US 2,006,075,934 · Filed 2005-09-28
The Airplane Seat Desk That Promised In-Flight Computing
Imagine a fold-down tray table in an airplane seat that isn't just a table — it has a built-in keyboard and screen so you can work or browse while flying. It folds up when you're done, stores away easily, and can connect to the plane's internet system to let everyone on board access email and watch ads.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a foldable table apparatus mounted behind passenger seats in aircraft, buses, or trains that integrates a keyboard, display, or both into a single unit. What's protected here is the specific design of a tray that replaces the conventional fold-down table, incorporates input and output devices, includes connectors for data transfer, and can be quickly stowed. The patent also covers the system that manages content delivery and advertising to multiple such devices across a passenger vessel using wired or wireless connections.
Why it matters
This patent addresses a specific problem in transit: how to give passengers productive computing capability without adding bulk or complexity to airline seating. By combining the tray table with integrated electronics, the inventor avoided designing a separate device. The advertising and content-delivery system suggest a revenue model where airlines could monetize passenger downtime. However, touchscreen tablets and personal laptops ultimately proved simpler and cheaper solutions, limiting the practical adoption of built-in seat-mounted systems.
Real-world use
When boarding a modern flight, you'd encounter this idea in airlines that install seatback entertainment systems with fold-down tables — though today these are usually separate components rather than a single integrated unit as this patent imagined.
Original USPTO abstract
A foldable table apparatus with an integrated keyboard, an integrated display, or both is presented. Such an apparatus is typically mounted behind each seat in a passenger vessel such as an aircraft, bus, or train, and takes the place of the conventional foldable tray. The apparatus permits users to perform computer tasks, access software and other services, while traveling or in transit. The apparatus may be quickly stored to allow passengers to enter and exit their seats conveniently. The apparatus may also serve as a conventional table when the keyboard or display is closed. Connectors may be integrated within the table apparatus to facilitate data transfer to and from a third device. The keyboard apparatus may be removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement. When an array of such apparatus is used, a system is provided to allow such apparatus to access a variety of services using a wired or wireless connection. As users are typically in transit, the system provides the user with the ability to send emails and to use promotional software or services which they may later purchase. A method of targeting advertisements to such users is also provided.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,006,075,934
- Filing date
- 2005-09-28
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Pranil Ram
- Inventor(s)
- RAM PRANIL
- CPC class
- B64D11/0015
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