Patent Publication Number: US-2023145345-A1

Title: Seat assembly having integrated lighting system

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to seat assemblies, such as within an internal cabin of a vehicle, and more particularly to seat assemblies having integrated lighting systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Commercial aircraft typically include an internal cabin that may be divided into numerous sections. A cockpit is generally separated from a passenger cabin, which may include a first class section, a business class section, an economy section, and the like. 
     A typical seat assembly within an internal cabin of an aircraft includes a tray table on a rear portion. The tray table is configured to be selectively stowed and deployed by a passenger seated on another seat assembly behind the seat assembly. Certain seat assemblies also include a monitor above the tray table, as well as a literature pocket below the tray table. 
     Reading lights for passengers are typically located above a seat assembly. For example, a reading light is often disposed within a passenger service unit (PSU) above the seat assembly. Due to the location of the reading light above the seat assembly and proximate to a stowage bin, a passenger generally extends a full length of an arm to reach and engage a switch for the reading light. However, certain smaller individuals may have difficulty reaching the switch, particularly when seated. 
     Additionally, because the reading light is located above the seat assembly, the light element typically requires a voltage and brightness sufficient to illuminate an area that allows an individual to comfortably and easily read. As can be appreciated, the farther away the reading light, the higher the voltage and brightness that are typically required. 
     Also, the elevated location of the reading light away from the passenger increases the amount of wiring, such as within the PSU, thereby increasing weight, cost, and complexity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A need exists for an efficient and effective system and method for illuminating a volume of space within an internal cabin. Further, a need exists for a lighting system within an internal cabin that is easily reachable by passengers. Additionally, a need exists for a lighting system within an internal cabin that draws a reduced amount of power. 
     With those needs in mind, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a seat assembly for an internal cabin of a vehicle. The seat assembly includes a backrest, and a lighting system coupled to the backrest. In at least one example, the lighting system is secured to an aft portion of the backrest. The seat assembly can also include a tray table configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. 
     In at least one example, the lighting system includes a housing, one or more lamps within the housing, and a cover secured to the housing. The one or more lamps are behind the cover. As a further example, the one or more lamps include a reading lamp configured to emit reading light. As a further example, the one or more lamps also include an ultraviolet (UV) lamp configured to emit UV light. 
     In at least one example, the seat assembly also include an outer seatback shroud. The housing is secured to the outer seatback shroud. As a further example, the outer seatback shroud includes a bezel. The housing is removably secured to the bezel. 
     In at least one example, the seat assembly also includes a control switch coupled to the backrest. The control switch is configured to be engaged to selectively activate and deactivate at least a portion of the lighting system. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a seat assembly for an internal cabin of a vehicle. The method includes coupling a lighting system to a backrest. In at least one example, said coupling includes securing the lighting system to an aft portion of the backrest. In at least one example, the method also includes coupling a control switch to the backrest, wherein the control switch is configured to be engaged to selectively activate and deactivate at least a portion of the lighting system. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a vehicle including an internal cabin, and a seat assembly within the internal cabin, as described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin of an aircraft. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin of an aircraft. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a side view of a seat assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a rear view of the seat assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a lateral view of the seat assembly of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective lateral view of a seat assembly in front of another seat assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a rear internal view of an outer seatback shroud, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective rear internal view of a lighting system separated from a bezel of an outer seatback shroud, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a front view of the lighting system, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one example” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition can include additional elements not having that condition. 
     Examples of the present disclosure provide a lighting system for an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The lighting system is disposed within a backrest of a seat assembly in the front of a passenger, which provides an improved quality reading light experience for the passenger, and places the accessibility of the light controls easily within reach of an arm of an individual. In comparison, the control switch for the lighting system can be placed within a short distance from the passenger (such as inches away on the seat backrest). In at least one example, the lighting system also includes an ultraviolet (UV) light element (such as one or more UV light bulbs) that are configured to provide a germicidal lamp, which can be used to sanitize a surface of a tray table. 
     As described herein, examples of the present disclosure dispose a reading light and switch configured to control the reading light within easy reach of a passenger (in contrast to known reading lights that are above a seat assembly and a relatively far distance away from the passenger). Accordingly, the passenger has immediate and full control of the reading lighting within a personal space. Also, the passenger benefits from direct lighting directed onto personal space, which provides higher quality and more direct lighting to the passenger. 
     As noted, the lighting system can also include a UV light element that is configured to sanitize one or more surfaces, such as of a tray table, armrests of a seat assembly, and/or the like. The UV light element can be in communication with a control unit that is configured to control operation thereof. The UV light element can be activated by attendants or other crew after passengers have left the internal cabin. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a seat assembly having a seatback and a lighting system coupled to the seatback. In at least one example, the lighting system includes a removable housing supporting a reading lamp including one or more light elements (such as one or more bulbs, light emitting diodes, and/or the like configured to emit white light), and a UV lamp including one or more light elements (such as one or more UV light bulbs, light emitting diodes, and/or the like). The reading lamp is operable by a passenger to direct light toward the passenger and/or a tray table. The UV lamp is operable by the crew for disinfection of the air and surface around the passenger seating area. Disposing the UV lamp closer to the passenger seating area can reduce the power supply requirements (as compared to the UV lamp being overhead or somewhere else). In at least one example, the removable housing can include apertures formed to direct the reading light and UV light to desired areas, such as the tray table or arm rests when deployed. In at least one example, either or both lights can turn on automatically when the tray table is deployed. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective top view of a vehicle, such as an aircraft  10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft  10  includes a propulsion system  12  that may include two engines  14 , for example. Optionally, the propulsion system  12  may include more engines  14  than shown. The engines  14  are carried by wings  16  of the aircraft  10 . In other embodiments, the engines  14  may be carried by a fuselage  18  and/or an empennage  20 . The empennage  20  may also support horizontal stabilizers  22  and a vertical stabilizer  24 . 
     The fuselage  18  of the aircraft  10  defines an internal cabin, which may be defined by interior sidewall panels that connect to a ceiling and a floor. The internal cabin may include a cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and economy sections), and an aft section in which an aft rest area assembly may be positioned. Overhead stowage bin assemblies may be positioned throughout the internal cabin. 
     Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, seacraft, spacecraft, and the like. 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin  30  of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin  30  may be within a fuselage  32  of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define an interior of the internal cabin  30 . The interior of the internal cabin  30  is defined by sidewall panels that connect to a ceiling and a floor. The sidewall panels include lateral segments that connect to ceiling segments. The lateral segments define lateral wall portions, while the ceiling segments define at least portions of the ceiling within the internal cabin  30 . 
     The internal cabin  30  includes multiple sections, including a front section  33 , a first class section  34 , a business class section  36 , a front galley station  38 , an expanded economy or coach section  40 , a standard economy or coach section  42 , and an aft section  44 , which may include multiple lavatories and galley stations. It is to be understood that the internal cabin  30  may include more or less sections than shown. For example, the internal cabin  30  may not include a first class section, and may include more or less galley stations than shown. Each of the sections may be separated by a cabin transition area  46 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 A , the internal cabin  30  includes two aisles  50  and  52  that lead to the aft section  44 . Optionally, the internal cabin  30  may have less or more aisles than shown. For example, the internal cabin  30  may include a single aisle that extends through the center of the internal cabin  30  that leads to the aft section  44 . 
     Seat assemblies  100  are positioned throughout the internal cabin  30 . The seat assemblies  100  may be arranged in rows  101 . 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin  80  of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin  80  may be within a fuselage  81  of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the interior of the internal cabin  80 . The internal cabin  80  includes multiple sections, including a main cabin  82  having passenger seat assemblies  100 , and an aft section  85  behind the main cabin  82 . It is to be understood that the internal cabin  80  may include more or less sections than shown. 
     The internal cabin  80  may include a single aisle  84  that leads to the aft section  85 . The single aisle  84  may extend through the center of the internal cabin  80  that leads to the aft section  85 . For example, the single aisle  84  may be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal plane of the internal cabin  80 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a side view of a seat assembly  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seat assembly  100  is configured to be secured within an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. 
     The seat assembly  100  includes a base  130 , which may include legs  132  that may be secured to seat tracks  134  within a cabin of a vehicle. The legs  132  on a same side of the seat assembly  100  may be connected together by a spanner bar  133 . In at least one embodiment, securing studs  136  (such as shear studs) downwardly extend from lower surfaces  138  of the legs  132 . The securing studs  136  are securely retained within the seat tracks  134 . The seat tracks  134  are configured to securely couple to the securing studs  136  to secure the seat assembly  100  in place. The base  130  supports a seat cushion  106  and a backrest  108 , which includes a headrest  110 . Arm rests  140  may be pivotally secured to the backrest  108 . 
     The seat assembly  100  may be sized and shaped differently than shown in  FIG.  3   . The seat assembly  100  may include more or less components than shown in  FIG.  3   . It is to be understood that the seat assembly  100  shown in  FIG.  3    is merely one example of a seat assembly that may be disposed within an internal cabin of a vehicle. 
     The seat assembly  100  may be coupled together with one or more additional seat assemblies to form a seating module. For example, a seating module may include three seat assemblies. The seating module may include a base that supports all of the seat assemblies of the seating module. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a rear view of the seat assembly  100  having a tray table  200  in a deployed position, according to an example of the present disclosure.  FIG.  5    illustrates a lateral view of the seat assembly  100  of  FIG.  4   . Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the tray table  200  is pivotally coupled to an aft portion  202  (for example, a back portion or seatback) of the backrest  108 , such as via lateral pivot brackets  203 . 
     A component, such as a monitor  206 , is coupled to (for example, secured to and/or integrally formed with) an upper portion of the aft portion  202  above the tray table  200 . Optionally, the component may be a padded area (such as forward head rest), a device mount (that is configured to support a device, such as a handheld smart phone or table), and/or the like. In at least one example, the component  206  is an infotainment unit, which can include a video monitor, touchscreen interface, and/or the like. Optionally, the seat assembly  100  may not include the component  206 . 
     The seat assembly  100  can also include a handset  210  above the tray table  200 , and below the component  206 . The handset  210  can be used to make telephone calls, provide inputs in relation to the component  206 , and/or the like. Optionally, the seat assembly  100  may not include the handset  210 . 
     The seat assembly  100  includes a lighting system  220  disposed within the aft portion  202 , such as the seatback. In at least one example, the lighting system  220  includes a housing  222  having a transparent cover  224  (such as a lens) disposed over a reading lamp  226  (that is, the reading lamp  226  is disposed behind the cover  224 ). In at least one example, the housing  222  is mounted to an outer seatback shroud  228  of the seat assembly  100 . The reading lamp  226  includes one or more light elements, such as one or more bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or the like that are configured to emit reading light (such as white light) into a designated area  229  onto and above an upper surface  230  of the tray table  200 . 
     As shown, the lighting system  220  can be disposed above the tray table  200  proximate to a central section of the aft portion  202  of the seat assembly  100 . Optionally, the lighting system  220  can be disposed at various other areas, such as closer to a side of the aft portion  202 . 
     A control switch  232  (such as an ON/OFF switch) is also coupled to the outer seatback shroud  228 . The control switch  232  is mounted to the aft portion  202  of the seat assembly  100 . The control switch  232  is in communication with the reading lamp  226 , such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The control switch  232  allows an individual to selectively activate and deactivate the reading lamp  226  of the lighting system  220 . Because the control switch  232  is coupled to the aft portion  202  of the seat assembly  100 , an individual seated in a seat assembly behind the seat assembly  100  can easily reach and engage the switch  232  to selectively activate and deactivate the reading lamp  226 . Optionally, the control switch  232  can be at various other locations of the seat assembly  100  than shown. For example, the control switch  232  can be disposed on an arm rest of a seat assembly that is disposed behind the seat assembly  100 . 
     In at least one example, the lighting system  220  also includes a UV lamp  240  disposed behind the cover  224  (that is, the UV lamp  240  is disposed behind the cover  224 ). The UV lamp  240  is configured to emit UV light into and through a volume of space, such as an area behind the aft portion  202 , onto the surface  230  of the tray table, onto arm rests and/or a seat cushion of a seat assembly behind the seat assembly  100 , and/or the like. The UV lamp  240  is configured to sanitize the various volumes of spaced and/or surfaces via the emitted UV light. 
     As an example, the UV lamp  240  is configured to emit the UV light having a wavelength between 200 nm-230 nm. As a further example, the UV lamp is configured to emit the UV having a wavelength of 222 nm. As another example, the UV lamp is configured to emit the UV light having a wavelength between 230 nm-280 nm. As a further example, the UV lamp is configured to emit the UV light having a wavelength of 254 nm. 
     In at least one example, the reading lamp  226  and the UV lamp  240  can be connected to a control system (such as can include a control unit) within the aircraft, such as by one or more wired or wireless connections. The reading lamp  226  and the UV lamp  240  can be controlled by the control system based on power availability, passenger loads, flight phase (for example, ground, taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing), and/or the like. 
     In at least one example, the UV lamp  240  is in communication with a control unit  250 , such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The control unit  250  can be part of a central workstation, such as within a flight deck, galley, or the like within a commercial aircraft. The control unit  250  is configured to be operated by vehicle personnel, thereby precluding passengers from operating the UV lamp  240 . As an example, a crew member of a vehicle operates the UV lamps  240  of seat assemblies  100  to sanitize surfaces, spaces, and the like within an internal cabin when passengers are no longer in the internal cabin. The control unit  250  can be in communication with a user interface  252  (such as can include a display, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen interface, and/or the like) that allows the crew member to selectively activate and deactivate the UV lamp(s)  240  of one or more seat assemblies  100  via the control unit  250 . 
     As used herein, the term “control unit,” “central processing unit,” “CPU,” “computer,” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. For example, the control unit  250  may be or include one or more processors that are configured to control operation, as described herein. 
     The control unit  250  is configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the control unit  250  may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine. 
     The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the control unit  250  as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various examples of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine. 
     The diagrams of examples herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as the control unit  250 . It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. Optionally, the control unit  250  may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of examples disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in a flowchart or a method. 
     As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (for example, one or more memories) for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above data storage unit types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program. 
     Optionally, the UV lamp  240  can be in communication with the control switch  232 , such as via one or more wired or wireless connections. In this manner, the UV lamp  240  can be controlled by a seated passenger, such as if the UV lamp  240  is configured to emit light at 222 nm. Optionally, the UV lamp  240  is not in communication with a control unit, such as the control unit  250 . 
     Alternatively, the lighting system  220  may not include the UV lamp  240 . In this manner, the passenger can selectively activate and deactivate both the reading lamp  226  and/or the UV lamp  240 , as desired. In at least one example, both the reading lamp  226  and the UV lamp  240  can be concurrently active. 
     Alternatively, the lighting system  220  may not include the UV lamp  240 . For example, the lighting system  220  may include the reading lamp  226 , but not the UV lamp  240 . 
     As described herein, the seat assembly  100  for an internal cabin of a vehicle includes the backrest  108 , and the lighting system  220  coupled to the backrest  108 . In at least one example, the lighting system  220  is secured to the aft portion  202  of the backrest  108 . The seat assembly can also include the tray table  200 , which is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. 
     In at least one example, the lighting system  220  includes the housing  222 , one or more lamps within the housing  222 , and the cover  224  secured to the housing  222 . The lamp(s) are behind the cover  224 . In at least one example, the one or more lamps include the reading lamp  226  configured to emit reading light (for example, soft white light). In at least one example, the one or more lamps further include the UV lamp  240  configured to emit UV light. 
     In at least one example, the housing  222  is secured to the outer seatback shroud  228 . For example, the outer seatback shroud  228  includes a bezel, and the housing  222  is removably secured to the bezel. 
     In at least one example, the seat assembly  100  also includes the control switch  232  coupled to the backrest  108 . The control switch  232  is configured to be engaged to selectively activate and deactivate at least a portion of the lighting system  220  (such as one or more lamps of the lighting system  220 ). 
     In at least one example, a method of forming the seat assembly  100  includes coupling the lighting system  220  to the backrest  108 . For example, said coupling includes securing the lighting system  220  to the aft portion  202  of the backrest  108 . The method can also include moveably coupling the tray table  200  to a portion of the seat assembly  100 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective lateral view of a seat assembly  100   a  in front of another seat assembly  100   b , according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , a passenger seated in the seat assembly  100   b  can selectively move the tray table  200  of the seat assembly  100   a  between a stowed position and a deployed position (as shown in  FIG.  6   ). The passenger seated in the seat assembly  100   b  can further selectively engage the control switch  232  disposed in the aft portion  202  of the seat assembly  100   a  to selectively activate and deactivate the reading lamp  226  of the lighting system  220  to emit reading light  260 ′ (such as soft white light) into the area  229 , which extends over the upper surface  230  of the tray table  200  in the deployed position. Additionally, the UV lamp  240  can be selectively activated, such as via the control unit  250 , to emit sanitizing UV light  260 ″ into the area  229 , which sanitizes the volume of space of the area  229 , the upper surface  230  of the tray table  200 , arm rests  140  of the seat assembly  100   b , and/or the like. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a rear internal view of the outer seatback shroud  228 , according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the outer seatback shroud  228  secures to the aft portion  202  of the seat assembly  100 . For the sake of clarity, the rear view shown in  FIG.  7    is the portion that faces away from a passenger seated in the seat assembly  100   b  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). 
     In at least one embodiment, the housing  222  of the lighting system  220  is removably mounted within a bezel  280  of the outer seatback shroud  228 . The control switch  232  is also mounted to the seatback cover  228 . The control switch  232  can be in communication with the lighting system  220  through wiring  282 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective rear internal view of the lighting system  220  separated from the bezel  280  of the outer seatback shroud  228 , according to an example of the present disclosure. The bezel  280  rearwardly extends from a rear surface  231  of the outer seatback shroud  228 . The bezel  280  includes a lower wall  300  connected to an upper wall  302  by lateral walls  304  and  306 . One or both of the upper wall  302  and/or the lower wall  302  includes a deflectable clip  306 . The lateral walls  304  include deflectable tabs  308  having openings  309 . 
     The housing  222  of the lighting system  220  is configured to be removably coupled to the bezel  280 . For example, upper rear portions  311  include recesses  310  into which a deflectable clip  306  is configured to snapably secure. Further, protuberances  312  at sides of the housing  222  include protuberances  312  (such as posts, studs, snaps, or the like) that are configured to snapably secure into the openings  309  of the deflectable tabs  308 . The housing  222  is moved into the central chamber  233  of the bezel  280  in the direction of arrow A. As the housing  222  is urged into the central chamber  233 , the deflectable clips  306  and the tabs  308  outwardly deflect and resiliently inwardly deflect to snapably secure the housing  222  within the bezel  280 . In this manner, the lighting system  220  can be secured to the outer seatback shroud  228  without the use of separate and distinct fasteners. 
     Optionally, the lighting system  230  can be secured to the outer seatback shroud  228  in various ways other than the bezel  280 . For example, the lighting system  230  can be secured to proximate to an opening of the outer seatback shroud  228  through one or more fasteners, adhesives, and/or the like. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a front view of the lighting system  220 , according to an example of the present disclosure. The reading lamp  226  and the UV lamp  240  are disposed within an internal chamber  225  of the housing  222  behind the cover  224  (such as a lens). The positions of the reading lamp  226  and the UV lamp  240  can be switched. Also, alternatively, the lighting system  220  may not include the UV lamp  240 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 9   , the seat assembly  100  includes the lighting system  220 , such as disposed within the aft portion  202 . By disposing the lighting system  220  within the seat assembly  100 , passengers can readily and easily reach the control switch  232  and operate the lighting system  220 . Further, the reading lamp  226  is closer to a reading area, thereby providing an improved reading experience (as well as requiring less power than if further away, such above the seat assembly  100  within a PSU). The lighting system  220  can be integrated into the seat assembly  100  using the same wiring used for the component  206  (such as the infotainment unit), thereby reducing complexity. It has been found that the lighting system  220  reduces overall weight and costs as compared to standard PSU lighting. 
     Further, the disclosure comprises examples according to the following clauses: 
     Clause 1. A seat assembly for an internal cabin of a vehicle, the seat assembly comprising: 
     a backrest; and 
     a lighting system coupled to the backrest. 
     Clause 2. The seat assembly of Clause 1, wherein the lighting system is secured to an aft portion of the backrest. 
     Clause 3. The seat assembly of Clauses 1 or 2, further comprising a tray table configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. 
     Clause 4. The seat assembly of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the lighting system comprises: 
     a housing; 
     one or more lamps within the housing; and 
     a cover secured to the housing, wherein the one or more lamps are behind the cover. 
     Clause 5. The seat assembly of Clause 4, wherein the one or more lamps comprises a reading lamp configured to emit reading light. 
     Clause 6. The seat assembly of Clause 5, wherein the one or more lamps further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) lamp configured to emit UV light. 
     Clause 7. The seat assembly of any of Clauses 1-6, further comprising an outer seatback shroud, wherein the housing is secured to the outer seatback shroud. 
     Clause 8. The seat assembly of Clause 7, wherein the outer seatback shroud comprises a bezel, and wherein the housing is removably secured to the bezel. 
     Clause 9. The seat assembly of any of Clauses 1-8, further comprising a control switch coupled to the backrest, wherein the control switch is configured to be engaged to selectively activate and deactivate at least a portion of the lighting system. 
     Clause 10. A method of forming a seat assembly for an internal cabin of a vehicle, the method comprising: 
     coupling a lighting system to a backrest. 
     Clause 11. The method of Clause 10, wherein said coupling comprises securing the lighting system to an aft portion of the backrest. 
     Clause 12. The method of Clauses 10 or 11, further comprising moveably coupling a tray table to a portion of the seat assembly. 
     Clause 15. The method of any of Clauses 10-12, wherein the lighting system comprises: 
     a housing; 
     one or more lamps within the housing; and 
     a cover secured to the housing, wherein the one or more lamps are behind the cover. 
     Clause 16. The method of Clause 15, wherein the one or more lamps comprise: 
     a reading lamp configured to emit reading light; and 
     an ultraviolet (UV) lamp configured to emit UV light. 
     Clause 17. The method of Clauses 15 or 16, wherein said coupling comprises securing the housing to an outer seatback shroud of the seat assembly. 
     Clause 18. The method of Clause 17, wherein the outer seatback shroud comprises a bezel, and wherein said securing comprises removably securing the housing to the bezel. 
     19. The method of any of Clauses 10-18, further comprising coupling a control switch to the backrest, wherein the control switch is configured to be engaged to selectively activate and deactivate at least a portion of the lighting system. 
     Clause 20. A vehicle comprising: 
     an internal cabin; and 
     a seat assembly within the internal cabin, the seat assembly comprising:
         a backrest comprising an aft portion having an outer seatback shroud, wherein the outer seatback shroud includes a bezel;   a lighting system coupled secured removably secured to the bezel of the outer seatback shroud, wherein the lighting system comprises a housing; a reading lamp within the housing, wherein the reading lamp is configured to emit reading light; an ultraviolet (UV) lamp within the housing, wherein the UV lamp is configured to emit UV light; and a cover secured to the housing, wherein the reading lamp and the UV lamp are behind the cover;   a control switch coupled to the outer seatback shroud, wherein the control switch is configured to be engaged to selectively activate and deactivate the reading lamp; and   a tray table configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position.       

     As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide efficient and effective systems and methods for illuminating a volume of space within an internal cabin. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide lighting systems within an internal cabin that are easily reachable by passengers. Additionally, examples of the present disclosure provide lighting systems within an internal cabin that draw a reduced amount of power as compared to overhead reading lights. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples of the disclosure, the examples are by no means limiting and are exemplary examples. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the various examples of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various examples of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various examples of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.