Retractable bathtub tray

Abstract

One embodiment of this invention is directed towards a retractable tray that attaches to a bathtub or the like. While in a deployed, horizontal position, the bathtub tray allows a rigid support for objects over the water of the bath. While in a retracted position, the tray allows the bathtub to be used with a minimum of intrusion into the bathtub or adjacent space.

1 . A bathtub tray, comprising:
 a frame, said frame being generally U-shaped and configured to attach said bathtub tray to the wall of a bathtub, said frame further comprising two vertical sections: a proximal vertical section and a distal vertical section,   a slot, said slot being configured to extend between said proximal vertical section and said distal vertical section such that said tray is slidably attached to said slot and moveable from said proximal vertical section to said distal vertical section,   said tray being generally configured to support objects when located at the proximal vertical section of the frame and generally configured to lay vertically while at said distal vertical section, and   a diagonal brace, said diagonal brace being rotatably attached at one end to said frame and removably attached at its other end to said tray, said diagonal brace further being located on the same side of the frame as the proximal vertical section such that said diagonal brace may be used to support said tray in a generally horizontal position when said tray is located at said proximal section.   
   
   
       2 . A bathtub tray, comprising:
 a frame, said frame being generally configured to attach said bathtub tray to a bathtub, said frame further featuring a proximal end, which lies within a bathtub, and a distal end, which lies outside of a bathtub,   a tray, said tray being slidably attached to said frame such that said tray may be positioned on said proximal end of said frame or on said distal end of said frame, said tray being further configured such that, when positioned at said proximal end, said tray lies horizontally, and when positioned at said distal end, said tray lies vertically, and   a brace, said brace being attached to said frame and said brace being configured such that, when said tray lies at said proximal end, said brace serves to support said tray in a generally horizontal position.   
   
   
       3 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame further features telescoping sections such that the depth of said frame is adjustable. 
   
   
       4 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said frame further features telescoping sections such that the depth of said frame is adjustable. 
   
   
       5 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame further features one or more screw clamps such that said frame may be tightened onto a wall of said bathtub. 
   
   
       6 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said frame further features one or more screw clamps such that said frame may be tightened onto a wall of said bathtub. 
   
   
       7 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 1 , wherein said frame further features a slip resistant material. 
   
   
       8 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said frame further features a slip resistant material. 
   
   
       9 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 1 , wherein said tray further features a drip edge. 
   
   
       10 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said tray further features a drip edge. 
   
   
       11 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 1 , where said bathtub tray further features a second diagonal brace, said second diagonal brace being located at the distal vertical section of said frame rotatably attached at one end to said frame and removably attached at its other end to said tray, said second diagonal brace further being located such that said second diagonal brace may be used to support said tray in a generally horizontal position when said tray is located at said distal section. 
   
   
       12 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said bathtub tray further features a second brace, said brace being configured such that, when said tray lies at said distal end, said brace serves to support said tray in a generally horizontal position. 
   
   
       13 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said brace is a diagonal brace, said diagonal brace being rotatably attached at one end to said frame and removably attached at its other end to said tray, said diagonal brace further being located on the same side of the frame as the proximal end such that said diagonal brace may be used to support said tray in a generally horizontal position when said tray is located at said proximal end. 
   
   
       14 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said brace is a strap, said strap being fixedly connected to said frame and attachable to said tray. 
   
   
       15 . A bathtub tray according to  claim 2 , wherein said brace is a horizontal support, said horizontal support being configured to support said tray when said tray is located at the proximal end of said frame.