Patent Description:
Passenger seats, such as those provided on aircraft, trains, vehicles, and the like, sometimes include armrests for use by a user. Some armrests may be pivotable relative to a frame component passenger seat between a stowed (e.g., generally vertical) position and a deployed (e.g., generally horizontal) position such that the user may stow or deploy the armrests for use as desired. To limit armrest movement, conventional armrests have use a two pin arrangement where a pivot pin in an aperture defines an axis of rotation of the armrest and a separate guide pin in a guide slot provides a range of pivoting of the armrest. <CIT> ("Murnan") illustrates an example of such a conventional armrest. See, e.g., FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 9A of Murnan. Conventional armrests with guide slots and guide pins as shown in Murnan limit potential modularity of armrests and require a relatively large area for the armrest to attach to a frame, are relatively complex and difficult to install, and add weight to the overall passenger seat.

Document <CIT> describes an armrest for a motor vehicle seat comprising a locking device including of a setting piston capable of movement approximately radially to the bearing journal, and a locking slide capable of displacement therein in a transverse aperture. The setting piston features an engagement projection which interacts with an engagement recess. The locking slide is capable of displacement in the transverse aperture between two contact edges in the housing, between a position which locks the setting piston and a position which releases it.

Document <CIT> describes an armrest having an armrest body pivoting between a non-sitting position and a sitting position. The armrest body is clamped by a bearing device in a vehicle structure. The bearing device has a vehicle-fixed bearing center, which corresponds with another armrest body fixed bearing center. A friction element is frictionally arranged and deformed between a contact surface of the former bearing center and an abutment surface of the latter bearing center.

Document <CIT> describes a bolting element moving radially to the swivel axis of the armrest. It is loaded by a spring and is arranged in the wall of the cylinder to bear resiliently on the axis or axis hump or vice-versa and so bear on the cylinder wall.

Document <CIT> describes an armrest for motor vehicle seats comprising a body and a load bearing structure provided with swinging mounting means relative to a connecting element adapted to be fixed to a lateral side of seat backrest. The load bearing structure has a tubular end portion coaxially rotatable on a stationary shaft with rotational friction and with respective stop numbers between a raised position and a lowered position of the armrest.

Document <CIT> describes an armrest assembly including an armrest support, a cover plate, a rotation plate, an armrest plate, a positioning block, and a locking barrel. The armrest plate is rotatable relative to the armrest support to change the angle between the armrest plate and the armrest support so as to change the horizontal swivel angle of the armrest assembly.

Document <CIT> describes an armrest for motor vehicle rear seats comprising an elongated body and a load bearing structure having a tubular end portion swingably supported on a shaft adapted to be fixed in a stationary condition to the lateral sides of a recess of the seat backrest. The shaft incorporates rotational friction members cooperating with the tubular end portion of the load bearing structure.

An armrest assembly is provided according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first pivot-limiting feature includes a ridge extending inwards from the aperture wall, and the second pivot-limiting feature of the armrest pivot includes a recessed surface recessed into the armrest pivot relative to the perimeter wall.

In various embodiments, the ridge is elongated and includes a first end and a second end within the aperture, and the recessed surface is elongated and includes a first end and a second end.

In certain embodiments, the first end of the ridge is configured to engage the first end of the recessed surface when the armrest pivot is at first angular position, and the second end of the ridge is configured to engage the second end of the recessed surface when the armrest pivot is at a second angular position.

In various aspects, a length of the ridge is less than a length of the recessed surface.

In various embodiments, the recessed surface comprises a non-linear curvature, and wherein the ridge comprises an innermost surface comprising a non-linear curvature.

In some embodiments, the armrest pivot is rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first pivot-limiting feature may optionally may include an angle adjuster configured to adjust at least one of the first angular position or the second angular position. In certain embodiments, the angle adjuster may be a set screw or any other device or mechanism suitable for adjusting the first angular position or the second angular position as desired.

The armrest pivot may include at least one support location for an armrest.

Optionally, the armrest pivot assembly includes a friction device within the aperture between the perimeter wall of the armrest pivot and the aperture wall of the aperture.

In certain embodiments, the armrest pivot includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the armrest pivot at an angular position relative to the armrest support.

In various embodiments, a thickness of a portion of the armrest support defining the aperture is a same as a thickness of the armrest pivot.

In certain embodiments, the armrest pivot includes a first end and a second end, the perimeter wall extends from the first end to the second end, and the second pivot-limiting feature includes a recessed surface that is recessed relative to the perimeter wall and extends from the first end to the second end.

In various embodiments, the second pivot-limiting feature is configured to engage the first pivot-limiting feature when the armrest pivot is rotated to a first angular position or a second angular position relative to the armrest support, and the armrest pivot assembly includes an angle adjuster at least partially within the aperture and configured to adjust at least one of the first angular position or the second angular position.

The described embodiments of the invention provide armrest pivot assemblies for passenger seats. While the armrest pivot assemblies are discussed for use with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the armrest pivot assemblies provided herein may be used in passenger seats or other seats of any type or otherwise as desired.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in <FIG>, an armrest assembly <NUM> for a passenger seat includes an armrest pivot assembly <NUM> and an armrest <NUM>. A passenger seat including such an armrest assembly <NUM> may be various types of passenger seats as desired, including but not limited to an aircraft passenger seat. In one non-limiting example, an economy class aircraft passenger seat may incorporate the armrest assembly <NUM>, although other classes of aircraft passenger seat may incorporate the armrest assembly <NUM> in other embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the armrest <NUM> generally includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> may include one or more extensions <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the second end <NUM> includes two extensions <NUM>. The armrest <NUM> illustrated should not be considered limiting, as in other embodiments, the armrest <NUM> may be various types of armrests as desired.

The armrest pivot assembly <NUM> includes an armrest support <NUM> and an armrest pivot <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the armrest pivot <NUM> is coupled to the armrest <NUM> while controlling pivoting or rotation of the armrest <NUM>, thereby providing an armrest pivot with concentric features compared to traditional armrest assemblies.

The armrest support <NUM> may be various support or frame members suitable for supporting the armrest <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the armrest support <NUM> is a spreader of an aircraft passenger seat. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the armrest support <NUM> includes a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. A distance from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> may be a thickness of the armrest support <NUM>. The armrest support <NUM> may further include a forward end <NUM> and an aft end <NUM>.

The armrest support <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> having an aperture wall <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be defined proximate to an end <NUM> of the armrest support <NUM>; however, in other embodiments, the aperture <NUM> may be defined in other portions of the armrest support <NUM> as desired.

As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the aperture wall <NUM> includes a pivot-limiting feature <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> may be complimentary to a pivot-limiting feature <NUM> of the armrest pivot <NUM> for controlling rotation of the armrest <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> is a ridge <NUM> that extends inwards from the aperture wall <NUM>, and the ridge <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. A distance from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> is a length of the ridge <NUM>, and in certain embodiments the length may be adjusted to control the range of rotation of the armrest <NUM>. The ridge <NUM> may have a ridge surface <NUM>, and in certain embodiments, the ridge surface <NUM> optionally may be non-linear. In the embodiment illustrate, the ridge <NUM> extends from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>; however, in other embodiments, the ridge <NUM> need not extend from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>, and the ridge <NUM> may extend partially between the sides <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, the particular location of the ridge <NUM> along the aperture wall <NUM> and relative to the forward end <NUM> and the aft end <NUM> should not be considered limiting, as in various embodiments, the ridge <NUM> as the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> may be provided at various locations long the aperture wall <NUM> as desired.

While the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> is illustrated as the ridge <NUM>, as mentioned, in other embodiments, may be other features or components for controlling a range of rotation of the armrest <NUM> as desired. As non-limiting examples, the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> may be one or more grooves recessed into the aperture wall <NUM> and/or may be a ridge or stopper having a different profile. In the embodiment illustrated, the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> is monolithic or integrally formed with the armrest support <NUM>, although it need not be in other examples.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the armrest pivot <NUM> includes a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, and a perimeter wall <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a distance from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the armrest pivot <NUM> optionally is the same as the distance from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the armrest support <NUM> at the aperture <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the armrest pivot <NUM> includes one or more support features <NUM> for facilitating coupling of the armrest <NUM> with the armrest pivot <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the support features <NUM> include a plurality of apertures <NUM> extending through the armrest pivot <NUM> for receiving mechanical fasteners <NUM> such as pins, bolts, screws, etc. However, the number, type, and location of support features <NUM> should not be considered limiting, and in other embodiments, other devices, features, or mechanisms may be used to couple the armrest <NUM> with the armrest pivot <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, a snap-fit connection, friction fit connection, clips, hooks, combinations thereof, and/or other types of support features suitable for attachment of the armrest <NUM> with the armrest pivot <NUM> may be utilized.

The profile and shape of the perimeter wall <NUM> may be complimentary to that of the aperture wall <NUM> such that the armrest pivot <NUM> may rotate relative to the armrest support <NUM> while positioned within the aperture <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in certain embodiments, the armrest pivot <NUM> includes the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> that is complimentary to the pivot-limiting feature <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> may selectively engage the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> to control a range of rotation of the armrest <NUM> relative to the armrest support <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated, the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> is a groove <NUM> that is recessed relative to the perimeter wall <NUM>. The groove <NUM> has a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> opposite from the first end <NUM>, and a groove surface <NUM>. A distance from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> may be a length of the groove <NUM>, and in certain embodiments the length of the groove <NUM> is greater than the length of the ridge <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the groove surface <NUM> may be non-linear between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the groove <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the groove <NUM> extends from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>, although it need not in other embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, when the armrest pivot assembly <NUM> is assembled, the armrest pivot <NUM> is positioned within the aperture <NUM> of the armrest support <NUM>. The armrest pivot <NUM> is rotatable within the aperture <NUM>, and the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> selectively engages the pivot-limiting feature <NUM> at a first angular position (e.g., a minimum angle relative to a horizontal axis) and a second angular position (e.g., a maximum angle relative to the horizontal axis), thereby defining a range or rotation of the armrest pivot <NUM> relative to the armrest support <NUM>. In some embodiments, in the first angular position, the first end <NUM> of the groove <NUM> engages the first end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the groove <NUM> is spaced apart from the second end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM>. Conversely, in the second angular position, the second end <NUM> of the groove <NUM> engages the second end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the groove <NUM> is spaced apart from the first end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM>.

Optionally, a friction member <NUM> may be provided within the aperture <NUM> between the perimeter wall <NUM> and the aperture wall <NUM>. The friction member <NUM> may be various suitable devices or features for increasing friction between the armrest pivot <NUM> and the armrest support <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the friction member <NUM> may allow for the armrest pivot <NUM> to remain at an intermediate angular position between the first angular position and the second angular position absent an external force. Additionally or alternatively, the friction member <NUM> may reduce wear or other problems that may otherwise be caused due to rotation of the armrest pivot <NUM> within the aperture <NUM>. In other embodiments, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the armrest pivot assembly <NUM> need not include the friction member <NUM>.

Optionally, and as best illustrated in <FIG>, the armrest pivot assembly <NUM> includes an angle adjuster <NUM> for adjusting at least one of the first angular position or the second angular position. In the embodiment illustrated, the angle adjuster <NUM> is a set screw <NUM>, which is positionable in an adjuster aperture <NUM> and threadably engaged with the adjuster aperture <NUM>. The adjuster aperture <NUM> may extend through the armrest support <NUM> such that the set screw <NUM> may selectively extend into the aperture <NUM>, such as (but not limited to) from the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the ridge <NUM>. The angle adjuster <NUM> extending from the ridge <NUM> may cause the armrest pivot <NUM> to engage the angle adjuster <NUM> at a maximum or minimum position, thereby decreasing the range of rotation. As a non-limiting example, when the angle adjuster <NUM> does not extend into the aperture <NUM>, the armrest pivot <NUM> may be rotatable over a range of angles of <NUM>° to <NUM>° relative to the horizontal axis, and when the angle adjuster <NUM> extends into the aperture <NUM>, it changes the minimum angle to be <NUM>°, and the range of motion is thus from <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The above example is for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

Optionally, and as illustrated in <FIG>, a locking mechanism <NUM> may be provided with the armrest pivot <NUM> for selectively locking the armrest <NUM> at an angular position and/or to prevent rotation of the armrest pivot <NUM> as desired. In the embodiment illustrated, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a plunger <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is a rotatable latch in the embodiment illustrated, and based on rotation of the latch, the plunger <NUM> is movable between a disengaged position (e.g., allowing normal rotation of the armrest pivot <NUM>) and an engaged position (e.g., limiting rotation of the armrest pivot <NUM>). <FIG> illustrate the locking mechanism <NUM> in the disengaged position, with movement to the engaged position represented by arrows <NUM> in <FIG>. In other embodiments, other types of locking mechanisms may be utilized as desired, and the locking mechanism <NUM> need not be the plunger and actuator illustrated.

Referring to <FIG>, when the armrest <NUM> is assembled with the armrest pivot assembly <NUM>, the extensions <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> overlap the aperture <NUM> and the armrest pivot <NUM>. In certain embodiments, friction members <NUM> are provided between the sides <NUM>, <NUM> and the corresponding extensions <NUM>. The friction members <NUM> may further facilitate positioning of the armrest <NUM> at an intermediate position and/or may reduce wear that would otherwise be caused by rotation of the armrest <NUM>.

As illustrated in the figures, the armrest pivot assembly <NUM> supports the armrest <NUM> relative to a passenger seat while also defining a range of motion of the armrest <NUM> (e.g., between a stowed position and a deployed position). Compared to traditional armrests, the armrest pivot assembly <NUM> also eliminates the guide pin and the guide slot, thereby allowing for smaller pivot areas and/or an increased modularity and/or shaping of the pivot area as desired. The armrest pivot assembly <NUM> may further be lighter in weight and simpler compared to traditional armrests with guide pins and guide slots. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Directional references such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "forward," and "aft," among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements. As used herein, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Claim 1:
An armrest assembly (<NUM>) for a passenger seat comprising:
an armrest (<NUM>) and an armrest pivot assembly (<NUM>), wherein said armrest pivot assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
an armrest support (<NUM>) defining an aperture (<NUM>) comprising an aperture wall (<NUM>), wherein the aperture wall (<NUM>) comprises a first pivot-limiting feature (<NUM>);
an armrest pivot (<NUM>) within the aperture (<NUM>) of the armrest support (<NUM>) and rotatable within the aperture (<NUM>) relative to the armrest support (<NUM>), wherein the armrest pivot (<NUM>) comprises a perimeter wall (<NUM>), wherein the perimeter wall (<NUM>) comprises a second pivot-limiting feature (<NUM>), and wherein the first pivot-limiting feature (<NUM>) and the second pivot-limiting feature (<NUM>) define a range of rotation of the armrest pivot (<NUM>) relative to the armrest support (<NUM>),
characterized in that the armrest pivot (<NUM>) is coupled to the armrest (<NUM>) thereby controlling rotation of the armrest (<NUM>) relative to the armrest support (<NUM>) and in that the armrest (<NUM>) comprises an end (<NUM>), the end (<NUM>) comprising a first extension (<NUM>) and a second extension (<NUM>), wherein the first extension (<NUM>) and the second extension (<NUM>) overlap the aperture (<NUM>) and armrest pivot (<NUM>) of the armrest pivot assembly (<NUM>).