Tray table and method therefor

• US 9,481,465 B2
• Filed: 01/06/2016
• Issued: 11/01/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smarttray International, LLC
• Original Assignee: Smarttray International, LLC
• Inventors: Pajic, Nick
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V
• Application Number:
  US14/989,235
• Publication Number:
  US 20160114891A1
• Time in Patent Office: 300 Days
• Field of Search: 297/135, 297/146, 297/163, 108/42, 108/44, 108/45, 108/50.01, 108/50.02, 108/152, 320/108, 361/679.01, 361/679.02
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/004 of foldable trays mounted on the back-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0015 Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/00152 Seat back fixtures for removable monitors, e.g. tablet computers
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/06 Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats crew seat constructions for emergency purposes B64D25/04
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0605 including tables or desks
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0624 Arrangements of electrical connectors, e.g. for earphone, internet or electric supply
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0638 with foldable tables, trays or cup holders
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/325 using wireless networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/02 for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/40 Weight reduction

Abstract

A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes a panel that secures the portable electronic device for hands free operation. One or more channels at the panel receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device. The panel is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position.

Claims

1. A method for holding a portable electronic device at a tray table comprising:

providing a panel having a first side, a second side and one or more channels at the first side,

the one or more channels dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device;

providing one or more rotatable mounts;

attaching a first portion of the one or more rotatable mounts to the panel; and

affixing a second portion of the one or more rotatable mounts to a body of the tray table, wherein the second portion is fixed in position relative to the body while the first portion is rotatable relative to the body.

2. A method for holding a portable electronic device at a passenger seat comprising:

identifying a tray table;

providing a panel having one or more channels attached thereto, the one or more channels dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device;

providing one or more rotatable mounts;

attaching a first portion of the one or more rotatable mounts to the panel; and

affixing a second portion of the one or more rotatable mounts to a body of the tray table, wherein the second portion is fixed in position relative to the body while the first portion is rotatable relative to the body.

3. A tray table for securing a portable electronic device at a passenger seat comprising:

a planar body;

a panel rotatably attached to the planar body by one or more rotatable mounts;

one or more channels at at least one side of the panel, the one or more channels dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device; and

one or more mounting points at which the planar body is attached to the passenger seat.