MONOCOQUE AND SEMI-MONOCOQUE PASSENGER SEATS WITH ERGONOMIC DESIGN

• US 20170158104A1
• Filed: 06/10/2015
• Published: 06/08/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC (Safran SA)
• Original Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC (Safran SA)
• Inventors: Le, Nguyen Tien Phuc, Mansouri, Reza, Parker, C. Michael, Sikorski, Jeffrey L.
• Granted Patent: US 10,442,330 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/64 Back-rests or cushions B60N2/2222 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/643 shape of the back-rests B60N2/66 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/68 Seat frames
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/682 Joining means
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/686 Panel like structures
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/70 Upholstery springs ; Upholstery
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/80 Head-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/809 vertically slidable
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/00 Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of radio sets, television sets, telephones, stowing or holding appliances , safety belts or the like B60R
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/004 of foldable trays mounted on the back-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/06 Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats crew seat constructions for emergency purposes B64D25/04
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0638 with foldable tables, trays or cup holders
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0649 Seats characterised by special features for reducing weight
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/40 Weight reduction

Abstract

Described are ergonomic passenger seats that may include monocoque or semi-monocoque seat backs, cellular suspension cushions, and tray tables with support arms that may be located within the interior volume of the monocoque or semi-monocoque seat backs when in their stowed positions. The passenger seats offer enhanced passenger comfort and space while providing a lightweight, simple to manufacture design. Monocoque and semi-monocoque seat backs may form integral parts of passenger seats to support additional loads without need for heavy, complex structures. The space within the monocoque or semi-monocoque seat back may then be used for storage or suspension cushions that offer improved comfort with a lighter seat frame. Monocoque and semi-monocoque seat backs may also facilitate the adoption of several other seating mechanisms, such as new seat mounts that allow for improved seat motion that allows for passenger recline with reduced impingement on other passengers'"'"' space.

Claims

1. A monocoque seat back comprising:

a forward panel, wherein the forward panel comprises a forward concave face and a forward convex face;

an aft panel, wherein the aft panel comprises an aft concave face and an aft convex face;

a forward panel mating perimeter; and

an aft panel mating perimeter, wherein the forward panel mating perimeter comprises complementary geometry to the aft panel mating perimeter;

wherein the forward panel mating perimeter is affixed to the aft panel mating perimeter such that the forward concave face and the aft concave face substantially enclose a volume.

2. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, wherein the forward panel mating perimeter and the aft panel mating perimeter form a butt joint.

3. The monocoque seat back of claim 2, further comprising a backing member, wherein the backing member reinforces the butt joint of the forward panel mating perimeter and the aft panel mating perimeter.

4. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, wherein the forward panel mating perimeter and the aft panel mating perimeter form a lap joint.

5. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, wherein the forward panel mating perimeter and the aft panel mating perimeter form a splice joint.

6. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, wherein the forward panel mating perimeter and the aft panel mating perimeter form a scarf joint.

7. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, further comprising an internal baffle.

8. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, further comprising an integrated stowage pocket.

9. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, further comprising at least one integrated armrest mounting point.

10. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, wherein the forward panel comprises a composite.

11. The monocoque seat back of claim 10, wherein the composite comprises carbon fiber.

12. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, wherein the aft panel comprises a composite.

13. The monocoque seat back of claim 12, wherein the composite comprises carbon fiber.

14. The monocoque seat back of claim 1, further comprising a foam fill within the volume.

15. A monocoque seat back comprising:

a structural skin comprising exterior surface and an interior surface;

the interior surface of the structural skin defining a substantially enclosed volume; and

the exterior surface of the structural skin configured to provide the surface geometry of the monocoque seat back;

wherein the structural skin substantially supports any loads imposed on the monocoque seat back.

16. The monocoque seat back of claim 15, wherein the structural skin comprises a composite.

17. The monocoque seat back of claim 16, wherein the composite comprises carbon fiber.

18. The monocoque seat back of claim 15, further comprising an internal baffle.

19. The monocoque seat back of claim 15, further comprising an integrated stowage pocket.

20. The monocoque seat back of claim 15, further comprising a foam fill within the substantially enclosed volume.

21. The monocoque seat back of claim 15, further comprising at least one integrated armrest mounting point.

22-73. -73. (canceled)

74. A passenger seat back comprising:

a monocoque structure comprising a forward panel, an aft panel, and a suspension cushion retaining member;

a suspension cushion comprising a honeycomb cellular structure;

wherein the forward panel comprises an aperture configured such that a person falling within the fifth to ninety-fifth statistical percentile for body size or shape is at least partially supported by the suspension cushion; and

wherein the monocoque structure and the suspension cushion comprise a compound curve configured to support a passenger falling within the fifth to ninety-fifth statistical percentile for body size or shape.