Collapsable travel tray

Abstract

A fold-up platform, which can function as a tray table, is mounted to the back of the front seat in any transportation vehicle and is self-suspending. The portable unit is suspended by first being attached to each support post of the front seat head rest and then hooked to the bottom of the seat frame at a point above the seat adjustment tracts on both the left and the right side with hooks attached to straps which are then pulled snug on the back of a seat by using tension devices on the straps. The mounting straps are reinforced with a mounting skeleton frame along the straps with fabric stitched to the frame and straps to keep the structure from twisting. The tray platform is made in two pieces so that it can be folded and then rotated into its storage position when not in use. The platform tray is made in two pieces by using a stiff flat material that is then covered with a soft padding material and enclosed in fabric. The two pieces are then hinged and fastened together along one edge to form the tray that is stiff and strong when in use yet collapsible under strong forces. This unit is then attached to the skeleton frame and support straps along one edge so as to be able to rotate to a horizontal or vertical position. One end of flexible material is then attached to the right of the tray at a position where the two stiff pieces of the tray meet. The other end of the material is attached to the frame and strapping above the tray and on the top edge of the frame in such a manner as to suspend and support the tray in a horizontal position. The same suspension is found on the left side. The tray can then be stored by folding the front stiff portion of the tray forward and down over the back stiff portion of the tray and then rotating the folded tray to a vertical position where it is attached to the frame with a locking device. When in the this position the tray is stored out of the way for easy access to the rear seats, when unclipped and folded out and down the tray is available for platform use while the two piece design makes it easily collapsible in an emergency situation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention generally relates to a collapsible travel tray and portable workstation for use in any transportation vehicle, where the user would need a safe and secure place to support food, books, computers, or other devices and objects while traveling.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Numerous prior art devices have been proposed for different tray devices for use in automobiles. Some are designed to act with child seats while others have cumbersome support systems.[0003]Prior art devices have not proposed safety enhancements for the user, or a device of this nature, nor have most taken into account the flexibility needed for a changing technological world.[0004]The object of this invention is to provide a travel tray that will collapse on impact so as to help minimize possible injury.[0005]The object of this invention is to provide not just a tray for meals, entertainment, and activities, but also one that will support technology advances and workstat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Uniquely, this travel tray is not only collapsible but also folds into itself using a two point folding system and two-piece tray. In so doing, this design not only creates a smaller footprint when placed in its stored position and not in use, but also attempts to make it safer when in its functional open position. The folding tray, by having two flexible edges, is designed to bend and fold into the seat and give under impact situations, therefore helping to reduce the chance of injury.

[0010]This travel tray design uses a three point contact system for better support and stability of the tray while the vehicle is in motion. In addition to the anchor points for the suspension on the top of the frame and the anchor hooks at the bottom of the seat, an optional cylindrical tube is inserted along the bottom of the frame in order to insure that the bottom of the frame is in contact with the seat it is attached to for tray stability.

Problems solved by technology

Some are designed to act with child seats while others have cumbersome support systems.

Prior art devices have not proposed safety enhancements for the user, or a device of this nature, nor have most taken into account the flexibility needed for a changing technological world.

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