Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-09-29)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1\. A privacy panel for a passenger seat comprising:
a main body positioned between adjacent passenger seats and having an upper end and a lower end;
an attachment mechanism removably coupled to the main body proximate the lower end, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment member couplable to an armrest of the passenger seat; and
a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member;
wherein the second attachment member is attachable to a fixed location on the passenger seat for preventing rotation of the armrest.

2\. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a concave portion along an edge extending between the upper end and the lower end.

3\. The privacy panel of claim 1, further comprising at least one stability member coupled to the main body configured to contact a seatback of the adjacent passenger seats resulting in less rotation of an upper portion of the main body.

4\. The privacy panel of claim 3, wherein the at least one stability member comprises projections that extend outward from opposing surfaces of the main body for contacting the adjacent passenger seats.

5\. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member extends from the first attachment member at a first end and couples to a seat structure between the adjacent passenger seats at a second end forms a loop around the fixed location forming a stop.

6\. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member extends from the attachment mechanism at a first end and couples to a seat bottom of the passenger seat at the second end.

7\. The privacy panel of claim 6, wherein, when a passenger is seated, a weight of the passenger prevents rotation of the armrest.

8\. A privacy panel for a passenger seat comprising:
a main body positioned between adjacent passenger seats and having an upper end and a lower end;
an attachment mechanism removably coupled to the main body proximate the lower end, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment member couplable to an armrest of the passenger seat; and
a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member;
wherein the second attachment member prevents rotation of the armrest.

9\. The privacy panel of claim 8, wherein the main body comprises a concave portion along an edge extending between the upper end and the lower end.

10\. The privacy panel of claim 8, further comprising at least one stability member coupled to the main body configured to contact a seatback of the adjacent passenger seats resulting in less rotation of an upper portion of the main body.

11\. The privacy panel of claim 10, wherein the at least one stability member comprises projections that extend outward from opposing surfaces of the main body for contacting the adjacent passenger seats.

12\. The privacy panel of claim 8, wherein the second attachment member extends from the first attachment member at a first end and couples to a seat structure between the adjacent passenger seats at a second end forms a loop forming a stop.

13\. The privacy panel of claim 8, wherein the second attachment member extends from the attachment mechanism at a first end and couples to a seat bottom of the passenger seat at the second end.

14\. The privacy panel of claim 13, wherein, when a passenger is seated, a weight of the passenger prevents rotation of the armrest.

15\. A privacy panel for a passenger seat comprising:
a main body positioned between adjacent passenger seats and having an upper end and a lower end;
an attachment mechanism removably coupled to the main body proximate the lower end, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment member couplable to an armrest of the passenger seat; and a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member;
at least one stability feature positioned on the main body and configured to contact a seatback of the adjacent passenger seats resulting in less rotation of the privacy panel in a lateral direction;
wherein the second attachment member is attachable to a fixed location on the passenger seat for preventing rotation of the armrest.

16\. The privacy panel of claim 15, wherein the main body comprises a concave portion along an edge extending between the upper end and the lower end.

17\. The privacy panel of claim 15, wherein the second attachment member extends from the first attachment member at a first end and couples to a seat structure between the adjacent passenger seats at a second end forms a loop around the fixed location forming a stop.

18\. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member extends from the attachment mechanism at a first end and couples to a seat bottom of the passenger seat at the second end.

19\. The privacy panel of claim 18, wherein, when a passenger is seated, a weight of the passenger prevents rotation of the armrest.

20\. The privacy panel of claim 15, wherein the at least one stability comprises at least one projection, wherein the at least one projection extends from a surface of the main body. 17 18 19 20

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 .
Double Patenting
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
Applicant is advised that should claim 5-6 be found allowable, claims 18-19 will be objected to under 37 CFR 1.75 as being a substantial duplicate thereof.  When two claims in an application are duplicates or else are so close in content that they both cover the same thing, despite a slight difference in wording, it is proper after allowing one claim to object to the other as being a substantial duplicate of the allowed claim. See MPEP § 608.01(m).
(This appears to be due to a typographical error in which claim 18 was made to depend from claim 1 instead of claim 15.)
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention for the following reasons:
Claim 1, line 6, it is not clear to which of the passenger seats “the passenger seat” refers;
Claim 1, lines 8-9, it is not clear to which of the passenger seats “the passenger seat” refers;
Claim 5, lines 2-3, it is not clear to what element the “first end” and “second end” refer;
Claim 5, line 3, “at a second end forms a loop” does not make sense and is likely missing a word;
Claim 6, lines 2-3, it is not clear to what element the “first end” and “second end” refer;
Claim 8, line 6, it is not clear to which of the passenger seats “the passenger seat” refers;
Claim 12, lines 2-3, it is not clear to what element the “first end” and “second end” refer;
Claim 12, line 3, “at a second end forms a loop” does not make sense and is likely missing a word;
Claim 13, lines 2-3, it is not clear to what element the “first end” and “second end” refer;
Claim 15, lines 6, it is not clear to which of the passenger seats “the passenger seat” refers;
Claim 15, lines 11-12, it is not clear to which of the passenger seats “the passenger seat” refers;
Claim 17, lines 2-3, it is not clear to what element the “first end” and “second end” refer;
Claim 17, line 3, “at a second end forms a loop” does not make sense and is likely missing a word;
Claim 18, lines 2-3, it is not clear to what element the “first end” and “second end” refer;
Claim 20, line 1, “the at least one stability” lacks antecedent basis; and
Claims 2-4, 7, 9-11, 14, 16, and 19 are indefinite as depending from indefinite claims.
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)(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.
Claim(s) 1-4, 8-11, 15-16, and 20. is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Colletti (US 10479506).
A copy of the claims is provided below with parenthetical explanations and/or reference numerals showing how each of the claimed features is met.
1. A privacy panel for a passenger seat comprising:
a main body (comprising elements 122) positioned between adjacent passenger seats and having an upper end and a lower end (Figures 9-11);
an attachment mechanism removably coupled to the main body proximate the lower end (comprising track 140 described in column 4 starting with line 58 and attachment by fasteners or the like, as described in column 4, starting at line 51), wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment member couplable to an armrest of the passenger seat (first attachment member comprising a base of the housing 132, as described starting at column 4, line 51); and
a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member (second attachment member comprising fasteners that attach the first attachment member to the armrest 112, as described in column 4, starting at line 51);
wherein the second attachment member is attachable to a fixed location on the passenger seat for preventing rotation of the armrest (where the armrest 112 is considered a fixed location on the passenger seat).
2. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a concave portion along an edge extending between the upper end and the lower end (concave portions shown by grooves at 152, 178 in Figure 5, an end of which is along a front edge or a back edge that extends between the upper and the lower ends of the main body 122).
3. The privacy panel of claim 1, further comprising at least one stability member (comprising the housing 132) coupled to the main body (as shown in Figure 6) configured to contact a seatback of the adjacent passenger seats resulting in less rotation of an upper portion of the main body (as shown by the close fit of the housing between seatback portions 100a and 100b in Figure 9).
4. The privacy panel of claim 3, wherein the at least one stability member comprises projections that extend outward from opposing surfaces of the main body for contacting the adjacent passenger seats (the housing 132 forms the stability member with opposing projections that project laterally outward from the main body 122 and contact the adjacent seats 100a and 100b, as shown in Figure 9).
8. A privacy panel for a passenger seat comprising:
a main body (comprising elements 122) positioned between adjacent passenger seats and having an upper end and a lower end (Figures 9-11);
an attachment mechanism removably coupled to the main body proximate the lower end (comprising track 140 described in column 4 starting with line 58 and attachment by fasteners or the like, as described in column 4, starting at line 51), wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment member couplable to an armrest of the passenger seat (first attachment member comprising a base of the housing 132, as described starting at column 4, line 51); and
a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member (second attachment member comprising fasteners that attach the first attachment member to the armrest 112, as described in column 4, starting at line 51);
wherein the second attachment member prevents rotation of the armrest (by the fasteners and/or adhesives described in column 4, starting at line 51).
9. The privacy panel of claim 8, wherein the main body comprises a concave portion along an edge extending between the upper end and the lower end (concave portions shown by grooves at 152, 178 in Figure 5, an end of which is along a front edge or a back edge that extends between the upper and the lower ends of the main body 122).
10. The privacy panel of claim 8, further comprising at least one stability member (comprising the housing 132) coupled to the main body (as shown in Figure 6) configured to contact a seatback of the adjacent passenger seats resulting in less rotation of an upper portion of the main body (as shown by the close fit of the housing between seatback portions 100a and 100b in Figure 9).
11. The privacy panel of claim 10, wherein the at least one stability member comprises projections that extend outward from opposing surfaces of the main body for contacting the adjacent passenger seats (the housing 132 forms the stability member with opposing projections that project laterally outward from the main body 122 and contact the adjacent seats 100a and 100b, as shown in Figure 9).
15. A privacy panel for a passenger seat comprising:
a main body (comprising elements 122) positioned between adjacent passenger seats and having an upper end and a lower end (Figures 9-11);
an attachment mechanism removably coupled to the main body proximate the lower end (comprising track 140 described in column 4 starting with line 58 and attachment by fasteners or the like, as described in column 4, starting at line 51), wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
a first attachment member couplable to an armrest of the passenger seat (first attachment member comprising a base of the housing 132, as described starting at column 4, line 51); and
a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member (second attachment member comprising fasteners that attach the first attachment member to the armrest 112, as described in column 4, starting at line 51);
at least one stability feature (comprising the housing 132)  positioned on the main body (as shown in Figure 6) and configured to contact a seatback of the adjacent passenger seats resulting in less rotation of the privacy panel in a lateral direction (as shown by the close fit of the housing between seatback portions 100a and 100b in Figure 9);
wherein the second attachment member is attachable to a fixed location on the passenger seat for preventing rotation of the armrest (where the armrest 112 is considered a fixed location on the passenger seat).
16. The privacy panel of claim 15, wherein the main body comprises a concave portion along an edge extending between the upper end and the lower end (concave portions shown by grooves at 152, 178 in Figure 5, an end of which is along a front edge or a back edge that extends between the upper and the lower ends of the main body 122).
20. The privacy panel of claim 15, wherein the at least one stability comprises at least one projection, wherein the at least one projection extends from a surface of the main body (as best understood in light of the indefiniteness, the housing 132 forms the stability member with opposing projections that project laterally outward from the main body 122 and contact the adjacent seats 100a and 100b, as shown in Figure 9).
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.
Claim(s) 5, 12, and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Colletti (US 10479506) in view of Bergdoll (US 11291306).
Colletti shows and discloses the details set forth in the rejection under 102, above, and including the second attachment member coupled to a fixed location of the passenger seat, but lacks a second end of the second attachment member extending from the first attachment member and forming a loop around the fixed location, thus forming a stop.
On the other hand, Bergdoll shows just such a structure in Figures 1-10 by the contoured shell that extends downward from the horizontal portion of the armrest to surroundingly engage an underside of the armrest and an upper portion of the spreader.
It would have been obvious to provide additional structure subjacently of the housing 132 of Colletti and extending in a surrounding engagement with an underside of the armrest 112 and an upper portion of the spreader of Colletti, as taught by Bergdoll because doing so would provide the benefit of a more secure connection and mechanically advantageous support forming a stop against rotation.
A copy of the claims is provided below with parenthetical explanations and/or reference numerals showing how each of the claimed features is met.
5. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member extends from the first attachment member at a first end and couples to a seat structure between the adjacent passenger seats at a second end forms a loop around the fixed location forming a stop (in accordance with the statement of obviousness, above).
12. The privacy panel of claim 8, wherein the second attachment member extends from the first attachment member at a first end and couples to a seat structure between the adjacent passenger seats at a second end forms a loop forming a stop (in accordance with the statement of obviousness, above).
17. The privacy panel of claim 15, wherein the second attachment member extends from the first attachment member at a first end and couples to a seat structure between the adjacent passenger seats at a second end forms a loop around the fixed location forming a stop (in accordance with the statement of obviousness, above).
Claim(s) 6-7, 13-14, and 18-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Colletti (US 10479506) in view of von der Heyde (6260903).
Colletti shows and discloses the details set forth in the rejection under 102, above, and including the second attachment member coupled to a fixed location of the passenger seat, but lacks a second attachment member having a second end coupled to a seat bottom of the passenger seat.
On the other hand, von der Heyde shows just such a structure, including the latches 41 in Figures 1-4.
It would have been obvious to provide additional structure subjacently of the housing 132 of Colletti and configured to overlie a portion of adjacent seats on opposite sides of the privacy panel of Colletti, as taught by von der Heyde, because doing so would provide the benefit of a more secure connection of the privacy panel to the seats.
A copy of the claims is provided below with parenthetical explanations and/or reference numerals showing how each of the claimed features is met.
6. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member extends from the attachment mechanism at a first end and couples to a seat bottom of the passenger seat at the second end (in accordance with the statement of obviousness, above).
7. The privacy panel of claim 6, wherein, when a passenger is seated, a weight of the passenger prevents rotation of the armrest (as can be appreciated from the weight of the seat occupants in Figure 1 of von der Heyde in combination with the privacy panel of Colletti).
13. The privacy panel of claim 8, wherein the second attachment member extends from the attachment mechanism at a first end and couples to a seat bottom of the passenger seat at the second end (in accordance with the statement of obviousness, above).
14. The privacy panel of claim 13, wherein, when a passenger is seated, a weight of the passenger prevents rotation of the armrest (as can be appreciated from the weight of the seat occupants in Figure 1 of von der Heyde in combination with the privacy panel of Colletti).
18. The privacy panel of claim 1, wherein the second attachment member extends from the attachment mechanism at a first end and couples to a seat bottom of the passenger seat at the second end (in accordance with the statement of obviousness, above).
19. The privacy panel of claim 18, wherein, when a passenger is seated, a weight of the passenger prevents rotation of the armrest (as can be appreciated from the weight of the seat occupants in Figure 1 of von der Heyde in combination with the privacy panel of Colletti).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
This office action is in response to the amendment filed 12/30/24 for application serial number 18/025,434 which was filed 3/09/23 as a national stage entry of PCT/US2020/066185.  Claims 1-20 are pending. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Applicant’s argument filed 12/30/24 is not persuasive.  Applicant argues that Colletti fails to provide a first attachment member configured to engage a circumferential portion of an armrest as the base of the housing 132 is attached to rear end of the armrest 112.  This is not persuasive because the rear end is a circumferential portion of the armrest as illustrated in the marked-up figure below.
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Nonetheless, the claims are deemed allowable as Colletti, nor any of the other prior art of record, teach or adequately suggest the second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member wherein the second attachment is attachable to fixed location of the seats for preventing rotation of the armrest or where the second attachment prevents rotation of the armrest
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Note:
In US 2023/0264817 to Audelo Navarro et al.  privacy panel 126 attached to an armrest 122 between passenger seats 124 at a first attachment [0035] and to a fixed location 128 on the seats but there is no disclosure of prevention of rotation of the armrest not is readily apparent when deployed rotation would be prevented as the panel 126 is a non-rigid-material [0036].
Figure 13 of JP 10-75847 to Fujimoto et al. provides a partition 3 attached to an armrest with a first attachment 12-12 which engages a circumferential portion of an armrest 2.
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.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in an interview with Anthony Guebert on 2/19/25.
The application has been amended as follows:
CANCEL CLAIMS 3 and 4.
Claims 1, 2 and 5-20 are allowed.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10479506B1: Claims:
A partition system that is configured to be secured to a seat assembly, the partition system comprising: a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, the barrier being moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, and wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest, wherein the barrier comprises: a first panel; a second panel, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, and a third panel, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are configured to linearly translate over a length of the armrest between the stowed position and the deployed position.
a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, the barrier being moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, and wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest, wherein the barrier comprises: a first panel; a second panel, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, and a third panel, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are configured to linearly translate over a length of the armrest between the stowed position and the deployed position.
a second panel, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, and
a third panel, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel,
wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are configured to linearly translate over a length of the armrest between the stowed position and the deployed position.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the armrest is common to the seat assembly and an adjacent seat assembly.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is mounted to the armrest in a space between the seat assembly and an adjacent seat assembly.
The partition system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing defining an internal chamber, wherein the barrier is in the internal chamber in the stowed position.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the armrest comprises a guide track that is configured to receive and moveably retain a portion of the barrier.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the first panel comprises a first rail that is slidably retained within a first groove of the second panel, and wherein the third panel comprises a second rail that is slidably retained within a second groove of the second panel.
The partition system of claim 6 , wherein the first groove is formed in a first side of the panel, and wherein the second groove is formed in a second side of the panel that is opposite from the first side.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises an engagement member that is configured to be grasped by an individual.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the barrier extends to a height of a top of an upright backrest of the seat assembly.
The partition system of claim 1 , wherein the barrier further includes a flexible structure formed of one or more of a fabric, cloth, or mesh.
A vehicle comprising: an interior cabin; a first seat assembly within the interior cabin; a second seat assembly within the interior cabin, the first seat assembly being adjacent to the second seat assembly, wherein the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly share an armrest; and a partition system secured to the armrest in a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly, the partition system comprising a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest, wherein the barrier comprises: a first panel; a second panel, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel; and a third panel, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are configured to linearly translate over a length of the armrest between the stowed position and the deployed position.
an interior cabin;
a first seat assembly within the interior cabin;
a second seat assembly within the interior cabin, the first seat assembly being adjacent to the second seat assembly, wherein the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly share an armrest; and
a partition system secured to the armrest in a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly, the partition system comprising a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest, wherein the barrier comprises: a first panel; a second panel, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel; and a third panel, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel, wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are configured to linearly translate over a length of the armrest between the stowed position and the deployed position.
a second panel, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel; and
The vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the partition system further comprises a housing defining an internal chamber, wherein the barrier is in the internal chamber in the stowed position.
The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first panel includes a first rail and an engagement member that is configured to be grasped by an individual, wherein the second panel includes a first groove on a first side and a second groove on a second side that is opposite the first side, wherein the first rail is slidably retained within the first groove, and wherein the third panel includes a second rail slidably retained with the second groove.
first panel includes a first rail and an engagement member that is configured to be grasped by an individual,
wherein the second panel includes a first groove on a first side and a second groove on a second side that is opposite the first side, wherein the first rail is slidably retained within the first groove, and
wherein the third panel includes a second rail slidably retained with the second groove.
A partition system that is configured to be secured to a seat assembly, the partition system comprising: a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, the barrier being moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, and wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest, wherein the barrier comprises: a first panel including a first rail; a second panel including a first groove and second groove, wherein the first groove slidably retains the first rail, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel; and a third panel including a second rail that is slidably retained within the second groove, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel.
a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, the barrier being moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, and wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest, wherein the barrier comprises: a first panel including a first rail; a second panel including a first groove and second groove, wherein the first groove slidably retains the first rail, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel; and a third panel including a second rail that is slidably retained within the second groove, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel.
a first panel including a first rail;
a second panel including a first groove and second groove, wherein the first groove slidably retains the first rail, wherein the first panel is moveably coupled to the second panel; and
a third panel including a second rail that is slidably retained within the second groove, wherein the third panel is moveably coupled to the second panel.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the armrest is common to the seat assembly and an adjacent seat assembly.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the barrier is mounted to the armrest in a space between the seat assembly and an adjacent seat assembly.
The partition system of claim 14 , further comprising a housing defining an internal chamber, wherein the barrier is in the internal chamber in the stowed position.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the armrest comprises a guide track that is configured to receive and moveably retain a portion of the barrier.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the first groove is formed in a first side of the panel, and wherein the second groove is formed in a second side of the panel that is opposite from the first side.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the barrier comprises an engagement member that is configured to be grasped by an individual.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the barrier extends to a height of a top of an upright backrest of the seat assembly.
The partition system of claim 14 , wherein the barrier includes a flexible structure formed of one or more of a fabric, cloth, or mesh.
A partition system that is configured to be secured to a seat assembly, the partition system comprising: a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, the barrier being moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, and wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest; a rotatable anchor member; and a moveable member moveably secured to the armrest, wherein the barrier is connected to the rotatable anchor member and the moveable member, and wherein the barrier wraps around the rotatable anchor member in the stowed position.
a barrier that is configured to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position, the barrier being moveably coupled to an armrest of the seat assembly, wherein the stowed position is proximate to a rear end of the armrest, and wherein the deployed position extends towards a front end of the armrest;
a rotatable anchor member; and
a moveable member moveably secured to the armrest, wherein the barrier is connected to the rotatable anchor member and the moveable member, and wherein the barrier wraps around the rotatable anchor member in the stowed position.
Ref US20230312095A1: Claims:
A method of enhancing privacy for a passenger of a passenger seat, the method comprising: deploying a shield relative to an axis along a lateral edge of the passenger seat from a stowed position in which the shield is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of a seat back of the seat or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back, wherein the lateral edge comprises a pivot edge that comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure; and positioning the shield to extend forward from the lateral edge of the seat back so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat.
deploying a shield relative to an axis along a lateral edge of the passenger seat from a stowed position in which the shield is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of a seat back of the seat or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back, wherein the lateral edge comprises a pivot edge that comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure; and
positioning the shield to extend forward from the lateral edge of the seat back so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the shield comprises a first shield deployable from a first lateral side of the seat back, and wherein the method further comprises deploying a second shield from a second lateral side of the seat back.
wherein the method further comprises deploying a second shield from a second lateral side of the seat back.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the shield comprises an upper shield deployable from an upper portion of the seat back, and wherein the method further comprises deploying a lower shield from a lower portion of the seat back.
wherein the method further comprises deploying a lower shield from a lower portion of the seat back.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the shield comprises an upper left shield deployable from an upper portion of a left side of the seat back, and wherein the method further comprises: deploying an upper right shield from an upper portion of a right side of the seat back; deploying a lower left shield from a lower portion of the left side of the seat back; and deploying a lower right shield from a lower portion of the right side of the seat back.
wherein the method further comprises:
deploying an upper right shield from an upper portion of a right side of the seat back;
deploying a lower left shield from a lower portion of the left side of the seat back; and
deploying a lower right shield from a lower portion of the right side of the seat back.
The method of claim 1 , wherein deploying the shield comprises swinging the shield laterally about the axis along the lateral edge of the passenger seat.
A passenger seat comprising: a seat pan; a seat back; and a privacy shield adjustable between: a stowed position in which the privacy shield is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of the seat back or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back; and a deployed position extending forward from a lateral edge of the seat back so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat, the privacy shield movable between the stowed position and the deployed position by pivoting about a pivot edge that comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure.
a seat back; and
a privacy shield adjustable between: a stowed position in which the privacy shield is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of the seat back or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back; and a deployed position extending forward from a lateral edge of the seat back so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat, the privacy shield movable between the stowed position and the deployed position by pivoting about a pivot edge that comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure.
a stowed position in which the privacy shield is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of the seat back or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back; and
a deployed position extending forward from a lateral edge of the seat back so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat, the privacy shield movable between the stowed position and the deployed position by pivoting about a pivot edge that comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the cushioning portion of the seat back remains fixed within the perimeter of the seat back in the stowed position of the privacy shield, in the deployed position of the privacy shield, and in transition between the stowed position and the deployed position of the privacy shield.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the privacy shield is releasably mounted to the seat back.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the privacy shield is stowable against the seat back.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the cushioning portion of the seat back is sandwiched between a rear portion of the seat back and a cushioning material in the privacy shield in the stowed position.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the privacy shield comprises one or more layers sized to cover a portion of a front surface of the seat back in the stowed position, wherein the one or more layers have a combined thinness through which the cushioning portion of the seat back support a passenger when seated in the seat.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the privacy shield is stowable in an arrangement extending laterally to overlay a portion of the adjacent seat.
The passenger seat of claim 6 , wherein the privacy shield comprises a first privacy shield, and wherein the passenger seat further comprises a second privacy shield coupled along an opposite lateral edge of the seat back and pivotable to position a free end of the second privacy shield to overlap the first privacy shield in the stowed position.
A passenger seat privacy shield comprising: a partition sized to extend in a deployed position forward from a lateral edge of a seat back of a passenger seat so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat; and a pivot edge along which the partition is pivotable between the deployed position and a stowed position in which the partition is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of the seat back of the seat or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back, wherein the pivot edge comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure.
a partition sized to extend in a deployed position forward from a lateral edge of a seat back of a passenger seat so as to form at least a partial barrier between a living space of the passenger seat and an adjacent seat; and
a pivot edge along which the partition is pivotable between the deployed position and a stowed position in which the partition is arranged overlying a cushioning portion of the seat back of the seat or situated laterally outward from a perimeter of the seat back, wherein the pivot edge comprises a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fabric juncture, and wherein the fabric juncture comprises a knitted structure.
The passenger seat privacy shield of claim 14 , wherein the passenger seat privacy shield is at least one of: foldable relative to a torso portion of the seat back; or foldable relative to a headrest portion of the seat back.
foldable relative to a torso portion of the seat back; or
foldable relative to a headrest portion of the seat back.
- 18 . (canceled)
The passenger seat privacy shield of claim 14 , wherein the partition comprises cushioning material.
The passenger seat privacy shield of claim 14 , wherein the partition comprises a collapsible partition collapsible along at least one axis to fit within a space between the lateral edge of the seat back of the passenger seat and the adjacent seat.
Ref US20080265638A1: Claims:
Passenger seat, especially an airline passenger seat, comprising seat components such as a seat part, a backrest and an armrest ( 3 ), of which at least one component is arranged to move for positional adjustment relative to other seat components and with a partition ( 9 , 11 ), which extends between a deployed position, in which it extends in a lateral shielded area of the seat and can make the transition into a non-use position in which it exposes the shielded area, characterized in
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