Hygienic Device for Use with Commuter Tray Tables and Method of Use

Abstract

The present invention provides a new and useful hygienic device for use with commuter tray tables and method of use. The invention comprises a plurality of flexible layers and an attaching means for adhering the device to a commuter tray table. This invention is believed to be useful by offering a device which is removeably attached to the tray table, creates a solid protective barrier from contaminants, has an absorptive layer to mitigate liquid spills, has non-slip properties to combat shifting during motion, is low cost, conforms to safety and security guidelines, is compact or folded when stored, and can be disposed of or recycled after use. While in use the device creates a physical barrier between the user and a septic surface during use. The device also provides a surface upon which a decorative element can be printed—for example text, picture or advertisement.

1 . A hygienic device for use with commuter tray tables comprising:
 a) a plurality of layers including at least a base layer and surface layer, said layers each cut into a generally two-dimensional geometric shape having a plurality of edges including at least one distal edge and one proximal edge, said base layer is made of a moisture impermeable material, said base layer also having at least two alate features or flaps along the edges, said surface layer is affixed atop the base layer and is made of a moisture absorptive material;   b) an attaching means affixed to the bottom surface of the flaps for removeably attaching the device to a commuter tray table in the environment; and   c) a stitching means, said stitching means attaching the layers together and creating a seam that runs approximately parallel to and along at least one edge of the surface layer.   
     
     
         2 . A device as in  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of interior layers,
 said interior layers affixed between the surface layer and base layer. 
 
     
     
         3 . A device as in  claim 1  further comprising the placement or printing of a decorative element on any exterior layer of the device. 
     
     
         4 . A hygienic device for use with commuter tray tables comprising:
 a) a base layer cut into a generally two-dimensional geometric shape having a plurality of edges, said base layer having a plurality of flaps along the edges and an attaching means affixed to the bottom surface of the flaps for removeably attaching the device to a commuter tray table in the environment.   
     
     
         5 . The device as in  claim 4  wherein the base layer is made of moisture impermeable material. 
     
     
         6 . The device as in  claim 4  wherein the attaching means is tape, glue, or any adhesive material. 
     
     
         7 . The device as in  claim 4  further comprising a surface layer on top of the base layer,
 said surface layer cut into a generally two-dimensional geometric shape having a plurality of edges. 
 
     
     
         8 . The device as in  claim 7  wherein the surface layer is made of moisture absorptive material. 
     
     
         9 . The device as in  claim 7  further comprising a plurality of interior layers between the base layer and the surface layer. 
     
     
         10 . The device as in  claim 7  further comprising a stitching means along the edges of the device,
 said stitching means attaching the base layer and surface layer together and creating a seam that runs approximately parallel to and along the edges of the surface layer. 
 
     
     
         11 . The device as in  claim 7  further comprising the placement or printing of a decorative element on the exterior of any layer of the device. 
     
     
         12 . The device as in  claim 9  wherein any layer is impregnated with a fragrant and/or anti-bacterial agent. 
     
     
         13 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein the stitching means is not applied along one edge of the device, thereby creating a pocket between the base layer and surface layer,
 said pocket serving as an alternative attachment mechanism whereby the device slides over the commuter tray table like a sleeve. 
 
     
     
         14 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein the device is disposable. 
     
     
         15 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein the device is recyclable. 
     
     
         16 . A method of use for the device as in  claim 1  comprising:
 a) selecting a seat on a commuter vehicle; 
 b) lowering a commuter tray table usually affixed to the rear of a seat in front of the passenger; 
 c) unfolding the device; 
 d) placing the device on the commuter tray table with base surface side down; 
 e) orienting the device to have the proximal edge closest to the passenger; 
 f) folding the flaps around the sides of the tray table; 
 g) adhering the device to the tray table by fixing the attaching means to the bottom of the tray table; 
 h) keeping the device affixed to the tray table throughout the duration of travel or intended use; and 
 i) removing the device from the tray table when finished. 
 
     
     
         17 . A method of use for the device as in  claim 4  comprising:
 a) selecting a seat on a commuter vehicle; 
 b) lowering a commuter tray table usually affixed to the rear of a seat in front of the passenger; 
 c) unfolding the device; 
 d) placing the device on the commuter tray table with base surface side down; 
 e) orienting the device to have the proximal edge closest to the passenger; 
 f) folding the flaps around the sides of the tray table; 
 g) adhering the device to the tray table by fixing the attaching means to the bottom of the tray table; 
 h) keeping the device affixed to the tray table throughout the duration of travel or intended use; and 
 i) removing the device from the tray table when finished.