Patent Description:
In a first aspect, a springless lower closeout system for a passenger seat is disclosed, in accordance with claim <NUM>. The springless lower closeout system includes left-side and right-side seat spreaders configured to define a lower aft portion of a passenger seat between them. Each seat spreader includes a restrictive channel extending along a portion associated with the lower aft portion of the passenger seat (e.g., seatback). A dress cover extends across the lower aft portion of the passenger seat, concealing the lower aft portion from view and extending in a taut fashion between the left-side and right-side seat spreaders. The dress cover terminates on its left and right sides in a semi-rigid cord element capable of facilitating insertion of the dress cover into the left-side and right-side restrictive channels, and of securing the dress cover in a taut fashion between the left-side and right-side restrictive channels once inserted therein. The dress cover includes a fastener for facilitating insertion of the dress cover into the left-side and right-side restrictive channels, e.g., via temporarily and partially unzipping a left-side or right-side edge of the dress cover from the rest of the dress cover to reduce tension across the dress cover.

In some embodiments, the fastener is concealed behind the dress cover by an additional fastener that may be unfastened to access the first fastener.

In some embodiments, the first fastener is a zipper, and the second fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener concealing the zipper.

In some embodiments, the dress cover includes a literature pocket for the storage of personal items.

In a further aspect, a passenger seating assembly for a vehicle is disclosed, in accordance with claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each fastener is concealed behind its respective dress cover by an additional fastener that may be unfastened to access the first fastener.

In some embodiments, each first fastener is a zipper, and each second fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener concealing the zipper.

In some embodiments, each dress cover includes a literature pocket for the storage of personal items.

In some embodiments, the seating assembly is an aircraft seating assembly including one or more passenger seats mountable to an aircraft passenger cabin floor.

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, insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a passenger seating assembly wherein each individual passenger seat includes a lower aft portion closed out, e.g., concealed from view or access by the passenger directly aft, via a springless dress cover directly connected to the seat spreaders on either side of the passenger seat proper. Direct connection of the dress cover, rather than bent wire springs, provides consistent fit and finish and securely conceals preferably inaccessible areas of the seat. Further, passenger comfort is enhanced by removing hard bent wire springs that might otherwise impact the legs of the passenger directly aft of the seat.

Referring generally to <FIG>, a passenger seating assembly <NUM> is disclosed. The seating assembly <NUM> may include passenger seats <NUM>, seatback <NUM>, seat cushion <NUM>, headrest <NUM>, armrest <NUM>, seat spreader <NUM>, legs <NUM>, seatpan <NUM>, baggage rail <NUM>, track fittings <NUM>, steward step <NUM>, and crossbeams <NUM>.

In embodiments, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> may be implemented in a passenger cabin of an aircraft, e.g., in an economy class cabin. For example, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> is shown by <FIG> as comprising a group of three passenger seats <NUM> (e.g., a window seat, middle seat, and aisle seat), but may alternatively be implemented as a group of two or more seats, e.g., two, four, or five seats depending upon the desired cabin configuration. In embodiments, each passenger seat <NUM> may support an occupying passenger, e.g., via the seatback <NUM> and seat cushion <NUM>. Individual passenger seats <NUM> may be separated from each other by seat spreaders <NUM> and armrests <NUM> attached thereto; armrests, for example, may include buttons or switches (not shown) for reclining the seatback <NUM>.

In embodiments, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> may be fixed to a cabin floor of the passenger cabin via the legs <NUM> and track fittings <NUM>. For example, whether two, three, four, or five passenger seats <NUM> are incorporated, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> may include two legs <NUM> (each leg comprising, e.g., a forward leg 114a and a rear leg 114b, referring in particular to <FIG>), each of the forward leg and the rear leg attached by a track fitting <NUM> to a track (e.g., a set of two parallel tracks (not shown) extending along the passenger cabin in a substantially longitudinal direction). In embodiments, the seat spreaders <NUM> and legs <NUM>, 114a-114b may be connected by crossbeams <NUM> extending laterally across the passenger seating assembly <NUM>. For example, the crossbeams <NUM> may extend through passages in the seat spreaders <NUM> and/or legs <NUM>, 114a-114b.

In embodiments, the passenger cabin may incorporate multiple rows of passenger seating assemblies <NUM>, each row including a group of passenger seating assemblies in various configurations (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, etc.) and each passenger seating assembly including features for use by passengers occupying the passenger seating assembly directly aft. For example, each passenger seating assembly <NUM> may include a baggage rail <NUM> to accommodate carry-on luggage and personal items placed under a passenger seat <NUM> by the passenger occupying the passenger seat directly aft. Similarly, each passenger seat <NUM> may incorporate an IFE device <NUM> and/or meal tray 126a set into the seatback <NUM> and accessible to the passenger occupying the passenger seat directly aft.

In embodiments, referring in particular to <FIG> and <FIG>, each passenger seat <NUM> may include a lower aft portion concealed behind a dress cover <NUM>. For example, each passenger seat <NUM> may be defined by a left-side and a right-side seat spreader <NUM> on its left and right sides respectively (e.g., a passenger seating assembly <NUM> comprising N passenger seats, where N is an integer, may further comprise (N + <NUM>) seat spreaders). In embodiments, the lower aft portion of each passenger seat may be disposed directly above a stowage space <NUM>. For example, each stowage space <NUM> may be used by the passenger seated directly aft of each passenger seat <NUM> for temporary storage of carry-on or personal items (retained in the stowage space by the baggage rail <NUM>). Alternatively, the stowage space <NUM> may provide additional leg room for the passenger directly aft of the passenger seat <NUM>.

In embodiments, each dress cover <NUM> of a passenger seat <NUM> may be directly connected to the left-side and right-side seat spreaders <NUM> on either side of the passenger seat. For example, the dress cover <NUM> may extend between seat spreaders <NUM> in an optimally taut state, e.g., without sags, wrinkle, or gaps (e.g., between an edge of the dress cover and the seat spreader). In some embodiments, each dress cover <NUM> may extend at least partially underneath the lower aft portion of the passenger seat <NUM>. For example, the dress cover <NUM> may conceal the lower aft portion of the passenger seat <NUM> from view or access by the passenger seated directly aft of the passenger seat while allowing said passenger to safely and comfortably make full use of the stowage space <NUM>, e.g., for item storage or leg room. In some embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may be fashioned of one or more layers of natural or synthetic fabrics or leathers, e.g., selected for durability, ease of maintenance, water resistance, flame resistance, etc..

In some embodiments, referring in particular to <FIG>, the dress cover <NUM> may be additionally secured at its bottom end to the rear crossbeam <NUM>, e.g., via straps <NUM> incorporating hook and loop fasteners or other like fasteners for securing the straps around the rear crossbeam. For example, securing the bottom end of the dress cover <NUM> may prevent passengers from snagging personal items or carry-on baggage on the bottom end of the dress cover when removing said items or baggage from the stowage space <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring in particular to <FIG>, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> may incorporate a steward step <NUM> for the use of cabin crew and/or passengers who may need additional height to access overhead compartments. For example, the steward step <NUM> may extend below the seat spreader <NUM>, e.g., on the aisle side of a passenger seat <NUM> proximate to a central aisle of an aircraft passenger cabin. In some embodiments, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> may exclude the steward step <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may further incorporate a literature pocket <NUM> set into the dress cover and extending partially or fully across the dress cover. For example, the literature pocket <NUM> may be configured to hold safety notices, airsick bags, books and magazines, or passenger personal items temporarily stowed therein. In some embodiments, the literature pocket <NUM> may include an additional layer of dress cover material or, alternatively or additionally, a see-through portion (134a) incorporating, e.g., mesh, translucent, and/or transparent materials.

Referring now to <FIG>, a seat frame structure <NUM> of the passenger seat assembly (<NUM>, <FIG>) is shown.

In embodiments, the seat frame structure <NUM> may provide support for each passenger seat (<NUM>, <FIG>), e.g., via crossbeams <NUM>, and may secure the passenger seats to a floor of the passenger cabin (e.g., via track fittings <NUM>). For example, each passenger seat <NUM> may be disposed between two seat spreaders <NUM>, e.g., a left-side seat spreader 112a and a right-side seat spreader 112b on either side. In embodiments, the seat spreaders <NUM>, 112a-112b and/or legs <NUM>, 114a-114b may be secured to the crossbeams via wedged clamping devices <NUM> or like devices configured for securing the seat spreaders and/or legs to the crossbeams.

In some embodiments, the seat frame structure <NUM> may combine seat spreaders 112a-112b and legs <NUM> into a single structure. For example, the passenger seating assembly <NUM> may comprise a group of N passenger seats <NUM> (e.g., where N is an integer, generally between two and five) separated by (N + <NUM>) seat spreaders <NUM>, 112a-112b and mounted to a floor of the passenger cabin by two legs <NUM> (e.g., fixed to the cabin floor via track fittings <NUM>).

In embodiments, each seat spreader <NUM>, 112a-112b may include a restrictive channel <NUM> extending along an aft portion of the seat spreader corresponding to a lower aft portion of a passenger seat <NUM>, such that each passenger seat is disposed between a pair of restrictive channels on either side. For example, the seat spreaders <NUM> on either end (e.g., aisle, window) of the seat frame structure <NUM> may include a single restrictive channel <NUM>, as each seat spreader is adjacent to only one passenger seat. However, the seat spreaders 112a-112b may each include a restrictive channel <NUM> in their left side (not shown) and in their right side.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dress cover <NUM> is shown.

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may terminate in a left edge <NUM> and a right edge <NUM>. For example, the left edge <NUM> and right edge <NUM> may each include a cord element <NUM> or bead feature, e.g., a semi-rigid substantially cylindrical element (e.g., plastic rod, welt cord, prefabricated Keder cord) inserted into or attached to the material of the dress cover <NUM> along the length of the left edge <NUM> and the right edge, or around which the material of the dress cover may be wrapped.

In embodiments, one or both of the left edge <NUM> and the right edge <NUM> of the dress cover <NUM> may include an edge portion <NUM> adjacent or proximate to the cord element <NUM>. For example, the edge portion <NUM> may include a Keder flap or other reinforcement of the dress cover <NUM>. In embodiments, the edge portion <NUM> may conceal a fastener for adjusting the tension of the dress cover <NUM> to facilitate attachment to, or removal from, the seat spreaders (<NUM>, 112a-112b; <FIG>) on either side of the passenger seat (<NUM>, <FIG>) associated with the dress cover, as discussed in greater detail below.

Referring now to <FIG>, the seat spreader <NUM> (112a-112b, <FIG>) is shown.

In embodiments, referring in particular to <FIG>, one or both sides of the seat spreader <NUM> (e.g., the left side shown by <FIG> and/or the right side, not shown) may incorporate a restrictive channel <NUM>. For example, the restrictive channel <NUM> may extend along an aft portion of the seat spreader <NUM>, 112a-112b from an upper end <NUM> to a lower end <NUM>. In embodiments, the restrictive channel <NUM> may follow a contour of the seat spreader <NUM>. For example, the restrictive channel <NUM> may extend along a length corresponding to the length of the cord element (<NUM>; <FIG>) from an open upper end <NUM> (e.g., configured to accept the cord element) to a closed lower end <NUM> (e.g., configured to retain the cord element).

In embodiments, referring also to <FIG>, the upper end <NUM> of the restrictive channel <NUM> may include a restrictive channel opening <NUM> configured to accept a cord element <NUM> inserted thereinto. For example, the dress cover (<NUM>, <FIG>) may be inserted into the restrictive channel <NUM> via the cord element <NUM> and threaded through the restrictive channel opening <NUM> until a bottom end of the cord element reaches the lower end <NUM> of the restrictive channel.

In embodiments, the restrictive channel <NUM> may include an upper restrictive surface <NUM> and a lower restrictive surface <NUM> extending partially into the restrictive channel opening <NUM>. For example, the upper and lower restrictive surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may retain the cord element <NUM> within the restrictive channel <NUM> once inserted thereinto, e.g., preventing the cord element from being removed from the restrictive channel in a lateral direction <NUM>. When the cord elements <NUM> of the left and right edges (<NUM>, <NUM>: <FIG>) are fully inserted into their respective restrictive channels <NUM>, the dress cover <NUM> may extend across the lower aft portion of the passenger seat (<NUM>, <FIG>) between two adjacent left-side and right-side seat spreaders <NUM>, 112a-112b in an optimally taut state.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, the dress cover <NUM> is shown.

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may include, on either or both of the left edge <NUM> or right edge (<NUM>, <FIG>), a fastener <NUM>. For example, the fastener <NUM> may include a zipper, slider, or other like fastener for securing two portions of the dress cover <NUM> to each other. In embodiments, the fastener <NUM> may be used to adjust the tension or taut state of the dress cover <NUM> to facilitate attachment or removal of the dress cover to or from the left-side and right-side seat spreaders <NUM> via the restrictive channels <NUM> set thereinto. For example, the fastener <NUM> may be a zipper partially unzipped (e.g., via zipper pull <NUM>) to introduce slack into the dress cover <NUM> (e.g., between the dress cover and an edge portion <NUM>) and facilitate the insertion of the respective cord elements <NUM> into their corresponding restrictive channels <NUM>. Once the dress cover <NUM> is fully inserted between the adjacent seat spreaders <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> may then be re-zipped to restore the tension and/or optimally taut state of the dress cover.

In some embodiments, the fastener <NUM> may secure the dress cover <NUM> to an edge portion (<NUM>, <FIG>) and/or edge <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> or an edge portion <NUM> thereof may conceal the fastener <NUM> from view or access by a passenger. For example, the dress cover <NUM>, or an edge portion <NUM> thereof, may conceal the fastener <NUM> via a secondary fastener <NUM>, e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener. In embodiments, the secondary fastener <NUM> may be unfastened, e.g., by crew members or maintenance personnel, to gain access to the fastener <NUM>. In embodiments, the secondary fastener <NUM> may be re-fastened to conceal the fastener <NUM> behind, e.g., an outer surface of the dress cover <NUM> or an edge portion <NUM> thereof.

Claim 1:
A springless lower closeout system for a passenger seat, comprising:
a left-side seat spreader (112a) and a right-side seat spreader (112b) configured to define a lower aft portion of a passenger seat (<NUM>), each seat spreader including a restrictive channel (<NUM>) extending along an aft portion thereof;
a dress cover (<NUM>) configured to extend across the lower aft portion of the passenger seat, the dress cover having a left side (<NUM>) and a right side (<NUM>), each side terminating in a cord element (<NUM>) configured to retain the left side or the right side within the restrictive channel of the left-side or right-side seat spreader;
and
at least one fastener (<NUM>) connecting the dress cover to either the left side or right side cord element, the at least one fastener configured to facilitate insertion of the left side or right side cord element by adjusting a tension of the dress cover across the lower aft portion.