Patent Publication Number: US-2017349287-A1

Title: Retention of objects relative to an airplane cabin window frame

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 14/804,443 filed 21 Jul. 2015 which is a continuation in part of prior application Ser. No. 14/739,228 filed 15 Jun. 2015, which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 13/229,712 filed 10 Sep. 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,064,434. The entire disclosures of these prior applications are incorporated herein by this reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates generally to a system for holding objects and, in an example described below, more particularly provides for releasably retaining objects relative to an airplane cabin window frame. 
     A holder apparatus can be used to secure an object, so that the object is protected from damage, is readily accessible, is appropriately positioned, is prevented from displacing in one or more directions, etc. Therefore, it will be readily appreciated that improvements in the arts of constructing and utilizing holder apparatuses are continually needed, whether or not such improvements facilitate one or more of the functions of providing ready accessibility, appropriate positioning, displacement prevention, or any other function. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a representative perspective view of an example of a holder apparatus which can embody principles of this disclosure, the apparatus being depicted in a deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a representative perspective view of the holder apparatus in a non-deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a representative perspective exploded view of the holder apparatus in a deployed configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a representative cross-sectional view of the holder apparatus in the deployed configuration, taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a representative cross-sectional view of the holder apparatus in the non-deployed configuration, taken along line V-V of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a representative top view of an example of a tray of the holder apparatus. 
         FIG. 7  is a representative top view of an example of a stabilizer of the holder apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a representative front view of the holder apparatus as installed with an airplane cabin window frame assembly, with a pre-installed position depicted in dashed lines. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the figures, certain reference numbers are used to indicate corresponding like elements throughout the several views of the drawings. Although specific configurations, materials, combinations of elements and uses are illustrated and described, it should be understood that a number of variations to the elements and to the configurations of those elements described herein and depicted in the accompanying drawings can be made within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The present disclosure provides to the art a holder apparatus and associated system that can be used for holding beverage containers or other objects. The apparatus can be permanently or temporarily mounted to a preexisting airplane cabin window frame. In certain examples described herein, the apparatus is designed primarily for the convenience and use of a passenger sitting next to a window on either a left or right side of an airplane cabin. 
     Representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8  is an example of a holder apparatus  10  and associated method, which apparatus and method can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the apparatus  10  and method are merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the apparatus  10  and method described herein and/or depicted in the drawings. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the holder apparatus  10  is representatively illustrated in a deployed configuration for use by an airplane passenger.  FIG. 3  provides an exploded view of the apparatus  10  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example, the apparatus  10  includes receptacle trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  that are foldable relative to a mounting structure  12 . Although  FIGS. 1 and 3  depict two sets of receptacle trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  in deployed positions, each receptacle tray and stabilizer arm set are independent, such that a user may deploy one or both receptacle tray/stabilizer arm sets. 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG. 2 , both holder apparatus receptacle trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  are depicted in non-deployed positions. However, as discussed above, one or both of the receptacle trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  may be deployed or not deployed. Any number of receptacle trays  50  and any number of stabilizer arms  64  may be provided in the apparatus  10 . Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular number, configuration, arrangement or combination of receptacle trays or stabilizer arms. 
     The holder apparatus  10  example depicted in  FIGS. 1-8  includes a mounting structure  12 , two fold-down receptacle trays  50 , and two stabilizer arms  64 . Each receptacle tray  50  is comprised of a bottom  55 , a front side  54 , a rear side  53 , and opposing left and right sides  51 ,  52 . 
     The sides  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54  and bottom  55  in this example can retain a liquid therein, in the event that the liquid spills from a beverage container supported on the tray  50 . However, it is not necessary for the tray  50  to be capable of retaining spilled liquids in keeping with the scope of this disclosure. 
     In this example, each receptacle tray  50  is sized to hold an object, such as a beverage container  90  (see  FIG. 4 ). The beverage container  90  may be a drinking vessel, or any type of beverage container that holds liquid (such as, cups with or without handles, cans, bottles, glasses), or any other type of container that holds liquid. 
     In other examples, the object held by the apparatus  10  may be a container for solid or granular material, a case (for pens or reading glasses, for example), portable hand-held devices (e.g., music players, computing devices, communication devices such as mobile telephones, cameras or video devices, writing instruments, etc.) or any other type of object. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular type or number of object(s) held by the apparatus  10 . 
     The mounting structure  12  is depicted in the drawings as comprising a single planar member. However, in other examples, the mounting structure  12  could comprise multiple members and could be formed with one or more curves or other shapes, profiles, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular construction or configuration of the mounting structure  12 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 1-8 , the mounting structure  12  is configured to engage an airplane cabin window frame  91  (see  FIG. 8 ). For this purpose, the mounting structure  12  includes outwardly extending and generally vertically oriented left and right side extensions  13 ,  14 . The left and right side extensions  13 ,  14  in this example are appropriately dimensioned to engage and fit within generally vertically extending left and right side grooves or channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91 . 
     Note that the window frame channels  92 ,  93  are the same channels as are used in the window frame  91  to provide for sliding adjustment of a window shade  95  relative to a window  94  in the window frame  91 . The window shade  95  is received in the channels  92 ,  93  and slides therein (for example, by a passenger grasping and displacing a handle  96  of the window shade  95 ). 
     When the apparatus  10  is installed, left and right end edges  15 ,  16  of the mounting structure  12  are received in the respective channels  92 ,  93 . Such engagement between the left and right extensions  13 ,  14  and the window frame  91  fixes an orientation of the apparatus  10  relative to the window frame, so that the apparatus is prevented from rotating substantially forward or rearward relative to the window frame (although manufacturing tolerances may allow for some limited movement). In addition, the mounting structure  12  may in some examples rest on a bottom of the window frame  91 , thereby stabilizing the apparatus  10  against rotation to the right or left relative to the window frame, and preventing the apparatus from displacing further downward relative to the window frame. 
     Left and right top corners  17 ,  18 , and left and right bottom corners  19 ,  20 , of the respective mounting structure extensions  13 ,  14  can be rounded or otherwise appropriately shaped to cooperatively engage or conform to the window frame  91  and channels  92 ,  93  therein. It is not necessary for the corners  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  to be complementarily shaped relative to the window frame  91  and channels  92 ,  93 , but in this example the corners do provide for convenient installation of the apparatus  10 , and for secure engagement of the apparatus with the window frame so that, in use, significant movement of the apparatus relative to the window frame is prevented. The mounting structure may have a shoulder  28  following the curvature of lower corners  19 ,  20 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , a flange  21  may be formed or otherwise attached to an upper portion of the mounting structure  12 . This flange  21  may extend along the upper portion of the mounting structure  12  from a left side that is proximate the window shade channel  92  to a right side that is proximate the window shade channel  93 . However, even though it is preferred that the flange  21  be continuous from the left side to the right side along the mounting structure, it is not necessary for the flange  21  to be continuous. The flange  21  may include multiple tabs that extend from the upper portion of the mounting structure  12  at various locations along the mounting structure  12 . 
     The flange  21  is also offset from the mounting structure  12  toward the airplane cabin window  94  so that when the window shade  95  is displaced downward toward the bottom of the window frame  91 , the shade  95  will engage the upper portion of the mounting structure  12  and overlap at least a portion of the flange  21 .  FIG. 4  shows the flange  21  extending upward from the mounting structure  12  into a space between the window shade  95  and the window  94 . This overlap of the flange  21  with the window shade  95  can provide additional strength and stability to the holder apparatus  10  to hold heavier objects (such as larger beverage containers, larger phones, food containers, etc.). Therefore, when the window shade  95  is displaced downward into engagement with the mounting structure  12 , the flange  21  can further provide stability to prevent movement of the holder apparatus  10  within the window frame  91 . 
     A material  25  can be provided on or in the left and right extensions  13 ,  14  to perform a variety of functions. For example, the material  25  can mitigate rattling, reduce or eliminate any clearance between the extensions and the channels  92 ,  93 , provide for friction between the extensions and the channels (e.g., to prevent inadvertent upward displacement of the apparatus  10  relative to the window frame  91 ), etc. 
     The material  25  can comprise any suitable material or substance (such as, felt, resilient elastomer, hook and loop-type material, pile material, etc.). The material  25  may be attached to, or incorporated onto, the extensions  13 ,  14  using any technique (such as, adhesive bonding, integral forming, snap fitting, etc.). However, use of the material  25  is not necessary in keeping with the scope of this disclosure. 
     The trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  are pivotably mounted to a housing  26  that is attached to the mounting structure  12  (for example, by adhesive bonding, snap fitting, ultrasonic welding, etc.). In other examples, the housing  26  could instead be integrally formed with the mounting structure  12 , or the trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  could be otherwise pivotably mounted relative to the mounting structure (e.g., without use of the housing). 
     In the  FIGS. 2 and 5  non-deployed configuration, the trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  are received in cavities  30  recessed into a front side of the housing  26 . In this example, each cavity  30  is bounded by left and right sides  31 ,  32  and top and bottom sides  34 ,  33 . A rear wall  35  may also be provided in the housing  26 , or the mounting structure  12  could serve as the rear wall in other examples. 
     Pivot pins  62 ,  63  can be formed on the left and right sides  51 ,  52  of the trays  50  for engagement with openings  37 ,  40  formed in the left and right sides  31 ,  32  of the cavities  30 . For pivoting each tray  50  from its non-deployed to its deployed position, a pull tab  56  on the front side  54  of the tray can be accessed via a notch or recess  36  formed in the housing  26 . 
     Locking protrusions  47 ,  48  on the respective left and right sides  51 ,  52  of each tray  50  (see  FIG. 6 ) are received in respective left and right arcuate slide tracks  45 ,  46  formed in the left and right sides  31 ,  32  of the cavities  30 . Each left slide track  45  includes dimples  41 ,  42  at its respective opposite ends, and each right side slide track  46  includes dimples  43 ,  44  at its respective opposite ends. 
     When a tray  50  is in its upper non-deployed position (see  FIGS. 2 and 5 ), the protrusions  47 ,  48  engage the dimples  41 ,  43  to releasably maintain the tray in this position. When the tray  50  is in its lower deployed position (see  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 ), the protrusions  47 ,  48  engage the dimples  42 ,  44  to releasably maintain the tray in the deployed position. Between the deployed and non-deployed positions of the tray  50 , the protrusions  47 ,  48  slide along the respective tracks  45 ,  46 . 
     In addition, each tray  50  is provided with dimples  60 ,  61  on the respective left and right sides  51 ,  52  (see  FIG. 6 ). The dimples  60 ,  61  are engaged by respective protrusions  58 ,  59  formed on the respective left and right sides  31 ,  32  of the cavity  30  when the tray  50  is in the non-deployed position. 
     Each stabilizer arm  64  is pivotably mounted to the housing  26  by means of left and right hubs  65 ,  66  extending forwardly from the rear wall  35  of the cavity  30 . The tray  50  is dimensioned so that the associated stabilizer arm  64  and hubs  65 ,  66  fit within the sides  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54  of the tray in the non-deployed configuration. In this manner, the apparatus  10  is compact for convenient transport by the passenger. 
     Each stabilizer arm  64  has left and right pivot pins  71 ,  72  formed thereon (see  FIG. 7 ) for rotational engagement with respective left and right openings  67 ,  68  formed in the hubs  65 ,  66 . Left and right shoulders or stops  84 ,  85  are formed on the respective left and right hubs  65 ,  66  to prevent rotation of the stabilizer arm  64  past its non-deployed position. 
     Protrusions  78 ,  79  formed on respective left and right sides of each stabilizer arm  64  (see  FIG. 7 ) engage left and right arcuate slide tracks  80 ,  81  formed in the left and right hubs  65 ,  66 . Dimples  73 ,  74  are formed at respective opposite ends of each left slide track  80 , and dimples  75 ,  76  are formed at respective opposite ends of each right slight track  81 . 
     When a stabilizer arm  64  is in its lower non-deployed position (see  FIGS. 2 and 5 ), the protrusions  78 ,  79  engage the dimples  74 ,  76  to releasably maintain the stabilizer in this position. When the stabilizer arm  64  is in its upper deployed position (see  FIGS. 1 and 4 ), the protrusions  78 ,  79  engage the dimples  73 ,  75  to releasably maintain the stabilizer arm in the deployed position. Between the deployed and non-deployed positions of the stabilizer arm  64 , the protrusions  78 ,  79  slide along the respective tracks  80 ,  81 . 
     Each stabilizer arm  64  has a substantially circular opening  82  therein for receiving a container (such as the beverage container  90 ) or other object in the deployed position. In other examples, the opening  82  could be otherwise shaped to conform to a particular object shape. Where multiple stabilizer arms  64  are provided in the apparatus  10 , the openings  82  of the stabilizer arms may be shaped the same, or they may be differently shaped. 
     In the  FIGS. 1-8  example, the opening  82  is shaped to appropriately accommodate containers (such as glasses, cans, bottles, cups, etc.) of the types commonly used for beverage service on commercial airplanes. To provide for cup handles, a gap  83  can be formed in each stabilizer arm  64 . However, the gap is not required. 
     For advertisement, promotional or instructional purposes, textual and/or graphical material  27  can be printed, embossed and/or molded into the trays  50  and/or rear walls  35  of the cavities  30 . Of course, such material  27  can take any form and can be placed anywhere on or in the apparatus  10 , as desired. 
     In a system  100  for holding an object (such as the beverage container  90  or other object) relative to an airplane cabin window  94 , the apparatus  10  is rotated as depicted in  FIG. 8  in dashed lines, positioned adjacent the window  94 , and then rotated in an opposite direction (toward a horizontal orientation) to engage the left and right extensions  13 ,  14  in the respective channels  92 ,  93 . The window shade  95  should be in a raised position during this process, or at least raised sufficiently far that it does not interfere with the apparatus  10  installation. 
     With the extensions  13 ,  14  engaged in the channels  92 ,  93 , the apparatus  10  is displaced downward, until it engages a lower side  98  of the window frame  91 , or the extensions engage lower ends of the channels. The window shade  95  can then be lowered, if desired, until a lower edge  97  of the window shade contacts the apparatus  10 . Such contact can help to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the apparatus  10  from the window frame  91 . 
     Note that, although  FIG. 8  depicts the apparatus  10  being rotated counter-clockwise first, and then rotated clockwise to engage the extensions  13 ,  14  in the channels  92 ,  93 , these directions can be reversed if desired. 
     When installed, the mounting structure  12  may be oriented vertical or nearly vertical (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     Typically, airplane cabin walls are curved, and so the channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91  are not necessarily vertical. 
     To compensate for channels  92 ,  93  that are inclined relative to vertical, the mounting structure  12 , housing  26 , trays  50 , stabilizing arms  64  and/or other elements of the apparatus  10  can be appropriately configured, so that the trays and stabilizer arms  64  are substantially horizontal in the deployed configuration. As used herein, “substantially horizontal” refers to an orientation of the holder apparatus  10  with respect to (or in relation to) the orientation of the window frame  91 . The holder apparatus is substantially horizontal in the window frame when the tray  50  is generally perpendicular to portions of the channels  92 ,  93  that are parallel to each other. However, the trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  may not be oriented horizontal in the deployed configuration, in keeping with the principles of this disclosure. 
     Use of multiple trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  in the apparatus  10  can provide for situations where the cabin window  94  is more forwardly or rearwardly positioned relative to the passenger, or where a reclined seat in front of the passenger blocks access to one of the trays. The passenger can choose to deploy one set of the trays  50  and stabilizer arms  64  that is most advantageously positioned for use, or the passenger can use both sets of the trays and stabilizer arms if they are appropriately located relative to the passenger and any obstructions. 
     The apparatus  10  can be made from relatively sturdy but lightweight materials, such as transparent, translucent, or opaque materials including, but not limited to, lightweight metal (such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, beryllium alloys, etc.), cardboard, or plastic materials (e.g., any class of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics, including acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, rigid polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinylchloride, vinyl, nylon, etc.), suitable to support the weight of one or more filled beverage containers, or other objects such as small hand-held items and the like. Such aforementioned plastic may be comprised of flame retardant, self-extinguishing, toxic, and/or non-toxic material, or any combination thereof, to provide passenger safety as required. 
     The apparatus  10  can be made by using an injection molding process or other similar types of processes using aforementioned various plastic materials for high volume and low cost production. The apparatus  10  may be formed using a suitable heat resistant plastic material or composition. A material with a high strength-to-weight ratio may be used so that the apparatus  10  is lightweight, easy to install and readily carried. 
     Throughout this document, the terms “beverage container” and “objects” are used in a broad sense. The term “beverage container” can include drinking vessels, such as cups with or without handles, beverage cans, beverage bottles, or any other type of container which holds liquid. The container can be comprised of plastic, glass, aluminum or any other type of material that can hold liquid. The term “objects” can include items such as food items, transportation tickets, writing instruments, small pocket books, or portable hand-held devices such as music players, computing devices, communication devices such as mobile telephones, cameras or video devices, or the like. 
     It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure provides to the art an apparatus for holding one or more beverage containers and/or other objects. In an example described above, the apparatus  10  comprises only a few elements that can be economically manufactured and assembled, and the completed apparatus is easy to install and use, and convenient, lightweight and compact for transport. 
     This disclosure describes a novel and relatively easy to use holder apparatus  10  example for use with an airplane cabin window frame  91 . The apparatus  10  provides a benefit and safe convenience for a passenger that is utilizing a seat adjacent to an airplane cabin window. 
     The holder apparatus  10  can conveniently mount to the preexisting airplane cabin window frame  91 , without physical modification to the frame, by utilizing preexisting window shade slide channels  92 ,  93 . Such channels are currently integrated into left and right vertical walls of a typical airplane window frame and are generally provided to hold, support, and guide left and right edges of the window shade  96  during up and down slide motion. The holder apparatus  10  can be received in the slide channels  92 ,  93  below the leading edge  97  of the preexisting window shade  95 . 
     The holder apparatus  10  examples described above comprise one or more fold-down trays  50  and a window frame mounting structure  12 , together forming a single assembly. Each fold-down support tray  50  can be large enough to accommodate a wide variety of large objects and/or beverage container sizes and shapes, including cups with a handle. In addition, a pivoting stabilizer arm  64  can permit cups of various sizes which are presently provided by airlines, including cups with a handle, to be securely held by the apparatus  10 , in the event an airplane should encounter turbulence or any sort of uneven flight. The stabilizer arm  64  can be rotated upward and out from a substantially vertical non-deployed position in the apparatus  10  to a horizontal or near horizontal deployed position. 
     The holder apparatus  10  examples described herein optionally include a material  25  located proximate the left and right edges  15 ,  16  of the window frame mounting structure  12 . The material  25 , in combination with the window frame slide channels  92 ,  93 , can enable the holder apparatus  10  to be substantially vertically positioned within the window frame  91 , and can in some examples maintain the holder apparatus in any desired position relative to the channels. 
     In one example, a fold-down tray  50  and stabilizer arm  64  may be positioned on a left side of the holder apparatus  10 . One use for this example is for a passenger sitting on a left side of an airplane cabin, such that a cabin window  94  is in closer proximity to a seat located in front of the passenger. Another use for this example is for a passenger sitting on a right side of the airplane cabin, such that the cabin window  94  is in a closer proximity to, and to the immediate right of, the passenger and additional space above the passenger&#39;s arm rest is desired. 
     In another example, a fold-down tray  50  and stabilizer arm  64  can be positioned on a right side of the holder apparatus  10 . One use for this example is for a passenger sitting on the right side of the airplane cabin, such that a cabin window  94  is in closer proximity to the seat located in front of the passenger. Another use for this example is for a passenger sitting on the left side of the airplane cabin, such that the cabin window  94  is in a closer proximity to, and to the immediate left of, the passenger and additional space above the passenger&#39;s arm rest is desired. 
     The holder apparatus  10  examples described herein can be used with an installation method that requires no modification to the airplane cabin or cabin window frame  91 . The holder apparatus  10  can be readily installed by a passenger, or airline personnel could install holder apparatuses for the convenience of its passengers. 
     A holder apparatus  10  for holding an object (such as the beverage container  90  or other object) relative to an airplane cabin window frame  91  is provided to the art by the above disclosure. In one example, the holder apparatus  10  can comprise a mounting structure  12  that locates in opposing window shade channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91 , and at least one tray  50  pivotably mounted relative to the mounting structure  12 . 
     The holder apparatus  10  can include at least one tray  50  pivotably mounted relative to the mounting structure  12 . The stabilizer arm  64  may be received in the tray  50  in a non-deployed position of the tray. 
     The stabilizer arm  64  can include an opening  82  that receives the object therein when the stabilizer arm is in a deployed position. 
     The holder apparatus  10  can also include at least one cavity  30 . The stabilizer arm  64  may be received in the cavity  30  in a non-deployed position of the stabilizer arm. 
     The holder apparatus  10  can have deployed and non-deployed configurations. The stabilizer arm  64  may pivot upward from the non-deployed to the deployed configuration, and the tray  50  may pivot downward from the non-deployed to the deployed configuration. 
     The holder apparatus  10  can include a housing  26 , and the stabilizer arm  64  and the tray  50  may be pivotably mounted to the housing. The housing  26  and the mounting structure  12  may be separately formed, or they may be a single integrally formed element. 
     In a non-deployed configuration of the holder apparatus  10 , the stabilizer arm  64  and the tray  50  may be received in a cavity  30  formed in the housing  26 . 
     The tray  50  can comprise a bottom  55  and one or more sides  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54  that form a liquid receptacle. This liquid receptacle may retain any liquid that spills from a beverage container held by the apparatus  10 . 
     The window shade channels  92 ,  93  can have a window shade  95  slidably received therein. The window shade  95  may be adjusted vertically by sliding displacement relative to the channels  92 ,  93 . 
     The holder apparatus  10  can also include first and second ends  13 ,  14  which extend from the mounting structure  12 , wherein the first end  13  extends from a left side of the structure  12  and the second end  14  extends from a right side of the structure  12 ; and a first material  25  is secured to the first end  13  and a second material  25  is secured to the second end  14 , wherein the first and second materials  25  engage respective ones of the opposing window shade channels  92 ,  93 , thereby releasably securing the apparatus  10  to the window frame  91 . 
     The holder apparatus  10  may also include at least one surface (trays  50 , cavities  30 , rear walls  35 , etc.) of the apparatus to visually display promotional material  27 . 
     A system  100  for holding an object (such as the beverage receptacle  90  or other object) relative to an airplane cabin window  94  is also provided to the art by the above disclosure. In one example, the system  100  comprises a holder apparatus  10  including a mounting structure  12  that engages a window frame  91 . The holder apparatus  10  also includes at least one tray  50  pivotably mounted relative to the mounting structure  12 . 
     The mounting structure  12  engages both of two opposing window shade channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91  in response to rotational displacement of the mounting structure  12  relative to the window frame. A window shade  95  is slidably engaged with the window shade channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91 . 
     A method for installing a holder apparatus  10  in a window frame  91  of an airplane cabin window  94  that can include placing a mounting structure  12  of the apparatus  10  between the two opposing window shade channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91  of the airplane cabin window  94 , rotating the apparatus  10  relative to the window  94 , engaging first and second ends  13 ,  14  of the apparatus  10  with a respective one of the two opposing window shade channels  92 ,  93  of the window frame  91 , and displacing the apparatus  10  toward a bottom of the window frame  91 , thereby securing the apparatus  10  in the window frame  91  proximate the bottom of the window frame  91 . However, it should be understood that the apparatus  10  can be secured in any position in the window frame  91  by sliding the apparatus  10  either up or down after the apparatus  10  has been rotated into engagement with the channels  92 ,  93 . 
     The method can also include engaging a material  25 , which is secured to each of the first and second ends  13 ,  14 , with the opposing window shade channels  92 ,  93 , thereby increasing friction between the first and second ends  13 ,  14  and the material  25  resisting removal of the apparatus  10  from the window frame  91  in response to the increased friction. 
     The apparatus used in the method can also include a tray  50  pivotably mounted to a mounting structure  12  of the apparatus  10 , where the tray  50  provides support for holding a container  90  or other object relative to the window  94 . Although various examples have been described above, with each example having certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example&#39;s features are not mutually exclusive to another example&#39;s features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features. 
     Although each example described above includes a certain combination of features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any of the features described above can be used, without any other particular feature or features also being used. 
     It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments. 
     In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein. 
     The terms “including,” “includes,” “comprising,” “comprises,” and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus, device, etc., is described as “including” a certain feature or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include that feature or element, and can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term “comprises” is considered to mean “comprises, but is not limited to.” 
     Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being separately formed can, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.