Pilot seat assembly, method of assembling same, and aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a pilot seat assembly, a method of assembling the same and an aircraft. A pilot seat assembly includes a track, a support base, a deck, and a seat. The track is mounted on a floor of the vehicle and defines a travel path from a front end of the track to a rear end of the track. A support base is coupled to the track and is selectively movable along a path of travel. The seat plate is mounted to the support base and is selectively movable in an outboard direction and an inboard direction relative to the support base. The seat is mounted on the seat plate such that the seat plate is between the seat and the support base. A seat back portion of the seat is selectively tiltable relative to a seat bottom portion of the seat to transition the pilot seat assembly between a control position and a rest position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to pilot seats on vehicles, such as aircraft, and more particularly to pilot seats designed to enable an occupant to transition between an upright control position and a reclined resting position. Background Art

[0002] Commercial aircraft cockpit accommodations typically provide main seats for two pilots. Some aircraft have an area designated as a crew rest area outside the cockpit. In long-distance flights, multiple crew members (pilots and co-pilots) may be assigned to ensure that pilot rest requirements are met. A crew member can keep the aircraft flying while another crew member rests in an alternative location. Allowing crew members to rest during flight may be beneficial for several reasons, such as providing improved comfort and productivity for pilots, which can lead to better service for passengers and improved compliance with regulations. However, from a revenue generation perspective, it may be undesirable to allocate space outside the cockpit specifically for crew rest. For example, compared to flights that omit dedicated crew rest areas, commercial airlines may not be able to accommodate as many passengers and / or cargo as there are dedicated rest areas. In addition, some vehicles (such as narrow-body aircraft) may simply not have enough space to provide dedicated crew rest areas. Summary of the invention

[0003] A need exists for a pilot seat assembly having an integrated resting capability to enable a pilot to rest while in a seat within a cockpit, cockpit, or other area where the pilot controls the movement of an aircraft or other vehicle.

[0004] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pilot seat assembly, which includes a track, a support base, a seat panel, and a seat. The track is mounted on the floor of a vehicle and defines a travel path from the front end of the track to the rear end of the track. The support base is coupled to the track and can be selectively moved along the travel path. The seat panel is mounted to the support base and can be selectively moved in an outboard direction and an inboard direction relative to the support base. The outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to the travel path defined by the track. The seat is mounted on the seat panel so that the seat panel is between the seat and the support base. The seat includes a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion. The seat back portion can be selectively tilted relative to the seat bottom portion to allow the pilot seat assembly to transition between a control position and a rest position.

[0005] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aircraft including a pilot seat assembly in a cockpit of the aircraft. The pilot seat assembly includes a track, a support base, a seat plate, and a seat. The track is mounted on the floor of the cockpit and defines a linear travel path from the front end of the track to the rear end of the track. The linear travel path is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft fuselage. The support base is coupled to the track and can be selectively moved along the linear travel path. The seat plate is mounted to the support base and can be selectively moved in an outboard direction and an inboard direction relative to the support base. The outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to the linear travel path defined by the track. The seat is mounted on the seat plate so that the seat plate is between the seat and the support base. The seat includes a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion. The pilot seat assembly is configured to transition from a control position for the pilot to control the aircraft to a rest position by means of a seat back portion tilted relative to the seat bottom portion and a support base moving toward the rear end of the track.

[0006] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for assembling a pilot seat assembly. The method includes mounting a track on a floor of a vehicle. The track defines a travel path from a front end of the track to a rear end of the track. The method includes coupling a support base to the track so that the support base can selectively move along the travel path. The method includes mounting a seat plate to the support base so that the seat plate can selectively move in an outboard direction and an inboard direction relative to the support base. The outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to the travel path defined by the track. The method includes mounting a seat on the seat plate so that the seat plate is located between the seat and the support base. The seat includes a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion. The seat back portion can be selectively tilted relative to the seat bottom portion to allow the pilot seat assembly to transition between a control position and a rest position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram of a pilot seat assembly is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 A pilot seat assembly is shown according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 A first pilot seat assembly and a second pilot seat assembly are shown within a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective view of an aircraft is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A top view of a cockpit of an aircraft is shown according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 An end view of a cockpit looking in a forward direction is shown according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view of a pilot seat assembly in a control position is shown according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method of assembling a pilot seat assembly according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above overview and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood to not necessarily exclude the plural number of elements or steps. In addition, reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also combine the features. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "include" or "have" an element or multiple elements with a specific attribute may include additional elements that do not have the attribute.

[0017] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pilot seat assembly for a vehicle. The pilot seat assembly is used (e.g., occupied) by a pilot. The pilot is certified to control the movement of the vehicle. The pilot seat assembly is located within the control area of ​​the vehicle. The control area of ​​an airplane is the cockpit (e.g., the cockpit deck). The control area of ​​a truck is the cab. The pilot can sit on the pilot seat assembly to control the movement of the vehicle. In the embodiments described herein, the pilot seat assembly has a dual function. For example, when the pilot is monitoring and controlling the movement of the vehicle, the pilot seat assembly provides support and limits the traditional role of the pilot. The pilot seat assembly integrates a rest feature to also serve as a crew rest facility for the pilot. For example, the pilot seat assembly tilts and switches from a control position to a rest position. By incorporating the crew rest aspect into the pilot seat assembly, the pilot rest is incorporated into the space currently allocated for the pilot seat assembly. For example, the pilot can rest without leaving the cockpit, cab, or other control area of ​​the vehicle controlled by the pilot. Moreover, the vehicle does not need to designate an area outside the control area for pilot rest, so the vehicle can use the space for revenue-generating purposes (e.g., increasing the number of passengers and / or cargo). As described herein, providing crew rest in the cockpit area can also reduce the number of flight crew occupants for long-haul flights. In addition, since the human pilot is arranged in a safe cockpit, placing the pilot in a rest position in the cockpit can provide safety and security benefits during potential future autopilot operations.

[0018] The pilot seat assembly can be selectively moved between a control state, a rest state, and an entry / exit state. The control state of the pilot seat assembly refers to the typical position of the seat occupied by a pilot who actively monitors the movement of the vehicle and controls the movement of the vehicle. For example, the seat back can be upright, and the seat is positioned so that the pilot sitting in the seat can see the windshield and display devices and can easily achieve and manipulate control input devices (e.g., yoke, steering wheel, side stick, thrust lever, rudder pedal, throttle, etc.). The control state of the pilot seat assembly can be adjusted so that when the pilot sits in the pilot seat assembly, the pilot achieves an eye reference position or a designed eye point to easily interact with various vehicle systems. The rest state of the pilot seat assembly refers to a seat in which the seat back is tilted relative to the pilot seat assembly in the control state and is recessed in the rearward direction. For example, the seat back portion can be tilted at least 40 degrees relative to the upward vertical direction, which enables the pilot to achieve a supine or generally supine lying position, which is more conducive to rest than the upright sitting position of the pilot in the control state. The seat moves in a rearward direction in the stationary state to allow the pilot to stretch and extend his or her legs (e.g., at least to a greater extent than when the pilot seat assembly is in the control state). The pilot seat assembly may include a calf support structure on which the pilot's legs may rest when in the resting state. The entry / exit state refers to the seat being oriented upright like the control state, but laterally offset from the control state. The positioning of the pilot seat assembly in the entry / exit state provides space for the pilot to rise and exit the seat, as well as space for the pilot to approach and sit in the seat. For example, a pilot of an aircraft may move the pilot seat assembly laterally in an outboard direction to the entry / exit position to enable the pilot to walk between the pilot seat assembly and a center channel support or console of the cockpit. The pilot may selectively and repeatedly convert the seat between the control, stationary, and entry / exit states by actuating one or more adjustment mechanisms.

[0019] Known pilot seats are not capable of selectively moving between a control state, a rest state, and an entry / exit state. Such known pilot seats have a limited range of motion in the fore-and-aft direction and in the tilt direction. For example, some pilot seats are mounted in a fixed (e.g., static, immovable) position on the floor, and any movement in the fore-and-aft direction is essentially limited to seat pan adjustment. Other pilot seats are mounted to the floor using a short J-shaped track. The short J-shaped track does not enable the pilot seat to move a sufficient distance in the fore-and-aft direction to switch between the control state and the rest state.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle on which the pilot seat assembly is installed is an aircraft. For example, the pilot seat assembly is installed in the cockpit. In an embodiment, the pilot seat assembly is designed to comply with Class III crew rest facilities when in a resting state (e.g., resting position). Class III crew rest facilities are defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. For example, Class III rest facilities are defined as seats in an aircraft cabin or cockpit that are tilted at least 40 degrees and provide leg and foot support. Although several embodiments show and describe pilot seat assemblies installed in aircraft, the pilot seat assembly is not limited to aircraft applications and can be installed in other types of vehicles. For example, the pilot seat assembly can be used for trucks, mining vehicles, ships, rail vehicles, etc.

[0021] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a block diagram of a pilot seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 A pilot seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Unless otherwise specified, the following description refers to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both. Pilot seat assembly 100 includes seat 102, seat pan 104, support base 106 and track 108. Seat 102 includes seat back portion 110 and seat bottom portion 112. Seat 102 may also include restraints 114 and armrests 116. A user sits on seat bottom portion 112. The user is typically a pilot of a vehicle and is referred to herein as a pilot. Seat back portion 110 extends from seat bottom portion 112 and supports the pilot's back. Restraints 114 selectively secure the pilot in seat 102. Restraints 114 may be seat belts, seat belts, etc. Armrests 116 are platforms on which the pilot in seat 102 can rest his or her arms. Armrests 116 may be secured to seat back portion 110 or seat bottom portion 112.

[0022] The seat 102 is mounted on a seat pan 104. The seat pan 104 is mounted on a support base 106. The seat pan 104 may be disposed between the seat 102 and the support base 106. The support base 106 is mounted to a track 108. The track 108 is mounted along the floor of the vehicle and is fixed in position relative to the vehicle. The track 108 defines a travel path 120 along which the support base 106 can selectively and repeatedly translate. When the support base 106 moves along the travel path of the track 108, the seat pan 104 and the seat 102 move with the support base 106. Therefore, the movement of the support base 106 relative to the track 108 causes the seat 102 and the pilot thereon to translate relative to the vehicle. The translational motion described herein refers to motion along at least one plane, rather than simply rotating along an axis. The seat pan 104 may be an intermediate support structure that allows the seat 102 to move relative to the support base 106 and the track 108. The seat pan 104 may enable the seat 102 to translate laterally relative to the support base 106. For example, the pilot may use the seat pan 104 to move the seat 102 in an outboard direction to allow the pilot to enter and / or exit the path of the seat 102. Alternatively, the seat pan 104 or support base 106 may enable the seat 102 to move vertically to adjust to the height of the pilot.

[0023] The pilot seat assembly 100 may include one or more adjustment mechanisms 118 that can be actuated by the pilot to selectively adjust the position of the seat 102 relative to the track 108 and the vehicle. For example, a first adjustment mechanism 118a can be incorporated into the support base 106 and can be actuated to provide movement of the support base 106 (and the seat pan 104 and the seat 102) along the travel path 120 of the track 108. A second adjustment mechanism 118b can be incorporated into the seat pan 104 and can be actuated to provide lateral movement of the seat pan 104 (and the seat 102) in an outboard direction and an inboard direction for entry and exit of the pilot. A third adjustment mechanism 118c can be incorporated into the seat 102 and can be actuated to change the tilt angle of the seat back portion 110 relative to the seat bottom portion 112. For example, to convert the pilot seat assembly 100 from a control state or position to a rest state or position, the pilot may actuate the first adjustment mechanism 118a to translate the support base 106 in a rearward direction relative to the vehicle and may actuate the third adjustment mechanism 118c to tilt the seat back portion 110. Optionally, the pilot seat assembly 100 may include at least a fourth adjustment mechanism for changing the height of the seat 102 relative to the track 108 and / or changing the tilt angle of the seat bottom portion 112. The fourth adjustment mechanism may be incorporated into the seat pan 104 or alternatively incorporated into the support base 106.

[0024] In an embodiment, at least some of the adjustment mechanisms 118 are powered by mechanical actuators. For example, the pilot may actuate an input device 122 of the adjustment mechanism 118. The input device 122 may control the actuator to automatically advance the movement of the corresponding portion of the pilot seat assembly 100 in a controlled direction and speed. The input device 122 may be a lever, button, switch, etc., which is mounted along the side of the pilot seat assembly 100 within the reach of the pilot sitting on the seat 102. Different adjustment mechanisms 118 may include different, separate input devices 122 mounted along the side of the pilot seat assembly 100. At least some of the input devices 122 may be mounted along the side of the seat bottom portion 112, the side of the seat pan 104, and / or the side of the support base 106. Alternatively or additionally, the input device for adjusting the position may be on the dashboard, control panel, or display panel of the vehicle within the reach of the driver sitting on the seat 102. The actuator may be electric.

[0025] Optionally, one or more of the adjustment mechanisms 118 may include a control device that includes hardware circuitry, such as one or more processors. The control device may receive a user input signal in response to the pilot manually pressing or otherwise actuating an input device 122. In response to receiving the user input signal, the control device may generate a control signal that controls an actuator to move a corresponding portion of the pilot seat assembly 100 (e.g., the seat 102, the seat pan 104, or the support base 106) at a specified speed in a specified direction. Optionally, the control device may control the actuator to move the seat 102, the seat pan 104, or the support base 106 a specified distance to achieve a preset state or position of the component. The seat 102 of the pilot seat assembly 100 may be in a Figure 2In an embodiment, a pilot sitting in the seat 102 in the upright control position may actuate the first input device 122a, which causes the pilot seat assembly 100 to automatically transition to the rest position. For example, the first input device 122a may trigger a controller device to control a first actuator in the support base 106 to move the support base 106 in a rearward direction relative to the track 108 and control a second actuator in the seat 102 to tilt the seat back portion 110 relative to the seat bottom portion 112. These dual movements may be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, these movements may be performed sequentially. In another embodiment, the pilot may transition the pilot seat assembly 100 from the control position to the rest position by actuating the first input device 122a of the first adjustment mechanism 118a and the second input device 122b of the second adjustment mechanism 118b. For example, the first input device 122a may trigger the first actuator to move the support base 106 rearwardly along the track 108, and the second input device 122b may trigger the second actuator to automatically recline the seat back portion 110 of the seat 102 to achieve a rest position.

[0026] In an embodiment, at least some of the adjustment mechanisms 118 include biasing elements rather than powered actuators. The biasing elements may include springs, tension, compressed air, hydraulic fluid, etc. to apply a biasing force on a corresponding portion of the pilot seat assembly 100. For example, the support base 106 may include a first adjustment mechanism 118a, which includes one or more biasing elements that apply a biasing force on the support base 106 toward a front end (e.g., front end) 124 of the track 108. Therefore, the support base 106 may be biased toward a control position or state. The pilot may actuate the first input device 122a to release a locking mechanism that fixes the support base 106 in a fixed position on the track 108. Releasing the locking mechanism may allow the support base 106 to slide along the travel path 120 toward the rear end 126 of the track 108. Once the locking mechanism is released, the pilot may use his or her legs to push the support base 106 in a rearward direction toward the rear end 126 to achieve a rest position. To transition from the rest position back to the control position, the pilot may again actuate the first input device 122a to release the locking mechanism. The biasing element may force the support base 106 to slide toward the front end 124 of the track 108. Optionally, the locking mechanism that secures the support base 106 to the track 108 is a first locking mechanism, and actuating the first input device 122a may also release a second locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism may secure the seat back portion 110 in a fixed position relative to the seat bottom portion 112. Releasing the second locking mechanism may allow the seat back portion 110 to tilt relative to the seat bottom portion 112. Once the second locking mechanism is released, the pilot may use his or her torso and / or arms to tilt the seat back portion 110 to achieve a rest position. In this embodiment, actuating a single lever or other input device 122a may allow the pilot to slide the support base 106 along the track 108 and tilt the seat back portion 110 to transition from a control position to a rest position.

[0027] In an embodiment, the seat pan 104 may include another adjustment mechanism 118b that includes one or more biasing elements that apply a lateral biasing force to the seat pan 104 in an inboard direction. The inboard direction is toward a central longitudinal axis or plane in the vehicle. The central longitudinal axis or plane represents the midpoint between the first side and the second side of the vehicle. The seat pan 104 may be biased toward the inboard position. When in the inboard position, the seat pan 104 may be biased toward the inboard position. Figure 2104. In the control position or state shown, the seat pan 104 may be in the inboard position. To transition to the entry / exit position or state, the pilot may actuate the second input device 122b, which releases the locking mechanism that secures the seat pan 104 in a fixed position relative to the support base 106. Releasing the locking mechanism allows the pilot to move the seat pan 104 in an outboard direction relative to the support base 106 and the track 108 against the lateral biasing force. The seat 102 moves outboard with the seat pan 104. Moving the seat pan 104 and the seat 102 to the outboard position allows the pilot additional space to move, such as for approaching the seat 102 and for exiting the seat 102.

[0028] The pilot seat assembly 100 may include a calf support structure 130. When the pilot seat assembly 100 is in the rest position, the calf support structure 130 supports the pilot's legs. In an embodiment, the calf support structure 130 may be spaced apart from the seat 102, the seat pan 104, the support base 106, and the track 108. For example, the calf support structure 130 may be installed in a space below a control panel, an instrument panel, a display panel, etc. of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the calf support structure 130 may be mounted to the track 108 and / or the support base 106. For example, the calf support structure 130 may be selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the calf support structure 130 may be folded downward and / or recessed so that the pilot cannot rest his or her legs on the calf support structure 130. The calf support structure 130 may be in the stowed position when in a control state or position because the pilot places his or her feet on the floor of the vehicle or on one or more pedals to control the movement of the vehicle. In the deployed position, the calf support structure 130 extends outward and / or lifts to support the pilot's legs when the pilot seat assembly 100 is in a resting state or position. Optionally, one of the adjustment mechanisms 118 may control the movement of the calf support structure 130 between the stowed position and the deployed position using an actuator, a biasing element, etc. For example, the biasing element may apply a biasing force to the calf support structure 130 in the deployed position so that releasing the locking mechanism may cause the calf support structure 130 to automatically extend from the stowed position to the deployed position to achieve the resting position.

[0029] Figure 3 A first pilot seat assembly 100a and a second pilot seat assembly 100b are shown in a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment. The first pilot seat assembly 100a and the second pilot seat assembly 100b may each represent Figure 1 and Figure 21. The pilot seat assembly 100 shown. The first pilot seat assembly 100a is shown in a resting state or position 201. The second pilot seat assembly 100b is shown in a control state or position 203. There is a pilot on the first pilot seat assembly 100a. The pilot lies in a supine position. The pilot's feet are raised above the floor 206 of the vehicle 200 and supported by the calf support structure 130. The support base 106 is retracted to the rear end 126 of the track 108, which provides enough space for the pilot to stretch his or her legs. The track 108 is mounted on the floor 206. The seat back portion 110 is tilted relative to the seat bottom portion 112. In an embodiment, the seat back portion 110 is tilted at an angle 202 of at least 40 degrees relative to the upward vertical direction 204. Optionally, the seat back portion 110 can be tilted to various setting positions within the range for passenger comfort. The range can be extended to 90 degrees relative to the upward vertical direction 204, so that the seat 102 basically forms a horizontal resting surface. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, the pilot seat assembly 100a in the rest position can meet the Class III crew rest facility. For example, the pilot seat assembly 100a is tilted at least 40 degrees from the upward vertical direction 204 and provides leg and foot support. The pilot in the first pilot seat assembly 100a can convert the pilot seat assembly 100a from the upright control position to the rest position to allow the pilot to rest, while the pilot in the second pilot seat assembly 100b monitors and / or controls the movement of the vehicle, and vice versa.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of aircraft 300. Aircraft 300 may be Figure 3. The vehicle 200 shown in FIG. The aircraft 300 includes a fuselage 306 extending from a nose section 312 to a tail 314 or tail. The aircraft 300 includes a pair of wings 302, 304 extending from the fuselage 306. The wings 302, 304 may include movable wing surfaces, such as ailerons, flaps, and / or spoilers. One or more propulsion systems 308, 310 propel the aircraft 300. The propulsion systems 308, 310 are supported by the wings 302, 304 of the aircraft 300 in the illustrated embodiment, but may be mounted to the fuselage 306 or the tail 314 in other types of aircraft. The tail 314 may include horizontal stabilizers 316, 318 and a vertical stabilizer 320. The fuselage 306 defines a plurality of sections or compartments along the length of the fuselage 306 from the nose section 312 to the tail 314. The fuselage 306 is oriented about a longitudinal axis 322. In an embodiment, the pilot seat assembly 100 is disposed within the aircraft 300. For example, the pilot seat assembly 100 may be located in a cockpit or cockpit of the aircraft 300 at or near the nose section 312. The pilot seat assembly 100 may be occupied by a pilot of the aircraft 300 who controls the flight of the aircraft 300. The pilot may be a captain or a co-pilot. The aircraft 300 may have two pilot seat assemblies 100 in the cockpit, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 as shown in .

[0031] Although the pilot seat assembly 100 is described as being mounted Figure 4 300 in the aircraft, but the pilot seat assembly 100 can be implemented in various other types of vehicles. Other types of vehicles can include rail-based trains, ships, trucks, mining vehicles, buses, etc.

[0032] Figure 5 FIG. 4 shows a top view of a cockpit 400 of an aircraft according to an embodiment. The cockpit 400 may be Figure 4 3. The cockpit 400 includes a first pilot seat assembly 100a and a second pilot seat assembly 100b. Figure 6 An end view of the cockpit 400 looking in a forward direction is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the control position and the rest position, the seat pan 104 and the seat 102 may be laterally centered relative to the support base 106 and the track 108, such as Figure 6In order to allow the pilot to approach the seat 102 and / or leave the seat 102, the pilot seat assembly 100 can be transformed to the entry / exit position shown by the first pilot seat assembly 100a.

[0033] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 1, the seat pan 104 and seat 102 of the first pilot seat assembly 100a are laterally offset from the support base 106 in the entry / exit position. The seat pan 104 and seat 102 are offset in an outboard direction 402, which extends away from a central longitudinal axis 404 that bisects the cockpit 400. In an embodiment, the support base 106 and the track 108 do not move laterally. For example, the support base 106 is constrained to follow the path of travel 120 of the track 108 (in Figure 2 104 is shown in Figure 106). In an embodiment, the path of travel 120 of the track 108 is oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis 404. Therefore, the support base 106 is limited to longitudinal movement. The seat pan 104 can move transversely to the path of travel 120 defined by the track 108. For example, the seat pan 104 can move along the outer direction 402 to achieve the entry / exit position, and can move along the inner direction 406 opposite to the outer direction 402 to achieve the control position and / or the rest position. The outer direction 402 and the inner direction 406 can be transverse to the path of travel 120 defined by the track 108. As the seat pan 104 and the seat 102 are displaced outward, the pilot has more space to move between the inner side 408 of the seat 102 and the center console 410 or the aisle bracket, which is between the two pilot seat assemblies 100a, 100b. Once seated in the seat 102 , the pilot may actuate the adjustment mechanism 118 integrated with the seat pan 104 to move the seat pan 104 and seat 102 in the inboard direction 406 until the seat pan 104 and seat 102 are laterally centered relative to the support base 106 .

[0034] In an embodiment, the support base 106 of the pilot seat assembly 100 may be located further rearward when in the entry / exit position than when in the control position. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the support base 106 of the first pilot seat assembly 100a can be located at or near the rear end 126 of the track 108. For comparison, the support base 106 of the second pilot seat assembly 100b in the control position is spaced a considerable distance before the rear end 126 of the corresponding track 108. In this embodiment, once the pilot sits down, the first pilot seat assembly 100a can be transformed from the entry / exit position to the control position by the seat pan 104 moving inwardly toward the center console 410 and the support base 106 moving in the forward direction toward the front end 124 of the track 108. These movements can be reversed to transform from the control position to the entry / exit position to allow the pilot to leave a seat 102 and leave the cockpit 400. In an embodiment, the seat pan 104 provides lateral movement of the seat 102, and the support base 106 and the track 108 provide longitudinal movement of the seat 102 (and the seat pan 104).

[0035] Figure 7 2 is a perspective view of the pilot seat assembly 100 in a control position 203 according to an embodiment. In the control position 203, the support base 106 can be located at or adjacent to the front end 124 of the track 108. In an embodiment, the track 108 is a straight track and the travel path 120 is a linear travel path. The linear travel path 120 can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 322 ( Figure 4 ) and / or the cockpit 400 ( Figure 5 12 and 13. The track 108 includes two parallel channels 502. Each of the channels 502 can receive a corresponding bracket of the support base 106 therein. The bracket slides within the corresponding channel 502 along the linear travel path 120 between the front end 124 and the rear end 126. The multiple brackets and channels 502 can provide increased structural support and stability relative to the track 108, which includes only a single channel that only receives a single bracket of the support base 106. In another embodiment, the track 108 can optionally have three or more channels.

[0036] Mounting the support base 106 to the track 108 along the floor allows the pilot seat assembly 100 to have a significant travel distance. For example, the support base 106 may be able to move at least 15 inches or more from the front end 124 of the track 108 to the rear end 126. In this way, the seat 102 can be moved at any time. Figure 7 The control positions shown are Figure 3The pilot seat 102 is shown in Figure 104. ...

[0037] Figure 8 600 is a flowchart of a method of assembling a pilot seat assembly according to an embodiment. The assembled pilot seat assembly may be the pilot seat assembly 100 described herein. The method in one or more embodiments may include additional steps, fewer steps, and / or steps different from the steps shown in flowchart 600, and / or one or more of the steps may be performed in a different order than that shown and described herein.

[0038] At step 602, a track 108 is mounted on a floor 206 of a vehicle 200. The track 108 defines a travel path 120 from a front end 124 of the track 108 to a rear end 126 of the track 108. In an embodiment, the vehicle 200 is an aircraft 300. For example, the track 108 may be mounted on the floor 206 within a cockpit 400 of the aircraft 300. The seat 102 may be occupied by a pilot of the aircraft 300. At step 604, a support base 106 is coupled to the track 108 so that the support base 106 may be selectively moved along the travel path 120. The support base 106 is supported by the track 108.

[0039] At step 606, the seat pan 104 is mounted to the support base 106 such that the seat pan 104 is selectively movable relative to the support base 106 in the lateral direction 402 and the medial direction 406. The lateral direction 402 and the medial direction 406 are transverse to the travel path 120 defined by the track 108. The seat pan 104 is supported by the support base 106. The support base 106 is between the seat pan 104 and the track 108.

[0040] At step 608, the seat 102 is mounted on the seat pan 104 so that the seat pan 104 is between the seat 102 and the support base 106. The seat 102 includes a seat bottom portion 112 and a seat back portion 110. The seat bottom portion 112 may be fixed to the seat pan 104. The seat back portion 110 may be selectively tilted relative to the seat bottom portion 112 to transition the pilot seat assembly 100 between the control position 203 and the rest position 201.

[0041] Alternatively, the travel path 120 defined by the track 108 may be a linear travel path. The support base 106 may be coupled to the track 108 so that the support base 106 may slide at least 15 inches along the linear travel path 120 toward the rear end 126 of the track 108 to transition the pilot seat assembly 100 from the control position 203 to the rest position 201. The support base 106 may be constrained to move along the linear travel path 120.

[0042] In addition, this disclosure includes examples according to the following clauses:

[0043] Clause 1. A pilot seat assembly comprising:

[0044] a track mounted on a floor of the vehicle and defining a path of travel from a front end of the track to a rear end of the track;

[0045] a support base coupled to the track and selectively movable along the travel path;

[0046] a seat pan mounted to the support base and selectively movable in an outboard direction and an inboard direction relative to the support base, wherein the outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to a path of travel defined by the track; and

[0047] A seat is mounted on a seat pan so that the seat pan is between the seat and a support base, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion, and wherein the seat back portion is selectively tiltable relative to the seat bottom portion to transition the pilot seat assembly between a control position and a rest position.

[0048] Clause 2. A pilot seat assembly according to Clause 1, further comprising:

[0049] a conditional mechanism configured to one of: (i) move the support base toward the rear end of the track or (ii) release the support base to enable the support base to move toward the rear end of the track to transition from the control position to the rest position;

[0050] The adjustment mechanism is further configured to one of: (iii) move the support base toward the front end of the track or (iv) release the support base to enable the support base to move toward the front end of the track to transition from the rest position to the control position.

[0051] Clause 3. The pilot seat assembly of clause 1 or 2, further comprising a first input device actuatable to simultaneously enable the seat back portion to tilt and the support base to slide toward the rear end of the track to transition from the control position to the rest position.

[0052] Clause 4. The pilot seat assembly of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the seat back portion is oriented at least 40 degrees relative to an upward vertical direction in the rest position.

[0053] Clause 5. The pilot seat assembly of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the support base is selectively movable at least 15 inches along a path of travel between the front and rear ends of the track.

[0054] Clause 6. The pilot seat assembly of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the track is a straight track, and wherein the movement path is a linear travel path.

[0055] Clause 7. The pilot seat assembly of clause 6, wherein the linear travel path is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0056] Clause 8. The pilot seat assembly of clause 6, wherein the support base is constrained to move along a linear path of travel.

[0057] Clause 9. The pilot seat assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft and the track is mounted on a floor within a cockpit of the aircraft.

[0058] Clause 10. The pilot seat assembly of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the track comprises a plurality of parallel channels, and wherein each parallel channel receives a corresponding bracket of the support base therein.

[0059] Clause 11. A pilot seat assembly according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising a calf support structure, the calf support structure being selectively movable from a stowed position when the seat is in the control position to a deployed position when the seat is in the rest position.

[0060] Clause 12. A pilot seat assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the seat in the rest position qualifies as a Class III crew rest facility according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.

[0061] Article 13. An aircraft comprising:

[0062] A pilot seat assembly, in the cockpit of an aircraft, wherein the pilot seat assembly comprises:

[0063] a track mounted on the floor of the cockpit and defining a linear travel path from a forward end of the track to a rearward end of the track, wherein the linear travel path is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of a fuselage of the aircraft;

[0064] a support base coupled to the track and selectively movable along a linear path of travel;

[0065] a seat pan mounted to the support base and selectively movable in an outboard direction and an inboard direction relative to the support base, wherein the outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to a linear path of travel defined by the track; and

[0066] a seat mounted on a seat pan such that the seat pan is between the seat and the support base, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion;

[0067] The pilot seat assembly is configured to transition from a control position in which the pilot controls the aircraft to a rest position by tilting the seat back portion relative to the seat bottom portion and moving the support base toward the rear end of the track.

[0068] Clause 14. The aircraft of Clause 13, wherein the seat back portion is oriented at least 40 degrees relative to an upward vertical direction in the rest position.

[0069] Clause 15. The aircraft of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein the support base is selectively movable at least 15 inches along a linear path of travel between the front and rear ends of the track.

[0070] Clause 16. An aircraft according to any of clauses 13 to 15, further comprising a first input device actuatable to simultaneously recline the seat back portion and slide the support base toward the rear end of the track to transition from the control position to the rest position.

[0071] Clause 17. An aircraft according to any of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the support base is constrained to move along a linear path of travel.

[0072] Clause 18. A method of assembling a pilot seat assembly, the method comprising:

[0073] mounting the track on a floor of the vehicle, wherein the track defines a path of travel from a front end of the track to a rear end of the track;

[0074] coupling the support base to the track so that the support base is selectively movable along the path of travel;

[0075] mounting the seat pan to the support base such that the seat pan is selectively movable relative to the support base in an outboard direction and an inboard direction, wherein the outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to a path of movement defined by the track; and

[0076] The seat is mounted on a seat pan such that the seat pan is located between the seat and a support base, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion, and wherein the seat back portion is selectively tiltable relative to the seat bottom portion to transition the pilot seat assembly between a control position and a rest position.

[0077] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein installing the track on the floor of the vehicle comprises installing the track in a cockpit of an aircraft, and wherein the seat is configured to be occupied by a pilot of the aircraft.

[0078] Clause 20. A method according to clause 18 or clause 19, wherein the travel path defined by the track is a linear travel path, wherein the support base is coupled to the track so that the support base can slide at least 15 inches along the linear travel path toward the rear end of the track to transition the pilot seat assembly from the control position to the rest position, and wherein the support base is constrained to move along the linear travel path.

[0079] Although various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the drawings. The orientation may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed so that upper is lower and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0080] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, an object that can merely be modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0081] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the sizes and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive, but exemplary embodiments. After reviewing the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the scope of the different embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full range of equivalents to which these claims are assigned. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein". In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in a device-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with Section 112 of Chapter 35 of the United States Code. Unless and until such claim limitations explicitly use the phrase "device for..." after the functional statement to avoid additional structures.

[0082] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that occur to those skilled in the art. If the embodiments have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the embodiments include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, these other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pilot seat assembly (100), comprising: A track (108) mounted on a floor (206) of a vehicle (200) and defining a travel path (120) from a front end (124) of the track to a rear end (126) of the track; a support base (106) coupled to the track and selectively movable along the travel path; a seat plate (104) mounted to the support base and selectively movable relative to the support base in an outboard direction (402) and an inboard direction (406), wherein the outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to the travel path defined by the track; and A seat (102) is mounted on the seat panel so that the seat panel is between the seat and the support base, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom portion (112) and a seat back portion (110), and wherein the seat back portion is selectively tiltable relative to the seat bottom portion to allow the pilot seat assembly (100) to transition between a control position (203) and a rest position (201).

2. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an adjustment mechanism (118) configured to one of: (i) move the support base (106) toward the rear end (126) of the track (108) or (ii) release the support base to enable the support base to move toward the rear end of the track to transition from the control position (203) to the rest position (201); The adjustment mechanism is further configured to do one of the following: (iii) move the support base toward the front end (124) of the track or (iv) release the support base to enable the support base to move toward the front end of the track to transition from the rest position to the control position.

3. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: A first input device (122a) is actuatable to simultaneously tilt the seat back portion and slide the support base (106) toward the rear end (126) of the track (108) to transition from the control position (203) to the rest position (201).

4. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The seat back portion is oriented at least 40 degrees relative to an upward vertical direction (204) in the rest position (201).

5. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The support base (106) is selectively movable at least 15 inches along the travel path (120) between the front end (124) and the rear end (126) of the track (108).

6. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The track (108) is a straight track, and wherein the travel path (120) is a linear travel path.

7. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The linear path of travel (120) is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis (322) of the vehicle (200).

8. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The support base (106) is constrained to move along the linear travel path (120).

9. The pilot seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle (200) is an aircraft (300), and the track (108) is installed on the floor (206) in a cockpit (400) of the aircraft (300).

10. The pilot seat assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein: The track (108) includes a plurality of parallel channels (502), and wherein each of the parallel channels receives a corresponding bracket of the support base (106) therein.

11. The pilot seat assembly (100) of claim 1, further comprising: A calf support structure (130) is selectively movable from a stowed position when the seat (102) is in the control position (203) to an extended position when the seat (102) is in the rest position (201).

12. An aircraft (300), comprising: A pilot seat assembly (100) is provided in a cockpit (400) of the aircraft, wherein the pilot seat assembly comprises: a track (108) mounted on the floor (206) of the cockpit (400) and defining a linear travel path (120) from a front end (124) of the track to a rear end (126) of the track, wherein the linear travel path is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis (322) of a fuselage (306) of the aircraft; a support base (106) coupled to the track and selectively movable along the linear travel path; a seat plate (104) mounted to the support base and selectively movable relative to the support base in an outboard direction (402) and an inboard direction (406), wherein the outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to the linear travel path defined by the track; and a seat (102) mounted on the seat plate such that the seat plate is between the seat and the support base, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom portion (112) and a seat back portion (110); The pilot seat assembly is configured to transition from a control position (203) in which the pilot controls the aircraft to a rest position (201) by tilting the seat back portion relative to the seat bottom portion and moving the support base toward a rear end of the track.

13. The aircraft (300) according to claim 12, wherein: The seat back portion is oriented at least 40 degrees relative to an upward vertical direction (204) in the rest position (201).

14. The aircraft (300) of claim 12, wherein: The support base (106) is selectively movable at least 15 inches along the linear travel path (120) between the front end (124) and the rear end (126) of the track (108).

15. The aircraft (300) of claim 12, further comprising: A first input device (122a) is actuatable to simultaneously cause the seat back portion to tilt and the support base (106) to slide toward the rear end (126) of the track (108) to transition from the control position (203) to a rest position (201).

16. The aircraft (300) of claim 12, wherein: The support base (106) is constrained to move along the linear travel path (120).

17. A method of assembling a pilot seat assembly (100), the method comprising: mounting a track (108) on a floor (206) of a vehicle (200), wherein the track defines a travel path (120) from a front end (124) of the track to a rear end (126) of the track; coupling a support base (106) to the track so that the support base is selectively movable along the travel path; mounting a seat pan (104) to the support base such that the seat pan is selectively movable relative to the support base in an outboard direction (402) and an inboard direction (406), wherein the outboard direction and the inboard direction are transverse to the path of travel defined by the track; and A seat (102) is mounted on the seat pan so that the seat pan is between the seat and the support base, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom portion (112) and a seat back portion (110), and wherein the seat back portion is selectively tiltable relative to the seat bottom portion to transition the pilot seat assembly between a control position (203) and a rest position (201).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Installing the track (108) on the floor (206) of the vehicle (200) includes installing the track within a cockpit (400) of an aircraft (300), and wherein the seat (102) is configured to be occupied by a pilot of the aircraft.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The travel path (120) defined by the track (108) is a linear travel path, wherein the support base (106) is coupled to the track so that the support base can slide at least 15 inches along the linear travel path toward the rear end (126) of the track to transition the pilot seat assembly (100) from the control position (203) to the rest position (201), and wherein the support base is constrained to move along the linear travel path.

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