Patent Application
20140319275
The present invention relates to a cabin attendant seat for commercial aircraft, and more particularly to a stowable cabin attendant seat.
Commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 are typically constructed from modular components, the size, weight and construction of which are dictated by many considerations, including fuselage dimensions, aesthetic and safety considerations. Many of these requirements are imposed by law or regulation. Aircraft components, such as overhead stowage compartments, seats, lavatories, galleys, lighting systems, etc. are all required to function within strictly confined spaces.
Manufacturers of aircraft are constantly refining interior aircraft designs to achieve more comfort and utility for passengers and crew within carrier-imposed restraints on cost, weight, maintenance down-time, and safety. Commercial passenger aircraft generally include cabin attendant seats that are used by cabin attendants during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aircraft monument that includes an enclosure with an enclosure interior, a compartment with a compartment interior positioned in the enclosure interior, and a stowable seat assembly disposed in the compartment. The compartment includes at least a first vertically oriented wall. The seat assembly includes a chair assembly with a back portion and a seat portion pivotably connected to the back portion along a seat pivot axis such that the seat is pivotable between closed and open positions. The chair assembly is movable between a stowed position where the seat pivot axis extends generally parallel to the first wall and the chair assembly is positioned in the compartment interior, and a deployed position where the seat pivot axis extends generally perpendicular to the first wall and the chair assembly is positioned outside of the compartment interior.
In a preferred embodiment, the compartment is positioned between a first facility and a second facility, at least one of the facilities includes a sink, and at least a portion of the chair assembly is positioned below at least a portion of the sink when the chair assembly is in the stowed position. Preferably, the compartment includes a top wall that is positioned at a first height, and in the stowed position the entire chair assembly is positioned below the first height, and in the deployed position at least a portion of the chair assembly is positioned above the first height. Preferably, the sink includes a counter, and the sink and counter are mounted on the top wall.
In a preferred embodiment, the seat pivot axis defines a center point, and in the stowed position the center point is located at a first position and in the deployed position the center point is located at a second position that is located forward of the first position. Preferably, the center point first position defines a second height and the center point second position defines a third height, and wherein the second height is lower than the third height. In a preferred embodiment, the stowable seat assembly includes a track assembly that is secured to the first wall and the chair assembly is movable along the track assembly between the stowed position and the deployed position. Preferably, the track assembly includes at least one arcuate shaped wear plate. In a preferred embodiment, the chair assembly is has a generally vertical configuration in both the stowed position and the deployed position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stowable seat assembly that includes a compartment that includes at least a first wall, a chair assembly that includes a back portion and a seat portion and a deployment assembly secured to the first wall that is operable to move the chair assembly between a stowed position and a deployed position where the chair assembly is generally vertically oriented in both positions. The back portion has a top and a bottom and the seat portion is pivotably connected to the back portion along a seat pivot axis such that the seat portion is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. In a preferred embodiment, the first wall is generally vertically oriented. In the stowed position the seat pivot axis extends generally parallel to the first wall, and in the deployed position the seat pivot axis extends generally perpendicular to the first wall. In a preferred embodiment, the chair assembly moves upwardly along an arcuate path as it moves from the stowed position to the deployed position. Preferably, the compartment includes a top wall that is positioned at a first height. In the stowed position the entire chair assembly is positioned below the first height, and in the deployed position at least a portion of the chair assembly is positioned above the first height.
In a preferred embodiment, the seat pivot axis defines a center point. In the stowed position the center point is located at a first position and in the deployed position the center point is located at a second position, and the second position is located forward of the first position. Preferably, the deployment assembly is pivotably connected to the first wall such that the chair assembly is movable between the stowed position and a first intermediate position, where the chair assembly is generally vertically oriented. Preferably, the deployment assembly is hingedly connected to the back portion of the chair assembly such that the chair assembly is movable between the first intermediate position and a second intermediate position, where the chair assembly is generally vertically oriented. In a preferred embodiment, the chair assembly further includes a head rest that is pivotably connected to the top of the back portion and is movable between a closed position and an open position.
In a preferred embodiment, the chair assembly includes a trigger that is operably connected to the deployment assembly. The deployment assembly includes a lock assembly having an engaged position and a disengaged position, and wherein operation of the trigger moves the lock assembly to the disengaged position such that the chair assembly can be rotated from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of deploying a chair assembly that includes providing a stowable seat assembly that includes the chair assembly and a deployment assembly that is connected to a first wall. The chair assembly includes a back portion and a seat portion that is pivotably connected to the back portion along a seat pivot axis. The method also includes moving the chair assembly from a stowed position where the seat pivot axis extends generally parallel to the first wall to a first intermediate position where the seat pivot axis extends generally parallel to the first wall, rotating the chair assembly about a back portion pivot axis from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position where the seat pivot axis extends generally perpendicular to the first wall, and pivoting the seat portion to an open position, thereby placing the chair assembly in a deployed position. In a preferred embodiment, the chair assembly moves along an arcuate path with it is moved from the stowed position to the first intermediate position.
In a preferred embodiment, the compartment includes a top wall that is positioned at a first height. In the stowed position the entire chair assembly is positioned below the first height and in the deployed position at least a portion of the chair assembly is positioned above the first height. Preferably, the top wall includes a sink thereon. Preferably, the method includes the step of grasping a handle that is located on the chair assembly prior to moving the chair assembly from the stowed position. In a preferred embodiment, the handle includes a trigger, and the method includes pulling a trigger to release a locking mechanism prior to rotating the chair assembly about the back portion pivot axis. Preferably, the chair assembly includes a headrest pivotably connected to the back portion and pivoting the headrest from a closed position to an open position is part of moving the chair assembly to the deployed position.
The present invention includes a stowable and collapsible cabin attendant seat for a vehicle such as an aircraft. In the figures, the cabin attendant seat is associated with a monument or complex positioned in the aft section of an aircraft. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention and the cabin attendant seat can be positioned elsewhere within an aircraft or other vehicle. The use of the seat on an aircraft or other vehicle is also not limiting. The seat can be used in any situation where a collapsible and stowable seat is desired.
In the exemplary embodiment described herein and shown in the figures, the cabin attendant seat is integrated into the aft complex between dual lavatories and a galley. In this position, the seat or chair provides the seated cabin attendant a central direct view of the cabin. In exemplary embodiments, the seat can be used in aircraft layouts in which the aft monuments do not permit installation of cabin attendant seats or if the aft monuments prevent the cabin attendant seats that are installed thereon from having direct view of the cabin.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a collapsible cabin attendant seat that is installed on an angled or curved track, as shown in the figures. In the stowed position, the cabin attendant seat is positioned approximately parallel to the aisle and preferably sits below the countertop of the adjacent lavatory of the aft complex. In a preferred embodiment, the headrest is collapsed to be adjacent the seatback, which allows the seat to fit in the compact area below the lavatory countertop. The seat is stowed using retainers, such as a pivotable stowage lock.
Generally, to move the seat to the deployed position, the cabin attendant or other person releases the attendant seat from its stowage retainers and pulls the seat upwardly and outwardly. At the peak of the track the seat then folds out at approximately 90° counter-clockwise, becoming approximately perpendicular to the aisle. In other embodiments, the seat can deploy in a clockwise direction. The headrest is then pivoted or slid to the use position. In another embodiment, the collapsible headrest can be omitted. The deployed seat is preferably latched into position, and rests against the wall of the aft complex to which the assembly is attached.
In a preferred embodiment, the aft wall of the compartment in which the chair assembly is stowed includes a sink cut out therein. This allows the chair assembly to stow at least partially underneath the sink and then deploy forwardly of and at least partially above the sink and associated counter.
In a preferred embodiment, the plumbing system is unique in that the dual lavatories share some plumbing elements. These shared plumbing elements are preferably installed on the outboard lavatory of the aft complex. (however, the shared plumbing elements can also be installed in the inboard lavatory). Sharing at least some plumbing elements between the dual lavatories opens up space below the sink countertop of the inboard lavatory, which provides a place for the collapsible cabin attendant seat to be stowed.
The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an other embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.
Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.
It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that terms such as “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard,” “left,” and “right” are used as is typical in the aircraft industry and refer to the orientation of the aft complex and the components thereof described herein as if they were positioned in an aircraft.
Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, the figures show a stowable cabin attendant seat assembly 10 and the method and process for stowing the chair assembly 12 thereof. As shown in
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the compartment 108 is defined by a first wall 24 on which the track assembly 22 is mounted, an opposing wall 26, an aft wall 28, and a top wall 30. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
With reference to
In a preferred embodiment, the chair assembly 12 includes a handle 46. As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the stowable seat assembly 10 includes a restraint system 41 for securing a cabin attendant during TTL and also includes bumpers 43 on various components. The bumpers 43 protect the stowable seat assembly 10 when the chair assembly 12 is moved in and out of the compartment 108.
As is shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the track assembly 22 includes at least one and preferably two wear plates 50 on which pads 52 (e.g., Teflon pads) ride when the chair assembly 12 is moved from the deployed position to the first intermediate position and vice versa. One of the wear plates 50 includes a lock pin opening 54 defined therein. As shown in
As shown in
With reference to
In a preferred embodiment, gas spring 62 extends between two mounting flanges 90 that protrude from the cover 86 and the gas spring mounting flange 60, which, as described above, is secured to the first wall 24. In a preferred embodiment, the gas spring 62 provides assistance when moving the chair assembly 12 between the stowed position and the first intermediate position, and helps damp the movement of the chair assembly 12 when moving from the first intermediate position to the stowed position.
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the lock pin 56 is automatically pulled out of the lock pin opening 54 when the chair assembly 12 is rotated from the second intermediate position to the first intermediate position. This allows the chair assembly 12 to be pushed to the stowed position after reaching the first intermediate position. As shown in
With reference to
Generally, any track assembly or deployment assembly that moves the chair assembly from the stowed position to a first intermediate position, to a second intermediate position and to a deployed position is within the scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, when the chair assembly is rotated to the second intermediate position, the seat portion and/or headrest can deploy automatically, thereby moving the chair assembly from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position and the deployed position simultaneously.
As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, one of the advantages of the present invention is the ability to stow the chair assembly 12 at a lower position and in a more compact state compared to the higher deployed position. Another advantage is to stow the chair assembly within the compartment interior under the sink and counter and deploy it outside of the compartment interior. Therefore, when the aft complex 100 is positioned in the rear of an aircraft, the chair assembly deploys forwardly.
With reference to
As shown, the first wall 24 is generally vertically oriented. Therefore, when the chair assembly 12 is in the stowed position, the seat pivot axis A1 extends generally parallel to the first wall 24. When the chair assembly 12 is moved to the first intermediate position, the chair assembly 12 moves upwardly along an arcuate path P1. This arcuate path P1 can best be seen in
When the chair assembly 12 is rotated from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position, the seat pivot axis A1 pivots about 90 degrees such that it is generally perpendicular to the first wall 24. Furthermore, the center point C1 of the seat pivot axis A1 remains at the same height as in the first intermediate position. Therefore, in both the first intermediate position, second intermediate position and deployed position, the third height H3 is greater than the second height H2.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed, at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges. It will be appreciated that any dimensions given herein are only exemplary and that none of the dimensions or descriptions are limiting on the present invention.
The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.
Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/976,461 filed Apr. 7, 2014, 61/858,073 filed Jul. 24, 2013, and 61/817,259 filed Apr. 29, 2013, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61976461 | Apr 2014 | US | |
| 61858073 | Jul 2013 | US | |
| 61817259 | Apr 2013 | US |
