PORTER, Glen Wilson (37 Centaurus Road, Cashmere, Christchurch 8022, NZ)
| CLAIMS: 1. A tr y table arrangement suitable for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table arrangement supportable by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, said tray table arrangement comprising: a table arrangement comprising at least one table top member presenting at least one major face, a support member mountable on said support structure, for supporting the table arrangement; wherein the table arrangement is rotatably coupleable to said support structure to move between (a) a stowed condition (b) a deployed condition; and wherein the table arrangement in said deployed condition is rotatable about an axis parallel to the normal of at least one major face of the table top member. 2. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support member is rotatably securable or secured to said support structure to enable rotational movement of said table arrangement. 3. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the support member is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis relative said support structure. 4. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the table arrangement is in its stowed condition, it is disposed for storage out of the way of the passenger. 5. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the table arrangement is in its deployed position, it presents at least part of said major face as a utility surface for said passenger. 6. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the table arrangement is in its stowed condition, it is disposed at a location distal to said passenger, and when the table arrangement is in its deployed position, it is located relatively more proximal said passenger. 7. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support member is a support arm. 8. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the major surface of the table top member is disposed substantially horizontally when the table arrangement is in its deployed condition. 9. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the table arrangement is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis when the table arrangement is in its deployed condition. 10. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the table arrangement is a bi-fold table arrangement. 11. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein the table arrangement is a bi-fold table arrangement comprising at least two juxtaposable table top members presenting at least one major face each. 12. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one or more of the table top members is a substantially planar member presenting a pair of opposed major faces. 13. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the bi-fold table arrangement is movable between a. a first mode in which the two table top members are in a compacted relationship to each other, and b. a second mode wherein said two table top members are in an expanded relationship to each other. 14. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bi-fold table arrangement is movable between its first mode and second mode in its deployed condition. 15. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 13 to 14, wherein the table top members of the bi-fold table arrangement are co-planar when said bi-fold table arrangement is the second mode. 16. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, wherein, when said bi-fold table arrangement is in its first mode or second mode, at least one of the table top members presents at least part of one major face as a horizontal utility surface for a passenger. 17. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatable about an axis normal to at least one major face of the table top members when the bi-fold table arrangement is in its deployed condition. 18. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 10 to 17, wherein the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis when the bi-fold table arrangement is in its deployed condition. 19. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 18, wherein, when the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis when in its first mode or second mode. 20. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the support structure is a seat located in front of the seat in which said passenger may sit. 21. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the support structure is a bulkhead, divider or partition of an aircraft. 22. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the support member is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is in a plane parallel to the plane of a table top member. 23. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 13 to 21 wherein the support member is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is in a plane parallel to the plane of the two table top members when in their first or second modes. 24. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the support member is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner by a base member that defines a rotational axis. 25. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein the rotational axis is adjacent said support structure. 26. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 24, wherein the rotational axis is at said support structure. 27. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the base member limits the rotation of the support arm to a position where the support member is in the deployed condition. 28. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 7 to 27, wherein the support arm is an articulated arm that includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that is rotationally supported by said first arm portion about a rotational axis that is parallel to the normal of at least one table top member. 29. A tray table arrangement as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first arm portion is engaged to said support structure. 30. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 28 to 29, wherein the second arm portion supports said table arrangement. 31. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 28 to 30, wherein said table arrangement is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto. 32. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 wherein said bi-fold table arrangement is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bi-fold table arrangement. 33. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 28 to 32 wherein said table arrangement is supported by said second arm portion by a cam surface or surfaces and wherein a cam follower of one of the table arrangement and the second support arm can move relative said cam to provided guided translation of the table arrangement relative to said second arm portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the table arrangement. 34. A tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the table arrangement is slidingly engageable with the second arm portion in a linear manner to allow for translative movement of the table arrangement. 35. An aircraft that includes a tray table arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1- 34. 36. An aircraft that includes a tray table arrangement as described in this specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 37. A tray table arrangement as described in this specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 38. A tray table arrangement suitable for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table arrangement supportable by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, said tray table arrangement comprising: a bi-fold table arrangement comprising at least two juxtaposable table top members, a support member mountable on said support structure, for supporting the bi-fold table arrangement; wherein the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatably coupleable or coupled to the support structure by said support member to move between (a) a stowed condition to position the bi-fold table at a location distal to the passenger, and (b) a deployed condition where the bi-fold table is positioned relatively more proximate said passenger, and wherein in said deployed condition said bi-fold table can be presented in a first mode in which the two table tops are in a compacted relationship to each other, and a second mode wherein said two table tops are in an expanded relationship to each other, and wherein the bi-fold table is rotatable about an axis parallel to the normal of the two table tops when in their first mode or second mode. 39. A tray table arrangement suitable for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table arrangement supportable by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, said tray table arrangement comprising: a table arrangement comprising at least one table top member presenting at least one major surface for use as a utility surface; a support member mountable on said support structure, for supporting the table arrangement, said support member being rotationally secured to said support structure in a manner to move between (a) a stowed condition in which the table arrangement is disposed distally to the passenger and (b) a deployed condition in which the table arrangement disposed more proximally to the passenger, and wherein the table in its deployed condition is able to rotate about an axis parallel to the normal of the table. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tray table arrangements and in particular but not solely to tray table arrangements for or of seats of commercial passenger aircraft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional economy class seats have comprised of a seat back that defines a seat facing direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. This presents a surface at the back of the seat that is perpendicular to which a tray table can be conveniently mounted to move between a stowed condition flat against the back rest of the seat and a deployed position substantially extending horizontally and presented for use by a passenger in a seat immediately behind.
Seats for commercial passenger aircraft are becoming more complex with the advent of composites technology being used onboard aircraft for seats or seat related structures. Complex shapes, curves and non-orthogonal angles are now appearing in many seating arrangements, particularly in business class seats.
Seats may also not necessarily face in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. This has resulted in a need to incorporate tray table arrangements that lend themselves for convenient and compact stowage as well as deployment for use by passengers.
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a tray table arrangement which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the invention may be said to be a tray table arrangement suitable for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table arrangement supportable by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, said tray table arrangement comprising:
a table arrangement comprising at least one table top member presenting at least one major face,
a support member mountable on said support structure, for supporting the table arrangement; wherein the table arrangement is rotatably coupleable to said support structure to move between
(a) a stowed condition
(b) a deployed condition; and
wherein the table arrangement in said deployed condition is rotatable about an axis parallel to the normal of at least one major face of the table top member.
Preferably, the support member is rotatably securable or secured to said support structure to enable rotational movement of said table arrangement.
Preferably, the support member is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. Preferably, when the table arrangement is in its stowed condition, it is conveniently disposed for storage out of the way of the passenger.
Preferably, when the table arrangement is in its deployed position, it presents at least part of said major face as a utility surface for said passenger.
Preferably, when the table arrangement is in its stowed condition, it is disposed at a location distal to said passenger, and when the table arrangement is in its deployed position, it is located relatively more proximal said passenger.
Preferably, the support member is a support arm.
Preferably, the major surface of the table top member is disposed substantially horizontally when the table arrangement is in its deployed condition.
Preferably, the table arrangement is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis when the table arrangement is in its deployed condition.
Preferably, the table arrangement is a bi-fold table arrangement.
Preferably, the table arrangement is a bi-fold table arrangement comprising at least two juxtaposable table top members presenting at least one major face each.
Preferably, at least one or more of the tabletop members is a substantially planar member presenting a pair of opposed major faces.
Preferably, the bi-fold table arrangement is movable between
a first mode in which the two table top members are in a compacted relationship to each other, and
a second mode wherein said two table top members are in an expanded relationship to each other.
Preferably, the bi-fold table arrangement is movable between its first mode and second mode in its deployed condition. Preferably, the table top members of the bi-fold table arrangement are co-planar when bi-fold table arrangement is the second mode.
Preferably, when said bi-fold table arrangement is in its first mode or second mode, at least one of the table top members presents at least part of one major face as a horizontal utility surface for a passenger.
Preferably, the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatable about an axis normal to at least one major face of the table top members when the bi-fold table arrangement is in its deployed condition.
Preferably, the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis when the bi-fold table arrangement is in its deployed condition.
Preferably, when the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis when in its first mode or second mode.
Preferably, the support structure is a seat located in front of the seat in which a passenger may sit.
Preferably, the support structure is a bulkhead, divider or partition of an aircraft.
Preferably, the support member is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is in a plane parallel to the plane of a table top member.
Preferably, the support member is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is in a plane parallel to the plane of the two table top members when in their first or second modes.
Preferably, the support member is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner by a base member that defines a rotational axis.
Preferably, the rotational axis is adjacent said support structure.
Preferably, the rotational axis is at said support structure.
Preferably, the base member limits the rotation of the support arm to a position where the support member is in the deployed condition.
Preferably, the support arm is an articulated arm that includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that is rotationally supported by said first arm portion about a rotational axis that is parallel to the normal of at least one table top member.
Preferably, the first arm portion is engaged to said support structure.
Preferably, the second arm portion supports said table arrangement.
Preferably, said table arrangement is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto. Preferably, said bi-fold table arrangement is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bi-fold table arrangement.
Preferably, said table arrangement is supported by said second arm portion by a cam surface or surfaces and wherein a cam follower of one of the table arrangement and the second support arm can move relative said cam to provided guided translation of the table arrangement relative to said second arm portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the table arrangement.
Preferably, the table arrangement is slidingly engageable with the second arm portion in a linear manner to allow for translative movement of the table arrangement.
In another aspect the invention may be said to consist in an aircraft that includes a tray table arrangement as described.
In another aspect the invention may be said to consist in an aircraft that includes a tray table arrangement as described in this specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In another aspect the invention may be said to consist in a tray table arrangement as described in this specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In another aspect the invention may be said to consist in a tray table arrangement suitable for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table arrangement supportable by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, said tray table arrangement comprising:
a bi-fold table arrangement comprising at least two juxtaposable table top members, a support member mountable on said support structure, for supporting the bi-fold table arrangement;
wherein the bi-fold table arrangement is rotatably coupleable or coupled to the support structure by said support member to move between
(a) a stowed condition to position the bi-fold table at a location distal to the passenger, and
(b) a deployed condition where the bi-fold table is positioned relatively more proximate said passenger, and
wherein in said deployed condition said bi-fold table can be presented in a first mode in which the two table tops are in a compacted relationship to each other, and
a second mode wherein said two table tops are in an expanded relationship to each other, and
wherein the bi-fold table is rotatable about an axis parallel to the normal of the two table tops when in their first mode or second mode.
In another aspect the invention may be said to consist in a tray table arrangement suitable for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table arrangement supportable by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, said tray table arrangement comprising:
a table arrangement comprising at least one table top member presenting at least one major surface for use as a utility surface;
a support member mountable on said support structure, for supporting the table arrangement,
said support member being rotationally secured to said support structure in a manner to move between
(a) a stowed condition in which the table arrangement is disposed distally to the passenger and
(b) a deployed condition in which the table arrangement disposed more proximally to the passenger, and
wherein the table in its deployed condition is able to rotate about an axis parallel to the normal of the table.
In another aspect the invention may be said to consist in a tray table for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table supported by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, and comprising:
a bi-fold table comprising at least two juxtaposed table tops,
a support arm extending between (i) the support structure and (ii) the bi-fold table, to support said bi-fold table,
said support arm being rotationally secured to said support structure in a manner to move between (a) a stowed condition to position the bi-fold table at a distal more to the passenger location and (b) a deployed condition where the bi-fold table is in at least one proximate more to the passenger position, wherein in said deployed condition said bi-fold table can be presented in at least one mode for use by a passenger sitting in said aircraft seat a first mode where the two table tops are in a compacted relationship to each other and a second mode wherein said two table tops are in an expanded relationship to each other, and
wherein the bi-fold table in said at least one proximate more to the passenger location is able to rotate about an axis parallel to the normal of the two table tops when in their first or second modes.
Preferably the support structure is a seat located in front of the seat in which a passenger may sit.
Preferably the supports structure is a bulkhead, divider or partition of said aircraft.
Preferably the support arm is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is in a plane parallel to the plane of the two table tops when in their first or second modes.
Preferably the support arm is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner by a base member that defines a rotational axis.
Preferably the rotational axis is adjacent said support structure.
Preferably the rotational axis is at said support structure.
Preferably the support arm is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner by a base member that limits the rotation of the support arm to a position where the support arm is in the deployed condition.
Preferably the support arm is an articulated arm that includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that is rotationally supported by said first arm portion about a rotational axis that is parallel to the normal of the two table tops.
Preferably the first arm portion is engaged to said support structure.
Preferably the second arm portion supports said bi-fold table.
Preferably said bi-fold table is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto.
Preferably said bi-fold table is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bi-fold table.
Preferably said bi-fold table is supported by said second arm portion by a cam surface of surfaces and wherein a cam follower of on of the bi-fold table and the second support arm can move relative said cam to provided guided translation of the bi-fold table relative to said second arm portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bi-fold table.
The present invention broadly may also be said to be an a tray table for use by a passenger sitting in an aircraft seat, said tray table supported by a support structure to allow it to be presented for use by said passenger, and comprising:
a table comprising at least one table top,
a support arm extending between (i) the support structure and (ii) the table, to support said table,
said support arm being rotationally secured to said support structure in a manner to move between (a) a stowed condition to position the table at a distal more to the passenger location and (b) a deployed condition where the table is in at least one proximate more to the passenger position, and
wherein the table in said at least one proximate more to the passenger location is able to rotate about an axis parallel to the normal of the table when in its condition presented for use by said passenger.
Preferably the support structure is a seat located in front of the seat in which a passenger may sit.
Preferably the supports structure is a bulkhead, divider or partition of said aircraft.
Preferably the support arm is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is in a plane parallel to the plane of the table.
Preferably the support arm is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner by a base member that defines a rotational axis.
Preferably the rotational axis is adjacent said support structure.
Preferably the rotational axis is at said support structure.
Preferably the support arm is secured to said support structure in a rotational manner by a base member that limits the rotation of the support arm to a position where the support arm is in the deployed condition.
Preferably the support arm is an articulated arm that includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that is rotationally supported by said first arm portion about a rotational axis that is parallel to the normal of the table.
Preferably the first arm portion is engaged to said support structure.
Preferably the second arm portion supports said table. Preferably said table is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto.
Preferably said table is supported by said second arm portion in a manner to be able to translate relative thereto in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the table.
Preferably said table is supported by said second arm portion by a cam surface of surfaces and wherein a cam follower of on of the table and the second support arm can move relative said cam to provided guided translation of the table relative to said second arm portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the table.
The present invention broadly may also be said to be an aircraft that includes a tray table as herein above described.
The present invention broadly may also be said to be an aircraft that includes a tray table as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present invention broadly may also be said to be a tray table as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which,
Figure 1 is a view of an aircraft onboard which the tray table of the present invention may be carried,
Figure 2 shows a layout of a passenger accommodation seating arrangement with which the tray tables of the present invention may be associated,
Figure 2A is a close-up view of a Figure 2,
Figure 3 is a plan view of a tray table of the present invention shown in three different positions, Figure 4 illustrates a different seating arrangement with which the tray table of the present invention can be associated,
Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 3,
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tray table of the present invention,
Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the tray table of the present invention, and
Figure 8 is a bottom view of the tray table of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Figure 1 there is shown an aircraft 1. The aircraft 1 may have a passenger seating arrangement such as that shown in Figure 2. A partial close-up plan view of part of the seating arrangement is shown in Figure 2A and 4. Each of the seating arrangements is for a passenger. Each of the seating arrangements has a tray table arrangement, also called a tray table 4 in this description, extending from the rear of the seating arrangement. The seating arrangement acts as a support structure for the tray table 4. The tray table 4 comprises a table arrangement, and a support member in the form of a support arm 9.
In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the table arrangement is preferably a bi-fold table. The bi-fold table comprises two table top members (hereinafter called table tops) 5, 6. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-fold table is movable between a first mode in which the two table top members are in a compacted relationship to each other, and a second mode wherein said two table top members are in an expanded relationship to each other.
The table top members each present at least one major face, and are preferably planar in form, presenting a pair of opposed major faces. It is envisaged that any of the major faces can be used by a passenger as a utility surface.
The support member is for supporting the table arrangement from the seating arrangement (or any other suitable support structure such as a divider, bulkhead, partition or similar feature of an aircraft).
The table arrangement is rotatably coupleable to a support structure by the support arm 9, to move between a stowed condition in which the table arrangement is folded up against the back of the seating arrangement in front of the passenger, as is conveniently moved out of the passengers way; and a deployed condition in which it presents a utility surface for the passengers use. In the deployed position, the table arrangement is rotatable about an axis parallel to the normal of at least one major face of the table top members, and preferably about a substantially vertical axis.
The tray table 4, as shown in Figure 4, is in a partially deployed condition in which a one of the utility surfaces of the bi-fold table arrangement is presented (i.e. in its first mode), and is not presented directly in front of the passenger (i.e. is not fully aligned directly in front of the passenger) but instead has been rotated to the side of the passenger. The tray table 4A shown in Figure 4 is shown in a fully deployed condition (in the bi-fold table is in its second mode in which the two table top members are in an expanded relationship to each other, and in which two major surfaces of the bi-fold table
arrangement are presented for use by a passenger) and a fully aligned position in which the table arrangement is located directly in front of the passenger.
With reference to Figure 5, the tray table 4B is shown in a fully stowed position whereas the tray table 4C is in a fully deployed and aligned position.
With reference to Figure 4 the tray table 4A includes two table tops 5 and 6. The table tops include table top surfaces that can be presented generally upwardly when the tray table is in a fully deployed condition as shown in Figure 4. In a partially deployed position with reference to tray table 4, the table tops 5, 6 lie on top of each other with their major faces being juxtaposed. Preferably the table tops 5, 6 are hingingly engaged to each other via hinges 7.
The hinges 7 facilitate the folding of the table tops relative to each other. The table tops are preferably supported by a support arm 9 from a seat of the seating arrangement in front of the passenger. The support arm 9 preferably directly supports one of the table top panels such as table top panel 5 of the tray table 4A as shown in Figure 4.
The support arm 9 is itself mounted to a seat preferably via a base member 10 to move in a rotational manner around rotational axis XX. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational axis XX is aligned substantially horizontally. The support arm 9 is preferably an articulating arm comprising of a first arm portion 11 and a second arm portion 12. The second arm portion 12 is able to rotate relative to the first arm portion 11 about axis Y. When the table arrangement is in its deployed condition, axis Y will preferably be aligned substantially vertically.
The base portion 12 is rigidly mounted to a seat back of a seat in front and can hold the arm 9 in position. It allows for the arm and table arrangement to rotate about the axis XX between a stowed position as shown with reference to table top 4B in Figure 5 and a deployed position as shown with reference to table top 4C in Figure 5 or partially deployed position as shown in Figure 4 with reference to table top 4. The pivot axis Y allows for the table arrangement to rotate when in a partially deployed position and with reference to table top 4 in Figure 4 through angle A to a position where it can be presented and aligned to the seat 20. Such an aligned position is shown with reference to seat 20A in reference to table of tray table 4A of Figure 4.
A sliding arrangement 26 is preferably provided by the second arm 12, that allows for the table to move or translate relative to the second arm 12 in a linear manner. The table may hence move away from and towards the passenger sitting in seat 20A as a result of this sliding motion provision. This may be provided by way of a slot 27 defined by the second arm 12 in which a hub 28 is mounted and can slide between ends of the slot.
The mechanism of the tray table of the present invention allows for the table to be moved to a condition where the table tops are folded up and are in a stowed position with reference to 4B of Figure 5. In this position the normal of the tray table tops may extend in a direction parallel to the FWD direction (shown as arrow FWD in figure 3) which is preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plane or at an angle non-parallel to the FWD direction. The table tops can move to a partially deployed position as shown with reference to tray table 4 in Figure 4 and where the table tops are non-aligned with the seat behind and to a partially deployed position where the tray table is aligned with the seat and a fully deployed position with reference to tray table 4A of Figure 4 where the table tops are unfolded, co-planar and aligned with the seat 20A. In the fully deployed position the tray table may be moved between a position more distal from the passenger and a position more proximate the passenger in a linear manner.
In this way, a tray table arrangement is provided that allows for a wide variety of configurations that a passenger may use as utility surfaces, as well as a one that I sable to be folded out of the way when required. It is also inherently suited to use where the seating arrangements are not aligned longitudinally with the aircraft, and allows for flexibility in this regard.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth. Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/ or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.