Passenger seating assembly with swinging seatpan for increased passenger egress space

A swinging seatpan assembly for a passenger seat includes a fixed seatpan frame attached to the seat structure and a mobile seatpan frame pivotably attached to the fixed seatpan frame by rollers configured for translation through slots in the fixed seatpan frame. Passengers occupying middle and aisle seats of a multiple-seat block or assembly may engage their respective swinging seatpan assemblies to allow an occupant of a window seat to enter/egress their seat without the middle-seat and aisle-seat passengers leaving their seats for the aisle. For example, the passenger may engage a release to unlock and push the mobile seatpan frame so that the mobile seatpan frame pivots rearward/downward, temporarily increasing the seat pitch distance and allowing the window-seat passenger increased egress space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing dates from the following listed applications (the “Related applications”) (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications (e.g., under 35 USC § 120 as a continuation in part) or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related applications).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Indian Patent Application No. 202241005995 filed Feb. 4, 2022 relating to PASSENGER SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH SWINGING SEATPAN FOR INCREASED PASSENGER EGRESS SPACE.

Said Indian Patent Application No. 202241005995 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Economy class seating in most commercial aircraft incorporates groups of two to five individual seats. In order to maximize the number of farepaying passengers accommodated by economy class seating, the seat pitch distance between rows of seats may be reduced to accommodate additional rows of seating. However, any reduction in seat pitch complicates egress from, and entry into, window seats separated from a central aisle by an aisle seat, and sometimes a middle seat as well. For example, if all three seats are occupied and the passenger occupying the window seat must leave their seat (e.g., to visit a lavatory located elsewhere in the cabin), the passengers occupying the middle and aisle seats must often also vacate their seats to allow sufficient room for the window-seat passenger to egress. When the window-seat passenger returns to their seating row, the process must be repeated so the window-seat passenger can return to their seat. Further, if the middle-seat and aisle-seat passengers must vacate into the aisle, their presence in the aisle may interfere with food or beverage services also making use of the aisle or, in extreme cases, interfere with the window-seat passenger's efforts to reach their destination elsewhere in the cabin.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a swinging seatpan assembly for a passenger seat is disclosed. In embodiments, the swinging seatpan assembly includes a fixed seatpan frame secured to a seat frame, e.g., a seat frame for one or more passenger seats mountable to a passenger cabin floor. The swinging seatpan assembly includes a mobile seatpan frame slidably attached to the fixed seatpan frame at one or more attachment points between the forward and rear ends of the mobile seatpan frame. The mobile seatpan frame may define a seat pitch distance between the passenger seat and another passenger seat immediately forward. The mobile seatpan frame is fully or partially covered by a seatpan cover which in turn supports a seat cushion (e.g., upon which a passenger occupying the seat sits). The swinging seatpan assembly includes a release for transitioning the mobile seatpan frame from a locked configuration (e.g., wherein the passenger may be seated in the seat) and a released configuration. When in the released configuration, the passenger can articulate the mobile seatpan frame from a default position (e.g., wherein the passenger may be seated) and an egress position capable of increasing the seat pitch distance. For example, the seated passenger may engage the release and slide the mobile seatpan backward relative to the fixed seatpan frame, simultaneously pivoting the mobile seatpan frame downward relative to the fixed seatpan frame relative to a rotational axis through an attachment point, temporarily increasing the seat pitch distance between the mobile seatpan frame and the passenger seat immediately forward.

In some embodiments, the fixed seatpan frame includes slots extending between forward and rear endpoints, and each attachment point is associated with one or more sliding members, the sliding members translate through the slots between the forward and rear endpoints. For example, sliding members at or near the forward endpoints are associated with the default position of the mobile seatpan frame, and sliding members at or near the rear endpoints with the egress position of the mobile seatpan frame.

In some embodiments, the slots include forward and rear stoppers set into the slots and defining the forward and rear endpoints.

In some embodiments, the mobile seatpan frame is attached to the seat frame via a linear actuator that assists in the transition of the mobile seatpan frame between the default and egress positions.

In some embodiments, the mobile seatpan frame remains in the egress position (e.g., once articulated there by the passenger) until returned by the passenger to the default position (e.g., by re-engaging the release and articulating the mobile seatpan frame forward).

In some embodiments, the release is set into an armrest of the passenger seat.

In some embodiments, the release is set into the mobile seatpan frame, e.g., at the forward end beneath the seat cushion.

In a further aspect, a multi-seat passenger assembly is also disclosed. In embodiments, the multi-seat passenger assembly comprises a group of two or more passenger seats mounted to one or more seat structures set into the passenger cabin floor. For example, the multi-seat passenger assembly may be set between an aisle and a bulkhead including a window, or between two aisles. In embodiments, the multi-seat passenger assembly includes at least one swinging seat (e.g., an aisle seat or middle seat) incorporating a swinging seatpan assembly. For example, each swinging seatpan assembly includes a fixed seatpan frame secured to the seat structure. Each swinging seatpan assembly includes a mobile seatpan frame slidably attached to the fixed seatpan frame at one or more attachment points between the forward and rear ends of the mobile seatpan frame. Each mobile seatpan frame may define a seat pitch distance between the passenger seat and another passenger seat immediately forward. Each mobile seatpan frame is fully or partially covered by a seatpan cover which in turn supports a seat cushion (e.g., upon which a passenger occupying the seat sits). Each swinging seatpan assembly includes a release for transitioning the mobile seatpan frame from a locked configuration (e.g., wherein the passenger may be seated in the seat) and a released configuration. When in the released configuration, the passenger can articulate the mobile seatpan frame from a default position (e.g., wherein the passenger may be seated) and an egress position capable of increasing the seat pitch distance. For example, the seated passenger may engage the release and slide the mobile seatpan backward relative to the fixed seatpan frame, simultaneously pivoting the mobile seatpan frame downward relative to the fixed seatpan frame relative to a rotational axis through an attachment point, temporarily increasing the seat pitch distance between the mobile seatpan frame and the passenger seat immediately forward.

In some embodiments, each fixed seatpan frame includes slots extending between forward and rear endpoints, and each attachment point is associated with one or more sliding members, the sliding members translate through the slots between the forward and rear endpoints. For example, sliding members at or near the forward endpoints are associated with the default position of the mobile seatpan frame, and sliding members at or near the rear endpoints with the egress position of the mobile seatpan frame.

In some embodiments, the slots of each fixed seatpan frame include forward and rear stoppers set into the slots and defining the forward and rear endpoints.

In some embodiments, each mobile seatpan frame is attached to the seat structure via a linear actuator that assists in the transition of the mobile seatpan frame between the default and egress positions.

In some embodiments, each mobile seatpan frame remains in the egress position (e.g., once articulated there by the passenger) until returned by the passenger to the default position (e.g., by re-engaging the release and articulating the mobile seatpan frame forward).

In some embodiments, each release is set into an armrest of its associated passenger seat or into the associated mobile seatpan frame.

In some embodiments, the multi-seat passenger seating assembly includes non-swinging seats adjacent to one or more swinging seats, the non-swinging seats incorporating a conventional seatpan instead of the swinging seatpan assembly.

In some embodiments, the non-swinging seat is a window seat adjacent to a bulkhead which may include a window, and the swinging seats are either middle or aisle seats.

In some embodiments, the non-swinging seat is a middle seat (e.g., when the multi-seat passenger assembly is situated between two aisles).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIG.1, a passenger seating assembly100is disclosed. The passenger seating assembly100may incorporate a window seat102, a middle seat104, and an aisle seat106.

In embodiments, the passenger seating assembly100may be mounted to a floor of a passenger cabin of an aircraft. For example, the passenger seating assembly may incorporate a seat structure108mounted to the aircraft floor, e.g., via track fittings110. A single seat structure may incorporate at least two passenger seats, most commonly between two and five. For example, the window seat102may be adjacent to an aircraft bulkhead which may or may not incorporate a window. Similarly, the aisle seat106may be adjacent to a central aisle112of the aircraft, via which passengers may embark and disembark from the aircraft proper. In some embodiments, the passenger seating assembly100may incorporate one or more middle seats104situated between the window seat102and the aisle seat106.

In embodiments, each individual passenger seat of the passenger seating assembly (e.g., the window seat102, middle seat104, and aisle seat106) may include a seatback114and at least one armrest116. For example, each seatback114may be configured to recline (118), e.g., when the occupying passenger holds down a button (not shown) set within an armrest116adjacent to the passenger and physically forces the seatback backward into a reclined position, releasing the button to lock the seatback into the reclined position. In some embodiments, an armrest116may be shared between two adjacent passenger seats (e.g., the window seat102and middle seat104; the middle seat104and aisle seat106), any buttons116or other controls necessary to recline or reconfigure the passenger seat set into the armrest facing the occupying passenger.

In embodiments, the middle seat104and aisle seat106may each include a swinging seatpan assembly120. For example, each passenger seat of the passenger seating assembly100may include a seatpan122capable of supporting a seat cushion124, the seatpan and the seatback114collectively capable of supporting an occupying passenger in a seated position. In embodiments, the swinging seatpan assembly120may be implemented and may function similarly to the seatpan122, except that the swinging seatpan assembly may be temporarily forced back from a default position into an egress position, pivoting or articulating the swinging seatpan assembly backward relative to the passenger seating assembly100and temporarily increasing the seat pitch distance between the passenger seating assembly and passenger seating situated directly forward thereof. For example, the temporary increase in seat pitch distance may allow the passenger occupying the window seat102sufficient space to egress from the window seat and into the central aisle112without requiring the passengers occupying the middle seat104and the aisle seat106to egress their seats. In some embodiments, the window seat102may additionally incorporate a swinging seatpan assembly120.

Referring also toFIG.2, the passenger seating assembly100is shown.

In embodiments, the passenger seating assembly100may be associated with a standard seat pitch distance200between the passenger seating assembly and a second passenger seating assembly202situated directly forward of the passenger seating assembly100, the seat pitch distance defined as a distance between any first point of the passenger seating assembly and the nearest point of the second passenger seating assembly202directly forward of the first point. For example, the seat pitch distance200may define the space204which passengers occupying the middle seat (104,FIG.1) and window seat (102,FIG.1) must traverse in order to travel between their seats and the central aisle (112,FIG.1).

In embodiments, activation of the swinging seatpan assembly120by the passengers occupying the middle seat104and/or aisle seat106may pivot the swinging seatpan assembly120and seat cushion124backward relative to the seat structure108, temporarily increasing (206) the seat pitch distance.

Referring now toFIG.3, the passenger seating assembly100is shown.

In embodiments, the middle seat104and aisle seat106may each incorporate a swinging seatpan assembly120a,120bwhile the window seat102may incorporate a conventional fixed seatpan122. For example, if a first passenger occupying the middle seat104wishes to egress from or return to their seat, a second passenger occupying the aisle seat106may activate their swinging seatpan assembly120bto allow the first passenger additional room to egress or enter through the space (204,FIG.2).

In embodiments, each swinging seatpan assembly120a,120bmay incorporate a fixed seatpan frame304fixed to the seat structure108and a mobile seatpan frame306capable of movement relative to the fixed seatpan frame and to the seat structure. For example, the mobile seatpan frame306may have a default configuration associated with a locked position, e.g., the mobile seatpan frame may be locked into a position analogous to the fixed seatpan302until released from the default configuration. In embodiments, the first passenger occupying the middle seat104may first release the mobile seatpan frame306by engaging a release308and maintain the mobile seatpan frame in the released configuration by holding down the release. For example, the release308may be a button situated in the armrest116facing the passenger, e.g., in the armrest opposite the armrest housing the button (not shown) used for reclining (118,FIG.1) the seatback114.

In embodiments, the fixed seatpan frame304may be fixed to the seat structure (108,FIG.1) and may include a left-side member406and a right-side member408. For example, the left-side and right-side members406,408may each have an outer face410and an inner face412. In embodiments, each inner face412of the left-side and right-side members406,408may have a slot414set thereinto and extending between a forward endpoint416and a rear endpoint418. For example, the forward and rear endpoints416,418may respectively be defined by a forward stopper420and a rear stopper422set into the slot414. In some embodiments, the forward and rear stoppers420,422may be repositionable within the slot414to control the degree of travel of the mobile seatpan frame306relative to the fixed seatpan frame304.

In embodiments, the mobile seatpan frame306may comprise left-side and right-side members424,426connected by forward and rear crossmembers428,430. For example, the seatpan cover402may comprise a fabric shell (e.g., Kevlar or any other appropriate durable fabric known in the art) extending between the forward and rear crossmembers428,430. In embodiments, the seatpan cover402may include hook and loop fasteners432(e.g., Velcro or any other like appropriate fastening means known in the art) via which the seat cushion (124,FIG.1) may be secured to the seatpan cover.

In embodiments, sliding members434(e.g., rollers, rolling members) may serve as a point of attachment between the left-side and right-side members424,426of the mobile seatpan frame306and the fixed seatpan frame304. For example, the sliding members434may extend from the left-side and right-side members424,426of the mobile seatpan frame306into the slots414in the inner faces412of the left-side and right-side members406,408of the fixed seatpan frame304. In embodiments, when the mobile seatpan frame306is in a locked configuration, the sliding members434may remain in a forward position relative to the slots414, e.g., adjacent to the forward stoppers420or to the forward terminus of the slots. In some embodiments, the left-side and/or right-side members424,426may incorporate more than one slot414and more than one sliding member434translating therein.

Referring also toFIG.5A, the swinging seatpan assembly120is shown in a locked configuration and default position. In embodiments, the mobile seatpan frame306may be pivotably attached to the seat structure (108,FIG.1) via a linear actuator502(e.g., linear spring, linear cylinder) and rear bracket404. For example, the rear bracket404may comprise a ring member attachable to a tubular cross-member (not shown) of the seat structure108underneath the swinging seatpan assembly120. In embodiments, the linear actuator502may assist with the transitioning of the mobile seatpan frame306between its default position as shown byFIG.5Aand an egress position as shown byFIG.5B.

Referring also toFIG.5B, the swinging seatpan assembly120is shown in a released configuration and an egress position. In embodiments, when a passenger engages and maintains the release (308,FIG.3), transitioning the mobile seatpan frame306into the released configuration, the passenger may push backward on the mobile seatpan frame, e.g., with their upper legs, while transitioning from a seated to a semi-seated, semi-standing position. In embodiments, the mobile seatpan frame306may be driven rearward (504) relative to the fixed seatpan frame304by the free translation of the sliding members434through the slots414. For example, the sliding members434may translate rearward506along the slots414until encountering the rear stoppers422(or, e.g., the rear terminus of the slots). The rearward motion504of the mobile seatpan frame may temporarily increase (206,FIG.2) the seat pitch distance (200,FIG.2).

In embodiments, the engagement and/or maintenance of the release308by an occupying passenger may also release the linear actuator502. For example, when the linear actuator502is released and the mobile seatpan frame306driven rearward (504) relative to the fixed seatpan frame304by the passenger, the linear actuator may allow the mobile seatpan frame to additionally pivot or rotate (506) relative to a rotational axis (436,FIG.4) defined by the sliding members434. Assuming a forward-oriented passenger seating assembly100, the rotational axis436may be a lateral axis substantially parallel to a pitch axis (e.g., x-axis) of the aircraft. Accordingly, the forward end of the mobile seatpan frame306may dip below the fixed seatpan frame304and the rear end of the mobile seatpan frame may rise to the extent allowed by the linear actuator502.

In some embodiments, the mobile seatpan frame306may remain in the egress position shown byFIG.5Buntil further engagement by the occupying passenger. For example, should the occupying passenger again engage the release308and/or push downward on the mobile seatpan frame306, the passenger's weight (assisted by the linear actuator502) may return the mobile seatpan frame to the default position shown byFIG.5A.

In embodiments, the middle seat104and aisle seat106may each include a release308for transitioning the swinging seatpan assembly120into the released configuration. For example, each release308may be set into an armrest116facing the swinging seatpan assembly120to which it is linked. For example, if each of the middle seat104and aisle seat106has a recline button (not shown) set into its right-side armrest116for reclining (118,FIG.1) the seatback114, the respective releases308for the middle seat and aisle seat may set into the left-side armrest relative to the seat.

Referring in particular toFIG.6B, in some embodiments the releases308may be set into the respective seatpan122(e.g., into the forward crossmember428of the mobile seatpan frame306) of the middle seat104or aisle seat106, situated under the seat cushion124.

Referring now toFIG.7, the passenger seating configurations700and700amay be situated in a widebody aircraft having multiple aisles112a,112b, either aisle providing for embarkation, disembarkation, or movement throughout the passenger cabin. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the individual passenger seats and seating assemblies100a-100e(e.g., groups of two or more passenger seats) comprising the passenger seating configurations700,700amay incorporate various combinations of swinging seatpan assemblies120and conventional seatpans122to facilitate entry to and egress from the centermost (e.g., and least accessible) passenger seats of said seating configurations and/or seating assemblies by temporarily increasing the seat pitch distance between any passenger seat and the passenger seating situated directly forward thereof.

For example, the passenger seating configuration700may comprise three groups of seating assemblies100a,100b,100cin a 2-5-2 configuration. In some embodiments, the seating assemblies100a,100cmay each comprise a window seat102(which may incorporate, e.g., either a conventional seatpan122or a swinging seatpan assembly120) and an aisle seat106directly adjacent to each window seat102and incorporating a swinging seatpan assembly120. In embodiments, the centrally located seating assembly100bmay comprise a group of five adjacent passenger seats, e.g., a centermost middle seat104(which may incorporate, e.g., either a conventional seatpan122or a swinging seatpan assembly120); middle seats104aon either side, each incorporating a swinging seatpan assembly120; and aisle seats106also incorporating the swinging seatpan assembly.

Similarly, in some embodiments the seating configuration700amay comprise three groups of seating assemblies100d,100e,100fin a 3-4-3 configuration. For example, the seating assemblies100d,100fmay be implemented similarly to the seating assembly100shown byFIG.1, while the seating assembly100emay comprise a group of four passenger seats, e.g., two inner middle seats104(which may incorporate, e.g., either a conventional seatpan122or a swinging seatpan assembly120), and two outer aisle seats106incorporating a swinging seatpan assembly120.

CONCLUSION