SEAT BACK

Abstract

Described is a seat back comprising a curved rear wall bordered by a perimeter wall projecting forward from the rear wall. The curved rear wall and perimeter wall define a cavity in front of the rear wall and between opposing surfaces of the perimeter wall. The seat back comprises an upper part and a lower part. The lower part comprises a surface of the rear wall which is curved forward toward each side wall of the lower part and curved forward toward the base of the lower part. The width of the seat back tapers from a first width towards a second width at the base of the seat back.

Claims

1. A seat back, the seat back comprising a curved rear wall bordered by a perimeter wall projecting forward from the rear wall, said curved rear wall and perimeter wall defining a cavity in front of the rear wall and between opposing surfaces of the perimeter wall, wherein the seat back comprises an upper part and a lower part, said lower part comprising a surface of the rear wall which is curved forward toward each side wall of the lower part and curved forward toward the base of the lower part, wherein the width of the seat back tapers from a first width towards a second width at the base of the seat back.

2. A seat back according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the cavity is greater in the lower part than in the upper part of the seat back.

3. A seat back according to claim 1, wherein the rear edge of the perimeter wall slopes forward in the lower part of the seat back.

4. A seat back according to claim 1, wherein the seat back comprises a first connector, a second connector and a securing means, wherein the first and second connectors are for securing the seat back in pivotable engagement with a seat, preferably the frame of a seat, and the securing means is for controlling pivotal movement of the seat back relative to the seat.

5. A seat back according to claim 4, wherein the first and second connectors are positioned at either side of the seat back.

6. A seat back according to claim 5, wherein the upper part of the seat back is above the first and second connectors.

7. A seat back according to claim 5, wherein the lower part of the seat back is below the first and second connectors.

8. A seat back according to claim 5, wherein the width of the seat back tapers from a first width between the first and second connectors towards a second width at the base of the seat back.

9. A seat back according to claim 4, wherein the securing means comprises a third connector for connection to the seat base, the frame or a recline mechanism of a seat.

10. A seat back according to claim 4, wherein the securing means is for controlling pivotal movement of the seat back relative to the frame or the seat base.

11. A seat back according to claim 4, wherein the securing means comprises a recline mechanism.

12. A seat back according to claim 4, wherein the securing means is a releasable securing means.

13. A seat back according to claim 4, wherein the securing means is centrally positioned on the seat back with respect to the width of the seat back.

14. A seat back, the seat back comprising a rear wall bordered by a perimeter wall projecting forward from the rear wall, said rear wall and perimeter wall defining a cavity in front of the rear wall and between opposing surfaces of the perimeter wall, wherein the seat back comprises a deformable material disposed within the cavity, said deformable material for supporting the back of a person leaning against the front of seat back.

15. A seat back according to claim 14, wherein the rear wall is a curved rear wall, preferably comprising a convex surface.

16. A seat back according to claim 14, wherein the seat back comprises an upper part and a lower part, said lower part comprising a surface which is curved forward toward each side of the lower part and curved forward toward the base of the lower part, wherein the width of the seat back tapers from a first width towards a second width at the base of the seat back.

17. A seat back according to claim 1, wherein the lower part comprises a convex surface of the rear wall which is curved forward toward each side wall of the lower part and curved forward toward the base of the lower part.

18. A seat comprising a seat back according to claim 1.

19. A seat according to claim 18, wherein the seat comprises a centrally positioned recline mechanism.

20. A seat according to claim 18 comprising a mating part for engagement with the third connector of the seat back.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

[0066] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a seat back in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a seat back of the present invention and a support for positioning within the cavity of the seat back;

[0068] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show the curved profile of the rear wall in a side view (FIG. 4), view from the base (FIG. 5) and view from the top (FIG. 6); and

[0069] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a row of seats comprising the seat back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The present invention relates to a seat back, particularly to a seat back for an aircraft seat.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a seat back 1 attached to a seat frame 2. Whilst the seat base is omitted to show features of the seat back 1, it will be appreciated that the seat base is the part of the seat upon which a person would sit, with the seat back 1 supporting the back of a person.

[0072] The seat back comprises a curved rear wall 3 bordered by a perimeter wall 4, said curved rear wall 3 and perimeter wall 4 defining a cavity 5 in front of the rear wall 3 and between opposing surfaces 4a, 4b of the perimeter wall. The “front” face of the seat back 1 is understood to be the face on which a person would rest their back in use. The seat back 3 comprises an upper part 1a and a lower part 1b. The lower part 1b has a convex surface on the rear wall, which is curved forward toward each side wall 4a, 4b of the lower part and curved forward toward the base 6 of the lower part 1b. In addition, the width of the seat back 1 tapers from a first width, between first and second connectors, 7, 8, towards a second width at the base 6 of the seat back 1.

[0073] The upper part 1a has a convex surface which is curved toward each side wall 4a, 4b of the upper part 1a.

[0074] The depth of the cavity 5 is greater in the lower part 1b than in the upper part 1a of the seat back 1. This is despite the rear wall 3 curving forward toward the base 6 of the lower part 1b and also the perimeter wall 4 sloping forward in the lower part 1b. The greater depth allows additional support material 12 to be provided in the lower part 1b, thus maximising passenger comfort, whilst at the same time maintaining an increase in leg room.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 2, the seat back 1 comprises a first connector 7, a second connector 8 and a securing means 9 in the form of a third connector for connection to a recline mechanism 10. The third connector 9 is releasably securable to the recline mechanism 10 by a removable bolt 11.

[0076] The first and second connectors 7, 8 permit the seat back 1 to pivot relative to the frame 2. When the seat back 2 is connected to the frame 2 via the third connector 9, pivotable movement of the seat back 1 is then controlled by the recline mechanism 10. Whilst a recline mechanism 10 is shown in the present embodiment, it will be appreciated that the recline mechanism 10 could be an extension of the frame 2 for preventing pivotable movement of the seat back 1 in a fixed-back, non-recline, embodiment.

[0077] The securing means 9 is provided at the base 6 of the seat back 1 and is centrally positioned with respect to the width of the seat back 1. This allows the width of the seat back 1 to taper from a first width between the first and second connectors 7, 8 towards a second width at the securing means 9.

[0078] As noted above, this is particularly advantageous because it allows for increased leg room either side of the lower part of the seat back 1 for a passenger sitting in a seat behind. In addition, due to the central location of the third connector 9, the seat is non-handed; i.e. the seat is not limited to either right-hand or left-hand use. As a result, an actuator (not shown) for the centrally positioned recline mechanism 10 can be provided centrally under the front edge of the seat base (not shown).

[0079] With reference to FIG. 3, the seat back 1 comprises a support 12 disposed within the cavity 5 which is for supporting the back of a person leaning against the front of the seat back 1. In the example shown, the support is a foam insert for positioning within the cavity.

[0080] Since the rear wall does not cross the space between opposed surfaces of the perimeter wall, use of the space provided by the cavity is maximised.

[0081] Due to the position of the cavity 5 defined by the rear 3 and perimeter 4 walls, cushioning 12 for supporting a person leaning against the seat back 1 can be provided within this cavity 5, rather than in front of the structure of the seat back, as is commonly provided with known seat backs. This means that a person sits further back in the seat than with known seat backs and so maximises leg room further.

[0082] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.