GM has filed a patent application for a glovebox with a pull-out tray table. The filing was made under patent number US 2025/0136005 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and was filed on December 26th, 2023. The filing was published on May 1st, 2025, and lists Shuguang Chen from Shanghai, China as the inventor.
The GM patent application describes a vehicle glovebox that incorporates a built-in, stowable tray that can be pulled out and used as a small table or work surface for the front passenger. The design is aimed at providing enhanced convenience and comfort, especially on long trips.
The GM glovebox design includes a storage bin mounted inside a frame. The bin can move by shifting up and down between two positions inside the dashboard (a lower retracted position and a raised upper position) allowing access to the tray table. The bin can also move rotationally, with the front door of the glovebox rotating open to allow access to a storage compartment, just like a traditional glovebox.
Stored inside glovebox is a tray table, which slides between a stored position and an extended position to provide a flat surface for the front passenger. In some designs, the tray can also fold in half to save space and unfold when needed to create a larger usable surface.
The movement of both the storage bin and the tray can be done manually or automatically, depending on the design in question. Some versions include electric motors and user-activated buttons to extend or retract the storage bin and tray. The GM design also uses special linkages, like a four-bar link, to control the motion of the storage components and ensure smooth, reliable operation.
This glovebox-tray system is designed to fit into the vehicle’s dashboard without taking up extra space. It also offers extra functionality for passengers who might want to eat, work, or use a tablet while on the road. When not in use, the tray is hidden and secured inside the glovebox.
Comments
I hope it is not a smooth surface as shown, or stuff would easily slide off as the vehicle turns, stops, etc. Coated with a grippy material, I think it is a good idea.
With cup holder indents.
On the grippy:
That just is common sense. -But, with gm, that needs to be brought up, as they usually do everything half-baked…
What is old is new again.
Back to the 60’s we go ! Oh, never mind, they were actually made of steel those days
I believe GM has bigger issues they should be concerned about like their 5.3 and 6.2 engines they are producing and not glovebox tables.
Upside down version of an airplane tray-table.
GM should design a light for inside the glove box, you know, like they had back in the 50’s 60’s 70’s 80’s 90’s and early 2000’s. $80,000 dollars for a vehicle and they have no glove box light.
I seem to remember glove box doors that opened flat and had cup indents in them. I don’t remember which vehicle it was for sure but I’m thinking it was my 82 S-10 Sport. What a great truck that was, short bed factory sport wheels, sport interior and two tone paint.
Just more plastic pieces to snap off to go with the pieces in the basket in the backseat.