US20100032395A1

US20100032395A1 - Foldable tray attachment and package for chair

Info

Publication number: US20100032395A1
Application number: US12/504,703
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrea Zabinski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-08
Filing date: 2009-07-17
Publication date: 2010-02-11

Abstract

A foldable tray attachment for a chair comprises a middle member, a pair of side panels, at least one holder, at least one support member and a securing mechanism. The middle member is capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair. Each side panel of the pair of side panels is pivotally coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge for facilitating folding of the foldable tray attachment. The each side panel includes at least one recess. The at least one holder is capable of being removably coupled to the at least one recess. The at least one support member is fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the foldable tray attachment to support the pair of side panels in an open position. The securing mechanism is configured to detachably couple the foldable tray attachment to the chair.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims priority under 35 United States Code, Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/087,314 filed on Aug. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a tray attachment and a package, and, more particularly, to a foldable tray attachment that may be attached to a chair, such as a lounge chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Typically, a user seated in a chair such as a couch, a lounge chair and the like, needs to access various articles for his/her use while being seated on the chair. For example, the user seated on the lounge chair on a beach may wish to access a music player, a mobile phone, a sun tan lotion, a cup or a can filled with beverage, and the like.
Generally, in order to access these articles, the user may place these articles at a convenient location that may be readily accessed by the user. For example, the user may place the articles on the ground close to the chair for easy access thereto. However, articles kept on the ground are usually associated with a risk of getting wet or being damaged. For example, if the user keeps his/her music player on the ground while being seated on the lounge chair near a pool or the beach, there is a risk of the music player getting splashed with water. This can potentially damage the music player. Further, if the user keeps his/her sunglasses on the ground, then there is a risk of someone stepping on the sunglasses and potentially cracking the sunglasses.
Alternatively, a side table may be utilized that may be kept close to the chair to place the articles thereon, so that the articles may be accessed easily by the user. However, the side table occupies a significant amount of space, thereby causing inconvenience to the user. Currently, a utility tray is also utilized for holding articles thereon. Lateral edges of said utility tray are attached to side members of the chair such that the utility tray is positioned above a seating area of the chair on which the user is seated. However, the positioning of the utility tray causes obstruction in movement of the user on the chair. Specifically, the user needs to detach the utility tray from the side members to sit on the chair or to get out of the chair, which may cause inconvenience to the user.
In light of the drawbacks mentioned above, there is a need for an attachment for a chair, such as a lounge chair, that allows a user to hold articles at a conveniently accessible location while being seated on the chair. Further, there is a need for an attachment for a chair that facilitates holding of articles above the ground level. Furthermore, there is a need for an attachment for a chair, that may be portable and conveniently stored when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable tray attachment for a chair and a foldable tray attachment package configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable tray attachment for a chair that is capable of holding one or more articles above the ground level.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable tray attachment for a chair that may allow a user to conveniently access articles while sitting on the chair, without obstructing movement of a user in and out of the chair.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable tray attachment for a chair, which is portable and is capable of being conveniently stored when not in use.
To achieve the above objects, the present disclosure provides a foldable tray attachment for a chair. The foldable tray attachment includes a middle member, a pair of side panels, at least one holder, at least one support member and a securing mechanism. The middle member includes a pair of longitudinal edges. The middle member is capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair. Each side panel of the pair of side panels is pivotally coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge of the pair of longitudinal edges of the middle member. The pivotal coupling of each of the pair of side panels to the middle member enables the each side panel to fold about the respective longitudinal edge of the middle member, thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the middle member in a folded position of the foldable tray attachment.
Further, the each side panel includes at least one recess configured therein. The at least one holder is capable of being removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one recess. The at least one holder is capable of holding at least one article therein. The at least one support member is fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle member and a portion of a front surface of the each side panel for supporting the pair of side panels in an open position of the foldable tray attachment. The pair of side panels is aligned substantially parallel to the middle member in the open position. The securing mechanism is capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface of the each side panel, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to a portion of the chair.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable tray attachment package is provided. The foldable tray attachment package includes a foldable tray attachment, a cushion member and a carry bag. The foldable tray attachment includes a middle member, a pair of side panels, at least one holder, at least one support member and a securing mechanism. The middle member includes a pair of longitudinal edges. The middle member is capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair. Each side panel of the pair of side panels is pivotally coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge of the pair of longitudinal edges of the middle member. The pivotal coupling of each of the pair of side panels to the middle member enables the each side panel to fold about the respective longitudinal edge of the middle member, thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the middle member in a folded position of the foldable tray attachment. Further, the each side panel includes at least one recess configured therein.
The at least one holder is capable of being removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one recess. The at least one holder is capable of holding at least one article therein. The at least one support member is fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle member and a portion of a front surface of the each side panel for supporting the pair of side panels in an open position of the foldable tray attachment. The pair of side panels is aligned substantially parallel to the middle member in the open position. The securing mechanism is capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface of the each side panel, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to a portion of the chair. The cushion member is capable of being removably coupled to the middle member. The carry bag is configured to receive at least one of the foldable tray attachment and the cushion member.
These together with other aspects of the present disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper side of a foldable tray attachment in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an environment depicting utility of the foldable tray attachment of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an underside of the foldable tray attachment of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an underside of a foldable tray attachment, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the foldable tray attachment of FIG. 1 collapsing into a folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable tray attachment package, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in composition, structure, and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular a foldable tray attachment for a chair and a foldable tray attachment package, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Unless limited otherwise, the terms “disposed,” “coupled,” “attached,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect arrangements. The term “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish placement of one element over another. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The present disclosure provides a foldable tray attachment. The disclosed foldable tray attachment is capable of holding one or more articles while providing support to a portion of a user's body upon the user being seated on a chair. The foldable tray attachment may be removably attached to a portion of the chair such as a lounge chair, and the like. Specifically, the foldable tray attachment may be attached to a back rest portion of the chair such that the user may rest his/her head portion on the foldable tray attachment. Moreover, the foldable tray attachment may be folded when not in use.
Additionally, the present disclosure provides a foldable tray attachment package. The disclosed foldable tray attachment package includes the foldable tray attachment, a cushion member, and a carry bag for holding the foldable tray attachment and the cushion member therein. The cushion member may be a cushion pillow that may be attached to a portion, specifically the back rest portion of the chair for enabling the user to conveniently rest his/her head portion thereon. The carry bag is capable of holding the foldable tray attachment and the cushion member therein, thereby facilitating convenient portability of the foldable tray attachment.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, perspective views of a foldable tray attachment 100 (hereinafter referred to as ‘attachment 100’) are illustrated. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an upper side of the attachment 100 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an environment depicting utility of the attachment 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an underside of the attachment 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an underside of the attachment 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
The attachment 100 may be utilized for holding one or more articles while providing support to a portion of a user's body upon the user being seated on a chair 200. Examples of the chair 200 may include a lounge chair, a couch and the like. The present disclosure is explained with reference to a lounge chair, however, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the disclosed attachment 100 may be attached to any other chair also without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment 100 includes a middle member 102, a pair of side panels such as a side panel 104 a and a side panel 104 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘side panels 104’), at least one holder such as a holder 106 a, a holder 106 b and a holder 106 c, at least one support member such as a support member 108 a and a support member 108 b, and a securing mechanism (not shown).
The middle member 102 may be of a rectangular shape having a pair of longitudinal edges, such as longitudinal edges 110 a, 110 b and a pair of latitudinal edges, such as latitudinal edges 112 a, 112 b. The middle member 102 is capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair 200. Specifically, upon the attachment 100 being supported on a back rest portion of the chair 200, the middle member 102 allows the user to rest his/her head portion on the middle member 102. In the present embodiment, the middle member 102 is shown and described to assume a rectangular shape, however, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the middle member 102 may assume any other shape also, such as, a square shape, a polygonal shape, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle member 102 includes a first half portion 102 a, and a second half portion 102 b pivotally coupled to the first half portion 102 a about a pivot axis 114. The pivotal coupling of the first half portion 102 a with the second half portion 102 b facilitates positioning of the first half portion 102 a over the second half portion 102 b in a folded position of the attachment 100. The folded position of the attachment 100 is explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle member 102 is composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard material.
Each side panel of the side panels 104 is pivotally coupled to the middle member 102 at a respective longitudinal edge of the pair of longitudinal edges 110 a, 110 b. Specifically, the side panel 104 a and the side panel 104 b are pivotally coupled at the longitudinal edge 110 a and the longitudinal edge 110 b respectively of the middle member 102. The pivotal coupling of the side panels 104 with the middle member 102 enables the each side panel, such as the side panel 104 a and the side panel 104 b to fold about the respective longitudinal edge, such as the longitudinal edge 110 a and the longitudinal edge 110 b of the middle member 102, thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the middle member 102 in the folded position of the attachment 100. The folded position of the attachment 100 is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the side panels 104 are pivotally coupled to the middle member 102 by means of a seamed attachment (not shown). Specifically, the middle member 102 and the side panels 104 may be covered by a fabric covering or a plastic covering so that the said coverings may be seamed together for facilitating the pivotal movement of the side panels 104 about the longitudinal edges 110 a, 110 b of the middle member 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each side panel of the side panels 104 is composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard material.
Each of the side panels 104 includes at least one recess configured therein. For example, the side panel 104 a includes recesses 116 a and 116 b configured therein. Moreover, the side panel 104 b includes recesses 116 c and 116 d configured therein. The at least one recess may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recess 116 a is configured to assume a semicircular shape while the recess 116 b is configured to assume a circular shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the circular shaped recess such as the recess 116 b may be utilized to hold a container having a circular cross-section, specifically a tumbler such as a cup, a glass, a can, a bottle and the like. The said recess having a circular cross-section, such as the recess 116 b may be configured on the side panel 104 a such that the user may conveniently access the tumbler while being seated on the chair 200.
The attachment 100 includes at least one holder, such as the holder 106 a, the holder 106 b, and the holder 106 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘holders 106’) removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the recess 116 a, the recess 116 c and the recess 116 d respectively. The recess 116 a, the recess 116 b, the recess 116 c, and the recess 116 d will hereinafter be collectively referred to as ‘recesses 116’. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one holder is one of a mesh pouch and a cloth pouch. Each of the holders 106 is capable of holding at least one article therein. Examples of articles may include a music player, a mobile phone, a sun tan lotion and the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holders 106 are removably coupled to the recesses 116 by means of a plugs and caps assembly. Referring to FIG. 3A, the holder 106 a includes one or more plugs such as a plug 118 a and a plug 118 b configured thereon. Moreover, one or more caps such as a cap 120 a and a cap 120 b may be disposed on the peripheral portion of the recess 116 a. The plug 118 a and the plug 118 b may be received in the cap 120 a and the cap 120 b respectively to detachably couple the holder 106 a to the recess 116 a. Similarly, the holder 106 c may be detachably coupled to the recess 116 c and the holder 106 b may be detachably coupled to the recess 116 d.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least one support member, such as the support member 108 a and the support member 108 b is fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle member 102 and a portion of a front surface of each of the side panels 104. Specifically, the support member 108 a and the support member 108 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘support members 108’) are fixedly attached to a portion of the front surfaces 122 a, 122 b of the first half portion 102 a and the second half portion 102 b of the middle member 102, and a portion of the front surfaces 124 a, 124 b of the side panels 104. The support members 108 may be fixedly attached to the respective portions of the front surfaces of the middle member 102 and the side panels 104 through adhesive glue, a stitching mechanism and the like. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various other techniques for fixedly attaching the support members 108 may be utilized herein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
The support members 108 are adapted to support the side panels 104 in an open position of the attachment 100. Specifically, the support members 108 facilitate the alignment of the side panels 104 substantially parallel to the middle member 102 in the open position of the attachment 100, thereby preventing downward sagging of the side panels 104 upon the attachment 100 being held on the chair 200 in the open position of the attachment 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support members 108 may be composed of a nylon material. However, it may be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the support members 108 may be composed of any other material that is capable of fixedly supporting alignment of the side panels 104 substantially parallel to the middle member 102.
The attachment 100 includes a securing mechanism capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface of the side panels 104, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the attachment 100 to a portion of the chair 200. Referring specifically to FIG. 3A, a perspective view of an underside of the attachment 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 100 is secured to a portion of the chair 200. In the present embodiment, the securing mechanism includes a strap member 126 removably attached to the underside of the attachment 100 by means of hook and loop fasteners.
As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the securing mechanism includes the strap member 126 having a loop fastener attached to each longitudinal extremities 126 a, 126 b thereof, and a plurality of hook fasteners fixedly attached to a back surface of the side panels 104 a, 104 b. Specifically, loop fasteners 128 a, 128 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as loop fasteners 128) are attached on opposite longitudinal extremities of the strap member 126. Further, hook fasteners 130 a, 130 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as hook fasteners 130) are attached to back surfaces 132 a, 132 b of the side panel 104 a and the side panel 104 b respectively. The hook fasteners 130 are capable of coupling to the loop fasteners 128, thereby facilitating the detachable coupling of the attachment 100 to the portion of the chair 200. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strap member 126 is composed of a nylon material. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the strap member 126 may be composed of a material other than nylon material without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the securing mechanism includes a plugs and caps assembly. The embodiment disclosing the plugs and caps assembly for securing the disclosed attachment 100 to the chair 200, is explained further in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3B.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the securing mechanism for detachably coupling the attachment 100 to the portion of the chair 200 may further include a plurality of strings, such as a string 134 a and 134 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘strings 134’) obliquely attached to corner portions of the middle member 102 of the attachment 100. Specifically, each of top-end corner portions of the middle member 102 may include a pair of apertures, such as apertures 136 a, 136 b configured therein for receiving the string 134 a. The pair of apertures may be configured in the middle member 102 such that the strings 134 may be aligned obliquely on the middle member 102. The oblique alignment of the strings 134 allows the attachment 100 to be detachably coupled to the portion of the chair 200, specifically, the corner portions of the backrest of the chair 200. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strings 134 may be tightened to securely couple the attachment 100 to a portion of the chair 200, according to the user's preference. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of elastic members (not shown) may be utilized instead of the plurality of strings. Each elastic member of the plurality of elastic members may include a plurality of caps disposed at one end thereof and a plug disposed on other end. The plug may be inserted in one of the plurality of caps based on a degree of coupling required between the attachment 100 and the chair 200.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the attachment 100 includes at least one hook, such as a hook 138 (shown in FIG. 3A) disposed on a back surface, such as the back surface 132 b of at least one of the side panels 104. The hook 138 is capable of holding one or more clothing items such as a towel, a swimwear and the like. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the attachment 100 may include more than one hook configured on one of the back surface 132 b or the front surface 124 b thereof for holding one or more clothing items thereon. Further, it will be apparent that in the present disclosure, the hook 138 is assumed to be a typical C-shaped hook. However, the attachment 100 may include any other type of hook also know in the art without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the attachment 100 may include a push through type of hook (not shown). Moreover, said push through hook may assume any of the shapes known in the art, such as a star shape, and the like.
Referring to FIG. 3B, a perspective view of an underside of a foldable tray attachment 300 (hereinafter referred to as attachment 300) is illustrated, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment 300 is similar to the attachment 100 (of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A) with an exception that the securing mechanism of the attachment 100, i.e. the hook and loop fastener arrangement is replaced by a plugs and caps assembly in the attachment 300. Specifically, various components of the attachment 300, namely, a middle member 302; a pair of side panels such as a side panel 304 a and a side panel 304b; at least one holder such as a holder 306 a, a holder 306 b and a holder 306 c; at least one support member (not shown) are similar to respective components, i.e. the middle member 102; the pair of side panels such as the side panel 104 a and the side panel 104 b; the at least one holder such as the holder 106 a, the holder 106 b and the holder 106 c; and the at least one support member such as the support member 108 a and the support member 108 b of the attachment 100.
Further, longitudinal edges 308 a, 308 b of the middle member 302; latitudinal edges 310 a, 310 b of the middle member 302; pivot axis 312 of the middle member 302; recesses 314 a, 314 b configured in the side panel 304 a; and recesses 314 c, 314 d configured in the side panel 304 b of the attachment 300 are similar to the longitudinal edges 110 a, 110 b of the middle member 102; the latitudinal edges 112 a, 112 b of the middle member 102; the pivot axis 114 of the middle member 102; the recesses 116 a, 116 b configured in the side panel 104 a; the recesses 116 c, 116 d configured in the side panel 104 b respectively of the attachment 100.
Moreover, plugs 316 a, 316 b configured on the holder 306 a; caps 318 a, 318 b for receiving the plugs 316 a, 316 b; front surfaces (not shown) of the first half portion 302 a and the second half portion 302 b of the middle member 302; and front surfaces (not shown) of the side panels 304 a, 304 b, are similar to the plugs 118 a, 118 b configured on the holder 106 a; the caps 120 a, 120 b for receiving the plugs 118 a, 118 b; the front surfaces 122 a, 122 b of the first half portion 102 a and the second half portion 102 b of the middle member 102; the front surface 124 a, 124 b of the side panels 104 a, 104 b, respectively of the attachment 100.
However, in the present embodiment, the securing mechanism of the attachment 300 includes a plug-and-cap assembly unlike the hook and loop fasteners of the attachment 100. Specifically, the securing mechanism of the attachment 300 includes a strap member 320 having one or more plugs attached to each longitudinal extremity thereof. For example, plugs 322 a, 322 b, are attached to a longitudinal extremity 320 a while plugs 322 c, 322 d are attached to a longitudinal extremity 320 b of the strap member 320. Moreover, corresponding one or more caps are fixedly attached to back surfaces, such as back surfaces 326 a, 326 b of each of the pair of side panels 304 a, 304 b of the attachment 300. For example, caps 324 a, 324 b, are attached to a back surface 326 a while caps 324 c, 324d are attached to a back surface 326 b of the side panels 304 a, 304 b. The caps 324 a, 324 b, 324 c, 324 d are capable of receiving the plugs 322 a, 322 b, 322 c, 322 d respectively, thereby facilitating the detachable coupling of the attachment 300 to the portion of the chair 200.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strap member 320 is composed of a nylon material. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the strap member 320 may be composed of a material other than nylon material without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various components, such as oblique strings configured to secure the attachment 300 with a portion of a chair, such as the chair 200, and hook for hanging garments thereon are similar to corresponding elements of the attachment 100. Specifically, strings 328 a, 328 b; apertures 330 a, 330 b, 330 c, 330 d; and a hook 332 of the attachment 300 are similar to the strings 134 a, 134 b; the apertures 136 a, 136 b, 136 c, 136 d; and the hook 138 of the attachment 100.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the attachment 100 depicting the attachment 100 collapsing into a folded position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specifically, when not in use, the attachment 100 may be folded to assume a folded position. In the folded position, the attachment 100 occupies less space, thereby facilitating convenient storage thereof. As disclosed herein, the folded position is explained with reference to the attachment 100. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that a folded position of the attachment 300 is similar to the folded position of the attachment 100. Accordingly, the description of the folded position of the attachment 300 is omitted herein.
While assuming the folded position of the attachment 100, the side panels 104 are pivotally moved over so as to be positioned over the middle member 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first half portion 102 a of the middle member 102 is pivotally coupled to the second half portion 102 b of the middle member 102 about the pivot axis 114.
The disclosed attachment, such as the attachment 100 may have such dimensions that enable a user to conveniently carry the attachment 100. For example, width of the attachment 100 while in a completely open position may be about 16 inches while the length of the attachment 100 may be about 45 inches. Specifically, the length of the middle member 102 may be about 24 inches and the length of each of the side panels 104 a, 104 b may be about 11 inches. Further, length of each of the first half portion 102 a and the second half portion 102 b may be about 12 inches.
In the folded position of the attachment 100, each of the side panels may overlap over a half portion, such as the first half portion 102 a and the second half portion 102 b of the middle member 102. Accordingly, in the folded position the length of the attachment 100 may be about 12 inches. Further, the recess 116 b may have a diameter of about 3.5 inches. Furthermore, the holder 106 may be about 7 inches deep when coupled to the peripheral portion of the recesses 116. Although preferred dimensions of various components of the attachment 100 are disclosed herein, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the such dimension may not be construed as limiting, and may be varied based on manufacturing requirements of the attachment 100. Further, it will be understood that the present embodiment referring to various dimensions of the disclosed attachment is explained herein with referenced to the attachment 100, the same dimensions are equally applicable for the attachment 300.
Referring to FIG. 5, a foldable tray attachment package 1000 (hereinafter referred to as ‘package 1000’) is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The package 1000 includes an attachment, such as the attachment 100; a cushion member 400 and a carry bag 500. The cushion member 400 is capable of being removably coupled to the middle member 102 of the attachment 100. The cushion member 400 may be filled with a cushioning material to provide a cushioning effect to a portion of the user's body upon being attached to the middle member 102. For example, the cushion member 400 may provide the cushioning effect to a head portion of the user when the attachment 100 is coupled to a top portion of the chair 200. Similarly, the cushion member 400 may provide the cushioning effect to legs of the user when placed at a bottom portion of the chair 200. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cushion member 400 is composed of a water-proof material enabling water to be utilized as the cushioning material to provide the cushioning effect.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cushion member 400 is removably coupled to the middle member 102 by means of a suction cup arrangement. The suction cup arrangement includes one or more suction cups, such as a suction cup 402 a, a suction cup 402 b, a suction cup 402 c, a suction cup 402 d (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘suction cups 402’) disposed on a back surface 404 of the cushion member 400. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the cushion member 400 with different number, size and shape of the suction cups 402 may be embodied without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cushion member 400 may be removed from the middle member 102 and utilized individually to provide a cushioning effect to a portion of the user's body.
The carry bag 500 is configured to receive at least one of the attachment such as the attachment 100 and the cushion member 400 therein in a folded position. Specifically, the carry bag 500 includes an open top portion 502 and a closed bottom portion 504, such that the open top portion 502 is capable of allowing the carry bag 500 to receive the attachment (in the folded position), such as the attachment 100, and the cushion member 400. Further, the carry bag 500 includes a drawstring 506 disposed on the open top portion 502 such that the drawstring 506 may control an opening and a closing of the open end portion 502 of the carry bag 500. Specifically, tightening the drawstring 506 may close the open top portion 502 of the carry bag 500. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, a zipper arrangement (not shown) may be utilized for controlling the opening and closing of the open end portion 502 of the carry bag 500.
The carry bag 500 also includes at least one length adjustable strap, such as a strap 508 a and a strap 508 b, coupled to a portion of the carry bag 500 for facilitating holding of the carry bag 500 by a user. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one length adjustable strap, such as the straps 508 a, 508 b are coupled to a portion (not shown) of the carry bag 500 through a stitching mechanism (not shown). The user may adjust the length of the at least one length adjustable straps, such as straps 508 a, 508 b through a length adjustment mechanism (not shown), according to his/her requirements. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the attachment 100 with different position of coupling of the at least one strap than depicted in FIG. 1 may be embodied without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
As disclosed above, the package 1000 is configured to receive at least one of the attachment such as the attachment 100, and the cushion member 400. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the carry bag 500 may have the length of about 20 inches and the width of about 12 inches. Further, since the cushion member 400 is capable of being detachably coupled to the middle member 102, the cushion member 400 may have the length of about 20 inches and the width of about 14 inches.
A foldable tray attachment, such as the attachment 100 and the attachment 300 is advantageous for holding articles such that the articles may be accessed conveniently by a user while sitting on the chair 200. Further, the foldable tray attachment supports a portion of a user's body through a detachable cushion such as the cushion member 400 while supporting the articles. Furthermore, the foldable tray attachment may be folded into a smaller size and may be conveniently stored in a bag such as the carry bag 500, thereby enhancing the portability of the disclosed foldable tray attachment.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable tray attachment for a chair, the foldable tray attachment comprising:

a middle member having a pair of longitudinal edges, the middle member capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair;

a pair of side panels, each side panel of the pair of side panels pivotally coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge of the pair of longitudinal edges, the pivotal coupling enabling the each side panel to fold about the respective longitudinal edge of the middle member, thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the middle member in a folded position of the foldable tray attachment, the each side panel comprising at least one recess configured therein;

at least one holder capable of being removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one recess, the at least one holder capable of holding at least one article therein;

at least one support member fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle member and a portion of a front surface of the each side panel, the at least one support member being adapted to support the pair of side panels in an open position of the foldable tray attachment, the pair of side panels being aligned substantially parallel to the middle member in the open position; and

a securing mechanism capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface of the each side panel, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to a portion of the chair.

2. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the middle member comprises a first half portion, and a second half portion pivotally coupled to the first half portion about a pivot axis for facilitating positioning of the first half portion over the second half portion in the folded position of the foldable tray attachment.

3. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises,

a strap member having a loop fastener attached to each longitudinal extremity thereof, and

a plurality of hook fasteners fixedly attached to a back surface of the each side panel, each of the plurality of hook fasteners capable of being coupled to a respective loop fastener, thereby facilitating the detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to the portion of the chair.

4. The foldable tray attachment of claim 3, wherein the strap member is composed of a nylon material.

5. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises,

a strap member having one or more plugs attached to each longitudinal extremity thereof, and

one or more caps attached to a back surface of the each side panel, the one or more caps capable of receiving the one or more plugs therein, thereby facilitating the detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to the portion of the chair.

6. The foldable tray attachment of claim 5, wherein the strap member is composed of a nylon material.

7. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a plurality of strings obliquely attached to a back surface of the middle member for facilitating the detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to the portion of the chair.

8. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one holder comprises one of a mesh pouch and a cloth pouch.

9. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one holder is removably coupled to the at least one recess through a plugs and caps assembly.

10. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one support member is composed of a nylon material.

11. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the middle member is composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard material.

12. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, wherein the each side panel of the pair of side panels is composed of one of a plastic material and a cardboard material.

13. The foldable tray attachment of claim 1, further comprising at least one hook disposed on a back surface of at least one side panel of the pair of side panels.

14. A foldable tray attachment package, the foldable tray attachment package comprising:

a foldable tray attachment for a chair, the foldable tray attachment comprising,

a middle member having a pair of longitudinal edges, the middle member capable of supporting a body portion of a user seated on the chair,

a pair of side panels, each side panel of the pair of side panels pivotally coupled to the middle member at a respective longitudinal edge of the pair of longitudinal edges, the pivotal coupling enabling the each side panel to fold about the respective longitudinal edge of the middle member, thereby facilitating positioning of the each side panel over the middle member in a folded position of the foldable tray attachment, the each side panel comprising at least one recess configured therein,

at least one holder capable of being removably coupled to a peripheral portion of the at least one recess, the at least one holder capable of holding at least one article therein,

at least one support member fixedly attached to a portion of a front surface of the middle member and a portion of a front surface of the each side panel, the at least one support member being adapted to support the pair of side panels in an open position of the foldable tray attachment, the pair of side panels being aligned substantially parallel to the middle member in the open position, and

a securing mechanism capable of being detachably coupled to a back surface of the each side panel, thereby facilitating a detachable coupling of the foldable tray attachment to a portion of the chair;

a cushion member, the cushion member capable of being removably coupled to the middle member of the foldable tray attachment; and

a carry bag having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, the carry bag configured to receive at least one of the foldable tray attachment and the cushion member therein.

15. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the carry bag is configured to receive the foldable tray attachment in the folded position.

16. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the carry bag comprises a drawstring disposed at the open top portion, the drawstring configured to control an opening and a closing of the open top portion of the carry bag.

17. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the carry bag comprises at least one length adjustable strap attached to a portion of the carry bag, the at least one length adjustable strap facilitating holding of the carry bag.

18. The foldable tray attachment package of claim 14, wherein the cushion member is coupled to the middle member of the foldable tray attachment by a suction cup arrangement disposed on a back surface of the cushion member.