Desk for use in automobiles

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to desks for use in automobiles, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved desk for attachment to a head rest of an automobile seat. It has been difficult in the past to work or write in the back seat of an automobile. Back seat occupants have to resort to supporting the work surface on their lap, which is uneven and unstable. Prior art desks for use in automobiles have been bulky and cumbersome affairs which clutter the interior of the automobile when not in use. Children riding in the back seat of vehicles, especially on long trips, tend to become irritable and restless. The desk of the present invention may provide a diversion for children. In order to overcome these difficulties, the present invention provides a desk which is attached to the head rest of an automobile seat for pivotal movement to selected angular positions. When not in use, the planar desk surface folds parallel to the back of the front seat, to an unobtrusive storage position. The desk of the present invention is suitable for usage by children and working adults. The desk is not bulky, and may be left constantly attached to the head rest and pivoted to a storage position. In this manner, the desk is readily available when needed.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the desk for use in automobiles of the present invention pivoted to an operative position.

#FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the range of pivotal movement of the desk of the present invention.

#With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, a new and improved desk for use in automobiles embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

#More specifically, it will be noted that the first embodiment 10 of the invention includes a planar desk surface 12 pivotally mounted between a pair of support arms 20. An elongated edge strip 14 has a pair of curved slots 16 through which extend a pair of screws 18. Screws 18 are threaded into the leading edge of the planar desk surface 12, but are not tightened all the way. This allows the elongated edge strip 14 to be moved between raised and lowered positions. In the illustrated raised position, the elongated edge strip 14 prevents materials from sliding off the planar desk surface 12. A pair of cam locks 22 secure the planar desk surface 12 in a selected angularly adjusted position between the support arms 20. Another pair of similar cam lock mechanisms 30 secure opposite ends of the support arms 20 within a pair of slots 28 formed in an elongated base 24. A pair of spaced compression fittings 26 are received within circular apertures formed through the base 24 for the reception of head rest support rods 34 attached to the top back portion of a front automobile seat 32.

#With reference now to FIG. 2, it may be seen that by releasing the first pair of cam locks 30, the support arms 20 may be pivoted along an arc A, between an operative position and an unobtrusive storage position illustrated in dotted lines. In the storage position, the planar desk surface 12 extends parallel to the back of the front automobile seat 32. Cam locks 22 allow selective angular positioning of the planar desk surface 12 along an arc B. Thus, it may be seen that the planar desk surface 12 is provided with a compound pivotal adjustment along arcs A and B. It may also be seen that friction compression fittings 26 receive head rest support rods 34 which mount a conventional automobile head rest 36. Other forms of head rest mounting devices may be employed, such as hooks or straps which secure around the head rest 36. In the illustrated embodiment, however, it should be noted that due to the arcuate configuration of the elongated base 24, interference with the comfort of the occupants of the front seat is avoided, while providing a secure and stable mounting for the desk 12.