Vehicle Table

Abstract

A vehicular table (1) comprises: a top plate (10); a first arm (30) that is provided on one side in the front-rear direction of the top plate (10) and that supports the top plate (10); and second arms (40a, 40b) that are provided on the other side in the front-rear direction of the top plate (10) and that support the top plate (10). The first arm (30) includes a first engagement part (31) that engages with a front seat (FR1). The second arms (40a, 40b) include second engagement parts (41a, 41b) that engage with a vehicle rear seat (RR1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle table. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle table having a support portion on one side edge of the table. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-272397 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the case of a structure having a support portion on one side edge of the table, depending on the size of the table, it may not be possible to stably support the entire table.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle table that can support the entire table more stably. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A vehicle table according to one aspect of the present invention includes a top plate, a first arm provided on one side of the top plate in the front-rear direction and supporting the top plate, and a second arm provided on the other side of the top plate in the front-rear direction and supporting the top plate. The first arm has a first engaging portion that engages with a front seat of a vehicle. The second arm has a second engaging portion that engages with a rear seat of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a vehicle table that can support the entire table more stably can be provided. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a left side view showing an example of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing the tabletop of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the frame of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a perspective view showing a clip for a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the frame and arms of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows the engagement structure between the frame of the vehicle table and the second arm according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows the engagement structure between the frame of the vehicle table and the second arm according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A shows the engagement structure between the second engagement portion of the vehicle table and the headrest stay according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B shows the engagement structure between the second engagement portion of the vehicle table and the headrest stay according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the main part of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a left side view of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows a structure for folding the tabletop of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows a structure for folding the tabletop of a vehicle table according to the embodiment. [Figure 11A]FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a structure for folding a frame of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a structure for folding a frame of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating a structure for adjusting an angle of a top plate of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a structure for adjusting an angle of a top plate of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a telescopic adjustment structure of a second arm of a vehicle table according to Modification 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a top plate in a second fixing mode of a vehicle table according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a frame in the second fixing mode of the vehicle table according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating an engagement structure between a second cylindrical portion and a headrest stay of a vehicle table according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating an engagement structure between a second cylindrical portion and a headrest stay of a vehicle table according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a vehicle table according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle is indicated by FR, the rear of the vehicle is indicated by RR, the right side of the vehicle is indicated by RH, the left side of the vehicle is indicated by LH, the upper side of the vehicle is indicated by UP, and the lower side of the vehicle is indicated by DN. In the following description, the terms front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower mean directions based on the above vehicle unless otherwise specified. In the following description, elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) (Configuration Example of Vehicle Table) Table 1, a vehicle table, is positioned between the front seats FR1 and FR2 and the rear seats RR1 and RR2 of the vehicle 2. As illustrated in Figures 1-3, Table 1 is configured in an L-shape when viewed from above. The user can use Table 1 while seated in the left rear seat RR2. Table 1 may also be positioned on the opposite side. In that case, the user can use Table 1 while seated in the right rear seat RR1.

[0011] As illustrated in Figures 1-3, the table 1 comprises a tabletop 10, a frame 20, a first arm 30, a pair of second arms 40a and 40b, and a third arm 50. The first arm 30 has a first engaging portion 31 that engages with the right front seat FR1. The pair of second arms 40a and 40b have a pair of second engaging portions 41a and 41b that engage with the right rear seat RR1. The third arm 50 has a third engaging portion 51 that engages with the left front seat FR2. In the illustrated example, the first arm 30, the second arms 40a and 40b, and the third arm 50 are connected to the frame 20. The first arm 30, the second arms 40a and 40b, and the third arm 50 may also be directly connected to the front and rear ends or left and right ends of the tabletop 10. In this case, the table 1 does not need to have a frame 20.

[0012] As illustrated in Figures 1-3, the tabletop 10 is a plate that constitutes the table surface of the table 1, and is composed of a first region 11, a second region 12, and a third region 13. The material of the tabletop 10 is not particularly limited, and known plate materials such as wood, stone, paper, metal, resin (including fiber-reinforced resin), and glass can be used.

[0013] The first region 11 may be, for example, a rectangular plate positioned between the right front seat FR1 and the rear seat RR1. In a top view, the front end of the first region 11 is adjacent to the back of the seat back SB1 of the front seat FR1. The rear end of the first region 11 is located near the front edge of the seat cushion SC2 of the rear seat RR1. The right end of the first region 11 is located slightly inward from the right edge of the seat back SB1 of the front seat FR1 in the vehicle width direction. The left end of the first region 11 extends to the left of the center of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 2.

[0014] The second region 12 may be, for example, a rectangular plate positioned between the first region 11 and the rear seat RR1. In a top view, the front end of the second region 12 is adjacent to the rear end of the first region 11. The rear end of the second region 12 is adjacent to the front of the seat back SB2 of the rear seat RR1. The right end of the second region 12 coincides with the right end of the first region 11. The left end of the second region 12 is located to the right of the center in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 2. That is, the width of the second region 12 in the vehicle width direction is narrower than that of the first region 11. A first pivotable part 14, which can rotate around the vehicle width direction axis, is provided between the rear end of the first region 11 and the front end of the second region 12.

[0015] The third region 13 may be, for example, a plate positioned between the left front seat FR2 and the rear seat RR2. In a top view, the front end of the third region 13 is adjacent to the back of the seat back SB2 of the front seat FR2. The rear end of the third region 13 coincides with the rear end of the first region 11. The left rear corner of the third region 13 is formed in an arc shape with a radius. A second pivot part 15, which can rotate around the front-rear axis, is provided between the left end of the first region 11 and the right end of the third region 13. The upper surface of the top plate 10 when the first region 11, second region 12, and third region 13 are arranged as described above is called surface A1. The lower surface of the top plate 10 at this time is called surface A2. In the illustrated example, the top plate 10 is divided into the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13, but the number of divisions, their arrangement, and the dimensions and shape of each region are not limited to those described above. The tabletop 10 is not limited to an L-shape when viewed from above, and may have other shapes such as a rectangle, trapezoid, polygon, or sector. Depending on the shape of the tabletop 10, the table 1 may not have a third arm 50.

[0016] The first rotating part 14 may have, for example, a pivot shaft that rotates around a vehicle width axis and two brackets that support the pivot shaft. The two brackets are attached to the lower surface of the rear end of the first region 11 and the lower surface of the front end of the second region 12, respectively. The second region 12 is rotatable downward around the pivot shaft of the first rotating part 14. This allows the second region 12 to be folded so that its lower surface faces the lower surface of the first region 11. The second rotating part 15 may have, for example, a pivot shaft that rotates around a longitudinal axis and two brackets that support the pivot shaft. The two brackets are attached to the upper surface of the left end of the first region 11 and the upper surface of the right end of the third region 13, respectively. The third region 13 is rotatable upward around the pivot shaft of the second rotating part 15. As a result, the third region 13 can be folded so that its upper surface faces the upper surface of the first region 11. In the example shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8A, two first rotating parts 14 and two second rotating parts 15 are attached to the top plate 10, but the position and number of these attached are not limited to those shown above.

[0017] The frame 20 is a frame-like structure that supports the top plate 10 from below, and is composed of a combination of cylindrical bodies with a substantially circular cross-section. The frame 20 may be composed of a first frame 21, a second frame 22, and a third frame 23 connected together, for example, as shown in Figure 5.

[0018] The first frame 21 may, for example, constitute the right side and front side of the frame 20. The first frame 21 has a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the front part, a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the rear part, and cylindrical bodies extending in the front-rear direction that constitute the left and right parts. The cylindrical bodies that constitute the left and right parts are connected to the cylindrical body that constitutes the front part and the cylindrical body that constitutes the rear part. These cylindrical bodies that constitute the first frame 21 overlap with the first region 11 when viewed from above.

[0019] The second frame 22 may be located behind the first frame 21, for example, and constitute the right side and rear of the frame 20. The rear of the first frame 21 and the second frame 22 are connected by the first folding section 24. The second frame 22 is rotatable downward about the vehicle width axis of the first folding section 24. The second frame 22 has a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the rear, and cylindrical bodies extending in the front-rear direction that constitute the left and right sides. The cylindrical bodies that constitute the left and right sides are connected to the first folding section 24 and the cylindrical body that constitutes the rear. These cylindrical bodies that constitute the second frame 22 overlap with the second region 12 in a top view.

[0020] The third frame 23 may, for example, be located to the left of the first frame 21 and constitute the left and front side of the frame 20. The left side of the first frame 21 and the third frame 23 are connected by the second folding section 25. The third frame 23 is rotatable upward about the front-rear axis of the second folding section 25. The third frame 23 has a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the front part, and a cylindrical body extending between the left front part and the left rear part of the third frame 23. The cylindrical body that constitutes the front part is connected to the second folding section 25 and one end of the cylindrical body extending between the left front part and the left rear part. The other end of the cylindrical body extending between the left front part and the left rear part is connected to the second folding section 25. These cylindrical bodies constituting the third frame 23 overlap with the third region 13 and a part of the first region 11 in a top view. The posture of the frame 20 in the above arrangement is defined as the first posture B1. In the illustrated example, frame 20 is constructed by connecting a first frame 21, a second frame 22, and a third frame 23, but the number and arrangement of connections, as well as the dimensions and shapes of each, are not limited to those shown above.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the upper and lower surfaces of the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13 may be provided with, for example, clip holes 17 for attaching a clip 16. The clip 16 has a C-shaped clip body 16a and a clip shaft 16b extending from the base end of the clip body 16a. The clip 16 can be attached to the top plate 10 by inserting the tip of the clip shaft 16b, which has a male thread, into the clip hole 17 and fastening it. In Figures 3, 4A, 10A, 10B, and 14A, typical clip holes 17 are given reference numbers for illustrative purposes.

[0022] The opening dimension L of the clip body 16a is formed to be narrower than the outer diameter of the frame 20. When the opening portion of the clip body 16a is pressed against the frame 20, the clip body 16a elastically deforms outward. Due to the elastic deformation, the opening dimension L expands, and the frame 20 is housed within the clip body 16a. The clip body 16a returns to its original shape as the frame 20 is housed within it. This allows the frame 20 to be clamped within the clip body 16a. Therefore, the top plate 10 can be fixed to the frame 20 via the clip 16. The clip holes 17 are provided to match the shape of the frame 20. The clips 16 attached to the first region 11, second region 12, and third region 13 are fixed to the first frame 21, second frame 22, and third frame 23, respectively. Note that the clip holes 17 are provided on both sides of the top plate 10, and the clips 16 may be attached to both sides of the top plate 10. The method of attaching the clip 16 to the top plate 10 is not limited to the above. For example, the clip 16 may have a bracket with a female screw, and the bracket may be attached to the top plate 10 by fastening it with a male screw.

[0023] The first frame 21 may have a first opening 26 on its right front, for example, that opens to the right. The second frame 22 may have second openings 27a and 27b on its rear ends, respectively, that open to the right and left. The third frame 23 may have a third opening 28 on its left front, that opens to the left. The first connecting portion 32 of the first arm 30 is inserted into the first opening 26. The first arm 30 engages with the first frame 21 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The second connecting portions 42a and 42b of the second arms 40a and 40b are inserted into the second openings 27a and 27b. The second arms 40a and 40b engage with the second frame 22 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The third connecting portion 52 of the third arm 50 is inserted into the third opening 28. The third arm 50 engages with the third frame 23 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0024] The first arm 30 is a cylindrical body with a substantially circular cross-section, positioned between the first opening 26 and the front seat FR1. The first arm 30 has a first engaging portion 31 at the tip end that engages with the front seat FR1, and a first connecting portion 32 at the base end that engages with the first opening 26. The first arm 30 extends upward from the first connecting portion 32 along the back of the seat back SB1 of the front seat FR1, and curves to the left near the upper edge of the seat back SB1. The first engaging portion 31 at the tip end engages with the right headrest stay 3a, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, of the two headrest stays 3a, 3b provided on the front seat FR1. As a result, the first arm 30 supports the load of the front part of the frame 20 and the front part of the top plate 10 fixed to the frame 20. The first engaging portion 31 may engage with the right headrest stay 3b, or it may engage with both headrest stays 3a, 3b.

[0025] The second arms 40a and 40b are cylindrical bodies with a substantially circular cross-section, positioned between the second openings 27a and 27b and the rear seat RR1. The second arms 40a and 40b have a second engaging portion 41a and 41b at the tip end that engages with the rear seat RR1, and a second connecting portion 42a and 42b at the base end that engages with the second openings 27a and 27b. The second arms 40a and 40b extend upward from the second openings 27a and 27b along the front surface of the seat back SB2 of the rear seat RR1, and curve to the right and left, respectively, near the upper edge of the seat back SB2. The second engaging portions 41a and 41b at the tip end engage with two headrest stays 4a and 4b provided on the rear seat RR1, respectively. As a result, the second arms 40a and 40b can support the load of the frame 20 and the top plate 10 fixed to the frame 20.

[0026] The third arm 50 may be, for example, a cylindrical body with a substantially circular cross-section positioned between the third opening 28 and the front seat FR2. The third arm 50 has a third engaging portion 51 at the tip end that engages with the front seat FR2, and a third connecting portion 52 at the base end that engages with the third opening 28. The third arm 50 extends upward from the third connecting portion 52 along the back of the seat back SB2 of the front seat FR2, and curves to the right near the upper edge of the seat back SB2. The third engaging portion 51 at the tip end engages with the left headrest stay 5b, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the two headrest stays 5a, 5b provided on the front seat FR2. As a result, the third arm 50 can support the load of the frame 20 and the top plate 10 fixed to the frame 20. The third engaging portion 51 may engage with the right headrest stay 5a, or it may engage with both headrest stays 5a, 5b.

[0027] Here, the engagement structures of the first connecting portion 32, the second connecting portions 42a, 42b, and the third connecting portion 52 with the first opening 26, the second openings 27a, 27b, and the third opening 28 will be explained, with the engagement between the second connecting portion 42b and the second opening 27b being used as an example. The engagement structures of the first connecting portion 32, the second connecting portion 42a, and the third connecting portion 52 with the first opening 26, the second opening 27a, and the third opening 28 are similar and will therefore not be explained. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the second connecting portion 42b has a cylindrical shape smaller than the inner diameter of the second frame 22 and is formed to be insertable into the second opening 27b. A ball 42c protruding outward is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting portion 42b. The ball 42c is movable within a groove formed radially inside the second connecting portion 42b and is spring-biased from the inside outward. The ball 42c moves inward when a load is applied and returns to its original position when the load is released. In other words, the second connecting part 42b has a ball plunger structure. A ball hole 27c is formed on the side surface of the second frame 22 near the second opening 27b, through which the ball 42c can be inserted. When the second connecting part 42b is inserted into the second opening 27b, the ball 42c moves inward due to the lateral load and passes through the second frame 22. When the second connecting part 42b is rotated to a predetermined angle with the second connecting part 42b inserted to a predetermined stroke, the ball 42c is inserted into the ball hole 27c, and the ball 42c moves outward and engages with the ball hole 27c. As a result, the second arm 40b engages with the second frame 22 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0028] The connecting arm 33 may be, for example, a cylindrical body with a substantially circular cross-section positioned between the first arm 30 and the third arm 50. The connecting arm 33 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a connecting portion 34a that connects to the first arm 30 and a connecting portion 34b that connects to the third arm 50. The connecting portions 34a and 34b are engaged with the first arm 30 and the third arm 50 near their respective centers in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The materials of the frame 20, first arm 30, second arm 40a, 40b, third arm 50, and connecting arm 33 are not particularly limited, and known materials such as paper, metal, carbon, and resin (including fiber-reinforced resin) can be used. Their shapes, structures, number, and arrangement are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the first frame 21 and the first arm 30, the second frame 22 and the second arms 40a, 40b, and the third frame 23 and the third arm 50 may be connected to each other by elastic cords running through their interiors. This makes it easy to identify the parts to be engaged with each other and the engagement points, thereby preventing the installation work from becoming complicated.

[0030] The engagement structures of the first engagement portion 31, the second engagement portions 41a, 41b, and the third engagement portion 51 with respect to the headrest stays 3a, 4a, 4b, and 5b will be explained using the engagement between the second engagement portion 41b and the headrest stay 4b as an example. The engagement structures of the first engagement portion 31, the second engagement portion 41a, and the third engagement portion 51 with respect to the headrest stays 3a, 4a, and 5b are similar and will therefore not be explained. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the second engagement portion 41a has a support portion 41c with a rectangular U-shaped cross-section, a hinge portion 41d provided at one end of the support portion 41c, and a door portion 41f that is rotatably supported by the pivot axis 41e of the hinge portion 41d. First, the headrest stay 4b is housed in the support portion 41c and the door portion 41f is closed. This sandwiches the headrest stay 4b in the space formed by the support portion 41c and the door portion 41f. In this state, one end of the ring 41h is hooked onto the claw 41g of the door portion 41f, and the ring lever 41i connected to the other end of the ring 41h is tilted backward to lock it in place. This locks the support portion 41c and the door portion 41f, and allows the headrest stay 4b to engage with the second engaging portion 41b. Note that the configuration and engagement method of the first engaging portion 31, the second engaging portions 41a, 41b, and the third engaging portion 51 are not limited to those described above.

[0031] The method for installing the vehicle table 1 according to the embodiment will now be described. First, the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 of the front seats FR1 and FR2 are tilted forward to a predetermined forward-tilting position. Next, the front seats FR1 and FR2 are moved to predetermined positions in front of them. Furthermore, the seatback SB2 of the rear seats RR1 and RR2 is tilted backward to a predetermined backward-tilting position. Now, the forward-tilting position will be described. As shown in Figure 8, the joint between the base of the front seats FR1 and FR2 and the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 is defined as joint H1. In a side view, the upper edge of the seatbacks SB1 and SB3, which is the base end of the headrest stays 3a, 3b, 5a, and 5b, is defined as H2. The angle between the straight line H1-H2 in the side view and the direction of the vehicle forward is defined as the seatback angle α. That is, the seatback angle α is the angle that the seatback SB1 makes with respect to the direction of the vehicle forward. A forward-leaning posture is a position in which the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 are tilted forward so that the seatback angle α is less than 90°. Similarly, the angle that the seatback SB2 of the rear seats RR1 and RR2 makes with respect to the front of the vehicle can also be expressed by the seatback angle α. A backward-leaning posture is a position in which the seatback SB2 is tilted backward so that the seatback angle α of the seatback SB2 is greater than 90°.

[0032] Next, the first frame 21, second frame 22, and third frame 23 of the frame 20 are unfolded in the first position B1. The first connecting part 32 is engaged with the first opening 26, and the third connecting part 52 is engaged with the third opening 28. Then, the first engaging part 31 and the third engaging part 51 are engaged with the outer headrest stays 3a and 5b, respectively. Next, the second connecting parts 42a and 42b are engaged with the second openings 27a and 27b, respectively, and the second engaging parts 41a and 41b are engaged with the headrest stays 4a and 4b. As a result, the frame 20 is positioned between the front seats FR1 and FR2 and the rear seats RR1 and RR2 in the first position B1. Next, the first region 11, second region 12, and third region 13 are unfolded with surface A1 of the top plate 10 as the upper surface. The clip 16 is attached to surface A2, which is the lower surface. The tabletop 10 with the clip 16 attached is placed on the frame 20, the frame 20 is inserted into the clip body 16a, and the tabletop 10 is fixed to the frame 20. This sets up the table 1. The method of fixing the tabletop with surface A1 as the top surface and the frame in the first position B1, as described above, is called the first fixing mode.

[0033] Here, the posture of seatbacks SB1 and SB3 is not limited to the above, and may be the most forward-leaning posture. The most forward-leaning posture is the posture in which seatbacks SB1 and SB3 are tilted as far forward as possible. At this time, the angle β is smallest. If seatbacks SB1 and SB3 interfere with the handle SW when tilted forward, the posture at the position of interference is the most forward-leaning posture. In this embodiment, the angle β in the most forward-leaning posture is, for example, 60°. Also, seatback SB2 may be in the most rearward-leaning posture. The most rearward-leaning posture is the posture in which seatback SB2 is tilted as far back as possible. At this time, the seatback angle α of seatback SB2 is largest. In this embodiment, the seatback angle α in the most rearward-leaning posture is, for example, 110°.

[0034] Furthermore, the front seats FR1 and FR2 may be positioned in the foremost position. The foremost position is the position in vehicle 2 where the front seats FR1 and FR2 are moved the furthest forward distance S (see Figure 9). If the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 interfere with the steering wheel SW when moved forward, the position of interference is the foremost position. The rear seats RR1 and RR2 may be positioned in the rearmost position. The rearmost position is the position in vehicle 2 where the rear seats RR1 and RR2 are moved the furthest rearward distance. In the above arrangement, the distance D between the first engaging portion 31 and the third engaging portion 51 that engage with the headrest stays 3a and 5b and the second engaging portions 41a and 41b that engage with the headrest stays 4a and 4b is the longest. Furthermore, when the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 of the front seats FR1 and FR2 are in their most forward-leaning position, and the front seats FR1 and FR2 are in their foremost position, the space between the steering wheel SW of vehicle 2 and the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 becomes the narrowest.

[0035] When Table 1 is installed, it is desirable to avoid driving Vehicle 2 for safety reasons. In the vehicle table 1 according to this embodiment, the frame 20 and tabletop 10 are positioned between the front seats FR1, FR2 and the rear seats RR1, RR2. The frame 20 and each arm 30, 40a, 40b, 50 are engaged at a predetermined angle with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Each arm 30, 40a, 40b, 50 is engaged with each headrest stay 3a, 4a, 4b, 5b. Also, the front seats FR1, FR2 are positioned forward, and the seatbacks SB1, SB3 are in a forward-leaning position. As a result, the space between the steering wheel SW of Vehicle 2 and the seatbacks SB1, SB3 is narrow. When attempting to move the front seats FR1, FR2 backward, the tabletop 10 and frame 20 are positioned between the front seats FR1, FR2 and the rear seats RR1, RR2, thus restricting the backward movement of the front seats FR1, FR2. Furthermore, when attempting to tilt the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 of the front seats FR1 and FR2 backward, the backward tilt of the seatbacks SB1 and SB3 is restricted. This is because the top plate 10 and frame 20 are positioned between the front seats FR1 and FR2 and the rear seats RR1 and RR2, and the frame 20 and each arm 30, 40a, 40b, and 50 are engaged at a predetermined angle. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to drive the vehicle 2 while seated in the front seats FR1 and FR2, thus avoiding driving the vehicle 2 while using the table 1.

[0036] The method for folding the top plate 10 will now be explained. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, with the top surface of the top plate 10 facing surface A1, the third region 13 is rotated upward around the pivot axis of the second rotating part 15. As a result, the third region 13 is folded so that its upper surface and the upper surface of the first region 11 face each other. Next, the second region 12 is rotated downward around the pivot axis of the first rotating part 14. As a result, the second region 12 is folded so that its lower surface and the lower surface of the first region 11 face each other.

[0037] The folding method of frame 20 will now be explained. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, with frame 20 in the first position B1, the third frame 23 is rotated upward around the pivot axis of the first folding section 24. As a result, the third frame 23 is folded so that the upper surface of the third frame 23 and the upper surface of the first frame 21 face each other. Next, the second frame 22 is rotated downward around the pivot axis of the second folding section 25. As a result, the second frame 22 is folded so that the lower surface of the second frame 22 and the lower surface of the first frame 21 face each other.

[0038] A method for adjusting the angle of the vehicle table 1 according to the embodiment will now be described. The first region 11 may be able to rotate approximately 10° upward relative to the second region 12 around the pivot axis of the first rotating part 14 described above. That is, the first rotating part 14 may be configured to rotate approximately 190° around its pivot axis. First, the top plate 10 is unfolded and the first region 11 is rotated upward relative to the second region 12 around the pivot axis of the first rotating part 14. The third region 13 is linked to the first region 11 via the second rotating part 15. Therefore, the third region 13 also rotates upward. A clip 16 is attached to the underside of the top plate 10, the frame 20 is inserted into the clip body 16a, and the top plate 10 is fixed to the frame 20. The front ends of the first region 11 and the third region 13 are lifted upward and fixed to the frame 20 in an inclined state. In this state, the clip 16 attached to the front end of the top plate 10 is fixed to the connecting arm 33 above the frame 20. This allows the user to tilt the first area 11 and the third area 13 upward and fix the front ends of the first area 11 and the third area 13 for use. In addition, the connecting parts 34a and 34b of the connecting arm 33 can engage with any position in the longitudinal direction of the first arm 30 and the third arm 50. Therefore, the user can fix the top plate 10 at a desired angle in the range of 0° to approximately 10° for use.

[0039] (Variation 1) The extension and retraction adjustment structure of the second arms 40a and 40b according to the first modified embodiment will be described using the second arm 40b as an example. The extension and retraction adjustment structure of the second arm 40a is the same and will therefore not be described. As shown in Figure 13, the second arm 40b has a first arm portion 43b, a second arm portion 44b, and an extension and retraction adjustment portion 45b provided at the end of the first arm portion 43b. The first arm portion 43b has screw threads on a part of its outer circumferential surface and a locking piece that is radially displaceable on its tip side. The outer diameter of the second arm portion 44b is smaller than the inner diameter of the first arm portion 43b. One end of the second arm portion 44b is inserted into the extension and retraction adjustment portion 45b and housed in the first arm portion 43b. The second arm portion 44a can be pulled out from the extension and retraction adjustment portion 45b and the first arm portion 43b according to the desired length. One end of the extension and retraction adjustment portion 45b is fitted into the screw threads of the first arm portion 43b. The other end of the telescopic adjustment section 45b has a tapered shape 45c. The tapered shape 45c gradually narrows in both its outer and inner diameters towards the tip. The tapered shape 45c is located outside the locking piece of the first arm 43b and towards the tip. The inner diameter of the tapered shape 45c is larger than the outer diameter of the second arm 44b and smaller than the outer diameter of the first arm 43b. When the telescopic adjustment section 45b is rotated radially, the telescopic adjustment section 45b moves toward the first arm 43b while engaging with the threads of the first arm 43b. As the telescopic adjustment section 45b moves, the tapered shape 45c presses against the locking piece. The locking piece is displaced radially inward and locks onto the outer circumferential surface of the second arm 44a. That is, the second arm 44b can be locked by rotating the telescopic adjustment section 45b with the second arm 44b adjusted to the desired length. This allows the overall length of the second arm 40b to be adjusted. Similarly, the second arm 40a has a first arm portion 43a, a second arm portion 44a, and an extension adjustment portion 45a provided at the end of the first arm portion 43a. Therefore, the distance between the rear edge of the frame 20 and the headrest stays 4a, 4b can be adjusted, and the angle of the entire table 1 can be adjusted. The method of fixing with the extension adjustment portions 45a, 45b is not limited to the above; for example, a hole may be provided on the outer surface of the second arm portion 44b, and screws or pins may be pushed in to fix it. The above extension adjustment structure may also be provided on the first arm 30, the third arm 50, and the frame 20.

[0040] (Modification 2) A second fixing mode for the vehicle table 1 according to a modified example of the embodiment 2 will now be described. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, in a top view, the top plate 10 is positioned with its top surface as plane A2. That is, a first region 11 is positioned at the front left, a second region 12 is positioned behind the first region 11, and a third region 13 is positioned to the right of the first region 11. This arrangement is consistent with the configuration in which the top surface of the top plate 10 is positioned with plane A1, but inverted vertically. Similarly, the frame 20 is positioned as a second posture B2, which is the first posture B1 inverted vertically. In the second fixing mode, the first connection portion 32 of the first arm 30 is engaged with the third opening 28 located on the right side. The third connection portion 52 of the third arm 50 is engaged with the first opening 26 located on the left side. The second connection portion 42a of the second arm 40a is engaged with the second opening 27b. The second connecting portion 42b of the second arm 40b engages with the second opening 27a. The second engaging portions 41a and 41b engage with the headrest stays 6a and 6b of the left rear seat RR2. The user can sit in the right rear seat RR1 and use the table.

[0041] (Variation 3) A third modification of the embodiment will now be described. In this third modification, the front seat FR1 is the driver's seat. The first engaging portion 31 has a first cylindrical portion 35 through which the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat can be inserted. The second engaging portions 41a and 41b have second cylindrical portions 46a and 46b through which the headrest stays 4a and 4b of the rear seat RR1 can be inserted. The configuration of the first cylindrical portion 35 and the second cylindrical portions 46a and 46b will be described using the second cylindrical portion 46b as an example. The configurations of the first cylindrical portion 35 and the second cylindrical portion 46a are similar, so their description will be omitted. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the second cylindrical portion 46b has two semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d that are C-shaped in cross-section and extend in a predetermined direction. The semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d are formed inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the second arm 40b. One end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46c and one end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46d are connected so as to be rotatable around the short-side direction of the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. When the semi-cylindrical portion 46d is rotated relative to the semi-cylindrical portion 46c and the other end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46d is locked to the other end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46c, a substantially cylindrical through hole is formed between the semi-cylindrical portion 46c and the semi-cylindrical portion 46d. The inner diameter of this through hole is formed so as to be able to accommodate the outer diameter of the headrest stay 4b.

[0042] Next, the method of engaging the second cylindrical portion 46b with the headrest stay 4b will be described. First, the headrest stay 4b is pulled out vertically to a length longer than the longitudinal length of the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. In this state, the headrest stay 4b is housed in the semi-cylindrical portion 46c, and the semi-cylindrical portion 46d is closed. This houses the headrest stay 4b in the through hole formed by the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. By locking the semi-cylindrical portion 46d into the semi-cylindrical portion 46c, the second cylindrical portion 46b and the headrest stay 4b can be engaged. In the engaged state, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole and the outer circumferential surface of the headrest stay 4b is small, and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole and the outer circumferential surface of the headrest stay 4b are in contact or close to each other. The first cylindrical portion 35 and the headrest stay 3a can be engaged using a similar configuration.

[0043] Since the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and the outer circumferential surface of the headrest stay 4b are in contact or close to each other, if the axis of the insertion hole in the second cylindrical portion 46b and the axis of the headrest stay 4b are not parallel, the second cylindrical portion 46b and the headrest stay 4b cannot be engaged and fixed. Similarly, if the axis of the insertion hole in the first cylindrical portion 35 and the axis of the headrest stay 3a are not parallel, the first cylindrical portion 35 and the headrest stay 3a cannot be engaged and fixed. Furthermore, the second cylindrical portion 46b is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the second arm 40b. The first cylindrical portion 35 is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the first arm 30. The vehicle table 1 according to Modification 3 is configured such that when the driver's seat is in its most forward-leaning position, the axis of the insertion hole in the first cylindrical portion 35 and the axis of the headrest stay 3a are parallel, and the axis of the insertion hole in the second cylindrical portion 46b and the axis of the headrest stay 4b are parallel. In other words, when the driver's seat is not in its most forward-leaning position, the first cylindrical part 35 is at a predetermined angle with respect to the first arm 30. Therefore, unless the frame 20 connected to the first arm 30 is significantly tilted, the axis of the insertion hole in the first cylindrical part 35 and the axis of the headrest stay 3a cannot be made parallel. Consequently, the axis of the insertion hole in the first cylindrical part 35 and the axis of the headrest stay 3a interfere with each other. Similarly, when the frame 20 is significantly tilted, the axis of the insertion hole in the second cylindrical part 46b and the axis of the headrest stay 4b cannot be made parallel. Consequently, the axis of the insertion hole in the second cylindrical part 46b and the axis of the headrest stay 4b interfere with each other. As a result, when the driver's seat is not in its most forward-leaning position, these parts cannot be engaged and fixed. Furthermore, when attempting to tilt the driver's seat backward from its most forward-leaning position, the axis of the insertion hole in the first cylindrical part 35 and the axis of the headrest stay 3a interfere with each other. Consequently, the movement of tilting the driver's seat backward from its most forward-leaning position is restricted. The driver's seat may also be the front seat FR2, and the third engaging portion 51 may have a third cylindrical portion 55 through which the headrest stay 5b can be inserted.

[0044] (Effects and Benefits) (1) The vehicle table 1 according to this embodiment includes a tabletop 10, a first arm 30 provided on the front side of the tabletop 10, which is one side in the front-rear direction, and supporting the tabletop 10, and second arms 40a, 40b provided on the rear side of the tabletop 10, which is the other side in the front-rear direction, and supporting the tabletop 10. The first arm 30 has a first engaging portion 31 that engages with the front seat FR1. The second arms 40a, 40b have second engaging portions 41a, 41b that engage with the rear seat RR1. As a result, the tabletop 10 can be supported by the first arm 30 on the front side and the second arms 40a, 40b on the rear side, and the entire table 1 can be stably supported.

[0045] (2) In this embodiment, the tabletop 10 has a first area 11, a second area 12, and a third area 13 when viewed from above. The first area 11 is located behind the right front seat FR1, which is one side in the vehicle width direction. The second area 12 is located behind the first area 11 and in front of the seat back SB2 of the right rear seat RR1. The third area 13 is located in front of the second area 12 and behind the left front seat FR1, which is the other side in the vehicle width direction. As a result, a user seated in the left rear seat RR2 can use the tabletop 10 located on the right and in front.

[0046] (3) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third region 13 is rotatable upward around a pivot axis provided between the first region 11 and the third region 13. This allows the third region 13 to be lifted upward without moving the first region 11 and the second region 12. As a result, the user of the left rear seat RR2 can avoid interference between the top plate 10 and their feet when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0047] (4) In this embodiment, the width dimension of the second region 12 is less than half the width dimension between the right edge of the first region 11 and the left edge of the third region 13. As a result, the width dimension of the table in front of the left rear seat RR2 is increased. This widens the work surface of the table 1, further improving convenience.

[0048] (5) Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is a connecting arm 33 that extends in the vehicle width direction and engages with the first arm 30 and the third arm 50. The first region 11 is configured to be rotatable upward around a pivot axis provided between the first region 11 and the second region 12. The front end of the first region 11 when rotated upward can be hooked onto the connecting arm 33. This allows the user to adjust and fix the top plate 10 at a convenient angle, further improving convenience.

[0049] (6) In this embodiment, a third arm 50 is provided on the front side of the third region 13 and supports the third region 13. The third arm 50 has a third engaging portion 51 that engages with the left front seat FR2. This allows the tabletop 10 to be supported at three points: the first arm 30, the second arms 40a, 40b, and the third arm 50, and the entire L-shaped table 1 can be supported more stably.

[0050] (7) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first engaging portion 31 is fixed to the right headrest stay 3a, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the right front seat FR1. The third engaging portion 51 is fixed to the left headrest stay 5b, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the left front seat FR2. This allows the top plate 10 to be supported by the headrest stays 3a and 5b on the outside of the vehicle 2, and the entire table 1 can be supported more stably.

[0051] (8) In this embodiment, the right front seat FR1 is the driver's seat. When the seat back angle α, which is the angle that the seat back SB1 of the driver's seat makes with respect to the vehicle forward direction, is in a forward-tilting position that is less than a right angle, the first engaging portion 31 engages with the driver's seat. When the seat back angle α, which is the angle that the seat back SB2 of the right rear seat RR1 makes with respect to the vehicle forward direction, is in a backward-tilting position that is greater than a right angle, the second engaging portions 41a and 41b engage with the rear seat RR1. As a result, the backward tilt of the seat back SB1 of the driver's seat is restricted by the top plate 10 and the arms 30, 40a, 40b, and 50. Therefore, when using the table 1, it becomes difficult to drive the vehicle 2, thus preventing the user from driving the vehicle 2 when using the table 1. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the space between the steering wheel SW of the vehicle 2 and the seat back SB1 of the driver's seat can be made small enough that the user's chest cannot fit through, thereby discouraging the user from getting into the driver's seat. The space in question is, for example, 25 cm or less.

[0052] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the distance between at least one of the first engaging portion 31 and the third engaging portion 51 that engage with the headrest stays 3a and 5b and the second engaging portions 41a and 41b that engage with the headrest stays 4a and 4b is equal to the distance between the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat at its foremost position and the headrest stays 4a and 4b of the rear seats of the vehicle at their rearmost position. Therefore, when using the table 1, the movement of the driver's seat to its rearward position is restricted by at least the tabletop 10. In embodiments having a frame 20, the movement of the driver's seat to its rearward position is also restricted by the frame 20. As a result, when using the table 1, it becomes difficult to drive the vehicle 2, thus preventing the user from driving the vehicle 2 when using the table 1.

[0053] Furthermore, in the vehicle table 1 according to the modified embodiment 1, the second arms 40a and 40b have extension and retraction adjustment parts 45a and 45b that extend and retract the second arms 40a and 40b. This allows the vertical length of the second arms 40a and 40b to be adjusted, and the vertical height of the rear of the table to be adjusted. As a result, the tilt of the entire table 1 in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction can be adjusted to be horizontal.

[0054] Furthermore, the vehicle table 1 according to the second modified embodiment further includes a frame 20 connected to the first arm 30, the second arms 40a, 40b, and the third arm 50, which supports the tabletop 10 from below. The frame 20 has a first fixing mode in which it is fixed to one side surface A2 of the tabletop 10 in a first posture B1, and a second fixing mode in which it is fixed to the other side surface A1 of the tabletop 10 in a second posture B2 which is upside down from the first posture B1. The vehicle table 1 according to the above embodiment can be used in both the first fixing mode and the second fixing mode. Therefore, the user can use the table 1 regardless of whether they are seated in the right rear seat RR1 or the left rear seat RR2, improving convenience.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vehicle table 1 according to the third modified embodiment, the first engaging portion 31 has a first cylindrical portion 35 through which the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat can be inserted. The second engaging portions 41a and 41b have second cylindrical portions 46a and 46b through which the headrest stays 4a and 4b of the rear seats can be inserted. When the driver's seat is in its most forward-leaning position, the first cylindrical portion 35 engages with the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat, and the second cylindrical portions 46a and 46b engage with the headrest stays 4a and 4b of the rear seats. As a result, when using the table 1, the movement of tilting the driver's seat backward from its most forward-leaning position is restricted by interference between the headrest stay 3a and the first cylindrical portion 35. Therefore, when using the table 1, it becomes difficult to drive the vehicle 2, thus preventing the user from driving the vehicle 2 while using the table 1.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the first engaging portion 31 and the third engaging portion 51 engaged with the headrest stays 3a and 5b of the front seats FR1 and FR2, but the embodiment is not limited to these, and may also engage with the seat backs SB1 and SB3 of the front seats FR1 and FR2, the headrests, the roof trim, the center console, etc. Also, the second engaging portions 41a and 41b engaged with the headrest stays 4a and 4b of the rear seat RR1, but the embodiment is not limited to these, and may also engage with the seat back SB2 of the rear seat RR1, the headrest, the roof trim, the rear door, etc. In the above embodiment, the case where the right front seat FR1 is the driver's seat has been described, but it can also be applied when the left front seat FR2 is the driver's seat.

[0057] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but the statements and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Table (Vehicle Table) 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b Headrest stay 10 Top plate 11 First area 12 Second area 13 Third area 20 frames 30 First Arm 31 First engaging part 33 Connecting Arms 35 First cylindrical part 40a, 40b Second Arm 41a, 41b Second engaging part 45a,45b Telescopic adjustment part 46a, 46b Second cylindrical part 50 Third Arm 51 Third engaging part FR1, FR2 Front Seats RR1, RR2 rear seats SB1, SB2, SB3 Seatback A1,A2 side B1 First posture B2 Second posture D Distance

Claims

1. The tabletop and A first arm is provided on the front side of the top plate, which is one side in the front-rear direction, and supports the top plate, and extends forward of the vehicle beyond the top plate. The system includes a second arm provided on the rear side of the top plate, which is the other side in the front-rear direction, supporting the top plate and extending further rearward than the top plate, The first arm has a first engaging portion that engages with the front seat, The aforementioned second arm has a second engaging portion that engages with the rear seat, and is a vehicle table.

2. The tabletop and A first arm is provided on the front side of the top plate, which is one side in the front-to-back direction, and supports the top plate. The system comprises a second arm provided on the rear side of the top plate, which is the other side in the front-rear direction, and which supports the top plate, The first arm has a first engaging portion that engages with the headrest stay of the front seat, The vehicle table comprises a second arm having a second engaging portion that engages with the headrest stay of the rear seat.

3. The aforementioned top plate, when viewed from above, A first area located behind the front seat on one side in the vehicle width direction, A second region is located behind the first region and in front of the seatback of the rear seat on one side in the vehicle width direction, A third area is located in front of the second area and behind the front seat on the other side in the vehicle width direction, A vehicle table according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

4. The vehicle table according to claim 3, wherein the third region is rotatable upward about a pivot axis provided between the first region and the third region.

5. The vehicle table according to claim 3, wherein the dimension of the second region in the vehicle width direction is less than half the dimension in the vehicle width direction between the edge of the first region on one side in the vehicle width direction and the edge of the third region on the other side in the vehicle width direction.

6. The third region is further provided with a third arm that is provided on one side in the front-rear direction of the third region and supports the third region, The vehicle table according to claim 3, wherein the third arm has a third engaging portion that engages with the front seat on the other side in the vehicle width direction.

7. It has a connecting arm that extends in the vehicle width direction and engages with the first arm and the third arm, The first region is rotatable upward around a pivot axis provided between the first region and the second region. The vehicle table according to claim 6, wherein the front end of the first region that has rotated upward is hooked onto the connecting arm.

8. The vehicle table according to claim 6, wherein the second arm has an extension / retraction adjustment part for extending and retracting the second arm.

9. The frame is further connected to the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm, and supports the top plate from below, The vehicle table according to claim 6, wherein the frame has a first fixing mode in which it is fixed to one side surface of the top plate in a first orientation, and a second fixing mode in which it is fixed to the other side surface of the top plate in a second orientation which is upside down from the first orientation.

10. The first engaging portion is fixed to the headrest stay on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front seat on one side in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle table according to claim 6, wherein the third engaging portion is fixed to the headrest stay on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the front seat.

11. One of the front seats on one side in the vehicle width direction and the other side is the driver's seat. When the angle that the seatback of the driver's seat makes with respect to the front of the vehicle is less than a right angle, one of the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion engages with the driver's seat. The vehicle table according to claim 6, wherein the second engaging portion engages with the rear seat when the seat back of the rear seat on one side in the vehicle width direction is in a rearward tilt position where the angle it makes with respect to the vehicle forward direction is greater than a right angle.

12. At least one of the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion has a first cylindrical portion through which the headrest stay of the driver's seat can be inserted, The second engaging portion has a second cylindrical portion through which the headrest stay of the rear seat can be inserted, The vehicle table according to claim 11, wherein when the driver's seat is in its most forward-leaning position, the first cylindrical portion engages with the headrest stay of the driver's seat, and the second cylindrical portion engages with the headrest stay of the rear seat.

13. The vehicle table according to claim 11, wherein the distance between at least one of the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion that engages with the headrest stay and the second engaging portion that engages with the headrest stay is equal to the distance between the headrest stay of the driver's seat at its foremost position and the headrest stay of the rear seat at its rearmost position.

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