Tray support system

Abstract

A removably mountable tray support device for attachment of a tray to articles of furniture, especially those having upholstery or substantial padding. The device has a clamping assembly with a generally C-shaped frame and has a means for manually securing the device to a portion of upholstered furniture. A bracket attached to the frame extends outwardly therefrom preferably in a horizontal orientation to receive alone, or in combination, a tray or similar item to provide a temporary table surface. Posts may be provided to support the bracket and thereby increase the stability of the surface.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tray support assembly for removable attachment to an article of furniture comprising: 
 a frame having at least two ends and an opening defined by said at least two ends adapted to receive a portion of said article of furniture,    a clamp attached to said frame to permit said frame to engage a portion of said article of furniture for securement thereto, and    a bracket attached to said frame and supported thereby.    
     
     
         2 . The tray support assembly of  claim 1  wherein said frame has a generally C-shaped back portion between said at least two ends.  
     
     
         3 . The tray support assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a support post coupled to said bracket.  
     
     
         4 . The tray support assembly of  claim 3  wherein the length of said support post is adjustable.  
     
     
         5 . The tray support assembly of  claim 1  wherein said clamp includes a threaded screw.  
     
     
         6 . The tray support assembly of  claim 1  wherein said bracket is adapted to receive a portion of a tray.  
     
     
         7 . The tray support assembly of  claim 6  wherein said bracket is provided with a lip extending therefrom to hold said tray in place relative to said bracket.  
     
     
         8 . The tray support assembly of  claim 6  further comprising means disposed on said bracket to prevent sliding of said tray from said bracket.  
     
     
         9 . The tray support assembly of  claim 1  wherein hooks extending into said opening are provided to engage said portion of said article of furniture and prevent sliding relative thereto.  
     
     
         10 . The tray support assembly of  claim 1  wherein said frame has a threaded bore to receive said clamp, said clamp further comprising: 
 a threaded shaft disposed within said bore;  
 a thrust plate attached to said shaft and extending into said opening for engagement with said portion of said article of furniture.  
 
     
     
         11 . The tray support assembly of  claim 10  wherein said thrust plate is convex in shape and has a slip retarding material disposed thereon.  
     
     
         12 . The tray support assembly of  claim 10  wherein said thrust plate has a pin and a plurality of spike-like protuberances extending into said opening therefrom.  
     
     
         13 . A tray support assembly for removable attachment to an article of furniture comprising: 
 a frame having two parts slidably interconnected and having an opening defined by said two parts adapted to receive a portion of said article of furniture,    a clamp attached to secure the two parts of said frame to each other, and    a bracket attached to one part of said frame and supported thereby.    
     
     
         14 . The tray support assembly of  claim 13  wherein said two parts of said frame are interconnected at a common junction.  
     
     
         15 . The tray support of  claim 14  wherein said clamp is attached at said junction to permit selective securement of said frame.