Passenger seat with non-invasive reclining

Abstract

A passenger seat reclining system having a seat floor is described; the seat back is fixed relative to the seat bottom plate; and at least one distributor. The motion track segment of the distributor may cause a specific reclining motion. For example, during transitioning from an upright position to a reclined position of the passenger seat, the motion track section may rotate the seat body about an axis adjacent the headrest. Additionally or alternatively, the motion track segments may be configured such that the seat floor translates downward and forward when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, and such that the seat back is limited to experience rearward translation of less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) in a reclined stroke when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of international application PCT / US2019 / 034617, entitled “Passenger Seat with Non-Intrusive Reclining” and with Chinese application number 2019800969425, which entered the Chinese national phase on November 29, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The field of the invention relates to reclining passenger seats and, more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to assemblies that may be implemented to control the path of motion of seat components during seat reclining in an aircraft or other passenger vehicle. Background Art

[0003] In the transportation industry, and particularly in the air transportation industry, passenger comfort is an important consideration. For this reason, most seats in commercial passenger aircraft are capable of reclining, thereby providing passengers with some ability to adjust their comfort. The reclining motion can contribute to passenger comfort because the reclining motion can affect the passenger's posture and "wiggle room" (e.g., the amount of space between the passenger's seat and adjacent seats).

[0004] In a typical airliner seat, the reclining motion allows the backrest to pivot rearward, creating an angle of 10-20 degrees. This typically results in a flat reclining travel of 3-6 inches (7.62-15.24 cm) (e.g., the horizontal distance between the rearmost portion of the top of the seat back in a fully reclined state and a fully non-reclined or upright state). The flat reclining travel of the seat back is typically accompanied by a forward movement of the seat pan of approximately 1-3 inches (2.54-7.62 cm). Therefore, a reclining passenger typically perceives that reclining provides an increase in room to move because when the passenger's seat is reclined, the space between the passenger's face and the seat in front of the passenger is larger than when the passenger is upright.

[0005] However, while reclining can provide a perceptible increase in room for the passenger who begins reclining, the 3-6 inches (7.62-15.24 cm) of flat recline travel of the seat back can intrude upon the room for the passenger who sits immediately behind. Thus, a passenger seated behind another passenger often feels cramped due to the loss of room sacrificed by the passenger in front making the choice to recline. Summary of the invention

[0006] 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 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. The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims that follow, 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 paragraphs. 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.

[0007] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat is provided, the passenger seat comprising a seat pan, a seat back fixed relative to the seat pan, and at least one distributor which may comprise two motion track segments. The two motion track segments may be configured such that the seat pan translates downwardly and forwardly when the passenger seat is transitioned from an upright position to a reclined position, and such that the seat back is limited to undergoing less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel when the passenger seat is transitioned from an upright position to a reclined position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the seat back and seat pan comprise a single load-bearing structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is constrained to undergo between 0 and 3 inches (0.00-7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is constrained to undergo between 0 and 1 inch (0.00-2.54 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is restricted from moving rearwardly in the recline travel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the rearmost point of the seat back is constrained to move straight downward without forward or rearward translation during the recline travel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the passenger seat may further include a flexible fillet secured to the front portion of the seat pan.

[0015] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a distributor for a passenger seat is provided, the passenger seat having a seat back fixed relative to a seat pan. The distributor may include a body; a front motion track segment defined in a front portion of the body; and a rear motion track segment defined in a rear portion of the body. The front motion track segment and the rear motion track segment are sized and arranged to engage the passenger seat so that movement of the passenger seat during transition from an upright position to a reclined position is limited to include downward and forward translation of the seat pan and downward translation of the seat back, while rearward translation of the seat back does not exceed 3 inches (7.62 cm).

[0016] In some embodiments, the front movement track segment and the rear movement track segment correspond to recesses formed on the inner side surface of the body and do not penetrate the outer side surface of the body.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the front motion track segment or the rear motion track segment is curved.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dimensions and arrangement of the front and rear motion track segments are such that the seat back is constrained to move from a maximum upright position to a maximum reclined position in a manner that prevents the seat back from intersecting a vertical reference plane that intersects a rearwardmost point on the seat back in the maximum upright position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the front and rear motion track segments are sized and arranged to induce a reclining motion in which the passenger seat rotates about an axis located near a headrest of the passenger seat.

[0020] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat is provided, comprising a seat body and at least one distributor. The seat body may include a seat pan and a seat back. The seat back may be fixed relative to the seat pan and have a headrest located at or adjacent an upper end of the seat back. The at least one distributor may include two motion track segments sized and arranged to engage the seat body so that the seat body rotates about an axis adjacent the headrest during transition from an upright position to a reclined position of the passenger seat.

[0021] In some embodiments, the seat back is configured to receive an occupant and support shoulders of the occupant at shoulder level, and the axis is positioned above shoulder level.

[0022] In some embodiments, the axis is located at or below the base of the headrest.

[0023] In some embodiments, the axis is positioned to coincide with the rearmost portion of the passenger seat.

[0024] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are configured such that the seat pan translates downwardly and forwardly when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are further configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the two motion track segments are further configured to translate the axis downward when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a side view of an example of a passenger seat in an upright position according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It shows that Figure 1 Side view of a distributor for use with a passenger seat.

[0029] Figure 3 is in a reclined position according to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 Side view of the passenger seat.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side view of a distributor showing the ease of Figure 3 The configuration of the passenger seat in the reclined position is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing some embodiments according to the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 3 Side view of the passenger seat with contrasting overlays of the upright and reclined positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements, but the 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 specification 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.

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention provide a reclining system for passenger seats. Although the reclining systems discussed are for aircraft seats, they are by no means limited thereto. Instead, the reclining system embodiments may be used for passenger seats or any other type of seat or other desired seat. For example, the embodiments may be used in trains, buses, movie theaters, student seats, or any other situation when the reclining capability of a seat may be useful.

[0034] In various embodiments, the reclining system can allow the passenger seat to recline in a non-intrusive manner for the passenger seated directly behind the seat. For example, the body of the seat formed by the seat back fixed relative to the seat pan can swing forward and / or downward during the reclining process, for example, so that the rearmost portion of the seat directly translates downward or does not pivot toward the passenger seated behind at all. Therefore, for such seats installed in a pre-existing row limited to a specific amount of space between seats, the reclining movement can actually allow the reclining passenger to reduce or eliminate the rearward reclining travel in exchange for the forward movement that affects his or her own leg room without affecting the horizontal head room of the passenger behind. However, because the body of the seat formed by the seat back fixed relative to the seat pan can cause the seat to lift the passenger in a manner that at least partially lifts the front of the passenger's legs and reduces the overall horizontal distance required to accommodate the passenger's legs during reclining, the reclining passenger will not be bothered by the additional forward movement. Therefore, the passenger who chooses to recline can do so without significantly sacrificing the horizontal head room of another passenger behind, and also without significantly sacrificing his or her own leg room. In various examples, the rearmost portion of the seat, rather than translating directly downward, may still exhibit some degree of rearward recline travel, yet a passenger behind the seat may still perceive the recline to be non-intrusive because that amount of rearward recline travel is less than the 3 inches (7.62 cm) on the low end of what has been accepted as the standard for rearward recline travel in passenger seats.

[0035] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1-5As shown, the reclining system 101 can be implemented relative to the passenger seat 103 and include a seat body 105 and at least one spreader 107. The reclining system 101 can allow the passenger seat 103 to be reclining. For example, the at least one spreader 107 can support the seat body 105 and facilitate, limit and / or constrain the movement of the seat body 105 between different positions within the reclining range of motion, such as between a fully upright or maximum upright position (such as Figure 1 ) and the fully reclined or maximum reclined position (as depicted in Figure 3 The movement between

[0036] The seat body 105 can include a seat back 109 and a seat pan 111. The seat back 109 and the seat pan 111 can be fixed relative to each other. For example, the seat back 109 and the seat pan 111 can be a single load-bearing structure. The seat pan 111 fixed relative to the seat back 109 can be used to allow the seat body 105 to hold a passenger during reclining in the manner described herein.

[0037] The corresponding elements of the seat body 105 may include suitable materials and / or features to facilitate various functions. For example, in various embodiments, the front portion of the seat pan 111 and the seat back 109 include non-rigid or flexible materials (e.g., fabrics, textiles, foams, or other cushioning materials) for comforting passengers when they are supported in the passenger seat 103. Other more rigid materials may also be included, such as for enhancing flexible materials, or providing components for other functions. For example, the seat back 109 on the rear side may include a shield formed of a rigid material and coupled to the cushioning material of the seat back 109. Suitable examples of rigid materials that can be used for the shields and / or other components described herein include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, aramid fibers, polycarbonate, polypropylene, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials.

[0038] The seat back 109 may include appropriate contours or other features to facilitate passenger comfort. For example, the seat back 109 may include a headrest 113. The headrest may have a fixed shape or may be adjustable to accommodate differences in passenger preferences and / or sizes.

[0039] The seat pan 111 may include suitable contours or other features to facilitate passenger comfort. Figure 1, the seat pan 111 is shown as including or coupled to a flexible fillet 115 at the front end of the seat pan 111. The fillet 115 may include a flexible member made of an elastomer, polymer, rubber, silicone, resilient metal, or other material that can deflect and repeatedly return to its original position or otherwise provide sufficient flexibility and elasticity to avoid permanent deformation. In various embodiments, the fillet 115 can be moved along the motion path in a static position (e.g., Figure 1 ) and the bending position (e.g. Figure 3 ) between the front and rear portions of the seat pan 111. In use, the fillet 115 can provide different support for the passenger's thighs, particularly when the passenger reclines the passenger seat 103. For example, the fillet 115 can bend between a static position and a flexed position to provide support and comfort to the passenger as the passenger moves, adjusts his or her seat, or changes position. In certain embodiments, the fillet 115 can be adapted to bend so that the passenger's feet remain in contact with the ground, even when the seat 103 is reclined and the front portion of the seat pan 111 may be at an angle to the passenger compartment floor. The outer fillet 115, similar to the seat pan 111, can be decorated with additional fabrics, cushioning pads, or other supports to provide a more aesthetically pleasing look and feel and improve passenger comfort.

[0040] At least one distributor 107 may support the seat body 105 in use. The at least one distributor 107 may correspond to a plurality of distributors 107 (e.g., in an arrangement including one on the left side of the passenger seat 103 and another on the right side), although for simplicity herein, the discussion will focus primarily on a single distributor 107.

[0041] The distributor 107 can separate the passenger seat 103 from the laterally adjacent seat, such as to the left or right. The distributor 107 can provide an attachment and structural connection between the seat body 105 and the seat tube (not shown) or other structure or transportation mode of the vehicle. Although not shown, the distributor 107 can have a portion (e.g., L-shaped or other shape) extending above the seat pan 111 to provide a structure for an armrest for the passenger seat 103. In some examples, the armrest can be directly mounted to the seat back 109 instead. The distributor 107 can provide a structure for holding other parts of the seat, such as the seat back 109, the seat pan 111, the seat body 105, the armrest and / or the seat belt attachment.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the distributor 107 is depicted in position relative to the seat body 105, while in FIG. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the distributor 107 is shown in isolation and has the additional features shown. Figure 2As best understood, the distributor 107 can include a distributor body 117. In various embodiments, the distributor body 117 is formed from a single piece of material having appropriate cutouts or other features formed therein, although the distributor body 117 can be formed from any combination of materials or components by any construction process. Figure 2 The features formed in the distributor body 117 shown in FIG. 1 include seat tube holes 119, motion track segments 121 (e.g., front motion track segment 121A and rear motion track segment 121B), lightweight openings 123, and seat belt connection points 125, although similar to Figure 2 Different combinations and / or configurations of the specific arrangements shown in are also possible. For example, in some examples, the seat belt attachment points can be located on the seat body 105.

[0043] As described above, the moving track segments 121 may be provided by at least one distributor 107. For example, Figure 2 In the figure, two moving track segments 121 are shown in one distributor 107, the front moving track segment 121A is located at the front of the distributor body 117, and the rear moving track segment 121B is located at the rear of the distributor body 117. In some embodiments, the moving track segments 121 can be distributed in different distributors 107, for example, one of the front moving track segment 121A or the rear moving track segment 121B is located in the distributor 107 on the left side of the passenger seat 103, and the other is located in the distributor 107 on the right side of the passenger seat 103.

[0044] The motion track segments 121 can be configured to receive rollers or other sliding members 127 from the seat body 105. In certain embodiments, the motion track segments 121 will be disposed on the inner surface of the distributor 107 to eliminate or reduce potential pinch points. For example, the front motion track segments 121A and the rear motion track segments 121B can correspond to recesses formed on the inner surface of the distributor body 117 and not penetrating the outer surface of the distributor body 117 or through a cover that can be joined to the distributor body 117 or for a portion of the distributor body 117.

[0045] Refer again Figure 1 , the seat body 105 can be coupled to the distributor 107 via a roller or other sliding member 127 received in the motion track segment 121. For example, the sliding member 127 can extend from the seat body 105 and into the motion track segment 121. The sliding member 127 can move within the motion track segment 121 to allow the seat body 105 to move relative to the distributor 107. For example, first see Figure 2When the seat body 105 is in the maximum upright position, the specific sliding member 127A positioned at the rear end of its corresponding motion track segment 121A can move along the motion track segment 121A to recline until it reaches a point positioned at the front end of its motion track segment 121A (e.g., Figure 4 ), which can limit the movement of the seat body 105 past the maximum reclining position. When the seat body 105 returns toward the vertical direction, the sliding member 127A can move in the opposite direction along its motion track segment 121A and reach the rear end of its motion track segment 121A to limit the movement of the seat body 105 past the maximum upright position.

[0046] The motion track segments 121 can limit the movement of the seat body 105 along a specific travel path and / or between specific points. For example, while using only a single slide member 127 in a single motion track segment 121 can allow rotation about the corresponding slide member 127 during movement along the motion track segment 121, including two slide members 127 in two motion track segments 121 can limit or constrain two degrees of freedom of the seat body 105 and allow one degree of freedom to allow the seat body 105 to move in a stable, predetermined path for reclining. In addition, while the motion track segments 121 are Figure 2 127C as distinct grooves that are not connected to one another, but in some embodiments, the motion track segments 121 may be connected to one another via intermediate portions (eg, as shown in dashed lines at 127C) or otherwise form sub-portions of a larger groove.

[0047] The motion track segments 121 can be configured to move the passenger seat 103 in a rocking or cradle motion in which the passenger seat 103 is moved downward and forward to recline. Although the front motion track segments 121A and the rear motion track segments 121B are depicted as straight and curved, respectively, any suitable combination of straight or curved shapes can be used to obtain the desired motion pattern between the endpoints of the reclining motion. Although unpowered reclining of the passenger seat 103 may be preferred in certain applications, in some embodiments, the rocking or cradle motion of the passenger seat can be assisted or achieved by using springs, gas springs, or electric motors.

[0048] As noted, the distributor 107 can constrain the seat body 105 to certain types of movement. To facilitate explanation of the various options for such movement, various reference lines are shown throughout the drawings.

[0049] For example, for Figure 1The passenger seat 103 is shown in an upright position, with reference line RU aligned with the vertical direction and coincident with the rearmost portion of the seat 103 in the upright position. Reference line SB represents a straight line aligned along the seat back 109 and can be used to identify the upright seat back angle αU at which the seat back 109 is aligned in the upright position relative to the vertical direction represented by RU. Similarly, reference line SP represents a straight line aligned along the seat pan 111 and can be used to identify the upright seat pan angle βU at which the seat pan 111 is aligned in the upright position relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the reclined position shown, similar reference lines are identified for the passenger seat 103. For example, in Figure 3 , reference line RR is aligned with the vertical direction and coincides with the rearmost portion of the seat 103 in the reclined position. Reference line SB again represents a straight line aligned along the seat back 109 and can be used to identify the reclined seat back angle αR at which the seat back 109 is aligned in the reclined position relative to the vertical direction represented by RR. Similarly, reference line SP again represents a straight line aligned along the seat pan 111 and can be used to identify the reclined seat pan angle βR at which the seat pan 111 is aligned in the reclined position relative to the horizontal direction H.

[0051] For comparison, Figure 5 A first vertical reference line R1 and a second vertical reference line R2 are shown. The distance between the first vertical reference line R1 and the second vertical reference line R2 is Figure 5 , and may correspond to the amount of flat recline travel. However, it should also be noted that although the first vertical reference line R1 and the second vertical reference line R2 are Figure 5 , but this is for ease of viewing the relative positions of the relevant dimensions and does not exclude the possibility that the reclining travel RT has a value of 0. For example, on the one hand, in some embodiments, Figure 5 The vertical reference lines R1 and R2 can correspond to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The vertical reference lines RU and RR of the seat 103 are arranged so that there is a non-zero reclining travel distance RT between the rearmost portion of the seat 103 in the upright position and the reclined position. On the other hand, in some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 3 The vertical reference lines RU and RR can be mapped to Figure 5 The vertical reference line R1 of FIG. 1 is such that there is a recline travel RT distance of 0 between the rearmost portion of the seat 103 in the upright position and the reclined position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the size and arrangement of the motion track segments 121 (e.g., the front motion track segment 121A and the rear motion track segment 121B) are designed to cause a reclining motion in which the passenger seat 103 rotates about an axis AR located near the headrest 113 of the passenger seat 103 (e.g., as shown by arrow 129). The portion of the seat body 105 below the axis AR can be correspondingly rotated away from the vertical direction, for example, so that Figure 3 The reclining seat back angle αR is greater than Figure 1 This rotation can also rotate the front end of the seat pan 111 upward from the horizontal direction H, for example, so that Figure 3 The reclining seat bottom angle βR is greater than Figure 3 Rotating the seat pan 111 upward may reduce the horizontal distance occupied by the passenger's legs and / or cause the fillet 115 to bend downward (if present).

[0053] exist Figure 1 and 3 , axis AR is depicted as being located in a position that coincides with the rearmost portion of passenger seat 103. This positioning may allow seat 103 to recline without any portion of seat 103 moving rearwardly into the activity space behind seat 103. In some embodiments, the position of axis AR may be varied without causing an intrusive amount of rearward movement of seat 103. Figure 1 and 3 109 is shown in one such alternative position AL for the axis AR, but the alternative arrangements are not limited to the depicted alternative position AL. In some embodiments, the axis AR is positioned at or below the base of the headrest 113. In some embodiments, the seat back 109 is configured to receive an occupant and support the shoulders of the occupant at shoulder level, and the axis AR is positioned above the shoulder level.

[0054] In some embodiments, the axis AR may undergo a downward vertical translation as part of a reclining movement from the upright position to the reclined position. Figure 5 As shown, this may correspond to a downward translation represented by downward arrow 131 , for example from reference point A in the upright position to reference point B in the reclined position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the size and arrangement of the motion track segments 121 (e.g., the front motion track segment 121A and the rear motion track segment 121B) are such that the seat back 109 is constrained to move from a maximum upright position (e.g., Figure 5 solid line in the figure) to a maximum recline position (e.g. Figure 5), the vertical reference plane intersects the rearmost point on the seat back 109 in the maximum upright position.

[0056] In some embodiments, a portion of the seat back 109 is allowed to intersect a vertical reference plane (e.g., R1) that intersects the rearmost point on the seat back 109 in the maximum upright position. Figure 5 , the seat 103 may be allowed to pivot rearwardly so that the rearmost portion of the seat 103 in the maximum reclined position coincides with a second reference plane R2 that is different from and spaced apart from the first reference plane R1 by a recline travel distance RT, the first reference plane R1 intersecting the rearmost point on the seat back 109 in the maximum upright position. The various ranges may be non-intrusive to passengers and / or provide other advantages.

[0057] For example, in some embodiments, the seat back 109 is limited to undergoing less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel RT when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position. Such a range may be advantageous because it is considered non-intrusive by being less than 3 inches (7.62 cm), which has been accepted as the low end of the standard for reclined travel in passenger seats.

[0058] In some embodiments, the seat back 109 is limited to undergoing between 0 and 3 inches (0.00-7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel RT. Such a range may have the added benefit of preventing a reclining passenger from moving the seat back 109 forward in a manner that reduces horizontal headroom.

[0059] In some embodiments, the seat back 109 is limited to undergoing less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of rearward translation in the reclining travel RT. Such a range may be advantageous because it may appear negligible to a passenger seated behind.

[0060] In some embodiments, the seat back 109 is limited to undergoing a rearward translation between 0 and 1 inch (0.00-2.54 cm) in the recline travel RT. Such a range may have the added benefit of preventing a reclining passenger from losing horizontal headroom from reclining.

[0061] In some embodiments, the seat back 109 is restricted from moving backward in the reclining travel RT. Such movement may have the benefit of allowing a reclining passenger to recline without sacrificing any horizontal headroom for another passenger seated behind.

[0062] In some embodiments, the seat back 109 is constrained to move without rearward or forward translation in the reclining travel RT. Such movement can allow the seat 103 to recline without negatively affecting the forward or rearward amount of horizontal headroom for the reclining passenger or the passenger seated directly behind.

[0063] In some embodiments, the rearmost portion of the seat back 109 is additionally or alternatively constrained to move straight downward in the recline stroke without translating forward or rearward when the passenger seat 103 transitions from the upright position to the reclined position. Such movement can allow the seat pan 111 to tilt upward and facilitate the rocking or cradle movement of the seat 103 without negatively affecting the forward or rearward amount of horizontal headroom for the reclining passenger or the passenger seated directly behind.

[0064] In some embodiments, the size and arrangement of the motion track segments 121 (e.g., the front motion track segment 121A and the rear motion track segment 121B) are configured to cause a reclining motion in which the passenger seat 103 undergoes a motion that is identifiable by the corresponding motion of the sub-assemblies. For example, the transition of the passenger seat 103 from the upright position to the reclined position can move the passenger seat 103 so that the seat pan 111 translates downward and forward (e.g., as Figure 5 13 and 135 relative to a reference point 137, which is shown in solid lines in the upright position of the seat body 105 and in dashed lines in the reclined position of the seat body 105). The passenger seat 103 can also move so that when the passenger seat 103 transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back 109 is limited to undergoing a rearward translation in the recline travel RT that is less than a specific threshold described herein. The passenger seat 103 can also move so that when the passenger seat 103 transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back 109 moves at least partially downward (e.g., as shown by downward arrow 131).

[0065] Hereinafter, additional embodiments are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention:

[0066] Example 1. A passenger seat (which may include the features of the preceding or subsequent examples), comprising:

[0067] Seat pan;

[0068] a seat back fixed relative to the seat pan; and

[0069] At least one distributor comprising two moving track segments configured such that:

[0070] The seat pan translates downwardly and forwardly when the passenger seat is transitioned from an upright position to a reclined position; and

[0071] When the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel.

[0072] Example 2. A passenger seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the seat back and the seat pan comprise a single load-bearing structure.

[0073] Example 3. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing a rearward translation of between 0 and 3 inches (0.00-7.62 cm) in the reclining stroke.

[0074] Example 4. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing a rearward translation of less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in the reclining stroke.

[0075] Example 5. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing a rearward translation of between 0 and 1 inch (0.00-2.54 cm) in the reclining stroke.

[0076] Example 6. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is restricted from moving rearwardly in a reclining stroke.

[0077] Example 7. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the rearmost point of the seat back is constrained to move in a straight line downward without translating forward or backward during the reclining stroke.

[0078] Example 8. A passenger seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, further comprising a flexible fillet secured to a front portion of the seat pan.

[0079] Example 9. A distributor for a passenger seat having a seat back fixed relative to a seat pan, the distributor (which may include the features of any of the preceding or subsequent examples) comprising:

[0080] main body;

[0081] a front motion track segment defined in a front portion of the body; and

[0082] a rear motion track segment defined in the rear portion of the body, wherein the front motion track segment and the rear motion track segment are sized and arranged to engage the passenger seat so that movement of the passenger seat during transition from an upright position to a reclined position is limited to include downward and forward translation of the seat pan and downward translation of the seat back, while rearward translation of the seat back does not exceed 3 inches (7.62 cm).

[0083] Example 10. A distributor according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the front moving track segment and the rear moving track segment correspond to recesses formed on the inner surface of the body and do not penetrate the outer surface of the body.

[0084] Example 11. A distributor according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein at least one of the front moving track segment or the rear moving track segment is curved.

[0085] Example 12. A distributor according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the dimensions and arrangement of the front motion track segments and the rear motion track segments cause the seat back to be constrained to move from a maximum upright position to a maximum reclined position in a manner that prevents the seat back from intersecting a vertical reference plane that intersects the rearmost point on the seat back in the maximum upright position.

[0086] Example 13. A distributor according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the front motion track segment and the rear motion track segment are sized and arranged to cause a reclining movement in which the passenger seat rotates about an axis located near the headrest of the passenger seat.

[0087] Example 14. A passenger seat (which may include the features of any of the preceding or subsequent examples), comprising:

[0088] The seat body includes:

[0089] Seat pans; and

[0090] a seat back fixed relative to the seat pan and having a headrest located at or adjacent an upper end of the seat back; and

[0091] At least one distributor includes two motion track segments sized and arranged to engage the seat body so that the seat body rotates about an axis adjacent the headrest during transition from an upright position to a reclined position of the passenger seat.

[0092] Example 15. A passenger seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the seat back is configured to receive a passenger and support the passenger's shoulders at shoulder level, and the axis is positioned above the shoulder level.

[0093] Example 16. A passenger seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the axis is positioned at or below the base of the headrest.

[0094] Example 17. A passenger seat as described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the axis is positioned to coincide with the rearmost portion of the passenger seat.

[0095] Example 18. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are configured such that:

[0096] When the passenger seat is converted from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat pan translates downwardly and forwardly.

[0097] Example 19. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are further configured such that:

[0098] When the passenger seat is transitioned from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is limited to undergoing less than 3 inches (7.62 cm) of rearward translation in the recline travel.

[0099] Example 20. A passenger seat according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the two motion track segments are further configured such that:

[0100] When the passenger seat is transformed from the upright position to the reclined position, the axis translates downward.

[0101] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, and 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 shown in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A passenger seat, comprising: a seat body formed by a seat back fixed relative to a seat pan, said seat back and said seat pan forming a single load-bearing structure; an armrest mounted directly to the seat back; as well as at least one distributor comprising two motion track segments configured to restrict the motion of the seat body such that: The seat body swings forward relative to the distributor to increase the angle of the seat back relative to the vertical direction and to increase the angle of the seat pan relative to the horizontal direction when the passenger seat is converted from an upright position to a reclined position; the seat pan translates downwardly and forwardly at a reference point of the seat pan located at an intersection of the seat pan and the seat back when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position; as well as When the passenger seat is converted from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat back is restrained from movement at the rearmost portion of the seat back and does not translate rearwardly in the recline travel. Wherein, the two motion track segments include a front motion track and a rear motion track; and wherein the transition from the upright position to the reclined position is limited to include: downward and forward translation of the seat pan; The angle of the seat back relative to the vertical direction is increased; and The seat back is translated downward without rearward translation of the seat back.

2. The passenger seat according to claim 1, wherein: The two motion track segments are configured such that when the passenger seat transitions from the upright position to the reclined position, the rearmost point of the seat back is constrained to move straight downward without translating forward or rearward in a recline stroke.

3. The passenger seat of claim 1 further comprising a flexible fillet secured to a front portion of the seat pan.

4. A passenger seat, comprising: The seat body includes: Seat pan; an armrest mounted directly to the seat back; and a seat back fixed relative to the seat pan and having a headrest located at or adjacent an upper end of the seat back, wherein the seat back and seat pan form a single load-bearing structure; and at least one distributor including two motion track segments sized and arranged to engage the seat body so that the seat body rotates relative to the distributor about an axis adjacent the headrest during transition from an upright position to a reclined position of the passenger seat and without rearward recline travel, wherein the two motion track segments include a rear motion track segment defined in a rear portion of the seat body, wherein the front motion track segment and the rear motion track segment are sized and arranged to engage the passenger seat so that the passenger seat swings relative to the distributor so that the movement of the passenger seat during transition from an upright position to a reclined position is restricted to include: downward and forward translation of the seat pan; The angle of the seat back relative to the vertical direction is increased; The angle of the base plate relative to the horizontal direction increases; and The seat back is translated downward without rearward translation of the seat back.

5. The passenger seat according to claim 4, wherein: The seat back is configured to receive an occupant and support shoulders of the occupant at shoulder level, and the axis is positioned above the shoulder level.

6. The passenger seat according to claim 4, wherein: The axis is positioned at or below the base of the headrest.

7. The passenger seat according to claim 4, wherein: The axis is positioned to coincide with a rearmost portion of the passenger seat.

8. The passenger seat according to claim 4, wherein: The two moving track segments are configured such that: When the passenger seat is converted from the upright position to the reclined position, the seat pan translates downwardly and forwardly.

9. The passenger seat according to claim 4, wherein: The two moving track segments are further configured such that: When the passenger seat is transformed from the upright position to the reclined position, the axis translates downward.

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