The Forward Reclining Backrest
There have been many advances in seating to improve comfort in first, business and premium economy class seating but little in economy class. That changes with the advent of Forward Reclining Backrest technology.
The heart of the SleeperSeat lies in its forward reclining backrest. Unlike that in traditional seats offering limited recline angles and corresponding comfort, passengers have the freedom to adjust this backrest to any recline angle, up to the optimal 135° and to enjoy unparalleled comfort, at all angles.
Enhanced passenger experience
Studies have shown that stresses on the spine are most evenly distributed when resting with a posterior angle of at least 135° – the optimal angle between the torso and thigh. Existing reclining seats typically offer recline angles of up to 120°.
Representing a significant advance for economy class seating, the Forward Reclining Backrest offers desirable recline angles up to the optimal 135°.
The optimal recline position, or any in between, is achieved simply by reclining the seat, shifting forward along the seat cushion, and bringing the base of the reclining backrest forward to the desired position.
The backrest lowers as it moves forward, above the seat cushion, providing full back and lumbar support at any angle.
The Technology
The patented Forward Reclining Backrest technology consists of a backrest cushion support tray fitted to a unique bracket and guide assembly attached to the sides of the seatback. Like the best things in life, it is elegantly simple – both in design and function.
Backrest cushion, support tray & bracket assembly. (Typical).
The backrest cushion, infill and covers are customised for each seat platform and to airline preferences. The components, manufactured in lightweight materials, are readily incorporated as one assembly within the seatback, minimising weight, cost and time to produce and to certify upgraded seats.
Commercial Application
Versions of the Forward Reclining Backrest are designed to be applied to seat platforms with either fixed or reclining seatbacks. This provides the opportunity for airline companies to optimise on economy class seating throughout the cabin.
The fixed seatback version offers forward recline angles up to 120°, paralleling that of traditional reclining seats. This approach offsets the impact on passengers behind, effectively eliminating “reclining wars” and presents an avenue to improve cabin operating efficiency.
The reclining seatback version may likewise provide forward recline angles up to 120° without reclining the seatback. However it also provides recline angles up to the optimal 135° upon reclining the seatback. It is most applicable for a seat pitch above 32”. This approach presents an ideal solution for enhanced passenger comfort on medium, long and ultra long haul routes and a cost effective alternative to standard premium economy seating.
When incorporated within the SleeperSeat, this approach offers the highest level of function and comfort and the way forward to secure a competitive advantage and sustainable revenue, a winning combination for both airline companies and their customers.
