GB2272371A - Tray assembly for use in a vehicle. - Google Patents

Tray assembly for use in a vehicle. Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2272371A
GB2272371A GB9320869A GB9320869A GB2272371A GB 2272371 A GB2272371 A GB 2272371A GB 9320869 A GB9320869 A GB 9320869A GB 9320869 A GB9320869 A GB 9320869A GB 2272371 A GB2272371 A GB 2272371A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
tray
support
tray apparatus
saddle
support struts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9320869A
Other versions
GB2272371B (en
GB9320869D0 (en
Inventor
Reford Thomas Kearns
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB929221258A external-priority patent/GB9221258D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB9320869A priority Critical patent/GB2272371B/en
Publication of GB9320869D0 publication Critical patent/GB9320869D0/en
Publication of GB2272371A publication Critical patent/GB2272371A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2272371B publication Critical patent/GB2272371B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
    • B60N3/001—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays
    • B60N3/002—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays of trays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
    • B60N3/001—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays
    • B60N3/002—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays of trays
    • B60N3/004—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays of trays of foldable trays mounted on the back-rest
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
    • B60N3/001—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays
    • B60N3/002—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays of trays
    • B60N3/005—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of tables or trays of trays mounted on the steering wheel

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)

Abstract

The tray assembly 1 comprises a support frame 4 having a saddle 5 arranged to be hooked over a suitable mount (such as a head rest or a steering wheel) in the interior of a vehicle so that the support frame is suspended from the object. A pair of spaced support struts 9, 10 depend downwardly from the saddle, the struts being provided at their lowermost portions 11, 12 with connection means 13, 14 for connection to and supporting of, a tray. <IMAGE>

Description

Tray Apparatus The present invention relates to tray apparatus, and in particular to tray apparatus arranged to be retained in and supported by the interior of a vehicle.
It is known to provide tray apparatus for attachment to a vehicle headrest such that a tray support surface is provided extending from the back support of a vehicle seat.
Examples of prior art devices are disclosed in, for instance, European Patent Specification 0203021, U.S. Patent Specification 5046433 and French Patent Specification 2656841. The prior art devices referred to are relatively complex both in terms of manufacture and assembly and provided with complicated means of fixing to the headrest of the seat.
I have now devised improved tray apparatus to be supported in the interior of a vehicle, which apparatus provides advantages in simplicity of both manufacture and assembly.
According to the invention, there is provided tray apparatus to be supported in the interior of a vehicle, which tray apparatus comprises; a) tray means; and b) a support frame comprising: i) saddle means arranged to be hooked over an object comprising the interior of the vehicle, such that the support frame may be suspended from the object; and, ii) a pair of spaced support struts connected at respective proximal portions to said saddle means, the support struts being adapted in use to depend downwardly from the saddle means to respective distal portions, which distal portions are provided with connection means for connecting the support frame to said tray means such that the tray means is supported thereby.
It is preferred that the saddle means comprises a frame member extending between the proximal portions of the support struts, which frame member advantageously includes an elongate element adapted in use to abut the object. The elongate element abuts the object on the opposite side of the object to that on which the support struts depend downwardly.
Advantageously, the elongate element is connected to respective support struts by means of respective transverse limb elements which extend in a direction mutually transverse to the support struts and the elongate element.
The saddle means is particularly suited to be hooked over a vehicle headrest such that the support frame is suspended from the headrest with the support struts depending downwardly adjacent the rear of the seat back fitted with the headrest. In this particularly preferred embodiment, the saddle means is also suited to be alternatively hooked over the upper part of a steering wheel.
It is preferred that the tray means is provided with connection means adapted to be complementarily engageable with the connection means provided on the distal portions of the support strut.
In a preferred embodiment, the distal portion of each support strut is provided with a transversely extending arm on which the tray means may rest. Advantageously each arm is provided with a spigot portion or projection adapted to engage with a respective complementary shaped fixing provided on the tray means. Advantageously the complementary shaped fixings are provided on the underside of the tray means.
It is preferred that the position of connection between the tray means and the connection means on the distal portions of the support struts is selectively adjustable such that the tray means may extend transversely from the support struts by selectively differing amounts.
Advantageously a further fitment is provided for the apparatus, which further fitment may comprise a further tray, a beaker support or the like. Typically the further fitment extends from the support frame intermediate the proximal and distal portions of the support struts. The further fitment may be connected to the support frame in a similar manner to the tray means, or, alternatively, may be provided with hook formations adapted to hook over respective portions of the support frame.
The invention will now be further described in a specific embodiment by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of tray apparatus according to the invention in use; and, Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of respective parts of the tray apparatus of Figure 1.
Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figure 1 in particular, there is shown tray apparatus, generally designated 1 adapted to be supported by a headrest 2 of a vehicle seat backrest 3.
The tray apparatus 1 comprises a metallic support frame 4 having a saddle portion 5 comprising elongate frame element 6 connected at opposed ends to transverse limb elements 7,8. In use, the saddle portion 5 is hooked over the headrest 2 such that elements 6,7 and 8 rest on the uppermost portion of vehicle seat backrest 3.
Support struts 9,10 connected to respective limbs 7,8 and extend downwardly therefrom adjacent the rear of the seat backrest 3. The lowermost ends of struts 9,10 are provided with further transverse limbs 11,12 extending outwardly from the seat backrest 3 and terminating in inwardly projecting lugs 13,14.
A tray 15 is provided on its underside with plastic strips 16 defining a series of female "snap-fit" formations 17 which in use engage with respective lugs 13,14 such that tray 15 is securely supported on the support frame 4 as shown in Figure 1. Slits 18,19 enable support struts 9,10 to pass through the plane of the tray 15 such that the tray 15 may rest on transverse limbs 11,12 and lugs 13,14.
A further fitment 20 in the form of a stabiliser for drinking beakers or cans is provided for the attachment. The fitment 20 is provided with hooks 21 which engage over transverse limbs 7,8 such that fitment 20 is effectively suspended from support frame 4.
Circular apertures 22 provided in fitment 20 serve to secure and contain therein the tops of beakers or cans the bases of which rest on tray 15.
In use, the saddle portion 5 of support frame 4 is easily hooked over headrest 2 and hangs firmly in place due to the weight of the support frame 4 and tray 15. The attachment may be used as shown in Figure 1 with the tray 15 extending rearwardly of the seat backrest 3, or may alternatively be reversed such that the tray 15 extends forwardly of the seat backrest 3. A further and important feature of tray apparatus 1 is that saddle portion 5 of support frame 4 may be hooked over the upper portion of a steering wheel such that support frame 4 is suspended from the steering wheel with tray 15 extending transversely toward the drivers seat. A further possible means of using the tray apparatus is to wedge the tray 15 and support frame 4, when assembled, between the front and rear seats of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle floor. This enables the tray 15 to be used communally by two passengers in the rear seat of the vehicle with the tray apparatus positioned intermediate them.

Claims (12)

Claims:
1. Tray apparatus to be supported in the interior of a vehicle, which tray apparatus comprises; a) tray means; and b) a support frame comprising: i) saddle means arranged to be hooked over an object comprising the interior of the vehicle, such that the support frame may be suspended from the object; and, ii) a pair of spaced support struts connected at respective proximal portions to the saddle means, said support struts being adapted in use to depend downwardly from the saddle means, to respective distal portions, which distal portions are provided with connection means for connecting the support frame to said tray means such that the tray means is supported thereby.
2. Tray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the saddle means comprises a frame member extending between the proximal portions of the support struts, which frame member advantageously includes an elongate element adapted in use to abut the object.
3. Tray apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elongate element is arranged to abut the object on the opposite side of the object to that on which the support struts depend downwardly.
4. Tray apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the elongate element is connected to respective support struts by means of respective transverse limb elements which extend in a direction mutually transverse to the support struts and the elongate element.
5. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray means is provided with connection means adapted to be complementarily engageable with the connection means provided on the distal portions of the support strut.
6. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal portion of each support strut is provided with a transversely extending arm on which the tray means may rest.
7. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of connection between the tray means and the connection means on the distal portions of the support struts is selectively adjustable such that the tray means may extend transversely from the support struts by selectively differing amounts.
8. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a further fitment such as a further tray, beaker support or the like.
9. Tray apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in use the further fitment is disposed above and spaced from the tray means.
10. Tray apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the further fitment extends from the support frame intermediate the proximal and distal portions of the support struts.
11. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the saddle means is shaped and dimensioned to be suitable for being hooked at separate instances over more than one object comprising in the interior of the vehicle.
12. Tray apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. Tray apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the saddle means is shaped and dimensioned such that in one instance the saddle means may be hooked over a vehicle headrest and in another instance the saddle means may be hooked over the upper portion of a vehicle steering wheel.
13. Tray apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Tray apparatus to be supported in the interior of a vehicle, which tray apparatus comprises; a) tray means; and b) a support frame comprising: i) saddle means arranged to be hooked over an object comprising the interior of the vehicle, such that the support frame may be suspended from the object;; and, ii) a pair of respectively spaced support struts connected at respective proximal portions to the saddle means, said support struts being adapted in use to depend downwardly from the saddle means, to respective distal portions, the distal portion of each support strut comprising a transversely extending arm on which the tray means may rest and respective connection means for connecting the support frame to said tray means such that the tray means is supported thereby, said respective connection means comprising respective lugs arranged to project in a direction which is transverse to both said respective depending support strut and said respective extending arm.
2. Tray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the saddle means comprises a frame member extending between the proximal portions of the support struts, which frame member advantageously includes an elongate element adapted in use to abut the object.
3. Tray apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elongate element is arranged to abut the object on the opposite side of the object to that on which the support struts depend downwardly.
4. Tray apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the elongate element is connected to respective support struts by means of respective transverse limb elements which extend in a direction mutually transverse to the support struts and the elongate element.
5. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray means is provided with connection means adapted to be complementarily engageable with the connection means provided on the distal portions of the support strut.
6. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of connection between the tray means and the connection means on the distal portions of the support struts is selectively adjustable such that the tray means may extend transversely from the support struts by selectively differing amounts.
7. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a further fitment such as a further tray, beaker support or the like.
8. Tray apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in use the further fitment is disposed above and spaced from the tray means.
9. Tray apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the further fitment extends from the support frame intermediate the proximal and distal portions of the support struts.
10. Tray apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the saddle means is shaped and dimensioned to be suitable for being hooked at separate instances over more than one object comprising in the interior of the vehicle.
11. Tray apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the saddle means is shaped and dimensioned such that in one instance the saddle means may be hooked over a vehicle headrest and in another instance the saddle means may be hooked over the upper portion of a vehicle steering wheel.
GB9320869A 1992-10-09 1993-10-11 Tray apparatus Expired - Fee Related GB2272371B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9320869A GB2272371B (en) 1992-10-09 1993-10-11 Tray apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB929221258A GB9221258D0 (en) 1992-10-09 1992-10-09 Tray apparatus to be retained by a vehicle headrest
GB9320869A GB2272371B (en) 1992-10-09 1993-10-11 Tray apparatus

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9320869D0 GB9320869D0 (en) 1993-12-01
GB2272371A true GB2272371A (en) 1994-05-18
GB2272371B GB2272371B (en) 1996-06-19

Family

ID=26301765

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9320869A Expired - Fee Related GB2272371B (en) 1992-10-09 1993-10-11 Tray apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2272371B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2284791A (en) * 1993-12-18 1995-06-21 Reford Thomas Kearns Vehicle tray apparatus
WO1997014576A1 (en) * 1995-10-18 1997-04-24 Reford Thomas Kearns Tray apparatus

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2025212A (en) * 1978-07-11 1980-01-23 Herbert R W Demountable table
GB2113540A (en) * 1982-01-27 1983-08-10 David William Ogilvie Bowen Picnic table
EP0203021A1 (en) * 1985-05-24 1986-11-26 Georges Vandamme Detachable tray
GB2189988A (en) * 1986-05-03 1987-11-11 Andrew Judge Trays for use in vehicles
US4715293A (en) * 1986-12-09 1987-12-29 Cobbs Richard W Body-supported hand-operated instrument desk
US4792183A (en) * 1987-10-29 1988-12-20 Townsend Iii William R Desk for use in automobiles
GB2239639A (en) * 1990-01-03 1991-07-10 Lin Chun Nan Folding tray for a vehicle seat
GB2260690A (en) * 1991-10-23 1993-04-28 Arthur Smith A tray suitable for use in a vehicle

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2025212A (en) * 1978-07-11 1980-01-23 Herbert R W Demountable table
GB2113540A (en) * 1982-01-27 1983-08-10 David William Ogilvie Bowen Picnic table
EP0203021A1 (en) * 1985-05-24 1986-11-26 Georges Vandamme Detachable tray
GB2189988A (en) * 1986-05-03 1987-11-11 Andrew Judge Trays for use in vehicles
US4715293A (en) * 1986-12-09 1987-12-29 Cobbs Richard W Body-supported hand-operated instrument desk
US4792183A (en) * 1987-10-29 1988-12-20 Townsend Iii William R Desk for use in automobiles
GB2239639A (en) * 1990-01-03 1991-07-10 Lin Chun Nan Folding tray for a vehicle seat
GB2260690A (en) * 1991-10-23 1993-04-28 Arthur Smith A tray suitable for use in a vehicle

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2284791A (en) * 1993-12-18 1995-06-21 Reford Thomas Kearns Vehicle tray apparatus
WO1997014576A1 (en) * 1995-10-18 1997-04-24 Reford Thomas Kearns Tray apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2272371B (en) 1996-06-19
GB9320869D0 (en) 1993-12-01

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19991011