Electronic device support for vehicles

A support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The support may comprise an elongated cavity or slot configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The slot is collapsible to help secure a portable electronic device therein or for storage purposes. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. A passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned. Likewise, an operator or the like may rotate the support for cleaning or other maintenance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to vehicular entertainment, and in particular to an electronic device support for vehicles.

2. Related Art

Airplane tray tables have been largely unchanged for decades. In general, such tray tables move between a stowed upright position and a service position where a tray table is generally horizontal so that items may be supported by the tray table. In the service position, the tray table may be used to support food, drink, and other items for a passenger. Though positioned directly in reach of a passenger, traditional tray tables are limited to such functionality.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A support for portable electronic devices is disclosed herein. As will be detailed herein, the support allows passengers to easily secure portable electronic devices within a vehicle at various viewing or use positions. In this manner, entertainment or other services may be enjoyed while preserving passenger comfort. In addition, the support is highly versatile in that it is configured to accept various electronic devices and even multiple electronic devices at once, while also being easily stowed. In some embodiments, the support may be rotatable to allow passengers of different heights and having different preferences to position portable electronic devices as they desire, and to allow for cleaning and maintenance of the support.

Various embodiments and methods related to the support are disclosed herein. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, a support may comprise a tray table for holding a portable electronic device in a vehicle, with such tray table may comprising a body having a top surface for supporting one or more items, a slot in the body comprising a first wall, and a second wall. The second wall is formed by a presser. The slot is dimensioned to receive an edge of a planar portable electronic device and to hold the planar portable electronic device upright when the planar portable electronic device is received within the slot, A biasing device is connected to the presser that forces the presser towards the first wall. One or more mounts for attaching the tray table to a portion of the vehicle are included as well.

The presser may have an angled distal end, or be round to allow the slot to receive a portable electronic device without obstruction. A pivot may be at a bottom of the slot to secure the pressor in a rotatable fashion. An opening may be at a bottom of the slot. In addition, the first wall may be taller than the second wall, or vice versa.

A rotatable assembly may be included as well. The rotatable assembly may comprise a recess in the body, a rotatable body, wherein the slot is formed in the rotatable body, and one or more rotatable mounts securing the rotatable body to the body within the recess.

In another exemplary embodiment, a support may be a tray table comprising a body having a top surface and a back end, one or more mounts for attaching the tray table to a portion of the vehicle, and a bracket comprising a base and an upright at a back end of the tray table. One or more slides at the body slidably secure the bracket to the body, such that the bracket is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A collapsible slot comprising a bottom formed by the base of the bracket, a front wall formed by the back end of the body, and a back wall formed by the upright of the bracket is also included. The collapsible slot is collapsed when the bracket is in the retracted position and is expanded when the bracket is in the extended position. Also, the collapsible slot is dimensioned to receive an edge of the portable electronic device and hold the portable electronic device upright when expanded.

A biasing device may be connected to the bracket that pulls the bracket towards the body. An opening may be in the bottom of the collapsible slot for cleaning an maintenance purposes. The slides may each comprise one or more pegs and a rail. The upright of the bracket may be formed by a pivoting presser. Also, a biasing device that forces the pivoting presser towards the front wall may be provided. The base and the upright of the bracket may be at a non-perpendicular angle relative to one another.

A method for holding a portable electronic device in a vehicle may comprise providing a tray table having a body comprising a slot having a first wall and a second wall, moving the second wall away from the first wall, receiving an edge of the portable electronic device in the slot, holding the portable electronic device upright relative to a top surface of the tray table with the slot, and attaching a portion of the tray table to the vehicle to secure the tray table thereto.

A biasing device may be attached to the second wall that forces the second wall towards the first wall. The second wall may be formed with a slidable bracket that is movable inward and outward at a back end of the body. In addition, an opening may be formed in a bottom of the slot. A rotatable body may be provided within a recess of the body. In such case, the slot will be formed in the rotatable body. The method may also include forming a rounded or angled distal end of the second wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the tray table herein provides is a versatile support for one or more portable electronic devices. As will be described further below, the tray table may be configured to hold portable electronic devices of various shapes and sizes. This is advantageous in that it allows passengers to enjoy use of their personal electronic devices during a flight air or other vehicular travel. For example, passengers may access and enjoy various media or other entertainment via their electronic devices during a flight, road trip, cruise, or bus or train ride. Using the tray table, passengers avoid having to hold, prop up, or otherwise secure their electronic devices in unorthodox ways, such as by leaning the devices against various surfaces at their seats. In addition, the tray table increases passenger comfort by holding portable electronic devices in an ergonomic position. In some embodiments, as will be described further below, the tray table's support may be rotatable or movable to allow adjustments to the position of a portable electronic device.

FIG. 1Aprovides a top perspective view of an exemplary tray table104having a support108for portable electronic devices. As can be seen, the tray table104provides a planar top surface112that passengers may place their various items on. The tray table104may also include one or more mounting points116or mounts that allow it to be installed in an aircraft, such as on a back portion an aircraft passenger seat. In typical embodiments, the tray table104will mount to the rotatable tray table support arms of aircraft passenger seats. Mounting points may be at or near a back end120of the tray table104. The mounting points116will typically allow the tray table104to rotate or otherwise move so as to allow the tray table to be moved between a stowed position (where it is secured to a seat back) and a service position (where it is substantially horizontal to support items on its top surface).

As can also be seen, the support108may be positioned at the back end120of the tray table104. This allows the portion of the top surface112in front of the support108to be used even when the support108is in use. It is contemplated that the support108may be located at different locations as well. For instance, the support108may be near a front end124of the tray table104, at a central portion128, or elsewhere. Typically, the support108will extend laterally across the tray table104parallel to the back edge of the tray table, however it is contemplated that the support108may be angled slightly in some embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, the support108may be an excavated portion of the tray table104configured to accept a portable electronic device. For instance, the support108may be a cavity132formed in the body136of the tray table104for instance. For example the cavity132may be a slot or groove. The cavity132may comprise a front wall140and a back wall144, and one or more sidewalls148.

It is noted that the tray table104may include one or more magnets164at or near its top surface112to hold a portable electronic device on the top surface. In operation, the magnets164would be attracted to a magnetic structure within the portable electronic device, thus holding the portable electronic device. Though shown at particular locations inFIG. 1A, it is contemplated that the magnets164may be at various locations of the tray table104. In addition, fewer or additional magnets164may be provided in one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 1B-1Cprovide cross sectional views of the tray table104and support108.FIG. 1Bis a cross sectional view across Line1, whileFIG. 1Cis a cross sectional view across Line2. As can be seen, the cavity132may have a bottom152to provide support to a portable electronic device thus preventing the device from sliding out of the support108through its bottom. It is noted that the bottom152may have one or more openings156to allow ventilation and to allow any spilled liquids or other debris to fall out of the support108. This aids in keeping the support clean.

It is contemplated that the support108may be configured to provide connectivity to any device it is holding. For instance, in one embodiment, the support108may optionally include an electrical, optical, or other connectors168to provide power or data connections to a portable electronic device. If a connector168is provided, it is contemplated that one or more magnets may optionally be used to secure a connector168to a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the support108may provide wireless connectivity to power or data connections. For example, the support108may provide inductive battery charging or a short-range data connection (such as a Bluetooth™ connection) to portable electronic devices. The tray table104may contain its own power source, such as one or more batteries, and/or may be connected to an aircraft's power system. The batteries may be rechargeable. In one or more embodiments, the batteries may be held in a compartment within the tray table104and be removable therefrom, such as for replacement, recharging, or both.

FIG. 1Dillustrates a cross sectional view of an additional embodiment of the support108. As can be seen, the cavity132may be “L” shaped thus providing a bottom152to support a portable electronic device. The lower portion of the “L” shape terminates at an opening near the back end of the tray table104. This is advantageous in that it causes any fluids (or other dirt/debris) to flow toward the back of the tray table. In the event of a spill, such fluids would exit the tray table104away from the passenger as much as possible. It is noted that rather than forming the entire cavity132into an “L” shape, one or more channels/openings, could form the bottom of the “L” shape and guide fluids (or other dirt/and debris) toward the back of the tray table.

It is contemplated that a removable liner may be provided in some embodiments to aid in keeping the support clean. The liner may conform to the cavity132and may removed and replaced with a new liner when dirty. Alternatively or in addition, a plug, cap or other or covering may be provided to fill the cavity132to prevent dirt or debris from entering the support108. Typically, the plug or cover would have a planar top positioned flush with the top surface112of the tray table104, when inserted into the cavity132. It is contemplated that the plug or cover may be affixed to the cavity132in some embodiments. For instance, the plug or cover may be a spring loaded or other biased mechanism that may be depressed downward to provide access to the cavity132, thereby allowing an electronic device204to be inserted into the support108. When not depressed, the biasing mechanism would raise the plug or cover such that it is flush with the top surface112of the tray table.

Referring toFIG. 1B, the support108may be angled in one or more embodiments. For instance, the support108may have a back wall144and/or front wall140that is at a non-perpendicular angle to the top surface112or body136of the tray table. As will be described further below, this allows the support108to hold a portable electronic device at an angle, which causes the device to face a seated passenger for ideal viewing. In one or more embodiments, the support108will be angled rearward towards the back end or edge of the tray table104to accomplish this.

It is contemplated that the cavity132may have various other cross sectional shapes as well. For example, the front wall140and back wall144may form a “V” or other shape that tapers from the top surface112of the tray table104. This allows portable electronic devices of various thickness thicknesses to be inserted into and securely held by the cavity132. Alternatively or in addition, the cavity132may have a stepped cross section to produce a set of discrete widths between the front wall140and back wall144. In other words, the front wall140and/or back wall144may be shaped like steps. This also allows portable electronic devices of various thicknesses to be supported by the cavity132.

FIG. 1Eis a bottom view of the tray table104showing the opening156, which allows dirt and debris to exit the support108. As can be seen, the opening156extends to the bottom surface160of the tray table104so that dirt and debris can fall out of the tray table104. The opening156will typically be smaller than the cavity132so that an electronic device may be supported therein without falling through the opening. For example, the opening156may have a smaller width and/or length than the support108. Though shown as a single opening156inFIG. 1E, it is contemplated that a plurality of openings may be used.

In addition, an opening156may be formed in various shapes and sizes. For example, an opening may have a length of 1-2 inches in some embodiments. This is advantageous in that such opening156is large enough to allow dirt and debris to escape while not being so large as to result in a smaller electronic device (such as a phone or other handheld device) to fall through the opening. In one or more embodiments, the bottom152of the support108may slant towards the opening156so as to guide dirt and debris toward the opening.

In one or more embodiments, the body136may be constructed to aid in cleaning the tray table104. For example, the body136or portions thereof may be formed from material having anti-microbial or anti-bacterial qualities. In some embodiments, the body136or portions thereof may be coated with such materials. It is noted that only portions of the tray table104, such as the top surface112may be formed from or coated with anti-microbial and/or anti-bacterial materials.

It is contemplated that a removable liner may be provided in some embodiments to aid in keeping the support clean. The liner may conform to the cavity132and may removed and replaced with a new liner when dirty. Alternatively or in addition, a cover172, cap or other or covering may be provided to fill the cavity132to prevent dirt or debris from entering the support108. Typically, the cover172would have a planar top positioned flush with the top surface112of the tray table104, when inserted into the cavity132, such as shown inFIG. 1F.FIG. 1Fis a top view of an exemplary tray table104having a support108. It is contemplated that the cover172may be affixed to the cavity132in some embodiments. For instance, the cover172may be a spring loaded or other biased mechanism that may be depressed downward to provide access to the cavity132, thereby allowing an electronic device204to be inserted into the support108. When not depressed, the biasing mechanism would raise the cover172such that it is flush with the top surface112of the tray table.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary tray table104having a portable electronic device204installed therein. As can be seen, the portable electronic device204may be held by the support108at a reclined angle, such as described above. It is contemplated that the support108may have a length selected to accommodate a variety of portable electronic devices. For instance, as can be seen fromFIG. 2, the support108may accept a tablet device but also is sized to allow smaller devices, such as portable media players, smart phones, and portable gaming machines, to be held.

It is contemplated that the support108may be configured to provide connectivity to any device it is holding. For instance, the support108may have electrical, optical, or other terminals to provide power or data connections to a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the support108may provide wireless connectivity to power or data connections. For example, the support108may provide inductive battery charging or a short-range data connection (such as a Bluetooth™ connection) to portable electronic devices. The tray table104may contain its own power source, such as one or more batteries, and/or may be connected to an aircraft's power system. The batteries may be rechargeable. In one or more embodiments, the batteries may be held in a compartment within the tray table104and be removable therefrom, such as for replacement, recharging, or both.

As disclosed above, the tray table may provide an adjustable support in some embodiments, such as to permit passengers to position their portable electronic devices at various angles. As will now be described with regard toFIGS. 3A-3C, the tray table104may include a rotatable assembly to allow such positioning.

FIG. 3Aprovides a top perspective view of the tray table104. As can be seen, the outward appearance of an adjustable embodiment, may be similar to that disclosed above. In one or more embodiments, a control device304may be provided to allow the position of the support108to be changed. As shown, an adjustment wheel is provided as the control device304. It is noted that various control devices, such as knobs, levers, sliders, buttons, or the like may be used to move the support108. In addition, multiple control devices304may be provided. For instance an adjustment wheel or other control device304could be on both sides of the support108in some embodiments.

It is also noted that the support108may be biased (such as by one or more springs) in some embodiments. In this manner, the support108may be configured to automatically move or rotate to a particular position when a control device304is engaged, as will be described further below.

FIG. 3Bprovides a cross sectional view of the tray table across Line1ofFIG. 3A. As can be seen the body136of the tray table104may be configured to accommodate a rotatable assembly308. For example, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 3B, a compartment312comprising a curved front and back wall316,320configured to accept the rotatable assembly308while allowing the rotatable assembly to rotate or move within the compartment is provided. The compartment312may include a bottom324to enclose the rotatable assembly308. An optional bottom324may be provided in some embodiments. It is noted that without a bottom324, any dirt or debris that collects in the rotatable assembly308can be removed by rotating the assembly such that such debris can fall out of the assembly. Alternatively, and opening156may be formed in the bottom324of the compartment312to allow such dirt and debris to exit the assembly308.

It is contemplated that the compartment312may extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the tray table's body136in some embodiments. In this manner, the compartment312would have an opening at its top and bottom. This allows electronic devices to be received in the cavity132via the top opening of the compartment312while also allowing dirt and debris to exit the assembly via the bottom opening of the compartment. The body332of the rotatable assembly308may be sized to protrude from both the top and bottom opening of the compartment312. In this manner, the body332itself forms a seal with the compartment312thereby preventing dirt and debris from entering the assembly308.

The rotatable assembly308may comprise a body332having a cavity132therein to accept a portable electronic device. Similar to above, the cavity132may comprise a front wall140, a back wall144, and one or more sidewalls148. A bottom152may be provided to prevent a portable electronic device from falling out of the cavity132, such as described above. As can be seen, the cavity132may be angled to hold a portable electronic device at an angled position, such as described above. It is contemplated that the cavity132may be not be angled (i.e., be perpendicular to the axis of rotation) in some embodiments. With the rotatable assembly308for instance, a passenger may choose his or her desired angle by rotating the rotatable assembly. Thus, the cavity132itself may but need not be angled in all embodiments.

The body332or portion thereof of the rotatable assembly308may be rounded or cylindrical in one or more embodiments, such as to allow the rotatable assembly to rotate within the tray table104. It is contemplated that the body332or portion thereof could have other cross sectional shapes. For example, the body332may be triangular, a pentagon, hexagon, or other shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the body332may be used to help hold the body332in position after it has been rotated. For example, the shape of the body may cause it to engage other surfaces of the tray table104thus holding the body in position.

One or more holding mechanisms may be used to hold the rotatable assembly308in a particular position. For example, a biased braking pad or other surface may press against the rotatable assembly308(such as at the body332) to prevent the rotatable assembly from rotating out of a desired position. Other holding mechanisms, such as removable locking pins, detents, or the like could be used as well. In addition, it is contemplated that the body332may closely conform to its compartment312to hold itself in position once rotated to a desired position.

FIG. 3Cillustrates a cross sectional view of the tray table104across Line2ofFIG. 3A. As can be seen, the rotatable assembly308may comprise one or more axels336upon which its rotation may be accomplished. The axels336may extend to engage a portion of the rotatable assembly's compartment312to support the rotatable assembly308therein.

As shown inFIG. 3C, an axel336may also be mechanically linked to a control device304in one or more embodiments. In this manner, the axel336and thus the rotatable assembly308may be rotated by manipulating a control device304. For example, inFIG. 3Crotating the control device304also rotates the rotatable assembly308. It is noted that one or more biasing devices, such as springs, may engage or be attached to an axel336as well. This allows the rotatable assembly308to automatically move to a particular position when a biasing device is activated. For example, a biasing device may be configured to rotate the cavity132of the rotatable assembly308such that it is accessible from the top of the tray table104. Alternatively, a biasing device could rotate the cavity132such that it is inaccessible, thus “closing” the support108. This may be desirable to prevent unwanted dirt or debris from entering the cavity132, such as during food service on a flight.

FIGS. 4A-4Billustrate a rotatable assembly308in operation. As can be seen, the rotatable assembly308may rotate from the open position shown inFIG. 4Ato the closed position shown inFIG. 4B. In the open position, the cavity132of the rotatable assembly308is typically accessible, thus allowing one or more portable electronic devices204to be supported therein, such as shown inFIG. 4A.

When not in use, the rotatable assembly308may be rotated to a closed position, such as shown inFIG. 4B. As can be seen, the cavity132may not be accessible when in the closed position. As stated, this prevents dirt or debris from entering the cavity132. In embodiments where the tray table's compartment312has an open bottom, the rotatable assembly308may be rotated to empty any dirt or debris that may have collected therein. It is noted that the compartment312may have a removable bottom to allow this cleaning process to occur.

It is noted that the cavity132of the tray table104may be configured to protect any portable electronic devices it holds. For example, in one or more embodiments, the cavity132or portions thereof may be padded or be coated with non-abrasive surfaces to prevent the cavity from scratching or otherwise damaging the enclosure of a portable electronic device.

FIGS. 4C-4Eillustrate another rotatable assembly308in operation. As can be seen, an elongated tab404extends from the body332of the rotatable assembly. The elongated tab404may be an elongated member, planer structure, or the like which extends from the body332. In operation, a bottom portion of an electronic device may be placed in the support108while an upper portion is propped up against (i.e., held by) the tab404. This can be seen fromFIG. 4C, which illustrates the rotatable assembly308in an open position.

FIGS. 4D-4Eillustrate the rotatable assembly308in a closed position. In one or more embodiments, the body136of the tray table104may have a recess408formed therein to accept the tab404. In this manner, when closed, the rotatable assembly's tab404is positioned flush with the top surface112of the tray table104. This prevents the rotatable assembly308from obstructing use of the tray table and provides a planar surface for placement of one or more items. In addition, as can be seen fromFIGS. 4D-4E, the tab404also encloses the compartment312preventing dirt and debris from entering. A cutout or recess412may be provided to allow the tab404to be lifted in some embodiments.

Though shown in a compartment312having a bottom324, it is noted that a bottom need not be provided in all embodiments having a rotatable assembly308. For instance, as described above, the compartment312may have an open bottom to allow dirt and debris to exit the compartment. Alternatively, one or more openings may be formed in the bottom324, such as described above with regard toFIG. 3B, to allow dirt and debris to exit the compartment312.

The body332may be an elongated structure having flat sides. For instance, as shown inFIGS. 4F-4I, the body332is a rectangular shape extending laterally between a left and right side of the tray table104at the back end120of the tray table. In one or more embodiments, a lip420may extend from a portion of the body332. As can be seen fromFIG. 4F, the lip420may extend from a top portion of the body332so that it forms a barrier to prevent items on placed on the top surface112of the tray table104from sliding off the back end120of the tray table.

The cavity132will typically extend along the length of the body332, such as shown. In one or more embodiments, the cavity132may be an elongated opening configured to accept a portion of one or more portable electronic device204. As shown inFIGS. 4H-4Ifor example, the cavity132comprises a rectangular opening sized to accept an edge or end of a portable electronic device204. This secures the portable electronic device204within the body332and allows a user to use the portable electronic device204without having to hold the portable electronic device.

Positioning the body332of the rotatable assembly308at the back end120of the tray table is advantageous in that it allows the cavity132to be exposed at the back end of the tray table. When the tray table104is in a stowed position, it will typically be in a vertical orientation with the front end124of the tray table being above the back end120of the tray table. In this manner, any dirt or debris in the cavity132would automatically fall out of the cavity keeping the cavity clean and unobstructed. Maintenance or other personnel may then collect such dirt and debris from the floor of the aircraft.

One or more openings156may be at the bottom of the cavity132in one or more embodiments to also aid in keeping the cavity clean. Typically, an opening156will extend from the bottom of the cavity132to an external surface of the body332. This allows any dirt or debris that enters the cavity132to fall out of the cavity keeping the cavity clean.FIG. 4Gillustrates an exemplary opening156.

FIGS. 4F-4Ialso illustrate operation of the tray table104as its rotatable assembly308rotates from a closed position, as shown inFIG. 4F, to an open position as shown inFIGS. 4H-4I.FIG. 4Gillustrates the rotatable assembly308in an intermediate position as it rotates between an open and closed position.

In the closed position, the body332of the rotatable assembly308forms a portion of the top surface112of the tray table104. For instance, as shown inFIG. 4F, the top portion of the rotatable assembly's body332is coplanar with the top surface112of the tray table104. In this manner, the rotatable assembly308does not obstruct or hinder use of the tray table104when in the closed position. A passenger is therefore free to place items on the top surface112of the tray table104as desired. For example, the passenger may place food service items such as plates, cups, and utensils on the top surface112. As shown inFIG. 4F, an optional cup holding inset416is provided to receive cups or the like. The lip420extends upward at the back end120of the tray table104to prevent items from falling off the back end of the tray table.

When use of a portable electronic device204is desired, the rotatable assembly308may be rotated to expose a cavity132. As can be seen, the body332of the rotatable assembly308may be rotated such that the cavity132moves in an arc starting at the back end120of the tray table.FIG. 4Gillustrates the body332having been moved from the closed position ofFIG. 4F. As the rotation of the body332continues, the cavity132moves upward thereby positioning the cavity to receive a portable electronic device204, such as shown inFIG. 4H-4I. In this open position, the cavity132holds the portable electronic device upright for use.FIGS. 4H-4Irespectively provide a back and front perspective view of the tray table104with its rotatable assembly308in an open position and holding a portable electronic device204.

In one or more embodiments, the rotatable assembly308may be configured such that the opening of the cavity132is positioned above the top surface112of the tray table104when the rotatable assembly is in an open position, such as shown inFIGS. 4H-4I. This is advantageous in that the higher elevation helps prevent any dirt and debris that may be on the top surface112of the tray table104from entering the cavity132.

FIGS. 4J-4Killustrate side cross sectional views of the rotatable assembly308ofFIGS. 4F-4Iin operation.FIG. 4Jshows the rotatable assembly308in a closed position whileFIG. 4Kshows the rotatable assembly in an open position. As can be seen, the cavity132is oriented toward the back end120of the tray table104in the closed position, while the cavity132is oriented upward to receive a portable electronic device204in the open position.

As described above, the cavity132may comprise a front wall140, a back wall144and one or more sidewalls148. The bottom152of the cavity132engages an edge or end of a portable electronic device to support the portable electronic device. An optional opening156at the bottom of the cavity132allows dirt and debris to exit the cavity, as described above. As can be seen fromFIG. 4Kfor example, in the open position, dirt or debris that enters the cavity132would fall into the opening156and out of the body332. It is noted that dirt and debris that is too large to fit into the opening156would fall out of the cavity132when the tray table104is put in a stowed position, as described above.

The body332of the rotatable assembly308may be mounted to the tray table104via one or more rotatable mounts.FIG. 4Lillustrates a back cross sectional view of the rotatable assembly308where the body332of the rotatable assembly is mounted to the body136of the tray table104via a pair of axels336. As can be seen, the axels336may extend from the left and right or lateral ends424of the body332and into a portion of the tray table's body136(or vice versa). The body332can thus rotate about the axels336between the closed and open positions, as shown respectively inFIGS. 4J-4K.

It is contemplated that some embodiments of the tray table104may comprise movable or removable portions to allow for cleaning and maintenance. Referring toFIGS. 5A-5Cfor example, a first portion504of the tray table104may be configured to separate from a second portion508of the tray table. at one or more separations516. In one or more embodiments, the two portions504,508may meet at or near the support108. In this manner, the two portions504,508would be separable at or near the support, such as delineated by Line2ofFIG. 5shown. Once separated, access to an interior portion of the support108is more easily achieved, such as to clean or maintain the support108or any elements associated with the support (such as adjustable elements).

One or more fasteners512may be used to allow the first portion504and second portion508to removably attach to one another. For example, as shown, the tray table104may comprise one or more hinges that allow the first and second portions504,508to fold relative to one another, thereby providing access to an interior portion of the support108. It is contemplated that the hinge may include a biasing mechanism and or locking mechanism to hold the first and second portions504,508in a planar configuration (such as shown inFIG. 55A) during use. One or more additional fasteners512such as screws, pins, claps, magnets or the like may also or alternatively be used to hold the first and second portions504,508in the planer configuration.

Alternatively, the first and second portions504,508may be completely separable form one another, such as in the embodiments ofFIGS. 5B-5C. For example, the first and second portions504,508may be configured to pull apart when detached from one another. In such embodiments,FIG. 5Cillustrates the tray table104having its first and second portions504,508separated from one another.

It is noted that the first and second portions504,508may comprise mating surfaces or structures that secure the first and second portions together when connected. For example, the first and second portions504,508may have grooves, slots, tabs, or the like that correspond to one another. It is noted that, similar to Also, as stated above, one or more additional fasteners512may be used to secure the first and second portions504,508in a planar configuration. As shown inFIG. 5Cfor example, one or more pins520may connect and secure the first and second portions504,508together when assembled.

It is contemplated that, when mounted to an aircraft passenger seat, only the first or second portion504,508would be attached to the tray table support arms of the seat. This permits the first and second portions504,508to be removable from one another (such as to clean or maintain the support108) without removing the tray table104from the seat. Alternatively, both the first and second portions504,508may be attached to the tray table support arms, such as to secure the first and second portions together in a planar configuration. In such case, additional fasteners for holding the first and second portions together need not be used.

FIGS. 6A-6Fillustrate various slots or cavities132having biasing mechanisms604that may be used to help hold or secure a portable electronic device204. In general, a biasing mechanism604applies force to a portable electronic device204to increase friction between the portable electronic device and a cavity132in which it has been inserted. For instance, a biasing mechanism604may clamp or squeeze a portion of a portable electronic device204to help secure the portable electronic device within a cavity132. As can be seen fromFIG. 6A-6F, a biasing mechanism604may be used in embodiments with a fixed support108or rotating assembly308, including those disclosed above.

FIGS. 6A-6Bprovide a side cross sectional view of a first biasing mechanism604in operation. As can be seen, a biasing mechanism604may comprise a presser620that applies force to a portable electronic device204to help secure the portable electronic device. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 6A-6B, the presser620is pivotally attached to the body132of a tray table104at a mount624within a cavity at back end120of the tray table via a connecting rod616. It is noted that a pivot or rotating mount may attach the connecting rod616at either or both of its ends. The presser620is biased or pushed into a cavity132of the tray table104by one or more biasing devices612. This causes the presser620to protrude into the cavity132.

A presser620may also be coupled to one or more biasing devices612, such as various springs, elastic or other resilient device/material. A variety of biasing devices612are illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6B. It is contemplated that only a single biasing device612is needed in most embodiments however. It can be seen with reference toFIGS. 6A-6Bthat a biasing device may bias movement of a presser620at its pivot (e.g., at a rotating mount624), at its connecting rod616, or at the presser620itself

InFIGS. 6A-6B, the biasing device612directly connected to the presser620expands to push the presser into the cavity132, the biasing device connected to the connecting rod616compresses to pull the presser into the cavity, and the biasing device at the rotating mount624applies a rotational force with rotates the presser into the cavity. It is noted again that only a single biasing device620need be used in most embodiments. The presser620may protrude into the cavity132through an opening608in the back wall144(or front wall140).

As can be seen fromFIG. 6B, when a portable electronic device204is inserted in the cavity132, the presser620is forced at least partially out of the cavity132to allow the cavity to accommodate the portable electronic device. In this position, the presser620continues to exert pressure or force on the portable electronic device204from its one or more biasing devices612.

FIGS. 6C-6Dprovide a cross sectional view of a second biasing mechanism604. As can be seen, the presser620in this embodiment is within the cavity132at a first wall144of the cavity. A biasing mechanism612applies force to push the presser620towards the opposite wall140of the cavity. Alternatively or in addition, a biasing mechanism612may be at a pivot point of the presser620and apply rotational force at such point to push the presser620towards the opposite wall. The presser620is pivotally or movably mounted to a mount624, similar to above. It is noted that a presser620may move linearly rather than rotationally in some embodiments. For example, a presser620may extend and retract parallel to a front or back wall140,144.

As can be seen inFIG. 6D, when a portable electronic device204is inserted in the cavity132, the presser620is forced back towards the first wall144to allow the cavity to accommodate the portable electronic device. In this position, the presser620continues to exert pressure or force on the portable electronic device204from its one or more biasing devices612.

A presser620may be rounded, angled or both to prevent a presser620from obstructing entry of a portable electronic device204into a cavity132. As can be seen inFIGS. 6A-6Bfor instance, the presser620is rounded and may rotate at the distal end of its connecting rod616to allow insertion of a portable electronic device204without obstruction. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 6C-6D, the presser620has an angled distal end so as to also allow a portable electronic device204to be inserted into its cavity132without obstruction.

FIGS. 6E-6Fillustrate another embodiment of a biasing mechanism604where the presser620forms one of the walls140of the cavity132.FIGS. 6E-6Falso show that a biasing mechanism604may be used in embodiments having a rotating assembly308.

As can be seen, the presser620in this embodiment is pivotally or movably mounted via a mount624. A biasing device612, such as a spring, is at the mount624and provides a rotational bias which forces or moves the presser620towards the opposite wall144of the cavity. In one o more embodiments, the biasing device612may be about or at a pivot or axel of a mount624to apply rotational force to the presser620.

As can be seen fromFIG. 6F, the bias of the presser620is overcome as a portable electronic device204is inserted into the cavity132. The presser620is moved outward to accommodate the portable electronic device204and continues to apply inward pressure or force to help secure the portable electronic device in the cavity132.

Though shown at or forming a front wall140or back wall144of a cavity132inFIGS. 6A-6F, it is contemplated that a biasing mechanism604may be at either or both walls140,144of a cavity. In addition, it is contemplated that a presser620need not be pivotally or rotatably mounted in all embodiments. For example, a presser620may be mounted to a telescoping mount that moves in a linear inward and outward fashion. A biasing device612can be used to bias the telescoping mount outward to apply force or pressure to a portable electronic device204when inserted.

FIGS. 6G-6Killustrate another exemplary embodiment comprising a rotatable assembly308and a presser620. The perspective view ofFIG. 6Gillustrates the rotatable assembly308installed in an exemplary tray table104and rotated to an open position. A portable electronic device204is received within the cavity132of the rotatable assembly308and held for use by a passenger or other user. A body332of the rotatable assembly308may be rotatably mounted to a tray table104via one or more axels336(and openings632for receiving such axels), pivots or other rotatable mounts. Similar to above, the presser620is movable to receive and hold a portable electronic device with a cavity132of the rotatable assembly308.

FIGS. 6H-6Irespectively illustrate top and bottom perspective views of an exemplary presser620in a retracted position, whileFIGS. 6J-6Krespectively illustrate top and bottom perspective views of the presser in an extended position. As can be seen, the presser620may form or comprise a front wall140and bottom152of a cavity132and be movable (i.e., extendable and retractable) therewith. A body332of a rotating assembly308may comprise a notch636to receive a presser620. It can be seen fromFIGS. 6H and 6Jfor example, that the body332comprises a central notch636where the presser620is movably mounted.

In a retracted position the front wall140and back wall144are closer to one another as compared to an extended position. This allows a cavity132to accommodate portable electronic devices of various widths. Also, a biasing mechanism604may apply a force to move the presser620(and therefore the front wall140) toward the back wall144. This too helps secure a portable electronic device within a cavity132.

As can be seen fromFIG. 6K, one or more biasing devices612may be used to produce such force. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6Kfor example, biasing devices612comprising springs extend between the body332of the rotatable assembly308and the presser620. The biasing devices612apply force causing the presser620to be biased to a retracted position, such as that shown inFIG. 6I.

It is noted that a biasing mechanism604may include one or more guides628to guide or control the movement if a presser620. As shown inFIG. 6Kfor example, one or more guide pins628extend from the body332and into corresponding openings of the presser620to guide the movement of the presser as it moves between an extended and retracted position. A pin628may have an enlarged distal end to prevent the presser620from extending beyond a predefined point. It is contemplated that one or more guides628, may be at the lateral ends of a presser620in some embodiments. For example, a linear channel may be formed in each lateral end of a presser620while corresponding rails extend from the sides of the notch636of a body332, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, a biasing mechanism604need not be provided. In such embodiments, a presser620may be held in position by friction, such as between one or more pins628and their corresponding openings. Alternatively, one or more detents and corresponding tabs may be used to hold a presser620in position. For example, a detent or tab may be formed at the lateral ends of a presser620with a corresponding tab or detent at a body332of a rotatable assembly308.

FIGS. 7A-7Billustrate a side view of an exemplary tray table104having a collapsible slot or cavity132. As can be seen, a slidable or movable bracket704forms a back wall144and bottom152of the cavity, while a front wall140of the cavity132is formed by the tray table's body136. The bracket704is slidable at a back end120of the tray table104to allow a cavity132to be expanded and collapsed.

For instance, the bracket704has been moved toward the tray table's body136inFIG. 7A. This collapses the cavity132. InFIG. 7B, the bracket704has been moved outward from the body136to expand the cavity132. Once expanded, a cavity132can receive, support and secure a portable electronic device therein, such as described above. It is noted that one or more biasing devices612, such as springs, may pull the bracket704toward the body. This bias applies pressure or force to a portable electronic device to help secure the portable electronic device once inserted in the cavity132. Alternatively or in addition, it is noted that the back wall144may be formed by a presser620, such as described above with regard toFIGS. 6E-6F. In another embodiment, a presser620, such as described with regard toFIGS. 6A-6D, may be at the front wall140or back wall144of the cavity.

Typically, a bracket704will comprise a base716and an upright712. The base716and upright712may be perpendicular to one another such as shown inFIGS. 7A-7B. Alternatively, the base716and upright712may extend at various angles. For example, an upright712may be angled backwards to allow a portable electronic device to be supported at a reclined angle. It is noted that, in some embodiments, a portion of a tray table's body136may have a notch708or removed to accommodate the base716of a bracket704. Alternatively a body136may have a slot or cavity therein to receive the base716of a bracket704.

It is noted that a notch708need not be provided in every embodiment. For instance, in a retrofit where the bracket704is installed on a preexisting tray table104the bracket may be movably secured at a bottom surface of such tray table. Alternatively, a notch708may be machined or otherwise formed in the preexisting tray table104.

One or more slides may be used to secure a bracket704to a tray table's body136. A slide may comprise a rail, groove, or other structure that allows a bracket704to move inward and outward to respectively collapse and expand a cavity132. InFIGS. 7A-7D, slides comprising a peg720and rail724movably attach the bracket704to the tray table's body136. As can be seen, the pegs720have an enlarged head at their distal ends. One or more narrower pins extend from the enlarged head and are secured to the body136. As shown in the bottom views ofFIGS. 7C-7D, the one or more pins slide within rails724of the base716of a bracket704, while the enlarged heads secure base716.

InFIG. 7C, the cavity132is collapsed. The bracket704can then be slid outward to expand the cavity, such as shown inFIG. 7D. In an expanded position, the front wall140and back wall144are sufficiently separated to accept a portable electronic device. Thereafter, a portable electronic device can be inserted into the cavity. When no longer desired, the cavity132can again be collapsed by moving the bracket inward towards the tray table's body136. This reduces the size of the tray table104allowing it to be stowed in a more space saving manner.