Deployable comfort support for passenger seat

Abstract

Described are deployable comfort support members positioned on an aft side of a passenger seat. The comfort support member is movable between stowed and deployed positions relative to a seat back of the passenger seat. The comfort support member includes a cushioning, non-ridged surface for a passenger to rest during travel.

Description

Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application DEPLOYABLE COMFORT SUPPORT FOR PASSENGER SEAT FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates to passenger seats, and, more particularly, to a deployable comfort support member positioned on passenger seats. BACKGROUND

[0002] Passenger vehicles, such as aircrafts, often include one or more passenger seats which passengers may be seated or otherwise use during travel. The passenger seats, such as the ones positioned within aircrafts, typically include a nonadjustable headrest, a seat back, and a tray table. The nonadjustable headrest is positioned at a height that works for most travelers, however, some passengers, such as but not limited to taller passengers, can end up with higher levels of discomfort due to non-adequate positioning of the headrest. To rest during travel a passenger may rest on the tray table. Tray tables are typically designed to provide a support base for items such as personal electronic devices, food, and drinks, thus the tray table is rigid or hard and does not provide comfortable support for passengers to rest during travel. Additionally many passengers do not possess comfortable support devices that may be used during travel and existing comfort devices provided are not readily available to passengers, are bulky, and are not easily deployable. SUMMARY

[0003] 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 understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patentAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application 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.

[0004] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, includes a passenger seat further including a comfort member positioned on an aft side of a passenger seat. The comfort support member may be movable between stowed and deployed positions relative to a seat back of the passenger seat. The comfort member may include a cushioning, non-rigid surface.

[0005] In some embodiments, the comfort member may be positively attached to the aft side of the passenger seat. The positive attachment may be via at least one attachment element.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the at least one attachment element may be selected from hook and loop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

[0007] In various embodiments, the comfort member may include a dress cover encasing the comfort member. The dress cover may be removable from the comfort member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the comfort member may include a first attachment element. The dress cover may include a second attachment element. The first and second attachment element may allow for the positive attaching of the comfort member and the dress cover to the seat back.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application

[0009] In certain embodiments, the comfort member may include a first panel and a second panel. In some embodiments, the first panel may be foldable relative to the second panel.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first panel and the second panel may be foldable between a planar configuration and a stacked configuration. The stacked configuration may increase the height of the comfort member by greater than approximately 50 % as compared to the height of the planar configuration.

[0011] In some embodiments, the passenger seat may include a tray table attached to the seat structure and may be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the seat back. The comfort member may be secured to the passenger seat independent of the tray table.

[0012] In certain embodiments, when the tray table is in a deployed position, the comfort member may independently move relative to the seat back or tray table between stowed and deployed positions.

[0013] In various embodiments, the comfort member, in the stowed position, may be retained between the seat back and the tray table.

[0014] In some embodiments, the comfort member may be arranged relative to the tray table on the seat back such that a stowage movement, from deployed to stowed, of the tray table may cause a deployed comfort member to be stowed.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the comfort member optionally may be retrofit to a preexisting passenger seat back.

[0016] In various embodiments, the comfort member may include a pull tab. The pull tab may be usable for deploying the comfort member.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the comfort member may be attached to a pivoting and sliding structure. The pivoting and sliding structure may be secured to the aft side of theAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application passenger seat. The comfort member may be detachable from the pivoting and sliding structure.

[0018] In various embodiments, the passenger seat may include a seat back and a tray table attached to the seat structure. The comfort member may be attached to the seat back.

[0019] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat may include a seat back, a tray table, and a comfort member. The comfort member may be stowable between the tray table and the seat back. The tray table may be deployable independent of the comfort member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the comfort member may be positively attached to an aft side of the passenger seat via at least one attachment element.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the at least one attachment element may be hook and loop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat may include a seat back, a tray table movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a comfort member. The comfort member may be attached to the seat back. The comfort member may be deployed onto an upper surface of the tray table when the tray table is in a deployed position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the comfort member may be positively attached to an aft side to the passenger seat via at least one attachment element. The at least one attachment element may be selected from hook and loop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is perspective view of passenger seat having a tray table according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application

[0025] Figure 2A is perspective view of a passenger seat back having a tray table in a deployed position according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2B is perspective view of a passenger seat back having a tray table in a deployed position for deploying a comfort member according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3A is perspective view of a passenger seat back having a tray table in a deployed position and a deployed comfort member positioned on the tray table according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3B is perspective view of a passenger seat back of more than one row of seats having a passenger resting on the comfort member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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 particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0030] The described embodiments of the invention provide passenger seats having a comfort member, that may be positioned on an aft side of the passenger seat, for a passenger vehicle. While the passenger seats with deployable comfort members are discussed for use with the passenger vehicle, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments for theAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application passenger seats with a deployable comfort member, that may be positioned on an aft side of the passenger seat, may be used in passenger vehicles of any type or otherwise as desired.

[0031] Figure 1 is perspective view of a passenger seat 100 including a seat back 102 and a tray table 104 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the passenger seats may be positioned in rows within a fuselage for passengers to using during flight. In some embodiments, the passenger seat 100 may be configured to carry entities, such as individuals, etc., in an aircraft, for example while the aircraft is in motion or otherwise in use. The passenger seats 100 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 100 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 100 may be a fixed position passenger seat or a fixed recline passenger seat. In some embodiments, the passenger seat includes a tray table 104 and further include a seat pocket 106.

[0032] The passenger seat 100 may include a seat back 102 and a tray table 104, among other components. Optionally, the passenger seat 100 includes a seat pocket 106.

[0033] The tray table 104 may be movable between a deployed position and a stowed position using various mechanisms or features as desired. As a non-limiting example, the tray table 104 may be pivotably attached to the seat structure 108 such that the tray table 104 may pivot or rotate between the stowed and deployed positions. In some embodiments, the tray table, when oriented in a stowed position, may be adjacent to the seat back 102. In some embodiments, the tray table 104 may be movable during flight (or as otherwise desired) between the stowed position (see, e.g., Figure 1) and the deployed position (see, e.g., Figures 2A-B). For example, the tray table 104 may be moved between deployed and stowed positions to allow passengers to utilize a surface of the tray table 104 when deployed and toAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application move freely from their seat when the tray table 104 is stowed. In certain embodiments, the tray table 104 may be in a stowed position during takeoff and landing for safety reasons. In some embodiments, the passenger seat 100, may include a comfort member positioned between the seat back 102 and the tray table 104. In some embodiments, the comfort member may be positioned on the aft side of the passenger seat 100.

[0034] The passenger seat is further depicted according to Figure 2A and 2B. Provided in Figure 2A is perspective view of the passenger seat back 102 of a passenger seat 200 having the tray table 104 in the deployed position according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] In some embodiments, a comfort member 202 may be provided with the passenger seat 200, optionally positioned on an aft side of the seat back 102. In certain embodiments, and as discussed in detail below, the comfort member 202 may be movable between stowed and deployed positions, and, in at least the stowed position, the comfort member 202 may be positioned between the seat back 104 and the tray table 104. In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be various devices configured to provide comfort and support to a passenger. Optionally, the comfort member 202 may be a non-rigid, semi-rigid, and / or flexible member that a person may engage with a portion of her or his body (see, e.g., Figure 3B). Optionally, the comfort member 202 may have at least a cushioning and / or non-rigid surface. As non-limiting examples, the comfort member may be produced from and / or at least partially include materials such as but not limited to, foams, feathers, down, wool, latex, cotton, buckwheat, combinations thereof, and / or other cushioning materials and / or combinations of cushioning materials as desired.

[0036] In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 optionally may include a dress cover 203. In Figure 2A, the dress cover 203 is illustrated as removed and / or being removable from the comfort member 202 for ease of viewing, but in other embodiments, theAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application dress cover 203 need not be removable. The term dress cover 203 refers to any device or member suitable for the at least partial encasement of an item in a secondary material. Non- limiting examples of a dress cover 203 may include a pillowcase, a sleeve, a cover, or any other device or item as desired. In some embodiments, the dress cover 203 optionally may include a zipper, buttons, or other means of enclosing and / or securing the comfort member 202 within the dress cover 203. The zipper, buttons, or other means may be used for securing, or retaining, the comfort member 202 within the dress cover. In some embodiments, the dress cover 203 may be removed or removable from the comfort member 202. As a non-limiting example, the dress cover 203 may be replaced by a second dress cover after each use by the passenger.

[0037] Optionally, the dress cover 203 may include at least one attachment element 205, optionally positioned on the external surface of the dress cover 203, to allow for positive attachment of the dress cover 203 to the aft side of the passenger seat 200. In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may include at least one attachment element 205 that may positively attach to the internal surface of the dress cover to secure the dress cover to the comfort member. The dress cover 203 may subsequently be positively attached to the aft side of the passenger seat.

[0038] The comfort member 202 may have various shapes, constructions, and profiles as desired, and the particular shape and profile of the comfort member 202 illustrated should not be considered limiting. As a non-limiting example, while a rectangular comfort member 202 is illustrated, in other embodiments ,the comfort member 202 may be other shapes or profiles such as but not limited to circular, triangular, polygonal, curved shapes, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0039] The comfort member 202 may include at least one panel 207, and optionally may include more than one panel 207. As non-limiting examples, Figure 2A illustrates theAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application comfort member 202 with a single panel 207, and Figure 2B illustrates the comfort member 2A with two panels 207. In other embodiments, any number of panels 207 may be utilized.

[0040] In embodiments with a plurality of panels 207, the panels 207 may have the same general shape or profile, although they need not. As non-limiting examples, the comfort member 202 may have two panels 207 with the same shape and thickness, but in other embodiments, one panel 207 may have a thickness, length, width, and / or shape different from that of the other panel 207. Other combinations of panels 207 may be utilized as desired.

[0041] In embodiments with a plurality of panels 207, the panels 207 optionally are foldable and / or otherwise movable relative to each other, optionally to provide the comfort member 202 with a desired length and / or height when deployed. As a non-limiting example, the comfort member 202 may include a first panel 207 and a second panel 207, and the first panel 207 may movable relative to the second panel 207 between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. Optionally, in the unfolded configuration, the panels 207 may generally be in the same plane and / or may define a maximum length of the comfort member 202. Figure 2B, while illustrating the comfort member 202 in its stowed position, illustrates the panels 207 in the unfolded configuration. In some embodiments, in the folded configuration, the first panel 207 may be folded onto, or over, the second panel 207 to increase the thickness of the comfort member 202. In some non-limiting examples, the panels 207 in the folded configuration may at least double the thickness of the comfort member 202. As a non-limiting example, the first panel 207 and the second panel 207 may be foldable between a planar (unfolded) configuration and a stacked (folded) configuration. The stacked configuration may increase the height of the comfort member by greater than about 50 % as compared to the comfort member 202 in a planar configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, the comfort member 202 may have more than two panels 207 such that the comfort member 202 may be folded, or otherwise manipulated, to a structure best suitable forAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application the passenger to rest. As non-limiting examples, folding the comfort member 202 may increase the height of the comfort member 202 by at least about 25 %, by at least about 30 %, by at least about 35 %, by at least about 40 %, by at least about 45 %, by at least about 50 %, by at least about 55 %, by at least about 60 %, by at least about 65 %, by at least about 70 %, by at least about 75 %, by at least about 80 %, by at least about 85 %, by at least about 90 %, by at least about 95 %, or by at least about 100 %.

[0042] In some embodiments, and with reference to Figure 3A, the comfort member 202 may be positively attached to the seat back via at least one attachment element 302. While two attachment elements 302 are illustrated, the number should not be considered limiting. As non-limiting examples, the comfort member 202 may include at least one attachment member 302, at least two attachment members 302, at least three attachment members 302, at least four attachment elements 302, etc.. Moreover, the particular location of the attachment elements 302 should not be considered limiting. The attachment elements 302 optionally may have a complimentary anchoring point positioned on the aft side of the passenger seat and an anchoring point on a first side of the comfort member 202. The attachment elements 302 may allow for securing the comfort member 202 to the seat back. In some embodiments, the at least one attachment element 302 may be various devices or mechanisms suitable for selective attachment, such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. In some embodiments, the at least one attachment element 302 may be any other securing method known by one skilled in the art. For example, hook hangers, clips, buckles, and other fasteners that may be capable of holding the comfort member 202 to the aft side of the passenger seat back. In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 optionally may be retrofit to preexisting passenger seat backs. For example, the comfort member 202 may beAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application installed or otherwise attached to seat backs that previously were without a comfort member 202.

[0043] In various embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be movable relative to the seat back 102 between a stowed position (Figures 2A-B) and a deployed position. In certain embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be movable from the stowed position to the deployed position when the tray table 104 is in its deployed position. Conversely, the comfort member 202 may be movable from the deployed position to the stowed position (i) independently from the tray table 104 while the tray table is in its deployed position or (ii) when the tray table 104 is moved from its deployed position to its stowed position. Such relative positioning and movement of the comfort member 202 and the tray table 104 is discussed in greater detail below.

[0044] Figure 2B illustrates the tray table 104 in the deployed position and the comfort member 202 in the stowed position according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be deployed 204 when the tray table 104 is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in Figure 1, when the comfort member 202 is in the stowed position and the tray table 104 is in the stowed position, the comfort member 202 may be retained between the seat back 102 and the tray table 104. Optionally, when the comfort member 202 and the tray table 104 are both in their stowed positions, the comfort member 202 may be retained between the seat back and the tray table such that the tray table covers at least 95 % of the comfort member. As non- limiting examples, when the tray table 104 is in its stowed position, the comfort member may be at least 95 % covered, at least 96 % covered, at least 97 % covered, at least 98 % covered, at least 99 % covered, or 100 % covered by the tray table.

[0045] In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be independently movable relative to the seat back 102 and / or the tray table 104 between stowed and deployedAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application positions when the tray table 104 is in the deployed position. As a non-limiting example, when the tray table is in a deployed position, the comfort member 202 may be movable independent of the tray table (e. g., the comfort member 202 need not be secured to the tray table 104 by any attachment elements). In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be deployed 204, and further used by the passenger for resting and / or other use as desired during travel. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the comfort member 202 may be placed or otherwise positioned on the tray table 104 for resting, may be positioned against a wall, or may be used in any orientation as seen fit by the passenger for increasing the comfort of the passenger for resting. In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may include control member, such as but not limited to a pull tab, a button, or other means of de-attaching the comfort member 202 from the seat back and / or otherwise causing movement of the comfort member 202 from its stowed position to its deployed position. The control member, such as but not limited to the pull tab or other means, may be usable for deploying the comfort member 202.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be arranged relative to the tray table 104 on the seat back 102 such that stowage movement, from deployed to stowed, of the tray table 104 causes a deployed comfort member 202 to be stowed. In some embodiments, when the tray table 104 is moved from a deployed position to a stowed position, the comfort member 202 may be stowed.

[0047] Deployment and use of the comfort member 202 may be visualized as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A is perspective view of a passenger seat back of a passenger seat 300 having the tray table 104 in the deployed position and a deployed comfort member 202 positioned on the tray table 104. As mentioned previously, the comfort member 202, may include at least one attachment element 302 on at least one side of the comfort member 202. In some embodiments, the attachment elements 302 may secure, or otherwise allow forAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application positive attachment to the aft side of the passenger seat. Figure 3B is perspective view of a passenger seat back of more than one row of seats having a passenger 304 resting on the comfort member 202 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, in the deployed position, the comfort member 202 may be rested, or otherwise positioned on the top surface of the tray table to allow a passenger 304 to rest during transit. In some non-limiting examples, transit may refer to during flight. Optionally, the comfort member 202 may not be available during certain situations and / or portions of transit. As non- limiting examples, the comfort member 202 optionally may be unavailable during taxiing, takeoff, and landing (TTL).

[0048] The comfort member 202 may be attached to the seat back 102 using various mechanisms or devices as desired such that the comfort member 202 is movable between stowed and deployed positions. As non-limiting examples, the comfort member 202 may be attached to the seat back 102 via a living hinge, mechanical hinge, one or more straps, hooks, intermediate members, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0049] Additionally, or alternatively, the comfort member 202 may be attached to a pivoting and / or sliding structure. In some embodiments, the pivoting and / or sliding structure may be similar to arms 305 supporting the tray table 104, although it need not be in other embodiments. The pivoting and / or sliding structure may be attached to the aft side of the passenger seat and may move independently of the tray table. In some embodiments, the comfort member 202 may be detachable from the pivoting and / or sliding structure. In yet other embodiments, the pivoting and / or sliding structure may be deployed when the tray table is deployed, and further stowed when the tray table is stowed. The pivoting and / or sliding structure may be moved to provide adjustable comfort for the passenger 304 for resting on the comfort member 202. As a non-limiting example, shorter passengers may slide and pivot the structure to a lower level as compared to a taller passenger. In some embodiments, theAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application sliding and / or pivoting structure may be adjustable by up to 5 inches when measured from the resting position of the sliding and pivoting structure.

[0050] In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

[0051] Example 1. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back; a tray table; and a comfort member, wherein the comfort member is stowable between the tray table and the seat back, and wherein the tray table is deployable independent of the comfort member.

[0052] Example 2. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member is positively attached, via at least one attachment element, to the aft side of the passenger seat.

[0053] Example 3. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from a group comprising hook and loop fasteners straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

[0054] Example 4. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member further comprises a dress cover encasing the comfort member, wherein the dress cover is removable from the comfort member.

[0055] Example 5. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member comprises a first attachment element and wherein the dress cover comprises a second attachment element, wherein the first and second attachment elements allow for positively attaching the comfort member and the dress cover to the seat back.

[0056] Example 6. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel is foldable relative to the second panel.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application

[0057] Example 7. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the first panel and the second panel are foldable between a planar configuration and a stacked configuration, wherein the stacked configuration increases a height of the comfort member by greater than 50 % as compared to the height of the planar configuration.

[0058] Example 8. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the passenger seat further comprises a tray table attached to the seat back and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the seat back, wherein the comfort member is secured to the passenger seat independent of the tray table.

[0059] Example 9. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein when the tray table is in the deployed position, the comfort member is independently movable relative to the seat back or tray table between stowed and deployed positions.

[0060] Example 10. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein, in the stowed position, the comfort member is retained between the seat back and the tray table.

[0061] Example 11. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member is arranged relative to the tray table on the seat back such that a stowage movement, from deployed to stowed, of the tray table causes a deployed comfort member to be stowed.

[0062] Example 12. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member is retrofit to a preexisting passenger seat back.

[0063] Example 13. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member comprises a pull tab, wherein the pull tab is usable for deploying the comfort member.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application

[0064] Example 14. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member is attached to a pivoting and sliding structure, wherein the pivoting and sliding structure is secured to the aft side of the passenger seat, wherein the comfort member is detachable from the pivoting and sliding structure.

[0065] Example 15. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, a seat back; and a tray table attached to the seat back, wherein the comfort member is attached to the seat back.

[0066] Example 16. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back; a tray table; and a comfort member wherein the comfort member is stowable between the tray table and the seat back, and wherein the tray table is deployable independent of the comfort member.

[0067] Example 17. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member is positively attached, via at least one attachment element, to an aft side of the passenger seat.

[0068] Example 18. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from a group comprising Hook and lop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof. Example 19. A passenger seat comprising:

[0069] Example 19. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back; a tray table movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and a comfort member, wherein the comfort member is attached to the seat back, and wherein the comfort member is deployable onto an upper surface of the tray table when the tray table is in the deployed position.

[0070] Example 20. The passenger seat of any one of the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the comfort member is positively attached, via at least one attachment element, to an aft side of the passenger seat, and wherein the at least one attachment elementAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application is selected from a group comprising Hook and lop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

[0071] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and 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.

[0072] 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 figure 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 inventionAttorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application 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. As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” 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,” and “about” can be inferred when not expressly stated. When “approximately,” or “about” is applied to the beginning of a numerical range, it applies to both ends of the range.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application CLAIMS That which is claimed is:

1. A passenger seat comprising a comfort member on an aft side of a passenger seat, wherein the comfort member is movable between stowed and deployed positions relative to a seat back of the passenger seat, and wherein the comfort member comprises a cushioning, non-rigid surface.

2. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the comfort member is positively attached, via at least one attachment element, to the aft side of the passenger seat.

3. The passenger seat of claim 2, wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from a group comprising hook and loop fasteners straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

4. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the comfort member further comprises a dress cover encasing the comfort member, wherein the dress cover is removable from the comfort member.

5. The passenger seat of claim 4, wherein the comfort member comprises a first attachment element and wherein the dress cover comprises a second attachment element, wherein the first and second attachment elements allow for positively attaching the comfort member and the dress cover to the seat back.

6. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the comfort member comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel is foldable relative to the second panel.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application 7. The passenger seat of claim 6, wherein the first panel and the second panel are foldable between a planar configuration and a stacked configuration, wherein the stacked configuration increases a height of the comfort member by greater than 50 % as compared to the height of the planar configuration.

8. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the passenger seat further comprises a tray table attached to a seat structure and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the seat back, wherein the comfort member is secured to the passenger seat independent of the tray table.

9. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein when the tray table is in the deployed position, the comfort member is independently movable relative to the seat back or tray table between stowed and deployed positions.

10. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein, in the stowed position, the comfort member is retained between the seat back and the tray table.

11. The passenger seat of claim 8, wherein the comfort member is arranged relative to the tray table on the seat back such that a stowage movement, from deployed to stowed, of the tray table causes a deployed comfort member to be stowed.

12. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the comfort member is retrofit to a preexisting passenger seat back.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application 13. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the comfort member comprises a pull tab, wherein the pull tab is usable for deploying the comfort member.

14. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein the comfort member is attached to a pivoting and sliding structure, wherein the pivoting and sliding structure is secured to the aft side of the passenger seat, wherein the comfort member is detachable from the pivoting and sliding structure.

15. The passenger seat of claim 1, further comprising: a seat structure; a seat back; and a tray table attached to the seat structure, wherein the comfort member is attached to the seat back.

16. A passenger seat comprising: a seat back; a tray table; and a comfort member, wherein the comfort member is stowable between the tray table and the seat back, and wherein the tray table is deployable independent of the comfort member.

17. The passenger seat of claim 16, wherein the comfort member is positively attached, via at least one attachment element, to an aft side of the passenger seat.Attorney Docket No.038398-1458486 Client Ref. No. B-030665PCT01 Patent Application 18. The passenger seat of claim 17, wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from a group comprising Hook and lop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

19. A passenger seat comprising: a seat structure; a seat back; a tray table attached to the seat structure, wherein the tray table is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and a comfort member, wherein the comfort member is attached to the seat back, and wherein the comfort member is deployable onto an upper surface of the tray table when the tray table is in the deployed position.

20. The passenger seat of claim 19, wherein the comfort member is positively attached, via at least one attachment element, to an aft side of the passenger seat, and wherein the at least one attachment element is selected from a group comprising Hook and lop fasteners, straps, pull tabs, buttons, or any combination thereof.

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