Expandable tray device

Abstract

An expandable tray device. The device is a portable working and eating surface. The device includes an expandable planar surface for eating, working and the like. The device further includes foldable leg portions. The device grips a user's legs while in use.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . An expandable tray device, the expandable tray device comprising a substantially planar surface that comprises a central portion, one or more edge portions, one or more connecting portions between and joining the central portion, the one or more connecting portions comprising a plurality of laterally expandable ribs that are connectively joined whereby allowing the expandable tray device to stretch or expand laterally, one or more edge portions, and one or more leg portions hingedly attached to the one or more connecting portions. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the central portion and the one or more edge portions are constructed from material chosen from a group of rigid or semi-rigid materials. 
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the substantially planar surface further comprises one or more recesses. 
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of laterally expandable ribs comprise alternating rib materials and the alternating rib materials are chosen from the group consisting of rigid, semi-rigid and generally elastic. 
   
   
       21 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the one or more leg portions are further comprised of an inwardly-curved end portion whereby the inwardly-curved end portion adapts and rests against the legs of a user of the expandable tray device, and wherein the one or more leg portions further comprise a non-slip material. 
   
   
       22 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of laterally expandable ribs comprise alternating rib materials. 
   
   
       23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the alternating rib materials are chosen from the group consisting of rigid, semi-rigid and generally elastic. 
   
   
       24 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the one or more connecting portions is constructed of a generally elastic material whereby allowing the expandable tray device to stretch or expand laterally. 
   
   
       25 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the substantially planar surface further comprises a curved end portion on the edge facing a user of the expandable tray device whereby allowing the substantially planar surface to rest upon the user's abdomen during the use of the expandable tray device. 
   
   
       26 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the substantially planar surface further comprises a means for retention of various items to be used upon the working surface of the expandable tray device.