GB2428373A

GB2428373A - Vehicle desk assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2428373A
Application number: GB0514940A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Brown; Ian Hitchcock; Andrew Fairclough; Andrew Bullough; Nick Dalton
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd; Nissan Technical Centre Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-20
Filing date: 2005-07-20
Publication date: 2007-01-31
Also published as: WO2007010188A2; WO2007010188A3; GB0514940D0

Abstract

A vehicle desk assembly 10 comprises a desk-top 36, a supporting arm 20 on which the desk-top is mounted, and anchoring means 12 adapted to retain the supporting arm and to secure the assembly to a pair of laterally spaced anchorage members preferably releasably latches 16 disposed between the seat and seat-back for anchoring a child seat. Use of such ISOFIX anchorage members provides a robust mounting platform for the desk assembly suitable for when the desk-top is used to support high loads, such as those exerted when using a laptop computer. The assembly is of modular form to allow easy assembly and, when desired, temporary removal of the desk-top alone. Supporting arm 20 preferably pivots to conform to the pitch of the seat sqaub and furthermore is telescopically adjustable. A variety of desk-tops can be provided.

Description

* 2428373

VEHICLE DESK ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a vehicle desk assembly and, in particular, to a vehicle desk assembly detachably mounted on a passenger seat.

For both business travellers and children alike, it is often useful to have access to a desk or table (for simplicity referred to collectively as a desk) when on the move. One type of known vehicle desk takes the form of a seat-back mounted tray similar to that found on aircraft seats and which can be stowed flat against the seat back of a front seat or pivoted downwards to provide a useable flat surface for a rear seat passenger.

Another type comprises a foldable desk that is collapsed when not in use and stored in a hollow armrest of the vehicle seat.

Whilst such known vehicle desks are perfectly adequate for supporting drinks, magazines, newspapers and the like, they are not particularly robust and are liable to be damaged if heavier loads are placed on them. For example, a typical laptop computer may apply a load in the region of 5kg mass and its user may contribute an additional 3kg mass load in terms of his or her forearm pressure. If the aforementioned known types of vehicle desk are subject to such loads, even if no damage occurs, there is a strong likelihood of the desk surface deflecting excessively under the load.

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle desk assembly for a passenger seat that is simple to install and yet sufficiently robust to support the loads typically applied through use of laptop equipment, office files, etc. From a first aspect, the present invention resides in a vehicle desk assembly comprising a desk top, at least one supporting arm on which the desk top is mounted, and anchoring means adapted to retain the or each supporting arm and to secure the assembly to a pair of laterally spaced anchorage members disposed between the seat and seat-back for anchoring a child seat.

Many vehicles built today are fitted with rigid anchorage members, typically a pair of steel loops, for the purpose of securing child safety seats to the vehicle. These anchorage members, located in a passenger seat at the intersection of the seat and seat-back and fixed to the metal framework of the seat, provide a safer way of securing a child safety seat than by using the passenger safety belts as the securing means. In fact, this system of installing a child safety seat without requiring the use of a seatbelt has become well known and is commonly referred to as an ISOFIX system, having been based on an international standard developed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO). As such, anchorage members adhering to the ISOFIX standard are located at a specified, fixed distance apart, set at 280mm. However, for present purposes, any child restraint anchoring system that operates on a similar principle, irrespective of the distance between anchoring locations, will hereinafter be referred to as an ISOFIX system.

The ISOFIX standard was of course developed for the purpose of securing child safety seats. For many vehicle owners without children or whose children have outgrown the need for safety seats, such ISOFIX anchorage members are largely redundant. However, the Applicant has had the foresight to appreciate that ISOFIX anchorage members may be used to provide an ideal location for securing a vehicle desk assembly. The ISOFIX anchorage members provide a stiff and robust mounting platform for the desk assembly, being capable of withstanding the considerable loads that may be applied when using the desk as a mobile office.

A further advantage offered by securing the desk via the ISOFIX system is that the desk may be installed on any of the vehicle seats provided with the requisite anchorage members. For many vehicles, ISOFIX anchorage points are provided on both the left and right hand rear passenger seats, and some vehicles may additionally have anchorage points on either or both of the middle rear seat and front passenger seat. Accordingly, the desk may be installed wherever is most convenient for the user and may be readily relocated to a different position as required.

Whilst the desk top, supporting arm(s) and anchoring means may be integrally formed, or formed separately and then assembled effectively to comprise a fixed assembly, it is preferred that the desk-top at least be readily demountable from the supporting arm(s). However, it is especially convenient that all the assembly components be provided in modular form. In this way, the assembly may be easily dismantled, either in totality (for example, when it is desired to relocate the assembly to a different position in the vehicle or to install the assembly in a different vehicle) or only partially (for example, when it is desired to remove the desk top temporarily, or the desk top and supporting arm(s), to provide a normal seating arrangement yet leaving the anchoring means in place ready for rapid installation of the desk-top).

The anchoring means may comprise a rigid bar carrying a pair of spacedapart engagement means for engaging with the ISOFIX anchorage members and be adapted to connect to the supporting arm. The engagement means may, for example, comprise known clip or latch mechanisms which are aligned, and automatically engage, with the ISOFIX anchorage points on the vehicle seat as the anchoring means is installed.

The anchoring means advantageously further comprises a pair of release members associated with the engagement means to provide a mechanism whereby the engagement means can easily be released. In their simplest form, the release members may comprise a pair of loops that an operator pulls on to release the clip or latch mechanisms or other such engagement means.

As already discussed, the anchorage points of an ISOFIX system are fixed at 280mm apart, usually symmetrically about the mid-point of the vehicle seat. Accordingly, in order that the desk assembly does not intrude significantly on the available seating area, the or each supporting arm for the desk-top ideally extends, either directly or indirectly, from the anchoring means at a position wide of the anchorage points.

This can be conveniently achieved in a number of ways. For example, the anchoring means may be elongated to extend beyond at least one of the anchorage points when installed on a vehicle seat, with the or each supporting arm being connectable, directly or indirectly, with the anchoring means at or towards the end of the extended portion.

Alternatively, the supporting arm(s) may include an extension piece or connector, such as a substantially L-shaped connector, with one leg of the "L" providing the extension beyond the anchorage points and the other leg providing the connection to that part of the supporting arm on which the desk-top is mounted. Other alternatives, such as a substantially L- shaped anchoring means, different shaped connectors, etc are all possibilities for reducing or eliminating any intrusion of the passenger seating space by the supporting arm(s).

Furthermore, in order to allow a person ready access to the vehicle seat where the desk assembly has been installed, it is particularly preferred that the desk-top be supported by a single supporting arm, as opposed to a pair of arms supporting both ends of the desk-top. A single supporting arm is most conveniently retained at or towards that end of the anchoring means remote from the vehicle door. In this regard, it is preferred that the supporting arm extends close to the far (inboard) edge of seat, remote from the vehicle door, or at the junction with an adjacent seat.

Of course, there may be safety considerations to take into account with the use of a single supporting arm. For example, in a vehicle collision, there is a risk that a passenger's head would impact on the desk-top causing it to bend like a cantilever.

This could result in possible neck and/or spinal injury. Accordingly, to reduce this risk, an optional desk-top leg may be provided on the opposite side of the desk-top to the supporting arm such that the desk- top can be supported in use at both ends.

However, in order not to impede access to the seat, it is particularly preferred that any such supporting leg be foldable, for example, to lie and be retained against the under surface of the desk-top until the passenger has taken up his/her position. Once in position, the passenger can simply release the leg and allow it to drop down and perform its supporting function.

Aside from the aforementioned advantages in terms of available seating area and access, having the supporting arm located close to, or at the junction with, an adjacent seat has other benefits. Notably, the supporting arm can be allowed to remain installed along with the anchoring means when the desk-top is not required without inconveniencing any of the passengers. Further, if the desk-top is adapted to co- operate with the supporting arm such that the desk surface extends in either of two directions, to the left or the right of the supporting arm, it allows a user to choose which of two adjacent seats has the desk surface without having to relocate the anchoring means and supporting arm.

In any event, it is preferred that the anchoring means is adapted to receive the supporting arm, or an extension piece thereof, at both ends, or is adapted to be installed on the vehicle's anchorage points in either of two orientations, so giving the user the option as to which end the supporting arm is attached.

In order that the supporting arm does not provide an obstruction to passengers getting in and out of the vehicle when the desk-top is not installed, the arm preferably comprises an elongate member that in use lies against and is supported on the seat squab (or the intersection between adjacent seat squabs). In this way, it is easy for a passenger to access a vehicle seat beyond the supporting arm without any significant inconvenience. Moreover, by resting the supporting arm on the seat squab, the desk assembly is further stabilised and any tendency for the assembly to vibrate, due to the motion of the vehicle or the variations in pressure applied whilst the desk-top is in use, is reduced.

Seat designs typically vary from model to model, with the result that the pitch of the seat squab will also vary. However, by connecting the anchoring means via the vehicle's anchorage members, the anchoring means will have a certain degree of rotational freedom about the anchorage members thereby enabling the supporting arm to lie flush against the seat squab irrespective of its pitch. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the connection between the supporting arm and the anchoring member may be flexible in terms of permitting the supporting arm to "rotate" to match the angle of inclination of the seat squab.

Preferably, the anchoring means comprises a tubular element, ideally of metal, in which a portion of the supporting arm, or an extension piece or connector thereof, is retained. As previously indicated, the anchoring means may comprise an L-shaped tubular element so that the supporting arm, or an extension thereof, connects to a leg and extends substantially normal to the anchoring means.

The portion of the supporting arm or extension thereof that co-operates with the tubular element may also be cylindrical, to allow for the aforementioned relative rotation and permit the supporting arm to rest against the seat squab irrespective of its pitch. However, for preventing the desk-top rotating under load, it is preferred that the supporting arm and/or any extension thereof be largely of box-section, preferably with a cylindrical end portion that connects to the anchoring means.

Any convenient method for securing the supporting arm to the anchoring means is envisaged. For example, the supporting arm may be a friction fit with the anchoring means, such as by having the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the supporting arm, at least in the vicinity of the connection portion, only slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubular element of the anchoring means.

More preferably, the desk assembly further comprises a fixing rod of smaller diameter than the tubular element of the anchoring means, and having a distal end that attaches, such as by a screw fit or friction fit, to the supporting arm or extension piece thereof and a proximal end to which a handle of larger diameter than the tubular element is attached. In use, the fixing rod is inserted into the tubular element as far as the handle and the distal end is pushed onto the supporting arm or the handle is rotated to screw the distal end onto the supporting arm. In either respect, the fixing rod is free to rotate within the tubular element, thereby allowing the supporting arm the freedom to adopt the same pitch as the seat on which rests.

The desk-top which forms part of the desk assembly according to the invention preferably comprises a substantially horizontal working surface and a substantially vertical mounting member for mounting on the supporting arm. For ease of use and construction, the mounting member may simply consist of a slot arm extending from the underside of the working surface that slots into a receiving slot on the supporting arm. The receiving slot is ideally upwardly facing to receive the slot arm, which arrangement also ensures that the desk-top is effectively secured from any sideways movement.

The working surface and mounting member may be integrally formed, such as by moulding or by radius forming from an essentially flat sheet of material. Equally, the working surface and mounting member may be foldable so that the desk-top can be collapsed when not in use making storage easier.

Whilst any suitable material may be used to form the working surface and mounting member, for aesthetic purposes, they may be formed from a transparent material, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sheet, such as Perspex, being one such example.

The use of transparent materials is beneficial in terms of reducing the visual impact of the desk assembly and alleviating any feeling of claustrophobia caused by presenting a working surface close to the user. Depending on the material used, it may be desirable to include metal reinforcement(s) in either or both the working surface and mounting member to ensure that neither deflects excessively under load.

Of course, individuals using the desk assembly will each have different preferences with respect to the position of the desk-top, largely as a result of their differing sizes.

Ideally therefore, the assembly should be adjustable so that one or both of the height and lateral displacement of the desk-top can be selected to suit the individual. For example, the longitudinal adjustment mechanism may comprise a telescopic supporting arm so that the portion on which the desk-top is mounted may be moved forwards or backwards with respect to the seat back where the assembly is secured.

Any suitable mechanism for locking the supporting arm at the desired length may be used, a spring-loaded pin that engages with one of a series of holes being one such option.

For safety purposes, it may be desirable that the longitudinal adjustment mechanism be load limited, for example, by selecting an appropriate shear strength for the spring- loaded pin. Another safety feature may be to provide the slot into which the slot arm is inserted with a load limited front face. In either case, the desk-top is permitted to slide forwards away from the passenger under a load typically exerted during vehicle impact.

Additional features, such as cup holders, pen holders, power supplies, TV/computer screens, mobile Internet access, etc may be provided to enhance the usefulness of the desk assembly. These features may be provided as standard with the desk-top or may be purchased as optional extras by the user. In fact, a range of desk-tops may be made available each having different features according to the most likely requirements of the end user.

To allow a user to position the desk-top at an angle suited to the task in hand, the desk-top is optionally tiltable, for example, by means of a pivoting mechanism. Such an arrangement is particularly useful to aid viewing when the desk-top incorporates a TV or computer screen.

Other optional features for the desk assembly include protective, padded covers for either or both the anchoring means and supporting arm, so raising the level of comfort of any passenger occupying the seat where the desk assembly is at least partially installed.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view from above of a vehicle desk assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 1 showing its component parts; Figure 3 is a side view of a longitudinal adjustment mechanism for use in the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the assembly of Figure 1 as installed in a vehicle; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a desk-top forming part of the assembly of Figure 1 stowed in the boot of a vehicle; and Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views from above of alternative desk-tops for use in the assembly of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a vehicle desk assembly (10) according to one aspect of the invention. The assembly (10) comprises anchoring means (12) in the form of a tubular element (14) carrying a pair of engagement clips (16, 16') for engaging with a vehicle's ISOFIX anchoring members. Release loops (18, 18') are provided on the upper faces of the clips (16, 16'), which can be pulled on to release the clips and remove the assembly following installation.

A supporting arm (20) extends substantially normal to the tubular element (14) of the anchoring means (12) and includes a connector (22) to connect with the anchoring means (12) and a moveable section (34) which cooperates with the connector (22) to allow longitudinal adjustment of the desk-top (36) position.

As will be seen more clearly from the exploded view of Figure 2, the connector (22) has a hollow cylindrical portion (24) of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of fixing rod (26) such as to form a friction fit with one end of fixing rod (26). In use, the fixing rod (26) is inserted in the tubular element (14) and is prevented from passing right through by means of handle (28) which has a diameter greater than that of the tubular element (14). A collar portion (30) which extends from the handle (28) and is integral therewith has a central bore which also provides a friction fit for the opposite end of the fixing rod (26). The collar portion is of an intermediate diameter, being such as to provide a friction fit with the internal diameter of the tubular element (14) yet allow relative rotation against the frictional force to enable the angle of the connector (22) and hence that of the supporting arm (20) to be adjusted to sit at the correct angle with respect to the seat squab on which the supporting arm (20) rests in use.

With the exception of cylindrical portion (24), the supporting arm (20) is primarily of box-section for strength and rigidity. As will be seen more clearly from Figure 3, the connector (22) has a smaller cross- section than that of the moveable section (34) to allow telescopic movement. The connector (22) includes a series of "thru" holes (38) extending along its upper and lower faces, whilst moveable section (34) has on its upper face a single hole (40) through which a latch pin (42) projecting from a spring- biased latch handle (44) is urged. When the pin (42) engages both the single hole (40) and one of the series of holes (38) on theconnector (22), the moveable section (34) is effectively locked into position.

In order to adjust the longitudinal position of the moveable section (34), the latch handle (44) is depressed against the force of leaf spring (46) causing the latch handle (44) to pivot about pivot pin (48) and the latch pin (42) to rise up and disengage with holes (38, 40) at which position the moveable section (34) is free to be moved. When the desired longitudinal position has been achieved, the latch handle (44) is released whereupon the latch pin (42) drops back through hole (40) of the moveable section (34) and the nearest appropriate hole of the series of holes (38) in the connector (22).

In Figures 1 and 2, the assembly is installed such that the supporting arm (20) extends to the left of the anchoring means (12). However, the connector (22) is equally able to connect with the right hand side of the anchoring means (12) whereupon the "thru" holes (38) previously in the lower face of the connector (22) are now uppermost and ready for cooperation with the latch pin (42) of moveable section (34). Reversing the assembly in this way may be achieved either by detaching the connector (22) from the fixing rod (26) and reassembling them from the opposite sides of the anchoring means (12) whilst leaving the latter in place, or by disconnecting the anchoring means (12) from the anchorage points and rotating the anchoring means (12) whilst leaving the connector (22) attached to the anchoring means via the fixing rod (26).

The moveable section (34) further includes an upwardly directed slot section (50) above the hollow box section that receives at least a part of the connector (22). For ease of both assembly and disassembly, the upwardly directed slot section (50) is dimensioned to be a friction fit with slot arm (52) of the desk-top (36). The slot arm (52) is formed in one piece with desk surface (54). The rigidity of the piece is enhanced by a metal reinforcing element (56) bonded to the underside of the desk surface (54) and the inner face of the slot arm (52) .

Figure 4 shows the assembly of Figures 1 to 3 installed on the rear passenger seat of a vehicle. However, by virtue of the desk-top (36) and slot section (50) being "non- handed", the desk-top could equally be installed such that it extends to the left of the supporting arm (20) and anchoring means (12) without the need to relocate the latter parts.

It will be appreciated from Figure 2 in particular that that desk assembly in accordance with the illustrated embodiment comprises only five main parts viz.anchoring means (12), supporting arm connector (22), supporting arm moveable section (34), fixing rod (26) and desk-top (36), and requires very little by way of assembly in order to install in a vehicle. It will be further appreciated that removing the desk-top and allowing the anchoring means and supporting arm to remain in situ creates very little inconvenience to the vehicle's passengers, yet leaves the partially installed assembly in a condition ready to receive the desk-top according to the passenger's needs. For added versatility, and as illustrated by Figure 5, the boot of the vehicle may include a receptacle for the slot arm (52) so that the desk-top (36) may be utilised, for example, as a table for drinks or food when not being used for its primary purpose.

Other arrangements are of course entirely possible and within the scope of the invention. For example, the slot section for receiving the slot arm of the desk-top may be located at the side of the telescoping section rather than above it; the moveable section of the supporting arm may be screw mounted on the fixed section to provide the telescopic adjustment; and the anchoring means may comprise an L-shaped member such that the connector of the supporting arm may be dispensed with.

In addition, the desk-tops can be varied according to the user's choice. For example, Figures 6A and 6B each show a desk-top (36) having a similar slot arm (52) to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, except that desk surfaces (54', 54") are specially adapted for use by children. Desk surface (54') incorporates a child's drawing game (56), such as Etchasketch , whereas desk surface (54") includes a pen or block holder (58) and a mat (60) for a block building system, such as Lego .

Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential attributes and reference should therefore be made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing specific description as indicating the scope of protection.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A vehicle desk assembly (10) comprising a desk top (36), at

least one supporting arm (20) on which the desk top (36) is mounted, and anchoring means (12) adapted to retain the or each supporting arm (20) and to secure the assembly (10) to a pair of laterally spaced anchorage members disposed between the seat and seat-back for anchoring a child seat.
2. An assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the laterally spaced anchorage members comprise ISOFIX anchorage members.
3. An assembly (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the assembly (10) is provided in modular form for assembling and disassembling at different positions in a vehicle or in different vehicles.
4. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims ito 3, wherein the anchoring means (12) comprises a rigid bar (14) carrying a pair of spacedapart engagement means (16, 16') for engaging with the anchorage members.
5. An assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the anchoring means (12) further comprises a pair of release members (18, 18') associated with the engagement means (16, 16') for releasing the engagement means (16, 16') from the anchorage members.
6. An assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use the or each supporting arm (20) extends from the anchoring means (12) at a position wide of the anchorage members.
7. An assembly (10) according to claim 6, wherein the or each supporting arm (20) includes a connector (22) for connecting with the anchoring means (12).
8. An assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the connector (22) is substantially L-shaped.
9. An assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each supporting arm (20) comprises an elongate member that in use lies against and is supported by the seat squab.
10. An assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the connection between the or each supporting arm (20) and the anchoring means (12) is adjustable such that the angle of inclination of the elongate member corresponds to the pitch of the seat squab.
11. An assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein the anchoring means (12) comprises a tubular element (14) and the supporting arm (20) includes a cylindrical connector (24) that in use connects with the tubular element (14).
12. An assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the working surface (54) is pivotably connected to the mounting member (52) for adjusting the tilt of the surface (54) to a selected angle.

12. An assembly (10) according to claim 10, wherein the anchoring means (12) comprises a tubular element (14) and a fixing rod (26) of smaller diameter than the tubular element (14), the fixing rod (26) having a distal end adapted to connect with the supporting arm (20) and a proximal end attached to a handle (28), and wherein in use the fixing rod (26) extends through the tubular element (14) as far as the handle (28) and the distal end is connected to the supporting arm (20).

13. An assembly (10) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the connection with the supporting arm (20) is by a friction fit.

14. An assembly (10) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the connection with the supporting arm (20) is by a screw fit.

15. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each supporting arm (20) is longitudinally adjustable.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein the or each supporting arm (20) is telescopic (32, 34).

17. An assembly (10) according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the longitudinal adjustment is load limited for allowing the desk-top (36) unlimited longitudinal movement under vehicle impact conditions.

18. An assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the desk-top (36) is mounted on a single supporting arm (20).

19. An assembly (10) according to claim 18, wherein the anchoring means (12) is adapted to receive the supporting arm (20) in either of two positions such that the supporting arm (20) may connect to the left or to the right of the anchoring means (12).

20. An assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the desk-top (36) comprises a working surface (54) and a substantially vertical mounting member (52) for mounting the desk-top (36) on the supporting arm (20).

21. An assembly (10) according to claim 20, wherein the substantially vertical mounting member (52) comprises a slot arm and the supporting arm (20) comprises an upwardly directed slot (50) for receiving the slot arm.

22. An assembly (10) according to claim 21, wherein the slot arm (52) is a friction fit in the slot (50) of the supporting arm (20).

23. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the desk- top (36) is non-handed to permit the mounting member (52) to be mounted on the supporting arm (20) in either of two orientations such that the working surface (54) may extend to the left or the right of the supporting arm (20).

24. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the working surface (54) and a substantially vertical mounting member (52) are integrally formed.

25. An assembly according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the working surface (54) is pivotably connected to the mounting member (52) for adjusting the tilt of the surface (54) to a selected angle.

26. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the working surface (54) and mounting member (52) are formed of a transparent material.

27. An assembly (10) according to claim 26, wherein the transparent material comprises polymethylmethacrylate.

28. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the desk- top (36) comprises one or more sections of metal (56) for reinforcing the strength and rigidity of the desk-top (36).

29. An assembly (10) substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figures 1 to 4, and Figures 6A and 6B of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A vehicle desk assembly (10) comprising a desk top (36), at least one supporting arm (20) on which the desk top (36) is mounted, and anchoring means (12) adapted to retain the or each supporting arm (20) and to secure the assembly (10) to a pair of laterally spaced anchorage members disposed between the seat and seat-back for anchoring a child seat; and wherein the desk-top (36) is mounted on a single supporting arm (20); and wherein the anchoring means (12) is adapted to receive the supporting arm (20) in either of two positions such that the supporting arm (20) may connect to the lefi or to the right of the anchoring means (12).

2. An assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein in use the or each supporting arm (20) extends from the anchoring means (12) at a position wide of the anchorage members.

3. An assembly (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or each supporting arm (20) comprises an elongate member that in use lies against and is supported by the seat squab; and the connectin between the or each supporting arm (20) and the anchoring means (12) is adjustable such that the angle of inclination of the elongate member corresponds to the pitch of the seat squab.

4. An assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the anchoring means (12) comprises a tubular element (14) and the supporting arm (20) includes a cylindrical connector (24) that in use connects with the tubular element (14).

5. An assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the anchoring means (12) comprises a tubular element (14) and a fixing rod (26) of smaller diameter than the tubular element (14), the fixing rod (26) having a distal end adapted to connect with the supporting arm (20) and a proximal end attached to a handle (28), and wherein in use the fixing rod (26) extends through the tubular element (14) as far as the handle (28) and the distal end is connected to the supporting arm (20).

6. An assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the or each supporting arm (20) is longitudinally adjustable; and the longitudinal adjustment is load limited for allowing the desk-top (36) unlimited longitudinal movement under vehicle impact conditions.

7. An assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the desk-top (36) comprises a working surface (54) and a substantially vertical mounting member (52) for mounting the desk-top (36) on the supporting arm (20).

8. An assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the substantially vertical mounting member (52) comprises a slot arm and the supporting ann (20) comprises an upwardly directed slot (50) for receiving the slot arm.

9. An assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein the slot arm (52) is a friction fit in the slot (50) of the supporting arm (20).

10. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the desk-top (36) is non-handed to permit the mounting member (52) to be mounted on the supporting arm (20) in either of two orientations such that the working surface (54) may extend to the left or the right of the supporting arm (20).

11. An assembly (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the working surface (54) and a substantially vertical mounting member (52) are ntegra1ly formed.