U.S. patent application number 14/831200 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-04 for seating arrangement, seat unit, tray table and seating system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Air New Zealand Limited. Invention is credited to Victoria Anne Bamford, James Dominic France, Glen Wilson Porter, Geoffrey Glen Suvalko.
Application Number | 20160031561 14/831200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42352397 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160031561 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bamford; Victoria Anne ; et
al. |
February 4, 2016 |
Seating Arrangement, Seat Unit, Tray Table and Seating System
Abstract
A row of a plurality of adjacent seats supported by a support
frame. The seat includes a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest.
The leg rest of each seat includes a leg support surface and is
mounted relative to the seat frame in a manner to allow it to move
between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully deployed condition
where the seat pan and the leg rest support surface are
substantially coplanar. The leg rest and seat pan of each seat in
the row can cooperate to define a reconfigurable horizontal support
surface for at least one passenger.
Inventors: |
Bamford; Victoria Anne;
(Auckland, NZ) ; Porter; Glen Wilson;
(Christchurch, NZ) ; France; James Dominic;
(Auckland, NZ) ; Suvalko; Geoffrey Glen;
(Auckland, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Air New Zealand Limited |
Auckland |
|
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
42352397 |
Appl. No.: |
14/831200 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13055890 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
9132918 |
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PCT/IB2010/050324 |
Jan 25, 2010 |
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14831200 |
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61202127 |
Jan 30, 2009 |
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61267608 |
Dec 8, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/63 ;
297/248 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 11/0644 20141201;
B64D 11/064 20141201; B64D 11/0638 20141201; B61D 33/00 20130101;
Y02T 30/00 20130101; B64D 11/0643 20141201; B64D 11/0641 20141201;
B60N 3/004 20130101; B60N 2/995 20180201; B61D 1/02 20130101; Y02T
30/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06 |
Claims
1. A passenger aircraft seating arrangement comprising: a row of at
least three adjacent seats mounted on a support frame, the row of
seats defining an accommodation zone that can be occupied by at
least two adult passengers, wherein the accommodation zone is able
to be configured between: i) an individual mode in which the
passengers can be in an upright sedentary position in a respective
seat of the row, and ii) a communal sharing mode where the
passengers can share at least one seat of said row and can at least
partially occupy at least two seats in the row, wherein flanking
each side of each seat in the row is an armrest, the arm rest
intermediate of two seats in the row being movable between a usable
position and a stowed position, wherein each seat in the
accommodation zone is independently extendable in a direction
perpendicular to the row direction to span a gap such that a person
cannot stand up between said row and a row of seats immediately in
front thereof, wherein when extended, the extended seats are solely
supported by the support frame, and adjacent extended seats
cooperate to form a coplanar and contiguous extended support
surface for passengers, wherein in one configuration of said
communal sharing mode, at least three adjacent seats are extended
and at least the armrests adjacent central seat(s) in the row
is/are stowed, such that the extended support surface provides a
sleeping surface for supporting the at least two adult passengers
in a reclined position such that their legs can extend in a
direction parallel to the row direction.
2. A passenger vehicle seating arrangement as claimed in claim 1
wherein there are 4 adjacent seats of said row.
3. A passenger vehicle seating arrangement as claimed in claim 1
wherein the accommodation zone is able to be configured to allow
the at least two passengers to lie horizontally and adjacent to
each other across all seats in said row.
4. A passenger vehicle seating arrangement as claimed in claim 1
wherein the accommodation zone is able to be configured by at least
one of the at least two passengers.
5. A passenger vehicle seating arrangement as claimed in claim 1
wherein each seat comprises a seat pan and a leg rest, and each
seat is extendable by moving the leg rest between a stowed
condition and a fully deployed condition relative to said seat pan,
wherein in the fully deployed condition, the leg rest is presented
adjacent said seat pan in a manner such that when the leg rests of
all seats in the row are positioned in a fully deployed condition,
the seat pans and leg rests define a horizontal surface to be able
to support the at least two passengers in a reclined position.
6. A method of configuring an accommodation zone for at least two
adult passengers on board a passenger vehicle, said accommodation
zone defined at least in part by a row of at least three adjacent
seats mounted on a support frame, each seat being independently
extendable in a direction perpendicular to the row direction to
span a gap such that a person cannot stand up between said row and
a row of seats immediately in front thereof, each seat when
extended is solely supported by the support frame, the method
comprising the step of configuring the seats to a first mode in
which all seats in the row are extended to form a coplanar and
contiguous extended support surface for the two passengers to
recline or lie flat by extending in a direction parallel to the row
direction, and at least one of the following steps: a. configuring
the seats to a second mode in which none of the seats in the row
are extended or all of the seats are retracted, to allow the two
passengers to be in an upright sedentary position in a respective
seat of the row, b. configuring the seats to a third mode in which
two adjacent seats in the row are extended to form a coplanar and
contiguous extended support surface for shared use by the two
passengers, c. configuring the seats to a fourth mode in which only
the seat(s) at one or both ends of the row is/are extended, and d.
configuring the seats to a fifth mode in which only the seat(s)
intermediate of the ends of the row is/are extended.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein each seat comprises a seat back
and a seat pan, and flanking each side of each seat in the row is
an arm rest, wherein the method further comprises the step of
moving the arm rest intermediate of two seats in the row from a
usable position wherein it is positioned intermediate of the seat
back and the seat pan, to a stowed position wherein the arm rest is
not positioned intermediate of the seat back and the seat pan, when
configuring the zone into said second or third mode.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein each seat comprises a seat pan
and a leg rest, wherein each of the configuring steps comprises
moving the leg rest between a stowed condition and a fully deployed
condition relative to said seat pan, wherein in the fully deployed
condition, the leg rest is coplanar and contiguous with the seat
pan, such that when two or more adjacent seats are extended to form
said second or third mode, the leg rests and seat pans of said
extended, adjacent seats cooperate to form a coplanar and
contiguous extended support surface for shared use by the two
passengers.
9. The method of claim 6, further comprising assigning only two
passengers to a row of only three seats.
10. A method of providing two adult passengers with flexible
accommodation on a passenger aircraft having multiple rows of at
least three adjacent seats, wherein the seats in each row all face
in the same direction and are mounted on and supported by a support
frame, the method comprising: assigning the two passengers to one
row of seats, allowing the passengers to individually or mutually
customize the space between their seats and a row of seats in front
by manually extending one or more of the seats in their row in a
direction perpendicular to the row direction, wherein in the
extended position, each seat is solely supported by the support
frame and is in close proximity to the row immediately in front
thereof, wherein when the passengers extend all seats in their row,
the seats cooperate to provide a coplanar and contiguous support
surface for supporting both of the adult passengers in a reclined
or lie flat position such that their legs can extend in a direction
parallel to the row direction.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein each seat comprises a seat back
and a seat pan, and flanking each side of each seat in the row is
an arm rest, wherein the method further comprises allowing the
passengers to move the arm rest intermediate of two seats in the
row from a usable position wherein it is positioned intermediate of
the seat back and the seat pan, to a stowed position wherein the
arm rest is not positioned intermediate of the seat back and the
seat pan.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein each seat comprises a seat pan
and a leg rest, wherein the step of manually extending the seat or
seats comprises manually moving the leg rest between a stowed
condition and a fully deployed condition relative to said seat pan,
wherein in the fully deployed condition, the leg rest is coplanar
and contiguous with the seat pan, such that when the passengers
manually extend all seats in the row, the leg rests and seat pans
of said extended adjacent seats cooperate to form said coplanar and
contiguous support surface.
13. A passenger vehicle seat unit comprising: a row of at least
three adjacent seats mounted on a support frame, each seat being
independently extendable in a direction perpendicular to the row
direction to define a reconfigurable horizontal support surface
that can be configured to assume each of a T-shape, L-shape and
U-shape and I-shape when viewed in plan view, wherein each seat
when extended is solely supported by the support frame, wherein
flanking each side of each seat in the row, is an armrest, the arm
rest intermediate of two seats in the row being movable between a
usable position and a stowed position, and wherein, by extending
the at least three adjacent seats and stowing at least the arm
rests adjacent central seat(s) in said row said horizontal support
surface can be configured to allow at least two adult passengers
assigned to said row to recline on said support surface in a
condition such that their legs can extend in a direction parallel
to the row direction.
14. An accommodation zone for at least two adult passengers on a
passenger vehicle comprising: a row of at least three adjacent
seats mounted on a support frame, wherein each seat is
independently extendable in a direction perpendicular to the row
direction, and each seat, whether extended or not, is solely
supported by the support frame, wherein said accommodation zone is
expandable to a zone of greater area for said two passengers to
share by extending one or more of the seats, and wherein said
accommodation zone is expandable to a greater area for both said
passengers to recline in a lie-flat position such that their legs
can extend parallel to the row direction, by extending all of the
seats in said row to form a coplanar and contiguous reclining
surface, wherein the longest dimension of the reclining surface is
in the row direction.
15. The accommodation zone of claim 14, wherein when extended, each
seat spans a gap such that a person cannot stand up between said
row and a row of seats immediately in front thereof.
16. The accommodation zone of claim 14, wherein when extended, each
seat is in close proximity to seat in a row immediately in front
thereof.
17. The accommodation zone of claim 14, wherein the seats are
constructed to be manually extended by one or both passengers to
expand the accommodation zone.
18. The accommodation zone of claim 14, wherein the passenger
vehicle is an aircraft and the accommodation zone is located in an
economy class section of the aircraft.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to seats and seating
arrangements in or for a vehicle, particularly but not solely for
an aircraft.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Seats onboard commercial passenger aircraft come in many
different configurations. Indeed, many aircraft carry a number of
different types of seats. For example they may carry a number of
business class seats, and usually a larger number of economy class
seats.
[0003] The standard price of a business class seat is higher than
an economy class seat. This is primarily because a business class
seat takes up much more floor space of the aircraft. Airlines may
hence charge a premium for such seats.
[0004] Many business class seats now offer the ability for the seat
to be reclined from a sedentary position to a fully lay flat
position. In the lay flat position, the seat back, seat pan and for
example an ottoman end up in a relationship with each other that
presents a substantially flat surface. This allows a passenger to
lie down and hence be more comfortable when resting or sleeping. WO
03/013903 (Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd) shows such a seat. US
2007/0040434 also shows a seat that can achieve this. However such
seats consume a large footprint onboard the aircraft in order to
offer one passenger such comforts. This means that there is less
passenger density in a business seat class section of an
aircraft.
[0005] The usual trade-off for airlines in offering passengers
increased comfort is a reduction in passenger density. This is
because comfort for a passenger is usually achieved by providing
more personal space onboard the aircraft for that passenger. This
usually reduces the number of passengers that can be carried by an
aircraft. This is the primary reason why airlines charge more for
business class seats compared to economy class seat. It may be
argued that a reduced payload (e.g. number of passengers and their
luggage) may result in fuel savings. However, the mechanisms of
business class seats are usually complex and expensive and heavy.
This offsets at least to some extent, any such fuel saving.
[0006] Economy class seats on long-haul flights are known to be
used in manner that can allow a passenger to lie down. The armrests
between seats in a row of seats may be able to be folded out of the
way. When lying down, only one passenger then occupies that entire
row by lying across all the seatpans of the seats in that row. This
can usually only occur where the flight is not full as all the
seats in that row may then be occupied by only one passenger.
[0007] Some airlines currently focus on trying to maximise an
individual passengers comfort and personal space and also strive to
isolate and insulate that passenger from other passengers as much
as possible. Passengers are treated as individuals but on many
flights, passengers travel as a group of people such as a family.
They may want to interact with each other and feel comfortable
resting in close quarters to each other. Or they may at least want
the options for such.
[0008] Making an individual seat less individualised and more
communal is counterintuitive to what the airline industry is
currently trying to achieve. The seats do not allow for cooperation
with each other. Indeed in business class, and in many other
classes, cooperation is not a design factor because it usually
means a loss of privacy.
[0009] Furthermore some groups of travelers may not be able to
afford business class or cannot justify spending money on the price
of business class tickets. For example where a family is traveling
with young children who do not benefit from the extra space offered
in business class, the parents will find it harder to justify a
business class ticket.
[0010] Whilst airlines are cautious about offering seats in a lower
class on a basis that it may cannibalize the sale of seats in
another class, there has been a significant amount of seat
development work done to offer space and privacy and comfort and
service for business class. This has increased the separation of
these qualities between business class and economy class because of
the focus on business class seat development over economy class.
There has generally been a lack of development in economy class
seating to offer an increase is such qualities. Inflight
entertainment systems, being an obvious exception to this.
[0011] Passenger seating technology in aircraft has necessarily
developed as a separate technical field to that in other modes of
transportation due to the significant technical, cost and spacing
restraints which are unique to aircraft applications.
[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a seat and/or seating arrangement that is reconfigurable to
offer a multifunctional zone that can promote shared use of a
defined space by multiple passengers.
[0013] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0014] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0015] "contiguous" as used herein may be interpreted as being an
abutting and contacting relationship or a non abutting relationship
where a small but negligible gap may exist.
[0016] "window seat" as used herein denotes a seat of a row that is
closest to the cabin wall adjacent the fuselage, whether there is
physically a window adjacent that seat or not.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said
to be a passenger vehicle seat unit comprising: [0018] a row of a
plurality of adjacent seats, each including a seat back, a seat pan
and a leg rest supported by a support frame, the leg rest of each
seat moveably mounted relative to the support frame in a manner to
allow it to move between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully
deployed condition where the seat pan and the leg rest are
substantially coplanar, and [0019] wherein in a fully deployed
condition, the leg rest of adjacent seats are contiguous each
other, and wherein flanking each side of each seat in the row, is
an armrest, the arm rest intermediate of two seats in the row being
able to move between a usable position wherein it is positioned
intermediate of the seatback and seat pan and a stowed position
wherein it is not positioned intermediate of the seatback and seat
pan, and [0020] wherein the leg rest and seat pan of each seat in
the row can all cooperate to define a reconfigurable horizontal
support surface for at least one passenger.
[0021] Preferably the leg rest and seat pan of each seat in the row
can cooperate to define a reconfigurable support surface for shared
use by at least two passengers.
[0022] Preferably the row comprises at least two adjacent seats and
wherein the leg rest and seat pan of each seat in the row can
cooperate to define a reconfigurable support surface for shared use
by all of the at least two passengers assigned to the row.
[0023] Preferably the row comprises three adjacent seats.
[0024] Preferably the row comprises four adjacent seats.
[0025] Preferably the row comprises five adjacent seats.
[0026] Preferably for each seat, the leg rest extends from adjacent
the seat pan and in the seat facing direction when in the fully
deployed condition.
[0027] Preferably for each seat the leg rest is contiguous the seat
pan when in the fully deployed condition.
[0028] Preferably extends from adjacent the seat pan and in a
downward direction when in the stored condition.
[0029] Preferably for each seat the leg rest is contiguous the seat
pan when in the stored condition.
[0030] Preferably when in a fully deployed condition, the leg rests
of adjacent seats are contiguous to each other.
[0031] Preferably when in a stored condition, the leg rest of
adjacent seats are contiguous each other.
[0032] Preferably the leg rests are rectangular in shape and when
in a contiguous each other are in an edge to edge contact.
[0033] Preferably each leg rest is in contact with and adjacent leg
rest along an edge of the leg rest when said leg rest and adjacent
leg rest are in the fully deployed condition, such that there is no
gap between said leg rest and said adjacent leg rest.
[0034] Preferably the leg rests are each rectangular is shape
having two opposed major edges and two opposed minor edges, the
major edges extending parallel to the row direction and wherein one
of said major edges is contiguous said seat pan.
[0035] Preferably the said one of said major edges contacts the
forward most edge of the seat pan when in said fully deployed
condition and said forward most edge is of a shape and
configuration that ensures no gap exists between said forward most
edge and said one of said major edges.
[0036] Preferably all seat pans in said row are contiguous a seat
pan of an adjacent seat in the row.
[0037] Preferably each seat pan is square or rectangular in plan
shape. Preferably all seats of the row are side by side and all
face in the same direction.
[0038] Preferably the row includes three seats and wherein all the
leg rests and seats pans of said three seats are able to be
configured to [0039] i) define a horizontal passenger support
surface that can assume each of a T-shape, L-shape and U-shape and
I-shape when viewed in plan view, and [0040] ii) allow all three
leg rests, in their fully deployed condition, together with the
seat pans to support at least one person in a reclined
position.
[0041] Preferably the row includes four seats and wherein all the
leg rests and seats pans said three seats are able to be configured
to [0042] i) define a horizontal passenger support surface that can
assume each of a T-shape, L-shape and U-shape and I-shape when
viewed in plan view, and [0043] ii) allow all four leg rests, in
their fully deployed condition, together with the seat pans to
support at least one person in a reclined position.
[0044] Preferably in the stowed position each arm rest intermediate
of two adjacent seats, is located in a cavity defined between the
backrests of the two adjacent seats.
[0045] Preferably at least one armrest located at the end of the
row is able to move between a usable position wherein it is
positioned intermediate of the seatback and seat pan and a stowed
position wherein it is not positioned intermediate of the seatback
and seat pan.
[0046] Preferably at least the or each arm rest intermediate of two
adjacent seats is movable in a pivotable manner relative the
support frame between stored and useable positions.
[0047] Preferably the arm rest between two adjacent seats, when in
said stowed position, is positioned set back from the facing
surfaces of the back rests of adjacent seat.
[0048] Preferably each leg rest can be held in a position
intermediate of the fully deployed and stowed conditions.
[0049] Preferably the support frame supports all seats of said
row.
[0050] Preferably the backrest of each seat can move between an
upright position and a reclined position.
[0051] Preferably each said leg rest is supported solely by the
support frame.
[0052] Preferably each said leg rest can be moved to and be held at
a partially deployed position that is intermediate of the fully
deployed and stowed conditions.
[0053] Preferably the passenger vehicle seating unit as herein
above described is installed onboard a commercial passenger
aircraft.
[0054] Preferably the passenger vehicle seating unit as herein
above described is installed in an economy class section of the
aircraft.
[0055] Preferably the passenger vehicle seating unit as herein
above described is installed in a class section of the aircraft
that offers the lowest standard fare price per seat to
customers.
[0056] In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a
passenger vehicle seat unit comprising: [0057] a row of a plurality
of adjacent seats supported by a support frame, each seat including
a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest and each seat facing in the
same direction, the leg rest of each seat including a leg support
surface and mounted relative to the seat frame in a manner to allow
it to move between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully deployed
condition where the seat pan and the leg rest support surface are
substantially coplanar and contiguous an adjacent of said leg rest
support surface, and
[0058] wherein the seat pan and the leg rest of all seats in said
first row can cooperate to provide substantially horizontal
passenger support to allow at least two passenger to recline or lie
and generally extend in a direction parallel to the row direction
and occupy at least two seats of the row. In a further aspect the
present invention may be said to be a passenger vehicle seat unit
that comprises a row of three adjacent seats each supported by a
support frame and each including a seat back, a seat pan and a leg
rest, each leg rest movably mounted to said support frame and
relative to the seat pan between a stowed condition and a deployed
condition, wherein all the leg rests and seats pans of said three
seats are able to be configured to: [0059] i) define, for at least
one person, a horizontal support surface that can assume each of a
T-shape, L-shape and U-shape and I-shape when viewed in plan view,
and [0060] ii) allow all three leg rests, in their fully deployed
condition, together with the seat pans, support at least two
passenger in a reclined or lie-flat position extending in a
direction parallel to the row direction and occupy at least two
seats of the row.
[0061] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to
be a passenger vehicle seat unit that comprises a row of four
adjacent seats each supported by a support frame and each including
a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, each leg rest movably
mounted to said support frame and relative to the seat pan between
a stowed condition and a deployed condition, wherein all the leg
rests and seats pans of said four seats are able to be configured
to [0062] i) define, for at least one person, a horizontal support
surface that can assume each of a T-shape, L-shape and U-shape and
I-shape when viewed in plan view, and [0063] ii) allow all four leg
rests, in their fully deployed condition, together with the seat
pans to support at least one person in a reclined position.
[0064] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be
a passenger vehicle seating arrangement comprising: [0065] i) a
first row of a plurality of adjacent seats, [0066] ii) a second row
of a plurality of adjacent seats located adjacent, aligned and in a
position advanced more in the vehicle to the first row of seats,
each seat comprising a seat pan, a seat back upwardly extending
from the seat pan and a leg rest, said leg rest mounted relative
the seat pan to allow it to move between (a) a stored condition,
and (b) a fully deployed condition, wherein the leg rests, of two
adjacent seats in said first row, when in a deployed condition, are
contiguous each other, and
[0067] wherein each leg rests of said first row, when all in the
fully deployed condition, span between their respective seat pan
and the corresponding seat of said second row and together define a
surface for two adults to lie or recline on, next to each other in
a condition parallel to each other and to the row direction.
[0068] Preferably the seat pan and the leg rest of all seats in
said first row can cooperate to provide substantially horizontal
passenger support to allow at least two passengers to recline or
lie and generally extend in a direction parallel to the row
direction and each occupy at least two seats of the row.
[0069] Preferably for each seat, said leg rest in its stored
condition is located adjacent said seat pan and below said seat
pan.
[0070] Preferably the leg rest of each seat in a row, when in the
fully deployed condition, in cooperation with the respective seat
pan, form at least part of a bed for at least one passenger to
recline on, generally in a direction perpendicular to the direction
parallel to the advanced direction of the vehicle.
[0071] Preferably an armrest is provided at each side of each seat
in said first row, at least one of said armrests movable from a
position wherein a person sitting in the seat can rest an arm on
the armrest and a stored position where the armrest is positioned
proximate more and not protruding in a seat facing direction from
the adjacent seatback(s).
[0072] Preferably each said leg rest can be set at a position
intermediate of the stored condition and fully deployed condition
to support the legs of a person on the seat.
[0073] Preferably for any seat in the first row, when its
respective leg rest in a stored condition, there is sufficient room
for a person to be able to stand intermediate of said seat and the
corresponding seat of the second row, and when in the fully
deployed position, there is insufficient room for a person to be
able to stand intermediate of said seat and the corresponding seat
of the second row.
[0074] Preferably the leg rest of each seat in said first row, when
in the fully deployed condition, spans between its respective seat
pan and the corresponding seat of said second row.
[0075] Preferably each leg rest of said first row, when all in the
fully deployed condition, extend from their respective seat pan and
the towards a corresponding seat of said second row, all leg rests
and seat pans of said first row together defining a surface for two
adults to recline on next to each other.
[0076] Preferably a tray table is dependent from the seat back of
each seats of the second row, said tray table comprising [0077] i)
a primary table top, movable between [0078] a. a stowed position in
which it is disposed towards the respective seat, and [0079] b. a
deployed position in which it extends more from the seat and
towards the first row, to provide a primary utility surface; and
[0080] ii) a secondary table top, defined by a plurality of
adjacent extension panels each individually coupled to the primary
table top, wherein the extension panels are disposed in a side by
side configuration at at least one edge of the primary panel and
can each be moved by a passenger between a stowed condition and a
deployed condition where the extension panel projects from the edge
of the primary table top and in a co-planar relationship to the
primary table top.
[0081] Preferably the primary table top includes an edge extending
perpendicular to the advanced direction and the extension panels
are disposed at said edge and can be moved proximate more and
distal more the first row, corresponding to the deployed and stowed
conditions of each respective extension panel.
[0082] Preferably said secondary table top, is of the same width
(in the row direction) as the primary table top.
[0083] Preferably the extension panels are hingingly engaged with
the primary table top to rotate relative to the primary table top
when moved between the stowed and deployed conditions.
[0084] Preferably the first row of a plurality of adjacent seats is
identical to the second row of a plurality of adjacent seats.
[0085] Preferably the row direction of said first row is parallel
to the row direction of the second row.
[0086] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be
a passenger vehicle including a passenger vehicle seating
arrangement as herein above described.
[0087] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be
a a passenger vehicle seating unit as herein above described and
installed onboard a commercial passenger aircraft.
[0088] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be
a passenger vehicle seating unit as herein above described and
installed in an economy class section of the aircraft.
[0089] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be
a passenger vehicle seating unit as herein above described and
installed in a class section of the aircraft that offers the lowest
standard fare price to customers.
[0090] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be
a passenger vehicle comprising [0091] (i) a first column of a
passenger vehicle seating arrangement comprising at least [0092] a.
a first row of a plurality of adjacent seats, [0093] b. a second
row of a plurality of adjacent seats located adjacent, aligned and
in a position advanced more in the vehicle to the first row of
seats, [0094] each seat comprising a seat pan, a seat back upwardly
extending from the seat pan and a leg rest, said leg rest mounted
relative the seat pan to allow it to move between (a) a stored
condition, and (b) a fully deployed condition where the seat pan
and the leg rest cooperate to provide substantially horizontal
passenger support, and [0095] (ii) a second column of a passenger
vehicle seating arrangement parallel to the first column and
comprising at least [0096] a. a first row of a plurality of
adjacent seats, [0097] b. a second row of a plurality of adjacent
seats located adjacent, aligned and in a position advanced more in
the vehicle to the first row of seats, each seat comprising a seat
pan, a seat back upwardly extending from the seat pan and a leg
rest, said leg rest mounted relative the seat pan to allow it to
move between (a) a stored condition, and (b) a fully deployed
condition where the seat pan and the leg rest cooperate to provide
substantially horizontal passenger support, [0098] wherein there
are two aisles intermediate of said first and second columns, said
two aisles separated from each other by a third column of a
passenger seating arrangement wherein the third column is different
to both the first and second column.
[0099] Preferably each row of seats of said first column includes a
window seat and each row of seats of said second column includes a
window seat.
[0100] Preferably the rows of seats of the third column comprise of
seats that do not include a leg rest.
[0101] Preferably the seats of each row of the first and second
column, face in a direction parallel to the aisle.
[0102] Preferably the passenger vehicle is a commercial passenger
aircraft.
[0103] Preferably the first and second columns are located in an
economy class section of the aircraft.
[0104] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to
be a seating arrangement for a passenger aircraft comprising a
plurality of side by side and juxtaposed seats each facing in the
same direct and aligned with each other forming a row of seats,
each seat including a seat pan and a leg rest that can be moved
relative to the seat pan between a stowed condition and a deployed,
wherein in the deployed condition the leg rest and seat pan form a
horizontal support surface, each said leg rest is of a shape and
configuration so that when all leg rests of the row are in a
deployed condition they are contiguous to adjacent leg rest(s) and
contiguous each respective seat pan, the leg rests of each seat in
the row of seats able to be configured in at least one of its
deployed and stored condition to allow two companion passengers to
each assume (i) a sedentary position by sitting in a respective
seat of said row and (ii) at least one of a lounging style position
and a reclined position by shared occupation of at least two seats
of the row.
[0105] Preferably the lounging style position is where the legs of
the passengers, in their elongate direction extend parallel to the
row direction.
[0106] Preferably the reclined position is where the legs of the
passengers, in their elongate direction extend parallel to the row
direction. Preferably two companion passengers can each assume (i)
a sedentary position by sitting in a respective seat of said row
and (ii) at least one of a lounging style position and a reclined
position by shared occupation of at least two seats of the row.
[0107] Preferably the seating arrangement is in an economy class
section of an aircraft.
[0108] Preferably each seat also comprises a back rest projecting
upwardly from a back edge of said seat pan and wherein in the
stowed condition, the leg rest projects downwardly from a front
edge of the seat pan and wherein in a deployed condition said leg
rest projects from said front edge in a seat facing direction.
[0109] Preferably each said leg rest is of a shape and
configuration so that when all leg rests of the row are in a
deployed condition they offer a resting surface to allow two
passengers to lie side by side on the resting surface so formed by
the leg rests and the seat pans.
[0110] Preferably there are three adjacent seats wherein all the
leg rests and seats pans of said three seats are able to be
configured to: [0111] i) define, for at least one person, a
horizontal support surface that can assume each of a T-shape,
L-shape and U-shape and I-shape when viewed in plan view, and
[0112] ii) allow all three leg rests, in their fully deployed
condition, together with the seat pans to support at least one
person in said reclined position.
[0113] Preferably there are four adjacent seats wherein all the leg
rests and seats pans of said four seats are able to be configured
to: [0114] i) define, for at least one person, a horizontal support
surface that can assume each of a T-shape, L-shape and U-shape and
I-shape when viewed in plan view, and [0115] ii) allow all four leg
rests, in their fully deployed condition, together with the seat
pans to support at least one person in said reclined position.
[0116] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger vehicle seating arrangement comprising: [0117] i)
a first row of a plurality of juxtaposed seats, [0118] each seat
including a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest
moveably mounted relative to and adjacent the seat pan in a manner
to allow the leg rest to move between a stored condition and a
fully deployed condition where the seat pan and the leg rest
cooperate to provide substantially horizontal support for a
passenger, [0119] ii) a second row of a plurality of juxtaposed
seats located adjacent and in a position advanced more in the
vehicle to the first row of seats, [0120] each seat including a
seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest moveably mounted
relative to and adjacent the seat pan in a manner to allow the leg
rest to move between a stored condition and a fully deployed
condition where the seat pan and the leg rest cooperate to provide
substantially horizontal support for a passenger, [0121] each seats
of the second row supporting a tray table behind its seat back, the
tray table comprising at least two panels positioned side by side
in a row-wise direction and that can each move between a stowed
condition proximate more the seat by which it is supported and a
use condition proximate more the first row.
[0122] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger vehicle seating arrangement comprising: [0123] a
row of a plurality of juxtaposed seats, each seat including a seat
back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat moveably
mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner to allow it to move
between a stored condition and an extended condition where the seat
pan and the leg rest are substantially coplanar and wherein the leg
rest and seat pan of adjacent seats in the row can cooperate to
define a reconfigurable support surface for at least one
passenger.
[0124] Preferably the leg rest moves in a rotational manner
relative to said seat pan about an axis of rotation located
adjacent said seat pan, between its stored and extended
condition.
[0125] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger seating unit for an aircraft comprising: [0126] a
row of 3 juxtaposed seats, each seat including a seat back, a seat
pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat moveably mounted
relative to the seat pan in a manner to allow it to move between a
stored condition and an extended condition where the leg rest is
presented adjacent the seat pan in a contiguous manner to provide a
support surface for a passenger wherein the seat pans are
contiguous each other and define a bench and wherein each leg rest,
when in the extended condition, is co-planar with its respective
seat pan and wherein each leg rest, when in an extended condition,
is contiguous the leg rest of an adjacent seat, when said leg rest
of an adjacent seat is also in the extend condition.
[0127] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger seating unit for an aircraft comprising: [0128] a
row of 4 juxtaposed seats, each seat including a seat back, a seat
pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat moveably mounted
relative to the seat pan in a manner to allow it to move between a
stored condition and an extended condition where the leg rest is
presented adjacent the seat pan to provide a support surface for a
passenger.
[0129] Preferably the seat pans are contiguous each other and
define a bench and wherein each leg rest, when in an extended
condition, is co-planar with its respective seat pan and wherein
each leg rest, when in an extended condition, is contiguous the leg
rest of an adjacent seat, when said leg rest of an adjacent seat is
also in the extend condition.
[0130] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger vehicle seat arrangement in a passenger vehicle,
said arrangement comprising: [0131] a plurality of rows of seats
each seat in each row facing in the same direction, wherein each
row comprises: [0132] a plurality of juxtaposed and in-line seats,
each seat including a seat frame supported seat back, seat pan and
leg rest, the leg rest of each seat moveably mounted relative to
the seat frame in a manner to allow it to move between a stored
condition and a fully deployed condition where the seat pan and the
leg rest are substantially coplanar and wherein the leg rest and
seat pan of adjacent seats in the row can cooperate to define a
reconfigurable support surface for at least one passengerand
wherein said leg rests of each seat, when in their fully deployed
condition are in close proximity to the seat pan of a seat of a row
front.
[0133] Preferably said proximity is to an extent to prevent a
person standing on the floor intermediate of the two rows.
[0134] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a tray table located or for location at the back of a
backrest of a seat of a passenger vehicle, said tray table
comprising [0135] i) a primary table top, movable between [0136] a.
a stowed position in which it is disposed towards the backrest, and
[0137] b. a deployed position in which it extends generally
horizontally and away from the backrest; and [0138] ii) a secondary
table top, defined by a plurality of adjacent extension panels each
individually coupled to the primary table top, wherein the
extension panels are disposed in a side by side configuration at at
least one edge of the primary panel and can each be moved by a
passenger between a stowed condition and a deployed condition where
the extension panel projects from the edge of the primary table top
and in a co-planar relationship to the primary table top.
[0139] Preferably the primary table top includes an edge extending
perpendicular to the seat facing direction and the extension panels
are disposed at said edge.
[0140] Preferably the extension panels are hingingly engaged with
the primary table top to rotate relative to the primary table top
when moved between the stowed and deployed conditions.
[0141] Preferably the extension panels are hingingly coupled to the
primary table top.
[0142] Preferably the tray table includes at least one arm
extending or to extend from the seat and to which the primary table
top is engaged in a pivotal manner to allow movement of the primary
table top between its stowed position and deployed position.
[0143] Preferably the tray table arrangement includes a plurality
of arms.
[0144] Preferably the primary table top defines a pair of opposed
major surfaces.
[0145] Preferably the extension panels define a pair of opposed
major surfaces.
[0146] Preferably the primary table top is quadrilateral in
shape.
[0147] Preferably the primary table top is rectangular in
shape.
[0148] Preferably each extension panel is quadrilateral in
shape.
[0149] Preferably the extension panel is rectangular in shape.
[0150] Preferably the primary table top is positioned, in its
stowed condition, with one of its major surfaces parallel to the
seat back.
[0151] Preferably the extension panels define a pair of opposed
major surfaces and wherein at least one or more of the extension
panels is disposed in its stowed position with one of its major
surfaces abutting a major surface of the base panel.
[0152] Preferably at least one or more of the extension panels is
disposed in its stowed position with one of its major surfaces
abutting a major surface of another extension panel.
[0153] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to
be a passenger accommodation system of a passenger vehicle, said
system comprising [0154] i) a seating arrangement comprising [0155]
a. a first row of a plurality of adjacent seats, [0156] b. a second
row of a plurality of adjacent seats located adjacent, aligned and
in a position advanced more in the vehicle to the first row of
seats, each seat comprising a seat pan, a seat back upwardly
extending from the seat pan and a leg rest, said leg rest mounted
relative the seat pan to allow it to move between (a) a stored
condition, and (b) a fully deployed condition where the seat pan
and the leg rest cooperate to provide substantially horizontal
passenger support, [0157] ii) a tray table located at the back of a
backrest of each seat of said second row, said tray table
comprising [0158] a. a primary table top, movable between [0159] a
stowed position in which it is disposed towards the backrest, and
[0160] a deployed position in which it extends generally
horizontally and away from the backrest; and [0161] b. a secondary
table top, defined by a plurality of adjacent extension panels each
individually coupled to the primary table top, wherein the
extension panels are disposed in a side by side configuration at at
least one edge of the primary panel and can each be moved by a
passenger between a stowed condition and a deployed condition where
the extension panel projects from the edge of the primary table top
and in a co-planar relationship to the primary table top.
[0162] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a method of configuring a passenger resting zone onboard a
passenger aircraft, said zone defined at least in part by a row of
at least three reconfigurable and adjacent seats, each seat
including a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest moveably mounted
relative to the seat pan in a manner to allow it to configure to a
stored condition and an extended condition where the seat pan and
the leg rest are substantially coplanar and capable of being
presented contiguous the leg rest of an adjacent seat in the row,
said method comprising configuring the leg rests of each seat in
the row to at least one the following: [0163] i) a configuration
where all the leg rests of the row in their extended condition such
that each leg rest and seat pan of adjacent seats in the row can
cooperate to define a horizontal support surface for at least one
and preferably two passengers to lie on, [0164] ii) a configuration
wherein only the leg rest of a seat at one end of the row is in the
extended condition, [0165] iii) a configuration wherein each of the
leg rests of the seats at each end of the row is in the extended
condition, [0166] iv) a configuration wherein the leg rest of a
seat at one end of the row is not in the extended condition (e.g.
in the stored condition or otherwise), and [0167] v) a
configuration wherein only the leg rest(s) of the seat(s)
intermediate of the ends of the row are in the extended
condition.
[0168] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a method of accommodating at least two passengers in a
vehicle in a space that can be set up in an individual/private mode
or in a communal/space sharing mode, said method facilitated by
providing said space between a first row of a plurality of side by
side and adjacent seats facing in a first direction and a second
row of side by side and adjacent seats facing in said first
direction and located in a first direction more proximal position
to said first row of seats, each seat of said first row including a
seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest moveably mounted
relative to and adjacent the seat pan in a manner to allow the leg
rest to move between a stored condition and a fully deployed
condition where the seat pan and the leg rest cooperate to provide
substantially horizontal support for a passenger.
[0169] In even a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger accommodation unit for use by at least two
passengers of a passenger vehicle, said accommodation unit
comprising
[0170] a row of at least two adjacent seats each supported by a
support frame above the floor of said passenger vehicle, and each
seat including a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, each leg
rest mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner to be movable
between a stowed condition and a deployed condition, wherein in a
deployed position, the leg rests of each seat are contiguous the
adjacent leg rest and contiguous their respective seat pans, to
define a horizontal support surface comprised of the leg rests and
seat pans of said at least two adjacent seats.
[0171] Preferably said unit is customizable into at least two modes
of use, a first communal mode wherein the at least two passengers
both occupy said at least two seats and a second private mode
wherein each passenger occupies only one seat.
[0172] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a method of configuring a passenger seating zone onboard a
passenger vehicle for the purposes of providing a seating zone of
greater area on which a passenger can recline, said passenger
seating zone comprising a row of at least three reconfigurable and
adjacent seats, each seat including a seat back, a seat pan and a
leg rest moveably mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner to
allow it to configure to a stored position and an extended position
where the seat pan and the leg rest are substantially coplanar and
capable of being presented contiguous the leg rest of an adjacent
seat in the row, said method comprising the steps of: [0173]
selecting a first of the leg rests for movement from its stored
position to its extended position; and then [0174] moving the first
of the leg rests to the extended position. Preferably the method
also comprises the steps of: [0175] selecting a second of the leg
rests for movement from its stored position to its extended
position; and then [0176] moving the second of the leg rests to its
extended position.
[0177] Preferably the step of selecting the first of the leg rests
comprises selecting a leg rest of an end seat of the row.
[0178] Preferably the step of selecting the first of the leg rests
comprises selecting a leg rest of an intermediate seat of the
row.
[0179] Preferably the step of selecting the second of the leg rests
comprises selecting a leg rest adjacent to the first selected leg
rest.
[0180] Preferably the step of selecting the second of the leg rests
comprises selecting a leg rest that is not adjacent to the first
selected leg rest.
[0181] Preferably comprising the steps of: [0182] selecting a third
of the leg rests for movement from its stored position to its
extended position; and then [0183] moving the third of the leg
rests to its extended position.
[0184] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said
to be a passenger vehicle comprising: [0185] a row of adjacent
seats that define an accommodation zone occupied by two adult
passengers, wherein the zone is able to be configured to allow the
two passengers to (i) be in an upright sedentary position in a
respective seat of the row and (ii) be in a reclined position where
the two passengers share at least one seat of said row and at least
partially occupy at least two seats in the row.
[0186] Preferably there are 3 or 4 adjacent seats of said row.
[0187] Preferably the zone is able to be configured to allow the
two passengers to share at least two or all seats of the row and at
least partially occupy at least three or all seats in the row.
[0188] Preferably the zone is able to be configured to allow the
two passengers to lie horizontally and adjacent to each other
across all seats in said row.
[0189] Preferably the zone is able to be configured by at least one
of said passengers. Preferably each seat comprises a seat pan and a
leg rest that is able to move between a stowed condition and a
fully deployed condition relative to said seat pan and that in the
fully deployed condition is presented adjacent said seat pan in a
manner such that wherein when the leg rests of all seats in the row
are positioned in a fully deployed condition, the seat pans and leg
rests define a horizontal surface to be able to support said two
passengers in a reclined position.
[0190] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements
or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0191] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the
following description which is given by way of example only and
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0192] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in
the accompanying drawings in which;
[0193] FIG. 1a shows a front perspective view of a seating
arrangement with individual seats of the front row positioned in
various configurations;
[0194] FIG. 1b shows a front view of a seat unit,
[0195] FIG. 2 shows a back perspective view of a seating
arrangement of FIG. 1a with individual seats positioned in various
configurations;
[0196] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a seating arrangement of FIG.
1;
[0197] FIG. 4a shows a side view of a seating arrangement of FIG.
1;
[0198] FIGS. 4b-g shows a plan schematic view of a row of 3 seats
of different configurations of leg rests relative to seat pans that
can be achieved;
[0199] FIG. 5a-5d shows a plan view of how a seating arrangement
may be utilised for companion travellers, comprising two adults, to
allow the creation of a communal/shared space;
[0200] FIG. 6a-6d shows a plan view of how a seating arrangement
may be utilised for companion travellers, comprising two adults and
a child, to allow the creation of a communal/shared space;
[0201] FIG. 6e-6h shows a plan view of how a seating arrangement
may be utilised for companion travellers, comprising one adult and
two children, to allow the creation of a communal/shared space;
[0202] FIGS. 7a and 7b shows a plan view of how a seating
arrangement may be utilised for individual travellers, comprising
two adult, to provide reconfigurable individual space;
[0203] FIGS. 7c and 7e shows a plan view of how a seating
arrangement may be utilised for non-companion but associated
travellers such as two business people to provide reconfigurable
individual and shared space;
[0204] FIGS. 8-28 shows schematic plan views of seating
arrangements in various configurations, including typical
arrangements of passengers, illustrating the flexibility of the
seating arrangement;
[0205] FIG. 29 shows a top perspective view of a plurality of tray
tables;
[0206] FIG. 30 shows a top perspective view of a plurality of tray
tables in another configuration;
[0207] FIG. 31 shows a schematic plan view of part of an aircraft
including a plurality of seat units in two columns of rows of seats
each with three seats; and
[0208] FIG. 32 shows a schematic plan view of an aircraft including
a plurality of seat units in two columns of rows of seats with two
seats abreast and with an intermediate column of four seats
abreast.
[0209] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of part of a tray
table,
[0210] FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of part of a tray table as
per FIG. 33 but in a different configuration
[0211] FIG. 35 shows a plan view of leg rest mechanisms each
applied to three adjacent seats (with seat pads removed);
[0212] FIG. 36 shows a side view of a leg rest mechanism with the
track following formation in a maintenance track for disengagement
of the track follower arrangement from the track formation;
[0213] FIG. 37 shows a side view of a leg rest mechanism with the
leg rest in its extended position;
[0214] FIG. 38 shows a cutaway side view of a leg rest mechanism
showing the adjustable support mechanism;
[0215] FIG. 39 shows a cutaway side view of a leg rest mechanism
showing the adjustable support mechanism;
[0216] FIG. 40 shows a cutaway side view of a leg rest mechanism
showing the adjustable support mechanism;
[0217] FIG. 41 shows a perspective cutaway view of the support
member, track follower arrangements, and reaction member;
[0218] FIGS. 42-45 show a side cutaway view of the horizontal
support mechanism of a leg rest mechanism in various positions;
[0219] FIG. 46 shows a close-up top perspective cutaway view of a
track follower arrangement and synchronisation mechanism;
[0220] FIG. 47 shows a side view of a leg rest mechanism in a
supporting position cooperating with a seat pad of a seat
arrangement to define a substantially horizontal surface on which a
passenger is supportable;
[0221] FIG. 48 shows a cutaway top rear perspective view of a leg
rest mechanism;
[0222] FIG. 49 shows a bottom perspective view of a leg rest
mechanism; and
[0223] FIG. 50 shows an aircraft that may carry the seat units and
seating arrangement and onboard which the methods of the present
invention may be performed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0224] With reference to the above drawings, in which similar
features are generally indicated by similar numerals, there is
shown a seating arrangement 100.
[0225] FIG. 1 shows a seating arrangement 100 that can be
implemented on board a commercial passenger aircraft 300. And
preferably in its economy class section. The seating arrangement
100 consists of at least one and preferably at least two rows 5 of
seats 6 that are positioned one behind the other. Each row of seats
5 includes at least 2 and preferably at least 3 adjacent seats 6.
Each seat 6 in a row 5 includes a seat back 12, seat pan 10 and
preferably also a leg rest 11. Each seat 6 can receive a passenger
in a sedentary position. Each seat defines an individual space in
the row for a sedentary passenger to occupy. Such a passenger may
occupy such a space and may utilise the seat's backrest, seat pan
and leg rest. They may also use the arm rests that may be presented
on each side of the passenger. Arm rests 20 may be movable from an
in use position where the arms of a passenger can rest on them, and
a stowed position, where the arm rests generally are not located in
the general space between the seat pans and back rests. The arm
rests may be removable, or may move down to be between seat pans of
move back to be between back rests of the row of seats. For example
the arm rests 20A may be moved to a stowed position where they
extend substantially vertically and/or may be recessed within/or
between the back rests of adjacent seats 6 in that row.
[0226] The armrest(s) 20A can pivot between the deployed position
and a stowed position about a horizontal axis and when in the
stowed position are substantially out of the way of passengers. In
the preferred embodiment the stowed position may be in a cavity 22
formed between two adjacent seat backs 12.
[0227] The outer most arm rests 20B may or may not be movable.
However, they may be movable in a like manner to the arm rests
20A.
[0228] Each row preferably faces in a forward direction in relation
to the body of the aircraft. In other words, the seat back 12 faces
toward the front of the aircraft. Each row 5 preferably faces in
the same direction. A column of plurality of rows can be defined in
the aircraft, the column direction may be parallel to the seat
facing direction. And may be parallel to the elongate direction of
the body of the aircraft.
[0229] The seats in each row are positioned adjacent each other The
seat pans are preferably able to assume a condition contiguous each
other so that a bench or couch like sitting surface may be defined
by the at least two seats. The back rests 12 of each seat 6 may
recline from an upright more position to a reclined more position.
This can be achieved independent of the position of adjacent back
rests. The seats may be individual seats each separately mounted to
the floor track or tracks of the aircraft or may all be supported
by one or more support frames mounted to the floor track or tracks
of the aircraft.
[0230] Preferably each row has at least two adjacent seats, more
preferably at least three seats or four adjacent seats.
[0231] Preferably each seat includes a leg rest arrangement 111.
The arrangement includes a leg rest 11 and a leg rest mechanism
112.
[0232] The leg rest can be moved between a stored position where it
is located adjacent or proximate the front edge of a seat pan and
extends downwardly therefrom and a fully deployed position where is
it located adjacent a front edge of a seat pan and extends
generally in a coplanar manner with the seat pan. It will be
appreciated that surface contouring of the upper surface 17 of the
seat pan and of the supporting surface 16 of the leg rest may
exist.
[0233] And that not the entire surface of the seat pan and the leg
rest are strictly in a co-planar relationship, but may be close to
it. In at least the fully deployed position, the leg rest is
contiguous the seat pan. A small but insignificant gap may exits.
It may also be and preferably remain contiguous when in the stored
and any intermediate position.
[0234] The position of the leg rest relative to the seat pan can be
independently controlled relative to the other leg rest of the
other seats 6 in the row 5. Accordingly a passenger sitting in an
individual seat can select a desired leg rest position.
[0235] With reference to the forward most row 5 shown in FIG. 1,
each seat 6 in that row shows its respective leg rest in a
different position. Leg rest 11A is shown in a fully deployed
position, leg rest 11B is shown in a partially deployed position
and leg rest 11C is shown in a stored position.
[0236] In the fully deployed position as shown with reference to
leg rest 11A, the supporting surface 16 cooperates with the
respective seat pan to define a horizontal support zone 88. It is
referred to as "horizontal" herein, though may not, or not always
be perfectly horizontal in use as that may depend on the
inclination of the aircraft. In essence, the horizontal support
zone, in normal mode of use and when established, will offer a
passenger support in a vertical direction.
[0237] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 it can be seen that the
supporting surface 16 of a leg rest 11 may in its fully extended
position also extend a substantial distance between the leading
edge 19 of the seat pan, and a seat 6 (such as its back rest) of a
row in front of the leading edge 19. In the preferred form, the leg
rest 11 in its fully deployed position closes the gap between rows
of seats. There may still be a slight gap but such is preferably
insufficient for a person to stand up in between rows on the floor
X-X of the cabin of the aircraft as shown in FIG. 1b.
[0238] By providing a leg rest 11 for each seat 6 in a row that can
be positioned independent of adjacent leg rests in the row, each
passenger in that row can make a decision about the desired leg
rest position of the seat 6 that that passenger is sitting in.
[0239] Furthermore, the provision of such independent leg rests in
a row 5 can allow for cooperation of leg rests of each row. For
example, with reference to FIG. 18, row 5A shows the leg rest of
each seat moved to a fully deployed position. And the arm rests 20A
may be moved to a stowed position. This allows for the creation of
a sleeping surface that one or more passengers can utilise. As can
be seen a passenger in row 5A can lie in a general direction
lateral to the forward/aft direction of the aircraft. Where the row
is adjacent the side of the cabin interior, the armrest 12A or 13B
can also be moved out of the way. This can allow a passenger to
recline against the cabin interior wall at that location, thereby
creating even more space for that or each passenger in the row.
[0240] In the configuration where all leg rests in a row of seats
are extended a single passenger may lie or recline more on the
sleeping or resting surface so defined by at least two or more of
the seat pans and associated extended leg rests. Multiple
passengers such as an adult and a child may be able to share such a
sleeping or resting surface. A child may also use the surface or
part of the surface as a play area. The surface may also offer
support to a person preferring to sit in an upright position but
with their legs extending substantially horizontally as for example
as shown in row 5B in FIG. 17. E.g., for use as a lounger.
[0241] It will be appreciated that in a reclined position of a
person, a sleeping or resting surface defined by two adjacent seat
pans and leg rests may be sufficient thereby allowing for a seat at
one end of the row to have its leg rest in a non-fully deployed
position such as in a partially extended or stored position as
shown with respect to row 5B of FIG. 17. This is also shown with
reference to row 5A shown in FIG. 22. Likewise other seats in the
row may have their leg rests in a non-fully deployed position.
[0242] Various combinations of leg rest positions of the leg rests
11 in a row can be achieved. For a row of 3 seats, some of the
different combinations are shown in FIGS. 4b-4g. With reference to
row 5A shown in FIG. 27, seats 6 at the end of a row 5 may have
their leg rests 11 in a stored position whereas the leg rest
arrangement 11 of the intermediate seat(s) 6 may be fully extended.
In a fully extended position a passenger in the intermediate seat
arrangement may be able to sit up with their legs extending
substantially horizontally. Alternatively where the person is of a
smaller size, the person may be able to lie down. This may be
particularly beneficial for adult passengers travelling with babies
or small children and can allow for babies or small children to
rest more comfortably. FIGS. 5-7 show other configurations that can
allow for the space between rows of seats to be customised by
passengers depending on their needs and/or preferences.
[0243] The supporting surface 16 of each leg rest may be defined by
a cushion. There may also be a life jacket compartment containing a
life jacket that is incorporated in the leg rest and for access by
a passenger at the supporting surface 16.
[0244] The leg rest 11 is movable relative to the seat pan and the
support frame of the seat by which it is supported in a pivoting
manner between the stored and fully deployed positions. The leg
rest in such movement passes through a partially extended position
(as shown in FIG. 1a). In the stored position, the leg rest 11 is
stowed at least partially beneath the seat pan 10. In the partially
extended position, it is envisaged that the support surface of the
leg rest 11 will be in a range of between 30 and 60 degree to the
vertical, and most preferably at about 45 degrees to the vertical
and projecting downwardly and away from the seat pan.
[0245] Typically when an aircraft is about to land and/or take off
and/or during taxi, the leg rest 11 may be required to be in its
stored position. This provides a clear space between rows for
evacuating passengers during an emergency. During
taxi/take-off/landing the leg rest may need to be sufficiently
restrained to prevent it from movement significant relative to the
support structure under certain loads.
[0246] It is envisaged that the leg rest mechanism will be manually
moved by a user or passenger preferably at least in part assisted
by use of a hydrolock. An electric motor may be instead or also be
used. Alternatively no such means for assistance may be
provided.
[0247] With reference to FIGS. 35-40 there is shown a preferred
form of leg rest arrangement 111. The leg rest arrangement includes
the leg rest 11 and a leg rest mechanism 112. The leg rest
mechanism 112 is adapted to support a passenger's weight bearing
down on the leg rest when in the fully deployed position.
[0248] Provided are a pair of support mechanisms 120 for supporting
the leg rest 11, an adjustable support mechanism 160 and an
optional drive arrangement 20.
[0249] As previously mentioned, the leg rest 11 may be moveable
between a stowed position in which it may be predominantly located
below and/or under the seat pad 200, an intermediate position up to
which the leg rest 11 can be adjustably supported; and a fully
deployed position.
[0250] Each support mechanism 120 comprises an adjustable support
mechanism 160 for supporting the leg rest in a plurality of
positions between its stowed position and its intermediate
position. And a horizontal support mechanism 120 for coupling the
leg rest to the seat frame 600 to support the leg rest in its fully
deployed position.
[0251] The leg rest is moveable only manually to its extended
position from its intermediate position.
[0252] The leg rest pivots about axis Y-Y. This axis is horizontal
and perpendicular to the seat facing direction.
[0253] The horizontal support mechanism 120 includes a track
formation 130 and a track follower arrangement 150. The horizontal
support mechanism 120 is configurable between a stowed position
(shown in FIGS. 40 and 42), corresponding to the stowed position of
the leg rest, an intermediate position corresponding to the
intermediate position of the leg rest, and a fully deployed
position (shown in FIG. 44).
[0254] The horizontal support mechanism 120 comprises a track
formation 130, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 49 as a cam slot
131, and is fixed relative to the seat support frame 600; and a
track follower arrangement 150. The track follower arrangement 150
is associated with the leg rest.
[0255] The track follower arrangement 150 comprises a track
following formation 152, and a biasing arrangement 154. The biasing
arrangement 154 includes a pivotal member 156 that is pivotally
mounted to a base member 155 at axis X-X. The base member 155 is in
turn mounted to the leg rest.
[0256] The pivotal member 156 is biased by a spring 159 to pivot
about axis X-X relative to the base member 155, so that the pivotal
member 156 moves clockwise as shown by arrow A in FIGS. 43 and 46.
The track following formation 152 (which acts as a cam follower
along cam slot 131) extends from a distal end 157 of the pivotal
member 156. In this way, the spring 159 holds the track following
formation 152 against the lower edge of the cam slot 131.
[0257] The adjustable support mechanism 160 is shown in FIGS.
38-40. It includes a locking mechanism 162 in the form of a biased
piston and cylinder arrangement 164 such as a hydrolock, and a
reaction member 166. In a preferred embodiment, the piston and
cylinder arrangement 164 is associated with the seat frame 600, and
the reaction member 166 is associated with the leg rest.
[0258] The adjustable support mechanism 160 serves to allow the leg
rest to be moved to an infinite number of positions between its
stowed position and an intermediate position, and locked in those
positions. The preferred intermediate position of the support
surface of the leg rest is preferably in the range of inclination
of between 30 to 70 degrees to the vertical, and most preferably to
about 60 degrees to the vertical in the.
[0259] In one preferred embodiment, the piston and cylinder
arrangement 164 is a "hydrolock" piston and cylinder arrangement.
Fluid flow is typically controlled by means of a button or other
actuator available to a passenger (such as on the arm rest).
Release of the button will result in the position of the leg rest
being locked, such as at a position between its stowed position and
its intermediate position.
[0260] A drive arrangement 220 may be provided. This is provided as
a means for moving the leg rest between its stowed position and its
intermediate position. It is envisaged that the drive arrangement
220 could be adapted to move the leg rest in both directions
between its stowed position and its intermediate position, or in
only one direction. In a preferred embodiment, the drive
arrangement comprises a spring received within the piston and
cylinder arrangement 164 that biases the piston and cylinder
arrangement 164 to extend, thereby biasing the leg rest to its
intermediate position when the locking mechanism (eg the hydrolock)
allows movement of the piston and cylinder arrangement 164.
[0261] As shown in FIGS. 38-39, in a preferred embodiment, the
adjustable support mechanism 160 allows for lost motion movement
between the leg rest and the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 by
means of a lost motion arrangement 168.
[0262] The lost motion arrangement 168 comprises a pin 167 attached
to an end of the piston and cylinder arrangement 164, which is a
moveable within a slot 169 in the reaction member 166. However, it
is envisaged that a wide variety of lost motion arrangements could
be used, including apertures and/or recesses of a wide variety of
shapes.
[0263] The pin 167 is moveable within the slot 169 between an outer
position (as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40) at the forward end of the
slot 169, and an inner position (as shown in FIG. 38) at a rearward
end of the slot 169.
[0264] When the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 extends, the
pin 167 moves along the slot 169 to its outer position, after which
the pin 167 pushes against the reaction member 166 to pivot the
support member about axis Y-Y, thereby causing the movement of the
track follower arrangement 150 along the track formation 130 as
will be described below.
[0265] The piston and cylinder arrangement 164 is biased to extend
when the flow of fluid is allowed (by for example the passenger
pushing an actuator button--not shown), thereby causing the
movement of the pin 167 in the slot 169 to its outer position, and
then movement of the leg rest in the direction of arrow B (as shown
in FIG. 43) about its axis Y-Y (simultaneously causing movement of
the horizontal support mechanism 120 from its stowed position).
When the button is released, movement of the piston and cylinder
arrangement 164 is stopped, and the leg rest is held in that
position.
[0266] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the
adjustable support mechanism 160 will only push the track follower
arrangement 150 in one direction--that direction in which the
horizontal support mechanism 120 is reconfigured from the its
stowed position to its intermediate position. In the most preferred
embodiment, the adjustable support mechanism 160 may also cause
movement of the track follower arrangement 150 along the track
formation 130 until the horizontal support mechanism 120 is in its
intermediate configuration (as shown in FIG. 43), and will then
stop. The movement will stop as this is the maximum extension of
the piston and cylinder arrangement 164. The intermediate position
of the horizontal support mechanism 120 is expected to coincide
with a position of the planar support member being in the range of
about 30 degrees to 70 degrees to the vertical, and most preferably
about 60 degrees to the vertical.
[0267] Once the intermediate position is reached, the piston and
cylinder arrangement 164 cannot extend further. In this position,
the pin 167 of the lost motion arrangement 168 will be in its outer
position. If a passenger wants the leg rest to extend further to
its fully deployed position, they will be required to grab the leg
rest, eg a manual handle 112 to reconfigure the horizontal support
mechanism 120 to its fully deployed position.
[0268] It is envisaged that when the leg rest is pulled on manually
by a passenger to extend the horizontal support mechanism 120 to
its fully deployed, the pin 167 of the lost motion arrangement 168
will move towards its inner position along the slot 169. In this
way, manual operation is allowable without a passenger having to
pull against friction created by the locking mechanism 162.
[0269] The track follower arrangement 150 follows the track
formation 130 as the leg rest is moved between its stowed position
and fully deployed position, through its intermediate position. The
track formation 130 and track follower arrangement 150 are moveable
relative to each other between a stowed position corresponding to
the stowed position of the leg rest, an intermediate position
corresponding to the intermediate position of the leg rest, and an
extended position corresponding to the fully deployed position of
the leg rest.
[0270] The track formation 130 defines a terminal end 133 and an
endless path 132 at an opposed side of the track formation 130 to
the terminal end 133. The endless path 132 further defines a detent
formation 134 in the form of a recessed region 163 or U-shaped kink
in the cam slot 131. The track follower arrangement 150 is captured
by this recessed region 163 when moving along the track formation
130 in one direction. It is envisaged that the track follower
arrangement 150 will not be pushed into this recessed region 163 by
the drive arrangement 20, as the drive arrangement will operate to
only push it to the intermediate position as shown in FIG. 43.
[0271] Instead, when a passenger manually pulls the manual handle
112 upwardly, this will cause the track follower arrangement 150 to
move along the track formation 130 and into the recessed region
163.
[0272] It is envisaged that the leg rest will be require to be
pulled upwardly into an overextended position in order for the
track following formation 152 to be able to move around the highest
point of the endless path 132 before the track following formation
152 is captured in the recessed region 136. When the leg rest is in
its overextended position, the relative position of the track
formation 130 and track follower arrangement 150 will be in an
overextended position.
[0273] When the track following formation 152 has traversed over
the highest point of the endless path 132, it will move into the
recessed region 136 under action of the biasing arrangement
154.
[0274] Then when the manual handle 112 is released, the shape of
the recessed region 136 of the detent formation 134 prevents the
relative movement of the track follower arrangement 150 and track
formation 130 back to their intermediate position. The track
follower arrangement 150 is captured in the detent formation 134,
so that a passenger can put their legs up onto the support member
and have their legs supported without fear of it giving way. The
radius from the axis of the support member Y-Y to the axis of the
pivotal member x-X-X is similar to radius from the axis of the
support member Y-Y to the centre of the circularly shaped track
follower arrangement 150. This will prevent pivotal movement of the
pivotal member 156 when force is exerted by a passenger on the leg
rest.
[0275] The detent formation 134 provides a locking mechanism that
positively locks the movement of the track follower arrangement 150
in the detent formation 134. The detent formation 134 also
co-operates with the biasing arrangement 154 of the track follower
arrangement 150, to allow movement of the track follower
arrangement along the track formation 130 in one direction only, as
will be described below.
[0276] As may be seen in FIG. 45, the cam slot 131 starts at a
terminal end 133, and traverses an endless path 132 towards the
opposed direction. It traverses in a loop-shape endless path 132
with a recessed region 136 in it (in a U-shape). When the
horizontal support mechanism 120 is initially moved from its stowed
position, the track following formation 152 starts at the terminal
end 133 of the cam slot 131. As the track following formation 152
moves along the cam slot 131, it is prevented from moving in a
clockwise direction (the orientation with reference to the
drawings) along the endless path by a one way mechanism 170 located
along the track formation 130 (as shown on FIG. 44). The one way
mechanism 170 comprises a track closure formation 172 that pivots
about an axis 174 that is disposed to the top side of the track
formation 130.
[0277] The track closure formation 172 pivots between a restricted
position in which it restricts movement of the track following
formation 152 through the cam slot in one direction, and an
unrestricted position in which it allows movement of the track
following formation 152 along the cam slot 131. The track closure
formation 172 is biased to its restricted position by a bias, such
as by gravity (as shown in the figures) or under the effect of a
spring.
[0278] The track closure formation 172 is adapted and configured to
be moved by the track following formation 152 to move from its
restricted position to its unrestricted position to enable movement
of the track following formation 152 along the cam slot 131 when
the track follower arrangement moves in one direction shown as
arrow C in FIG. 45. However it locks in its restricted position
when the track following formation 152 pushes on it from the
opposite direction. In this way, the track following formation 152
is pushed upwardly to traverse the endless path in an
anti-clockwise direction (as shown on FIG. 45) when being moved
from the terminal end 133 of the cam slot 131 towards the endless
path 132.
[0279] As shown in FIG. 43, the intermediate position of the leg
rest corresponds to the track following formation 152 being part of
the way along the endless path 132 in the anti-clockwise direction,
or just before the endless path 132.
[0280] Manual movement of leg rest arrangement by a passenger
puffing upwardly on the manual handle 112 results in further
movement of the track following formation 152 in the direction of
Arrow C.
[0281] As the track following formation 152 moves into the recessed
region 136, the biasing arrangement 154 of the track follower
arrangement 150 will bias the track following formation 152 to move
further into the recessed region 136 and stop at the bottom of its
U-shape. It should be noted that the shape and configuration of the
track formation 130 is specifically designed to follow the path of
movement of the track following formation under action of the
biasing arrangement 154 at this stage.
[0282] In a preferred embodiment, the pair of horizontal support
mechanisms 120 include a synchronisation mechanism 190 to ensure
that the track following formations 152 of each of the horizontal
support mechanisms 120 are in synchronisation with each other at
the same location on each of their respective track formations
130.
[0283] Each synchronisation mechanism 190 comprises at least one
cable 192 securely fastened to a synchronisation lever 194. Each
synchronisation lever 194 is secured to the pivotal member 156 to
pivot about the same axis X-X.
[0284] The cables 192 of each synchronisation mechanisms 190 are
connected to each other, so that movement of the pivotal member 156
(and hence synchronisation lever 194) of one results in similar
movement of the synchronisation lever 194 of the other. In this
way, the situation is prevented, for example, that only one of the
track following formations 152 is received into their respective
recessed regions 136, while the other remains "jammed" at a highest
point on the endless path 132.
[0285] According to one aspect of the invention, it is envisaged
that the adjustable support mechanism 160 will only power movement
of the leg rest between its stowed position and the intermediate
position. From this intermediate position, the horizontal support
mechanism 120 is only manually moveable to its fully deployed
position. In this way injuries to users that may otherwise be
caused as a result of powered movement of the horizontal support
mechanism 120 to its fully extended position, are avoided.
[0286] Further manual reconfiguration by a passenger of the
horizontal support mechanism 120 (whether indirectly by applying a
lifting force to the leg rest or directly on the horizontal support
mechanism 120 itself) will cause the biasing arrangement 154 to
move the track following formation 152 to move further along the
cam slot 131 in an anti-clockwise direction. It should be noted
that the shape of the cam slot 131 is specifically configured and
adapted to correspond to the direction of travel of the track
following formation 152 under action of the biasing arrangement 154
while the extension arrangement is being lifted by a passenger.
[0287] As the track following formation 152 transitions further in
the direction of Arrow C about the path 132, it reaches the end of
the recessed region 136. At this stage, the passenger is required
to push downwardly on the leg rest, to cause the pivotal member 156
to be moved against the bias of the biasing arrangement 154.
Further downward pushing will result in the further movement of the
track following formation 152 in the direction of Arrow C along the
endless path 132 until it reaches the one-way mechanism 170.
[0288] At this stage, when the support member is being pivoted
downwardly about its axis Y-Y, the pin 167 of the lost motion
arrangement 168 is moving towards its inner position in the slot
169. When the inner position is reached, then the piston and
cylinder arrangement 164 will need to start retracting. In order to
do so, it is envisaged that a passenger may be required to actuate
the actuator button to enable movement of the piston and cylinder
arrangement 164. Similarly, if other locking mechanisms are used,
then it is envisaged that they will be required to be in an
unlocked state to allow further movement of the leg rest.
[0289] When the track following formation 152 encounters the track
closure formation 172 in its restricted position, it will cause the
track closure formation 172 to pivot upwardly and out of its way to
an unrestricted position. The track following formation 152 then
moves through the cam slot 131 in an unrestricted fashion. Once the
track following formation 152 has passed the one-way mechanism 170,
the track closure formation 172 will fall down behind it under
action of gravity, although it is envisaged that a biasing means
(not shown) could also be provided to bias the track closure
formation to a restricted position.
[0290] Further manual pushing on the leg rest, will result in the
track following formation 152 moving towards the terminal end 133
of the track formation 130.
[0291] It is envisaged that, as the horizontal support mechanism
120 is reconfigured to its stowed position, a latch mechanism (not
shown) associated with one or more of the adjustable support
mechanism 160 and the horizontal support mechanism 120 will engage,
to hold the leg rest in its stowed position until released again
by, for example, pressing the actuator button to allow the
hydrolock piston and cylinder arrangement 164 to extend under
action of its bias as described above. In one embodiment and as
shown in FIG. 41, the latch mechanism is in the form of a hook (not
shown) and pin 184. The hook (not shown) is associated with the
piston and cylinder arrangement 164, and the pin 184 is associated
with the reaction member 166, so that if the adjustable support
mechanism 160 is reversed to move the horizontal support mechanism
120 to its stowed configuration, the hook will engage with the pin
184 to lock the horizontal support mechanism 120 in its stowed
configuration until the adjustable support mechanism is actuated
again. Of course it should be noted that the hydrolock piston and
cylinder arrangement 164 acts as a latch mechanism itself to hold
leg rest in its stowed position.
[0292] When the drive arrangement 220 is allowed to move the leg
rest from its stowed position to the intermediate position again,
the hook will automatically release the pin 184 as the piston and
cylinder arrangement 164 extends.
[0293] As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, it is envisaged that the track
formation 130 could include a maintenance track formation 142 that
will allow the track follower arrangement 10 to be completely
disengaged from the track formation for maintenance and access
reason.
[0294] Once disengaged, the leg rest can be pivoted upwardly to
extend far past the position that it would be in when the
horizontal support mechanism 120 is in its extended position.
[0295] The maintenance track formation 142 extends from near the
terminal end 133 of the track formation 130 to an open end 144. The
track following formation 152 can be moved into the maintenance
track formation 142 as shown in FIG. 2 by appropriate manipulation
of the pivotal member 156.
[0296] The leg rest is designed so that the leg rest does not
require support from a seat in front, nor from the floor below. The
leg rest is supported via the mechanism by the seat to which it is
attached.
[0297] Whilst herein reference is made to the leg rest and its
primary function as being a leg rest to the passenger sitting on
the seat pan with which the leg rest is associated, the leg rest
may be used in a secondary function such as for allowing a
passenger to sit on it or to lie on top of it. Preferably each leg
rest can be moved and positioned independently of the other leg
rests. Preferably the seat pan of each seat can tilt (preferably in
conjunction with a reclining of the back rest) independently of the
seat pan of said adjacent seat(s).
[0298] A further embodiment of the invention may include at least
one tray table 80 that is mounted to the rear of a seat back 12. It
provides a surface for an associated passenger seated behind the
seat back 12 to use. The tray table 80 can be deployed for use or
stowed out of the way when not required. It also has various
partially deployed states.
[0299] The table comprises a primary table top 82 and a segmented
secondary table top 85 comprising multiple extension panels 84
which can be moved to increase or decrease the usable surface area
of the tray table 80.
[0300] The primary table top 82 is pivotally mounted by an arm 86
or pair of arms 86 that are affixed to the seat, such as to the
seat back. The arms define a horizontal pivot axis that mounts the
primary table top to be rotational between a stowed position where
it is located adjacent and substantially parallel to the seat back
and a deployed position for use. The arms may themselves be
pivotally mounted to the seatback.
[0301] It is envisaged that primary table top 82 may be slidably
mounted to the base panel 87 as shown in the middle arrangement of
FIG. 30. Alternatively there may be no such base panel 87. And the
primary table top may be directly connected to the arms 86.
[0302] The primary table top carries the segmented secondary table
top. This may comprise of two adjacent extension panels 84 that may
be pivotally mounted to the primary table top 82. In a preferred
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, two pivotally mounted
extension panels 84 are pivoted or hinged from the edge of the
primary table top 82 closest to the passenger. The two pivotally
mounted extension panels 84 are pivotable between a first position
in which they are folded together on top of the primary table top
82 such that their major faces are in face to face contact with
each other, and a second position, in which either one or both of
the pivotally mounted extension panels 84, can be pivoted or hinged
from a folded position into a deployed position such that the total
table top surface is increased toward the passenger together with
the primary table top 82.
[0303] Alternatively the pivotally mounted extension panels 84
could hinge from any edge of the primary table top.
[0304] The preferred edge of the primary table top that may be
utilised is the edge that is perpendicular to the seat facing
direction. The primary table top is preferably quadrilateral is
shape. And preferably rectangular. The extension panels are
preferably also rectangular in shape and each include an edge that
can be positioned contiguous the others, such as when both
extension panels are fully deployed or both are fully in their
stored condition.
[0305] In the preferred embodiment two or more tray tables 80 for a
row of seats can act in concert to provide various table
arrangements for the passengers in the row of seats. It is
envisaged that the various available configurations of the tray
tables may be used in combination with the many available
configurations of the seats as a seating system 500 to provide a
high degree of flexibility and usability for passengers of various
sizes and groupings, a shown in FIGS. 8-28.
[0306] For example, a tray table arrangement for the middle of a
row of 3 seats may be fully deployed, the leg rest of that seat
being in the stored position to allow a passenger in that seat to
be sedentary. Passengers in the adjacent seats may sit on the fully
extended leg rests of their respective seats to allow them to sit
in a more communal manner with the passenger in the middle seat and
utilise the tray table arrangement in desired manner. This can help
facilitate more comfortable or desirable interactivity between
passengers in a row.
[0307] Partially deployed tray table arrangements and tray table
arrangements of variable configuration can also help with passenger
accessibility and usability of their seating environment.
[0308] As shown in FIG. 31, it is envisaged that an aircraft may
include columns (when viewed in plan) of seat units, with the seat
units arranged in rows in each column. As an example, the seat
units could be arranged in rows of three as two columns separated
by an aisle. The rows of each column may align or may be off-set
from each other. The rows of each column may have row pitch set at
the same pitch or at different pitch. Indeed the pitch between rows
in a column, may not be consistent.
[0309] Preferably all seats in a row face in a forward direction.
The seat facing direction of each seat in a row, and preferably all
seats in all rows is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of
the aircraft. Preferably the rows are parallel to each other.
[0310] Preferably all seats in the row are no more advanced in the
plane compared to other seats in row. Eg the row direction is
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.
[0311] Preferably the seats do not rotate about any vertical axis.
Eg the seat facing direction remains stationary (ie it does not
rotate). And preferably the seat frame is stationary.
[0312] In another embodiment for a larger plane, and as shown ion
FIG. 32, it is envisaged that two columns of seat units arranged
side by side with three-abreast seats in each row of at least one
or both columns could be separated by another column of seats with
an aisle on each side. The separating column of seats need not be
the currently claimed seat units, but may be any known seats. The
seats of the present invention lend themselves particularly well
for the row being positioned adjacent the interior side wall of the
aircraft, where the seats can be arranged to allow a passenger to
lean against the cabin wall and thereby create even more space in
the row. A person can more conveniently lean against the sidewall
of the aircraft when the armrest outboard most is positioned out of
the way.
[0313] The seat pan of each seat preferably includes an individual
seat cushion for each seat. A gap exists between cushions of
adjacent seats to allow a seat belt webbing to extend from the seat
frame between adjacent cushions. The individual cushions may each
and separately be removable. The seat pan of each seat may also
tilt independently of the seat pan of adjacent seat(s) in the row.
A seat tilt mechanism may be provided so that the angle of incline
(in a fore-aft direction) of the cushion may be varied. This
mechanism may be tied to the recline mechanism of the back rest of
the seat. Eg, as the back rest moves, the seat pan may move.
[0314] It is envisaged that the seats are provided in an economy
class section of an aircraft.
[0315] The accommodation space that can be created by the present
invention provides a flexible and multifunctional space that can
promote shared use of a defined space by multiple passengers. The
space can be configured to treat passengers not as individuals but
rather as groups of people such as a couple, a family of three, two
business partners, 3 children and so on yet also cater for an
individual traveler. And for that individual passenger offer more
and multi functional space. Such as when for example the aircraft
is not flying at full capacity or full class capacity. When two
passenger utilise the space in a row to lie or recline next to each
other, the elongate body direction is substantially parallel to the
row direction. And one passenger is located advanced more in said
aircraft than the other. This means that one passenger in such
reclined or lie-flat condition is supported more by the leg rests
and the other is supported more by the seat pans of the row.
[0316] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates,
many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and
applications of the invention will suggest themselves without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are
purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense
limiting.
* * * * *