Tray table for rear-row vehicle passengers

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, a tray table for a vehicle is provided, the tray table including a first member configured to be attached to a seat back of a seat of the vehicle; a spring hinge; and a second member movably coupled to the first member via a spring hinge, the second member being movable between an open position in which the second member extends away from the first member and the seatback, and a closed position in which the second member extends away from the first member and the seatback; and in the closed position, during a vehicle event, the second member rests against the first member and the seatback.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to tray tables for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Some vehicles today include tray tables for one or more passengers of the vehicle. However, existing tray tables may not always be optimal, for example, in terms of potentially contacting the user as vehicle conditions change.

[0003] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a tray table for a vehicle is provided that includes a first member configured to be attached to a seat back of a seat of the vehicle; a spring hinge; and a second member movably coupled to the first member via the spring hinge, the second member being movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the second member extends away from the first member and the seat back; and in the closed position, the second member rests against the first member and the seat back during a vehicle event.

[0005] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the second member is configured to automatically move between the open position and the closed position in a manner that prevents or mitigates contact with an occupant of the vehicle during a vehicle event in which sudden movement of the vehicle occurs.

[0006] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the second member is configured to move between the open position and the closed position in a manner to prevent or mitigate contact with an occupant of the vehicle during a vehicle event in which deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0007] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table further includes one or more corresponding magnets on the first member and the second member, the magnets connecting together to hold the first member and the second member together when the second member is in the closed position, and the magnets separating when a force is applied while the second member is in the open position.

[0008] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table further includes one or more restraints configured to provide rigidity to the tray table between the first member and the second member when the second member is in the open position, and configured to retract during a vehicle event to reduce the rigidity and facilitate movement of the second member to the closed position.

[0009] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table further includes a solenoid coupled to the one or more restraint devices and configured to at least facilitate retraction of the one or more restraint devices during a vehicle event.

[0010] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the solenoid is configured to be coupled to the accelerometer to receive a signal from the accelerometer regarding a vehicle event and to at least facilitate retraction of one or more restraint devices during the vehicle event based on the signal.

[0011] Also in the exemplary embodiment, one or more restraint devices are configured to retract in coordination with the retraction of one or more seat belts of the vehicle during a vehicle event.

[0012] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the second member is at least partially made of silicone.

[0013] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the second member further includes a reinforcement wire.

[0014] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement line is in the shape of an "X."

[0015] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table further includes a strap configured to hold the first member and the second member together.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, a tray table seat assembly for a vehicle is provided, the tray table seat assembly comprising: a seat including a seat back; a first member configured to be attached to the seat back; a spring hinge; and a second member movably coupled to the first member via the spring hinge, the second member being movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the second member extends away from the first member and the seat back; and in the closed position, the second member rests against the first member and the seat back during a vehicle event.

[0017] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the second member is configured to automatically move between the open position and the closed position in a manner that prevents or mitigates contact with an occupant of the vehicle during a vehicle event in which sudden movement of the vehicle occurs.

[0018] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table chair assembly further includes one or more corresponding magnets on the first member and the second member, the magnets connecting together to hold the first member and the second member together when the second member is in the closed position, and the magnets separating when a force is applied while the second member is in the open position.

[0019] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table seat assembly further includes one or more restraints configured to provide rigidity between the first member and the second member when the second member is in the open position and configured to be retractable during a vehicle event to reduce rigidity and facilitate movement of the second member to the closed position.

[0020] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the tray table seat assembly further includes a solenoid coupled to the one or more restraint devices and configured to at least facilitate retraction of the one or more restraint devices during a vehicle event.

[0021] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the solenoid is configured to be coupled to the accelerometer to receive a signal from the accelerometer regarding a vehicle event and to at least facilitate retraction of one or more restraint devices during the vehicle event based on the signal.

[0022] Also in the exemplary embodiment, the second member is at least partially made of silicone and further includes an "X" shaped reinforcement wire.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes: a body; a drive system configured to propel the body; a front seat disposed within the body and including a seat back; a rear seat disposed within the body and behind the front seat; and a tray table attached to the front seat for use by an occupant of the rear seat, the tray table including: a first member attached to the seat back of the front seat; a spring hinge; and a second member movably coupled to the first member via the spring hinge, the second member being movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the second member extends away from the first member and the seat back; and in the closed position, the second member rests against the first member and the seat back during a vehicle event. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 A functional block diagram of a vehicle having multiple rows of seats and tray tables for occupants of one or more rear rows of seats is provided according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0026] Figures 2A-6 Depicted in Figure 1 An exemplary tray table for use in a vehicle of FIG. 1 is depicted in various positions according to exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or its application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0028] Figure 1 A functional block diagram of a vehicle 100 is provided, which includes a tray table 102 for use by occupants of the vehicle 100. Figure 1 Neutralize and combine below Figures 2A-6 As depicted, in various embodiments, the tray table 102 is configured to automatically fold and further assist in avoiding and mitigating contact with occupants of the vehicle 100 during various vehicle conditions, such as when emergency braking is applied and / or the vehicle 100 is otherwise undergoing rapid deceleration and / or changes in direction.

[0029] In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 comprises an automobile. The vehicle 100 can be any of a variety of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, van, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in some embodiments can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 can also include a motorcycle or other vehicle, such as an airplane, spacecraft, watercraft, etc., and / or one or more other types of mobile platforms (e.g., robots and / or other mobile platforms).

[0030] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, vehicle 100 includes a body 104 disposed on a chassis 105. Body 104 substantially surrounds the other components of vehicle 100. Body 104 and chassis 105 may together form a frame. Vehicle 100 also includes a plurality of wheels 110. Wheels 110 are each rotationally coupled to chassis 105 near a respective corner of body 104 to facilitate movement of vehicle 100. In one embodiment, vehicle 100 includes four wheels 110, although this may vary in other embodiments (e.g., for trucks and certain other vehicles).

[0031] Drive system 106 is mounted on chassis 105 and drives wheels 110, for example, via shaft 112. In various embodiments, drive system 106 includes a propulsion system including a motor (eg, an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor / generator coupled to its transmission).

[0032] Sensor data used to control the operation of the vehicle 100 is obtained using a plurality of sensors 108. In various embodiments, the sensors 108 include one or more accelerometers 108 and / or other sensors 108 configured to detect rapid braking events, rapid direction changes, and / or another event that may affect the tray table 102 and the likelihood of contact between the tray table 102 and an occupant of the vehicle 100.

[0033] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of seats 120 for occupants of the vehicle 100. Figure 1 As depicted in , the seats 120 may include a front row 120(1) of seats 120, and one or more rear rows 120(2) and 120(3), and so on. Figure 1 1 and 2. Three rows of seats 120 are depicted, but it will be appreciated that this may vary in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, there may be only a single rear row 120(2) of seats 120, while in other embodiments, there may be more than two rear rows 120(2), 120(3), and so on.

[0034] like Figure 1 As depicted in , in various embodiments, occupants in rear rows (e.g., 120(2) and / or 120(3)) are able to utilize tray tables 102 attached to the seats directly in front of those occupants. For example, in various embodiments: (i) occupants in the second row 120(2) can utilize tray tables attached to the back sides of seats 120 in the first row 120(1); and (ii) occupants in the third row 120(3) can utilize tray tables attached to the back sides of seats 120 in the second row 120(2), and so on.

[0035] Figures 2A-6 1. The tray table 102 is depicted in FIG. 1 as depicted in various positions according to an exemplary embodiment and is now described in more detail below in conjunction therewith.

[0036] First reference Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2D In various embodiments, the tray table 102 is attached to the seat back 202 of the seat 120 immediately in front of the occupant who will be using the tray table 102. Figure 2A-2D In the various embodiments depicted in FIG. 8 , the tray table 102 includes a first member 204 and a second member 206 that together form a two-piece shelf 208 .

[0037] like Figure 2A-2DAs depicted in FIG, in various embodiments, the first member 204 is fixedly attached to the seat back 202, while the second member 206 is in the open position (eg, Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) and closed positions (e.g. Figure 2C In various embodiments, the first member 204 and the second member 206 are rotatably coupled via a spring hinge 210, for example, Figure 2A and Figure 2C . Additionally, in various embodiments, the second member 206 is configured to rotate between positions based on rapid deceleration and / or other events related to the movement of the vehicle 100. For example, in various embodiments, the second member 206 is configured to quickly fold closed when the vehicle 100 is experiencing an emergency braking event, rapid deceleration, a rapid change of direction, and / or one or more other events where the second member 206 might otherwise be prone to contacting an occupant.

[0038] Likewise Figure 2A-2D As depicted in FIG, in various embodiments, the second member 206 is made of and / or coated with one or more silicon layers 212, which serves to minimize the effects of any impact energy if the second member 206 contacts an occupant of the vehicle 100. Figure 2A-2D In various embodiments depicted in FIG, the second member 206 further includes a reinforcement wire 214 to help provide adequate support for the tray table 102. In various embodiments, such as Figure 2A As depicted in FIG, the second member 206 includes an “X” shaped reinforcement line 214 to reduce potential impact to the occupant in the event of contact with the occupant.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 2B and Figure 2DAs depicted in FIG, in various embodiments, both the first member 204 and the second member 206 include corresponding magnets 216. In various embodiments, the magnets 216 facilitate holding the first member 204 and the second member 206 together when in the closed position. In various embodiments, the use of magnets 216 in the two-piece shelf 208 allows the first member 204 and the second member 206 to be connected to each other and to the seat back 202, but also allows the first member 204 and the second member 206 to be easily separated via separation of the magnets 216 when a force is applied while the second member 206 is in the open position. In various embodiments, the magnets 216 are designed to easily separate from each other when an abnormal force (e.g., applied to the second member 206) is applied when the second member 206 is in the open position. In certain embodiments, such "abnormal" forces include forces whose magnitude is greater than a predetermined force threshold, such as forces that would be consistent with rapid deceleration and / or vehicle events. In various embodiments, the easy separation of the magnets 216 under these conditions helps prevent or reduce unwanted contact between the tray table 102 and an occupant of the vehicle 100 .

[0040] Also in various embodiments, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2D As depicted in FIG, the tray table 102 also utilizes a solenoid 220. In various embodiments, the solenoid 220 is coupled to Figure 1 The first member 204 and the second member 206 may be configured to release the one or more restraints 218 on the shelf 208 when a vehicle 100 event occurs, such as when a rapid deceleration and / or other vehicle 100 movement may cause an occupant to come into contact with the tray table 102. In various embodiments, the one or more restraints 218 may include one or more pins, rods, and / or other restraints that help hold the shelf 208 together under normal or typical conditions, but allow the first member 204 and the second member 206 to more easily separate from each other when such a vehicle event occurs.

[0041] Also refer to Figure 2A-2D In various embodiments, the tray table 102 also includes a strap 221 that helps hold the first member 204 and the second member 206 together. For example, in various embodiments, the strap 221 helps prevent loose components in the members 204 or 206 from coming loose and flying around in the vehicle 100, etc.

[0042] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , additional images depict an exemplary tray table 102 attached to a corresponding seat back 202, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3AAs depicted in FIG, when the restraint 218 is extended during normal or typical operation of the vehicle 100, the tray table 102 is in the open position, thereby providing rigidity and support to help maintain the tray table 102 in the open position (e.g., the second member 206 extends away from the seat back 202). Conversely, as Figure 3B As depicted in FIG, the tray table 102 is in the closed position when the restraint 218 is retracted by the solenoid 220 due to a vehicle event upon the solenoid 220 receiving a signal (e.g., a signal from one or more vehicle sensors indicating a vehicle event), thereby reducing rigidity and facilitating movement of the tray table 102 into the closed position (e.g., the second member 206 abuts the first member 204 and the seat back 202).

[0043] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , additional images depict an exemplary tray table 102 attached to a corresponding seat back 202, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In contrast, the restraint 218 and the solenoid 220 have different locations (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the embodiment, the restraint device and the solenoid 220 are arranged below the hinge 210, rather than Figure 3A and Figure 3B is arranged above the hinge 210), but in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Specifically, Figure 4A As depicted in FIG, when the restraint 218 is extended during normal or typical operation of the vehicle 100, the tray table 102 is in the open position, thereby providing rigidity and support to help maintain the tray table 102 in the open position (e.g., the second member 206 extends away from the seat back 202). Conversely, as Figure 4B As depicted in FIG, the tray table 102 is in the closed position when the restraint 218 is retracted by the solenoid 220 due to a vehicle event, thereby reducing rigidity and facilitating movement of the tray table 102 to the closed position (e.g., the second member 206 abuts the first member 204 and the seat back 202).

[0044] refer to Figures 5A-5C , additional images of exemplary tray tables 102 are depicted attached to corresponding seat backs 202, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5A and Figure 5B , a plurality of restraint devices 218 and associated solenoids 220 are depicted. Additionally, in Figure 5C, an exemplary implementation of one of the restraints 218 and one of the solenoids 220 inserted into a beam-type arrangement is depicted. As a result, the restraints 218 and the solenoids 220 similarly facilitate the tray table 102 (particularly the second member 206 thereof) in the open position during normal operation of the vehicle 100 (e.g., Figure 5A ) and the closed position during the vehicle event (as depicted in Figure 5B (as depicted in ).

[0045] and Figure 3A and Figure 3B In contrast, the restraint 218 and the solenoid 220 have different locations (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the embodiment, the restraint device and the solenoid 220 are arranged below the hinge 210, rather than Figure 3A and Figure 3B is arranged above the hinge 210), but in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Specifically, Figure 4A As depicted in FIG, when the restraint 218 is extended during normal or typical operation of the vehicle 100, the tray table 102 is in the open position, thereby providing rigidity and support to help maintain the tray table 102 in the open position (e.g., the second member 206 extends away from the seat back 202). Conversely, as Figure 4B As depicted in FIG, the tray table 102 is in the closed position when the restraint 218 is retracted by the solenoid 220 due to a vehicle event, thereby reducing rigidity and facilitating movement of the tray table 102 to the closed position (e.g., the second member 206 abuts the first member 204 and the seat back 202).

[0046] refer to Figure 6 , provides an illustration of an exemplary retraction system 600 for reducing the rigidity of the tray table 102 and facilitating movement of the tray table 102 (particularly the second member 206 thereof) to a closed position during a vehicle event (e.g., a vehicle event involving rapid deceleration, rapid vehicle direction changes, and / or vehicle movement and / or other rapid changes in conditions). Figure 6 As depicted in FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments, the retraction system 600 is coupled to a seat belt system for the vehicle 100 and / or operates in a similar manner (e.g., includes a front seat belt 608, a wire 610, a gas generator 612, and a seat belt retraction element 614, which are controlled based on a piston 602 and a gas pressure 606 of a cylinder 604, as described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment). Figure 6). For example, in various embodiments, when the vehicle deceleration exceeds a predetermined value, a pressure signal is provided, and the retraction system pulls the pressure signal according to the gas generator and pushes the component, at which time the retraction system is applied, and the restraint device (e.g., pins, beams, and / or other elements) moves accordingly, thereby reducing the rigidity of the tray table 102 and facilitating movement to the closed position to minimize the impact from the tray table 102 caused by the vehicle event.

[0047] Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, a tray table is provided for rear seat occupants of a vehicle. In various embodiments, the tray table includes a two-piece shelf, one of which is fixedly attached to a seatback in front of the occupant who is to use the tray table. Also in various embodiments, the tray table is configured to automatically and quickly fold to a closed position and avoid and / or mitigate contact with a vehicle occupant during a vehicle event, such as a rapid deceleration, a rapid change of direction, and / or other rapid movement of the vehicle that could result in contact between the tray table and one or more occupants within the vehicle.

[0048] It should be understood that in various embodiments, the tray table may differ from the exemplary embodiment depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, the vehicle 100 and / or its components may differ from Figure 1 Similarly, it should be understood that tray tables, their components, and their implementations may also be used in different embodiments with Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C 、 Figure 2D 、 Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C and Figure 6 The embodiments depicted in and described herein are different, among others.

[0049] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A tray table for a vehicle, comprising: a first member configured to be attached to a seat back of a seat of the vehicle; Spring hinges; as well as a second member movably coupled to the first member via the spring hinge, the second member being movable between the following positions: an open position wherein the second member extends away from the first member and the seat back; as well as A closed position wherein the second member rests against the first member and the seat back during a vehicle event.

2. The tray table according to claim 1, wherein: The second member is configured to automatically move between the open position and the closed position in a manner that prevents or mitigates contact with an occupant of the vehicle during the vehicle event in which sudden movement of the vehicle occurs.

3. The tray table of claim 1 , wherein: The second member is configured to move between the open position and the closed position in a manner to prevent or mitigate contact with an occupant of the vehicle during the vehicle event in which deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

4. The tray table of claim 1 , further comprising: One or more corresponding magnets on the first member and the second member, the magnets being connected together to hold the first member and the second member together when the second member is in the closed position, and the magnets being separated when a force is applied while the second member is in the open position.

5. The tray table of claim 1 , further comprising: One or more restraints configured to provide rigidity to the tray table between the first member and the second member when the second member is in the open position and configured to be retractable during the vehicle event to reduce the rigidity and facilitate movement of the second member to the closed position.

6. The tray table of claim 5, further comprising: A solenoid is coupled to the one or more restraint devices and is configured to at least facilitate the retraction of the one or more restraint devices during the vehicle event.

7. The tray table of claim 6, wherein: The solenoid is configured to be coupled to an accelerometer to receive a signal from the accelerometer regarding the vehicle event and to facilitate at least retraction of the one or more restraint devices during the vehicle event based on the signal.

8. The tray table of claim 5, wherein: The one or more restraint devices are configured to retract in coordination with retraction of one or more seat belts of the vehicle during the vehicle event.

9. The tray table of claim 1 , wherein: The second member is at least partially made of silicone.

10. The tray table of claim 9, wherein: The second member further includes an "X" shaped reinforcement wire.

Images