Headrest with backward tilt adjustment for aircraft seats

The tiltable headrest mechanism in passenger seats addresses the issue of neck strain by allowing independent adjustment, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue through customizable tilt angles.

WO2025244657A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-27ZODIAC SEATS US LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2024/037575
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-24
Filing Date
2024-07-11
Publication Date
2025-11-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional non-adjustable headrests in passenger seats, particularly in aircraft, cause excessive strain and fatigue on the neck muscles when the seat is positioned upright or slightly reclined.

Method used

A passenger seat with a tiltable headrest that can be adjusted independently of the seat back, featuring a recessed receiving area and a support mechanism allowing the headrest to tilt forward and aft, with a pivot axis and stopper for limiting the angle, enabling vertical movement and height adjustment.

Benefits of technology

Reduces muscle strain and enhances comfort by allowing the headrest to be tilted to various angles, providing improved support and reducing fatigue in both upright and reclined positions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Described are passenger seats including a seat back and a headrest. The headrest may be supported on the seat back. The headrest may be tilted in a forward direction and an aft direction independent to the seat back. The passenger seat may be positioned on the aircraft.
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Description

HEADREST WITH BACKWARD TILT ADJUSTMENT FOR AIRCRAFT SEATSCROSS-REFERENCE TO REEATED APPLICATION

[0001] This claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 651,497, filed on May 24, 2024, and titled “HEADREST WITH BACKWARD TILT ADJUSTMENT FOR ECONOMY CLASS AIRCRAFT SEATS,” the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention relates to passenger seats for passenger vehicles, and, more particularly, to a passenger seat with a backward tilt adjustment for aircraft seats.BACKGROUND

[0003] Passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, trains, ships, automobiles, and the like, often include one or more passenger seats in which passengers may be seated and may otherwise use during travel. A passenger seat may include a base frame that may allow a seating cushion of the passenger seat to be attached to the passenger seat. Additionally, the passenger seat may include a seat back that may include a seat back frame that may allow a seat back cushion of the passenger seat to be attached to the passenger seat. Traditionally, a passenger seat has a headrest positioned that is built into the seat structure, on the seat back, and are non-adjustable. The non-adjustable headrests may cause excessive strain and fatigue on the muscles of the neck when the seat is positioned upright as well as slightly reclined.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understoodnot to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. 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 drawings and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat may be positioned in an aircraft. The passenger seat may include a seat back and a headrest supported on the seat back. The headrest may be tilted in a forward and aft direction independent to the seat back. The passenger seat may be positioned on an aircraft.

[0006] In some embodiments, the seat back may include a top end having a receiving area. The receiving area may be recessed relative to the seat back to allow for the headrest to tilt in a forward and aft direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, a headrest assembly may be configured to couple to a frame of the seat back in a first direction, and in a second direction the headrest assembly is configured to couple to an aft side of the headrest. The seat back may include a top end having a receiving area.

[0008] In some embodiments, the headrest assembly may include a mechanism to allow for a vertical movement such that the headrest may be lowered or raised relative to the seat back. The headrest assembly may be coupled to a frame on the seat back below a top end of the seat back.

[0009] In some embodiments, the headrest may be positioned within the receiving area of the seat back.

[0010] In some embodiments, the headrest assembly may include a support attached to a frame of the headrest. The support may be configured to allow for tilting of the headrest in a forward direction and an aft direction relative about a pivot axis.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support may include a hinge and support member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hinge is a torque hinge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aft side of the headrest may include an aft extension including a pivot access. The pivot access may be proximate to a lower end of the headrest that a top end of the headrest.

[0014] In some embodiments, the headrest may be tilted from 0 degrees to 60 degrees vertically relative to a receiving area of the seat back.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support may include a mechanism positioned along the frame of the headrest for locking the headrest in an angle of from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back.

[0016] In some embodiments, the headrest may include a stopper, for limiting the tiltability, positioned on an aft side of the headrest. Additionally, the stopper may be positioned towards a top end of the headrest relative to a tilting mechanism positioned on the aft side of the headrest.

[0017] In some embodiments, the headrest may include a forward side and an aft side. The forward side of the headrest may include a convex surface, a flat surface, or a concave surface. The pivot point of the headrest may be positioned on the aft side of the headrest and relative to an apex of the forward side of the headrest.

[0018] In some embodiments, an aircraft may include the passenger seat.

[0019] In some embodiments, the headrest may be retrofit to a pre-existing seat back.

[0020] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat may include a seat back that may include a top end having a receiving area. Additionally, the passenger seat may include a headrest supported on the seat back and positioned within the receiving area. The headrest may be tilted forward and aft while in the receiving area. The passenger seat may be positioned on an aircraft.

[0021] In some embodiments, the headrest may include a headrest assembly positioned on an aft side of the headrest.

[0022] In some embodiments, he headrest assembly may include a support structure attached to a frame of the headrest. The support structure may be configured to allow for tilting of the headrest in a forward and aft direction relative about a pivot axis.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support structure may include a hinge and support member. The hinge may be a torque hinge. The support structure may be configured to allow for vertically adjusting a height of the headrest relative to the seat back. The height may be lower or higher than a resting position of the headrest.

[0024] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat may include a seat back and a headrest. The headrest may include a forward and an aft side. The aft side may be pivotably connected to the seat back such that the headrest may be tilted. The passenger seat may be positioned on an aircraft.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a top view of the internal compartment of an aircraft fuselage that includes seats positioned in rows within the fuselage for passengers to use during flight according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an angled external view of a passenger seat with a headrest, that may be tilted, positioned on the seat back according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of internal structure components of the passenger seat of Figure 2.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particularorder or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0029] The described embodiments of the invention provide passenger seats with a headrest, that may be tilted, for a passenger vehicle. While the passenger seats with tiltable headrests are discussed for use with the passenger vehicle, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the passenger seats with a headrest, that may be tilted, may be used in passenger vehicles of any type or otherwise as desired.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a top view of the internal compartment of an aircraft fuselage 100 that includes at least one passenger seat 102 positioned in rows within the fuselage for passengers to use during flight according to certain embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the passenger seat 102 may be configured to cany' entities, such as individuals, etc., in an aircraft, for example while the aircraft is in motion or otherwise in use. The passenger seats 102 may be configured to be reverse facing seats, such as in a private aircraft, or more particularly, may be forward facing seats, relative to the cockpit, such as in commercial aircrafts. The passenger seat 102 may be positioned in economy class, premium economy class, business class, first class, or any other class of travel with respect to the aircraft. In some embodiments, the passenger seat 102 may be a fixed position passenger seat or a fixed recline passenger seat. In some embodiments, the headrest, as described herein, may be integrated with other headrest comfort mechanisms such as mechanisms that extend outward from the headrest. For example, the headrest may be included in a Modulair® seat. In an alternate embodiment, the passenger seat 102 may be reclined relative to the seat bottom to a degree greater than approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the aircraft fuselage 100 may include at least one row of at least one passenger seat 102.

[0031] The passenger seat 102 may include a seat back and a headrest that may be tilted to allow for reduced muscle strain and may improve comfort to a passenger in both a reclined position and an upright position. In some embodiments the headrests may be rotated backwards relative to the seat back. In some embodiments, the passenger seat 102, having a tilted headrest, may be used for at least one class of seats within a single aircraft. In an alternate embodiment, the passenger seat 102 may be used for all class of seats on an aircraft.

[0032] According to certain features of the present disclosure, a passenger seat that may include a seat back and a headrest that may be tilted for improved comfort. The passengerseat may be depicted according to Figure 2. Provided in Figure 2 is an angled, external view of a passenger seat 200 with a headrest 202, which may be capable of being tilted, positioned on the seat back 210 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may be tilted in a forward direction and / or an aft direction independent to the seat back. Tilting the headrest 202 in a forward direction and / or an aft direction may involve, for example, tilting the headrest 202 in a forward direction in a first motion and tilting the headrest 202 in an aft direction in a second motion that is different than the first motion. In some embodiments, to allow for a headrest 202 having the clearance for tilting in a forward direction and an aft direction, the seat back 210 may include a receiving area 206 that is recessed relative to the seat back 210. In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may be positioned within the receiving area 206 of the seat back 210. In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may be connected to the frame of the seat back 210 to allow for stable and secure resting of the head on the headrest 202. In some embodiments, the headrest may be retrofit onto a pre-existing seat back on a passenger aircraft. In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may be retrofit onto a seat back 210 that does not include a receiving area 206 that is recessed relative to the seat back 210.

[0033] In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may include a forward side and an aft side. The forward side may include a convex, a concave, or a flat surface, which may allow for the passengers’ neck or back of head to rest on the headrest 202. In some embodiments, the pivot axis 304 may be positioned on the aft side of the headrest 22 and relative to the apex of the forward side of the headrest 202.

[0034] The headrest may be tilted 204 from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area 206 of the seat back 210. For example, the headrest may be tilted 204 of approximately 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees, 22 degrees, 23 degrees, 24 degrees, 25 degrees, 26 degrees, 27 degrees, 28 degrees, 29 degrees, 30 degrees, 31 degrees, 32 degrees, 33 degrees, 34 degrees, 35 degrees, 36 degrees, 37 degrees, 38 degrees, 39 degrees, 40 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees, 43 degrees, 44 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 degrees, 49 degrees, 50 degrees, 51 degrees, 52 degrees, 53 degrees, 54 degrees, 55 degrees, 56 degrees, 57degrees, 58 degrees, 59 degrees, or 60 degrees relative to the receiving area 206 of the seat back 210. In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may be tilted 204 to any suitable angle. For example, from approximately -60 degrees to approximately 100 degrees relative to the seat back 210.

[0035] In some embodiments, the passenger seat 200 may have a headrest 202 that may include a stopper 208 for limiting the ability of the headrest 202 to be tilted 204 of the headrest 202. The stopper 208 may be positioned on the aft side of the headrest 202. Additionally, the stopper 208 may be positioned on the aft side of the headrest 202 and further positioned towards the top end of the headrest relative to the tilting mechanism positioned on the aft side of the headrest 202. In some embodiments, the stopper 208 may be produced from the same material as the headrest 202. For example, the stopper 208 may be made of rubber, plastic, metal, leather, synthetic leather, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the stopper 208 may be a bump, a ridge, or any extension off the back of the headrest to allow for the headrest 202 to tilt no further than a specified angle. In some embodiments, the stopper 208 may be adjusted to allow for changing the degree of tilt of the headrest 202.

[0036] In some embodiments, the headrest 202 may include a headrest assembly that includes a mechanism to allow for vertical movement such that the headrest may be lowered or raised relative to the seat back. In some embodiments, the headrest assembly may be coupled to a frame on the seat back below a top end of the seat back. For example, the headrest assembly may be positioned at the upper most limit of the seat back 210 just below the receiving area 206. In some embodiments, the vertical movement may be performed by sliding the headrest vertically along a singular support structure, or multiple support structures. One of ordinary skill in the art may understand that there are numerous ways for moving a headrest vertically along a support structure for adjusting a headrest for passenger comfort.

[0037] The support structure may be internal to the headrest assembly and may be visualized as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a passenger seat 300 internal structure components according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the passenger seat 300 may include the headrest 202 and the seat back 210. The headrest 202 may include a headrest assembly that may include an aft extension306, a pivot axis 304, and a support 302. The headrest assembly may be configured to couple to a frame of the seat back 210 in a first direction. In a second direction, the headrest assembly may be configured to couple to an aft side of the headrest 202. The headrest assembly, when configured to the aft side of the headrest 202 may be positioned in the receiving area 206 of the seat back 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the headrest assembly may be configured to attach to the headrest 202 more proximate to the lower end of the headrest than the top end. For example, the headrest assembly may be configured to the lower quarter of the headrest 202. In some embodiments, the headrest assembly may not be configured to attach to the center of the headrest. In yet another embodiment, the headrest assembly may not be configured to attach to the upper portion of the aft side of the headrest 202. In configurations other than the lower segment of the aft side of the headrest 202, the headrest may not properly tilt and may be uncomfortable. Positioning the headrest assembly and pivot axis 304 in a position more proximate to the lower end of the headrest may maximize comfort, minimizes the extent to which the lower end of the headrest 202 just out into the neck of the passenger, and maximizes the tilt angle of the headrest 202.

[0038] In some embodiments, the support 302 may be configured to attach to a frame of the seat back 210 in one direction and in the second direction the support 302 may be configured to attach to the pivot axis 304. In some embodiments, the pivot axis 304, may be configured to attach to an aft extension 306. In some embodiments, the headrest assembly may include a support 302 and a pivot axis 304 configured to attach to the aft side of the headrest 202. In some embodiments, the support 302 may be made of metal, plastic, or polymer and may be configured to allow for vertical height adjustments by the passenger. In some embodiments, the mechanism to allow for vertical height adjustments may be positioned on the support 302, below the pivot axis 304, and above the attachment point of the seat back 210. In some embodiments, the support 302 may further include a mechanism positioned along the frame of the headrest for locking the headrest in an angle from 0 degrees to 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back 210. For example, the headrest 202 may be tilted to an angle from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back 210 which may be referred to herein as a tilted headrest 308. In one, non-limiting example, the locking mechanism may be a pressure locking mechanisms having a lever, that, when engaged, prevents the headrest from tilting forward or aft directions.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support 302 may further include a hinge and a support member. The hinge may be any acceptable binge for allowing tiltability of the headrest 202. For example, the hinge may be a torque hinge, an adjustable angle hinge, or any other type of hinge for changing the degree of tiltability.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the passenger seat 300, or any component thereof, including the headrest 202, may include various metals or metallic elements as desired, including but not limited to aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, brass, a brass alloy, steel, a steel alloys, stainless steel or a stainless-steel alloy, combinations thereof, or any other suitable metal or metallic alloy. In other non-limiting examples, the passenger seat 300, or any component thereof, includes other types of metallic elements, such as titanium, zinc, and the like, or metallic alloys such as titanium alloys, zinc alloys, and the like. In some embodiments, some components (e.g., the forward portion of the headrest 202, the aft portion, the stopper 208, the support 302 including the support member, the pivot axis 304, the aft extension 306, etc.) may include non-metallic elements such as rubber, polymer, plastics, and the like.

[0041] In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

[0042] Example 1. A passenger seat for an aircraft, the passenger seat comprising: a seat back; and a headrest supported on the seat back, wherein the headrest is tilted in a forward direction and an aft direction independent to the seat back, wherein the passenger seat is positioned on the aircraft.

[0043] Example 2. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the seat back comprises a top end having a receiving area, wherein the receiving area is recessed relative to the seat back to allow for the headrest to tilt in a forward and aft direction.

[0044] Example 3. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein a headrest assembly is configured to couple to a frame of the seat back in a first direction and in a second direction the headrest assembly is configured to couple to an aft side of the headrest, wherein the seat back comprises a top end having a receiving area.

[0045] Example 4. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest assembly comprises a mechanism to allow for a vertical movement such that the headrest may be lowered or raised relative to the seat back, and wherein the headrest assembly is coupled to a frame on the seat back below a top end of the seat back.

[0046] Example 5. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest is positioned within the receiving area of the seat back.

[0047] Example 6. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest assembly comprises a support attached to a frame of the headrest, wherein the support is configured to allow for tilting of the headrest in a forward and aft direction relative about a pivot axis.

[0048] Example 7. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the support comprises a hinge and support member.

[0049] Example 8. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the hinge is a torque hinge.

[0050] Example 9. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aft side of the headrest comprises an aft extension including a pivot access, wherein the pivot access is proximate to a lower end of the headrest than a top end of the headrest.

[0051] Example 10. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest is tilted from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back.

[0052] Example 11. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the support further comprises a mechanism positioned along the frame of the headrest for locking the headrest in an angle of from 0 degrees to 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back.

[0053] Example 12. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest further comprises a stopper, for limiting the tiltability, positioned on an aft side of the headrest, wherein the stopper is positioned towards a top end of the headrest relative to a tilting mechanism positioned on the aft side of the headrest.

[0054] Example 13. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest comprises a forward side and an aft side wherein the forwards side of the headrest comprises a convex surface, a flat surface, or a concave surface, and wherein a pivot point of the headrest is positioned on the aft side of the headrest and relative to an apex of the forward side of the headrest.

[0055] Example 14. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein an aircraft comprises the passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples.

[0056] Example 15. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest is retrofit to a pre-existing seat back.

[0057] Example 16. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back comprising a top end having a receiving area; and a headrest supported on the seat back and positioned within the receiving area, wherein the headrest is tilted forward and aft while in the receiving area, wherein the passenger seat is positioned on an aircraft.

[0058] Example 17. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest comprises a headrest assembly positioned on an aft side of the headrest.

[0059] Example 18. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the headrest assembly comprises a support structure attached to a frame of the headrest, wherein the support structure is configured to allow for tilting of the headrest in a forward and aft direction relative about a pivot axis.

[0060] Example 19. The passenger seat of any preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the support structure further comprises a hinge and support member, wherein the hinge is a torque hinge, and wherein the support structure is configurable to allow for vertically adjusting a height of the headrest relative to the seat back, wherein the height may be lower or higher than a resting position of the headrest.

[0061] Example 20. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back; and a headrest comprising a forward and an aft side, wherein the aft side is pivotably connected to the seat back such that the headrest is tilted, wherein the passenger seat is positioned on an aircraft.

[0062] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, somefeatures and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

[0063] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the FIG. (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0064] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

[0065] As used herein, the term “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Exemplary degrees of error are within 5%, 10%, 20%, or the like of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated. When “approximately” is applied to the beginning of a numerical range, it applies to both ends of the range.

[0066] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, and certain shown exemplary embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Variations of those preferred embodiments, within the spirit of the present invention, may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0067] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. A passenger seat for an aircraft, the passenger seat comprising: a seat back; and a headrest supported on the seat back, wherein the headrest is tiltable in a forward direction and an aft direction independent to the seat back, wherein the passenger seat is positioned on the aircraft.

2. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back comprises a top end having a receiving area, wherein the receiving area is recessed relative to the seat back to allow for the headrest to tilt in a forward direction and an aft direction.

3. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein a headrest assembly is configured to couple to a frame of the seat back in a first direction and in a second direction the headrest assembly is configured to couple to an aft side of the headrest, wherein the seat back comprises a top end having a receiving area.

4. The passenger seat of claim 3, wherein the headrest assembly comprises a mechanism to allow for a vertical movement such that the headrest may be lowered or raised relative to the seat back, and wherein the headrest assembly is coupled to a frame on the seat back below a top end of the seat back.

5. The passenger seat of claim 4, wherein the headrest is positionable within the receiving area of the seat back.

6. The passenger seat of claim 3, wherein the headrest assembly comprises a support attached to a frame of the headrest, wherein the support is configured to allow for tilting of the headrest in a forward and aft direction relative about a pivot axis.

7. The passenger seat of claim 6, wherein the support comprises a hinge and support member.

8. The passenger seat of claim 7, wherein the hinge is a torque hinge.

9. The passenger seat of claim 3, wherein the aft side of the headrest comprises an aft extension including a pivot access, wherein the pivot access is proximate to a lower end of the headrest than a top end of the headrest.

10. The passenger seat of claim 6, wherein the headrest is tiltable from 0 degrees to 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back.

11. The passenger seat of claim 10, wherein the support further comprises a mechanism positionable along the frame of the headrest for locking the headrest in an angle of from 0 degrees to 60 degrees vertically relative to the receiving area of the seat back.

12. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the headrest further comprises a stopper, for limiting the tiltability, positioned on an aft side of the headrest, wherein the stopper is positioned towards a top end of the headrest relative to a tilting mechanism positioned on the aft side of the headrest.

13. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the headrest comprises a forward side and an aft side wherein the forwards side of the headrest comprises a convex surface, a flat surface, or a concave surface, and wherein a pivot point of the headrest is positioned on the aft side of the headrest and relative to an apex of the forward side of the headrest.

14. An aircraft comprising the passenger seat of claim 1.

15. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the headrest is retrofit to a pre-existing seat back.

16. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back comprising a top end having a receiving area; and a headrest supported on the seat back and positionable within the receiving area, wherein the headrest is tiltable forward and aft while in the receiving area, wherein the passenger seat is positioned on an aircraft.

17. The passenger seat of claim 16, wherein the headrest comprises a headrest assembly positioned on an aft side of the headrest.

18. The passenger seat of claim 17, wherein the headrest assembly comprises a support structure attached to a frame of the headrest, wherein the support structure is configured to allow for tilting of the headrest in a forward and aft direction relative about a pivot axis.

19. The passenger seat of claim 18, wherein the support structure further comprises a hinge and support member, wherein the hinge is a torque hinge, and wherein the support structure is configurable to allow for vertically adjusting a height of the headrest relative to the seat back, wherein the height may be lower or higher than a resting position of the headrest.

20. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back; and a headrest comprising a forward and an aft side, wherein the aft side is pivotably connected to the seat back such that the headrest is tiltable, wherein the passenger seat is positioned on an aircraft.

Citation Information

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