Patent Description:
The present invention concerns a deployable table assembly. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a deployable table assembly comprising a holder for a personal electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet or pad.

There are many holders available for holding personal electronic devices. Generally speaking these are designed to be used on their own and are free-standing. An example is a cushioned tablet holder that may be placed on a table or on a user's lap, and holds the tablet in an angled position for use, especially for viewing.

However, these examples are not suitable for, for example, being provided by an airline for an aircraft passenger. Such a holder would be likely to become separated form an associated seat over time and is not integrated with the seat unit, for example.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved deployable table assembly.

<CIT> discloses a support device (D) fitted to a rear face (FR) of a folding backrest (DS) of a first vehicle seat (S1). This device (D) comprises i) a holding part (PM) fixedly secured to the rear face (FR) of the backrest (DS) and comprising two grooves (R) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, ii) a plate ( PS) suitable for supporting objects once the backrest (DS) is folded down, and mounted for rotation on an axis (AX), and iii) a cross member (T) suitable for sliding in the grooves (R) and to which is coupled the 'axis (AX), in order to allow a rotational drive and / or a sliding in the longitudinal direction of the plate (PS), between a stowed position, in which it is placed entirely on the rear face (FR), and deployed positions in which it extends over a longitudinal side (CL1) and / or an upper transverse side (CTS) of the backrest (DS).

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> all disclose deployable table assemblies which form part of the state of the art.

The present invention provides a deployable table assembly comprising a deployable table, and a support arm, wherein the deployable table is moveably mounted to the support arm and is moveable in relation to the support arm between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the support arm comprises a coverable region that is covered by the deployable table when the deployable table is in the stowed position, and not covered by the deployable table when the deployable table is in the deployed position, wherein the deployable table assembly further comprises a holder for a personal electronic device mounted at least partially over the coverable region of the support arm such that the holder is at least partially covered by the deployable table element when the deployable table is in the stowed position, and at least partially exposed when the deployable table is in the deployed position. According to the invention, the holder is translatably mounted to the support arm and translatable in relation to the support arm from a first translation position to a second translation position and the support arm is configured to support the deployable table and to support the holder in use.

This assembly has the advantage that the holder is integral with the assembly, including the table and support arm. This prevents it from becoming separated from the other items of the assembly. In addition, the support arm used to support the deployable table is also used to support the holder. Hence, no separate support arm is required for the holder. These advantages are especially useful when the assembly is mounted as part of an aircraft, for example as part of an aircraft seat unit, for use by an aircraft passenger.

Furthermore, having the holder mounted over the coverable region of the support arm means that the holder is only exposed for use when the table is deployed. This prevents damage to the holder as it is protected when the table is stowed. This also provides for a neater, cleaner, uncluttered look of the assembly when the table is stowed. These advantages are especially useful when the assembly is mounted as part of an aircraft, for example as part of an aircraft seat unit, for use by an aircraft passenger.

It is also noted that such an assembly has the advantage that the stowage of the holder makes use of unused space under the table. Again, this is especially useful when the assembly is mounted as part of an aircraft, for example as part of an aircraft seat unit, for use by an aircraft passenger.

Preferably, the holder is mounted to the coverable region of the support arm. Preferably, the holder is the holder is mounted fully over the coverable region of the support arm. In other words, preferably, the holder is fully covered by the deployable table element when the deployable table is in the stowed position, and fully exposed when the deployable table is in the deployed position.

Preferably, movement of the deployable table between the stowed and deployed positions is a movement within the plane of the deployable table. This provides a compact deployment arrangement.

More preferably, the movement of the deployable table is by rotating or sliding. Even more preferably, the movement is by rotating.

Alternatively, the movement of the deployable table is by folding and unfolding.

Preferably, the deployable table may be moved towards a user when moving from the stowed position to the deployed position (so that more table area is nearer the user) and wherein the coverable region of the arm, as viewed by the user, is behind the deployed position of the deployable table. This means that access to the table (and any objects on it) is not obstructed by the holder or any electronic device being held by it. This means that an aircraft passenger could use the table for eating a meal, whilst still being able to view the electronic device, to watch a film, for example. The movement of the table towards the user may be provided by a telescoping action. The telescoping action may be provided by the support arm being telescopic. For example, the support arm may comprise a support rail and a slidable arm portion, the slidable arm portion being slidably mounted on the support rail.

Preferably, the holder comprises a pivotable arm that is rotatably mounted by a first end to the support arm and wherein a second, opposite end of the pivotable arm provides a first support surface for the electronic device. This provides a simple, intuitive operation of the holder that does not interfere with the table.

The first support surface may comprise a high friction material to prevent sliding of the electronic device on the first support surface. The first support surface may comprise a malleable material to allow the electronic device to be supported by a surface moulded to its angle/shape. The arm may have a width of between <NUM> and <NUM> to allow for the electronic device to be held and prevented from wobbling on the pivotable arm.

More preferably, the pivotable arm is rotatable between a stowed position, preferably where the pivotable arm is substantially or completely flush with the support arm, and at least one deployed position, where the pivotable arm projects at an angle from the support arm. This allows for the holder to be effectively stowed flush against the support arm (and hence, not prevent the table from moving back to its stowed position) but also allows the holder to be easily deployed.

Preferably, the deployable table assembly comprises a table locking mechanism that prevents the table from moving towards the stowed position when the pivotable arm is not in the stowed position. This prevents the table from damaging the holder (or any electronic device being held by it) which may otherwise occur by it being stowed whilst the holder is deployed.

Preferably, there is also provided a second support surface for the electronic device. This allows the electronic device to be held by two supports; the combination of supports preventing it sliding forwards and maintaining an appropriate angle for viewing.

The second support surface may comprise a high friction material to prevent sliding of the electronic device on the second support surface. The second support surface may comprise a malleable material to allow the electronic device to be supported by a surface moulded to its angle/shape. The second support surface may comprise an edge of the deployed table.

More preferably, the second support surface is provided by a retaining edge mounted on the support arm. This provides an actual edge for the electronic device to abut against, which helps to prevent sliding forwards.

More preferably, there are a plurality of retaining edges mounted on the support arm at different positions along the support arm. This allows for a number of different positions, especially angle positions, of the holder (and any electronic device being held by it).

The pivotable arm may be able to provide many angle positions from its stowed position of <NUM> degrees (preferably substantially or completely flush against the support arm) to a fully deployed position of, for example, <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees angled backwards from the support arm. Each angle position may be maintained by the pivotable arm being mounted by a friction hinge to the support arm.

The holder is translatably mounted to the support arm and translatable in relation to the support arm from a first translation position to a second translation position. This assembly also has the advantage that the holder (and therefore the electronic device being held by the holder) is able to move, preferably laterally or alternatively or additionally forwards and backwards, in relation to the support arm. When considering the lateral movement, this allows for different devices, of different widths, to be centred with respect to the user. This is especially useful if the deployed table is not centred (i.e. is "off-centre") with respect to the support arm.

<FIG> shows a plan view of a deployable table assembly <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a "stowed table" configuration.

Here it can be seen that the table <NUM> is in a stowed position 20a. It is supported underneath by a support arm <NUM>. The table is mounted so as to be rotatable on the support arm. The support arm <NUM> can be mounted on a structure (not shown).

<FIG> shows a plan view of the deployable table assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, in a "deployed table" configuration.

Here it can be seen that the table <NUM> has been rotated with respect to the support arm <NUM> (shown by arrow 20c) to a deployed position 20b. The table <NUM> has moved from a "portrait" orientation to a "landscape" orientation. This movement exposes a region <NUM> of the support arm that is shown in hatched lines in <FIG>. This region is covered by the table in the stowed position and not covered (exposed) by the table when then table is in the deployed position.

In this region <NUM> is a holder <NUM> for holding a personal electronic device of a user of the table <NUM>. The holder comprises a pivotable arm <NUM> with a width, extending across the support arm, of <NUM>. This pivotable arm <NUM> will be described in more detail later. Also, in the region <NUM> is a retaining edge region <NUM>. Again, this will be described in more detail later.

<FIG> shows a side view of the deployable table assembly of <FIG>, in a "deployed table" configuration and also showing the pivotable arm <NUM> in a variety of positions. As can be seen, the pivotable arm <NUM> sits flush so as to not protrude above the upper surface of the support arm <NUM> when it is in its stowed position (designated as 42a). It can then be pivoted (shown by arrow <NUM>) from its first end at a friction hinge <NUM> into a variety of other angles from the support arm <NUM>. Here, three other positions 42b (at approximately <NUM> degrees), 42c (at approximately <NUM> degrees) and 42d (at approximately <NUM> degrees) are shown. The arm <NUM> may be pivoted even further as far as an angle of <NUM> degrees from the front support arm surface. At the second, distal end of the pivotable arm <NUM> is a rubber tip <NUM>, which acts as a support surface for an electronic device on the holder <NUM>. The angle of a supported electronic device can be adjusted by altering the angle of the pivotable arm <NUM>.

Also, in <FIG> the retaining region <NUM> in front of the pivotable arm <NUM> can be seen more clearly. Here is can be seen that it comprises a retaining lip <NUM> that protrudes up from the surface of the support arm <NUM>. It is also angled backwards towards the pivotable arm <NUM>. This acts as a second support surface for an electronic device on the holder <NUM>. The retaining lip <NUM> is made of a rubber material.

<FIG> shows a side view of a deployable table assembly <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the invention, in a "deployed table" configuration, also showing the pivotable arm <NUM> in a deployed position and also showing a personal electronic device <NUM> on the pivotable arm <NUM>. This second embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment and the same reference numerals will be used for like elements. Where elements have not been described, it can be assumed they are the same as, or substantially similar to, before.

Here, the retaining region <NUM> comprises two lips 34a, 34b, each of them very similar to lip <NUM>. They are spaced apart along the length of the support arm <NUM> so that different height personal electronic devices can be supported in two different locations and at different angles.

The electronic device <NUM> comprises a front viewing surface <NUM>, a back surface <NUM> and a bottom edge <NUM>. It can be seen that the bottom edge <NUM> abuts against one of the retaining lips 34b and is so prevented from slipping forwards. The back surface <NUM> of the device <NUM> rests on the deployed pivotable arm <NUM>. Hence, the device <NUM> is held at the required angle by the holder <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of a deployable table assembly <NUM> according to a third embodiment of the invention, in a "deployed table" configuration, also showing the pivotable arm <NUM> in a deployed position and also showing a personal electronic device <NUM> on the pivotable arm <NUM>. This third embodiment is very similar to the first and second embodiments and the same reference numerals will be used for like elements. Where elements have not been described, it can be assumed they are the same as, or substantially similar to, before.

Here, the retaining region <NUM> comprises four lips 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d, each of them very similar to lip <NUM> or lips 34a and 34b. They are spaced apart along the length of the support arm <NUM> so that different height personal electronic devices can be supported in four different locations and at different angles.

<FIG> shows a side view of a deployable table assembly <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in a "deployed table" configuration, also showing the pivotable arm <NUM> in a variety of positions and also showing a personal electronic device <NUM> on the pivotable arm <NUM>. This fourth embodiment is very similar to the first, second and third embodiments and the same reference numerals will be used for like elements. Where elements have not been described, it can be assumed they are the same as, or substantially similar to, before.

Here, there is no specific elements to the retaining region <NUM>. Instead, the electronic device <NUM> is simply able to abut against a back edge <NUM> of the table <NUM>. Hence, the back edge <NUM> of the table <NUM> acts as a retaining lip.

This Figure also shown that the rubber tip <NUM> of the pivotable arm <NUM> is squashable/malleable so as to "mould" to the angle of the electronic device <NUM> resting on it.

<FIG> shows a plan view the deployable table assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, in a "deployed table" configuration and also showing the lateral movement of the pivotable arm <NUM> and retaining edge region <NUM>.

When the table <NUM> is in the deployed position 20b, the pivotable arm <NUM> can be pulled in and out laterally (shown by arrows <NUM>) so as to centre the holder <NUM> (and electronic device <NUM>) with respect to the table <NUM> or user. It is noted that the retaining region <NUM> also moves at the same time as the pivotable arm <NUM> (by use of a mechanical linkage, not shown). A spring <NUM> acts to hold the pivotable arm <NUM> and retaining region <NUM> in the required place.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a deployable table assembly <NUM> according to an example not forming part of the invention, showing the assembly in situ as part of an aircraft seat unit <NUM>, mounted to a seat console 61and useable by a passenger in the seat behind <NUM>. The support arm <NUM> is mounted to the seat console <NUM> under a TV monitor <NUM>. This console is in front of the passenger seat <NUM> so the passenger in seat <NUM> can use the table <NUM> and holder <NUM>. The console is located above a footwell for the passenger.

<FIG> shows a plan view of the deployable table assembly <NUM>. Here, it can be seen that the support arm <NUM> comprises a support arm portion 430a and a rail 430b. The support arm portion 430a is slidably mounted to the rail 430b. The rail 430b is slidably mounted to a mounting plate <NUM> that is mounted in the seat console <NUM>. Hence, the support arm <NUM> is able to slide out in a telescopic manner.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the deployable table assembly <NUM>, in a "stowed table" configuration. The table <NUM> has a latch button <NUM> at the front that a passenger can press to release a latch <NUM> and enable the table to be deployed. The latch is located in the circled area of <FIG> and is shown enlarged in <FIG>. This latch <NUM> is released by the action of the pressing on the latch button <NUM>. Once de-latched, the table can be pulled forwards so that the table <NUM>, support arm portion 430a and rail 430b are slid in relation to the mounting plate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the deployable table assembly <NUM>, in the "stowed table" configuration, showing a retaining pin <NUM>. This pin <NUM> forms part of the support arm portion 430a and acts to retaining the table leaf <NUM> in relation to the support arm portion 430a. This is done by the retaining pin <NUM> extending through a through hole <NUM> in the support arm portion 430a into a closed hole <NUM> on the underside of the table leaf and thus, preventing the table leaf <NUM> from being rotated in relation to the support arm portion 430a. The pin <NUM> extends upwards from a sliding lock arm <NUM> of the support arm portion 430a. The height of the sliding lock arm <NUM> in relation to the hole <NUM> varies, as the sliding lock arm can move up and down, depending on the orientation of the table <NUM>, as will be described in more detail later.

<FIG> shows an enlarged perspective view of a cam follower <NUM> and cam track <NUM> used in the deployment of the table <NUM>. The cam follower <NUM> is connected to the support arm portion 430a. When the table leaf <NUM> is pulled forwards, the support arm portion 430a moves in relation to the mounting plate <NUM>. This causes the cam follower <NUM> to run along the cam track <NUM> that is located on the mounting plate <NUM>. The cam track <NUM> is "stepped" so that the cam follower <NUM> travelling along it moves downwards at a first step 451a. The cam follower <NUM> is connected to the retaining pin <NUM> and so the downwards movement of the cam follower <NUM> causes the retaining pin <NUM> to drop. This means that the retaining pin <NUM> drops out of the hole <NUM> in the table <NUM> and thus allows the table <NUM> to be able to be rotated in relation to the support arm portion 430a. This dropped position of the retaining pin <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

It is noted that the dropping of the pin <NUM> corresponds to the cam follower <NUM> reaching a certain position (the first step 451a) on the cam track <NUM>. This corresponds to the table <NUM>, support arm portion 430a and rail 430b being pulled forwards by a distance of approximately <NUM>. At this distance, rotation of the table leaf <NUM> does not cause abutting or knocking into any of the console furniture etc. As the table <NUM> is rotated, it rotates in relation to the pin <NUM>. The profile of the underside of the table <NUM> is shaped (i.e. has a depth that varies) so that as the table <NUM> rotates in relation to the retaining pin <NUM>, the pin <NUM> is pushed downwards. Therefore, between the angles of <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, the pin <NUM> is being pushed downwards by the table <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the deployable table assembly <NUM>, in this rotated (to <NUM> degrees) configuration.

With the table <NUM> rotated between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, the retaining pin <NUM> push up against the underside of the table <NUM> if the table <NUM> was attempted to be stowed. Hence, the cam follower <NUM> would not be able to go back up the cam track <NUM>. Hence, stowage of the table <NUM> is prevented when it is rotated past <NUM> degrees.

The table <NUM> can be pulled further forwards from the configuration in <FIG>, and this causes the support arm portion 430a to slide in relation to the rail 430b. In the fully deployed position, the table <NUM> is very close to the passenger in the seat, at a total distance away from the console of approximately <NUM> (i.e. a further <NUM>).

If a passenger then wants to exit their seat without having to rotate the table <NUM> back to its original orientation, the passenger can push against the table <NUM>. This causes the rail 430b and support arm portion 430a to both be pushed towards the mounting plate <NUM>. This provides for an extra approximately <NUM> of space (i.e. a total distance of <NUM>). At the end of this travel, the cam follower <NUM> has stepped up on the cam track <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

During this travel, the retaining pin <NUM> is located in a different hole <NUM> in the underside of the table leaf <NUM> and so rotation of the table leaf <NUM> is not possible. Hence, the travel can only occur when the table is in the <NUM> degree rotated position. Otherwise, the pin <NUM> hits the underside of the table <NUM> and prevents the cam follower <NUM> stepping up the step 451a on the cam track <NUM>.

The cam follower <NUM> stepping up on the cam track <NUM> causes the retaining pin <NUM> to be pushed up into a second hole <NUM> in the table <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This hole <NUM> is shallower than hole <NUM> and thus prevents the movement of the table <NUM> in relation to the support arm portion 430a by preventing the cam following <NUM> being able to move further up the cam track <NUM> (up another step). This, this prevents any further stowage movement of the table <NUM> towards the console or mounting plate <NUM>.

When a passenger wishes to fully stow the table, they need to pull it back towards them, away from the console, so that cam follower <NUM> drops down the step in the cam track <NUM> and the pin <NUM> is dropped down away from hole <NUM>. This allows the table to be rotated back into its original (<NUM> degrees) orientation. Then, when the table <NUM> is pushed back and cam follower <NUM> travels up the cam track <NUM>, the cam follower <NUM> is not prevented from lifting up with the steps in the cam track <NUM>. This is because pin <NUM> is now located in hole <NUM>, which is deeper than hole <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the deployable table assembly <NUM> in the "fully deployed" configuration, showing the pivotable arm in a <NUM> degree position. Here, the pivotable arm <NUM> is stopped from rotating any further by the bottom of the arm abutting the support arm portion 430a. This Figure also shows a gap 41a in the support arm portion <NUM> that also a passenger to easily push the pivotable arm <NUM> up from underneath the support arm potion 430a.

The width of the pivotable arm <NUM> can be any suitable width, depending on the type/size of personal electronic device expected to be used with it.

Claim 1:
A deployable table assembly comprising:
- a deployable table (<NUM>), and
- a support arm (<NUM>),
wherein the deployable table (<NUM>) is moveably mounted to the support arm (<NUM>) and is moveable in relation to the support arm (<NUM>) between a stowed position (20a) and a deployed position (20b),
wherein the support arm comprises a coverable region that is:
- covered by the deployable table (<NUM>) when the deployable table (<NUM>) is in the stowed position, and
- not covered by the deployable table (<NUM>) when the deployable table (<NUM>) is in the deployed position,
wherein the deployable table assembly further comprises:
- a holder (<NUM>) for a personal electronic device mounted at least partially over the coverable region (<NUM>) of the support arm (<NUM>) such that the holder is:
- at least partially covered by the deployable table element (<NUM>) when the deployable table is in the stowed position (20a), and
- at least partially exposed when the deployable table (<NUM>) is in the deployed position (20b)
characterised in that the holder (<NUM>) is translatably mounted to the support arm (<NUM>) and translatable in relation to the support arm (<NUM>) from a first translation position to a second translation position and
in that the support arm is configured to support the deployable table and to support the holder in use.