Transformable seat assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a deformable seat assembly, which includes a seat support structure and a backrest support structure, wherein the backrest support structure is connected to the seat support structure by a hinge defining a rotation axis. An actuator assembly includes a cylinder and a piston positioned in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder is fixed to one of the backrest support structure or the seat support structure, and the piston is fixed to the other of the backrest support structure or the seat support structure. In addition, a blocking member is positioned in the cylinder and is adjustable along the cylinder. When the blocking member is in a first position, the piston is limited to traveling to a first extreme position, and the backrest support structure is limited to a first reclining position. When the blocking member is in a second position, the piston is limited to traveling to a second extreme position, and the backrest support structure is allowed to rotate to a second reclining position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to seats, and more particularly to adjustment of a configuration of a seat having seats positioned adjacent to seats. Background Art

[0002] In areas where organized seating arrangements are provided, seat occupant comfort is prioritized. For example, organized seating provides a seat with another seat positioned in front of the seat and yet another seat positioned behind the seat. Such organized seating arrangements can be found, for example, in transportation vehicles (such as trains, buses, or aircraft) and, for example, in auditoriums and theaters. As the organized seating is occupied, unoccupied adjacent seats may result in being positioned in front of and / or behind the occupied seat. It would be advantageous to provide an occupancy of a seat with an adjacent unoccupied seat positioned in front of and / or behind the occupied seat and with the ability to optimize utilization of the potentially available space provided by the unoccupied adjacent seat, thereby providing additional comfort opportunities for the occupant. Summary of the invention

[0003] An example includes a deformable seat assembly, which includes a seat support structure and a backrest support structure, which is connected to the seat support structure by a hinge, wherein the hinge defines a rotation axis. The deformable seat assembly also includes an actuator assembly, which includes a cylinder and a piston positioned in the cylinder. The cylinder is fixed to one of the backrest support structure or the seat support structure, and the piston is fixed to the other of the backrest support structure or the seat support structure. A blocking member is positioned in the cylinder and adjustable along the cylinder. When the blocking member is in a first position, the blocking member limits the linear stroke of the piston in a first direction to a first limit position of the piston, so that the rotation stroke of the backrest support structure around the rotation axis is limited to not being able to rotate the backrest support structure beyond the first reclining position. When the blocking member is in a second position, the blocking member allows the linear stroke of the piston in the first direction to exceed the first limit position of the piston, so that the rotation stroke of the backrest support structure around the rotation axis is allowed to rotate beyond the first reclining position to reach the second reclining position.

[0004] One example includes a method for deforming a deformable seat assembly, the method comprising the steps of moving a blocking member from a first position to a second position, wherein the blocking member is positioned in a cylinder of an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston positioned in the cylinder. The deformable seat assembly comprises a seat support structure connected to a backrest support structure by a hinge, the hinge defining a rotation axis. The cylinder is fixed to one of the backrest support structure or the seat support structure, and the piston is fixed to the other of the backrest support structure or the seat support structure. When the blocking member is in the first position, the blocking member limits the linear travel of the piston in a first direction to a first limit position of the piston, so that the rotational travel of the backrest support structure around the rotational axis is limited to not allowing the backrest support structure to rotate beyond a first reclining position. When the blocking member is in the second position, the blocking member allows the linear travel of the piston in the first direction to exceed the first limit position of the piston, so that the rotational travel of the backrest support structure around the rotational axis is allowed to exceed the first reclining position to reach a second reclining position. The method also includes the steps of rotating the backrest support structure around the rotational axis to a second reclining position.

[0005] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a side schematic view of a first example of a transformable seat assembly occupied and positioned in an upright position with an unoccupied seat assembly positioned adjacent to and behind the occupied transformable seat assembly;

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a view of a transformable seat assembly of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first instance of an occupied transformable seat assembly is in a first reclined position;

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A view of a deformable seat assembly wherein a first example of an occupied deformable seat assembly is in a position exceeding Figure 2 a first reclining position and a second reclining position;

[0009] FIG4A is Figure 1 an enlarged view of an actuator assembly;

[0010] FIG. 4B is Figure 2 an enlarged view of an actuator assembly;

[0011] Figure 4C yes Figure 3an enlarged view of an actuator assembly;

[0012] Figure 5 is used to Figure 1 A flow chart of a method of a first example deformation of a deformable seat assembly;

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a second example of a transformable seat assembly, the transformable seat assembly being unoccupied and positioned in an upright position, and an occupied seat assembly being positioned behind and adjacent to the second example of the transformable seat assembly;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a view of a second example of a transformable seat assembly of the invention, wherein the transformable seat assembly is in a first reclined position;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 a view of a second example of a transformable seat assembly with the back support structure rotated forward to provide expanded legroom for an occupant of an occupied seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent the second example of the transformable seat assembly;

[0016] FIG. 9A is Figure 6 an enlarged view of an actuator assembly;

[0017] FIG. 9B is Figure 7 an enlarged view of an actuator assembly;

[0018] FIG. 9C is Figure 8 an enlarged view of an actuator assembly;

[0019] Fig.10 is used to Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for a second example deformation of a deformable seat assembly;

[0020] Fig.11 is a side schematic view of a first embodiment of a third example of a transformable seat assembly, the transformable seat assembly being unoccupied and an occupant occupying a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the third example of the transformable seat assembly;

[0021] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 a view of the first embodiment of the third example of a transformable seat assembly with the lumbar cushion removed from an unoccupied transformable seat assembly and the seat of the transformable seat assembly rotated forward to provide more available knee room for an occupant of a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the first embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly;

[0022] Fig.13 is a schematic side view of a fourth example of a transformable seat assembly, wherein the transformable seat assembly is unoccupied and an occupant is occupying a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the fourth example of the transformable seat assembly;

[0023] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 a view of a fourth example of a transformable seat assembly of wherein a wall member (having a lumbar pad secured thereto) is rotated relative to a back support structure and the seat is rotated relative to a seat support structure;

[0024] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 a view of a fourth example of a transformable seat assembly of wherein the wall member with the lumbar pad and the seat have been fully rotated to provide an occupant occupying a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the fourth example of the transformable seat assembly with the ability to extend their legs onto the seat supports of the fourth example of the transformable seat assembly;

[0025] Fig.16 is used to Fig.13 A flowchart of a method of a fourth example variation of a deformable seat assembly;

[0026] Fig.17 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a third example of a transformable seat assembly wherein the seat is rotated relative to the seat support structure;

[0027] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 a view of the second embodiment of the third example of a transformable seat assembly of the invention with the lumbar cushion removed to provide an occupant of a seat assembly positioned behind and adjacent to the second embodiment of the third example of a transformable seat assembly with the ability to extend their legs and have their legs supported by the seat support structure of the second embodiment of the third example of a transformable seat assembly;

[0028] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 a schematic rear perspective view of a second embodiment of a third example of a transformable seat assembly of; and

[0029] Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a method for deforming a third example of a deformable seat assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] refer to Figure 1-Figure 3, a first example of a deformable seat assembly 10 includes a seat support structure 12 and a back support structure 14. The back support structure 14 is connected to the seat support structure 12 by a hinge 16, and the hinge 16 defines an axis of rotation 17. The seat support structure 12 can be composed of one or more components that provide support for an occupant of the deformable seat assembly 10. Similarly, the back support structure 14 can be composed of one or more components that provide back support for an occupant of the deformable seat assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 4A- Figure 4C As shown, the actuator assembly 18 includes a cylinder 20 and a piston 22 positioned in the cylinder 20. The actuator assembly 18 corresponds to Figure 1-Figure 3 Actuator assembly 18 is shown positioned relative to deformable seat 10. Cylinder 20 is secured to one of back support structure 14 or seat support structure 12. In this example, cylinder 20 is secured to seat support structure 12. Piston 22 is secured to the other of back support structure 14 or seat support structure 12. In this example, piston 22 is secured to back support structure 14. Figure 1 The backrest support structure 14 is schematically shown in an upright position U.

[0031] The blocking member 24 is positioned within the cylinder 20 and is adjustable along the cylinder 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively, the blocking member 24 is shown in the first position 26 , wherein the first position 26 is the same position for the transformable seat assembly 10 in FIGS. 4A and 4B . Figure 1 4A . The back support structure 14 is locked in place, for example, with a conventional locking and unlocking engagement for a seat assembly, such as that found in, for example, an aircraft passenger seat, during use. An occupant may sit on the deformable seat assembly 10, and the occupant may choose to recline or not recline the back support structure 14. At this point the occupant may press an actuator button (not shown) which may unlock the locked fixation of the back support structure 14 and allow the occupant to move along the deformable seat assembly 10. Figure 2 The direction R shown rotates the back support structure 14 to the first reclined position FR, which in some examples may be limited to a few inches so as not to excessively intrude upon the space occupied by any occupant of the second seat assembly 32 positioned behind and adjacent the transformable seat assembly 10. Figure 24B , the first reclining position FR of the backrest support structure 14 is obtained by allowing the piston 22 to move in the first direction 28 in the cylinder 20 to the first extreme position 30 of the piston 22, wherein the piston 22 is in abutment with the blocking member 24. When the piston 22 moves in the direction 28 to abut the blocking member 24, the rotational travel of the backrest support structure 14 around the rotation axis 17 in the R direction is allowed, and the backrest support structure 14 is limited from rotating beyond the first reclining position FR by the piston 22 being in abutment with the blocking member 24.

[0032] In some examples, as described above, the displacement of the back support structure 14 may be only a few inches, depending on the proximity of the second seat assembly 32, which in this example is positioned behind and adjacent to the transformable seat assembly 10. However, if the second seat assembly 32 is not occupied, rotational displacement of the back support structure 14 may be permitted, thereby allowing an occupant of the transformable seat assembly 10 to occupy additional space associated with the second seat assembly 32. This may allow an occupant of the transformable seat assembly 10 the opportunity to optimize comfort with respect to the transformable seat assembly 10. Figure 3 As shown, wherein the second seat assembly 32 is unoccupied and wherein the blocking member 24 is in the second position 33, as Figure 4C As shown, where the blocking member 24 is now positioned further downward or recessed into the cylinder 20, the blocking member 24 allows the linear travel of the piston 22 in the first direction 28 to exceed the first extreme position 30 of the piston 22 of FIG. 4B, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the rotational travel of the back support structure 14 in the direction R' can occur to rotate the back support structure 14 beyond the first reclined position FR to the second reclined position SR about the rotation axis 17. The second reclined position SR has a greater rotational displacement from the upright position U than the first reclined position FR and provides an opportunity for the occupant to use the unoccupied space associated with the second seat assembly 32.

[0033] In this example, the transformable seat assembly 10 also includes a seat cushion 34 that is positioned to overlie a seat support frame 36 of the seat support structure 12, such as Figure 1-Figure 3. The transformable seat assembly 10 also includes a back cushion 38 and a lumbar cushion 40, each positioned to overlie the back support structure 14. The configuration of the transformable seat assembly 10 with respect to the cushion and seat and back support structure is a known assembly for the transformable seat assembly 10, wherein the seat support structure 12 is a frame assembly, as previously described, which is constructed of one or more components, which provides support to the occupant for the occupant seated on the seat cushion 34, and the back support structure 14 is a support structure, as previously described, which is constructed of one or more components, which provides support to the occupant's back when the occupant is seated in the transformable seat assembly 10. In this example, the back support structure 14 provides support to the back cushion 38 when the occupant is positioned in the transformable seat assembly 10, and the lumbar cushion 40 provides additional comfort to the occupant's back.

[0034] The cylinder 20 of the actuator assembly 18 is pivotally secured to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12 by a pivot connector 42 and in this example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the pivot connector 42 connects the cylinder 20 to the seat support structure 12. The piston 22 is pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12 by a pivot connector 44, and in this example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the pivot connector 44 connects the piston 22 to the back support structure 14. The pivot connector 42 enables the cylinder 20 to rotate relative to the seat support structure 12 when the back support structure 14 rotates about the rotation axis 17, and similarly, the pivot connector 44 enables the piston 22 to rotate relative to the back support structure 14 when the back support structure 14 rotates about the rotation axis 17.

[0035] Refer to Figure 4A- Figure 4C , the blocking member 24 positioned within the cylinder 20 also includes an opening 46 defined by the blocking member 24, the opening 46 extending within the blocking member 24 and along the length L of the blocking member 24. A plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24 are positioned along a surface S of the opening 46 within the blocking member 24. A threaded shaft 48 is associated with the opening 46 defined by the blocking member 24, wherein the threaded shaft 48 defines a plurality of threads (not shown) that are compatible with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24.

[0036] A plurality of threads (not shown) of a first end portion 50 of the threaded shaft 48 engages a plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24. A second end portion 52 of the threaded shaft 48 is connected to a motor 54, which applies rotation to the threaded shaft 48, which results in linear movement of the blocking member 24 along the cylinder 20. As the motor 54 rotates the threaded shaft 48 in a first rotational direction 55, such as shown in FIG. 4B , the blocking member 24 moves from the first position 26 toward the second position 33, such as shown in FIG. Figure 4C For example, Figure 4C As shown, with the motor 54 rotating the threaded shaft 48 in the second rotational direction 57 , the blocking member 24 moves from the second position 33 toward the first position 26 , as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B .

[0037] For example, respectively Figure 1 and Figure 2 As seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the blocking member 24 is in the first position 26. With the blocking member 24 in the first position 26, the back support structure 14 of the transformable seat assembly 10 is allowed to rotate about the rotation axis 17 between the upright position U and the first reclined position FR. Figure 4C As shown, with the blocking member 24 moved to the second position 33, wherein the blocking member 24 is positioned lower within the cylinder 20 in this example than the blocking member 24 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in the first position 26, the back support structure 14 of the transformable seat assembly 10 is allowed to operate between the upright position U and the second reclined position SR. The second reclined position SR is a position that places the occupant closer to the prone position than the first reclined position FR. The occupant having the opportunity to obtain the second reclined position SR provides the occupant with an opportunity to optimize the use of the available space provided by the unoccupied second seat assembly 32 and at the same time optimize the comfort of the occupant.

[0038] 4A and 4B, the first position 26 of the blocking member 24 is a first distance 56 from the end 58 of the cylinder 20, so that as previously described, with the piston positioned at the end 58 of the cylinder 20, the back support structure 14 is in the upright position U. Figure 4C As shown, with the blocking member 24 in the second position 33, the blocking member 24 is a second distance 60 from the end 58 of the cylinder 20. In this example, the second distance 60 from the end 58 is greater than the first distance 56. Positioning the blocking member 24 further away from the end 58 allows the piston 22 to travel further within the cylinder 20, thereby causing the back support structure 14 to reach the second reclined position SR, thereby providing the occupant of the transformable seat assembly 10 with the opportunity to recline further and gain more comfort.

[0039] refer to Figure 5The method 53 for deforming the deformable seat assembly 10 includes step 59 of moving the blocking member 24 from a first position to a second position, wherein the blocking member 24 is positioned within the cylinder 20 of the actuator assembly 18, the actuator assembly 18 including the cylinder 20 and the piston 22 positioned within the cylinder 20. Figures 1 to 4C As shown, the deformable seat assembly 10 includes a seat support structure 12 connected to a back support structure 14 by a hinge 16, and the hinge 16 defines a rotation axis 17. A cylinder 20 is fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, and a piston 22 is fixed to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12. When the blocking member 24 is in the first position 26, the blocking member 24 limits the linear travel of the piston 22 in the first direction 28 to a first limit position 30 of the piston 22, so that the rotation travel of the back support structure 14 around the rotation axis 17 is limited to prevent the back support structure 14 from rotating beyond the first reclined position FR. When the blocking member 24 is in the second position 33, the blocking member 24 allows the linear travel of the piston 22 in the first direction 28 to exceed the first limit position 30 of the piston 22, so that the rotation travel of the back support structure 14 around the rotation axis 17 is allowed to exceed the first reclined position FR to reach the second reclined position SR. The method 53 further comprises a step 61 of rotating the backrest support structure 14 about the rotation axis 17 into the second reclined position SR.

[0040] As previously described, the transformable seat assembly 10 also includes a seat cushion 34 positioned in overlying relation to the seat support structure 12, and includes a back cushion 38 and a lumbar cushion 40 positioned in overlying relation to the seat back structure 14. In addition, the cylinder 20 is pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, and the piston 22 is pivotally fixed to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12. This pivotal fixation allows the cylinder 20 to pivotally rotate relative to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, and allows the piston 22 to pivotally rotate relative to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, with the back support structure 14 rotating about the rotation axis 17.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4A- Figure 4CAs shown, step 59 of moving the blocking member 24 positioned within the cylinder 20 also includes activating the motor 54 to rotate the threaded shaft 48. The blocking member 24 defines an opening 46 that extends within the blocking member 24 and along a length L of the blocking member 24. A plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24 are positioned along a surface S of the opening 46 within the blocking member 24. The threaded shaft 48 associated with the opening 46 defined by the blocking member 24 defines a plurality of threads (not shown) that are compatible with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24. A plurality of threads (not shown) of a first end 50 of the threaded shaft 48 engages a plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24, and a second end 52 of the threaded shaft 48 is connected to the motor 54. Rotation of the threaded shaft 48 applies linear movement of the blocking member 24 along the cylinder 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , with the threaded shaft 48 rotating in a first rotational direction 55, the blocking member 24 moves from the first position 26 to the second position 33, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C As shown. Figure 4C As shown, when the blocking member 24 is in the second position 33, and for example, as Figure 4C As shown, rotation of the threaded shaft in the second rotational direction 57 causes the blocking member 24 to move from the second position 33 to the first position 26 of FIG. 4A or 4B .

[0042] Reference Figure 6-Figure 8 , a second example of a deformable seat assembly 62 includes a seat support structure 12 and a back support structure 14, the back support structure 14 being connected to the seat support structure 12 by a hinge 16, the hinge 16 defining a rotation axis 17. An actuator assembly 18' includes a cylinder 20' and a piston 22' positioned within the cylinder 20'. The cylinder 20' is fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12. In this example, the cylinder 20' is fixed to the seat support structure 12. The piston 22' is fixed to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, and in this example is fixed to the back support structure 14. In this second example, the seat assembly 62 has an actuator assembly 18', wherein the cylinder 20' is pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, and in this example, the cylinder 20' is pivotally fixed to the seat support structure 12 by a pivot connector 42. In this second example, the seat assembly 62 has an actuator assembly 18 ′ with a piston 22 ′ pivotally secured to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12 , and in this example, the piston 22 ′ is pivotally secured to the back support structure 14 via a pivot connector 44 .

[0043] The blocking member 24' is positioned within the cylinder 20' and is adjustable along the cylinder 20'. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the blocking member 24' is shown in a first position 26', which is the same position for the second example of the deformable seat assembly 62 in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Figure 6 In this example, the back support structure 14 is positioned in the upright position U. The back support structure 14 is locked in place, for example, by a conventional locking and unlocking engagement for this second example of a deformable seat assembly 62, such as that found in aircraft passenger seats. An occupant can sit on the deformable seat assembly 62, and the occupant can choose to recline the back support structure 14. At the same time, the occupant can press an actuator button (not shown), which can unlock the locking fixation of the back support structure 14 and allow the occupant to position the back support structure 14 in the upright position U. Figure 7 The hinge 16 is rotated in the direction R shown in the figure to the first reclining position FR around the rotation axis 17 of the hinge 16. Figure 6 As shown, when the deformable seat assembly 62 is positioned in the upright position U, as shown in FIG. 9A , the piston 22' is positioned adjacent to the blocking member 24'. When the blocking member 24' is in the first position 26', the piston 22' has a piston head 23', which is allowed to travel between the first extreme position 30' adjacent to the blocking member 24' and the end 58 of the cylinder 20', and the linear travel of the piston 22' in the first direction 28 is limited in the first extreme position 30', and the end 58 of the cylinder 20' is spaced apart from the blocking member 24' in the opposite second direction 66, so that when the piston head 23' travels to the end 58 of the cylinder 20', the rotational travel of the back support structure 14 around the rotation axis 17 is limited so that the back support structure 14 cannot be rotated beyond the first reclined position FR, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown.

[0044] In the second example of the deformable seat assembly 62, the occupant may sit down and choose to recline the back support structure 14. At this point, as described above, the occupant may depress an actuator button (not shown), thereby unlocking the locking fixation of the back support structure 14 and allowing the occupant to tilt the back support structure 14 in the desired position. Figure 7 9C , when the deformable seat assembly 62 is not occupied, when the blocking member 24' is in the second position 33', the blocking member 24' allows the linear travel of the piston 22' relative to the cylinder 20' in the first direction 28 to exceed the first limit position 30', so that the rotational travel of the back support structure 14 around the rotation axis 17 is rotated to the first reclined position FR. Figure 86 is shown in an overlying position 68 relative to the seat support structure 12. With the back support structure 14 in the overlying position relative to the seat support structure 12, an occupant of the seat assembly 64 is provided with an opportunity to extend his or her legs outwardly and rest them on the back support structure 14. Rotation of the back support structure 14 provides an opportunity for an occupant of the seat assembly 64 to utilize unused space of the unoccupied deformable seat assembly 62 to optimize the comfort of the occupant of the seat assembly 64.

[0045] As previously described, the seat cushion 34 is in a covering position relative to the seat support structure 12, and the back cushion 38 and the lumbar cushion 40 are in a covering position relative to the back support structure 14. In this example, the lumbar cushion 40 is releasably secured to at least one of the back cushion 38 or the back support structure 14. The releasable securement can be achieved by one of a variety of securement arrangements, such as with snaps, or by one of the plurality of flexible hooks or loops being secured to the lumbar cushion, and another of the plurality of flexible hooks or loops being secured to at least one of the back support structure 14 or the back cushion 38. The pieces are brought together to engage the plurality of flexible hooks and loops, thereby providing a releasable securement. Figure 8 As shown, such releasable securing may allow for removal of the lumbar pad 40, which allows the back support structure 14 to be positioned in an overlying position overlying the seat support structure 12 without the lumbar pad 40 providing any obstruction to reaching the overlying position 68. With the lumbar pad 40 removed from the overlying position relative to the back support structure 14, and the back support structure 14 rotated about the rotation axis 17 and positioned in an overlying relationship relative to the seat support structure 12, the back cushion 38 is positioned in contact with the seat cushion 34, thereby providing an ideal height for the legs of an occupant of the seat assembly 64 to rest on the back support structure 14 of the deformable seat assembly 62.

[0046] In addition, the cylinder 20' is pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12. The piston 22' is pivotally fixed to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12. In this example, the pivotal fixing allows the cylinder 20' to rotate relative to the seat support structure 12 if the back support structure rotates about the rotation axis 17, and in this example, the pivotal fixing allows the piston 22' to rotate relative to the back support structure 14 if the back support structure rotates about the rotation axis 17, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 shown.

[0047] In order to position the backrest support structure 14 in the upright position U, the first reclined position FR and the covering position 68 relative to the seat support structure 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 8- As shown in FIG. 9C , the blocking member 24 ' of the actuator assembly 18 ' includes an opening 69 defined by the blocking member 24 ', and the opening 69 extends along the length L 'and passes through the blocking member 24 '. A plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24 'are positioned along the surface S 'of the opening 69 in the blocking member 24 '. The threaded shaft 48 'is associated with a plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24 ', wherein the threaded shaft 48 'defines a plurality of threads (not shown) compatible with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24 '. As shown in FIG. 9A-FIG. 9C , the first end 70 of the threaded shaft 48 'engages a plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24 '. The second end 72 of the threaded shaft 48 'is connected to the motor 54, and the motor 54 applies rotation to the threaded shaft 48 ', thereby causing the blocking member 24 'to move linearly along the cylinder 20 '. In addition, in this example, the piston 22 'defines an opening 74, which extends in the piston 22 'and along the length L1 of the piston 22 '. In this example as shown in FIG. 9B , when the motor 54 is activated to rotate the threaded shaft 48' in the first rotational direction 55', the blocking member 24' moves from the first position 26' to the second position 33', as shown in FIG. 9C . As shown in FIG. 9C , when the piston head 23' abuts the blocking member 24' and the blocking member 24' moves toward the second position 33', the threaded shaft 48' extends through and beyond the opening 69 in the blocking member 24' and extends into the opening 74 defined by the piston 22', which is within the piston 22' and extends along the length L1 of the piston 22'. In this example as shown in FIG. 9C , when the blocking member 24' is in the second position 33', rotating the threaded shaft 48' in the second rotational direction 57' by the motor 54 moves the blocking member 24' along the threaded shaft 48' and toward the first position 26', as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B . Figure 6 9A , with the blocking member 24 ′ in the first position 26 ′ and the piston head 23 ′ in abutting relationship with the blocking member 24 ′, the back support structure 14 is positioned in the upright position U. Figure 7 9B , with the piston head 23' positioned at the end 58 of the cylinder 20', the back support structure 14 is positioned in the first reclined position FR. As shown in FIG. 9C , with the piston head 23' abutting the blocking member 24' and the blocking member in the second position 33', the back support structure 14 is in the covering position 68 relative to the seat support structure 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 With the back support structure 14 in the covering position 68 relative to the seat support structure 12 , an occupant of the seat assembly 64 can optimize occupant comfort by utilizing the available space and resting their legs on the back support structure 14 when the transformable seat assembly 62 is unoccupied.

[0048] like Fig.10 1 , a method 71 for deforming a deformable seat assembly 62 includes a step 73 of moving a blocking member 24' positioned within a cylinder 20' of an actuator assembly 18', the actuator assembly 18' including the cylinder 20' and a piston 22' having a piston head 23' positioned within the cylinder 20'. The deformable seat assembly 62 includes a seat support structure 12 connected to a back support structure 14 by a hinge 16, the hinge 16 defining an axis of rotation 17. The cylinder 20' is fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, and the piston 22' is fixed to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12. With the blocking member 24' in the first position 26', the piston head 23' is allowed to travel between the blocking member 24' and the end 58 of the cylinder 20' at the first extreme position 30', where the linear travel of the piston 22' in the first direction 28 is limited, and the end 58 of the cylinder 20' is spaced from the blocking member 24' in the opposite second direction 66, so that with the piston head 23' traveling to the end 58 of the cylinder 20', the rotational travel of the back support structure 14 about the rotation axis 17 is limited to not allowing the back support structure 14 to rotate beyond the first reclined position FR. The method 71 also includes a step 75 of rotating the back support structure 14 about the rotation axis 17 to a covering position relative to the seat support structure 12, wherein the blocking member 24' is in the second position 33', allowing the linear travel of the piston 22' in the first direction 28 beyond the first extreme position 30'.

[0049] The transformable seat assembly 62 also includes a seat cushion 34 positioned in overlying relation to the seat support structure 12, and a back cushion 38 and a lumbar cushion 40 positioned in overlying relation to the back support structure 14. As previously described, in this example, the lumbar cushion 40 is releasably secured to the back support structure 14. In this example, the method 71 also includes removing the lumbar cushion 40 from the back support structure 14 to facilitate placing the back support structure 14 in the overlying position 68 relative to the seat support structure 12, as previously described.

[0050] With the cylinder 20' pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12 and the piston 22' pivotally fixed to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12, rotating the back support structure 14 about the rotation axis 17 includes pivotally rotating the cylinder 20' relative to one of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12 and includes pivotally rotating the piston 22' relative to the other of the back support structure 14 or the seat support structure 12.

[0051] The step 73 of moving the blocking member 24' positioned in the cylinder 20' also includes starting the motor 54 to rotate the threaded shaft 48'. The opening 69 defined by the blocking member 24' extends along the length L' of the blocking member 24' and passes through the blocking member 24'. A plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24' are positioned along the surface S' of the opening 69 in the blocking member 24'. The threaded shaft 48' associated with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24' defines a plurality of threads (not shown) compatible with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24'. The plurality of threads (not shown) of the first end 70 of the threaded shaft 48' are engaged with the plurality of threads (not shown) defined by the blocking member 24', and the second end 72 of the threaded shaft 48' is connected to the motor 54, as shown in Figures 9A-9C. The motor 54 applies rotation to the threaded shaft 48', resulting in the linear movement of the blocking member 24' along the threaded shaft 48' and the cylinder 20'.

[0052] As shown in FIG9B , with the motor 54 rotating the threaded shaft 48' in the first rotational direction 55', the blocking member 24' moves from the first position 26' to the second position 33', as shown in FIG9C . With the piston head 23' abutting the blocking member 24' and the blocking member 24' moving toward the second position 33', the threaded shaft 48' extends through and beyond the opening 69 in the blocking member 24' and into the opening 74 that is within the piston 22' and extends along the length L1 of the piston 22', as shown in FIG9C . Figure 8 As shown, with the threaded shaft 48' positioned within the opening 69 of the piston 22', the back support structure 14 is in the covering position 68 relative to the seat support structure. With the blocking member 24' in the second position 33', as shown in FIG. 9C , rotating the threaded shaft 48' in the second rotational direction 57' by the motor 54 moves the blocking member 24' along the threaded shaft 48' and toward the first position 26', so that when the blocking member 24' is in the first position 26', as shown in FIG. 9A , and the piston head 23' abuts the blocking member 24', the back support structure 14 is positioned in the upright position U, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 When the piston head 23' is positioned at the end 58 of the cylinder 20', as shown in FIG. 9B , the backrest support structure 14 is positioned in the first reclining position FR, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 With the piston head 23' positioned adjacent the blocking member 24' and the blocking member in the second position 33', the back support structure 14 is in the covering position 68 relative to the seat support structure 12 so that an occupant of the seat assembly 64 can rest his legs on the back support structure 14, thereby optimizing comfort for the occupant by utilizing the unoccupied deformable seat assembly 62.

[0053] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 , showing a first embodiment of a third example of a deformable seat assembly 76, and referring to Figure 17-Figure 19 , a second embodiment of a third example of a deformable seat assembly 134 is shown. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the deformable seat assembly 76 includes a seat support structure 12 and a seat 78 connected to the seat support structure 12 by a hinge 80. The hinge 80 defines a rotation axis 79, which provides for rotation of the seat 78 relative to the seat support structure 12 in a rotation direction 91, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 The back support structure 14 is connected to the seat support structure 12 and extends in an upward direction 82 relative to the seat support structure 12. The back cushion 38 is fixed to the back support structure 14 and as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the lumbar pad 40 extends along the back support structure 14 positioned between the back cushion 38 and the seat 78. The lumbar pad 40 is releasably secured to one of the back cushion 38 and the back support structure 14. The releasable securement may be provided by, for example, a first piece (not shown) of one of a plurality of flexible hooks (not shown) or flexible loops (not shown) being secured to the lumbar pad 40, and a second piece (not shown) of another of a plurality of flexible hooks (not shown) or flexible loops (not shown) being secured to at least one of the back support structure 14 or the back cushion 38, such that the first piece (not shown) and the second piece (not shown) are releasably secured to each other by engagement of the flexible loops and the flexible hooks. As a result, the lumbar pad 40 may maintain a position relative to the deformable seat assembly 76 when the deformable seat assembly 76 is occupied, and the lumbar pad 40 may be removed from the back cushion 38 and / or the back support structure 14 when the deformable seat assembly 76 is not occupied and the lumbar pad 40 is not needed.

[0054] like Fig.11 As shown, with the seat 78 positioned in the occupant support position 87, wherein the seat 78 is in a covering relationship relative to the seat support structure 12, the end 84 of the seat 78 is positioned closer to the back support structure 14 than the hinge 80. Fig.12 As shown, the end 84 of the seat 78 can rotate about the rotation axis 79 of the hinge 80 in a rotation direction 91, which includes an upward direction 82 and a direction 86 away from the back support structure 14. Fig.12 As shown, in the first embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly 76, with the seat 78 rotated from the occupant support position 87 and the lumbar pad 40 removed, the occupant of the seat assembly 92 removes the seat 78 and the lumbar pad 40 as obstacles to the occupant of the seat assembly 92. As a result, as will be described in more detail, the occupant of the seat assembly 92 gains additional knee room with the transformable seat assembly 76 unoccupied, as well as increased comfort for the occupant.

[0055] In this example, the seat 78 includes a seat cushion 34 that covers and is supported by a seat support frame 36 of the seat support structure 12. In a first embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly 76, the seat 78 includes a first portion 88 and a second portion 90 separated by a vertical plane V that extends through the rotation axis 79 of the hinge 80, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 When the seat 78 is in the occupant support position 87, the first portion 88 is positioned further away from the back support structure 14 than the second portion 90. The first portion 88 has a first weight and the second portion 90 has a second weight, such that the first weight is greater than the second weight. Fig.12 As shown, the seat 78 can be rotated in the rotation direction 91 to a stop member 93 that is fixed to the seat support structure 12 and positioned within the travel of the seat 78. The stop member 93 blocks any further rotation of the seat 78, and the first weight of the first portion 88 of the seat 78 holds the seat 78 in the rotated position, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 shown.

[0056] Also included in this example is a connector member 81 that is connected to the back support structure 14 and secured to the second portion 90 of the seat 78. The connector member 81 can be constructed of a flexible material such as nylon or other strong flexible material, or can be constructed of a more rigid material such as metal or plastic, and is rotatably secured to the second portion 90 of the seat 78 and rotatably secured to the back support structure 14. In addition to or as an alternative to the stop member 93, the connector member 81 can be used to prevent over-rotation of the seat 78 if the seat 78 is rotated in the rotational direction 91.

[0057] With an occupant positioned in the seat assembly 92 that is positioned behind and adjacent to the first embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly 76, and the first embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly 76 is unoccupied, the occupant of the seat assembly 92 may elect to remove the lumbar cushion 40 and rotate the end 84 of the seat 78 about the hinge 80 in the rotational direction 91. In this example and as previously mentioned, the seat 78 includes the seat cushion 34 and the seat support frame 36 that are supported on and cover the seat support frame 36. Removing the lumbar cushion 40 and rotating the seat 78 (including the seat cushion 34 and the seat support frame 36) removes the lumbar cushion 40 and the seat 78 as an obstruction to the occupant of the seat assembly 92, thereby providing access. Fig.12 The available space of the deformable seat assembly 76.

[0058] exist Fig.11 and Fig.12In the first embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly 76 shown, with the lumbar pad 40 removed from between the backrest pad 38 and the seat 78, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, access is provided through the opening 151 from the rear side BS of the back support structure 14 to the front side FS beyond the back support structure 14, for example Fig.19 As shown, the opening 151 is defined by spacing the first support structure 95 and the second support structure 97 of the back support structure 14. In addition, when the end 84 of the seat 78 is rotated from the occupant support position 87 about the hinge 80 in the rotation direction 91, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, access is provided to the space at the end 84 of the seat 78 that was occupied prior to rotation from the occupant support position 87. As previously described, this deformation of the first embodiment of the second example of the deformable seat assembly 76 provides an opportunity for an occupant of the seat assembly 92 to gain more knee room and enhanced comfort when the deformable seat assembly 76 is unoccupied.

[0059] refer to Figure 17 to Figure 18 , a second embodiment of a third example of a transformable seat assembly 134 is shown to include a seat support structure 12 and a seat 98 connected to the seat support structure 12 by a hinge 136. The hinge 136 is positioned on a front portion F of the seat support structure 12, the front portion F being spaced apart from the back support structure 14 in a direction 86 away from the back support structure 14. The seat 98 includes a first end 138, which includes an end 84 of the seat 98 and an opposite second end 140. With the seat 98 in an occupant support position 141 as viewed relative to a seat assembly 142 positioned behind and adjacent the transformable seat assembly 134, the first end 138 is positioned closer to the back support structure 14 than the opposite second end 140. With the seat 98 of the transformable seat assembly 134 rotated from the occupant support position 141 to the deployed position 135 about the rotation axis 137 of the hinge 136, the seat 98 extends away from the seat support structure 12 in an upward direction 120. In this example, the seat 98 is rotated in the forward direction 86 to extend beyond the vertical plane V, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 This position is held resiliently, in this example the hinge 136 is a torsion spring 144 , wherein the torsion spring 144 comprises a first arm 146 abutting the seat 98 and a second arm 148 abutting the seat support structure 12 .

[0060] In this example, the unused or unoccupied seats 98 would be positioned in the deployed position 135, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 and Fig.18The torsion spring 144 holds the seat 98 in the deployed position until an occupant sits on the seat 98 to rotate the seat to an occupied support position as viewed relative to the seat assembly 142, wherein the seat 98 is positioned in the occupant support position 141 such that the seat 98 overlies the seat support structure 12 and the seat support structure 12 provides support for the occupant and the seat 98.

[0061] The second embodiment of the third example of the transformable seat assembly 134 includes a back cushion 38 covering the back support structure 14. In this example, the seat 98 includes the seat cushion 34. Also included is a lumbar cushion 40 positioned between the back cushion 38 and the seat cushion 34. As previously described, the lumbar cushion 40 is releasably secured to one of the back support structure 14 or the back cushion 38. When the transformable seat assembly 134 is not occupied, an occupant in the seat assembly 142 positioned behind and adjacent to the transformable seat assembly 134 may choose to remove the lumbar cushion 40, as described above. Fig.18 shown.

[0062] In this example, the seat support structure includes a support structure 150, such as Fig.19 With the seat 98 in the occupant support position 141, the support structure 150 is positioned below the seat 98, for example Figure 17-Figure 19 By removing the lumbar pad 40 from the back support structure 14 so as not to block the opening 151, for example Fig.19 As shown, the opening 151 is defined by spacing the first support structure 95 from the second support structure 97 of the back support structure 14, and the support structure 150 can be accessed from the back side BS of the back support structure 14 by rotating the end 84 of the seat 98 away from the occupant support position 141 about the rotation axis 137, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown. The deformable seat assembly 134 provides additional usable space for the occupant of the seat assembly 142 about the unoccupied deformable seat assembly 134. As a result, Fig.18 As shown, an occupant may extend his or her legs through the deformable seat assembly 134, wherein the support structure 150 (e.g., Fig.19 155 can provide support for the legs of the occupant. In this example, the support structure 150 includes a belt 152 that is fixed to the seat support structure 12 so that the occupant of the seat assembly 142 can support his legs with the belt 155.

[0063] refer to Fig.17, the deformable seat assembly 134 includes a seat support structure 12 and a seat 98 connected to the seat support structure 12 by a hinge 136 having a rotation axis 137, the hinge 136 including a torsion spring 144 for providing rotation of the seat 98 relative to the seat support structure 12. The deformable seat assembly 134 also includes a back support structure 14 connected to the seat support structure 12, and the back support structure 14 extends in an upward direction 120 relative to the seat support structure 12. The torsion spring 144 is positioned on a front portion F of the seat support structure 12, and the front portion F is spaced apart from the back support structure 14 in a direction 86 away from the back support structure 14. The torsion spring 144 resiliently maintains the seat 98 to extend away from the seat support structure and in the deployed position 135. The lumbar pad 40 is removably positioned in a covering position relative to the back support structure 14. As Fig.17 As shown, when the seat 98 is occupied by the seat assembly 142, the seat 98 is rotated about the rotation axis 137 of the torsion spring 144 from the deployed position 135 relative to the seat assembly 134 (as shown in FIG. Fig.17 142) is rotated to an occupant support position 141 relative to a seat assembly 142, wherein the seat support structure 12 provides support for the seat 98. When the seat becomes unoccupied, the torsion spring 144 positions the seat 98 by rotating the seat 98 about the rotation axis 137 from the occupant support position 141 as viewed relative to the seat assembly 142 to a deployed position 135 in which the seat 98 extends away from the seat support structure. This positioning of the seat 98 in the deployed position 135 provides a number of benefits to, for example, personnel servicing the aircraft when the seat 98 is unoccupied. The deployed position 135 provides convenience for cleaning underneath the seat and convenience in routine inspections.

[0064] refer to Fig. 20 , a method 158 for deforming a deformable seat assembly includes step 160 of removing the lumbar cushion 40 from the back support structure 14, wherein the back support structure 14 defines an opening 151 through the back support structure 14, such as at Fig.19 , and removal of the lumbar pad 40 does not block the opening 151 .

[0065] Method 158 also includes a step 162 of rotating a seat 78 connected to the seat support structure 12 via a hinge 80 defining a rotation axis 79 such that the seat 78 rotates about the rotation axis 79 from an occupant support position 87 (wherein the seat 78 covers the seat support structure 12) to a deployed position 85 (wherein the seat 78 extends away from the seat support structure 12).

[0066] The step 160 of removing the lumbar pad 40 also includes disengaging the lumbar pad 40 from at least one of the back pad 38 or the back support structure 14 that is secured to the back support structure 14. In this example, disengaging includes unsecuring the releasably secured lumbar pad 40 from the back support structure 14 or one of the back pad 38, as previously described with respect to the lumbar pad 40, to which the lumbar pad 40 is releasably secured. The back support structure 14 defines an opening 151, such as Fig.19 14, wherein the first support structure 95 of the back support structure 14 is spaced apart from the second support structure 97 of the back support structure 14. The step 162 of rotating the seat 78 includes rotating the end 84 of the seat 78 that is positioned closer to the back support structure 14 than the hinge 80 with the seat 78 in the occupant support position 87 in an upward direction 82 away from the seat support structure 12 and in a direction 86 away from the back support structure 14. The method 158 provides an occupant of a seat assembly that is positioned adjacent to and behind an unoccupied deformable seat assembly with available space to enter the unoccupied deformable seat assembly to enhance the comfort of the occupant.

[0067] refer to Figures 13 to 15 , a fourth example of a deformable seat assembly 94 is shown, wherein the fourth example of the deformable seat assembly 94 includes a seat support structure 12 and a seat 98 connected to the seat support structure 12 by a first hinge 100, the first hinge 100 having a first axis of rotation 101 that provides rotation of the seat 98 relative to the seat support structure 12. In this example, the seat 98 includes a seat cushion 34. In this example, a back support structure 14 is connected to the seat support structure 12 by a hinge 16, and the back support structure 14 is positioned on a back side B of the seat support structure 12. The back support structure 14 also includes a back cushion 38 fixed to the back support structure 14. The first hinge 100 is positioned on an opposite front side F of the seat support structure 12.

[0068] The seat 98 has a front end 102 and a rear end 104 such that Fig.13 As shown, when the seat 98 of the fourth example of the deformable seat assembly 94 is in the occupant support position 87, the rear end 104 is positioned closer to the back support structure 14 than the front end 102. Fig.11 As shown, the front end 102 of the seat 98 is positioned to cover the first hinge 100. In this example, the first hinge 100 includes a torsion spring 106, wherein a first arm 108 of the torsion spring 106 is positioned against the seat 98 and a second arm 110 is positioned against the seat support structure 12. The front end 102 of the seat 98 is positioned to cover the first hinge 100.

[0069] The fourth example of the deformable seat assembly 94 also includes a wall member 112 having a first end 114 connected to the back support structure 14 by a second hinge 116 having a second rotation axis 117. The deformable seat assembly 94 can be rotated about the first rotation axis 101 from an occupant occupied support position 87 (such as the occupant occupied support position 87 of the seat support structure 12) to a position 87 (such as the occupant occupied support position 87 of the seat support structure 12). Fig.13 The wall member 112 can be rotated about the second rotation axis 117 from the covering position relative to the back support structure 14 to the wall member 112 extending away from the back support structure 14, as shown Fig.15 shown.

[0070] The lumbar pad 40 is fixed to the wall member 112. Fig.13 As shown, with the seat 98 in the occupant occupied support position 87, the lumbar cushion 40 extends between the back cushion 38 and the seat cushion 34. When the fourth example of the deformable seat assembly 94 is unoccupied, an occupant of the seat assembly 96 positioned behind and adjacent to the fourth example of the deformable seat assembly 94 can optimize use of the unoccupied fourth example of the deformable seat assembly 94 by rotating the opposing second end 118 of the wall member 112. The wall member 112 rotates about the second rotation axis 117 of the second hinge 116, and the lumbar cushion 40 rotates with the wall member 112. The opposing second end 118 of the wall member 112 also includes a third hinge 122, which in this example connects the wall member 112 to the second wall member 124, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 and Fig.15 The second wall member 124 also includes a fourth hinge 126 connecting the second wall member 124 to the third wall member 128. The third wall member 128 also includes a fifth hinge 130 connecting the third wall member 128 to the seat 98, wherein the opposite second end of the wall member 112 is linked to the seat 98 in this example.

[0071] like Fig.13 As shown, with the seat 98 in the occupant occupied support position 87, the second wall member 124 and the third wall member 128 are folded relative to each other and positioned between the seat 98 and the seat support structure 12. The wall members can be constructed of one of a variety of materials, such as films, plastic panels, metal panels, etc.

[0072] like Fig.15As shown, with the seat 98 in the deployed position 119, the seat 98 is positioned to extend away from the back support structure 14, and in this example, extends away from a vertical plane V1 that extends through the center rotation axis A1 of the first hinge 100. In the deployed position 119, the seat 98 extends beyond the vertical plane V1, and the weight of the seat 98 can help to maintain the seat 98 in the deployed position 119. The seat 98 can also be maintained in the deployed position 119 by using the torsion spring 106. In addition, with the seat 98 in the deployed position 119, the wall member 112, the second wall member 124, and the third wall member 128 are positioned to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the seat support structure 12.

[0073] like Fig.19 1, with the seat 98 in the deployed position 119 and the wall member 112 rotated away from the back support structure 14 about the second rotation axis 117 of the second hinge, the wall member 112 does not block the opening 151. The opening 151 is defined by and through the back support structure 14 by spacing the first support structure 95 from the second support structure 97 of the back support structure 14. The opening 151 provides access from the back support structure 14 to the front side FS of the back support structure 14 and to the support structure 150 of the seat support structure 12. In the event that an occupant of the seat assembly 96 is positioned behind and adjacent to the fourth example of the unoccupied deformable seat assembly 94, the occupant can enter the support structure 150 through the opening 151, thereby utilizing the space of the fourth example of the unoccupied deformable seat assembly 94 to extend the occupant's legs and rest them on the support structure 150, thereby enhancing the comfort of the occupant of the seat assembly 96.

[0074] refer to Fig.16 , a method 152 for deforming a fourth example deformable seat assembly 94 is shown, the method 152 comprising the step 154 ​​of rotating a seat 98 from an occupant occupied support position 87 (wherein the seat 98 covers the seat support structure 12) to a deployed position 119 such that the seat 98 extends away from the seat support structure 12, the seat 98 being connected to the seat support structure 12 by a first hinge 100 having a first rotation axis 101. The method 152 further comprises the step 156 of rotating the wall member 112 from covering the back support structure 14 to the deployed position 119 such that the seat 98 extends away from the seat support structure 12. Fig.15 The lumbar pad 40 is shown extending away from the back support structure 14, and the wall member 112 has the lumbar pad 40 fixed to the wall member 112 and has a first end 114 connected to the back support structure 14 by a second hinge 116, the second hinge 116 having a second axis of rotation 117, as shown. Fig.15 shown.

[0075] The step 154 ​​of rotating the seat 98 to the deployed position 119 positions the seat 98 to extend away from the vertical plane V1 (which extends through the first rotation axis 101) and to extend away from the back support structure 14. In this example, the wall member 112 is linked to the seat 98 so that when the seat 98 is in the deployed position 119, the wall member 112 is positioned to be spaced upwardly from the seat support structure 12 in the upward direction 120 and to extend away from the back support structure 14. Fig.19 As shown, step 156 of rotating the wall member 112 includes removing the wall member 112 in blocking relation to an opening 151 defined by the back support structure 14, wherein the first support structure 95 of the back support structure is spaced apart from the second support structure 97 to define the opening 151. The opening 151 provides access from the back support structure 14 back side BS to the front side FS of the back support structure 14 and to the support structure 150 of the seat support structure 12, e.g. Fig.19 As previously described, with an occupant of seat assembly 96 positioned behind and adjacent to an unoccupied fourth instance of deformable seat assembly 94, the occupant can access support structure 150 through opening 151, thereby utilizing the space of the unoccupied fourth instance of deformable seat assembly 94 to extend the occupant's legs and rest them on support structure 150, thereby enhancing the comfort of the occupant of seat assembly 96.

[0076] Item A1: A deformable seat assembly comprising: a seat support structure; a back support structure connected to the seat support structure by a hinge, wherein the hinge defines a rotation axis; an actuator assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston positioned in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder is fixed to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston is fixed to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure; and a blocking member positioned in the cylinder and adjustable along the cylinder, wherein when the blocking member is in a first position, the blocking member limits the linear travel of the piston in a first direction to a first limit position of the piston, so that the rotational travel of the back support structure around the rotation axis is limited to preventing the back support structure from rotating beyond a first reclined position; and when the blocking member is in a second position, the blocking member allows the linear travel of the piston in the first direction to exceed the first limit position of the piston, so that the rotational travel of the back support structure around the rotation axis is allowed to rotate beyond the first reclined position to a second reclined position.

[0077] Clause A2: The transformable seat assembly of Clause A1, further comprising a seat cushion positioned to overlie the seat support portion of the seat support structure.

[0078] Clause A3: The transformable seat assembly of clause A1 or A2, further comprising a back cushion positioned to overlie the back support structure.

[0079] Clause A4: The transformable seat assembly of any of Clauses A1-A3, further comprising a lumbar pad positioned overlying the back support structure.

[0080] Clause A5: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses A1-A4, wherein the cylinder is pivotally secured to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston is pivotally secured to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure.

[0081] Clause A6: A deformable seat assembly according to any of clauses A1-A5, wherein the blocking member further comprises an opening defined by the blocking member, the opening extending within the blocking member and along the length of the blocking member, wherein the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member are positioned along a surface of the opening within the blocking member.

[0082] Clause A7: The transformable seat assembly of clause A6, further comprising a threaded shaft associated with the opening defined by the blocking member, wherein the threaded shaft defines a plurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member.

[0083] Clause A8: The transformable seat assembly of clause A7, wherein the plurality of threads of the first end of the threaded shaft engages the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member; and the second end of the threaded shaft is connected to the motor.

[0084] Clause A9: The transformable seat assembly of clause A8, wherein the motor imparts rotation to the threaded shaft, which results in linear movement of the blocking member along the cylinder.

[0085] Clause A10: The transformable seat assembly of clause A9, wherein as the motor rotates the threaded shaft in the first rotational direction, the blocking member moves from the first position toward the second position.

[0086] Clause A11: The transformable seat assembly of clause A9, wherein as the motor rotates the threaded shaft in the second rotational direction, the blocking member moves from the second position toward the first position.

[0087] Clause A12: A deformable seat assembly according to any of clauses A1-A11, wherein when the blocking member is in the first position, the blocking member is a first distance from the end of the cylinder body so that the back support structure is in an upright position when the piston is positioned at the end of the cylinder body.

[0088] Clause A13: The transformable seat assembly of clause A12, wherein when the blocking member is in the second position, the blocking member is a second distance from the end of the cylinder; and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0089] Item A14: A method for deforming a deformable seat assembly, the method comprising the following steps: moving a blocking member from a first position to a second position, wherein the blocking member is positioned in a cylinder of an actuator assembly, the blocking member comprising a cylinder and a piston positioned in the cylinder, wherein the deformable seat assembly comprises a seat support structure connected to a back support structure by a hinge, the hinge defining a rotation angle; the cylinder being fixed to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure; the piston being fixed to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure; when the blocking member is in the first position, the blocking member limits the linear travel of the piston in a first direction to a first limit position of the piston, so that the rotational travel of the back support structure around a rotational axis is limited to preventing the back support structure from rotating beyond a first reclined position; and when the blocking member is in the second position, the blocking member allows the linear travel of the piston in the first direction to exceed the first limit position of the piston, so that the rotational travel of the back support structure around the rotational axis is allowed to exceed the first reclined position to reach a second reclined position; and rotating the back support structure around the rotational axis to the second reclined position.

[0090] Clause A15: The method of clause A14, wherein the transformable seat assembly further comprises a seat cushion positioned in overlying relation to the seat support structure.

[0091] Clause A16: The method of clause A14 or A15, wherein the transformable seat assembly further comprises a back cushion and a lumbar cushion positioned in overlying relation to the back support structure.

[0092] Clause A17: A method according to any one of clauses A14-A16, wherein, with the cylinder pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston pivotally fixed to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure, rotating the back support structure about the rotation axis includes pivotally rotating the cylinder relative to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and includes pivotally rotating the piston relative to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure.

[0093] Clause A18: According to the method described in any one of clauses A14-A17, moving the blocking member positioned within the cylinder body further includes starting a motor to rotate a threaded shaft, wherein the blocking member defines an opening within the blocking member and extending in a direction along the length of the blocking member; a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member are positioned along the surface of the opening within the blocking member; a threaded shaft is associated with the opening defined by the blocking member; the threaded shaft defines a plurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member; the plurality of threads at a first end of the threaded shaft engage with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member, and a second end of the threaded shaft is connected to the motor; and rotation of the threaded shaft applies linear movement of the blocking member along the cylinder body.

[0094] Clause A19: The method of clause A18, wherein rotating the threaded shaft in the first rotational direction moves the blocking member from the first position to the second position.

[0095] Clause A20: The method of clause A18 or A19, further comprising: with the blocking member in the second position, rotating the threaded shaft in the second rotational direction to move the blocking member from the second position to the first position.

[0096] Item B1: A deformable seat assembly comprising: a seat support structure; a back support structure connected to the seat support structure by a hinge, the hinge defining a rotational axis; an actuator assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston positioned in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder is fixed to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure; the piston is fixed to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure; and a blocking member positioned in the cylinder and adjustable along the cylinder, wherein when the blocking member is in a first position, the piston has a piston head that allows travel between a first extreme position and an end of the cylinder, abutting the blocking member at the first extreme position to limit the linear travel of the piston in a first direction, the end of the cylinder being spaced from the blocking member in an opposite second direction, such that when the piston head travels to the end of the cylinder, the rotational travel of the back support structure about the rotational axis is limited to not allowing the back support structure to rotate beyond a first reclining position; and when the blocking member is in a second position, the blocking member allows the linear travel of the piston in the first direction to exceed the first extreme position so that the rotational travel of the back support structure about the rotational axis is rotated to a covering position relative to the seat support structure.

[0097] Clause B2: The transformable seat assembly of clause B1, further comprising a seat cushion in a covering position with the seat support structure.

[0098] Clause B3: A transformable seat assembly according to clause B1 or clause B2, further comprising a back cushion and a lumbar cushion in a covering position relative to the back support structure.

[0099] Clause B4: The transformable seat assembly of clause B3, wherein the lumbar pad is releasably secured to at least one of the back cushion or the back support structure.

[0100] Clause B5: A transformable seat assembly as described in clause B4, wherein the back cushion is positioned in contact with the seat cushion when the lumbar cushion is removed from a covering position relative to the back support structure and the back support structure is rotated about the rotation axis and positioned in a covering relationship relative to the seat support structure.

[0101] Clause B6: A transformable seat assembly as described in any of clauses B1-B5, wherein the cylinder is pivotally secured to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston is pivotally secured to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure.

[0102] Clause B7: A deformable seat assembly according to any one of clauses B1-B6, wherein the blocking member further comprises an opening defined by the blocking member, the opening extending along the length of the blocking member and passing through the blocking member, and a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member are positioned along a surface of the opening within the blocking member.

[0103] Clause B8: The transformable seat assembly of clause B7, further comprising a threaded shaft associated with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member, wherein the threaded shaft defines a plurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member.

[0104] Clause B9: The transformable seat assembly of clause B8, wherein the first portion of the threaded shaft engages a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member.

[0105] Clause B10: The transformable seat assembly of clause B9, further comprising a second end of the threaded shaft connected to a motor that applies rotation to the threaded shaft, thereby causing the blocking member to move linearly along the threaded shaft and along the cylinder.

[0106] Clause B11: The transformable seat assembly of clause B10, wherein as the motor rotates the threaded shaft in the first rotational direction, the blocking member moves from the first position toward the second position.

[0107] Clause B12: A deformable seat assembly as described in clause B11, wherein when the piston head abuts the blocking member and the blocking member moves toward the second position, the threaded shaft extends through and beyond the opening in the blocking member and into an opening defined by the piston, the opening being within and extending along the length of the piston.

[0108] Clause B13: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses B10-B12, wherein with the blocking member in the second position, the motor rotates the threaded shaft in the second rotational direction to move the blocking member along the threaded shaft and toward the first position.

[0109] Clause B14: The transformable seat assembly of clause B13, wherein the back support structure is positioned in the upright position with the blocking member in the first position and the piston head in abutting relationship with the blocking member.

[0110] Clause B15: A method for deforming a deformable seat assembly comprising the steps of: moving a blocking member from a first position to a second position, wherein the blocking member is positioned within a cylinder of an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston having a piston head positioned within the cylinder, wherein the deformable seat assembly comprises a seat support structure connected to a back support structure by a hinge, the hinge defining an axis of rotation; the cylinder being secured to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure; the piston being secured to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure; and allowing the piston to rotate with the blocking member in the first position. The head travels between a first extreme position and an end of the cylinder body, where it abuts a blocking member, thereby limiting a linear stroke of the piston in a first direction, and the end of the cylinder body is positioned to be spaced apart from the blocking member in an opposite second direction, so that when the piston travels to the end of the cylinder body, a rotational stroke of the backrest support structure around the rotation axis is limited to preventing the backrest support structure from rotating beyond the first reclining position; and when the blocking member is in the second position, thereby allowing a linear stroke of the piston in the first direction beyond the first extreme position, the backrest support structure is rotated around the rotation axis to a covering position relative to the seat support structure.

[0111] Clause B16: The method of clause B15, wherein the deformable seat assembly further comprises a seat cushion positioned in overlying relation to the seat support structure; a back cushion and a lumbar cushion positioned in overlying relation to the back support structure; and the lumbar cushion is releasably secured to the back support structure.

[0112] Clause B17: The method of clause B16, further comprising removing the lumbar pad from the back support structure.

[0113] Clause B18: A method according to any one of clauses B15-B17, wherein, with the cylinder pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston pivotally fixed to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure, rotating the back support structure about the rotation axis includes pivotally rotating the cylinder relative to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and includes pivotally rotating the piston relative to the other of the back support structure or the seat support structure.

[0114] Clause B19: A method according to any one of clauses B15-B18, wherein moving a blocking member positioned within the cylinder body further comprises starting a motor to rotate a threaded shaft, wherein an opening defined by the blocking member extends along the length of the blocking member and passes through the blocking member; a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member are positioned along the surface of the opening within the blocking member; a threaded shaft associated with the threads defined by the blocking member defines a plurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member; a plurality of threads at a first end of the threaded shaft engage with a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member, and a second end of the threaded shaft is connected to a motor, which applies rotation to the threaded shaft, thereby causing linear movement of the blocking member along the threaded shaft and the cylinder body; as the motor rotates the threaded shaft in a first rotational direction, the blocking member moves from a first position to a second position; and with the piston head abutting the blocking member and the blocking member moving toward the second position, the threaded shaft extends through and beyond the opening in the blocking member and into the opening, which is within the piston and extends along the length of the piston.

[0115] Item B20: According to the method described in Item B19, when the blocking member is in the second position, the motor rotates the threaded shaft in a second rotational direction to move the blocking member along the threaded shaft and toward the first position, so that when the blocking member is in the first position and the piston head is adjacent to the blocking member, the backrest support structure is positioned in an upright position.

[0116] Item C1: A deformable seat assembly comprising: a seat support structure; a seat connected to the seat support structure by a hinge, the hinge defining a rotation axis; a back support structure connected to the seat support structure, the back support structure extending in an upward direction relative to the seat support structure; a back cushion secured to the back support structure; and a lumbar pad extending along the back support structure positioned between the back cushion and the seat, wherein the lumbar pad is releasably secured to one of the back cushion or the back support structure; and an end of the seat positioned closer to the back support structure than the hinge when the seat is positioned in an occupant support position can be rotated about the rotation axis in a rotational direction, the rotational direction including an upward direction and a direction away from the back support structure.

[0117] Clause C2: The transformable seat assembly of clause C1, wherein the seat includes a seat cushion.

[0118] Clause C3: A transformable seat assembly as described in clause C2, wherein the seat includes a seat support frame and the seat cushion overlies the seat support frame.

[0119] Clause C4: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses C1-C3, further comprising a stop member secured to the seat support structure.

[0120] Clause C5: A transformable seat assembly as described in clause C4, wherein the stop member is positioned in blocking relation to rotation of the seat about the axis of rotation.

[0121] Clause C6: A deformable seat assembly as described in any of clauses C1-C5, wherein, with the lumbar cushion removed from between the back cushion and the seat, access is provided from the back side of the back support structure to the front side beyond the back support structure through an opening defined by spacing a first support structure of the back support structure from a second support structure; and, when the end of the seat is rotated from an occupant support position about a hinge in a rotational direction, access is provided to the space at the end of the seat occupied prior to rotation from the occupant support position.

[0122] Clause C7: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses C1-C6, wherein the seat comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being separated by a vertical plane extending through the axis of rotation.

[0123] Clause C8: A deformable seat assembly as described in clause 7, wherein when the seat is in the occupant support position, the first portion is positioned farther away from the back support structure than the second portion; the first portion includes a first weight and the second portion includes a second weight; and the first weight is greater than the second weight.

[0124] Clause C9: A transformable seat assembly as described in any of clauses C1-C8, wherein the hinge is positioned on a front portion of the seat support structure, the front portion being spaced apart from the back support structure in a direction away from the back support structure.

[0125] Clause C10: A deformable seat assembly as described in clause 9, wherein the seat includes a first end and an opposing second end; and when the seat is in an occupant support position including the ends of the seat, the first end is positioned closer to the back support structure than the opposing second end, and when the seat is rotated about the axis of rotation of the hinge, the seat extends in an upward direction away from the seat support structure.

[0126] Clause C11: The transformable seat assembly of Clause 9 or Clause 10, wherein the hinge comprises a torsion spring.

[0127] Clause C12: The transformable seat assembly of Clause 11, wherein the torsion spring includes a first arm adjacent the seat and a second arm adjacent the seat support structure.

[0128] Clause C13: The transformable seat assembly of Clause 12, wherein the seat includes a seat cushion.

[0129] Clause C14: The transformable seat assembly of clause 13, wherein the lumbar pad is positioned between the back pad and the seat pad.

[0130] Clause C15: A deformable seat assembly as described in clause 14, wherein the seat support structure includes a support structure that is positioned beneath the seat when the seat is in the occupant support position, wherein the support structure is accessible from a back side of the back support structure when the lumbar cushion is removed from the back support structure so as not to block an opening defined by spacing apart a first support structure and a second support structure of the back support structure, and the first end of the seat is rotated about a rotation axis away from the occupant support position.

[0131] Item C16: A deformable seat assembly comprising: a seat support structure; a seat connected to the seat support structure by a hinge, the hinge having a rotation axis, the hinge including a torsion spring to provide rotation of the seat relative to the seat support structure; a back support structure connected to the seat support structure, and the back support structure extends in an upward direction relative to the seat support structure, wherein the torsion spring is positioned at a front portion of the seat support structure, the front portion being spaced apart from the back support structure in a direction away from the back support structure, wherein the torsion spring resiliently maintains the seat extending away from the seat support structure in a deployed position.

[0132] Clause C17: The transformable seat assembly of clause 16, further comprising a lumbar pad removably positionable in a covering position relative to the back support structure.

[0133] Clause C18: A deformable seat assembly as described in clause 16 or clause 17, wherein when the seat is occupied, the seat rotates about the torsion spring to an occupant support position, wherein the seat is in a covering relationship with the seat support structure; and when the seat becomes unoccupied, the torsion spring causes the seat to rotate about the rotation axis from the occupant support position to the deployed position.

[0134] Item C19: A method for deforming a deformable seat assembly comprising the steps of: removing a lumbar cushion from a back support structure, wherein the back support structure defines an opening through the back support structure and removal of the lumbar cushion does not block the opening; and rotating a seat, the seat being connected to the seat support structure by a hinge, the hinge defining a rotation axis, such that the seat rotates about the rotation axis from an occupant support position to a deployed position, in which the seat covers the seat support structure and in which the seat extends away from the seat support structure.

[0135] Clause C20: The method of clause 19, wherein removing the lumbar pad further comprises disengaging the lumbar pad from at least one of a back pad or a back support structure secured to the back support structure, and the back support structure defines the opening by spacing a first support structure of the back support structure from a second support structure of the back support structure.

[0136] Clause C21: A method according to clause 19 or clause 20, wherein the swivel seat rotates in an upward direction away from the seat support structure and in a direction away from the back support structure, the seat including a first end of the seat, which is positioned closer to the back support structure than the hinge when the seat is in the occupant support position.

[0137] Item D1: A deformable seat assembly comprising a seat support structure; a seat connected to the seat support structure by a first hinge having a first rotation axis; a back support structure connected to the seat support structure, wherein the back support structure is positioned on a rear portion of the seat support structure and the first hinge is positioned on an opposite front portion of the seat support structure; and a wall member having a first end connected to the back support structure by a second hinge having a second rotation axis, wherein the seat can be rotated about the first rotation axis from an occupant support position covering the seat support structure to a deployed position extending away from the seat support structure, and the wall member can be rotated about the second rotation axis from a covering position relative to the back support structure to a wall member extending away from the back support structure.

[0138] Clause D2: A transformable seat assembly as described in clause D1, wherein the seat has a front end and a rear end such that when the seat is in the occupant support position, the rear end is positioned closer to the back support structure than the front end.

[0139] Clause D3: The transformable seat assembly of clause D2, wherein the front end of the seat is positioned to cover the first hinge.

[0140] Clause D4: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses D1-D3, wherein the first hinge comprises a torsion spring, wherein a first arm of the torsion spring is positioned against the seat and a second arm is positioned against the seat support structure.

[0141] Clause D5: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses D1-D4, wherein the seat comprises a seat cushion.

[0142] Clause D6: The transformable seat assembly of clause D5, further comprising a back cushion secured to the back support structure.

[0143] Clause D7: The transformable seat assembly of clause D6, further comprising a lumbar pad secured to the wall member.

[0144] Clause D8: A transformable seat assembly according to clause D7, wherein the lumbar cushion extends between the back cushion and the seat cushion when the seat is in the occupant support position.

[0145] Clause D9: The transformable seat assembly of clause D7 or D8, wherein the lumbar cushion rotates with the wall member as the opposing second end of the wall member rotates about the second rotation axis of the second hinge.

[0146] Clause D10: The transformable seat assembly of any of clauses D7-D9, wherein the opposing second end of the wall member further comprises a third hinge connecting the wall member to the second wall member.

[0147] Item D11: A deformable seat assembly according to item D10, wherein the second wall member further includes a fourth hinge connecting the second wall member to the third wall member, and the third wall member further includes a fifth hinge connecting the third wall member to the seat, wherein the opposite second end of the wall member is linked to the seat.

[0148] Clause D12: The transformable seat assembly of clause D11, wherein the second wall member and the third wall member are positioned between the seat and the seat support structure with the seat in the occupant support position.

[0149] Clause D13: A transformable seat assembly as described in clause D11 or clause D12, wherein the wall member is positioned to extend away from the back support structure when the seat is in the deployed position.

[0150] Clause D14: The transformable seat assembly of clause D13, wherein when the seat is in the deployed position, the seat is positioned to extend away from a vertical plane extending through the first axis of rotation of the first hinge.

[0151] Clause D15: A transformable seat assembly as described in clause D13 or clause D14, wherein the wall member, the second wall member, and the third wall member are positioned to be spaced apart in an upward direction from at least a portion of the seat support structure when the seat is in the deployed position.

[0152] Clause D16: A deformable seat assembly as described in any of clauses D13-D15, wherein when the seat is in the deployed position and the wall member is rotated away from the back support structure about the second rotation axis of the second hinge, the wall member does not block the opening defined by and through the back support structure, thereby providing access from the rear side of the back support structure to the front side of the back support structure and to the support structure of the seat support structure.

[0153] Item D17: A method for deforming a deformable seat assembly, the method comprising the steps of: rotating a seat connected to a seat support structure by a first hinge having a first rotation axis from an occupant support position in which the seat covers the seat support structure to a deployed position such that the seat extends away from the seat support position; and rotating a wall member from covering a back support structure to extending away from the back support structure, the wall member having a lumbar pad fixed to the wall member and having a first end connected to the back support structure by a second hinge having a second rotation axis.

[0154] Clause D18: The method of clause D17, wherein rotating the seat to the deployed position positions the seat to extend away from a vertical plane extending through the first rotational axis and away from the back support structure.

[0155] Clause D19: A method as described in clause D17 or clause D18, wherein the wall member is linked to the seat so that when the seat is in the deployed position, the wall member is positioned spaced apart from the seat support structure in an upward direction and extends away from the back support structure.

[0156] Clause D20: A method according to any of clauses D17-D20, wherein rotating the wall member includes removing the wall member from a blocking relationship with an opening defined by the back support structure, thereby providing access from the rear side of the back support structure to the front side of the back support structure and to the support structure of the seat support structure.

[0157] Although various embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. Changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments which are still within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A deformable seat assembly (10), comprising: Seat support structure (12); a back support structure (14) connected to the seat support structure (12) by a hinge (16), wherein the hinge (16) defines an axis of rotation (17); An actuator assembly (18) comprising a cylinder (20) and a piston (22) positioned within the cylinder (20), wherein: The cylinder (20) is fixed to one of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12); The piston (22) is fixed to the other of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12); and a blocking member (24) positioned within the cylinder (20) and adjustable along the cylinder (20), wherein: When the blocking member (24) is in the first position (26), the blocking member (24) limits the linear travel of the piston (22) in the first direction (28) to a first extreme position (30) of the piston (22), so that the rotational travel of the backrest support structure (14) around the rotational axis (17) is limited to prevent the backrest support structure (14) from rotating beyond a first reclining position (FR); and When the blocking member (24) is in the second position (33), the blocking member (24) allows the linear travel of the piston (22) in the first direction (28) to exceed the first limit position (30) of the piston (22), so that the rotational travel of the backrest support structure (14) around the rotation axis (17) is allowed to rotate beyond the first reclining position (FR) to reach a second reclining position (SR).

2. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 1 further comprising a seat cushion (34) positioned overlying a seat support frame (36) of the seat support structure (12).

3. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 1 further comprising a back cushion (38) positioned overlying the back support structure (14).

4. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 1 further comprising a lumbar pad (40) positioned overlying the back support structure (14).

5. The transformable seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder (20) is pivotally secured to one of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12); and The piston (22) is pivotally secured to the other of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12).

6. The deformable seat assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the blocking member (24) further comprises: An opening (46) defined by the blocking member (24), the opening (46) being within the blocking member (24) and extending along a length of the blocking member (24), wherein a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member are positioned within the blocking member (24) along a surface (S) of the opening (46).

7. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 6, further comprising a threaded shaft (48) associated with the opening (46) defined by the blocking member (24), wherein the threaded shaft (48) defines a plurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member (24).

8. The transformable seat assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein The plurality of threads of the first end portion (50) of the threaded shaft engage the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member (24); and The second end (52) of the threaded shaft (48) is connected to a motor (54).

9. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 8 wherein the motor (54) imparts rotation to the threaded shaft (48) which results in linear movement of the blocking member (24) along the cylinder (20).

10. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein the blocking member (24) moves from the first position (26) toward the second position (33) as the motor (54) rotates the threaded shaft (48) in a first rotational direction (55).

11. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein the blocking member (24) moves from the second position (33) toward the first position (26) as the motor (54) rotates the threaded shaft (48) in a second rotational direction (57).

12. A deformable seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein when the blocking member (24) is in the first position (26), the blocking member (24) is at a first distance (56) from the end (58) of the cylinder (20), so that when the piston (22) is positioned at the end (58) of the cylinder (20), the back support structure (14) is in an upright position (U).

13. The transformable seat assembly (10) of claim 12, wherein: When the blocking member (24) is in the second position (33), the blocking member (24) is a second distance (60) from the end (58) of the cylinder (20); and The second distance (60) is greater than the first distance (56).

14. A method (53) for deforming a deformable seat assembly (10), comprising the steps of: A blocking member (24) is moved (59) from a first position (26) to a second position (33), wherein the blocking member (24) is positioned within a cylinder (20) of an actuator assembly (18), the actuator assembly (18) comprising the cylinder (20) and a piston (22) positioned within the cylinder (20), wherein: The transformable seat assembly (10) includes a seat support structure (12) connected to a back support structure (14) by a hinge (16), the hinge defining an axis of rotation (17); The cylinder (20) is fixed to one of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12); The piston (22) is fixed to the other of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12); When the blocking member (24) is in the first position (26), the blocking member (24) limits the linear travel of the piston (22) in the first direction (28) to a first extreme position (30) of the piston (22), so that the rotational travel of the backrest support structure (14) around the rotational axis (17) is limited to prevent the backrest support structure (14) from rotating beyond a first reclining position (FR); and When the blocking member (24) is in the second position (33), the blocking member (24) allows the linear travel of the piston (22) in the first direction (28) to exceed the first limit position (30) of the piston (22), so that the rotational travel of the backrest support structure (14) around the rotational axis (17) is allowed to exceed the first reclining position (FR) to reach a second reclining position (SR); and The backrest support structure (14) is rotated about the rotation axis (17) into the second reclined position (SR).

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the transformable seat assembly further comprises a seat cushion positioned in overlying relationship with the seat support structure.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the transformable seat assembly further comprises a back cushion and a lumbar cushion positioned in overlying relationship with the back support structure.

17. A method (53) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cylinder body (20) is pivotally fixed to one of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12), and the piston (22) is pivotally fixed to the other of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12), and rotating the back support structure (14) about the rotation axis (17) includes pivotally rotating the cylinder body (20) relative to one of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12), and includes pivotally rotating the piston (22) relative to the other of the back support structure (14) or the seat support structure (12).

18. The method (53) of claim 14, moving the blocking member (24) positioned within the cylinder (20) further comprising activating a motor (54) to rotate a threaded shaft (48), wherein: The blocking member (24) defines an opening (46) within the blocking member (24) and extending in a direction along a length (L) of the blocking member (24); a plurality of threads defined by the blocking member (24) positioned within the blocking member (24) along a surface (S) of the opening (46); a threaded shaft (48) associated with the opening (46) defined by the blocking member (24); The threaded shaft (48) defines a plurality of threads compatible with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member (24); The plurality of threads of the first end portion (50) of the threaded shaft (48) engages with the plurality of threads defined by the blocking member (24), and the second end portion (52) of the threaded shaft (48) is connected to the motor (54); and Rotation of the threaded shaft (48) causes the blocking member (24) to move linearly along the cylinder (20).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the threaded shaft (48) in a first rotational direction (55) moves the blocking member (24) from the first position (26) to the second position (33).

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: With the blocking member (24) in the second position (33), rotating the threaded shaft (48) in a second rotational direction (57) moves the blocking member (24) from the second position (33) to the first position (26).

Images