Abstract:
A table unit for seats in vehicles, especially airplane seats, includes a first table element ( 10 ) provided with the functions of a table, and a second table element ( 12 ) provided with at least one other table function. Both table elements ( 10, 12 ) can be rotated relative to each other about a first pivotal axis ( 14 ) by a hinge ( 18, 20 ), and can be fixed in a predetermined position. Various table functions can be integrated in a single table unit since both table elements ( 10, 12 ) can be rotated about a pivotal axis ( 16 ) by another joint ( 20, 22 ), and can be fixed in a predetermined position. The possible table surface and position thereof can be varied in such that certain table functions are protected and service personnel can have access to them.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a table unit for vehicle seats, especially aircraft passenger seats, with one table element with an assignable table function and another table element with at least one other table function. The two table elements can rotate relative to one another around a first swivelling axis by at least one articulation, and can be fixed in definable positions. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,247 discloses a generic table unit for vehicle seats with one table element having an assignable table function and with another table element having at least one other table function. The two table elements can be rotated relative to one another around a first swivelling axis by at least one articulation and can be fixed in definable positions. The two table elements can be rotated around another swivelling axis by at least one other articulation and can be fixed in definable positions. The known table unit can be stowed in the armrest of an aircraft passenger seat and can be removed from there. For stowing the table unit in the seat armrest, the two table units can be folded up onto one another in a space-saving manner around a common swivelling axis. In the extended state of use of the table unit, the two table elements can form one table and a function plane in the unfolded position. Furthermore, the two table elements which can be swivelled relative to one another are held on a folding-down swivelling arm on the seatback. The two table elements can be swivelled jointly around an essentially vertically extending swivelling axis of this arm, in order to swivel the entire table unit, whether in the unfolded or folded-up state, by the seat user towards or away from him. An inclined position and moreover swivelling motion from the horizontal initial position of one of the two table elements are not possible. This inability limits possible uses of the known table unit. 
   DE 197 05 754 A1 discloses a table unit and relates to a folding table for a seat in a vehicle for passenger conveyance. A display screen is integrated into the top of the folding table for implementing a table function. The display extends only over part of the table surface. The remaining part of the table surface can be used as a working surface. The table top has two table elements or parts which are made to be foldable towards one another around a common axis with the pertinent articulations. One part is used to accommodate the screen. The other part is used as a working surface. The part of the table top which accommodates the screen can be tilted into several rest positions relative to the part of the table top which is used as the working surface to allow the viewer a suitable angle for viewing the screen. When not in use, the table top can be lowered into a console which is used as the holding device for the table top. The console is formed in the known approach from the armrest of the seat itself. In spite of this additional adjustment possibility, the adjustment potential is limited as before. With this known table unit accordingly, different table functions can be implemented only within a limited framework. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Objects of the present invention are to provide improved table units for vehicle seats, especially aircraft passenger seats, which table units integrate different desired table functions in one table unit and vary the possible table surface and its position such that it provides an effective aid and facilitates eating. 
   According to the present invention, each swivelling axis is defined by two articulations located on the outside periphery on the table unit. Because one articulation made as a multiple joint is assigned both to first and second swivelling axes, various table functions can be integrated in the two table elements. Depending on which table element is unfolded by the user facing him, the respectively chosen table function is activated. The unneeded table functions remain in their removed state. This arrangement also has the advantage that they cannot be damaged. If, for example, one table element is used for eating, it is possible to move the other table element provided, for example, with a computer unit and a display as a table function into the position of non-use or storage such that they cannot be scratched by food residue or damaged by the like. The two table elements can lie flush on one another or can be unfolded next to one another with doubling of their table surfaces. Furthermore, as cannot be obtained in the prior art, the two table elements can be adjusted relative to one another in their tilt by the second swivelling axis and can be fixed by a fixing means. Even in the reclined position of the seat with the backrest tilted and with the table elements folded onto one another, one table element remains in its initial position and the table element facing the seat user can be moved into the corresponding inclined position over the other table element. The partial table surface tilted in this way then improves the readability of the respective information, for example in the form of magazine articles or books, since the respective page maintains a uniform distance to the viewer. 
   In one especially preferred embodiment of the table unit of the present invention, a table function can be assigned to each table element, especially in the form of a make-up area and/or a computer unit and/or a possibility for setting down food and/or a support for reading matter. Consequently, with only one table unit a host of objects can be achieved. The comfort for the users of the seat can be clearly increased without additional installation space having to be provided for the indicated table functions on the respective seat. In one advantageous further configuration of the table functions integrated in the table unit, the respective function unit can be covered by a cover such that it forms one part of the flat table surface, in order not to adversely affect the actual table function. 
   Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure: 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of a table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in the folded-up and unfolded states; respectively; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the table unit of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with a tilted partial table surface; and 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are partial side elevational views of one of the articulations used, illustrated in the folded-up state as shown in  FIG. 1  or in the unfolded state as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The table unit shown in the figures is to be used especially in the field of aircraft passenger seats. These table units can also be used in ferries, trains, long-distance busses or the like. The table unit has a first table element  10  which, as shown in  FIG. 1 , rests on the subjacent other or second table element  12 . In the state shown in  FIG. 1 , the two table elements  10 ,  12  end essentially flush on top of one another to the outside and form an essentially square table surface. The two table elements  10 ,  12 , as will be detailed below, can be rotated relative to one another around at least two swivelling axes first, second and third articulations  18 ,  20 ,  22  and can be fixed relative to one another in definable positions. The possible rotating or swivelling motions of the respective table elements  10 ,  12  around the two swivelling axes  14 ,  16  are indicated in  FIG. 1  by double arrows. The two swivelling axes  14 ,  16  are perpendicular to one another and lie in the plane of the table. With the table unit extended, the axes extend from the arm rest or the like essentially horizontally. 
   If the upper table element  10 , viewed in the direction of  FIG. 1 , is swivelled counterclockwise around the first swivelling axis  14 , the table unit assumes its unfolded position as shown  FIG. 2 . The two table elements  10 ,  12  are then next to one another forming essentially a rectangular table surface which corresponds preferably in its width to the width of the seat so that the individual in the neighboring seat in a row of aircraft passenger seats is not disturbed by the expanded table surface. In the unfolded state, the table unit is especially suited as a dining table, with food and beverages being easily accommodated on the table surface. The dining table function in this regard increases comfort when a seat user is eating. 
   The upper table element  10  can move clockwise about the second swivelling axis  16  from its flat horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 1  into the tilted position as shown in  FIG. 3 . It can be fixed in this tilted position by a fixing means  24 . In this embodiment, the fixing means  24  has a holder  26  which can be folded out in the position as shown in  FIG. 2 . In its initial position as shown in  FIG. 2 , holder  26  is held flush in the recess of the upper table element  10 , which recess extends on the outside lateral periphery. The holder  26  is supported on the table element  10  to be able to rotate around a swivelling journal  28 . When set up, for example, the holder can assume a position as shown by the broken lines in  FIG. 3 . In the tilted position of the table element  10 , the free end of the holder  26  is supported on the top of the table element  12 . By swivelling the holder  26  and moreover by adjusting the fixing means  24 , the incline can be set and fixed according to the stipulations of the user in definable angular ranges. Instead of the holder  26 , a fixing means  24  can also be implemented by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) in which at least the articulation  20  follows the tilt of the table element  10 , and the articulation  20  retains its swivelled position as a result of the ratchet arrangement. The third articulation  22  can follow the movement of the ratchet by restricted guidance, and in this way can ensure the tilted adjustment of the table element  10 . 
   As the aforementioned clearly shows, each swivelling axis  14 ,  16  is defined by two articulations or articulation pairs  18 ,  20  and  20 ,  22  at a time. The indicated articulations  18 , and  22  are located at a right angle to one another on the outside periphery on the table unit. The articulation  20  is located in one corner between the two other articulations  18 ,  22 . Thus, this middle articulation  20  is assigned both to first swivelling axis  14  and second swivelling axis  16 . Preferably, for the unfolding and tilting motion of the table element  10 , the articulation  20  is technically implemented as a so-called universal joint. 
   All articulations  18 ,  20 ,  22  have one articulation housing  30 . For all articulations  18  and  22 , the respective articulation housing  30  has a locking part  32  in the form of a locking clamp with two clamping clips  34 . Each articulation housing  30  is comprised preferably of one elastically pliable plastic material to form a snap or clip locking part  32  detachably connected to a respective engagement part  36  in the manner of a connecting journal which remains on the respective table element, specifically the table element  12  (cf.  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The journal-like engagement part  36  for the first articulation  18  is located in a U-shaped recess  36  in the corner area of the table element  12 . The engagement part  36  for the third articulation  22  in an angular recess likewise in another corner area of the table element  12  with its free end projecting into the vicinity. The engagement part  36  of the first articulation  18  extends especially within the first swivelling axis  14 . The engagement part  36  of the third articulation  22  extends along second articulation axis  16 . When the table elements  10  and  12  are folded apart into the position as shown in  FIG. 2 , swivelling motion tales place around the engagement part  36  of the first articulation  18 . When setting the incline as shown in  FIG. 3 , swivelling motion takes place for the table element  10 , around the journal-like engagement part  36  of the third articulation  22 . The second articulation  20  is made as a multiple articulation following the pertinent swivelling or tilting motion. 
   In addition, the articulation housing  30  of the first articulation  18  has a driver  38  ( FIG. 3 ) for the upper table element  10 . In the unfolding motion from the position as shown in  FIG. 1  into the position as shown in  FIG. 2  by the driver  38 , the respective articulation  30  is swivelled around the engagement part  36  of the first articulation  18 , and consequently, around the other table element  12  until the two table elements  10 ,  12  with the two articulation housings  30  of the first articulation  18  and the second articulation  20  form the plane table surface. The driver  38 , as shown especially by  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , is formed from a dome-shaped recess located in the center and lying in the vertical arrangement (cf.  FIG. 4   a ) and also in the horizontal arrangement (cf.  FIG. 4   b ) in one plane to the engagement part  36 . For the indicated driver of the articulation housing  30  of the first articulation  18 , the upper table element  10  on its side facing the articulation housing  30  is provided with a spring-loaded closing part  40 . 
   If the table element  10  is now swivelled counterclockwise from its base position as shown in  FIG. 4   a  upward, the closing part  40  disengages from the hemispherical recess  42  by the closing part  40  being moved in a direction out of the recess  42  and within the table element  10  against the force of the closing spring by forced guidance. During the continued unfolding motion, the closing part  40  slides along the arc-shaped contact surface  44  of the articulation  30  until the table element  10  with its lengthwise orientation is located perpendicular to the lower table element  12  (not shown). In this position the closing ball  40 , spring-loaded, then locks with the driver  38 , by both force-fit and form-fit, such that upon the continued unfolding motion of the table element  10  from its vertical position (not shown) into the horizontal unfolded position as shown in  FIG. 2 , the articulation housing  30  is entrained in the form of a swivelling motion counterclockwise around the engagement part  36  and consequently around the swivelling axis  14 . 
   The unfolded position corresponds to the illustration as shown in  FIG. 4   b  for the first articulation  18 . In addition to the universal articulation  20 , the table element  10  is fixed by the locked closing part  40  and by the articulation housing  30  of the first articulation  18  in a horizontal alignment on the other table element  12 . The upper and lower table surfaces of the table element  10  and table element  12  then lie in one plane, with the outer sides along the lengthwise edges of the housing  30  of the first articulation  18 . The arrangement for the second articulation  20  is kept in a comparable manner. The width or height of the articulation housings  30  for the first and second articulations  18  and  20  therefore corresponds essentially to the thickness of the table elements  10 ,  12 . The swivelling-back motion takes place in reverse. After the closing part  40  engages the hemispherical recess  42 , the housing  30  is moved back into its position as shown in  FIG. 4   a , such that the table element  10  has its bottom in contact with the top of the table element  12 . 
   By another hemispherical rolling surface  46  of the articulation housing  30  of the first articulation  18 , the motion forward and away is facilitated by this rolling surface  46  being able to slide down accordingly on the adjacent free face of the table element  12 . In the unfolding motion, the third articulation  22 , by its locking part  32 , disengages from the respective engagement journal or part  36 . Likewise, in the reverse sequence, locking takes place instead by the third articulation  22 , if the two table elements  10 ,  12  are located on top of one another or the table element  10  is tilted about swivelling axis  16  clockwise relative to the horizontal. The articulation housing  30  of the third articulation  22  then swivels around the respective engagement journal  36 . 
   Furthermore, the two table elements  10 ,  12  can be swivelled in each position relative to one another around a common axis  48  of rotation extending perpendicular to the two swivelling axes  14 ,  16 . The axis  48  of rotation is part of a turntable  50  (cf.  FIG. 1 ) by which the two table elements  10 ,  12  are pivotally coupled to the table arm  52 . The turntable rotation is indicated by the double arrows. By the table arm  52 , the table unit can then, for example, be housed in the armrest of the vehicle seat or can be located on the back of the front seat with the capacity to be folded down. Preferably, the table arm  52 , like the table elements  10 ,  12 , is made of a durable plastic material. For reasons of saving space, the turntable  50  is an integral part of the lower table element  12 , and is integrated flush in its table surface together with parts of the table arm  52 . Accordingly, on either side of the turntable  50 , free spaces are provided in the table element  12  in order not to hinder rotary or swivelling motion around the axis  48  of rotation. 
   As  FIGS. 1 to 3  show in particular, a host of table functions are integrated in the table elements  10 ,  12 . These working examples can be varied accordingly. Especially advantageously, a projecting lip  54  is provided, for example, as a support for a book, magazine or the like between the two articulations  20  and  22  on the top of the table element. A computer unit  56 , for example, in the form of a conventional pocket calculator or a so-called notebook may be superposed on the top of the table element. The input keyboard  58  also can provide a writing function implemented by a display or the like. Viewed in the direction of  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a vanity mirror  60  covered by an unfolding cover  62  is provided above keyboard  58 . The cover  62  can be housed flush in the table element  10  by a snap or clip connection  64 . 
   To achieve a plane table surface, the vanity mirror  60  is located set recessed within the table element  10 . Within the essentially rectangular cover  62 , on its inside facing the vanity mirror  60 , preferably in an outside area facing the user, a recessed storage area  66  can be provided. The lengthwise orientation of the recessed storage area  66  extends parallel to the unfolding axis  68  of the cover  62 . The unfolding axis  68  is also parallel to the swivelling axis  16 . Preferably, the free path of motion of the cover  62  is limited to a certain angular degree, for example, 120°. Preferably, for a tilted table element  10 , the cover  62  with the storage area  66  should be located essentially in a horizontal plane extending parallel to the table surface of the table element  12 . The computer unit  56  has the pertinent shell-like, preferably partially transparent cover  70 . 
   As  FIG. 2  also shows, for example, on the bottom of the table element  10  a circular recess  72  setting glasses and cups. The recess  72  can be deepened such that there is edge-side encirclement for glasses and cups in their bottom area to enable secure holding for the food in question, thus especially on a rough trip, for example when encountering turbulence. This holding possibility can be optically delineated relative to the remaining surface of the table element  10 . The holding recess  72  can empty to the outside into the area of the holder  26  which ends flush with the outside peripheral surface of the table element  10 . The holder  26 , with its free end, can engage the facing end of the articulation housing  30  of the third articulation  22  if, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the holder is folded into the table element  10 . Its raised position is shown in  FIG. 3  for a definable tilt angle. Integration of other table functions would be conceivable, for example, a call indicator for onboard service or the like. Especially with the very restricted space available aboard aircraft or the like, the multifunctional tables of the present invention represent a clear improvement of comfort. 
   While one embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.