Patent Document

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/577,169, filed Dec. 19, 2011, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present inventions relate generally to monitor displays and, more particularly, to an improved in-arm monitor display presentation for an aircraft passenger seat. 
     2. Related Art 
     Monitor displays have been used in vehicles such as aircrafts, automobiles, trains and the like for both entertainment purposes and to provide information to the passengers. It is advantageous to have a mounting system to allow a monitor to be viewed when in use, but stowed or similarly secured when not in use. For instance, it may be advantageous to reposition a monitor from a non-functional stored position to an in-use, functional position. 
     Instruments have been developed to help reposition the monitor from a storage position to an in-use position. However, such traditional instruments often present safety, convenience and weight concerns, particular with regard to the transition of a monitor from a closed storage position to the in-use position in an aircraft. 
     Therefore, Applicants desire apparatus, systems and methods for in-arm monitor seats without the drawbacks presented by the traditional systems and methods. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present inventions, an in-arm monitor seat is provided for vehicles and for aircraft passenger vehicles in particular. These inventions provide an improved monitor display that is convenient, efficient and safe for the user, particularly when used in the armrest of an aircraft passenger seat. 
     In one embodiment, in an aircraft seat having an armrest, a monitor presenter may include a lift latch and a rotational dampener that is adapted to present a monitor from the armrest. The lift latch may include a handle. Further, the handle may be an ergonomic handle on a top surface of the armrest. The handle may be adapted to present the monitor with a single uninterrupted motion. The monitor presenter may include a latch cavity, for instance wherein the lift latch may be adapted to swivel into the latch cavity in a presented position. A latch spring may be adapted to secure the lift latch in the latch cavity in a way that the lift latch is substantially out of view in the presented position. 
     The rotational dampener may include at least one dampener body, for instance one that is chosen from a left rotational dampener, a right rotational dampener and a combination thereof. Typically, the rotational dampener is adapted to present the monitor from the armrest at a slow release delay. The slow release delay of presenting the monitor from the armrest may be a function of dampener frictional selection and/or spring assembly selection. The rotational dampener may include a dampener retainer hole to mate the rotational dampener and a side plate. The rotational dampener may include a dampener retainer fastener. 
     In other examples, the monitor presenter has a plate assembly. The plate assembly may include at least one side plate. Additionally, the plate assembly may include a pair of side plates. The side plate may include a locking plate lip. Further, the side plate may also include at least one locking plate, or a pair of locking plates. Typically, the at least one locking plate includes locking plate holes and locking plate lugs. Further, the at least one locking plate may be a floating locking plate. The side plate may include rivet holes and rivets. The side plate may also include a dampener cavity. A shaft sheath may be positioned within the dampener cavity. Additionally, a ball bearing may be positioned within the dampener cavity. 
     The monitor presenter may have a support body. The support body may include at least one pin opening. Typically, a pin may protrude through the at least one-pin opening. The support body may include a shaft cavity. A shaft may protrude through the shaft cavity. The support body may include neck assembly holes. The support body may include neck assembly fasteners. The support body may include a spring plunger. 
     In other examples, the monitor presenter may have a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly may include a spacer sleeve. The spacer assembly may include a spacer fastener. 
     In yet additional examples, the monitor presenter may have a neck assembly. The neck assembly may include a support end. The neck assembly may further include a neck that is adapted to extend the monitor from the armrest. The neck may be chosen from a circular shaft, a non-circular shaft and combination thereof. The neck assembly may include a distal end. The distal end may include an adapter. The adapter may include a socket hole. Further, the apparatus may include socket fasteners. The distal end may include a shaft sheath. The aircraft seat may include a headrest, seat back, lumbar support, life vest pouch, a literature box, and a baggage bar, or other aircraft feature. The armrest typically includes an upper armrest surface. The upper armrest surface may include a removable top. The upper armrest surface may include controls. The controls may include a seat adjustment control, a monitor presenter control, other aircraft feature controls and combinations thereof. Typically, the armrest includes a storage cavity that is adapted to conceal and store the monitor presenter. 
     In yet another embodiment, the aircraft passenger monitor apparatus may have a seat assembly having an armrest and a monitor presenter. Typically, the monitor presenter is adapted to present a monitor from the armrest, for instance at a slow-release delay presentation. Often, the upper arm assembly is adapted to rotate the monitor from a storage position within the armrest to a presentation position. In some examples, the presentation position is substantially parallel to the seat assembly. The upper arm assembly may include a monitor support body. The monitor support body may include fasteners to secure the monitor to the monitor support body. Further, the monitor support body may include an elbow having a plurality of monitor viewing angle alignment holes. 
     In particular examples, the upper arm assembly has a mating end that is adapted to mate with the monitor presenter. The upper arm assembly may include a limiter swivel retainer. The limiter swivel retainer may include a socket. The limiter swivel retainer may include a fastener to fasten the socket and the monitor support. Further, the limiter swivel retainer may include a retainer hat. The retainer hat may include an upper arm hole. The upper arm fastener may fasten the retainer hat and the upper arm assembly. 
     In another embodiment, an aircraft passenger monitor apparatus includes a seat assembly having an armrest; a monitor presenter that is adapted to present a monitor from the armrest, the monitor presenter may include a lift latch, and a rotational dampener; and an upper arm assembly that is adapted to rotate the monitor from a storage position within the armrest to a presentation position. 
     Typically, the presentation position is substantially parallel to the seat assembly. The upper arm assembly may include a monitor support body. The monitor support body may include fasteners to secure the monitor to the monitor support body. The monitor support body may include an elbow having a plurality of monitor viewing angle alignment holes. The upper arm assembly may include a mating end that is adapted to mate with the monitor presenter. The upper arm assembly may include a limiter swivel retainer. The limiter swivel retainer may include a socket. The limiter swivel retainer may include a fastener to fasten the socket and the monitor support. The limiter swivel retainer may further include a retainer hat. The retainer hat may include an upper arm hole. An upper arm may have a fastener to generally fasten the retainer hat and the upper arm assembly. 
     In some examples, the lift latch may include a handle. Further, the handle may be an ergonomic handle on a top surface of the armrest. The handle may be adapted to present the monitor with a single uninterrupted motion. The monitor presenter may include a latch cavity, for instance wherein the lift latch may be adapted to swivel into the latch cavity in a presented position. A latch spring may be adapted to secure the lift latch in the latch cavity in such a way that the lift latch is substantially out of view in the presented position. 
     The rotational dampener may include at least one dampener body, for instance one that is chosen from a left rotational dampener, a right rotational dampener and a combination thereof. Typically, the rotational dampener is adapted to present the monitor from the armrest at a slow release delay. The slow release delay of presenting the monitor from the armrest may be a function of dampener frictional selection and/or spring assembly selection. The rotational dampener may include a dampener retainer hole to mate the rotational dampener and a side plate. The rotational dampener may include a dampener retainer fastener. 
     In other examples, the monitor presenter has a plate assembly. The plate assembly may include at least one side plate. Additionally, the plate assembly may include a pair of side plates. The side plate may include a locking plate lip. Further, the side plate may also include at least one locking plate, or a pair of locking plates. Typically, the at least one locking plate includes locking plate holes and locking plate lugs. Further, the at least one locking plate may be a floating locking plate. The side plate may include rivet holes and rivets. The side plate may also include a dampener cavity. A shaft sheath may be positioned within the dampener cavity. Additionally, a ball bearing may be positioned within the dampener cavity. 
     The monitor presenter may have a support body. The support body may include at least one pin opening. Typically, a pin may protrude through the at least one pin opening. The support body may include a shaft cavity. A shaft may protrude through the shaft cavity. The support body may include neck assembly holes. The support body may include neck assembly fasteners. The support body may include a spring plunger. 
     In other examples, the monitor presenter may have a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly may include a spacer sleeve. The spacer assembly may include a spacer fastener. 
     In yet additional examples, the monitor presenter may have a neck assembly. The neck assembly presenter may include a support end. The neck assembly may include a neck adapted to extend the monitor from the armrest. The neck may be chosen from a circular shaft, a non-circular shaft and combination thereof. The neck assembly may include a distal end. The distal end may include an adapter. The adapter may include a socket hole. Further, the apparatus may include socket fasteners. The distal end may include a shaft sheath. The aircraft seat may include a head rest, seat back, lumbar support, life vest pouch, a literature box, and a baggage bar, or other aircraft feature. The armrest includes an upper armrest surface. The upper armrest surface may include a removable top. The upper armrest surface may include controls. The controls may include a seat adjustment control, a monitor presenter control, other aircraft feature controls and a combination thereof. Typically, the armrest includes a storage cavity that is adapted to conceal and store the monitor presenter. 
     Another embodiment includes a kit for an aircraft monitor apparatus. The kit may include a lift latch and/or a rotational dampener. The kit may also include a monitor and/or fasteners for securing the monitor. Typically, the kit includes a monitor presenter that is adapted to present the monitor. The kit may also include an upper arm assembly for supporting the monitor. In yet additional examples, the kit may include a monitor, such as a video monitor or the like. 
     The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present inventions. Embodiments will be set forth in more detail in the figures and description of embodiments below. It will be apparent, however, that the description of embodiments is not intended to limit the present inventions, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the inventions will be better understood by a reading of the Description of Embodiments along with a review of the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partially exploded perspective view of an aircraft passenger monitor apparatus constructed according to an embodiment of the inventions, with elements removed to show internal components; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective, exploded view of elements of a monitor presenter according to the monitor apparatus embodiment of  FIG. 1 , with elements partially broken away and removed to show internal components; 
         FIG. 3  is an isolated rear perspective, exploded view of elements of the monitor presenter according to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective, exploded view of isolated elements of a rotational dampener and plate assembly presenter according to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side perspective view of the rotational dampener and plate assembly introduced in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is an opposing side perspective view of a rotational dampener and plate assembly shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seat assembly and controls according to the inventions; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a seat assembly and controls according to the inventions; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a seat assembly and controls according to the inventions; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged top perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest and monitor presenter isolated in a presented position according to one embodiment of the inventions; 
         FIG. 9  is a side overview perspective of a seat assembly and aircraft passenger monitor apparatus that is partially presented according to one embodiment of the inventions; 
         FIG. 10  is a front overview perspective of a seat assembly and aircraft passenger monitor apparatus in a presented position according to one embodiment of the inventions; 
         FIG. 11  is an isolated front perspective view of elements of the monitor presenter according to one embodiment of the inventions; and 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged front perspective view of isolated elements of the monitor presenter according to one example of the inventions, with the lift latch being secured in the latch cavity in a presented position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
     Referring now to the drawings in general and  FIG. 1  in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the inventions and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any invention thereto. As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , an in-arm monitor seat  10  is shown embodied according to the present inventions. Typically, in-arm monitor seat  10  is an aircraft passenger convenience apparatus and may include seat assembly  12  having an armrest  14  and a monitor presenter. The monitor presenter includes lift latch  22  to control rotational dampener  24  to release upper arm assembly  16  from a stowed position within armrest  14 , and rotate upper arm assembly  16  into a presentation position. In particular embodiments, rotational dampener  24  presents upper arm assembly  16  at a slow-release delay, for instance in a single uninterrupted motion for the ergonomic convenience and safety of the user. The monitor presenter thereby stows and presents a monitor  400 , or the like, from the in-arm monitor seat  10  as described hereinafter. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of in-arm monitor seat  10  having a plate assembly  50 , a neck assembly  56  and an upper arm assembly  16 . Typically, plate assembly  50  includes at least one side plate  54 ; however, other examples include a pair of opposing side plates  54 . As illustrated, lift latch  22  is positioned on the upper face of plate assembly  50  so that lift latch  22  is accessible from seat assembly  12 . Typically, lift latch  22  includes handle  34 , which may be an ergonomic handle to allow a user to release the monitor presenter assembly from armrest  14  in a single uninterrupted motion. In particular examples, handle  34  is aligned on the distal end of armrest  14  to release the monitor presenter with only a few fingers, for example without disrupting a food tray, grasping across a difficult angle, reaching across an inconvenient expanse while seated in an aircraft passenger seat or the like. 
       FIG. 1  further introduces particular embodiments of neck assembly  56 , which include a support end  100  that is generally supported by plate assembly  50  and a neck  102 . Neck  102  may be a variety of shapes, styles and sizes to support the weight of a monitor and present the monitor to the user, while being adapted to be entirely stowed within armrest  14 . For instance, neck  102  may be a cylindrical shaft as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , while other examples include non-cylindrical shafts. Distal end  110  of neck assembly  56  may include adapter  112  to secure upper arm assembly  16  to neck  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , adapter  112  may be a socket and include socket fastener holes  114 . In some examples, a shaft sheath  118  is positioned between neck assembly  56  and upper arm assembly  16 . Shaft sheath  118  may include a flanged lip that is generally configured to mate with a lip of adapter  112 . 
       FIG. 1  shows upper arm assembly  16  having an upper arm body  20  and a monitor support  120 . As illustrated, upper arm body  20  includes a generally concave body having neck mating end  130  on its proximate side to receive and/or secure upper arm body  20  to neck assembly  56 . In particular examples of upper arm body  20 , the neck mating end  130  is sized to receive shaft sheath  118  between upper arm body  20  and neck assembly  56 . Monitor support  120  may be a rigid panel in variety of shapes, styles and sizes to support the weight of a monitor in both a stowed position and the presentation position. Typically, monitor support  120  includes monitor fastener holes  122  aligned with a monitor assembly. Monitor fasteners  124  may fasten the monitor and/or monitor assembly to monitor support  120 . Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , monitor support  120  may include neck  126  to help position the monitor in an ideal viewing position during use, i.e. after the monitor presenter has been presented. Neck  126  may be a variety of shapes, styles and sizes for the convenience of the user and to support the weight of the monitor assembly. 
     Typically, a retainer secures upper arm body  20  to the neck assembly  56 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , one example of the retainer is limiter swivel retainer  140 . Limiter swivel retainer  140  may include a depressed socket  142  that is generally sized to fit within upper arm body  20  and be fastened to adapter  112  with socket fasteners  144 . Washer  152  may be positioned between swivel retainer  140  and adapter  112 . In particular examples, a retainer hat  146  may be secured to the distal end of upper arm body  20  to enclose swivel retainer  140 . As indicated in  FIG. 1 , retainer hat  146  may include a fin generally sized and shaped to mate with upper arm body  20 . Retainer hat  146  may include a upper arm retaining hole  148 , for instance on the fin as shown in  FIG. 1 , that is aligned with a mirroring retaining hole on upper arm body  20 . An upper arm fastener  150  may be used to fasten retainer hat  146  and upper arm body  20  in the respective retaining holes. Finally, the distal end of retainer hat  146  may be closed to further enclose upper arm body  20 . 
       FIG. 2  shows one embodiment of a monitor presenter having a lift latch and a neck assembly extension secured between plate assembly  50 . Typically, plate assembly  50  includes a pair of mirroring side plates  54 . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the inner face of side plate  54  may include a locking plate lip  56  to mate with armrest  14 . Each locking plate lip  56  may include a locking plate hole  62  and at least one, including a pair, of locking plates  60  to fasten plate assembly  50  to armrest  14  and/or seat assembly  12 . Some embodiments of locking plates  60  are floating locking plates. Typically, locking plate lugs  64  protrude through locking plate hole  62  into locking plate lip  56  to securely fasten locking plates  60  and armrest  14 . Other embodiments of side plates  54  include a variety of shapes, styles and sizes to fasten plate assembly  50  to armrest  14  and/or seat assembly  12 . 
     As introduced in  FIG. 2 , one side plate  54  may secure a rotational dampener, while the mirroring side plate  54  supports and encloses the unit. Depending on the left/right starting orientation to present the monitor, i.e. from armrest  14  as discussed hereinafter, either the right side plate  54 , left side plate  54  or a combination thereof may house and secure a rotational dampener. For instance, as seen in  FIG. 2 , the left side plate  54  houses rotational dampener  24  and the mirroring right side plate  54  includes dampener cavity  70  to receive and secure the opposing end of the dampener assembly. Washers  152  may be positioned between side plates  54  and the presenter body  52 . 
     A spacer assembly  54  may space the mirroring side plates  54  between the lift latch and a neck assembly extension. Spacer assembly  54  may include a spacer sleeve  92  between the lower portions of side plates  54 . As indicated in  FIG. 2 , spacer fastener  94 , or the like, may be used to secure spacer sleeve  92  between the mirroring side plates  54 . Similarly, another spacer sleeve  92  may be positioned between the upper portions of side plates  54 . As shown, multiple spacer sleeves  92  may be positioned between the plates and may include multiple spacer ball bearings  98 . Another spacer fastener  94 , or the like, may pass through spacer sleeve  92  and spacer ball bearings  98  to secure spacer assembly  54  with a spacer nut  96  between the mirroring side plates  54 . 
       FIG. 2  additionally introduces internal components of lift latch  22 , presenter body  52  and associated neck assembly  56  extensions. Typically, presenter body  52  includes a lift latch  22  having handle  34  on the operational distal end with an opposing tail end  36  fastened to presenter body  52 . Further, presenter body  52  may include a spring plunger  90 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a rear view of isolated elements of presenter body  52  and neck  102 . Typically, lift latch  22  has a tail end  36 , which is rotatably latched to presenter body  52 . In particular examples, presenter body  52  includes dowel pin  78  protruding through dowel pin openings  76 . Similarly, shaft  82  may protrude through shaft cavity  80  in presenter body  52  to secure side plates  54 . In one exemplary embodiment, shaft  82  is about a six millimeter in diameter linear shaft. Other shafts may be a variety of sizes and dimensions. Presenter body  52  may additionally include neck assembly holes  84 , through which neck fasteners  86  protrude and fasten presenter body  52  to neck assembly  56 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of plate assembly  50  includes a side plate  54  having locking plate lip  56 , dampener cavity  70  and a plurality of holes to secure together the mirroring plates and fasten plate assembly  50  to armrest  14 . As shown, rotational dampener  24  is affixed to the outer face of side plate  54 . Typically, rotational dampener  24  includes a surface having dampener retainer holes  46  to mate with side plate  54 . As illustrated, dampener fasteners  48  may protrude through dampener retainer holes  46  within both rotational dampener  24  and side plate  54  to fasten rotational dampener  24  and side plate  54 . Nut  38  may further secure dampener fasteners  48 . As further seen in  FIG. 4 , ball bearing  74  may be sized to fit within dampener cavity  70 . Shaft  82  may protrude through ball bearing  74 , dampener cavity  70  and mate with rotational dampener  24 . 
     Additionally, locking plate lip  56  may include a locking plate hole  62  and at least one, including a pair, of locking plates  60  to fasten plate assembly  50  to armrest  14  and/or seat assembly  12 . Some embodiments of locking plates  60  are floating locking plates. Typically, locking plate lugs  64  protrude through locking plate hole  62  into locking plate lip  56  to fasten locking plates  60  and armrest  14 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate two examples of plate assembly  50  having rotational dampener  24  affixed to the outer face of side plate  54 . As shown, dampener fasteners  48  fasten rotational dampener  24  to the respective outer faces of side plates  54 . Typically, rotational dampener  24  is a rotary dampener that utilizes fluid resistance to dampen movement of the monitor presenter. In some exemplary embodiments, oil viscosity is utilized to provide the slow-release braking force of rotational dampener  24  to produce the delayed presentation the monitor presenter of in-arm monitor seat  10 . The slow-release delay may be advantageous when presenting the monitor presenter to a user in a seat assembly. In particular, the slow-release delay from the rotational dampener may be advantageous wherein safety, for instance avoiding, or eliminating, abrupt force and/or startling concerns while presenting a monitor are of interest. The torque of the rotational dampener  24  varies according to the weight of the monitor, size of the armrest and the like. Particular embodiments of rotational dampener  24  include rotary dampeners available from ACE Controls, including DT-47A and 57A Series rotary dampeners and the like, the hydraulic dampener catalogue of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other embodiments of plate assembly  50  include a variety of other rotary and rotational dampeners discussed and referenced herein. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6A , the armrest  14  of seat assembly  12  may include controls  206  on the upper surface of armrest  14 . For instance, controls  206  may include monitor presenter control  208  to control the monitor presenter and/or a seat adjustment control  210  to control the seat adjustment of seat assembly  12 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates one example of armrest  14  having a left side monitor presenter control  208  with lift latch  22 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates another embodiment of armrest  14  of seat assembly  12  having both a left side monitor presenter control  208  for the seat to the right of the armrest, and a right side monitor presenter control  208  for the seat to the left of the armrest. Other embodiments include similar arrangements of controls and monitor presenter orientations as discussed hereinafter. Further,  FIGS. 6A and 6B  introduce the removable top  202  of the top surface  200  of armrest  14 . 
     In various embodiments, the seat assembly  12  may include one or a plurality, including two or more, removable tops  202  that house the various monitor presenter elements described herein. In some examples, the seat assembly  12  may have an armrest  14  with a single removable top  202 . Typically, the upper surface  200  of armrest  14  includes the removable top  202  to conceal the monitor presenter in the stowed position. In some examples, removable top  202  may be closed in the stowage position and also re-closed while the monitor is in use, i.e. removable top  202  may be re-closed after the monitor presenter has been presented. 
     In yet other embodiments, the seat assembly  12  may have an armrest with two removable tops  202 , i.e. one for a first seat and one for an adjacent second seat. The removable top  202  may be hingedly, or the like, secured to armrest  14  to expose storage cavity  204  in the opened position. Typically, neck assembly  56  is parallel to armrest surface  200  in the stowed position. However, other embodiments include neck assembly  56  being stowed in a variety of positions within storage cavity  204 . Additionally, upper arm assembly  16  may be partially visible to the user in the stowed position, for instance for recognition of the intended use of controls  208  to present the monitor presenter. 
     Typically, the monitor presenter controls  208  control the positioning of the assembly between a storage position and a presented position, and then from a presented position to the storage position. Further, the monitor presenter controls  208  may control the positioning of the assembly in the presented position. In some examples, the lift latch  22  is positioned between an armrest safety plate and latch cavity  170 . Typically, the clearance between lift latch  22  and latch cavity  170  is sized to swivel handle  34  over itself into latch cavity  170 , particularly without contacting armrest  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, handle  34  may swivel into latch cavity  170  in a single, uninterrupted motion. 
       FIG. 8  shows one example of neck assembly  56  and plate assembly  50  in a fully presented position. Typically, plate assembly  50  may include an angle alignment hole  88  to position neck assembly  56  substantially vertical to armrest  14  in the presented position. As shown, plate assembly  50  may include a plurality of angle alignment holes  88 , which neck assembly  56 , or the like, may engage for multiple viewing angle position options. Therefore, neck assembly  56  may be substantially perpendicular to armrest  14  in the presented position, but neck assembly  56  may also be angled and secured in angle alignment holes, for example to match the pitch of a reclined seat or the like. Further, the lift latch  22  is configured to swivel into latch cavity  179 , and thereby be substantially out of view in the presented position. 
     In a vertical presentation position, the removable top  202  is rotated into the open position thereby exposing latch springs  172 , as discussed hereinafter. Typically, removable top  202  may be rotated back into a closed position once the monitor presenter is in the presentation position to conceal and close storage cavity  204 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of seat assembly  12  with the monitor  400  secured on the monitor presenter partially presented. As shown, neck assembly  56  is released from stowage in the storage cavity  204  and is partially rotated away from seat back  30 . In this embodiment, armrest  14  includes two monitor presenter assemblies, i.e. one assembly for each adjacent seat, with only the left monitor presenter being partially presented in this particular view. In exemplary embodiments, once the monitor presenter has been presented, i.e. after removable top  200  has been hinged open, after the monitor presenter has been removed from storage cavity  204  and swiveled into a substantially parallel position with the seat back, the user may complete the fully presented position by locking the monitor apparatus  10  into a viewing position as discussed above. 
       FIG. 10  shows one example of the monitor presenter in a fully presented position. As shown, upper arm assembly  16  is substantially parallel to the seat back. Further, the upper arm assembly  16  is sufficiently spaced from tray table  306  to allow access to tray table  306 . Other embodiments include a variety of spacing orientations between upper arm assembly  16  and tray table  306 . In the presented position, the lift latch  22  may be swiveled into latch cavity  170  and thereby be substantially out of view in the presented position. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates one example of a lift latch assembly with elements removed to show internal components. As shown, latch spring  172  is secured between a pin of the support body and the armrest assembly. The latch spring  172  may include a variety of compression springs having a numerous spring constants, depending on the weight of the monitor and the like. Further, a safety plate  174  may be secured to armrest  14  to help conceal and protect latch spring  172 . 
       FIG. 12  shows one particular embodiment, where during use in a presented position, the tail end  36  of the latch is typically swiveled down compressing latch spring  172  and retaining the latch assembly in a viewing position, i.e. after the monitor presenter has been presented. In particular embodiments, during non-use, the aircraft passenger monitor may be positioned into the stowed position. For example, to close the apparatus into the non-use position, the user may swivel the upper arm assembly  16  substantially parallel to armrest  14  and then release the tension in latch spring  172  by the rotating neck assembly  56  down into storage cavity  204 . 
     In yet other embodiments, the inventions include an aircraft passenger monitor apparatus kit. In these embodiments, the kit may comprise a monitor presenter, e.g. any of the lift latches  22 , upper arm assemblies  16  and rotational dampeners  24  previously shown or described. Further, the kit may include a monitor  400  or the like. Most typically, each kit may be a retrofit or renovate kit and including any of the elements previously shown or described. 
     Examples of aircraft components useful in embodiments herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,127 (Seat Track Anti-Rattle Locking Device), issued Aug. 12, 2008 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,331 (Seat Recline Control Override), issued Feb. 27, 2007, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. Many of the novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. It is further noted that, as used in this application, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.

Technology Category: 7