A vehicle seat comprising a seatback mounted pivoting by an articulation mechanism selectively lockable and unlockable, relative to a seatback footing selectively lockable and unlockable on a base, where the seat further comprises a seat cushion, first and second rear connecting rods connecting the seatback to the base, an actuating device being configured, by rotation of the first rear connecting rod, for driving the seatback into a folded down position when the articulation mechanism is unlocked and the seatback footing is locked on the base, and for driving the seat in a forward tilted position when the seatback footing is unlocked and the articulation mechanism is locked.

An electronically-activated support positioning system for a passenger seat can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactile input from a passenger and sending a signal, optionally through a controller, to a lock actuator coupled to a lockable hydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of the passenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback. In an example, when tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing an attached seatback to be adjusted. When tactile input is no longer detected, the lock actuator can lock the lockable hydraulic spring, securing the seatback from adjustment. The sensor can be sufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. The sensor can be a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of a tab formed in the wall of the armrest.

A vehicle seat comprising a seatback mounted pivoting by an articulation mechanism selectively lockable and unlockable, relative to a seatback footing selectively lockable and unlockable on a base, where the seat further comprises a seat cushion, first and second rear connecting rods connecting the seatback to the base, an actuating device being configured, by rotation of the first rear connecting rod, for driving the seatback into a folded down position when the articulation mechanism is unlocked and the seatback footing is locked on the base, and for driving the seat in a forward tilted position when the seatback footing is unlocked and the articulation mechanism is locked.

A cable actuating mechanism that actuates through a central pivot axis of a pivoting mechanism including two articulating cable actuators that contact opposing ends of a floating pin that passes through the center of the pivot. One actuator is affixed to a stationary assembly of the pivot device and the other actuator is affixed to a rotating body of the device. A first cable pulled at one end of the device pulls a second cable at an opposing end of the device through the articulating cable actuators. The cable actuating mechanism can be used to unlock, for example, a seat recline lock device in an aircraft seat equipped with a pivoting armrest, among other applications within and outside of an aircraft cabin environment.

A passenger seat for an aircraft has a fixed seat portion with a front facing toward a first direction of the aircraft. The fixed seat portion has a centerline spaced equally from opposed lateral sides of the fixed seat portion. A first engagement member extends upwardly from the front at the centerline to a first engagement end. A moveable seat portion is mounted onto the fixed seat portion and is displaceable relative thereto. The moveable seat portion has a second engagement member extending downwardly from a front of the moveable seat portion to a second engagement end. The second engagement member is displaceable with the moveable seat portion to position the second engagement end under the first engagement end in an engagement position such that the overlapping first and second engagement ends prevent the moveable seat portion from pitching in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

An electronically-activated support positioning system for a passenger seat can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactile input from a passenger and sending a signal, optionally through a controller, to a lock actuator coupled to a lockable hydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of the passenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback. In an example, when tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing an attached seatback to be adjusted. When tactile input is no longer detected, the lock actuator can lock the lockable hydraulic spring, securing the seatback from adjustment. The sensor can be sufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. The sensor can be a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of a tab formed in the wall of the armrest.

An electronically-activated support positioning system for a passenger seat can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactile input from a passenger and sending a signal, optionally through a controller, to a lock actuator coupled to a lockable hydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of the passenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback. In an example, when tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing an attached seatback to be adjusted. When tactile input is no longer detected, the lock actuator can lock the lockable hydraulic spring, securing the seatback from adjustment. The sensor can be sufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. The sensor can be a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of a tab formed in the wall of the armrest.

This invention is a seat with an adjustable back and/or an adjustable base. The adjustable back and/or base can be adjusted in response to rough terrain or water encountered by a vehicle in which the seat is located.

A cable actuating mechanism that actuates through a central pivot axis of a pivoting mechanism including two articulating cable actuators that contact opposing ends of a floating pin that passes through the center of the pivot. One actuator is affixed to a stationary assembly of the pivot device and the other actuator is affixed to a rotating body of the device. A first cable pulled at one end of the device pulls a second cable at an opposing end of the device through the articulating cable actuators. The cable actuating mechanism can be used to unlock, for example, a seat recline lock device in an aircraft seat equipped with a pivoting armrest, among other applications within and outside of an aircraft cabin environment.

A passenger seat for an aircraft has a fixed seat portion with a front facing toward a first direction of the aircraft. The fixed seat portion has a centerline spaced equally from opposed lateral sides of the fixed seat portion. A first engagement member extends upwardly from the front at the centerline to a first engagement end. A moveable seat portion is mounted onto the fixed seat portion and is displaceable relative thereto. The moveable seat portion has a second engagement member extending downwardly from a front of the moveable seat portion to a second engagement end. The second engagement member is displaceable with the moveable seat portion to position the second engagement end under the first engagement end in an engagement position such that the overlapping first and second engagement ends prevent the moveable seat portion from pitching in a second direction opposite to the first direction.