Tray table with personal entertainment device holder

In an illustrative embodiment, a two-piece folding tray table includes a personal electronic device (PED) support member connected to a tray section such that, in a stowed position, the PED support member is substantially flush with the tray table. The PED support member may be deployable in both a folded tray table configuration and a side-by-side tray table configuration to support a personal electronic device at a substantially identical angle regardless of tray table use mode.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

Conventional tray tables typically extend the width of a seat back, and are moveable between a stowed position flush with and latched to the seat back of a seat and a deployed position with the tray table extending away from the seat back in a generally horizontal position for use by an aft-seated occupant. Other well-known designs include bi-fold tray tables that are hinged in the middle and are typically stowed in a folded configuration in an armrest. To deploy the table, the arm cap is raised, the table pivoted out of a storage cavity in the armrest, pivoted laterally across the lap of the seat occupant, after which the table is unfolded at the hinge to form a full width tray table.

Electronic media devices, such as tablet computers, smart phones, handheld gaming devices, e-readers, and other portable electronic devices (PEDs) are becoming more commonplace due to the increased needs for portable computing, remote communication and access to media content. The use of electronic media devices has increased substantially since the Federal Aviation Administration liberalized the use of portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablets, and phones during most phases of aircraft flight.

While designed to be easily held for touchscreen use, most PEDs lack a mounting structure or structure to mount thereto to securely maintain the device for prolonged use or for hands-free interaction. This is particularly disadvantageous when using a PED in a vehicle such as an airplane, train or car where the PED may be used, in part, as a replacement for a permanently-mounted dedicated video monitor.

There is a need for a more secure manner of holding the devices in a use position while minimizing the possibility of the device falling onto the aircraft deck or into space occupied by another passenger. For this reason, the tray table of this application includes features intended to more securely hold portable electronic devices during use, while also providing for additional uses of the tray table, such as for holding a meal tray or a beverage cup.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Apparatus and associated methods relate to an in-arm-tray Personal Entertainment Device (PED) support member affixed to a meal tray table. Personal entertainment devices, in some examples, may include a tablet computer, smart phone, e-reader, music player, video game unit, or other handheld electronic device. In further examples, personal entertainment devices may include books, magazines, or notepads.

The PED support member design may facilitate deployment in at least a reading angle and a media viewing angle. In some embodiments, the PED support member provides for an infinitely adjustable PED viewing angle. The PED support member may include a frictionally-retaining non-skid surface, and may allow lateral PED movement. In an illustrative example, a passenger may advantageously view a PED at an acceptable viewing angle without holding the PED in their hands. In some embodiments, two passengers may view a PED simultaneously.

The PED support member, in some embodiments, is deployable for use in both a folded tray table configuration (e.g., when a first tray section is folded atop a second tray section) and an open tray table configuration (e.g., when the first tray section is in-line with the second tray section). For example, the PED support member may be designed to pivot in a range of at least 270 degrees to provide for a same angle of deployment relative to the work surface of the tray table whether the tray table is folded and open.

Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may facilitate tray retrofitting and/or replacement, for airlines upgrading to a PED holder tray table. Some embodiments may, for example, stow in a compact form factor inside of a tray table. By securely supporting a PED at a comfortable viewing angle, various embodiments may promote more productive travel time experiences, for example, during a flight. Some examples may also permit a passenger to receive a meal tray without interrupting access to the PED.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended to be a description of various, illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Specific features and functionalities are described in connection with each illustrative embodiment; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of those specific features and functionalities.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, it is intended that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter cover modifications and variations thereof.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. That is, unless expressly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a,” “an,” “the,” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation.

Furthermore, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “proximate,” “minor variation,” and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10% or preferably 5% in certain embodiments, and any values therebetween.

All of the functionalities described in connection with one embodiment are intended to be applicable to the additional embodiments described below except where expressly stated or where the feature or function is incompatible with the additional embodiments. For example, where a given feature or function is expressly described in connection with one embodiment but not expressly mentioned in connection with an alternative embodiment, it should be understood that the inventors intend that that feature or function may be deployed, utilized or implemented in connection with the alternative embodiment unless the feature or function is incompatible with the alternative embodiment.

Generally, in accordance with this disclosure, personal entertainment device (PED) holders for aircraft passenger tray tables may include one or more deployable supports for propping a personal entertainment device, such as a tablet computer, smart phone, e-reader, music player, video game unit, or other handheld electronic device. In further examples, personal entertainment devices may include books, magazines, or notepads. Additionally, personal entertainment device (PED) holders for aircraft passenger tray tables may include one or more retention mechanisms for retaining the PED in position against the deployable support(s).

Generally, a PED holder tray table may include a primary table section hingedly coupled to an extension table section such that the extension table section may fold atop the primary table section.

FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of an exemplary PED holder tray table1400having articulating support fingers. A PED holder tray table1400includes a table section1405slidably coupled to a shaft1410. The shaft1410is hingedly coupled to an inner PED support finger1415aand to an outer PED support finger1415b. When stowed, the support fingers1415may be rotated to a linear position parallel with the back edge of the table section1405, then pushed in until abutting the edge of the table section1405. In an illustrative example, a passenger may deploy the articulating support fingers1415by pushing the support fingers1415away from himself or herself, thus extending the shaft1410from the stowed position in the table section1405. The passenger may then rotate the support fingers1415upward into the “V” configuration illustrated inFIG. 1. As illustrated, a PED1425may rest on the shaft1410while the support fingers1415engage the PED1425against the edge of the table section1405. In some embodiments, a stabilizer ledge may be disposed horizontally on both sides of the shaft1410along the far edge of the tray table1405(with respect to a seated passenger) which may provide lateral stability to the PED1425.

FIGS. 2A through 2Cdepict an exemplary folding PED holder tray table200including a deployable support structure usable in both the folded and unfolded tray state. The PED holder tray table200may be swivelably coupled to a passenger tray mounting bracket220, allowing, for example, arm rest deployment of the PED holder tray table200. In some examples, the PED holder tray table200A swivel coupling may facilitate the PED holder tray table200field retrofit. In some examples, the PED holder tray table200swivel coupling may facilitate replacement of a PED holder tray table200. The swivel coupling, for example, may allow the PED holder tray table200to be rotated away from the passenger, for example allowing the passenger to gain space to exit the passenger seat without stowing the PED holder tray table200. In some examples, the swivel coupling may be capable of rotating at least 90 degrees, up to 135 degrees, or up to 180 degrees to allow for passenger egress during tray table deployment. In other embodiments, the folding PED holder tray table200may be designed to deploy from a mounting position upon a seat back of the fore positioned passenger seat.

Turning toFIG. 2A, the PED holder tray table200is illustrated in a partially deployed (folded) state. The PED holder tray table200includes a primary table section205hingedly coupled to an extension table section210, where the primary table section205, in the partially deployed state, is beneath the extension table section210. The extension table section210is hingedly coupled to a PED backrest215.

The PED holder tray table200, in some implementations, includes a beverage retention mechanism240. The beverage retention mechanism240, in one example, may include a raised lip relative to a horizontal surface of the extension table section210. In another example, the beverage retention mechanism240includes a depression relative to the horizontal surface of the extension table section210. As illustrated, the beverage retention mechanism240is generally circular in shape. Although illustrated as being provided upon a bottom surface of the extension table section210(e.g., accessible to the passenger while the PED holder tray table200is in a folded configuration), in some implementations, the PED holder tray table200includes an additional or alternative beverage retention mechanism disposed upon a top surface of one of the primary table section205and the extension table section210.

The PED backrest215, in the partially deployed state ofFIG. 2A, rests against the extension table section210in a stowed position. The extension table section210, for example, may include a depression configured to receive the PED backrest215, allowing for the extension table section210to remain significantly flat while the PED backrest215is in the stowed position. To deploy the PED backrest215, for example, the user may pull the PED backrest215away from the extension table section210, using a finger depression235to gain purchase of the edge of the PED backrest215. In other embodiments, the PED backrest215may be deployable through an actuable release mechanism, such as a release button mounted to an edge of the extension table section210. In a further example, the PED backrest215may be lifted away from the surface of the extension table section210by deploying a retention mechanism positioned on a surface of the extension table section210beneath the PED backrest215. Slip stop ridge(s) may alternatively be deployable from the surface of the compartment, providing the opportunity for a user to gain purchase beneath the compartment cover. The slip stop ridge(s), for example, may be rotatable into position or spring released/retracted. The slip stop ridge(s) may be formed, in one example, as columnar “speed bumps” along a surface of the compartment225parallel to the PED such that the PED may rest upon a selected “speed bump” to select a viewing angle. Alternatively, the slip stop ridge(s) may be triangular or rectangular (e.g., allowing the flat edge to lay flush with the surface of the compartment225when not in a deployed position).

Turning toFIG. 2B, the PED holder tray table200is illustrated in the partially deployed state with a deployed PED backrest215. The primary table section205of the PED holder tray table200remains folded beneath the extension table section210. The PED backrest215is now rotated upwards in to a deployed state, having a pivoting connection at the edge of the extension table section210rotated so that the PED backrest215is open to approximately 115 degrees from the stowed position. The pivoting connection, for example, may include a friction hinge for adjusting an angle of the PED backrest215relative to the surface of the extension table section210. In another example, the pivoting connection may include a detent hinge for releasably setting one or more angles of deployment of the PED backrest215. For example, a detent hinge may provide selectable settings for at least two separate angles (e.g., a video viewing angle and a reading angle). The pivoting connection may include a constant torque adjustment such that vibrations, turbulence, and/or dynamic loads caused by passenger interaction with the PED do not cause migration of positioning. The static load capability of the PED backrest215, for example, may be at least 3 pounds, at least 5 pounds, or up to 10 pounds.

The extension table section210, in some implementations, includes a PED retaining surface treatment225disposed beneath the PED backrest215when in stowed state. In an illustrative example, a passenger may advantageously rest a PED on the PED backrest215, and find benefit with the PED retaining surface treatment225holding the PED upright. In one example, the PED retaining surface treatment225may include one or more protrusions (e.g., “speed bumps”) which function similar to the slip-stop ridge(s)130described in relation toFIG. 2B. In some examples, the speed bumps may be rounded, designed as a series of raised bumps, or series of protrusions that are flat on the side facing the PED and rounded on the opposing side.

In another example, the PED retaining surface treatment225may be roughened or textured (e.g., a bumpy or otherwise “sandpapery” surface) to encourage engagement with a lower edge of a PED. In a further example, the PED retaining surface treatment225may include a surface treatment or overlay with a gripping substance. For example, a rubberized or tacky surface material may be provided upon a portion of the extension table section210to retain PEDs during turbulence or while in angled deployment. Additionally, in some embodiments, the PED backrest215includes a PED retaining surface treatment upon at least a portion of the surface facing a PED. For example, a PED retaining surface treatment such as the slip resistant surface options described in relation to the extension table section210may be applied to the PED backrest215.

Turning toFIG. 2C, the PED holder tray table200is illustrated in a fully open state with the PED backrest215deployed in a second deployed position. The PED holder tray table200, in fully deployed (unfolded) position, includes the primary table section205adjacent to the extension table section210. A set of hinges245a,245bconnecting the primary table section205to the extension table section210may be position hinges designed to hold the weight of the PED holder tray table200as well as one or more PEDs such as a tablet computing device in addition to a beverage, and/or a meal tray. For example, the hinges245a,245bmay be designed to hold a combined weight set atop of the PED holder tray table200of at least 10 pounds, between 10 and 15 pounds, or greater than 15 pounds. The PED holder tray table200, in the open position, may include an additional locking mechanism to accept loads placed upon the PED holder tray table200and to remove stress from the hinges245a,245b.

Additionally, in the fully open state, the PED backrest215is deployed facing the opposite side of the extension table section210than the deployed position ofFIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the PED backrest may hinge at least 210°, at least 225°, up to 270° or up to 360°, such that it may be used with the top or the bottom surfaces of the extension table section210. The pivoting connection, for example, may include a friction hinge for adjusting an angle of the PED backrest215relative to the surface of the extension table section210such that the PED backrest215may be deployed at a universally-selectable angle relative to either the upper surface of the extension table section210or the lower surface of the extension table section210, depending upon positioning of the PED holder tray table200. In another example, the pivoting connection may include a detent hinge for releasably setting one or more angles of deployment of the PED backrest215relative to either side of the extension table section210. For example, a detent hinge may provide selectable settings for at least two separate angles (e.g., a video viewing angle and a reading angle) per side of the extension table section210.

In some embodiments, a portion of the upper surface of the extension table section210includes a PED retaining surface treatment230. In an illustrative example, a passenger may advantageously rest a PED on the PED backrest215and find benefit with the PED retaining surface treatment230holding the PED upright. For example, a PED retaining surface treatment such as the slip resistant surface options described in relation to the extension table section210may be applied to the upper surface of the extension table section210. Further, the opposing surface of the PED backrest215(e.g., the surface facing the passenger in the fully deployed position ofFIG. 2Cas opposed to the surface facing the passenger in the folded position ofFIG. 2B) may include a PED retaining surface treatment such as the slip resistant surface options described in relation to the PED retaining surface treatment225ofFIG. 2B.

From the deployed position illustrated inFIG. 2C, in some implementations, the PED backrest215may be rotated around to align with the PED retaining surface treatment region225, now oriented underneath the fully deployed PED holder tray table200. Alternatively, in configurations including a 360° pivoting mechanism, the extension surface210may include a receiving region (not illustrated), such as a recessed portion of the upper surface of the extension surface210, to receive the PED backrest215.

FIGS. 3A through 3Cdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table300with a slide-out PED support mechanism. Turning toFIG. 3A, the PED holder tray table300includes a table section305, which may represent the entire table surface or a section of a bi-folding tray table such as the tray tables illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2A through 2C. The table section305is configured to slidably stow a PED support apparatus310. The PED support apparatus310may include at least one arm315(illustrated as two arms315) at least partially extendable from an interior pocket of the table section305. The arm(s)315, for example, may be coupled to a PED support member base320.

The PED support member base320, in some embodiments, is rotatably coupled to a PED support member325. As illustrated, the PED support member325includes a backrest portion340and extension linkages345. The extension linkages are designed to rotatably stow the backrest portion340in substantial alignment with the PED support member base320. For example, the backrest portion340may align with an outer surface of the PED support member base320. In another example, the backrest portion340may be stowable within a pocket region of the PED support member base320.

In some implementations, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, in the stowed position in which the backrest portion340is stowed within the pocket region, the PED support apparatus310may align with the table section305in a manner reminiscent to a DVD tray stowed within a laptop computer. To deploy the PED support apparatus310, in the example corresponding to a DVD tray, a spring release apparatus may be used to overcome a detent through the passenger pressing against the backrest portion430and releasing. In another example, a bottom of the PED support apparatus310may include a depression or lip allowing a passenger to gain purchase of the PED support apparatus310and manually pull the PED support apparatus310into deployed position.

As illustrated in a side view inFIG. 3C, during deployment, a PED330may rest on the arm(s)315and lean against the support member325which may advantageously facilitate use of the PED330by a passenger. To adjust an angle of the PED330, for example, the passenger may selectably extend the arm(s)315away from the table section305. In some examples, the arm(s)315may be extendable to create an adjustable gap between the table section305and the backrest portion340of up to 1 inch, up to two inches, up to three inches, or over four inches. The arm(s)315may be frictionally engaged with interior members of the table section305, for example, to control deployment and maintain positioning of the backrest member340in deployed position. In another example, the arm(s)315may include notches or protrusions configured to mate with interior members of the table section305, creating a series of engagement positions controlling the extension of the arm(s)315.

Although illustrated as rotating linkages345that rotate from a horizontal, stowed position to a vertical, upright position, in other embodiments, the linkages345may scissor fold into stowed position. In this manner, for example, the backrest portion340would remain vertically aligned with the support base320.

FIGS. 4A through 4Cdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table400including a slide-out PED holder according to a further embodiment. A table section410is slidably coupled to a hinging support bracket405including extension arm portions405aand a support member portion405b. In some embodiments, when the support bracket405is stowed, the extension arm portions405are collinear with the support member portion405b. When deployed (e.g., at least to a point where hinges420clear the edge of the table section410), the support member portion405bswings hingedly upward to hold a PED.

In some embodiments, a passenger pushes a tab section425outwardly to begin deployment. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the tab section425of the support member portion405bmay extend upward beyond the horizontal surface of the table portion410. In some implementations, the passenger then pulls upwardly at the tab425or other section of the support member portion405bto deploy the support member portion405bvertically into, for example, a position illustrated inFIG. 4C. For example, the hinges420may be friction hinges or detent hinges for selectably deploying the support member405b. In other implementations, the hinges420automatically deploy upon the hinges420clearing the edge of the table section410. For example, at least one of the hinges420may be a coiled spring hinge configured to bias the support member portion405bupward toward the upright, deployed position. The coiled spring hinge, for example, may be designed to support a load of a PED such as, in some examples, up to one pound, up to three pounds, or over 5 pounds. However, the coiled spring hinge may include only a single deployment angle. If, instead, a friction hinge or detent hinge mechanism is used, the distance of extension of the extension arms405aoutside the tray table section410may be reduced. For example, allowing for a tilt in the support member portion405bmay allow for a reduced gap between the bottom of the support member portion405band the tray table portion410. This may be desirable in tight quarters, such as in economy class where the fore positioned passenger seat is close to the passenger seat. To return the support bracket405to the stowed position, the passenger may press agains the support member405bto overcome the torque of the friction spring or the spring force of the coiled spring, for example, to return the support member portion405bto its horizontal position in line with the extension arm portions and push the support bracket405inward toward the tray table section410.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table500including a table section505and a PED backrest510hingedly coupled thereto. The PED backrest510is slidably coupled to a support member515. The support member is hingedly coupled to the tray table505. In some embodiments, the PED backrest510may hinge upward, sliding within the support member515, creating a structure in which the passenger may place a PED. In some examples, the PED backrest510and support member514may stow in a folded down state, as depicted inFIG. 5A. In some examples, the PED backrest510and support member514may be hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the tray table505.

FIGS. 6A-Ddepict a foldout PED holder tray table apparatus600having a primary table section605ahingedly coupled to a bracket610which, in turn, is hingedly coupled to a passenger seat support such as an armrest615. The primary table section605ais further hingedly coupled to an extension table section606b.

Turning toFIG. 6A, the tray table apparatus is in a first (folded) position620, for example after being pulled out of the armrest615. In the first position, the extension table section605bmay be folded atop the primary table section605a.

The first position620is advanced to a second position625, shown inFIG. 6B, by rotating the tray table605up and back away from a passenger via a rotating hinge630. In this position, the primary table section605bfaces the passenger, and a ledge for retaining a PED635is presented for use. In some embodiments, the hinge630may be continuously adjusted which may advantageously provide continuous viewing angle adjustment of the PED635. In some examples, the rotating hinge630may provide a range of motion from the horizontal position620illustrated inFIG. 6Ato the PED use position625illustrated inFIG. 6Bof at least 105 degrees, at least 130 degrees, or up to 180 degrees.

As illustrated inFIG. 6C, the second position625may be advanced to a third position640where the tray table605is hinged downward and toward the passenger (e.g., returning to the state of the first position620ofFIG. 6A). Continuing from the first position620ofFIG. 6A, the tray table605may be advanced to a fourth state645, illustrated inFIG. 6D, where the tray table605is unfolded and flipped laterally for full tray extension. In the position645, the primary table section605ais adjacent to and horizontally in line with the extension table section605b.

FIGS. 7A-Cdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table700including a pivoting PED holder710. In some embodiments, the PED holder710may be hemisphere-shaped, and the shape may incorporate a slot (shown inFIG. 7B), configured to hold a PED715at an advantageously angled position. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, the hemisphere-shaped PED holder710may rotate within a horizontal plane, parallel to a table section705which may advantageously adjust the PED715to a passenger's viewing preferences. In some examples, the hemisphere-shaped PED holder710may rock up and down, normal to the tray table705, which may advantageously adjust the PED715to a passenger's viewing angle.

In some embodiments, the slot of the pivoting PED holder710rotates backward from a position perpendicular with the horizontal plane of a table section to provide for ease of PED use. For example, range of motion may be at least 30 degrees from normal, at least 45 degrees from normal, or up to 90 degrees from normal.

In some embodiments, at least one surface of the PED holder710is substantially flat such that the PED holder710may rotate into the table section705and provide the user with a substantially flat surface. For example, an indentation may provide the user purchase to rotate the PED holder710from its stowed position. For example, range of motion may be at least +90 degrees (or −90 degrees) from normal, from −90 degrees to at least 30 degrees from normal, or between −90 and +90 degrees from normal.

As illustrated inFIG. 7C, in some implementations, the PED holder710is mounted in an extension section705bof a folding tray table705. For example, the PED holder710may only be accessible from a bottom surface of the extension section705bwhile the tray table705is in a folded position. In other implementations, the PED holder710extends through a depth of the extension table section705b, providing access to the PED holder710whether the tray table705is in folded or extended position. For example, the PED holder710may be designed to revolve such that the slot is angled at least 30 degrees from normal away from the passenger whether the slot is extending from a top surface of the extension table section705bor a bottom surface of the extension table section705b.

In some implementations, in addition to pivoting movement, the PED holder710is designed to provide rotational movement. For example, the PED holder710may be capable of rotating in a horizontal plane of the extension table section705bsuch that the PED715and the slot are offset from a centerline of the extension table section705b. The PED holder710may have a rotational range, in some examples, of at least 15 degrees, at least 30 degrees, or up to 90 degrees.

Although illustrated as being connected to an arm rest720, in other embodiments, the tray table700may be mounted to a seatback of the fore passenger seat.

FIG. 8depicts an exemplary PED holder tray table800with a fixed blade holder810. The PED holder810, for example, may be shaped as a triangular prism with an incorporated trough815employed to hold a PED820. The PED holder810may be mounted to a top surface of a table section805, for example angled toward a seated passenger. In some examples, the PED holder810may be mounted at about a 15 degree angle, 20 degree angle, or up to a 30 degree angle offset from a horizontal centerline of the table section805. The PED holder810may be mounted to a bottom surface of an extension table section of a bi-folding table, such that, during meal time, the PED holder810does not interfere with a meal tray. Conversely, the PED holder810may be designed to rotate upward out of the surface of the table section805, such that it may be stowed to provide a substantially flat surface to receive items such as a laptop computer, meal tray, briefcase, etc.

To securely retain the PED820, in some implementations, the trough815may include depressable material such as a foam material to contract against the pressure of the inserted PED820and hold against the PED820. In other implementations, the trough815may include a PED retention treatment, such as a non-slip surface treatment as discussed in more detail above in relation toFIG. 2B.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table900including a pivoting PED holder910. The pivoting PED holder910is hingedly coupled to a table section905. In some embodiments, the hinged coupling facilitates a continuously adjustable viewing angle when the PED is positioned in the pivoting PED holder910. For example, the hinge may be a friction hinge providing for a universally adjustable viewing angle over at least a certain range. The range, from a horizontal surface of the table section905, may be at least 100 degrees, at least 130 degrees, or up to 180 degrees. The limit of the range of motion, in some embodiments, is provided by a surface feature at a base of the PED holder910which abuts an edge of the table section905to prevent additional rotation. In other embodiments, the hinged coupling facilitates stepped positioning. For example, a detent hinge may provide two or more selectable positions, such as a reading position and a video viewing position.

The table section905provides a stowage groove to stow the pivoting PED holder910such that, in a stowed position, the PED holder910lies substantially flush with a surface of the table section905. In some embodiments, the PED holder910includes a tab or depression configured to allow the passenger to grasp a portion of the PED holder910and manually rotate the PED holder910into deployed position. may stow the pivoting PED holder910in such a manner that it is flush with the surface of the table portion905. In other embodiments, a knob on the side of the table section905is used to rotate the PED holder910upward from stowed position.

Turning toFIG. 9B, in some implementations, the PED holder910is slidably engaged with an extension holder915. The extension holder915, in some embodiments, may advantageously provide a wider PED backrest. The extension holder915, for example, may nest with the PED holder910when in the stowed position.

In other embodiments, rather than an extension holder915, the PED holder910may be laterally positionable between a first position along an edge of the table section905to a second position extending from a corner from the table section905through an extension mechanism coupled to a bottom section of the PED holder910. For example, in circumstances where the tray table900is a bi-folding tray table deployable from a passenger seat armrest, to position the PED in front of the passenger, the passenger may relocate the PED holder90to the position marked915(e.g., extension holder) inFIG. 9B.

Although described in relation to a tray table, in other implementations, the pivoting PED holder910may be mounted at an end of an arm rest of the passenger seat, for example to provide a small PED holder910to accept, in some examples, a smart phone or e-reader.

FIG. 10depicts a perspective view of an exemplary PED holder tray table1000illustrating a PED holder1010connected to a tray table support arm1005. The tray table support arm1005, in stowed position, nests against the tray table support arm1005and hingedly deploys therefrom. The PED holder1010includes a support member portion hingedly connected to the tray table support arm1005as well as a PED holder member1015. The PED holder member1015pivots from a stowed position illustrated as position1015A off an upper horizontal edge of the support member portion, to a deployed position illustrated as position1015B. In deployed position, the PED holder member1015releasably receives the PED1025, for example within a groove or clamp mechanism. The PED holder member1015, for example, may be designed in a similar fashion to the slot of the PED holder710ofFIG. 7Bor the groove815of the blade PED holder810ofFIG. 8. For example, the PED holder member1015may include a curved or rectangular shaped receptacle including a PED retaining treatment to releasably retain the PED1025.

In some implementations, the PED holder member1015is slidably engaged with an extension member1020. The extension member1020may be configured to releasably couple to a PED1025in a manner described above in relation to the holder member1015. The extension member1020, for example, may nest within the holder member1015in stowed position1015A and slideably extend from the holder member1015in the deployed position. In another example, the holder member1015may be releasably locked to the support member portion of the PED holder1010with a spring mechanism in compressed state such that, upon release of the lock (or detent), the spring actuates the extension member1020into extended position.

FIGS. 11A-Cdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table1100including an extending PED retention member1110. As illustrated inFIG. 11A, tray table support arm1105is slidably coupled to the extending PED retention member1110. The extending PED retention member1110includes a PED support jaw1115. The PED support jaw1115receives a PED1120, as illustrated inFIG. 11B, when in deployed position (e.g., at an upper edge of the tray table support arm1105abutting an edge of a table section1140). For example, the PED support jaw1115retains a vertical edge of the PED1120while a horizontal edge rests against a surface of the table section1140.

In some embodiments, the PED support jaw1115includes a fixed member1125and a moving member1130(e.g., mandible). The moving member1130, in some embodiments, slides toward the fixed member1125, gripping the edge of the PED1120. Inner surfaces of one or both of the fixed member1125and the moving member1130may include a protective surface finish1135to avoid scratching or damaging the PED1120. In some examples, the protective surface finish may be made of rubber, foam, or fabric.

In some embodiments, to provide angled support, the PED support jaw1115is pivotally connected to an arm portion of the PED retention member1110. For example, the PED support jaw1115may be designed to provide at least 15 degrees of rotation away from the passenger, at least 30 degrees of rotation, or up to 45 degrees of rotation.

To further support the PED1120while held by the retention member1110, in some embodiments, the table section1140includes a retention surface treatment, such as the surface treatments described in relation toFIG. 2B.

FIGS. 12A through 12Cdepict an exemplary PED holder tray table1200illustrating side-stowed backrests1210. As illustrated inFIG. 12A, a pair of backrest support members1210are pivotably connected to opposing vertical edges of a tray table section1205. In the stowed position, the backrest support members1210may align substantially flush with the respective edges of the tray table section1205. Turning toFIG. 12B, when deployed, each backrest support member1210hinges upward to a vertical position extending perpendicularly from the opposing edges of the tray table section1205. The backrest support members1210may then slide backward, away from a passenger along a track or groove in the tray table section1205and around a respective corner to align with a back edge of the tray table section1205. Conversely, to stow the backrest support members1210from the deployed position, the backrest support members1210may slide outward along the rear edge of the tray table section1205, around the corner, and hinge downward to align flush with the opposing vertical edges of the tray table section1205.

As illustrated, the backrest support members1210create a section of the vertical edges of the tray table section1205such that, upon deployment, the sections of the edges where the backrest support members1210were stowed are open (e.g., forming a substantially rectangular cut-out1215). To retain the backrest support members1210in this position, in some implementations, a protrusion (e.g., within the “cut-out”1215of the edge of the tray table section1205) may releasably mate with a corresponding indent in the free end of the backrest support member1210, or vice-versa. In other implementations, rather than the cut-out1215, the vertical opposing edges of the tray table section1205may be designed with side pockets designed to releasably receive the backrest support members1210.

Turning toFIG. 12C, in some implementations, the backrest support members1210include incorporated grooves which, in the deployed position face each other to releasably receive edges of a PED1220. The grooves may include a retention surface treatment or protective treatment to retain the PED1220and/or avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the PED1220, as described in greater detail above in relation toFIGS. 2B and 11C. In some embodiments, the backrest support members1210may be biased toward each other (e.g., spring bias or otherwise tension biased) to releasably receive PEDs of various dimensions.

FIGS. 13A-Ddepict an exemplary PED holder tray table1300with an off-center rotational pivot mechanism1310designed to clear the edge of the table section1305while deploying and stowing a support surface1320. As illustrated inFIG. 13B, a groove1315may be created between the edge of the table section1305and the support surface1320when the support surface1320is deployed. Upon stowing, the support surface1320may be maintained within the table section1305at a substantially horizontal position (e.g., in a plane parallel to a surface of the table section1305), while, in the deployed position, the support surface1320may be substantially perpendicular to a plane parallel to the surface of the table section1305(e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 13C). As illustrated inFIG. 13A, a PED1325may be set in the groove and rest against the support surface1320. To deploy the support surface1320, for example, the passenger may push forwards (e.g., away from the passenger) against a tab1330extending from the off-center rotational pivot mechanism1310.FIG. 13Dillustrates a rear view of the support surface1320in deployed position.

In some implementations, the support surface1320may extend across the width of both table sections1305of a bi-folding tray table. For example, an extension section of the tray table1300may be adjacent the table section805. In an illustrative embodiment, the extension portion may be clear of the vertical support surface1320, which may advantageously provide the passenger or a crew member unobstructed access to a region around the extension portion (e.g., for use with a meal tray, laptop computer, newspaper, etc.).

FIGS. 14A and 14Bdepict an exemplary tray table1800having a longitudinal sliding arrangement which may be provided by a pair of slide members1810coupled to a table section1805. In some embodiments, the slide members1810are coupled to a bottom surface of the table section1805. In other embodiments, the slide members1810are embedded in a pocket of the table section1805, between an upper surface and a lower surface.

In response to longitudinal displacement of the tray table, a PED holder may be automatically deployed or stowed, depending on the direction of the motion. For example, if a passenger pulls the tray table toward his or herself, a linkage module (not shown) may automatically deploy (e.g., pivot up) a PED holder1815, illustrated inFIG. 14B, from a stowed state under or within the table section1805. Conversely, when the passenger pushes the tray table1800away from himself or herself, the linkage module may automatically retract the PED holder1815back to the stowed state under or within the table section1805. In some embodiments, merely pushing the tray table away while a PED is held would potentially drop the PED from the table by uncontrolled withdrawal of support. Accordingly, some embodiments may include a sensor-based electronic or trigger-based mechanical interlock, such as a safety catch, that prevents retraction while a PED is being supported by the PED holder1815. Once the PED is removed by the passenger, because the tray that has already been pushed forward, the linkage module may automatically cause retraction of the PED holder1815to the stowed state. In some implementations, a slow actuation may be effected to prevent aggressive snap-back, for example, by employing a damping element to provide dynamic resistance to a spring-biased return motion.

FIGS. 15A-Ddepict an exemplary PED holder tray table1500with a kick-up backrest section1510hingedly coupled to at least one table section1505. As shown inFIG. 15A, the backrest section(s)1510are presented in a stowed position beneath the table section(s)1505. In some embodiments, the backrest section(s)1510are substantially flush with a bottom surface of the table section(s)1505. For example, the bottom surface(s) of the table section(s)1505may include a depression for receiving the backrest section(s)1510. The backrest section(s)1510, for example, may snap into place, for example against mating surfaces upon the lower surface(s) of the table section(s)1505. In another example, the backrest section(s)1510may be biased against the lower surface(s) of the table section(s)1505, for example using a spring hinge connection.

Turning toFIG. 15B, the backrest sections1510aand1510bare illustrated in deployed position, tilted upward behind a horizontal plane of the table sections1505and separated from an upper edge of the table sections1505by the span of a connecting hinge (e.g., hingedly coupled to a lower edge of the table sections1505. The hinge, for example, may be one or more detent hinges per backrest section1510designed to support a static load of at least a tablet computer. For example, the hinge(s) may be designed to support at least a 2-pound static load, a 3-pound static load, a 5-pound static load, or up to a 10-pound static load. Additionally, the hinge(s) may be designed to resist dynamic loads caused by passenger interaction with a PED, jostling of the PED due to turbulence, etc. The hinge, in some examples, may be designed to support a PED at an angle of at least 15 degrees from vertical, about 20 degrees from vertical, about 30 degrees from vertical, or over 30 degrees from vertical.

As illustrated inFIG. 15C, in some embodiments, a PED1515rests against the deployed backrest sections1510at a level below a surface of the table sections1505. For example, the table edge and the backrest sections1510may create a substantially “v”-shaped pocket for receiving the PED1515. depicts a perspective view of an exemplary PED holder tray table employed with a kick-up backrest section. The tray table1505is hingedly coupled to a kick-up backrest1510C. A PED1515is placed in the kick-up section1510C.

In some embodiments, the backrest section1505ais still deployable and usable as a PED holder when table section1505bis folded atop table section1505a. Turning toFIG. 15D, the backrest section1510ais positioned in the deployed state while the tray table1500is in folded position, allowing the PED1515to rest between the backrest section1510aand the combined edges of tray table sections1505aand1505b.

FIGS. 16A-Cdepicts an exemplary PED holder tray table1600with an origami-style backrest. Turning toFIG. 16A, a bi-fold tray table1605in extended position is selectively coupled to an origami PED backrest1610. The origami PED backrest1610pops up when the tray table1605is unfolded. The origami PED backrest1610, for example, may be configured as a network of hinged linkages designed to unfold in the manner of an origami stand. In another example, the origami PED backrest1610may be designed using a polymer material with hinges or flexible connectors allowing for unfolding the backrest.

FIG. 16Bdepicts a perspective view of a model of an origami-style backrest. The origami backrest1610is shown folding forward as it would when the tray table is folded.

FIG. 16Cdepicts a perspective view of an exemplary origami-style backrest. The origami backrest1610includes a backrest portion1615and a foot holder portion1620.

FIG. 17Adepicts a perspective view of an exemplary PED holder with pullout rotating claw members. A tray table1705is rotatably coupled to individual claw members1710(illustrated as two claw members). The claw members1710support a PED1715.

FIG. 17Bdepicts a perspective view of the tray table1705with claw members1710. The claw members1710, for example, may rotate by 90 degrees (same or opposing direction per claw member1710) and pivotally stow against a bottom surface of the tray table1705. In some implementations, each claw member1710is fixed to a rotating extendable shaft coupled to the underside of the tray table1705or disposed in an internal pocket of the tray table1705. Using the rotating shafts, for example, each claw member1710may be rotated out of stowed position and pulled away from the seated passenger to extend beyond an edge of the tray table1705. The extendable rotating shafts may be coupled, in one example, such that deployment of the claw members1710is simultaneously achieved through a single articulation effort. Deployment may be manual or aided by a control (e.g., rotating knob, push button, etc.).