Adjustable Friction Slider Assembly for a Passenger Seat

Abstract

An adjustable friction slider assembly is described, which has a track member and a bracket assembly movably connected to the track member, the bracket assembly having a bracket member and a plurality of roller elements movably connected to the track member and connected to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element connected to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein moving the movable attachment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to a linear slide mechanism for a passenger seat. Background Art

[0002] Passenger vehicles are incorporating more and more adjustable features into each passenger seat of the passenger vehicle. For example, a passenger seat in an aircraft may have subassemblies, such as a headrest or an in-flight entertainment system, that are adjustably attached to the passenger seat so that the passenger can move the headrest and / or the in-flight entertainment system to different suitable heights. Conventional linear slide systems have been used to enable the movement of these subassemblies. However, many of the subassemblies have very different sizes and weights, so that different individual linear slide systems are required to support the different subassemblies when they are in a stationary position. The need for different individual linear slide systems adds additional cost to the design used to manufacture a precise "interference / friction fit" linear slide system, which critically relies on tolerance stack-ups to maintain performance with minimal maintenance during the life of the linear slide system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The terms "invention," "present invention," "this invention," and "the present invention" as used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims that follow. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims that follow. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims that follow, not by this Summary. This Summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section that follows. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an adjustable friction slider assembly includes: a track member; and a bracket assembly movably connected to the track member, the bracket assembly including: a bracket member; and a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements being movably connected to the track member and being connected to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element connected to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein moving the movable attachment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0005] In some embodiments, the adjustable friction slider assembly further includes a movable subassembly coupled to the bracket member, wherein the friction is adjusted based on the movable subassembly.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the movable subassembly includes a headrest, a video monitor, a tray table, or a portable electronic device holder.

[0007] The friction may include static friction that maintains the carriage assembly in position along the track member.

[0008] In some embodiments, a motive force that overcomes static friction is applied to the carriage assembly to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the track member includes a longitudinal axis, and the at least one adjustable roller element is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0010] In some embodiments, the carriage assembly further includes a friction adjustment member coupled to the movable attachment member, and moving the friction adjustment member adjusts friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat includes an adjustable friction slider assembly, the adjustable friction slider assembly comprising: a track member connected to the passenger seat; and a bracket assembly movably connected to the track member, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket member; and a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements movably connected to the track member and connected to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element connected to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein moving the movable attachment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0012] The passenger seat may further include a movable subassembly coupled to the bracket member, wherein the friction is adjusted based on the movable subassembly.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the movable subassembly includes a headrest, a video monitor, a tray table, or a portable electronic device holder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the friction includes static friction that maintains the carriage assembly in position along the track member.

[0015] A motive force that overcomes the static friction may be applied to the carriage assembly to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the track member includes a longitudinal axis, and the at least one adjustable roller element is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the carriage assembly further includes a friction adjustment member coupled to the movable attachment member, and moving the friction adjustment member adjusts friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0018] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a method for adjusting the friction of an adjustable friction slider assembly includes: connecting a bracket assembly to a track member, the bracket assembly including a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element; and moving the at least one adjustable roller element relative to the track member to adjust the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0019] The friction may be adjusted based on a movable subassembly coupled to the carriage assembly.

[0020] In certain embodiments, moving the at least one adjustable roller element includes moving a movable attachment member, and wherein the movable attachment member couples the at least one adjustable roller element to the carriage assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, moving the at least one adjustable roller element relative to the track member includes moving the at least one adjustable roller element in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the track member.

[0022] The method may further include applying a motive force to the carriage assembly that overcomes static friction between the carriage assembly and the track member to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: removing the motive force from the carriage assembly; and maintaining the carriage assembly in a position along the track member where the motive force is removed due to static friction between the carriage assembly and the track member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of an adjustable friction slider assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of the adjustable friction slider assembly.

[0026] Figure 1C yes Figure 1AFront perspective view of an adjustable friction slider assembly with an adjustable roller element moving.

[0027] Figure 2A is a front view of a headrest coupled to an adjustable friction slider assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Rear perspective view of the headrest.

[0029] Figure 3A is a front view of an in-flight entertainment monitor coupled to an adjustable friction slider assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A rear perspective view of the in-flight entertainment monitor.

[0031] Figure 4A is a rear perspective view of a passenger seat incorporating an adjustable friction slider assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Right side view of the passenger seat.

[0033] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a row of passenger seats including adjustable friction slider assemblies according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of an adjustable friction slider assembly incorporating an elastic band according to certain embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is described in detail herein to meet statutory requirements, but such description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied 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 construed as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between the various steps or elements unless the order of the steps or arrangement of the elements is explicitly described.

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention provide an adjustable friction slider assembly for a passenger seat. While the adjustable friction slider assembly is discussed for use with an aircraft seat, it is by no means limited thereto. Rather, embodiments of the adjustable friction slider assembly may be used with passenger seats or any other type of seat or other desired seat.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1A-1CAs shown, adjustable friction slider assembly 110 includes a track member 112 and a carriage assembly 114. The carriage assembly 114 includes a bracket member 116 and at least one roller element 118. In some embodiments, the carriage assembly 114 may include at least one attachment member 120 and / or a friction adjustment member 122.

[0038] The adjustable friction slider assembly 110 and any components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 110 (e.g., the track member 112, the carriage assembly 114, the bracket member 116, the at least one roller element 118, the at least one attachment member 120, or the friction adjustment member 122) can be formed from materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, aramid fiber, polycarbonate, polypropylene, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. Due to the reusable nature of the adjustable friction slider assembly 110, the materials used to form the various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 110 can be selected based on the material's wear resistance. In addition, each component of the adjustable friction slider assembly 110 can be formed from the same material, different materials, or any combination of the same or different materials.

[0039] The various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 110 can be of any suitable shape. For example, the bracket member 116 can be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval, etc. The track member 112 can be of any suitable length and depth and can have any suitable cross-section, such as a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, a curved cross-section, a parabolic cross-section, etc.

[0040] In some embodiments, the carriage assembly 114 can be movably coupled to the track member 112 such that the carriage assembly 114 can move along the length or longitudinal axis of the track member 112. The at least one roller element 118 can be coupled to the bracket member 116 such that the at least one roller element 118 movably couples the carriage assembly 114 to the track member 112. The at least one roller element 118 can be a bearing, such as a roller bearing, a recirculating bearing wheel, or the like, or any other suitable device having low dynamic friction and high static friction. Additionally, the at least one roller element 118 can include at least one flanged edge 124 that can help maintain the carriage assembly 114 coupled to the track member 112. The at least one flanged edge 124 of the at least one roller element 118 can form a groove that enables the at least one roller element 118 to capture the track member 112. Indeed, the at least one roller element 118 may have any suitable cross-section that enables the at least one roller element 118 to couple with and securely capture the track member 112 .

[0041] The at least one roller element 118 can be coupled to the bracket member 116 of the carriage assembly 114. For example, at least one attachment member 120 can extend through at least one opening in the bracket member 116 and through at least one opening in each of the at least one roller element 118 to attach each of the at least one roller element 118 to the carriage assembly 114. The at least one attachment member 120 can be any suitable device for securing the at least one roller element 118 to the bracket member 116, such as a pin, screw, bolt, nail, etc. Additionally, the at least one roller element 118 can include a spacing member 126 extending through the at least one roller element 118. The at least one attachment member 120 can extend through the spacing member 126. The spacing member 126 can then help secure the at least one roller element 118 to the at least one attachment member 120 while allowing the at least one roller element 118 to freely rotate relative to the at least one attachment member 120.

[0042] The carriage assembly 114 can include any suitable number of roller elements 118, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, etc. In some embodiments, the number of attachment members 120 and spacing members 126 corresponds to the number of roller elements 118. Having at least three roller elements 118 as part of the carriage assembly 114 can limit the number of degrees of freedom of the carriage assembly 114 to a single degree of freedom and, therefore, fully constrain the carriage assembly 114. The single degree of freedom of the carriage assembly 114 can allow the carriage assembly 114 to move along the longitudinal axis of the track member 112.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one roller element 118 is an adjustable roller element 128. The adjustable roller element 128 can be coupled to the bracket member 116 using a movable attachment member 120 such that the adjustable roller element 128 can be moved relative to the carriage assembly 114 and the track member 112. For example, the adjustable roller element 128 can be moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the track member 112.

[0044] Moving the adjustable roller element 128 can adjust the amount of friction between the roller element 118 and the track member 112. Moving the adjustable roller element 128 toward or away from the track member 112 changes the amount of force applied by the adjustable roller element 128 to the track member 112 and, as a result, any non-adjustable roller elements 118 that are part of the carriage assembly 114. For example, moving the adjustable roller element 128 toward the track member 112 increases the amount of force applied by the adjustable roller element 128 and the non-adjustable roller elements 118 to the track member 112. As a result, friction, and more specifically, static friction, between the track member 112 and the carriage assembly 114 increases.

[0045] In some embodiments, as Figure 1C As best shown in FIG, adjustable roller element 128 can be moved using friction adjustment member 122. In some embodiments, friction adjustment member 122, which extends through adjustable roller element 128, and attachment member 120, can be a single element or separate elements. For example, friction adjustment member 122 can be a threaded pin, a screw, a composite spring, a spring force actuator, any combination of these devices, or any other similar device coupled to attachment member 120. Thus, the amount of friction between adjustable roller member 128, roller member 118, and track member 112 can be controlled by moving friction adjustment member 122. For example, friction adjustment member 122 can be rotated as indicated by arrow 132, which causes adjustable roller element 128 to move toward or away from track member 112 and adjust the friction between carriage assembly 114 and track member 112. Arrow 134 represents the movement of attachment member 120 and adjustable roller element 128 away from track member 112 due to the rotation of friction adjustment member 122.

[0046] It should be understood that any number of the roller elements 118 can be adjustable roller elements 128. In fact, all of the roller elements 118 of the carriage assembly 114 can be adjustable roller elements 128. Increasing the number of adjustable roller elements 128 incorporated into the carriage assembly 114 can achieve finer and more uniform adjustment of the friction between the carriage assembly 114 and the track member 112.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 2A-2B As best shown in FIG. 1 , the adjustable friction slider assembly 210 can be used to couple the subassembly 230 to the passenger seat. The adjustable friction slider assembly 210 can be used to couple the subassembly 230 to the passenger seat. Figures 1A-1C The adjustable friction slider assembly 110 is the same or similar to the adjustable friction slider assembly 110 described above. For example, the adjustable friction slider assembly 210 may include a track member 212 and a bracket assembly 214, wherein the bracket assembly 214 may include a bracket member 216, at least one roller element 218, at least one attachment member 220 and / or a friction adjustment member 222. The various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 210 may include the components described above with respect to Figures 1A-1C Any characteristics described.

[0048] In some embodiments, subassembly 230 can be a headrest, an in-flight entertainment or video monitor, a tray table, a portable electronic device holder, or the like. Subassembly 230 is a headrest. Subassembly 230 can be coupled to adjustable friction slider assembly 210. For example, subassembly 230 can be coupled to bracket member 216 using any suitable form of chemical or mechanical attachment, including but not limited to nuts and bolts, screws, pins and rivets, snap-fit connections, friction-fit connections, adhesives, welds, other mechanical fasteners, and / or other chemical fasteners.

[0049] Subassembly 230 may be coupled directly or indirectly to bracket member 216. In some embodiments, subassembly 230 may be coupled to an intermediate member that is then attached to bracket member 216. The intermediate member may help limit any movement of subassembly 230 relative to bracket member 216, or the intermediate member may allow subassembly 230 to pivot relative to bracket member 216. Allowing subassembly 230 to pivot relative to bracket member 216 may enable a passenger to adjust the angle of subassembly 230.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 3A-3B As best shown in FIG. 1 , the adjustable friction slider assembly 310 can be used to couple a subassembly 330 to a passenger seat. The subassembly 330 shown is an in-flight entertainment monitor. The adjustable friction slider assembly 310 can be used with the above referenced Figures 1A-2B The adjustable friction slider assemblies 110 and 210 described above are the same or similar. For example, the adjustable friction slider assembly 310 may include a track member 312 and a bracket assembly 314, wherein the bracket assembly 314 may include a bracket member 316, at least one roller element 318, at least one attachment member 320 and / or a friction adjustment member 322. The various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 310 may include the components described above with respect to Figures 1A-2B Any characteristics described.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 4A-4B As best shown in FIG. 4 , an adjustable friction slider assembly 410 can be used to couple the subassembly 430 to the passenger seat 400. The adjustable friction slider assembly 410 can be used with the subassembly 430 described above. Figures 1A-3B The adjustable friction slider assemblies 110, 210, 310 described above are the same or similar, and the subassembly 430 may be the same as described above with reference to FIG. Figures 2A-3B The subassemblies 230 and 330 described above are the same or similar. For example, the adjustable friction slider assembly 410 may include a track member 412 and a bracket assembly, wherein the bracket assembly may include a bracket member, at least one roller element, at least one attachment member and / or a friction adjustment member. The various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 410 may include the components described above with respect to Figures 1A-3BAny characteristics described.

[0052] In some embodiments, the adjustable friction slider assembly 410 can be housed in a housing 432 that at least partially or completely surrounds the adjustable friction slider assembly 410. The housing 432 can protect the adjustable friction slider assembly 410 from damage and prevent tampering with the adjustable friction slider assembly 410. The housing 432 can also provide a more seamless and finished aesthetic for the adjustable friction slider assembly 410. Additionally, the track member 412 can be part of or integrally formed with the seat back cover 434, or the track member 412 can be a separate component that extends at least partially into the seat back or other portion of the passenger seat 400.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 5 , an adjustable friction slider assembly 510 can be used to couple the subassembly 530 to the passenger seat 500. The adjustable friction slider assembly 510 can be used with the subassembly 530 described above. Figures 1A-4B The adjustable friction slider assemblies 110, 210, 310, 410 described above are the same or similar, and the subassembly 530 can be the same as those described above with reference to FIG. Figures 2A-4B The subassemblies 230, 330, and 430 described above may be the same or similar. For example, the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 may include a track member and a bracket assembly, wherein the bracket assembly may include a bracket member, at least one roller element, at least one attachment member, and / or a friction adjustment member. The various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 may include those described above with respect to Figures 1A-4B Any characteristics described.

[0054] The same adjustable friction slider assembly 510 can be used regardless of the type of subassembly 530 used. For example, due to the adjustability of the friction of the adjustable friction slider assembly 510, the same adjustable friction slider assembly 510 can be used to attach both the in-flight entertainment monitor 532 and the personal electronic device holder 534 to the passenger seat 500.

[0055] As above Figures 1A-1C As described above, the bracket assembly of each adjustable friction slider assembly 510 is coupled to the track member, and the adjustable roller element moves toward or away from the track member to adjust the amount of force applied by the bracket assembly to the track member. The adjustable friction slider assembly 510 for attaching the in-flight entertainment monitor 532 and the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 for connecting the personal electronic device holder 534 can each be adjusted to produce a different amount of friction in the corresponding adjustable friction slider assembly 510.

[0056] Adjustment of the adjustable roller elements can be based on the amount of force required to generate sufficient static friction to hold the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 in a stationary position supporting the subassembly 530 while also having relatively low dynamic friction to allow smooth movement of the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 along the track member. The amount of friction required for the in-flight entertainment monitor relative to the personal electronic device holder or any other subassembly will vary and will primarily depend on the size and weight of the subassembly 530. In some embodiments, the manufacturer or installer of the passenger seat 500 can move the adjustable roller elements of each adjustable friction slider assembly 510 to generate the necessary amount of friction for the corresponding subassembly 530 supported by each adjustable friction slider assembly 510.

[0057] In some embodiments, after the friction is set by the adjustable roller element, the carriage assembly can be allowed to slide along the track member. For example, a downward force, indicated by arrow 536, can be applied to each subassembly 530. When the downward force is sufficient to overcome the static friction of the corresponding adjustable friction slider assembly 510, the dynamic friction between the carriage assembly and the track member allows smooth movement of the carriage assembly along the track member. It should be understood that an upward force can also be applied to each subassembly 530 to cause the subassembly 530 to move.

[0058] After the downward force is removed, the static friction between the carriage assembly and the track member again causes the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 to maintain its stationary position. Thus, the user can adjust the position of the subassembly 530 relative to the track member by applying force to the subassembly 530, or in some cases, by applying force directly to the adjustable friction slider assembly 510. Once the subassembly 530 is in its new position, the user can stop applying force. The subassembly 530 will then remain in its new position due to the static friction generated by the adjustable friction slider assembly 510.

[0059] The use of the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the passenger seat 500 and increase the interchangeability of various types of subassemblies because, regardless of the type of subassembly used, only a single design of the adjustable friction slider assembly 510 is required. This can result in easier customization of the passenger seat 500 because the subassemblies can be removed and replaced without having to replace the adjustable friction slider assembly 510.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the adjustable friction slider assembly 610 may include at least one elastic band 630. The adjustable friction slider assembly 610 may be configured as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 1A-5The adjustable friction slider assemblies 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 described above are the same or similar. For example, the adjustable friction slider assembly 610 may include a track member 612 and a bracket assembly 614, wherein the bracket assembly 614 may include a bracket member 616, at least one roller element 618, at least one attachment member 620, and / or a friction adjustment member 622. The various components of the adjustable friction slider assembly 610 may include those described above with respect to FIG. Figures 1A-1C Any characteristics described.

[0061] In some embodiments, the at least one elastic band 630 can be positioned around the at least one roller element 618. Positioning the at least one elastic band 630 around the at least one roller element 618 can increase static friction and dynamic friction of the adjustable friction slider assembly 610. The at least one elastic band 630 can be positioned around the at least one roller element 618 such that at least a portion of the at least one elastic band 630 is at least partially positioned between the at least one roller element 618 and the track member 612. As the carriage assembly 614 moves along the track member 612, the at least one elastic band 630 moves with the at least one roller element 618.

[0062] The adjustable friction slider assembly 610 may include a plurality of roller elements 618 positioned on multiple sides of a track member 612. An elastic band 630 may be positioned around each set of roller elements 618 that are linearly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the track member 612. For example, two roller elements 618 may be linearly aligned on the left side of the track member 612, and two separate roller elements 618 may be linearly aligned on the right side of the track member 612. One elastic band 630 may be positioned around each set of roller elements 618 such that at least a portion of each elastic band 630 is positioned between each corresponding roller element 618 and the track member 612.

[0063] Positioning at least a portion of the at least one elastic band 630 between the at least one roller element 618 and the track member 612 can help to attenuate any sound produced when the at least one roller element 618 moves along the track member 612, can help to maintain constant friction and thereby minimize slippage between the bracket assembly 614 and the track member 612, and can minimize wear on the at least one roller element 618 and the track member 612.

[0064] The elements of any of the above embodiments are fully interchangeable with each other. In the following, additional examples are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention (and in some aspects, the features of the devices or systems described in one or more of these examples can be used in the methods described in one of the other examples, and vice versa):

[0065] Example 1. An adjustable friction slider assembly (which may be combined with features of any subsequent examples), comprising: a track member; and a bracket assembly movably connected to the track member, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket member; and a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements movably connected to the track member and connected to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element connected to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein moving the movable attachment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0066] Example 2. The adjustable friction slider assembly of example 1 or any preceding or subsequent example, further comprising a movable subassembly coupled to the bracket member, wherein the friction is adjusted based on the movable subassembly.

[0067] Example 3. The adjustable friction slider assembly of example 2 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the movable subassembly comprises a headrest, a video monitor, a tray table, or a portable electronic device holder.

[0068] Example 4. The adjustable friction slider assembly of example 1 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the friction comprises static friction that maintains the carriage assembly in position along the track member.

[0069] Example 5. The adjustable friction slider assembly of example 4 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein a motive force that overcomes the static friction is applied to the carriage assembly to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

[0070] Example 6. The adjustable friction slider assembly of example 1 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the track member includes a longitudinal axis and the at least one adjustable roller element is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0071] Example 7. An adjustable friction slider assembly according to Example 1 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the bracket assembly further comprises a friction adjustment member coupled to the movable attachment member, and moving the friction adjustment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0072] Example 8. A passenger seat (which may be combined with the features of any preceding or subsequent examples), the passenger seat including an adjustable friction slider assembly, the adjustable friction slider assembly including: a track member connected to the passenger seat; and a bracket assembly movably connected to the track member, the bracket assembly including: a bracket member; and a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements movably connected to the track member and connected to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element connected to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein moving the movable attachment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0073] Example 9. The passenger seat of Example 8 or any preceding or subsequent example, further comprising a movable subassembly coupled to the bracket member, wherein the friction is adjusted based on the movable subassembly.

[0074] Example 10. A passenger seat according to Example 9 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the movable subassembly includes a headrest, a video monitor, a tray table, or a portable electronic device holder.

[0075] Example 11. The passenger seat of Example 8 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the friction includes static friction that maintains the bracket assembly in position along the track member.

[0076] Example 12. The passenger seat of Example 11 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein a motive force that overcomes the static friction is applied to the carriage assembly to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

[0077] Example 13. A passenger seat according to Example 8 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the track member includes a longitudinal axis and the at least one adjustable roller element is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0078] Example 14. A passenger seat according to Example 8 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the bracket assembly further comprises a friction adjustment member connected to the movable attachment member and moving the friction adjustment member adjusts the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0079] Example 15. A method for adjusting the friction of an adjustable friction slider assembly (the method may be combined with the features of any preceding or subsequent example), the method comprising: connecting a bracket assembly to a track member, the bracket assembly comprising a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements comprising at least one adjustable roller element; and moving the at least one adjustable roller element relative to the track member to adjust the friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

[0080] Example 16. The method of example 15 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein the friction is adjusted based on a movable subassembly coupled to the carriage assembly.

[0081] Example 17. A method according to Example 15 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein moving the at least one adjustable roller element includes moving a movable attachment member, and wherein the movable attachment member couples the at least one adjustable roller element to the bracket assembly.

[0082] Example 18. The method of Example 15 or any preceding or subsequent example, wherein moving the at least one adjustable roller element relative to the track member includes moving the at least one adjustable roller element in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the track member.

[0083] Example 19. The method of Example 15 or any preceding or subsequent example, further comprising applying a kinetic force to the carriage assembly to overcome static friction between the carriage assembly and the track member to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

[0084] Example 20. The method according to Example 19 or any preceding example further includes: removing the motive force from the bracket assembly; and maintaining the bracket assembly in a position along the track member, at which position the motive force is removed due to static friction between the bracket assembly and the track member.

[0085] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Similarly, some features and subcombinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and subcombinations. The embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or shown in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable friction slider assembly comprising: a track member forming a portion of a seat back cover; as well as a carriage assembly movably coupled to the track member, the carriage assembly comprising: support components; a plurality of roller elements movably coupled to the track member and coupled to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element coupled to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein the movable attachment member includes a portion configured to be coupled through an opening in the bracket member to the at least one adjustable roller element, wherein the movable attachment member is moved to adjust friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

2. The adjustable friction slider assembly of claim 1 further comprising a movable subassembly coupled to the bracket member, wherein: The friction is adjusted based on the movable subassembly.

3. The adjustable friction slider assembly of claim 2, wherein: The movable subassembly includes a headrest, a video monitor, a tray table, or a portable electronic device holder.

4. The adjustable friction slider assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The friction includes static friction that maintains the carriage assembly in a position along the track member, and a motive force that overcomes the static friction is applied to the carriage assembly to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

5. The adjustable friction slider assembly of claim 1 , wherein: Each roller element of the plurality of roller elements includes at least one flanged edge, and the at least one flanged edge forms a groove that captures the track member.

6. The adjustable friction slider assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The track member has a longitudinal axis, and the at least one adjustable roller element is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

7. The adjustable friction slider assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The carriage assembly also includes a friction adjustment member coupled to the movable attachment member and moving the friction adjustment member to adjust friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

8. A passenger seat comprising an adjustable friction slider assembly, the adjustable friction slider assembly comprising: a track member coupled to the passenger seat and forming a portion of a seat back cover; as well as a carriage assembly movably coupled to the track member, the carriage assembly comprising: support components; a plurality of roller elements movably coupled to the track member and coupled to the bracket member using a plurality of attachment members, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element coupled to the bracket member using a movable attachment member, wherein the movable attachment member includes a portion configured to be coupled through an opening in the bracket member to the at least one adjustable roller element, wherein the movable attachment member is moved to adjust friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

9. The passenger seat according to claim 8, wherein: The passenger seat further includes a movable subassembly coupled to the bracket member, wherein the friction is adjusted based on the movable subassembly.

10. The passenger seat according to claim 9, wherein: The movable subassembly includes a headrest, a video monitor, a tray table, or a portable electronic device holder.

11. The passenger seat according to claim 8, wherein: The friction includes static friction that maintains the carriage assembly in a position along the track member, and a motive force that overcomes the static friction is applied to the carriage assembly to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

12. The passenger seat according to claim 8, wherein: Each roller element of the plurality of roller elements includes at least one flanged edge, and the at least one flanged edge forms a groove that captures the track member.

13. The passenger seat according to claim 8, wherein: The track member includes a longitudinal axis, and the at least one adjustable roller element is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

14. The passenger seat according to claim 8, wherein: The carriage assembly also includes a friction adjustment member coupled to the movable attachment member and moving the friction adjustment member to adjust friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

15. A method for adjusting friction of an adjustable friction slider assembly, comprising: coupling a bracket assembly to a track member, the track member forming a portion of a seat back cover, the bracket assembly comprising a plurality of roller elements, the plurality of roller elements including at least one adjustable roller element, at least one attachment member, wherein the attachment member includes a portion configured to be coupled through a bracket member to an opening in the at least one adjustable roller element; as well as The at least one adjustable roller element is moved relative to the track member to adjust friction between the plurality of roller elements and the track member.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The friction is adjusted based on a movable subassembly coupled to the carriage assembly.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Moving the at least one adjustable roller element includes moving a movable attachment member, and wherein the movable attachment member couples the at least one adjustable roller element to the carriage assembly.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein Moving the at least one adjustable roller element relative to the track member includes moving the at least one adjustable roller element in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the track member.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying a motive force to the carriage assembly that overcomes static friction between the carriage assembly and the track member to move the carriage assembly along the track member.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: removing the motive force from the carriage assembly; as well as The carriage assembly is maintained in a position along the track member where the motive force is removed due to static friction between the carriage assembly and the track member.

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