Arlington woman creates tray to help with laptop lunches on the road

A hectic work schedule mixed with young children involved in an array of activities often leads to eating an occasional meal or snack in the car - and than can translate into a mess.

An Arlington Heights single mom grew tired of food slipping on her children's laps while they ate on the go, so she developed a tray designed to be used in the car.

Grace Amante recently gained a patent for her Auto Tray that's now hitting the market. She says the tray is receiving the thumbs up from truck drivers, families using it on vacation and others.

"Everyone finds themselves eating in the car from time to time. I found that I needed some type of tray. The food was always collapsing between the kids' legs," Amante said.

In addition to serving as a mobile dining tray, the product also provides a surface for writing or playing games.

Amante, who has 9 and 11-year-old sons, came up with the initial idea for the business a couple years ago.

She adds that the tray is not intended for drivers to use while operating a vehicle.

When Amante lost her job in the import-export industry, she put her business plan into action with full force.

The entrepreneur, originally from the Philippines, found a plastic manufacturing company to create a prototype of the lightweight slim tray. Made of hard durable plastic, Amante's tray is for sale on her Web site as well as at several area car washes and auto body shops.

She is looking to market the Auto Tray to fast-food companies and car dealerships, which could have their logos put on the top.

The trays sell for $16.99.

"It's all about convenience," said Amante, 45.

She says customers have used the trays on the airplane, at sporting events or while on road trips in the car.

"My target market is mothers with kids," the business owner said.

The trays now come in tan, black and charcoal gray to match the interior of most vehicles.

In doing focus groups with moms, Amante has found that there is a desire for more fun colors for children.

"My next step is to make bright-colored trays," Amante added.

For more information, call (847) 975-1461 or check out autotray.net.

Kim Mikus welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.