Deployment mechanism for a deployable table

A deployment mechanism for a seat table has a non-linear motion slide comprising a primary carriage movable back and forth along a primary track. A secondary carriage is coupled to the primary carriage and moves with the primary carriage. A secondary non-linear track runs non-parallel with the primary track. The secondary carriage is coupled to the secondary track and is movable back and forth along the secondary track. The coupling between the secondary carriage and the primary carriage allows relative movement between the carriages in a transverse direction and allows relative rotation between the secondary carriage and the primary carriage about a perpendicular axis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to deployment mechanisms, particularly but not exclusively for deployable tables.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Mechanisms for deploying articles such as tables are well known and can take many simple forms. However, in applications where the article is to be deployed in a confined space, for example where the article is a table for aircraft seating, conventional deployment mechanisms may be unsuitable for use.

It would be desirable therefore to provide a deployment mechanism that is suited to deploying articles in confined spaces, and is particularly suited to deploying tables for aircraft seating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a deployment mechanism as claimed in claim1. The deployment mechanism comprises:a non-linear motion slide comprising a primary track and a primary carriage movable back and forth along the primary track in a plane of movement;a secondary carriage coupled to the primary carriage and movable with the primary carriage; anda secondary track, at least part of said secondary track running non-parallel with said primary track,
wherein said secondary carriage is coupled to said secondary and movable back and forth along said secondary track,
and wherein the coupling between the secondary carriage and the primary carriage allows relative movement between said secondary carriage and said primary carriage in a direction transverse of said primary track, and allows relative rotation between said secondary carriage and said primary carriage about an axis substantially perpendicular to said plane of movement.

In typical embodiments, either one or both of said primary and secondary tracks are non-linear. Typically, said primary track and or said secondary track is curved, preferably arc-like. The primary and secondary tracks are preferably curved in the same sense.

The coupling between the secondary carriage and the primary carriage may comprise a pin and slot coupling, wherein one of a pin and a slot is provided on the primary carriage the other being provided on the secondary carriage, the pin being rotatable in the slot and slidable back and forth along the slot.

In preferred embodiments, the secondary track is disposed in the same plane as the primary track, or in a parallel plane, and is spaced apart from the first track in said transverse direction.

Typically at least a first part of the secondary track is substantially parallel with the primary track and at least a second part of the secondary track is non-parallel with the primary track. The second part may converge towards the primary track.

Advantageously, the non-linear motion slide is a roller slide comprising one or more rollers for facilitating movement of the primary carriage along the primary track. The or each roller is provided on the primary carriage and provides a rolling coupling between the primary carriage and the primary track.

In the preferred embodiment, the primary track comprises a non-linear rail curved to define a non-linear path for the primary carriage in the plane of movement.

More generally, the primary track may comprise a rail, the coupling between the primary track and primary carriage being provided by a pair of rollers, a respective one being in rolling engagement with a respective side of the rail.

Optionally, the coupling between the secondary carriage and the secondary track is a rolling coupling comprising one or more rollers. The or each roller may be provided on the secondary carriage and is in rolling engagement with a curved surface of the secondary track. Said curved surface may be provided by a wall of a channel that provides the secondary track.

Typically, the primary track and secondary track are provided on a base, the base being incorporated into a compartment, the compartment having a mouth; and/or the base may be part of a seat console. Said mouth may extend around a corner of said compartment.

In preferred embodiments, the secondary carriage carries a table, said table being movable between a deployed state and a stowed state by movement of said primary and secondary carriages along said primary and secondary tracks. In the stowed state the table may be located in said compartment, and in the deployed state said table is located outside of said compartment. The table may be disposed substantially in or parallel with said plane of movement when in said stowed state.

Typically, said table is disposed substantially in or parallel with said plane of movement during movement between said stowed and deployed states.

The mechanism may be incorporated into a seat console located laterally adjacent a seat or between two laterally adjacent seats. The or each seat may be an aircraft seat. Typically, in the deployed state said table is located in front of one of said adjacent seats.

The mechanism may include a clamp for clamping said primary carriage with respect to said primary track at an outer end of said primary track. The clamp may comprise one or more lips projecting over part of said primary track and being engagable with a respective portion of said primary carriage when said primary carriage is at said outer end.

Optionally, the mechanism includes a guide assembly comprising a guide rail and a guide runner, one being provided on the underside of the table the other being provided on the base, the guide rail and guide runner being mutually engagable to direct the movement of the table between its deployed and stowed states. The guide rail is curved to direct the table towards the inner end of the primary track when moving from the deployed state to the stowed state.

The mechanism may include a support pad being engagable with part of the primary and secondary carriage assembly when located at the outer end of the primary track to support the primary and secondary carriage in the direction of said axis that is substantially perpendicular to said plane of movement. Said assembly part may engage with an upper surface of said support pad.

Optionally the primary track, or at least part of it, is linear. For example the primary track includes one or more linear portion and one or more curved portion. Optionally the secondary track, or at least part of it, is linear. For example the secondary track includes one or more linear portion and one or more curved portion.

A second aspect of the invention provides a deployable table assembly comprising a table carried by the deployment mechanism of the first aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention provides a seating installation comprising the deployable table assembly of second aspect of the invention incorporated into a seat console located laterally adjacent a seat or between two laterally adjacent seats.

Preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.

Preferred embodiments of the deployment mechanism facilitate deployment of a table in a confined space by manipulation of the curvature of the path taken by the table. Moreover, the preferred mechanism achieves this while providing smooth movement of the table and allowing deployment/stowage to be achieved by a simple pulling or pushing action.

Other advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown generally indicated as10a deployable table assembly embodying one aspect of the invention. The table assembly10comprises a table12that is movable between a deployed state (FIG. 1) and a stowed state (FIG. 2) by means of a deployment mechanism that is generally indicated as14.

In preferred embodiments, the deployable table assembly10is part of a seating installation and as such is incorporated into a seat console16that may be located laterally adjacent a seat or between two laterally adjacent seats. Seats are not shown in the drawings but region A inFIG. 1corresponds approximately to the seat pan of an adjacent seat and it will be apparent that the seat console16is located to the right of a seated person (not shown), the deployed table12being located in front of the seated person. In particularly preferred embodiments, the seat console16is located laterally adjacent, or between two laterally adjacent, aircraft seats. The console16may include a respective arm rest17for the, or each, adjacent seat, typically provided by or on an upper surface of the console16. In some embodiments, the console16may be hollow and configured to provide a foot well for a seat in an adjacent (typically rearward) row.

When the table12is in its stowed state, it is typically located in a compartment18provided in the console16. The compartment18has a mouth20through which the table12may pass during deployment/stowage. The mouth20typically opens onto two adjacent sides of the compartment18, i.e. a corner opening as can best be appreciated fromFIG. 3. The compartment18typically also has a cover22, which is not shown inFIGS. 2 to 5in order that the deployment mechanism14may be seen.

In preferred embodiments, the deployment mechanism14is configured to maintain the table12substantially in the same plane during movement between the deployed and stowed states. The plane is typically substantially horizontal, or more particularly substantially parallel with the floor surface (not shown) that supports the, or each, adjacent seat. Referring in particular toFIGS. 1 to 3, it may be seen that the table12maintains a substantially horizontal disposition in its deployed and stowed states and when moving between the two. The table12may be a single leaf table, for example as illustrated, or may comprise more than one leaf. In cases where the table comprises more than one leaf, the or each leaf may be deployed once the table12has reached the deployed state, or at least once the table12is out of the compartment18.

The deployment mechanism14comprises a non-linear motion slide30comprising a primary track32and a primary carriage34that is movable back and forth along the primary track32. The primary track32is disposed in a plane of movement and the primary carriage34is movable non-linearly in the plane of movement. In preferred embodiments, the plane of movement is substantially horizontal. The primary track32, or at least part of it, is typically non-linear and may for example be curved, or arc-like. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary track32, or at least part of it, is concave with respect to the desired end location of the article to be deployed. In the illustrated embodiment the primary track32is concave with respect to the seat associated with the table12. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the primary track, or part of it, may be linear. For example the primary track may include one or more linear portion(s) and one or more curved portion(s), e.g. the track may be J shaped. The shape of the primary track may be determined by the characteristics of the required motion to be governed by the slide30.

The primary track32is provided on a base36, the base36being part of the seat console16in typical embodiments. In particular, the base36conveniently forms part of the compartment18, for example providing the bottom surface of the compartment18. The arrangement is such that the primary track32is located in the compartment18, for example on the bottom surface of the compartment18.

The slide30is preferably a roller slide and as such includes one or more rollers38for facilitating movement of the primary carriage34along the primary track32. Typically, the or each roller38is provided on the primary carriage34and provides a rolling coupling between the primary carriage34and the primary track32. Alternatively the roller(s)38may be provided on the primary track32.

In preferred embodiments, the primary track32comprises a rail40that is curved to define a non-linear path for the primary carriage34in the plane of movement. The primary carriage34is coupled to the rail40for movement along its length. The coupling is provided by a pair of rollers38, conveniently in the form of wheels, a respective one being in rolling engagement with a respective side of the rail40. The primary carriage34has a body42on which the rollers38may be mounted in any convenient manner.

In preferred embodiments, the primary track32also comprises a non-linear channel44A,44B on at least one and preferably both sides of the rail40, each channel44A,44B having a wall46A,46B that is spaced apart from the respective side of the rail40and has a curvature that matches the rail40, i.e. the wall46A,46B runs parallel with the rail40. The primary carriage34may engage with, and be slidable along, the wall46A,46B. To this end, the body42of the primary carriage34may optionally include a respective runner48A,48B for sliding engagement with the respective wall46A,46B, and the respective wall46A,46B may optionally have a respective groove50A,50B for receiving the respective runner48A,48B. Optionally, one or more rollers (not shown) may be provided on the wall46A,46B or primary carriage34to facilitate sliding movement of the carriage34.

In alternative embodiments (not illustrated) the channel(s)44A,44B may be omitted or the rail40may be omitted. In the latter case, the primary track32may comprise a single channel with opposite walls46A,46B for engagement with the primary carriage34.

In preferred embodiments, the deployment mechanism14includes a secondary carriage52coupled to the primary carriage34. The coupling is such that the secondary carriage52moves with the primary carriage34as the primary carriage34moves back and forth along the primary track32. However, the coupling also allows relative movement between the primary and secondary carriages34,52. In particular, the preferred coupling allows the secondary carriage52to rotate with respect to the primary carriage34about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of movement of the primary carriage34. In addition, the preferred coupling allows the secondary carriage52to move, conveniently by sliding, relative to the primary carriage34in a direction that is transverse of the primary track32. To this end, the coupling may comprise a pin54and slot56coupling whereby one of the pin54or slot56is provided on the primary carriage34and the other is provided on the secondary carriage52. The pin54is rotatable in the slot56to allow the relative rotational movement, and is slidable back and forth along the slot56to allow the transverse movement. In preferred embodiments, the pin54is provided on the primary carriage34and the slot is provided on the secondary carriage52.

The deployment mechanism14also includes a secondary track60that is typically non-linear. The secondary track60is disposed in the same plane as the primary track32, or in a parallel plane, and is spaced apart from the first track32in the transverse direction. Typically, the secondary track60, or at least part of it, is curved, or arc-like. Its curvature has the same sense as the curvature of the primary track32, although the secondary track may be curved even if the primary track is not. The second track60is typically concave with respect to the desired end location of the article to be deployed. In the illustrated embodiment the secondary track60is concave with respect to the seat associated with the table12. However, the secondary track60, or at least part of it, is non-parallel with the primary track32. This may be achieved by selection of the relative angular orientation of the tracks32,60and/or their relative curvatures. In preferred embodiments, a first part60A of the secondary track60is substantially parallel with the primary track32and a second part60B of the secondary track60is non-parallel with the primary track32. It is particularly preferred that the second part60B converges towards the primary track32. This may be achieved by increasing the curvature of the second part60B of the secondary track60and/or adjusting the angular orientation of the second part60B. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the secondary track, or part of it, may be linear. For example the primary track may include one or more linear portion(s) and one or more curved portion(s).

Conveniently, the secondary track60is provided on the base36. The secondary track60may for example comprise a suitably curved rail or channel, or other protrusion or recess. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary track comprises a channel formed in the base36.

The secondary carriage52is coupled to the secondary track60for movement back and forth along the secondary track60. The coupling is preferably a rolling coupling and as such includes one or more rollers62, e.g. wheels, for facilitating movement of the secondary carriage52along the secondary track60. Typically, the or each roller62(only one provided in the illustrated embodiment) is provided on the secondary carriage52and is in rolling engagement with a curved surface of the track60. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved surface is provided by a wall64of the channel that provides the track60. In this case, the curvature of the track60is effected by the curvature of the wall64.

The secondary carriage52has a body61on which the roller62may be mounted in any convenient manner and in which the slot56may be formed.

In use, as the primary carriage34moves along the primary track32, the secondary carriage52moves with the primary carriage34but also runs along the secondary track60. When the secondary carriage52moves along any part of the secondary track60that is non-parallel with the primary track32, the secondary carriage52is caused to move with respect to the primary carriage34, in particular to pivot about the axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of the primary carriage34and to move in the transverse direction, as facilitated in this example by the pin54and slot56coupling. This relative movement between the primary and secondary carriages34,52is caused by the carriages34,52being made to move along respective non-parallel paths by their respective tracks32,60.

In preferred embodiments, one or more parts of the secondary track60is substantially parallel with the primary track32and one or more parts of it is non-parallel with the primary track32. When the secondary carriage52runs in a parallel part it moves along the same path as the primary carriage34, i.e. the path defined by the primary track32. When the secondary carriage52runs in a non-parallel portion of the secondary track60, its path deviates from the path defined by the primary track32because of the relative movement between the primary and secondary carriages34,52. In particular the rotational and transverse movement effected by the non-parallel part of the secondary track60sharpens the curvature of the movement of the secondary carriage52in comparison to the path defined by the primary track32(and still taken by the primary carriage34). This is advantageous since it allows the path taken by the secondary carriage52(and therefore any article carried by it) to be manipulated to suit a confined space.

In preferred embodiments, the table12is carried by the second carriage52, and may for example be fixed to the second carriage52by any convenient means, e.g. bolts, screws or other fixings. Typically, one side13of the table12is connected to the second carriage52. Optionally, the table12is mounted on a portion63of the secondary carriage52that is pivotably coupled, e.g. by a hinge57, to the body60. The hinge57is preferably configured to allow the table to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis in use.

When the table12is in its stowed state, the primary and secondary carriages34,52are located at a corresponding inner position on the primary track32, typically the inner end of the track32. At this position, the secondary carriage52is also coupled to the secondary track60at a corresponding inner position on its first part60A, typically the inner end of the track60. The compartment18is preferably shaped and dimensioned to contain the whole table12when stowed and so, with the carriages34,52at the inner position the table12is located within the compartment18, typically with its side13at the rear of the compartment18and the opposite side15at the mouth20(FIG. 2).

As the carriages34,52move away from the inner position along the primary track32, they follow the same path (i.e. the path defined by the primary track32) so long as the secondary carriage52runs in the first part60A of the secondary track60. During this movement, the table12begins to deploy through the mouth20of the compartment18. The curvature of the path taken by the table12during this movement is relatively shallow. This allows the table12to be accommodated in a relatively narrow compartment, which is advantageous in vehicle, particularly aircraft, seating, where the console16and therefore the compartment18are relatively narrow.

During further movement of the carriages34,52away from the inner position, the secondary carriage52, or more particularly its coupling roller62, enters and runs along the second part60B of the secondary track60. The primary carriage34continues to follow the primary track32but the secondary carriage52additionally moves relative to the primary carriage32as described above. During this movement, the table12continues to deploy through the mouth20of the compartment18but the curvature of its path sharpens. This allows the table12to reach the desired position and orientation in the deployed state in relatively confined space. In the case of vehicle, especially aircraft, seating the space confinements are dictated by the distance to the seat in front and/or by seat width.

In typical embodiments, when the carriages34,52reach respective outer positions in the tracks32,60(typically at the respective outer ends of the tracks32,60), the table12is in its deployed state (FIG. 1). To help stabilize the table12in the deployed state, it is preferred to provide at least one clamp for holding the table12. Optionally, a clamp may be incorporated into, or otherwise associated with, one or both of the tracks32,60and may hold the table12indirectly by clamping a portion of the primary or secondary carriage34,52as applicable. In preferred embodiments, a clamp is provided at the outer position of the primary track32. The clamp may comprise a respective lip72A,72B that projects over the primary track32, in particular the respective channels44A,44B at the outer end of the track32. When the primary carriage34is at the outer end of the track32(i.e. when the table is fully deployed), the lips72A,72B engage with the carriage34to clamp it with respect to the track32. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by mutual engagement between the lips72A,72B and the respective runner48A,48B (in particular the underside of the lips with the top of the runners48A,48B). In cases where the runners are not present, a similar flange or other projection may by provided on carriage34for this purpose. The preferred clamp72A,72B is therefore a friction fit clamp.

When deployed, the table12may be pivoted up and down about hinge57to allow the passenger to leave the seat without stowing the table12.

It will be apparent that the carriages34,52and table12undergo the opposite movement to that described above when moving from the deployed state to the stowed state.

In preferred embodiments, the deployment mechanism14is manually operated. In the illustrated example this is achieved by a user pulling or pushing the table12into or out of the deployed state. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the deployment mechanism may be power-operable by one or more actuators.

In the illustrated embodiment, the deployment mechanism14includes a guide74for engaging with the table12during part of its movement between the deployed and stowed states. The guide74is typically located in the compartment18and may take the form of a rail. The guide74helps the table to move relatively smoothly and can help to keep the roller62engaged with the track60(if necessary).

Optionally, a latch76is provided for retaining the carriages34,52in the inner position on the track32, i.e. retaining the table12in the stowed state. The latch76, which may for example be a spring-type latch, engages with and retains a portion78of either or both carriages34,52when the carriages arrive at the inner position on track32. The latch76is operable to release the portion78, e.g. when it is desired to deploy the table12. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch76is mechanically operated by a cable80connected between the latch76and a user-operable control (not shown), which may for example take the form of a button or switch located on the console16. Conveniently, the latch76is located at the inner position of the track32.

Optionally, an actuator82is positioned to engage with the carriage assembly34,52when at the inner position of the track32and being operable to push the carriage assembly34,52away from its stowed state. The actuator82may have a spring biased rod84for engaging with the carriage assembly34,52, and being depressed against its spring bias when the table12is stowed. When the table12is to be deployed, and in particular when the latch76is released, the rod84is extended by the spring bias to push against the carriage assembly34,52and so to assist in the deployment of the table12.

Referring now in particular toFIGS. 6A, 6B, 7 and 8, there is shown an alternative deployable table assembly110with table112. The table assembly110is substantially similar to the table assembly10and unless otherwise indicated the same description applies and like numerals are used to denote like parts. In particular the table assembly110includes the essentially same deployment mechanism14but with some modifications as are now described. It will be understood that these modifications may equally be incorporated into the table assembly10.

The table assembly110includes a guide assembly for assisting movement of the table112into its stowed state. The guide assembly comprises a curved guide rail190, preferably provided on the underside of the table112, and a guide runner192, preferably provided on the base36. The runner192preferably comprises a roller, e.g. a wheel. The rail190has a curvature that is similar to that of the track32. The rail and runner190,192are positioned to engage with one another as the table112moves between its deployed and stowed states, and particularly as the table moves from the deployed state to the retracted state. In the illustrated embodiment, the runner192engages with the outer surface191of the guide rail190. During movement of the table112towards the stowed state, the interaction between the rail190and runner192helps to direct the table112towards the inner end of the track32. In particular, it is preferred that the user is able to deploy and stow the table12,112by pulling and pushing on a proximal corner11,111. The interaction of the rail190and runner192facilitates this particularly when the table112is being stowed since force exerted by the user on corner111(which tends to be transverse with respect to the track32) is translated into movement towards the inner end of the track32by the rail190and runner192. In alternative embodiments, the rail may be provided on the base and the runner may be provided on the underside of the table.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the preferred deployment mechanism14facilitates the deployment of the table12in a confined space by manipulation of the curvature of the path taken by the table12. Moreover, the preferred mechanism14achieves this while providing smooth movement of the table12and allowing deployment/stowage to be achieved by a simple pulling or pushing action.

Preferably, a support pad94is provided for engaging with a corresponding support part96of the carriage assembly34,52, which in this example is conveniently part of the body61of the secondary carriage52. The pad94may be provided on the base36, typically adjacent the outer end of the primary track32. The support pad94and support part96are positioned to engage with on another when the table112is in its fully deployed state, the preferred arrangement being such that there is a friction fit between the pad94and part96when engaged. In the illustrated embodiment, the part96slides over the pad94to engage with it. In alternative embodiments, the arrangement may be such that the pad94is elevated from the base36to allow the part96to slide beneath it to engage. In either case, the carriage assembly, and table112, is support in the vertical direction by the interference between the pad94and part96. One or other or both of the support pad94and support part96are formed from a material, for example nylon or other plastics, with a sufficient degree of flexible resilience to facilitate the preferred friction fit. When engaged, the support pad94and support part96stabilise the table112in its deployed state and improve its load-bearing capabilities.

It will be understood that the respective configuration of the tracks32,60, including their length, curvature, orientation and/or spacing, can be chosen to suit any specific application and need not necessarily be the same to that described herein.

It will also be understood that while the invention is particularly suited for use in the deployment of tables, particularly with respect to a seat, especially an aircraft or other vehicle seat, the invention is not limited to such applications.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.