Aircraft seat cover assembly

Abstract

An aircraft seat cover assembly includes a seat portion and a back portion. The seat portion includes a cover. Under that portion of the cover which is under the back of the pilot's legs and the pilot's buttocks are layers of deformable foam. Under that portion of the cover which is behind the pilot's back is a positionable inflatable air bladder.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FIELD

The invention described in this patent application was not the subject of federally sponsored research or development.

FIELD

The present invention pertains to an accessory for an aircraft; more particularly, the present invention pertains to a seat cover assembly for providing enhanced seating comfort and safety for the pilot of an aircraft.

BACKGROUND

Small private aircraft and restricted category aircraft, typically single seat aircraft such as agricultural aircraft built for spraying, are characterized by their light weight and low cost. And, since the anticipated duration of most flights by such small private aircraft and restricted category aircraft, including agricultural aircraft, may not be for an extended period of time, manufacturers of small private aircraft and restricted category aircraft, including agricultural aircraft, have not endeavored to develop a seating system for pilots that provides long-term comfort. For example, some small private aircraft and restricted category aircraft, including agricultural aircraft, include low-cost simple “cool” seats. Cool seats are basically a piece of open-weave fabric stretched over a frame made from rigid metal tubes. Such cool seats are light weight and have been approved by the FAA. Accordingly, manufacturers of small private aircraft and restricted category aircraft use FAA approved cool seats. In addition, such cool seats are often found on military helicopters.

While low-cost, simple seating systems, such as cool seats, are adequate for many aircraft applications where the operators of the aircraft spend only an hour or two at the controls, there are some pilots who make such one or two hour flights repeatedly over long periods of time, to include both day and night. Such pilots may be those who fly small private aircraft or restricted category aircraft, including agricultural aircraft, to spray crops, or those pilots who are flight instructors who often teach multiple student pilots in one day. Still other pilots who often sit on cool seats are those who drop fire retardant chemicals.

For those pilots who spend extended times in a small private aircraft or a restricted category aircraft, including agricultural and firefighting aircraft, there is a need to provide a seating system which is more comfortable than the cool seat offered by most manufacturers of small private aircraft or restricted category aircraft, including agricultural aircraft. This need is demonstrated by the large number of professional pilots who carry some type of seat cushion along with the gear carried into an aircraft. It is also not unusual to find pilots who fold up a flight jacket and use their folded flight jacket as a cushion on a cool seat.

From a safety viewpoint, it is well known that pilot discomfort leads to both an accelerated state of pilot fatigue and distraction of the pilot's attention away from the many activities associated with flying the aircraft. When flying an aircraft, pilot fatigue and attention distraction become significant safety issues. Specifically, a fatigued or distracted pilot is not able to devote the needed attention to the physical activity of flying the aircraft and maintaining proper communication with ground control—particularly in IFR conditions. If weather conditions deteriorate to IFR or hazardous flying conditions occur, fatigue or distraction can actually lead to unanticipated dangerous situations.

Yet another problem is that some pilots who fly for extended periods of time have reported experiencing a loss of feeling in their lower legs when using a cool seat. Since much of flying is responding to control feedback, loss of feeling directly impacts the ability of a pilot to control the aircraft. Other pilots have reported experiencing either leg pain or leg cramps even when outside of the aircraft from long exposure to cool seats.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a seating system usable in small private aircraft that increases the comfort level of the seat for the pilot, particularly the cool seat, installed by the aircraft manufacturer.

SUMMARY

The disclosed aircraft seat cover assembly is usable in small private aircraft and restricted category aircraft, including agricultural and firefighting aircraft, to increase the comfort level of the seat for the pilot, particularly the cool seat installed by aircraft manufacturers.

The aircraft seat cover assembly of the present invention is formed in two parts—a first part to cover the seat portion of a cool seat of the type typically found in small private aircraft, restricted category aircraft and military helicopters, and a second part to cover the back portion of the cool seat.

The first part of the aircraft seat cover assembly which covers the seat portion includes a pocket portion formed from a burn certified material acceptable for use in aircraft. Under the outer layer of fabric forming the pocket portion is a first cushion layer to fit under the back of the upper portion of the pilot's legs and under the pilot's buttocks. Under the first cushion layer is a second cushion layer which is firmer than the first cushion layer. Then, under the second cushion layer is a shortened foam piece to go over the front tubular piece in a cool seat. This shortened foam piece is firmer than the second cushion layer. All of the three cushion layers are made from a foam which conforms to the shape of the back of the upper portion of the pilot's legs and the pilot's buttocks by exposure to the pilot's body heat and weight. The shortened foam piece also provides the additional function of lifting the pilot's knees to a position where the pilot's feet are in a more comfortable position when placed on the trim pedals.

The second part of the aircraft seat cover assembly is formed to have a pocket portion which covers the back portion of the cool seat and is formed from a burn certified material. Within that portion of the back portion of the disclosed aircraft seat cover assembly which is in contact with the lower portion of the pilot's back is a positionable air bladder. The positionable air bladder may be adjusted to a desired level of hardness or softness according to the preference of the pilot by the use of a squeezable ball and air release valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A still better understanding of the aircraft seating system of the present invention may be had by reference to the drawing figures as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of the present invention mounted to a cool seat;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the present invention mounted to a cool seat;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing the back of the present invention mounted to a cool seat.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the mounting of the air bladder;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the air bladder removed from the seating system; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the disclosed seating system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The FAA approved cool seat found in many wing and rotary wing aircraft, includes a simple frame constructed of rigid tubular members. An open weave fabric is stretched tightly over the cool seat frame. Cushioning for the pilot, if any, is offered by the limited stretching of the open weave fabric under the weight of the pilot. Adjustability of the cool seat is typically limited to simple movement of the entire cool seat along the vertical axis of the aircraft (up and down only). The rudder pedals are adjusted fore and aft to accommodate the legs of pilots, from short to tall, the orientation of the seat portion of the cool seat is generally parallel to the long axis of the aircraft. As previously indicated, prolonged use of a cool seat increases fatigue and frequently leads to leg discomfort both inside and outside the aircraft.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft cool seat 100 with the aircraft seat cover assembly 10 of the present invention installed thereon. The disclosed aircraft seat cover assembly 10 includes two portions, a seat portion 30 and a back portion 50. The seat portion 30 is constructed and arranged to fit over the lower seat portion of the aircraft cool seat 100 installed by the manufacturer of the aircraft.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat portion 30 of the disclosed aircraft seta cover assembly 10 includes an outer cover 32 is attached by a plurality of adjustable strap sets 34 which pass under the aircraft seat 100 and snug the seat portion 30 of the aircraft seat cover assembly 10 against the aircraft seat. Affixed to the outer cover 32 of the seat portion of the present invention and positioned on the top of the lower seat portion is a cushioned portion which provides more padding than that offered by the cool seat 100 installed by the aircraft manufacturer.

As shown in FIG. 6, there are three foam layers attached to the outer cover 32. The first or top layer 36 is the softest layer. The foam used to form the top layer 36 conforms to the shape of the back of the pilot's legs and the pilot's buttocks over time. Such foams that change shape under body heat and pressure are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The second or middle layer of foam 38 is more firm than the top layer 36 but has the same properties of changing shape under body heat and pressure. The third or bottom layer 40 of foam is more firm than the middle layer. While the top and middle layer cover the entire seat surface, the bottom layer of foam 40 is shortened and fits over the front tubular member of the cool seat 100. It is the front tubular member of the cool seat 100 which presses against the back of the upper portion of the pilot's legs and causes the greatest discomfort for the pilot.

The upper or back portion 50 of the seating system 10 of the present invention is constructed similarly to the lower seat portion. The upper or back portion 50 of the seating system 10 has an outer cover 52 formed as a large pocket which slips over the back of the aircraft cool seat. Also included are adjustable strap sets 54 to snug the upper or back portion 50 of the seating system of the present invention against the back of the aircraft cool seat. Much like the lower seat portion 30 described above, the back portion 50 of the present invention provides more padding than that offered by the cool seat installed by the aircraft manufacturer.

To further enhance pilot comfort, particularly those pilots prone to lower back soreness due to uncomfortable seats, the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, also includes an inflatable air bladder 56 to enable the back portion 50 of the seating system 10 of the present invention to better conform to the unique contour of the pilot's back and, thus, provide additional skeletal support for the pilot. The inflatable air bladder 56 is filled by using a flexible ball assembly 58 attached to a tube 60 that is, in turn, attached to the air bladder 56. Squeezing of the flexible ball assembly 56 will fill the bladder with air to a size and firmness level suitable for the back of an individual pilot. Also contained near the flexible ball assembly 58 is a small air release valve 62 which allows the air bladder 56 to be deflated as desired to adjust the shape of the back portion 50 of the aircraft seat cover assembly 10. To accommodate pilots of different sizes the inflatable air bladder 56 is attached within the back portion 50 of the aircraft seat cover assembly 10 by the use of a hook and loop fastening system 64 known by the trademark VELCRO® so that it may be easily positioned.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the air pressure in the air bladder 56 may be easily changed in flight by squeezing the flexible ball 58 or opening the air release valve 62. By changing the amount of pressure in the air bladder 56, the pilot is able to change the distribution of forces on the back muscles further reducing fatigue.

The fabric from which the outer covers 32, 52 aircraft seat cover assembly 10 of the present invention are made is burn certified and cut for a contoured fit over a cool seat 100. The adjustable strap sets 34, 54 are also made from a burn certified material.

Installation of the aircraft seat cover assembly 10 is best accomplished by removal of the cool seat 100 from the aircraft. Typically, only four bolts are used to hold the cool seat 100 in place in most aircraft. However, it is possible to install the seat cover assembly 10 of the present invention while the cool seat 100 remains installed within the aircraft.

No special tools are required to install the disclosed aircraft seat cover assembly 10. The bottom portion 30 and the back portion 50 of the disclosed aircraft cover assembly 10 are formed to be slid over the bottom and back of the cool seat 100. Once slid over the bottom and back of the cool seat 100 the tightening straps of the adjustable strap sets 34, 54 are pulled through the single grip latches on the end of the opposite tightening strap. The fabric has enough stretch to enable a tight wrinkle-free fit over the cool seat 100.

Users first notice the softness of the foam layers 36, 38, 40 against the back of the upper portion of their legs and against their buttocks. In addition, the pressure from the front support tube 102 against the back of the lower portion of the upper portion of the user's legs is gone. Further, the use of a shortened piece of foam 40 elevates the pilot's knees to allow the pilot's feet to be positioned more comfortably on the aircraft trim pedals.

Removal of the aircraft seat cover assembly 10 of the present invention is best accomplished when the aircraft cool seat 100 is out of the aircraft; however, removal of the aircraft seat cover assembly 10 may be removed with the cool seat 100 remaining in the aircraft.

It is anticipated that some airplane manufacturers will offer the seat cover assembly 10 of the present invention as an option particularly when one pilot repeatedly is called upon to fly one aircraft.

In other situations, professional pilots may carry their own seat cover assembly 10 and have it installed by support personnel before flying. In still other situations, those insuring aircraft may require the use of the disclosed aircraft seat cover assembly 10 because of the positive impact on safety of flight.

By use of the present invention multiple muscle groups are involved during flight simply by changing the geometry of disclosed aircraft seat cover assembly. Simply by involving different muscle groups by slight changes in seat geometry pilot comfort is increased and pilot fatigue is reduced. This increase in format and reduction in pilot fatigue allows the pilot to concentrate more on flying the airplane than alleviating the discomfort induced by an uncomfortable seat. Greater concentration by the pilot on flying an aircraft increases safety thereby reducing the chance for aircraft accidents.

While the disclosed invention has been disclosed according to its preferred embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments have been enabled. Such other embodiments shall be included within the scope and measuring of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aircraft seat cover assembly for use with an aircraft seat having a tubular frame over which is fitted open weave fabric, said aircraft seat cover assembly comprising:

a seat portion constructed and arranged to be strapped to the bottom portion of the aircraft seat;

said seat portion including a first foam layer placed over a second foam layer and a third partial foam layer; and

a back portion constructed and arranged to fit over the back portion of the aircraft seat, said back portion including a movable inflatable bladder for changing the contour of the back portion of the aircraft seat.

2. A seat cover assembly for reducing the fatigue of a pilot associated with long term use of an aircraft seat made from an open weave fabric stretched over a frame made of tubular members, said seat cover comprising:

a first cover portion constructed and arranged for inclusion in the space between the back of the pilots legs and the buttocks of the pilot and the open weave fabric;

a layer of formable foam placed on the underside of said cover and on top of the open weave fabric;

a layer of formable foam positioned over the tubular member of the aircraft seat supporting the back of the pilot's legs;

a second cover portion constructed and arranged for inclusion in the space between the pilot's back and the open weave fabric; and

an inflatable bladder positioned within said second cover portion to adjust the fit of said second portion against the back of the pilot.

3. The seat cover as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said first cover portion and said second cover portion are formed from a burn certified fabric.

4. The seat cover as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said inflatable bladder is positionable within said second cover portion.

5. The seat cover as defined in claim 2 wherein said first cover portion and said second cover portion are attached to the aircraft seat using adjustable length straps sets.

6. The seat cover as defined in claim 2 wherein said formable foam is caused to adjust to the shape of the pilot's body by the application of the pilot's body heat and the pilot's body weight.

7. A method for increasing the comfort and reducing the fatigue of a pilot induced by a standard aircraft cool seat formed of steel tubes covered by an open weave fabric said method comprising the steps of:

covering the seat portion of the cool seat with a cover including foam layers of varying softness to be positioned under the back of the upper portion of the pilot's legs and the pilot's buttocks;

covering the steel tube which is beneath the back of the pilot's legs with a piece of formable foam which elevates the pilot's knees; and

covering the back portion of the cool seat with a cover including a positionable inflatable bladder to be positioned between the lower portion of the pilot's back and the back of the cool seat.