Vehicle table apparatus

• US 6,394,001 B1
• Filed: 05/16/2000
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Scott, Vernon J Jr., Giesey, Jennifer L, Schmidt, Lavern D Jr., Niemi, Jeffrey M
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V.
• Application Number:
  US09/571,963
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 108/44,45,42,47,48 296/57.1 226/521,506,529 280/400,638
• US Class Current: 108/44
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/002 of trays
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/10 of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated

Abstract

A table apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The table apparatus includes a table structure that is pivotally attached to the exterior of the vehicle. The table structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper edge and a lower edge. The table structure is pivotable from a first storage position to a second horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the exterior of the vehicle. The table structure includes a plurality of panels that are telescopically extendable from one another in a direction away from and substantially perpendicular to the vehicle exterior while the table structure is in the second position. The table structure is pivotable about its upper edge and supported in its second position by a rod that is selectively disposed between the cover and one of said plurality of panels. In a second embodiment, the table structure is pivotable about its lower edge and supported by a tether that interconnects the cover and the table structure while the table structure is in its second position.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising:

a spare tire cover mounted to the vehicle;

a table structure pivotally attached to said spare tire cover, said table structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper edge, and a lower edges said table structure pivotable from a first position wherein said bottom surface is disposed adjacent to said vehicle spare tire cover to a second position wherein said top surface is disposed above said bottom surface.

2. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein said top surface of said table structure includes a depression formed thereon for reception of a beverage container.

3. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a rod selectively disposed between said vehicle spare tire cover and said table structure while said table structure is in said second position extending perpendicularly from said vehicle spare tire cover, said rod adapted for supporting said table structure while in said second position.

4. The vehicle as set forth in claim 3, wherein said rod also selectively disposed in a through disposed within spare tire cover, said through having a plurality of clip formations for selectively securing said rod therein.

5. The vehicle as set forth in claim 4, wherein said spare tire cover having a recess formed thereon, said table structure operatively disposed in said recess.

6. A vehicle comprising:

a spare tire cover moveably attached to said vehicle;

a table structure pivotally attached to said vehicle spare tire cover, said table structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper edge, and a lower edge, said table structure pivotable from a first position wherein said top surface is disposed adjacent to said vehicle spare tire cover to a second position wherein said top surface is disposed above said bottom surface and substantially parallel to the floor of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle as set forth in claim 6, wherein said table structure having a first panel and a second panel, said second panel telescopically arranged with said first panel, said second panel capable of extending from said first panel in a direction perpendicular to said spare tire cover while said table structure is in said second position.

8. The vehicle as set forth in claim 7, farther comprising a light associated with said spare tire cover and adapted to illuminate said table structure.

9. The vehicle as set forth in claim 6, wherein said top surface of said table structure having a depression formed thereon for receiving a beverage container.

10. The vehicle as set forth in claim 6, further comprising a tether operatively connected to said spare tire cover and said table structure to provide support thereto.

11. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10, wherein said strap having an adjustable block operatively connected thereto, said adjustable block contacts said spare tire cover to establish said tether in firm connection therewith.

12. The vehicle as set forth in claim 11, wherein an attaching bracket attached to said tether, said attaching bracket interconnects said tether and said table structure.