Extendible vehicle tray method and apparatus
US5489054A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S224/926
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An extendible tray for a vehicle includes a housing mounted in the vehicle and a carrier movably connected with respect to the housing. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing, a first use position outside the housing to expose a first portion of the carrier, and a second use position outside the housing to expose both the first and second portions of the carrier. The carrier is biased outwardly from the housing, and first and second latches are provided to retain the carrier in the stored position and the first use position. When a user pushes the carrier in the direction of the housing, the spring and latches facilitate movement of the carrier from the stored position to the first use position and from the first use position to the second use position. A method for storing an ashtray and a cupholder in a vehicle housing is also provided. In addition, a method for providing access to an ashtray and a cupholder for rear seat passengers in a vehicle is provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.