U.S. patent application number 16/200769 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for supplemental recline panel for aircraft cabin attendant seat.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMI Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is AMI Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pradeep Acharya, Douglas E Hoover, Akhil Rajagopal Kozhipuram, Dominic J. Maglia.
Application Number | 20200115058 16/200769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68280739 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200115058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoover; Douglas E ; et
al. |
April 16, 2020 |
Supplemental Recline Panel for Aircraft Cabin Attendant Seat
Abstract
A retrofit seat back assembly is disclosed. In various
embodiments, the assembly includes a supplemental recline panel
having an upper end and a lower end; a pivot member disposed
proximate the upper end and configured to pivotally engage a seat
back frame of a stowable seat; an actuator disposed proximate the
lower end and configured to operably engage the seat back frame and
move the supplemental recline panel between a retracted position
and a deployed position; and a bias element disposed between the
supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame and configured
to urge the supplemental recline panel toward the seat back
frame.
Inventors: |
Hoover; Douglas E; (Colorado
Springs, CO) ; Maglia; Dominic J.; (Pueblo, CO)
; Kozhipuram; Akhil Rajagopal; (Bangalore, IN) ;
Acharya; Pradeep; (Bangalore, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMI Industries, Inc. |
Colorado Springs |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AMI Industries, Inc.
Colorado Springs
CO
|
Family ID: |
68280739 |
Appl. No.: |
16/200769 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/0342 20130101;
Y02T 50/40 20130101; B64D 11/0698 20141201; B64D 11/0643 20141201;
A47C 7/44 20130101; B64D 11/064 20141201; B64D 11/0691
20141201 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06; A47C 7/44 20060101 A47C007/44; A47C 1/034 20060101
A47C001/034 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 15, 2018 |
IN |
201811039086 |
Claims
1. A retrofit seat back assembly, comprising: a supplemental
recline panel having an upper end and a lower end; a pivot member
disposed proximate the upper end and configured to pivotally engage
a seat back frame of a stowable seat; an actuator disposed
proximate the lower end and configured to operably engage the seat
back frame and move the supplemental recline panel between a
retracted position and a deployed position; and a bias element
disposed between the supplemental recline panel and the seat back
frame and configured to urge the supplemental recline panel toward
the seat back frame.
2. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the bias
element comprises a spring having a first spring end connected to
the supplemental recline panel and a second spring end connected to
the seat back frame.
3. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 2, wherein the bias
element further comprises a main body configured for disposition
within a lower aperture of the seat back frame and wherein the
second spring end is connected to the main body.
4. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 3, wherein the main
body comprises a flange configured to engage a first surface of the
seat back frame and is configured to receive a retaining clip
proximate a second surface of the seat back frame.
5. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 4, wherein the bias
element further comprises a spring bracket configured for
disposition on the supplemental recline panel and wherein the first
spring end is connected to the spring bracket.
6. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator
comprises a lever pivotally attached to the supplemental recline
panel proximate the lower end, the lever having a distal end
configured for rolling engagement with the seat back frame.
7. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 6, wherein the seat
back frame includes a frame arm having a lower cutout section and
wherein the distal end of the lever includes a roller configured
for rolling engagement with a surface of the lower cutout
section.
8. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 7, wherein the roller
is configured to abut a locking end of the lower cutout section
when the supplemental recline panel assumes the deployed
position.
9. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat
back frame includes a frame arm having an upper cutout section and
wherein the pivot member comprises a pivot tab configured to engage
a surface of the upper cutout section of the frame arm.
10. The retrofit seat back assembly of claim 9, further comprising
a stabilizer bracket configured to engage an upper aperture of the
seat back frame.
11. A seat back assembly configured to retrofit a stowable seat
having a seat back frame, comprising: a supplemental recline panel
having an upper panel end, a lower panel end, a first panel side
and a second panel side; a first pivot tab attached to the upper
panel end and configured to pivotally engage a first frame arm of
the seat back frame; a second pivot tab attached to the upper panel
end and configured to pivotally engage a second frame arm of the
seat back frame; a first lever pivotally connected to the lower
panel end and configured to operably engage the first frame arm of
the seat back frame between a retracted position and a deployed
position; and a second lever pivotally connected to the lower panel
end and configured to operably engage the second frame arm of the
seat back frame between the retracted position and the deployed
position.
12. The seat back assembly of claim 11, further comprising a first
bias element disposed proximate the first lever and between the
supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame and configured
to urge the supplemental recline panel toward the seat back
frame.
13. The seat back assembly of claim 12, wherein the first bias
element includes a first spring connected to the supplemental
recline panel and to the seat back frame.
14. The seat back assembly of claim 13, further comprising a second
bias element disposed proximate the second lever and between the
supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame and configured
to urge the supplemental recline panel toward the seat back
frame.
15. The seat back assembly of claim 14, wherein the second bias
element includes a second spring connected to the supplemental
recline panel and to the seat back frame.
16. The seat back assembly of claim 11, wherein the first lever
comprises a first distal end configured for rolling engagement with
a first lower cutout section of the first frame arm of the seat
back frame.
17. The seat back assembly of claim 16, wherein the second lever
comprises a second distal end configured for rolling engagement
with a second lower cutout section of the second frame arm of the
seat back frame.
18. The seat back assembly of claim 17, wherein the first distal
end of the first lever includes a first roller configured for
rolling engagement with a first surface of the first lower cutout
section and the second distal end of the second lever includes a
second roller configured for rolling engagement with a second
surface of the second lower cutout section.
19. A method of retrofitting a stowable seat having a seat back
frame, comprising: providing a retrofit seat back assembly,
comprising: a supplemental recline panel having an upper end and a
lower end, a pivot disposed proximate the upper end and configured
to pivotally engage the seat back frame of the stowable seat, a
lever disposed proximate the lower end and configured to operably
engage the seat back frame and move the supplemental recline panel
between a retracted position and a deployed position, and a spring
configured for disposition between the supplemental recline panel
and the seat back frame and configured to urge the supplemental
recline panel toward the seat back frame; and assembling the
retrofit seat back assembly onto the seat back frame.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the assembling the retrofit
seat back assembly onto the seat back frame includes: engaging the
pivot with an upper cutout section of a frame arm of the seat back
frame; engaging a distal end of the lever with a lower cutout
section of the frame arm; and connecting the spring between the
supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of,
Indian Prov. Pat. Appl., Serial No. 201811039086, entitled
"Supplemental Recline Panel for Aircraft Cabin Attendant Seat,"
filed on Oct. 15, 2018 at the Indian Patent Office, the entirety of
which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to aircraft cabin attendant
seats and, more particularly, to supplemental recline panels
configured to retrofit aircraft cabin attendant seats.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Aircraft cabin seats (also referred to as stowable seats or
jump seats) are used for flight attendant safety and comfort during
taxi, takeoff, landing and inflight periods of rest. Aircraft cabin
seats may be used for long periods of time depending on flight
duration. Traditional cabin seats may cause pain or discomfort for
the crew member occupying the seat due to the non-ergonomic
geometry of the seat. Further, the space available for extending a
cabin seat into a more comfortable position may be minimal, as
useable volumetric space on an aircraft tends to be limited and the
cabin seats should not hinder ingress and egress for passengers in
the event of an emergency. Such seats may also be subject to
various regulations and requirements. For example, under European
Union regulations, a seat in Class II (i.e., a seat in an aircraft
cabin or flight crew compartment) is required to recline at a back
angle of at least forty-five degrees) (45.degree.) with respect to
the vertical. Existing seats configured to recline at back angles
less than that mandated by regulation will benefit from retrofit
systems or apparatus or methods of retrofitting configured to bring
the seats into compliance with such regulation. In addition, the
ability to rapidly convert or retrofit existing seats to seats
having an increased back angle--e.g., on the order of fifteen
minutes or less--together with the resulting retrofit seat being
intuitive and natural for an occupant to use may be of beneficial
importance.
SUMMARY
[0004] A retrofit seat back assembly is disclosed. In various
embodiments, the assembly includes a supplemental recline panel
having an upper end and a lower end; a pivot member disposed
proximate the upper end and configured to pivotally engage a seat
back frame of a stowable seat; an actuator disposed proximate the
lower end and configured to operably engage the seat back frame and
move the supplemental recline panel between a retracted position
and a deployed position; and a bias element disposed between the
supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame and configured
to urge the supplemental recline panel toward the seat back
frame.
[0005] In various embodiments, the bias element comprises a spring
having a first spring end connected to the supplemental recline
panel and a second spring end connected to the seat back frame. In
various embodiments, the bias element further comprises a main body
configured for disposition within a lower aperture of the seat back
frame and the second spring end is connected to the main body. In
various embodiments, the main body comprises a flange configured to
engage a first surface of the seat back frame and is configured to
receive a retaining clip proximate a second surface of the seat
back frame. In various embodiments, the bias element further
comprises a spring bracket configured for disposition on the
supplemental recline panel and wherein the first spring end is
connected to the spring bracket.
[0006] In various embodiments, the actuator comprises a lever
pivotally attached to the supplemental recline panel proximate the
lower end, the lever having a distal end configured for rolling
engagement with the seat back frame. In various embodiments, the
seat back frame includes a frame arm having a lower cutout section
and wherein the distal end of the lever includes a roller
configured for rolling engagement with a surface of the lower
cutout section. In various embodiments, the roller is configured to
abut a locking end of the lower cutout section when the
supplemental recline panel assumes the deployed position.
[0007] In various embodiments, the seat back frame includes a frame
arm having an upper cutout section and the pivot member comprises a
pivot tab configured to engage a surface of the upper cutout
section of the frame arm. In various embodiments, a stabilizer
bracket is configured to engage an upper aperture of the seat back
frame.
[0008] A seat back assembly configured to retrofit a stowable seat
having a seat back frame is disclosed. In various embodiments, the
assembly includes a supplemental recline panel having an upper
panel end, a lower panel end, a first panel side and a second panel
side; a first pivot tab attached to the upper panel end and
configured to pivotally engage a first frame arm of the seat back
frame; a second pivot tab attached to the upper panel end and
configured to pivotally engage a second frame arm of the seat back
frame; a first lever pivotally connected to the lower panel end and
configured to operably engage the first frame arm of the seat back
frame between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a
second lever pivotally connected to the lower panel end and
configured to operably engage the second frame arm of the seat back
frame between the retracted position and the deployed position.
[0009] In various embodiments, a first bias element is disposed
proximate the first lever and between the supplemental recline
panel and the seat back frame and is configured to urge the
supplemental recline panel toward the seat back frame. In various
embodiments, the first bias element includes a first spring
connected to the supplemental recline panel and to the seat back
frame. In various embodiments, a second bias element is disposed
proximate the second lever and between the supplemental recline
panel and the seat back frame and is configured to urge the
supplemental recline panel toward the seat back frame. In various
embodiments, the second bias element includes a second spring
connected to the supplemental recline panel and to the seat back
frame.
[0010] In various embodiments, the first lever comprises a first
distal end configured for rolling engagement with a first lower
cutout section of the first frame arm of the seat back frame. In
various embodiments, the second lever comprises a second distal end
configured for rolling engagement with a second lower cutout
section of the second frame arm of the seat back frame. In various
embodiments, the first distal end of the first lever includes a
first roller configured for rolling engagement with a first surface
of the first lower cutout section and the second distal end of the
second lever includes a second roller configured for rolling
engagement with a second surface of the second lower cutout
section.
[0011] A method of retrofitting a stowable seat having a seat back
frame is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes the
steps of providing a retrofit seat back assembly, comprising: a
supplemental recline panel having an upper end and a lower end, a
pivot disposed proximate the upper end and configured to pivotally
engage the seat back frame of the stowable seat, a lever disposed
proximate the lower end and configured to operably engage the seat
back frame and move the supplemental recline panel between a
retracted position and a deployed position, and a spring configured
for disposition between the supplemental recline panel and the seat
back frame and configured to urge the supplemental recline panel
toward the seat back frame; and assembling the retrofit seat back
assembly onto the seat back frame.
[0012] In various embodiments, the step of the assembling the
retrofit seat back assembly onto the seat back frame includes:
engaging the pivot with an upper cutout section of a frame arm of
the seat back frame; engaging a distal end of the lever with a
lower cutout section of the frame arm; and connecting the spring
between the supplemental recline panel and the seat back frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. A more complete understanding of the present
disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the
following detailed description and claims in connection with the
following drawings. While the drawings illustrate various
embodiments employing the principles described herein, the drawings
do not limit the scope of the claims.
[0014] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are perspective schematic views of a
stowable seat, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded and partially assembled
schematic views of a retrofit seat back assembly, in accordance
with various embodiments;
[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective schematic views of a
retrofit seat back assembly attached to a seat back frame, in
accordance with various embodiments; and
[0017] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E are various close-up schematic
views of a retrofit seat back assembly attached to a seat back
frame, in accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description of various embodiments
herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show
various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various
embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be
understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of
illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference
to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more
than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or
step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the
like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full or
any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference
to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced
contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that
unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," "an" or
"the" may include one or more than one and that reference to an
item in the singular may also include the item in the plural.
Further, all ranges may include upper and lower values and all
ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined. As used
herein, "distal" refers to the direction outward, or generally,
away from a reference component. As used herein, "proximal" or
"proximate" refer to a direction inward, or generally, towards the
reference component.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C
illustrate a stowable seat 100 in a stowed position (FIG. 1A) and a
deployed position (FIGS. 1B and 1C). In various embodiments, the
stowable seat 100 includes a housing 102 that may be used to store
a seat bottom 104, a seat back 106 and a head rest 108. The housing
102 provides structural support for the various components
comprising the stowable seat 100. In various embodiments, a depth
(in the X-direction) defines an envelope of the stowable seat 100
in the stowed position. In various embodiments, the depth may be
less than about twelve inches (12'') (30.5 cm). For example, the
depth of the stowable seat 100 in the stowed position may be eleven
and one-half inches (11.5'') (29.21 cm) at the base of housing 102.
Similarly, a width (in the Y-direction) may further define the
envelope of the stowable seat 100. In various embodiments, the
width may be approximately twenty inches (20'') (50.8 cm), for
example. In various embodiments, feet or tracks 110 may protrude
downward (e.g., in a negative Z-direction) from the housing 102 of
the stowable seat 100 and provide a mounting point to mount the
stowable seat 100 to an aircraft floor.
[0020] In various embodiments, the seat back 106 may protrude
vertically (e.g., in a substantially positive Z-direction) from the
housing 102 when the stowable seat 100 assumes the stowed position.
The seat bottom 104 may pivot upward (e.g., in the positive
Z-direction) and towards the seat back 106 so that the seat bottom
104 is disposed at least partially in the housing 102. In various
embodiments, the seat back 106 may include a cushion 112 facing
outward from the housing 102. The cushion 112 may be removably
attached to a seat back frame 114 (see, e.g., FIG. 1C) via, for
example, one or more assemblies of hook and loop strips 116 or the
like. In various embodiments, the seat back frame 114 includes a
pair of frame arms 115 that are pivotally connected at an upper end
117 to the housing 102 and at a lower end 119 to the seat bottom
104. The seat back frame 114 also includes a main recline panel
121, attached to the pair of frame arms 115, which includes an
upper plurality of apertures 123 and a lower plurality of apertures
125. In various embodiments, the upper plurality of apertures 123
and the lower plurality of apertures 125 serve to reduce the
overall weight of the stowable seat 100. In various embodiments, a
door 118 may open into a stow compartment 120. As described above,
the stowable seat 100, while in the stowed position, may occupy
less space than the stowable seat 100, while in the deployed
position. In this regard, the stowable seat 100 may be stowed to
conserve useable space in an aircraft or other application where
space is limited.
[0021] With continued reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, perspective
views of the stowable seat 100 are shown in the deployed position,
in accordance with various embodiments. The seat bottom 104 may be
pivotally coupled to the housing 102 via a seat bottom frame 122,
such that the seat bottom 104 may fold away from the housing 102
when assuming the deployed position. A seat bottom cushion 124 is
attached to the seat bottom frame 122 and may be oriented to face
upward (e.g., in the positive Z-direction) in the deployed
position, wherein the term "upward," as used herein, refers to the
vertical or positive Z-direction. While assuming the deployed
position from the stowed position, the seat bottom 104 may slide
laterally outward from the housing 102 (e.g., in the negative
X-direction) along a track that is positioned within the seat
bottom frame 122. In various embodiments, the seat back 106 may
also translate laterally, as well as rotate (about the Y-direction)
as the seat bottom 104 slides along the track until the seat back
104 is oriented at a seat back angle 126 of about forty degrees
(40.degree.) from the upward direction. In various embodiments, the
stowable seat 100 also includes a leg-rest 128 coupled to seat
bottom 104. The leg-rest 128 may comprise a leg-rest cushion 130
oriented to face upward (in the positive Z-direction) while in the
deployed position. In various embodiments, a footrest 132 may
extend from the leg-rest 128. In various embodiments, a support arm
134 may pivot downward (i.e., in the negative Z-direction) from the
leg-rest 128 to provide load bearing support for the leg-rest
128.
[0022] As stated above, in various embodiments, the seat back 104
is configured, while in the deployed position, to assume a seat
back angle 126 of about forty degrees (40.degree.) from the
vertical direction. Thus, the seat back angle 126 may be less than
that required to satisfy various regulations, such as, for example,
European Union regulations or requirements referring to a seat in
the Class II aircraft seat category. Rather than having to replace
all such seats within a fleet of aircraft, and bearing the
associated expense and inconvenience in doing so, a retrofit seat
back assembly 150, such as, for example, a supplemental recline
panel 152, may be used, in various embodiments, to convert a
stowable seat (such as the stowable seat 100 just described),
currently configured to assume a seat back angle 126 of no more
than about forty degrees (40.degree.), to a retrofitted stowable
seat, configured to assume a seat back angle 126 of about
forty-five degrees (45.degree.) or greater, such that the
retrofitted stowable seat complies with regulations requiring the
seat back angle 126 to be about forty-five degrees (45.degree.) or
greater.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, exploded and partially
assembled views of, respectively, a retrofit seat back assembly 250
are provided, in accordance with various embodiments. The retrofit
seat back assembly 250 includes a supplemental recline panel 252
that is configured for attachment to a seat back frame, such as,
for example, the seat back frame 114 described above with reference
to FIG. 1C. In various embodiments, the supplemental recline panel
includes an upper panel end 241, a lower panel end 242, a first
panel side 243 and a second panel side 244, each of which has a
corresponding end or side with the seat back frame. In various
embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 250 includes an
actuator which, in various embodiments, may comprise a pair of
actuators 254, each of which includes a lever 255 and a lever
bracket 256 configured to mount the lever to the supplemental
recline panel 252. In various embodiments, as is described further
below, the lever 255 is configured to receive a roller 257
positioned at a distal end 258 of the lever 255 and includes a
protrusion 259 extending outwardly from the lever 255 proximate the
distal end 258 of the lever 255. In various embodiments, the lever
bracket 256 is attached to the supplemental recline panel 252 by
one or more fasteners 253, like threaded screws, rivets or the like
that are configured to extend through apertures positioned through
the supplemental recline panel 252 and engage with the lever
bracket 256.
[0024] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 250
further includes a pair of bias elements 260, each of which, in
various embodiments, may include a main body 261, a spring bracket
262, a spring 263 extending between the main body 261 and the
spring bracket 262, a retaining clip, such as, for example, a
circlip 264, and a pair of pins 265 configured to attach a first
end 266 of the spring 263 (or first spring end) to the spring
bracket 262 and a second end 267 of the spring 263 (or second
spring end) to the main body 261. In various embodiments, the
spring bracket 262 is configured for attachment to the supplemental
recline panel 252 and the main body 261 is configured for
attachment to a seat back frame, such as, for example, the seat
back frame 114 described above with reference to FIG. 1C. The main
body 261 is attached to the seat back frame using the circlip 264.
In various embodiments, the spring bracket 262 is attached to the
supplemental recline panel 252 by one or more fasteners 268, like
threaded screws or rivets or the like that are configured to extend
through apertures positioned through the supplemental recline panel
252 and engage with the spring bracket 262. In various embodiments,
the spring 263 is configured to extend through an aperture 269 that
extends through the supplemental recline panel 252.
[0025] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 250
further includes a pair of stabilizer assemblies 270, each of which
includes a stabilizer bracket 271 having a stabilizer tab 272
configured to engage an aperture extending through a seat back
frame, such as, for example, the seat back frame 114 described
above with reference to FIG. 1C. In various embodiments, the
stabilizer bracket 271 is attached to the supplemental recline
panel 252 by one or more fasteners 273, like threaded screws or
rivets or the like that are configured to extend through apertures
positioned through the supplemental recline panel 252 and engage
with the stabilizer tab 272. In various embodiments, the retrofit
seat back assembly 250 further includes a pair of pivot members
275, each one of which, in various embodiments, may include a pivot
bracket 276 having a pivot tab 277 configured to pivotally engage a
frame arm, such as, for example, one of the pair of frame arms 115
described above with reference to FIG. 1C. In various embodiments,
the pivot bracket 276 is attached to the supplemental recline panel
252 by one or more fasteners 278, like threaded screws or rivets or
the like that are configured to extend through apertures positioned
through the supplemental recline panel 252 and engage with the
pivot bracket 276. In various embodiments, one or more cushion
attachment assemblies 279, such as, for example, one or more
assemblies of hook and loop strips 216 or the like, similar to
those described above with reference to FIG. 1C, are attached to
the supplemental recline panel 252.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a retrofit seat back
assembly 350, such as, for example, the retrofit seat back assembly
250 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, is
illustrated attached to a seat back frame 314, such as, for
example, the seat back frame 114 described above with reference to
FIG. 1C. The retrofit seat back assembly 350 is illustrated in both
a retracted position (see FIG. 3A) and a deployed position (see
FIG. 3B). As will be described in further detail below, the
retrofit seat back assembly 350 includes a supplemental recline
panel 352 that is attached to the seat back frame 314. In various
embodiments, for example, the seat back frame 314 includes a main
recline panel 321 having an upper plurality of apertures 323 and a
lower plurality of apertures 325. In various embodiments, the seat
back frame 314 further includes a pair of frame arms 315, to which
the main recline panel 321 may be attached. As will now be
described, the retrofit seat back assembly 350 may be operably
attached to the seat back frame 314 via the pair of frame arms 315
and one or more of the apertures within the upper plurality of
apertures 323 and the lower plurality of apertures 325.
[0027] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 350
includes a first stabilizer assembly 370 having a first stabilizer
bracket 371 and a first stabilizer tab 372 that is configured to be
received by and abut against a first aperture 380. In various
embodiments, the first aperture 380 is one of the upper plurality
of apertures 323. The first stabilizer assembly 370 functions to
prevent the retrofit seat back assembly 350 from sliding along the
seat back frame 314 during use. In various embodiments, the
retrofit seat back assembly 350 may include additional stabilizer
assemblies, such as, for example, a second stabilizer assembly
having a second stabilizer bracket and a second stabilizer tab that
is configured to be received by and abut against a second aperture.
In various embodiments, the additional stabilizer assemblies are
identical in design and function to the first stabilizer assembly
370 and, therefore, such details are not repeated here.
[0028] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 350
further includes an actuator which, in various embodiments, may
comprise a first actuator 354 having a first lever 355 and a first
lever bracket 356 configured to mount the first lever 355 to the
supplemental recline panel 352. In various embodiments, the first
lever 355 is configured to receive a first roller 357 positioned at
a first distal end 358 of the first lever 355 and includes a first
protrusion 359 extending outwardly from the first lever 355
proximate the first distal end 358 of the first lever 355. In
various embodiments, as described further below, the first roller
357 is configured to roll against an inner surface of a first lower
cutout section 381 of a first frame arm 382 (e.g., a first one of
the pair of frame arms 315). The first actuator 354 functions to
move the supplemental recline panel 352 between the retracted
position (see FIG. 3A) and the deployed position (see FIG. 3B). In
various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 350 may
include additional actuators, such as, for example, a second
actuator having a second lever, a second distal end, a second lever
bracket and a second roller configured to roll against an inner
surface of a second lower cutout section of a second frame arm. In
various embodiments, the additional actuators are identical in
design and function to the first actuator 354 and, therefore, such
details are not repeated here.
[0029] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 350
further includes a first bias element 360 having a first main body
361, a first spring bracket 362 and a first spring 363 extending
between the first main body 361 and the first spring bracket 362.
As described further below, the first main body 361 extends through
a first lower aperture 340 and is attached to the main recline
panel 321 and the first spring bracket 362 is attached to the
supplemental recline panel 352. In various embodiments, the first
spring 363 (or first bias element) extending between the first main
body 361 and the first spring bracket 362 functions to bias the
supplemental recline panel 352 toward the main recline panel 321.
In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 350 may
include additional bias elements, such as, for example, a second
bias element having a second main body, a second spring bracket and
a second spring (or second bias element) configured to bias the
supplemental recline panel 352 toward the main recline panel 321.
In various embodiments, the additional bias elements are identical
in design and function to the first bias element 360 and,
therefore, such details are not repeated here.
[0030] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 350
further includes a first pivot member 375 which, in various
embodiments, may include a first pivot bracket 376 and a first
pivot tab 377 extending from the first pivot bracket 376. In
various embodiments, as described further below, the first pivot
tab 377 is configured to rotate within an inner surface of a first
upper cutout section 383 of the first frame arm 382. The first
pivot member 375 functions to enable the supplemental recline panel
352 to rotate, proximate the first pivot member 375, between the
retracted position (see FIG. 3A) and the deployed position (see
FIG. 3B). In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly
350 may include additional pivot members, such as, for example, a
second pivot member having a second pivot bracket and a second
pivot tab configured to rotate within an inner surface of a second
upper cutout section of a second frame arm. In various embodiments,
the additional pivot members are identical in design and function
to the first pivot member 375 and, therefore, such details are not
repeated here.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4E, additional details of the
construction and operation of a retrofit seat back assembly 450,
such as, for example, the retrofit seat back assembly 250 described
above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B and the retrofit seat back
assembly 350 described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B are
provided. In describing the embodiments presented in these figures,
focus is placed on a single side of the retrofit seat back assembly
450, though it is understood that the same principles apply to a
second side or embodiments having multiple numbers of the various
components, as is described above with respect to the various
embodiments. Referring to FIG. 4A, for example, a schematic side
view illustrates the retrofit seat back assembly 450 in a deployed
position with respect to a seat back frame 414, which includes a
frame arm 482 having a lower cutout section 481 and an upper cutout
section 483. The seat back frame 414 further includes a main
recline panel 421 that extends between the frame arm 482 and a
second frame arm positioned laterally opposite the frame arm 482
(see, e.g., the main recline panel 121 and the pair of frame arms
115 illustrated in FIG. 1C). The retrofit seat back assembly 450
further includes a supplemental recline panel 452. A bias element
460 is disposed between the main recline panel 421 and the
supplemental recline panel 452. In various embodiments, the bias
element 460 is disposed proximate an actuator 454 that is
configured, as described above and further below, to operate the
retrofit seat back assembly 450 between a retracted position and a
deployed position.
[0032] When the retrofit seat back assembly 450 assumes the
retracted position, the supplemental recline panel 452 rests
against the main recline panel 421 at a seat back angle 426 with
respect to the vertical direction. The seat back angle 426 is
substantially the same angle of recline that a seat back would
assume prior to retrofit (see, e.g., the seat back angle 126
illustrated in FIG. 1C). When the retrofit seat back assembly 450
assumes a deployed position, the supplemental recline panel 452 is
urged away from the main recline panel 421, as illustrated, and
assumes an extended seat back angle 485. In various embodiments,
the seat back angle 426 is about forty degrees (40.degree.) and the
extended seat back angle 485 is about forty-five degrees
(45.degree.) or greater. Further details regarding the construction
and operation of the retrofit seat back assembly 450 are provided
below with reference to FIGS. 4B-4E.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, an upper end of the retrofit
seat back assembly 450 is illustrated, with the supplemental
recline panel 452 attached to a stabilizer assembly 470 having a
stabilizer bracket 471 and a stabilizer tab 472 extending from the
bracket. The stabilizer bracket 471 is connected to the
supplemental recline panel 452 via one or more fasteners 473, like
threaded screws or rivets or the like. As illustrated, the
stabilizer tab 472 is configured to extend through an upper
aperture 480 and abut against the surface of the aperture to
prevent the supplemental recline panel 452 from moving in a
longitudinal direction L with respect to the main recline panel
421. Referring to FIG. 4B, the upper end of the supplemental
recline panel 452 is also illustrated being attached to a pivot
member 475. Similar to the description above, the pivot member 475
includes a pivot bracket 476 and a pivot tab 477 extending from the
pivot bracket 476. The pivot tab 477 is configured to move in a
sliding direction 486 with respect to the inner surface of the
upper cutout section 483 such that a rotational movement about an
axis extending between the frame arm 482 and the second frame arm
positioned laterally opposite the frame arm 482. The rotation
enables the supplemental recline panel 452 to pivot between
retracted and deployed positions without flexing or bending the
material comprising the supplemental recline panel 452 proximate
its upper end, thereby extending longevity of the supplemental
recline panel 452 following repeated use.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 4D and 4E, a lower end of the
retrofit seat back assembly 450 is illustrated, showing further
details of the construction and operation of the actuator 454 and
the bias element 460. Referring to FIG. 4D, the retrofit seat back
assembly 450 is illustrated in the retracted position. In various
embodiments, the bias element 460 includes a main body 461
configured to extend through a lower aperture 440 in the main
recline panel 421. The main body 461 includes a flange 487 that
abuts a front surface (or first surface) of the main recline panel
421 and prevents the main body 461 from extending completely
through the lower aperture 440. In various embodiments, a retaining
clip, such as, for example, circlip 464, is disposed within a slot
cut into the main body opposite the flange 487, and abuts a rear
surface (or second surface) of the main recline panel 421, serving
to sandwich a portion of the main recline panel 421 near the
perimeter of the lower aperture 440 between the flange 487 and the
circlip 464. A bias element, such as a spring 463, extends between
a lower portion of the main body 461 and a spring bracket 462. A
pair of pins 465 is configured to attach a first end 466 of the
spring 463 to the spring bracket 462 and a second end 467 of the
spring 463 to the main body 461. In various embodiments, the spring
bracket 462 is configured for attachment to the supplemental
recline panel 452 by one or more fasteners 468, like threaded
screws or rivets or the like that are configured to extend through
apertures positioned through the supplemental recline panel 452 and
engage with the spring bracket 462. In various embodiments, the
spring 463 is configured to extend through an aperture 469 that
extends through the supplemental recline panel 452.
[0035] In various embodiments, the retrofit seat back assembly 450
further includes the actuator 454 having a lever 455 and a lever
bracket 456 configured to mount the lever 455 to the supplemental
recline panel 452. In various embodiments, the lever 455 is
configured to receive a roller 457 positioned at a distal end 458
of the lever 455 and includes a protrusion 459 extending outwardly
from the lever 455 proximate the distal end 458 of the lever 455.
In various embodiments, as described above and below, the roller
457 is configured to roll against an inner surface of a lower
cutout section 481 of the frame arm 482. The actuator 454 functions
to move the supplemental recline panel 452 between the retracted
position and the deployed position. For example, while in the
retracted position, the lever 455 assumes a position substantially
parallel with a length of the surface of the lower cutout section
481 contacted by the roller 457. When transitioning from the
retracted position to the deployed position, the lever 455 is
rotated in a deployment direction 490 about a pin 491 extending
through lever bracket 456 and the lever 455. Rotation of the lever
455 about the pin 491 causes the roller 457 at the distal end 458
to roll in a longitudinal direction L along the inner surface of
the lower cutout section 481, thereby causing a proximal end 492 of
the lever 455 to move in a transverse direction T, substantially
normal to the longitudinal direction L. Moving the proximal end 492
of the lever 455 in the transverse direction causes the
supplemental recline panel 452 to also move in the transverse
direction T until a fully deployed position is reached.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 4E, during the deployment process,
the lever 455 will reach a point wherein a line 493 extending
through the pin 491 and the roller 457 is substantially normal to
the longitudinal direction L. At this point, the deployment process
assumes an unstable (or metastable) state, such that the lever 455
can either reverse direction and return to the retracted position,
under the pull of the spring 463, or continue rotating in the
deployment direction 490, also under the pull of the spring 463. In
various embodiments, the surface of the lower cutout section 481
extends sufficiently far along the longitudinal direction L such
that the lever 455 may continue to rotate in the deployment
direction 490, beyond the unstable state, until the roller 457 and
the protrusion 459 abut a locking end 494 of the lower cutout
section 481. At this point in the deployment process, the lever 455
has rotated to a point such that a locking angle 495 is achieved
between the fully deployed position 496 of the lever 455 and the
unstable position 497 of the lever 455. In various embodiments, the
locking angle 495 is from about five degrees (5.degree.) to about
fifteen degrees (15.degree.), ensuring the lever 455 cannot
inadvertently return to the retracted position. To transition from
the fully deployed position to the retracted position, the
operation and steps described above are reversed.
[0037] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described herein with regard to specific embodiments.
Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures
contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional
relationships and/or physical couplings between the various
elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in
a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements
of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be
limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or
more." Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B,
or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be
interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B
alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an
embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may
be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B
and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used
throughout the figures to denote different parts but not
necessarily to denote the same or different materials.
[0038] Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the
detailed description herein, references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the
description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant
art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative
embodiments.
[0039] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the
present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." As used
herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements does not include only those elements but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus.
[0040] Finally, it should be understood that any of the above
described concepts can be used alone or in combination with any or
all of the other above described concepts. Although various
embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary
skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would
come within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the
description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teaching.
* * * * *