An adjustable seat for an aircraft passenger

Abstract

An adjustable seat for an aircraft passenger An adjustable seat (100) for an aircraft passenger. The seat comprises a seat pan (101), and a seat back (103) comprising a first portion (104) pivotably mounted to the seat pan, and a second portion (105) pivotably mounted to the first portion. The seat further comprises a lever arm (122) mounted to one of the first portion and second portion of the seat back, and a linear actuator (120) mounted on the other of the first portion and second portion of the seat back, and arranged to linearly move a drive arm. The drive arm engages with the lever arm to pivot the second portion with respect to the first portion when the drive arm is moved linearly by the linear actuator.

Description

[0001] An adjustable seat for an aircraft passenger

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention concerns an adjustable seat for an aircraft passenger. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention concerns adjustable seats with pivotable seat backs.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Business class and first-class airline seating generally has the comfort of airline passengers as a key concern. It is known to provide an adjustable seat which is configurable in a seat position, in which the seat back is inclined relative to the seat pan, and a bed position in which the seat back is aligned with the seat pan. However, as the seat reclines between the seat and bed configurations, a passenger may experience discomfort due to a lack of head support.

[0006] Additionally, aircraft seats are designed to comply with safety requirements, in particular, the head of a passenger is to be supported during take-off and landing. To comply with this requirement, aircraft seats backs are designed to be inclined at specific angles with respect to the seat pans, and these angles may be uncomfortable for a seat passenger.

[0007] The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved adjustable seat.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, an adjustable aircraft passenger seat, the seat comprising: a seat pan; a seat back comprising a first portion pivotably mounted to the seat pan, and a second portion pivotably mounted to the first portion; a lever arm mounted to one of the first portion and second portion of the seat back; and a linear actuator mounted on the other of the first portion and second portion of the seat back, and arranged to linearly move a drive arm; wherein the drive arm engages with the lever arm to pivot the second portion with respect to the first portion when the drive arm is moved linearly by the linear actuator; and wherein the seat is arranged to move between a seat configuration, in which the first portion of the seat back is inclined relative to the seat pan, and a bed configuration, in which the first portion is planar with the seat pan.

[0010] As the second portion of the seat rest is pivotable with respect to the first portion, the angle between the first and second portions is alterable to provide better support to the back and / or head of a seat passenger. The angle between the first and second portions may be altered as the first portion is pivoted with respect to the seat pan, such that the seat back provides better support to a passenger as the first portion is moved. In this way, the second portion of the seat back may support the seat passenger for a range of angles between the first portion and seat pan. By having the seat arranged to move between a seat configuration, in which the first portion of the seat back is inclined relative to the seat pan, and a bed configuration, in which the first portion is in line with the seat pan. In this way, the seat may allow an aircraft seat passenger to assume a seated position for take-off, landing and other activities such as eating, as well as a laying down position to allow the aircraft seat passenger to relax and sleep in improved comfort.

[0011] The adjustable seat may be configurable in a semi-reclined configuration. As the adjustable seat is moved between seat and bed configurations, the seat may assume the semi-reclined configuration as an intermediate configuration. The second portion of the seat back may be a headrest. This makes the seat back better suited to supporting the head of a seat passenger as the seat is adjusted. Alternatively, the second portion of the seat back may incorporate an additional headrest.

[0012] The lever arm may be mounted on the second portion of the seat back, and the linear actuator may be mounted on the first portion of the seat back. The second portion of the seat back may be smaller in dimension and / or weigh less than the first portion. By providing the lever arm on the second portion of the seat back, the second portion can be pivoted with respect to the first portion with less force than if the lever arm was provided on the first portion.

[0013] The angle between the first portion of the seat back and the second portion of the seat back may be variable between 150 and 180 degrees. This range of angles may allow the first and second portions to provide support to the back of a seat passenger as the first portion is pivoted with respect to the seat pan.

[0014] The first portion of the seat back may be pivotable with respect to the second portion of the seat back such that the angle between the first portion of the seat back and the second portion of the seat back may be variable between 150 degrees and 180 degrees. This range of angles may allow the first and second portions to provide better support to the back of a seat passenger as the first portion is pivoted with respect to the seat pan.

[0015] The adjustable seat may comprise a seat back actuator arranged to pivot the first portion of the seat back with respect to the seat pan. The seat back actuator may be a further linear actuator. By providing an adjustable seat with a seat back actuator, the angle between the seat back and the seat pan can be varied automatically as the seat is adjusted, or in response to the seat passenger actuating the seat back actuator. In this way, the angle between the seat back and seat pan may be varied without requiring manual effort by the seat passenger. The linear actuator may be arranged to be actuated independently to the seat back actuator. In this case, the angle between the first and second portions of the seat back can be altered by a seat passenger as the seat is adjusted. The passenger may therefore be able to better personalise the seat to their comfort preferences as the seat is adjusted. In this way, the seat may provide better support to the backs of passengers of different heights as the seat is adjusted.

[0016] Alternatively, the actuation of the linear actuator may be dependent upon the actuation of the seat back actuator. By making the linear actuator dependent upon the seat back actuator, the relative angles of the first portion, second portion and seat pan may be altered together. As the first portion is pivoted with respect to the seat pan, the second portion may be automatically pivoted with respect to the first portion to provide better back support to a seat passenger. When the seat is installed in an aircraft, the relative angles of the seat pan, first portion and second portion during take-off and landing can be selected to maximise passenger safety. By coupling the linear actuator and seat back actuator, these angles can be automatically achieved for aircraft take-off and landing.

[0017] The adjustable seat may further comprise a leg rest pivotably mounted to the seat pan. This can increase passenger comfort. When the seat is in the bed configuration, the leg rest may be planar with the seat pan, to form a continuous bed surface that supports the entire length of a passenger’s body.

[0018] The adjustable seat may further comprise a leg rest actuator arranged to pivot the leg rest with respect to the seat pan. The leg rest actuator may be a further linear actuator. The actuation of the leg rest actuator may be dependent upon the linear actuator and / or the seat back actuator. Alternatively, the leg rest actuator may be arranged to be actuated independently to the seat back actuator and / or the linear actuator. By providing an adjustable seat with a leg rest actuator, the angle between the leg rest and the seat pan can be varied automatically as the seat is adjusted, or in response to the seat passenger actuating the leg rest actuator. In this way, the angle between the leg rest and seat pan may be varied without requiring manual effort by the seat passenger.

[0019] The adjustable seat may further comprise a support structure, wherein the seat pan may be movably mounted to the support structure and arranged to move with respect to the support structure as the seat is moved between the seat configuration and the bed configuration.

[0020] By providing an adjustable seat with a seat pan translatable with respect a support structure, the weight distribution of the seat can be controlled as the seat is moved between the seat and bed configurations. This increases the stability of the seat. Additionally, by allowing the seat pan to move with respect to the support structure, the seat can be more efficiently arranged within an aircraft interior.

[0021] The seat may further comprise a support structure, wherein the seat pan may be movably mounted to the seat structure and arranged to pivot with respect to the support structure.

[0022] By providing a seat with a seat pan that is pivotable with respect to the support structure, the angle of the seat pan can be altered to increase passenger comfort and safety. For example, when the seat is installed in an aircraft, the seat pan may be inclined relative to the support structure when the seat is in the seat configuration so that passenger safety is improved during take-off and landing. The seat pan may be planar with the support structure when the seat is in the bed configuration to increase passenger comfort.

[0023] The present invention provides, according to another aspect, an adjustable seat for an aircraft passenger, the seat comprising: a seat pan; a seat back comprising a first portion pivotably mounted to the seat pan, and a second portion pivotably mounted to the first portion; a lever arm mounted to one of the first portion and second portion of the seat back; and a linear actuator mounted on the other of the first portion and second portion of the seat back, and arranged to linearly move a drive arm; wherein the drive arm engages with the lever arm to pivot the second portion with respect to the first portion when the drive arm is moved linearly by the linear actuator.

[0024] Description of the Drawings

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable seat according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a partial rear view of the adjustable seat of Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a pivot bolt and flange bearing arrangement of the adjustable seat of Figures 1 and 2.

[0029] Figure 4A shows an adjustable seat according to a second embodiment of the invention in a seat configuration;

[0030] Figure 4B shows an adjustable seat according to a second embodiment of the invention in a semi-reclined configuration; and

[0031] Figure 4C shows an adjustable seat according to a second embodiment of the invention in a bed configuration.

[0032] Detailed Description

[0033] An adjustable seat in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the adjustable seat 100. The seat 100 comprises a seat pan 101 , seat back 102 and support structure 103. The seat back 102 comprises a first portion 104 and a second portion 105. The first portion 104 of the seat back 102 comprises a frame formed by two elongate struts 106a, 106b arranged parallel to one another and joined at a first end 111 a, 111 b by a cross beam 107. A second end 112a, 112b of each elongate strut 106a, 106b is pivotably mounted to the seat pan 101 . A plate 108 spans the space between the two elongate struts 106a, 106b to provide a support for the back of a seat user. The second portion 105 is a headrest, and comprises a plate 109 for providing support to the head of a seat user. The second portion 105 is pivotably mounted to the first end 111 a, 111 b of each of the elongate struts 106a, 106b of the first portion 104 at a pivot point, as described in more detail below.

[0034] The pivotable mount between the seat pan 101 and first portion 104 is provided by a bolt 114, and by a curved slot 113a, 113b formed in the second end 112a, 112b of each elongate strut 106a, 106b. Each elongate strut 106a, 106b is pivotably mounted to the seat pan by the bolt 114, which is secured within and extends from the seat pan 101 . The bolts 114 each extend through the curved slot 113a, 113b and are secured in the curved slots by a bolt head.

[0035] In use, a pivoting force applied to first portion 104 of the seat back 102 causes the curved slot 113a, 113b to slide around the bolt 114 as the first portion 104 pivots with respect to the seat pan. In some embodiments, the pivoting force is provided by a seat user, in other embodiments the pivoting force is provided by an actuator provided on the first portion or the seat pan.

[0036] The seat pan 101 is movably mounted to the support structure 103. The support structure 103 is a table-like structure, and has a rectangular support plate 115 provided between two leg portions 116a, 116b. A support arm 117 is movably mounted to the support plate 115 and to the seat pan 101. Rails 118 are provided along two opposite edges of the support plate 115 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the cross beam 107 of the first portion 104 of the seat back 102. The seat pan 101 includes an engagement portion that engages with the rails. In some embodiments, the seat pan 101 includes wheels that engage with the rails of the support plate, in other embodiments, the surface of the seat pan is shaped to engage with the rails of the support plate.

[0037] In use, the seat pan 101 is slidable along the rails 118 so that the seat pan 101 is translatable with respect to the support structure 103. The seat pan 101 is pivotably mounted to the support plate 115 and may pivot about the engagement portion. In this way, the seat pan 101 is both translatable and pivotable with respect to the support plate 115. In use, the seat pan 101 is supported by the support arm 117 when the seat pan 101 is inclined relative to the support plate 115. In some embodiments, the seat pan 101 is moved relative to the support structure 103 by a seat user, but in other embodiments the seat pan 101 is moved by an actuator provided on the seat pan 101 , support structure 103 or seat back 102.

[0038] Figure 2 is a partial rear view of the adjustable seat 100. The first portion 104 of the seat back 102 is pivotably mounted to the second portion 105 at pivot points 119a, 199b at the first end 111 a, 111 b of each elongate strut 106a, 106b.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an expanded view of one of the pivot points 119a, 199b between the first portion 104 and second portion 105. The second portion 105 is pivotably mounted to the first portion 104 at each pivot point 119a, 199b by a pivot bolt 301 and flange bearing 302.

[0040] Each flange bearing 302 is an elongate tube with a flange portion provided on one end. The flange portion extends around an opening to the tube of and protrudes from the tube. The flange bearing 302 is inserted into a bore 303 formed in the elongate strut 106a. The bore 303 extends through the elongate strut 106a and is stepped such that there is a narrower opening to the bore 303 in the elongate strut 106a and a wider opening to the bore 303 in the elongate strut 106a. When the flange bearing 302 is inserted into the bore 303, the flange portion is adjacent to the step of the bore 303 and to the wider opening to the bore 303. The tube of the flange bearing 302 extends through the bore 303 and extends out of the narrower opening to the bore 303. The flange bearing 302 extends into a bore 304 formed in the second portion 105 of the seatback 102. The second portion of the seatback 105 comprises an arm 305 through which the bore 304 extends. The bore 304 is stepped such that there is a narrower opening to the bore 304 in arm 305 of the second portion 105 and a wider opening. When the flange bearing 302 is inserted into the bore 304, the end of the flange bearing that does not comprise the flange portion is adjacent to the step of the bore 304 and to the wider opening to the bore 304.

[0041] The surface of the bore 304 includes a threaded section. A bolt 301 is inserted through the flange bearing 302 and extends out of the flange bearing 302 into the bore 304 formed in the second portion 105 of the seat back 102. The bolt is threaded and engages with the threaded section of the bore 304 to secure the bolt 301 and flange bearing 302 within the bores 303, 304.

[0042] A linear actuator 120 is mounted to the plate 108 of the first portion 104 of the seat back 102. The linear actuator 120 is arranged to drive the linear motion of a drive arm 121. The linear actuator 120 is an electric linear actuator. In other embodiments, the linear actuator may be of another type, such as a hydraulic or piston actuator. The drive arm 121 is arranged in line with the plate 108 of the first portion 104 and extends in a direction from the linear actuator 120 to the second portion 105 of the seat back 102. The drive arm 120 is arranged to be reversibly drawn in and extended from the linear actuator 120. A lever arm 122 is fixedly mounted at one end to the plate 109 of the second portion 105 and is pivotably mounted to the drive arm at the opposite end of the lever arm 122. The lever arm 122 is inclined relative to the plate 109 of the second portion 105.

[0043] In use, the angle between the plate 108 of the first portion 104 and the plate 109 of the second portion 105 is alterable by the linear actuator 104. The linear actuator 120 is actuated to drive the drive arm 121 away from the linear actuator 120. This causes the drive arm 120 to push the lever arm 122, which itself pushes on the plate 109 of the second portion, causing the second portion 105 to pivot about the pivot points 119a, 119b. In this way, the angle between the plate 108 of the first portion 104 and the plate 109 of the second portion 105 is reduced. When the linear actuator 120 is actuated to draw the drive arm 121 into the linear actuator 120, the drive arm 121 pulls on the lever arm 122, which itself pulls on the plate 109 of the second portion 105, causing the second portion 105 to pivot about the pivot points 119a, 119b. In this way, the angle between the plate 108 of the first portion 104 and the plate 109 of the second portion 105 is increased.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the second portion 105 has a movement range of between 0 and 30 degrees. The angle between the first portion 104 and second portion 105 is variable between 150 and 180 degrees. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the second portion may have a different movement range. For example, the movement range of the second portion may be between 0 and 20 degrees, such that the angle between the first portion 104 and second portion 105 is variable between 160 and 180 degrees, or between 0 and 40 degrees, such that the angle between the first portion 104 and second portion 105 is variable between 140 and 180 degrees.

[0045] The adjustable seat according to embodiments of the present invention is configurable in a seat configuration, in which the first portion of the backrest is inclined relative to the seat pan, and a bed configuration, in which the first portion is in line with the seat pan. The adjustable seat according to embodiments of the present invention is configurable in a semi-reclined configuration.

[0046] An adjustable seat in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to Figures 4A to 4C. Figure 4A shows the adjustable seat 200 in a seat configuration. The seat configuration is used by a sitting seat passenger, and, when the seat is used on an aircraft, is the configuration used during taxi, take-off and landing. The seat 200 comprises a seat pan 201 , seat back 202 and seat support 203. The seat support 203 comprises a support plate 215, leg portions 216a, 216b and a support arm 217 movably mounted to the support plate 215 and seat pan 201 . The seat back 202 comprises a first portion 204 and a second portion 205 pivotably mounted to the first portion 204 at a pivot point 219. The first portion 204 of the seat back 202 is movably mounted to the support plate 215 and is linearly movable and pivotable with respect to the support plate 215. Linear actuator 220 is mounted to the first portion 9204 of the seat back 202 and is arranged to drive the linear motion of a drive arm 221. The drive arm 221 is pivotably mounted to the end of a lever arm 222, the other end of which is fixedly mounted to the second portion 205 of the seat back 202. The linear actuator 220, drive arm 221 and lever arm 222 are arranged to cause the second portion 205 to pivot about the pivot point 219.

[0047] The seat 200 further comprises an engagement portion 223 by which the seat is moveably mounted to the support plate 215. In the seat position, the engagement portion 223 is located at a back edge 124 of the support plate 215.

[0048] The seat pan 201 is inclined relative to the support plate 215 and is supported by the support arm 217. The first portion 204 of the seat back 202 is inclined relative to the seat pan 201 and the second portion 205 is inclined relative to the first portion 204. In this example embodiment, the acute angle between the seat pan 201 and the support plate 215 is 10 degrees, the obtuse angle between the seat pan 201 and first portion 204 is 96 degrees, and the obtuse angle between the first portion 204 and second portion 205 is 164 degrees.

[0049] It will be appreciated that the specific angles between the seat pan 201 , first portion 204 and second portion 205 are chosen to increase passenger comfort and safety. For example, when the seat is used as a forward-facing aircraft passenger seat i.e. when the seat is facing the fore of an aircraft, the angle between the first and second portions of the seat back 202 is chosen to be between 160 and 178 degrees to increase passenger safety, and when the seat is used as an aft-facing aircraft passenger seat i.e. when the seat is facing the back of the aircraft, the angle between the first and second portions of the seat back 202 is chosen to be between 148 and 156 degrees to maximise passenger safety.

[0050] Figure 4B shows the adjustable seat 200 configured in a semi-reclined configuration. The semi-reclined configuration is an intermediate configuration between the seat configuration and the bed configuration. As the seat is moved from the seat configuration to the bed configuration and vice versa, the seat passes through the semi-reclined configuration. As the seat is moved from the seat configuration to the bed configuration and vice versa, the angle between the first and second portions of the seat back 202 is changed to maintain comfort and head support for a passenger in the seat.

[0051] In the semi-reclined position the engagement portion 223 is located further from the back edge 124 of the support plate 215 than it was in the seat position. As the seat is moved between the seat and semi-reclined positions, the seat pan 202 moves away from the back edge 124 of the support plate 215 and the angle between the support plate 215 and seat pan 202 increases. The angle between the seat pan 202 and first portion 204 increases. The angle between the first portion 204 and second portion 205 decreases.

[0052] The seat pan 201 is inclined relative to the support plate 215, and is supported by the support arm 217. The first portion 204 of the seat back 202 is inclined relative to the seat pan 201 and the second portion 205 is inclined relative to the first portion 204. In this example embodiment, the acute angle between the seat pan 201 and the support plate 215 is 14 degrees, the obtuse angle between the seat pan 201 and first portion 204 is 120 degrees, and the obtuse angle between the first portion 204 and second portion 205 is 155 degrees.

[0053] Figure 4C shows the adjustable seat 200 configured in a bed configuration. The seat pan 201 is parallel with the support plate 215. The first portion 204 of the seat back 202 is in line with the seat pan 201 and the second portion 205 is in line with the first portion 204. In the bed position the engagement portion 223 is located further from the back edge 124 of the support plate 215 than it was in the semi-reclined position. As the seat is moved between the seat and semi-reclined positions, the seat pan 202 moves away from the back edge 124 of the support plate 215 and the angle between the support plate 215 and seat pan 202 decreases. The angle between the seat pan 202 and first portion 204 increases. The angle between the first portion 204 and second portion 205 increases.

[0054] The adjustable seat is reversibly movable between the seat, semi-reclined, and bed configurations.

[0055] While the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0056] In some embodiments, the linear actuator is mounted on the second portion of the seat back, and the lever arm is mounted on the first portion of the seat back.

[0057] In some embodiments, the adjustable set comprises a backrest actuator to drive the pivotal motion of the first portion of the seat back with respect to the seat pan. The backrest actuator is a further linear actuator mounted on the first portion of the seat back or the seat pan. In some embodiments, the backrest actuator is coupled to the linear actuator such that the first and second portions of the backrest are actuated simultaneously. In other embodiments, the first and second portions of the backrest are independently actuatable.

[0058] In some embodiments, the adjustable seat further comprises a leg rest. The leg rest is pivotably mounted to the seat pan. In the bed configuration, the leg rest is in line with the seat pan and seat back. In the seat and semi-reclined positions, the leg rest is inclined with respect to the seat pan. In some embodiments, the adjustable seat may further comprise a leg rest actuator to drive the pivotal motion of the leg rest, in other embodiments, the leg rest is actuated by a seat passenger. In embodiments in which the seat comprises a leg rest actuator, the actuation of the leg rest actuator is dependent on the actuation of the linear actuator such that the leg rest and second portion of the seat back are simultaneously actuated. Alternatively, the leg rest and second portion may pivot independently of one another.

[0059] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

Claims1 . An adjustable aircraft passenger seat (100), the seat (100) comprising: a seat pan (101); a seat back (103) comprising a first portion (104) pivotably mounted to the seat pan (101 ), and a second portion (105) pivotably mounted to the first portion(104); a lever arm (122) mounted to one of the first portion (104) and second portion(105) of the seat back (103); and a linear actuator (120) mounted on the other of the first portion (104) and second portion (105) of the seat back (103), and arranged to linearly move a drive arm (120); wherein the drive arm engages with the lever arm (122) to pivot the second portion (105) with respect to the first portion (104) when the drive arm (120) is moved linearly by the linear actuator (120); and wherein the seat (100) is arranged to move between a seat configuration, in which the first portion (104) of the seat back (103) is inclined relative to the seat pan (101 ), and a bed configuration, in which the first portion (104) is planarwith the seat pan (101).

2. The adjustable seat (100) of claim 1 , wherein the second portion (105) of the seat back (103) is a headrest.

3. The adjustable seat (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the lever arm (122) is mounted on the second portion (105) of the seat back (103) and the linear actuator (120) is mounted on the first portion (104) of the seat back (103).

4. The adjustable seat (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion (104) of the seat back (103) is pivotable with respect to the second portion (105) of the seat back (103) such that the angle between the first portion (104) of the seat back (103) and the second portion (105) of the seat back (103) is between 150 degrees and 180 degrees.

5. The adjustable seat (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a seat back actuator arranged to pivot the first portion (104) of the seat back (103) with respect to the seat pan (101).

6. The adjustable seat (100) of claim 5, wherein the linear actuator (120) is arranged to be actuated independently to the seat back actuator.

7. The adjustable seat (100) of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuation of the linear actuator (120) is dependent upon the actuation of the seat back actuator.

8. The adjustable seat (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a support structure (103), wherein the seat pan (101 ) is movably mounted to the support structure (103) and is arranged to move linearly with respect to the support structure (103) as the seat (100) is moved between the seat configuration and the bed configuration.

9. The adjustable seat (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a support structure (103), wherein the seat pan (101 ) is movably mounted to the support structure (103) and is arranged to pivot with respect to the support structure (103).

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