Aircraft passenger seat cushions
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKelly L. Boren, Rush F. Green, Max U. Kismarton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An aircraft seat assembly configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention offers a light weight and comfortable seat cushioning system that also provides energy-absorption and enhanced passenger maneuverability in extreme conditions such as may be experienced in a hard landing situation. The cushioning system includes a crushable, energy-absorbing layer, a main cushioning layer, a smaller ishial insert layer which may be the same as the main cushioning material and a semi-dynamic pneumatic cell which uses a dual action breather valve to vary its inflation with changes in cabin pressure. The seat cushion may be finished with a covering of cloth or upholstery.
Claims19
An energy-absorbent aircraft seat cushioning system comprising:
- a. a bottom layer of energy absorbing material;
- b. a next layer of main cushioning foam;
- c. an ischial insert of cushioning foam placed atop the main cushioning foam;
- d. a semi-dynamic pneumatic cell encapsulating the energy absorbing layer, the main cushioning foam layer and the ischial insert of cushioning foam;
- and
- e. a finishing fabric or upholstery covering the seat cushioning elements.
An energy-absorbent aircraft seat cushioning system comprising:
- a. a bottom layer of energy absorbing material;
- b. a next layer of main cushioning foam;
- c. an ischial insert of cushioning foam placed atop the main cushioning foam;
- d. an upper layer of a semi-dynamic pneumatic cell placed atop the energy absorbing layer, main cushioning layer and ischial insert;
- and
- e. a finishing fabric or upholstery covering the seat cushioning elements.
A method of absorbing excess energy in an aircraft passenger seat assembly exposed to extreme forces, said seat assembly having a lightweight composite support structure and seat base for supporting an energy-absorbent aircraft seat cushioning system, said energy-absorbent aircraft seat cushioning system comprising the combination of:
- a. a layer of energy absorbing material;
- b. a layer of main cushioning foam;
- c. an ischial insert of cushioning foam placed atop the main cushioning foam;
- d. a semi-dynamic pneumatic cell;
- and
- e. a finishing fabric or upholstery covering the seat cushioning elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.