Zero-intrusive motion and tilt mechanisms for commercial aircraft seats

Abstract

The present application describes an aircraft seat having a seat bottom connected to a seat back and a linkage mechanism for reclining the seat. The reclining mechanism includes an actuator coupled to a reclining lock link. The actuator is movable between positions and moves the reclining lock link about a pivot point to facilitate movement of the seat between an upright position and a deployed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to reclining mechanisms attached to passenger seats. Background Art

[0002] Common transportation companies, such as passenger airlines, bus lines, and train lines, often transport large numbers of passengers at the same time. In many cases, it is desirable to increase the number of seats in a given space to optimize the number of passengers being transported at any given time. As the number of passenger seats in a space increases, the amount of space available to each passenger decreases.

[0003] In order to provide as much room as possible for passengers in a reduced space, some passenger seats are modified to reduce the distance that the passenger seat back can be tilted. In some cases, to offset the reduced passenger comfort caused by limited tilt, the passenger seat chassis can be tilted forward to increase the tilt angle of the entire seat while maintaining the limited intrusion of the passenger seat rearward into the space of the next passenger seat behind the body. Although these modifications improve tilt comfort, additional improvements are needed to provide a comfortable sleeping position without increasing the intrusion of the passenger seat rearward into the space of the next passenger seat behind the body. In addition, these traditional tilt mechanisms require a long stroke length, which may intrude on the activity space and add additional weight, and is not very aesthetically pleasing. Summary of the invention

[0004] The terms "invention," "present invention," "the invention," and "current invention" used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent and the following patent claims. Descriptions containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the following patent claims. The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims, not by this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter of the present invention should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an aircraft seat includes a seat bottom coupled to a seat back and a linkage mechanism coupled to the seat bottom, wherein the linkage mechanism includes: an actuator having a retracted position and a deployed position; and a tilt lock link having a first end and a second end; wherein the second end is coupled to the actuator, and wherein the tilt lock link pivots between the first position and the second position when the actuator moves from the deployed position to the retracted position; wherein in the first position, the tilt lock link is angled so that the first end is rearward relative to the second end; and wherein, in the second position, the tilt lock link is angled so that the first end is forward relative to the second end; and wherein movement of the tilt lock link between the first position and the second position moves the seat between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0006] The linkage mechanism may also include a seat pan mount coupled to the bottom surface of the seat bottom and pivotally coupled to the first end of the tilt lock link. The linkage mechanism may also include a tilt lock mount coupled to the tilt lock link at a pivot point between the first end and the second end. The tilt lock link may move in an up-and-down direction when the tilt lock link moves between the first position and the second position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the actuator can be locked in any position between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration, thereby locking the tilt lock link in any position between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, when the actuator moves between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration, the first end of the tilt lock link rotates relative to the seat pan mount.

[0008] In some embodiments, the aircraft seat further comprises a pair of walls on opposite sides of the seat bottom, wherein each wall further comprises at least one track; and wherein movement of the recline lock link between the first position and the second position causes the seat bottom to slide within the at least one track on each wall, thereby moving the seat between the upright position and the reclined position. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one track is less than 8 inches.

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an aircraft seat includes: a seat bottom; a seat back coupled to the seat bottom; a seat angle formed between the seat bottom and the seat back; a linkage mechanism coupled to the seat bottom and configured to move the seat between an upright position and a reclined position; a vertical axis located behind the seat back; wherein the seat forms a first angle relative to the vertical axis when the seat is in the upright position; and wherein the seat forms a second angle relative to the vertical axis when the seat is in the reclined position; and wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle; and wherein the seat angle remains substantially constant as the seat moves between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the seat moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back moves in a downward direction relative to the vertical axis such that the seat back does not intersect the vertical axis.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an aircraft seat includes a seat back coupled to a seat bottom, wherein the seat bottom includes: a linkage assembly that enables the seat to move between an upright position and a reclined position; a first wall positioned proximate a first side of the seat bottom; a second wall positioned proximate a second side of the seat bottom opposite the first side; wherein each of the first wall and the second wall includes a first seat track and a second seat track; and wherein the seat bottom translates in each wall along the first seat track and the second seat track to enable the seat to move between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second seat track is positioned rearwardly on each of the first wall and the second wall relative to the first seat track. The first seat track may be positioned substantially horizontally on each of the first wall and the second wall. The second seat track may be positioned at an angle relative to each of the first wall and the second wall such that a front portion of the second seat track is positioned lower relative to a rear portion of the second seat track.

[0013] In some embodiments, the seat bottom translates simultaneously along the first seat track and the second seat track when the seat moves between the upright position and the reclined position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figures 1A-1C is a perspective view of a passenger seat in an upright position and a reclined position according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figures 1A-1C A perspective view of a passenger seat showing the reclining mechanism and the passenger seat in an upright position.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figures 1A-1C A perspective view of a passenger seat showing the reclining mechanism and the passenger seat in a reclined position.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figures 1A-1C A perspective view of the reclining mechanism of a passenger seat.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figures 1A-1C A perspective view of a reclining mechanism showing a passenger seat in an upright position.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figures 1A-1C A perspective view of a reclining mechanism showing a passenger seat in a reclined position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is described in detail herein to satisfy legal requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement between the various steps or elements, unless the order of individual steps or the arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0021] The described inventive embodiments provide a tilt mechanism for tilting a passenger seat. Although the tilt mechanisms are discussed for aircraft seats, they are by no means limited. Instead, the embodiments of the tilt mechanism can be used in passenger seats or any other type of seat or other desired seat.

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 , a seat 100 includes a seat bottom 102 coupled to a seat back 104 and a linkage mechanism 200 coupled to the seat bottom for moving the seat between an upright position and a reclined position.

[0023] In some embodiments, Figure 2-6 As shown, the linkage mechanism 200 includes an actuator 202 and a tilt lock link 204. The actuator 202 can be an air lock, a hydraulic lock, an elliptical system, or any other suitable actuation device. The tilt lock link 204 includes a first end 204a and a second end 204b. The linkage mechanism 200 can also include a tilt lock mount 206 and a seat pan mount 208. The seat pan mount 208 can be coupled to the bottom surface of the seat bottom 102. The seat pan mount 208 can be fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the seat bottom 102. Alternatively, the seat pan mount 208 can be removably coupled to the bottom surface of the seat bottom 102. The first end 204a of the tilt lock link 204 can be coupled to the seat pan mount 208. The second end 204b of the tilt lock link 204 can be coupled to the actuator 202. The tilt lock mount 206 can be coupled to a structure of the seat 100, such as the seat post 106 or any other suitable structure. The bevel lock mount 206 may also be coupled to the bevel lock link 204 at a pivot point 204c between the first end 204a and the second end 204b of the bevel lock link.

[0024] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the seat 100 includes at least one wall 300. The seat 100 may include a first wall 300 and an identical second wall 300, the first wall 300 being located near a first side of the seat bottom 102, and the second wall 300 being located on a second side of the seat bottom 102 opposite the first side. Each of the first wall 300 and the second wall 300 may include a first seat track 302 and a second seat track 304, each of which is capable of receiving a portion of the seat bottom 102 for translating the seat 100 between an upright position and a reclined position. On each of the first wall 300 and the second wall 300, the first seat track 302 may be positioned forward relative to the second seat track 304. In addition, the first seat track 302 may be positioned to extend substantially horizontally on each of the first wall 300 and the second wall 300. The second seat track 304 can be positioned to extend at an angle on each of the first wall 300 and the second wall 300 so that the front portion 304a of the second seat track 304 is positioned lower relative to the rear portion 304b of the second seat track 304. The angle of the second seat track 304 can be in the range of 0°-20°. In some embodiments, the rear portion 302b of the first seat track 302 can overlap with the front portion 304a of the second seat track 304 so that the second seat track 304 is positioned forward relative to the center of gravity of the passenger. The amount of overlap between these portions can range from 0 inches to 5 inches. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater amount of overlap will contribute to a more compact seating arrangement, and a smaller amount of overlap can be used in a less compact seating arrangement.

[0025] Each of the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304 may have a length of less than 8 inches, and the seat track 302 and the seat track 304 may have the same or different lengths within this range. In particular, the length of each of the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304 may be within a range of approximately 4-8 inches, and the seat track 302 and the seat track 304 may have the same or different lengths within this range. However, the length of each of the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304 may be any other suitable length. Although only the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304 are shown, each of the first wall 300 and the second wall 300 may include additional seat tracks to facilitate movement of the seat 100 between the upright and reclined positions. Similarly, the seat 100 may include only one seat track, which may be similar to one of the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304, to facilitate movement of the seat 100 between the upright and reclined positions.

[0026] In some embodiments, Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the seat 100 is in an upright position. When the seat 100 is in the upright position, the actuator 202 can be in the deployed position, and the tilt lock link 204 can be positioned at an angle so that the first end 204a is positioned rearward relative to the second end 204b. In addition, in the upright position, the seat bottom 102 is positioned in a substantially horizontal position, wherein the portion of the seat bottom 102 that translates within the first seat track 302 is located at the rear portion 302b of the first seat track. Similarly, the portion of the seat bottom 102 that translates within the second seat track 304 is located at the rear portion 304b of the second seat track 304. In addition, the aircraft seat 100 can have a vertical axis Y located behind the seat back 104. In the upright position, the seat back 104 extends along a seat back axis (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the vertical axis Y, so that the seat 100 forms a first angle, and the seat 100 forms a first angle A1 relative to the vertical axis Y.

[0027] In some embodiments, Figure 1B , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the seat 100 is in a tilted position. When the seat 100 is in the tilted position, the actuator 202 can be in a retracted position, and the tilt lock link 204 can be positioned at an angle so that the first end 204a is positioned forward relative to the second end 204b. In addition, the portion of the seat bottom 102 that translates within the first seat track 302 can be located at the front 302a of the first seat track 302, and the portion of the seat bottom 102 that translates within the second seat track 304 can be located at the front 304a of the second seat track 304. Therefore, the rear portion of the seat bottom 102 is positioned lower than the front portion of the seat bottom 102, so that the seat 100 is angled in an upward direction relative to the upright position. In addition, in the tilted position, the upper portion of the seat back 104 can be positioned downward along the seat back axis (not shown) so that the seat 100 forms a second angle A2 relative to the vertical axis Y. The second angle A2 is greater than the first angle A1. For example, the second angle A2 can be in the range of about 10-15°.

[0028] To start the seat 100 from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat 100 may include any conventional means, such as a button actuator, in which case the passenger may press the button actuator and simultaneously apply pressure to the seat back 104. Alternatively, any suitable means for starting the seat to move may be used. In some embodiments, when the seat 100 moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the actuator 202 is activated to move from the deployed position to the retracted position, thereby causing the tilt lock link 204 to rotate around the pivot point 204c. When the tilt lock link 204 rotates around the pivot point 204c, the tilt lock link 204 moves from a first position in which the first end 204a is located at the rear relative to the second end 204b to a second position in which the first end 204a is located at the front relative to the second end 204b. During this transition, the tilt lock link 204 can move up and down relative to the tilt lock mount 206 at the pivot point 204c. The movement distance of the tilt lock link 204 at the pivot point 204c may be in the range of 1 inch to 4 inches. By providing a more linear translation of the seat bottom 102, this movement at the pivot point 204c allows a smooth transition of the tilt lock link 204 between the first position and the second position. Similarly, during the transition between the first position and the second position, the first end 204a of the tilt lock link 204 can rotate relative to the seat pan mount 208. The actuator 202 can be locked in any position between the deployed position and the retracted position, thereby locking the tilt lock link 204 in any position between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the passenger can tilt the seat 100 to any intermediate position between the upright position and the tilted position. In some embodiments, when the tilt lock link 204 moves from the first position to the second position, the seat bottom is translated along the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304 at the same time. Specifically, a portion of the seat bottom 102 can slide in the first seat track 302, and another portion of the seat bottom 102 can slide in the second seat track 304 at the same time. Translation of the seat bottom 102 along the first seat track 302 and the second seat track 304 causes the front portion of the seat bottom 102 to move forward and the rear portion of the seat bottom 102 to move downward, thereby moving the seat 100 to the reclined position. In some embodiments, as the seat bottom 102 moves downward, the seat back 102 also moves downward relative to the vertical axis Y. In other words, the seat back 102 moves downward along a vertical axis, such as along a seat back axis (not shown) that is parallel to the vertical axis Y, such that the seat back 102 does not intersect the vertical axis Y during movement to the reclined position.

[0029] The elements of the linkage 200 can move in any suitable manner for moving the seat between the upright position and the reclined position. For example, the movement of the linkage between the first position and the second position can include movement in different non-lateral directions, including but not limited to forward or backward, upward or downward, or any other suitable direction or combination of directions.

[0030] In some embodiments, Figure 2-3 As shown, the seat bottom 102 is coupled to the seat back 104 such that a seat angle θ is formed between the seat bottom 102 and the seat back 104. The seat angle θ may be any suitable angle to provide a comfortable sitting position for a passenger seated in the seat 100. In some embodiments, the seat angle θ may be approximately 90°. The seat angle θ remains substantially constant when the seat 100 moves between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0031] In the following, more examples are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention:

[0032] Example A. An aircraft seat, comprising:

[0033] a seat bottom connected to the seat back;

[0034] A linkage mechanism connected to the seat bottom, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises:

[0035] an actuator having a retracted position and a deployed position;

[0036] a tilt lock link having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is coupled to the actuator;

[0037] wherein the tilt lock link pivots between a first position and a second position when the actuator moves from the deployed position to the retracted position;

[0038] wherein, in the first position, the tilt lock link is angled such that the first end is rearward relative to the second end;

[0039] wherein in the second position, the tilt lock link is angled such that the first end is forwardly located relative to the second end; and

[0040] Wherein movement of the recline lock link between the first position and the second position moves the seat between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0041] Example B. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the linkage mechanism further comprises a seat pan mount coupled to an underside of the seat bottom and pivotally coupled to the first end of the tilt lock link.

[0042] Example C. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the linkage mechanism further comprises a tilt mount pivotably coupled to the tilt lock link at a pivot point between the first end and the second end.

[0043] Example D. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein a pivot point of the tilt lock link is movable in an up-and-down direction when the tilt lock link moves between the first position and the second position.

[0044] Example E. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the actuator is lockable in any position between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration, thereby locking the recline lock link in any position between the first position and the second position.

[0045] Example F. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the first end of the tilt lock link rotates relative to the seat pan mount when the actuator moves between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0046] Example G. An aircraft seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, further comprising a pair of walls located on opposite sides of the seat bottom;

[0047] wherein each wall further comprises at least one track; and

[0048] wherein movement of the recline lock link between the first position and the second position causes the seat bottom to slide within at least one track on each side wall, thereby moving the seat between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0049] Example H. An aircraft seat as in any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the at least one track has a length of less than 8 inches.

[0050] Example 1. An aircraft seat, comprising:

[0051] Seat bottom;

[0052] a seat back connected to the seat bottom;

[0053] The seat angle formed between the seat bottom and the seat back;

[0054] a linkage mechanism coupled to the seat bottom and configured to move the seat between an upright position and a reclined position;

[0055] A vertical axis located behind the seat back;

[0056] wherein, when the seat is in the upright position, the seat forms a first angle with respect to the vertical axis; and

[0057] wherein, when the seat is in the inclined position, the seat forms a second angle with respect to the vertical axis; and

[0058] wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle; and

[0059] Therein, the seat angle remains substantially constant as the seat moves between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0060] Example J. An aircraft seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises:

[0061] a seat pan mounting member coupled to an underside of the seat bottom;

[0062] Actuator;

[0063] a tilt lock link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the pan mount and the second end is coupled to the actuator; and

[0064] A bevel lock mount is coupled to the bevel lock link at a location between the first end and the second end.

[0065] Example K. An aircraft seat as in any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the actuator has a retracted position and a deployed position; and

[0066] Wherein, when the actuator moves between the retracted position and the deployed position, the tilt lock link pivots between the first position and the second position.

[0067] Example L. An aircraft seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein when the seat is in the upright position, the tilt lock link is in a first position such that the first end of the tilt lock link is rearward relative to the second end of the tilt lock link.

[0068] Example M. An aircraft seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein when the seat is in the reclined position, the locking link is in a second position such that the first end of the recline locking link is forward relative to the second end of the recline locking link.

[0069] Example N. An aircraft seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein when the seat moves from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back moves in a downward direction relative to the vertical axis so that the seat back does not intersect the vertical axis.

[0070] Example O. An aircraft seat comprising:

[0071] a seat back connected to the seat bottom;

[0072] The seat bottom includes:

[0073] a linkage assembly that moves the seat between an upright position and a reclined position;

[0074] a first wall positioned adjacent a first side of the seat bottom;

[0075] a second wall positioned adjacent a second side of the seat bottom opposite the first side;

[0076] wherein each of the first wall and the second wall comprises a first seat track and a second seat track; and

[0077] Therein, the seat bottom translates in each wall along the first seat track and the second seat track to move the seat between the upright position and the reclined position.

[0078] Example P. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the second seat track is positioned rearwardly relative to the first seat track on each of the first wall and the second wall.

[0079] Example Q. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the first seat track is positioned substantially horizontally on each of the first wall and the second wall.

[0080] Example R. An aircraft seat as in any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the second seat track is positioned at an angle on each of the first wall and the second wall such that a front portion of the second seat track is positioned lower relative to a rear portion of the second seat track.

[0081] Example S. An aircraft seat as in any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the seat moves between the upright position and the reclined position with the seat bottom translating simultaneously along the first seat track and the second seat track.

[0082] Example T. The aircraft seat of any preceding or subsequent example, wherein each of the first seat track and the second seat track is less than 8 inches in length.

[0083] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the figures or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustration and not limitation, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the accompanying drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be constructed without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An aircraft seat, comprising: a seat bottom connected to the seat back; A linkage mechanism coupled to the seat bottom, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises: an actuator having a retracted position and a deployed position; a tilt lock link having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is coupled to the actuator; wherein the tilt lock link pivots between a first position and a second position when the actuator moves from the deployed position to the retracted position; wherein, in the first position, the tilt lock link is angled such that the first end is positioned rearwardly relative to the second end; wherein, in the second position, the tilt lock link is angularly positioned such that the first end is positioned forwardly relative to the second end; wherein movement of the tilt lock link between the first position and the second position causes the seat to move between an upright position and a tilted position; wherein the linkage mechanism further comprises a tilt lock mounting member pivotably coupled to the tilt lock link at a pivot point between the first end and the second end, and Wherein, when the tilt locking link moves between the first position and the second position, the pivot point of the tilt locking link can move in an up-and-down direction.

2. The aircraft seat according to claim 1, wherein: The linkage also includes a seat pan mount coupled to an underside of the seat bottom and pivotally coupled to the first end of the tilt lock link.

3. The aircraft seat according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is lockable at any position between the retracted position and the deployed position, thereby locking the tilt lock link at any position between the first position and the second position.

4. The aircraft seat according to claim 2, wherein: The first end of the tilt lock link rotates relative to the pan mount when the actuator moves between the retracted position and the deployed position.

5. The aircraft seat of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of walls located on opposite sides of the seat bottom; in, Each wall also includes at least one track; and wherein movement of the tilt lock link between the first position and the second position causes the seat bottom to translate along the at least one track on each side wall, thereby moving the seat between the upright position and the tilted position.

6. The aircraft seat according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one track has a length of less than 8 inches.

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