ARMREST WITH INTEGRATED EFFECT DELIVERY SYSTEM

Abstract

An armrest for a seating assembly includes a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. A fan unit is contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, the fan unit operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet. A louver assembly is positioned at the air outlet, the louver assembly arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat. The armrest is mountable to the seating assembly and the air outlet is arranged facing at least partially in a rearward direction when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly.

Description

FIELD

The specification relates generally to a seating assembly armrest, and in particular to an armrest with an integrated effect delivery system.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,076,712 purports to disclose systems and methods of delivering fluid from one or more armrests of seat systems, including a seat support assembly with armrests with one or more fluid nozzles mounted on one or more of the armrests, a fluid delivery system coupled to the one or more fluid nozzle(s), wherein the fluid nozzles are mounted on an end of the armrest that slopes upward to direct fluid toward the viewer. The system includes a seat support assembly with air outlet(s) on an armrest coupled to a fan, which reduces the load on the fluid delivery system. The system includes a controller configured to communicate on and off commands that correspond to events on a timeline of a movie to actuate the fluid delivery system to deliver fluids to the outlets.

International Patent Application No. PCT/AT2015/050137 purports to disclose a multimedia seat assembly for a spectator region of an entertainment facility, in particular for a 4-D cinema, comprising at least one effect seat and at least two effect armrests, which are arranged to the left and right of the effect seat. An effect module comprising a flow housing is arranged in each of the effect armrests. An air flow can be conducted through the flow housing in a main flow channel and out of the effect armrest into the face of a user.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an armrest for a seating assembly. The seating assembly comprises at least one user seat. Each user seat has a seat base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in a forward-rearward direction, and each seat base extends between a seat first side and a seat second side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction. The armrest comprises a housing, a fan unit, and a louver assembly. The housing comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The fan unit is contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet. The louver assembly is positioned at the air outlet, wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat. The armrest is mountable to the seating assembly at the seat first side or the seat second side, and the air outlet is arranged facing at least partially in the rearward direction when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly.

In some embodiments, the fan unit comprises an axial fan.

In some embodiments, the armrest extends between a proximal end and a distal end; the air inlet, fan unit, and louver assembly are all positioned at the distal end of the arm rest; and when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly, the proximal end is located at or near to the seat rear end, and the distal end is spaced away from the seat rear end in the forward direction.

In some embodiments, when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air outlet is arranged facing in an upward and rearward direction.

In some embodiments, when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air outlet is proximate the seat front end.

In some embodiments, when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air outlet is positioned forward of the seat front end in the forward-rearward direction.

In some embodiments, when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air inlet is positioned forward of the air outlet in the forward-rearward direction.

In some embodiments, the air inlet, air outlet, and the fan unit are linearly aligned.

In some embodiments, the armrest is positionable between a first user seat and a second user seat; the armrest further comprises a second air outlet positioned in the airflow path and a second louver assembly positioned at the second air outlet; the louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the air outlet towards the first user seat; and the second louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the second air outlet towards the second user seat.

In some embodiments, the armrest further comprises a divider positioned in the airflow path, wherein the airflow path has a combined upstream portion that extends between the air inlet and the divider, a first downstream portion that extends between the divider and the air outlet, and a second downstream portion that extends between the divider and the second air outlet.

In some embodiments, the armrest further comprises a liquid delivery nozzle adjacent to the air outlet, wherein the liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid.

In some embodiments, the liquid delivery nozzle is arranged to direct the liquid towards a region forward of an expected user position of the user seated in the user seat whereby when the fan unit is operating to expel air through the air outlet, the expelled air generates a region of low pressure that draws the liquid towards the user.

In some embodiments, the armrest further comprises a first liquid delivery nozzle adjacent to the air outlet, wherein the first liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid towards a first region of the first user seat; and a second liquid delivery nozzle adjacent to the second air outlet, wherein the second liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid towards a second region of the second user seat.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a seat assembly comprising a seat back and a seat base that extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in a forward-rearward direction and between a seat first side and a seat second side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction. The seat assembly further comprises an armrest mounted to at least one of the seat first side or the seat second side. Each armrest comprises a housing comprising an air inlet, and air outlet and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a fan unit contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet; and a louver assembly positioned at the air outlet, wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a seating assembly comprising at least one user seat, wherein each user seat has a seat base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in a forward-rearward direction, and each seat base extends between a seat first side and a seat second side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction. The seating assembly further comprises, for each user seat, an armrest mounted to the seating assembly at at least one of the seat first side or the seat second side Each armrest comprises a housing comprising an air inlet, and air outlet and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a fan unit contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet; a louver assembly positioned at the air outlet, wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat.

In some embodiments, the at least one user seat comprises a first user seat and a second user seat; a particular armrest is mounted to the seating assembly between the first user seat and the second user seat, the particular armrest comprising: a second air outlet positioned in the airflow path; and a second louver assembly positioned at the second air outlet; wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the air outlet towards the first user seat; and the second louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the second air outlet towards the second user seat.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus, system, or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example seating assembly installation in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an example seating assembly of the installation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the example seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of a portion of the example seating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another example seating assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an example armrest of the example seating assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the example armrest of FIG. 6 with an access panel removed;

FIG. 8 is a top exploded view of the example armrest of FIG. 6 showing alternative example head assemblies in accordance with embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a top rear perspective view of an example head assembly of the example armrest of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the example head assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the example head assembly of FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the example head assembly of FIG. 9.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of systems, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, systems, and methods are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, systems, and methods having all of the features of any one apparatuses, systems, and methods described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, systems, or methods described below. It is possible that an apparatuses, systems, or methods described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, system, or method described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly attached”, or “rigidly fastened” where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is an exemplary seating assembly installation 100. The seating assembly installation 100 includes a seating assembly 102 and a display 104. The seating assembly 102 is arranged facing the display 104. In use, one or more users sits on the seating assembly 102 to view the display 104. Any suitable display 104 may be used, such as a projection screen or television. The exemplary display 104 includes a screen 106 and a stand 108 supporting the screen 106. Any suitable seating assembly 102 may be used, such as any of the seating assemblies described herein. It will be appreciated that the seating assembly 102 or any assembly or component thereof may be proved on its own. The exemplary seating assembly installation 100 includes a single seating assembly 102 and a single display 104, however it will be appreciated that more than one seating assembly 102 may be used with a single display and/or more than one display 104 may be used. It will be appreciated that where more than one seating assembly 102 is used, the multiple seating assemblies may be the same as one another or different from one another.

The seating assembly 102 includes at least one user seat 110. The user seat 110 includes a seat base 112 and a seat back 114. The seat base 112 extends between a seat front end 116 and seat rear end 118 in a forward-rearward direction 120. The seat base 112 extends between a seat first side 122 and a seat second side 124 in a lateral direction 126. The lateral direction 126 is perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction 120. A vertical direction 128 is perpendicular to each of the lateral direction 126 and the forward-rearward direction 120. The exemplary seating assembly installation 100 is arranged with the forward-rearward direction 120 generally traverse to a display plane of the display 104.

The exemplary seating assembly 102 of FIGS. 1-4 is a seating bank including a plurality of seats in a row. The exemplary seating assembly of FIGS. 1-4 includes four user seats 110. It will be appreciated that a seating assembly 102 may include one, two, three, five, or more seats in other embodiments. The user seats 110 of the exemplary seating assembly 102 are arranged in parallel and each facing a common direction. It will be appreciated that a seating assembly 102 may include two or more seats in any suitable arrangement relative to one another, such as seats facing different directions and/or shifted relative to one another (i.e., shifted in the forward-rearward direction 120 and/or shifted in the vertical direction 128). Any suitable type of seating assembly may be used, such as a stationary assembly with stationary seats or a seating assembly with motion seats.

The seating assembly 102 includes one or more armrest 140. The armrest 140 includes an upward-facing arm support surface 142, such as a padded surface. The armrest 140 extends between a distal end 144 and a proximal end 146 in the forward-rearward direction 120. The armrest 140 extends between an armrest first side 148 and an armrest second side 150 in the lateral direction 126.

The armrest 140 is mounted to the seating assembly or mountable to the seating assembly 102 at one of the seat first side 122 and the seat second side 124 of a seat 110 of the seating assembly 102. In some examples, the armrest 140 is selectively mountable to the seating assembly 102 (e.g., to a frame 154 of the seating assembly 102). Alternatively, the armrest may be integrated into the seat assembly 102, e.g., integrated into the frame 154. The armrest 140 may be mounted in any suitable way, such as by releasable fasteners such as threaded fasteners or snap fit connectors. Referring to FIG. 8, the armrest 140 may include a frame 210 to be secured to a frame 154 of the seat assembly 102, and may include a seat label 212.

The exemplary seating assembly 102 of FIG. 1 includes five armrests 140. It will be appreciated that a seating assembly 102 may include any suitable number of armrests 140. In some examples, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a seating assembly 102 includes a single armrest 140 separating adjacent seats. In some examples, a seating assembly 102 includes one more armrest 140 than the number of seats 110, such as one armrest on each lateral end of the assembly and one armrest separating adjacent seats. Although it will be appreciated that in some examples, a seating assembly 102 may include less armrests 140 than the number of seats 110, such as if the seating assembly 102 does not include armrests at the lateral ends of the assembly.

The exemplary seating assembly 102 of FIG. 1 includes multiple armrests that are the same as one another. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments a seating assembly 102 includes two or more different types of armrests, such as one or more of a first type and one or more of a second type. Referring to FIG. 5, the exemplary seating assembly 102 includes a first type of armrest 140a and a second, different type of armrest 140b. Different types of armrests may include different features and aspects, such as any of the aspects described herein.

In accordance with an aspect, a fluid delivery system is provided to deliver a fluid (e.g., a flow of air drawn from the ambient air about the seat or a mist of water or scented liquid) to a user seated in a seat of the seating assembly. The fluid delivery system may be an effects delivery system, delivering a fluid in cooperation with what is displayed by the display 104. For example, the fluid delivery system may deliver an airflow that compliments an action sequence displayed by the display 104, a water mist that compliments a scene displayed by the display 104, and/or a scent that compliments a scene displayed by the display 104.

The fluid delivery system may be in an armrest 140. The fluid delivery system may deliver the fluid towards a front side of the user seated in the seat of the seating assembly. The fluid delivery system may launch the fluid towards the user. The fluid delivery system may be operable to diffuse the fluid into the air towards the user. This aspect may be used by itself or in any combination or sub-combination with any other aspect or aspects disclosed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the exemplary armrests 140 each include a fluid (e.g., air and/or liquid) delivery system 156. The exemplary armrests 140 of FIGS. 1-4 each include a housing 160 and an arm support member 158 mounted at a top of the housing and forming an arm support surface 142. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the housing 160 may form the arm support surface and/or the arm support member 142 may form an upper wall of the housing 160.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the housing 160 includes a fluid flow path 162 extending between a fluid inlet 164 and a fluid outlet 166. A grill 216 may cover one or both of the fluid inlet 164 and the fluid outlet 166. A grill 216 may inhibit unauthorized access into fluid flow path 162. A mesh 218 may be provided at one or both of the fluid inlet 164 and the fluid outlet 166. A mesh 218 may prevent large debris from entering the fluid flow path 162.

The armrest 140 further includes a fluid moving member 168 positioned in the fluid flow path 162 wherein the fluid moving member 168 is operable to move fluid through the path 162. The fluid may be, e.g., a liquid such as a water mist or a gas such as ambient air. It will be appreciated that the housing 160 may include more than one fluid flow path, and different fluid flow paths may handle different fluids such as one fluid flow path for gases (e.g., air) and one fluid flow path for liquids (e.g., water). In the exemplary housing 160 of FIGS. 1-8, when the housing 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102, the air inlet 164, the air outlet 166, and the fan unit 168 are generally linearly aligned.

The housing 160 may be openable, such as including one or more openable door 214 (e.g., a removeable access panel) each moveable between an open position and a closed position.

In the exemplary housing 160 of FIGS. 1-4, when the housing 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102, the air inlet 164 is positioned forward of the air outlet 166 in the forward-rearward direction 120. When the housing 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102, the fluid outlet 166 is arranged facing at least partially in the rearward direction. When the housing 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102 the fluid outlet 166 is also forward of at least part of a user seated in an adjacent seat 110 to direct fluid at least partially rearwardly toward the user. In some examples, when housing 160 is mounted to the seat assembly 102, a rearward end of the fluid outlet 166 is forward of more than 50%, 75%, or 90% of the seat 110 in the forward-rearward direction 120. In some examples, when the housing 160 is mounted to the seat assembly 102, a rearward end of the fluid outlet 166 is forward of a forward end of the seat 110.

The exemplary fluid delivery system 156 of FIGS. 1-4 is part of armrest 140. It will be appreciated that the fluid delivery system 154 may alternatively be provided separate from an armrest 140. For example, the fluid delivery system 154 (e.g., the housing 160 and contents) may be provided for use with an existing arm support member 142, such as to be selectively mounted in an armrest space 170 at one of the seat first side 122 and the seat second side 124 (e.g., with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system underlying the arm support member 142 to make use of the armrest space 170 under the arm at the side of a seat). Referring to FIG. 5, the exemplary armrest 140b includes a cantilevered arm support member 142 mounted at a rear end thereof, and it will be appreciated that a modular fluid delivery system 154 (e.g., housing 160 and contents) can be selectively mounted in the armrest space 170 of armrest 140b.

When the armrest 140 is mounted to the seating assembly 102, the proximal end 146 is located at or near to the seat rear end 118, and the distal end 148 is spaced away from the seat rear end 118 in the forward direction 120. In the exemplary housing 160 of FIGS. 1-4, when the armrest fluid delivery system 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102 the fluid outlet 166 is positioned at the distal end 148. In the exemplary housing 160 of FIGS. 1-4, when the housing 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102 the air outlet 166 is proximate the seat front end 116. In the exemplary housing 160 of FIGS. 1-4, when the armrest fluid delivery system 160 is mounted to the seating assembly 102 the armrest 160 extends rearward from the distal end 148 and the outlet 166 faces at least partially rearwardly. As exemplified in FIGS. 1-4, the outlet 166 may face at least partially rearwardly and at least partially upwardly. As exemplified in FIGS. 1-4, the outlet 166 may face in an upward and rearward direction 138.

A control system 220 may control operation of one or more selectively activatable components, such as the fluid moving member 172 or a user interface 222. For example, a user interface 222 may include one or more LED status lights. In some examples, a user interface 222 may include one or more user control toggles for providing user input. The control system 220 may include one or more processor and one or more data storage device. The control system 220 may control when the activatable component is active (e.g., turning the activatable component on or off), and may control a setting of the component if the component includes more than one setting (e.g., switching the component between a first setting and a second setting, such as a first fan speed and a second fan speed).

In some examples, the armrest 140 includes a sensor bracket 224. In some examples, the armrest 140 includes a photoelectric sensor switch 226. In some examples, the armrest 140 includes a solenoid valve 228. In some examples, the armrest 140 includes a solenoid plug and cable 230. In some examples, the armrest 140 includes one or more push-to-connect tube fitting (e.g., with universal thread) 232. In some examples, the armrest 140 includes a control board (e.g., a PCBA) 234.

In accordance with an aspect, a fluid delivery system includes an air flow path and is arranged to direct an outlet air flow as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat. The air moving member may be an axial fan, and a louver assembly may be positioned in the air outlet 166 wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat.

Referring again to FIG. 8, in some examples, the fluid flow path 162 is an airflow path, the fluid inlet 164 is an air inlet, the fluid outlet 166 is an air outlet, and the fluid moving member 168 is an air moving member. In some examples, an air moving member is a fan unit (e.g., a motor and fan assembly) contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet 164 and expel air through the air outlet 166. The exemplary member 168 includes an axial fan 172.

A louver assembly 174 is positioned at the air outlet 166. The exemplary louver assembly 174 of FIG. 8 is part of an outlet head 178. The louver assembly 174 is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat 110. Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, and particularly FIG. 10, the exemplary louver assembly 174 includes a plurality of foils 176. The foils 176 may be fixed in position within a head 178. The exemplary louver assembly 174 of FIG. 10 includes at least one plurality of generally parallel foils 176 (e.g., a set of generally horizontal foils 176a and/or a set of generally vertical foils 176b) to reduce a vortex air pattern that comes out of the axial fan 172. The foils are shaped to change the angle of an airflow to direct and concentrate the air towards the user. A foil 176 may be generally planar or may be curved. The exemplary vertical foils 176b of FIG. 10 are generally curved, with a concave surface facing inwards towards a centre of the assembly 174.

The exemplary horizontal foils 176a of FIG. 10 change angle and/or curvature from a point that is generally aligned with the centre of the axial fan 172 (e.g., the center of the louver assembly 174) out to the lateral edge, since air velocity and volume from the axial fan 172 are highest at the tips of the blades of the fan and less at the center of the fan. As exemplified in FIG. 10, the horizontal foils 176a may include a foil at a first lateral side 180 and another foil at a second lateral side 182 that slopes downstream and upwardly more than the foil at the first lateral side 180. The horizontal foils 176a may sequentially change stepwise from the angle at the first lateral side 180 to the angle at the second lateral side 182. The change in angel may be generally constant from one foil to the next. In some examples, the axial fan 172 mounted behind the louver assembly 174 rotates clockwise 184a in use. In some examples, the axial fan 172 mounted behind the louver assembly 174 rotates counterclockwise 184b in use. The change in angle and/or curvature of a set of generally parallel foils may follow the direction of rotation of the axial fan 172 or run counter to the direction of rotation of the axial fan 172.

In some examples, the exterior of the louver assembly 176 is shaped to reduce turbulence. In some examples, the exterior of the louver assembly 176 is shaped to produce an air inducement effect to pull surrounding air into the air stream. The exemplary louver assembly 176 of FIGS. 9-12 projects the outlet 166 downstream, e.g., beyond any other components to reduce turbulence. The exemplary louver assembly 176 of FIGS. 9-12 includes smooth surfaces curving out towards the outlet 166.

In some examples, the head 178 includes a closed region 186 overlying the centre of the axial fan 172 (e.g., in the centre of the head 178) to reduce turbulence. The closed region 186 may be the base of a cone shaped closed space within the coils 176.

It will be appreciated that the fluid flow path may be adapted for use with different seat configurations. For example, a fluid flow path may direct air flow to each of first and second adjacent seats, or only to one adjacent seat. A fluid flow path adapted to direct air flow to only one adjacent seat may be mounted at the first side 122 of the seat or at the second side 124 of the seat 110. Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated are alternative exemplary louver assemblies 174a-174c for use with different seat arrangements.

The fluid delivery system 154 of FIGS. 9-12 is adapted to be mounted between a first adjacent seat 110a and a second adjacent seat 110b (FIG. 1). The fluid delivery system 154 of FIGS. 9-12 is includes a first air outlet 166a in the airflow path and a second air outlet 166b in the airflow path. The first air outlet 166a is arranged to direct a portion of the air moved by the axial fan 172 to a user on the first adjacent seat 110a. The second air outlet 166b is arranged to direct a portion of the air moved by the axial fan 172 to a user on the second adjacent seat 110b.

The exemplary head 108 of FIGS. 9-12 includes a first louver assembly 174a positioned at the first air outlet 166a and a second louver assembly 174b positioned at the second air outlet 166b. The first louver assembly 174a is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the first air outlet 166a towards the first user seat 110a. The second louver assembly 174b is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the second air outlet 166a towards the second user seat 110b. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 12, a divider 190 is positioned in the airflow path 162, wherein the airflow path 162 has a combined upstream portion 192a that extends between the air inlet 164 and the divider 190, a first downstream portion 192b that extends between the divider 190 and the first air outlet 166a, and a second downstream portion 192c that extends between the divider 190 and the second air outlet 166b.

Alternatively, an airflow path 162 may be arranged to direct air to only a single adjacent seat 110 (e.g., for use at a lateral end of a seat bank). Referring again to FIG. 8, the exemplary heads 178a and 178b each include only a single louver assembly 174. The exemplary head 178a of FIG. 8 includes the first louver assembly 174a for use at the second side 124 of a seat 110. The exemplary head 178b of FIG. 8 includes the second louver assembly 174b for use at the first side 122 of a seat 110.

In accordance with an aspect, a fluid delivery system includes a liquid flow path. The liquid flow path includes a liquid delivery nozzle operable to deliver liquid. The liquid deliver nozzle may be adjacent an air outlet. Expelled air from the air outlet may cooperate with expelled liquid from the liquid delivery nozzle to carry the expelled liquid toward the user.

Referring to FIG. 8, the exemplary fluid delivery system 156 includes a liquid delivery nozzle 200. The liquid delivery nozzle 200 is operable to output liquid (e.g., water or a scented liquid). In some examples the liquid delivery nozzle 200 is a mist nozzle operable to expel the liquid as a mist. The liquid delivery nozzle 200 is arranged to direct the liquid towards a region forward of an expected user position of the user seated in the user seat 110. It will be appreciated that the liquid delivery nozzle 200 is at the outlet end of a liquid flow path 202, such as a path through water tube. A liquid moving member such as a pump may be in the liquid flow path to move liquid through the liquid flow path. Also, or alternatively, the liquid may be delivered to the liquid flow path under pressure. In some examples, the liquid flow path 202 includes a valve to control delivery of the liquid to the nozzle.

Water and scent effects delivered by the liquid nozzle may utilize the air stream to be directed towards the users. The liquid delivery nozzle 200 may be adjacent an air outlet whereby when the fan unit is operating to expel air through the air outlet, the expelled air generates a region of low pressure that draws the liquid towards the user. The exemplary head 178a of FIGS. 8-12 includes the liquid delivery nozzle 200 adjacent a louver assembly 174.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some examples, the fluid delivery system 154 includes a first liquid delivery nozzle 200a adjacent to the first air outlet 166a, wherein the first liquid delivery nozzle 200a is operable to output liquid towards a first region of the first user seat 110a and a second liquid delivery nozzle 200b adjacent to the second air outlet 166b, wherein the second liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid towards a second region of the second user seat 110b. The first and second nozzles 202a, 202b may open from a common liquid flow path (e.g., a path branching towards the two nozzles) or from separate liquid flow paths (e.g., independently controllable).

It will be appreciated that a fluid delivery system 156 may alternatively be provided with only an air flow path. For example, a head 178 may include only an air flow outlet 166 or outlets 166a and 166b (i.e., without any nozzle 200). Exemplary head 178d of FIG. 8 includes first and second air flow outlets 166a and 166b and no liquid delivery nozzles 200.

In some examples, the fluid delivery system 156 is communicatively coupled to a user occupancy sensor. A fluid flow path may be active only when the user occupancy sensor detects a user in a seat towards which the flow path is directed. For example, an air flow path and/or liquid delivery nozzle may be active only when the user occupancy sensor detects a user in cooperating seat. The user occupancy sensor may be included as part of the armrest 140. In some examples, the user occupancy sensor includes the photoelectric sensor switch 226.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. An armrest for a seating assembly, the seating assembly comprising at least one user seat, wherein each user seat has a seat base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in a forward-rearward direction, and each seat base extends between a seat first side and a seat second side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction, the armrest comprising: a housing comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet;a fan unit contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet;a louver assembly positioned at the air outlet, wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat;whereinthe armrest is mountable to the seating assembly at the seat first side or the seat second side; andthe air outlet is arranged facing at least partially in the rearward direction when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly.

2. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the fan unit comprises an axial fan.

3. The armrest of claim 1, wherein: the armrest extends between a proximal end and a distal end;the air inlet, fan unit and louver assembly are all positioned at the distal end of the arm rest; and,when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly, the proximal end is located at or near to the seat rear end, and the distal end is spaced away from the seat rear end in the forward direction.

4. The armrest of claim 1, wherein when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air outlet is arranged facing in an upward and rearward direction.

5. The armrest of claim 1, wherein when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air outlet is proximate the seat front end.

6. The armrest of claim 1, wherein when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air outlet is positioned forward of the seat front end in the forward-rearward direction.

7. The armrest of claim 1, wherein when the armrest is mounted to the seating assembly the air inlet is positioned forward of the air outlet in the forward-rearward direction.

8. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the air inlet, the air outlet, and the fan unit are linearly aligned.

9. The armrest of claim 1, wherein: the armrest is positionable between a first user seat and a second user seat;the armrest further comprises a second air outlet positioned in the airflow path and a second louver assembly positioned at the second air outlet;the louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the air outlet towards the first user seat; andthe second louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the second air outlet towards the second user seat.

10. The armrest of claim 9, further comprising a divider positioned in the airflow path, wherein the airflow path has a combined upstream portion that extends between the air inlet and the divider, a first downstream portion that extends between the divider and the air outlet, and a second downstream portion that extends between the divider and the second air outlet.

11. The armrest of claim 1, further comprising a liquid delivery nozzle adjacent to the air outlet, wherein the liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid.

12. The armrest of claim 11, wherein the liquid delivery nozzle is arranged to direct the liquid towards a region forward of an expected user position of the user seated in the user seat whereby when the fan unit is operating to expel air through the air outlet, the expelled air generates a region of low pressure that draws the liquid towards the user.

13. The armrest of claim 9, further comprising: a first liquid delivery nozzle adjacent to the air outlet, wherein the first liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid towards a first region of the first user seat; anda second liquid delivery nozzle adjacent to the second air outlet, wherein the second liquid delivery nozzle is operable to output liquid towards a second region of the second user seat.

14. A seat assembly comprising: a seat back;a seat base that extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in a forward-rearward direction and between a seat first side and a seat second side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction;an armrest mounted to at least one of the seat first side or the seat second side, wherein each armrest comprises:a housing comprising an air inlet, and air outlet and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet;a fan unit contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet; anda louver assembly positioned at the air outlet, wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat.

15. A seating assembly comprising: at least one user seat, wherein each user seat has a seat base and a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in a forward-rearward direction, and each seat base extends between a seat first side and a seat second side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction;for each user seat, an armrest mounted to the seating assembly at at least one of the seat first side or the seat second side, wherein each armrest comprises: a housing comprising an air inlet, and air outlet and an airflow pathway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet;a fan unit contained within the housing and positioned in the airflow pathway, wherein the fan unit is operable to draw air in through the air inlet and expel air through the air outlet;a louver assembly positioned at the air outlet, wherein the louver assembly is arranged to direct the expelled air as a substantially laminar flow of air towards a user seated in the user seat.

16. The seating assembly of claim 15, wherein: the at least one user seat comprises a first user seat and a second user seat;a particular armrest is mounted to the seating assembly between the first user seat and the second user seat, the particular armrest comprising: a second air outlet positioned in the airflow path; anda second louver assembly positioned at the second air outlet;whereinthe louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the air outlet towards the first user seat; andthe second louver assembly is arranged to direct air from the airflow path through the second air outlet towards the second user seat.