JP3130140U - Folding tray assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tray assembly used together with a sheet assembly, which can be moved between a storage position and a use position, can support a relatively heavy load, and does not require an exposed connecting portion or a support structure. I will provide a.
A foldable tray assembly includes a support member and a tray member. The tray member is rotatably supported by the support member, and is movable between the use position and the storage position with respect to the support member. The collapsible tray assembly further includes a locking mechanism that is operable to selectively secure the tray member to the support member in either the use position or the storage position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray assembly and is not visible or touched by the owner and is remotely driven by a handle or lever. The support member, tray member, and locking mechanism are assembled using integrally formed fixtures and do not require separate mechanical fixtures.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a tray assembly, and more particularly to a foldable tray assembly that can be incorporated into a sheet assembly.

  In seat applications, it is desirable to provide a tray for use by the owner as a storage device or work surface. Furthermore, it is desirable that the tray be retractable, for example in a foldable manner, so that the owner can maximize the space around the sheet assembly when not in use. Furthermore, it is desirable that the tray can support relatively large loads without the need for external reinforcement or support. Typically, the foldable tray assembly is mounted on the side of the sheet assembly and pivots between a use position and a stowed position to provide the owner with a generally horizontal tray when in the use position.

  Conventional tray assemblies are typically mounted on the sides of the sheet assembly and provide a surface that supports items such as drinks or laptop computers that the owner uses when using the sheet. The tray surface is supported by an immovable bracket that is fixedly mounted on either the seat or the backrest. In either case, the tray is usually connected to the support bracket via a hinge and is rotatable with respect to the support bracket. Conventional tray assemblies are movable between a storage position and a use position. In the storage position, the tray is folded so that the upper surface of the tray is parallel to the support bracket. When the tray is in the use position, the tray surface is generally perpendicular to the support bracket to allow the owner to use a horizontal surface.

  In order to maintain a relatively horizontal surface of the tray when in use, conventional tray assemblies are provided with a locking mechanism that maintains the generally vertical relationship of the tray with respect to the support bracket. Typically, the locking mechanism includes an external support arm, a connecting member, and several mechanical fasteners (ie, screws, nuts, bolts, clips, etc.). The support arm provides additional support to the tray, while the connecting member allows the support arm to be folded when the tray is in the stowed position. Fixtures are used to attach individual parts of the tray to the tray, as well as support arms and connecting members. Such a configuration is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Yoshida).

US Pat. No. 5,558,697

  A conventional tray assembly used in combination with a sheet assembly suitably provides a movable tray between a storage position and a use position, but the conventional tray assembly properly supports the surface of the tray, and There is an inconvenience that an exposed connecting member is necessary to rotate the support bracket. The exposed connecting member can be harmful when moving the tray assembly between the stowed position and the use position, and the owner may inadvertently pinch fingers or hook parts of clothing during use. In addition, conventional tray assemblies have the disadvantage that separate mechanical fasteners such as screws and bolts are required to join the individual parts of the tray assembly. Individual fixtures increase the complexity of the tray assembly and generally increase manufacturing costs.

  Thus, the industry is a tray assembly for use with a sheet assembly that is movable between a stowed position and a used position and is capable of supporting a relatively heavy load while exposed coupling. What does not require a part or support structure is desired. In addition, there is a desire in the industry for a tray assembly having a locking mechanism stored within the tray. Furthermore, a tray assembly that minimizes if individual fixtures are not completely eliminated is also desired.

  The preceding description merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and does not constitute prior art.

The present invention
A support bracket;
A tray assembly rotatably supported by a support bracket;
A locking plate disposed within the tray assembly and slidable between a first position engaging the support bracket and a second position disengaging the support bracket;
A foldable tray assembly including at least one biasing member acting on the lock plate to bias the lock plate to a first position.

  The present invention is also characterized in that the support bracket includes a slot for engaging and supporting the lock plate.

  The present invention is also characterized in that the biasing member includes at least one spring disposed between the lock plate and the tray assembly and biasing the lock plate to the first position.

  The present invention is also characterized in that the lock plate is operably attached to the drive mechanism.

  The present invention is also characterized in that the drive mechanism includes a cable attached to the cable seat of the lock plate and selectively moving the lock plate out of the first position against the at least one biasing member. And

  Further scope of applicability will become apparent from the description provided in this disclosure. The description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

  The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

  According to the present invention, a foldable tray assembly includes a support bracket, a tray assembly rotatably supported by the support bracket, a first position disposed in the tray assembly and engaged with the support bracket, and a support. A lock plate slidable between the second position where the engagement with the bracket is disengaged and at least one biasing member acting on the lock plate to bias the lock plate to the first position; The engagement state between the lock plate and the support bracket can be switched simply by moving the lock plate. Therefore, the tray assembly can be easily fixed or rotated with respect to the support bracket. Moreover, since the lock plate is biased in a direction to engage with the support bracket, the tray assembly can be fixed to the support bracket very easily. In order to rotate the tray member, the lock plate may be moved against the urging force. Further, since the lock plate is accommodated in the tray assembly and is not exposed to the outside, it does not get in the way.

  Further, according to the present invention, the lock plate is operably attached to the drive mechanism, so that the lock plate can be easily moved.

  The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application or uses thereof.

  The foldable tray assembly 10 is shown in the drawing. The foldable tray assembly 10 includes a tray member 12, a support member or support bracket 14, a drive mechanism 15, and a lock mechanism 16. The tray member 12 is rotatably supported by a support bracket 14, and the drive mechanism 15 and the lock mechanism 16 cooperate to selectively select the tray member 12 on the support bracket 14 in either the storage position or the use position. Fix (lock) to.

  The tray member 12 includes a cover 18, a base body 20, and a reinforcing bracket 23. Cover 18 includes a top surface 24 and a first flange 26 extending generally perpendicularly from the top surface. The first flange 26 generally surrounds the cover 18 except for the notch 33 for interaction with the base body 20. The top surface 24 includes a central recess 28 extending therefrom and a plurality of cylindrical recesses 30. A central recess 28 and a cylindrical recess 30 in the cover 18 define walls 29 and 31 as best seen in FIG. Here, although a central recess 28 and a plurality of cylindrical recesses 30 are shown, any recess formed in the cover 18 and extending generally from the top surface 24 is within the scope of the present disclosure. The foldable tray assembly 10 is preferably of the type shown in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 395,979, filed Mar. 25, 2003, and assigned to the present disclosure. Claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 60 / 420,004, filed on May 21, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  In use, the central recess 28 and the cylindrical recess 30 provide a tray for the owner to house an article such as a drink, sunglasses (both not shown) on the top surface 24 of the cover 18, and the central recess 28 and This is provided by the relationship between the cylindrical recess 30 and the upper surface 24. Specifically, the article placed in either the central recess 28 or the cylindrical recess 30 is prevented from sliding off from the upper surface 24 of the cover 18 by the walls 29 and 31. The walls 29 and 31 serve to limit the relative movement of the article with respect to the upper surface 24 and prevent the article from sliding off the cover 18. For this purpose, the central recess 28 and the cylindrical recess 30 are provided with rubber inserts or eyelets (both not shown) and are placed in the central recess 28 and the cylindrical recess 30. The articles may be further stabilized.

  The reinforcing bracket 23 is attached and fixed to the base body 20 and includes a bottom surface 34, a second flange 27, and a handle notch 40. The bottom surface 34 may include reinforcing ribs (not shown) generally throughout the reinforcing bracket 23 and a series of protrusions 42 as best seen in FIG. The protrusion 42 extends away from the bottom surface 34 and supports the drive mechanism 15 and the lock mechanism 16. Similarly, the second flange 27 extends away from the bottom surface 34 and surrounds a part of the bottom surface 34 in one direction.

  The cover 18 is attached and fixed to the reinforcing bracket 23 via the base body 20. The first flange 26 is arranged so that the cover 18 overlaps the base body 20 (ie, by the relationship of the first flange 26 to the second flange 27) in order to attach and fix the cover 18 to the base body 20. The second flange 27 may be surrounded in one direction. The cover 18 may be attached and fixed to the base 20 by frictional engagement between the inner surface of the first flange 26 and the outer surface of the second flange 27, and is reinforced by appropriate means such as epoxy resin or adhesive. May be.

  In one embodiment, the cover 18 is made of a plastic material, the base 20 is made of a metal material such as steel, and the cover 18 is appropriately fixed to the base 20 by the above-described attachment method. When the cover 18 is made of steel and the base is also made of steel, the cover 18 may be bonded to the base 20 by welding in addition to the above-described method. In any of the above-described configurations, the base 20 and the cover 18 may be fixed using a mechanical fixing tool.

  When the cover 18 is attached and fixed to the base 20, an internal space 21 is formed between them. The internal space 21 is provided so that the drive mechanism 15 and the lock mechanism 16 can freely move within the internal space 21 between the cover 18 and the base body 20. The schematic shape and depth of the internal space 21 are defined by the lengths of the first flange 26 and the second flange 27. Specifically, since the second flange 27 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the cover 18 when assembled, the length of the second flange 27 is approximately the distance between the bottom surface 34 of the base 20 and the top surface 24 of the cover 18. Stipulate. At that time, the relationship of the second flange 27 with respect to the cover 18 generally defines the volume of the internal space 21. For example, as the second flange 27 extends farther from the bottom surface 34, a larger internal space 21 is formed between the cover 18 and the base body 20.

  The internal space 21 allows the moving parts of the tray assembly 10 to be housed in the tray member 12 so that external movable links or support members are not exposed to the outside of the tray member 12. The lock mechanism 16 is disposed in the internal space 21 and selectively engages with the support bracket 14 via a gap provided in the base body 20 and / or the reinforcing bracket 23. The lock mechanism 16 is switched between a locked (fixed) state and an unlocked state through the operation of the drive mechanism 15 that is generally disposed in the internal space 21. Therefore, the drive mechanism 15 and the lock mechanism 16 are not exposed. Further, since the tray member 12 is supported in cooperation by the rigid reinforcing bracket 23 and the support bracket 14, an external support bracket extending from the support bracket 14 to the tray member 12 is not necessary.

  The drive mechanism 15 and the lock mechanism 16 are accommodated in the internal space 21, and further, the tray member 12 is provided with support to the tray member 12 through the interaction between the rigid reinforcing bracket 23 and the support bracket 14. When in the use position, the external support or connection is not visible. In general, the internal space 21 is provided with an open space directly below the tray member 12 by combining the tray member 12 and the support bracket 14 in a substantially L shape at the use position in combination with a reinforcing bracket 23 having rigidity (FIG. 2). ). Thus, the overall appearance of the tray assembly 10 is improved by the cooperation of the tray member 12 and the support member 14.

  The support bracket 14 includes a substantially planar main body portion 54 and a pair of side portion support portions 56. The planar main body 54 supports the pair of fixing members 59 for attaching the support bracket 14 directly to the structure or attaching the support bracket 14 to the second mounting bracket 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3). A pair of mounting openings 58 are included. The second mounting bracket 60 is utilized to adapt to the particular application of the foldable tray assembly 10, thereby allowing the common support bracket 14 to be utilized for multiple applications. Specifically, the second mounting bracket 60 is adapted to various structures to which the foldable tray assembly 10 is attached by providing a plurality of different mounting openings provided at various positions. For this purpose, the second mounting bracket 60 generally has a plurality of mounting openings 61 provided in different areas of the second mounting bracket 60. The support bracket 14 may be common across all applications, so that only the second mounting bracket 60 needs to be changed, reducing design and manufacturing costs.

  The side support portion 56 extends from the planar main body portion 54 and includes a first attachment opening 62 and a second attachment opening 64. The first mounting opening 62 may have a collar portion 66 having a tapered surface for interaction with the locking mechanism 16. A pin 65 for rotatably mounting the reinforcing bracket 23 is inserted into the second mounting opening 64, whereby the tray 12 rotates around the pin 65 with respect to the support member 14.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 4 to 10, the drive mechanism 15 includes a drive arm 100, a drive cable 102, and a biasing member 104. The drive arm 100 is rotatably supported by the reinforcing bracket 23 at approximately the protrusion 42. The drive arm 100 can rotate around the protrusion 42 with respect to the reinforcing bracket 23. The drive arm 100 includes a lever arm 106, a pair of grooves 108, a cable seat 110, and a pair of cam surfaces 112.

  As best shown in FIG. 4, the drive cable 102 is coupled at one end to the cable seat 110 of the drive arm 100 and is supported by the reinforcing bracket 23 at a generally protrusion 42. The biasing member 104 is generally supported by the protrusion 114 by the reinforcing bracket 23, and the protrusion 114 restrains and positions the biasing member 104 with respect to the lock mechanism 16.

  The lock mechanism 16 includes a pair of lock pins 116 that are slidably supported by a pair of openings 118 formed in the second flange 27 and a groove 108 of the drive arm 100. The lock pins 116 are positioned relative to the drive arm 100 such that the legs 120 of each lock pin 116 are in sliding engagement with the pair of cam surfaces 112.

  The lock pin 116 extends through the opening 118 of the second flange 27 and selectively engages the opening 62 of the support bracket 14 to secure the tray member 12 in the use position. Each lock pin 116 is urged by the urging member 104 and engages with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14.

  The operation of the tray assembly 10 will be described in detail with particular reference to FIGS. When the tray is in the use position, the tray member 12 is restricted from rotating with respect to the support bracket 14 due to the engagement between the lock pin 116 and the opening 62, as shown in FIG. In order to rotate the tray member 12 relative to the support bracket 14, the lock pin 116 must first be disengaged from the opening 62.

  In order to disengage the lock pin 116 from the engagement with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14, a force generally must be applied to the drive cable 102 first. The force to be applied to the drive cable 102 can be transmitted to the drive cable 102 via the drive handle 122. The applied force rotates handle 122 relative to tray member 12 and applies tension to drive cable 102.

  When the drive handle 122 rotates sufficiently with respect to the tray member 12, the applied force is transmitted from the drive cable 102 to the drive arm 100. This force causes the drive arm 100 to rotate about the protrusion 42 relative to the reinforcing bracket 23. When the drive arm 100 rotates with respect to the reinforcing bracket 23, the leg 120 of each lock pin 116 moves along the cam surface 112 of the drive arm 100.

  The cam surface 112 of the drive arm 100 moves the leg 120 of each lock pin 116 from the first end of the cam surface 112 to the second end of the cam surface 112 when the drive arm 100 rotates. Designed. Movement of the legs 120 from the first end of the cam surface 112 to the second end of the cam surface 112 causes each lock pin 116 to retreat from engagement with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14.

  When the lock pin 116 sufficiently enters the interior space 21 of the tray member 12, the tray member 12 can be rotated relative to the support bracket 14. As the tray member 12 rotates from the use position, the lock pin 116 moves from a position aligned with the opening 62. At this point, the force applied to the drive handle 122 may be eliminated. When the force applied to the drive handle 122 is lost, the urging member 104 again urges each lock pin 116 toward the opening 62 in general. However, since the tray member 12 is sufficiently rotated with respect to the support bracket 14, the lock pin 116 cannot be engaged with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14.

  When the tray member 12 is sufficiently rotated from the use position and the tray member 12 becomes substantially parallel to the support bracket 14, the tray member 12 is present at the storage position. The tray member 12 may be fixed at the storage position by engagement between the lock pin 116 and an opening (not shown) formed in the support bracket 14. Alternatively, in the storage position, the tray member 12 may be positioned in the vicinity of the support member 14 without being fixed. In that case, the tray member 12 can be freely rotated and returned to the use position.

  When the tray member 12 is fixed in the storage position, to return the tray member 12 to the use position (that is, to make the tray member 12 substantially perpendicular to the support bracket 14), the drive handle 122 is again applied with force. There must be. When the drive handle 122 is sufficiently rotated, the drive cable 102 applies a force against the biasing force applied by the biasing means 104 to the driving arm 100. The rotation of the drive arm 100 moves the leg 120 of each lock pin 116 along the cam surface 112 of the drive arm 100 and retracts the lock pin 116 from engagement with the support bracket 14 again.

  When the lock pin 116 is disengaged from the support bracket 14, the force applied to the drive handle 122 may be stopped, and the tray member 12 may be rotated with respect to the support bracket 14 and returned to the use position. When the tray member 12 is fully rotated relative to the support bracket 14 and the tray member 12 is generally perpendicular to the support bracket 14, the lock pin 116 is biased due to the force applied by the biasing means 104. And engages with the opening 62.

  Due to the relationship between the drive cable 102, the drive arm 100 and the lock pin 116, the force to be applied to the drive handle 122 is reduced and kept constant. Specifically, when a force is first applied to the drive handle 122, the force to resist the biasing force of the biasing member 104 is generally at the lowest level. However, the biasing member 104 is further compressed as the drive handle 122 rotates further. Compression of the biasing member 104 provides more resistance to the lock pin 116 and increases the force required to rotate the drive handle 122. The additional force applied from the compressed biasing member 104 is generally overcome by the relationship between the lever arm 106 and the drive cable 102.

  For example, when the biasing member 104 begins to apply more force to the drive handle 122, the additional force is overcome because the lever arm 106 is cantilevered away from the axis of rotation of the drive arm 100. In other words, the lever arm 106 acts as a moment arm and reduces the force required to rotate the drive arm 100.

  If the lever arm 106 cannot sufficiently reduce the force associated with the compressed biasing member 104, the cam surface 12 may be redesigned to provide a more relaxed tilt. By doing so, the force required to move the lock pin 116 between the first end and the second end of the cam surface 112 is reduced. Because of the cooperation between the lever arm 106 and the cam surface 112, a constant and consistent force can be applied to the drive handle 122 to disengage the lock pin 116 from the opening 62.

  With reference to FIGS. 11-14, another foldable tray assembly 10a will be described. Since the structure and function of the components are substantially similar between the foldable tray assembly 10 and the foldable tray assembly 10a, in the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and changed. Liked components are indicated using similar reference signs including extended characters.

  The foldable tray assembly 10 a includes a drive mechanism 15 and a lock mechanism 16. The drive mechanism 15 together with the lock mechanism 16 selectively disengages the lock pin 116 from engagement with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14. The lock pin 116 is urged by the pair of urging members 104 a and engages with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14.

  The urging member 104a has a substantially coil-shaped main body, and is fixed to the leg 120 of the lock pin 116 at one end and is fixed to the base body 20 at the second end. The urging member 104 a urges the lock pin 116 to engage with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14.

  In use, the foldable tray assembly 10 a functions similarly to the foldable tray assembly 10. The foldable tray assembly 10 a is disengaged from the support bracket 14 by applying a force to the drive handle 122. When the drive handle 122 rotates, the drive cable 102 is under tension. When the drive cable 102 receives sufficient tension, the drive arm 100 starts to rotate with respect to the reinforcing bracket 23 against the force applied from the biasing member 104a.

  When the drive arm 100 rotates sufficiently, the leg 120 of the lock pin 116 moves from the first end of the cam surface 112 to the second end of the cam surface 112 so that the lock pin 116 is moved into the tray member 12. Evacuate to the approximate position. As described above for the foldable tray assembly 10, the tray member 12 can be variable in position relative to the support bracket 14 at this time. In other words, the tray member 12 is rotatable with respect to the support bracket 14 and can be moved from the use position to the storage position.

  In order to return the tray member 12 to the use position, a force is again applied to the drive handle 122 so that the drive cable 102 is under tension. When the drive cable 102 receives sufficient tension, the drive arm 100 rotates with respect to the reinforcing bracket 23 against the urging force applied from the urging member 104a. When the drive arm 100 is sufficiently rotated, the leg 120 of each lock pin 116 moves from the second end of the cam surface 112 to the first end of the cam surface 112, and the lock pin 116 is again attached to the reinforcing bracket 23. It extends from the second flange 27.

  When the tray member 12 is sufficiently rotated from the storage position to the use position, the lock pin 116 engages with the opening 62 of the support bracket 14 to fix the tray member 12 in the use position, and the tray member 12 with respect to the support bracket 14. Can be prevented from rotating further. As described above, the tray member 12 may be freely rotated and returned to the use position without being locked in the storage position. However, when the tray member 12 is locked in the storage position, a force must first be applied to the drive handle 122 before the tray member 12 is returned to the use position.

  With reference specifically to FIGS. 15-17, another foldable tray assembly 10b will be described. Since the structure and function of the components are substantially similar between the foldable tray assembly 10 and the foldable tray assembly 10b, in the drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals and changed. The components shown are indicated using similar reference signs including extended characters.

  The foldable tray assembly 10b includes a drive mechanism 15b and a lock mechanism 16b. The drive mechanism 15b generally includes a drive handle 122 that is operably coupled to the drive cable. The lock mechanism 16b includes a lock plate 124 that is slidably supported by the reinforcing bracket 23b. The lock plate 124 is urged by the pair of urging members 104 b and engages with the support bracket 14.

  In use, the lock mechanism 16b selectively holds the tray member 12b at one of the use position and the storage position. In the use position, the lock plate 124 extends generally from the tray member 12b and engages a slot 126 formed in the support bracket 14 (FIGS. 15 and 16). The engagement between the lock plate 124 and the slot 126 prevents the tray member 12b from rotating with respect to the support bracket 14.

  In order to rotate the tray member 12 b with respect to the support bracket 14, a force is applied to the drive handle 122 to apply tension to the drive cable 102. When a sufficient force is applied to the drive cable 102, the lock plate 124 moves parallel to the reinforcing bracket 23b against the force applied by the biasing member 104b. When the lock plate 124 is sufficiently translated along the reinforcing bracket 23b, the lock plate 124 is disengaged from the slot 126 of the support member 14.

  When the lock plate 124 is sufficiently disengaged from the engagement with the slot 126 of the support member 14, the tray member 12 b can be rotated with respect to the support bracket 14. At this time, the tray member 12b can be rotated from the use position (ie, a state substantially perpendicular to the support member 14) to the storage position (ie, a state substantially parallel to the support member 14).

  In any of the above-described folding tray assemblies 10, 10a, 10b, the drive mechanisms 15, 15b and the lock mechanisms 16, 16a, 16b are generally accommodated in the tray members 12, 12b. In this respect, the fixing of the tray members 12 and 12b is generally achieved through a mechanism housed in the tray members 12 and 12b.

  The folding tray assembly 210 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. The foldable tray assembly 210 includes a tray member 212, a support member or support bracket 214, a drive mechanism 215, and a lock mechanism 216. The support member 214 supports the tray member 212 so as to be rotatable between the use position and the storage position. The drive mechanism 215 and the lock mechanism 216 cooperate to selectively fix the tray member 212 to the support member 214 in one of the use position and the storage position. Tray assembly 210 is preferably US Pat. No. 6,877,806, commonly assigned, US Pat. Application No. 11 / 062,327, filed February 18, 2005, commonly assigned, and , In the format disclosed in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 661,317, filed Mar. 11, 2005, which is commonly assigned, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It is.

  The tray member 212 includes a first tray member (upper tray member) 218 and a second tray member (lower tray member) 220. The first tray member 218 includes a series of slots 224, while the second tray member 220 includes a series of tabs 222 that fit into the slots 224 of the first tray member 218. The first tray member 218 is fixed to the second tray member 220 by engagement between the slot 224 of the first tray member 218 and the tab 222 of the second tray member 220 (FIGS. 20 to 22). Such a configuration results in a snap-fit of the first tray member 218 and the second tray member 220 and thus individual mechanical fixtures such as screws, bolts, nuts, clips, etc. Is no longer necessary.

  Here, the first tray member 218 includes the slot 224, and the second tray member 220 includes the tab 222. Conversely, the first tray member 218 includes the tab 222, and the second tray member 218 includes the tab 222. The tray member 220 may include a slot 224. Further, the first tray member 218 and the second tray member 220 may each include at least one tab 222 and at least one slot 224.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 23-28, the drive mechanism 215 includes a drive handle 226 that is generally rotatably supported between the first tray member 218 and the second tray member 220. The drive handle 226 is snapped onto the second tray member 220, and thus no separate mechanical fixture is required to rotatably attach the drive handle 226 to the tray member 220. The drive handle 226 is coupled to a cable 228 used when the lock mechanism 16 is switched between a locked (fixed) state and an unlocked state.

  The second tray member 220 includes a recess 250 that fits into the drive handle 226. The recess 250 includes a pair of generally U-shaped arms 252 that define a pair of slots 254. In addition, the recess 250 includes a pair of notches 256 that allow the drive handle 226 to fit into the recess 250 and be secured therein.

  When the drive handle 226 is inserted into the second tray member 220, a pair of posts 258 provided on the drive handle 226 are supported by the notches 256 and generally snapped into the slots 254. In addition to being supported in slot 254, post 258 of drive handle 226 is similarly snapped into a pair of notches 260 formed adjacent to recess 250. The notch 260 is generally open in the opposite direction to the opening of the slot 254. Thus, when the post 258 of the drive handle 226 is supported within the slot 254 and the notch 260 of the arm 252, the post 258 is essentially trapped between the slot 254 and the notch 260. The cooperation of the slot 254 and the notch 260 prevents the drive handle 226 from detaching from the second tray member 220, and at the same time the drive handle 226 rotates about the post 258 relative to the second tray member 220. Is possible.

  As described above, the drive handle 226 is rotatably supported by the second tray member 220 and generally enters the recess 250. The drive handle 226 coupled to the second tray member 220 and in the non-drive position is shown in FIG. When the drive handle 226 is driven, a force is applied to the drive handle 226, causing the drive handle 226 to rotate about the post 258 relative to the second tray member 220. As the drive handle 226 rotates relative to the second tray member 220, the surface 262 of the drive handle 226 assumes a position that is substantially flush with the surface 264 of the second tray member 220. Thus, when the drive handle 226 is switched from the non-driven state to the driven state, the handle 226 does not exit the surface 264 of the second tray member 220, but rather is pushed in, generally with the first tray member 218 and the second tray 218. To the area defined between the tray member 220 and the tray member 220.

  As shown in FIGS. 29 to 33, a reinforcing bracket 238 may be attached to the second tray member 220 in order to rotatably attach the second tray member 220 to the support member 214. In order to attach and secure the reinforcement bracket 238 to the second tray member 220 without using a separate mechanical fixture, the reinforcement bracket 238 includes a series of receiving portions 230 and a series of attachment openings 232. Here, the reinforcing bracket 238 is attached to the second tray member 220, but the reinforcing bracket 238 can be attached to the first tray member 218 in addition or conversely.

  The second tray member 220 may include a series of posts 234 that are slidably supported by the receiving portion 230 and a series of protrusions 236 that are engaged and supported by the mounting openings 232. The reinforcing bracket 238 includes a series of receiving portions 230 and mounting openings 232, and the second tray member 220 is configured to include a series of posts 234 and protrusions 236. Conversely, the reinforcing bracket 238 includes a post. 234 and protrusions 236, and the second tray member 220 may include the receiving portion 230 and the opening 232. Further, the reinforcing bracket 238 and the second tray member 220 each receive a receiving portion 230, an opening that allows the reinforcing bracket 238 to be attached to the second tray member 220 without the need to use separate mechanical fasteners. Any combination of 232, posts 234 and protrusions 236 may be included.

  By engaging the post 234 and the receiving portion 230, the second tray member 220 is attached and fixed to the reinforcing bracket 230. When the protrusion 236 and the opening 232 are engaged with each other, the second tray member 220 is more firmly attached to the reinforcing bracket 238, and the relative rotation of both is prevented. By sliding engagement of the post 234 with the receiving portion 230 and the protrusion 236 with the opening 232, the second tray member 220 is attached to the support member 214 (ie, via the reinforcing bracket 238) without using a separate mechanical fixture. And can be mounted rotatably. Alternatively, the second tray member 220 may be attached to the reinforcing bracket 238 using a mechanical fixture, or the second tray member 220 may be directly attached to the support member 214 in a rotatable manner.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 34-36, the tray assembly 210 includes a lock post 264 provided on the support member 214. Lock post 264 includes a pair of upwardly extending arms 266 that define a recess 268 therebetween. Each arm 266 includes a tab 270 that extends generally into the recess 268. Tab 270 is preferably made of a material having spring-like properties that bias tab 270 toward the design position. Such a material allows the tab 270 to return to the design position after being deflected by the applied force.

  In use, when the second tray member 220 is moved from the use position to the storage position, the post 272 provided on the second tray member 220 is moved from the second tray member 220 to the lock post 264 of the support member 214. The post 272 is positioned so that it is supported within the recess 268 of the lock post 264 when the member 220 is moved to the stowed position. Post 272 engages tab 270 to expand tab 270 away from recess 268. Since the tab 270 is formed of a spring-like material, it can bend without breakage under applied pressure.

  When the second tray member 220 is sufficiently moved to the stowed position, the post 272 of the second tray member 220 is fully inserted into the recess 268, and the tab 270 is resiliently restored to the designed position, so that the post 272 is moved. It is possible to catch in the recess 268 of the lock post 264. In this state, the tray assembly 210 is held in the stowed position by the interaction between the post 272 and the tab 270 of the lock post 264.

  To return the tray assembly 210 to the in-use position, generally a force is applied to the tray assembly 210 to rotate the second tray member 220 relative to the support member 214. When a force is applied to the tray assembly 210, the force is generally transmitted to the second tray member 220 and thus to the post 272. When sufficient force is applied to the second tray member 220, a force sufficient to move the tab 270 away from the recess 268 is applied to the tab 270 from the post 272 of the second tray member 220. When the opening of the recess 268 is sufficiently opened by the movement of the tab 270, the post 272 of the second tray member 220 can move substantially past the recess 268 and beyond the tab 270. When the post 272 exceeds the tab 270, the post 272 is free to exit the recess 268 and completely disengage from the lock post 264. When the post 272 is completely disengaged from the engagement with the recess 268 of the lock post 264, the second tray member 220 can rotate away from the support member 214 to the use position.

  As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the tray assembly 210 includes a series of U-shaped arms 274 extending from an upper tray member 218 and a lower tray member 220. Each U-shaped arm 274 includes a recess 276 that rotatably supports at least one post 278 of the movable member 280. The movable member 280 is shown in FIG. 18 as a cover that is rotatably attached to the tray assembly 210 to selectively hide a series of receptacles 282, such as a storage container or cup holder.

  The movable member 280 is rotatably supported with respect to the tray assembly 210 by the post 278. The post 278 is engaged and supported within the recess 276 of the generally U-shaped arm 274. The U-shaped arm 274 is made of a spring-like material such as plastic, and when the post 278 is inserted into the recess 276, the U-shaped arm 274 temporarily expands and the post 278 is placed in the recess 276. Can enter.

  When the post 278 is completely in the recess 276, the U-shaped arm 274 is resiliently restored to the design position to prevent the post 278 from coming out of the recess 276. In this regard, the post 278 of the movable member 280 is essentially snapped into the recess 276 of the U-shaped arm 274 to allow rotation of the movable member 280 generally around the post 278 relative to the tray assembly 210.

  The tray assembly 210 of the present invention has a “fastener-less” design incorporating integrally formed tabs 222 and slots 224 that cooperate to attach the first tray member 218 to the second tray member 220. provide. Further, the second tray member 220 can be attached to the reinforcing bracket 238 using the receiving portion 230, the opening 232, the post 234, and the protrusion 236 as described above, thereby supporting the tray assembly 210 and the support. A separate mechanical fixture between member 214 is eliminated.

  The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, changes that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Such changes should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a folding tray assembly according to the present disclosure. It is a side view in the use position of the tray assembly of FIG. It is a side view in the storage position of the tray assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tray assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, with a portion of the housing removed to show the drive locking mechanism. It is a perspective view in the lock position of the drive lock mechanism of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the tray assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a top view of the tray assembly of FIG. 4 showing the drive lock mechanism in the locked position. FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of a part of the drive lock mechanism of FIG. 4. It is a perspective view of the drive mechanism of FIG. It is a perspective view in the lock release position of the drive lock mechanism of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another tray assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the tray assembly of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 11 showing the lock mechanism and the drive mechanism in the locked position. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 11 showing the drive mechanism and the lock mechanism in the unlocked position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another tray assembly in use according to the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is an end view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15 showing a drive mechanism and a locking mechanism. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the tray assembly of FIG. 15 with a portion of the housing removed to show the drive and locking mechanisms. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another foldable tray assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the tray assembly of FIG. 18. It is a perspective view which shows the tray member which has a series of attachment tabs integrally formed.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tray member having a series of slots that support the mounting tabs of FIG. 20. It is a perspective view of the tab of the 1st tray member attached to the slot of the 2nd tray member in order to fix the 1st tray member to the 2nd tray member. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drive handle disposed inside the tray member and a release cable attached to the drive handle and supported by a rib of the tray member. It is a top view of the drive handle attachment position of FIG. It is a perspective view of a tray member, and shows details of a drive handle attachment position. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the drive handle attachment position of FIG. 23, showing the drive handle incorporated therein. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a drive handle of the tray assembly of FIG. 18. It is a perspective view of the drive handle attached to the tray member. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a portion of the reinforcing bracket and tray member of the tray assembly of FIG. 18 in detail showing a series of receptacles that support the tray member and selectively secure the tray assembly of FIG. 18 to the reinforcing bracket. FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the tray member of the tray assembly of FIG. 18 incorporating the reinforcing bracket of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the tray member of the tray assembly of FIG. 18 incorporating the reinforcing bracket of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 30 taken along line AA. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 30 taken along line BB. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the support plate showing in detail a lock post that selectively holds the tray assembly of FIG. 18 in the stowed position. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the lock post of FIG. 34 with a part of the tray member inside. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the lock post of FIG. 34 with a portion of the tray member inside. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the upper tray member of the tray assembly of FIG. 18 in detail showing a series of mounting slots formed on the inner periphery of the container and mating with mounting tabs on the lower tray member. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the tray assembly of FIG. 18 taken along line CC in FIG. 18, showing in detail the attachment of the first and second storage compartment doors to the tray assembly of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10a, 10b Foldable tray assembly 12, 12b Tray member 14 Support bracket (support member)
15, 15b Drive mechanism 16, 16b Lock mechanism 18 Cover 20 Base 21 Internal space 23, 23b Reinforcement bracket 26 First flange 27 Second flange 42 Projection 60 Second mounting bracket 62 First mounting opening 64 Second Mounting opening 65 pin 100 Drive arm 102 Drive cable 104, 104a, 104b Energizing member 106 Lever arm 108 Groove 110 Cable seat 112 Cam surface 114 Protrusion 116 Lock pin 118 Opening 120 Pin leg 122 Drive handle 124 Lock plate 126 Slot 210 Folding Tray assembly 212 Tray member 214 Support bracket (support member)
215 Drive mechanism 216 Lock mechanism 218 First tray member (upper tray member)
220 Second tray member (lower tray member)
222 tab 224 slot 226 drive handle 228 cable 238 reinforcement bracket

Claims (5)

A support bracket;
A tray assembly rotatably supported by a support bracket;
A locking plate disposed within the tray assembly and slidable between a first position engaging the support bracket and a second position disengaging the support bracket;
A collapsible tray assembly comprising: at least one biasing member acting on the lock plate to bias the lock plate to the first position.   The foldable tray assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support bracket includes a slot for engaging and supporting the lock plate.   The foldable tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member includes at least one spring disposed between the lock plate and the tray assembly and biasing the lock plate to the first position.   The foldable tray assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lock plate is operably attached to the drive mechanism.   The drive mechanism includes a cable attached to a cable seat of the lock plate and selectively moving the lock plate from the first position against at least one biasing member. Foldable tray assembly.

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