Patent US5035464A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5035464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Snack tray assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-04-03
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Granted: 1991-07-30
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Expires: 2010-04-03
Abstract
Abstract A folding tray assembly that stores under a couch has pivoted joints on two arm members which allow for the table to be unfolded to a usable height for tasks such as eating or playing cards. The unitary joints have double axes of rotation that allow for easy opening and closing of tray assembly. One arm is a sliding rail member that retracts into a tube housing under the couch, taking the folded tray assembly out of view when not needed.
Inventors
- 👤 Howard Spallholtz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:46
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C7/00; A47C7/62; A47C7/68; A47C7/70; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/32; Y10T403/32549; Y10T403/32557; Y10T403/32565; Y10T403/32573
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A folding tray assembly adapted for storage beneath a piece of furniture, said tray assembly comprising: a tray; a support arm rotatably connected at one end to said tray; sliding rail means rotatably connected to an opposite end of said support arm; and rail housing means mounted on the underside of said piece of furniture for slidably engaging said rail means, allowing said rail means to slide in and out of said rail housing means; said tray and said sliding rail means being rotatably connected to said support arm at opposite ends by unitary joints, each unitary joint having two axes of rotation substantially normal to one another and comprising a hollow spherical socket and a spherical ball disposed within said spherical socket, one said ball having said arm attached to it and the other said ball having said tray attached to it, each said spherical socket having a double legged slot disposed therethrough to provide a pathway for said arm and said tray to follow such that said tray assembly can be unfolded to an upright position and folded into a compact configuration for storage beneath said piece of furniture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A folding tray assembly adapted for storage beneath a piece of furniture, said tray assembly comprising: a tray; a support arm rotatably connected at one end to said tray; sliding rail means rotatably connected to an opposite end of said support arm; and rail housing means mounted on the underside of said piece of furniture for slidably engaging said rail means, allowing said rail means to slide in and out of said rail housing means; said tray and said sliding rail means being rotatably connected to said support arm at opposite ends by unitary joints, each unitary joint having two axes of rotation substantially normal to one another and comprising a hollow spherical socket and a spherical ball disposed within said spherical socket, one said ball having said arm attached to it and the other said ball having said tray attached to it, each said spherical socket having a double legged slot disposed therethrough to provide a pathway for said arm and said tray to follow such that said tray assembly can be unfolded to an upright position and folded into a compact configuration for storage beneath said piece of furniture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The folding tray assembly according to claim 1 including a compressed rubber seal disposed between said spherical socket and said spherical ball to provide sufficient frictional resistance for allowing said arm and tray to stand in said upright position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The folding tray assembly according to claim 1 wherein said piece of furniture is a sofa.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-07-29 | 1995-01-28 | 1995-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-07-29 | 1999-01-28 | 1999-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-07-29 | 2003-01-28 | 2003-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |