Multi-way portable writing desk

Claim 1

A multi-way portable writing desk for use by a user comprising: a unitary structure of generally U-shaped configuration consisting of a flat, rectangular base panel for placement horizontally between legs of the user and partially beneath buttocks of the user or horizontally beneath a leg of the user and at one side thereof, a right angle vertical riser panel having upper and lower ends, said lower end being joined to one end of the base panel and extending upwardly at right angles thereto, and a lap panel integral with the upper end of said riser panel and extending parallel to the base panel, on the same side of said riser panel as said base panel and overlying said base panel and being spaced from said base panel a distance capable of accommodating a leg or legs of the user, such that the lap panel may overlay a lap of the user whether, the U-shaped unitary structure is positioned on its side, with an open end of the U-shaped structure facing a waist of the user and with the legs of the user straddling the riser panel or positioned to a side of the user, with the base panel inserting beneath a leg of the user and with the riser panel extending vertically upward along the outside of the user's leg and wherein said base panel, said riser panel and said lap panel are formed of planar members, said riser panel comprises an upright side wall, integral upper and lower arms projecting at right angles to said upright side wall and joined to opposite, top and bottom edges of said side wall on a rear face thereof and terminate in free ends, and means for hinging said base panel and said lap panel at one end respectively to said free ends of said upper and lower arms of said side wall for pivoting about 270° from positions where said base panel and said lap panel extend parallel to each other and project at right angles from a front face of the side wall remote from the rear face thereof carrying said arms, to positions where, said base panel and said lap panel overlap and extend parallel to said side wall and in proximity to said side wall rear face from which said arms project and projecting upwardly and downwardly from respective arms.