Support Surface System

A support surface system includes a support surface portion that defines mounting locations spaced from one another and a fixture configured to secure an object. The support surface system also includes a retention portion having a first portion defined by the support surface portion at each of the mounting locations and a second portion defined by the fixture, with the second portion arranged to couple with the first portion at any of the mounting locations. The retention portion alternates between a retained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are coupled and motion of the fixture is restrained, and an unretained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are decoupled and the fixture is movable with respect to the support surface portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of support surface systems.

BACKGROUND

Some systems provide support surfaces within an interior of a compartment. Support surfaces allow individuals disposed within the compartment to place objects thereon. In one example, the compartment includes a support surface disposed proximate to a seat that supports the individual.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a table system for a vehicle that includes a tabletop that defines mounting locations spaced from one another and a fixture configured to secure an object. The table system also includes a retention portion having a first portion defined by the tabletop at each of the mounting locations and a second portion defined by the fixture, with the second portion arranged to couple with the first portion at any of the mounting locations. The retention portion alternates between a retained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are coupled and motion of the fixture is restrained, and an unretained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are decoupled and the fixture is movable with respect to the tabletop.

In some implementations of the table system, at least one of the first portions includes one of a magnet and a plate and the second portion includes the other one of the magnet and the plate, wherein the plate comprises a ferrous material that is magnetically attracted toward the magnet.

In some implementations of the table system, at least one of the first portions of the retention portion includes a first magnet having a first polarity and the second portion includes a second magnet having a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity such that the first magnet and the second magnet are magnetically attracted toward one another.

In some implementations of the table system, at least one of the first portions includes one of a post and a cavity and the second portion includes the other one of the post and the cavity, with the cavity configured to receive the post in the retained state to restrain the fixture.

In some implementations of the table system, the retention portion further includes an actuator coupled to the post and arranged to move the post along an axis between a first position and a second position, with the post disposed within the cavity in the first position in the retained state and with the post withdrawn from the cavity in the second position in the unretained state.

In some implementations of the table system, the first portion of the retention portion includes the post, with the post configured to protrude above the tabletop in the first position to engage the cavity of the fixture, and with the post disposed within the tabletop in the second position.

In some implementations of the table system, the at least one of the first portions includes one of a magnet and a plate and the second portion includes the other one of the magnet and the plate, with the plate comprising a ferrous material that is magnetically attracted toward the magnet. The post and the cavity restrain horizontal movement of the fixture relative to the tabletop. The magnet and the plate restrain vertical movement of the fixture relative to the tabletop.

In some implementations of the table system, the table system further comprises a release portion coupled to the retention portion and arranged to alter the retention portion between the retained state and the unretained state.

In some implementations of the table system, the fixture includes an exterior surface and the release portion includes a contact patch along the exterior surface configured to be engaged by a passenger to alter the retention portion between the retained state and the unretained state.

In some implementations of the table system, the release portion moves the second portion of the retention portion from the retained state to the unretained state.

In some implementations of the table system, the fixture extends along a fixture axis orthogonal to the tabletop and includes an engagement surface having a wedge section disposed at an angle transverse to the fixture axis and an abutment section, adjacent the wedge section, and configured to extend parallel to the fixture axis, with the abutment section and the wedge section arranged to contact and secure the object.

In some implementations of the table system, the fixture includes a body that extends along a fixture axis orthogonal to the tabletop and a tray that extends laterally from the body along the tabletop, wherein the tray defines a recess configured to dispose and support the object therein.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a table system for a vehicle that includes a tabletop and a fixture having an engagement surface that extends from a proximal end, adjacent the tabletop, to a distal end. The engagement surface is configured to abut and secure an object. The table system also includes a retention portion having a first portion defined by the tabletop and a second portion defined by the fixture and arranged to couple with the first portion such that motion of the fixture is restrained.

In some implementations of the table system, the engagement surface has an abutment section that extends orthogonal to the tabletop and a wedge section adjacent the abutment section and disposed at an angle transverse to the abutment section, with the abutment section and the wedge section arranged to contact and secure the object.

In some implementations of the table system, the fixture includes a body that extends along a fixture axis orthogonal to an upper surface of the tabletop and a tray that extends laterally from the body along the upper surface of the tabletop, wherein the tray defines a recess configured to dispose and support the object therein.

In some implementations of the table system, the fixture comprises an elastomer that deforms around the object when the fixture contacts the object.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a table system for a vehicle that includes a tabletop that includes an upper surface, a fixture configured to secure an object, and a release portion operatively coupled to the fixture and including a contact patch configured to be engaged by a passenger. Engagement of the contact patch permits selective movement of the fixture along the upper surface.

In some implementations of the table system, the release portion is mounted to the fixture, with the fixture including an exterior surface and with the contact patch disposed along the exterior surface.

In some implementations of the table system, the release portion includes a button that extends from the exterior surface and includes the contact patch, with the button movable between a pressed position and a released position to permit selective movement of the fixture along the upper surface.

In some implementations of the table system, the table system further includes a retention portion having a first portion defined by the tabletop and a second portion defined by the fixture with the second portion arranged to couple with the first portion. The retention portion alternates between a retained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are coupled and motion of the fixture is restrained, and an unretained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are decoupled and the fixture is movable with respect to the tabletop.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a table system for a vehicle that includes a fixture configured to secure an object and a retention portion. The retention portion has a first portion configured to be defined by a tabletop at mounting locations spaced from one another and a second portion defined by the fixture, with the second portion arranged to coupled with the first portion at any of the mounting locations. The retention portion alternates between a retained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are coupled and motion of the fixture is restrained, and an unretained state, in which the first portion and the second portion are decoupled and the fixture is movable with respect to the tabletop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to table systems for use in vehicle interiors that include a tabletop mounted to the vehicle within the vehicle interior and a fixture that may be positioned on the tabletop to secure an object to tabletop.

As an example, the table systems that are described herein may be of particular applicability to fully autonomous vehicles that do not require a human driver to be positioned near vehicle controls, thus facilitating various alternative passenger cabin configurations. For example, a passenger may be seated at a table during vehicle operation, rather than driving the vehicle. The passenger may utilize the tabletop to support objects, such as a phone or a laptop.

The table systems described herein retain objects to the tabletop during a vehicle event. As used herein, the term vehicle event refers to a collision, a crash, an evasive maneuver, or other circumstance that causes a sudden abnormal change in acceleration, speed, and/or direction of the vehicle. As used herein, detection of a vehicle event refers to detecting that a vehicle event has occurred or detecting that a vehicle event is predicted to occur (e.g., an imminent vehicle event). Retaining the objects to the tabletop prevents the objects from becoming dangerous projectiles within the vehicle during a vehicle event, which could collide with a passenger and result in bodily injury or death.

FIG.1is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle100. The vehicle100includes a body102defining a passenger cabin104. The vehicle100will be described with reference to a longitudinal direction X (e.g., fore-aft), a lateral direction Y (e.g., side to side), and an elevational direction Z (e.g., up-down). The vehicle100may be a road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and is able to travel freely upon roadways and other surfaces. One or more passenger105may travel in the vehicle100within the passenger cabin104. The body102may be constructed of one or components, including (but not limited to) a frame, a subframe, a unibody, a monocoque, exterior body panels, interior body panels, and movable panels (e.g., doors, tailgate, hood, trunk lid, etc.).

The vehicle100may include a seat assembly106disposed within the passenger cabin104. The seat assembly106may include a seat pan108and a seat back110for supporting the passenger105in a seated position. The seat assembly106may further include a seat support112that connects the seat pan108and the seat back110to a floor114of the body102.

The vehicle100includes a table system116disposed within the passenger cabin104. The table system116is positioned near the seat assembly106. In theFIG.1, the table system116is located directly ahead of the seat assembly106in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle100. This position of the table system116allows the table system116to be used by the passenger105while they are seated in the seat assembly106. The table system116includes a tabletop118and a support assembly120. InFIG.1, the support assembly120is connected to the floor114of the body102and supports the tabletop118such that the tabletop118is located above the floor114and is accessible to the passenger105while seated in the seat assembly106. However, the support assembly120may be connected to any suitable portion of the body102. Moreover, the tabletop118may be connected to the seat assembly106such that the seat assembly106supports the tabletop118.

The tabletop118defines mounting locations spaced from one another. The table system116further includes a fixture122configured to secure an object124to an upper surface126of the tabletop118. As such, the table system116functions as a support surface system, with the tabletop118configured as a support surface portion that supports the object124. The object124includes anything capable of being disposed on the tabletop118including (but not limited to): personal computing devices, notepads, stationeries, writing instruments, food, beverages, containers, and utensils. Furthermore, multiple objects124may be disposed on the tabletop118. The table system116also includes a retention portion128having a first portion130defined by the tabletop118at each of the mounting locations and a second portion132defined by the fixture122, with the second portion132arranged to couple with the first portion130at any of the mounting locations. The retention portion128alternates between a retained state, in which the first portion130and second portion132are coupled such that motion of the fixture122is restrained, and an unretained state, in which the first portion130and the second portion132are decoupled and the fixture122is movable with respect to the tabletop118. More specifically, the passenger105may move the fixture122around the tabletop118and selectively couple the fixture122to the tabletop118at any of the multiple mounting locations. It is to be appreciated that fixture122may be disposed at any location on the tabletop118, including locations that are not mounting locations. Said differently, the fixture122may sit on the tabletop118at locations that adjacent or spaced from mounting locations. The fixture122is not retained to the tabletop118at the non-mounting locations.

The fixture122has an engagement surface134that extends from a proximal end136, adjacent the tabletop118, to a distal end138. The engagement surface134is configured to abut and secure the object124. The coupling of the fixture122to the tabletop118defines a rigid structure that secures the object124during a vehicle event, thereby restraining motion of the object124with respect to the tabletop118. The fixture122may serve as a wall or stop when disposed between the object124and the direction of travel of the vehicle100(more specifically, in the longitudinal direction X and/or the lateral direction Y), with the object124pressing into the engagement surface134during a vehicle event. The fixture122may also serve to squeeze an object124(such as papers) between the fixture122and the tabletop118, securing the object124in the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevational direction Z. Furthermore, multiple fixtures122may be utilized on the tabletop118, with the fixtures122spaced from one another and collectively abutting different portions of the object124. The fixtures122may be spaced from the object124, with the fixtures122serving as walls or stops when disposed between the object124and the direction of travel of the vehicle100(more specifically, in the longitudinal direction X and/or the lateral direction Y), with the object124pressing into the engagement surface134during a vehicle event. Alternatively, the fixtures122may contact the object124such that the fixtures122frictionally engage and secure the object124in the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevational direction Z. Furthermore, the fixture122may comprise an elastomer that deforms around the object124when the fixture122contacts the object124. The deformation of the elastomer presents a larger surface area of the engagement surface134in contact with the object124to increase the friction therebetween. Although the fixture122and the object124are shown as separate components inFIG.1, in other implementations the fixture122and the object124may be integrally formed as a single component, with the object124including the second portion132of the retention portion128.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the mounting locations are uniformly spaced from one another in a grid along the upper surface126of the tabletop118. However, in other implementations the mounting locations may be disposed along a side surface and/or a bottom surface of the tabletop118. Furthermore, the number of mounting locations, the disposition of the mounting locations, and the layout of the fixtures122at the mounting locations shown inFIGS.2A and2Bare demonstrative. Any number of mounting locations as well as any suitable layout of the mounting locations may be utilized. For example, the mounting locations could be aligned in an annular configuration around a perimeter of the tabletop118.

FIG.3is a side elevational view illustration of an example implementation of the fixture122. To further the ability of the fixture122to secure the object124, the engagement surface134has an abutment section340that extends orthogonal to the tabletop118and a wedge section342adjacent the abutment section340and disposed at an angle transverse to the abutment section340. The abutment section340and the wedge section342are arranged to contact and secure the object124. More specifically, the fixture122extends along a fixture axis F orthogonal to the tabletop118and includes the engagement surface134having the wedge section342disposed at an angle transverse to the fixture axis F and the abutment section340, adjacent the wedge section342, extending parallel to the fixture axis F, with the abutment section340and the wedge section342are arranged to contact and secure the object124. As shown inFIG.3, the fixture122utilizes a pair of the wedge section342, with one of the wedge sections342disposed adjacent the proximal end136and with the other wedge section342disposed adjacent the distal end138. The abutment section340extends between the wedge sections342. The wedge sections342are angled toward the abutment section340. As such, the wedge sections342may direct the object124toward the surface area of the abutment section340and the friction facilitated by the abutment section340. Moreover, the angle of the wedge sections342ensures contact between the object124and the fixture122if the object124moves in any of the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevational direction Z. More specifically, angles of the wedge sections342facilitate positioning a portion of the fixture122above and/or below the object124to prevent movement of the object124in the elevational direction Z. The wedge section342may be disposed along any suitable portion of the engagement surface134. Moreover, any number of the wedge sections342may be utilized by the fixture122.

The fixture122may include additional features to secure the object124in addition to the contact with the engagement surface134.FIGS.4A and4Bare respective side elevational and top plan view illustrations of an example implementation of the fixture122in which the fixture122includes a body444that extends along the fixture axis F orthogonal to the upper surface126of the tabletop118and a tray446that extends laterally from the body444along the upper surface126of the tabletop118. The tray446defines a recess448configured to dispose and support the object124therein. The recess448may be sized and shaped for various objects. For example,FIG.4Bshows the recess448having a circular configuration that is sized to receive a beverage container450. The recess448is centered within the tray446such that the tray446encircles and contacts the beverage container450, creating a friction fit between the tray446and the beverage container450. The tray446may include top surface that defines an upper opening452into the recess448. The upper surface126may extend of the recess448and define a lip454, as shown inFIG.4A. The lip454may be comprised of a deformable material (such as an elastomer). The lip454may be deform around the beverage container450at the upper opening452to further grip and secure the beverage container450to the fixture. The recess448may be any size, shape, and configuration for holding a suitable object.

The fixture122may be configured to secure more than one object124.FIGS.5A and5Bare respective side elevational and top plan view illustrations of an example implementation of the fixture122, in which the tray446of the fixture122defines a pair of the recess448. The recesses448are configured as channels that include the upper opening452. The tray446further includes a perimeter wall556that defines a pair of lateral openings558A,558B. The lateral openings558A,558B allow the object124to be partially disposed within the recess448and extend out of the lateral openings558A,558B. For example,FIG.5Bshows utensils560disposed in the recesses448and extending out of the lateral openings558A,558B. As such, the tray446may accommodate objects124that are larger than the tray446.

Examples of the first portion130and the second portion132of the retention portion128and their respective coupling are described in detail below.FIG.6shows a side cross-sectional view illustration of an example implementation of the table system116. The first portion130of the retention portion128includes a first magnet662having a first polarity and the second portion132includes a second magnet664having a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity such that the first magnet662and the second magnet664are magnetically attracted toward one another. More specifically, the tabletop118includes the first magnet662and the fixture122includes the second magnet664. The magnetic attraction between the first magnet662and the second magnet664couples the fixture122to the tabletop118and retains the fixture122in the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevational direction Z.

The table system116further comprises a release portion668coupled to the retention portion128and arranged to alter the retention portion128between the retained state and the unretained state. The fixture122includes an exterior surface670. In the implementation shown inFIG.6, the release portion668is mounted to the fixture122. The release portion668includes a contact patch672along the exterior surface670configured to be engaged by the passenger105to alter the retention portion128between the retained state and the unretained state. As such, engagement of the contact patch672permits selective movement of the fixture122along the upper surface126. The contact patch672is shown at the distal end138of the fixture122inFIG.6. However, the contact patch672may be disposed anywhere on the fixture122. Alternatively, the release portion668may be mounted to the tabletop118with contact patch672disposed on the tabletop118. Moreover, the contact patch672may be disposed on a component separate from the fixture122and the tabletop118and configured to facilitate actuating the release portion668and altering the retention portion128between the retained state and the unretained state through cables, levers, pulleys, wired or wireless communication or any other suitable manner.

In the implementation shown inFIG.6, the release portion668includes a button674extending from the exterior surface670and includes the contact patch672, with the button674movable between a pressed position and a released position to permit selective movement of the fixture122along the upper surface126. The contact patch672may be part of any other suitable mechanical mechanism, such as a toggle, lever, or switch. Furthermore, the contact patch672may be a sensor, including (but not limited to) a capacitive touch sensor and a proximity sensor, configured to send a signal to the release portion668to alter the state of the retention portion128.

In the implementation shown inFIG.6, the release portion668moves the second portion132of the retention portion128from the retained state to the unretained state. More specifically, the first magnet662and the second magnet664are permanent magnets that create their own persistent magnetic fields. The first polarity of the first magnet662refers to the north or south polarity of the first magnet662that is facing the fixture122while the second polarity of the second magnet664refers to the north or south polarity of the second magnet664that is facing the tabletop118. The first magnet662and the second magnet664are attracted to one another when opposing north and south polarities are facing one another. The second magnet664is rotatably coupled to the fixture122. The release portion668includes an actuator676configured to rotate the second magnet664. Pressing the button674rotates the second magnet664one hundred and eighty degrees and reverses the polarity that is facing the first magnet662. Therefore, the fixture122may be selectively coupled to the tabletop118by pressing the button674. For exemplary purposes, during operation pressing the button674rotates the second magnet664one hundred and eighty degrees. The polarity of the second magnet664facing the first magnet662opposes the polarity of the first magnet662. The first magnet662and the second magnet664are magnetically attracted to one another and the fixture122is coupled to the tabletop118. Pressing the button674rotates the second magnet664one hundred and eighty degrees. The polarity of the second magnet664facing the first magnet662is the same as the polarity of the first magnet662. The first magnet662and the second magnet664magnetically repel one another and the fixture122is decouple from the tabletop118.

FIG.7is a schematic side view illustration of an example implementation of the table system116in which at least one of the first magnet662and the second magnet664may be an electromagnet. In the implementation shown inFIG.7, both of the first magnet662and the second magnet664are electromagnets. The second magnet664is capable of alternating polarity such that the first magnet662and the second magnet664may alternate between magnetic attraction that couples the fixture122to the tabletop118and magnetic repulsion that releases the fixture122from the tabletop118. More specifically, each of the fixture122and the tabletop118may include a power supply778A,778B independent of one another. The power supply778A of the tabletop118may be wired to the first magnet662and configured to supply an electric current to the first magnet662capable of generating a magnetic field having the first polarity. The power supply778B of the fixture122may be wired to the second magnet664and configured to supply an electric current to the second magnet664capable of generating a magnetic field having the second polarity. When more than one fixture122is utilized, any number of fixtures122may be powered by the power supply778B. Each of the fixtures122that are powered may have their own power supply778B. Alternatively, one power supply778B may power more than one fixture122. The button674may be a switch configured to change the flow of the electric current to the second magnet664between a first direction facilitating one of the north and south polarities and a second direction facilitating the other one of the north and south polarities. As such, engaging the button674would reverse the polarity of the second magnet664to alternate between magnetic attraction with the first magnet662and magnetic repulsion of the first magnet662. Moreover, stopping current to the second magnet664would eliminate the magnetic field generated by the second magnet664and thus eliminate the polarity of the second magnet664. It is to be appreciated that the first magnet662may be coupled to the release portion668and alternate between polarities and/or no polarity.

InFIG.7, the vehicle100includes a controller780and at least one vehicle event detection system781in communication with the controller780. In this implementation, the controller780is dedicated to only the table system116. However, the controller780may be utilized for other systems within the vehicle100. For example, the controller780may be utilized for controlling safety systems within the vehicle, including airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, crash prevention, etc. The vehicle event detection system781may be any component configured to send a signal to the controller780indicating that the vehicle event has occurred or is about to occur, including (but not limited to) an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, a lidar system, a radar system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, and a navigation system. The controller780is coupled to, and in electronic communication with the power supply778A of the tabletop118. The controller780may alter the amount and direction of the current flowing to the first magnet662to accommodate for signals received from the vehicle event detection system781. For example, if the controller780receives a signal from the vehicle event detection system781and determines that a vehicle event has or will occur, the controller780may communicate with the power supply778A to increase the current to the first magnet662and thus increase the force of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet662and the second magnet664. The accompanying increase in force prevents decoupling of the fixture122from the tabletop118to prevent the object124from becoming a projectile during the vehicle event. The selective increase in current during the vehicle event allows for lower power consumption when strong magnetic force is not required during normal driving but increased magnetic force when necessary to retain the object124during a vehicle event. The controller780may also be configured to detect changes in current to the first magnet662. For example, if the passenger105pulls the fixture122when the fixture122is coupled to the tabletop118through magnetic attraction the magnetic field of the first magnet662will alter. The alteration in the magnetic field will vary the current flow through the first magnet662. The controller780may recognize the change in current as the passenger105is trying to move the fixture122. If the vehicle100is not in a recognized vehicle event, the controller780may end current flow to the first magnet662or reverse current flow to the first magnet662to reverse the polarity of the first magnet662, thus facilitating release of the fixture122.

FIG.8is a schematic side view illustration of an example implementation of the table system116in which one or more of the first portions130(i.e., at one or more of the mounting locations) includes one of a magnet882and a plate884. The second portion132includes the other one of the magnet882and the plate884. The plate884comprises a ferrous material that is magnetically attracted toward the magnet882. InFIG.8, the tabletop118includes the magnet882and the fixture122includes the plate884. The magnetic attraction between the plate884and the magnet882couples the fixture122to the tabletop118and retains the fixture122in the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevational direction Z.

In the implementation shown inFIG.8, the release portion668is mounted to the tabletop118with the contact patch672disposed on the upper surface126of the tabletop118. The magnet882is an electromagnet. The power supply778A of the tabletop118is wired to the magnet882and configured to supply the electric current to the magnet882capable of generating the magnetic field. The release portion668is electrically coupled to the magnet882and is configured to alternate between providing current to the magnet882to facilitate the magnetic field and magnetic attraction with the plate884and stopping current to the magnet882to at least reduce (and preferably eliminate) the magnetic attraction between the plate884and the magnet882.

The controller780may alter the amount and direction of the current flowing to the magnet882to accommodate for signals received from the vehicle event detection system781. For example, if the controller780receives a signal from the vehicle event detection system781and determines that a vehicle event has or will occur, the controller780may communicate with the power supply778A to increase the current to the magnet882and thus increase the force of the magnetic attraction between the magnet882and the plate884. The accompanying increase in force prevents decoupling of the fixture122from the tabletop118to prevent the object124from becoming a projectile during the vehicle event. The selective increase in current during the vehicle event allows for lower power consumption when strong magnetic force is not required during normal driving but increased magnetic force when necessary to retain the object124during a vehicle event. The controller780may also be configured to detect changes in current to the magnet882. For example, if the passenger105pulls the fixture122when the fixture122is coupled to the tabletop118through magnetic attraction, the magnetic field of the magnet882will alter. The alteration in the magnetic field will vary the current flow through the magnet882. The controller780may recognize the change in current as the passenger105is trying to move the fixture122. If the vehicle100is not in a recognized vehicle event, the controller780may end current flow to the magnet882, thus facilitating release of the fixture122.

In other implementations, the fixture122may include the magnet882while the tabletop118may include the plate884. Furthermore, the magnet882may be a permanent magnet that creates its own persistent magnetic field.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional side view illustration of an example implementation of the table system116in which one or more of the first portions130includes one of a post986and a cavity988and the second portion132includes the other one of the post986and the cavity988. The cavity988is configured to receive the post986in the retained state to restrain the fixture122. More specifically,FIG.9shows one or more of the first portions130of the tabletop118including the cavity988and the second portion132of the fixture122including the post986. The post986and the cavities988have corresponding and complementary configurations to ensure that the post986may be inserted into any of the cavities and limit movement between the fixture122and the tabletop118. More specifically, the post986and the cavity988are configured as cylinders inFIG.9. However, any suitable shape may be utilized. The post986and the cavity988may retain the fixture122along the elevational direction Z through a friction fit between the post986and the cavity988. The post986and the cavity988may also utilize a detent system to assist in retaining the post986within the cavity988. In the example shown inFIG.9, the tabletop118includes a ball990while the post986defines a detent992having a hemispherical configuration that is sized to receive at least a portion of the ball990. The remaining portion of the ball990engages the tabletop118. The ball990engages the post986in the detent992. The ball990may be biased toward the post986(such as with a spring) and is retained in the detent992through the bias. The ball990and the detent992secure the post986along the elevational direction Z. The release portion668may be coupled to the ball990and may move the ball990back into the tabletop118, away from the post986, to remove the post986from the cavity988and release the fixture122from the tabletop118. Although the ball990is shown having a spherical configuration and the detent992is shown having a complementary shape, the ball990and the detent992may have any suitable shape and size for retaining the post986within the cavity988.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional side view illustration of an example implementation of the table system116in which the retention portion128further includes an actuator1094coupled to the post986and arranged to move the post986along an axis A between a first position and a second position. The post986is disposed within the cavity988in the first position in the retained state and with the post986withdrawn from the cavity988in the second position in the unretained state. The movement of the post986facilitates selective mechanical coupling between the fixture122and the tabletop118while presenting hiding the components that facilitate the mechanical coupling when not in use. In the implementation shown inFIG.10, the first portion130of the retention portion128includes the post986. More specifically, the post986may be disposed at each of the mounting locations. Moreover, the post986may be disposed at any number of mounting locations. When the fixture122is disposed at one of the mounting locations, the post986at the respective mounting location protrudes above the tabletop118in the first position to engage the cavity988of the fixture122and facilitate coupling the fixture122to the table. The post986is disposed within the tabletop118in the second position, which decouples the fixture122from the tabletop118and permits movement of the fixture122independent of the tabletop118. The posts986are flush with the upper surface126of the tabletop118in the second position. The term flush refers to the posts986being disposed within the tabletop118, but even with the upper surface126, such that the upper surface126appears planar, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing. However, the posts986may be recessed within the tabletop118such that posts986are disposed below the upper surface126.

In the example shown inFIG.10, the actuator1094is an electric motor that is coupled to the release portion668. The passenger105engages the release portion668which sends a signal to the actuator1094move between the first position and the second position. However, the actuator1094may be any suitable system for moving the post986, including (but not limited to) a hydraulic pump, a pneumatic pump, linkages, gears, and cables.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional side view illustration of an example implementation of the table system116in which one or more of the first portions130includes one of the magnet882and the plate884and the second portion132includes the other one of the magnet882and the plate884. The plate884comprises a ferrous material that is magnetically attracted toward the magnet882. More specifically, one or more of the posts986of the tabletop118inFIG.11include the plate884while the fixture122includes the magnet882adjacent the cavity988. The post986and the cavity988restrain horizontal movement of the fixture122relative to the tabletop118. The magnet882and the plate884restrain vertical movement of the fixture122relative to the tabletop118(i.e., along the elevational direction Z). The magnet882inFIG.11is an electromagnet. The power supply778B of the fixture122is wired to the magnet882and configured to supply the electric current to the magnet882capable of generating the magnetic field. The release portion668is electrically coupled to the magnet882and is configured to alternate between providing current to the magnet882to facilitate the magnetic field and magnetic attraction with the plate884and stopping current to the magnet882to at least reduce (and preferably eliminate) the magnetic attraction between the plate884and the magnet882. When the magnet882produces the magnetic field, the plate884of the post986is drawn toward the magnet882, causing the post986to rise from the tabletop118and into the cavity988. The disposition of the post986in the cavity988retains the fixture122relative to the tabletop118in the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y while the magnetic attraction between the magnet882and the plate884retains the fixture122relative to tabletop118in the elevational direction Z. When the magnetic field of the magnet882is terminated, the post986recedes from the cavity988and back into the tabletop118due to the force of gravity. The post986may also be biased back into the tabletop118.

Although the implementations of the tabletop118and the fixture122are shown independently within the Figures, the implementations described above may be utilized in a table system116in any combination with one another. For example, the table system may include one or more fixtures122utilizing the magnet882and the plate884and one or more fixtures122utilizing the first magnet662and the second magnet664.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores user preference related information that allows operation of a device according to user preferences. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user's experience.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, information may be determined each time the system is used, and without subsequently storing the information or associating with the particular user.