Patent Description:
An armrest is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the armrest, wherein the pushrod is configured to releasably lock at more than one position of extension.

In some embodiments of the armrest, the armrest is configured to manually pivot relative to the armrest frame.

In some embodiments of the armrest, rail lock actuator is configured as a friction lock.

In some embodiments of the armrest, the rail lock actuator is configured to lock the arm pad into a plurality of translation positions relative to the armrest subframe.

In some embodiments of the armrest, the arm pad is configured to translate manually relative to the armrest subframe.

In some embodiments of the armrest, the rotation mechanism is configured to releasably lock into a plurality of rotation positions relative to the seat frame.

In some embodiments of the armrest, the rotation mechanism further includes a rotation input actuator configured to at least one of lock the armrest subframe into or release the armrest from the plurality of rotation positions.

An aircraft seat is also provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

An armrest for a seat is disclosed. Specifically, an armrest for a pilot seat of a cockpit is disclosed. More particularly, the armrest is capable of pivoting, extending. Retracting, and raising/lowering relative to the passenger seat via three separate adjustment mechanism. These adjustment mechanisms are configured to give pilots greater comfort and control when operating an aircraft, particularly when operating a side-stick.

<FIG> is an example environment of an aircraft seat <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The aircraft seat <NUM> includes a seat frame <NUM>, a seat back <NUM>, a seat pan <NUM>, a headrest <NUM>. The aircraft seat also includes at least one armrest <NUM> having multiple adjustment capabilities as described herein.

<FIG> is a side view of the armrest <NUM> attached to the seat frame <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The armrest <NUM> includes an armrest frame <NUM>. The armrest frame <NUM> pivotably couples at a first end to the seat frame <NUM>. The armrest frame <NUM> also attaches to other components of the armrest <NUM>. The armrest <NUM> further includes an armrest joint <NUM> for rotationally coupling to the seat frame <NUM>. The armrest joint <NUM> is configured to allow the armrest to pivot relative to the seat frame <NUM> when the armrest <NUM> is attached to the seat frame <NUM>.

The armrest <NUM> further includes an armrest subframe <NUM> coupled to the armrest frame <NUM> at a pivot point <NUM>. The armrest is configured pivotably coupled to the armrest frame via the pivot point <NUM> (e.g., the pivot point allows the armrest subframe <NUM> to tilt relative to the armrest frame <NUM>).

The armrest <NUM> includes an arm pad <NUM> disposed upon the armrest subframe <NUM>. The arm pad <NUM> may be of any type or size of support structure for the arm and may consist of one or more layers (e.g., a comfort layer <NUM> and/or a structure layer <NUM>). The arm pad <NUM> is laterally aligned with and translatable coupled to the armrest subframe <NUM>. For example, the arm pad <NUM>, in a retracted position, may cover the entirety of the armrest subframe <NUM>. In another example, the arm pad <NUM> may be extended relative to the armrest subframe (e.g., as shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a side view of the armrest <NUM> attached to the seat frame <NUM> with the armrest subframe <NUM> in a tilted configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The armrest subframe <NUM> is tilted, or pivoted, relative to the armrest frame <NUM> via a tilting mechanism configured to lock the armrest subframe <NUM> into a plurality of tilting positions relative to the armrest frame <NUM>, allowing an infinite number of tilt angles or tilt positions between the armrest subframe <NUM> and the armrest frame. The titling mechanism is configured to control the tilt of the armrest subframe relative to the armrest frame. The armrest <NUM> includes a tilting mechanism based on a spring-loaded apparatus (e.g., motion of the tilting mechanism is powered via a spring).

The tilting mechanism includes a first moveable member <NUM> pivotably coupled to one end of the armrest subframe <NUM> (e.g., via a simple hinge joint). The first moveable member <NUM> is coupled to the end of the armrest subframe opposite of the pivot point <NUM>. The tilting mechanism also includes a second moveable member <NUM> pivotably coupled on one end to the armrest frame <NUM> or armrest frame-attached component, and pivotably coupled to the first moveable member <NUM> (e.g., via a hinge. ) The tilting mechanism also includes a pushrod <NUM> coupled to a collar <NUM>, which is coupled to a shaft <NUM>. The pushrod <NUM> is coupled to the connection point of the first movable member <NUM> and the second moveable member <NUM> at the point where both members are coupled (e.g., at the hinge joint). The movement of the pushrod <NUM> actuates the first moveable member <NUM> and the second moveable member <NUM>, altering the tilt angle of the armrest subframe <NUM> relative to the armrest frame <NUM>. The shaft, having a motive force pushed against it by a spring or other biasing unit, pushes upon the pushrod <NUM> (e.g., aided and/or aligned by the collar), resulting in an extension of the pushrod and an increased distance between the opening between the armrest subframe <NUM> and the armrest frame <NUM>. A spring within the shaft (e.g., a compression spring), applies a biasing force against the pushrod. Compression springs are also attached to the first moveable member <NUM>, the second moveable member <NUM> or the pushrod are utilized to provide a force alter the angle of the armrest subframe <NUM> relative to the armrest frame <NUM>. The tilt input actuator <NUM> includes a default lock setting that prevents movement of the armrest subframe, thereby preventing any change in tilt, wherein manual pressing of a button on the tilt input actuator <NUM> releases the lock setting and allows pivoting movement of the armrest subframe (e.g., via the springs). The armrest <NUM> may utilize any type of lock/unlock mechanism. For example, the tilt input actuator <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to a friction-type locking mechanism consisting of a rod coupled to the second moving member <NUM> and the armrest frame <NUM>, with a coupler translatably or slidably coupled to the rod and affixed and mechanically coupled to the tilt input actuator <NUM>. When the tilt input actuator <NUM> is not actuated (e.g., the button on the tilt input actuator <NUM> is not depressed), a locking element presses a locking portion of the coupler against the rod, holding the armrest in a tilt position. Upon pressing the button associated with the tilt input actuator <NUM>, the locking portion is released from the rod, and the tilting of the armrest subframe may be adjusted by the biasing spring or adjusted manually by pushing on the armrest subframe <NUM> or arm pad <NUM>.

As mentioned herein, the tilt mechanism is configured to adjust the armrest <NUM> to an unlimited number of tilt positions. For example, the tilt mechanism may be configured to adjust the armrest subframe to tilt to from any position approximately parallel to the armrest frame <NUM> to approximately <NUM>° relative to the armrest frame. In another example, the tilt mechanism may be configured to adjust the armrest subframe to tilt to from any position approximately parallel to the armrest frame <NUM> to approximately <NUM>° relative to the armrest frame. In another example, the tilt mechanism may be configured to adjust the armrest subframe to tilt to from any position approximately parallel to the armrest frame <NUM> to approximately <NUM>° relative to the armrest frame.

<FIG> is a side view of the armrest <NUM> attached to the seat frame <NUM> with the arm pad <NUM> (e.g., the comfort layer <NUM> and the structure layer <NUM>) configured in a translated, or extended, position relative to the armrest subframe <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The arm pad <NUM> is configured to slide along the armrest subframe <NUM> while still maintaining lateral alignment with the armrest subframe. The sliding of the arm pad <NUM> along the armrest subframe <NUM> may involve any sliding technology. For example, the arm pad <NUM> may be configured to slide along the armrest subframe <NUM> within a grooved channel or other surface (e.g., the arm pad <NUM> and armrest subframe <NUM> may be arranged in a tongue and groove, rail and stile, or similar arrangement). The arm pad <NUM> and/or armrest subframe <NUM> may also include one or more bearings to facilitate the sliding of the arm pad <NUM> along the armrest subframe <NUM>. The armrest includes a rail lock actuator <NUM> coupled to the armrest frame and configured to releasably interact with the rail. For example, the rail lock actuator may be configured to lock the arm pad <NUM> into an unlimited number of translation positions. The rail lock actuator <NUM> may configured as any type of releasable locking mechanism. For example, the rail lock actuator <NUM> may be configured as a friction lock. For instance, the rail lock actuator <NUM> may be configured as a biasing unit coupled to the armrest subframe <NUM> that biases against the structure layer <NUM> (e.g., a rail or rail-like section of the structure layer <NUM>) of the arm pad <NUM>. In particular, the biasing unit may include a spring. In another instance, the pressing of a button on the rail lock actuator <NUM> (e.g., represented by a circle in <FIG>), may release the biasing unit, allowing the arm pad <NUM> to be manually positioned in one of a plurality of translation positions (e.g., the rail lock actuator <NUM> is configured to releasably interact with the rail of the structure layer <NUM>). Upon release of the button for the rail lock actuator, the arm pad <NUM> is locked into the translation position. In some embodiments, the arm pad <NUM> may be translated relative to the arm subframe <NUM> via a biasing member, such as a spring.

<FIG> is an illustration a side view of the armrest attached to the seat frame <NUM> with the armrest <NUM> in a pivoted position (e.g., upward tilted position) relative to the seat frame <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate with any degree of freedom. For example, the armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate <NUM>° relative to the seat frame <NUM> (e.g., the armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate in a complete circle). In another example, the armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate <NUM>° relative to the seat frame <NUM>. For instance, the armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate <NUM>° clockwise and counter clockwise from an initial position relative to the seat frame <NUM> when the armrest <NUM> at the initial position is positioned parallel to a floor that the seat frame <NUM> sits upon. In another example, the armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate <NUM>° relative to the seat frame <NUM>. In another example, the armrest <NUM> may be configured to rotate <NUM>° relative to the seat frame <NUM>.

The armrest is configured with a rotation mechanism coupled to the seat frame <NUM> and the armrest <NUM>, and configured to rotate the armrest <NUM> (e.g., armrest frame <NUM>) relative to the seat frame <NUM>. The rotation mechanism may be configured with a biasing mechanism that biases the armrest <NUM> towards a rotation position. The rotation mechanism includes a spring-loaded linkage. Any type of spring-loaded linkage may be utilized by the rotation mechanism. For example, the spring-loaded linkage may include a rotational spring associated with the armrest joint <NUM> configured to bias the armrest <NUM> towards a raised position relative to the seat frame <NUM>. In another example, the spring-loaded linkage may include one or more extension springs coupled to the armrest <NUM> and the seat frame <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism further includes a rotation input activator <NUM> coupled to the armrest frame <NUM> configured to lock the armrest frame <NUM> into one of a plurality of rotation positions and/or release the armrest frame <NUM> from one of the plurality of rotation positions. For example, the rotation input actuator <NUM> may have a default lock setting that prevents movement of the armrest subframe, thereby preventing any change in rotation. In another example, manual pressing of a button on the rotation input actuator <NUM> (e.g., shown as a circle in <FIG>) may release the lock setting and allow rotation of the armrest frame <NUM> (e.g., via the one or more springs). The armrest <NUM> may utilize any type of lock/unlock mechanism. For example, the rotation input actuator <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to a friction-type locking mechanism consisting of a rod coupled to the seat frame <NUM> and/or armrest joint <NUM> and the armrest frame <NUM>, with a coupler translatably or slidably coupled to the rod and affixed and mechanically coupled to the rotation input actuator <NUM>. When the rotation input actuator <NUM> is not actuated (e.g., the button on the rotation input actuator is not depressed), a locking element presses a locking portion of the coupler against the rod, holding the armrest <NUM> in a single rotation position. Upon pressing the button associated with the rotation input actuator <NUM>, the locking portion is released from the rod, and the tilting of the armrest frame <NUM> may be adjusted by the biasing spring or adjusted manually by pushing on the armrest subframe <NUM> or arm pad <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for adjusting the armrest <NUM>, which is not part of the scope of the claims. The method <NUM> includes one or more steps for adjusting the rotation of the armrest frame <NUM> relative to the seat frame <NUM>, the tilting or pivoting of the armrest subframe <NUM> relative to the armrest frame <NUM>, and the translation (e.g., extension and/or retraction) of the arm pad <NUM> relative to the armrest subframe <NUM>.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of actuating the rotation input actuator <NUM>, wherein actuating the rotation input actuator <NUM> releases a rotation mechanism from a locked rotation position, wherein a release of the rotation mechanism rotationally biases the armrest frame <NUM> relative to the seat frame <NUM>, wherein the armrest frame <NUM> and the seat frame <NUM> are rotationally coupled. For example, a user may push a button associated with the rotation input actuator <NUM>, releasing the armrest frame <NUM> from a locked position of rotation, and allowing a biasing spring within the rotation mechanism to rotate the armrest frame <NUM> to a different rotation position relative to the seat frame <NUM>. The rotation input actuator <NUM> may be configured such that deactivating the rotation input actuator <NUM> (e.g., by releasing the button associated with the rotation input actuator <NUM>) relocks the rotation mechanism.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of actuating the tilt input actuator <NUM>, wherein actuating the tilt input actuator <NUM> releases a tilting mechanism from a locked tilt position, wherein a release of the tilting mechanism pivotably biases an armrest subframe <NUM> relative to the armrest frame <NUM>, wherein the armrest subframe <NUM> and the armrest frame <NUM> are pivotably coupled. For example, a user may push a button associated with the tilt input actuator <NUM>, releasing the armrest subframe <NUM> from a locked tilt position, and allowing a biasing spring within the tilting mechanism to pivot the armrest subframe <NUM> to a different tilt position relative to the armrest frame <NUM>. The tilt input actuator <NUM> may be configured such that deactivating the tilt input actuator <NUM> (e.g., by releasing the button associated with the tilt input actuator <NUM>) relocks the tilting mechanism.

In some examples, the method includes a step <NUM> of actuating the rail lock actuator <NUM>, wherein actuating the rail lock actuator <NUM> releases the arm pad <NUM> from a locked position relative to the armrest subframe <NUM>, wherein the arm pad <NUM> is laterally aligned with and translatably coupled to the armrest subframe <NUM>. For example, the user may push a button associated with the rail lock actuator <NUM>, releasing the arm pad <NUM> from a locked translated position relative to the armrest subframe <NUM>. The rail lock activator <NUM> may be configured such that deactivating the rail lock actuator (e.g., by releasing the button associated with the rail lock actuator <NUM>) relocks the arm pad <NUM> into a locked position relative to the rail subframe <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arm pad <NUM> may be translated relative to the arm subframe <NUM> via a biasing member, such as a spring.

In some examples, the method <NUM> includes a step <NUM> of manually rotating the armrest frame <NUM> relative to the seat frame <NUM> and deactivating the rotation input actuator <NUM>. For example, while pressing the button associated with the rotation input actuator <NUM>, the user may press down in the arm pad <NUM> (e.g., countering the biasing action of the rotation mechanism) and adjust the rotation of the armrest <NUM> to the desired position. Upon deactivation of the rotation input actuator <NUM> (e.g., by releasing the button associated with the rotation input actuator <NUM>), the armrest <NUM> relocks into a rotation position.

In some examples, the method includes a step <NUM> of manually pivoting the armrest subframe <NUM> relative to the armrest frame <NUM> and deactivating the tilt input actuator <NUM>. For example, while pressing the button associated with the tilt input actuator <NUM>, the user may press down on the arm pad <NUM> (e.g., countering the biasing action of the tilting mechanism) and adjust the tilt of the arm pad <NUM> to the desired position. Upon deactivation of the tilt input actuator <NUM> (e.g., by releasing the button associated with the tilt input actuator <NUM>), the armrest subframe <NUM> relocks into a tilt position.

Claim 1:
An armrest, comprising:
an armrest frame (<NUM>) rotationally coupleable at a first end to a seat frame;
an armrest subframe (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to a second end of the armrest frame, the armrest subframe coupled to the armrest frame at a pivot point (<NUM>);
an arm pad (<NUM>) laterally aligned and translatably coupled to the armrest subframe comprising a structure layer (<NUM>), wherein the structure layer comprises a rail;
a tilting mechanism configured to pivot the armrest subframe relative to the armrest frame, comprising:
a first moveable member (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the armrest subframe,
a second moveable member (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the armrest frame and mechanically coupled to the first moveable member;
a pushrod (<NUM>) coupled to the first moveable member and the second moveable member at a connection point;
a shaft (<NUM>) mechanically coupled to the pushrod (<NUM>) via a collar (<NUM>) on a first end and to at least one of the armrest frame or armrest subframe, wherein an extension of the pushrod increases the tilt of the armrest subframe relative to the armrest frame;
a compression spring mechanically coupled to at least one of the first moveable member, the second moveable member, or the pushrod and configured to bias the pushrod towards the extension;
a tilt input actuator (<NUM>), the tilt input actuator including a default lock setting that prevents movement of the armrest subframe, thereby preventing any change in tilt; wherein a manual pressing of a button on the tilt input actuator releases the lock setting and allows pivoting movement of the armrest subframe;
a translation mechanism configured to translate the arm pad relative to the armrest subframe comprising:
a rail lock actuator (<NUM>) coupled to the armrest frame and configured to releasably interact with the rail; and
a rotation mechanism coupleable to the seat frame and the armrest, and configured to rotate the armrest relative to the seat frame, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a spring-loaded linkage; and characterized in that:
the first moveable member is coupled to the end of the armrest subframe opposite the pivot point;
the pushrod is coupled at the connection point where both members are coupled:
wherein movement of the pushrod actuates the first moveable member and the second moveable member, altering the tilt angle of the armrest subframe relative to the armrest frame.