Extendible vehicle tray method and apparatus

A method for storing an ashtray and a cupholder in a vehicle housing, comprising:

• providing a housing within the vehicle;
• slidably mounting a carrier with respect to the housing, the carrier having an ashtray and cupholder attached thereto, such that the carrier is movable between a stored position substantially inside the housing wherein the ashtray and cupholder are concealed, a first use position partially outside the housing wherein the ashtray is exposed, and a second use position substantially outside the housing wherein both the cupholder and the ashtray are exposed;
• biasing the carrier toward the second use position with respect to the housing;
• and
• cammingly engaging the carrier with respect to the housing, such that:
• the carrier is permitted to travel from the stored position to the first use position upon movement of the carrier in a direction away from the second use position;
• the carrier is permitted to travel from the first use position to the second use position upon certain further movement of the carrier in said direction away from the second use position;
• and the carrier is retained in the stored position after it is moved substantially to the stored position from the second use position.

A method for providing access to an ashtray and a cupholder for rear seat passengers in a vehicle, comprising:

• slidably mounting a carrier with respect to a rear portion of a vehicle center console, the carrier having an ashtray and cupholder attached thereto, such that the carrier is movable between a stored position substantially inside the console wherein the ashtray and cupholder are concealed, a first use position partially outside the console wherein the ashtray is exposed to rear seat passengers, and a second use position substantially outside the console wherein both the cupholder and the ashtray are exposed to the rear seat passengers;
• biasing the carrier toward the second use position with respect to the console;
• and
• cammingly engaging the carrier with respect to the console, such that:
• the carrier is permitted to travel from the stored position to the first use position upon movement of the carrier in a direction away from the second use position;
• the carrier is permitted to travel from the first use position to the second use position upon certain further movement of the carrier in said direction away from the second use position;
• and the carrier is retained in the stored position after it is moved substantially to the stored position from the second use position.