tray body formed of a first air-filled chamber. Second and third air-filled chambers are mounted to the first air-filled chamber and spaced apart from one another to straddle the user's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventors: Mark S. Davis, Patricia S. Davis
  • Patent number: 4998185
    Abstract: A navigation board for use by a rider in a vehicle, such as an airplane, with a steering mechanism. The navigation board supports a navigational aid. A first attachment mechanism, coupled to the board, is adapted to secure the board to the rider's leg. A second attachment mechanism, also coupled to the board, is adapted to secure the board to the steering mechanism. The navigation board is secured to either the rider's leg or the steering mechanism by one of the first and second atachment mechanisms to allow ready and convenient reference to the navigation aid by the user. The navigation board is secured to the steering mechanism with a three-point mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Michael J. DeNigris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4991908
    Abstract: A portable footrest comprising a top having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inclined portion located between the first and second ends of the top. A plurality of legs support the top. The legs are pivotally mounted on the top for swinging motion about an axis between a folded position in which the footrest is configured for storage and transportation in a small container such as a briefcase or the like and an upright position in which the footrest is configured for use. The legs may be locked in the upright position. A first pair of the legs is mounted at the first end of the top and a second pair of the legs is mounted at the second end of the top. The first pair of legs is longer than the second pair of legs such that the first end of the top is higher than the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Smooth Sailing, Inc.
    Inventor: P. Kurt Krechel
  • Patent number: 4976204
    Abstract: A portable supporting and stabilizing structure is disclosed that is particularly well suited for securely maintaining a preselected orientation of a utility surface, such as, for example, a work surface, an equipment mounting surface, or a food tray by, and adjacent to, the thighs of a seated user of the utility surface. The structure includes a supporting section for support of the utility surface and a stabilizing section connected with the supporting section and receivable adjacent to the thighs of a user of the structure so that, when force is exerted by the user's thighs against the stabilizing section of the structure, changes in orientation of the surface are resisted thus securely maintaining the position of the utility surface during use thereof. Structures are disclosed which are collapsible and which are selectively configurable for employing inward or outward exertion of the thighs by the user against the stabilizing section of the structure to stabilize the utility surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Robert E. Konkle
  • Patent number: 4958577
    Abstract: A lap tray is amenable to being rolled up into a cylindrical storable configuration, and to being unrolled into a set-up configuration. The tray includes slats mounted on one side of a layer of flexible material, and a brace assembly located on the other side of the layer of flexible material. The brace assembly includes brace elements connected to the slats by a pivot pin and are in an X-shape when supporting the slats in the set-up configuration. The rolled up tray is carried and stored in a carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventors: Richard Demaio, James Piera
  • Patent number: 4938439
    Abstract: A portable automobile accessory which is insertable into the interior of an automobile to function as either an armrest or a tray, is comprised of a resilient body member, defined by four planar surfaces and one non-planar surface arranged to form two wedge-shaped ends positioned perpendicular to each other, and a rigid planar support member secured to the resilient body member. When the thin wedge end of the accessory is inserted intermediate bucket-style seats in an automobile, a smooth top surface is available to the user as an armrest. When the wide wedge end of the accessory is placed intermittent the user's leg and the car door, the rigid planar surface of the support member is available to the user as a tray for eating, writing or other similar activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Hollis Fried, Sandra Torrisi
  • Patent number: 4926758
    Abstract: A foldable playtray is provided having a table top supported by a pair of legs hinged to the table top in one embodiment in such a way that both surfaces fo the table may be used. One surface of the table is provided with a Lego-type play surface so a child playing with Lego-type toys can detachably secure them to the table. The other surface of the table is flat, for use for games, arts and crafts. The legs can be rotated so they support the table with either its Lego-type play surface or its flat surface on top. In addition, the legs are provided with a Lego-type play surface and can be rotated to be coplanar with the table to provide an extended Lego-type play surface. The legs are also equipped with covered storage compartments for small objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Carol E. H. Lilly
    Inventors: Carol E. H. Lilly, Loyd C. Moore, Mark E. Eike, Nicholas E. Barker
  • Patent number: 4892352
    Abstract: A seat comprises a seating member, a ground engageable support depending from the seating member, the support along being incapable of maintaining the seating member in a stable seating position, and a stabilizer. The stabilizer projects forwards of the seating member and includes, at a position removed from the seating member, a leg abutment for making contact with the front of a seated user's leg at or above the knee joint. The stabilizer may be adapted to extend between the seated user's legs and the leg abutment may be adapted to make contact with the front of both legs of a seated user. The seat may be formed as an integral plastics moulding, or it could be foldable or formed of at least two separable parts for ease of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Michael Haywood
  • Patent number: 4852498
    Abstract: A lap top computer work station comprising two top covers hingedly connected to a center base which in a closed, non-use position is a slim, portable work station, and in an open, use position provides for upright diskette holders in one open cover, a tilted pad or sheet material display and holder on another open cover, and a tilted computer rest for a lap top computer in the center base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Judd
  • Patent number: 4819568
    Abstract: A multi-way portable writing desk is formed of a unitary structure of generally U-shaped configuration consisting of a flat rectangular base panel for placement horizontally between the legs of the user and partially underlying the same or, horizontally beneath one leg of the user and to the side thereof, a right angle vertical riser panel having a lower end joined to one end of the base panel and extending vertically upward at right angles thereto and a lap panel integral with the upper end of the riser panel and extending parallel to the base panel, to the same side of the riser panel and overlying the base panel and being spaced from the base panel a distance capable of accommodating a leg or legs of the user whether the user straddles the vertical riser panel or the riser panel extends vertically upwardly along the outside of one of the legs of the user and the lap panel extends horizontally across the leg and overlies the lap of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: John C. Coffrin
  • Patent number: 4795210
    Abstract: A portable table for use in automobiles has a rectangular planar table top surrounded by upstanding sides. A crayon supporting block and a cup receiving aperture are provided on the table top. The table top is designed to be supported by a pair of attached legs. The legs may have a contoured bottom corresponding to the contour of an automobile seat. By selectively utilizing one short straight bottomed leg and one contoured bottom long leg, the portable table may be supported on a backseat armrest in an automobile. Aligned slots through each leg receive an automobile seatbelt to secure the table on a car seat. An adjustable strap is provided to secure the table to an infant car seat when the seat belt is being used to secure the infant seat. A cup shelf secured to the table supports a cup in a level position, projecting through an opening in the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Milat
  • Patent number: 4790041
    Abstract: A pillow (1) for ritual circumcisions, includes a main support body (4), bottom walls (6) proximate a pair of opposite edges of the bottom of the main support body for defining therewith a contoured area (12) to fit relatively securely on the lap of a person, and top walls (5) proximate a pair of opposite edges of the top of the main support body for defining therewith a contoured area (11) to receive and to support a baby therein.A method of performing ritual circumcision during which a baby is held on the lap of a person by using a pillow having a predetermined bottom concave contour having an axis and a predetermined concave contour having an axis, includes placing a pillow on the lap of such person, generally centering and stabilizing such the pillow on the lap of such person according to such contour, and placing the baby on the top of such pillow generally centered relative to the concave contour thereof and extending along the axis of such contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Kiva Y. Shtull
  • Patent number: 4788916
    Abstract: A take-apart pouch tray assembly especially useful for stabilizing a serving tray on an irregular surface including the lap or abdomen of a user, has a rigid planar tray top with a peripheral sidewall receiving the mouth of a pouch or bag in detachable sealed relation. The pouch or bag in turn receives a cushion or pillow partially filled with a very light weight flowable granular material, such as styrofoam. Hook and loop fastener tapes unite the mouth of the pouch or bag with the peripheral wall of the tray. The components of the assembly are easily washed and sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventor: Nancy Saxton
  • Patent number: 4765583
    Abstract: A lap desk for use by children while traveling in an automobile has a box-like frame. The desk has a door which forms a compartment for storage of paper, coloring books, etc. and a separate compartment designed for storage of markers and crayons. A circular upstanding holder is designed as a receptacle for beverage containers. The lap desk is attached to a seat belt by straps, and is placed over the child's legs. A strap from the desk extends beneath the child's legs to secure the lap desk during use. An optional pad snaps to the bottom surface of the desk and may be provided with a curvature to receive the legs of a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Wanda C. Tenner
  • Patent number: 4715293
    Abstract: A body-supported hand-operated instrument desk which includes a pair of vertical frame members (20). A table surface is formed by a rectangular member (42) rotatably attached to the frame and a sold or resilient fabric table top (52) is employed to support a hand operated instrument such as a computer. A pair of shoulder straps (36) bridge across the frame allowing the device to be comfortably worn over the shoulders providing a platform that positions the instrument in a convenient location. The invention solves the problem of providing portable access to hand operated instruments heretofore unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Inventor: Richard W. Cobbs
  • Patent number: 4700634
    Abstract: A unique, easily employable, portable, lap-oriented desk unit is achieved by providing securely affixing supporting cushion means to a housing assembly, which housing assembly comprises a work supporting surface and movable, fully contained illumination means associated therewith and movable between a first, stowed position, and a second deployed position, wherein said illumination means is in juxtaposed, spaced illuminating relationship with said work surface. In the preferred embodiment, the portable, lap-oriented desk unit also incorporates a secure, enclosed, storage zone in which any desired equipment for performing the particular work can be securely retained and stored for use when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventors: Arthur Mills, Kenneth B. Curtis
  • Patent number: 4679509
    Abstract: A table designed for ease of use by the occupant of a wheel chair having a shaped, cut-back, front edge to allow the torso of the user to extend partially into the working surface, enabling the user to have ease of access to the entire working surface. A peripheral lip or ridge about the back and side edges of the table prevents articles from falling off and out of reach of the user, and the height and table top size are dimensional for use by a wheelchair occupant. The table has casters mounted on its rear leg portions but not on its front leg portions. The table is easily moved by the user who simply tilts the table to lift its front leg portions off of the ground, tilting the table onto the casters mounted on its rear legs, and then rolls the table with him. When the table is tilted for movement the peripheral ridge acts to keep articles on the table. When the table is at a desired location, its front legs are lowered back down into hold contact with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Samuel O. Sampson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4648603
    Abstract: A game control support tray with left and right sides which can be strapped across both legs in the lap of the user for holding video game control components for a video game player. The control support tray has one or more tray surfaces connected by a support structure for holding video game control components which can be adjusted to preselected positions between the left and right sides for increased comfort of the operator and more effective use of the game control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Robert L. Hayford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4595086
    Abstract: A top unit is provided defining a upper work surface and having front, rear and opposite side marginal portions. A downwardly opening cover also having front, rear and opposite side marginal portions is provided and the rear marginal portion of the cover is pivotally supported from the rear marginal portion of the top unit for swinging about an axis generally paralleling the rear marginal portions between a closed position closely telescopingly engaged over the top unit from above and a open position extending upwardly from the rear marginal portion of the top unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: Lewis H. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4518164
    Abstract: An improved video game control console is provided for use with home video game computers. The apparatus adjusts to the lap of the players by using a pair of spaced apart controller containers which slide upon a frame. Each container is centered on each leg respectively of the player and can be fastened thereto. The two controller containers are clamped upon the frame when the desired spacing is reached. The containers have ample surface area so that oversized controls can be used which facilitate better play with less player fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Inventor: Robert L. Hayford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4494754
    Abstract: A video game accessory and method for playing video games which frees one hand and simplifies the operation of the game controller. A player sits on a chair over a base which is resting on the chair. A riser extends from the base between the player's legs and supports a mounting member which is positioned over the player's lap, and which holds a video game controller in place. A player thus positioned plays video games with both hands free to operate the game controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: John R. Wagner, Jr.