Patent Description:
An arm cap friction hinge mechanism is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the actuation of the arm cap via the arm cap friction hinge mechanism may be configured to allow a cushion coupled to the arm cap to avoid an adjacent cushion of an adjacent arm cap during actuation.

In some embodiments, the first top link and the top friction hinge link may be coupled to a first side of the center link. The second top link and the top pin link may be coupled to a second side of the center link.

In some embodiments, the upper hinge mount may be coupled to the first top link and the top friction hinge link opposite the center link.

In some embodiments, the upper pin mount may be coupled to the second top link and the top pin link opposite the center link.

In some embodiments, the at least one hinge mount may include a first hinge mount and a second hinge mount.

In some embodiments, the at least a second friction hinge may include a second friction hinge and a third friction hinge. The first hinge mount may be coupled to the center link via the second friction hinge. The second hinge mount may be coupled to the center link via the third friction hinge.

In some embodiments, portions of the center link, the first top link, the top friction hinge link, and the upper hinge mount may form a first linkage assembly.

In some embodiments, portions of the center link, the second top link, the top pin link, and the upper pin mount may form a second linkage assembly.

In some embodiments, the first friction hinge may be configured to act on the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly. The arm cap may be configured to actuate between the closed position and the first open position around the first friction hinge, the first linkage assembly, and the second linkage assembly.

In some embodiments, the at least a second friction hinge may provide a greater force on the center link than the force provided by the first friction hinge on the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly.

In some embodiments, the first friction hinge may be a one-way friction hinge.

In some embodiments, the at least a second friction hinge may be a two-way friction hinge.

An arm cap friction hinge mechanism is also described. The arm cap friction hinge mechanism may include a first linkage assembly coupled to an arm cap of an aircraft seat. The arm cap friction hinge mechanism may include a second linkage assembly coupled to the arm cap of the aircraft seat. The arm cap friction hinge mechanism may include a center link. The center link may be a linkage of the first linkage assembly and a linkage of the second linkage assembly. The arm cap friction hinge mechanism may include a first friction hinge may be configured to act on the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly. The arm cap may be configured to actuate between a closed position and a first open position around the first friction hinge, the first linkage assembly, and the second linkage assembly. The arm cap friction hinge mechanism may include at least one hinge mount coupled to the aircraft seat. The arm cap friction hinge mechanism may include at least a second friction hinge. The center link may be coupled to the at least one hinge mount via the at least a second friction hinge. The arm cap may be configured to actuate between the first open position and a second open position about an axis through the at least a second friction hinge.

In some embodiments, the actuation of the arm cap around the first friction hinge, the first linkage assembly, the second linkage assembly, and the at least a second friction hinge may be configured to allow a cushion coupled to the arm cap to avoid an adjacent cushion of an adjacent arm cap during actuation.

The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of or sub-combination of two or more such features, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instant disclosure.

<FIG> in general illustrate an aircraft seat friction hinge mechanism, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> in general illustrate an aircraft seat assembly <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The aircraft seat assembly <NUM> may include one or more aircraft seats <NUM>.

Select aircraft seats <NUM> (e.g., such as business-class seats) may include a center console <NUM> with an arm cap <NUM>. For example, the arm cap <NUM> may be directly coupled to the center console <NUM>. By way of another example, the arm cap <NUM> may be coupled to a frame or chassis, and the frame or chassis may be coupled to the center console <NUM>. The arm cap <NUM> may include a cushion <NUM>. The arm cap <NUM> may provide access to a storage compartment <NUM> within the center console <NUM>. In select arrangements, adjacent aircraft seats <NUM> may share a center console <NUM>, with respective arm caps <NUM> allowing access to respective storage compartment <NUM>.

The storage compartment <NUM> may be configured to receive and hold (e.g., contain, secure, or the like) one or more passenger amenities including, but not limited to, paper-printed materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, or the like), handsets, select personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, phablets, laptops, music devices, digital video disc (DVD) players, handheld gaming consoles or devices, or the like), food products, drink products, or the like. The storage compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections for one or more passenger amenities such as, but not limited to, one or more charging ports, one or more charging cables, or the like. The storage compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the passenger compartment such as, but not limited to, one or more display device connection ports, one or more display device connection cables, one or more audio output jacks (e.g., headphone jacks), one or more audio input jacks, or the like.

In these arrangements, the arm caps <NUM> of each respective aircraft seat <NUM> may interfere with one another when either is opened or closed. For example, the cushions <NUM> of the arm caps <NUM> may interfere with one another during rotation of a first arm cap <NUM> while the second arm cap <NUM> remains stationary in a closed position. The interference may cause unnecessary wear in the cushions <NUM>. In addition, the interference may provide a potentially-displeasing aesthetic to the aircraft seats <NUM>. However, a solution such as increasing the gap between the cushions <NUM> could potentially provide similarly-displeasing aesthetic to the aircraft seats <NUM>, and/or may require a re-design of other components of the aircraft seats <NUM> such that the arm caps <NUM> may not be swappable.

Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide aircraft seat arm caps with an improved hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism should allow for adjacent arm caps <NUM> to open without interference. The mechanism should also able to the implemented within the adjacent arm caps <NUM> without increasing a gap between the adjacent arm caps <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> in general illustrate a set of friction hinge mechanisms <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. It is noted herein that "friction hinge mechanism," "hinge mechanism," "mechanism," or similar terms may be equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure. In addition, it is noted herein each arm cap may include a friction hinge mechanism <NUM>.

A friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a center link <NUM>. The center link <NUM> may be configured to receive one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like). It is noted herein the center link <NUM> and the one or more fasteners may be considered a center link assembly <NUM>.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a set of top links <NUM>. For example, the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include two top links <NUM>, with one on each side of the center link <NUM>. Each of the set of top links <NUM> may be coupled to the center link <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like) received by (e.g., inserted into) the center link <NUM>.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a top friction hinge link <NUM>. The top friction hinge link <NUM> may be coupled to the center link <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like) received by (e.g., inserted into) the center link <NUM>. The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a top pin link <NUM>. The top pin link <NUM> may be coupled to the center link <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like) received by (e.g., inserted into) the center link <NUM>. It is noted herein the top pin link <NUM> (and its corresponding top link <NUM>) may be coupled to a different side of the center link <NUM> than the top friction hinge link <NUM> (and its corresponding top link <NUM>). In this regard, the friction hinge mechanism may be handed.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include an upper hinge mount <NUM>. The upper hinge mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top friction hinge link <NUM> via a friction hinge <NUM>. For example, the upper hinge mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top friction hinge link <NUM> opposite the center link <NUM> (e.g., opposite sides of the top friction hinge link <NUM>). It is noted herein, however, the upper hinge mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top friction hinge link <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like). The upper hinge mount <NUM> may be coupled to a top link <NUM> of the set of top links <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like). For example, the upper hinge mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top link <NUM> opposite the center link <NUM> (e.g., opposite sides of the top link <NUM>). It is noted herein the upper hinge mount <NUM>, the friction hinge <NUM>, and the one or more fasteners may be considered a hinge mount assembly <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the upper hinge mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top link <NUM> via a friction hinge.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include an upper pin mount <NUM>. The upper pin mount <NUM> may be coupled to a top link <NUM> of the set of top links <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like). For example, the upper pin mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top link <NUM> opposite the center link <NUM> (e.g., opposite sides of the top link <NUM>). The upper pin mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top pin link <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like). For example, the upper pin mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top pin link <NUM> opposite the center link <NUM> (e.g., opposite sides of the top pin link <NUM>). It is noted herein the upper pin mount <NUM> and the one or more fasteners may be considered a pin mount assembly <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the upper pin mount <NUM> may be coupled to the top link <NUM> and/or the top pin link <NUM> via a friction hinge.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may be coupled to a set of hinge mounts <NUM>. For example, the center link <NUM> may be coupled to a hinge mount <NUM> of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> via a friction hinge <NUM>. For instance, the center link <NUM> may be coupled to each of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> via a friction hinge <NUM>. By way of another example, the center link <NUM> may be coupled to a second hinge mount <NUM> of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> via one or more fasteners (e.g., pins, screws, or the like). For instance, the center link <NUM> may be coupled to a first hinge mount <NUM> of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> via a friction hinge <NUM>, and a second hinge mount <NUM> of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> via one or more fasteners.

Where the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> is installed in each of a set of adjacent arm caps <NUM>, it is noted herein each hinge mount <NUM> of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> may be a double hinge mount <NUM>. Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate a set of friction hinge mechanisms <NUM> being used with adjacent arm caps <NUM>, however, it is noted herein the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may be used with a standalone or singular arm cap <NUM> (e.g., where the aircraft seat <NUM> is standalone or singular). Here, each hinge mount <NUM> of the set of hinge mounts <NUM> may be a single hinge mount <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

<FIG> in general illustrate an operation of the friction hinge mechanism <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Although <FIG> illustrate parts of friction hinge mechanisms <NUM> from adjacent arm caps <NUM>, it should be understood from <FIG> and <FIG> that the friction hinge mechanisms <NUM> are handed such that each friction hinge mechanism <NUM> includes both parts as illustrated in <FIG> in the adjacent arm caps <NUM>.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a linkage assembly <NUM>. For example, the linkage assembly <NUM> may be a four-bar linkage assembly. For instance, the linkage assembly <NUM> may be defined by at least a portion of the center link <NUM>, a top link <NUM>, a top friction hinge link <NUM>, and at least a portion of an upper hinge mount <NUM>.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a linkage assembly <NUM>. For example, the linkage assembly <NUM> may be a four-bar linkage assembly. For instance, the linkage assembly <NUM> may be defined by at least a portion of the center link <NUM>, a top link <NUM>, a top pin link <NUM>, and at least a portion of an upper pin mount <NUM>.

A friction hinge <NUM> may act on the linkage assembly <NUM> (e.g., directly) and the linkage assembly <NUM> (e.g., indirectly, through the center link <NUM>) as the arm cap actuates between a closed position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and a first open position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>). The actuation between the closed position and the first open position may pass through any number of intermediate positions (e.g., example intermediate positions being illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>). During the actuation, the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may at least partially collapse inward. Due to the at least partial collapse inward of the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, the arm cap <NUM> actuates not about a single fixed point, but instead actuates about a point that shifts with the at least partial collapsing of the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may include linkages that are configured to allow the arm cap <NUM> to actuate about a single fixed point. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may include a linkage assembly <NUM>. For example, the linkage assembly <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, the center link <NUM>.

A friction hinge <NUM> may act on the linkage assembly <NUM> (e.g., directly) and the linkage assembly <NUM> (e.g., indirectly, through the center link <NUM>) as the arm cap actuates between the first open position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and a second open position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>). The actuation between the first open position and the second open position may pass through any number of intermediate positions (e.g., an example intermediate position being illustrated in <FIG>). For purposes of the disclosure, the first open position may be considered a partially-open position and the second open position may be considered a fully-open position.

During the actuation, the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may rotate or pivot about an axis through the friction hinge <NUM>. Due to the increased space or gap generated between the adjacent arm caps <NUM> during the actuation between the closed position and the first open position, the arm cap <NUM> is allowed to actuate between the first open position and the second open position without interfering with the adjacent arm cap <NUM> (e.g., interference caused by the cushions <NUM> coming into contact). However, the increased space or gap is only generated during the actuation, and is not present when the arm cap <NUM> is in the closed position or in the fully open position.

The friction hinge <NUM> may provide a greater force on the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., the center link <NUM>) than the friction hinge <NUM> provides on the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the actuation between the closed position and the first open position is fully completed before the actuation between the first open position and the second open position occurs.

The friction hinge <NUM> and/or the friction hinge <NUM> may be configured to hold the arm cap <NUM> at select positions absent an applied force.

The friction hinge <NUM> may be a one-way friction hinge <NUM>, which keeps the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> from actuating absent an applied force until the completion of the transition between the closed position and the first open position. The one-way nature of the friction hinge <NUM>, however, may allow the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to actuate prior to the actuation of the linkages <NUM>, <NUM> between the second open position and the closed position.

The friction hinge <NUM> may be a two-way friction hinge <NUM>, which prevents the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> from actuating in any direction absent an applied force. It is noted herein, however, the friction hinge <NUM> may be a one-way friction hinge <NUM>, which may prevent the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> from actuating between the closed position and the first open position absent an applied force, but may allow for the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to actuate between the first open position and the closed position without any applied force.

In this regard, the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may be considered a two-part mechanism, where the first part of the mechanism is the actuation between the closed position and the first open position, and the second part of the mechanism is the actuation between the first open position and the second open position. It is noted herein the friction hinge <NUM> may hold the arm cap <NUM> in the second open position, absent an applied force.

It is noted herein, however, that it is contemplated the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> and the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may simultaneously actuate, to the extent there is no interference by the arm cap <NUM> with the adjacent arm cap <NUM> (e.g., interference caused by the cushions <NUM> coming into contact).

As such, an arm cap <NUM> may be configured to rotate from the closed position to a fully-open position without breaching a plane <NUM> (e.g., as defined by a surface of an adjacent arm cap <NUM>), where the breaching the plane <NUM> would cause interference between the arm caps <NUM> (e.g., by allowing the cushions <NUM> to come into contact with each other). In addition, the actuation about the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, and then the second actuation about the linkage assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, allow for actuation of the adjacent arm caps <NUM> without a need for an increased gap between the adjacent arm caps <NUM>.

In this regard, the arm cap <NUM> is allowed to actuate between the closed position and the first open position without interfering with (e.g., avoiding) the adjacent arm cap <NUM> (e.g., interference caused by the cushions <NUM> coming into contact). It is noted herein the friction hinge <NUM> may hold the arm cap <NUM> in the first open position, absent an applied force.

Although not shown, it should be understood the arm cap <NUM> may actuate between the second open position and the closed position via one or more of the actuations illustrated in <FIG> being performed in a different (e.g., reverse) order.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure describe friction hinges <NUM>, <NUM>, it is noted herein the various components of the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may be configured with physical limiters (e.g., mechanical detents, or the like) that provide additional force to hold the arm cap <NUM> in select positions and/or prevent out-of-turn actuation, similar to the operation of the friction hinges <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

It is noted herein the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may need to be configured in accordance with aviation guidelines and/or standards set forth by, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or any other flight certification agency or organization; the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC), SAE International, or any other standards setting organization or company; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) or any other guidelines agency or organization; or the like.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> being integrated with the aircraft seats <NUM>, it is noted herein, however, that the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> and/or components of the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> are not limited to the aviation environment and/or the aircraft components within the aviation environment. For example, the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> and/or components of the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may be configured for any type of vehicle known in the art. For instance, the vehicle may be any air, space, land, or water-based personal equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based commercial equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based military equipment or vehicle known in the art. By way of another example, the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> and/or components of the friction hinge mechanism <NUM> may be configured for commercial or industrial use in either a home or a business. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present invention but merely an illustration.

Claim 1:
An arm cap friction hinge mechanism (<NUM>), comprising:
a center link (<NUM>);
a first top link (<NUM>) coupled to the center link;
a top friction hinge link (<NUM>) coupled to the center link;
an upper hinge mount (<NUM>) coupled to an arm cap of an aircraft seat, the upper hinge mount (<NUM>) coupled to the first top link, the upper hinge mount coupled to the top friction hinge link via a first friction hinge (<NUM>), the arm cap being configured to actuate between a closed position and a first open position around the first friction hinge;
a second top link (<NUM>) coupled to the center link;
a top pin link (<NUM>) coupled to the center link;
an upper pin mount (<NUM>) coupled to the arm cap of the aircraft seat, the upper pin mount coupled to the second top link and the top pin link; and
at least one hinge mount (<NUM>) coupled to the aircraft seat, the center link coupled to the at least one hinge mount via at least a second friction hinge, the arm cap being configured to actuate between the first open position and a second open position about an axis through the at least a second friction hinge (<NUM>).