GB2234158A

GB2234158A - Improvements relating to trays

Info

Publication number: GB2234158A
Application number: GB8916893A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Derozarieux
Original assignee: KID DESIGN GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: KID DESIGN GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 1989-07-24
Filing date: 1989-07-24
Publication date: 1991-01-30
Also published as: GB8916893D0; WO1991001105A1; AU6146090A

Abstract

A tray is provided for use on a user's lap, the tray having a substantially flat working surface and provided with grip means on its underside, the grip means comprising one or more downwardly projecting members which can be gripped by the knees of the user to hold the tray steady on the user's lap.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO TRAYS This invention relates generally to trays, and more particularly to a tray suitable for use resting on the lap of a user.

.. . l The - The tray of st invention has been developed particularly for use in a car or other vehicle, to provide a surface on which children can put toys, pencils and paper, etc., or which both children and adults can use as a convenient surface for food and drink. It is important, when developing a product for use in such circumstances, to ensure that the tray is safe for use and to take into consideration the effect of abrupt braking of the vehicle. As will be apparent from the following description, the tray may be used in any situation where a substantially flat surface is required when the user is sitting down, and is not limited to use in a vehicle.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a tray having a substantially flat working surface and provided with grip means on its underside, said grip means comprising one or more downwardly projecting members which can be gripped by the knees of the user to hold the tray on the user's lap. The grip means preferably comprises a downwardly projecting rib.

The tray may be generally rectangular, having front, rear and side edges, said rib extending substantially centrally of the width of the tray in a front-to-rear direction.

Preferably the tray is provided at its front edge with a downwardly projecting flange or lip which projects over the knees of the user. In the described embodiment this flange or lip slopes forwardly from the front edge of the working surface.

The tray is preferably provided also with a generally concave curved rear edge so that it fits comfortably against the abdomen of the user.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a tray having a substantially flat working surface, an edge portion of the tray being provided with a downwardly projecting flange or lip.

In order that the invention may be better understood an embodiment thereof will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a tray according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the tray of Figure 1, and; Figure 3 is a section through the tray of Figure 2 taken along the line A-A'.

The tray 1 is integrally formed from blown polypropylene which is rigid yet lightweight, and may be covered with a rigid plastic skin to give a smooth surface which is practical and also attractive. It will be apparent that any reasonably lightweight material which is strong enough to provide a working surface, but which is not so rigid as to be capable of causing impact injury to a user, is suitable for use in forming the tray.

The tray 1 is of a suitable size to be easily accommodated on the lap of a child or adult, but otherwise the size of the tray is not significant.

As can best be seen in Figures 2 and 3 an integrally formed rib 2 projects substantially vertically from the underside of the tray, extending in a front-to-back direction. This rib provides a grip means in that a portion of it can be gripped between the user's knees to hold the tray firmly in place when it is resting on the user's lap. Although the rib is described as being integrally formed in this embodiment, it would of course be possible to form the rib and the upper part of the tray separately and attach them to each other.

The front of the tray 1 is provided with a downwardly and outwardly sloping flange or lip 3 which projects over the user's knees and acts to cushion impact with the back of one of the front seats, or the facia of a vehicle in which the tray is in use if the vehicle stops abruptly.

The rear edge of the tray 1 is provided with an arcuately curved edge 4 which allows the tray 1 to be positioned close to the user's abdomen with comfort.

The absence of a straight edge also means that in case of impact there is less likelihood of the edge of the tray digging in to the user and causing injury.

The upper part of the tray 1 is provided with a substantially flat working surface 5 which is surrounded by a raised rim 6. The rim 6 serves to prevent articles from sliding off the working surface 5. The upper portion of the tray 1 may also be provided with a recess 7, as shown in Figure 1, suitable for accommodating a cup or glass. Other features may be provided on this upper part of the tray 1, such as an elongate groove to accommodate pens and pencils so that they do not roll around the working surface 5.

If the tray is to be used by a young child it may be desirable to secure the tray, for example to the child's harness or safety belt. Towards the rear of the tray 1 is provided a hole 8, which extends through the thickness of the tray, and through which a tape or string, or other securing means, may be passed to enable the tray to be fastened to some other structure. It will be apparent that any other suitable securing means may be used. For example a belt arrangement may be provided, secured substantially towards the rear of the tray 1 to opposed outer side portions of the rim 6, or alternatively, attached along the curved edge 4.

All surfaces of the tray are manufactured to be smooth and the corners and edges are well-rounded to prevent injury to users.

Although the grip means in the above described embodiment comprises a single rib to be held between the user's knees, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement. Any other form of projection or projections which can be held in this way may be used. Moreover an arrangement of projections by which the tray can be held by outward pressure of the knees is suitable.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description, various modifications are possible without departing from the broad ambit of the invention, and all such modifications are deemed to be included herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A tray having a substantially flat working surface and provided with grip means on its underside, said grip means comprising one or more downwardly projecting members which can be gripped by the knees of the user to hold the tray steady on the user's lap.

2. A tray according to claim 1 wherein the grip means comprises a downwardly projecting rib.

3. A tray according to claim 2 which is generally rectangular having front rear and side edges and wherein said rib extends substantially centrally of the width of the tray in a front-to-rear direction.

4. A tray according to any preceding claim wherein said working surface and said grip means are integrally formed.

5. A tray according to any preceding claim wherein an edge portion of the tray is provided with a downwardly projecting flange or lip.

6. A tray having a substantially flat working surface, an edge portion of the tray being provided with a downwardly projecting flange or lip.

7. A tray according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said flange or lip slopes outwardly from the edge of the tray.

8. A tray according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein an edge portion of the tray is generally concavely curved.

9. A tray according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein an edge portion opposed to the flange or lip is generally concavely curved.

10. A tray according to any preceding claim wherein the working surface is surrounded by a raised lip.

11. A tray according to any preceding claim wherein said working surface is provided with a recess for retaining a drinking vessel.

12. A tray according to any preceding claims formed from blown polypropylene.

13. A tray substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.