Patent Description:
A cabin attendant aircraft tray table according to claim <NUM> is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table may include at least one bumper coupled to the second upper surface of the rear section. The at least one bumper may be configured to receive and support the PED when the front section is in the PED position.

In some embodiments, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table may include at least one recess inset within the second upper surface of the rear section. The at least one recess may be configured to support the PED when the front section is in the PED position.

The at least one hinge includes a hinge body. The at least one hinge includes a first shaft coupling the front section to the hinge body. The first shaft may include at least one bearing. The at least one hinge includes a second shaft coupling the rear section to the hinge body. The second shaft includes at least one bearing.

In some embodiments, the mechanical assembly may include at least one ball detent. The at least one ball detent being configured to engage at least one notch on the hinge body when the front section is in at least one of the stowed position or the PED position.

In some embodiments, a first angle between the front section and the hinge body may be configured to remain unchanged as the front section actuates between the stowed position and the PED position. A second angle between the rear section and the hinge body may be configured to change as the front section actuates between the stowed position and the PED position.

In some embodiments, a first angle between the front section and the hinge body may be configured to change as the front section actuates between the PED position and the tray position. A second angle between the rear section and the hinge body may be configured to remain unchanged as the front section actuates between the PED position and the tray position.

In some embodiments, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table may include an interlocking assembly with a first component on the front section and a second component on the rear section. An engaging by a first surface on the first component of a second surface on the second component may prevent the front section from actuating past the tray position where the front section and the rear section are co-planar.

In some embodiments, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table may include at least one fitting coupled to the rear section. The at least one fitting may be configured to be inserted into at least one corresponding receiver on at least one armrest of a cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table may be stowable in a cavity defined within a frame of the cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly when the front section is in the stowed position.

A cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly according to claim <NUM> is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly may include at least one cut-out within the frame. The at least one cut-out may provide access to the cavity defined within the frame in which the cabin attendant aircraft tray table is stowable when the front section is in the stowed position.

In some embodiments, the at least one cut-out may conform to a perimeter of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table defined when the front section is in the stowed position. The perimeter may include at least one projection corresponding to at least one feature of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table. The at least one feature may include the at least one fitting.

The frame of the cabin attendant seat assembly includes a first set of rails within the defined cavity. The first set of rails are configured to receive a first portion of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table. The frame includes a second set of rails within the defined cavity. The second set of rails are configured to receive a second portion of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table.

In some embodiments, the first set of rails may include two rails with co-planar surfaces configured to receive the first portion of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table. The second set of rails may include two rails with surfaces separated by a select distance and configured to receive the second portion of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table.

In some embodiments, the front section and the rear section of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table may be in separate planes when the front section is in the stowed position. The first upper surface of the front section may be proximate to the second upper surface of the rear section when the front section is in the stowed position.

<FIG> in general illustrate a cabin attendant aircraft tray table, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Aircraft may include aircraft tray tables for cabin attendants to use at their cabin attendant aircraft seat during rest periods. As the cabin attendant seat is often in an aisle, a walkway, a galley, and/or an entrance to/egress from the aircraft, the footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat may be reduced in at least one dimension due to space limitations while also needing to address factors such as convenience, ease of access, user comfort, and the like.

For example, the aircraft tray table may need to be stowed on-seat for convenience and ease of access, while maintaining a cabin attendant aircraft seat footprint. By way of another example, the aircraft tray table may need to support a large personal electronic device (e.g., such as a tablet), in addition to or instead of a smaller PED (e.g., such as a smartphone), while keeping to a low profile to reduce an amount of required storage and thus maintaining the cabin attendant aircraft seat footprint.

As such, it would be desirable to provide a cabin attendant aircraft tray table. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table should be installable on the cabin attendant aircraft seat when in use. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table should be removable from and stowable within the footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat when not in use. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table should be low-profile to reduce an amount of required storage and thus maintain the footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table should be multi-functional, being configured to hold a variety of sizes of PEDs.

It is noted herein the cabin attendant aircraft tray table may need to be configured in accordance with aviation guidelines and/or standards put forth by, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or any other flight certification agency or organization; the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC), or any other standards setting organization or company; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) or any other guidelines agency or organization; or the like.

<FIG> in general illustrate a cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. It is noted herein "cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM>" and variants of the term including, but not limited to, "aircraft tray table <NUM>" or "tray table <NUM>" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The tray table <NUM> may include a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include one or more sections. For example, the body <NUM> may include a rear section <NUM> and a front section <NUM>. By way of another example, the body <NUM> may include three or more sections. Where there are multiple sections, the multiple sections may be equal in length or may be different in length depending on the storage location within a seat footprint of a cabin attendant aircraft seat on which the tray table <NUM> may be installed. It is noted herein, however, the body <NUM> may include a single section (e.g., be a single continuous piece), as long as the seat footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat is maintained.

The rear section <NUM> and the front section <NUM> (or adjacent sections of the multiple sections, in general) may be coupled together by one or more hinges <NUM>. For example, the one or more hinges <NUM> may include a double-action hinge or a single-action hinge.

The one or more hinges <NUM> may include a hinge body <NUM> and one or more shafts <NUM>. For example, the tray table <NUM> may include two hinges <NUM>, with each hinge coupled to the rear section <NUM> via a first shaft <NUM> and coupled to the front section <NUM> via a second shaft <NUM>.

The one or more hinges <NUM> may include one or more bearings <NUM> along each shaft <NUM>. For example, a hinge <NUM> may include two bearings <NUM> along each shaft <NUM>. The hinge body <NUM> may include one or more notches <NUM>, and one or more sections of the body <NUM> may include one or more inset ball detents <NUM> configured to engage with the one or more notches <NUM>. For example, an exterior surface of the hinge body <NUM> may include a notch <NUM> and the front section <NUM> may include an inset ball detent <NUM> configured to engage with the notch <NUM>. By way of another example, an exterior surface of the hinge body <NUM> may include a notch <NUM> and the rear section <NUM> may include an inset ball detent <NUM> configured to engage with the notch <NUM>. By way of another example, the body <NUM> may include a combination of front and rear inset ball detents <NUM>, and the exterior surface of the hinge body <NUM> may include corresponding notches <NUM>.

It is noted herein the body <NUM> is not limited to ball detents <NUM> and corresponding notches <NUM> on the hinge body <NUM>, but rather may use any mechanical coupling or interlocking assembly known in the art and configured to hold the front section <NUM> of the body <NUM> at an angle relative to a hinge body <NUM> and/or the rear section <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

It is noted herein the one or more hinges <NUM> may be a torque hinge configured to hold itself in place, such that the ball detents <NUM> and corresponding notches <NUM> on the hinge body <NUM> and/or other mechanical coupling or interlocking assembly known in the art may not be required to hold the front section <NUM> of the body <NUM> at an angle relative to a hinge body <NUM> and/or the rear section <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

One or more fasteners <NUM> may be used to couple the one or more hinges <NUM> to the body <NUM>. For example, each hinge <NUM> may be held in place within a section of the body <NUM> by one or more set screws, where the one or more set screws are configured to engage with a shaft <NUM> or an exterior surface of the hinge body <NUM>. It is noted herein the one of more hinges <NUM> may installed with an adhesive, an interlocking assembly, an interference fit, or the like at least partially within a section of the body <NUM>.

The aircraft tray table <NUM> may include one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> configured to prevent the front section <NUM> from over-actuation about the one or more hinges <NUM>. For example, the one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> may include a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM>, where the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> each include surfaces <NUM> configured to come into contact when the aircraft tray table is in a deployed position. For instance, the first component <NUM> may be a protrusion from an exterior surface of the front section <NUM>, and the second component <NUM> may be a recess within an exterior surface of the rear section <NUM>. The one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> may extend across a portion of a width of the body <NUM>. For example, the one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> may be positioned between multiple hinges <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> may extend across the full width of the body <NUM>, where interference with the one or more hinges <NUM> would not occur.

The aircraft tray table <NUM> may include one or more bumpers <NUM>. For example, the one or more bumpers <NUM> may be coupled to a rear upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM>, or pass in the rear upper surface <NUM> (e.g., are inset within grooves in the rear section <NUM>). The one or more bumpers <NUM> may support the front section <NUM> when folded onto the rear section <NUM>. For example, a front upper surface <NUM> may be in contact with the one or more bumpers <NUM> when the front section <NUM> is folded onto the rear section <NUM>.

It is noted herein one or more bumpers <NUM> may be coupled to the front upper surface <NUM> of the front section <NUM>, or pass through the front upper surface <NUM> (e.g., are inset within grooves in the front section <NUM>), instead of or in addition to the one or more bumpers <NUM> may coupled to or passing through the rear upper surface <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include one or more fins <NUM>. For example, the one or more fins <NUM> may be located along a periphery of the rear section <NUM>. For instance, the rear section <NUM> may include two fins spaced on opposite sides of the rear section <NUM>. The one or more fins <NUM> may include one or more fittings <NUM> configured to engage with an aircraft cabin flight attendant seat.

<FIG> in general illustrate the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> in various positions, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

In general, the hinge body <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> relative to the rear section <NUM> in the various positions, and the front section <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> relative to the hinge body <NUM> in the various positions. It is noted herein the angles <NUM>, <NUM> may change during actuation of the front section <NUM> between a stowed position and one or more deployed positions.

Referring now to <FIG>, the front section <NUM> is in the stowed position. In the stowed position, the front section <NUM> is folded on top of the rear section <NUM> via the one or more hinges <NUM>. The hinge body <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM>-degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the rear section <NUM>. The front section <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the hinge body <NUM>. The stowed position of the tray table <NUM> may be a low profile suitable for stowing of the tray table <NUM>, without increasing the seat footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat. The upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the front section <NUM> may be proximate and in separate planes. For example, the separate planes may be parallel (or substantially parallel).

Referring now to <FIG>, the front section <NUM> is in a first intermediate position between the stowed position and a first deployed position or PED position. In the first intermediate position, the front section <NUM> is partially open relative to the rear section <NUM> via the one or more hinges <NUM>. The hinge body <NUM> may be at an angle <NUM> between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the rear section <NUM>. The front section <NUM> may remain set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the hinge body <NUM>. In this regard, the hinge body <NUM> will actuate about a first shaft <NUM> in the rear section <NUM> prior to actuating about a second shaft <NUM> in the front section <NUM>.

It is noted herein <FIG> represents one example intermediate position, and that any number of intermediate positions may exist between the stowed position and the PED position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Referring now to <FIG>, the front section <NUM> is in the PED position. In the PED position, the front section <NUM> is perpendicular to the rear section <NUM> (and the upper surface <NUM> of the front section <NUM> is perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM>). The hinge body <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the rear section <NUM>. The front section <NUM> is set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees relative to the hinge body <NUM>. The PED position of the tray table <NUM> is suitable for holding a PED in place for the cabin attendant via a mechanical assembly. For example, the mechanical assembly may include a ball detent <NUM> (or other interlocking assembly configured to engage with the hinge <NUM>) for locking the vertical (or substantially vertically) front section <NUM> (i.e., providing a return force to counter the weight of the PED pressing on the vertical (or substantially vertical) front section <NUM>), such that the vertical (or substantially vertical) front section <NUM> remains perpendicular to the rear section <NUM>.

As illustrated in the transition between <FIG>, a sub-assembly including the front section <NUM> and the hinge body <NUM> may be configured to actuate about the first shaft <NUM> in the rear section <NUM>, causing the angle <NUM> to change between the hinge body <NUM> and the rear section <NUM>, while the front section <NUM> and the hinge body <NUM> maintains a set angle <NUM>.

It is noted herein, however, the front section <NUM> may be configured to actuate about the second shaft <NUM> in the front section <NUM> while transitioning between the stowed position and the PED position. For example, a sub-assembly including the rear section <NUM> and the hinge body <NUM> may maintain a set angle <NUM>, while the front section <NUM> may be configured to actuate about the second shaft <NUM> within the front section <NUM>, causing the angle <NUM> to change between the hinge body <NUM> and the front section <NUM>. By way of another example, the angles <NUM>, <NUM> may both change as the front section <NUM> actuates from the stowed position to the PED position.

Referring now to <FIG>, the front section <NUM> is in a second intermediate position between the PED position and a second deployed position or tray position. In the second intermediate position, the front section <NUM> is partially open relative to the rear section <NUM> via the one or more hinges <NUM>. In the second intermediate position, the hinge body <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the rear section <NUM>. The front section <NUM> may be at an angle <NUM> between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the hinge body <NUM>. In this regard, the hinge body <NUM> will actuate about the second shaft <NUM> in the front section <NUM> while actuation about the first shaft <NUM> in the front section <NUM> is prevented (e.g., by the one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM>).

It is noted herein <FIG> represents one example intermediate position, and that any number of intermediate positions may exist between the PED position and the tray position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Referring now to <FIG>, the front section <NUM> is in the tray position. In the tray position, the front section <NUM> is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the rear section <NUM>. The hinge body <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the rear section <NUM>. The front section <NUM> may be set at an angle <NUM> of <NUM> degrees (or substantially <NUM> degrees) relative to the hinge body <NUM> (and thus the rear section <NUM>). The tray position of the tray table <NUM> may be suitable for use by the cabin attendant (e.g., for eating, or the like), as the upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the front section <NUM> (and thus the rear section <NUM> and the front section <NUM>) are co-planar, forming a single surface when the front section <NUM> is in the tray position.

As illustrated in the transition between <FIG>, the front section <NUM> is configured to actuate relative to the hinge body <NUM> about the second shaft <NUM> within the front section <NUM>, while the rear section <NUM> and the hinge body <NUM> maintains a set angle <NUM>. The surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> of the one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> may engage the surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM> of the one or more interlocking assemblies <NUM> as the front section <NUM> enters the tray position, preventing the front section <NUM> from over-actuating beyond co-planar.

It is noted herein, however, the rear section <NUM> may be configured to actuate about the first shaft <NUM> in the rear section <NUM> while transitioning between the PED position and the tray position. For example, a sub-assembly including the front section <NUM> and the hinge body <NUM> may maintain a set angle <NUM>, while the rear section <NUM> may be configured to actuate about the first shaft <NUM> within the rear section <NUM>, causing the angle <NUM> to change between the hinge body <NUM> and the rear section <NUM>. By way of another example, the angles <NUM>, <NUM> may both change as the front section <NUM> actuates from the PED position to the tray position.

It is noted herein the particular angles <NUM>, <NUM> as listed above are only examples, and that the angles <NUM>, <NUM> may be any angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

It is noted herein the actuation of the front section <NUM> from the tray position to the stowed position may involve performing all or a portion of the above steps in a different order. For example, the front section <NUM> may rotate relative to the hinge body <NUM> about the second shaft <NUM> in the front section <NUM> from the tray position to the PED position, and then the front section <NUM> and the hinge body <NUM> may rotate relative to the rear section <NUM> about the first shaft <NUM> in the rear section <NUM> from the PED position to the stowed position.

<FIG> in general illustrate a cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. It is noted herein "cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly <NUM>" and variants of the term including, but not limited to, "aircraft seat assembly <NUM>" or "seat assembly <NUM>" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The seat assembly <NUM> may include one or more armrests <NUM>. The one or more armrests <NUM> may be actuatable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

The one or more fittings <NUM> of the aircraft tray table <NUM> may be couplable to the one or more armrests <NUM> via one or more receivers <NUM>. For example, the one or more receivers <NUM> may be counter-bored into the one or more armrests <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more receivers <NUM> may be counter-bored within components attached to the one or more armrests <NUM>. For instance, the components attached to the one or more armrests <NUM> may be static or actuatable (e.g., configured to stow within the one or more armrests <NUM>). It is noted herein the one or more fittings <NUM> and the one or more receivers <NUM> may be considered components of an interlocking assembly <NUM>.

It is noted herein the one or more receivers <NUM> may be dimensioned and toleranced such that the depth of the one or more receivers <NUM> and the diameter (or diameters) within the one or more receivers <NUM> is sufficient to hold onto the one or more fittings <NUM> of the aircraft tray table <NUM> and prevent front-loading from uncoupling the aircraft tray table from the one or more armrests <NUM>. In addition, it is noted herein the one or more receivers <NUM> may be coated with a material configured to increase friction between the one or more receivers <NUM> and the one or more fittings <NUM>. Further, it is noted herein the one or more fittings <NUM> and/or the one or more receivers <NUM> may include one or more gaskets or seals configured to increase friction between the one or more receivers <NUM> and the one or more fittings <NUM>.

The seat assembly <NUM> may include a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be couplable to an interior structure in an aircraft cabin. The frame <NUM> may be couplable to a floor in the aircraft cabin.

A cabin attendant aircraft seat <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. It is noted herein "cabin attendant aircraft seat <NUM>" and variants of the term including, but not limited to, "aircraft seat <NUM>" or "seat <NUM>" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The aircraft seat <NUM> may be a single-occupant seat or a double-occupant seat. The aircraft seat <NUM> may include a seat pan and cushion <NUM>, a seat back and cushion <NUM>, and a head rest <NUM>. At least a portion of the aircraft seat <NUM> may fit within a cavity <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. For example, the seat back and cushion <NUM> and a portion of the seat pan and cushion <NUM> may fit within the cavity <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, additional portions or the entire aircraft seat <NUM> may fit within the cavity <NUM> in the frame <NUM>.

The aircraft seat <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., swivelable) or translatable (e.g., trackable or slidable). The aircraft seat <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis cross-wise in the aircraft seat <NUM> into a position including, but not limited to, a stowed position or one or more deployed positions. The aircraft seat <NUM> may be fully positionable between the outer limits of motion as defined by the moveable components of the aircraft seat <NUM>. Where the aircraft seat <NUM> is installed within an aisle, a walkway, a galley, and/or an entrance to/egress from the aircraft, the aircraft seat <NUM> may be fully positionable between the outer limits of motion as defined by surrounding interior structures within the aisle, the walkway, the galley, and/or the entrance to/egress from the aircraft. It is noted herein an upright or raised position may be considered a taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTOL) position during select stages of flight (though the upright or raised position is not limited to use during the select stages of flight as the TTOL position, but also may be used at any point during the flight), for purposes of the present disclosure. In addition, it is noted herein that any position that does not meet the above-defined requirements of the TTOL position may be considered a non-TTOL position, for purposes of the present disclosure. Further, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., translatable and/or rotatable) from the TTOL position to a non-TTOL position, and/or vice versa. Further, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be capable of a fully upright or raised position, and that the TTOL position may have a more reclined seat back cushion and a more angled upward seat pan cushion as compared to the fully upright or raised position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The frame <NUM> may include a cavity <NUM>. When uncoupled from the one or more receivers <NUM> and actuated into the stowed position, the aircraft tray table <NUM> may be insertable within the cavity <NUM> for storage when not in use.

The cavity <NUM> may be accessible via one or more cut-outs <NUM>. For example, the frame <NUM> may include one or more two cut-outs <NUM> on one or both long sidewalls of the frame <NUM> to allow for the aircraft seat assembly <NUM> to be installed on either side of the aircraft cabin without blocking access to the cavity <NUM>. By way of another example, the frame <NUM> may include a cut-out on a forward surface of the frame <NUM>.

The one or more cut-outs <NUM> may include a perimeter shaped to the aircraft tray table <NUM> when in the stowed position. For example, the one or more cut-outs <NUM> may include a projection <NUM> for the fitting <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more cut-outs <NUM> may include a projection <NUM> for the first component <NUM> of the interlocking assembly <NUM> on the front section <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the one or more cut-outs <NUM> may include a perimeter not shaped to the aircraft tray table <NUM>, but instead a shaped as a rectangle or other polygon.

The cavity <NUM> may include a set of rails configured to guide and retain the aircraft tray table <NUM> when inserted into the frame <NUM> for storage.

For example, the cavity <NUM> may include a rail <NUM> and a rail <NUM> forming a first channel configured to receive a first portion of the aircraft tray table <NUM>. For instance, the rail <NUM> and the rail <NUM> may be configured to receive the front side of the front section <NUM> and the rear side of the rear section <NUM>, which are adjacent when the aircraft tray table <NUM> is in the stowed position. It is noted herein the surfaces of the rail <NUM> and the rail <NUM> configured to receive the first portion of the aircraft tray table <NUM> may be co-planar. In addition, it is noted herein the rail <NUM> and the rail <NUM> may be fabricated as separate components or a single component.

By way of another example, the cavity <NUM> may include a rail <NUM> and a rail <NUM> forming a second channel configured to receive a second portion of the aircraft tray table <NUM>. For instance, the rail <NUM> and the rail <NUM> may be configured to receive the rear side of the front section <NUM> and the front side of the rear section <NUM>, which include the components <NUM>, <NUM> of the interlocking assembly <NUM>. It is noted herein the surfaces of the rail <NUM> and the rail <NUM> configured to receive the second portion of the aircraft tray table <NUM> may be in different planes, due to the difference in height of the second portion of the aircraft tray table <NUM> caused by the first component <NUM> of the interlocking assembly <NUM> on the front section <NUM>. In addition, it is noted herein the rail <NUM> and the rail <NUM> may be fabricated as separate components or a single component.

The frame <NUM> may include a storage compartment <NUM>. For example, the storage compartment <NUM> may be positioned under the aircraft seat <NUM> / cavity <NUM> and in front of the cavity <NUM> for the aircraft tray table <NUM>.

The one or more storage compartment <NUM> may be configured to receive and hold medical supplies, medical devices, medical tools, or the like. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like).

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a storage compartment configured to receive luggage or other belongings of the cabin attendant.

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be configured to receive and hold (e.g., contain, secure, or the like) one or more passenger amenities including, but not limited to, paper-printed materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, or the like), select personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, phablets, laptops, music devices, digital video disc (DVD) players, handheld gaming consoles or devices, or the like), food products, drink products, bassinets, blankets, or the like.

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections for one or more passenger amenities such as, but not limited to, one or more charging ports, one or more charging cables, or the like.

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the suite such as, but not limited to, one or more display device connection ports, one or more display device connection cables, one or more audio output jacks (e.g., headphone jacks), one or more audio input jacks, or the like.

The aircraft tray table <NUM> may include one or more grooves and recesses <NUM>. The one or more grooves or recesses <NUM> may be accessible when the front section <NUM> is in the stowed position and the aircraft tray table <NUM> is coupled to the aircraft seat assembly <NUM> via the one or more interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the one or more grooves or recesses <NUM> may be usable as cupholders or compartments for holding personal belonging of a cabin attendant.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the aircraft tray table <NUM> being stowed in a folded configuration within the frame <NUM>, it is noted herein the aircraft tray table <NUM> may be stowed in a unfolded configuration where the cut-out <NUM> (e.g., with projections <NUM>, <NUM>) within the frame <NUM> and the rails <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> are configured to receive the aircraft tray table <NUM> in the unfolded configuration. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

<FIG> in general illustrate the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> and a personal electronic device (PED) <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The PED <NUM> may include any electronic device known in the art. For example, the PED <NUM> may be a handheld computer including, but not limited to, a tablet, a smartphone, a phablet, or the like. By way of another example, the PED <NUM> may be any computer or computing device including one or more processors and memory. For instance, the PED <NUM> may be a convertible laptop including, but not limited to, a laptop with a single-fold hinge, a laptop with a double-fold hinge, a laptop with a twist-and-fold hinge, a laptop with a detachable display device and/or a detachable user input device, or the like.

The aircraft tray table <NUM> may be configured to support the PED <NUM> in either a portrait mode or a landscape mode when the front section <NUM> is in the PED position.

For example, where the PED <NUM> is a tablet or other larger device, the PED <NUM> may make contact with an edge <NUM> of the front section <NUM> and the one or more bumpers <NUM> of the rear section <NUM>. It is noted herein the PED <NUM> may make contact with the one or more bumpers <NUM> in addition to or instead of the upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM>.

By way of another example, where the PED <NUM> is a smartphone or other smaller device, the PED <NUM> may make contact with the upper surface <NUM> of the front section <NUM> and fit within a groove or recess <NUM> within the upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM>.

At least a portion of the upper surface <NUM> of the rear section <NUM> may include a non-slip material <NUM>. For example, the non-slip material <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the one or more bumpers <NUM>. By way of another example, the non-slip material <NUM> may be in place of the recess <NUM>.

At least a portion of the upper surface <NUM> of the front section <NUM> may include a non-slip material <NUM>. For example, the non-slip material <NUM> may be positioned approximately where the PED <NUM> may make contact with the upper surface <NUM>.

It is noted herein the aircraft tray table <NUM> may include any combination of the one or more bumpers <NUM>, the recess <NUM>, the non-slip material <NUM>, and/or the non-slip material <NUM>.

In this regard, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> is installable in the cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly <NUM> when in use. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> is removable from and stowable within the footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly <NUM> defined by the frame <NUM> when not in use. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> is low-profile to reduce an amount of required storage and thus maintain the footprint of the cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly <NUM>. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> is multi-functional, being configured to hold a variety of sizes of PED <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> being used with a cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly <NUM> installed within an aircraft cabin, it is noted herein, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> and/or components of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> are not limited to the aviation environment and/or the aircraft components within the aviation environment. For example, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> and/or components of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> may be configured for any type of vehicle known in the art. For instance, the vehicle may be any air, space, land, or water-based personal equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based commercial equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based military equipment or vehicle known in the art. By way of another example, the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> and/or components of the cabin attendant aircraft tray table <NUM> may be configured for commercial or industrial use in either a home or a business. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Claim 1:
A cabin attendant aircraft tray table, comprising:
a front section (<NUM>) of a body with a first upper surface;
a rear section (<NUM>) of the body with a second upper surface; and
at least one hinge (<NUM>) coupling the front section and the rear section, the at least one hinge (<NUM>) comprising:
a hinge body (<NUM>);
a first shaft (<NUM>) coupling the front section to the hinge body, the first shaft including at least one bearing; and
a second shaft (<NUM>) coupling the rear section to the hinge body, the second shaft including at least one bearing;
the front section being configured to actuate relative to the rear section via the at least one hinge between a stowed position, a personal electronic device, PED, position, and a tray position,
the front section (<NUM>) and the rear section (<NUM>) being in separate planes when the front section is in the stowed position, the first upper surface of the front section being proximate to the second upper surface of the rear section when the front section is in the stowed position,
the front section (<NUM>) being held in place relative to the rear section via a mechanical assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) when the front section is in the PED position, the front section and the rear section (<NUM>) being configured to receive and support a PED when the front section is in the PED position, the front section (<NUM>) set at an angle (<NUM>) of <NUM> degrees relative to the hinge body (<NUM>) when in the PED position, the mechanical assembly engaging with the hinge (<NUM>) to provide a return force to counter a weight of the PED pressing on the front section (<NUM>) to lock the front section (<NUM>) when in the PED position;
the first upper surface of the front section and the second upper surface of the rear section forming a co-planar surface when the front section is in the tray position; and
characterised in that the front section (<NUM>) is set at an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the rear section (<NUM>) in the PED position.