Stowable rear seat tray table

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/179,875 filed Feb. 2, 2000.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a stowable rear seat tray table which is collapsible into a recess formed on a forward side of a rear seat assembly without reducing available knee space in the passenger compartment.

[0005] 2. Background Art

[0006] Modern vehicle interior designs are configured to provide multiple convenience accessories, such as cup holders and trays. The continuing challenge for vehicle interior designers is to provide such features in a manner which does not compromise available vehicle interior space for vehicle occupants and does not adversely affect aesthetics in the vehicle.

[0007] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a rear tray assembly for rear seat occupants in a manner which does not compromise usable space and does not adversely effect vehicle interior aesthetics. Prior art exists in which rear seat trays are positioned on the back of the front seat and extendable to a flat deployed position, such as in an aircraft seat. However, such structures may be unsightly in a vehicle interior, and may require a large tray assembly so that the tray may extend from the front seat over the knees of the seated rear passenger.

[0008] The present invention provides a vehicle seat assembly including a stowable rear seat tray which is housed within a recess formed at a forward side of the seat without reducing available knee space in the passenger compartment. Specifically, the rear seat tray assembly is positioned in a recess which is formed along the front of the lower seat and the tray assembly extends to the vehicle floor.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle seat assembly including a rear seat having a recess formed at a forward side thereof, and a tray housing positioned in the recess. A foldable tray is positioned in the housing and movable between a stowed position within the housing and a deployed position for use. The tray and tray housing are configured such that in the stowed position the tray and housing are disposed within the seat recess below the knees of a passenger seated thereon such that the tray does not interfere with passenger knee space.

[0010] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a stowable seat tray for rear seat passengers which does not interfere with seating space or knee space for rear passengers.

[0011] The above object and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rear seat assembly in accordance with the present invention, with the tray in the stowed position;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the rear seat assembly of FIG. 1, with the tray assembly being deployed toward the use position;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the rear seat assembly of FIG. 2, with the tray stack pivoted to a table position from the position shown in FIG. 3; and

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the seat assembly of FIG. 3, with the foldable tray deployed to the use position.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 11 (or backrest) and a lower seat 13 (or bench), and also includes a “40% percent portion” 12. The “40% portion” represents 40% of the width of the entire rear seat assembly, and is approximately the space required for one seated passenger. A recess 14 is formed on the forward side 16 of the 40% portion 12 of the lower seat cushion. The recess 14 is preferably positioned in the center of the 40% portion 12 so that it is positioned underneath and between the knees of a passenger seated thereon. A housing 18 is positioned within the recess 14, and configured such that it does not interfere with the knee space of the vehicle occupant seated on the 40% portion 12.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, a base portion 22 is vertically slidable with respect to the housing 18 to an upright position, shown in FIG. 3. By virtue of structure within the housing 18, the vertical position of the base portion 22 is adjustable for vertically adjusting the position of the tray assembly 20.

[0018] As further shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a tray stack 26 is pivotally movable between the stowed upright position, shown in FIG. 2, and the generally horizontal deployed position, shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the tray stack 26 includes individual tray components 28, 30, 32 which are pivotable for deployment to the horizontal use position, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0019] This assembly provides a convenient stowable work surface for rear seat passengers without degrading knee space. The assembly would preferably comprise plastic components, and would be operable by one hand of a passenger. When stowed, it does not interfere with passenger comfort. It provides a comfortable and stable work surface for reading, writing, coloring, games, laptop use, etc. The work surface could be made of a smooth non-slip material. Also, an integrated cupholder could be provided with the assembly as well as a flexible reading lamp.

[0020] While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention without department from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.