Geometric and material hybrid systems for tray table arm

Abstract

In an embodiment, a support arm comprises: a thermoplastic material and a filler. A cross-section of the support arm taken along a line from an inner edge to an outer edge of the support arm comprises a modified I-shaped, an I/U-shaped, or a U-shaped cross-section.

I/we claim:  
     
         1 . A support arm for a tray table, comprising:
 a thermoplastic material and a filler;   wherein the support arm comprises an inner edge comprising an inner flange, an outer edge comprising an outer flange, and a web between the inner edge and the outer edge, wherein the web has a surface; and   wherein the support arm comprises a system for receiving a fastener such that the fastener is not in physical contact with the support arm, the system comprising at least one of
 a grub pin, wherein the grub pin traverses through a web opening in the web, wherein the grub pin comprises a threaded grub opening for receiving the fastener; 
 a mounting bracket and a clip nut, wherein the mounting bracket is located on the surface of the web, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a mounting opening and the clip nut comprises a threaded clip nut opening for receiving the fastener; wherein the mounting opening aligns with the threaded clip nut opening; and 
 a positioner bracket, wherein the positioner bracket is located in between the inner flange and the outer flange and is held in place by a stabilizer located on the surface of the web, wherein the positioner bracket comprises a threaded positioner opening for receiving the fastener, wherein one or both of the inner flange and the outer flange comprises a flange opening that aligns with the threaded positioner opening. 
   
     
     
         2 . The support arm of  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises the grub pin. 
     
     
         3 . The support arm of  claim 2 , wherein a thickness of the web proximal to the grub pin is greater than a thickness of the web distal from the grub pin. 
     
     
         4 . The support arm of  claim 2 , wherein the grub pin comprises a metal. 
     
     
         5 . The support arm of  claim 2 , wherein the grub pin has an average outer diameter over a length of the grub pin and wherein the grub pin has an increased surface area as compared to a cylindrical grub pin of the same length and average outer diameter. 
     
     
         6 . The support arm of  claim 5 , wherein the grub pin is a concave grub pin, a convex grub pin, a varied angle grub pin, a spherical grub pin, an ellipsoidal grub pin, or a semi-spherical grub pin. 
     
     
         7 . The support arm of  claim 2 , wherein a surface of the grub pin that is in contact with the web is one or both of a textured surface and a surface comprising a plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         8 . The support arm of  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises the mounting bracket and the clip nut. 
     
     
         9 . The support arm of  claim 8 , wherein the mounting bracket is a continuous piece of the support arm and wherein the clip nut comprises a metal. 
     
     
         10 . The support arm of  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises the positioner bracket. 
     
     
         11 . The support arm of  claim 10 , wherein the positioner bracket comprises at least two positioner brackets. 
     
     
         12 . The support arm of  claim 10 , further comprising a positioner grub pin, wherein the positioner grub pin traverses the flange opening. 
     
     
         13 . The support arm of  claim 10 , wherein the stabilizer comprises two or more stabilizers. 
     
     
         14 . The support arm of  claim 1 , wherein the support arm comprises a C-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         15 . The support arm of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a threaded screw. 
     
     
         16 . A tray table comprising:
 port arm of  claim 1 ;   a torque rod;   a pivot block;   a stopper pin;   and a table;   wherein the pivot block connects the torque rod to the support arm, and wherein the stopper pin is located on the pivot block; and   wherein the fastener prevents the further rotational motion of the stopper pin when the tray table is in the operable position.   
     
     
         17 . The tray table of  claim 16 , further comprising an attachment located on the support arm, and a connector pin, wherein the connector pin is attached to the support arm via the attachment, wherein the connector pin is inserted into an opening in the pivot block. 
     
     
         18 . A support arm for a tray table, comprising:
 a thermoplastic material and a filler;   wherein the support arm comprises an inner edge comprising an inner flange, an outer edge, and a web between the inner edge and the outer edge, wherein the web has a surface; and   wherein the support arm comprises an insert located in at least one of the inner flange and the web.   
     
     
         19 . The support arm of  claim 18 , wherein the insert is located and extends along a length of the inner edge. 
     
     
         20 . The support arm of  claim 18 , wherein during use of the tray table, the support arm has a high stress region and a low stress region; wherein the insert is located in one or both of the high stress region and the low stress region; wherein if the insert is located in the high stress region, then the insert comprises a metal, and if the insert is located in the low stress region, then the insert comprises a void space or a foam.