Lap support device

Abstract

Devices are provided that can be positioned on a user's lap and, when so positioned, provide a stable, comfortable surface to support a pet. The devices include a resilient body configured to be positioned around the user's thighs and having a central supporting surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a body, formed of a resilient material, the body comprising
 a central support portion having an upper surface that includes a generally planar region, and a lower surface; 
 a rim extending around a circumference of the central support portion, the rim having a height of at least 10 mm above the upper surface, the rim defining a recessed area; and 
 a pair of wing portions, disposed on opposite sides of the central supporting portion; 
   wherein the lower surface of the central support portion and inner surfaces of the wing portions define a generally U-shaped cavity dimensioned to be positioned over a user's thighs.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the resilient material comprises a foam. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the foam has a foam density of from about 3 to 4 pounds per cubic foot. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the foam has a firmness of from about 40 to 60 IFD. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the foam comprises a polyurethane. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the wing portions have a length of at least 5 cm. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the upper surface of the central support portion includes a curved edge. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a wedge element removably mounted on the lower surface of the central support portion. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a topper configured to be removably received in the recessed area. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the topper is formed of a flexible material. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the topper is formed of a rigid material. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the topper defines a tunnel. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the central support portion has a thickness, measured from the upper surface to the lower surface, of at least 25 mm. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the body further includes a plurality of heat-dissipating channels. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the heat dissipating channels are positioned to align with the tops of a user's thighs when the device is in use. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the channels have a depth to width ratio of from about 1:2 to 1:3. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the channels have a depth of about 7 to 16 mm. 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 positioning a device on the lap of a human, the device comprising a body, formed of a resilient material, the body comprising (a) a central support portion having an upper surface that includes a generally planar region, and a lower surface; (b) a rim extending around a circumference of the central support portion, the rim having a height of at least 10 mm above the upper surface, the rim defining a recessed area; and (c) a pair of wing portions, disposed on opposite sides of the central supporting portion; wherein the lower surface of the central support portion and inner surfaces of the wing portions define a generally U-shaped cavity that us positioned over the human's thighs; and   positioning an animal in the recessed area on the upper surface of the central support portion.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising placing a topper in the recessed area of the upper surface prior to positioning the animal in the recess. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising removing the topper and replacing it with a different topper.