Title: Folding tray assembly
Abstract: A folding tray assembly is provided and includes a support member and a tray member, whereby the tray member is pivotably supported by the support member and moveable relative thereto between a use position and a stowed position. The folding tray assembly further includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the tray member to the support member in one of either the use position or the stowed position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray member such that the mechanism is not visible or accessible by an occupant, but rather remotely actuated by a handle or lever. In addition, the tray assembly eliminates external supports by providing support within the tray member, thereby providing an open space below the tray member and giving the tray assembly a generally L-shape in the use position.
Patent Number: 6,877,806 Issued on 04/12/2005 to Cutshall, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Cutshall; Mark L. (Livonia, MI);
Parker; Joe (Fowlerville, MI);
Scott; Lawrence (Brighton, MI)
|
| Assignee:
|
E & E Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Plymouth, MI)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
395979 |
| Filed:
|
March 25, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
297/173; 297/162; 297/188.21; 297/155; 297/161; 108/9 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A47B 039//00 |
| Field of Search: |
297/162,173,188.21,155,161,170
108/1,6,7,9,42,152,193
248/285.1,298.2,286.1,298.1
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 2723887 | Nov., 1955 | Kowalsky.
| |
| 4288123 | Sep., 1981 | Cone | 297/154.
|
| 4715295 | Dec., 1987 | Hartman et al. | 108/93.
|
| 4762258 | Aug., 1988 | Murphy.
| |
| 5143337 | Sep., 1992 | Tomayko, Jr. et al.
| |
| 5145136 | Sep., 1992 | McConnell | 248/284.
|
| 5169210 | Dec., 1992 | Fricano | 297/188.
|
| 5193695 | Mar., 1993 | Mann.
| |
| 5271320 | Dec., 1993 | Reneau | 100/147.
|
| 5588697 | Dec., 1996 | Yoshida et al.
| |
| 5915657 | Jun., 1999 | Ptak | 248/286.
|
| 6032587 | Mar., 2000 | Salenbauch et al.
| |
| 6038983 | Mar., 2000 | Lendl | 108/44.
|
| 6085666 | Jul., 2000 | Anderson et al.
| |
| 6158359 | Dec., 2000 | Allan et al. | 108/93.
|
| 6250702 | Jun., 2001 | Eipper.
| |
| 6273382 | Aug., 2001 | Pemberton | 248/286.
|
| 6279992 | Aug., 2001 | Plocher et al.
| |
| 6394002 | May., 2002 | Blanchard et al.
| |
| 6487979 | Dec., 2002 | Ash et al.
| |
| 6604783 | Aug., 2003 | Goodson | 297/170.
|
| 6681703 | Jan., 2004 | Wells et al. | 108/20.
|
| 2002/0073899 | Jun., 2002 | Chen.
| |
| 2002/0084395 | Jul., 2002 | Johnson | 248/276.
|
| 2002/0108543 | Aug., 2002 | Wiggins.
| |
Primary Examiner: Cuomo; Peter M.
Assistant Examiner: Edell; Joseph
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, PLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/420,004, filed on Oct. 21, 2002. The disclosure(s) of the above
application(s) is (are) incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tray assembly comprising:
a support member;
a tray pivotably supported by said support member between a use position
and a stowed position; and
a locking mechanism housed within said tray, said locking mechanism
operable to selectively prohibit relative movement between said tray and
said support member and comprising at least one axially movable pin
selectively engaging said support member to lock said tray in at least one
of said use position or said stowed position; and
an actuation mechanism housed within said tray, said actuation mechanism
operable to selectively actuate said locking mechanism.
2. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said tray includes a lower member
and an upper member, said lower member operable to support said upper
member.
3. The tray assembly of claim 2, wherein said locking mechanism and said
actuation mechanism are disposed within a space that is bounded, at least
in part, by each of said lower member and said upper member.
4. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a
pair of axially movable pins.
5. The tray assembly of claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism further
comprises a link, a first cam and a second cam, said link operable to
engage said first cam, said first cam operable to engage said second cam,
and said second cam operable to toggle said pins between a locked and an
unlocked position.
6. The tray assembly of claim 5, wherein said pins are biased into
engagement with said support member by a first biasing member.
7. The tray assembly of claim 6, wherein said first biasing member is a
spring.
8. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism includes a
first tube having a first and a second slot formed therein, said first
tube being fixedly attached to said tray.
9. The tray assembly of claim 8, wherein said first tube rotatably receives
a second tube, said second tube fixedly attached to said support member.
10. The tray assembly of claim 9, wherein said second tube includes a pair
of posts fixedly attached to said second tube and received by both said
first and second slots of said first tube, said posts moveable between a
locked position and an unlocked position within said first and second
slots.
11. The tray assembly of claim 10, wherein when said posts are in said
locked position said tray is in either said use position or said stowed
positions and when said posts are in said unlocked position said tray is
in neither said use position or said stowed position.
12. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said tray comprises a rigid base
member supporting a cover, said base member and said cover cooperating to
form said tray.
13. The tray assembly of claim 12, wherein said base member supports said
tray when said tray is in said use position.
14. The tray assembly of claim 12, wherein said base member is pivotably
connected to said support member at a first side of said tray and is
uncontstrained at a second side of said tray.
15. The tray assembly of claim 12, wherein said locking mechanism engages
said support member, and said locking and said base member are cooperable
to support said tray when said tray is in said use position.
16. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said tray includes a first and a
second aperture, said first and second apertures operable to allow said
locking mechanism to selectively engage said support member.
17. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said tray and said support member
each generally form one leg of a L-shape when said tray is in said use
position so as to provide an open space beneath said tray when the tray is
in said use position.
18. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said tray is disposed generally
parallel and proximate to said support member when said tray is in said
stowed position.
19. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism is
disposed adjacent a first side of said tray.
20. A seat assembly comprising:
a seating surface supported by a frame; and
a tray assembly attached to said frame, said tray assembly comprising:
a support member;
a tray member pivotably supported by said support member between a use
position and a stowed position;
a locking mechanism housed within said tray member, said locking mechanism
comprising at least one movable pin operable to engage said support member
and selectively lock said tray member to said support member; and
an actuation mechanism housed within said tray member, said actuation
mechanism operable to selectively actuate said locking mechanism.
21. The seat assembly of claim 20, wherein said frame comprises a bottom
frame and support member is fixedly attached to said bottom frame.
22. The seat assembly of claim 20, wherein said frame comprises a back
frame and said support member is fixedly attached to said back frame.
23. The seat assembly of claim 20, wherein said wherein said tray member
includes a lower member and an upper member, said lower member and said
upper member cooperable to form an interior space of said tray member.
24. The seat assembly of claim 23, wherein said locking mechanism is
disposed within said interior space of said tray member.
25. The seat assembly of claim 20, wherein said locking mechanism includes
a first tube having a first and second slot formed therein, said first
tube being fixedly attached to said tray assembly.
26. The seat assembly of claim 25, wherein said first tube rotatably
receives a second tube, said second tube fixedly attached to said support
member.
27. The seat assembly of claim 26, wherein said second tube includes a pair
of posts fixedly attached to said second tube and received by said fist
and second slots of said first tube, said posts moveable within said first
and second slots between a locked position prohibiting relative movement
between said tray member and said support member and an unlocked position
permitting relative movement between said tray member and said support
member.
28. The seat assembly of claim 27, wherein when said posts are in said
locked position said tray assembly is in either said use position or said
stowed positions and when said posts are in said unlocked position said
tray assembly is in neither said use position or said stowed position.
29. The seat assembly of claim 20, wherein said locking mechanism includes
a pair of axially movable pins, said pins selectively engaging said
support member to prohibit relative movement between said tray member and
said support member in at least one of said use position or said stowed
position.
30. A mechanism for a tray assembly having a working surface that is
lockable in both a use position and a stowed position, said mechanism
comprising:
a first cam comprising a first ramped surface and second ramped surface,
said first cam moveable along a first axis;
a plurality of posts, at least one of said posts engaging said first ramped
surface and at least one of said posts engaging said second ramped
surface, said posts moveable along a second axis by said main cam between
a locked position and a unlocked position such that the posts enable
engagement of a support bracket in said locked position and do not enable
engagement of said support bracket in said unlocked position;
an actuation mechanism comprising a handle and at least one link, said at
least one link engaging said first cam; and wherein
the application of a force to said handle causes said first cam to move
along said first axis and said plurality of posts to move along said
second axis.
31. The tray assembly of claim 30, wherein said posts are biased in said
locked position by a first biasing member.
32. The tray assembly of claim 30, wherein said link is pivotably connected
to an actuation handle at a first end and to said first cam at a second
end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to tray assemblies, and more particularly, to
folding tray assemblies for use as part of seat assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In seating applications, it is desirable to provide a tray for use by an
occupant when eating or drinking. Further, it is desirable that the tray
be capable of stowing or folding when not in use to allow an occupant to
maximize the space around the seat assembly. Further yet, it is desirable
that the tray be capable of supporting relatively large loads such as by
way of supporting large beverages or a large purse while not utilizing an
external brace or support. Typically, a folding tray assembly is mounted
to the side of a seat assembly and pivots between a use position and a
stowed position, thus providing the occupant with a flat tray when in the
use position.
Conventional tray assemblies are typically mounted to one side of a seat
assembly and provide a surface for supporting a drink or a laptop for use
by an occupant when using the seat. Typically, the tray surface is
supported by a stationary bracket fixedly mounted to either the seat
bottom or the seatback. In either case, the tray is commonly connected to
the support bracket through a hinge, whereby the tray is able to pivot
relative to the support bracket about the hinge. Conventional tray
assemblies typically provide for movement between a stowed position and a
use position. In the stowed position, the tray folds such that a top
surface of the tray runs parallel with the support bracket. When the tray
is in the use position, the tray surface is generally perpendicular to the
support bracket in an effort to provide a flat surface for use by the
occupant.
To maintain the relatively flat surface of the tray while in the use
position, conventional tray assemblies provide a locking mechanism that
enables the tray to maintain the generally perpendicular relationship with
the support bracket. Typically, the locking mechanism includes an external
support arm and a linkage, whereby the support arm provides added support
for the tray and the linkage allows the support arm to fold flat when the
tray is in the stowed position. Such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,588,697 to Yoshida.
While conventional tray assemblies for use in combination with a seat
assembly adequately provide a tray moveable between a stowed position and
a use position, conventional tray assemblies suffer from the fact that
they require exposed linkages to adequately support the tray surface and
pivot about the support bracket. Exposed linkages may become hazardous
when actuating the tray assembly between the stowed and use positions,
whereby an occupant may inadvertently pinch a finger or snag an article of
clothing during use.
Therefore a tray assembly for use with a seat assembly that is movable
between a stowed position and a use position that can support a relatively
high amount of weight while not requiring exposed links or support
structure is desirable in the industry. Further, a tray assembly that
includes a locking mechanism housed within the tray is desirable in the
industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a folding tray assembly
including a support member and a tray member, whereby the tray member is
pivotably supported by the support member and moveable relative thereto
between a use position and a stowed position. The folding tray assembly
further includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the tray
member to the support member in one of either the use position or the
stowed position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray assembly
such that the mechanism is not visible or accessible by an occupant, but
rather remotely actuated by a handle or lever.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a cam plate in
communication with a pair of axially sliding posts, whereby the axially
sliding posts act to selectively secure the tray member to the support
member. Specifically, while the posts are disposed within the tray member,
a pair of clearance holes formed in the tray member allow the posts to
engage the support member. In this manner, the posts are the only part of
the locking mechanism that extend outside of the tray member. The posts
are biased into engagement with the support member by a pair of springs
and only disengage the support member though actuation of the cam plate.
Specifically, once a force is applied to the cam plate, the posts are
caused to move axially into the tray member such that rotation of the tray
member relative to the support member is permitted.
In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first and second
tube, whereby the first tube is fixedly attached to the tray member and
the second tube is fixedly attached to the support member. The first tube
rotatably receives the second tube, such that the second tube is permitted
to rotate relative the first tube. Rotation of the second tube is governed
by a pair of slots formed in the first tube having a generally L-shape,
whereby each slot includes a first and second end. Specifically, the
second tube includes a pair of posts fixedly attached thereto which are
received by the L-shaped slots of the first tube. As the posts move along
the slots from the first end to the second end, the tray member moves from
the use position to the stowed position.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be
understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for
purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed
description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray assembly in accordance with the
principals of the present invention;
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2B is a more detailed exploded view of particular components of FIG.
2A;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tray assembly with part of a housing
removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an engaged
position;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tray assembly with part of a housing
removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in a disengaged
position;
FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a tray assembly in
accordance with the principals of the present invention;
FIG. 5B is a more detailed exploded view of particular components of FIG.
5A;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 5A with part of a
housing removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an
engaged position;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 5A with part of a
housing removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in a
disengaged position;
FIG. 8A is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a tray assembly in
accordance with the principals of the present invention;
FIG. 8B is a more detailed exploded view of particular components of FIG.
8A;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 8A with part of a
housing removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an
engaged position;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 8A with part of
a housing removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in a
disengaged position;
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a tray assembly in
accordance with the principals of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 11 with part of
a housing removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an
engaged position;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 11 to show a
locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an engaged position;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 11 to show a
locking mechanism of the tray assembly in a disengaged position;
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of a tray assembly in
accordance with the principals of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15 with part of
a housing removed to show a locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an
engaged position;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15 to show a
locking mechanism of the tray assembly in an engaged position;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15 to show a
locking mechanism of the tray assembly in a disengaged position;
FIG. 19 is a side view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1 attached to a seat in
a use position; and
FIG. 20 is a side view of the tray assembly of FIG. 1 attached to a seat in
a stowed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary
in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its
application, or uses.
With reference to the Figures, a folding tray assembly 10 is provided an
includes a tray member 12, a support member or bracket 14, and locking
mechanism 16. The tray 12 is pivotably supported by the support member 14,
and the locking mechanism 16 acts to selectively lock the tray 12 in one
of a stowed position or a use position relative to the support member 14.
The tray member 12 includes a cover 18, a base 20, and a reinforcement
bracket 22. The cover 18 includes a top surface 24 and a first flange 26,
whereby the first flange 26 extends generally perpendicularly from the top
surface 24. The first flange 26 generally surrounds the perimeter of the
cover 18 with the exception of a cutout 27 for interaction with the base
20, as will be discussed further below. The top surface 24 further
includes a central recess 28 and a plurality of cylindrical recesses 30
extending therefrom, whereby the formation of the central and cylindrical
recesses 28, 30 in the cover 18 also forms walls 29 and 31, as best shown
in FIG. 1. It should be understood that while a central recess 28 and a
plurality of cylindrical recesses 30 are disclosed, any recess formed in
the cover 18 which generally extends from the top surface 24 is
anticipated and should be considered within the scope of the present
invention.
In use, the central and cylindrical recesses 28, 30 provide a way for an
occupant to store items on the top surface 24 of the cover 18, such as a
beverage or a pair of sunglasses (neither shown) due to the relationship
of the central and cylindrical recesses 28, 30 to the top surface 24.
Specifically, an item placed in either the central or cylindrical recess
28, 30 is restricted from sliding off of the top surface 24 of the cover
18 by the walls 29, 31. The walls 29, 31 act to restrict the movement of
the item relative the top surface 24 and thus prevent items from sliding
off the cover 18. To that end, the central recess 28 and cylindrical
recesses 30 may be optionally provided with a rubber insert or grommet
(neither shown) to further secure items disposed in either the central or
cylindrical recesses 28, 30.
The base 20 includes a bottom surface 34, a second flange 36 and a handle
cutout 40. The bottom surface 34 extends generally across the base 20 and
includes a series of strengthening ribs 41 and a locking recess 42, as
best shown in FIG. 2A. The locking recess 42 extends generally away from
the bottom surface 34 and receives the locking mechanism 16, as best shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4. The locking recess 42 further includes a pair of slots
44 for interaction with the locking mechanism 16, whereby the slots 44
provide clearance for the locking mechanism 16 to interact with the
support member 14, as will be discussed further below. The second flange
36 axially surrounds the bottom surface 34 and includes the handle cutout
40 as best shown in FIG. 2A.
The reinforcement bracket 22 is disposed within the locking recess 42 and
includes a planer surface 46, a back surface 48 formed generally
perpendicular to the planer surface 46, and a pair of side supports 50
each having a first and second aperture 52, 53 formed therethrough. The
side supports 50 include a generally U-shape, whereby the first and second
apertures 52, 53 extend through the U-shape, as best shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B. The reinforcement bracket 22 serves to strengthen the base 20 locally
around the locking mechanism 16, whereby the reinforcement bracket 22 is
disposed generally between the locking mechanism 16 and the base 20. While
the reinforcement bracket 22 is disclosed as a separate member, it should
be understood that the reinforcement bracket 22 could be formed integral
with the base 20 and as such is anticipated by the present invention.
The cover 18 is fixedly attached to the base 20 through the interaction of
the first flange 26 with second flange 36. Specifically, the first flange
26 axially surrounds the second flange 36 to fixedly attach the cover 18
to the base 20, as best shown in FIG. 1. In this manner, the cover 18
overlaps the base 20 due to the relationship of the first flange 26 to the
second flange 36. The cover 18 can be fixedly attached to the base 20
through the frictional engagement between an inner surface of the first
flange 26 and an outer surface of the second flange 36 and may be
supplemented by a suitable means such as epoxy or glue. In one embodiment,
the cover 18 is formed from a plastic material and the base 20 is formed
from a metal material such as steel, whereby the foregoing attachment
methods adequately secure the cover 18 to the base 20. In the event the
cover 18 is formed from steel and the base is similarly formed from steel,
the cover 18 may also be welded to the base 20 in addition to the methods
discussed above. In either construction described above, the base 20 and
the cover 18 may be fixedly attached through the use of mechanical
fasteners.
In fixedly attaching the cover 18 to the base 20, an interior space 21 is
created therebetween. The interior space 21 is provided such that the
locking mechanism 16 and actuation mechanism components, such as actuation
handles and link components, are allowed to freely operate between the
cover 18 and the base 20. It can be appreciated that the general shape and
depth of the interior space 21 is governed by the length of the first and
second flanges 26, 36. Specifically, because the second flange 36 contacts
a bottom surface of the cover 18 when assembled, the length of the second
flange 36 generally defines the distance between the bottom surface 34 of
the base 20 and the top surface 24 of the cover 18. For example, the
farther the second flange 36 extends from the bottom surface 34, the
greater the interior space 21 formed between the cover 18 and the base 20.
The interior space 21 allows the working components of the tray assembly 10
to be enclosed within the tray member 12 such that exterior moving links
or supports are not exposed outside of the tray member 12. Specifically,
the locking mechanism 16 is disposed within the interior space 21, and is
operable to selectively engage the support member 14 through clearances
provided in the base 20, as will be described in more detail below. In
this manner, lock mechanism 16 and actuation mechanism components for
selectively locking the tray member 12 with respect to the support member
14 are not exposed. In addition, exterior support brackets extending
between the support member 14 and the tray member 12 are not required as
the tray member 12 is supported by the rigid base 20 in cooperation with
the support member 14.
By enclosing the locking mechanism 16 and actuation mechanism components
within the interior space 21, and further by providing support for the
tray member 12 through the interaction of the rigid base 20 and the
support member 14, no external supports or linkages are visible when the
tray member 12 in the use position. Generally speaking, the interior space
21, in combination with the rigid base 20, allow the tray member 12 and
support member 14 to have a generally L-shape in the use position, thereby
providing an open area directly under the tray member 12, as best shown in
FIG. 19. In this manner, the overall aesthetics of the tray assembly 10
are improved through the cooperation between tray member 12 and support
member 14.
The support member 14 includes a generally planer body 54 and a pair of
side supports 56. The planer body 54 includes a pair of attachment
apertures 58, whereby the attachment apertures 58 receive a pair of
fasteners 59 to either directly attach the support member 14 to a
structure or alternatively attach the support member 14 to a second
mounting bracket 60, as best shown in FIG. 2A. The second mounting bracket
60 adapts to the particular application of the folding tray assembly 10
such that a common support member 14 may be used for a plurality of
applications. Specifically, the second mounting bracket 60 adapts to the
varying structures that the folding tray assembly 10 may be attached to by
providing a plurality of different mounting apertures in varying
locations. To this end, the second mounting bracket 60 generally includes
a plurality of attachment apertures 61 disposed in different areas of the
second mounting bracket 60. In this manner, the support member 14 can
remain common over a range of applications requiring only the second
mounting bracket 60 to be modified, thereby reducing tooling and
engineering expenditures.
The side supports 56 extend from the planer body 54 and include a first and
second attachment aperture 62, 64. The first attachment aperture 52
includes a collar 66 for interaction with the locking mechanism 16, as
will be described in more detail below. The second attachment aperture 64
receives a pin 65 for attachment to the locking mechanism 16 such that the
tray 12 is permitted to rotate relative the support member 14 about he
pin.
The locking mechanism 16 includes a housing 68, a cam 70, a cam plate 72, a
pin housing 76, and a pair of pins 78. The housing 68 includes a central
recess 80, a post 82, an attachment bore 84, and a pin bore 86. The post
82 is disposed in the central recess 80, whereby the central recess 80
further includes a slot 88 for interaction with a link assembly 74. The
formation of the central recess 80 with the housing 68 further forms a
reaction surface 90 axially surrounding the central recess 80. The cam 70
includes a first, second, and third reaction surface 92, 94, 95 and an
attachment aperture 96. The attachment aperture 96 rotatably receives the
post 82, whereby the cam is free to rotate about the post 82 within the
central recess 80.
The cam plate 72 includes a pair of slots 98 disposed between a pair of
fingers 100 and further includes a generally V-shaped notch 102 disposed
opposite the fingers 100. The fingers 100 include a ramped section 104
having an engagement surface 106. The V-shaped notch 102 includes a
reaction surface 109 for interaction with the cam 70, as will be discussed
further below. The cam plate 72 further includes a pair of flanges 111
which flank the V-shaped notch 102 for interaction with a pair of springs
110. Specifically, the springs 110 are fixedly attached to the flanges 108
at a first end and are fixedly attached to the housing 68 at a second end,
as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, the springs 110 engage the
reaction surface 90 of the housing 68 to bias the cam plate 72 in a first
direction.
The pin housings 76 fixedly receive the pins 78 such that the pins 78 move
concurrently therewith. The pin housings 76 are slidably received by the
housing 68 through the pin bores 86. The pin housings 76 include an
elongate generally rectangular body 112 having a bore 114 formed therein
for fixedly receiving a pin 78 and further include a post 116 having a
reaction surface 118 formed thereon. The elongate body 112 is received by
the bore 86, whereby the post 116 extends upwardly from the pin housing
68, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Movement of the pin housings 76 within
the bores 86 is restricted to a linear translation through the bores 86
due to the relationship between the generally rectangular cross-section of
the bores 86 to the generally rectangular cross-section of the pin
housings 76. In this manner, the interaction between the generally
rectangular cross-section of the pin housings 76 to the generally
rectangular cross-section of the bores 86 adequately restricts the pin
housings 76 to a generally linear movement.
The pins 78 move linearly with the pin housings 76 between an engaged
position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the pins 78
extend outside of the housing 68 and through the attachment apertures 52
of the side supports 50. When the tray 12 is in an upright or use
position, as shown in FIG. 19, the pins 78 extend through aperture 62 of
the side supports 56 and through the apertures 66 of the support member
14, whereby collars 66 help to support the weight and force exerted by the
pins 78 on the side supports 56. When the tray is in the stowed position,
the pins 78 are received by a pair of bores 67 disposed on the side
supports 56 of the support member 14. As shown FIG. 20, Bores 67 receive
the pins 78 to lock the tray 12 in the stowed position. In another
embodiment, the bores 67 are replaced with a pair of detents (not shown),
whereby the pins 78 engage the dents to hold the tray 12 in the stowed
position. In the disengaged position, the pins 78 are caused to move out
of engagement with the support member 14 such that the support member 14
is free to rotate relative to the tray 12. Specifically, the pins 78
disengage the apertures 62 and are effectively pulled within the body of
the tray 12 thus permitting the tray 12 to rotate relative to the support
member 14.
The posts 116 of the pin housings 76 generally control the movement of the
pins 78 through the interaction of the posts 116 and the cam plate 72.
Specifically, the posts 116 extend generally away from a surface of the
central recess 80, such that the reaction surface 118 of the posts 116 are
in slidable contact with the engagement surfaces 106 of the cam plate 72.
The posts 116 are free to slide along the ramped portion 104 of the
fingers 100 about the engagement surfaces 106. Due to the bias of the
springs 110, the cam plate 72 is biased into the first direction such that
the posts 116 are near the bottom of the fingers 100 and the pin housings
76 are fully extended and the pins 78 are in the engaged position. When a
force is applied to the cam plate 72 against the bias of the springs 110,
the cam plate 72 is caused to move in a second direction. When the cam
plate 72 moves in the second direction, the posts 116 are caused to travel
along the fingers 100 generally towards to the V-shaped notch 102 due to
the relative movement of the cam plate 72. In traveling up the ramped
section 104 of the fingers 100, the posts 116 cause the pin housings 76 to
travel inward such that the pins 78 are retracted into the disengaged
position. Again, when the pins 78 are in the retracted position, the tray
12 is free to rotate freely relative to the support member 14.
To apply a force to the cam plate 72, an actuation handle 120 is provided
and includes a frame 122 for support the handle 120 in the tray 12.
Specifically, the frame 122 is disposed within the handle cutout 40 of the
tray 12 and pivotably receives the handle 120. The frame 122 serves to
secure the handle 120 to the tray 12 and further provides a surface for
which a return spring 121 may be attached. The return spring 121 biases
the handle 120 into a position such that the handle 120 is generally flush
with an outer surface of the first flange 26. For example, when a force is
applied to the handle 120 against the bias of the handle spring 121, the
handle 120 will be caused to extend away from the body of the tray 12. To
return the handle 120, the handle spring 121 reacts against the frame 122
and pulls the handle 120 back into alignment with the outer surface of the
first flange 26. Alternatively, if the handle 120 is actuated by push
means such that the handle 120 rotates inwards towards the body of the
tray 12, the return spring 121 serves to push the handle 120 out and back
into a flush relationship with the outer surface of the first flange 26.
In the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A-4, the actuation handle 120 is
connected to the cam 70 through the link assembly 74. The link assembly 74
includes a first link 124, a cam 126, a connector 128, and a second link
130. The first link 124 is connected to the handle 120 at a first end and
at a second end pivotably connected to a cam 126. Specifically, the first
link 124 includes an attachment aperture 125 which receives a pin 129 for
rotatable attachment to the cam 126. The cam 126 is rotatably supported by
the base 20 and serves to transmit the force exerted by the link 124.
Specifically, the cam 126 includes a central aperture 132 and a first and
second arm 134, 136. The first arm 134 includes a first aperture 135 while
the second arm 136 includes a second aperture 137. The central aperture
132 receives a pin 131 for rotatable attachment to the base 20 while the
first aperture 135 receives pin 129 for rotatable attachment to the first
link 124 and second aperture 137 receives pin 133 for rotatable attachment
to the connector 128 respectively.
The connector 128 includes a first arm 138 having an aperture 139 formed
therethrough for rotatable attachment to the second arm 136 of the cam 126
as previously discussed. The connector 128 further includes a second arm
140 having an upper and lower section 142, 144 including a second aperture
141, whereby the second aperture 141 extends through both the upper and
lower sections 142, 144 of the second arm 140. The second link 130 is a
generally flat member having an aperture 146 at a first end and an
engagement face 148 at a second end. The first end of the second link 130
is inserted into a space between the upper and lower sections 142, 144 of
the connecter 128 such that aperture 146 is aligned with aperture 141. To
rotatably attach the second link 130 to the connector 128, a pin 143 is
inserted through aperture 141 and aperture 146. The second end of the
second link 130 is in operable communication with the cam plate 70, such
that the engagement face 148 is in contact with the first reaction surface
92 of the cam plate 70.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the folding tray assembly
10 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 depicts the folding tray 10 in the
engaged position, whereby the pins 78 are seeded in the apertures 62 of
the support member 14. To disengage the pins 78 from the apertures 62, a
force is applied to the handle 120 such that the first link 124 rotates
the cam 126. Rotation of the cam 126 causes rotation of the connector 128
and ultimately translation of the second link 130. Once the handle 120 is
sufficiently rotated, translation of the second link 130 will cause the
cam 70 to rotate.
As the cam 70 rotates, the second reaction surface 94 rotates about the
reaction surface 109 of the V-shaped notch 102. As the reaction surface 94
of the cam 70 moves along the V-shaped notch 108, the cam plate 72 is
caused to move in the second direction against the bias of the springs
110. Sufficient movement of the cam plate 72 in the second direction
causes the posts 116 of the pin housings 76 to move up the ramped sections
104 of the fingers 100. Sufficient movement of the posts 116 up the
fingers 100 causes the pins 78 to disengage the apertures 62 of the
support member 14. Once the pins 78 have disengaged the apertures 62, the
tray 12 is free to rotate about the support member 14.
Once the pins 78 have been removed from the apertures 62, and the tray 12
has begun to be rotated towards the stowed position, the bias of the
springs 110 will cause the cam plate 72 to move in the first direction
thus causing the pin housings 76 to slide down the fingers 100 such that
the pins 78 are now biased against an inner surface of the side supports
50 of the support member 14 as shown in FIG. 4. As the tray 12 is rotated
sufficiently such that it is in the stowed position, the pins 78 will
automatically engage the apertures 67 to lock the tray 12 in the stowed
position due to the bias imparted by the springs 110 through the cam plate
72 and the pin housings 76. It should be understood that once the pins 78
have been disengaged from the apertures 62 and are traveling on the inner
surface of the side supports 50, the actuation handle 120 may be released,
whereby the handle spring 121 will bias the handle 120 back into a flush
relationship with the outer surface of the first flange 26.
In a second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5A-7, the actuation handle 120 is
connected to the cam 70a through a link 150. In view of the substantial
similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the
folding tray assembly 10 with respect to the folding tray assembly 10a,
like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to
identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter
extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
The link 150 is attached to the handle 120 at a first end and to the cam
70a at a second end. Specifically, the second end of the link 150 includes
an aperture 152 for attachment to the cam 70a. Cam 70a includes an
aperture 154, whereby the aperture 154 receives a pin 145 for rotatable
attachment to the link 150 through aperture 152. Again, the cam 70a and
link 150 are disposed within the interior space 21, thereby having all
moving parts disposed between the over 18 and the base 20.
With reference to FIGS. 5A-7, the operation of the folding tray assembly
10a will be described in detail. To release the tray 12 from the use
position as shown in FIG. 19, a force is applied to the handle 120 such
that the link 150 is caused to translate. Translation of the link 150
causes the cam 70a to rotate due to the pivotal connection between the
link 150 and the cam plate 70a. Rotation of the cam 70a causes the third
reaction surface 95 to engage the V-shaped notch 108 and cause the cam
plate 72 to move in the second direction against the bias of the springs
110.
As the third reaction surface 95 of the cam 70a moves along the V-shaped
notch 108, the cam plate 72 is caused to move in the second direction
against the bias of the springs 110. Sufficient movement of the cam plate
72 in the second direction causes the posts 116 of the pin housings 76 to
move up the ramped sections 104 of the fingers 100. Sufficient movement of
the posts 116 up the fingers 100 causes the pins 78 to disengage the
apertures 62 of the support member 14. Once the pins 78 have disengaged
the apertures 62, the tray 12 is free to rotate about the support member
14.
Once the pins 78 have been removed from the apertures 62, and the tray 12
has begun to be rotated towards the stowed position, the bias of the
springs 110 will cause the cam plate 72 to move in the first direction
thus causing the pin housings 76 to slide down the fingers 100 such that
the pins 78 are now biased against an inner surface of the side supports
50 of the support member 14 as shown in FIG. 7. As the tray 12 is rotated
sufficiently such that it is in the stowed position, the pins 78 will
automatically engage the apertures 67 to lock the tray 12 in the stowed
position due to the bias imparted by the springs 110 through the cam plate
72 and the pin housings 76. It should be understood that once the pins 78
have been disengaged from the apertures 62 and are traveling on the inner
surface of the side supports 50, the actuation handle 120 may be released,
whereby the handle spring 121 will bias the handle 120 back into a flush
relationship with the outer surface of the first flange 26.
In a third embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8A-10, the actuation handle 120 is
connected to the cam 70b through a link 150b. In view of the substantial
similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the
folding tray assembly 10 with respect to the folding tray assembly 10b,
like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to
identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter
extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
The link 150b is attached to the handle 120 at a first end and to the cam
70b at a second end. Specifically, the second end of the link 150b
includes an aperture 152b for attachment to the cam 70b. Cam 70b includes
an aperture 154b, whereby the aperture 154b receives a pin 147 for
rotatable attachment to the link 150b through aperture 152b.
Alternatively, the link 150b includes an engagement surface 149 at a
distal end which is in contact with the first reaction surface 92 of the
cam 70b rather than attached thereto by a pin, as shown in FIGS. 9-10. In
either construction, the link 150b imparts a force on cam 70b such that
rotation of the cam 70b will cause the third reaction surface 95 to engage
the V-shaped notch 108. Additionally, the link 150b and cam 70b are
disposed within the interior space 21 of the tray member 12 and thus are
housed entirely between the cover 18 and base 20.
With reference to FIGS. 8A-10, the operation of the folding tray assembly
10b will be described in detail. To release the tray 12 from the use
position as shown in FIG. 19, a force is applied to the handle 120 such
that the link 150b is caused to translate. Translation of the link 150b
causes the cam 70b to rotate due to the pivotal connection between the
link 150b and the cam plate 70b. Rotation of the cam 70b causes the third
reaction surface 95 to engage the V-shaped notch 108 and cause the cam
plate 72 to move in the second direction against the bias of the springs
110.
As the third reaction surface 95 of the cam 70b moves along the V-shaped
notch 108, the cam plate 72 is caused to move in the second direction
against the bias of the springs 110. Sufficient movement of the cam plate
72 in the second direction causes the posts 116 of the pin housings 76 to
move up the ramped sections 104 of the fingers 100. Sufficient movement of
the posts 116 up the fingers 100 causes the pins 78 to disengage the
apertures 62 of the support member 14. Once the pins 78 have disengaged
the apertures 62, the tray 12 is free to rotate about the support member
14.
Once the pins 78 have been removed from the apertures 62, and the tray 12
has begun to be rotated towards the stowed position, the bias of the
springs 110 will cause the cam plate 72 to move in the first direction
thus causing the pin housings 76 to slide down the fingers 100 such that
the pins 78 are now biased against an inner surface of the side supports
50 of the support member 14 as shown in FIG. 10. As the tray 12 is rotated
sufficiently such that it is in the stowed position, the pins 78 will
automatically engage the apertures 67 to lock the tray 12 in the stowed
position due to the bias imparted by the springs 110 through the cam plate
72 and the pin housings 76. It should be understood that once the pins 78
have been disengaged from the apertures 62 and are traveling on the inner
surface of the side supports 50, the actuation handle 120 may be released,
whereby the handle spring 121 will bias the handle 120 back into a flush
relationship with the outer surface of the first flange 26.
It should be understood that both locking mechanisms 16a and 16b are
disposed within the interior space 21 of the tray member 12, generally
between the cover 18 and the base 20. In this manner, locking mechanisms
16a and 16b function between the cover 18 and base 20, such that no moving
parts are disposed outside of the tray member 12. In this regard, having
locking mechanisms 16a and 16b disposed within the interior space 21
allows the tray assembly 10 to have a generally L-shape in the use
position.
In a fourth embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11-14, the tray assembly 10c
includes the locking mechanism 16c having a first and second tube 158, 160
in communication with the tray 12 and the support member 14c. In view of
the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components
associated with the folding tray assembly 10 with respect to the folding
tray assembly 10c, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the
drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals
containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that
have been modified.
The locking mechanism 16c includes the first tube 158 fixedly connected to
the tray 12 via an attachment bracket 162 integrally formed with the first
tube 158. The first tube 158 includes a pair of L-shaped slots 164 formed
on an outer surface of the first tube 158, as best shown in FIG. 11. The
L-shaped slots further include a first and second path 165, 167 generally
formed perpendicular to each other. The second tube 160 is fixedly
attached to the support member 14c at each end, whereby the main body of
the second tube 160 is disposed within the first tube 158 and is rotatable
therein. The second tube 160 further includes a pair of posts 166 fixedly
attached to an outer surface of the second tube 160. The posts 166 are
received by the L-shaped slots 164 of the first tube 158, whereby the
position of the posts 166 within the L-shaped slots 164 governs the
position of the tray 12. The posts 166 are biased into engagement with the
first paths 165 of the slots 164 due to a spring 168 disposed within the
body of the second tube 160. In this manner, the second tube 160 must be
translated against the bias of the spring 168 to a point where the posts
166 can engage the second path 167 in order to move the posts 166 along
the second paths 167. Alternatively, a third tube 160' could be provided,
whereby the second tube 160 is slidably received therein. In this manner,
the support member 14c is fixedly attached to the third tube 160' for
rotation therewith, while the base 20 remains fixedly attached to the
first tube 158.
With reference to FIGS. 11-14, the operation of the folding tray assembly
10c will be described in detail. To release the tray 12 from the use
position as shown in FIG. 19, a force is applied to the tray 12 such that
the second tube 160 is caused to translate against the bias of the spring
168. Once the tray 12 have been moved a sufficient distance, the posts 166
will have traveled a sufficient distance along the first paths 165 to a
point where the posts 166 can then engage the second paths 167 as shown in
FIG. 14. At this point, a downward force may be applied to the tray 12 to
move the posts 166 along the second path 167. In this manner, the weight
of the tray 12 will assist in moving the posts 166 along the second paths
167 due to the gravitational forces exerted on the tray 12. Once the posts
166 have sufficiently moved along the second paths 167 the posts 166
engage the end of the second paths 167 and tray 12 is in the stowed
position.
To move the tray 12 to the upright or use position, a force is applied to
the tray 12 such that the posts 166 move along the second paths 167
generally toward a point where the first and second paths 165, 167
intersect. Once the posts 166 reach a point where the posts 166 can
translate down the first paths 164, the spring 168 will cause the posts
166 to travel along the first path 165 to the point where the posts 166
reach the end of the first path 165. At this point, the tray 12 is locked
and returned to its use or upright position as shown in FIG. 13.
In a fifth embodiment as shown in FIGS. 15-18, the tray assembly 10d
includes the locking mechanism 16d having a tube 158d in communication
with the tray 12 and the support member 14d. In view of the substantial
similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the
folding tray assembly 10 with respect to the folding tray assembly 10d,
like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to
identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter
extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.
The locking mechanism 16d includes the tube 158d and an attachment bracket
170. The tube 158d is fixedly connected to the support member 14d and
includes a stake 172 fixedly attached thereto and a pair of posts 166d.
The posts 166d are disposed on an outer surface of the tube 158d and are
fixedly attached thereto. The attachment bracket 170 includes a mounting
surface 174 and a pair of support brackets 176 extending therefrom, as
best shown in FIG. 15. The support brackets 176 have a generally
cylindrical shape and include a pair of notches 178 for receiving the
posts 166d, as will be discussed further herein below.
The support brackets 176 rotatably receive the tube 158d, whereby the posts
166d engage the notches 178 of the support brackets 176. The posts 166 are
biased into engagement with the notches 178 due to a biasing force exerted
thereon by a spring 168d. The spring 168d is disposed between the posts
166d and the stake 172. Specifically, the spring 168d is compressed
between the stake 172 and an end of the attachment bracket 170 such that a
force is exerted on the tube 158d. When the posts 166d are engaged with
the notches 178, the tray 12 is in the upright and use position, as shown
in FIG. 17. When the posts 166d are disengaged from the notches 178, the
tray 12 is freely roatatable relative to the support member 14d, as shown
in FIG. 18.
It should be understood that both locking mechanisms 16c and 16d are
disposed within the interior space 21 of the tray member 12, generally
between the cover 18 and the base 20. In this manner, locking mechanisms
16c and 16d function between the cover 18 and base 20, such that no moving
parts are disposed outside of the tray member 12. In this regard, having
locking mechanisms 16c and 16d disposed within the interior space 21
allows the tray assembly 10 to h
