GB2628966A - Privacy structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A privacy structure 10 for an aircraft passenger cabin comprising a plurality of elongate components (14, figure 2) arranged adjacent to and spaced from one another forming a barrier 12. The privacy structure allows airflow from one side of the privacy structure to the other side of the privacy structure and there is no line of sight from one side of the privacy structure to the other side of the privacy structure. The privacy structure may be fixed or movable, and may consist of hollow tubes.

Description

PRIVACY STRUCTURE

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a privacy structure. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a privacy structure such as a screen or shroud, for example a privacy screen or shroud associated with an aircraft seat.

Background of the Invention

Aircraft seating, in particular premium aircraft seating such as business or first class seat units, often include a screen or shroud to increase the privacy of a passenger travelling in that seat unit.

In order to enhance the passenger experience, it is desirable to use larger screens or shrouds, for example creating a suite around the aircraft seat unit, which is largely enclosed, particularly when a door to the suite is closed.

However, this may restrict airflow around the passenger, which could result in a less comfortable flying experience. Particularly, this may restrict an air circulation within the cabin of the aircraft, which directly affects decompression and also fresh air circulating into such premium aircraft seating.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problem. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved privacy structure.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a privacy structure comprising a plurality of elongate components arranged adjacent to and spaced from one another to form a barrier. Such privacy structure as a barrier defines a spaced arrangement which allows airflow from one side of the privacy structure to the other side of the privacy structure, and there is no line of sight from one side of the privacy structure to the other side of the privacy structure.

Advantageously, the privacy structure allows for the privacy of a passenger to be maintained, whilst also allowing sufficient airflow through the privacy structure that a comfortable flying experience is provided.

The privacy structure may be a privacy screen or shroud.

The privacy structure may be fixed in position, or may be movable. For example, the privacy structure may be a door of a suite for an aircraft and/or of a seat unit.

The privacy structure may also be a divider between a first seat unit and second seat unit, which may be movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

The retracted position may allow conversations between passengers sitting next to one another, and the deployed position may provide privacy to passengers sitting next to one another, for example, when the passengers wish to sleep.

The plurality of elongate components may comprise hollow tubes. Providing a hollow tube may allow for cabling to be run through the elongate components, for example cabling that relates to the operation of an aircraft seat or seat unit, and/or an entertainment and/or communications system relating to an aircraft seat or seat unit. The hollow tube may be a one-piece component, for example a one-piece extrusion.

Alternatively, the hollow tube may be a two-piece component, for example, two extruded or moulded sections, which may be connected to one another. The connection may be a mechanical connection via fixings, such as screws or clips, and/or via complimentary grooves or other suitable mating formations in each part of the two-piece component.

The plurality of elongate components may comprise a cross-section with an angled tip, for example a triangular, arrow-shaped, or curved tip. The plurality of elongate components may comprise a cross-section with an angled indent, for example a triangular, arrow-shaped tip, or curved.

The plurality of elongate components may comprise a cross section with an angled tip and an angled indent.

The plurality of elongate components may be arranged such that that angled tip of one elongate component at least partially overlaps with, and is received within a space defined by, the angled indent of an adjacent elongate component.

The plurality of elongate components may comprise chevron-shaped cross-sections.

As will be appreciated by a skilled person, there may be a number of different shaped tips, indents, and spacings of the plurality of elongate components that provide the required benefits of the invention.

For example, a steeply angled tip and corresponding indent may allow a greater spacing between the elongate components than a shallower angled tip and corresponding indent.

The plurality of elongate components may comprise an inner core and/or an outer shell.

The inner core may provide structural rigidity to the extended component.

The outer shell may provide a pleasing aesthetic and/or appearance to the extended component. Moreover, the outer shell may be easily adapted and/or changed during the manufacturing of the extended components to allow different appearance and/or textural effects to be provided as may be required by different airline operators.

The outer shell may be a fabric material and/or leather.

The plurality of elongate components may comprise a sound absorbing material, which acts to absorb sound, potentially reducing the noise levels experienced by a passenger sitting near the privacy structure.

The privacy structure may be used for any suitable purpose within an aircraft where it is desirable to provide a privacy structure, which cannot be seen through, but does allow a good airflow.

For example, the privacy structure may be a privacy screen associated with electronic components, which hides the electronic components from view whilst allowing sufficient airflow that the electronic components remain cool.

In yet further variations, the privacy structure may be a non-aircraft privacy structure, where it is desirable to provide privacy whilst also maintaining good airflow. This is particularly of interest in air travel due to the enclosed and pressurised nature of an aircraft cabin during flight, but may also be applicable to other transportation modes via land or sea, or environments such as changing rooms.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is also provided an aircraft suite unit comprising a privacy structure according to the first aspect of the invention. -4 -

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is also provided an aircraft suite unit comprising an aircraft suite according to the second aspect of the invention unit and/or a privacy structure according to the first aspect of the invention.

It will, of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

For example, the first aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the second or third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of non-limiting examples, but the present invention is not limited to these disclosures, and will make it easy to understand what the invention consists of and how it can be embodied, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a privacy structure according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a privacy structure according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a privacy structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a privacy structure 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. More particularly, figure 1 shows a suite 10 for an aircraft, which includes an aircraft seat unit, such as a first-class seat unit.

The suite 10 includes the privacy structure 12, which may comprise at least one privacy screen 12, and more particularly a number of privacy screens 12.

The privacy structure 12, in particular the privacy screen 12 surrounds, at least partially, the aircraft seat unit of the suite 10. The privacy structure 12 allows a passenger in the suite 10 to enjoy a maximum level of privacy, whilst also allowing a sufficient volume of air to flow through the privacy structure 12, specifically through the privacy screen 12, which provides a comfortable flying experience. -5 -

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the privacy structure 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a plurality of elongate components 14 which make up the privacy structure 12 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The privacy structure 12 may comprise at least two elongate components 14.

Alternatively, the privacy structure 12 may comprise a plurality of elongate components 14, as shown on the example depicted on figure 2.

According the embodiment of figure 2, the elongate component 14 is chevron-shaped. In such arrangement, the elongate component 14 may include an angled tip 16 and an angled indent 18.

The elongate components 14 are spaced adjacent to one another. In a particular arrangement. The elongate components 14 are such that the angled tip 16 of one elongate component 14 is pointed towards the angled indent 18 of an adjacent elongate component 14.

The angled indent 18 defines a space 20. Particularly, a distal end of the angled tip 16 of one elongate component 14 abuts the space 20 of an adjacent elongate component 14.

A channel 22 is created between adjacent elongate components 14, which allows air to flow from a first side A of the privacy structure 12, specifically the privacy screen 12, to a second side B of the privacy structure 12_ specifically the privacy screen 12, or vice versa depending on the airflow direction in the immediate environment. However, whilst an airflow is permitted through the channels 22, there is no substantial line of sight from the first side A of the privacy screen 12 to the second side B of the privacy screen 12. Therefore, the privacy provided by the privacy structure 12, particularly the privacy screen 12 is maintained.

Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aircraft structure 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. More specifically, figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a plurality of elongate components 34 which make up the privacy structure 12 according to another embodiment of the invention.

The privacy structure 12 may comprise at least two elongate components 34.

Alternatively, the privacy structure 12 may comprise a plurality of elongate components 34, as shown on the example depicted on figure 3. -6 -

According the embodiment of figure 3, the elongate components 34 are chevron-shaped. In such arrangement, the elongate component 14 may be arranged in a similar way to that as described with reference to figure 2.

The elongate component 34 is formed of at least a first part 36 and a second part 5.38.

According the embodiment of figure 3, the first part 36 and second part 38 comprise corresponding mating channels which allow the first part 36 and second part 38 to be joined together.

The first part 36 and second part 38, when joined together, define an inner volume 40. Such inner volume 40 may be used to house at least a trunking 42 and/or other cabling associated with an aircraft seat unit. The first part 36 and/or the second part 38 may include an outer shell portion 44. The outer shell portion 44 may be a soft-touch material. The outer shell portion 44 will most typically be on the passenger facing side of the privacy structure 12, for example the inside of the suite 10.

In the embodiment of figure 3, there is no additional outer shell portion associated with the first part 36, but it will be appreciated that this is a simple variation of the invention that may be chosen depending on the requirements of an airline operator.

The external cabin-facing side of the privacy structure 12 may include lighting and/or other visual elements to provide passenger information, such as direction of emergency exits.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

The privacy structure 12 may be used for any suitable purpose within an aircraft where it is desirable to provide the privacy structure 12, which cannot be seen through, but does allow a good airflow.

For example, the privacy structure 12 may be a privacy screen associated with electronic components, which hides the electronic components from view whilst allowing sufficient airflow that the electronic components remain cool.

In yet further variations, the privacy structure 12 may be a non-aircraft privacy structure, where it is desirable to provide privacy whilst also maintaining good airflow. -7 -

This is particularly of interest in air travel due to the enclosed and pressurised nature of an aircraft cabin during flight, but may also be applicable to other transportation modes via land or sea, or environments such as changing rooms.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed, so as to encompass any such equivalents.

It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims (12)

1. -8 -Claims 1. A privacy structure comprising a plurality of elongate components arranged adjacent to and spaced from one another forming a barrier, wherein the privacy structure allows airflow from one side of the privacy structure to the other side of the privacy structure, and wherein there is no line of sight from one side of the privacy structure to the other side of the privacy structure.
2. 2. A privacy structure as claimed in claim I, wherein the privacy structure defines a privacy screen or shroud.
3. 3. A privacy structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the privacy structure is fixed in position or is movable.
4. 4. A privacy structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of elongate components comprise hollow tubes.
5. 5. An aircraft structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hollow tubes are a one-piece component.
6. 6. A privacy structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hollow tubes are two-piece components, which may be joined via a mechanical connection.
7. 7. A privacy structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of elongate components comprise a cross-section with an angled tip and/or a cross-section with an angled indent.
8. 8. A privacy structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of elongate components are arranged such that the angled tip of one elongate component at least partially overlaps with, and is received within a space defined by, the angled indent of an adjacent elongate component. -9 -
9. 9. A privacy structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of extended components comprise an inner core and/or an outer shell.
10. 10. A privacy structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of extended components comprise a sound absorbing material.
11. I I. An aircraft suite unit comprising a privacy structure according to any of claims 1 to 10.
12. 12. An aircraft suite unit comprising a suite unit according to claim 11 and/or a privacy structure according to any of claims 1 to 10.