Abstract:
A system and method for aircraft passenger seating allows traditional passenger seats, which have fixed configurations, to meet new specifications. A bottom frame and backrest frame from a traditional passenger seat is used to form a new passenger seat. Features, such as improved cushioning, telescopic or fixed headrests, rotatable or fixed footrests and improve armrest assemblies may be added as part of the new passenger seat.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The invention relates to vehicular seating and in particular to systems and methods for aircraft passenger seating. 
       Related Art 
       [0002]    As is known, aircraft passenger seats support passengers in a seated position while they are onboard an aircraft. Typically, a passenger seat includes a fixed base, where passengers sit, and a seat back for supporting a passenger&#39;s back. Passengers may recline some passenger seat backs to improve their comfort. 
         [0003]    Passenger seats may be installed at desired locations on the floor or deck of an aircraft. For example, commercial aircraft typically have passenger seats arranged in rows. In addition, passenger seats may be moved to new locations on the deck of an aircraft. 
         [0004]    From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Systems and methods for aircraft passenger seating are disclosed herein. As will be disclosed herein, the systems and methods improve upon traditional passenger seating and allow such seating to meet new specifications and requirements. 
         [0006]    Various methods for making an aircraft passenger seat are disclosed herein along with associated systems to accomplish the same. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, a method for making an aircraft passenger seat is disclosed, with such method comprising removing a first passenger seat from an aircraft, removing one or more coverings from a bottom frame and a backrest frame of the first passenger seat, removing one or more armrests from the bottom frame, and attaching one or more armrest assemblies at each side of the bottom frame. Each of the one or more armrest assemblies comprise one or more armrest frames and at least one compartment. 
         [0007]    A portion of the backrest frame at a distal end of the backrest frame may be removed to shorten the backrest frame to accommodate a headrest. One or more trusses may be attached at the distal end of the backrest frame to ensure structural integrity of the shortened backrest frame. A headrest may be attached at the distal end of the backrest frame. This headrest comprises a headrest frame. At least the bottom frame, the backrest frame and the headrest frame may be covered with one or more coverings, with the outermost covering being upholstery. A back cover may be secured at a rear side of the backrest frame. 
         [0008]    The compartment of the one or more armrest frames may be enclosed with a removable cover. In addition, the headrest further may comprise a downrod that is inserted into a channel of the backrest frame to allow the headrest to extend and retract from the backrest frame, such as in a telescopic fashion. 
         [0009]    A base at a bottom end of the bottom frame may be attached to a deck of the aircraft to install the passenger seat in the aircraft. Also, a shroud may be attached at the base to hide the base from view. A footrest may be attached to the bottom frame as well. It is noted that the footrest may be rotatably attached to the bottom frame. 
         [0010]    In another exemplary embodiment, a method for making an aircraft passenger seat comprises removing one or more coverings from a bottom frame and a backrest frame of a first passenger seat, removing one or more armrests from the first passenger seat, and shortening the backrest frame to form a shortened backrest frame. 
         [0011]    This exemplary method also includes attaching one or more trusses at a distal end of the shortened backrest frame, attaching a headrest at the distal end of the shortened backrest frame, attaching one or more armrest assemblies to the bottom frame, and covering at least the bottom frame and the backrest frame with one or more coverings. The outermost covering is upholstery. 
         [0012]    A compartment may be formed at an exterior surface of the one or more armrest assemblies, such as for storage of equipment or passenger items. A back cover may be secured at a rear side of the backrest frame. It is noted that the headrest may include a downrod that is inserted into a channel of the backrest frame when the headrest is attached to the shortened backrest frame. This allows the headrest to extend and retract. 
         [0013]    Similar to above, a base at a bottom end of the bottom frame may be attached to a deck of the aircraft to install the passenger seat in the aircraft. A shroud may be attached at the base to hide the base from view, and a footrest may be attached to the bottom frame. 
         [0014]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for making a second aircraft passenger seat is disclosed, with such method comprising selecting a first passenger seat that comprises a bottom frame and a backrest frame and is attached to a deck of an aircraft, removing one or more coverings from the first passenger seat, and removing one or more armrests from the first passenger seat. 
         [0015]    The second aircraft passenger seat may then be formed by shortening the backrest frame to create a shortened backrest frame, attaching a headrest at a distal end of the shortened backrest frame, attaching one or more armrest assemblies to the bottom frame, and covering the bottom frame, the backrest frame and the one or more armrest assemblies with one or more coverings with the outermost covering being upholstery. 
         [0016]    One or more trusses may be attached at the distal end of the shortened backrest frame to help ensure structural integrity of the shortened backrest frame. A compartment may be formed at an exterior surface of the one or more armrest assemblies, such as to store equipment of passenger items. This compartment may be enclosed with a removable cover. A back cover may be secured at a rear side of the backrest frame. 
         [0017]    It is noted that, similar to above, the headrest may include a downrod that is inserted into a channel of the backrest frame when the headrest is attached to the shortened backrest frame. This allows the headrest to extend and retract. 
         [0018]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary aircraft interior; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary first passenger seat; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of an exemplary second passenger seat; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of an exemplary second passenger seat; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3C  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary second passenger seat; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3D  is a front cross sectional view of an exemplary second passenger seat; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for making a second passenger seat; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of an exemplary armrest assembly; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5B  is a front cross sectional view of an exemplary armrest assembly; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an exemplary headrest frame; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of an exemplary headrest; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6C  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary headrest; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of an exemplary back cover; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a rear view of an exemplary back cover; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7C  is a side view of an exemplary back cover; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8A  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary seat cushion; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8B  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary back cushion; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8C  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary headrest; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8D  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary back cushion; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8E  is a front view of an exemplary armrest assembly; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 8F  is a side view of an exemplary footrest. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
         [0042]    Traditionally, aircraft passenger seats have a fixed configuration and therefore can no longer be used once their specifications are no longer suitable or desired for a particular application. The passenger seats disclosed herein address this deficiency while providing lightweight and comfortable seating for aircraft passengers. In addition, the passenger seats improve upon the functionality of traditional passenger seats. 
         [0043]    Though described herein with regard to aircraft, it is contemplated that the passenger seats and methods therefor may be used with a variety of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, vans, trains, boats and buses. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an exemplary environment where the passenger seat may be installed. Specifically,  FIG. 1  shows the interior of an exemplary aircraft  104 . As can be seen, an aircraft  104  typically comprises a fuselage  128 , with a cockpit  116  at one end and a tail (not shown) at the opposite end. A fuselage  128  typically encloses the interior of an aircraft  104 . A fuselage  128  may also comprise one or more windows  124  to provide a view, and one or more doors  132  for passenger ingress and egress. 
         [0045]    A floor or deck  120  is inside the fuselage  128 . A deck  120  may support various interior fixtures or furnishings, such as tables, toilets, and lavatories. A deck  120  may also support passenger seats  108 ,  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , different types of passengers seats  108 ,  112  are installed on the deck  120 . Namely, a plurality of first passenger seats  112  are located towards the front of the aircraft  104 , while a plurality of second passenger seats  108  are installed towards the rear of the aircraft. As will be described herein, a second passenger seat  108  will typically be formed or made from a first passenger seat. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  is a side cross sectional view of an exemplary first passenger seat  112 . A first passenger seat  112  may comprise a bottom assembly  208  and a backrest assembly  212 . Typically, a bottom assembly  208  provides a structure upon which a passenger sits, and which supports the weight of the passenger. Typically, a backrest assembly  212  provides a structure that supports a passenger&#39;s back. A bottom assembly  208  may be secured to a deck  120  of an aircraft or other structure by a base  256 . As can be seen, one or more fasteners  264 , such as screws, may be used to secure a base  256  to a deck  120 . 
         [0047]    A bottom assembly  208  may comprise one or more bottom frames  220 . Typically, a bottom frame  220  will be a rigid structure preferably formed from lightweight material, such as aluminum. It is contemplated that a bottom frame  220  may comprise one or more members attached together to form the bottom frame, may be formed from a single piece of material or both. A bottom frame  220  may have one or more openings  232  to reduce its weight. Though shown as triangular, it is contemplated that an opening  232  may be various other shapes and sizes. 
         [0048]    One or more lateral supports  228  are typically attached, at a horizontal orientation, to a bottom frame  220 . A lateral support  228  provides a structure that supports the weight of a passenger sitting thereon, and will typically extend from one side of a first passenger seat  112  to the other. Some exemplary lateral supports  228  include frames (comprising one or more members), seat pans or plates, and trusses or other members. A lateral support  228  may be attached to one or more bottom frames  220  by one or more fasteners  268 . Some exemplary fasteners  268  including screws, pins, rivets or other mechanical fasteners. Alternatively or in addition, a lateral support  228  may be attached by one or more welds or adhesive. 
         [0049]    One or more coverings  236 ,  240  may be part of a bottom assembly  208  as well. It is noted that one or more inner coverings  240  and outer coverings  237  may be provided. For example, an inner covering  240  comprising padding may be covered by an outer covering  236  comprising upholstery. This provides cushioning for a passenger. 
         [0050]    A backrest assembly  212  may comprise one or more backrest frames  224 . Similar to above, a backrest frame  224  will typically be a rigid structure preferably formed from lightweight material, such as aluminum. A backrest frame  224  may be a single structure or may be formed from one or more members or other subparts. It is contemplated that a backrest frame  224  may have one or more openings to reduce weight, if desired. 
         [0051]    One or more trusses  280  may be attached to one or more backrest frames  224 , and will typically extend from one side of a first passenger seat  112  to the other. A truss  280  may be attached by one or more fasteners  276 . Some exemplary fasteners include screws, pins, rivets and other mechanical fasteners. Alternatively or in addition, a truss  280  may be attached to one or more backrest frames by adhesive or one or more welds. It is contemplated that a truss  280  may be a rigid structure, such as a member formed from aluminum. 
         [0052]    One or more coverings  248 ,  244  may be part of a backrest assembly as well. Similar to above, one or more inner coverings  248  and one or more outer coverings  244  may be provided. An inner covering  248  may be padding, while an outer covering  244  may be upholstery, for example. As can be seen, inner coverings  248  will typically provide cushioning, while outer coverings  244  cover the inner coverings and provide protection, comfortable seating surfaces, aesthetics or various combinations thereof. 
         [0053]    An armrest  216  may be attached at both sides of a first passenger seat  112 . Typically, an armrest  216  will be attached to a bottom assembly  208 . For example, an armrest  216  may be attached to a bottom frame  220  by one or more fasteners  288 , such as one or more screws, pins, rivets or other mechanical fasteners, or by adhesive or one or more welds. 
         [0054]    A bottom assembly  208  and a backrest assembly  212  may be joined or secured to one another in various ways. As shown in  FIG. 2  for example, one or more rotatable mounts  252 , namely a hinge, rotatably attaches the bottom assembly  208  to the backrest assembly  212 . In operation, a first portion of a rotatable mount  252  rotates relative to a second portion of the rotatable mount, such as about a pivot pin, axel or the like. It is noted that various rotatable mounts may be used. The rotation of one or more rotating mounts  252  allow a backrest assembly to rotate between an upright position and a reclined position. Alternatively, a backrest assembly  212  may be attached to a bottom assembly  208  in a fixed (i.e., non-rotatable) fashion, such as by one or more screws, pins, rivets or other mechanical fasteners, or by adhesive or one or more welds. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively illustrate a side and front view of an exemplary second passenger seat  108 . As will be described further below, a second passenger seat  108  may be formed from a portion of a first passenger seat. This is advantageous in that a first passenger seat that no longer has desirable specifications can be made into a second passenger seat  108  with desirable specifications. Since a portion of a first passenger seat is used in this process, material cost and waste is reduced. 
         [0056]    As can be seen, a second passenger seat  108  may comprise a bottom assembly  308  and a backrest assembly  304 . Similar to above, a bottom assembly  308  provides a seating surface for a passenger, and supports the weight of a seated passenger. A backrest assembly  308  supports a passenger&#39;s back, and may be rotatable such as to move between an upright position and a reclined position. It is noted that a backrest assembly  308  may be fixed in some embodiments. A back end of a backrest assembly  308  may be covered by a back cover  324 . 
         [0057]    A bottom assembly  308  may include a seat cushion  328  and a footrest  332 , while a backrest assembly  304  may include a back cushion  316  and a headrest  312 . A second passenger seat  108  may also comprise an armrest assembly  320  on each of its sides as well. Each armrest assembly  320  may comprise an armrest frame  352 . 
         [0058]    A headrest  312  may telescope or move between a retracted position and an extended position. In addition, a headrest  312  may also be rotatable. A footrest  332  may comprise a footrest frame  364  and be rotatable, such as by rotatably mounting the footrest frame to a bottom frame  220  with one or more hinges or other rotatable mounts  368 . It is contemplated that a footrest  332  may also be attached to a bottom frame  220  in a fixed fashion so that it does not rotate. A footrest  332  and headrest  312  help to increase passenger comfort in general and relative to a first passenger seat. In addition, a second passenger seat  108  will typically include additional functionality relative to a first passenger seat, as will be disclosed further below. 
         [0059]    A bottom assembly  308  may be secured to a deck  120  of an aircraft or other structure by a base  256 . This attaches the second passenger seat to the deck of the aircraft. For example, one or more fasteners, such as screws, may be used to secure a base  256  to a deck  120 . One or more shrouds  336  may be provided to hide at least a portion of a base  256 , such as to improve the aesthetic appearance thereof. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 3C and 3D  respectively illustrate side and front cross sectional views of an exemplary second passenger seat  108 . As can be seen, a second passenger seat  108  may share at least some of the internal componentry as a first passenger seat. As shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D  for example, a second passenger seat  108  may have a bottom assembly  308  and a backrest assembly  304 . The bottom assembly  308  and backrest assembly  304  may respectively comprise one or more bottom frames  220  and one or more backrest frames  224  from a first passenger seat. These bottom and backrest frames  220 ,  224  may respectively support the components of a bottom assembly  308  and backrest assembly  304 , as also described above with respect to the first passenger seat. To illustrate, a bottom frame  220  may support one or more lateral supports  284 , while a backrest frame may support one or more trusses  280 . 
         [0061]    A seat cushion  328  and footrest  332  may be attached to a bottom frame  220 , one or more lateral supports  284  thereof, or both. As can be seen, a seat cushion  328  and footrest  332  may cover a bottom frame  220  and its lateral supports  284 , and provide a padding for passenger comfort. 
         [0062]    One or more armrests assemblies  320  may also be attached to a bottom frame  220 . An armrest assembly&#39;s armrest frame  352  may be attached to a bottom frame  220  with one or more fasteners  288 , adhesive, welds or the like. 
         [0063]    A back cushion  316  and headrest  312  may be attached to a backrest frame  224 , one or more trusses  280  thereof, or both. As can be seen, a back cushion  316  may cover the backrest frame  224 , and provide a padded surface for passenger comfort. 
         [0064]    One or more portions of a first passenger seat may be altered in making a second passenger seat  108 . For example, in the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 3C and 3D , a new truss  344  has been attached to the backrest frame  224 , and the backrest frame  224  has been shortened such that its distal end now terminates at the new truss  344 . This allows the backrest assembly  304  to accommodate a headrest  312 . 
         [0065]    A headrest  312  may comprise a headrest frame  356  attached to a backrest frame  224  by one or more fasteners  360 , such as screws, pins, rivets or other mechanical fasteners, or adhesive or welds. A headrest frame  356  may support one or more coverings, such as padding and upholstery as shown, to improve passenger comfort. 
         [0066]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process by which a first passenger seat is made into a second passenger seat. At a step  404 , a first passenger seat may be removed from an aircraft by disconnecting the first passenger seat from the deck of the aircraft. Referring to  FIG. 2 , one or more fasteners  264  may be removed to disconnect the base  256  of a first passenger seat  112  from the aircraft&#39;s deck  120 , for example. As indicated by the broken line illustration of step  404 , removal from an aircraft is optional in some embodiments since the process may be performed with the first passenger seat  112  in place (i.e., with a first passenger seat  112  secured to an aircraft&#39;s deck  120 ). 
         [0067]    At a step  408  one or more coverings  236 ,  240 ,  244 ,  248  of a bottom assembly  208  and a backrest assembly  212  may be removed. This may be accomplished by pulling one or more coverings  236 ,  240 ,  244 ,  248  off, cutting the coverings, scraping the coverings off or various combinations thereof. All coverings  236 ,  240 ,  244 ,  248  will typically be removed. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a subset of the coverings  236 ,  240 ,  244 ,  248  may be removed in some embodiments. For example, only inner coverings  240 ,  248  may be removed in some embodiments thereby leaving the padding of the first passenger seat  112 , or at least a portion of the padding, in place. 
         [0068]    At a step  412 , the armrests  216  may be removed, for example by removing the fasteners  288  that secure the armrests to a bottom frame  220 . Though the above removal processes have been described as involving removal of fasteners, it is noted that adhesive or welds or other bonds may connect various structures together. In such cases, these bonds may be broken, such as by cutting through or away these bonds. 
         [0069]    At a step  416  armrest assemblies of a second passenger seat may be installed. Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D  for example, one or more armrest assemblies  320  may be installed by attaching their armrest frames  352  to a bottom frame  220 , such as with one or more fasteners  288 . Fasteners  288  may be the same or similar to those used on a first passenger seat, such as screws, pins, staples and rivets. It is noted that adhesive, welds or other bonds may be used to attach components of a second passenger seat to one another. 
         [0070]    At a decision step  420 , if a headrest is desired, the backrest assembly  212  may be shortened at a step  424 . This may be accomplished by shortening the backrest frame  224 , such as by cutting the backrest frame. As can be seen via a comparison of  FIGS. 2 and 3C , the backrest frame  224  has been shortened. 
         [0071]    One or more new trusses  344  may be installed at the distal end of the backrest frame  224  to ensure structural integrity of the shortened backrest frame. A new truss  344  may be attached to a shortened backrest frame  224  by one or more fasteners  348 , such as screws, pins, staples and rivets, or adhesive or welds. 
         [0072]    A headrest  312  may be installed at a step  428  by attaching the headrest  312  to the backrest frame  224 . This may be accomplished by attaching the headrest frame  356  of a headrest  312  to a backrest frame  224  with one or more fasteners  360 , such as those described above. Typically, a headrest  316  will be attached at a distal end of the backrest frame  224 , such as shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D . 
         [0073]    At a step  432 , one or more coverings, namely, cushioning may be installed to cover at least a portion of the bottom assembly  308 , the backrest assembly  304  or both. Cushioning may cover at least a portion of the bottom frame  220 , one or more lateral supports  228  thereof or both. This cushioning will typically form a resilient or padded structure of a seat cushion  328 , footrest  332  or both. Cushioning may also be installed to cover at least a portion of the backrest frame  224 , one or more trusses  280  thereof or both. This cushioning will typically form a resilient or padded structure of a back cushion  316 . Cushioning may also be installed to form a resilient or padded structure for a headrest  312 , such as by attaching cushioning to a headrest frame  356 . As will be described further below, cushioning may be attached with one or more adhesives, such as spray or other adhesive. 
         [0074]    At a step  436 , the bottom assembly  308 , the backrest assembly  304  or both may be covered with upholstery. Typically, upholstery will cover the cushioning installed at step  432 . It is contemplated that upholstery may also cover other elements of a second passenger seat  108 , such as any exposed portion of its bottom frame  220 , backrest frame  224 , and other componentry. 
         [0075]    At a step  440 , a back cover  324  may be installed at the back end of the backrest assembly  304  such as by attaching the back cover  324  to the backrest frame  224 . One or more fasteners, such as screws, pins, staples and rivets, or adhesive or welds may be used to attach a back cover  324 . Alternatively or in addition, a back cover  324  may have a structure which attaches to a backrest frame  224  via one or more friction or snap fit connectors or connections. As indicated by the broken lines illustrating step  440 , a back cover  324  and installation thereof are optional since a back end of a backrest assembly  304  may be left uncovered or covered with upholstery at step  436 . 
         [0076]    At this point a second passenger seat  108  formed from a first passenger seat may be deemed complete and ready for use, installation or both. At a step  444 , the completed second passenger seat  108  may be installed in an aircraft, such as by attaching its base  256  to the aircraft&#39;s deck with one or more fasteners  264 . As indicated by the broken lines illustrating step  444 , installation in an aircraft is optional. It is contemplated that, once completed, a second passenger seat  108  may be delivered to a third party for installation in aircraft. 
         [0077]    As can be seen from  FIG. 4 , if a headrest is not desired a backrest assembly  304  and backrest frame  224  need not be shortened, a headrest  312  is not installed, and the process of making a second passenger seat may continue directly to step  432  where one or more coverings are installed. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  respectively illustrate side and cross sectional views of an exemplary armrest assembly  320 . As can be seen, an armrest assembly  320  may comprise a shell  504  that generally forms or provides a peripheral shape to an armrest assembly. A shell  504  may be a hollow structure or enclosure that encloses various components of an armrest assembly  320 . For example, a shell  504  may house one or more armrest frames  512  that provide a rigid structure for an armrest assembly  320 . A top plate  520  may be included to provide a surface that supports the weight of a passenger&#39;s arm. 
         [0079]    In one or more embodiments, a shell  504  may form or otherwise comprise one or more compartments  524  at its exterior surface. As shown in  FIG. 5B  for example, the shell  504  comprises an indented area which forms a compartment  524 . A compartment  524  may be enclosed by one or more covers  516 , which may be permanently or removably affixed. It is contemplated that a compartment  524  may be used to store or house various items. For example, a compartment  524  may store passenger items or electronic or other accessories of a second passenger seat, such as electrical outlets or data ports. 
         [0080]    As disclosed above, an armrest assembly  320  may be attached to a second passenger seat in various ways. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5B , the armrest assembly  320  has its armrest frame  512  attached to a portion of a bottom frame  220 . Though shown as a panel in  FIG. 5B , it is contemplated that a bottom frame  220  may be formed from various structures, as described above. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  respectively illustrate front perspective and side views exemplary headrest frame  356  for a headrest  312 . As can be seen, a headrest frame  356  may be a generally planar structure having a bend between its top portion  608  and bottom portion  612 . It is contemplated that a headrest frame  356  may be formed from a single piece of material, or have subparts attached together. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  for example, the top portion  608  and bottom portion  612  are separate planar structures that are attached together. 
         [0082]    In one or more embodiments, a headrest  312  may be telescopic so as to extend upward and retract downward to suit various passengers. As shown in the cross sectional view of  FIG. 6C , a headrest frame  356  may have a downrod  616  or other member attached thereto. A corresponding channel  620  or opening may be formed in the distal end of a backrest frame  224  to accept the downrod  616 , and hold a headrest  312  at various elevations. A channel  620  may provide a friction fit with a downrod  616  to hold a headrest in position. Alternatively or in addition, a mechanical stop, such as a pin  624  may engage a downrod  616  to hold it in position. 
         [0083]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary back cover  324 . A back cover  324  may be used to cover a back portion of a second passenger seat for aesthetic reasons, functional reasons or both. As can be respectively seen from the rear and side views of  FIGS. 7B and 7C , a back cover  324  may cover all or substantially all of a backrest assembly. A back cover  324  may be removable to provide access to components of a second passenger seat. 
         [0084]    A back cover  324  may comprise flanges  716 ,  708 ,  712  to cover a back portion of a second passenger seat, to attach to a second passenger seat or both. A back cover  324  may also include one or more reinforcement members  708  for structural integrity. One or more openings  720  may be formed in various portions of a back cover  324  to reduce weight. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 8A-8F  illustrate exemplary cushioning or coverings  802 - 858  for various components of a second passenger seat. As described above, one or more coverings  802 - 858  may be provided, such as in layers or other arrangements. In addition, individual coverings  802 - 858  may be distinct materials. Referring to  FIG. 8A , which is a cross sectional view of an exemplary seat cushion  328 , it can be seen that a seat cushion  328  may be formed from one or more coverings  802 - 812 . Individual coverings  802 - 858  may vary in size and shape, such as shown. As described above, an outermost covering  860  may be fabric, leather, vinyl or other upholstery. 
         [0086]    Individual coverings  802 - 858  will typically be foam, sponge, rubber or other resilient material and may vary in indentation load deflection (ILD) or softness. To illustrate, in an exemplary embodiment, the coverings  802 - 858  may be: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Covering Details 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Part 
                 Material 
                 Width 
                 ILD 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Covering 802 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 804 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 2 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 806 
                 CONFOR FOAM 
                   
                   
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 808 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 0.5 
                 inch 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 810 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 812 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 814 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 816 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 0.5 
                 inch 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 818 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 820 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 822 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 824 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 826 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 828 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 2 
                 inch 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 830 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 832 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 2 
                 inch 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 834 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 0.5 
                 inch 
                 90 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 836 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 2 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 838 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 0.5 
                 inch 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 840 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 842 
                 CONFOR FOAM 
                 0.5 
                 inch 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 844 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 2 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 846 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 848 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 2 
                 inch 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 850 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 852 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 0.5 
                 inch 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 854 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 856 
                 ETHAFOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
               
               
                   
                 Covering 858 
                 DAX FOAM 
                 1 
                 inch 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0087]    Coverings  802 - 858  may be attached to one another by adhesive or other bonding compounds or methods. In addition, a covering  802 - 858  may be attached to a frame or other structure with adhesive or other bonding compounds or methods. For example,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a covering  802  attached to a lateral support  228  of a bottom assembly.  FIGS. 8B and 8D  illustrate exemplary embodiments of a backrest cushion  316  with coverings  832 ,  846  attached to a backrest frame  224 ,  FIG. 8C  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a headrest  312  with coverings  818 ,  822  attached to a headrest frame  356 ,  FIG. 8E  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an armrest assembly  320  with a covering  856  attached to an armrest frame  352 , and  FIG. 8F  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a footrest  332  with a covering  858  attached to a footrest frame  364 . 
         [0088]    It is contemplated that mechanical fastening may attach a covering  802 - 858  to each other or another structure. For example, one or more coverings  802 - 858  may be sewn together with thread, or held together with hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0089]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.