Abstract:
A tray table for supporting portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The tray table may have a removable portion that may be completely separable from the body of the tray table, such as for cleaning, replacement or other purposes. A wireless battery charger is included for wirelessly charging one or more portable electronic devices.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/877,852, filed Oct. 7, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/203,547, filed Mar. 10, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/644,382, filed Oct. 4, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/641,098, filed May 1, 2012, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/546,969, filed Oct. 13, 2011. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/203,547 also claims priority to International Application No. PCT/US2013/038941, filed Apr. 30, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to vehicular electronics, and in particular to a tray table with electronic device support for vehicles. 
         [0004]    Related Art 
         [0005]    Vehicular tray tables have been largely unchanged for decades. In general, such tray tables move between a stowed upright position and a service position where a tray table is generally horizontal so that items may be supported by the tray table. In the service position, the tray table may be used to support food, drink, and other items for a passenger. Though positioned directly in reach of a passenger, traditional tray tables are limited to such functionality. 
         [0006]    From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A tray table that supports portable electronic devices is disclosed herein. As will be detailed herein, the tray table allows passengers to use portable electronic devices within a vehicle at various viewing or use positions. In this manner, entertainment or other services may be enjoyed while preserving passenger comfort. In addition, the tray table is highly versatile in that it is configured to accept various electronic devices and even multiple electronic devices at once. 
         [0008]    Various embodiments of the tray table are disclosed herein. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment a tray table for supporting a planar portable electronic device in a vehicle comprises a body comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is removably attached to the second portion and the second portion comprises one or more mounting points at which the tray table is attached to a portion of the vehicle. The tray table also includes one or more grooves between the first portion and the second portion, and a wireless battery charger within the body. 
         [0009]    In another exemplary embodiment, a tray table for supporting a portable electronic device in a vehicle comprises a planar body having a removable portion, one or more grooves between the body and the removable portion, one or more mounting points at the body at which the tray table is attached to a portion of the vehicle, and a wireless battery charger. One or more removable fasteners may be used to secure the removable portion to the planar body in some embodiments. 
         [0010]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of an exemplary tray table with support; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with support; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1C  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with support; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1D  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with support; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1E  is a bottom view of an exemplary tray table with support; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary tray table in operation; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4C  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4D  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4E  is a top view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4F  is a back perspective view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in a closed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4G  is a back perspective view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in an intermediate position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4H  is a back perspective view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in an open position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4I  is a front perspective view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in an open position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4J  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4K  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4L  is a back cross sectional view of an exemplary tray table with rotatable support in operation; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of an exemplary tray table with support having separable portions; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  is a top perspective view of an exemplary tray table with support having separable portions; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 5C  is a top view of an exemplary tray table with support having separable portions in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
         [0037]    In general, the tray table herein is a versatile support for one or more portable electronic devices. As will be described further below, the tray table may be configured to hold portable electronic devices of various shapes and sizes. This is advantageous in that it allows passengers to enjoy use of their personal electronic devices during air or other vehicular travel. For example, passengers may access and enjoy various media or other entertainment via their electronic devices during a flight, road trip, cruise, or bus or train ride. Using the tray table, passengers avoid having to hold, prop up, or otherwise secure their electronic devices in unorthodox ways, such as by leaning the devices against various surfaces at their seats. In some embodiments, as will be described further below, the tray table&#39;s support may be rotatable or movable to allow adjustments to the position of a portable electronic device. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1A  provides a top perspective view of an exemplary tray table  104  having a support  108  for portable electronic devices. As can be seen, the tray table  104  provides a planar top surface  112  that passengers may place their various items on. The tray table  104  may also include one or more mounting points  116  or mounts that allow it to be installed in an aircraft, such as on a back portion an aircraft passenger seat. In typical embodiments, the tray table  104  will mount to the rotatable tray table support arms of aircraft passenger seats. Mounting points may be at or near a back end  120  of the tray table  104 . The mounting points  116  will typically allow the tray table  104  to rotate or otherwise move so as to allow the tray table to be moved between a stowed position (where it is secured to a seatback) and a service position (where it is substantially horizontal to support items on its top surface). 
         [0039]    As can also be seen, the support  108  may be positioned at the back end  120  of the tray table  104 . This allows the portion of the top surface  112  in front of the support  108  to be used even when the support  108  is in use. It is contemplated that the support  108  may be located at different locations as well. For instance, the support  108  may be near a front end  124  of the tray table  104 , at a central portion  128 , or elsewhere. Typically, the support  108  will extend laterally across the tray table  104  parallel to the back edge of the tray table, however it is contemplated that the support  108  may be angled slightly in some embodiments. 
         [0040]    In one or more embodiments, the support  108  may be an excavated portion of the tray table  104  configured to accept a portable electronic device. For instance, the support  108  may be a cavity  132  formed in the body  136  of the tray table  104  for instance. For example, the cavity  132  may be a slot or groove. The cavity  132  may comprise a front wall  140  and a back wall  144 , and one or more sidewalls  148 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 1B-1C  provide cross sectional views of the tray table  104  and support  108 .  FIG. 1B  is a cross sectional view across Line  1 , while  FIG. 1C  is a cross sectional view across Line  2 . As can be seen, the cavity  132  may have a bottom  152  to provide support to a portable electronic device thus preventing the device from sliding out of the support  108  through its bottom. It is noted that the bottom  152  may have one or more openings  156  to allow ventilation and to allow any spilled liquids or other debris to fall out of the support  108 . This aids in keeping the support clean. 
         [0042]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a cross sectional view of an additional embodiment of the support  108 . As can be seen, the cavity  132  may be “L” shaped thus providing a bottom  152  to support a portable electronic device. The lower portion of the “L” shape terminates at an opening near the back end of the tray table  104 . This is advantageous in that it causes any fluids or other dirt/debris to flow toward the back of the tray table. In the event of a spill, such fluids would exit the tray table  104  away from the passenger as much as possible. It is noted that rather than forming the entire cavity  132  into an “L” shape, one or more channels/openings, could form the bottom of the “L” shape and guide dirt and debris toward the back of the tray table. 
         [0043]    It is contemplated that a removable liner may be provided in some embodiments to aid in keeping the support clean. The liner may conform to the cavity  132  and may removed and replaced with a new liner when dirty. Alternatively or in addition, a plug, cap or other or covering may be provided to fill the cavity  132  to prevent dirt or debris from entering the support  108 . Typically, the plug or cover would have a planar top positioned flush with the top surface  112  of the tray table  104 , when inserted into the cavity  132 . It is contemplated that the plug or cover may be affixed to the cavity  132  in some embodiments. For instance, the plug or cover may be a spring loaded or other biased mechanism that may be depressed downward to provide access to the cavity  132 , thereby allowing an electronic device  204  to be inserted into the support  108 . When not depressed, the biasing mechanism would raise the plug or cover such that it is flush with the top surface  112  of the tray table. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , the support  108  may be angled in one or more embodiments. For instance, the support  108  may have a back wall  144  and/or front wall  140  that is at a nonperpendicular angle to the top surface  112  or body  136  of the tray table. As will be described further below, this allows the support  108  to hold a portable electronic device at an angle, which causes the device to face a seated passenger for ideal viewing. In one or more embodiments, the support  108  will be angled rearward towards the back end or edge of the tray table  104  to accomplish this. 
         [0045]    It is contemplated that the cavity  132  may have various other cross sectional shapes as well. For example, the front wall  140  and back wall  144  may form a “V” or other shape that tapers from the top surface  112  of the tray table  104 . This allows portable electronic devices of various thicknesses to be inserted into and securely held by the cavity  132 . Alternatively or in addition, the cavity  132  may have a stepped cross section to produce a set of discrete widths between the front wall  140  and back wall  144 . In other words, the front wall  140  and/or back wall  144  may be shaped like steps. This also allows portable electronic devices of various thicknesses to be supported by the cavity  132 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 1E  is a bottom view of the tray table  104  showing the opening  156 , which allows dirt and debris to exit the support  108 . As can be seen, the opening  156  extends to the bottom surface  160  of the tray table  104  so that dirt and debris can fall out of the tray table  104 . The opening  156  will typically be smaller than the cavity  132  so that an electronic device may be supported therein without falling through the opening. For example, the opening  156  may have a smaller width and/or length than the support  108 . Though shown as a single opening  156  in  FIG. 1E , it is contemplated that a plurality of openings may be used. 
         [0047]    In addition, an opening  156  may be formed in various shapes and sizes. For example, an opening may have a length of 1-2 inches in some embodiments. This is advantageous in that such opening  156  is large enough to allow dirt and debris to escape while not being so large as to result in a smaller electronic device (such as a phone or other handheld device) to fall through the opening. In one or more embodiments, the bottom  152  of the support  108  may slant towards the opening  156  so as to guide dirt and debris toward the opening. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary tray table  104  having a portable electronic device  204  installed therein. As can be seen, the portable electronic device  204  may be held by the support  108  at a reclined angle, such as described above. It is contemplated that the support  108  may have a length selected to accommodate a variety of portable electronic devices. For instance, as can be seen from  FIG. 2 , the support  108  may accept a tablet device but also is sized to allow smaller devices, such as portable media players, smart phones, and portable gaming machines, to be held. 
         [0049]    It is contemplated that the support  108  may be configured to provide connectivity to any device it is holding. For instance, the support  108  may have electrical, optical ports, antennas or other terminals to provide power or data connections to a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the support  108  may provide wireless connectivity to power or data connections. For example, the support  108  may provide inductive battery charging or a short-range data connection (such as a Bluetooth™ connection) to portable electronic devices. The tray table  104  may contain its own power source, such as one or more batteries, and/or may be connected to an aircraft&#39;s power system. The batteries may be rechargeable. In one or more embodiments, the batteries may be held in a compartment within the tray table  104  and be removable therefrom, such as for replacement, recharging, or both. 
         [0050]    As disclosed above, the tray table may provide an adjustable support in some embodiments, such as to permit passengers to position their portable electronic devices at various angles. As will now be described with regard to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the tray table  104  may include a rotatable assembly to allow such positioning. 
         [0051]      FIG. 3A  provides a top perspective view of the tray table  104 . As can be seen, the outward appearance of an adjustable embodiment, may be similar to that disclosed above. In one or more embodiments, a control device  304  may be provided to allow the position of the support  108  to be changed. As shown, an adjustment wheel is provided as the control device  304 . It is noted that various control devices, such as knobs, levers, sliders, buttons, or the like may be used to move the support  108 . In addition, multiple control devices  304  may be provided. For instance, an adjustment wheel or other control device  304  could be on both sides of the support  108  in some embodiments. 
         [0052]    It is also noted that the support  108  may be biased (such as by one or more springs) in some embodiments. In this manner, the support  108  may be configured to automatically move or rotate to a particular position when a control device  304  is engaged, as will be described further below. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3B  provides a cross sectional view of the tray table across Line  1  of  FIG. 3A . As can be seen the body  136  of the tray table  104  may be configured to accommodate a rotatable assembly  308 . For example, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3B , a compartment  312  comprising a curved front and back wall  316 ,  320  configured to accept the rotatable assembly  308  while allowing the rotatable assembly to rotate or move within the compartment is provided. The compartment  312  may include a bottom  324  to enclose the rotatable assembly  308 . An optional bottom  324  may be provided in some embodiments. It is noted that without a bottom  328 , any dirt or debris that collects in the rotatable assembly  308  can be removed by rotating the assembly such that such debris can fall out of the assembly. Alternatively, and opening  156  may be formed in the bottom  324  of the compartment  312  to allow such dirt and debris to exit the assembly  308 . 
         [0054]    It is contemplated that the compartment  312  may extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the tray table&#39;s body  136  in some embodiments. In this manner, the compartment  312  would have an opening at its top and bottom. This allows electronic devices to be received in the cavity  132  via the top opening of the compartment  312  while also allowing dirt and debris to exit the assembly via the bottom opening of the compartment. The body  332  of the rotatable assembly  308  may be sized to protrude from both the top and bottom opening of the compartment  312 . In this manner, the body  332  itself forms a seal with the compartment  312  thereby preventing dirt and debris from entering the assembly  308 . 
         [0055]    The rotatable assembly  308  may comprise a body  332  having a cavity  132  therein to accept a portable electronic device. Similar to above, the cavity  132  may comprise a front wall  140 , a back wall  144 , and one or more sidewalls  148 . A bottom  152  may be provided to prevent a portable electronic device from falling out of the cavity  132 , such as described above. As can be seen, the cavity  132  may be angled to hold a portable electronic device at an angled position, such as described above. It is contemplated that the cavity  132  may be not be angled (i.e., be perpendicular to the axis of rotation) in some embodiments. With the rotatable assembly  308  for instance, a passenger may choose his or her desired angle by rotating the rotatable assembly. Thus, the cavity  132  itself may but need not be angled in all embodiments. 
         [0056]    The body  332  or portion thereof of the rotatable assembly  308  may be rounded or cylindrical in one or more embodiments, such as to allow the rotatable assembly to rotate within the tray table  104 . It is contemplated that the body  332  or portion thereof could have other cross sectional shapes. For example, the body  332  may be triangular, a pentagon, hexagon, or other shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the body  332  may be used to help hold the body  332  in position after it has been rotated. For example, the shape of the body may cause it to engage other surfaces of the tray table  104  thus holding the body in position. 
         [0057]    One or more holding mechanisms may be used to hold the rotatable assembly  308  in a particular position. For example, a biased braking pad or other surface may press against the rotatable assembly  308  (such as at the body  332 ) to prevent the rotatable assembly from rotating out of a desired position. Other holding mechanisms, such as removable locking pins, detents, or the like could be used as well. In addition, it is contemplated that the body  332  may closely conform to its compartment  312  to hold itself in position once rotated to a desired position. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a cross sectional view of the tray table  104  across Line  2  of  FIG. 3A . As can be seen, the rotatable assembly  308  may comprise one or more axels  336  upon which its rotation may be accomplished. The axels  336  may extend to engage a portion of the rotatable assembly&#39;s compartment  312  to support the rotatable assembly  308  therein. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 3C , an axel  336  may also be mechanically linked to a control device  304  in one or more embodiments. In this manner, the axel  336  and thus the rotatable assembly  308  may be rotated by manipulating a control device  304 . For example, in  FIG. 3C  rotating the control device  304  also rotates the rotatable assembly  308 . It is noted that one or more biasing devices, such as springs, may engage or be attached to an axel  336  as well. This allows the rotatable assembly  308  to automatically move to a particular position when a biasing device is activated. For example, a biasing device may be configured to rotate the cavity  132  of the rotatable assembly  308  such that it is accessible from the top of the tray table  104 . Alternatively, a biasing device could rotate the cavity  132  such that it is inaccessible, thus “closing” the support  108 . This may be desirable to prevent unwanted dirt or debris from entering the cavity  132 , such as during food service on a flight. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate a rotatable assembly  308  in operation. As can be seen, the rotatable assembly  308  may rotate from the open position shown in  FIG. 4A  to the closed position shown in  FIG. 4B . In the open position, the cavity  132  of the rotatable assembly  308  is typically accessible, thus allowing one or more portable electronic devices  204  to be supported therein, such as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0061]    When not in use, the rotatable assembly  308  may be rotated to a closed position, such as shown in  FIG. 4B . As can be seen, the cavity  132  may not be accessible when in the closed position. As stated, this prevents dirt or debris from entering the cavity  132 . In embodiments where the tray table&#39;s compartment  312  has an open bottom, the rotatable assembly  308  may be rotated to empty any dirt or debris that may have collected therein. It is noted that the compartment  312  may have a removable bottom to allow this cleaning process to occur. 
         [0062]    It is noted that the cavity  132  of the tray table  104  may be configured to protect any portable electronic devices it holds. For example, in one or more embodiments, the cavity  132  or portions thereof may be padded or be coated with non-abrasive surfaces to prevent the cavity from scratching or otherwise damaging the enclosure of a portable electronic device. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 4C-4E  illustrate another rotatable assembly  308  in operation. As can be seen, an elongated tab  404  extends from the body  332  of the rotatable assembly. The elongated tab  404  may be an elongated member, planer structure, or the like which extends from the body  332 . In operation, a bottom portion of an electronic device may be placed in the support  108  while an upper portion is propped up against (i.e., held by) the tab  404 . This can be seen from  FIG. 4C , which illustrates the rotatable assembly  308  in an open position. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 4D-4E  illustrate the rotatable assembly  308  in a closed position. In one or more embodiments, the body  136  of the tray table  104  may have a recess  408  formed therein to accept the tab  404 . In this manner, when closed, the rotatable assembly&#39;s tab  404  is positioned flush with the top surface  112  of the tray table  104 . This prevents the rotatable assembly  308  from obstructing use of the tray table and provides a planar surface for placement of one or more items. In addition, as can be seen from  FIGS. 4D-4E , the tab  404  also encloses the compartment  312  preventing dirt and debris from entering. A cutout or recess  412  may be provided to allow the tab  404  to be lifted in some embodiments. 
         [0065]    Though shown in a compartment  312  having a bottom  324 , it is noted that a bottom need not be provided in all embodiments having a rotatable assembly  308 . For instance, as described above, the compartment  312  may have an open bottom to allow dirt and debris to exit the compartment. Alternatively, one or more openings may be formed in the bottom  324 , such as described above with regard to  FIG. 3B , to allow dirt and debris to exit the compartment  312 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 4F-4I  illustrate another exemplary tray table  104  having a rotatable assembly  308 .  FIGS. 4F-4G  provide a back perspective view of the tray table  104 .  FIGS. 4H-4I  respectively provide a back and front perspective view of the tray table  104 . As can be seen, the rotatable assembly  308  may be formed at the back end  120  of the tray table  104  rather than inset from the back end as described with regard to the above embodiment. The rotatable assembly  308  may comprise a body  332  having a cavity  132  for receiving and securing a portable electronic device  204 . 
         [0067]    The body  332  may be an elongated structure having flat sides. For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 4F-4I , the body  332  is a rectangular shape extending laterally between a left and right side of the tray table  104  at the back end  120  of the tray table. In one or more embodiments, a lip  420  may extend from a portion of the body  332 . As can be seen from  FIG. 4F , the lip  420  may extend from a top portion of the body  332  so that it forms a barrier to prevent items on placed on the top surface  112  of the tray table  104  from sliding off the back end  120  of the tray table. 
         [0068]    The cavity  132  will typically extend along the length of the body  332 , such as shown. In one or more embodiments, the cavity  132  may be an elongated opening configured to accept a portion of one or more portable electronic device  204 . As shown in  FIGS. 4H-4I  for example, the cavity  132  comprises a rectangular opening sized to accept an edge or end of a portable electronic device  204 . This secures the portable electronic device  204  within the body  332  and allows a user to use the portable electronic device  204  without having to hold the portable electronic device. 
         [0069]    Positioning the body  332  of the rotatable assembly  308  at the back end  120  of the tray table is advantageous in that it allows the cavity  132  to be exposed at the back end of the tray table. When the tray table  104  is in a stowed position, it will typically be in a vertical orientation with the front end  124  of the tray table being above the back end  120  of the tray table. In this manner, any dirt or debris in the cavity  132  would automatically fall out of the cavity keeping the cavity clean and unobstructed. Maintenance or other personnel may then collect such dirt and debris from the floor of the aircraft. 
         [0070]    One or more openings  156  may be at the bottom of the cavity  132  in one or more embodiments to also aid in keeping the cavity clean. Typically, an opening  156  will extend from the bottom of the cavity  132  to an external surface of the body  332 . This allows any dirt or debri that enters the cavity  132  to fall out of the cavity keeping the cavity clean.  FIG. 4G  illustrates an exemplary opening  156 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 4F-4I  also illustrate operation of the tray table  104  as its rotatable assembly  308  rotates from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 4F , to an open position as shown in  FIGS. 4H-4I .  FIG. 4G  illustrates the rotatable assembly  308  in an intermediate position as it rotates between an open and closed position. 
         [0072]    In the closed position, the body  332  of the rotatable assembly  308  forms a portion of the top surface  112  of the tray table  104 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 4F , the top portion of the rotatable assembly&#39;s body  332  is coplanar with the top surface  112  of the tray table  104 . In this manner, the rotatable assembly  308  does not obstruct or hinder use of the tray table  104  when in the closed position. A passenger is therefore free to place items on the top surface  112  of the tray table  104  as desired. For example, the passenger may place food service items such as plates, cups, and utensils on the top surface  112 . As shown in  FIG. 4F , an optional cup holding inset  416  is provided to receive cups or the like. The lip  420  extends upward at the back end  120  of the tray table  104  to prevent items from falling off the back end of the tray table. 
         [0073]    When use of a portable electronic device  204  is desired, the rotatable assembly  308  may be rotated to expose a cavity  132 . As can be seen, the body  332  of the rotatable assembly  308  may be rotated such that the cavity  132  moves in an arc starting at the back end  120  of the tray table.  FIG. 4G  illustrates the body  332  having been moved from the closed position of  FIG. 4F . As the rotation of the body  332  continues, the cavity  132  moves upward thereby positioning the cavity to receive a portable electronic device  204 , such as shown in  FIG. 4H-4I . In this open position, the cavity  132  holds the portable electronic device upright for use.  FIGS. 4H-4I  respectively provide a back and front perspective view of the tray table  104  with its rotatable assembly  308  in an open position and holding a portable electronic device  204 . 
         [0074]    In one or more embodiments, the rotatable assembly  308  may be configured such that the opening of the cavity  132  is positioned above the top surface  112  of the tray table  104  when the rotatable assembly is in an open position, such as shown in  FIGS. 4H-4I . This is advantageous in that the higher elevation helps prevent any dirt and debris that may be on the top surface  112  of the tray table  104  from entering the cavity  132 . 
         [0075]      FIGS. 4J-4K  illustrate side cross sectional views of the rotatable assembly  308  of  FIGS. 4F-41  in operation.  FIG. 4J  shows the rotatable assembly  308  in a closed position while  FIG. 4K  shows the rotatable assembly in an open position. As can be seen, the cavity  132  is oriented toward the back end  120  of the tray table  104  in the closed position, while the cavity  132  is oriented upward to receive a portable electronic device  204  in the open position. 
         [0076]    As described above, the cavity  132  may comprise a front wall  140 , a back wall  144  and one or more sidewalls  148 . The bottom  152  of the cavity  132  engages an edge or end of a portable electronic device to support the portable electronic device. An optional opening  156  at the bottom of the cavity  132  allows dirt and debris to exit the cavity, as described above. As can be seen from  FIG. 4K  for example, in the open position, dirt or debris that enters the cavity  132  would fall into the opening  156  and out of the body  332 . It is noted that dirt and debris that is too large to fit into the opening  156  would fall out of the cavity  132  when the tray table  104  is put in a stowed position, as described above. 
         [0077]    The body  332  of the rotatable assembly  308  may be mounted to the tray table  104  via one or more rotatable mounts.  FIG. 4L  illustrates a back cross sectional view of the rotatable assembly  308  where the body  332  of the rotatable assembly is mounted to the body  136  of the tray table  104  via a pair of axels  336 . As can be seen, the axels  336  may extend from the left and right or lateral ends  424  of the body  332  and into a portion of the tray table&#39;s body  136  (or vice versa). The body  332  can thus rotate about the axels  336  between the closed and open positions, as shown respectively in  FIGS. 4J-4K . 
         [0078]    It is contemplated that some embodiments of the tray table  104  may comprise movable or removable portions to allow for cleaning and maintenance. Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C  for example, a first portion  504  of the tray table  104  may be configured to separate from a second portion  508  of the tray table at one or more separations  516 . In one or more embodiments, the two portions  504 ,  508  may meet at or near the support  108 . In this manner, the two portions  504 ,  508  would be separable at or near the support, such as shown. Once separated, access to an interior portion of the support  108  is more easily achieved, such as to clean or maintain the support  108  or any elements associated with the support (such as adjustable elements). 
         [0079]    One or more fasteners  512  may be used to allow the first portion  504  and second portion  508  to removably attach to one another. For example, as shown, the tray table  104  may comprise one or more hinges that allow the first and second portions  504 ,  508  to fold relative to one another, thereby providing access to an interior portion of the support  108 . It is contemplated that the hinge may include a biasing mechanism and or locking mechanism to hold the first and second portions  504 ,  508  in a planar configuration (such as shown in  FIG. 5A ) during use. One or more additional fasteners  512  such as screws, pins, claps, magnets or the like may also or alternatively be used to hold the first and second portions  504 ,  508  in the planer configuration. 
         [0080]    Alternatively, the first and second portions  504 ,  508  may be completely separable form one another, such as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 5B-5C . For example, the first and second portions  504 ,  508  may be configured to pull apart when detached from one another.  FIG. 5C  illustrates the tray table  104  having its first and second portions  504 ,  508  separated from one another. 
         [0081]    It is noted that the first and second portions  504 ,  508  may comprise mating surfaces or structures that secure the first and second portions together when connected. For example, the first and second portions  504 ,  508  may have grooves, slots, tabs, or the like that correspond to one another. Also, as stated above above, one or more additional fasteners may be used to secure the first and second portions  504 ,  508  in a planar configuration. As shown in  FIG. 5C  for example, one or more pins  520  may connect and secure the first and second portions  504 ,  508  together when assembled. 
         [0082]    It is contemplated that, when mounted to an aircraft passenger seat, only the first or second portion  504 ,  508  would be attached to the tray table support arms of the seat. This permits the first and second portions  504 ,  508  to be removable from one another (such as to clean or maintain the support  108 ) without removing the tray table  104  from the seat. Alternatively, both the first and second portions  504 ,  508  may be attached to the tray table support arms, such as to secure the first and second portions together in a planar configuration. In such case, additional fasteners for holding the first and second portions together need not be used. 
         [0083]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.