Office Action 3: Non-Final Rejection (2024-09-29)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat, comprising:- a seat chassis;
\- a seat assembly comprising a seat pan, a seat back, and a leg rest;
\- the seat pan being mounted to the seat chassis by a first pivoting connection defining a seat pan pivot axis about which the seat pan pivots, the location of the seat pan pivot axis being fixed relative to the seat chassis;
\- the leg rest being mounted to said seat pan by a pivoting connection defining a leg rest pivot axis about which the leg rest pivots;
\- at least one seat pan link for controlling pivoting of the seat pan about said seat pan pivot axis; and
\- at least one leg rest link connected to the leg rest and the at least one seat pan link;
\- wherein the at least one seat pan link is coupled to the seat pan in front of the seat pan pivot axis.

2-58. (canceled).357

59\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat chassis comprises:- at least one seat pan track; and
\- at least one seat pan follower adapted to travel in said at least one seat pan track, the at least one seat pan follower being connected to the at least one seat pan link.

60\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat back is mounted to said seat pan by a second pivoting connection, the second pivoting connection defining a seat back pivot axis about which the seat back pivots.

61\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 60, wherein said seat pan pivot axis is located in front of the seat back pivot axis; and the seat pan pivot axis is located between the seat back pivot axis and a mid-point of the seat pan.

62\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 60, comprising at least one recline link coupled to the seat back.

63\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 62, wherein the at least one recline link is connected to the at least one seat pan link.

64\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 63, wherein the at least one aircraft seat pan link, the at least one recline link, and the at least one leg rest link connect the seat pan, the seat back and the leg rest such that adjusting an incline angle of the seat pan changes a recline angle of the seat back and a deployment angle of the leg rest.

65\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg rest is extendible.

66\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, comprising:- at least one leg rest track; and
\- at least one leg rest follower adapted to travel in said at least one leg rest track, the at least one leg rest follower being connected to said at least one leg rest link.

67\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, comprising a leg rest decoupling mechanism operable selectively to decouple the leg rest link from the leg rest.

68\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 65, wherein the leg rest comprises a base portion and an extending portion, the extending portion being movable relative to the base portion to extend the leg rest.

69\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 68, wherein the leg rest comprises a cam track and a cam follower for controlling movement of the extending portion.

70\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 69, wherein the cam follower is disposed on a pivotally mounted arm.

71\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 69, wherein the cam track comprises at least one recess for retaining the extending portion in an extended position, wherein each recess comprises an aperture for receiving the cam follower to retain the extending portion in the extended position.

72\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 71, comprising cam follower biasing means for biasing the cam follower into the aperture.

73\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 68, comprising extending portion biasing means for biasing the extending portion towards the base portion.

74\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 73, wherein the extending portion biasing means comprises at least one tension gas spring.

75\. (previously presented) An aircraft seat as claimed in claim 65, wherein the at least one leg rest link coupled to the leg rest controls extension of the leg rest.

76\. (previously presented) An aircraft comprising one or more aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1.

77\. (new) An aircraft seat, comprising:- a seat chassis;
\- a seat assembly comprising a seat pan and a seat back;
\- the seat pan being mounted to the seat chassis by a first pivoting connection defining a seat pan pivot axis about which the seat pan pivots, the location of the seat pan pivot axis being fixed relative to the seat chassis, the first pivoting connection being configured such that the seat pan can pivot about the seat pan pivot axis without undergoing a related translational movement;
\- the seat back being mounted to the seat pan by a second pivoting connection, the second pivoting connection defining a seat back pivot axis about which the seat back pivots, the seat pan pivot axis being positioned in front of the seat back pivot axis; and
\- at least one seat pan link for controlling pivoting of the seat pan about said seat pan pivot axis; wherein the at least one seat pan link is coupled to the seat pan in front of the seat pan pivot axis;
\- a recline link connected to the seat back and the at least one seat pan link; and
\- wherein the seat pan pivot axis is positioned between the seat back pivot axis and a mid-point of the seat pan.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection.  Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.  Applicant's submission filed on 9/23/2024 has been entered.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 59-65, 68, 73 and 75-76 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Dowty et al. (US 2010/0253129 A1), hereinafter Dowty.
Regarding claim 1, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat (passenger seat 100, Fig. 3) comprising:
- a seat chassis (rigid frame 110, Fig. 3);
- a seat assembly (Examiner notes the assembly in Fig. 3) comprising a seat pan (seat pan 20, Fig. 3), a seat back (seat back 40, Fig. 3), and a leg rest (leg rest 30, Fig. 3);
- the seat pan being mounted to the seat chassis by a first pivoting connection (seat pan link 26, Fig. 3) defining a seat pan pivot axis about which the seat pan pivots (Examiner notes a seat pan pivot axis defined at the bottom pivot pin point of 26, see Fig. 3; §[0022]), the location of the seat pan pivot axis being fixed relative to the seat chassis (Examiner notes the pivot point is defined by a link fixed with respect to the stationary frame 110, see §[0022]);
-the leg rest being mounted to said seat pan by a pivoting connection defining a leg rest pivot axis about which the leg rest pivots (Examiner notes connection at 38, Fig. 3 and associated pivot axis);
- at least one seat pan link (Examiner notes y-shaped leg rest pivot yoke 32 Fig. 3) for controlling pivoting of the seat pan about said seat pan pivot axis (§[0019]); and
-at least one leg rest link (leg support link 36, Fig. 3) connected to the leg rest and the at least one seat pan link (Fig. 3);
- wherein the at least one seat pan link is coupled to the seat pan in front of the seat pan pivot axis (Examiner notes the at least one seat pan link 32 is coupled to the seat pan 20 via leg support link 36 and leg rest 30, specifically a leg support link 36 is pivotally attached at its opposing ends to the distal end 34 of the yoke and the leg rest 30 respectively… [and] the leg rest 30 is pivotally attached at its upper end 38 to the forward end of the seat pan 20 per §[0019], a connection of which is in front of the seat pan pivot axis defined at 26, Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 59, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat chassis comprises:
- at least one seat pan track (Examiner notes the lower surface of the seat pan as described in §[0022]; and
- at least one seat pan follower (roller, §[0022]) adapted to travel in said at least one seat pan track (§[0022], Movement of the seat pan 20 is guided by a seat pan link 26 and a roller that bears upon the lower surface of the seat pan. When the actuator 12 extends to recline the seat 100, the seat pan link 26 guides the seat pan 20 forward, by approximately 4 inches in one particular example, with respect to the stationary frame 110. In moving from its TTL position in FIG. 1 to its maximally reclined position in FIG. 3, the seat pan moves forward overall, with its forward end raising and its rearward end lowering for the comfort of a seated passenger),  the at least one seat pan follower being connected to the at least one seat pan link (Examiner notes the follower is connected to seat pan link 32 via the set pan, as depicted in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 60, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat back is mounted to said seat pan by a second pivoting connection (seat back link 44, Fig. 3), the second pivoting connection defining a seat back pivot axis about which the seat back pivots (examiner notes pivot axis defined by 44, Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 61, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 60, wherein said seat pan pivot axis is located in front of the seat back pivot axis (Fig. 3); and
the seat pan pivot axis is located between the seat back pivot axis and a mid-point of the seat pan (Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 62, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 60, comprising at least one recline link coupled to the seat back (lever 42, Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 63, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 62, wherein the at least one recline link is connected to the at least one seat pan link (Examiner notes the recline link 42 is connected to the seat pan link 32 via the seat pan, Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 64, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 63, wherein the at least one aircraft seat pan link, the at least one recline link, and the at least one leg rest link connect the seat pan, the seat back and the leg rest such that adjusting an incline angle of the seat pan changes a recline angle of the seat back and a deployment angle of the leg rest (see recline positions from Fig. 1 through Fig. 3; Examiner notes that adjusting an incline angle of the seat pan changes a recline angle of the seat back and a deployment angle of the leg rest).
Regarding clam 65, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg rest is extendible (Examiner note the extendible nature of the leg rest depicted in Fig. 3; § [0021] A deployable footrest 50 is pivotally attached to the distal end of the leg rest 30 for extending the length of the leg rest 30 and supporting the feet of a passenger).
Regarding claim 68, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 65, wherein the leg rest comprises a base portion (30, Fig. 3) and an extending portion (50, Fig. 3), the extending portion being movable relative to the base portion to extend the leg rest (§[0021]).
Regarding claim 73, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 68, comprising extending portion biasing means for biasing the extending portion towards the base portion (Examiner notes per §[0022], 50 may be automatically deployed as the seat is adjusted indicating a biasing means is disclosed).
Regarding claim 75, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 65, wherein the at least one leg rest link coupled to the leg rest controls extension of the leg rest (Fig. 3) .
Regarding claim 76, Dowty discloses an aircraft comprising one or more aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1 (Examiner notes the aircraft disclosed in §[0017], the seat 100 is returned to the upright configuration of FIG. 1, which corresponds to the preferred configuration during the taxi, take-off, and landing (TTL) procedures of an aircraft).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary.  Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim 67 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Dowty.
Regarding claim 67, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 1, but does not appear to specifically disclose comprising a leg rest decoupling mechanism operable selectively to decouple the leg rest link from the leg rest.
However, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the leg rest link disclosed by Dowty operable to selectively decouple from the leg rest, with a reasonable expectation of success, since it has been held that constructing a formerly integral structure in various elements involves only routine skill in the art.  Nerwin v. Erlichman, 168 USPQ 177, 179. The benefit being selectively decoupling the leg rest for maintenance, inspection and general upkeep.
Claims 69-70 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Dowty as applied to claim 1, and further, in view of Higgins.
Regarding claim 69, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 68, but does not appear to specifically disclose wherein the leg rest comprises a cam track and a cam follower for controlling movement of the extending portion.
However, Dowty teaches a leg rest in a similar field of endeavor including a cam track (90, Fig. 10) and a cam follower (respective slider 88, Fig. 10) for controlling movement.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided the leg rest disclosed by Dowty with the cam track and the cam follower for controlling movement, as taught by Higgins, with a reasonable expectation of success, so that the leg rest comprises a cam track and a cam follower for controlling movement of the extending portion.  The benefit being optional manual extension of the extending portion of the leg rest enhancing user experience.
Regarding claim 70, modified Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 69, but does not appear to specifically disclose wherein the cam follower is disposed on a pivotally mounted arm.
However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have disposed the cam follower on the pivotally mounted arm (38, Fig. 1) disclosed by Dowty, with a reasonable expectation of success, so that the cam follower is disposed on the pivotally mounted arm, since it has been held that rearranging parts of an invention involves only routine skill in the art. In re Japikse, 86 USPQ 70. The benefit being an arrangement that allows the extending portion to function best for the seat in the desired aircraft.
Claims 71-72 and 74 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Dowty and Higgins as applied to claim 69, and Dowty as applied to claim 73; And further, in view of Ward (US 2018/0178915 A1).
Regarding claim 71, modified Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 69, but does not appear to specifically disclose wherein the cam track comprises at least one recess for retaining the extending portion in an extended position, wherein each recess comprises an aperture for receiving the cam follower to retain the extending portion in the extended position.
However, Ward teaches a seat footrest in a similar field of endeavor including a cam track comprising at least one recess (arcuate member 132 with a first notch 151, Fig. 10) for retaining an extending portion in an extended position (§[0045]),
wherein each recess comprises an aperture for receiving a cam follower (lock pin 150, Fig. 10) to retain the extending portion in the extended position (Fig. 10); (Examiner notes shape of notch 151 discloses an aperture that is capable of receiving a cam follower to retain).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided the aircraft seat with the cam track and cam follower disclosed by Dowty with the at least one recess for retaining an extending portion in an extended position, wherein each recess comprises the aperture for receiving a cam follower to retain an extending portion in the extended position, as taught by Ward, with a reasonable expectation of success, so that the cam track comprises the at least one recess for retaining the extending portion in an extended position, wherein each recess comprises the aperture for receiving the cam follower to retain the extending portion in the extended position. The benefit being the ability to lock the extending portion in an orientation.
Regarding claim 72, modified Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 71, but does not appear to specifically disclose comprising cam follower biasing means for biasing the cam follower into the aperture.
However, Ward teaches a cam follower biasing means for biasing a cam follower into an aperture (spring biased  via gas spring assembly 148, Fig. 10).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided the aircraft seat disclosed by modified Dowty with the cam follower biasing means for biasing a cam follower into an aperture as taught by Ward, with a reasonable expectation of success, so that the cam follower comprises biasing means for biasing the cam follower into the aperture.  The benefit being the ability for an occupant to select an orientation.
Regarding claim 74, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat as claimed in claim 73, but does not appear to specifically disclose wherein the extending portion biasing means comprises at least one tension gas spring.
However, Ward teaches a seat footrest in a similar field of endeavor wherein an extending portion biasing means comprises at least one tension gas spring (148, Fig. 10).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided the aircraft seat with an extending portion biasing means disclosed by Dowty with at least one tension gas spring, as taught by Ward, with a reasonable expectation of success, so that the extending portion biasing means comprises at least one tension gas spring. The benefit being at least smooth adjustability and compact design.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 77 is allowed. The prior art of record fails to disclose or make obvious the combined limitations of applicants claimed invention. Specifically, the prior art does not teach the combined limitations of the claimed invention wherein the first pivoting connection is configured such that the seat pan can pivot about the seat pan pivot axis without undergoing a related translational movement; and wherein the seat pan pivot axis is positioned between the seat back pivot axis and a mid-point of the seat pan.
Claim 66 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The prior art of record fails to disclose or make obvious the combined limitations of applicants claimed invention. The prior art does not teach the combined limitations of the claimed invention, specifically at least one leg rest track; and at least one leg rest follower adapted to travel in said at least one leg rest track, the at least one leg rest follower being connected to said at least one leg rest link.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments filed 9/23/2024 have been fully considered. With regard to the arguments at the top of page 8: “the seat pan 20 [of Dowty] does not pivot about the bottom pivot pin point of the seat pan link 26”. Examiner respectfully disagrees. The pivoting motion of seat pan 20 about link 26, specifically the bottom pin portion, is clearly depicted in the sequential Figures reproduced below for convenience.
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Therefore, the rejection is maintained, as Dowty discloses a first pivoting connection defining a seat pan pivot axis about which the seat pan pivots.
Applicant argues on page 8 paragraph 2 that the top pivot pin point of the seat pan link 26 cannot be considered as constituting a seat pan pivot axis; and that seat pan link 26 is not connected to the seat pan in front of the connection formed by the pivot point. The rejection s moot as Examiner is not relying on the top pivot point  of 26 to teach anything and further is not relying on item 26 of Dowty to teach a seat pan link.
Applicants argument at the bottom of page 8 is persuasive. However, new grounds of rejection are established for the limitation. Specifically, Dowty discloses wherein the at least one seat pan link is coupled to the seat pan in front of the seat pan pivot axis (Examiner notes the at least one seat pan link 32 is coupled to the seat pan 20 via leg support link 36 and leg rest 30, specifically a leg support link 36 is pivotally attached at its opposing ends to the distal end 34 of the yoke and the leg rest 30 respectively… [and] the leg rest 30 is pivotally attached at its upper end 38 to the forward end of the seat pan 20 per §[0019], a connection of which is in front of the seat pan pivot axis defined at 26, Fig. 3).
Applicant’s arguments regarding Higgins pages 9 through 12 are persuasive and the 35 USC §102 rejection of claims 1 and 66 as anticipated by Higgins are withdrawn.
With regard to the arguments at the bottom pf page 12 regarding the 35 USC § 103 rejection of claims 67, 69-72 and 74, Examiner respectfully disagrees with the reasoning “submitted supra pertaining to the deficiencies of the teachings of the prior art”. Examiner notes the deficiency in the prior art Dowty was disputed above and the rejections were maintained; and the specific argument deemed persuasive in light of Higgins does not apply to the rejections of 67, 69-72 and 74. Therefore, the rejections are maintained.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Beroth et al. (US 2014/0300145 A1) teaches a vehicle seat that includes a linkage assembly interconnecting a seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly. The leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Applicant appreciates the thorough examination of the present application. Claims 1 and 59-77 are pending in the application. By this amendment, claim 1 has been amended to incorporate the subject matter of allowable claim 66, and claim 66 has been canceled.
The Examiner has allowed claim 77 and indicated that claim 66 contains allowable subject matter. Applicant thanks the Examiner for these determinations.
Claim 1 has been amended to incorporate the allowable subject matter of claim 66. Specifically, claim 1 now includes "at least one leg rest track; and at least one leg rest follower adapted to travel in said at least one leg rest track, the at least one leg rest follower being connected to said at least one leg rest link." As noted by the Examiner, the prior art of record fails to disclose or make obvious these limitations.
Therefore, claim 1 and its dependent claims 59-65 and 67-76 are now allowable over the prior art of record. Claim 77 was previously indicated as allowable.
In light of the foregoing, Applicant respectfully submits that the Application is in prima facie condition for allowance at the present time. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration of the present application and passage toward issuance thereof.
If any other charges or fees must be paid or credited in connection with this communication, they may be paid out of Deposit Account No. 50-2131.
Should the Examiner have any questions regarding the present application, a telephone call to the undersigned is respectfully solicited.
Respectfully submitted, KING & PARTNERS, PLC

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive.  A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed. Per MPEP §606.01, if a satisfactory title is not supplied by the applicant, the examiner may, at the time of allowance, change the title by an examiner’s amendment. Therefore, the title is hereby amended via an Examiner’s Amendment as detailed hereinbelow.
EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee. The application has been amended as follows:
TITLE
The application has been amended as follows:
SEATING APPARATUS COMPRISING A LEG REST TRACK AND FOLLOWER
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 59-65, and 67-77 filed 1/22/2025 are allowed.
The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art of record fails to disclose or make obvious the combined limitations of applicants claimed invention. Specifically, Dowty et al. (US 2010/0253129 A1), hereinafter Dowty.
Regarding claim 1, Dowty discloses an aircraft seat (passenger seat 100, Fig. 3) comprising:
- a seat chassis (rigid frame 110, Fig. 3);
- a seat assembly (Examiner notes the assembly in Fig. 3) comprising a seat pan (seat pan 20, Fig. 3), a seat back (seat back 40, Fig. 3), and a leg rest (leg rest 30, Fig. 3);
- the seat pan being mounted to the seat chassis by a first pivoting connection (seat pan link 26, Fig. 3) defining a seat pan pivot axis about which the seat pan pivots (Examiner notes a seat pan pivot axis defined at the bottom pivot pin point of 26, see Fig. 3; §[0022]), the location of the seat pan pivot axis being fixed relative to the seat chassis (Examiner notes the pivot point is defined by a link fixed with respect to the stationary frame 110, see §[0022]);
-the leg rest being mounted to said seat pan by a pivoting connection defining a leg rest pivot axis about which the leg rest pivots (Examiner notes connection at 38, Fig. 3 and associated pivot axis);
- at least one seat pan link (Examiner notes y-shaped leg rest pivot yoke 32 Fig. 3) for controlling pivoting of the seat pan about said seat pan pivot axis (§[0019]); and
-at least one leg rest link (leg support link 36, Fig. 3) connected to the leg rest and the at least one seat pan link (Fig. 3);
- wherein the at least one seat pan link is coupled to the seat pan in front of the seat pan pivot axis (Examiner notes the at least one seat pan link 32 is coupled to the seat pan 20 via leg support link 36 and leg rest 30, specifically a leg support link 36 is pivotally attached at its opposing ends to the distal end 34 of the yoke and the leg rest 30 respectively… [and] the leg rest 30 is pivotally attached at its upper end 38 to the forward end of the seat pan 20 per §[0019], a connection of which is in front of the seat pan pivot axis defined at 26, Fig. 3).
However, the prior art does not teach the combined limitations of the claimed invention, specifically at least one leg rest track; and at least one leg rest follower adapted to travel in said at least one leg rest track, the at least one leg rest follower being connected to said at least one leg rest link.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled Comments on Statements of Reasons for Allowance.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20140300145A1: Claims:
A vehicle seat, comprising: (a) a seat carriage assembly for being mounted on a supporting deck for fore and aft movement on the deck; (b) a seat pan assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly for fore and aft movement relative to the seat carriage assembly; (c) a seat back assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly aft of the seat pan assembly and adapted for simultaneous motion with the seat pan assembly; (d) a leg rest assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly forward of the seat pan; (e) the seat carriage assembly including a linkage assembly interconnecting the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft relative to the deck on which the seat is mounted; (i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly; and (ii) the leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
(a) a seat carriage assembly for being mounted on a supporting deck for fore and aft movement on the deck;
(b) a seat pan assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly for fore and aft movement relative to the seat carriage assembly;
(c) a seat back assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly aft of the seat pan assembly and adapted for simultaneous motion with the seat pan assembly;
(d) a leg rest assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly forward of the seat pan;
(e) the seat carriage assembly including a linkage assembly interconnecting the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft relative to the deck on which the seat is mounted; (i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly; and (ii) the leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
(i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly; and
(ii) the leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
A vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein an initial position of the aircraft passenger seat is a TTOL configuration, with a forward surface of the seat back assembly positioned at an approximate right angle to an upper surface of the seat pan assembly.
A vehicle seat according to claim 1 , and including a head rest assembly positioned on a top end of the seat back assembly, wherein a forward surface of the head rest assembly is anatomically aligned with a forward surface of the seat back assembly, and a forward surface of the leg rest assembly is at an approximate right angle to the upper surface of the seat pan assembly and the deck.
A vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein during the initial recline motion the seat back assembly is tilted aft and a forward edge of the seat pan assembly tilts upward to maintain an approximate right angle position between the forward surface of the seat back assembly and the upper surface of the seat pan assembly.
A vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the seat pan assembly includes a seat pan, a seat pan frame, a forward seat pan pivot arm and an aft seat pan pivot arm interconnecting an upper seat support frame and a fore and aft translatable slide rail assembly.
A vehicle seat according to claim 4 , wherein the seat includes a seat pan carried on a seat pan frame, a forward seat pan pivot arm and an aft pivot arm interconnecting an upper seat support frame and a fore and aft translatable slide rail assembly to form a four-bar linkage that interacts to permit the desired motion of the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly, and leg rest assembly.
A vehicle seat according to claim 4 , wherein movement of the seat is powered by a linear hydraulic locking device that is connected to the seat back assembly by a crank link and to the seat pan assembly by attachment to the upper seat support frame through an upper seat support frame link.
A vehicle seat according to claim 6 , wherein the hydraulic locking device comprises a piston and cylinder assembly.
A vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the seat carriage assembly is mounted for movement on a translatable slide rail assembly powered by a slide rail piston and cylinder assembly.
An aircraft passenger seat, comprising: (a) a seat carriage assembly for being mounted on a supporting deck for fore and aft movement on the deck; (b) a seat pan assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly for fore and aft movement relative to the seat carriage assembly; (c) a seat back assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly aft of the seat pan assembly and adapted for simultaneous motion with the seat pan assembly wherein an initial position of the aircraft passenger seat is a TTOL configuration, with a forward surface of the seat back assembly positioned at an approximate right angle to an upper surface of the seat pan assembly; (d) a leg rest assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly forward of the seat pan; (e) the seat carriage assembly including a linkage assembly interconnecting the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft relative to the deck on which the seat is mounted; (i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly wherein during the initial recline motion the seat back assembly is tilted aft and a forward edge of the seat pan assembly tilts upward to maintain an approximate right angle position between the forward surface of the seat back assembly and the upper surface of the seat pan assembly; and (ii) the leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
(c) a seat back assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly aft of the seat pan assembly and adapted for simultaneous motion with the seat pan assembly wherein an initial position of the aircraft passenger seat is a TTOL configuration, with a forward surface of the seat back assembly positioned at an approximate right angle to an upper surface of the seat pan assembly;
(e) the seat carriage assembly including a linkage assembly interconnecting the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft relative to the deck on which the seat is mounted; (i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly wherein during the initial recline motion the seat back assembly is tilted aft and a forward edge of the seat pan assembly tilts upward to maintain an approximate right angle position between the forward surface of the seat back assembly and the upper surface of the seat pan assembly; and (ii) the leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
(i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly wherein during the initial recline motion the seat back assembly is tilted aft and a forward edge of the seat pan assembly tilts upward to maintain an approximate right angle position between the forward surface of the seat back assembly and the upper surface of the seat pan assembly; and
An aircraft passenger seat to claim 9 , wherein the seat pan assembly includes a seat pan, a seat pan frame, a forward seat pan pivot arm and an aft seat pan pivot arm interconnecting an upper seat support frame and a fore and aft translatable slide rail assembly.
An aircraft passenger seat to claim 9 , wherein the seat includes a seat pan carried on a seat pan frame, a forward seat pan pivot arm and an aft pivot arm interconnecting an upper seat support frame and a fore and aft translatable slide rail assembly to form a four-bar linkage that interacts to permit the desired motion of the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly, and leg rest assembly.
An aircraft passenger seat to claim 9 , wherein movement of the seat is powered by a linear hydraulic locking device that is connected to the seat back assembly by a crank link and to the seat pan assembly by attachment to the upper seat support frame through an upper seat support frame link.
An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 12 , wherein the hydraulic locking device comprises a piston and cylinder assembly.
An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 9 , wherein the seat carriage assembly is mounted for movement on a translatable slide rail assembly powered by a slide rail piston and cylinder assembly.
An aircraft passenger seat, comprising: (a) a seat carriage assembly for being mounted on a supporting deck for fore and aft movement on the deck; (b) a seat pan assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly for fore and aft movement relative to the seat carriage assembly, wherein the seat pan assembly includes a seat pan, a seat pan frame, a forward seat pan pivot arm and an aft seat pan pivot arm interconnecting an upper seat support frame and a fore and aft translatable slide rail assembly; (c) a seat back assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly aft of the seat pan assembly and adapted for simultaneous motion with the seat pan assembly wherein an initial position of the aircraft passenger seat is a TTOL configuration, with a forward surface of the seat back assembly positioned at an approximate right angle to an upper surface of the seat pan assembly; (d) a leg rest assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly forward of the seat pan; (e) the seat carriage assembly including a linkage assembly interconnecting the seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft relative to the deck on which the seat is mounted; (i) the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly wherein during the initial recline motion the seat back assembly is tilted aft and a forward edge of the seat pan assembly tilts upward to maintain an approximate right angle position between the forward surface of the seat back assembly and the upper surface of the seat pan assembly; and (ii) the leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
(b) a seat pan assembly mounted on the seat carriage assembly for fore and aft movement relative to the seat carriage assembly, wherein the seat pan assembly includes a seat pan, a seat pan frame, a forward seat pan pivot arm and an aft seat pan pivot arm interconnecting an upper seat support frame and a fore and aft translatable slide rail assembly;
An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 15 , wherein movement of the seat is powered by a linear hydraulic locking device that is connected to the seat back assembly by a crank link and to the seat pan assembly by attachment to the upper seat support frame through an upper seat support frame link.
An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 16 , wherein the hydraulic locking device comprises a piston and cylinder assembly.
An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 15 , wherein the seat carriage assembly is mounted for movement on a translatable slide rail assembly powered by a slide rail piston and cylinder assembly.
Ref US20100253129A1: Claims:
A passenger seat comprising: (a) a rigid frame; (b) a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame; (c) a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan; (d) a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan; (e) a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
(a) a rigid frame;
(b) a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame;
(c) a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan;
(d) a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan;
(e) a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
A passenger seat according to claim 1 , further comprising a y-shaped yoke having three pivotal attachment points by which the yoke is pivotally attached to the rigid frame, linked to the actuator, and linked to the leg rest, respectively.
A passenger seat according to claim 2 , further comprising a leg rest support link having a first end pivotally attached to the yoke and a second end pivotally attached to the leg rest such that the leg rest support link forces the leg rest to pivot forward as the actuator extends.
A passenger seat according to claim 1 , further comprising a lever rigidly attached to the seat back and pivotally attached to the rearward end of the seat pan such that the lever forces the lower end of the seat back to move forward with the seat pan as the actuator extends.
A passenger seat according to claim 4 , further comprising a seat back link having a first end pivotally attached to the lever and a second end pivotally attached to a rearward end of the rigid frame such that the lower end of seat back moves forward as the actuator extends.
A passenger seat according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator is an electrically powered linear actuator.
A method of adjusting a passenger seat comprising: (a) providing a passenger seat including: (i) a rigid frame; (ii) a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame; (iii) a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan; (iv) a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan; (v) a single actuator linked to the leg rest; and (b) activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
(a) providing a passenger seat including: (i) a rigid frame; (ii) a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame; (iii) a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan; (iv) a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan; (v) a single actuator linked to the leg rest; and
(i) a rigid frame;
(ii) a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame;
(iii) a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan;
(iv) a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan;
(v) a single actuator linked to the leg rest; and
(b) activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
A method according to claim 7 , wherein the passenger seat comprises a y-shaped yoke having three pivotal attachment points by which the yoke is pivotally attached to the rigid frame, linked to the actuator, and linked to the leg rest, respectively.
A method according to claim 8 , wherein the passenger seat comprises a leg rest support link having a first end pivotally attached to the yoke and a second end pivotally attached to the leg rest such that the leg rest support link forces the leg rest to pivot forward as the actuator extends.
A method according to claim 7 , wherein the passenger seat comprises a lever rigidly attached to the seat back and pivotally attached to the rearward end of the seat pan such that the lever forces the lower end of the seat back to move forward with the seat pan as the actuator extends.
A method according to claim 10 , wherein the passenger seat comprises a seat back link having a first end pivotally attached to the lever and a second end pivotally attached to a rearward end of the rigid frame such that the lower end of seat back moves forward as the actuator extends.
A method according to claim 7 , wherein the actuator is an electrically powered linear actuator.
Ref US20180178915A1: Claims:
A seat footrest, comprising: an arcuate member mechanically coupled to a footpad by a first end and pivotally coupled to a seat frame by a second end, opposite the first end, wherein the arcuate member is adapted for pivoting the footpad between a stowed position and one or more deployed positions; a lock pin for releasably inserting into a first notch of the arcuate member for securing the footpad in the stowed position and one or more additional notches of the arcuate member for securing the footpad in the one or more deployed positions; a first biasing member adapted for initiating deployment of the footpad upon release of the lock pin from the first notch; and a second biasing member adapted for completing deployment of the footpad by raising the footpad to the one or more deployed positions such that the lock pin inserts into the one or more additional notches, respectively.
an arcuate member mechanically coupled to a footpad by a first end and pivotally coupled to a seat frame by a second end, opposite the first end, wherein the arcuate member is adapted for pivoting the footpad between a stowed position and one or more deployed positions;
a lock pin for releasably inserting into a first notch of the arcuate member for securing the footpad in the stowed position and one or more additional notches of the arcuate member for securing the footpad in the one or more deployed positions;
a first biasing member adapted for initiating deployment of the footpad upon release of the lock pin from the first notch; and
a second biasing member adapted for completing deployment of the footpad by raising the footpad to the one or more deployed positions such that the lock pin inserts into the one or more additional notches, respectively.
The seat footrest of claim 1 , wherein the one or more deployed positions includes a horizontal position of the footpad.
The seat footrest of claim 2 , wherein the one or more deployed positions includes a reclining position of the footpad between the stowed position and the horizontal position.
The seat footrest of claim 1 , wherein the first biasing member includes a torsion spring coupled to the second end of the arcuate member.
The seat footrest of claim 1 , wherein the second biasing member is a dual gas-spring assembly mechanically coupled between the seat frame and the arcuate member.
The seat footrest of claim 1 , further comprisi
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