Structural shield assembly for passenger seats

Abstract

A structural shield assembly for a passenger seat includes a structural shield having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central cavity located between the first end and the second end. An armrest pivot can be supported at the first end of the structural shield. In some cases, the structural shield can be an armrest. In other cases, the structural shield is an upper spreader for the passenger seat, the upper spreader being configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat and a lower spreader configured to receive at least one seat cross beam tube attached to the upper spreader.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to seats for passenger vehicles and more particularly to structural assemblies of various components for such seats. Background Art

[0002] Passenger vehicles (e.g., airplanes, buses, trains, ships, and automobiles) include passenger seats that passengers may sit in or otherwise use during travel. Existing passenger seats include multiple structural components at different locations on the passenger seat. For example, a spreader may serve as an interface to which various components of the passenger seat (e.g., armrests, seat backs, tables, leg assemblies, etc.) are connected. This typical / conventional configuration brings limitations such as a high number of components, material waste, and a compromise between optimization and manufacturability. Summary of the invention

[0003] The terms "invention," "present invention," "this invention," and "current invention" as used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent and the following patent claims. Statements 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. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims rather than 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 following detailed description section. 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 certain embodiments of the present invention, an expander assembly for a passenger seat includes a lower expander and an upper expander. The lower expander is configured to receive at least one seat cross-beam tube. The upper expander is attached to the lower expander and extends away from the lower expander so that an end of the upper expander is spaced apart from the lower expander. In various embodiments, the upper expander defines a central cavity extending through the upper expander, and the upper expander is configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat.

[0005] In some embodiments, the upper spreader includes a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity. In various embodiments, the lower spreader extends in a forward and backward direction, and the upper spreader assembly extends in a vertical direction relative to the lower spreader. In some cases, the spreader assembly also includes an armrest pivot supported at an end of the upper spreader that is spaced apart from the lower spreader. In some embodiments, the spreader assembly also includes an interface support that supports the armrest pivot at an end of the upper spreader that is spaced apart from the lower spreader.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the spreader assembly includes a table stop formed integrally with the upper spreader.In various cases, the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader is different from the cross-sectional shape of the upper spreader.

[0007] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a structural assembly for a passenger seat includes a structural shield and an armrest pivot. The structural shield includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central cavity between the first end and the second end. In various embodiments, the first end defines an opening to the central cavity. The armrest pivot is supported at the first end of the structural shield.

[0008] In various embodiments, the structural shield is an armrest. In some embodiments, the structural shield is an upper spreader for a passenger seat and is configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat. In such embodiments, the structural assembly may also include a lower spreader configured to receive at least one seat cross-beam tube and attached to the upper spreader. In various embodiments, the lower spreader extends away from the upper spreader in a forward direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the structural assembly includes an interface support supporting an armrest pivot at a first end of the structural shield. In various examples, the structural shield includes a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity.

[0010] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat assembly includes an expander assembly having a lower expander and an upper expander. The lower expander extends in a forward direction and defines a frontmost portion of the expander assembly. The upper expander is attached to the lower expander and extends in a vertical direction relative to the lower expander. The upper expander defines the uppermost portion of the expander assembly and is hollow. In certain embodiments, the upper expander is configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat assembly.

[0011] In various embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the upper spreader is different from the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader. In some cases, the passenger seat assembly includes a seat back supported by the upper spreader, and the lower spreader is configured to be attached to at least the seat cross tube. In some cases, the upper spreader includes a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity, so that the upper spreader is hollow.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper spreader is attached to the rear of the lower spreader. In various cases, the upper spreader is the rearmost portion of the spreader assembly. The passenger seat assembly may also include an armrest pivot supported at an end of the upper spreader opposite the lower spreader. In some cases, the table stop may be integrally formed with the upper spreader. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a side view of a passenger seat according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a spreader assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A stereoscopic view of the expander assembly.

[0016] Figure 4 is a side view of a spreader assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view of the lower spreader of the spreader assembly.

[0018] Figure 6 is a side view of a spreader assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Rear view of the spreader assembly.

[0020] Figure 8 is an exploded view of an armrest assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory 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 among or between the various steps or elements, unless the order of the various steps or the arrangement of the elements is explicitly described.

[0022] The described embodiments of the present invention provide a structural assembly having a structural cover for a passenger seat. The structural assembly includes, but is not limited to, openers, armrests, and in-flight entertainment system covers. Although the structural assemblies are discussed for use with aircraft seats, they are by no means limited thereto. Rather, embodiments of the structural assembly may be used with passenger seats or any other type of seat, or may be used in other desired ways.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the passenger seat assembly 100 may include a seat base 102 and one or more seat backs 104 supported relative to the seat base 102. The number of seat backs 104 should not be considered a limitation of the present invention. In various examples, the number of seat backs 104 corresponds to the number of passengers that the passenger seat can carry, and each seat back 104 and the corresponding portion of the seat base 102 define a specific passenger seat 126. Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the passenger seat assembly 100 can carry one passenger and therefore has one seat back 104 and one passenger seat 126. However, in other examples, the passenger seat assembly 100 can carry any desired number of passengers, such as one passenger, two passengers, three passengers, four passengers or any other desired number of passengers. In these examples, the passenger seat assembly 100 can also have any desired number of corresponding seat backs 104.

[0024] The seat base 102 of the passenger seat assembly 100 generally includes a leg assembly 108 and at least one base frame tube 110. The seat base 102 may also include a support frame 106, an armrest 112, an opener 114, a luggage rack 116 or other components. A cushioning portion (not shown) may be provided on any component of the seat base 102.

[0025] The seat back 104 is connected to the seat base 102 and can generally pivot relative to the seat base 102 so that the seat back 104 can be positioned in various positions, such as a taxi-takeoff-landing (TTL) position, a reclined position, etc. In certain aspects, the seat back 104 is connected to the seat base 102 via an opener 114. The seat back 104 includes a frame member 118 having a front side 120 and a rear side 122. In some cases, other components of the passenger seat assembly 100, such as a tray table 124, an in-flight entertainment system display, or various other components, can be supported on and / or relative to the seat back 104. In some cases, other components, such as the tray table 124, can be pivotally connected to the opener 114, and the tray table 124 can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the rear side 122 of the seat back 104. A cushioning portion (not shown) can be provided on any component of the seat back 104.

[0026] Various structural components of the seat base 102 and / or seat back 104 can be subjected to different types of loads or forces when in use. As a non-limiting example, with respect to the spreader 114, a lower portion of the spreader 114 (e.g., the portion that engages the base frame tube 110) can be subjected to a tensile load or tension during use, and an upper portion of the spreader 114 (e.g., the portion that is connected to the seat back 104) can be subjected to a push load during use. Other structural components of the seat base 102 and / or seat back 104 include, but are not limited to, armrests and in-flight entertainment system covers. In some aspects, as discussed in detail below, one or more structural components may include a structural cover.

[0027] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of an expander assembly 214 having an upper expander 226 and a lower expander 228 is shown. Similar to the expander 114, the expander assembly 214 is configured to connect a seat back with a seat base and support various other components such as a tray table. In various embodiments, and as discussed below, the upper expander 226 is configured to engage with and / or support a seat back of a passenger seat and / or other components such as a tray table and can withstand push loads during use, and the lower expander 228 is configured to engage with the base frame tube 110 and can withstand pull loads during use.

[0028] In various embodiments, the upper spreader 226 is a structural shield 230 having a first end 232 and a second end 234 opposite the first end 232. The specific shape of the structural shield 230 should not be considered as limiting the present invention. The structural shield 230 also has an inner surface 246 and an outer surface 248 extending from the first end 232 to the second end 234. Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the inner surface 246 defines a central cavity 236, so that the structural shield 230 is hollow along the length of the structural shield 230. In other words, due to the central cavity 236, the cross-sectional shape of the structural shield 230 can have a hollow center. In various examples, at least one of the first end 232 or the second end 234 defines an opening that provides access to the central cavity 236. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In an embodiment, the first end 232 includes a first opening 238 providing access to the central cavity 236, and the second end 234 includes a second opening 240 providing access to the central cavity 236. Optionally, an intermediate opening 278 between the first end 232 and the second end 234 provides access to the central cavity 236. In some non-limiting examples, components of the passenger seat assembly, including but not limited to power outlets, USB outlets, or other amenities or components of the passenger seat, can be disposed in the intermediate opening 278. In some aspects, the first end 232 can be the topmost of the assembled upper and lower spreaders 226 and 228. In some embodiments, a reinforcement or reinforcing member 251 can be optionally provided on the structural shield 230. As desired, the reinforcement or reinforcing member 251 can be disposed on the inner surface 246 and / or the outer surface 248 and can reinforce the structural shield 230. In various embodiments, the reinforcement or reinforcing member 251 can be a separate component attached to the structural shield or can be formed integrally with the structural shield.

[0029] In some embodiments, the structural shield 230 includes a first shield 242 and a second shield 244 connected to the first shield 242. In various cases, the first shield 242 can be connected to the second shield 244 via various suitable devices or mechanisms as needed, so that the second shield 244 can be selectively removed from the first shield 242 (e.g., to allow for greater access to the central cavity 236). As a non-limiting example, the second shield 244 can be removably connected to the first shield 242 via mechanical fasteners so that cables or wiring or other features within the central cavity 236 can be accessed as needed. The structural shield 230 can be constructed of various suitable materials, including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, aramid fiber, polycarbonate, polypropylene, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials. In a non-limiting example, the structural shield 230 is constructed of a reinforced plastic such as a sheet molded composite material.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the lower spreader 228 includes a front end 254 and a rear end 256 opposite the front end 254. The specific shape of the lower spreader 228 should not be considered to be a limitation of the present invention. Compared to the upper spreader 226, the lower spreader 228 does not include an inner surface and / or a central cavity extending along the length of the lower spreader. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader 228 can be different from the cross-sectional shape of the upper spreader 226. In some non-limiting embodiments, the center of the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader 228 can be solid, rather than where the hole for the base frame tube (discussed below) is located. In some aspects, the front end 254 can be the frontmost portion of the spreader assembly 214. In various aspects, the rear end 256 can be the rearmost and / or lowermost portion of the spreader assembly 214, although it does not need to be the rearmost and / or lowermost. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 2 , a portion of the upper spreader 226 extends behind the rear end 256. In other embodiments, the lower spreader 228 can be a structural shield similar to the structural shield 230 and can define a central cavity such that the lower spreader 228 is hollow. In such embodiments, the lower spreader 228 can be a separate component connected to the upper spreader 226 via various suitable connectors or connection mechanisms as desired, or the lower spreader 228 and the upper spreader 226 can be formed as a monolithic or integral component.

[0031] In various embodiments, the lower spreader 228 includes one or more holes 258 defined through the thickness of the lower spreader 228 between the front end 254 and the rear end 256 that receive and engage a base frame tube of the passenger seat assembly. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower spreader 228 includes two holes 258. In other embodiments, other suitable interfaces for the base frame tube can be provided. The lower spreader 228 can also include interfaces for other components of the seat base of the passenger seat assembly as needed. The lower spreader 228 can be made of various materials suitable for engaging the base frame tube and the upper spreader 226 as needed.

[0032] The upper spreader 226 can be connected to the lower spreader 228 near the second end 234. In various examples, the lower spreader 228 can include an interface 266 that can be used to connect the upper spreader 226 to the lower spreader 228. Figure 2 Best shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, the interface 266 includes a ridge 268 with a fixing hole 270. Various other types of interfaces 266 can be used as desired, and need not include a ridge 268 and / or a fixing hole 270. In some cases, the lower spreader 228 can be partially received within the central cavity 236, although this is not required in other examples (see, for example, Figure 4 ). The upper spreader 226 can be connected to the lower spreader 228 via various suitable devices or mechanisms as needed, including but not limited to mechanical fasteners.

[0033] In some cases, connectors and / or other components that engage with features of the seat back may optionally be disposed on the structural shield 230 and extend outwardly from the outer surface 248. Such connectors and / or other components may be connected to the structural shield 230 via various suitable mechanisms or devices as desired, or they may be integrally or unitarily formed with the structural shield 230. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the structural shield 230 includes a table pivot 250 and a table stop 252 that are integrally formed with the structural shield 230 .

[0034] Alternatively, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the spreader assembly 214 includes an armrest pivot 260 supported near the first end 232 of the upper spreader 226. The armrest pivot 260 can be connected to the upper spreader 226 via various suitable devices or mechanisms as needed. In some aspects, the armrest pivot 260 includes one or more pivot slots 262, which can be connected to the armrest so that the armrest can pivot relative to the spreader assembly 214.

[0035] The spreader assembly 214, which may be referred to as a "split" spreader assembly, has advantages over conventional spreaders. In one aspect, the split spreader assembly 214 can maximize the inertia of the upper spreader 226 and reduce the mass required to achieve the required stiffness to withstand forces from the armrests, seat backs, etc. The split spreader assembly 214 can also optionally reduce the number of parts required for the spreader by embedding one or more components (e.g., reinforcements, table stops, pivots, etc.) into the structural shield. In some cases, the split spreader assembly 214 can reduce the amount of material waste caused by the typical crescent shape of conventional spreaders. The split spreader assembly 214 can also optimize the stiffness and strength requirements of the portion that engages the armrests, seat backs, etc. independently of the stiffness and strength requirements of the portion that engages the base frame tube and needs to withstand a 16G load.

[0036] Figure 4 and Figure 5Another embodiment of a spreader assembly 414 is shown that is substantially similar to the spreader assembly 214 and includes an upper spreader 426 and a lower spreader 428. The upper spreader 426 is similar to the upper spreader 226 and includes a structural shield 430. Compared to the upper spreader 226, the structural shield 430 of the upper spreader 426 has a different shape than the structural shield 230, and the structural shield 430 is unitary and does not include the first shield 242 and the second shield 244. Figure 4 As shown, an interface member 464 can connect the armrest pivot 260 to the upper spreader 426. The lower spreader 428 is substantially similar to the lower spreader 428, except that the interface 266 includes a ridge 468 having two fixing holes 270.

[0037] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Yet another embodiment of a spreader assembly 614 is shown that is substantially similar to the spreader assembly 214 and includes an upper spreader 626 and a lower spreader 628. The upper spreader 626 is similar to the upper spreader 226 and includes a structural shield 630. Compared to the upper spreader 226, the structural shield 630 of the upper spreader 626 has a different shape than the structural shield 230, and the structural shield 630 is unitary and does not include the first shield 242 and the second shield 244. The lower spreader 428 is substantially similar to the lower spreader 428, except that the interface 266 includes a platform 672 that engages the upper spreader 626 and secures the lower spreader 628 to the upper spreader 626 without the need for separate fasteners or other connecting devices. In contrast to the spreader assembly 214 , the table pivot 650 and table stop 652 are separate components from the structural shield 630 that are supported on the structural shield 630 .

[0038] Figure 8 An example of a handrail 812 having a structural shield 830 is shown. Similar to the structural shield 230, the structural shield 830 includes a first shield 842 and a second shield 844. In contrast to the structural shield 230, the second end 234 of the structural shield 830 does not include the second opening 240. Figure 8 In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the middle opening 278 is configured to receive an actuator 874 of the armrest 812 , and a cable 876 for the actuator 874 may be housed within the central cavity 236 .

[0039] A collection of exemplary embodiments is provided below, including at least some explicitly listed "examples" that provide additional descriptions of various exemplary embodiments according to the concepts described herein. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting; and the present disclosure is not limited to these exemplary examples, but encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0040] Example 1. An opener assembly for a passenger seat, the opener assembly comprising: a lower opener, the lower opener being configured to receive at least one seat cross beam tube; and an upper opener, the upper opener being attached to the lower opener and extending away from the lower opener so that an end of the upper opener is spaced apart from the lower opener, wherein the upper opener defines a central cavity extending through the upper opener, and wherein the upper opener is configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat.

[0041] Example 2. The spreader assembly of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the upper spreader comprises a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and wherein the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity.

[0042] Example 3. The spreader assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the lower spreader extends in a forward and rearward direction, and wherein the upper spreader assembly extends in a vertical direction relative to the lower spreader.

[0043] Example 4. The spreader assembly of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising an armrest pivot supported at an end of the upper spreader spaced apart from the lower spreader.

[0044] Example 5. The spreader assembly of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising an interface support, wherein the interface support supports an armrest pivot at an end of the upper spreader spaced apart from the lower spreader.

[0045] Example 6. The spreader assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising a table stopper formed integrally with the upper spreader.

[0046] Example 7. The spreader assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader is different from the cross-sectional shape of the upper spreader.

[0047] Example 8. A structural assembly for a passenger seat, the structural assembly comprising: a structural shield including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central cavity located between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end defines an opening to the central cavity; and an armrest pivot supported at the first end of the structural shield.

[0048] Example 9. The structural assembly of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the structural shield is a handrail.

[0049] Example 10. A structural assembly according to any prior or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the structural shield is an upper spreader for a passenger seat, the upper spreader being configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat, and wherein the structural assembly further comprises: a lower spreader being configured to receive at least one seat cross beam tube, wherein the upper spreader is attached to the lower spreader, and wherein the lower spreader extends away from the upper spreader in a forward direction.

[0050] Example 11. The structural assembly of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising an interface support, wherein the interface support supports the armrest pivot at the first end of the structural shroud.

[0051] Example 12. The structural assembly of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the structural shield comprises a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and wherein the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity.

[0052] Example 13. A passenger seat assembly, the passenger seat assembly including an expander assembly, the expander assembly comprising: a lower expander extending in a forward direction and defining a forwardmost portion of the expander assembly; and an upper expander attached to the lower expander and extending in a vertical direction relative to the lower expander, wherein the upper expander defines an uppermost portion of the expander assembly, wherein the upper expander is hollow, and wherein the upper expander is configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat assembly.

[0053] Example 14. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the upper spreader is different than the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader.

[0054] Example 15. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising a seat back supported by an upper spreader, and wherein the lower spreader is configured to be attachable to at least the seat cross tube.

[0055] Example 16. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the upper spreader includes a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and wherein the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity such that the upper spreader is hollow.

[0056] Example 17. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the upper spreader is attached to a rear portion of the lower spreader.

[0057] Example 18. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the upper spreader is the rearmost portion of the spreader assembly.

[0058] Example 19. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising an armrest pivot supported at an end of the upper spreader opposite the lower spreader.

[0059] Example 20. A passenger seat assembly according to any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising a table stop formed integrally with the upper spreader.

[0060] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, and of the 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 invention have been described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A passenger seat assembly, the passenger seat assembly comprising an opener assembly, the opener assembly comprising: a lower spreader extending in a forward direction and defining a forward-most portion of the spreader assembly, the lower spreader including a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, the lower spreader including one or more apertures formed through a thickness of the lower spreader between the front end and the rear end, the apertures receiving and engaging one or more base frame tubes of the passenger seat assembly; as well as an upper spreader attached to the lower spreader and extending in a vertical direction relative to the lower spreader, wherein the upper spreader is a structural shield having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the upper spreader defines an uppermost portion of the spreader assembly, and wherein the upper spreader is configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat assembly such that a feature that engages the seat back is disposed on the structural shield, Wherein, the upper spreader is hollow, the structural shield includes an inner surface and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end, the inner surface defines a central cavity, so that the structural shield is hollow along the length of the structural shield.

2. The passenger seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the upper spreader is different from the cross-sectional shape of the lower spreader.

3. The passenger seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising the seat back supported by the upper expander, and wherein: The lower spreader is configured to be attachable to at least the seat cross member tube.

4. The passenger seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The upper spreader includes a first shield and a second shield attached to the first shield, and wherein the first shield and the second shield together define a central cavity such that the upper spreader is hollow.

5. The passenger seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The upper spreader is attached to a rear portion of the lower spreader.

6. The passenger seat assembly of claim 5, wherein: The upper spreader is the rearmost part of the spreader assembly.

7. The passenger seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising an armrest pivot supported at an end of the upper spreader opposite the lower spreader.

8. The passenger seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising a table stop formed integrally with the upper spreader.

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