Tray table assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "tray table assembly". A tray table assembly includes a carriage mechanism that translates a tray coupled to the carriage mechanism. The tray table assembly includes a latch assembly that includes a plurality of tiers of rivets coupled with a bracket. The latch assembly includes a biasing member coupled with the multilayer rivet. A latch is coupled with the multilayer rivet and the biasing member. The biasing member is configured to bias the latch toward a biased closed position. The latch moves from the biased closed position to an open position in response to an applied force above a target force. The latch in the open position selectively engages the bracket mechanism to lock the bracket mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a tray table assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a tray table assembly having an inertial latch. Background Art

[0002] Consumers of vehicles may expect a tray table to place things on top thereof. It is desirable to enhance the features of such a tray table in a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a tray table assembly for a vehicle, the tray table assembly including a base. The tray table assembly includes a track coupled to the base. The tray table assembly includes a carriage mechanism slidably coupled to the track. The carriage mechanism includes a platform coupled to the track and a post coupled to the platform. The tray table assembly includes a tray coupled to the platform. The tray table assembly includes a motor coupled to the base, the motor being configured to translate the carriage mechanism along the track between a stowed position and a deployed position. The tray table assembly includes a latch assembly coupled to the base. The latch assembly includes a bracket coupled to the base. The latch assembly includes a multi-layer rivet coupled to the bracket. The latch assembly includes a biasing member coupled to the multi-layer rivet. The latch assembly includes a latch coupled to the multi-layer rivet and the biasing member. The biasing member is configured to bias the latch toward a biased closed position, and the latch moves from the biased closed position to an open position in response to a force applied that is higher than a target force. The latch in the open position selectively engages the post to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - The latch assembly further includes a flange integrally coupled to the bracket, the flange engaging the biasing member, the flange selectively engaging the latch;

[0006] - A body coupled to the multi-layer rivet; a hook integrally coupled to the body, the hook selectively engaging the post; and a stop integrally coupled to the body, the stop selectively engaging the flange when the latch is in the open position;

[0007] - The multi-layer rivet and the flange extend from the bracket toward the carriage mechanism;

[0008] - The stop extends from the body toward the base;

[0009] - The body extends from the multi-layer rivet towards the post of the carriage mechanism at the stowed position;

[0010] - The target force is about 6g;

[0011] - The carriage mechanism includes a track receiver coupled to the platform, the track receiver defining a track receiving hole configured to receive the track;

[0012] - A reinforcing plate coupled to the base;

[0013] - A pulley coupled to the base; and a cable slidably coupled to the pulley, the cable coupled to the motor, the cable statically coupled to the platform, wherein the motor translates the carriage mechanism by driving the cable; and

[0014] - The track includes a tube, and wherein the carriage mechanism surrounds the tube.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a tray table assembly includes a base having at least one locator feature extending therefrom. The tray table assembly includes at least one track coupled to the base. The tray table assembly includes a carriage mechanism slidably coupled to the at least one track. The carriage mechanism includes: a platform including at least one track receiver coupled to the at least one track; and a post extending from the platform towards the base. The tray table assembly includes a tray coupled to the platform. The tray table assembly includes a motor coupled to the base configured to translate the carriage mechanism from a stowed position to a deployed position. The tray table assembly includes a latch assembly coupled to the base. The latch assembly includes a bracket coupled to the base at the locator feature. The latch assembly includes a multi-layer rivet coupled to the bracket. The latch assembly includes a biasing member coupled to the multi-layer rivet. The latch assembly includes a latch coupled to the multi-layer rivet, the latch coupled to the biasing member. The biasing member biases the latch towards a closed position. The latch moves towards an open position in response to a force greater than the target force being applied. The latch in the open position selectively engages the post to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0016] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0017] - The latch assembly further includes a flange extending from the bracket proximal to the multi-layer rivet, wherein the biasing member is coupled to the flange;

[0018] - The latch further includes: a body coupled to the multi-layer rivet and extending therefrom; a hook extending from the body away from the multi-layer rivet and selectively engaging a post of the carriage mechanism in the retracted position when the latch is in the open position; and a stop configured to engage the flange when the latch is in the open position;

[0019] - The target force is in the range of about 6 g to about 10 g;

[0020] - The tray is coupled to the platform via a first plurality of fasteners;

[0021] - The bracket defines: a first set of holes configured to receive the at least one locator feature; and a second set of holes configured to receive a second plurality of fasteners to couple the bracket to the base; and

[0022] - The bracket is inclined away from the base such that the multi-layer rivet is spaced apart from the base.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a dashboard that faces an interior compartment defined by the vehicle. The vehicle includes a tray table assembly coupled to the dashboard. The tray table assembly includes a base coupled to the dashboard. The base includes a plurality of locator features extending away from the base. The tray table assembly includes a plurality of tracks coupled to the base. The tray table assembly includes a plurality of pulleys coupled to the base. The tray table assembly includes a cable coupled to the plurality of pulleys. The tray table assembly includes a carriage mechanism slidably coupled to the plurality of tracks. The carriage mechanism includes a platform coupled to the cable. The carriage mechanism includes a plurality of track receivers coupled to the platform, the plurality of track receivers defining a plurality of track receiving holes. The carriage mechanism includes a post extending from the platform toward the base. The tray table assembly includes a tray coupled to the platform via a first plurality of fasteners. The tray table assembly includes a motor coupled to the base. The motor is coupled to the cable and is configured to translate the carriage mechanism between a stowed position and a deployed position by driving the cable. The tray table assembly includes a latch assembly coupled to the base. The latch assembly includes a bracket that defines: a first set of holes configured to receive the plurality of locator features; and a second set of holes configured to receive a second plurality of fasteners. The second plurality of fasteners couple the bracket to the base. The latch assembly includes a multi-layer rivet coupled to the bracket. The latch assembly includes a biasing member coupled to the multi-layer rivet. The latch assembly includes a flange integrally coupled to the bracket. The latch assembly includes a latch having a stop. The latch is coupled to the multi-layer rivet and is coupled to the biasing member. The biasing member biases the latch toward a closed position. The latch moves toward an open position in response to a force greater than a target force. The stop of the latch in the open position engages the flange. The latch in the open position selectively engages the post to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0024] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0025] - The latch further includes: a body coupled to the multi-layer rivet and extending therefrom; and a hook extending from the body away from the multi-layer rivet, the hook selectively engaging the post of the carriage mechanism in the stowed position when the latch is in the open position, wherein the stop is proximal to the multi-layer rivet and wherein the stop is away from the hook.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate these and other features, advantages, and objectives of the present disclosure by referring to the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the instrument panel in the interior compartment of a vehicle;

[0029] Figure 2A is a side elevation view of the tray table assembly in the stowed position;

[0030] Figure 2B is a side elevation view of the tray table assembly in the deployed position;

[0031] Figure 3 is a partial exploded top perspective view of the tray table assembly;

[0032] Figure 4A is a plan view of the tray table assembly with the latch in the closed position;

[0033] Figure 4B is a plan view of the tray table assembly with the latch in the open position;

[0034] Figure 5A is a bottom perspective view of the latch assembly;

[0035] Figure 5B is a top perspective view of the latch assembly;

[0036] Figure 6A is a side elevation view of the latch assembly; and

[0037] Figure 6B is a side elevation view of the latch assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not drawn to scale, and certain components are enlarged relative to other components for purposes of emphasis and understanding.

[0039] As needed, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some of the schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show a functional overview. Accordingly, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0040] For purposes of description herein, the terms "up", "down", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concept of orientation as Figure 1 oriented therein. However, it should be understood that unless explicitly specified to the contrary, the described concepts may assume various alternative orientations. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, unless the claims otherwise explicitly state, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0041] The presently shown embodiments primarily reside in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a tray table assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, showing only those specific details that are relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

[0042] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in connection with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be employed alone or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0043] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprising..." does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0044] As used herein, the term "about" means that a quantity, dimension, formulation, parameter, and other quantities and characteristics are not exact and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as required: reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc., and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, the present disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or the recited endpoint. Whether or not the numerical or range endpoints in this specification recite "about", the numerical or range endpoints are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "essentially" and their variants are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "essentially" is intended to indicate that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "essentially" may mean that the values are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0046] Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the", "a", or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one". Thus, for example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , motor vehicle 14 defines an interior compartment 18, which is typically configured with a seat assembly to accommodate a driver and passengers. Vehicle 14 includes a dashboard 22, which is located in front of the front seats in the interior compartment 18 of vehicle 14. Dashboard 22 faces interior compartment 18 such that the driver, passengers, or general occupants of vehicle 14 can interact with dashboard 22. The vehicle 14 also includes a tray table assembly 10 coupled to the dashboard 22. Tray table assembly 10 includes a tray 70. As Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown, when tray 70 is in the stowed position 82, the rear end 72 of tray 70 may be at least partially visible from interior compartment 18. Additionally or alternatively, tray 70 of tray table assembly 10 may be hidden when in the stowed position 82.

[0048] When the vehicle is stationary and not moving, tray table assembly 10 can be actuated from the stowed position 82 to the deployed position 86 and used in the deployed position 86. Additionally, tray 70 of tray table assembly 10 should not be in a position that would affect the performance of the airbag.

[0049] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B Although the tray table assembly 10 is shown as not being exposed to the interior compartment 18, the tray 70 can be exposed to some extent beyond the rear end 72 of the tray 70. The tray table assembly 10 includes a base 26. The base 26 is coupled to the instrument panel 22. For example, the base 26 can be welded, fastened, or otherwise permanently attached to the instrument panel 22. The tray table assembly 10 includes a track 34 coupled to the base 26. For example, the track 34 can be coupled to the base 26 via a track mount 36 that is welded, fastened, or otherwise permanently attached to the base 26 and the track 34. As shown, the track 34 can be positioned above the base 26. Additionally or alternatively, the track 34 can be positioned below or near the base 26. The track 34 can be in the form of, for example, an I-beam, a tube, or other elongated member. Thus, in the example shown, the track 34 can be referred to as a tube.

[0050] Additionally reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The tray table assembly 10 includes a carriage mechanism 46. The carriage mechanism 46 includes a platform 50. The platform 50 is coupled to the tray 70 via a first plurality of fasteners 74. The carriage mechanism 46 includes a track receiver 58. The track receiver 58 is statically coupled to the platform 50. The track receiver 58 is slidably coupled to the track 34.

[0051] The track receiver 58 defines a track receiving hole 62. The track receiving hole 62 is configured to receive the track 34. The track receiving hole 62 is shaped and sized to be complementary to the cross-section of the track 34. Thus, for example, if the track 34 is a round tube, the track receiving hole 62 is a circle of a similar size. In other words, the track receiving hole 62 surrounds the track 34. Additionally or alternatively, from a side perspective, the tray 70, the platform 50, and the base 26 extend generally parallel toward the interior compartment 18.

[0052] Specifically reference Figure 2A The carriage mechanism 46 is in the stowed position 82. Since the tray 70 is fastened to the platform 50 of the carriage mechanism 46, the tray 70 is also in the stowed position 82. When the tray 70 is in the stowed position 82, the rear end 72 of the tray 70 can be substantially flush with the instrument panel 22. As shown, the rear end 72 can be flared.

[0053] Specifically reference Figure 2B, the carriage mechanism 46 and thus the tray 70 are also shown in the deployed position 86. The tray 70 can be coupled to the platform 50 distal to the rear end 72 such that the tray 70 hangs from the carriage mechanism 46. Additionally or alternatively, the tray 70 in the deployed position 86 can extend away from the instrument panel 22 by more than about half of the length of the tray 70. Additionally or alternatively, the tray 70 in the deployed position 86 can extend away from the instrument panel 22 by more than about two-thirds of the length of the tray 70. Additionally or alternatively, the tray 70 in the deployed position 86 can extend away from the instrument panel 22 by more than about three-fourths of the length of the tray 70.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 , in addition to the above elements, the tray table assembly 10 further includes an actuator in the form of an electric motor 78. The motor 78 is coupled to the base 26. The motor 78 can be, for example, a pulley motor. The motor 78 can be coupled to the cable 42. The motor 78 is configured to drive the cable 42. The tray table assembly 10 can include at least one pulley 38. At least one pulley 38 is slidably coupled to the cable 42 such that the cable 42 circulates around the pulley 38. The cable 42 is statically coupled to the carriage mechanism 46. More specifically, the cable 42 is statically coupled to the platform 50. Thus, the motor 78 is activated to drive the cable 42, and the cable 42 translates the carriage mechanism 46 and the tray 70.

[0055] The tray table assembly 10 further includes at least one locator feature 30. The locator feature 30 can be integrally coupled to the base 26 and extends from the base. Additionally, the locator feature 30 extends toward the carriage mechanism 46 (FIG. 4). The tray table assembly 10 includes a second plurality of fasteners 106 that are coupled to the base 26 proximal to the locator feature 30.

[0056] The tray table assembly 10 further includes a latch assembly 90 that is coupled to the base 26 via the second plurality of fasteners 106. The latch assembly 90 includes a bracket 94. The bracket 94 defines a first set of holes 98 that are configured to receive at least one locator feature 30. The locator feature 30 facilitates the correct placement of the latch assembly 90 during the manufacture of the tray table assembly 10. The bracket 94 further defines a second set of holes 102 that are configured to receive the second plurality of fasteners 106. Thus, the latch assembly 90 is specifically coupled to the base 26 because the bracket 94 is fastened to the base 26 via the second plurality of fasteners 106. The bracket 94 includes a raised surface 96 such that the first set of holes 98 and the second set of holes 102 are below the raised surface 96 of the bracket 94. The bracket 94 can be inclined away from the base 26 to define the raised surface 96.

[0057] Further reference Figure 3, the latch assembly 90 includes a multi-layer rivet 110 coupled to the bracket 94 at the raised surface 96 such that the multi-layer rivet 110 is further away from the base 26 than the first set of holes 98 and the second set of holes 102. The latch assembly 90 includes a biasing member 114 coupled to the multi-layer rivet 110. The biasing member 114 can include, for example, a spring as shown. The latch assembly 90 includes a flange 118. The flange 118 can be integrally coupled to the bracket 94 at the raised surface 96. The flange 118 and the multi-layer rivet 110 can similarly extend away from the raised surface 96 toward the carriage mechanism 46 (FIG. 4). The biasing member 114 is also coupled to the flange 118. Additionally or alternatively, the flange 118 is proximal to the multi-layer rivet 110.

[0058] The latch assembly 90 includes a latch 122 coupled to the multi-layer rivet 110. The latch 122 moves or rotates, for example, about the multi-layer rivet between an open position 134 and a closed position 138. The latch 122 is also coupled to the biasing member 114 such that the latch 122 is biased toward the closed position 138. Thus, the closed position 138 can also be referred to as a biased closed position. For example, the biasing member 114 can be coupled to the latch 122 by being partially inserted into the latch 122, welded, fastened, or otherwise permanently attached to the latch 122.

[0059] Reference Figure 4A , in addition to the above elements, the latch 122 further includes a body 142. The latch 122 includes a hook 130 coupled to the body 142. Additionally or alternatively, the hook 130 can be integrally coupled to the body 142. From a top-down perspective, the hook 130 extends from the body 142 toward the bracket 94. The latch 122 includes a stop 126 coupled to the body 142. Additionally or alternatively, the stop 126 can be integrally coupled to the body 142. From a top-down perspective, the stop 126 extends from the body 142 away from the bracket 94. Additionally or alternatively, the stop 126 extends from the body 142 toward the base 26 (best shown in Figure 6A ).

[0060] Further reference Figure 4A , the tray table assembly 10 includes a column 66. The column 66 is coupled to the platform 50. Additionally or alternatively, the column 66 is integrally coupled to the platform 50. The column 66 extends from the platform 50 toward the base 26. As shown, the latch 122 is in the open position 134. In the open position 134, when the carriage mechanism 46 (and thus the platform 50) is in the stowed position 82, the hook 130 of the latch 122 engages the column 66. Thus, the platform 50 and the elements statically coupled to the platform 50 (including the tray 70, the carriage mechanism 46, the first plurality of fasteners 74, the cable 42, and the track receiver 58) are locked in the stowed position 82. Thus, the latch 122 selectively engages the column 66.

[0061] Reference Figure 4B , the latch 122 is in the closed position 138. When the latch 122 is in the closed position 138, the post 66 is spaced apart from the latch 122 and specifically from the hook 130. When the latch 122 is in the closed position 138, the post 66 is free to translate with the platform 50 and the elements statically coupled to the platform 50, the elements including the tray 70, the carriage mechanism 46, the first plurality of fasteners 74, and the track receiver 58, and the cable 42 is free to be driven by the motor 78. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcement plate 150 is coupled to the base 26 to provide rigidity to the base 26.

[0062] Reference Figures 5A to 5B , when the applied force F A is greater than a target force (not shown), the latch 122 rotates from the closed position 138 to the open position 134 about the multi-layer rivet 110. Thus, the latch 122 is rotatably coupled to the multi-layer rivet 110. Based on Hooke's law (F = kx), the biasing member 114 can take the form of a spring, whose spring constant k is equal to the target force divided by the distance x by which the biasing member 114 must deform to cause the latch 122 to rotate from the closed position 138 to the open position 134. In other words, k = (target force) / (deformation of the biasing member 114 between the open position 134 and the closed position 138). Thus, when the applied force F A is greater than or equal to the target force, the latch 122 rotates to the open position 134, and the post 66 ( Figure 4A ) engages the hook 130 of the latch 122 to lock the carriage mechanism 46 in the stowed position 82. An applied force F less than the target force A will not cause the latch 122 to rotate to the open position 134. In other words, the latch 122 rotates to the open position 134 in response to an applied force F A greater than or equal to the target force.

[0063] Further reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B , according to one example, the target force can be generated by a deceleration of from about 5 g to about 10 g; according to another example, by a deceleration of from about 6 g to about 9 g; or according to yet another example, by a deceleration of from about 7 g to about 8 g.

[0064] Reference Figures 5A to 6B , when the latch 122 is in the open position 134, the stop 126 engages the flange 118. When the applied force F AWhen the force is greater than the target force, the stopper 126 of the engagement flange 118 prevents the latch 122 from rotating excessively. When the latch 122 is in the closed position 138, the stopper 126 engages the bracket 94. The stopper 126 that engages the bracket 94 allows the latch 122 to remain parallel to the bracket 94 from a top-down perspective. The raised surface 96 of the bracket 94 is spaced apart from the base 26 such that even when the latch assembly 90 is coupled to the base 26, the stopper 126 remains spaced apart from the base 26.

[0065] It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the foregoing structure without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it should also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by these claims unless the appended claims expressly state otherwise in their language.

[0066] According to the present invention, there is provided a tray table assembly for a vehicle, the tray table assembly having: a base; a track coupled to the base; a carriage mechanism slidably coupled to the track, the carriage mechanism including: a platform coupled to the track; and a column coupled to the platform; a tray coupled to the platform; a motor coupled to the base, the motor configured to translate the carriage mechanism along the track between a stowed position and a deployed position; and a latch assembly coupled to the base, the latch assembly including: a bracket coupled to the base; a multi-layer rivet coupled to the bracket; a biasing member coupled to the multi-layer rivet; and a latch coupled to the multi-layer rivet and the biasing member, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the latch toward a biased closed position, and the latch moves from the biased closed position to an open position in response to a force applied that is greater than a target force, and wherein the latch in the open position selectively engages the column to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the latch assembly further includes a flange integrally coupled to the bracket, the flange engaging the biasing member and selectively engaging the latch.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the latch further includes: a body coupled to the multi-layer rivet; a hook integrally coupled to the body, the hook selectively engaging the column; and a stopper integrally coupled to the body, the stopper selectively engaging the flange when the latch is in the open position.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the multi-layer rivet and the flange extend from the bracket toward the carriage mechanism.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the stop extends from the body towards the base.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the body extends from the multi-layer rivet towards the post of the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the target force is about 6g.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the carriage mechanism includes a track receiver coupled to the platform, the track receiver defining a track receiving hole configured to receive the track.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the invention further features a reinforcing plate coupled to the base.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the invention further features a pulley coupled to the base, and a cable slidably coupled to the pulley, the cable being coupled to the motor and statically coupled to the platform, wherein the motor translates the carriage mechanism by driving the cable.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the track includes a tube, and wherein the carriage mechanism surrounds the tube.

[0077] According to the present invention, there is provided a tray table assembly having a base with at least one locator feature extending therefrom, at least one track coupled to the base, a carriage mechanism slidably coupled to the at least one track, the carriage mechanism including a platform having at least one track receiver coupled to the at least one track and a post extending from the platform towards the base, a tray coupled to the platform, a motor coupled to the base and configured to translate the carriage mechanism from a stowed position to a deployed position, and a latch assembly coupled to the base, the latch assembly including a bracket coupled to the base at the locator feature, a multi-layer rivet coupled to the bracket, a biasing member coupled to the multi-layer rivet, and a latch coupled to the multi-layer rivet and coupled to the biasing member, wherein the biasing member biases the latch towards a closed position, wherein the latch moves towards an open position in response to a force greater than a target force being applied, and wherein the latch in the open position selectively engages the post to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a flange extending from the bracket proximally of the multi-layer rivet, wherein the biasing member is coupled to the flange.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a body coupled to the multi-layer rivet and from which the body extends; a hook extending from the body away from the multi-layer rivet, the hook selectively engaging a post of the carriage mechanism in the retracted position when the latch is in the open position; and a stop configured to engage the flange when the latch is in the open position.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the target force is in the range of about 6 g to about 10 g.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the tray is coupled to the platform via a first plurality of fasteners.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a first set of holes configured to receive the at least one locator feature; and a second set of holes configured to receive a second plurality of fasteners to couple the bracket to the base.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the bracket is inclined away from the base such that the multi-layer rivet is spaced apart from the base.

[0084] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having: a dashboard facing an interior compartment defined by the vehicle; a tray table assembly coupled to the dashboard, the tray table assembly including: a base coupled to the dashboard, the base including a plurality of locator features extending away from the base; a plurality of tracks coupled to the base; a plurality of pulleys coupled to the base; a cable coupled to the plurality of pulleys; a carriage mechanism slidably coupled to the plurality of tracks, the carriage mechanism including: a platform coupled to the cable; a plurality of track receivers coupled to the platform, the plurality of track receivers defining a plurality of track receiving holes; and a post extending from the platform toward the base; a tray coupled to the platform via a first plurality of fasteners; a motor coupled to the base, the motor coupled to the cable, the motor configured to translate the carriage mechanism between a stowed position and a deployed position by driving the cable; and a latch assembly coupled to the base, the latch assembly including: a bracket defining: a first set of holes configured to receive the plurality of locator features; and a second set of holes configured to receive a second plurality of fasteners, wherein the second plurality of fasteners couple the bracket to the base; a multi-layer rivet coupled to the bracket; a biasing member coupled to the multi-layer rivet; a flange integrally coupled to the bracket; and a latch having a stop, the latch coupled to the multi-layer rivet, the latch coupled to the biasing member, wherein the biasing member biases the latch toward a closed position, wherein the latch moves toward an open position in response to a force greater than a target force, wherein the stop of the latch in the open position engages the flange, and wherein the latch in the open position selectively engages the post to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the invention further features: a body coupled to the multi-layer rivet and extending therefrom; and a hook extending from the body away from the multi-layer rivet, the hook selectively engaging the post of the carriage mechanism at the stowed position when the latch is in the open position, wherein the stop is proximal to the multi-layer rivet and wherein the stop is remote from the hook.

Claims

1. A tray table assembly for a vehicle, the tray table assembly comprising: A base; A track, the track being coupled to the base; A carriage mechanism, the carriage mechanism being slidably coupled to the track, the carriage mechanism comprising: A platform, the platform being coupled to the track; and A column, the column being coupled to the platform; A tray, the tray being coupled to the platform; A motor, the motor being coupled to the base, the motor being configured to translate the carriage mechanism along the track between a stowed position and a deployed position; and A latch assembly, the latch assembly being coupled to the base, the latch assembly comprising: A bracket, the bracket being coupled to the base; A multi-layer rivet, the multi-layer rivet being coupled to the bracket; A biasing member, the biasing member being coupled to the multi-layer rivet; and A latch, the latch being coupled to the multi-layer rivet and the biasing member, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the latch toward a biased closed position, and the latch moves from the biased closed position to an open position in response to a force applied that is higher than a target force, and wherein the latch in the open position selectively engages the column to lock the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

2. The tray table assembly according to claim 1, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a flange integrally coupled to the bracket, the flange engaging the biasing member, the flange selectively engaging the latch.

3. The tray table assembly according to claim 2, wherein the latch further comprises: A body, the body being coupled to the multi-layer rivet; A hook, the hook being integrally coupled to the body, the hook selectively engaging the column; And A stop, the stop being integrally coupled to the body, the stop selectively engaging the flange when the latch is in the open position.

4. The tray table assembly according to claim 3, wherein the multi-layer rivet and the flange extend from the bracket toward the carriage mechanism.

5. The tray table assembly according to claim 4, wherein the stop extends from the body toward the base.

6. The tray table assembly according to claim 5, wherein the body extends from the multi-layer rivet toward the column of the carriage mechanism in the stowed position.

7. The tray table assembly according to claim 1, wherein the target force is about 6g.

8. The tray table assembly according to claim 1, wherein the carriage mechanism comprises a track receiver coupled to the platform, the track receiver defining a track receiving hole configured to receive the track.

9. The tray table assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement plate coupled to the base.

10. The tray table assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: A pulley, the pulley being coupled to the base; And A cable, the cable being slidably coupled to the pulley, the cable being coupled to the motor, the cable being statically coupled to the platform, wherein the motor translates the carriage mechanism by driving the cable.

11. The tray table assembly according to claim 1, wherein the track includes a tube, and wherein the carriage mechanism surrounds the tube.

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