MULTI-PURPOSE ORGANIZING TRAY

Abstract

A tray assembly adapted for mounting on the top portion of a steering wheel comprising a foldable, backboard having one or more rigid panels wherein the sole or top-most panel of said backboard incorporates a steering wheel attachment, one or more rigid shelf panels, said steering wheel attachment is made of an elastic material connected to the top portion said backboard to form a securement pouch that slides on or over and fully conforms to the shape of said steering wheel. An alternative tray assembly embodiment comprising three rigid panels wherein an upper level panel closest to the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel is connected at its lower edge to the top edge of a substantially vertical panel, said vertical panel connected at its lower edge to the top edge of a lower level panel closest to the 6 o'clock position of said steering wheel.

Claims

1. A tray assembly adapted for mounting on the top portion of a steering wheel, whose circular plane is substantially vertical or substantially perpendicular to the vehicle's floorboard, the tray comprising: a foldable, backboard having one or more rigid panels wherein the sole or top-most panel of said backboard incorporates a steering wheel attachment, one or more rigid shelf panels, an adjustable shelf suspension system, comprising at least a pair of cords, panels with pre-drilled holes for cords to pass through, and a pair of VELCRO® brand fasteners for each shelf, said steering wheel attachment made from an elastic cloth, band, strap, netting, or cloth/nylon material that is glued, stapled, or otherwise connected to the top portion of said backboard or top panel of backboard to form a securement pouch that slides on or over and fully conforms to the shape of said steering wheel, wherein the bottom edge of said top-most panel is joined to the top edge of another panel below it, wherein any additional backboard panels are attached in like serial manner to form a chain of linked panels, one edge of said shelf panel described as the lowest level shelf is joined at the bottom edge of said backboard, any additional shelf panels are joined at one edge per shelf between two adjoining backboard panels to secure one or more shelves above the lowest level shelf, wherein one of said panels connected to an adjacent panel has the potential to rotate about said adjacent panel by way of a hinged link.

3. A tray assembly adapted for mounting on a steering wheel, whose circular plane is substantially horizontal or substantially parallel to the vehicle's floorboard, the tray comprising: three rigid panels wherein a substantially horizontal upper level panel closest to the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel is connected at its lower edge to the top edge of a substantially vertical panel, said vertical panel connected at its lower edge to the top edge of a substantially horizontal lower level panel closest to the 6 o'clock position of said steering wheel, said tray is secured to said steering wheel by placement of said panels within the inner diameter of said steering wheel, more closely to the 6 o'clock position of said side steering wheel than to the 12 o'clock position, with the near edge portions the upward facing surface of said lower level panel tucked under said steering wheel near the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock portion of said steering wheel, said lower level panel can be shaped with a small tongue-like extension that rides on top of said steering wheel near the 6 o'clock position, said below-above-below style of steering wheel securement causes said lower level panel to deflect and create an interference fit between said lower level panel and the steering wheel, wherein one of said panels connected to an adjacent panel has the potential to rotate about said adjacent panel by way of a hinged link, wherein the radial periphery of the said tray assembly can be stitched throughout the entire circumference of the tray or alternatively be press sealed or melded plastic, taped, or press fitted with edging material.

6. The tray assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one edge of each of the said panels is joined by a hinge made from cloth, plastic, rubber, silicon, vinyl or tradition, piano hinge, or accordion hinge, or book tape, with sufficient panel-to-panel gap to allow 360° angular rotation about said hinge of one panel relative to another or wherein each of the said panels has sufficient panel-to-panel gap to allow 360° angular rotation of one panel relative to an adjacent panel sharing the same hinge and each of said panels are collectively covered on both sides with vinyl sheeting, thin plastic, or other flexible material so that the part of the covering over said panel-to-panel gap forms a one-piece hinge at the corresponding panel-to-panel junction.

7. The tray assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least one edge of each of the said panels is joined by a hinge made from cloth, plastic, rubber, silicon, vinyl or tradition, piano hinge, or accordion hinge, or book tape, with sufficient panel-to-panel gap to allow 360° angular rotation about said hinge of one panel relative to another or wherein each of the said panels has sufficient panel-to-panel gap to allow 360° angular rotation of one panel relative to an adjacent panel sharing the same hinge and each of said panels are collectively covered on both sides with vinyl sheeting, thin plastic, or other flexible material so that the part of the covering over said panel-to-panel gap forms a one-piece hinge at the corresponding panel-to-panel junction.

9. The tray assembly according to claim 6, wherein said suspension system comprises of cords or straps disposed through pre-drilled holes on two or more panels, wherein one end of each cord is stapled or glued to the left or right sides of said top backboard panel, with the other end of each cord extending to and disposed through the left or right holes of the lower panel representing the shelf.

10. The tray assembly according to claim 9, wherein said shelf end of said cord/strap is connected to a VELCRO® brand “hook” fastener with its mating VELCRO® brand “loop” fastener attached to the corresponding bottom of the shelf, wherein the open end of the VELCRO® brand “hook” fastener has a small pull tab attached or alternatively said cord is looped around each shelf and/or attached via staples, glue, thread, rivets, plastic weld, notches, buttons, snaps, thin metal, or plastic straps/rods from either the top or the bottom.

11. The tray assembly according to claim 6, wherein said tray comprises two panels as its backboard, said tray is folded at all hinges to form a “V” with the open end of the “V” along a flat surface and said top-most backboard panel lays flat along said flat surface in a configuration that serves as a stand for objects leaning on said backboard panel joined with the top-most backboard panel.

12. The tray assembly according to claim 6, wherein said tray assembly comprises of at least two panels as its backboard and accordion folded in alternating “Z” fashion to collapse said tray assembly for storage in narrow areas.

13. The tray assembly according to claim 6, wherein said tray comprises one or more panels as its backboard, said tray backboard and shelf panels folded about its hinges to a flat profile in a configuration whose securement pouch is alternatively used as a carrying case for one or more objects.

14. The tray assembly according to claim 7, further comprising an adjustable securement embodiment comprising of a novel strap with a VELCRO® brand fastener, wherein one end of the strap can be stitched to the portion of the covering over said upper level panel, said strap with a VELCRO® brand fastener securing the portion of said tray assembly closest to the vehicle's dashboard, with tray assembly securement achieved by looping said strap over the 12 o'clock portion of the steering wheel.

15. (canceled)

16. The tray assembly according to claim 6, wherein an optional, foldable bib is attached to said tray made from a washable cloth or waterproof nylon, wherein the attachment means of said bib to said tray attachment can comprise VELCRO® brand fasteners, said bib drapes over and shields the user's apparel, the edge of said bib opposite to the edge connected to said tray can connect to the user by way of an over-neck-like-leash that links said bib to the user's neck or attaches to a collar around the user's neck.

17. The tray assembly according to claim 14, further comprising: a strip of rigid backing board approximately 60% the length of said strap, said backing board made of same material as said panels, said rigid part of the strap with said VELCRO® brand fastener is aligned vertically so said strap engages the bottom side of said steering wheel and is held in place by the VELCRO® brand fastener, whereby the strap loops over the 12 o'clock portion of said steering wheel to lock the tray in place, wherein one end of the strap is fastened to the portion of the upper level panel to enable vertical height adjustment with limited lateral movement, wherein said end of strap is fastened to the portion of the upper level panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0013] The drawings are provided to facilitate understanding in the detailed description. It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the embodiment in any manner.

[0014] FIG. 1 is close-up, three-quarter view of one embodiment for substantially vertical steering wheels (tray1) and its universal fit securement pouch slipped onto a steering wheel

[0015] FIG. 2 is a three-quarter view of tray1 secured to the steering wheel

[0016] FIG. 3 is an overhead three-quarter view of tray1

[0017] FIG. 4 is an overhead three-quarter view of tray1 with the upper shelf partially folded

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a pair of VELCRO® brand fasteners on tray1 that secure the suspension cord

[0019] FIG. 6 is a three-quarter view of tray1 functioning as an electronic device stand

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the two-hinge “Z” fold design of tray1

[0021] FIG. 8 shows tray1 used as a carrying case of small items

[0022] FIG. 9 is an overhead three-quarter view of an alternative embodiment (tray2) for substantially horizontal steering wheels

[0023] FIG. 10 is an overhead three-quarter view of tray2 attached to a steering wheel using a novel securement strap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] PRIMARY COMPONENTS: The following comprises the primary components of the present invention. [0025] 1. Plastic, corrugated plastic, acrylic, plywood, or composite board [0026] 2. Vinyl and/or white board sheets, paint, or stain [0027] 3. Elastic material, cloth, nylon fabric, netting, or elastic straps [0028] 4. Book tape, tape, plastic, rubber, vinyl tape, piano hinges, or accordion hinges [0029] 5. Cord, straps, or metal/plastic straps [0030] 6. Self-sticking VELCRO® brand fastener or clips [0031] 7. Glue, staples, thread, plastic weld, or rivets

[0032] Tray1 (200) refers to a tray assembly embodiment that is attachable to substantially vertical steering wheels (102) or steering wheels (102) whose steering column axis (101) is less to substantially less than 60° relative to the vehicle's floorboard. Tray2 (300) refers to a tray assembly embodiment that is attachable to steering wheels (103) whose circular plane is substantially horizontal or is less to substantially less than 60° relative to the vehicle's floorboard.

[0033] For the present disclosure, the tray's panel surfaces (201, 204, 205, 208, 301, 303, 305) notated by a single quotation (′) represents the side of the panel that is on the opposite side of the surface notated with a double quotation (″). Without any notation, these panels (201, 204, 205, 208, 301, 303, 305) signify the entire panel without consideration of a particular side. For referencing VELCRO® brand fasteners, the “hook” portion has no post-index notation (i.e., 209) while the “loop” side has a single quotation (i.e., 209′).

[0034] The dimensions, shape, and nature of construction described below represent those that have been proven to work in prototype testing. However, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiment.

[0035] CONSTRUCTION OF TRAY1 (Reference FIGS. 1-8): Plastic, wood, acrylic or composite board can be substituted for each other depending upon availability, weight, use, safety, and sanitation requirements. These parts form the structure of the tray assembly unit (201, 204, 205, optionally 208). The rigid panels (201, 204, 205, optionally 208) are generally cut in 7×15 inch rectangles with at least two panels needed to make a single shelf model. The top-most panel (201) may also be curved to conform to the shape of the steering wheel (102), but some potential space is lost for other uses, such as a whiteboard to be described later. These dimensions can be changed depending upon use or style. Additional panels can be added to make a bigger, multi-shelf device by simply repeating the attachment methods. In the illustrated two-shelf tray1 embodiment (FIGS. 1-8), the panels (201, 204) form the backboard structure that lays against the steering wheel (102). From FIGS. 2-4, the illustrated bottom edge of said top-most panel (201) connects to the top edge of panel (204) in a manner to be described later when describing panel hinges. An alternative to this configuration would be to have a one-piece non-folding backboard (not shown) approximately the size of the steering wheel (102); however, this alternative embodiment cannot collapse to a smaller footprint and would be more difficult to stow.

[0036] Elastic cloth/band/strap, netting, or cloth/nylon material is glued, stapled, or otherwise connected to the back of top-most panel (201″) to form a “universal fit” securement pocket (203) that slides on/over the steering wheel (102) to support tray1 (200), as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. This method makes the tray1 (200) simple and easy to use on most modern steering wheels. Alternative attachments could be made with clips or press fit clips, fold-out hooks, fabric sling, molded plastic (shaped like a steering wheel) or with VELCRO® brand fasteners, although these methods would be more inconvenient and time consuming than the preferred elastic securement pouch (203) attachment embodiment.

[0037] Vinyl sheeting, whiteboard material, and paint/stain can cover/seal all or part of tray 1 (200) to form a non-porous, easy-to-clean, waterproof, smooth, colored surface. Additionally, if the backboard panels (201, 204) and shelves (205, optionally 208) are made of plastic, no paint/stain or covering is necessarily required but maybe used to change color or add a whiteboard option. The whiteboard option can cover one or more of the front surfaces of the backboard (201′, 204′) and shelves (205′, 208′) to allow for erasable notetaking.

[0038] The 15″ horizontal edges of the backboard (201, 204) and shelves (205, optionally 208) are connected with “book tape” or any durable tape, cloth, plastic, rubber, silicon, vinyl, piano hinges, or accordion hinges; regardless of method (tape, vinyl, piano hinge, etc.), the element that joins one panel to another is called a “hinge” in this disclosure. Hinge (212) joins the backboard panels (201, 204) and optionally, the upper shelf panel (208) as clearly shown in FIGS. 2-7. Hinge (213) joins the lowest-most backboard panel (204) and lower shelf (205) as clearly shown in FIGS. 2-7. A panel-to-panel gap of at least ½″ between the panels is preferred prior to attaching hinges (212, 213) to create the necessary clearance that enables 360° range of motion and allow the panels to fold-up (when unit is not in use). This is the same way a “book” opens and closes. The preferred hinging method is book tape (202) or equivalent.

[0039] Furthermore, each panel (201, 204, 205, optionally 208) are taped (202) on both sides and the part of the tape that covers each said ½″ panel-to-panel gap forms a one-piece hinge (212, 213) at the corresponding panel-to-panel junction. Alternatively, vinyl sheeting, thin plastic, or other flexible material could layer all the panels (201, 204, 205, optionally 208) and said panel-to-panel gaps on both sides so that hinges (212, 213) are naturally created. Next, book tape (202), rubber, edge trim, vinyl, plastic, or equivalent material wraps and finishes off the perimeter of the entire unit, as shown in FIGS. 1-7.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows tray1 (200) in two-shelf-level form, where the upper shelf level is provided by panel (208) and lower shelf level is provided by panel (205). The upper shelf panel (208) is hinged at the same hinge (212) junction between panel (201) and panel (204). FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 except panel (208) is shown to be partially folded about the hinge (212) to show the underside surface (208″) along with the VELCRO® brand “hook” (209) and “loop” (209′) fasteners to be described later. Tray1 (200) can also have a single level variant, which simply does not have panel (208) along with the associated cords (206), pre-drilled cord holes (207), and VELCRO® brand fasteners (209, 209′).

[0041] Cords or straps (206) disposed through pre-drilled holes (207) on two or more panels (201, 204, 205, optionally 208), is clearly shown in FIGS. 3-7. One end of each cord is stapled/glued to left and right sides of said top backboard panel (201″, 204″) with the other end of each cord extending to and disposed through the left or right holes (207) of the each shelf panel (205, optionally 208). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the end of said cord/strap has a VELCRO® brand “hook” fastener (209) attached to it, with its mating VELCRO® brand “loop” fastener (209′) attached to the corresponding bottom of the shelf(s) (205″, optionally 208″). This cord and fastening assembly (206, 209, 209′) creates the shelf suspension system for leveling/height adjustment. As only shown in FIG. 5, a small pull tab can be attached (210) to the open end of the VELCRO® brand “hook” fastener (209) to help the user pull on the cord (206). Alternatively, the cord (206) could loop around the shelf/shelves (205, optionally 208) and/or attach via notches, buttons, snaps, thin metal, or plastic straps/rods could also be used to support the shelves (205, optionally 208) from either the top (suspension) or the bottom (pillar). Staples, glue, thread, rivets, or plastic weld can be also used.

[0042] ANCILLARY USES OF TRAY1 (Reference FIGS. 6-8): FIG. 6 shows tray1 (200) folded at hinge (212) and hinge (213) such that it forms a “V” shape with the open end of the “V” along the flat surface which the tray1 (200) rests. The back surfaces of tray1 (201″, 204″, 205″) face away from the resting surface. FIG. 6 shows an electronic device, such as a “tablet” (211) placed on the back surface of panel (204″) and edge of the back surface of panel (201″).

[0043] FIG. 7 shows the mostly side profile of tray1 (200) in a semi-folded state. The key here is the alternating “Z” style folding about the hinges (212, 213) which allows the large surface area of tray1 (200) to be collapsible to a very compact form. The thickness of the tray1 (200) in fully folded state, when the top panel back surface (201″) is folded flat on the middle panel back surface (204″), and the middle panel front surface (204′) is folded flat on the bottom panel front surface (205′) all simultaneously. In this state, tray 1's (200) relatively thin form factor (range between approximately ¾ inches to 1.5 inches depending upon the number of shelves and baseboard material used) permits fitment between narrow areas of the vehicle, such as between the seat and center console or transmission driveline tunnel or door, yet is thick enough to prevent small objects from falling through and getting lost in the space occupied by the tray1 (200).

[0044] FIG. 8 shows the plan view of the tray assembly (200) if the pouch (203) side is deemed as the top surface. Small articles such as books (215) and pens (216) can be carried as shown to show the tray assembly (200) functioning as a carrying case.

[0045] An optional bib can be attached to tray1 (200). When tray1 (200) is opened, a washable cloth or waterproof nylon bib (not illustrated in any of the figures) can have VELCRO® brand “hook” fasteners attached at one edge of the bib connect to the VELCRO® brand “loop” (209′) fasteners on the bottom surface of any of the shelves (205″, optionally 208″). The bib drapes over and shields the user's apparel from food or objects falling from above the bib. The edge of the bib opposite to the edge connected to tray1 (200) can connect to the user by way of an over-neck-like-leash that links the bib to the user's neck or attaches to a collar around the user's neck. This bib can neatly fold into tray1 (200) when the tray1 (200) is closed.

[0046] A fully or partially folded tray1 (200) can also be placed on the user's lap to be used as a “lap tray.” Tray1 (200) when folded has the combination of lightweight and dimensions to be potentially used as a sun visor extension when the vehicle is parked. These uses are not directly illustrated in any of the figures.

[0047] CONSTRUCTION OF TRAY2 (Reference FIGS. 9-10): Much of the other existing steering wheel trays cater to the type of steering wheel (102) where the circular plane is substantially vertical or whose steering column axis (101) is less to substantially less than 60° relative to the vehicle's floorboard. However, for vehicles like many heavy-duty commercial trucks, buses, and some vans where the driver sits nearly over or ahead of the steered tires, such a tray would not be mountable nor functional even if mountable because the tray surfaces would be substantially tilted.

[0048] This scenario necessitates a different approach, and the present invention discloses an alternative embodiment for such applications, called tray2 (300) in this disclosure. FIGS. 9-10 show this alternative embodiment and is made of elements/parts (301-308).

[0049] All the materials and recommendations to make the boards, surface covers, and hinges of tray2 (300) can be the same ones indicated in the disclosure of the earlier mentioned tray1 (200). Tray2 panels (301, 303, 305), when mounted on the steering wheel (103), has a similar but slightly smaller overall diameter than the inner diameter of the steering wheel (103), allowing it drop/press in place. The substantially horizontal upper level panel (301) closest to the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel is hinged (302) as shown in FIG. 9. The same hinge (302) is connected to one end of the substantially vertical panel (303) as shown in FIG. 9. Panel (303) is hinged (304) at the other edge as shown in FIG. 9. The same hinge (304) is shared with the substantially horizontal lower level panel (305) closest to the 6 o'clock position of the steering wheel. Without straps, tray2 can be secured to said steering wheel (103) by placing tray2 within the inner diameter of said steering wheel (103) and more closely to the 6 o'clock position of said steering wheel (103) than to the 12 o'clock position as shown in FIG. 9, with the near edge portions of the panel surface (305′) tucked under the steering wheel (103) near the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock portion of the steering wheel (103). At the same time, tray2's panel (305) can be shaped with a small tongue-like extension that rides on top of the steering wheel (103) near the 6 o'clock position. This below-above-below style of steering wheel (103) securement will cause panel (305) to deflect some to create an interference fit between tray2 (300) and the steering wheel (103) to keep tray2 (300) from easily sliding around.

[0050] The radial periphery of the surface (306) has a stitched bezel throughout the entire circumference of the tray (300). The bezel (306) can alternatively be press sealed or melded plastic, taped, or press fitted with edging material. FIG. 9 shows a securement embodiment without support straps since the steering wheel (103) itself is the horizontal support for the tray (300).

[0051] FIG. 10 shows a supplemental securement embodiment comprising of a novel strap with a VELCRO® brand fastener (307). The strap (307) with a VELCRO® brand fastener (not shown) holds the upper level panel (301) of the tray2 (300) horizontal (closest to the dashboard) and is adjustable for height because of the length VELCRO® brand fastener along the strap (307) is long enough to offer adjustability. The strap (307) with a VELCRO® brand fastener is rigid since it has an approximately 1 inch×3 inch strip of the “backing board” (same as that used on the shelves) sandwiched between the “hook and loop” parts of the VELCRO® brand fastener. This unique feature allows vertical height adjustment but not much lateral movement since the internal board adds strength and stability. To further clarify, if the presented embodiment has 1 inch wide by 5-inch-long strap (307) with a VELCRO® brand fastener, the bottom three or four inches is not flexible, but the remaining portion is. The rigid part of the strap (307) with a VELCRO® brand fastener is aligned vertically so said strap engages the bottom side of said steering wheel (103) and is held in place by the VELCRO® brand fastener. The strap (307) loops over the 12 o'clock portion of the steering wheel (103) to lock the tray (300) in place. One end of the strap (307) is stitched to the portion of the upper level panel (301), but the method of attachment need not be limited to stitching.

[0052] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments.

[0053] The words used in this specification to describe various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings.

[0054] VELCRO® is a registered trademark of Velcro BVBA.