ROW OF PASSENGER SEATS CONVERTIBLE TO A BED

A row of passenger seats convertible to a bed. The row includes a frame assembly supporting a plurality of laterally adjacent passenger seats. In embodiments, each seat includes a backrest having a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, a seat pan movable between a first position for seating and a second position for sleeping, and at least one link connecting the second portion of the backrest to the seat pan such that the second portion of the backrest tracks with the seat pan. In use, the second portion of the backrest resides in a plane of the backrest when the seat pan is in the first position, and resides in a plane of the seat pan when the seat pan is in the second position. In embodiments, the row provides a provision for sleeping in an economy class cabin of an airliner when occupancy permits seat row conversion.

RELATED APPLICATION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of priority of India application No. 202341053129 filed Aug. 8, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to provisions for sleeping in a passenger cabin such as an economy class cabin, and more particularly, to a row of passenger seats convertible to a bed.

Passenger cabins in airliners and other conveyances typically include separate economy and premium seating classes. Premium seating classes, where comfort is paramount, may include highly adjustable passenger seats configured to transition from an upright sitting position to a bed through various intermediate sitting positions. Economy seating classes, where density is paramount, may include integrated seat rows with limited backrest recline.

Most passengers are not able to assume a comfortable sleeping position in an economy class seat considering the steep angle of a reclined backrest, fixed position of the seat pan, lack of a leg rest, and close proximity to other passengers. As such, passengers not able to afford the cost of a premium class seat are at a sleeping disadvantage, particularly on long haul flights.

Therefore, what is needed is a provision for sleeping in an economy class cabin.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a row of passenger seats convertible to a bed. In embodiments, seat row includes a frame assembly and at least two laterally adjacent passenger seats supported by the frame assembly. In embodiments, each passenger seat includes a backrest having a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, a seat pan movable between a first position for seating and a second position for sleeping, and at least one link connecting the second portion of the backrest to the seat pan such that the second portion of the backrest travels with the seat pan as the seat pan travels between the first and second positions. In use, when the seat pan is in the first position, the second portion of the backrest resides in a plane of the backrest, and when the seat pan is in the second position, the second portion of the backrest resides in a plane of the seat pan.

In embodiments, the first portion of the backrest is pivotally attached to the frame assembly, the first portion of the backrest forms middle and upper support portions of the backrest, the second portion of the backrest includes a first segment and a second segment rotatably coupled to the first segment, and the second portion of the backrest, when the seat pan is in the first position, forms a lower support portion of the backrest.

In embodiments, the seat row further includes guide tracks attached to the first portion of the backrest, and guides attached to the second portion of the backrest, the guides engaged in and configured to travel along the guide tracks as the second portion of the backrest travels with the seat pan.

In embodiments, each guide track includes a linear upper portion and a curved lower portion.

In embodiments, the seat row further includes guide tracks attached to the frame assembly, and guides attached to the seat pan, the guides engaged in and configured to travel along the guide tracks as the seat pan travels between the first position and the second position.

In embodiments, each guide is an elongated and linear.

In embodiments, the seat row further includes a projection extending laterally from each guide, and a removable strap configured to, when the seat pan is in the second position, extend from the projection to structure of a forward seat to support a forward end of the seat pan.

In embodiments, the seat row further includes a seat pan release mechanism including a lever positioned at a forward end of the seat pan, spring-loaded pins attached to the guide tracks and configured to engage with the guides, and cabling extending from the lever to each of the spring-loaded pins. In use, actuating the lever pulls the cabling to release the spring-loaded pins from engagement with the guides to allow the seat pan to move between the first and second positions.

In embodiments, the at least one link connecting the second portion of the backrest to the seat pan is curved.

In embodiments, the frame assembly includes an upwardly extending feature, the second portion of the backrest includes a downwardly extending feature, and the upwardly extending feature is configured to engage the downwardly extending feature, when the seat pan is in the second position, to support the second portion of the backrest from below.

In embodiments, the seat row further includes a diaphragm attached to the first portion of the backrest, wherein the diaphragm is exposed when the second portion of the backrest resides in the horizontal plane of the seat pan.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a passenger seat row for an economy class aircraft cabin. The seat row includes a frame assembly and at least three laterally adjacent passenger seats supported by the frame assembly. In embodiments, each passenger seat includes a backrest including a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, a seat pan movable between a first position for seating and a second position for sleeping, and at least one link connecting the second portion of the backrest to the seat pan such that the second portion of the backrest travels with the seat pan as the seat pan travels between the first and second positions. In use, when the seat pan is in the first position, the second portion of the backrest resides in a plane of the backrest, and when the seat pan is in the second position, the second portion of the backrest resides in a plane of the seat pan.

This summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matter that is fully described in the following detailed description and drawing figures. This summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Broadly, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a row of passenger seats convertible to a bed. In embodiments, the seat row is an integrated assembly including a plurality of laterally adjacent seats, for instance2,3,4. . . n number of seats. When configured as passenger seats, the seat row has the appearance of any other seat row to provide a uniform look throughout the cabin. When configured as a bed, the seat pan and a portion of the backrest track together to form a flat bed substantially occupying the space between the backrest and a forward structure, for instance a forward row of seats. The row of seats may be converted to a bed, by independently converting each seat within the row, when occupancy within the cabin permits the conversion.

In use, when the passenger cabin is full and all or nearly all seats are sold, the seat row may be configured as passenger seats. When a number of seats in the passenger cabin are not sold, passenger assignments may be shuffled to make the seat row available to a single passenger for purchase at a premium, and that passenger purchasing the seat row has the option to convert the seat row to a bed during flight. In some embodiments, several seat rows according to the present disclosure may be strategically positioned within the cabin to provide the ability to convert at least some of the seat rows to beds during flight. The convertible seat rows may be positioned at the front or rear of the cabin for more privacy for sleeping.

FIG.1illustrates a row of passenger seats100according to the present disclosure shown converted to a bed. The row of passenger seats100, also referred to herein as row100, generally includes a frame assembly102supporting a number of laterally adjacent passenger seats104, for instance two, three or four laterally adjacent passenger seats104. As shown, the row100includes three laterally adjacent seats104commonly found in economy class seat rows and adequate to form a comfortable bed length for a sleeping passenger. Each seat104within the seat row100is independently convertible.

In embodiments, the frame assembly102includes legs106, spreaders108, and transverse beams110. Track fasteners112may be used to secure the legs106to seat tracks embedded in the floor. As shown, the frame assembly102includes spaced transverse beams110in the form of tubes wherein each transverse beam110is received through the legs106and the spreaders108. In embodiments, the spreaders108support rotational attachment of the backrest114and the transverse beams110support the sliding attachment of the seat pan116. Although not shown, the spreaders108may further support rotational attachment of armrests. In embodiments, spreaders108may be positioned between adjacent seats104and at each end of the row100. In embodiments, the frame assembly102may further include a luggage retention bar118.

For each seat104, the seat pan116is configured to move, for example translate horizontally, between a first position for sitting and a second position for sleeping. InFIG.1, each seat pan116is shown in its respective second position with all three seat pans116transitioned and aligned to form a substantially continuous and flat bed. In some embodiments, each seat pan116tracks substantially horizontally between its respective first and second positions. Each backrest114generally includes a first portion120and a second portion122movable relative to the first portion. The first portion120forms the lateral sides, middle support, and upper support portion of the backrest. The second portion122forms the lower support portion of the backrest when the seats104are configured for sitting, and a portion of the bed when the seat pan116is in the second position. In embodiments, each seat104further includes a closeout124for the lower portion of the backrest114when the second portion122of the backrest114is moved to the plane of the seat pan104. In embodiments, the closeout124may be in the form of a fabric diaphragm concealed from view when the second portion122is in the sitting position and revealed when the second portion122is in the bed position. In embodiments, each seat pan116includes at least one cushion126, and the second portion122of the backrest114includes two coupled segments including two respective cushions128,130.

FIG.2illustrates the row100according to the present disclosure shown converted to passenger seats104. In embodiments, each of the seat pan and backrest portions may include touch fasteners132(e.g., Velcro strips) for releasably engaging with corresponding touch fasteners positioned on the underside of the cushions for removable attachment of the cushions. When in the seat configuration shown inFIG.2, the second portion122of each backrest114forms the lower support portion of the backrest, for instance providing lower back comfort and support.

FIG.3illustrates a particular configuration of the backrest114. The first portion120of the backrest114is pivotally attached to the frame assembly102, for instance rotatably attached between spaced spreaders108. In use, the first portion120of the backrest114pivots about a rotation axis between upright and reclined sitting positions. When positioned in the sitting position, the second portion122of the backrest114rotates with the first portion120of the backrest114between the upright and reclined states of the backrest114. In embodiments, the fully upright state of the backrest114may correspond to a taxi, takeoff, and landing (TTOL) state of the backrest114, and the reclined state of the backrest114corresponds to a more comfortable sitting position during flight. In some embodiments, the recline feature of the backrest114and the bed conversion feature of the row100are mutually inclusive features. In other embodiments, the recline feature of the backrest114and the bed conversion feature of the row100may be made to be mutually exclusive features.

In embodiments, the first portion120of the backrest114includes a rigid U-shaped frame member134or coupled members forming a like or similar shape. Within the frame member134are positioned first and second guide tracks136attached to the first portion120in a symmetrical arrangement. In embodiments, each guide track136defines a motion pathway for the second portion122of the backrest114. In some embodiments, the guide tracks136include a linear upper portion and a curved lower portion such that the motion path transitions from linear to curved to facilitate rotation between a substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation for the second portion122of the backrest114.

In embodiments, the second portion122of the backrest114carries guides138in a symmetrical arrangement, wherein the guides138are configured to travel within or along the guide tracks136. In a non-limiting example, the guide tracks136may be roller tracks and the guides138may be vertically oriented rollers configured to roll along to guide tracks136to facilitate smooth motion. The bottom end of the second portion122of the backrest may be rotatably coupled to the back or aft end of the seat pan116such that the second portion122rotates toward horizontal as the seat pan116tracks forward pulling the second portion122therewith, and rotates toward vertical as the seat pan116tracks aft pushing the second portion122. In embodiments, the second portion122of the backrest114and the seat pan116are rotatably coupled by a symmetrical arrangement of curved links140configured to space apart, allow rotation, and define the positional relationship between the second portion122and the seat pan116.

FIG.4illustrates a particular configuration of the seat pan116. As discussed above, the aft end of the seat pan116is coupled to the second portion122of the backrest114. In embodiments, the lateral sides of the seat pan116are attached to elongated linear guides144engaged in and configured to travel along guide tracks146attached to or otherwise integrated into the frame assembly102, for instance attached directly to the spreaders108as shown. The guides144and the guide tracks146may be provided in a symmetrical arrangement on both sides of the seat pan116to facilitate smooth motion and square tracking of the seat pan116between its respective first position for seating and second position for sleeping. In some embodiments, the guide tracks146may include vertically oriented rollers engaging the guides144. Mechanical stops may be positioned at one or more ends of the guides configured to interact with the guide tracks146to limit forward and/or aft travel of the seat pan116.

FIG.5illustrates a coupling of the seat pan116to the second portion122of the backrest114, as well as a coupling of the two individual segments of the second portion122of the backrest114. In embodiments, the curved coupling links140allow a particular positional relationship of the seat pan116to the bottom end of the second portion122of the backrest114when in the second position of the seat pan116. As shown, the curved links140allow the bottom end of the second portion122of the backrest114to be positioned spaced apart above the back end of the seat pan116when in the first position of the seat pan116. When the seat pan116is in the first position as shown for sitting, the second portion122of the backrest114is oriented in the plane of the backrest114.

As shown, connecting links148coupling the upper and lower segments of the second portion122of the backrest114allow an angle to be formed between the two segments, for instance allowing the second portion122to form an ergonomic convex curvature to support the lower back. In embodiments, the connecting links148may be provided in a symmetrical arrangement on both lateral sides of the second portion122of the backrest114. In embodiments, the curvature of the guide tracks136allows the bottom end of the second portion122of the backrest114to be positioned farther forward as compared to the top end, thereby orienting the second portion122of the backrest114inclined for support and comfort. The height of the second portion122of the backrest114may be customized, for example depending on the length of the seat pan116and the seat pitch, to achieve a desired bed width.

FIGS.6A and6Billustrate a passenger seat104converted to form the bed. When the seat pan116is tracked to the second position, the second portion122of the backrest114is pulled along therewith to a position residing in the plane of the seat pan116, substantially horizontal and adjacent to the seat pan116to form a substantially continuous flat bed. The separate segments of the second portion122are aligned substantially coplanar to fill the space between the aft end of the seat pan116and the front of the backrest114.

In embodiments, the frame assembly102includes an upwardly extending feature150configured to interact with a corresponding downwardly extending feature152positioned on the backside of the second portion122of the backrest114. In some embodiments, the features150,152are complimentary shaped to interact to maintain engagement. As shown, the upwardly extending feature150is shaped to include a ledge and the upwardly extending feature150is shaped to include an overhang configured to engage atop the ledge. In use, the engaged features150,152support the load on the second portion122from below, maintain planarity of the segments of the second portion, and prevent continued forward movement of the second portion122.

When the seat pan116is translated fully forward, straps154, for instance provided in a symmetrical arrangement on the later sides of the seat pan116, may be used to help carry the load of the cantilevered seat pan116. In embodiments, the seat pan116may include laterally extending features156, for instance an elongated bar extending through the width of the seat pan116wherein each end of the bar extends outward from one lateral side. In use, each removable strap154may secure around one end of the bar156and to a forward structure, for instance a structure of a forward seat row or a fixed structure positioned forward of the seat row. In embodiments, each strap154may include a length of strap threaded through an adjustable strap buckle.

FIG.7illustrates a release mechanism158associated with the seat pan116. In some embodiments, the release mechanism158includes an actuator160, for instance a handle, lever, release button, etc., located under the forward end of the seat pan116for convenient access. The actuator160is interconnected to release pins162through cables164extending from the actuator160to the lateral sides of the seat pan116. In embodiments, the cables164may be Bowden style cables including a wire configured to translate within a cable jacket. The release pins162may be spring-loaded and received within openings formed in the seat pan guides144. In use, operating the actuator160causes the wire to be pulled thereby releasing the spring-loaded release pins162form engagement in their respective openings, thereby allowing the seat pan116to be moved. In some embodiments, the guides144may define front and rear openings such that the seat pan116can be locked in place in the sitting or bed position.

FIG.8illustrates the row100converted to form a bed and a passenger restraint166for use during bed mode. In embodiments, the passenger restraint166may utilize the middle seat restraint for positioning and add an extension configured to anchor to a forward seat row or other forward structure. In use, the restrain extends across the width of the formed bed and secures around the sleeping passenger about the waist.