Table Behind Seat Patents (Class 297/163)
  • Patent number: 11958417
    Abstract: A system or device for mounting personal electronics such as tablet computers, smart phones, or laptops to seatbacks during travel. The device uses a series of jointed elements to allow for securing the device to a variety of seatbacks commonly found in automobiles, buses, trains, aircraft, and watercraft. The device also allows for personal electronics of varying shapes, sizes, and configurations to be secured to the seatback through the device so that a user may comfortably use his or her personal electronics without interfering with a tray table or requiring the user to hold his or her personal electronic items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: The MACK LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Earl Mcloyd
  • Patent number: 11932150
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat assembly (10), having motor vehicle seat (12) and having at least one accessory (48) that can be fastened releasably to the motor vehicle seat, wherein the motor vehicle seat has a receiving bushing with insertion opening (30) for the releasable fastening of the accessory, and wherein the accessory has plug-in part (42) that can be inserted into the insertion opening of the receiving bushing, wherein the motor vehicle seat has at least one additional receiving bushing that is arranged offset with respect to the receiving bushing and has additional insertion opening (32), and wherein the insertion opening and the additional insertion opening are assigned insertion directions for plug-in part (44) and for the additional plug-in part that are parallel to one another and are directed in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: KINETIX AG
    Inventors: Michael Braun, Michael Andreas Keller, Wojtek Dyczka, Peter Spang
  • Patent number: 11577636
    Abstract: Described are aircraft passenger seat assemblies with a passenger seat, a component with an outer surface attached the passenger seat. An inductive wireless power unit with a coil assembly is included with the aircraft passenger seat assembly, and the coil assembly is positioned within the component. A portion of the outer surface of the component covers the coil assembly. Wires connecting the coil assembly to a power supply are hidden from view within the aircraft passenger seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Noske, C. Michael Parker
  • Patent number: 11420751
    Abstract: A multi-latch assembly may be utilized, for example, in an aircraft passenger seat to hold separately deployable components such as a tray table and secondary member for separately supporting a personal entertainment device. The multi-latch assembly can include a first latch member and a second latch member. The first latch member can include a first arm. The first latch member can further include a first shaft that extends from the first arm and that is at least partially hollow. The second latch member can include a second arm. The second latch member can further include a second shaft that extends from the second arm and that is received within the first shaft of the first latch member so that the first arm and the second arm are rotatable independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Jason K. Smith, Robert Funk
  • Patent number: 11352142
    Abstract: A passenger seat back can include a rearward surface, a tray table (106) deployable away from the rearward surface of the seat back, and a shelf (108) independent from the tray table (106). The shelf (108) can include a support surface (110) and at least one pivot (116) pivotally coupling the support surface (110) to the rearward surface of the seat back. For example, the support surface (110) may support a passenger's personal entertainment device or other item at a variety of viewing orientations and apart from the tray table (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Ruiz Lara, Arthur Glain
  • Patent number: 11034454
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat assembly is disclosed. In embodiments, the aircraft passenger seat assembly includes an aircraft passenger seat including a seatback configured to support an upper body of an aircraft passenger, and a seat frame including at least one seat spreader disposed on a lateral side of the seatback. In embodiments, the aircraft passenger seat assembly may further include at least one privacy assembly. The at least one privacy assembly may include a closeout body coupled to the at least one seat spreader, and a privacy panel coupled to the closeout body, the privacy panel extending from the closeout body in order to at least partially separate a seating environment of the aircraft passenger seat from an adjacent seating environment of an adjacent aircraft passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Malecha, Jason Owen
  • Patent number: 11001172
    Abstract: A retractable tray device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a frame structure, at least one tray, an electric motor fixed to the frame structure, a worm screw rotated by the electric motor, and a slider mounted on the worm screw, the slider being integral with the tray so that the rotation of the worm screw causes a displacement in translation of the slider along the worm screw, and consequently of the tray relative to the frame structure, substantially within the plane of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Mathieu Cluet, David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Patent number: 10843613
    Abstract: An amenities panel for a passenger seat includes a body and at least one convenience feature. The body includes an aft-facing side and is configured to connect to a backrest of the passenger seat. The amenities panel is configured to be positioned between a forward-facing side of the backrest and a stowed tray table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Josh T. Smith, Christopher D. Stewart, Jason K. Smith, Kevin Waters, Nahum Madrid
  • Patent number: 10696407
    Abstract: Described are assemblies that include elements of a tray table, such as for an aircraft or other passenger craft. A tray table body can be movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. A set of arms may support the table body relative to a seat back in the stowed configuration and in the deployed configuration. In response to movement of the seat back (such as in a crash scenario), the arms may permit release of a constraint of the tray table body that would otherwise inhibit the tray table body from moving with the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Murray, Girish J. Malligere, Michael Willey, Armando Valdes, Melinda A. Izzo, Kevin Creed, Naintzu Chang, Shaka Thornhill
  • Patent number: 10640048
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. The seatback includes a rear portion and a substantially horizontal strap including first and second ends fixed to the rear portion. The substantially horizontal strap further includes an intermediate attachment area fixed to the rear portion between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Vanderpool, Dustin Shedlarski, Victoria Leigh Schein, Timothy Owen Hamlin
  • Patent number: 10414500
    Abstract: An electronic device holder disposed on a seat back comprises a base fixed to the seat back; a folding shelf rotatably attached to the base via first and second pivot members and configured to be rotated between a stowed position and a use position; and a sliding member attached to the base and configured to be moved upward and downward. The folding shelf includes an upper surface; and a plurality of retaining lips extending from the upper surface to form a plurality of recesses. The folding shelf and the sliding member form an angle in the use position so as to hold an electronic device between one of the recesses and a free end of the sliding member in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Kevin Irons, Shayne Ellis, Nick David Eterovic, Ian Woodward
  • Patent number: 10364033
    Abstract: A table apparatus includes a table device and a table support structure that is connected to the table device. The table support structure includes a carrier structure and a table support linkage. The carrier structure is connected to the table support linkage via a single pivot connection. The table device is pivotable about only the single pivot connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: ADIENT AEROSPACE LLC
    Inventors: James Mehlos, Jonathan Peter Cansfield, James Davis, Benjamin McGeever, David P. Heiss
  • Patent number: 10232946
    Abstract: A passenger seat module, a tray table deployable from within the module, and a drawer deployable from within the tray table. The tray table drawer is accessible regardless of the stowed or deployed position of the tray table to provide a stowage solution independent of tray table deployment. A module adapted to be positioned in proximity to a passenger seat and including a tray table coupled to the module through a support arm, the tray table movable between a stowed position within the module and a deployed position outside of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl D. Daniel, Alexander N. Pozzi
  • Patent number: 9422059
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) includes a backrest (10) and a table unit (40) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) from a not-in-use position into a use position. The backrest (10) includes a backrest cover (20), to which the table unit (40) is fastened. A prestressed table spring (34) is provided. The table unit (40) is held on the backrest (10) by a spring force applied by the table spring (34). The table spring (34) is arranged on a side of the backrest cover (20) which faces away from the table unit (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Jozef Martinak, Slawomir Kostrzab
  • Patent number: 9399432
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for attaching shelving, hooks, and organizers to a vehicle seatback. The attachment mechanism fits over the vehicle seat headrest posts, providing stability to the shelving, hooks, or organizers. The mechanism is formed as a single piece, thus it can be installed and removed without any additional components such as screws, bolts, straps, or other parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Matthew C Kaser
  • Patent number: 9180805
    Abstract: A utility tray for use with a substantially upright seat back which includes a seat back connector mechanism and a support tray assembly connected to the seat back connector mechanism. The support tray assembly includes a pair of first and second friction pivot joint assemblies connected to the seat back connector mechanism; a pair of support rails connected to and extending from the friction pivot joint assemblies; a first tray section connected to the pair of support rails for movement between a first retracted position and a second extended position, and a second tray section hingeably connected to the first tray section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Reinhold Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergio Millan
  • Patent number: 9169965
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a support arm includes: a thermoplastic material and a filler. A cross-section of the support arm taken along a line from an inner edge to an outer edge of the support arm comprises a modified I-shaped, a I/U-shaped, or a U-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Narendra Anand Hardikar, Anil Tiwari, Harindranath K. Sharma, Jamie Tebay
  • Patent number: 9167905
    Abstract: A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes an inner tray secures the portable electronic device for hands free operation. One or more channels at the inner tray receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device. The inner tray is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Patent number: 9126688
    Abstract: A vehicle seat locking device includes at least one object, in particular a table, and at least one locking unit which has at least one locking element and is provided for the purpose of locking the object in at least one stowed position. The locking unit has at least one pull actuating unit which is provided for the purpose of being actuatable as a result of a pulling movement on the locking element, the pulling movement having, in at least one movement portion, at least one movement component in the movement direction of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fabian Philipzik, Marsel Mejuhas
  • Publication number: 20150115668
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) includes a backrest (10) and a table unit (40) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) from a not-in-use position into a use position. The backrest (10) includes a backrest cover (20), to which the table unit (40) is fastened. A prestressed table spring (34) is provided. The table unit (40) is held on the backrest (10) by a spring force applied by the table spring (34). The table spring (34) is arranged on a side of the backrest cover (20) which faces away from the table unit (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Jozef Martinak, Slawomir Kostrzab
  • Publication number: 20150108798
    Abstract: The present technology relates generally to seat-mounted supports for personal electronic devices (“PEDs”), and associated systems and methods. Particular embodiments are directed to tablet or smartphone supports for mounting on an airplane seat. In some embodiments, a support system for restraining a PED includes a first panel configured for attachment to an airplane seat and a second panel having at least one restraining feature configured to restrain the PED against the second panel. The system further includes an intermediate portion pivotably connecting the first panel to the second panel. The system can include complementary engagement features on the first and second panels to adjust the angle of the first panel relative to the second panel. For example, in some embodiments, the first panel can pivot between a first position parallel to the second panel and a second position non-parallel to the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: William L. Boyer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150091337
    Abstract: Multiple features of seating assemblies are detailed Innovations in or to tray tables, luggage bars, arm rests, seat backs, and seat frames are included, with features being incorporated into seating assemblies either separately or in any combination. The assemblies are configured principally for passenger aircraft but may be used elsewhere as appropriate or desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy Cailleteau, David Da Silva
  • Publication number: 20150061327
    Abstract: A utility tray for use with a substantially upright seat back which includes a seat back connector mechanism and a support tray assembly connected to the seat back connector mechanism. The support tray assembly includes a pair of first and second friction pivot joint assemblies connected to the seat back connector mechanism; a pair of support rails connected to and extending from the friction pivot joint assemblies; a first tray section connected to the pair of support rails for movement between a first retracted position and a second extended position, and a second tray section hingeably connected to the first tray section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Sergio Millan
  • Publication number: 20150061328
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat having a seat base and a backrest which has a support structure and having a frame which is provided for securing to a floor of an aircraft cabin, and having a folding table which is arranged with a table connection structure so as to be able to be folded on the aircraft passenger seat. The table connection structure is arranged within a width of the backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Peter KALSBERGER, Zie-Na KIM, Maksym PRYKHODKO
  • Publication number: 20150028635
    Abstract: A fitting part for a vehicle seat includes a flap element that is rotatably secured to a backrest of the vehicle seat and can be pivoted between a substantially horizontal use position and a non-use position, as well as a retainer element (11) for locking the flap element in the use position. A first region (10) of the retainer element is rotatably secured to the backrest and a second region (13) of the retainer element is rotatably secured to a slide (7) that is mounted so as to be displaceable in a rail (6) of the flap element and that can be fixed relative to the rail by a securing element. The fitting part includes a plurality of securing elements for locking the flap element in a plurality of use positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Sebastian Evels, Marco Leber, Ralf Rappen, Frank Gerhardt, Ahmed Oualkadi
  • Publication number: 20150028634
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular a passenger seat for a bus, includes a seat member with a seat upholstery carrier and seat upholstery, which is rigidly arranged on the seat upholstery carrier; the vehicle seat also includes a backrest with a back upholstery carrier and back upholstery, which is rigidly arranged on the back upholstery carrier; and a support structure for receiving forces which act on the vehicle seat. The support structure is constructed as a rigid carrier frame arranged at the peripheral side outside the seat member and the backrest and which is connected to the seat upholstery carrier and the back upholstery carrier. The carrier frame has carrier rails which are arranged in pairs and which extend along opposing lateral edges of the seat member and the backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael SCHERELLO, Achim BURMEISTER
  • Patent number: 8936308
    Abstract: A seat back tray for being pivotally mounted an aircraft seat, and including a frame mounted on the aircraft seat and movable between a stowed position against a seat back of the aircraft seat and a deployed, generally horizontal position for use by an aft-seated occupant and a fabric sleeve formed of top and bottom panels for being removably positioned in a tensioned condition on and supported by the frame for providing a support surface for use items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Gordon Petersen, Gregory Michael Molaro, Brian James Lasley, Joel Brent Bowman, Jason Edward Epley, David Micheal Cekuta, Andrew Edward Kerman
  • Patent number: 8936307
    Abstract: Described are multipurpose tray table systems including a passenger seat back, at least one tray table arm pivotally coupled to the passenger seat back, and a tray table pivotally coupled to the at least one tray table arm, comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the tray table may be deployed away from the passenger seat back via rotation of the at least one tray table arm about the passenger seat back to a first deployed position, and the tray table may be rotated about the at least one tray table arm into an adjusted deployed position such that the first surface of the tray table faces generally toward the passenger seat back and the second surface of the tray table faces generally away from the passenger seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventor: Homero Heredia
  • Patent number: 8919873
    Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for assisting a diver in putting on and removing diving accessories may include a seating platform. The seating platform may be adapted to be rested on a surface for enabling the diver to sit thereon. The apparatus may also include a support platform coupled with the seating platform. The support platform may be adapted to be rested on the surface for supporting the diving accessories thereon, thereby allowing the diver sitting on the seating platform to put on and remove the diving accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Jorge Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20140360410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact mobile folding surface for use in a plurality of locations. Specifically, the present invention relates to a folding tray for use in a stadium, and more specifically for attaching the present invention on a back of a stadium seat. The present invention optionally has a plurality of handles, a depressed surface, one or more hooks, a locking mechanism, a collapsible storage compartment, and/or a plurality of weight management mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Scott D. Robinson, Jeffery L. Steele
  • Patent number: 8905470
    Abstract: A seat unit includes a seat and a dining board is slidably and pivotably connected to the back of the backrest of the seat. A display device such as a flat-board computer, a table PC, or an In-Flight Entertainment device, is connected to the bottom face of the dining board. The dining board is connected with two links which are pivotably connected to the legs of the backrest so that the dining board is pivoted and positioned horizontally. The dining board has operation members on two sides thereof so as to be slidably engaged with grooves in the reception member on the backrest. The dining board can be slid and stored in the reception member and the passenger behind the backrest can operate and enjoy the In-Flight Entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Super Alloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Shih, Wen-Ping Tsai, Chang-Hsien Lee
  • Publication number: 20140333100
    Abstract: An aircraft seating assembly having a back support, a seat bottom, a connection frame, and a convertible armrest. The width of the back support being such that, when two back supports are placed adjacent, the gap between adjacent sides is minor. The convertible armrest having a design which allows the armrest to pivot downward, from a first or deployed position, to a second or stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Encore Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Wilkens
  • Publication number: 20140327278
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for a configurable tray table and method of configuring a tray table. According to aspects of the disclosure, a tray table includes a support assembly and a tray assembly. The support assembly is configured to connect to a structure. The tray assembly is coupled to the support assembly and is configurable between coplanar and multi-planar tray configurations. The tray assembly includes a number of tray table segments pivotally coupled to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Patent number: 8870279
    Abstract: A passenger seat recline mechanism including a fixed seat frame member supporting a pivot shaft about which a seat back link and a tray table link independently pivot, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat back link such that the seat back link pivots forward as the seat back reclines, and a tray table leg pivotally connected to the tray table link such that the tray table link pivots along with the seat back link when the tray table leg is stowed and pivots independently of the seat back link when the tray table leg is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Suhre, Jeffrey W. Hontz
  • Publication number: 20140292042
    Abstract: Described are tray table assemblies comprising a table body including a frame. The frame is formed of an upper bar and a lower bar that connect a pair of slide guides, wherein the upper bar, the lower bar, and the pair of slide guides are integrally formed as a single piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stewart, John D. Allen, Guorong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8826830
    Abstract: A tray table that provides in-flight entertainment in various forms of media as well as interactivity while being lightweight is disclosed herein. The tray table may provide a removable battery to power an electronic device. This eliminates the need for costly and heavy wiring. The tray table may provide an inner tray that allows the electronic device to be removed for handheld operation. An alert system may be used to prevent theft or unauthorized used by detecting when the electronic device is outside or disconnected from the inner tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Publication number: 20140175843
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back assembly comprising a seat back with a recess and a tray table assembly. The table body is configured to substantially fit within the recess. An amenity compartment may also be coupled to the seat back above the tray table assembly and may be configured to also substantially fit within the recess. The amenity compartment may be a bezel or an upper literature pocket. A latching mechanism releasably engages the tray table assembly with the amenity compartment. The amenity compartment may be coupled to the seat back via a hook that engages a slotted bracket on the seat back and projections that engage receptacles on the seat back. A protective covering may be inserted between the seat back and the amenity compartment and coupled to the seat back without additional fasteners. The protective covering may be a full shroud, a partial shroud, or a dress cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffery P. Wegenka, Brad Grunwald, Elias Cardozo
  • Publication number: 20140167457
    Abstract: A tray table for use with a passenger seat of a transportation vehicle is provided. The tray table may be moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position relative to a seat. The tray table may include a storage compartment for storing belongings of a passenger. A lid may be provided for covering an opening of the storage compartment. A portion of the lid may be transparent such that contents of the storage compartment may be readily viewed by a passenger when the tray table is in the deployed position. A portion of a storage compartment bottom may be transparent such that contents of the storage compartment may be readily viewed by a passenger when the tray table is in the stowed position. The tray table may have any number of storage compartments and a single lid or multiple lids may be used to cover the storage compartment openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Udo W. Schultheis
  • Publication number: 20140159440
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for location at the longitudinal centre line of a commercial passenger vehicle that has a longitudinally extending passenger seating area. The seating arrangement includes a pair of seats disposed alongside and secured to each other. Each seat comprising a backrest portion, and a seat pan portion, wherein the seats face at an acute angle to each other, and wherein the backrest portions of the respective seats are nearest the vertex of the acute angle than the seat pan portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Glen Wilson Porter
  • Publication number: 20140159441
    Abstract: A vehicle seat locking device includes at least one object, in particular a table, and at least one locking unit which has at least one locking element and is provided for the purpose of locking the object in at least one stowed position. The locking unit has at least one pull actuating unit which is provided for the purpose of being actuatable as a result of a pulling movement on the locking element, the pulling movement having, in at least one movement portion, at least one movement component in the movement direction of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fabian PHILIPZIK, Marsel MEJUHAS
  • Publication number: 20140125092
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to improved monuments for use in aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. The monument provides improved storage options for space-saving on-board the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DRIESSEN AIRCRAFT INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Schreuder, Peter Detjen, Mehrnoush Zare
  • Patent number: 8702163
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back assembly comprising a seat back with a recess and a tray table assembly. The table body is configured to substantially fit within the recess. An amenity compartment may also be coupled to the seat back above the tray table assembly and may be configured to also substantially fit within the recess. The amenity compartment may be a bezel or an upper literature pocket. A latching mechanism releasably engages the tray table assembly with the amenity compartment. The amenity compartment may be coupled to the seat back via a hook that engages a slotted bracket on the seat back and projections that engage receptacles on the seat back. A protective covering may be inserted between the seat back and the amenity compartment and coupled to the seat back without additional fasteners. The protective covering may be a full shroud, a partial shroud, or a dress cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffrey P. Wegenka, Brad Grunwald, Elias Cardozo
  • Publication number: 20140077533
    Abstract: A seat unit includes a seat and a dining board is slidably and pivotably connected to the back of the backrest of the seat. A display device such as a flat-board computer, a table PC, or an In-Flight Entertainment device, is connected to the bottom face of the dining board. The dining board is connected with two links which are pivotably connected to the legs of the backrest so that the dining board is pivoted and positioned horizontally. The dining board has operation members on two sides thereof so as to be slidably engaged with grooves in the reception member on the backrest. The dining board can be slid and stored in the reception member and the passenger behind the backrest can operate and enjoy the In-Flight Entertainment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: SUPER ALLOY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HENRY SHIH, WEN-PING TSAI, CHANG-HSIEN LEE
  • Publication number: 20140042781
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) has a back rest (12), with a rear face provided with a pocket (15) in which items may be stored. A cover flap (19) is provided and is movable between a lowered position in which it covers an opening of the pocket and a raised position for allowing access to the pocket. In the raised position at least part of the cover flap extends generally parallel to the rear face of the seat back. A catch arrangement (20) releasably holds the cover flap in the raised position. An additional pocket (25) may be provided on the cover flap and accessible when the cover flap is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: BENTLEY MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Lisa Reeves
  • Publication number: 20130341975
    Abstract: An airbag arrangement for protecting at least one seat occupant in an aircraft of the type having a tandem seat arrangement with a rear seat for a seat occupant and a front seat in front of the rear seat. The front seat has an airbag subassembly mounted in the seat back. The airbag subassembly has an airbag inflating between the seat back and the rear seat and uses a gas generator connected to the airbag and configured to inflate the airbag. The airbag is secured to the seat back under a cover with a tear seam and has a compacted state in which the airbag is rolled up or folded about a horizontal axis inside the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Schneider, Patrick Patercsak, Harry Hyunho Park, Chandler Macocha
  • Patent number: 8613479
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat with seat components, such as a seating piece and a backrest (1) includes a back support structure (11) supporting a backrest cushion (13). On the back face of the support structure a food table may be folded against the same and extended into an in-use position. A pocket-like container (15), for housing useful objects, such as printed products (17) and traveling utensils 15 is arranged on the support structure. The container (15) is formed by a cavity, extending in the support structure (11) of the backrest (1), at least partly between the folded food table (3) and the backrest cushion (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Schürg, Oliver Forgatsch, Christian Pilgram
  • Patent number: 8596724
    Abstract: A cushion-less passenger seat. The passenger seat includes spaced left and right spreaders, each having a front and rear leg with top and bottom ends and a seating surface formed from a flexible bottom diaphragm attached to and extending between the left and right spreaders. The passenger seat also includes a lumbar support having lower and upper sections and front and back sides formed from a flexible diaphragm. The lower section of the lumbar support is attached to and between the left and right spreaders. The lumbar support upper section extends upwardly above the seat's rear legs and seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: TIMCO Aviation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam Ahad
  • Patent number: 8596723
    Abstract: A cushion-less passenger seat. The passenger seat includes spaced left and right spreaders, each having a front and rear leg with top and bottom ends and a seating surface fanned from a flexible bottom diaphragm attached to and extending between the left and right spreaders. The passenger seat also includes a lumbar support having lower and upper sections and front and back sides formed from a flexible diaphragm. The lower section of the lumbar support is attached to and between the left and right spreaders. The lumbar support upper section extends upwardly above the seat's rear legs and seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: TIMCO Aviation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam J. Ahad
  • Publication number: 20130314861
    Abstract: A support member includes a base, a first wall and an opposite second wall spaced apart from the first wall. The base, the first wall and the second wall define an elongated slot. The first wall extends from the base and includes a surface interior to the slot which includes a plurality of support lands. The second wall extends from the base and includes a plurality of apertures extending through the second wall in a direction transverse to the elongated slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Burford
  • Patent number: 8590965
    Abstract: A folding table is provided for a vehicle. The folding table includes, but is not limited to a tabletop that can be fastened to a vehicle seat so that it can be pivoted from a pivoted-in non-usage position into a pivoted-out usage position. At substantially the same time, at least one connection point is provided at which accessory parts can be detachably fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Beyer, Holger Weyer, Jong Hyuk Park, Gregory Hill-Young