Travel lap desk with magnetic coupling

Abstract

A travel lap desk has a foam wedge that rests on, and is removably coupled to, a deformable pad. A first magnetic element is attached to the underside of the foam wedge and a second magnetic element is attached to the upper surface of the deformable pad. These magnetic elements are positioned to removably couple the foam wedge to the top of the deformable pad. The foam wedge is sufficiently stiff to provide a writing surface and yet is sufficiently compliant to deform when impacted by the user without causing injury to the user. The foam wedge may be covered with a washable material that may be removable.

1 . A travel lap desk comprising:
 a foam wedge;   a first magnetic element attached to the underside of the foam wedge;   a deformable pad sized to rest on the lap of a user of the travel lap desk; and   a second magnetic element attached to the upper surface of the deformable pad;   
       wherein the first and second magnetic elements are positioned to removably couple the foam wedge to the top of the deformable pad, and 
       wherein the foam wedge is sufficiently stiff to provide a writing surface and sufficiently compliant to deform when impacted by the user without causing injury to the user. 
     
     
         2 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the foam wedge is covered with a washable material. 
     
     
         3 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the washable material is removable. 
     
     
         4 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the deformable pad comprises a flexible bag containing a plurality of small objects. 
     
     
         5 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the deformable pad comprises a flexible bag containing a gel. 
     
     
         6 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a clip attached to the upper surface of the foam wedge and adapted to secure an object on the foam wedge.   
     
     
         7 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one third magnetic element attached to a side of the foam wedge;   a holder; and   a fourth magnetic element attached to a side of the holder;   
       wherein the holder is removably coupled to the foam wedge by magnetic attraction between the third and fourth magnetic elements. 
     
     
         8 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the holder comprises a pen holder. 
     
     
         9 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the holder comprises a pouch. 
     
     
         10 . A travel lap desk comprising:
 a foam wedge;   a first magnetic element attached to the underside of the foam wedge;   a deformable pad sized to rest on the lap of a user of the travel lap desk;   a second magnetic element attached to the upper surface of the deformable pad;   a container; and   a third magnetic element attached to the underside of the container;   
       wherein the first, second and third magnetic elements are positioned to removably couple one of the foam wedge and the container to the top of the deformable pad, and wherein the foam wedge is sufficiently stiff to provide a writing surface and sufficiently compliant to deform when impacted by the user without causing injury to the user. 
     
     
         11 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the container is a container selected from the group of containers consisting of a bowl, a food tray, a cup, and a cup holder. 
     
     
         12 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the deformable pad comprises a bean-bag. 
     
     
         13 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 10 , further comprising a clip attached to the upper surface of the foam wedge and adapted to secure an object on the foam wedge. 
     
     
         14 . A travel lap desk in accordance with  claim 10 , further comprising:
 at least one fourth magnetic element attached to a side of the foam wedge;   a holder; and   a fifth magnetic element attached to a side of the holder;   
       wherein the holder is removably coupled to the foam wedge by magnetic attraction between the fourth and fifth magnetic elements.