Aircraft seat

• US 8,579,375 B2
• Filed: 12/01/2011
• Issued: 11/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Safran Seats Co.
• Original Assignee: Zodiac Seats France (Safran SA)
• Inventors: Marais, Jean Charles, Marais, Joel
• Primary Examiner(s): MCPARTLIN, SARAH BURNHAM
• Application Number:
  US13/308,779
• Publication Number:
  US 20120139300A1
• Time in Patent Office: 712 Days
• Field of Search: 297341-343
• US Class Current: 297/342
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02 the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable adjustable arm-rests B60N2/75; adjustable head-rests B60N2/806
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/206 to a position in which it can be used as a support for objects, e.g. as a tray
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2209 by longitudinal displacement of the cushion, e.g. back-rest hinged on the bottom to the cushion and linked on the top to the vehicle frame
• 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 11/06395 characterised by the arrangement of electric motors for adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/064 Adjustable inclination or position of seats
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0641 Seats convertible into beds
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0649 Seats characterised by special features for reducing weight
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/40 Weight reduction

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide adjustable or convertible seats for use in aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. The seats are designed to use non-parallel slides and a single actuator for certain movements of the seat.

Claims

1. A positionable seat assembly for an aircraft, comprising:

(a) a movable seat pan and a movable backrest,

(b) a fixed seat base frame having a first slide and a second slide, wherein the first slide and the second slide are generally non-parallel to one another, wherein the movable seat pan is attached to the first slide and wherein the movable backrest is linked to a carriage that guides movement of the backrest along the second slide, and wherein the seat pan and the backrest pivot with respect to one another about a pivot point; and

(c) a single linear actuator having one end associated with the seat pan and one end associated with the backrest carriage, such that both ends of the actuator are associated with moving parts;

wherein any change in the length of the linear actuator will force the seat pan and the backrest carriage to move along the slide which they are respectively attached to, to a unique possible position, modifying the seat pan position and the back rest recline angle.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly is configured to be positionable in an upright position, in a bed-like position, and in any number of positions therebetween.

3. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the backrest is linked to the carriage about a pivot point.

4. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first slide is generally horizontal.

5. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the second slide has a generally upward incline toward a back of the seat assembly.

6. The seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising a footrest that extends when the seat assembly is in a bed-like position.

7. The seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second actuator associated with the backrest, configured to provide back adjustment independent from the seat pan adjustment.

8. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat is configured to have an angled rake during adjustment between an upright position and a bed-like position.

9. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly is installed in a cabin of an aircraft.