U.S. patent application number 11/374618 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for folding tray assembly.
Invention is credited to Harry Cebula, Mark L. Cutshall, Jozef Kwiecinski, Lawrence A. Scott.
Application Number | 20060261644 11/374618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37232891 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060261644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cutshall; Mark L. ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
Folding tray assembly
Abstract
A folding tray assembly includes a support member and a tray
member. The tray member is pivotably supported by the support
member and is moveable relative thereto between a use position and
a stowed position. The folding tray assembly further includes a
locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the tray member to
the support member in one of either the use position or the stowed
position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray assembly
such that the mechanism is not visible or accessible by an
occupant, but rather remotely actuated by a handle or lever. The
support member, tray member, and locking mechanism are assembled
together using integrally formed fasteners and do not require the
use of individual mechanical fasteners. In one exemplary
embodiment, the support member, tray member, and locking mechanism
are snap-fit together using a tab/slot arrangement.
Inventors: |
Cutshall; Mark L.; (Livonia,
MI) ; Kwiecinski; Jozef; (Macomb, MI) ; Scott;
Lawrence A.; (Brighton, MI) ; Cebula; Harry;
(Livonia, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
37232891 |
Appl. No.: |
11/374618 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60661317 |
Mar 11, 2005 |
|
|
|
60717827 |
Sep 16, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/624 20180801;
A47C 7/70 20130101; B60N 3/002 20130101; B60N 3/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/173 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/02 20060101
A47B083/02 |
Claims
1. A folding tray assembly comprising: a support bracket; a tray
assembly pivotably supported by said support bracket; an actuation
arm rotatably supported within said tray assembly and including a
first cam surface and a second cam surface each having a first end
and a second end; a first pin in slidable engagement with said
first cam surface and movable between said first end and said
second end, said first pin engaging said support bracket when
disposed at said first end of said first cam surface and disengaged
from said support bracket when disposed at said second end of said
first cam surface; a second pin in slidable engagement with said
second cam surface and movable between said first end and said
second end, said second pin engaging said support bracket when
disposed at said first end of said second cam surface and
disengaged from said support bracket when disposed at said second
end of said second cam surface.
2. The folding tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising at
least one biasing member acting on said first pin and at least one
biasing member acting on said second pin to respectively bias said
first and second pins into said first ends of said first and second
cam surfaces.
3. The folding tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cable
attached to said actuation arm for selectively rotating said
actuation arm relative to said tray assembly.
4. The folding tray assembly of claim 3, wherein said actuation arm
includes an arm extension cantilevered from said actuation arm,
said arm extension operably connected to said cable and
facilitating rotation of said arm relative to said tray
assembly.
5. The folding tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said tray assembly
comprises a first tray member and a second tray member cooperating
to define an inner space of said tray assembly.
6. The folding tray assembly of claim 5, wherein said actuation
arm, said first pin, and said second pin are disposed within said
inner space of said tray assembly.
7. The folding tray assembly of claim 5, wherein said first pin and
said second pin extend from said inner space and generally through
at least one of said first tray member and said second tray member
to engage said support bracket when said first pin member is
disposed in said first end of said first cam surface and said
second pin member is disposed in said first end of said second cam
surface.
8. A folding tray assembly comprising: a support bracket; a tray
assembly pivotably supported by said support bracket; a lock plate
disposed within said tray assembly and slidable between a first
position engaging said support bracket and a second position
disengaged from said support bracket; and at least one biasing
member acting on said lock plate to bias said lock plate into said
first position.
9. The folding tray assembly of claim 8, wherein said support
bracket includes a slot for matingly receiving said lock plate.
10. The folding tray assembly of claim 8, wherein said biasing
member comprises at least one spring disposed between said lock
plate and said tray assembly to bias said lock plate into said
first position.
11. The folding tray assembly of claim 8, wherein said lock plate
is operably attached to an actuation mechanism.
12. The folding tray assembly of claim 11, wherein said actuation
mechanism includes a cable attached to a cable seat of said lock
plate to selectively move said lock plate against said at least one
biasing member and out of said first position.
13. A folding tray assembly comprising: a first tray member having
at least one tab; a second tray member having at least one slot
operable to matingly receive said at least one tab to fix said
first tray member to said second tray member; and a locking
mechanism housed within the tray assembly between said first tray
member and said second tray member.
14. The folding tray assembly of claim 13, further comprising an
actuation mechanism housed within the tray assembly between said
first tray member and said second tray and operable to toggle said
locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state.
15. The folding tray assembly of claim 13, wherein said at least
one tab is formed of said first tray member.
16. The folding tray assembly of claim 13, wherein said at least
one tab includes a projection to engage said at least one slot.
17. The folding tray assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
support bracket that rotatably supports the tray assembly between a
use position and a stowed position.
18. The folding tray assembly of claim 17, further comprising a
reinforcement bracket rotatably attached to said support bracket
and including a series of receptacles.
19. The folding tray assembly of claim 18, wherein said a first
tray member includes a series of posts that are received by said
receptacles of said reinforcement bracket to attach said first tray
member to said reinforcement bracket.
20. The folding tray assembly of claim 17, wherein said support
bracket includes a lock post that selectively receives a tab of
said first tray member to lock the folding tray assembly in a
stowed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/661,317, filed on Mar. 11, 2005 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/717,827, filed on Sep. 16, 2005. The
disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to tray assemblies, and more
particularly, to folding tray assemblies that may be incorporated
into seat assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In seating applications, it is desirable to provide a tray
for use by an occupant when as a storage device or work surface.
Further, it is desirable that the tray be capable of being stowed
(e.g. folding away) when not in use to allow an occupant to
maximize the space around the seat assembly. Further yet, it is
desirable that the tray be capable of supporting relatively large
loads while not requiring an external brace or support. Typically,
a folding tray assembly is mounted to the side of a seat assembly
and pivots between a use position and a stowed position, thus
providing the occupant with a generally horizontal tray when in the
use position.
[0004] Conventional tray assemblies are typically mounted to one
side of a seat assembly and provide a surface for supporting items
such as a drink or a laptop for use by an occupant when using the
seat. The tray surface is supported by a stationary bracket fixedly
mounted to either the seat bottom or the seatback. In either case,
the tray is commonly connected to the support bracket through a
hinge that is able to pivot relative to the support bracket about
the hinge. Conventional tray assemblies provide for movement
between a stowed position and a use position. In the stowed
position, the tray folds such that a top surface of the tray runs
parallel with the support bracket. When the tray is in the use
position, the tray surface is generally perpendicular to the
support bracket in an effort to provide a flat surface for use by
the occupant.
[0005] To maintain the relatively flat surface of the tray while in
the use position, conventional tray assemblies provide a locking
mechanism that enables the tray to maintain a generally
perpendicular relationship with the support bracket. Typically, the
locking mechanism includes an external support arm, a linkage, and
a number of individual mechanical fasteners (i.e., screws, nuts,
bolts, clips, etc.). The support arm provides added support for the
tray while the linkage allows the support arm to fold flat when the
tray is in the stowed position. The fasteners are used to attach
individual components of the tray as well as to attach the support
arm and linkage to the tray. Such an arrangement is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,697 to Yoshida.
[0006] While conventional tray assemblies for use in combination
with a seat assembly adequately provide a tray moveable between a
stowed position and a use position, conventional tray assemblies
suffer from the fact that they require exposed linkages to
adequately support the tray surface and pivot about the support
bracket. Exposed linkages may become hazardous when actuating the
tray assembly between the stowed and use positions, whereby an
occupant may inadvertently pinch a finger or snag an article of
clothing during use. Furthermore, such conventional tray assemblies
suffer from requiring individual mechanical fasteners such as
screws and bolts to connect respective components of the tray
assembly. The individual fasteners increase the complexity of the
tray assembly and generally add to manufacturing costs.
[0007] Therefore a tray assembly for use with a seat assembly that
is movable between a stowed position and a use position that can
support a relatively high amount of weight while not requiring
exposed links or support structure is desirable in the industry.
Further, a tray assembly that includes a locking mechanism housed
within the tray is desirable in the industry. Further yet, a tray
assembly that minimizes, if not eliminates, individual fasteners is
also desirable.
[0008] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
SUMMARY
[0009] A folding tray assembly includes a support member and a tray
member. The tray member is pivotably supported by the support
member and moveable relative thereto between a use position and a
stowed position. The folding tray assembly further includes a
locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the tray member to
the support member in one of either the use position or the stowed
position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray assembly
such that the mechanism is not visible or accessible by an
occupant, but rather remotely actuated by a handle or lever.
[0010] In another embodiment of the present teachings, a folding
tray assembly includes a support member and a tray member. The tray
member is pivotably supported by the support member and is moveable
relative thereto between a use position and a stowed position. The
folding tray assembly further includes a locking mechanism that
selectively locks the tray member to the support member in one of
either the use position or the stowed position. The locking
mechanism is housed within the tray assembly such that the
mechanism is not visible or accessible by an occupant, but rather
remotely actuated by a handle or lever. The support member, tray
member, and locking mechanism may be assembled together using
integrally formed fasteners such that individual mechanical
fasteners are not required. In one exemplary embodiment, the
support member, tray member, and locking mechanism are snap-fit
together using a tab/slot arrangement.
[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding tray assembly in
accordance with the present teachings;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1 in a
use position;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1 in a
stowed position;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tray assembly in
accordance with the principles of the present teachings, with part
of a housing removed to show an actuation and locking
mechanism;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the actuation and locking
mechanism of FIG. 4 in a locked position;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the seat tray assembly of FIG.
4;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 4 showing
the locking mechanism and actuation mechanism in a locked
position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
actuation mechanism and locking mechanism of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the actuation mechanism of
FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the actuation and locking
mechanism of FIG. 4 in an unlocked position;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another tray assembly in
accordance with the principles of the present teachings;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the tray assembly of FIG.
11;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG.
11 showing the locking mechanism and actuation mechanism in a
locked position;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG.
11 showing the actuation mechanism and locking mechanism in an
unlocked position;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another tray assembly in
accordance with the principles of the present teachings in a use
position;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an end view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15
showing an actuation mechanism and locking mechanism;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15 with
part of the housing removed to show an actuation mechanism and
locking mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another folding tray
assembly in accordance with the present teachings;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the tray assembly of FIG.
18;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a tray member having a
series of integrally-formed attachment tabs;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tray member having a
series of slots for receiving the attachment tabs of FIG. 20;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a tab of a first tray
member attached to a slot of a second tray member to fix the first
tray member to the second tray member;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an actuation handle
disposed within a tray member and a release cable attached to the
actuation handle and supported by ribs of the tray member;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a top view of the actuation handle attachment
location of FIG. 23;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a tray member showing a
detail of an actuation handle attachment location;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the actuation handle
attachment location of FIG. 23 showing an actuation handle
assembled thereto;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an actuation handle of the
tray assembly of FIG. 18;
[0040] FIG. 28 a perspective view of an actuation handle attached
to a tray member;
[0041] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a reinforcement bracket and a
portion of a tray member of the tray assembly of FIG. 18 detailing
a series of receptacles that receive the tray member to selectively
fix the tray assembly of FIG. 18 to the reinforcement bracket;
[0042] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a tray member of the
tray assembly of FIG. 18 incorporating the reinforcement bracket of
FIG. 29;
[0043] FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of a tray member of the
tray assembly of FIG. 18 incorporating the reinforcement bracket of
FIG. 29;
[0044] FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 30 taken
along line A-A;
[0045] FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 30 taken
along line B-B;
[0046] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a support plate detailing a
lock post that selectively holds the tray assembly of FIG. 18 in a
stowed position;
[0047] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the lock post of FIG. 34
having a portion of a tray member seated therein;
[0048] FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the lock post of FIG. 34
having a portion of a tray member seated therein;
[0049] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a top tray member of the
tray assembly of FIG. 18 detailing a series of attachment slots
formed around an inner periphery of the storage containers that
matingly receive the attachment tabs of a bottom tray member;
and
[0050] FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the tray assembly of FIG. 18
taken along line C-C of FIG. 18 to detail the attachment of the
first and second storage compartment doors to the tray assembly of
FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses.
[0052] With reference to the Figures, a folding tray assembly 10 is
provided and includes a tray member 12, a support member or bracket
14, an actuation mechanism 15, and a locking mechanism 16. The tray
member 12 is pivotably supported by the support bracket 14, and the
actuation mechanism 15 and the locking mechanism 16 cooperate to
selectively lock the tray member 12 in one of a stowed position or
a use position relative to the support bracket 14.
[0053] The tray member 12 includes a cover 18, a base 20, and a
reinforcement bracket 23. The cover 18 includes a top surface 24
and a first flange 26 extending generally perpendicularly from the
top surface 24. The first flange 26 generally surrounds the
perimeter of the cover 18 with the exception of a cutout 33 for
interaction with the base 20. The top surface 24 includes a central
recess 28 and a plurality of cylindrical recesses 30 extending
therefrom. The central and cylindrical recesses 28, 30 in the cover
18 define walls 29 and 31, as best shown in FIG. 1. It should be
understood that while a central recess 28 and a plurality of
cylindrical recesses 30 are disclosed, any recess formed in the
cover 18, which generally extends from the top surface 24, is
anticipated and should be considered within the scope of the
present teachings. The folding tray assembly 10 is preferably of
the type as shown in Assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/395,979 filed on Mar. 25, 2003, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/420,004, filed on Oct. 21,
2002, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0054] In use, the central and cylindrical recesses 28, 30 provide
a receptacle for an occupant to store items on the top surface 24
of the cover 18, such as a beverage or a pair of sunglasses
(neither shown) due to the relationship between the central and
cylindrical recesses 28, 30 and the top surface 24. Specifically,
an item placed in either the central or cylindrical recesses 28, 30
is restricted from sliding off of the top surface 24 of the cover
18 by the walls 29, 31. The walls 29, 31 act to restrict the
movement of the item relative the top surface 24 and, thus, prevent
items from sliding off the cover 18. To that end, the central
recess 28 and cylindrical recesses 30 may be optionally provided
with a rubber insert or grommet (neither shown) to further secure
items disposed in either the central or cylindrical recesses 28,
30.
[0055] The reinforcement bracket 23 is fixedly attached to the base
20 and includes a bottom surface 34, a second flange 27, and a
handle cutout 40. The bottom surface 34 extends generally across
the reinforcement bracket 23 and may include a series of
strengthening ribs (not shown) and a series of projections 42, as
best shown in FIG. 4. The projections 42 extend away from the
bottom surface 34 and receive the actuation mechanism 15 and
locking mechanism 16. The second flange 27 similarly extends away
from the bottom surface 34 and axially surrounds a portion of the
bottom surface 34.
[0056] The cover 18 is fixedly attached to the reinforcement
bracket 23 via the base 20. The first flange 26 may axially
surround a second flange 35 of the base 20 to fixedly attach the
cover 18 to the base 20 such that the cover 18 overlaps the base 20
(i.e., due to the relationship of the first flange 26 to the second
flange 35). The cover 18 may be fixedly attached to the base 20
through frictional engagement between an inner surface of the first
flange 26 and an outer surface of the second flange 35 and may be
supplemented by a suitable means such as epoxy or glue.
[0057] In one embodiment, the cover 18 is formed from a plastic
material and the base 20 is formed from a metal material such as
steel, whereby the foregoing attachment methods adequately secure
the cover 18 to the base 20. In the event the cover 18 is formed
from steel and the base is similarly formed from steel, the cover
18 may also be welded to the base 20 in addition to the methods
discussed above. In either construction described above, the base
20 and the cover 18 may be fixedly attached through the use of
mechanical fasteners.
[0058] In fixedly attaching the cover 18 to the base 20, an
interior space 21 is created therebetween. The interior space 21 is
provided such that the actuation mechanism 15 and the locking
mechanism 16 are allowed to freely operate between the cover 18 and
the base 20 generally within the interior space. The general shape
and depth of the interior space 21 is governed by the length of the
first and second flanges 26, 35. Specifically, because the second
flange 35 contacts a bottom surface of the cover 18 when assembled,
the length of the second flange 35 generally defines the distance
between the bottom surface 34 of the base 20 and the top surface 24
of the cover 18. In so doing, the relationship of the second flange
35 to the cover 18 generally defines the volume of the interior
space 21. For example, the farther the second flange 35 extends
from the bottom surface 34, the greater the interior space 21
formed between the cover 18 and the base 20.
[0059] The interior space 21 allows the working components of the
tray assembly 10 to be enclosed within the tray member 12 such that
exterior moving links or supports are not exposed outside of the
tray member 12. The locking mechanism 16 is disposed within the
interior space 21, and selectively engages the support bracket 14
through clearances provided in the base 20 and/or reinforcement
bracket 23. The locking mechanism 16 is toggled between a locked
state and an unlocked state through operation of the actuation
mechanism 15, which is disposed generally within the interior space
21. In this manner, the actuation mechanism 15 and the locking
mechanism 16 are not exposed. In addition, exterior support
brackets extending between the support bracket 14 and the tray
member 12 are not required as the tray member 12 is supported by
the rigid reinforcement bracket 23 in cooperation with the support
bracket 14.
[0060] By enclosing the actuation mechanism 15 and the locking
mechanism 16 within the interior space 21, and further, by
providing support for the tray member 12 through interaction
between the rigid reinforcement bracket 23 and the support bracket
14, external supports or linkages are not visible when the tray
member 12 in the use position. Generally speaking, the interior
space 21, in combination with the rigid reinforcement bracket 23,
allow the tray member 12 and support bracket 14 to have a generally
L-shape in the use position, thereby providing an open area
directly under the tray member 12 (FIG. 2). In this manner, the
overall aesthetics of the tray assembly 10 are improved through the
cooperation between tray member 12 and support bracket 14.
[0061] The support bracket 14 includes a generally planar body 54
and a pair of side supports 56. The planar body 54 includes a pair
of attachment apertures 58 that receive a pair of fasteners 59 to
either directly attach the support bracket 14 to a structure or,
alternatively, attach the support bracket 14 to a second mounting
bracket 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The second mounting bracket 60 adapts
to the particular application of the folding tray assembly 10 such
that a common support bracket 14 may be used for a plurality of
applications. Specifically, the second mounting bracket 60 adapts
to the varying structures to which the folding tray assembly 10 may
be attached by providing a plurality of different mounting
apertures in varying locations. To this end, the second mounting
bracket 60 generally includes a plurality of attachment apertures
61 disposed in different areas of the second mounting bracket 60.
The support bracket 14 may remain common over a range of
applications, requiring only the second mounting bracket 60 to be
modified, thereby reducing tooling and engineering
expenditures.
[0062] The side supports 56 extend from the planar body 54 and
include a first attachment aperture 62 and a second attachment
aperture 64. The first attachment aperture 62 may include a collar
66 having a tapered surface for interaction with the locking
mechanism 16. The second attachment aperture 64 receives a pin 65
for pivotal attachment to the reinforcement bracket 23 such that
the tray 12 rotates relative the support bracket 14 about the pin
65.
[0063] With particular reference to FIGS. 4-10, the actuation
mechanism 15, is shown to include an actuation arm 100, an
actuation cable 102, and a biasing member 104. The actuation arm
100 is rotatably supported by the reinforcement bracket 23
generally at projections 42. The actuation arm 100 is able to
rotate relative to the reinforcement bracket 23, about projections
42. The actuation arm 100 includes a lever arm 106, a pair of
channels 108, a cable seat 110, and a pair of cam surfaces 112.
[0064] The actuation cable 102 is connected to the cable seat 110
of the actuation arm 100 at a first end and is supported by the
reinforcement bracket 23 generally at projection 42, as best shown
in FIG. 4. The biasing member 104 is supported generally by the
reinforcement bracket 23 at projections 114 to constrain and
position the biasing member 104 relative to the locking mechanism
16.
[0065] The locking mechanism 16 includes a pair of pins 116 that
are slidably received within a pair of apertures 118 formed in the
second flanges 27 and within the channel 108 of the actuation arm
100. The lock pins 116 are positioned relative to the actuation arm
100 such that a leg 120 of each pin 116 is in slidable engagement
with a pair of cam surfaces 112.
[0066] The lock pins 116 extend through aperture 118 of the second
flanges 27 and selectively engage aperture 62 of the support
bracket 14 to lock the tray member 12 in the use position. Each
lock pin 116 is biased into engagement with aperture 62 of the
support bracket 14 by the biasing member 104.
[0067] With particular reference to FIGS. 4-10, operation of the
tray assembly 10 will be described in detail. When the tray is in
the use position, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray member 12 is
restricted from rotating relative to the support bracket 14 due to
the engagement between the lock pins 116 and aperture 62. To rotate
the tray member 12 relative to the support bracket 14, the lock
pins 116 must first be removed from engagement with aperture
62.
[0068] To remove the lock pins 116 from engagement with aperture 62
of the support bracket 14, a force must first be applied generally
to the actuation cable 102. The force applied to the actuation
cable 102 may be transmitted to the actuation cable 102 by way of
an actuation handle 122. The applied force causes the handle 122 to
rotate relative to the tray member 12 and apply a tensile force to
the actuation cable 102.
[0069] Sufficient rotation of the actuation handle 122 relative to
the tray member 12 causes the actuation cable 102 to transmit the
applied force to the actuation cam 100. The force causes the
actuation arm 100 to rotate relative to the reinforcement bracket
23 about projections 42. Rotation of the actuation arm 100 relative
to the reinforcement bracket 23, causes the legs 120 of each pin
116 to move along the cam surfaces 112 of the actuation arm
100.
[0070] The cam surfaces 112 of the actuation arm 100 are designed
such that when the actuation arm 100 is rotated, the legs 120 of
each pin 116 are caused to move from a first end of the cam surface
112 to a second end of the cam surface 112. Movement of the legs
from the first end of the cam surface 112 to the second end of the
cam surface 112 causes each pin 116 to be retracted from engagement
with aperture 62 of the support bracket 14.
[0071] Rotation of the tray member 12 relative to the support
bracket 14 is permitted once the lock pins 116 have been positioned
sufficiently within the interior space 21 of the tray member 12. As
the tray member 12 is rotated from the use position, the lock pins
116 move from alignment with apertures 62. At this point, the force
applied to the actuation handle 122 may be released. Upon release
of the force applied to the actuation handle 122, the biasing
member 104 again biases each pin 116 generally towards aperture 62.
However, as the tray member 12 has been rotated sufficiently
relative to the support bracket 14, the lock pins 116 are not able
to engage aperture 62 of the support bracket 14.
[0072] Once the tray member 12 has been sufficiently rotated from
the use position, such that the tray member 12 is positioned
generally parallel to the support bracket 14, the tray member 12 is
considered in the stowed position. The tray member 12 may be locked
in the stowed position by engagement of the lock pins 116 with an
aperture (not shown) formed in the support bracket 14.
Alternatively, the tray member 12 may not be locked in the stowed
position, but rather, may simply be positioned adjacent to the
support bracket 14. As such, the tray member 12 is free to rotate
back to the use position.
[0073] To return the tray member 12 to the use position (i.e., such
that the tray member 12 is generally perpendicular to the support
bracket 14), a force must once again be applied to the actuation
handle 122 if the tray member 12 is locked in the stowed position.
Upon sufficient rotation of the actuation handle 122, the actuation
cable 102 applies force to the actuation arm 100 to overcome the
bias imparted thereon by biasing member 104. Rotation of the
actuation arm 100 causes the legs 120 of each lock pin 116 to
traverse the cam surfaces 112 of the actuation arm to once again
retract the lock pins 116 from engagement with the support bracket
14.
[0074] Once the lock pins 116 have been disengaged from the support
bracket 14, the force applied to the actuation handle 122 may be
released and the tray member 12 may be rotated relative to the
support bracket 14 back to the use position. Once the tray member
12 has been sufficiently rotated to the support bracket 14, such
that the tray member 12 is generally perpendicular to the support
bracket 14, the lock pins 116 will be biased into engagement with
aperture 62 due to the force imparted thereon by biasing member
104.
[0075] The force applied to the actuation handle 122 is both
reduced and held constant due to the relationship between the
actuation cable 102, actuation arm 100, and lock pins 116.
Specifically, when a force is initially applied to the actuation
handle 122, the force to overcome the bias of biasing member 104 is
generally at its lowest level. However, the biasing member 104
becomes more compressed as the actuation handle 122 is rotated
further. The compression of the biasing member 104 exerts more
resistance on the lock pins 116, and thus increases the efforts
required to rotate the actuation handle 122. The additional effort
imparted by the compressed biasing member 104 are generally
overcome by the relationship between the lever arm 106 and the
actuation cable 102.
[0076] For example, when the biasing member 104 begins to impart a
greater force on the actuation handle 122, the additional force is
overcome due to the lever arm 106 being cantilevered away from the
axis of rotation of the actuation arm 100. In other words, the
lever arm 106 acts as a moment arm and relieves the effort required
to rotate the actuation arm 100.
[0077] If the lever arm 106 is not able to sufficiently alleviate
the forces associated with the compressed biasing member 104, the
cam surfaces 12 may be re-designed to offer a more gradual slope.
In so doing, the efforts required to traverse the lock pins 116
between the first and second ends of the cam surfaces 112 is
reduced. A constant and consistent force may be applied to the
actuation handle 122 to release the lock pins 116 from engagement
with aperture 62 due to the cooperation between the lever arm 106
and cam slot 112.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 11-14, another folding tray assembly
10a is provided. In view of the substantial similarity and
structure and function of the components associated with the
folding tray assembly 10 with respect to the folding tray assembly
10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter in the drawings
to identify like components while like reference numerals
containing letter extensions are used to identify those components
that have been modified.
[0079] The folding tray assembly 10a includes the actuation
mechanism 15 as well as a locking mechanism 16. The actuation
mechanism 15 works with the locking mechanism 16 to selectively
release the locking pin 116 from engagement with aperture 62 of the
support bracket 14. The lock pins 116 are biased into engagement
with aperture 62 of the support bracket 14 by a pair of biasing
members 104a.
[0080] Biasing members 104a include a generally coiled body and are
fixed at one end to the legs 120 of the lock pins 116 and are fixed
to the base 20 at a second end. The biasing members 104a bias the
lock pins 116 into engagement with the aperture 62 of the support
bracket 14.
[0081] In operation, the folding tray assembly 10a functions in a
similar manner as folding tray assembly 10a. Folding tray assembly
10a is released from engagement with the support bracket 14 by
applying a force to the actuation handle 122. Rotation of the
actuation handle 122 causes the actuation cable 102 to be placed
under tension. Once the actuation cable 102 is placed under
sufficient tension, the actuation arm 100 begins to rotate relative
to the reinforcement bracket 23 and against the force imparted
thereon by biasing members 104a.
[0082] Sufficient rotation of the actuation arm 100 causes the legs
120 of the lock pins 116 to travel from the first end of the cam
surfaces 112 to the second end of the cam surfaces 112 and retract
to a position generally inside the tray member 12. At this point,
as previously discussed with respect to folding tray assembly 10,
the tray member 12 may be positionable relative to the support
bracket 14. In other words, the tray member 12 is freely rotatable
relative to the support bracket 14 and can be moved from the use
position to the stowed position.
[0083] To return the tray member 12 to the use position a force is
again applied to the actuation handle 122, to place the actuation
cable 102 under tension. Once the actuation cable 102 is under
sufficient tension, the actuation arm 100 rotates relative to the
reinforcement bracket 23 against the bias imparted thereon by
biasing members 104a. Upon sufficient rotation of the actuation arm
100, the legs 120 of each pin 116 move from the second end of cam
surface 112 to the first end of cam surface 112 and once again
extend from the second flanges 27 of the reinforcement bracket
23.
[0084] Upon sufficient rotation of the tray member 12 from the
stowed position to the use position, the lock pins 116 may engage
aperture 62 of the support bracket 14 and lock the tray member 12
in the use position and prevent further rotation of the tray member
12 relative to the support bracket 14. As noted above, the tray
member 12 may not be locked in the stored position and may be
freely rotated back into the use position. However, if the tray
member 12 is locked in the stowed position, a force must first be
applied to the actuation handle 122 prior to returning the tray
member 12 to the use position.
[0085] With particular reference to FIGS. 15-17, another folding
tray assembly 10b is shown. In view of the substantial similarity
and structure and function of the components associated with the
folding tray assembly 10. With respect to the folding assembly 10b,
like reference numerals are used hereinafter in the drawings to
identify like components while like reference numerals containing
letter extensions are used to identify those components that have
been modified.
[0086] The folding tray assembly 10b includes an actuation
mechanism 15b and a locking mechanism 16b. The actuation mechanism
15b generally includes an actuation handle 122 operably connected
to an actuation cable 102. The locking mechanism 16b includes a
locking plate slidably supported by reinforcement bracket 23b. The
locking plate 124 is biased into engagement with the support
bracket 14 by a pair of biasing members 104b.
[0087] In operation, the locking mechanism 16b selectively holds
the tray member 12b in one of a use position and a stowed position.
In the use position, the locking plate 124 extends generally from
the tray member 12b and engages a slot 126 formed in the support
bracket 14 (FIGS. 15 and 16). Engagement between the locking plate
124 and the slot 126 prevents rotation of the tray member 12b
relative to the support bracket 14.
[0088] To rotate the tray member 12b relative to the support
bracket 14, a force is applied to the actuation handle 122 to
impart a tensile force on the actuation cable 102. Once a
sufficient force is applied to the actuation cable 102, the locking
plate 124 translates relative to the reinforcement bracket 23b and
against the force imparted thereon by biasing members 104b. Once
the locking plate 124 has been sufficiently translated along the
reinforcement bracket 23b, the locking plate 124 disengages the
slot 126 of the support bracket 14.
[0089] Rotation of the tray member 12b relative to the support
bracket 14 is permitted once the locking plate 124 is sufficiently
disengaged from the slot 126 of the support bracket 14. At this
point, the tray member 12 may be rotated from the use position
(i.e., generally perpendicular to the support bracket 14) to a
stowed position (i.e., generally parallel to the support bracket
14).
[0090] In any of the foregoing folding tray assemblies 10, 10a,
10b, it should be understood that the respective actuation
mechanisms 15, 15b, and respective locking mechanisms 16, 16a, 16b,
are generally housed within the respective tray member 12, 12b. In
this regard, locking of the respective tray member 12, 12b is
accomplished through mechanisms contained generally within the tray
member 12, 12b.
[0091] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, a folding tray assembly
210 is provided and includes a tray member 212, a support member or
bracket 214, an actuation mechanism 215, and a locking mechanism
216. The support member 214 pivotally supports the tray member 212
between a use position and a stowed position. The actuation
mechanism 215 and the locking mechanism 216 cooperate to
selectively lock the tray member 212 in one of the stowed position
or the use position relative to the support member 214. The tray
assembly 210 is preferably of the type disclosed in Assignee's
commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,806, Assignee's commonly-owned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/062,327, filed on Feb. 18,
2005, and Assignee's commonly-owned U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/661,317, filed on Mar. 11, 2005, the disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0092] The tray member 212 includes a first tray member (upper tray
member) 218 and a second tray member (lower tray member) 220. The
first tray member 218 includes a series of slots 224 while the
second tray member 220 includes a series of tabs 222 that are
matingly received within the slots 224 of the first tray member
218. Engagement between the slots 224 of the first tray member 218
and the tabs 222 of the second tray member 220 fix the first tray
member 218 to the second tray member 220 (FIGS. 20-22). Such a
configuration results in a "snap-fit" between the first tray member
218 and the second tray member 220 and therefore obviates the need
for individual mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts,
clips, etc.
[0093] It should be understood that while the first tray member 218
is described as including slots 224 and the second tray member 220
is described as including tabs 222, that the first tray member 218
could alternatively include tabs 222 and the second tray member 220
could include slots 224. Furthermore, it should be understood that
the first tray member 218 and second tray member 220 could each
include at least one tab 222 and at least one slot 224.
[0094] With particular reference to FIGS. 23-28, the actuation
mechanism 215 includes an actuation handle 226 that is rotatably
supported generally between the first tray member 218 and the
second tray member 220. The actuation handle 226 is snap-fit to the
second tray member 220 and therefore obviates the need for
individual mechanical fasteners to rotatably attach the actuation
handle 226 to the tray member 212. The actuation handle 226 is
coupled to a cable 228 for use in toggling the locking mechanism 16
between a locked state and an unlocked state.
[0095] The second tray member 220 includes a recess 250 for
matingly receiving the actuation handle 226. The recess 250
includes a pair of generally U-shaped arms 252 defining a pair of
slots 254. In addition, the recess 250 includes a pair of cutouts
256 for allowing the actuation handle 226 to be received within the
recess 250 and be locked therein.
[0096] When the actuation handle 226 is inserted into the second
tray member 220, a pair of posts 258 associated with the actuation
handle 226 are received by the cutouts 256 and generally are
snap-fit into the slots 254. In addition to being received within
the slots 254, the posts 258 of the actuation handle 226 are
similarly snap-fit into a pair of notches 260 formed adjacent to
the recess 250. The notches 260 are generally open in an opposite
direction to the opening of the slots 254. Therefore, when the
posts 258 of the actuation handle 226 are received within the slots
254 of arms the 252 and within the notches 260, the posts 258 are
essentially trapped between the slots 254 and the notches 260.
Cooperation between slots 254 and notches 260 prevent removal of
the actuation handle 226 from the second tray member 220 and while
concurrently permitting rotation of the actuation handle 226
relative to the second tray member 220 about the posts 258.
[0097] As described, the actuation handle 226 is rotatably
supported by the second tray member 220 and is generally received
within the recess 250. The actuation handle 226 is shown assembled
to the second tray member 220 in FIG. 28 in an unactuated position.
When the actuation handle 226 is actuated, a force is applied to
the actuation handle 226, thereby rotating the actuation handle 226
relative to the second tray member 220 about posts 258. When the
actuation handle 226 is rotated relative to the second tray member
220, a surface 262 of the actuation handle 226 is positioned
substantially flush to a surface 264 of the second tray member 220.
Therefore, when the actuation handle 226 is toggled from an
unactuated state to an actuated state, the handle 226 does not
extend from a surface 264 of the second tray member 220, but
rather, is depressed such that the actuation handle 226 extends
further into an area defined generally between the first tray
member 218 and the second tray member 220.
[0098] With reference to FIGS. 29-33, a reinforcement bracket 238
may be attached to the second tray member 220 to pivotally attach
the second tray member 220 to the support member 214. The
reinforcement bracket 238 may include a series of receptacles 230
and a series of attachment apertures 232 to allow the reinforcement
bracket 238 to be fixedly attached to the second tray member 220
without using individual mechanical fasteners. While the
reinforcement bracket 238 is described as being attached to the
second tray member 220, the reinforcement bracket 238 could
additionally, or alternatively, be attached to the first tray
member 218.
[0099] The second tray member 220 may include a series of posts 234
that are slidably received by the receptacles 230 and a series of
projections 236 that are matingly received by the attachment
apertures 232. It should be understood that while the reinforcement
bracket 238 is described as including a series of receptacles 230
and apertures 232 and the second tray member 220 is described as
including a series of posts 234 and projections 236, that the
reinforcement bracket 238 may alternatively include posts 234 and
projections 236 and the second tray member 220 may include
receptacles 230 and apertures 232. Furthermore, it should be
understood that the reinforcement bracket 238 and second tray
member 220 each may include any combination of receptacles 230,
apertures 232, posts 234, and projections 236 that allow the
reinforcement bracket 238 to be attached to the second ray member
220 without requiring use of individual mechanical fasteners.
[0100] Engagement between the posts 234 and the receptacles 230
fixedly attaches the second tray member 220 to the reinforcement
bracket 238. Engagement between the projections 236 and the
apertures 232 further fixes the second tray member 220 to the
reinforcement bracket 238 and prevents relative rotation
therebetween. Slidable engagement between the posts 234 and the
receptacles 230 and between the projections 236 and the apertures
232 allows the second tray member 220 to be rotatably attached to
the support member 214 (i.e., via reinforcement bracket 238)
without using individual mechanical fasteners. It should be
understood that the second tray member 220 may alternatively be
attached to the reinforcement bracket 238 using mechanical
fasteners and that the second tray member 220 may be rotatably
attached directly to the support member 214.
[0101] With particular reference to FIGS. 34-36, the tray assembly
210 is shown to include a lock post 264 associated with the support
member 214. The lock post 264 includes a pair of upwardly extending
arms 266 defining a recess 268 therebetween. Each arm 266 includes
a tab 270 extending generally into the recess 268. The tabs 270 are
preferably formed from a material having a spring-like quality that
biases the tabs 270 into a design position. The material allows the
tabs 270 to return to the design position even after being
deflected by a force applied thereto.
[0102] In operation, when the second tray member 220 is moved from
the use position to the stowed position, a post 272 associated with
the second tray member 220 is positioned relative to the lock post
264 of the support member 214 such that when the second tray member
220 is moved into the stowed position, the post 272 is received
within the recess 268 of the lock post 264. The post 272 engages
the tabs 270 and causes the tabs 270 to expand generally away from
the recess 268. Because the tabs 270 are formed of a spring-like
material, the tabs 270 are able to flex under the pressure exerted
thereon by the post 272 without fracturing.
[0103] Once the second tray member 220 has been sufficiently moved
into the stowed position, the post 272 of the second tray member
220 travels sufficiently within the recess 268 to allow the tabs
270 to spring back to the design position and trap the post 272
within the recess 268 of the lock post 264. In this position,
interaction between the post 272 and the tabs 270 of the lock post
264 maintains the tray assembly 210 in a stowed position.
[0104] To return the tray assembly 210 to a use position, a force
is exerted generally on the tray assembly 210 to rotate the second
tray member 220 relative to the support member 214. When a force is
applied to the tray assembly 210, the force is transmitted
generally to the second tray member 220 and thus, to the post 272.
When a sufficient force is applied to the second tray member 220,
the post 272 of the second tray member 220 exerts a sufficient
force on the tabs 270 to cause the tabs 270 to move generally away
from the recess 268. When the opening of the recess 268 has been
sufficiently opened through movement of the tabs 270, the post 272
of the second tray member 220 is permitted to travel generally
through the recess 268 and past the tabs 270. Once the post 272 has
passed through the tabs 270, the post 272 is free to travel out of
the recess 268 and disengage the lock post 264 altogether. Once the
post 272 has fully disengaged the recess 268 of the lock post 264,
the second tray member 220 may be rotated away from the support
member 214 and into the use position.
[0105] With reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, the tray assembly 210 is
shown to include a series of U-shaped arms 274 extending from the
upper and lower tray members 218, 220, respectively. The U-shaped
arms 274 each include a recess 276 for rotatably receiving at lease
one post 278 of a moveable member 280. The moveable member 280 is
shown in FIG. 18 as a cover rotatably attached to the tray assembly
210 for selectively concealing a series of receptacles 282 such as
a storage container or a cup holder.
[0106] The moveable members 280 are rotatably supported by the
posts 278 relative to the tray assembly 210. The posts 278 are
matingly received generally within the recesses 276 of the U-shaped
arms 274. The U-shaped arms 274 are formed from a spring-like
material such as plastic such that when the posts 278 are inserted
into the recesses 276, the U-shaped arms 274 temporarily expand to
allow the posts 278 to be positioned within the recesses 276.
[0107] Once the posts 278 are fully received within the recesses
276, the U-shaped arms 274 snap back into a design position and
prevent removal of the posts 278 from the recesses 276. In this
matter, the posts 278 of the moveable members 280 are essentially
snap-fit into the recesses 276 of the U-shaped arms 274 and permit
rotation of the moveable member 280 relative to the tray assembly
210 generally about the posts 278.
[0108] The tray assembly 210 of the present invention provides a
"fastener-less" design that incorporates integrally-formed tabs 222
and slots 224 that cooperate to attach the first tray member 218 to
the second tray member 220. Furthermore, the second tray member 220
may be attached to the reinforcement bracket 238 using the
receptacles 230, apertures 232, posts 234, and projections 236, as
previously discussed, to eliminate individual mechanical fasteners
between the tray assembly 210 and the support member 214.
[0109] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *