Abstract: The present invention provides a seat for a passenger vehicle, particularly an aircraft, which seat comprises a first fixed part for supporting the seat adjacent a floor of a vehicle; a second movable part comprising a seat pan component, a back-rest component and a leg-rest component. A guiding device between the first fixed and second movable part for guiding movement of the movable parts relative to the fixed part between an upright position and a fully reclined position, such that as the movable part is moved towards the fully reclined position, said back-rest component is lowered translationally towards the floor. A reclining device for reclining the back-rest component from an upright orientation to a fully reclined orientation as the movable portion is moved from the upright to the fully reclined positions.

Abstract: The interlocking assembly system includes a seat track, a floor beam and a clip for connecting the seat track to the underlying floor beam. The clip includes first and second clip members that cooperate to engage the opposed edges of the floor beam. Each clip member has a beam attachment portion, typically including an inward sill, for engaging the respective beam edge once the clip members have been slidably engaged. Additionally, the first clip member includes an elongate tongue extending away from the respective beam attachment portion. In addition, the second clip member includes a pair of elongate rails that extend away from the respective beam attachment portion and are spaced apart to define a lengthwise extending channel that is sized to slidably receive the elongate tongue. Once the lengthwise extending channel has received the elongate tongue, the clip members can be secured by a fastener. Thereafter, the seat track can be slid or snapped onto the clip.

Abstract: A second-class two-seater seat (1) that can be converted into a first-class single-seater seat, and vice versa. The second-class two-seater seat comprises two seats (2) two seat cushions (3) and two armrests (4). The two-seater (1) comprises elements (5) for translating at least one of the seat cushions (3) and at least one of the two armrests (4), the seat cushions (3) and the armrests (4) remaining mutually aligned. Translations of the seat cushions and the armrests are obtained by the translation element's (5), allowing the seat cushions that are to be translated and the armrests that are to be translated to be brought closer together when the second-class two-seater seat is converted into a first-class single-seater seat, or the seat cushions that are to be translated and the armrests that are to be translated to be moved further apart when the first-class single-seater seat is converted into a second-class two-seater seat.

Abstract: An armor-plated seat, in particular for a helicopter, the seat comprising an armor-plated seat proper and an armor-plated back secured to the seat proper. The seat comprises at least an armor-plated modular element designed to be fastened onto the seat proper and/or onto the back in order to protect a user of the seat.

Abstract: A crew systems module for providing normal ingress to and egress from an aircraft cockpit flight station includes a seat assembly for supporting a crew member and a shell which supports the seat assembly and is pivotally attached to the aircraft adjacent the cockpit. The shell is pivotal from a closed position placing the crew member in a flight-ready position to an ingress/egress position placing the crew member in a generally standing position. The shell in the ingress/egress position extends downward from the cockpit toward the ground. The shell preferably extends downward through the aircraft's wheel well which houses a folding or collapsible landing gear during flight. The crew systems module may be incorporated in a capsule which is separable from the aircraft in an emergency.

Abstract: This invention relates to aircraft passenger accommodations which are easily and individually convertible from a sitting position to a reclining position. The accommodations provide privacy and security in single or double occupancy configurations.

Abstract: Selected rows of seats for a wide body aircraft (i.e., having two or more passenger aisles) have seat groups that can expand or contract to change the number of seats in a row and the seat width. Conversion is possible with all seat components remaining attached to their respective frames, so that no detachable units have to be stowed. The convertible seat configurations are adaptable to incorporating individual amenities, including individual electronic displays.

Abstract: A fully reclinable pivotable airplane premium passenger seat. The seat can be translated and/or pivoted from a daytime position to a nighttime position. In the nighttime position, the seat can be fully extended into unused aisle space. In its fully extended position, the seat back may be placed in a horizontal mode and the leg rest fully extended to permit more restful sleep for passengers in a horizontal position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat for a passenger vehicle, particularly an aircraft, which seat comprises a first fixed part for supporting the seat adjacent a floor of a vehicle; a second movable part comprising a seat pan component, a back-rest component and a leg-rest component; guiding means between the first fixed and second movable part for guiding movement of the movable parts relative to the fixed part between an upright position and a fully reclined position, such that as the movable part is moved towards the fully reclined position, said back-rest component is lowered translationally towards the floor; reclining means for reclining the back-rest component from an upright orientation to a fully reclined orientation as the movable portion is moved from the upright to the fully reclined positions; the arrangement being such that as the movable part is moved between the upright and fully reclined positions, the locking drive means is controlled such that the leg-rest component remains in contact wit

Abstract: In a passenger service unit, particularly in a passenger cabin of an aircraft, comfort and service elements such as a reading lamp, a flight attendant call button, a loudspeaker, an air nozzle, an oxygen mask and generator, optical display elements, are integrated into a service column. Feeder lines between a main supply line and the passenger service columns are flexible to facilitate the mounting or placement of the columns as a complement to a passenger seat. The column is positioned in the lateral area of a seat to which the column is allocated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for enabling a pilot to maintain a conscious state at a high G-force. The device comprises a platform and seat radially movable about an axis. The device also comprises a mechanism for moving the platform in order to optimize the position of the pilot with respect to the G-force so that the pilot is conscious.

Abstract: A seat assembly for commercial aircraft or other vehicles has features that reduce head excursion in high impact events such as crashes or collisions. These include the use of low-elongation seatbelt material and high seatbelt anchor location. Another feature which reduces head excursion is an articulating seatpan. The bottom seat cushion is guided by rollers in tracks to follow a prescribed motion under forward inertial load. As the inertial load is applied, the seatpan travels forward and tilts upward. This reduces forward pelvic rotation which, in turn, reduces head excursion. Other features which limit pelvic rotation are the use of dynamically stiff foam for the seat cushion, and a relatively steep initial cushion angle/cushion contour.

Abstract: Selected rows of seats for a wide body aircraft (i.e., having two or more passenger aisles) have seat groups that can expand or contract to change the number of seats in a row and the seat width. Conversion is possible with all seat components remaining attached to their respective frames, so that no detachable units have to be stowed. The convertible seat configurations are adaptable to incorporating individual amenities, including individual electronic displays.

Abstract: A system to attach seats, in particular rows of lightweight seats to the light gauge deck of a high passenger marine craft. Horizontal flanges of aluminum angles (23) form a T-shaped foot locking within cavity (35) of track (29) fixed to the deck. High tensile tie straps (27a, 27b) are held between the vertical webs of the angles (23) by pins (69). A tubular pedestal (25) has upper recesses (49) which mate with a box beam supporting the seats. Threaded studs (73)of the tie straps (27a, 27b) are bolted to the box beam so that inertial forces arising in the event of an impact of the craft will be uniformly distributed by the pedestal, tie straps (27a, 27b), and angles (23), to the track for dissipation over an extended length of track, thus reducing the effects of localized shear. On assembly of the system, the angles (23) need not to be slid along the track but may be inserted individually being later spaced apart by insertion of tie straps (27a, 27b) so as to laterally the cavity (35).

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat pan and a seat back which is reclinable from a normal substantially vertical position to a sleeping position in which it forms a substantially continuous surface with the seat pan. A generally vertical partition is located behind the seat and mounted for linear movement between a forward position adjacent to the top of the seat back when in its fully upright position and a rearward position adjacent to the top of the seat back when in its fully reclined position.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing infant's safety seat within a movable passenger carrying transporter such as an aircraft or bus in the transporter's bulkhead section. The seat may be stored in a compartment located within a table or within a formed bulkhead storage compartment. When stored in a table, a hinged connection pivotally mounts the seat to the table. When in the bulkhead compartment a vertical door permits the infant to be placed within the seat in the compartment. In either embodiment an infant accessory storage mesh bag may be used to store infant items such as diapers, toys, or other infant care items.

Abstract: A crashworthy seat comprises a sitting platform and a back. The sitting platform is supported by a frame adapted to be secured to the aircraft. The frame has upright members supporting the back of the sitting platform for vertical sliding movement under controlled resistance provided by an energy absorbing mechanism which comprises an elongate member extending along each upright and a cooperating cutting or deforming tool carried by the seat back. In a crash situation, the sitting platform slides downwardly under controlled resistance provided by the cutting tool cutting a shaving from the elongate member or by the deforming tool deforming the elongate member.

Abstract: An attenuated aircraft seat back assembly for use on an aircraft passenger seat of the type which includes a seat back frame with a front side and a rear side, the attenuated assembly comprising a mount assembly structured to be secured at the rear side of the seat back frame, preferably at an upper end thereof, and an impact absorbent, generally rigid material panel fixedly secured thereto. The mount assembly is structured to securely maintain the rigid material panel in a generally parallel orientation relative to the seat back frame, and spaced apart from the seat back frame by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seating row, in particular an airplane passenger seating row. The seating row is provided with at least one seat which can be displaced in the direction of the cross struts of a framework relative to the neighboring seat between two positions in which the seat row has a maximum or a minimum width and which can be locked in these positions to the framework by means of a latching mechanism, and with a hand lever mounted at one of the two end seat dividers which can be moved to three different tilted positions for actuating of the latching mechanism as well as a manually releasable locking device for the hand lever. The center position of the hand lever is associated with the released state of the latching mechanism and the two other tilted positions are associated with the effective state of the latching mechanism for the installation of the seating row with minimum or maximum widths, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable sling seat for a motor vehicle occupant compartment defined by a floor and an overhead roof structure. A flexible webbing has its forward end connected to a webbing storage roller assembly rotatably supported about a transverse axis on a floor mounted front anchorage mechanism while the webbing aft end is connected to a roof mounted rear anchorage mechanism. The webbing slack length, suspended between the front and rear anchorage mechanisms, defines a forward seat cushion surface portion and an aft seat back surface portion. A roller take-up spring clutch includes a pintle member, aligned on the roller axis, pivotally connecting one end of the roller to a clutch rotary control knob. Turning the knob rotates the roller in either direction, for shortening or lengthening the slack length, thereby either raising or lowering the seat cushion surface portion.

Abstract: An energy attenuation system for absorbing at least a portion of the force impulse imparted to an occupant of an aircraft during a crash. The energy attenuation system comprises a seat and an air bag module. The air bag module includes an air bag positioned and deployable below the seat. The air bag allows the seat and its occupant to move in the direction of the applied impact forces under a controlled stroking force. Accordingly, the occupant may be exposed to a force having a magnitude substantially less than the magnitude of the force on the aircraft.

Abstract: A seat for use in an aircraft providing improved user lumbar load characteristics during a crash event, the seat having a pair of spaced apart front and rear legs, the front and rear legs each being formed of a metallic curved beam having high plastic and low elastic deformation characteristics. First and second chair beams are connected between the front and rear legs. A seat pan is supported between the chair beams, the seat pan being configured to plastically and telescopically deform downwardly between the front and rear legs during a crash event. An energy absorbing seat cushion is positioned on the seat pan. Drag links limit the forward displacement of the front legs upper ends and thereby the seat pan during a crash event. The plasticity of the chair legs, the seat pan and the seat cushion being selected such that in the event of a crash a substantial portion of the load that would otherwise be imparted to a passenger's lower back is absorbed.

Abstract: A device for a seat, in particular an aircraft seat, the seat having a back that pivots between an upright sitting position and a folded-down sleeping position, the device serving to cause the seat proper of the seat to take up an appropriate position that matches that of the back. The device includes two support-and-drive assemblies designed to be disposed laterally on either side of the seat, each assembly having first and second hinged and deformable mechanical linkages designed to be associated mechanically firstly with the back to pivot relative thereto, and secondly with the seat proper in portions thereof that are respectively proximal and distal relative to the back.

Abstract: A passenger seat assembly convertible between a two-seat configuration and a three-seat configuration, including a seat assembly base and first, second and third seats for carrying respective seat bottom and seat back cushions. The first and third seats defining outboard seats are moveable on the seat assembly base and the second seat defines a center seat carried in a fixed position on the seat assembly base. A gear drive is carried by the seat assembly base and interconnects the first and third seats for simultaneous movement relative to each other and to the second seat. The first and third seats move towards each other into the two-seat configuration wherein the first and third seats encroach upon the second seat and define a dead zone between the first and third seat. The first and third seats are moveable away from each other into the three-seat configuration wherein the second seat defines a center seat having the same seating width as the first and third seats.

Abstract: A system for seating and transporting physically challenged individuals to and from commercial transport vehicles is disclosed. The system utilizes the aisle seat of the commercial transport vehicle for both seating and transporting the passenger. Modifications are made to both the aisle seat and the adjacent seat in order to provide a system capable of being detached while meeting all the safety and strength properties of the original seats. The present invention provides a very efficient and humane method of transporting physically challenged individuals from their wheelchairs to commercial transport vehicles as well as providing and efficient method of transportation when connections are necessary.

Abstract: A lay down seat mechanism for a seating system having a front seat that is mounted on a support structure raised above the aircraft floor and having a foot rest that is raised above the aircraft floor and a back seat that is pivoted from an upright seating position behind the front seat to a fully reclined position extending beneath the raised front seat.

Abstract: An adjustable seat of a vehicle such as an aircraft, comprises a fixed baseplate, the top plate of which is mounted on two lower components by two hinged joints. These hinged joints define two pins oriented parallel to the plane of the top plate, in the vehicle's transverse and longitudinal directions respectively. Moreover, one of these hinged joints is placed at the apex of a triangle, the opposite side of which is coincident with the pin of the other hinged joint. The integrity of the bed of the seat is thereby preserved in the event of twisting of the floor.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bolt specially designed for an aircraft seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-crash seat with harness for an aircraft.The seat is mounted with limited sliding on at least one substantially vertical support (8), integral with the structure of said aircraft and associated with at least one energy-absorbing device (12), located between said seat and said structure. Advantageously:it is shaped as a bench (2) defining a plurality of seating spaces which are located side by side and each of which is equipped with a safety harness (6);it includes at least one additional energy-absorbing device (16), situated between said structure of the aircraft and a coupling mechanism (17) with locking provided at least at one of said seating spaces; andsaid mechanism (17) for coupling between said bench and said additional device is controlled by the harness (6) associated with said seating space.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for absorbing energy exerted on the seat during impact including a seat frame having at least one generally vertical segment, a support apparatus including at least one generally vertical pole and at least one coupler fixedly mounted on the at least one pole of the support apparatus and circumferentially mounted on the at least one generally vertical segment of the seat frame, the at least one coupler having at least one deformation member engaging an indentation in the at least one segment such that displacement of the seat frame relative to the support apparatus occurs only when the force of the impact acting on the seat frame exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: A backward-leaning-movement seat leg structure is provided for attaching a seat to the floor of a vehicle or an aircraft.

Abstract: A recline safety lock assembly to be secured to an aircraft passenger seat of the type including a reclining seat back portion, a seat foundation and at least one recline cylinder structured to permit reclining of the seat back portion. The recline safety lock assembly includes at least one lock plate having an upper mount portion to be secured to a side rail of the seat back portion, and an engagement end having a downwardly depending lip formed therein. Additionally, the assembly includes at least one lock pin having a main shaft with a transverse notch formed therein. The lock pin is rotatably and axially mounted adjacent the engagement end of the lock plate and is rotatable between a disengaged orientation and an engaged orientation. In the engaged orientation the transverse notch is in a generally upwardly angled orientation such that the lock pin engages the downwardly depending lip of the lock plate and rear reclining of the seat back portion relative to the seat foundation portion is prevented.

Abstract: A passenger seat assembly convertible between a two-seat configuration and a three-seat configuration, including a seat assembly base and first, second and third seats for carrying respective seat bottom and seat back cushions. The first and third seats defining outboard seats are moveable on the seat assembly base and the second seat defines a center seat carried in a fixed position on the seat assembly base. A gear drive is carried by the seat assembly base and interconnects the first and third seats for simultaneous movement relative to each other and to the second seat. The first and third seats move towards each other into the two-seat configuration wherein the first and third seats encroach upon the second seat and define a dead zone between the first and third seat. The first and third seats are moveable away from each other into the three-seat configuration wherein the second seat defines a center seat having the same seating width as the first and third seats.

Abstract: In order that the acceleration suffered by the occupant (O) of an aircraft, particularly a rotary-wing aircraft seat in the case of an accident remains below a humanly withstandable limit, no matter what the size of said occupant, a seat is proposed in which a height regulation of the pan or bucket (16), in which the occupant is received, also has the effect of modifying the inclination of the energy absorbers (38). Thus, the vertical component of the retaining force exerted on the pan (16) by said absorbers decreases with the size of the occupant, which leads to the desired result.

Abstract: An airplane passenger seat row is disclosed which comprises a seat frame, which is common to all seats and which includes cross members and feet that are fixed to said cross members. Seat cushion carriers and backrests can be adjusted in their position of inclination. A section of the seat cushion carriers and a section of the backrests are designed as components which can be moved in at least two positions in the longitudinal direction of the cross members. A backrest of a center seat includes a center section located between two side sections. Each side section is assigned a locking mechanism, by means of which in the one position of the moveable components both side sections can be connected shape-lockingly to the center section, in order to form sections of the center seat, and in the second position the side sections can be connected shape-lockingly to the seats backrest which adjoin laterally the center seat, in order to form sections of both side seats.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underframe for a passenger aircraft seat, the underframe including a triangular base defining a front anchor point and a rear anchor point, and a raised intermediate vertex; and a leg associated via its top end with the structure of the seat and via its bottom end with the triangular base. In accordance with the invention, the leg is associated rigidly with the base by rigid association means which, during normal use of the seat, hold the leg positively relative to the base, in particular so as to prevent any forward or backward pivoting of the leg.

Abstract: A video signal display system is provided at a back of each of a number of seats arranged in rows and columns. A recess is formed in the rear portion of the back of each seat and spherical-shaped support units for pivotally supporting a picture display unit of the display system are provided on the bottom of the recess and at a mid portion of the back surface of the picture display unit for assembling the picture display unit in the recess. The spherical-shaped supporting units are rotated for varying the position of the screen of the picture display unit built in the rear portion of the back of the seat to an easy-to-view position.

Abstract: An underframe for a passenger aircraft seat, the underframe including at least one element forming a front leg and at least one element forming a rear leg, and energy absorption structure that is active when a moving element of the seat moves relative to another element of the seat or of the floor of the aircraft cabin, under the effect of the seat being subjected to deceleration above a predetermined value. The energy absorption structure includes an energy absorption device including a male part that penetrates by force and with plastic deformation into an aperture in a female part. Either the female part or the male part is attached on and directly associated with the moving element, and the other part, i.e. the male part or the female part, is attached on and directly associated with the other element.

Abstract: An improved aircraft seat having a base frame including leg assemblies for supporting front and rear horizontal stretcher tubes and spreaders. A bottom diaphragm supporting a bottom seat cushion of an individual passenger seat is positioned between two of the spreaders and is removably connected to the front and rear stretcher tubes. The bottom diaphragm is preferably a formed tray-like member of unitary construction forming an open receptacle for a floatation portion on the bottom seat cushion.

Abstract: Presentation of an improved adjustable lumbar support mechanism with a remote control push-button and cable (10) for use in a seat backrest. The cable is routed to a hydraulic (or pneumatic) positioning cylinder (12) which has a locking capability and integral spring-load force to permanently preload a lumbar support panel (20) in a direction opposing the pressure from the seat occupant's back. A new principle of operation of the "manual" lumbar support is utilized, in which the force from a human's back is used to conveniently readjust the lumbar position (counterbalancing the spring), not the force in the operator's hand. The new lumbar system is a fast-acting device compared to traditional knob-driven units and permits frequent, quick, and easy readjustment of lumbar position whenever the push-button is depressed.

Abstract: A track fitting assembly for removably securing a seat to a generally channel-shaped track secured to the fuselage of an aircraft. The track fitting assembly includes a forged body member having spaced track lugs projecting laterally from a narrow finger portion. The body member has a socket which receives a threaded shear plunger adjusting screw. A head on the adjusting screw moves into the socket to indicate when the shear plunger is properly seated to lock the track lugs in the track.

Abstract: An airplane seat that affords extra protection for a passenger is provided. The seat has a slidingly mounted seat bottom that can slide from a front side of the seat back to a rear side of the seat back. In this way a single seat can provide a safer, rear-facing seat for use during take-off, landings and any emergency situations as well as a conventional front-facing seat for use during normal flight. The sliding of the seat bottom is automatic and is powered by the airplane through either electric motors or hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders. For additional passenger protection the legs of the seat are equipped with a shock absorbing system.

Abstract: An aircraft seat frame includes a plurality of upright seat supports each formed in one piece of heat-conductive material. Heat-generating electronics are thermally coupled to one of the supports. Such support acts as a heat sink to conduct and dissipate heat away from the electronics.

Abstract: A seat leg and track fitting assembly for removably securing a seat to a generally channel-shaped track secured to the fuselage of an aircraft. The track fitting assembly includes a forged body member having a narrow finger portion; a plurality of spaced track lugs projecting laterally from the narrow finger portion, and an enlarged boss portion having a recess formed therein. The recess extends through the narrow finger portion to form a pair of shoulders adjacent opposite sides of the recess and a plunger has surfaces positioned between the shoulders such that the shoulders limit movement of the plunger. An actuating arm is secured to the plungers in each of a plurality of track fitting assemblies to move the plungers in the recesses between first positions wherein the lower ends of the plungers are positioned adjacent the lower edge of the narrow finger portion of each body and an elevated position wherein the plungers are retracted from the track.

Abstract: A combination seat cushion and life vest particularly adapted for use as an aircraft chair includes a generally rectangular buoyant main rear panel and a buoyant segmented front panel hingedly joined to the rear panel in substantially covering relationship thereto so as to form, in a closed position thereof, a generally rectangular cushion of generally uniform thickness and, in an open position thereof, an openable and wearable life vest sized and dimensioned to cover the rear side and front side of a user from the shoulder to approximately the waist.

Abstract: An aircraft berthing seat including a seat base; a support assembly borne by the seat base and moveable along a predetermined path of travel; a leg rest assembly borne by the support assembly, and moveable to predetermined supporting positions; a seat cushion assembly borne by the base and disposed in spaced relation relative to the support assembly; and a seat back assembly borne by the seat base and moveable along a path of travel from an upright position, into substantially coplanar relation relative to the seat cushion and leg rest assembly, respectively, thereby forming an aircraft berthing seat.

Abstract: A seatback fitting assembly is provided with means to allow the complete forward rotation of the seatback, while remaining anchored to the seat structure, upon an excessive dynamic load or force impact on the seatback. This is accomplished by the use of a structural "breakover" device operating within the fitting assembly, which restrains the seatback within a limited, "forward tilt" range of motion under normal conditions, but allows complete forward rotation once load forces above an allowable level act on the seatback to cause a restraining pin to shear. A friction brake or clutch arrangement is provided to inhibit tilting of the seatback at all times but does not prevent the complete forward rotation of the seatback.

Abstract: An aviator suit is provided with a sewn-on channel of hook and eye material which encloses an elongated line that extends to a floor bracket by a shear fastener. The enclosed line prevents snagging on objects within a cockpit and becomes easily removed when the VELCRO gives way during ejection when forces are exerted upon the enclosed channel line. A simplified snubber plug is releasably clamped to the aviator's seat and becomes released after the aviator has cleared a cockpit.

Abstract: Threaded shafts engage threaded fittings at the top and bottom of a pilot's ejection seat. A motorized gear train selectively rotates the threaded shafts so as to adjust the fore-aft position of a seat while maintaining it behind a pre-designed emergency ejection path from a cockpit.

Abstract: An impact energy absorption system for aircraft seats and the like, comprising seat mounting means, a seat movable between a first unloaded position and a second crash induced position, a deforming die and an additional set of die jaws connected to the seat mounting and defining an aperture of variable size, and a deformable rod having a shoulder connecting the seat to the mounting the rod passing through the deforming die and the variable die jaws. During crash induced movement of the seat between its two positions the rod is pulled through the deforming die and the die jaws to absorb impact energy by deformation of the rod. The aperture defined by the die jaws is variable being adapted to allow for self adjustment of the aperture size and respective impact energy absorbing capacity corespondent to the weight of the seat occupant.