Patent Description:
Passenger seats in conveyances such as aircraft are designed to accommodate a predetermined percentile of the traveling population. For example, aircraft passenger seats may be designed to accommodate the <NUM>% or <NUM>% percentile adult male passenger in terms of stature. As such, the ergonomics of the passenger seat may not be supportive and comfortable for the <NUM>% or <NUM>% passenger stature falling outside of the predetermined range, for instance passengers of short stature and children.

Most passenger seats are equipped with a seat pan and a backrest providing comfort and support to the passenger via a cradling sitting position. In the case of airliners and economy class seats, the seat pan is typically fixed with a slight forward incline and the backrest is minimally reclinable between taxi, takeoff and landing (TTOL) and in-flight sitting positions. In premium seating classes, the greater seat pitch allows for greater seat adjustability and in some cases lie flat seats.

In any of the achievable sitting positions of conventional passenger seats, the seat pan has a fixed minimal length, and the backrest may change in angle relative to the seat pan but does not translate forward or aft relative to the seat pan. As such, the seat pan may be too long to allow the knees of passengers of short stature to properly bend around the forward end of the seat pan. During long haul flights, the inability of a passenger to bed their knees at the forward end of the seat pan can become uncomfortable and, in some instances, cause the passenger to move their back off the backrest to position their knees farther forward to reach the forward end of the seat pan. Such shifting on the seat positions the passenger out of sync with the seat support elements and decreases the effectiveness of the passenger restraint.

<CIT> discloses an aircraft divan with an adjustable backrest. <CIT> and <CIT> are further examples of prior art seats.

Therefore, what is needed is a passenger seat with adjustment capability to accommodate passengers of different statures to provide proper ergonomics for all traveling passengers.

Broadly speaking, the present disclosure provides a passenger seat, for instance an aircraft passenger seat, equipped with a translation backrest for adjusting seat ergonomics to accommodate passengers of different statures.

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, there is provided a passenger seat as defined by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each of the spaced vertical members defines an elongate linear slot, the moving frame is disposed in and travels along the elongate linear slots of the spaced vertical members, and each of the spaced vertical members defines at least one guideway receiving at least one guide of the backrest, the at least one guide configured to travel along the at least one guideway as the backrest translates relative to the backrest frame.

In some embodiments, the actuator includes a handle, dial or the like formed at the end of the actuator opposite the externally threaded end operable for manipulating the actuator to rotate the actuator, and wherein the handle is positioned above the backrest frame to be accessible from above the seat.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of links are pivotally attached at opposing ends to the moving frame and to the backrest.

In some embodiments, the backrest frame further includes vertically oriented rollers positioned along the at least one guideway facilitating movement of the at least one guide along the at least one guideway.

In some embodiments, the seat pan is fixed, the backrest frame is pivotally attached to the seat pan, and pivoting motion of the backrest frame relative to the seat pan is independent of translation motion of the backrest relative to the seat pan.

Such description refers to the included drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which some features may be exaggerated, and some features may be omitted or may be represented schematically in the interest of clarity. Like reference numbers in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function. In the drawings:.

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. The aspects, features and functions described below in connection with one embodiment are intended to be applicable to the other embodiments described below except where expressly stated or where an aspect, feature or function is incompatible with an embodiment.

Broadly speaking, the present disclosure provides a passenger seat with backrest adjustability for accommodating seat occupants of different statures such that the seat ergonomics are met regardless of the size of the seat occupant. Whereas conventional passenger seats include reclinable backrests, the inventive concepts disclosed herein add the ability to translate the backrest relative to the seat pan, thereby 'shortening' the length of the seat pan to accommodate shorter passengers. The backrest translation is independent of the backrest recline, thus the recline and translation capabilities of the backrest are mutually exclusive. By decreasing the distance between the backrest and the forward end of the seat pan, a seat occupant with shorter thighs can bend their knees around the forward end of the seat while maintaining their back against the front of the backrest. In addition, backrest translation according to the present disclosure moves the entire backrest forward relative to the seat pan, which is different from conventional pivoting motions, lumbar mechanisms, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, a passenger seat according to the present disclosure is shown at reference numeral <NUM>. The passenger seat <NUM> includes a seat pan <NUM>, a backrest frame <NUM> coupled to the seat pan, and a backrest <NUM> movably coupled to and support by the backrest frame. In some embodiments, the backrest frame <NUM> is pivotally attached to the seat pan or other seat frame member to permit the backrest to recline, for instance during flight. The seat pan <NUM> may be fixed and oriented with a slight incline toward the forward end to provide a cradling sitting position for comfort. Although not shown, the seat pan <NUM> may be supported on a seat frame, for example, seat spreaders interconnected by transverse beams wherein the seat pan is attached to the transverse beams. Optional seat elements may include, but are not limited to, armrests, lumbar mechanisms, headrests, thigh bolster, leg rests, etc..

<FIG> and <FIG> show the backrest <NUM> in a fully rearward position relative to the seat pan for accommodating, for example, a seat occupant falling within the predetermined percentile of the seat design. The backrest frame <NUM> includes spaced vertical members <NUM> and at least one transverse member <NUM>. As shown, the spaced vertical members <NUM> define the lateral extents of the backrest (i.e., seat width) and the transverse member <NUM> interconnects the upper ends of the spaced vertical members. As such, the spaced vertical members <NUM> and the at least one transverse member <NUM> form a generally U-shaped seat frame in which the terminal lower ends of the spaced frame members <NUM> are pivotally attached to the seat pan <NUM>. The spaced vertical members <NUM> and the at least one transverse member <NUM> collectively form a fixed frame assembly <NUM>, wherein fixed means stationary relative to a movable frame assembly discussed further below but movable relative to the seat pan in terms of pivoting motion.

A moving frame <NUM> is disposed within elongate slots <NUM> formed in each of the spaced vertical members <NUM>. The moving frame <NUM> generally includes spaced vertical members <NUM> and spaced transverse members <NUM> forming a frame. The moving frame <NUM> is configured to translate up and down, i.e., raise and lower, relative to the fixed frame <NUM>. The elongate slots <NUM> are linear and the length of the slots <NUM> is determinative of the amount of possible travel of the moving frame <NUM>. In use, translating the moving frame <NUM> upward, i.e., raising, drives the backrest <NUM> forward relative to the seat pan <NUM>, and translating the moving frame downward, i.e., lowering, drives the backrest rearward relative to the seat pan. Each of the fixed frame <NUM> and the moving frame <NUM> may be rigid unitary constructions or may be assemblies made up of attached parts.

The backrest frame <NUM> further defines a plurality of rearwardly extending, linear guideways <NUM> configured to receive rearwardly extending, linear guides <NUM> formed on the backrest <NUM>. In use, the guides <NUM> travel along the guideways <NUM> to control forward and rearward motion of the backrest <NUM> while maintaining squareness. Vertically oriented rollers <NUM> disposed adjacent the guideways <NUM> interact with the guides <NUM> to facilitate smooth rolling motion as the backrest <NUM> cycles between the forward and rearward positions. Although four guideway and guide pairings are shown, other numbers and configurations or guideways and guides are possible and envisioned.

The passenger seat <NUM> further includes an adjustment mechanism <NUM> for changing the backrest position relative to the seat pan <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> as shown includes an actuator <NUM> configured to interact with the moving frame <NUM> to drive backrest movement. As shown, the actuator <NUM> is implemented as an elongate linear rod defining first and second or upper and lower opposing ends. The upper end terminates in a handle <NUM> for manipulating the actuator. For example, the handle <NUM> is grabbed to rotate the actuator <NUM> in opposite directions to adjust the backrest <NUM> forward or rearward. The handle <NUM> may also be a knob or the like, and in some embodiments, may be coupled to an electrical actuator.

The lower end of the actuator <NUM> is externally threaded to be threadably engaged in an internally threaded opening <NUM> formed in a transverse member of the moving frame <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is disposed through an opening formed in a transverse member of the fixed frame <NUM> and the threaded end is coupled to the moving frame <NUM>. Rotating the actuator <NUM> in a first direction causes the threaded end to advance into the moving frame <NUM> thereby raising the moving frame, and rotating the actuator in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the threaded end to withdraw from the moving frame thereby lowering the moving frame. The rotational functionality and threaded engagement between the actuator <NUM> and the moving frame <NUM> allow for stepless adjustability of the backrest position.

The handle <NUM> is positioned atop the fixed frame <NUM> to be accessible from above the seat. The adjustment mechanism may be operated by the seat occupant or flight crew depending on the application. The handle may be located elsewhere in other embodiments to be accessible by the seat occupant or concealed from view.

The passenger seat <NUM> further includes a plurality of links <NUM> coupling the backrest <NUM> to the backrest frame <NUM>. Each link <NUM> is an elongate member pivotally attached at one end to the backrest <NUM> and at an opposing end to the backrest frame <NUM>. In use, the links <NUM> move or orient toward horizontal as the backrest <NUM> translates forward and move or orient toward vertical as the backrest translates rearward. In other words, decreasing the distance between the upper extend of the moving frame <NUM> and the transverse member of the fixed frame <NUM> causes the links <NUM>, which are rigid, to drive the backrest <NUM> forward and apart from the backrest frame <NUM>, whereas increasing the distance between the moving frame and the transverse member of the fixed frame interacting with the handle cause the links to pull the backrest to toward the backrest frame. In some embodiments, the number of links <NUM> corresponds to the number of guideway/guide pairings to maintain stability and squareness.

Referring to <FIG>, the moving frame <NUM> is shown in its lowest position relative to the fixed frame <NUM> and with the links <NUM> most vertical thereby corresponding to a fully rearward or retracted position of the backrest <NUM> relative to the seat pan <NUM>. Such a backrest position accommodates seat occupants of greater stature.

Referring to <FIG>, the moving frame <NUM> is shown in its highest position relative to the fixed frame <NUM> and with the links <NUM> most horizontal thereby corresponding to a fully forward or extended position of the backrest <NUM>. Such a backrest position accommodates seat occupants of lesser stature as the seat pan length effectively 'shortens'. The amount of backrest adjustability, determined by at least one of the length of the elongate slots, interaction of the actuator with the moving frame, and length of the links, may be customized for different applications and to achieve different amounts of adjustability. Comparing <FIG> and <FIG> further shows the guides <NUM> advancing and retreating relative to the guideways <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A passenger seat (<NUM>); comprising:
a seat pan (<NUM>);
a backrest frame (<NUM>) coupled to the seat pan;
a backrest (<NUM>) supported by the backrest frame; and
an adjustment mechanism (<NUM>) coupling the backrest to the backrest frame, the adjustment mechanism operable to change a position of the backrest relative to the seat pan; wherein the backrest frame includes:
a fixed frame (<NUM>) including spaced vertical members (<NUM>) and at least one transverse member (<NUM>); and
a moving frame (<NUM>) movably coupled to the fixed frame;
wherein movement of the moving frame relative to the fixed frame in a first direction causes the backrest to translate forward relative to the seat pan, and movement of the moving frame relative to the fixed frame in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the backrest to translate rearward relative to the seat pan; and characterized in that the adjustment mechanism includes:
an actuator (<NUM>) rotatably disposed through an opening formed in the at least one transverse member of the backrest frame, the actuator having an externally threaded end threadably engaged in an internally threaded opening formed in the moving frame, wherein rotating the actuator in a first rotational direction advances the actuator in the internally threaded opening to raise the moving frame relative to the fixed frame and rotating the actuator in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction lowers the moving frame relative to the fixed frame; and
a plurality of links (<NUM>) coupled between the moving frame and the backrest, wherein the plurality of links translate the backrest forward as the moving frame raises and translate the backrest rearward as the moving frame lowers relative to the fixed frame.