Tray for use with a tripod or similar structure

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for holding objects at a convenient height on a device such as an equipment stand or a tripod. A tray with an opening is placed over a stand and lowered until the inner sides of the opening engage the sides of the stand. The tray and its opening can have different sizes and shapes, according to the type of stand, the intended use, and the objects to be held.

1 . A tray apparatus for use with a generally upwardly-oriented stand and for providing support to items placed thereon, said tray apparatus when in its installed position comprising: 
 an item support surface defining an outer peripheral edge and also defining a hole therethrough defined by an inner peripheral edge;    a substantially continuous inner lip extending upwardly from said inner peripheral edge; and    a substantially continuous outer lip extending upwardly from said outer peripheral edge of said item support surface,    said through hole being sized to fit partially over said stand so as to engage and be supported by said stand, such that said item support surface is substantially horizontal.    
     
     
         2 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  above, wherein said tray is comprised of a unitary design.  
     
     
         3 . A tray apparatus for use with a generally upwardly-oriented tripod stand and for providing support to items placed thereon, said tray apparatus when in its installed position comprising: 
 an item support surface defining an outer peripheral edge and also defining a hole therethrough defined by an inner peripheral edge; and    a plurality of inclined support surface portions extending from said inner peripheral edge and each configured to contact a corresponding one of said legs,    such that said plurality of inclined support portions combine to support said tray apparatus atop said tripod as said tripod extends partially through said hole defined by said inner peripheral edge.    
     
     
         4 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said tray is comprised of a unitary design.  
     
     
         5 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are substantially planar.  
     
     
         6 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are curved.  
     
     
         7 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are substantially planar.  
     
     
         8 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are curved.  
     
     
         9 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said substantially continuous upper lip extends substantially at a right angle upwardly from said inner peripheral edge with the exception of said inclined support surface portions.  
     
     
         10 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said tray is comprised of a unitary design.  
     
     
         11 . A tray apparatus for use with a generally upwardly-oriented stand and for providing support to items placed thereon, said tray apparatus when in its installed position comprising: 
 an item support surface defining an outer peripheral edge and also defining a hole therethrough defined by an inner peripheral edge;    a substantially continuous inner lip extending upwardly from said inner peripheral edge and including a plurality of inclined support surface portions extending from said inner peripheral edge and each configured to contact a corresponding one of said legs; and    a substantially continuous outer lip extending upwardly from said outer peripheral edge of said item support surface,    such that said plurality of inclined support portions combine to support said tray apparatus atop said tripod as said tripod extends partially through said hole defined by said inner peripheral edge such that said item support surface is substantially horizontal.    
     
     
         12 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said tray is comprised of a unitary design.  
     
     
         13 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are substantially planar.  
     
     
         14 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are curved.  
     
     
         15 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are substantially planar.  
     
     
         16 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are curved.  
     
     
         17 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said substantially continuous upper lip extends substantially at a right angle upwardly from said inner peripheral edge with the exception of said inclined support surface portions.  
     
     
         18 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said tray is comprised of a unitary design.  
     
     
         19 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are curved about an inclines axis parallel to the corresponding legs of the tripod, such that improved contact is provided with a round tripod leg.  
     
     
         20 . The tray apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said inclined support surface portions are curved about.