Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a tray table arrangement having multiple leaves. The leaves are vertically stacked when stowed. Upon deployment, an upper leaf moves primarily horizontally and then lowered/seated vertically with respect to a lower leaf to present the full table to the user. The sequence is reversed for stowage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/302,997, filed Mar. 3, 2016, titled “Multi Leaf Tray Table,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a tray table arrangement having multiple leaves. The leaves are vertically stacked when stowed. Upon deployment, an upper leaf moves primarily horizontally and is then lowered/seated vertically with respect to a lower leaf to present a full table to the user. The sequence is reversed for stowage. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Tray tables are commonly used on passenger transportation vehicles in order to provide a surface for passengers. The tables may be used for meals, drinks, reading, for supporting electronics, or for any other purpose. Aircraft and other vehicles that offer tray tables often provide the tray tables on seat back assemblies. This can provide a convenient table for a person sitting in a position behind the seat, facing the rear of the seat. Passengers use a tray table mounted on a seat back of an immediately forward seat. In other examples, tray tables may be provided on an aircraft monument or privacy shell. These configurations are generally used for business class or first-class seats, where a monument forward of the passenger seat may provide a viewing screen, storage space or other features. Other passenger seats may provide tray tables positioned alongside the passenger or extending from an armrest. Tray tables may also be offered in seating arrangements that offer bed positions, such that a passenger has a resting place for beverages, eyeglasses, and other small items. 
         [0004]    Tray tables are often pivoted on a pair of arms which allow the tray table to swivel between deployed and stowed positions. In use, a latch is released which allows the table to pivot down toward the passenger, forming a flat surface for use. For stowage, the table is pivoted back up and forward, away from the passenger, and locked. This movement causes the table to move to an upright position, along an arc. When stowed, the tray table is aligned with the seat back or other surface for latching. 
         [0005]    The tray table generally extends into the passenger&#39;s usable space. When the tray table is deployed, it is often the case that only a few inches remain between the passenger and the table edge. Some tray tables are designed to slide in and out on a rail while deployed, which can give the passenger a few extra inches of seat space room if needed. However, even in these space-allowing options, if a passenger needs to exit the seat, s/he must remove everything from the top surface of the tray. Additionally, when it becomes time for the tray table to be stowed, there is no intermediate option. The passenger must remove everything from the tray in order for the tray to be pivoted upward. 
         [0006]    Similar situations may occur with foot stools, counters, or other aircraft/space-saving spaces. For example, in some passenger seating arrangements, there is provided a footstool positioned generally forward of the passenger seat. The footstool may be deployed for resting of the passenger&#39;s ankles or calves. It may pivot up and down from a forward surface in an arc. Foot stools generally do not provide multiple positions and are thus limiting. Countertop surfaces are similarly not adjustable. Accordingly, improvements to these systems are thus desirable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    There is provided a tray table arrangement that has multiple leaves. The leaves are vertically stacked when stowed. Upon deployment, an upper leaf moves primarily horizontally and is then lowered/seated vertically with respect to a lower leaf to present a full table to the user. The sequence is reversed for stowage. In a specific example, there is provided a multi leaf support surface, comprising: an lower leaf secured to a surface; and an upper leaf horizontally cooperable with respect to the lower leaf, wherein in a first position, the upper leaf is vertically stacked upon the lower leaf, and wherein in a second position, the upper leaf horizontally extends from and aligns with the lower leaf. The leaves may cooperate with one another via a slide carriage and a linkage assembly. The slide carriage allows horizontal movement of the upper leaf with respect to the lower leaf. The linkage assembly allows the upper leaf to move in a downward motion once extended, such that an upper surface of the upper leaf is planar with an upper surface of the lower leaf. In one specific example, the linkage assembly comprises a four bar linkage. 
         [0008]    In another example, the slide carriage secured to the upper leaf, an attachment bracket is secured to the lower leaf, and a track is configured to be received by the slide carriage and the attachment bracket for sliding cooperation between the upper leaf and the lower leaf. For sliding engagement, one of the upper leaf or lower leaf may have one or more rollers and the other of the upper leaf or lower leaf may have comprises at least one roller track. It is possible for the upper leaf to have a track receiving groove and the attachment bracket may be one or more track blocks, wherein the track cooperates with respect to the track receiving groove and the one or more track blocks. Other options are possible and described in more detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a support surface in a closed configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a side perspective view of the support surface of  FIG. 1  in an extended configuration. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate side cross-sectional views of two tray leaves and their cooperation with one another.  FIG. 3A  illustrates the leaves vertically stacked.  FIG. 3B  illustrates the leaves in a horizontal sliding motion.  FIG. 3C  illustrates the leaves once they are horizontally aligned for use. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the slide carriages and linkage assembly of the leaves of  FIGS. 3A-3C . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of an upper leaf.  FIG. 5B  illustrates the upper leaf of  FIG. 5A  with a slide carriage in cooperation with a track that guides horizontal sliding movement with respect to a lower leaf. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a top perspective view of a lower leaf assembly without the upper leaf installed.  FIG. 6B  illustrates the lower leaf assembly of  FIG. 6A  with a track positioned. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top perspective view of the upper leaf installed and sliding with respect to the lower leaf along a track. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side perspective view of a tray table in its extended position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi leaf support surface that uses horizontal movement of two leaves with respect to one another.  FIG. 1  illustrates a support surface  10  in a first configuration. This figure illustrates the support surface  10  as being a passenger tray table  12 . The tray table  12  extends from a surface  14 . In the figures shown, the surface  14  is forward of the passenger, but it should be understood that a side or rear surface is also possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0018]    Tray tables find particular use onboard passenger aircraft or other passenger vehicles. They offer a resting surface for passenger meals, beverages, papers, work, reading materials, or any other items. There may be times when a passenger desires to have a smaller tray table option, but still be afforded a resting place. In such instances, the first position of  FIG. 1  provides such an option. 
         [0019]    In other instances, however, a passenger may desire to have a larger work surface/tray table option. In such instances, the tray table  12  may be extended to a second position, illustrated by  FIG. 2 . One way in which this table extension may take place is illustrated by  FIGS. 3A-3C . In  FIG. 3A , an upper leaf  16  is stacked on a lower leaf  18 . In this example, the leaves  16 ,  18  are oriented vertically to one another.  FIG. 3A  also illustrates a linkage assembly  20  that secure the leaves  16 ,  18  to one another, while allowing their cooperation with respect to one another. 
         [0020]    In one example, the linkage assembly  20  comprises four connection members  22  that function as linkages. In a specific embodiment, the linkage assembly comprises a four bar linkage. The connection members  22  may be positioned at side edges of the leaves  16 ,  18 , as illustrated by  FIG. 4 . For example, one set of connection members may be positioned forward and one set of connection members positioned more rearward. Because  FIGS. 3A-3C  are side views, they illustrate only a single forward connection member  22   a  and single rearward connection member  22   b.  However, it should be understood that corresponding connection members are located on the opposite edge of each of the leaves. Each connection member has a first end  24  secured to the upper leaf  16  and a second and  26  secured to the lower leaf  18 . The ends  24 ,  26  are hingedly connected to each leaf  16 ,  18  respectively at pivots  46 . 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper leaf  16  is illustrated with one or more slide carriages  28  associated with its lower surface  30 . (In an alternate embodiment, the one or more slide carriages may be associated with the upper surface of the lower leaf.) When the upper leaf  16  is moved horizontally backwards with respect to the lower leaf  18 , as illustrated by  FIG. 3B , the one or more slide carriages  28  allow the upper leaf  16  to slide in a linear motion across the top of the lower leaf  18 . In one example, the slide carriage may have a tab portion  32  that rides in a groove portion of the corresponding leaf.  FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective, transparent view of the leaves  16 ,  18 . The initial and subsequent movement of the upper leaf  16  may be done without removing a drink, newspaper, eyeglasses, or other items from the top of upper leaf  16 . This horizontal movement prevents the traditional arc that is created when opening and closing a tray table. If there is a protruding screen or other item above the table support surface, this horizontal movement allows deployment of the table without interfering with anything above. 
         [0022]    Referring back to  FIGS. 3A-3C , lower leaf  18  is also illustrated as having an extended support  40 . Extended support  40  can provide a resting surface for the upper leaf  16  when the upper leaf  16  is in the fully extended position, as illustrated by  FIG. 3C . In one example, the upper leaf  16  may have a recessed portion configured to receive the extended support  40  when in the fully extended position. Extended support  40  can help provide a connection portion for the connection members  22 , as well as provide additional support and stability for the upper leaf  16  when extended. 
         [0023]    The series of  FIGS. 3A-3C  also illustrates that at least the upper leaf  16  has an angled cooperating face  36 . It is also possible for the lower leaf  18  to have a corresponding angled cooperating face  38 . When the upper leaf  16  is fully extended, the connection members  22  of the linkage assembly  20  rotate or pivot to cause horizontal alignment of the leaves  16 ,  18 . As illustrated by  FIG. 3C , the faces  36 ,  38  are also aligned. This can help provide a stable and consistent table surface  44 . 
         [0024]      FIGS. 5-8  illustrate alternate examples of a cooperation between upper and lower leaves. Rather than having slide carriages along side edges, this embodiment provides a central slide carriage  50  and a central track  52 .  FIG. 5A  illustrates a bottom perspective view of an upper leaf  16 . This view shows a groove portion  54  positioned along a central portion of the leaf  16 . As illustrated and as described further below, the groove portion  54  is configured to cooperate and slide along a central track  52 .  FIG. 5A  also illustrates a finger grip portion  56  which allows a user to easily grasp and move the upper leaf  16 . The upper leaf  16  further has a tray body flange  58  extending around the perimeter of the leaf  16 . Tray body flange  58  helps define a hollow shell  60  which is received over and cooperates with the lower leaf  18 , as described below.  FIG. 5B  illustrates the upper leaf  16  having a slide carriage  50  and central track  52  installed thereon. The slide carriage  50  features the linkage assembly  20 , which includes four bar linkage connection members  22 . The slide carriage  50  is provided with a track receiving groove  62 . In the example shown, the central track  52  is provided with a track ledge  64  that is received by and cooperates with the track receiving groove  62 . This cooperation may be a T-shaped cooperation, a dovetail-shaped cooperation, or any other appropriate keyed connection that allows sliding movement of the upper leaf  16 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a top perspective view of the lower leaf  18  without the upper leaf  16  attached, with an attachment bracket  66  in place. One end of each connection member  22  is secured to the slide carriage  50  of  FIG. 5B , and an opposite end of each connection member  22  is secured to the attachment bracket  66  of  FIG. 6A . The attachment bracket  66  has track blocks  68 . Track blocks  68  are illustrated as having an internal “T” shape, which is configured to receive the central track  52 . This is illustrated by  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 6B  shows a top perspective view of the lower leaf  18  before the upper leaf  16  has been positioned, but with the central track  52  secured in place. As illustrated, one length portion (L 1 ) of the central track  52  is received by the track blocks  68 . Another length portion (L 2 ) of the central track  52  is secured to the portion  78  of the lower leaf  18  that is positioned furthest from the passenger in use. 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic view of the upper leaf  16  moving horizontally with respect to the lower leaf  18  along the central track  52 . When the upper leaf  16  is to be stowed, the slide carriage  50  slides rearwardly, in the direction of arrow  82 . When the upper leaf  16  is to be deployed, the slide carriage  50  slides forward toward a passenger, in the direction of arrow  80 . When the table is in the deployed configuration, the slide carriage  50  may extend to the end  84  of track  52 . When the table is in the stowed configuration, the slide carriage  50  moves to the opposite end  86  of the track  52 . It should be understood that instead of a single central track  52 , it is possible to provide more than one track positioned at various points along the leaves. For example, two tracks may be positioned alongside each of the leaves  16 ,  18 . 
         [0027]    Cooperation between the upper leaf and lower leaf may also be guided by a roller system. In one example, the roller system includes one or more rollers  70  on the upper leaf  16 , as illustrated by  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The lower leaf may have a corresponding roller track  72 , as illustrated by  FIG. 8 . It should be understood that these features may have their locations reversed, such that the rollers are positioned on the lower leaf and the roller track is positioned on the upper leaf In one example, it is possible to provide a stop  74  at the location at which the movement of the upper leaf  16  is to be halted. 
         [0028]    When the upper leaf  16  is pushed in the direction of arrow  82 , movement of rollers  70  with respect to roller track  72  helps guide movement of the upper leaf. When the upper leaf  16  begins moving horizontally with respect to the lower leaf  18 , the rollers  70  slide up the roller track  72 , which also causes the connection members  22  to move between their horizontal (deployed) position into a more vertical (stowage) position. This raises the upper leaf  16  so that it is in a more vertical stacking configuration with respect to the lower leaf  18 . The reverse occurs when the upper leaf  16  is moved in the direction of arrow  80 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 8  illustrates the tray table of  FIGS. 5-7  in a deployed configuration.  FIG. 8  also illustrates a side bracket  88  that may be secured to a sidewall or other stable surface of the aircraft or vehicle. A portion (not shown) of the side bracket  88  will extend underneath the lower leaf  18  for securement.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a potential securement location  94  the side bracket  88 . Although it is generally envisioned that the securement may be a stable rigid securement, it is also possible to provide the lower leaf table to be slidable on a second track with respect to the side bracket  88 . In this embodiment, the side bracket  88  is secured to a side or front wall and a slide carriage and track assembly, similar to that described above, may be positioned with respect to the lower leaf  18  and the side bracket  88 . This embodiment allows slidable movement of the tray table in two dimensions, forward and back and side to side. 
         [0030]    Although the embodiments herein are described with respect to a passenger vehicle tray table  12 , it should be understood that the support surfaces described by this disclosure may also relate to improvements for shelves, foot stools, and any other support surface that may benefit from having varying length options and that offer horizontal movement in use. For example, similar leaves and linkage systems may be used to create an extendable footstool, an extendable countertop surface, or any other appropriate extendable surface created by sliding and cooperating leaves. 
         [0031]    It should be understood that although two leaves  16 ,  18  are described in this disclosure, multiple additional leaves may be provided. For example, a third leaf may cooperate with the upper leaf  16  in much the same way that the upper leaf  16  and lower leaf  18  cooperate with one another. 
         [0032]    Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the disclosure have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below. Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure or the following claims.