Stowable cabin attendant seat with vertical sliding backrest

Abstract

A stowable cabin attendant seat assembly includes: a frame assembly mountable in a wall recess; a backrest mounted for reciprocating vertical translation within the frame assembly; a seat pan mounted for pivotal movement relative to the frame assembly; and at least one link connecting the seat pan to the backrest. The at least one link coordinates movement of the seat pan and the backrest so that upward lifting movement on the seat pan pushes the backrest vertically upward for compact stowage, and downward pivoting movement on the seat pan pulls the backrest vertically downward.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Aircraft and other vehicle cabins typically include seats grouped by seating class and galleys and lavatories positioned between the seating classes and in aisles near emergency exits at the front and rear of the cabin. Due to their proximity to emergency exits, galley and lavatory walls may serve as ideal mounting locations for cabin crew seats to position crew members near exit doors.

[0002] While the passenger seats remain deployed, the cabin crew seats can be deployed as needed for use during taxi, take-off and landing (TTOL), turbulence, and emergencies. Between uses, the cabin crew seats can be stowed to maximize exit aisle space, thereby better facilitating the movement of crew, passengers, and equipment.

[0003] A conventional cabin attendant seat is mounted to a wall and includes a fixed backrest and a folding seat pan. In the stowed position of the seat, the seat pan is stacked against the face of the fixed backrest, thereby limiting the minimum possible thickness of the folding seat to a value no less than the sum of the individual thicknesses of the backrest and the individual thicknesses of the seat pan. This minimum achievable thickness causes the folding seat to extend outwardly from the wall, thereby limiting the ability to maximize exit aisle space.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a more compact stowed cabin attendant seat to maximize the cabin interior space. Summary of the invention

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned advantages and other advantages, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a cabin attendant seat assembly, which includes a frame assembly, a backrest, a seat pan, and at least one connecting rod, the frame assembly having frame members spaced apart in a vertical plane, the backrest being mounted for reciprocating vertical translation between the spaced frame members, the seat pan being mounted for pivotal movement relative to the frame assembly, and at least one connecting rod coordinating the reciprocating vertical translation of the backrest and the pivotal movement of the seat pan so that an upward pivotal movement of the seat pan raises the backrest and a downward pivotal movement of the seat pan lowers the backrest.

[0006] In some embodiments, the seat pan and backrest move together between a stowed position of the seat, in which the backrest and seat pan are longitudinally aligned in a vertical plane and the backrest is positioned above the seat pan, and a deployed position of the seat, in which the seat pan is at an angle to the backrest, such as perpendicular to the backrest.

[0007] In some embodiments, the spaced apart frame members include guide tracks, and the backrest may carry the guides, wherein the guides are engaged to travel along the guide tracks to guide reciprocating vertical translation of the backrest.

[0008] In some embodiments, the guide track slides along a channel, and the guide is a slide engaged to slide along the slide channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the guide track is a roller track and the guides are rollers engaged to roll along the roller track.

[0010] In some embodiments, the guide track has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end determines a lowest vertical position of the backrest relative to the spaced frame members and a corresponding angle of the seat pan.

[0011] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a hinge coupling the seat pan to the frame assembly to provide at least 90 degrees of rotation of the seat pan relative to the frame assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a first link and a second link symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of a seat pan and a backrest, wherein ends of the first link and ends of the second link are coupled to the respective seat pan and backrest via a rotating joint.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spaced frame members are vertically oriented and adapted to fit within the wall recess.

[0014] In some embodiments, the assembly also includes a headrest coupled to the top of the backrest.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the cabin attendant seat assembly when in the stowed position is no greater than the thickness of the thicker of the backrest and the seat pan.

[0016] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a retainer adapted to engage one of the seat pan and the backrest in the stowed position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes an occupant restraint anchored to the frame assembly for restraining a seated occupant against at least one of the seat pan and the seat back.

[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a wall assembly suitable for installation in an aircraft cabin, the wall assembly including a recess formed in the wall and a cabin attendant seat assembly mounted in the recess. The wall may be a lavatory, a galley, a partition, or part of a building. The cabin attendant seat assembly includes a frame assembly including spaced frame members, a backrest, a seat pan, and at least one link, the spaced frame members being arranged in a vertical plane, the backrest being mounted for reciprocating vertical translation between the spaced frame members, the seat pan being mounted for pivotal movement relative to the frame assembly, and the at least one link coordinating the reciprocating vertical translation of the backrest with the pivotal movement of the seat pan so that upward pivotal movement of the seat pan causes the backrest to be raised, and downward pivotal movement of the seat pan causes the backrest to be lowered.

[0019] In some embodiments, the seat pan and backrest move together between a stowed position of the seat and a deployed position of the seat, wherein the backrest and seat pan are longitudinally aligned in a vertical plane and the backrest is positioned above the seat pan, and wherein the seat pan is angled relative to the backrest.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cabin attendant seat assembly further includes a headrest, a retainer for engaging at least one of the seat pan and the backrest to hold the backrest and the seat pan in a stowed position, and a passenger restraint anchored to the frame assembly for restraining a seated passenger against at least one of the seat pan and the backrest.

[0021] Embodiments of the inventive concept can include one or more of the above-mentioned aspects, features, and configurations, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when considering the following detailed description of the invention. This description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which some features may be exaggerated and some features may be omitted or may be schematically represented for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar elements, features, or functions. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle cabin including a cabin attendant seat according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cabin attendant seat according to an exemplary embodiment shown in a deployed position;

[0025] Figure 3 Shown in the middle position Figure 2A perspective view of the cabin crew seats;

[0026] Figure 4 Shown in collapsed position Figure 2 A perspective view of the cabin crew seats;

[0027] Figure 5 Shown in expanded position Figure 2 A side view of a cabin crew seat; and

[0028] Figure 6 Shown in collapsed position Figure 2 Side view of the cabin crew seats. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Specific features and functions are described in conjunction with each illustrative embodiment; however, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of these specific features and functions. Unless explicitly stated or unless an aspect, feature, or function is incompatible with an embodiment, the aspects, features, and functions described below in conjunction with one embodiment are intended to apply to the other embodiments described below.

[0030] Figure 1 A cabin attendant seat (CAS) assembly 100 or "CAS" is shown, which is installed in a vehicle cabin environment such as an aircraft cabin. The CAS 100 is shown in a deployed position for use by crew members. In some embodiments, the CAS 100 can be positioned in an exit passage 102, through which passengers and crew members enter and exit the aircraft through an exit door. The exit passage 102 can be perpendicular to a longitudinal aisle 104, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The CAS 100 can be installed in a recess 106 formed in a wall 108 so that when the CAS is in the stowed position, it is flush with the face of the wall so as not to extend into the exit passage 102. The wall 108 can be part of a dedicated cabin attendant seat assembly, or it can also be part of a galley, lavatory, partition, door, bulkhead, building, etc. In some embodiments, the wall 108 includes an internal support member for mounting the CAS 100 to the wall, and also for supporting the weight of the CAS and seat occupants.

[0031] The CAS 100 is used in an aircraft cabin where it is desirable for the crew to be seated at certain times (e.g., during taxi, takeoff and landing (TTOL) and turbulent conditions) and where it is preferred to have an empty space in the aircraft cabin at other times (e.g., during flight). Thus, the CAS 100 (at least a portion of the CAS) can be stowed in the recess 106 between uses, and at least a portion of the CAS can be deployed outside the recess as needed. As discussed further below, the CAS 100 generally includes: a frame assembly, at least a portion of which can be mounted in the recess 106; a backrest, which is mounted for vertical translation relative to the frame assembly; a seat pan, which is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the frame assembly; and a linkage, which connects the seat pan to the backrest to coordinate seat pan and backrest movement. The seat pan to backrest connection allows seat pan movement to drive backrest movement, or allows backrest movement to drive seat pan movement. For example, when a seat occupant lifts the seat pan for stowage, a link connecting the seat pan to the backrest pushes the backrest vertically up to a parked position above the fully closed seat pan, and when the seat occupant lowers the seat pan for use, the link pulls the backrest vertically down to a use position. The link length and location of attachment to the respective backrest and seat pan can be customized to control the amount of vertical translation of the backrest and the angle of the seat pan in the deployed position. The longitudinal stacking of the backrest and seat pan in the stowed position provides a thin vertical profile that allows the CAS 100 to be mounted in, for example, a shallow wall recess.

[0032] Figure 2 CAS 100 is shown removed from the wall and in a fully expanded position for seating. Frame assembly 110 is adapted to be mounted to the wall, for example, mounted against the face of the wall or mounted in a recess formed in the wall. In some embodiments, frame assembly 110 comprises elongated, spaced vertical frame members 112, 114 and elongated lower horizontal frame members 116. Vertical frame members 112, 114 and horizontal frame members 116 together form a U-shaped frame assembly with an open top. Frame members 112, 114, 116 are aligned in a vertical plane. Spaced frame members 112, 114 support backrest 118 and seat pan 120 and help guide their respective movements. Frame assembly 110 can be constructed of rigid lightweight materials such as aluminum or carbon composite materials. Each of the backrest 118 and seat pan 120 configurations can include a rigid support member, a cushioning element applied to the top of the rigid support member, and a covering applied to the top of the cushioning element. Additional elements can include adhesive layers and fire protection elements common in aircraft seats.

[0033] Each of the spaced vertical frame members 112, 114 includes an elongated linear guide rail 122 for guiding the reciprocating vertical translation of the backrest 118. As used herein, the term "reciprocating" refers to a movement for stowing in a first direction and a movement for unfolding in a second direction, the two directions being along the same path but in opposite directions. The guide rail 122 can be formed in the frame members 112, 114 or carried by them. As shown, each guide rail 122 opens inwardly toward the corresponding side of the backrest 118. The guide 124 carried on the backrest 118 is engaged in the guide rail 122 and travels along the guide rail to guide the reciprocating vertical translation of the backrest. In some embodiments, the backrest 118 carries an upper guide and a lower guide that travel along the corresponding left and right guide rails 122 on each of the left and right sides of the backrest. In a non-limiting example, the guide rail 122 is a sliding channel, and the guide 124 is a sliding member that is engaged to slide along the sliding channel. In another non-limiting example, the guide track 122 is a roller track and the guides 124 are rollers engaged to roll along the roller track.Other mechanisms can be utilized to provide smooth translation of the backrest.

[0034] Each guide rail 122 has an upper end 126 and a lower end 128. The upper end of the guide rail 122 may be at the upper limit of the vertical translation of the backrest 118, or the backrest may reach the upper end of the guide rail at the upper limit of its vertical movement. Figure 2 As shown, the lower end 128 of the guide rail 122 is reached and engaged and determines the lowest achievable vertical position of the backrest 118 relative to the spaced apart frame members 112, 114. The lowest vertical position corresponds to the fully deployed position of the CAS 100.

[0035] The seat pan 120 is mounted to the frame assembly 110 for pivotal movement. As shown, a horizontal pivot axis 130 extends through the bottom end of the frame assembly 110. In a non-limiting example, an elongated rod 132 can extend through a cylinder formed to pass through one end of the seat pan 120 to provide pivotal movement. In another non-limiting example, a hinge can rotatably couple the seat pan 120 to the frame assembly 110 to provide at least about 90 degrees of pivotal movement of the seat pan relative to the vertical plane of the frame assembly. The pivotal movement of the seat pan can be suppressed in one or two directions by using a conventional mechanism that is part of the hinge or separated from the hinge. The pivotal movement of the seat pan 120 can be about 90 degrees, so that the seat pan pivots from a vertical or nearly vertical position in the fully stowed position to a horizontal or nearly horizontal position in the fully deployed position. When the seat is fully deployed, the seat pan 120 can be perpendicular to the backrest 118, or can be slightly tilted or tilted downward.

[0036] At least one connecting link 134 connects the seat bottom 120 to the backrest. In some embodiments, first and second identical links 134 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the seat to maintain the squareness of the assembly when the seat pan 120 pivots and the backrest 118 translates vertically. Each link 134 is slender and linear and includes a first or upper end 136 pivotally attached to the backrest 118 and a second or lower end 138 pivotally attached to the seat pan 120. Each pivotable attachment can pass through a swivel joint to provide rotation about a horizontal pivot axis. The link attachment points and link lengths of the respective seat pan 120 and backrest 118 can be customized to provide a desired amount of vertical translation of the backrest when the seat pan pivots approximately 90 degrees between the stowed position and the deployed position. As shown, for example, the distance inward from the facing ends of the link rods attached to each of the seat pan 120 and the backrest 118 is approximately equal so that the link rods rest at an angle of approximately 45 degrees when the seat is fully deployed and rest vertically when the seat is fully stowed (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0037] The CAS 100 may also include a headrest 140 coupled to the top of the backrest 118. The headrest position may be fixed relative to the backrest 118, or the headrest may be vertically adjusted relative to the backrest using any number of conventional vertical adjustment mechanisms. As shown, the headrest 140 includes a cushion support member mounted on top of spaced parallel columns that extend into the backrest 118. The headrest 140 is aligned in the same vertical plane as the backrest 118, the frame assembly 110, and the seat pan 120 in the stowed position to maintain a thin CAS profile.

[0038] Figures 2 to 4 Shown in full expansion ( Figure 2 ) and completely collapsed ( Figure 4 ) through at least one intermediate position ( Figure 3) multiple seat positions. In the fully deployed position, the backrest 118 is parked at its lowest vertical position and the seat pan 120 is at a certain angle to the backrest, such as perpendicular to the backrest. The link 134 is at a certain angle to each of the backrest 118 and the seat pan 120. To move the seat toward the deployed position, the user grasps and lowers the seat pan 120, causing at least one link 134 to vertically pull the backrest down. The backrest 118 rests at the lower end 128 of the guide track 122. To move the seat toward the stowed position, the user grasps and lifts the front end of the seat pan 120, causing at least one link 134 to vertically push the backrest 118 up. In the fully stowed position, the backrest 118 is raised to enable the seat pan 120 to pivot into the same vertical plane so that the backrest and seat pan are vertically stacked, thereby providing a thin profile. The seat movement can be manual or actuated.

[0039] Figure 5 The seat is shown in a fully deployed position for use. A retainer 142, for example, positioned in a recess or coupled to the frame assembly 110, can be configured to secure the seat in at least one of a fully stowed position and a fully deployed position. In some embodiments, the retainer 142 can be a plunger, a catch, a latch, a locking pin, or other mechanism adapted to engage at least one of the backrest 118, the seat pan 120, and the at least one link 134 to maintain the fully stowed position. In some embodiments, a passenger restraint 144 is configured to restrain the seat occupant against at least one of the seat pan 120 and the backrest 118. The passenger restraint 144 can be a two-point lap belt, a three-point lap belt and shoulder belt, or a multi-point safety belt. The ends of the device 144 can be directly anchored to the frame assembly.

[0040] Figure 6 The seat is shown in a fully stowed position, wherein the backrest 118 is positioned above the seat pan 120 to provide a thickness no greater than the thicker of the backrest or the seat pan. The same retainer or a second retainer can engage at least one of the backrest 118, the seat pan 120, and the at least one link 134 to maintain the stowed position.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the seat is in the stowed position, the passenger restraint 144 can be stowed in a storage area, such as in a compartment within a wall recess. The seat belt can include an inertia reel and a retractor assembly, which can also be embedded in the CAS structure. The tensioner for the shoulder belt can be configured so that a portion of the shoulder belt is not fully reeled onto the inertia reel. Instead, the unreeled portion of the shoulder belt can cause the buckle of the shoulder belt to lie flat against the backrest through gravity. In some embodiments, the front edge of the seat pan can include a handle recess to enable a user to move the seat between the stowed position and the deployed position. For example, the handle recess can be a groove or cutout in the edge or bottom of the seat pan.

[0042] In some embodiments, the depth of the CAS when in the stowed position is no more than about 10 cm, more preferably no more than about 8 cm, and most preferably no more than about 6 cm. The frame assembly may include a peripheral flange for fixing to the wall. The frame assembly may be constructed or reinforced to withstand the applied 16G load to comply with the FAA and EASA regulations set forth in 14 C.FR25.562 and CS 25.562. In some examples, the wall may include embedded vertical beams and horizontal beams to which the frame assembly is attached. The vertical beams may be mounted to the cabin floor and ceiling or other aircraft structural components near the ceiling.

[0043] In some embodiments, the seat pan hinge mechanism may bias the seat pan toward the stowed position. For example, a biasing member such as a piston or a coil spring interconnected between the seat pan and the frame assembly may provide a lifting force on the seat pan so that the seat pan may be lifted from the deployed position to the stowed position once the user leaves the seat.

[0044] Although the above description provides embodiments of the present invention by way of example only, it is foreseeable that other embodiments may also perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cabin crew seat assembly, comprising: a frame assembly including spaced frame members disposed in a vertical plane; a backrest mounted between the spaced frame members and positioned in a vertical plane for reciprocating vertical translation between the spaced frame members; a seat pan mounted between the spaced apart frame members for pivotal movement relative to said frame assembly into and out of a vertical plane; a first link and a second link connecting the seat pan to the backrest, each of the first link and the second link being pivotally attached to the backrest at a first end and pivotally attached to the seat pan at a second end such that upward pivotal movement of the seat pan moves the backrest vertically upward in a vertical plane and downward pivotal movement of the seat pan moves the backrest vertically downward in a vertical plane; as well as the guide track formed in the spaced frame members and the backrest carrying a guide that travels along the guide track, wherein a first end of each of the first link and the second link is pivotally attached to a respective one of the guides and the guide engages a lower end of the guide track to prevent pivotal movement of the seat pan in a direction toward a deployed position of the seat pan; in: In the stowed position of the cabin attendant seat assembly, the spaced frame members, the backrest, the seat pan, and each of the first and second links lie in a vertical plane; In the deployed position of the cabin attendant seat assembly, the spaced frame members and the backrest lie in a vertical plane, the seat pan lies in a generally horizontal plane, and the first link and the second link lie in a plane that is angled with each of the vertical plane and the generally horizontal plane; and The seat pan is supported solely by the first and second links and the pivotal attachment to the spaced apart frame members.

2. The cabin attendant seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat pan and the backrest move together between the stowed position, in which the backrest and seat pan are longitudinally aligned in a vertical plane and the backrest is positioned vertically above the seat pan, and the deployed position, in which the seat pan is at an angle to the backrest.

3. The cabin attendant seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rail is a slide channel, and the guide is a slide engaged to slide along the slide channel.

4. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The guide track is a roller track and the guides are rollers engaged to roll along the roller track.

5. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The guide track has an upper end and the lower end, wherein the lower end determines a lowest vertical position of the backrest relative to a vertical frame member and a corresponding angle of the seat pan.

6. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The pivotal movement of the seat pan is at least 90 degrees relative to the vertical plane.

7. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1, comprising the first link and the second link symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the seat pan and the backrest, wherein: The first and second ends of the first link and the first and second ends of the second link are coupled to corresponding seat pans and backrests via rotating joints.

8. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The spaced apart frame members are vertically oriented and interconnected by horizontal frame members to collectively form a U-shaped frame assembly.

9. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a headrest coupled to a top portion of the backrest portion.

10. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cabin attendant seat assembly has a thickness when in the stowed position that is no greater than a thickness of the thicker of the backrest and the seat pan.

11. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a retainer adapted to engage at least one of the seat pan and the backrest in the stowed position.

12. The cabin attendant seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a passenger restraint anchored to the frame assembly proximate the pivotal attachment location of the seat pan and the spaced frame members for restraining a seated passenger against at least one of the seat pan and the backrest.

13. An assembly suitable for installation in an aircraft cabin, the assembly comprising: a wall having a recess defining a vertical plane; and a cabin attendant seat assembly mounted in the recess, the cabin attendant seat assembly comprising: a frame assembly including spaced frame members disposed in said vertical plane; a backrest mounted between the spaced frame members and positioned in a vertical plane for reciprocating vertical translation between the spaced frame members; a seat pan mounted between the spaced apart frame members for pivotal movement relative to said frame assembly into and out of a vertical plane; a first link and a second link connecting the seat pan to the backrest, each of the first link and the second link being pivotally attached to the backrest at a first end and pivotally attached to the seat pan at a second end such that upward pivotal movement of the seat pan moves the backrest vertically upward in a vertical plane and downward pivotal movement of the seat pan moves the backrest vertically downward in a vertical plane; and the guide track formed in the spaced frame members and the backrest carrying a guide that travels along the guide track, wherein a first end of each of the first link and the second link is pivotally attached to a respective one of the guides and the guide engages a lower end of the guide track to prevent pivotal movement of the seat pan in a direction toward a deployed position of the seat pan; in: In the stowed position of the cabin attendant seat assembly, the spaced frame members, the backrest, the seat pan, and each of the first and second links lie in a vertical plane; In the deployed position of the cabin attendant seat assembly, the spaced frame members and the backrest lie in a vertical plane, the seat pan lies in a generally horizontal plane, and the first link and the second link lie in a plane that is angled with each of the vertical plane and the generally horizontal plane; and The seat pan is supported solely by the first and second links and the pivotal attachment to the spaced apart frame members.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The seat pan and the backrest move together between the stowed position, in which the backrest and seat pan are longitudinally aligned in a vertical plane and the backrest is positioned vertically above the seat pan, and the deployed position, in which the seat pan is at an angle to the backrest.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The wall is part of a kitchen, a bathroom, a partition, or a door, and wherein the recess is formed in an exterior face of the wall.

16. The assembly of claim 13, comprising the first link and the second link symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the seat pan and backrest, wherein: Each of the first and second ends of the first link and each of the first and second ends of the second link are connected to the corresponding seat pan and backrest via a swivel joint.

17. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The cabin crew seat assembly also includes: a headrest coupled to a top portion of the backrest; a retainer for engaging at least one of the seat pan and the backrest in the stowed position; and An occupant restraint is anchored to the frame assembly proximate the pivotal attachment location of the seat pan to the spaced frame members, the occupant restraint for restraining a seated occupant against at least one of the seat pan and the backrest.

18. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The depth of the recess is equal to the thickness of the thicker of the seat pan and the backrest, and wherein the seat pan and backrest are aligned flush with the face of the wall when in the stowed position.

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