Patent Description:
A cabin attendant seat is disclosed. The cabin attendant seat includes a seat pan. The cabin attendant seat includes a seatback. The cabin attendant seat includes a device holder coupled to a portion of the seat pan. The device holder includes a main body including a plurality of main body walls that define a main body cavity, a main body wall of the plurality of main body walls configured to couple to the portion of the seat pan. The device holder includes a cover including a plurality of cover walls that define a cover cavity, the main body cavity and the cover cavity forming a device holder cavity configured to stow a mobile device when the cover is coupled to the main body. The device holder includes an opening positioned proximate to the device holder cavity, the opening configured to receive the mobile device. The device holder includes a structural member coupled to an additional main body wall of the plurality of main body walls. The device holder includes a device securing assembly coupled to one of the main body, the cover, or the structural member, the device securing assembly configured to rotate between at least a first position and a second position, when in the first position the device securing assembly configured to secure the mobile device within the cavity, when in the second position the mobile device configured to be removed from the device holder cavity via the opening.

In some embodiment, the device securing assembly may include a retention lever assembly including a handle portion, a lever portion, and a securing portion.

In some embodiments, the retention lever assembly may be coupled to the structural member via the securing portion of the retention lever assembly.

In some embodiments, the lever portion includes a status indicator.

In some embodiments, the retention lever assembly may further include one or more detent holes configured to facilitate positive locking between at least the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, the structural member may include one or more detent pin holes configured to receive one or more detent pins.

In some embodiments, the main body cavity may include one or more padded portions, the one or more padded portions coupled to at least one main body wall of the plurality of main body walls, the one or more padded portions configured to protect the mobile device when stowed in the device holder cavity.

In some embodiments, the device holder may further include one or more access ports.

In some embodiments, a cover wall of the plurality of cover walls may include one or more raised portions.

In some embodiments, the main body wall of the plurality of main body walls may include one or more perforations.

In some embodiments, the device holder may further include one or more placards coupled to one or more exterior surfaces of the plurality of cover walls of the cover.

In some embodiments, the one or more informational placards may include a maximum weight placard.

In some embodiments, the one or more informational placards may include a device securing assembly instruction placard.

In some embodiments, the cover may be formed of a thermoformed plastic.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cover walls of the cover may be dimensioned to fit over the plurality of main body walls of the main body, one or more interior surfaces of the plurality of cover walls configured to engage with one or exterior surfaces of the plurality of main body walls of the main body.

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.

<FIG> generally illustrate a seat pan mounted mobile device holder, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Aircraft cabin designs include cabin attendant seats for taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTL) situations, turbulence, emergencies, or the like, as aviation guidelines and/or standards dictate that flight attendants be seated at these times. Often, crew members (e.g., cabin attendants) have mobile devices that are used during the flight (e.g., pre-flight, in-flight, or post-flight) which need to be stowed when not in use.

As such, it would be desirable to provide a seat mounted device holder. The device holder should allow the seat occupant (e.g., cabin attendant) to be able to access and store the mobile device (e.g., tablet, smartphone, or the like) while seated or standing. The device holder should allow the mobile device to be retained within the device holder regardless of the conditions/state of the aircraft (e.g., aircraft altitude, acceleration rate, high turbulence, TTL situations, emergency crash, and the like). For example, the device holder should be able to withstand accelerations up to <NUM>. The device holder should allow the passenger to ingress and egress without interference of the device holder and/or the device contained within the device holder.

<FIG> illustrates a seat pan mounted mobile device holder <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that "seat pan mounted mobile device holder," "seat pan mounted device holder," "mobile device holder," "device holder," and variations thereof may be considered equivalent.

In embodiments, the device holder <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, a main body <NUM>, a cover <NUM>, a lever assembly <NUM>, a structural member <NUM>, a mobile device cavity <NUM>, an opening <NUM>, and an access port <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be configured to couple to one or more portions of the main body <NUM>. When coupled together, one or more surfaces of the cover <NUM> and the main body <NUM> may define the mobile device cavity <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. For example, one or more interior surfaces of the cover <NUM> and one or more interior surfaces of the main body <NUM> may define the mobile device cavity <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. In this regard, the cavity <NUM> of device holder <NUM> may be configured to receive a mobile device via the opening <NUM>, such that a seat occupant may be able to stow the mobile device within the device holder <NUM> when the mobile device is not in use. As discussed further herein, a seat occupant occupying a cabin attendant seat may be able to access the seat pan mounted device holder <NUM> pan through the side opening <NUM> for in-flight use by the seat occupant.

In embodiments, the access port <NUM> is positioned opposite the opening <NUM> to allow stuck items to be pushed out of the cavity <NUM> without the device holder <NUM> being disassembled. For example, the access port <NUM> may allow a seat occupant to insert an item (e.g., pen, pencil, stick, screwdriver, or the like) through the access port <NUM> to push out items contained within the cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the main body <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that "main body," "body," and variations thereof may be considered equivalent.

In embodiments, the main body <NUM> includes one or more body walls <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM>. It is noted that the main body <NUM> may include up to an N number of body walls <NUM>. For example, the main body <NUM> may include at least a first body wall <NUM> (e.g., bottom wall), a second body wall <NUM> (e.g., rear wall), a third body wall <NUM> (e.g., a first side wall), and a fourth body wall <NUM> (e.g., a second side wall).

In embodiments, a body wall of the one or more body walls <NUM> may include perforated body walls <NUM>. For example, the first body wall <NUM> (e.g., bottom body wall) may include a perforated body wall <NUM> (e.g., a body wall including one or more cut outs or perforations). It is noted that the perforations may reduce the weight of the device holder <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in embodiments, the one or more body walls <NUM> may include one or more padded portions. For example, one or more interior surfaces <NUM> of the one or more body walls <NUM> may include one or more padded portions to protect the mobile device when contained within the cavity <NUM> of the main body (and the cavity <NUM> generally). In one instance, an interior surface of the first side wall may include a padded portion <NUM>. In another instance, an interior surface of the rear wall may include a padded portion <NUM>. In another instance, an interior surface of the second side wall may include a padded portion. In another instance, an interior surface of the bottom body wall (e.g., perforated wall <NUM>) may include one or more padded portions <NUM>.

Although <FIG> depicts a specific padding configuration (e.g., number, layout, and the like), the device holder <NUM> (e.g., main body <NUM>, cover <NUM>, and the like) may include any configuration of padding. The one or more padded portions may be formed of any material suitable for protecting the mobile device. For example, the one or more padded portions may be formed of one or more flame-retardant hook-and-loop padding materials. It is noted that the one or more padded portions may provide scratch and bump protection for the mobile device while stowed in the device holder <NUM>.

In embodiments, the main body <NUM> is mountable to a seat (e.g., cabin attendant seat <NUM> shown in <FIG>). For example, a body wall of the one or more body walls <NUM> may be mountable to a seat via one or more mounting fasteners <NUM>. The device holder <NUM> may be mounted to the seat via any mounting fasteners or mounting techniques suitable for withstanding up to <NUM> of acceleration such as, but not limited to, one or more rivets, one or more adhesives, one or more welding techniques, and the like.

As discussed previously herein, the device holder <NUM> when mounted to the seat (e.g., seat pan of the cabin attendant seat) may be able to withstand accelerations up to <NUM>.

It is noted that the main body <NUM> may be formed of any material suitable for withstanding up to 16Gs of accelerations. For example, the main body <NUM> may be formed of aluminum, titanium, stainless steal, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the cover <NUM> may include one or more walls <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM>. It is noted that the cover <NUM> may include up to an N number of walls <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> may include at least a first wall <NUM> (e.g., top wall), a second wall <NUM> (e.g., rear wall), a third wall <NUM> (e.g., a first side wall), and a fourth wall <NUM> (e.g., a second side wall).

In embodiments, the one or more walls <NUM> of the cover <NUM> may be dimensioned to fit over the one or more walls <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. For example, one or more interior surfaces <NUM> of the one or more walls <NUM> of the cover <NUM> may be configured to engage with one or more exterior surfaces <NUM> of the one or more walls <NUM> of the main body <NUM> (e.g., via one or more fasteners, friction caused by interference, or the like).

In this regard, the cover <NUM> may stay in place on or in the main body <NUM> until the one or more fasteners are removed (or until a select amount of force is applied (e.g., a select amount of force equal to or greater than a frictional force, or other force applied to the cover <NUM> on the main body <NUM>, or some combination of forces)).

In embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be fully removable from the main body <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> may be reversibly coupled to the main body <NUM> via one or more fasteners. For instance, a first portion of the cover <NUM> may be reversibly coupled to the main body <NUM> via one or more screws <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and one or more holes <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, a body wall (e.g., side body wall) of the main body <NUM> may couple to the first portion of the cover <NUM> via the one or more screws <NUM> and the one or more holes <NUM>, <NUM>, where the padded portion <NUM> may at least partially cover a portion of the one or more screws <NUM> (to prevent the screws from damaging the mobile device when in the cavity <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>).

In embodiments, the cover <NUM> may include one or more raised portions <NUM>. For example, the top wall <NUM> may include a first raised portion proximate to the first side wall. By way of another example, the top wall <NUM> may include a second raised portion proximate to the second side wall. It is noted that the one or more raised potions may compliment the aesthetics of the seat (e.g., bumps <NUM> of the cabin attendant seat <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and provide rigidity to protect the device holder <NUM> from impact.

Referring to <FIG>, the device holder <NUM> may include one or more placards <NUM>. For example, an exterior surface <NUM> of the one or more walls <NUM> of the cover <NUM> may include one or more placards <NUM>. In one instance, an exterior surface of a top wall of the cover <NUM> may include a first placard <NUM> (e.g., a latch must be closed placard). In another instance, an exterior surface of a top wall of the cover <NUM> may include a second placard <NUM> (e.g., max weight indicator placard (e.g., <NUM>/ <NUM> lbs. It is noted that the one or more placards <NUM> may be coupled to one or more surfaces of the device holder and may include any message (e.g., safety alert, instructions, or the like), graphic (e.g., branding), symbol, or the like.

It is noted that the cover <NUM> may be formed of any material. For example, the cover <NUM> may be formed of thermoformed plastic, one or more metals or metal alloys, one or more composites, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates the lever assembly <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the lever assembly <NUM> is configured to secure the mobile device within the cavity <NUM> when in the closed position (e.g., secured position). For example, when the one or more lever assembly <NUM> is in the closed position (e.g., secured position), the lever assembly <NUM> may be configured to prevent the mobile device from being dislodged from the device holder <NUM>. For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that "lever assembly," "assembly <NUM>," and variations thereof may be considered equivalent.

The lever assembly <NUM> may include a retention lever assembly. The retention lever assembly <NUM> may include a handle portion <NUM>, a lever portion <NUM>, a lever securing portion <NUM>, a bearing surface <NUM> for the levers rotation, and one or more detent holes <NUM>.

The lever portion <NUM> may configured to rotate between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees between the closed position and the open position (and vice versa) via an axis through the handle portion <NUM>. For example, the lever assembly <NUM> may include the one or more detent holes <NUM> positioned proximate to the lever portion <NUM> and configured to facilitate positive locking at <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. For instance, the lever portion <NUM> may include a two-position lever latch with positive locking at <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, such that the lever portion <NUM> may rotate about the axis between the open position and closed position (and vice versa). The handle portion <NUM> may aid a seat occupant in rotating the lever portion <NUM> between the respective positions.

The securing portion <NUM> may include a mating portion (e.g., threaded portion) <NUM> configured to mate with one or more fasteners that retain and compress the spring (not shown). The securing portion <NUM> may be configured to retain the compression spring (not shown).

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a retention lever assembly <NUM>, it is noted that the device holder <NUM> may include any type of securing member assembly suitable for securing the mobile device within the cavity <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>. As previously discussed herein, the retention lever assembly <NUM> may be configured to withstand accelerations up to 4Gs, such that the mobile device is not inadvertently dislodged in-flight.

Referring to <FIG>, the retention lever assembly <NUM> may include one or more status indicators <NUM> configured to indicate whether the lever assembly <NUM> is in the open position (e.g., unsecured position) or the closed position (e.g., secured position). For example, the lever portion <NUM> of the lever assembly <NUM> may include an indicator configured to indicate that the lever assembly <NUM> is in the closed position. For instance, the indicator may be a colored indicator (e.g., green indicator) to indicate that the mobile device is secured within the cavity via the lever portion <NUM> of the lever assembly <NUM>. By way of another example, the lever portion <NUM> of the lever assembly <NUM> may include an indicator configured to indicate that the lever assembly <NUM> is in the unsecured position. For instance, the indicator may be a colored indicator (e.g., red indicator) to indicate that the mobile device is not secured within the cavity via the lever portion <NUM> of the lever assembly <NUM>.

Although <FIG> depicts a status indicator <NUM> on a first side of the lever <NUM> of the lever assembly <NUM>, it is noted herein that the lever assembly <NUM> may include a status indicator <NUM> on an opposite side of the lever portion <NUM>. For example, the first status indicator <NUM> on the first side of the lever <NUM> may be a first color (e.g., green) and the second status indicator <NUM> on the opposite side of the lever portion <NUM> may be a second color (e.g., red). As such, the green indicator may indicate that the lever <NUM> is in the secured position and the red indicator may indicate that the lever <NUM> is in the unsecured position, such that a user may easily visualize whether the device is secured within the cavity of the device holder <NUM>.

It is noted that the one or more status indicators <NUM> may include any type of status indicator. For example, the one or more status indicators <NUM> may include one or more colored indicators (e.g., red, green, or the like). By way of another example, the one or more status indicators <NUM> may include one or more word indicators (e.g., secured, unsecured, or the like). By way of another example, the one or more status indicators <NUM> may include one or more symbol or graphic indicators. By way of another example, the one or more status indicators <NUM> may include one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators. Further, it is noted that the one or more status indicators <NUM> may be coupled to any location of the device holder. For example, the one or more status indicators may be arranged on the main body <NUM> and/or the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the structural member <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the structural member <NUM> includes one or more walls <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM>. It is noted that the structural member <NUM> may include up to an N number of walls <NUM>. For example, the structural member <NUM> may include at least a first wall <NUM> (e.g., front wall), a second wall <NUM> (e.g., rear wall), a third wall <NUM> (e.g., a first side wall), and a fourth wall <NUM> (e.g., a second side wall). By way of another example, the structural member <NUM> may include at least a first wall <NUM> (e.g., front wall), a second wall <NUM> (e.g., rear wall), and a third wall <NUM> (e.g., a side wall), where the main body <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> share a wall opposite the side wall.

In embodiments, the structural member <NUM> is configured to couple to a portion of the main body <NUM>. For example, an exterior surface of a wall <NUM> of the structural member <NUM> may be configured to couple to an exterior surface of the wall <NUM> of the main body <NUM> via one or more fasteners and one or more holes <NUM>.

The structural member <NUM> may provide a mounting point for the main body <NUM>. For example, a wall (e.g., side wall) of the structural member <NUM> may include one or more mounting holes <NUM> (e.g., threaded mounting holes) for mounting the main body <NUM> to the structural member <NUM>. It is noted that the structural member <NUM> may further add substantial impact protection.

The structural member <NUM> may provide a rotation point for the lever assembly <NUM>. For example, a wall (e.g., front wall) of the structural member <NUM> may include a hole <NUM> for receiving a portion of the securing portion (including the spring). The one or more detent holes <NUM> may receive one or more detent pins (not shown). Referring to <FIG>, the support member <NUM> may include one or more holes <NUM> configured to retain the detent pin that drops in and out of the one or more detent holes <NUM> of the lever assembly <NUM>.

In embodiments, the cover <NUM> is fully removable from the structural member <NUM> (and the main body <NUM>). For example, the cover <NUM> may be reversibly coupled to the structural member <NUM> via one or more fasteners. For instance, a second portion (opposite the first portion) of the cover <NUM> may be reversibly coupled to the structural member <NUM> via one more hook-and-loop fasteners. In this regard, an exterior surface of the wall <NUM> of the structural member <NUM> may include one or more hook-and-loop fasteners configured to reversibly couple to an interior surface of the wall <NUM> of one or more complementary hook-and-loop fasteners of the cover <NUM>. As such, the cover <NUM> may be removed from the main body <NUM> and the structural member <NUM> via the screws/hook-and-loop fasteners with minimal tools, while minimizing visible fasteners (e.g., screw heads).

Although <FIG> depicts the structural member <NUM> and the main body <NUM> as separate components, it is noted that the structural member <NUM> and the main body <NUM> may be a single component. For example, the main body <NUM> may provide a mounting point for the lever assembly.

<FIG> illustrate a cabin attendant seat <NUM> including the device holder <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein a "cabin attendant" may be considered any crew member (e.g., flight attendant, pilot, co-pilot, or the like) who may have access and/or need to use a cabin attendant seat (e.g., during a TTL-stage of flight, turbulence, emergencies, or the like). In addition, it is noted that "cabin attendant seat", "flight attendant seat", "aircraft seat", and variations thereof may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the present disclosure.

The cabin attendant seat <NUM> may be used during a taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTL) stages of flight (though it is noted herein the cabin attendant seat <NUM> is not limited to use during the select stages of flight as the TTL position, but also may be used at any point during the flight).

The cabin attendant seat <NUM> may include a seat pan <NUM> and a seatback <NUM>. It is noted herein the seat pan <NUM> and/or the seatback <NUM> may include one or more of a cushion, a diaphragm, a dress cover, or some combination of a cushion, a diaphragm, and a dress cover. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the seat pan <NUM> may include a seat pan cushion <NUM> and the seatback <NUM> may include a seatback cushion <NUM>.

The seat pan <NUM> may be vertical or may be set at an angle relative to the floor of the aircraft cabin when the cabin attendant seat <NUM> is in a deployed seat position. The seatback <NUM> may be vertical or may be set at an angle relative to the floor of the aircraft cabin when the cabin attendant seat <NUM> is in a deployed seat position.

As previously discussed herein, in embodiments, the device holder <NUM> is coupled to (or mounted on) the cabin attendant seat <NUM>. For example, the device holder <NUM> may be coupled to (or mounted on) the seat pan <NUM> of the cabin attendant seat <NUM>. In this regard, a seat occupant may be able to stow a mobile device <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> of the device holder <NUM> when the mobile device <NUM> is not in use.

In embodiments, the device holder <NUM> may be coupled to (or mounted on) a surface of the aircraft cabin. For example, the device holder <NUM> may be coupled to (or mounted on) a wall of an aircraft cabin.

The cavity <NUM> of the device holder <NUM> may be configured to receive any type of mobile device <NUM>. For example, the cavity <NUM> may be configured to receive a tablet. By way of another example, the cavity <NUM> may be configured to receive a phone. By way of another example, the cavity <NUM> may be configured to receive a phablet or other electronic device. In some embodiments, the cavity <NUM> of the device holder <NUM> may include an insert configured to reduce the cavity size of the cavity <NUM> such that the cavity <NUM> is configured to receive a variety of mobile devices.

The cabin attendant seat <NUM> may further include one or more storage compartments <NUM>. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a door. It is noted, however, that the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be similar to a shelving unit without doors. In addition, it is noted herein that the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more racks. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be accessible when the seat pan <NUM> is in the deployed or stowed position. It is noted that the sleek design of the device holder <NUM> allows the storage compartment <NUM> to be accessed when the seat pan <NUM> is in the deployed position.

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be a storage compartment configured to receive cabin attendant items (e.g., cabin attendant carry-on luggage, or the like). The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like).

The one or more storage compartments <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), 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 one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections for one or more cabin attendant amenities such as, but not limited to, one or more charging ports, one or more charging cables, or the like. A storage compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the aircraft cabin 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.

Although embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an aviation environment such as an aircraft cabin, it is noted herein the seat pan mounted mobile device holder <NUM> is not limited to the aviation environment and/or the aircraft components within the aviation environment. For example, the device holder <NUM> may be configured for any type of vehicle known in the art. For example, 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 device holder <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 disclosure but merely an illustration.

Claim 1:
A cabin attendant seat, the cabin attendant seat comprising:
a seat pan (<NUM>);
a seatback (<NUM>); and
a device holder (<NUM>) coupled to a portion of the seat pan, the device holder comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) including a plurality of main body walls (<NUM>) that define a main body cavity (<NUM>), a main body wall of the plurality of main body walls configured to couple to the portion of the seat pan;
a cover (<NUM>) including a plurality of cover walls (<NUM>) that define a cover cavity (<NUM>), the main body cavity and the cover cavity forming a device holder cavity configured to stow a mobile device when the cover is coupled to the main body;
an opening (<NUM>) positioned proximate to the device holder cavity, the opening configured to receive a portion of the mobile device;
a structural member (<NUM>) coupled to an additional main body wall of the plurality of main body walls; and
a device securing assembly (<NUM>) coupled to one of the main body, the cover, or the structural member, the device securing assembly configured to rotate between at least a first position and a second position, when in the first position the device securing assembly configured to secure the mobile device within the device holder cavity, when in the second position the mobile device configured to be removed from the device holder cavity via the opening.