Patent Publication Number: US-11046439-B2

Title: Passenger seat privacy headrest

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a headrest mounted or headrest region privacy assembly for a passenger seat on an aircraft, a train, a bus or other form of transportation. Passenger seats in close proximity have limited privacy from each other. Passengers seated next to one another may prefer an element of privacy from another passenger or other distractions within a cabin. Further, some passengers would appreciate greater light blockage from nearby passengers working with lighted electronic devices or reading lights. New developments in seating apparatus must comply with requirements for ingress and egress of passengers as well as for crash safety measures and other statutory requirements. Add-on privacy apparatus compatible with existing seat frames would be advantageous over requiring a custom seat frame in providing an element of privacy to the passenger, because reduced additional testing would be required. Additionally, add-on privacy apparatus could be readily deployed among a variety of existing passenger seating installations. 
     SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The forgoing general description of the illustrative implementations and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive. 
     To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the inventive aspects disclosed herein are directed to an aircraft passenger seat grouping including a first passenger seat, a second passenger seat positioned to one side of the first passenger seat, an armrest positioned between the first and second passenger seats, a shell member positioned between the first and second passenger seats, the shell member extending between the first and second passenger seats in a forward direction above the armrest, and a privacy headrest extension movably attached to the privacy shell, the privacy headrest extension movable between a stowed position substantially within the privacy shell and a deployed position forward of the shell member wherein at least a portion of the privacy headrest extension is outside of the privacy shell and above the armrest. 
     In some embodiments, each of the shell member and the privacy headrest extension when deployed may be spaced above the armrest. 
     In some embodiments, the privacy shell may include a gap formed between spaced shell members in which the privacy headrest extension stows and deploys from. 
     In some embodiments, the shell member may be stationary and extends forward beyond backrests of the first and second passenger seats. 
     In some embodiments, the shell member may include a first portion that extends behind at least one of the first and second passenger seats, a second portion that extends between the first and second passenger seats, and a third portion connecting the first and second portions. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second portions may be linear and the third portion may be curved. 
     In some embodiments, the seat grouping may further include a track affixed to the shell member, wherein the privacy headrest extension slidably engages the track. 
     In some embodiments, the seat grouping may further include a second privacy headrest extension deployable from the shell member independently of the privacy headrest extension. 
     In some embodiments, the second privacy headrest extension may deploy between the first and second passenger seats alongside the privacy headrest extension. 
     Another inventive aspect disclosed herein is directed to an aircraft passenger seat grouping including a first passenger seat, a second passenger seat positioned to one side of the first passenger seat, both the first and second passenger seats facing in the same direction, an armrest positioned between the first and second passenger seats, a privacy shell extending continuously behind at least one of the first and second passenger seats, between the first and second passenger seats, and forward above the armrest to a position short of a forwardmost end of the armrest, and a privacy extension movably attached to the privacy shell movable between a stowed position within or aligned with the privacy shell and a deployed position forward of the privacy shell in a direction of the forwardmost end of the armrest. 
     A further inventive aspect disclosed herein is directed to a privacy divider including a privacy shell positionable between first and second passenger seats and above a shared armrest, and a privacy extension attached to the privacy shell movable between a stowed position within or aligned with the privacy shell and a deployed position forward of the privacy shell. 
     In some embodiments, the privacy shell may include shell portions spaced to form a gap therebetween within which a track is positioned and affixed to one of the shell portions, the privacy extension slidably engaged with the track to guide the privacy extension between the stowed and deployed positions thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the privacy shell may be attachable to one of the first and second passenger seats. 
     In some embodiments, the privacy shell may include a first linear portion, a second linear portion perpendicular to the first linear portion, and a third curved portion connecting the first and second linear portions. 
     In some embodiments, the privacy shell may be fixed and the privacy extension movable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. The accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Any values dimensions illustrated in the accompanying graphs and figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Where applicable, some or all features may not be illustrated to assist in the description of underlying features. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a passenger seat having a privacy headrest assembly configured to provide an element of privacy from an adjacent passenger seat according to an example; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a pair of passenger seats with each seat having a privacy headrest assembly according to an example; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of a privacy headrest assembly having a headrest mount portion, a connecting portion, and a privacy extension portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view of the privacy headrest assembly of  FIG. 2A  showing the headrest mount portion having attachment assemblies according to an example; 
         FIGS. 2C and 2D  are perspective views of a privacy headrest assembly having a shortened headrest mount portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 3A  is a front view of an upper portion of a passenger seat having a privacy headrest assembly according to an example; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of a privacy headrest assembly showing a privacy extension portion with a privacy shield stowed into the privacy extension portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of a privacy headrest assembly showing a privacy extension portion with the privacy shield extended from the privacy extension portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front perspective view of a privacy extension portion having a rigid shield retractable into the privacy extension portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an end of a privacy extension portion having a housing, a track, and a sliding rigid shield configured to slide into and out of the track and the housing according to an example; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates an end of a privacy extension portion including a first shell, a second shell, a track configured to form a gap between the first shell and the second shell, and a sliding rigid shield configured to slide into and out the gap between the first shell and the second shell according to an example; 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates an end of a privacy extension portion including a support, a track attached to a surface along a length of the support, a sliding rigid shield configured to move along the track adjacent to the privacy extension portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates a perspective view of a privacy headrest assembly including a first shell, a second shell, a track configured to form a gap between the first shell and the second shell according to an example; 
         FIG. 4F  illustrates a left perspective view of a portion of the privacy headrest assembly in  FIG. 4E  including a number of spacers configured to support the gap between the first shell and the second shell according to an example; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of a privacy extension portion having a semi-rigid retractable shield retractable into the privacy extension portion and the headrest mount portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the semi-rigid retractable shield of  FIG. 5A  according to an example; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrates a front perspective view of a privacy headrest assembly having a privacy extension portion configured to extend from the headrest mount portion according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a privacy extension portion having a pivoted blind configured to rotate into and out of the privacy extension portion according to an example; 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  illustrate a privacy headrest assembly  800  including a privacy extension portion configured to move vertically from a connecting portion according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  is a front perspective view of an upper portion of a seat frame according to an example; 
         FIG. 9B  is a front perspective view of the upper portion of the seat frame of  FIG. 9A  including a first bracket plate having a plurality of spacers according to an example; 
         FIG. 9C  is a front perspective view of the upper portion of the seat frame of  FIG. 9B  including a second bracket plate attached to the first bracket plate and having at one or more mounting brackets complementing the one or more attachment assemblies of the headrest mount portion according to an example; 
         FIG. 10A  is a front perspective view of the upper portion of the seat frame of  FIG. 9C  including a privacy headrest assembly secured to the seat frame using a head cushion frame according to an example; 
         FIG. 10B  is a back perspective view of the upper portion of the seat frame of  FIG. 10A  according to an example; and 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate a partial view of a privacy extension portion including a light frame having a number of securing apertures and a central aperture, and a light configured to fit within the central aperture according to an example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended to be a description of various, illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Specific features and functionalities are described in connection with each illustrative embodiment; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of those specific features and functionalities. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, it is intended that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter cover modifications and variations thereof. 
     It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. That is, unless expressly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a,” “an,” “the,” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation. 
     Furthermore, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “proximate,” “minor variation,” and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10% or preferably 5% in certain embodiments, and any values therebetween. 
     All of the functionalities described in connection with one embodiment are intended to be applicable to the additional embodiments described below except where expressly stated or where the feature or function is incompatible with the additional embodiments. For example, where a given feature or function is expressly described in connection with one embodiment but not expressly mentioned in connection with an alternative embodiment, it should be understood that the inventors intend that that feature or function may be deployed, utilized or implemented in connection with the alternative embodiment unless the feature or function is incompatible with the alternative embodiment. 
     The present disclosure relates to a privacy headrest assembly for a passenger seat. In some implementations, the privacy headrest assembly can be used to block light from a window, a neighboring passenger&#39;s electronic device, or an aisle region. In an example, a seated passenger may deploy a shield from the privacy headrest assembly to block light from a window positioned next to an adjacent seat or in an opposite row across an aisle. The privacy headrest assembly, in some implementations, is deployable to shield view to a passenger seated in the passenger seat from others nearby. For example, a passenger may deploy one or more privacy shields to block other passengers&#39; view during napping. In further implementations, a passenger suffering from coughing or sneezing may deploy a privacy shield to block transfer of germs to nearby passengers. In some implementations, the privacy headrest assembly can be used to provide privacy for a mother nursing an infant. In an example, the privacy headrest assembly can be raised or lowered to cover a lower portion of a passenger such as a chest area allowing privacy for the nursing mother. In an aspect, each exposed surface of the privacy headrest assembly is configured to comply with FAA and FDA requirements for flammability and cleaning. In an aspect, the privacy shield is configured to be securely in position in regardless of turbulence and rough landings. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , a passenger seat  100  can have a privacy headrest extension  120  configured to provide privacy from an adjacent seat  102  according to an example. In some examples, the privacy headrest assembly  120  can be connected to a seat frame  110  and/or a headrest cushion  112  of a seat  100 . In other embodiments, the privacy headrest assembly  120  is built into a headrest portion of a passenger seat. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the adjacent seat  102  can have a complementary privacy headrest extension  122  according to an example. 
     Each privacy headrest extension  120 ,  122 , in some embodiments, is forward-deployable from a stowed position proximate the head cushion  112  of the respective seat  100 ,  102  to a deployed position substantially between adjacent passenger seats. For example, the privacy headrest extension may include a privacy shield extendable from a stowed position to a deployed position. 
     In some implementations, the privacy headrest extension  120 ,  122  is mounted to the respective seat  100 ,  102 . In other implementations, the privacy headrest extension  120 ,  122  is mounted to a fixed shell extending behind the two seats  100 ,  102 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , a fixed shell  124  extends behind the seats  100 ,  102 . 
     In some implementations, one or more passenger seats within a passenger seating group includes a set of privacy headrest extensions. For example, an aisle-positioned passenger seat may include two privacy headrest extensions to block light and/or visibility from each side of the seated passenger (e.g., both the aisle side and the side of an adjacent passenger. However, a window-positioned passenger seat may include only one privacy headrest extension since the passenger already enjoys a level of privacy/lighting control from the window side due to proximity to the wall of the aircraft cabin. In other embodiments, a window side privacy headrest extension may be desirable to block lighting from an aft-positioned passenger&#39;s window (e.g., to reduce glare on a screen or to aid in napping). In the event of dual privacy screens, design of the privacy screen may differ based upon positioning. For example, an aisle-mounted privacy headrest extension may have greater clearance of movement than an interior privacy headrest extension (e.g., due to proximity of a neighboring passenger). Further, aisle-mounted and/or interior-mounted privacy headrest extensions may be limited in extension and/or breadth based upon factors, in some examples, such as cabin attendant accessibility to other passengers within the seating group or clearance requirements for passenger exit into the aisle area. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an example privacy headrest assembly  200   a  can have a headrest mount portion  210   a , a privacy extension portion  220 , and a connecting portion  212  for connecting the headrest mount portion  210   a  to the privacy extension portion  220 . 
     In some implementations, the headrest mount portion  210   a  extends a width of the passenger seat  100  and can be configured to move with the head cushion  112 . The headrest mount portion  210   a  can have one or more attachment assemblies  240  configured to secure the privacy headrest assembly  200   a  to the seat frame  110  of the seat  100  according to an example. 
     In an example, the headrest mount portion  210   a  can provide structural support of the privacy headrest assembly  200   a  through connection to the seat frame  110  of the seat  100 . The headrest mount portion  210   a  may also serve as a privacy barrier between a fore and aft seat. In an example, the headrest mount portion  210   a  can have a curved shape  214  on an end to complement a cabin wall and/or to conform to a shape of the seat  100 . 
     In other embodiments, for example as shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , a privacy headrest assembly  200   b  can have a shortened headrest mount portion  210   b  that can be attached to a lateral edge of the seat frame  110 . In this case, a headrest mount portion secured to a more central portion of the seat frame may not be necessary. 
     In an example, the connecting portion  212  can have a substantially similar width as the privacy extension portion  220 . In an example, the connecting portion  212  can partially store a portion of a privacy shield (See  FIG. 5A ). In some implementations, the privacy extension portion  220  includes a privacy shield  230  configured to extend between the seat  100  and the adjacent seat  102 . In some cases, a separation between two passenger seats can be substantial. In these circumstances, in some embodiments, the privacy headrest assembly  120  can be configured to provide privacy from (e.g., shield the view from and/or block light coming from) an aft-seated passenger. In an example, the connecting portion  212  can be configured to extend laterally from the headrest mount portion  210   a - b  to at least partially block the separation between the abutting passenger seats. 
       FIG. 3A  is a front view of an upper portion of a passenger seat  302  having a headrest  304  and a privacy headrest assembly  300  including a headrest mount portion  310 , a connecting portion  312 , and a privacy extension portion  320  according to an example. In some embodiments, a headrest such as the headrest  304  includes lateral adjustable sides  306  configured to bend forward (e.g., to use as a head rest when napping). To provide stability in the circumstances of a forward-adjustable headrest such as the headrest  304 , the privacy extension portion  320  of the privacy headrest assembly  300  can have an outer shell  322  extending laterally behind the headrest  304  beyond the edges of the headrest  304 , at least when the headrest  304  is adjusted such that one or both of the adjustable sides  306  is angled in the fore direction. In an example, the extension portion  320  can be configured to have a length longer than the lateral adjustable sides  306 . 
     In other embodiments, rather than having forward adjustable sides  306 , the privacy headrest assembly  300  includes an inner cushion  324  that may be used as a head and shoulder support while the seated passenger is resting. For example, the privacy extension portion  320  can be configured to be secured to the connecting portion  312  such that a weight of a passenger&#39;s head leaning against the privacy extension portion  320  can be supported. In some example, the privacy headrest assembly  300  may be designed to support a static bad of at least 4 pounds, greater than 10 pounds, or up to up to 15 pounds. In one example, the inner cushion  324  is padded. In another example, the inner cushion  324  includes at least one inflatable bladder. For example, an amount of cushion and/or softness of cushion may be adjustable using an adjustable air bladder. The inner cushion  324  may be wrapped or covered in a material, such as leather or fabric. 
       FIGS. 3B and 3C  are side views of the privacy headrest assembly  300  showing the privacy extension portion  320  with a privacy shield  330  stowed into ( 330 ′) and extended from ( 330 ″) the privacy extension portion  320 , respectively, according to an example. The privacy shield  330  can include an opaque screen  332  connected to a protrusion  334  configured to help extend the privacy shield  330  from the privacy extension portion  320 . In an example, the privacy shield  330  can have an angled edge as shown. For example, the angled edge may allow greater visibility to the passenger while providing privacy to the passenger. In other embodiments, the privacy shield  330  includes a flat (e.g., vertical relative to a mount position) edge. For example, a flat edge may provide a greater amount of light blockage from lower held devices such as tablet computers, smart phones, and laptop computers of neighboring passengers. In a further example, the privacy shield  330  may include a curved edge, for example to reduce chance of injury from a small child bouncing upward and connecting with the edge of the privacy shield  330 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the at least one attachment assembly  240  is shown extending from the headrest mount portion  310 . In some embodiments, the privacy headrest assembly  300  is secured with an adjustable mount (not shown) such that the privacy headrest assembly  300  can be raised or lowered relative to the passenger seat  302 . For example, depending upon a height of the passenger, the privacy headrest assembly  300  may be vertically adjustable. 
     In some embodiments, the headrest  304  is secured with an adjustable mount (not shown) such that the headrest  304  can be raised or lowered relative to the privacy headrest assembly  300  and/or the passenger seat  302 . For example, the privacy headrest assembly  300  may be mountable on passenger seats having vertically adjustable headrests without the privacy headrest assembly  300  moving with the headrest  304 . This may aid in avoiding blockage of visibility by cabin attendants by limiting a range of movement of the privacy headrest assembly  300 . In other embodiments, the headrest assembly  300  is mounted to adjustably move with the headrest  304 , for example for convenient height-adjustment relative to passenger height. 
     A privacy headrest assembly can be configured to extend a privacy shield in several ways. In an example, the privacy shield can be a sliding rigid shield ( FIG. 4A ), sliding semi-rigid shield ( FIG. 5A ), and a rotating opaque screen ( FIG. 7 ). In other implementations, a privacy headrest assembly can have a movable privacy extension portion that is configured to expose a privacy screen ( FIGS. 6A-6B ). 
     In some implementations, as shown in  FIG. 4A , a privacy headrest assembly  400  can include a headrest mount portion  410  and a privacy extension portion  420  connected by a connecting portion  412 , and a sliding rigid shield  430  having an opaque screen  434 . A privacy headrest assembly can be configured to store and extend a privacy shield in several ways. 
     In an example, a privacy headrest assembly  400  can include a privacy extension portion  420  having a housing  422 , at least one track  442   a , and a sliding rigid shield  430  configured to slide into ( 434 ″) and out of ( 434 ′) the at least one track  442   a  and the housing  422  ( FIG. 4B ). In this case, the opaque screen  434  of the sliding rigid shield  430  is housed within the housing  422  of the privacy extension portion  420 . 
     In an example, a privacy extension portion  420  can include a first shell  424   a , a second shell  424   b , at least one track  442   b  configured to form a gap  450  between the first shell  424   a  and the second shell  424   b , where the sliding rigid shield  430  can be configured to slide into and out of the at least one track  442   b  and the gap  450  between the first shell  424   a  and the second shell  424   b  ( FIG. 4C ). In this example, the at least one track  442   b  serves as part of a structural support when secured to the first shell  424   a  and the second shell  424   b .  FIG. 4E  illustrates a perspective view of a privacy headrest assembly including the first shell  424   a , the second shell  424   b , a track  442   b  configured to form a gap  450  between the first shell  424   a  and the second shell  424   b  according to an example. The track  442   b  can be secured to the first shell  424   a  and the second shell  424   b  at either side of the track  442   b  according to an example. In another example, the track  442   b  can have pass-through apertures such that the first shell  424   a  can be directly coupled to the second shell  424   b . In an example, the privacy headrest assembly can include a number of spacers  462  configured to support the gap  450  between the first shell  424   a  and the second shell  424   b  (see  FIG. 4F ). In an aspect, each spacer  460  can function to provide structural support to the privacy headrest assembly by securing the first shell  424   a  to the second shell  424   b  in addition to maintaining the gap  450 . 
     In another example, a privacy extension portion  420  can include a support  426  and at least one track  442   c  attached to a surface and along a length of the support  426 . The sliding rigid shield  430  is and configured to move along the at least one track  442   c  adjacent to the privacy extension portion  420  ( FIG. 4D ). In an example, the at least one track  442   c  can have a rail, ledge, trim, and/or grip configured to support and guide the sliding rigid shield  430 . In another example, a top track and a bottom track can be used to support and guide a top portion and a bottom portion of the sliding rigid shield  430 . 
     In an example, the opaque screen  434  can have a first bumper  432   a  on a first end of the opaque screen  434  that is within the privacy extension portion  420  such that the opaque screen  434  is prevented from fully being removed. Likewise, the opaque screen  434  can have a second bumper  432   b  on a second end of the opaque screen  434  that is wider than the housing  422  of the privacy extension portion  420  of the privacy extension portion  420  such that the opaque screen  434  is prevented from being inaccessible. In an example, the second bumper  432   b  can be configured to serve as a handle for gripping by a passenger to pull the sliding rigid shield  430 . Alternatively, in an example, the sliding rigid shield  430  can be flush with the housing  422  of the privacy extension portion  420  and can operate similar to a spring-loaded pocket door. During use, when a passenger presses the sliding rigid shield  430  into the housing  422  the sliding rigid shield  430  is configured to pop out. During stowage, when the passenger presses the sliding rigid shield  430  back into the housing  422  the sliding rigid shield  430  is configured to remain flush. 
     Materials used in the sliding rigid shield  430  can include injection molded plastics according to an example. In some implementations, the sliding rigid shield  430  can further include a quiet close mechanism (not shown) configured to gently close back into the privacy extension portion  420  with minimal effort. 
     In some implementations, a privacy headrest assembly can include a sliding semi-rigid shield configured to slide into and out of a privacy extension portion. As shown in  FIG. 5A , in an example, a privacy headrest assembly  500  can include a headrest mount portion  510 , a connecting portion  512 , and a privacy extension portion  520  having a sliding semi-rigid shield  530 . In an example, the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  is configured to slide into and out of the privacy extension portion  520  and at least a portion of the connecting portion  512 . In another example, the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  is configured to slide into and out of the privacy extension portion  520 , the connecting portion  512 , and at least a portion of the headrest mount portion  510 . 
     In an example, the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can include a first portion  532 ′ connected to a second portion  532 ″. In an example, the first portion  532 ′ of the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can be semi-rigid by having a plurality of vertical corrugations  534   a  to aid in bending. In an example, the first portion  532 ′ of the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can be semi-rigid by having a plurality of horizontal ribs  534   b  to aid in providing rigidity. Materials used in the sliding semi-rigid shield  530 , in some examples, can be made from thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride material or acrylic polyvinyl chloride material. In an example, the plurality of vertical corrugations  534   a  and the plurality of horizontal ribs  534   b  can be pressure formed, molded, or reinforced using one or more harder materials. 
     In an example, the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can have a complementary shape  536  on an end within the headrest mount portion  510  (See  FIG. 5B ). In an example, the complementary shape  536  is configured to complement a shape of the connecting portion  512  and/or the headrest mount portion  510 . The sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can have a flange or a lip  538  configured to provide a handle and prevent the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  from entirely moving into the privacy extension portion  520 . In another example, the complementary shape  536  of the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can be configured to stop against the connecting portion  512  and prevent the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  from entirely moving into the privacy extension portion  520 . In some implementations, the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  can further include a quiet close mechanism (not shown) configured to gently close back into the privacy extension portion  520  with minimal effort. In an example, the plurality of horizontal ribs  534   b  of the first portion  532 ′ can have shape memory and/or be spring loaded to aid in retracting the sliding semi-rigid shield  530  back into the privacy extension portion  520 . 
     In some implementations, a privacy headrest assembly can include an extending portion configured to extend from a connecting portion and reveal an opaque screen. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , a privacy headrest assembly  600  can include a headrest mount portion  610 , a connecting portion  612 , and a privacy extension portion  620  having an extending portion  630  according to an example. The extending portion  630  can be collapsed in a first position ( FIG. 6A ) when not in use and extended into a second position ( FIG. 6B ) when in use. In an example, the extending portion  630  can be configured to reveal an opaque screen  632  when extended. In some implementations, the opaque screen  632  can be rigid and/or reinforced, and configured to support the extending portion  630 . In some implementations, the extending portion  630  can further include a quiet close mechanism (not shown) configured to gently close back into the first position with minimal effort. 
     In some implementations, a privacy headrest assembly includes a rotating opaque screen configured to rotate into and out from a privacy extension portion. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a privacy headrest assembly  700  can include a headrest mount portion  710 , a connecting portion  712 , and a privacy extension portion  720  having a rotating opaque screen  730  according to an example. In an example, a rotation of a knob  732  in communication with the rotating opaque screen  460  can be configured to store the rotating opaque screen  730  into ( 730 ″) and out of ( 730 ′) the privacy extension portion  720 . In some implementations, the rotating opaque screen  730  can be made from a rigid material. In other implementations, the rotating opaque screen  730  can be made from an expanding or folded material that is configured to expand with rotation of the knob  732 . In some implementations, the rotating opaque screen  730  can further include a quiet close mechanism (not shown) configured to gently close back into the privacy extension portion  720  with minimal effort. 
     In some implementations, a privacy headrest assembly includes a privacy extension portion configured to move vertically with respect to a connecting portion along a vertical adjustment member.  FIGS. 8A-8B  illustrate a privacy headrest assembly  800  including a privacy extension portion  820  configured to move vertically from a connecting portion  812  according to an example.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  show the privacy extension portion  820  in line with the connecting portion  812  ( 800 ′) and displaced ( 800 ″) from the connecting portion  812  respectfully according to an example. In an example, the privacy headrest assembly  800  can include a vertical rail  824  configured to connect the privacy extension portion  820  to the connecting portion  812 , while still allowing vertical translation. In another example, a vertical guide member or track may connect the privacy extension portion  820  to the connecting portion  812 . The vertical adjustment member, in some embodiments, is universally adjustable to any vertical position along the vertical adjustment member. For example, a friction connection between the privacy extension portion  820  and the connecting portion  812  may provide the opportunity for universal adjustment along the vertical rail  824 . In another example, the extension interface  824  and the connecting portion interface  814  can utilize a channel and a roller system (not shown) configured to allow the privacy extension portion  820  to move relative to the connecting portion  812  at any increment along a distance D. In other embodiments, the vertical adjustment member allows vertical adjustment to one of a number of selectable adjustment heights. For example, a vertical track may include selectable depressions or extensions mating with a corresponding guide member of the privacy extension portion  820  for selectably configuring a height of the privacy extension portion  820 . In an example, the privacy extension portion  820  can have an extension interface  824  be configured to move up above a connecting portion interface  814  of the connecting portion  812 . In an example, the privacy extension portion  820  can have an extension interface  824  be configured to move down below the connecting portion interface  814  of the connecting portion  812 . 
     In some implementations, the privacy shield includes a grasping member for aiding a passenger in moving the privacy shield between the stowed position and a selected deployed position. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-B , the privacy shield  830  includes a protrusion  834  configured to help extend the privacy shield  830  from the privacy extension portion  820 . In another example, the privacy shield may include a finger depression to aid in grasping. In a further example, the privacy shield may include a small open handle region for linking one or more fingers through in pulling the privacy shield  830  into an extended position. 
     In other implementations, the privacy shield is spring-deployable and includes a spring deployment member for releasing the privacy shield to the deployed position. For example, the user may depress a button to release the privacy shield from the stowed position. In another example, the user may push back upon the privacy shield to release a locking mechanism and deploy the spring-loaded privacy shield. The privacy shield, upon spring deployment, may extend only a portion of the way to a fully extended position. For example, upon spring deployment, the privacy shield may be configured to move forwards far enough to provide the passenger with a surface for grasping (e.g., at least a quarter inch, about a half inch, or up to three inches)) to continue to extend the privacy shield into the fully deployed position. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9A-9C and 10A-10B , a method of assembling a privacy headrest assembly to a passenger seat having a seat frame using one or more brackets is provided. In an aspect, the seat frame can be an existing seat frame as currently used and the one or more brackets can be adapted to match existing hardware locations of the existing seat frame. Being able to use existing seat frames is an advantage over requiring a custom seat frame to use the privacy headrest assembly. 
       FIG. 9A  is a front perspective view of an upper portion of a seat frame  900  having a plurality of first apertures  902  and a plurality of second apertures  904  according to an example. In an example, the plurality of first apertures  902  located in an arrangement in a central portion of the upper portion of the seat frame  900 . In an example, the plurality of first apertures  902  and the plurality of second apertures  904  can be part of an existing seat frame. In an example, the method can include providing a first bracket plate  910 , mounting the first bracket plate  910  to the seat frame  900  by aligning a plurality of lips  914  of the first bracket plate  910  into the plurality of second apertures  904  of the seat frame  900  (see  FIG. 10B ), and securing with a plurality of screws (not shown) at a plurality of securing apertures  912  corresponding spatially with the plurality of first apertures  902  of the seat frame  900  (see  FIG. 9B ). In an example, the first bracket plate  910  can further include a plurality of spacers  920  which protrude from a surface of the first bracket plate  910 . In an example, a second bracket  930  having a plurality of apertures  932  can be attached to the plurality of spacers  920  secured on the first bracket plate  910  (see  FIG. 9C ). The second bracket  930  can further have at least one mounting bracket  940  complementing the at least one attachment assembly  240  of the headrest mount portion  210  according to an example (See  FIG. 2B ). 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate the upper portion of the seat frame  900  of  FIG. 9C  and a privacy headrest assembly  1000  secured to the second bracket  930 . In an example, the privacy headrest assembly  1000  can have a headrest mount portion  1010 , a privacy extension portion  1020 , and a connecting portion  1012  for connecting the headrest mount portion  1010  to the privacy extension portion  1020  according to an example. In some implementations, the privacy headrest assembly  1000  can include a light  1040  positioned on the privacy extension portion  1020 . As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B , a privacy extension portion  1120  can include a light frame  1130  having a number of securing apertures  1132  and a central aperture  1134 . In an example, a light  1140  can be configured to fit within the central aperture  1134  and secured to the number of securing apertures  1132 . 
     In an example, the privacy headrest assembly  1000  can be secured to the second bracket  930  using a head cushion frame  1030  and screws through a plurality of apertures  1032  according to an example. In an example, the head cushion frame  1030  can be configured to support the headrest  304 , as well as lateral adjustable sides  1034  configured to support the adjustable sides  306  as shown in  FIG. 3A . As discussed related to  FIGS. 3B and 3C , in another example, the head cushion frame  1030  can be secured with the adjustable mount (not shown) such that the head cushion frame  1030  can be raised or lowered relative to the privacy headrest assembly  1000 . 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosures. Indeed, the novel methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosures. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosures.