Passenger seating assemblies and aspects thereof

Abstract

Multiple features of seating assemblies are detailed Innovations in or to tray tables, luggage bars, arm rests, seat backs, and seat frames are included, with features being incorporated into seating assemblies either separately or in any combination. The assemblies are configured principally for passenger aircraft but may be used elsewhere as appropriate or desired.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS[0001]These inventions relate to seating assemblies and more particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to aspects of seating units configured for use on-board passenger aircraft and other transport vessels.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS[0002]Disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,421 to Brennan, et al. are existing aircraft seats with various conventional components. Illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7 of the Brennan patent is a typical tray table adapted to deploy from the rear face of the seat in front of the user. Such table may assume either of two positions: (1) a horizontal position parallel to the deck on which the seats are mounted (when the table is in use), with arms connecting the table to a fore seat outside the envelope of the seat back and (2) a vertical position substantially perpendicular to the deck for when the table is stowed. Arm rests either are fixed in position or pivot upward from their nominal positions of FIG. 1 of the patent.[0003]Descr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent relates to improvements in seating assemblies for vehicles. The invention includes a seat frame and seat back with universal mountings that can distribute stresses and provide relaxation both when the seat back reclines and when it is fixed. In some versions, connecting rods and sleeves can prevent the seat back from reclining. The floor of the vehicle can also have controllers for certain features without taking up space in arm rests, which allows cables to be routed more directly. Additionally, the invention suggests using reconfigurable luggage bars to absorb forces on the seat legs. These improvements enhance the comfort and safety of vehicle passengers.

Problems solved by technology

These rests are not interchangeable at present; in other words, a pivoting arm rest may not readily substitute for a fixed-position arm rest and vice-versa.

Images