HK1218105B

HK1218105B - Seating arrangement, seat unit, tray table and seating system

Info

Publication number: HK1218105B
Application number: HK16106030.1A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Victoria Anne Bamford; Glen Wilson Porter; James Dominic France; Geoffrey Glen Suvalko
Original assignee: Air New Zealand Limited
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2016-05-26
Publication date: 2019-08-02

Description

Seat arrangement, seat unit, tray table and seat system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to seats and seating arrangements in or for vehicles, particularly but not exclusively for aircraft.

Background

Seats on commercial passenger aircraft have many different arrangements. In fact, many aircraft carry several different types of seats. For example, they may carry several business class seats, and typically carry more economy class seats.

The standard price of business class seats is higher than that of economy class seats. This is primarily because business class occupies more area in an aircraft. The airline may therefore charge a premium for these seats.

Many business class seats now provide the ability to recline the seat from a sedentary position to a fully reclined position. In the lie flat position, the seat back, the seat pan, and, for example, the footrest end up in a relationship to each other that presents a substantially flat surface. This allows the passenger to lie down and thus be more comfortable when resting or sleeping. WO03/013903 (Virginia Atlantic aviation, Limited liability company) shows such a seat. US2007/0040434 also shows a seat capable of achieving this. However, these seats consume a large amount of space on the aircraft in order to provide such comfort to the passengers. This means that there is less passenger density in the commercial seat cabin portion of the aircraft.

A common trade-off for airlines in providing increased passenger comfort is to reduce passenger density. This is because passenger comfort can often be achieved by providing the passenger with more personal space on the aircraft. This generally reduces the number of passengers that the aircraft can carry. This is the primary reason why airlines charge more for business class seats than economy class seats. It may be argued that a reduction in the payload (e.g., the number of passengers and their luggage) may result in fuel savings. However, the mechanisms of business class seating are often complex, expensive and cumbersome. This offsets any fuel savings, at least to some extent.

Economy class seats on long haul flights are known to be used in a manner that allows passengers to lie down. The armrests between the seats in a row of seats can be folded out of the way. When lying down, only one passenger occupies the entire row by lying across all the seat plates of that row of seats. This usually only happens if the aircraft is not fully seated and all seats in that row can be occupied by only one passenger.

Some airlines currently focus on maximizing individual passenger comfort and personal space, and also striving to isolate and insulate the passenger as much as possible from other passengers. Passengers are considered individuals, but passengers on many flights travel as a group of people, such as a family. They need to interact with each other and feel comfortable resting close to each other. Or they at least need options regarding these.

Making individual seats less personalized and more public goes against those ideas that airlines currently seek to obtain. The seats are not allowed to cooperate with each other. Indeed in business class and many other classes, collaboration is not a design element as it usually implies a loss of privacy.

In addition, some groups of travelers cannot afford the business class or do not want to spend money on the price of business class tickets. For example, a child's family cannot benefit from the extra space provided by a business class when traveling, and thus parents will have difficulty finding a reason to purchase business class tickets.

While airlines have been cautious providing seats in lower decks as lower decks would divert seat sales in other decks, a great deal of seat development work has been done to provide space, privacy and comfort and service to business decks. This increases these quality gaps between business class and economy class, as more research and development is focused on business class seats than economy class. There is often a lack of development in economy class seats that provide increased mass. An obvious exception to this is the flight entertainment system.

Due to the significant technology, expense, and space limitations unique to aircraft applications, passenger seating technology in aircraft has necessarily evolved into a separate technical area in other modes of transportation.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a seat and/or seat arrangement that is reconfigurable to provide a versatile zone that can facilitate shared use of a space defined by multiple passengers.

The term "and/or" as used herein means "and" or "and" or ".

"s" as used herein immediately following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein, "contiguous" may be interpreted as a contiguous and contacting relationship or a non-contiguous relationship in which there may be a small but negligible gap.

As used herein, "window seats" means seats in a row adjacent to a bulkhead adjacent to the fuselage, regardless of whether there is a physical window adjacent to that seat.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the invention broadly consists in a passenger vehicle seating unit comprising:

a row of a plurality of adjacent seats, each seat comprising: a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest supported by a support frame, the leg rest of each seat being movably mounted relative to the support frame in a manner allowing it to move between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully deployed condition in which the seat pan and leg rest are substantially coplanar and in which the seat pan and leg rest are substantially co-planar, and

wherein in a fully deployed state, the leg rests of adjacent seats abut each other, wherein each side of each seat in the row has an armrest, wherein the armrest between two seats in the row is movable between a usable position, wherein the armrest is positioned between the backrest and the seat pan, and a stowed position, wherein the armrest is not positioned between the backrest and the seat pan, and

wherein the leg rest and the seat pan of each seat in the row are all cooperable to define a reconfigurable horizontal surface for at least one passenger to support at least two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row and occupying at least two seats in the row.

Preferably, the leg rest and the seat pan of each seat in the row are cooperable to define a reconfigurable support surface for shared use by at least two passengers.

Preferably, the row comprises at least two adjacent seats, and wherein the leg rest and the seat pan of each seat in the row are cooperable to define a reconfigurable support surface for shared use by all of the at least two passengers assigned to the row.

Preferably, the row comprises three adjacent seats.

Preferably, the row comprises four adjacent seats.

Preferably, the row comprises five adjacent seats.

Preferably, for each seat, the leg rest extends from the adjacent seat pan in the seat facing direction when the leg rest is in the fully deployed state.

Preferably, for each seat, the leg rest abuts the seat pan when the leg rest is in the fully deployed state.

Preferably, for each seat, the leg rest extends in a downward direction from the adjacent seat pan when the leg rest is in the storage state.

Preferably, for each seat, the leg rest abuts the seat pan when the leg rest is in the storage state.

Preferably, the leg rests of adjacent seats are contiguous with each other when in the fully deployed state.

Preferably, the leg rests of adjacent seats are in abutment with each other when in the stored condition.

Preferably, all seats in the row are side-by-side and all face in the same direction.

Preferably, the row comprises three seats, and wherein all leg rests and seat pans of the three seats are configurable to:

i) define a horizontal passenger support surface that can assume each of a T-shape, an L-shape, a U-shape, and an I-shape when viewed in plan, and

ii) allowing all three leg supports in their fully deployed condition to support at least one person in a reclined position with the seat pan.

Preferably, the row comprises four seats, and wherein all leg rest and seat pan of the three seats are configurable to:

ii) allowing all four leg supports in their fully deployed condition to support at least one person in a reclined position with the seat pan.

Preferably, each side of each seat in the row has an armrest, the armrest intermediate the two seats in the row being movable between a usable position in which the armrest is located between the backrest and the seat pan and a stowed position in which the armrest is not located between the backrest and the seat pan.

Preferably, each armrest in the stowed position intermediate two adjacent seats is positioned in a cavity defined between the backrests of the two adjacent seats.

Preferably at least one armrest at an end of the row is movable between an available position in which the armrest is located between the seat back and the seat pan and a stowed position in which the armrest is not located between the seat back and the seat pan.

Preferably, at least one or each armrest between two adjacent seats is pivotally movable relative to the support frame between a stored position and a usable position.

Preferably, the armrest between two adjacent seats is arranged to move rearwardly from the outer surface of the backrest of the adjacent seat when in the stowed position.

Preferably, each leg rest is capable of remaining in a position between the fully deployed and stowed conditions.

Preferably, the support frame supports all seats in the row.

Preferably, the backrest of each seat is movable between an upright position and a reclined position.

Preferably, each of the leg rest is supported only by the support frame.

Preferably each said leg rest is movable to and maintained in a partially deployed position between said fully deployed state and said stowed state.

Preferably, a passenger vehicle seat unit as described herein above is installed on a commercial airliner.

Preferably, a passenger vehicle seating unit as described herein above is mounted in the economy class section of the aircraft.

Preferably, a passenger vehicle seating unit as described herein above is installed in the aircraft cabin section that provides the lowest standard fare for each seat to the consumer.

In a second aspect the invention resides in a passenger vehicle seating unit comprising:

a row of a plurality of adjacent seats supported by a support frame, each seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, and each seat facing in the same direction, the leg rest of each seat comprising a leg support surface and being mounted relative to the seat frame in a manner allowing it to move between (a) a storage condition and (b) a fully deployed condition in which the seat pan and the leg rest support surface are substantially coplanar and abut an adjacent leg rest support surface, and

wherein the seat pan and the leg rest of all seats in the first row are cooperable to provide substantially horizontal passenger support allowing at least two passengers to recline or lie down and substantially extend and occupy at least two seats in the row in a direction parallel to the row direction.

In another aspect the invention is a passenger vehicle seating unit comprising a row of three adjacent seats, each seat supported by a support frame and each seat comprising: a seat back, a seat pan, and leg brackets, each leg bracket movably mounted to the support frame and movable relative to the seat pan between a stowed state and a deployed state, wherein all of the leg brackets and the seat pan of the three seats are configurable to:

i) for at least one person, a horizontal passenger support surface is defined that can assume each of a T-shape, an L-shape, a U-shape, and an I-shape when viewed in plan view, and

ii) allowing all three leg rests in their fully unfolded state together with the seat pan to support at least two passengers in a reclined or lying position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row and occupying at least two seats in the row.

In yet another aspect the invention resides in a passenger vehicle seating unit comprising a row of four adjacent seats, each seat supported by a support frame and each seat comprising: a seat back, a seat pan, and leg brackets, each leg bracket movably mounted to the support frame and movable relative to the seat pan between a stowed state and a deployed state, wherein all of the leg brackets and the seat pan of the four seats are configurable to:

ii) allowing all four leg rests in their fully deployed state together with the seat pan to support at least two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row and occupying at least two seats in the row.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger vehicle seating arrangement comprising:

i) a first plurality of adjacent seats in a first row,

ii) a second row of a plurality of adjacent seats adjacent to, aligned with and in a more forward position in the vehicle relative to the first row of seats,

each seat includes: a seat pan, a seat back extending upwardly from the seat pan, and a leg rest mounted relative to the seat pan to allow movement thereof between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully deployed condition, wherein the leg rests of two adjacent seats in the first row are in abutment with each other when in the deployed condition, and

wherein each leg rest in the first row, when all in the fully deployed state, spans between its respective seat pan and the corresponding seat in the second row and together defines a surface on which two adults lie in a direction parallel to the direction of the rows and lie next to each other.

Preferably, the seat pan and leg rest of all seats in said first row are able to cooperate to provide substantially horizontal passenger support, allowing at least one passenger to recline or lie flat, extend substantially in a direction parallel to said row and occupy at least two seats in said row.

Preferably, the seat pans and leg brackets of all seats in said first row are able to cooperate to provide substantially horizontal passenger support, allowing at least two passengers to recline or lie flat, extend substantially in a direction parallel to said rows, and each occupy at least two seats in said rows.

Preferably, for each seat, the leg rest in the stored condition is located adjacent to and below the seat pan.

Preferably, the leg rest of each seat in a row, when in said fully deployed condition, cooperates with a respective seat pan, forming at least part of a bed on which at least one passenger reclines, substantially in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to the direction of travel of said vehicle.

Preferably, armrests are provided on each side of each seat in the first row, at least one of the armrests being movable from a position in which a person sitting on the seat can rest an arm on the armrest to a storage position in which the armrest is positioned closer to and does not protrude from the adjacent seat back(s) in a seat-facing direction.

Preferably each leg rest is settable in a position between the stored condition and the fully deployed condition to support a leg of a person seated on the seat.

Preferably, the leg rests of two adjacent seats in said first row are in abutment with each other when in the deployed state.

Preferably, for any seat in said first row, there is sufficient space for a person to be able to stand between said seat and a corresponding seat in said second row when their respective leg rest is in the stowed condition, and there is insufficient space for a person to stand between said seat and a corresponding seat in said second row when in the fully deployed condition.

Preferably, the leg rest of each seat in the first row spans between its respective seat pan and the corresponding seat in the second row when in the fully deployed state.

Preferably, each leg rest in the first row spans between its respective seat pan and a corresponding seat in the second row when all are in the fully deployed state and together define a surface on which two adults lie flat against each other.

Preferably, each leg rest in the first row extends from its respective seat pan towards the corresponding seat in the second row when all are in the fully deployed state, all leg rests and seat pans in the first row together defining a surface for two adults to lie on and next to each other.

Preferably, a tray table depends from the backrest of each seat in the second row, the tray table comprising:

i) a main table top movable between two positions:

a. a stowed position in which the primary table top is disposed toward the respective seat, an

b. A deployed position in which the primary tabletop extends more from the seat towards the first row, thereby providing a primary use surface; and

ii) an auxiliary table top defined by a plurality of adjacent extension panels, each of the extension panels being independently coupled to the primary table top, wherein the extension panels are disposed in a side-by-side configuration at least one edge of the primary panel, and each of the extension panels is movable by a passenger between a stowed state and a deployed state in which the extension panels project from the edge of the primary table top and are in a coplanar relationship with the primary table top.

Preferably, the main table top includes an edge extending perpendicular to the advancement direction, the extension panels are disposed at the edge, and the extension panels are movable closer to and further from the first row corresponding to the deployed and stowed states of each respective extension panel.

Preferably, the auxiliary table top has the same width (in the direction of the rows) as the main table top.

Preferably, the expansion panel is hingedly engaged with the primary table top so as to rotate relative to the primary table top as the expansion panel moves between the stowed and deployed states.

Preferably, the first plurality of adjacent seats is identical to the second plurality of adjacent seats.

Preferably, the row direction of the first row is parallel to the row direction of the second row.

In another aspect of the invention is said to be a passenger vehicle comprising a passenger vehicle seating arrangement as described herein above.

In another aspect of the invention is a passenger vehicle seating unit as described herein above and installed on a commercial airliner.

In another aspect of the invention is said passenger vehicle seating unit as described herein above and installed in the economy class section of the aircraft.

In another aspect of the invention is a passenger vehicle seating unit as described herein above and installed in an aircraft cabin segment that provides a minimum standard fare for unit seats to consumers.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger vehicle comprising:

(i) a first row passenger vehicle seating arrangement comprising at least:

a. a first plurality of adjacent seats in a first row,

b. a second row of a plurality of adjacent seats positioned adjacent to, aligned with, and in a more forward position in the passenger vehicle relative to the first row of seats,

each seat comprising a seat pan, a seat back extending upwardly from the seat pan, and a leg rest mounted relative to the seat pan to allow movement thereof between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully deployed condition in which the seat pan and leg rest cooperate to provide a substantially horizontal surface to support at least two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position and occupying at least two seats in the row, extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row,

and

(ii) a second row of passenger vehicle seating arrangements parallel to the first row and comprising at least:

a. a first plurality of adjacent seats in a first row,

wherein there are two channels between the first and second columns that are separated from each other by a third column passenger seat arrangement, wherein the third column is different from the first and second columns.

Preferably, each row of seats in the first column comprises a window seat and each row of seats in the second column comprises a window seat.

Preferably, there are two channels between the first and second columns, the two channels being separated from each other by a third column passenger seat arrangement that is identical to at least one of the first and second columns.

Preferably there are two channels between the first and second columns, the two channels being separated from each other by a third column passenger seat arrangement which is different from both the first and second columns.

Preferably, the row of seats in said third column consists of seats that do not include leg rest.

Preferably, the seats in each of the first and second rows face in a direction parallel to the passage.

Preferably, the passenger vehicle is a commercial airliner.

Preferably, both the first column and the second column are located in an economy class section of the commercial airliner.

In yet another aspect the invention is a seat arrangement for a passenger aircraft, comprising: a plurality of side-by-side juxtaposed seats, each of said seats facing in the same direction and aligned with each other to form a row of seats, each of said seats comprising a seat pan and a leg rest, said leg rest being movable relative to said seat pan between a stowed condition and a deployed condition in which said leg rest and said seat pan form a horizontal support surface, each of said leg rests having a shape and configuration such that it abuts an adjacent leg rest and abuts each respective seat pan when all of the leg rests in said row are in the deployed condition, the leg rest of each of said seats in said row of seats being configurable to be in at least one of its deployed condition and its stored condition, thereby allowing each of two fellow passengers to assume (i) a resting position seated on a respective seat in said row, and (ii) at least one of a strolling style position and a reclined position shared occupying at least two seats in the row.

Preferably, the seating arrangement is located in an economy class section of an aircraft.

Preferably, each seat further comprises a backrest projecting upwardly from a rear edge of the seat pan and wherein in a stowed condition the leg rest projects downwardly from a front edge of the seat pan and in a deployed condition the leg rest projects from the front edge in a seat facing direction.

Preferably, each of said leg rests is shaped and configured to provide a resting surface when all leg rests in said row are in a deployed state to allow two passengers to lie side by side on said resting surface formed by said leg rests and said seat pan.

Preferably, there are three adjacent seats and all leg rest and seat pan of the three seats can be configured as:

i) defining a horizontal passenger support surface for at least one person, the horizontal passenger support surface capable of assuming each of a T-shape, an L-shape, a U-shape, and an I-shape when viewed in plan view, and

Preferably, there are four adjacent seats and all leg rest and seat pan of the four seats can be configured as:

Preferably, each of said leg supports is shaped and configured such that when all leg supports in said row are in the deployed condition, all leg supports abut adjacent leg supports and abut the respective seat plate of each leg support.

i) a first row of a plurality of seats juxtaposed to each other,

each seat includes: a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest movably mounted relative to and adjacent the seat pan in a manner allowing movement thereof between a stored condition and a fully deployed condition in which the seat pan and the leg rest cooperate to provide substantially horizontal support for a passenger,

ii) a second row of a plurality of juxtaposed seats adjacent the first row of seats and in a more forward position in the vehicle relative to the first row of seats,

each seat in the second row supports a tray table behind its seat back, the tray table comprising at least two plates disposed side-by-side in a row direction, wherein each plate is movable between a stowed condition closer to the seat supporting it and a use condition closer to the first row.

a row of a plurality of juxtaposed seats, each seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat being movably mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner allowing movement thereof between a stored condition and an extended condition in which the seat pan and the leg rest are substantially coplanar, and wherein the leg rest and seat pan of adjacent seats in the row are cooperable to define a reconfigurable support surface for at least one passenger.

Preferably, the leg rest moves between its stored and extended conditions in a rotational manner relative to the seat plate about an axis of rotation adjacent the seat plate.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger seating unit for an aircraft, comprising: a row of 3 juxtaposed seats, each seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat being movably mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner allowing movement thereof between a stored condition and an extended condition in which the leg rest is presented adjacent the seat pan in an abutting manner so as to provide a support surface for a passenger in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row, and the seat pans abutting one another and defining a bench, wherein each leg rest is coplanar with its respective seat pan when in the extended condition and each leg rest abuts a leg rest of an adjacent seat when in the extended condition and the leg rest of an adjacent seat is also in the extended condition.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger seating unit for an aircraft, comprising:

a row of 4 juxtaposed seats, each seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat being movably mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner allowing it to move between a stored condition and an extended condition in which the leg rest is presented adjacent the seat pan thereby providing a support surface for a passenger.

Preferably, the seat pans abut one another and define a bench, wherein each leg rest is coplanar with its respective seat pan when in the extended condition, and each leg rest abuts a leg rest of an adjacent seat when in the extended condition, and the leg rest of the adjacent seat is also in the extended condition at this time.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger vehicle seating arrangement in a passenger vehicle, the arrangement comprising:

a plurality of rows of seats, each seat in each row facing in the same direction, wherein each row comprises:

a plurality of juxtaposed and in-line seats, each seat comprising a seat frame supporting a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest of each seat being movably mounted relative to the seat frame in a manner allowing it to move between a stored condition and a fully deployed condition in which the seat pan and the leg rest are substantially coplanar, and wherein the leg rest of each seat is in close proximity to the seat pan of a seat in a preceding row when in its fully deployed condition, and wherein the leg rest and the seat pan of adjacent seats in the row are able to cooperate to define a reconfigurable support surface to provide support for at least one occupant in a reclined or lie-flat position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row.

Preferably, the approach is to the extent that a person is prevented from standing on the floor between the two rows.

In a further aspect the present invention is said to be a tray table for location at or for the rear of a backrest of a seat in a passenger vehicle, the tray table comprising:

i) a main table top movable between two positions:

a. a stowed position in which the primary table top is disposed toward the backrest, an

b. A deployed position in which the primary table top extends generally parallel and away from the backrest; and

Preferably, the main table top includes an edge extending perpendicular to a seat facing direction, and the extension board is disposed at the edge.

Preferably, the expansion board is hingedly coupled to the primary table top.

Preferably, the tray table includes at least one arm extending from the seat, the primary table top being pivotally engaged with the arm to allow the primary table top to move between its stowed and deployed positions.

Preferably, the tray table arrangement comprises a plurality of arms.

Preferably, the primary table top defines a pair of opposed major surfaces.

Preferably, the expansion plate defines a pair of opposed major surfaces.

Preferably, the primary table top is quadrilateral in shape.

Preferably, the primary table top is rectangular in shape.

Preferably, each expansion plate is in a quadrangular shape.

Preferably, each expansion plate is rectangular in shape.

Preferably, the primary table top is positioned in its stowed condition with one of the major surfaces parallel to the seat back.

Preferably, the spreader plates define a pair of opposed major surfaces, and wherein at least one or more of the spreader plates are disposed in its stowed position with one of its major surfaces abutting a major surface of the substrate.

Preferably, at least one or more of the expansion panels are arranged in their stowed position with one of their major surfaces abutting a major surface of the other expansion panel.

In yet another aspect the invention is directed to a passenger accommodation system for a passenger vehicle, the system comprising:

i) a seating arrangement comprising:

a. a first plurality of adjacent seats in a first row,

b. a second row of a plurality of adjacent seats positioned adjacent to, aligned with and in a more forward position in the passenger vehicle relative to the first row of seats, each seat comprising a seat pan, a seat back extending upwardly from the seat pan, and a leg rest mounted relative to the seat pan to allow movement thereof between (a) a stored condition and (b) a fully deployed condition in which the seat pan and leg rest cooperate to provide substantially horizontal passenger support,

ii) a tray table located rearward of the backrest of each seat in the second row, the tray table comprising:

a. a main table top movable between two positions:

a stowed position in which the primary table top is disposed toward the backrest, an

A deployed position in which the primary table top extends generally parallel and away from the backrest; and

b. an auxiliary table top defined by a plurality of adjacent extension panels, each of the extension panels being independently coupled to the main table top, wherein the extension panels are disposed in a side-by-side configuration at least one edge of the main panel, and each of the extension panels is movable by a passenger between a stowed state and a deployed state in which the extension panels project from the edge of the main table top and are in a coplanar relationship with the main table top.

In yet another aspect of the invention is a method of configuring a passenger seating area on a passenger aircraft, the area defined at least in part by a row of at least three reconfigurable and adjacent seats, each seat comprising: a seat back, a seat pan, and a leg rest movably mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner allowing it to be configured into a stored condition and an extended condition in which the seat pan and leg rest are substantially coplanar and can be presented in abutment with a leg rest of an adjacent seat in the row, the method comprising: configuring the leg rest of each seat in the row into at least one of the following configurations:

i) wherein all leg rests in said row are in their extended condition such that each leg rest and seat pan of an adjacent seat in said row can cooperate to define a configuration of horizontal support surface on which at least one passenger and preferably two passengers lie,

ii) a configuration in which only the leg rest of the seat at one end of the row is in the extended condition,

iii) a configuration in which each of the leg rests of the seats at each end of the row is in the extended state,

iv) a configuration in which the leg rest of the seat at one end of the row is not in the extended state (e.g. in the stowed state or otherwise), and

v) a configuration in which only the leg rest of the seat between the two ends of the row is in the extended condition.

In yet another aspect of the invention is said to be a method of accommodating two passengers in a space in a vehicle that can be established in a personal/private mode or in a shared/space-sharing mode, facilitated by providing said space between a first row of seats that are side-by-side, adjacent and facing in a first direction, and a second row of seats that are side-by-side, adjacent, facing in said first direction and located closer to said first row of seats in said first direction, each seat in said first row comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest movably mounted relative to and adjacent to said seat pan in a manner that allows said leg rest to move between a stored condition and a fully deployed condition in which said seat pan and said leg rest cooperate, thereby providing a substantially horizontal surface to support at least two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the rows.

In yet another aspect the present invention is a passenger accommodation unit for use by at least two passengers in a passenger vehicle, the accommodation unit comprising:

a row of at least two adjacent seats, each seat supported by a support frame above a floor in the passenger vehicle and each seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest, each leg rest being mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner movable between a stowed condition and a deployed condition, wherein in the deployed position the leg rest of each seat abuts an adjacent leg rest and abuts its respective seat pan thereby defining a horizontal support surface constituted by the leg rests and seat pans of the at least two adjacent seats to support at least two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row.

Preferably, the passenger accommodation unit can be customized to at least two modes of use: a first public mode in which both of the at least two passengers occupy the at least two seats, and a second private mode in which each passenger occupies only one seat.

In yet another aspect the present invention is directed to a method of configuring a passenger seating area on a passenger vehicle for providing a larger area seating area on which passengers can recline, the passenger seating area comprising: a row of at least three reconfigurable and adjacent seats, each seat comprising a seat back, a seat pan and a leg rest movably mounted relative to the seat pan in a manner allowing it to be configured into a stored position and an extended position in which the seat pan and leg rest are substantially coplanar and can be presented in abutment with a leg rest of an adjacent seat in the row, the method comprising:

a step of selecting a first one of said leg supports for moving it from its storage position to its extended position; and then

A step of moving the first one of the leg supports to its extended position.

A step of selecting a second one of said leg supports for moving it from its storage position to its extended position; and then

The step of moving said second one of said leg brackets to its extended position, thereby defining a surface for supporting at least two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to said rows.

Preferably, the step of selecting a first one of the leg rests comprises selecting a leg rest of an end seat in the row.

Preferably, the step of selecting a first one of the leg rests comprises selecting a leg rest of a middle seat in the row.

Preferably, the step of selecting a second one of the leg supports comprises selecting a leg support adjacent to the selected first leg support.

Preferably, the step of selecting a second one of the leg supports comprises selecting a leg support that is not adjacent to the selected first leg support.

Preferably, the method comprises:

a step of selecting a third one of the leg supports for moving it from its storage position to its extended position; and then

A step of moving the third one of the leg supports to its extended position.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger vehicle comprising:

a row of adjacent seats defining a receiving area occupied by two adult passengers, wherein each seat comprises a seat pan and a leg rest, said leg rest being movable relative to said seat pan between a stowed condition and a fully deployed condition, and in said fully deployed condition said leg rest being adjacent to said seat pan in such a way that wherein when the leg rests of all seats in said row are placed in the fully deployed condition said seat pan and said leg rest define a horizontal surface capable of supporting said two passengers in a reclined or lie flat position extending in a direction parallel to said row position,

wherein the region is configurable to allow the two passengers to (i) be in an upright resting position in each seat in the row, and (ii) be in a reclined position in which the two passengers share at least one seat in the row and at least partially occupy at least two seats in the row.

Preferably, there are 3 or 4 adjacent seats in the row.

Preferably, the zone can be configured to allow the two passengers to share at least two or all seats in the row and to at least partially occupy at least three or all seats in the row.

Preferably, the region can be configured to allow the two passengers to lie horizontally across all seats in the row and adjacent to each other.

Preferably, the zone is configurable by at least one of the passengers.

Preferably each seat comprises a seat pan and a leg rest, the leg rest being movable relative to the seat pan between a stowed condition and a fully deployed condition, and the leg rest when in the fully deployed condition being presented adjacent the seat pan in such a way that wherein when the leg rests of all seats in the row are in the fully deployed condition the seat pan and the leg rest define a horizontal surface capable of supporting two passengers in a reclined position.

In yet another aspect the invention is an airliner seat arrangement comprising:

a row of seats having at least three adjacent seats mounted on a support frame, the row of seats defining a receiving area, the receiving area being capable of being occupied by at least two adult passengers. Wherein the receiving area is configurable between:

i) an individual mode in which at least two adult passengers can be in an upright resting position in respective seats of a row of seats; and

ii) a common sharing mode, wherein at least two adult passengers are able to share at least one seat in a row of seats and are able to at least partially occupy at least two seats in a row of seats.

Wherein each seat in a row of seats has an armrest on each side thereof, the armrest intermediate the two seats in the row being movable between an available position and a stowed position.

Wherein each seat in the receiving area is independently extendable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the row of seats to span the gap such that a person cannot stand between the row of seats and a row of seats immediately preceding the row of seats.

Wherein when extended, the extended seats are supported solely by the support frame and adjacent extended seats cooperate to form a coplanar and abutting extended support surface for at least two adult passengers such that adjacent extended seats abut or there is a small but negligible gap.

Wherein, in one configuration of the common sharing mode, in a row of seats, at least three adjacent seats are extended and at least the armrests adjacent to one or more center seats are stowed such that the extended support surface provides a sleeping surface. The sleeping surface is for supporting at least two adult passengers in a reclined position such that the legs of the at least two adult passengers can extend in a direction parallel to the direction of the row of seats.

Preferably, in the passenger aircraft seat arrangement there are 4 adjacent seats in the row of seats.

Preferably, in the passenger aircraft seat arrangement, the accommodation region can be configured to allow at least two adult passengers to lie flat horizontally across all seats in the row of seats and adjacent to each other.

Preferably, in the passenger aircraft seat arrangement, the accommodation region is configurable by at least one passenger of at least two adult passengers.

Preferably, in the passenger aircraft seat arrangement, each seat comprises a seat pan and a leg rest, and each seat is extendable by moving the leg rest relative to the seat pan between a stowed state and a fully deployed state. Wherein in the fully deployed condition the leg rest is adjacent the seat pan in a manner such that when the leg rests of all seats in a row of seats are positioned in the fully deployed condition, the seat pan and leg rest define horizontal surfaces capable of supporting at least two adult passengers in a reclined position.

In yet another aspect of the invention is a method of configuring a containment area for at least two adult passengers aboard a passenger vehicle. The receiving area is at least partially defined by a row of seats having at least three adjacent seats mounted on a support frame. Each seat can independently extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the row of seats, thereby spanning the gap between the row of seats and the row of seats immediately preceding the row of seats. When extended, each extended seat is supported solely by the support frame. The method comprises the following steps:

the seat is configured in a first mode. In this first mode, all seats in the row of seats extend forming a coplanar and abutting, extended support surface such that adjacent extended seats abut or there is a small but negligible gap. The extended support surface is used to recline or lay flat the at least two adult passengers by extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row of seats. The method comprises at least one of the following steps:

i) a step of configuring the seat in a second mode in which none of the seats in the row are extended or all of the seats are retracted, thereby allowing the at least two adult passengers to be in an upright, sedentary position in the respective seats of the row of seats.

ii) a step of configuring the seats in a third mode in which two adjacent seats in the row of seats extend to form a coplanar and abutting, extended support surface for shared use by the at least two adult passengers.

iii) a step of configuring the seat in a fourth mode in which only one or more seats at one or both ends of the row of seats extend.

iv) a step of configuring the seat in a fifth mode in which only one or more seats intermediate the ends of the row of seats extend.

Preferably each seat comprises a seat back and a seat pan, and each seat in the row has an armrest on each side. Wherein, the method also comprises the following steps: when the receiving area is configured in the second mode or the third mode, an armrest intermediate two seats in the row of seats is moved from an available position to a stowed position. Wherein, in the available position, the armrest is positioned between the seat back and the seat pan. In the stowed position, the armrest is not positioned between the seat back and the seat pan.

Preferably, in the method, each seat comprises a seat pan and a leg rest. Wherein the step of extending the one or more seats comprises: moving the leg rest relative to the seat pan between a stowed condition and a fully deployed condition. Wherein, in the fully deployed state, the leg rest is coplanar and contiguous with the seat pan such that when two or more adjacent seats are extended to form the second mode or the third mode. The leg rest and seat pan of the extended, adjacent seat cooperate to form a coplanar and abutting, extended support surface for shared use by the at least two adult passengers.

Preferably, the method further comprises assigning only two passengers to a row of seats having only three seats.

In yet another aspect of the invention is a method of providing flexible accommodation for two adult passengers on a passenger aircraft having a plurality of rows of seats with at least three adjacent seats. Wherein the seats in each row of seats face in the same direction and are mounted on and supported by a support frame, the method comprising:

distributing the two adult passengers to a row of seats;

allowing the two adult passengers individually or collectively to customize the space between their seats and the front row of seats in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the row of seats by manually extending one or more seats in the row of seats in which the two adult passengers are located;

wherein, in the extended position, each seat is supported only by the support frame and is in close proximity to the front row of seats;

wherein when the two adult passengers choose to extend all of their seats in the row of seats, the seats cooperate to provide a coplanar and abutting support surface for supporting the two adult passengers in a reclined or lie flat position such that adjacent and extended seats abut or there is little but negligible clearance. Wherein in the reclined or lie flat position the legs of the two adult passengers extend in a direction parallel to the direction of the row of seats.

Preferably, in the method, each seat comprises a seat back and a seat pan, and each seat in the row of seats has an armrest on each side. Wherein, the method also comprises: allowing the two adult passengers to move the armrest intermediate the two seats in the row of seats from the available position to the stowed position. Wherein, in the available position, the armrest is positioned between the seat back and the seat pan. In the stowed position, the armrest is not positioned between the seat back and the seat pan.

Preferably, in the method, each seat comprises a seat pan and a leg rest. Wherein the step of manually extending the one or more seats comprises: the leg rest is manually moved relative to the seat pan between a stowed condition and a fully deployed condition. Wherein in the fully deployed state the leg rest is co-planar with and abuts the seat pan such that when the two adult occupants choose to extend all seats in the row of seats, the leg rest and the seat pan of the adjacent extended seat cooperate to form the co-planar and abutting support surface.

In yet another aspect the invention is a passenger vehicle seating unit comprising:

a row of seats having at least three adjacent seats mounted on a support frame. Each seat can extend independently in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the row of seats, thereby defining a reconfigurable horizontal support surface. The horizontal support surface can be configured to assume each of a T-shape, an L-shape, a U-shape, and an I-shape when viewed in plan.

Wherein each seat is supported only by the support frame after extension.

Wherein each seat in the row has an armrest on each side. The armrest intermediate two seats in the row of seats is movable between an available position and a stowed position.

Wherein the horizontal support surface can be configured to allow at least two adult passengers assigned to the row of seats to recline on the horizontal support surface with their legs extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row of seats by extending at least three adjacent seats in the row of seats and stowing at least the armrest adjacent to the one or more center seats.

Preferably, in the passenger vehicle seating unit, each seat, when extended, spans a gap such that a person cannot stand between the row of seats and a row of seats immediately preceding the row of seats.

Preferably, in the passenger vehicle seating unit, each seat is in close proximity to a front row of seats when extended.

Preferably, in the passenger vehicle seat unit, the seat is manually extendable by one or both of the at least two adult passengers to expand the accommodation region.

Preferably, in the passenger vehicle seating unit, the accommodation area is in an economy class of the aircraft.

The invention may also broadly be said 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 in the specification of the application which have known equivalents in the relevant art to the invention, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a shows a front perspective view of a seating arrangement having a single seat in a front row placed in various configurations;

figure 1b shows a front view of the seating unit;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the seating arrangement of FIG. 1a with individual seats placed in various configurations;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the seating arrangement of FIG. 1;

figure 4a shows a side view of the seating arrangement of figure 1;

4b-4g show schematic plan views of a row of 3 seats with different configurations of leg rest relative to the seat pan that can be achieved;

5a-5d show plan views of how the seating arrangement is utilized by a fellow traveler comprising two adults to create a common/shared space;

6a-6d show plan views of how the seat arrangement may be utilised by a fellow traveler comprising two adults and one child to create a common/shared space;

6e-6h illustrate how the seat arrangement may be utilized by a fellow traveler comprising one adult and two children to create a plan view of a common/shared space;

figures 7a and 7b show plan views of how the seating arrangement may be utilised by a single traveler comprising two adults to provide reconfigured personal spaces;

7c-7e show plan views of how the seating arrangement is utilized by a non-accompanying but associated traveler, such as two business persons, to provide a reconfigurable personal and shared space;

figures 8-28 show schematic plan views of seat arrangements including typical arrangements of passengers in various configurations, which illustrate the complexity of the seat arrangements;

FIG. 29 shows a top perspective view of a plurality of tray tables;

FIG. 30 shows a top perspective view of a plurality of tray tables in another configuration;

figure 31 shows a schematic plan view of part of an aircraft comprising a plurality of seat units in two rows of seats, each seat unit having three seats;

FIG. 32 shows a schematic plan view of an aircraft including a plurality of seat units in two rows of seats having two side-by-side seats and a middle row of four side-by-side seats;

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of a portion of the tray table;

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a portion of a tray table like that of FIG. 33 but in a different configuration;

FIG. 35 shows a plan view of a leg rest mechanism applied to three adjacent seats (seat cushions removed);

FIG. 36 shows a side view of the leg rest mechanism with the track follower base in the service track for disengaging the track follower from the track base;

FIG. 37 shows a side view of the leg rest mechanism with the leg rest in an extended position;

FIG. 38 shows a cross-sectional side view of the leg rest mechanism showing the adjustable support mechanism;

FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional side view of the leg rest mechanism showing the adjustable support mechanism;

FIG. 40 shows a cross-sectional side view of the leg rest mechanism showing the adjustable support mechanism;

FIG. 41 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a support member, a track follower, and a reaction member;

42-45 show side cross-sectional views of the horizontal support mechanism of the leg rest mechanism in various positions;

FIG. 46 illustrates a close-up top perspective cross-sectional view of the track follower and synchronization mechanism;

FIG. 47 illustrates a side view of the leg rest mechanism in a support position cooperating with a seat cushion of the seating arrangement to define a generally horizontal surface upon which an occupant may be supported;

FIG. 48 shows a cutaway top rear perspective view of the leg rest mechanism;

FIG. 49 shows a bottom perspective view of the leg rest mechanism; and

fig. 50 illustrates a portable seating unit and seating arrangement and an aircraft on which the methods of the present invention may be performed.

Detailed Description

The seating arrangement 100 is illustrated with reference to the above figures, in which like features are generally indicated by like numerals.

Figure 1 shows a seat arrangement 100 that can be implemented on a commercial passenger aircraft 300. And is preferably implemented in the economy class section of a commercial airliner 300. The seating arrangement 100 is made up of at least one row and preferably at least two rows 5 of seats 6, one placed behind the other. Each row of seats 5 comprises at least 2 and preferably at least 3 adjacent seats 6. Each seat 6 in row 5 includes a seat back 12, a seat pan 10 and preferably also a leg rest 11. Each seat 6 can receive an occupant in a resting position. Each seat defines a personal space occupied by a seated passenger in the row. The passenger can thus occupy this space and can utilize the seat back, the seat plate and the leg rest. Passengers may also use handrails that appear on each side of the passenger. The armrest 20 is movable from a use position, in which the passenger's arms can rest thereon, and from a stowed position, in which the armrest is not generally located in the common space between the seat pan and the backrest. The armrest may be removable or may be moved down between the seat pans of the row of seats or retracted back between the backs of the row of seats. For example, armrest 20a may be movable to a stowed position in which it extends substantially vertically and/or may be nested within and/or between the backs of adjacent seats 6 in the row.

The armrest(s) 20a is pivotable about a horizontal axis between deployed and stowed positions and is substantially out of the way of the passenger when in the stowed position. The stowed position may be located in a cavity 22 formed between two adjacent seat backs 12 in a preferred embodiment.

The outermost armrest 20b may be movable or immovable. However, it may move in a similar manner as the armrest 20 a.

Each row preferably faces in a forward direction relative to the fuselage of the aircraft. In other words, the seat back 12 faces the front of the aircraft. Each row 5 preferably faces in the same direction. In an aircraft, a row of rows may be defined, the direction of the row may be parallel to the direction in which the seats face. And the direction of the row may be parallel to the direction of elongation of the aircraft fuselage.

The seats in each row are positioned adjacent to each other. The seat plates preferably can take a position abutting each other so that a couch or sofa resembling a seating surface can be defined by at least two seats. The back 12 of each seat 6 can be reclined from a more upright position to a more reclined position. This can be achieved independently of the position of the adjacent backrest. The seats may be individual seats each mounted separately to one or more floor tracks of the aircraft, or may all be individual seats supported by one or more support frames mounted on one or more floor tracks of the aircraft.

Preferably each row has at least two adjacent seats, more preferably at least three seats or four adjacent seats.

Preferably each seat includes a leg rest arrangement 111. The arrangement comprises a leg rest 11 and a leg rest mechanism 112.

The leg rest is movable between a stored position in which the leg rest is positioned adjacent or proximate to and extends downwardly from the front edge of the seat pan, and a fully deployed position in which the leg rest is positioned adjacent to and extends in a substantially coplanar manner with the seat pan. It should be understood that there may be surface contours of the upper surface 17 of the seat plate and the support surface 16 of the leg rest. And not the entire surface of the seat pan is strictly in a coplanar relationship with the leg rest, but may be close to a coplanar relationship. The leg rest in at least the fully deployed position is contiguous with the seat pan. There may be a small but insignificant gap. It may also be contiguous and preferably remains contiguous when in the storage position and any intermediate position.

The position of the leg rest relative to the seat pan can be controlled independently of the other leg rests of the other seats 6 in the row 5. Accordingly, a passenger seated in the individual seat may select a desired leg rest position.

Referring to the front-most row 5 shown in fig. 1, each seat 6 in the row shows its respective leg rest in a different position. The leg rest 11a is shown in a fully deployed position, the leg rest 11b is shown in a partially deployed position, and the leg rest 11c is shown in a stored position.

Referring to the leg rest 11a shown in the fully deployed position, the support surface 16 cooperates with each seat pan to define a horizontal support zone 88. This is referred to herein as "horizontal", although it may or may not always be preferred to be horizontal in use, depending on the inclination of the aircraft. In fact, the normal mode of use and the horizontal support area when established will provide vertical support to the passenger.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4 a-4 g, it can be seen that the support surface 16 of the leg rest 11 in the fully extended position may also extend a distance between the leading edge 19 of the seat pan and the row of seats 6 (e.g. the backrest thereof) in front of the leading edge 19. In the preferred form, the leg rest 11 in the fully deployed position closes the gap between the seat rows. There are still small gaps between the rows of seats, but such small gaps are not sufficient for a person to stand between the rows on the floor X-X of the aircraft cabin as shown in fig. 1 b.

By providing each seat 6 in a row with a leg rest 11 so that adjacent leg rests can be placed independently in the row, each passenger in the row can determine the leg rest position required by a passenger sitting in the seat 6.

In addition, the provision of such separate leg supports in the rows 5 can allow cooperation of the leg supports of each row. For example, referring to FIG. 18, row 5a shows the leg rest of each seat moved to the fully deployed position. And the armrest 20a may be moved to the stowed position. This allows for the creation of a sleeping surface that can be utilized by one or more passengers. It can be seen that the direction in which the passengers in row 5a can lie is substantially perpendicular to the forward/rearward direction of the aircraft. The handrail 12a or 13b can also be moved away when the row is adjacent to the side of the cabin interior. This can allow a passenger to lean up against the inner wall of the cabin at that position, creating more space for the or each passenger in the row.

In a configuration where all leg rests are deployed in one seat row, a single occupant may lie on a sleeping or resting surface defined by at least two or more seat pans and associated leg rests or lean on more. Multiple passengers, such as an adult and a child, may share such a sleeping or resting surface. The child may also use the surface or a portion of the surface as a play area. This surface may also provide support for a person who prefers to sit in an upright position but extends his legs substantially horizontally, as shown in row 5b of figure 17. For example, for strollers.

It will be appreciated that the sleeping or resting surface defined by the two adjacent seat pans and leg rest is sufficient for a person in a reclined position, thereby allowing the leg rest of the seat at one end of the row to be placed in a non-fully extended position, for example in a partially extended or stored position, as shown in relation to row 5b of figure 17. This is also illustrated with reference to row 5a shown in figure 22. Similar other seats in the row may have their leg rest in a non-fully deployed position.

Various combinations of leg rest positions of leg rests 11 in a row are available. For a row of 3 seats, some different combinations are shown in fig. 4b-4 g. Referring to row 5a shown in fig. 27, the seat 6 at the end of row 5 may have its leg rest 11 in the stored position with the leg rest arrangement 11 of the middle seat 6 in full extension. A passenger in the intermediate seat arrangement in the fully extended position is able to sit with their legs extended substantially horizontally. Alternatively, the person can lie down when the person has a smaller size. This is particularly advantageous for adult passengers traveling with infants or small children, allowing them to rest more comfortably. Fig. 5 a-7 e illustrate other configurations that allow the space between the rows of seats to be customized by the occupant according to the occupant's needs and/or preferences.

The support surface 16 of each leg rest may be defined by a pad. There may also be a lifejacket compartment (component) containing a lifejacket incorporated into the leg rest and for use by passengers at the support surface 16.

The leg rest 11 is movable with respect to the seat pan and the support frame of the seat by which the leg rest 11 is pivotally supported between a stored position and a fully deployed position. The leg rest passes through a partially extended position (as shown in fig. 1 a) during this movement. The leg rest 11 in the storage position is at least partially stowed under the seat plate 10. In the partially extended position, its support surface facing the leg rest 11 will be in the range of 30 to 60 degrees about vertical, more preferably at about 45 degrees about vertical and projecting downwardly and away from the seat plate.

The leg rest 11 is required to be in its storage position, typically when the aircraft is about to land and/or take off and/or during taxiing. This provides clear spaces between the rows for evacuating passengers in an emergency. During taxiing/takeoff/landing, the leg rest needs to be sufficiently restrained to prevent it from moving significantly with respect to the support mechanism under certain loads.

It is envisaged that the leg rest mechanism will be manually moved by a user or passenger, preferably at least partially assisted by a hydraulic lock. An electronic motor may be used instead of or in addition to the electric motor. Optionally these means for assisting are not provided.

A preferred form of leg rest arrangement 111 is shown with reference to figures 35-40. The leg rest arrangement comprises a leg rest 11 and a leg rest mechanism 112. The leg rest mechanism 112 is adapted to support the weight of the occupant applied to the leg rest in the fully deployed position.

A pair of support mechanisms 120 are provided for supporting the leg rest 11, the adjustable support mechanism 160, and the optional drive 20.

As previously described, the leg rest 11 is movable between a stored position, in which the leg rest 11 is positioned primarily beneath and/or beneath the seat cushion 200, an intermediate position, in which the leg rest 11 can be adjustably supported, and a fully deployed position.

Each support mechanism 120 includes an adjustable support mechanism 160 for supporting the leg rest in a plurality of positions between the storage position and the intermediate position. And each support mechanism 120 further includes a horizontal support mechanism 120 for coupling the leg rest to the seat frame 300 to support the leg rest in the fully deployed position.

The leg rest is only manually movable from its neutral position to the extended position.

The leg rest pivots about axis Y-Y. The axis is horizontal and perpendicular to the direction in which the seats face.

The horizontal support mechanism 120 includes a track base 130 and a track follower 150. The horizontal support mechanism 120 is configurable between a stored position corresponding to the stored position of the leg rest (as shown in fig. 40 and 42), an intermediate position corresponding to the intermediate position of the leg rest, and a fully deployed position (as shown in fig. 44).

Horizontal support structure 120 includes a track base surface 130 and a track follower 150, and horizontal support structure 120 is fixed with respect to seat support frame 300, with track base surface 130 being a cam slot (camfloat) 131 in one embodiment shown in fig. 49. A track follower 150 is associated with the leg rest.

The track follower 150 includes a track follower base 152 and a biasing device 154. Biasing device 154 includes a pivot member 156 pivotally mounted to base member 155 at axis X-X. The base member 155 is in turn mounted to a leg rest.

The pivot member 156 is biased by a spring 159 to pivot about the axis X-X with respect to the base member 155, thereby causing the pivot member 156 to rotate clockwise as shown by arrow a in fig. 43 and 46. A track follower base 152 (which acts as a cam follower along the cam slot 131) extends from the distal end 157 of the pivot member 156. In this manner, spring 159 urges track follower base 152 against the lower edge of cam slot 131.

An adjustable support mechanism 160 is shown in fig. 38-40. The adjustable support mechanism 160 includes a locking mechanism 162, such as a hydraulic lock, in the form of a biased piston and cylinder arrangement 164, and a reaction member 166. In a preferred embodiment, the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 is associated with the seat arrangement 300 and the reaction member 166 is associated with the leg rest.

The adjustable support mechanism 160 is used to allow the leg rest to move between an infinite number of positions between the storage position and the intermediate position and lock in these positions. The preferred neutral position of the support surface of the leg rest is preferably within a range of inclination of between 30 and 70 degrees about vertical, more preferably about 60 degrees about vertical.

In a preferred embodiment, the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 is a "water-sealed" piston and cylinder arrangement. Fluid flow is typically controlled by a push button tool or other actuator available to the occupant (e.g., on the armrest). Releasing the button will cause the position of the leg rest to be locked, for example at a position somewhere between the storage position and the intermediate position.

A drive means 220 may be provided. Which is provided as a means for moving the leg rest between the storage position and the intermediate position. It is envisaged that the drive means 220 is adapted to move the leg rest in both directions between the storage position and the intermediate position, or in only one direction. In a preferred embodiment, the drive means comprises a spring received within the piston and cylinder arrangement 164, the spring biasing the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 to extend to bias the leg rest to the neutral position when a locking mechanism (e.g. a hydraulic lock) allows the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 to move.

As shown in fig. 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 via a lost motion device 168.

The lost motion device 168 includes a pin 167 attached to the end of the piston and cylinder arrangement 164, the pin 167 being movable within a slot 169 in the reaction member 166. However, it is contemplated that a variety of lost motion devices can be used, including various shaped openings and/or grooves.

The pin 167 is movable within the slot 169 between an outer position at the front end of the slot 169 (as shown in fig. 39 and 40) and an inner position at the rear end of the slot 169 (as shown in fig. 38).

As the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 is extended, the pin 167 moves along the slot 169 to an outer position, after which the pin 167 pushes against the reaction member 166 to pivot the support about the axis Y-Y, thereby causing the track follower 150 to move along the track base surface 130, as will be described below.

When fluid flow is permitted (by, for example, a passenger pressing a brake button-not shown), the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 is biased to extend, causing the pin 167 in the slot 169 to move to the outer position, and then causing the leg rest in the direction of arrow B (as shown in fig. 43) to move about its axis Y-Y (while causing the horizontal support mechanism 120 to move from its storage position). When the button is released, the movement of the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 stops and the leg rest is maintained in that position.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, adjustable support mechanism 160 urges the track follower 150-horizontal support mechanism 120 in only one direction, from its storage position to the intermediate position orientation. In the most preferred embodiment, the adjustable support mechanism 160 can also cause the track follower 150 to move along the track base 130 until the horizontal support mechanism 120 is in its neutral configuration (as shown in fig. 43) and then stops. Since this is the maximum extension of the piston and cylinder arrangement 164, the movement will stop. The intermediate position of the horizontal support mechanism 120 desirably corresponds to a position of the planar support that is in the range of about 30 degrees to 70 degrees with respect to the vertical, most preferably about 60 degrees with respect to the vertical.

Once the intermediate position is reached, the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 cannot be extended further. The pin 167 of the lost motion device 168 in this position will be in the outer position. If the occupant desires the leg rest to extend further to the fully deployed position, the occupant would need to grasp the leg rest, such as manual handle 112, to reconfigure horizontal support mechanism 120 to the fully deployed position.

It is contemplated that when the leg rest is manually pulled by the occupant to extend the horizontal support mechanism 120 to full deployment, the pin 167 of the lost motion device 168 will move along the slot 169 toward its inner position. In this way, the occupant may allow this manual operation without having to pull against the friction generated by the locking mechanism 162.

The track follower 150 will follow the track base 130 as the leg rest moves through the intermediate position between the storage position and the fully deployed position. The track base 130 and the track follower 150 are movable relative to each other between a storage position corresponding to the stored 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.

The track base 130 defines an end 133 and an annular path 132 on a side of the track base 130 opposite the end 133. The annular path 132 further defines a positioning base 134 in the form of a recessed area 163 or a positioning base 134 in the form of a U-shaped bend in the cam slot 131. When the rail follower 150 moves in one direction along the rail base surface 130, the rail follower 150 is caught by the recessed area 163. It is envisaged that the track follower 150 will not be urged into the recessed region 163 by the drive 20 as the drive will operate to merely urge it to the intermediate position shown in figure 43.

Conversely, when a passenger manually pulls up on manual handle 112, track follower 150 is caused to move along track base surface 130 and into recessed area 163.

It is contemplated that the leg rest needs to be pulled up to the overextended position before the track follower base 152 is captured by the recessed area 136 in order for the maximum base 152 of the track to be able to travel about the highest point of the looped path 132. When the leg rest is in its overextended position, the relative positions of the track base 130 and the track follower 150 will be in the overextended position.

As the track follower base 152 passes through the highest point of the endless path 132, it will move into the recessed area 136 under the action of the biasing means 154.

The shape of the recessed area 136 of the positioning base 134 then prevents relative movement of the track follower 150 and the track base 130 back to the neutral position when the manual handle 112 is released. The track follower 150 is captured in the positioning floor 134 to enable a passenger to place their legs on the support and have their legs supported without fear of the support collapsing.

The radius from the axis Y-Y of the support member to the axis X-X of the pivot member is similar to the radius from the axis Y-Y of the support member to the center of the circularly shaped track follower 150. This will prevent pivotal movement of the pivot member 156 when the occupant applies a force to the leg rest.

The positioning base 134 provides a locking mechanism that positively locks the movement of the track follower 150 in the positioning base 134. The positioning base 134 may also cooperate with the biasing device 154 of the track follower 150 to allow the track follower to move in only one direction along the track base 130, as will be described below.

As can be seen in fig. 45, the cam slot 131 begins at the end 133 and traverses the loop path 132 in the opposite direction. Cam slot 131 traverses an annular path 132 having a recessed area 136 (U-shape) therein. When the horizontal support mechanism 120 is initially moved from the storage position, the track follower base 152 begins at the distal end 133 of the cam slot 131. As the track follower base 152 moves along the cam slot 131, it is prevented from moving in a clockwise direction (with reference to the orientation of the drawing) along the endless path by a one-way mechanism 170 positioned along the track base 130 (as shown in fig. 44). The one-way mechanism 170 includes a track lockout base 172, the track lockout base 172 pivoting about an axis 174 and located on an upper side of the track base 130.

The track lockout base 172 pivots between a restricted position in which it restricts movement of the track follower base 152 through the cam slot in one direction and a free position in which it allows movement of the track follower base 152 along the cam slot 131. The track blocking base 172 is biased to a restricted position by a biasing factor, such as by gravity (as shown in the figures) or under the influence of a spring.

The track lockout base 172 is adapted and configured to be moved by the track follower base 152 to move from the restricted position to the free position such that the track follower base 152 can move along the cam slot 131 when the track follower is moved in one direction as indicated by arrow C in fig. 45. However, when the track follower base 152 pushes the track lockout base 172 from the opposite direction, the track lockout base 172 will lock in the restricted position. Thus, as the track follower base 152 moves from the end 133 of the cam slot 131 toward the loop path 132, the track follower base 152 is urged upward to traverse the loop path in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in fig. 45).

As shown in fig. 43, the mid-position of the leg rest corresponds to the track follower base 152 being part of the way in the counterclockwise direction along the looped path 132, or just before the looped path 132.

Manual movement of the leg rest arrangement by the passenger pulling up on manual handle 112 causes further movement of the track follower base 152 in the direction of arrow C.

As track follower base 152 moves into recessed area 136, biasing means 154 of track follower 150 biases track follower base 152 to move further into recessed area 136 and stop at the bottom of the U-shape of recessed area 136. It should be noted that the shape and configuration of the track formation 130 is specifically designed to follow the path of travel of the track follower formation at this stage, under the action of the biasing means 154.

In a preferred embodiment, the pair of horizontal support mechanisms 120 includes a synchronization mechanism 190 to ensure that the track follower bases 152 of each of the horizontal support mechanisms 120 are synchronized with each other at the same location on each of the respective track bases 130 of each horizontal support mechanism 120.

Each synchronization mechanism 190 includes at least one cable 192 fixedly secured to a synchronization rod 194. Each synchronizing bar 194 is secured to pivot member 156 to pivot about the same axis X-X.

The cables 192 of each synchronization mechanism 190 are connected to each other such that movement of the pivot member 156 (and thus the synchronization rod 194) of one synchronization mechanism 190 causes similar movement of the synchronization rod 194 of the other synchronization mechanism 190. In this way, the following situation is prevented: for example, only one of the track follower bases 152 is received into its respective recessed area 136, while the others are still "jammed" at the highest point on the looped path 132.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that the adjustable support mechanism 160 will power only the movement of the leg rest between the storage position and the intermediate position. Horizontal support structure 120 is only manually movable from the neutral position to the fully deployed position. This avoids injury to the user otherwise caused by the powered movement of the horizontal support mechanism 120 to the fully deployed position.

In addition, manual reconfiguration of the horizontal support mechanism 120 by the passenger (whether indirectly by applying a lifting force on the leg rest or directly on the horizontal support mechanism 120 itself) will cause the biasing means 154 to move the track follower base 152 further along the cam slot 131 in the counterclockwise direction. It should be noted that the shape of the cam slot 131 is specifically configured and adapted to correspond to the direction of movement of the track follower base 152 under the action of the biasing means 154, while the extending means is lifted by the passenger.

As the track follower base 152 transitions further in the direction of arrow C around path 132, it reaches the end of recessed area 136. At this stage, the occupant is required to push the leg rest downwardly, thereby causing the pivot member 156 to move against the bias of the biasing means 154. Further downward pushing will cause further movement of the track follower base 152 along the endless path 132 in the direction of arrow C until it reaches the one-way mechanism 170.

At this stage, as the support pivots downwards about its axis Y-Y, the pin 167 of the lost motion device 168 moves in the slot 169 towards its inner position. When the inner position is reached, the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 will then need to start to contract. To do so, it is contemplated that the occupant needs to activate the brake button to enable movement of the piston and cylinder arrangement 164. Similarly, if other locking mechanisms are used, it is then envisaged that these locking mechanisms will need to be in an unlocked state to allow further movement of the leg rest.

When the track follower base 152 encounters the track lockout base 172 in the restricted position, this will cause the track lockout base 172 to pivot upward and clear the way to the free position. The track follower base 152 then moves in a free manner through the cam slot 131. Once the track follower formation 152 passes the one-way mechanism 170, the track blocking formation 172 will fall behind under the influence of gravity, although it is envisaged that biasing means (not shown) may also be provided to bias the track blocking formation into the restrained position.

Further manual pushing of the leg rest will cause the track follower base 152 to move toward the end 133 of the track base 130.

It is contemplated that when horizontal support mechanism 120 is reconfigured to its storage position, the latch mechanisms associated with one or more adjustable support mechanisms 160 and horizontal support mechanism 120 begin to maintain the leg rest in the storage position until released again, such as by depressing an actuator button, allowing the water-sealed piston and cylinder arrangement 164 to expand under the biasing action described above. In one embodiment and as shown in fig. 41, the latching mechanism takes the form of a hook (not shown) and a pin 184. A hook (not shown) is associated with piston and cylinder arrangement 164 and pin 184 is associated with reaction member 166 such that if adjustable support mechanism 160 in turn moves horizontal support mechanism 120 to the storage position, the hook will engage pin 184 to lock horizontal support mechanism 120 in the storage position until the adjustable support mechanism is again activated. It should of course be noted that the water-sealed piston and cylinder arrangement 164 may be used as a latching mechanism itself to hold the leg rest in the storage position.

When the drive means 220 is allowed to move the leg rest from the storage position to the intermediate position again, the hook will automatically release the pin 184 as the piston and cylinder arrangement 164 is extended.

As shown in fig. 43 and 44, it is contemplated that the track base 130 may include a service track base 142, which service track base 142 may be completely detached from the track base for maintenance and access reasons. Once disengaged, the leg rest can pivot upward to extend far beyond the position that the horizontal support mechanism 120 assumes when in the extended position.

The service rail base 142 extends from near the terminal end 133 of the rail base 130 to an open end 144. Track follower base 152 can be moved into service track base 142 by appropriate manipulation of pivot member 156, as shown in fig. 2.

The leg rest is designed such that it does not require support from the front seat nor from the floor below. The leg rest is supported by a mechanism attached to its seat.

Although the present document refers to a leg rest and its primary function, i.e. that a passenger may sit on a seat plate associated with the leg rest, the leg rest may also be used for secondary functions, e.g. for allowing a passenger to sit or lie thereon. Preferably, each leg rest is movable and positionable independently of the other. Preferably the seat pan of each seat can be reclined independently of the adjacent seat(s) (preferably together with the inclination of the backrest).

A further embodiment of the invention may include at least one tray table 80 mounted to the back of the seat back 12. At least one tray table 80 provides a surface for use by an associated passenger seated behind the seat back 12. The tray table 80 can be deployed for use or stored out of the way when not needed. It also has various partially deployed states.

The tray table includes a main table top 82 and a segmented auxiliary table top 85, the segmented auxiliary table top 85 including a plurality of extension plates 84 that are movable to increase or decrease the usable surface area of the tray table 80.

The main tabletop 82 is pivotally mounted by an arm 86 or pair of arms 86 that are attached to a seat, such as a seatback. The arms define a horizontal axis that mounts the primary table top to be rotatable between a stowed position located adjacent and generally parallel to the seat back and a deployed position for use. The arms themselves may be pivotally mounted to the seat back.

It is contemplated that the primary table top 82 may be slidably mounted to the base 87 as shown in the intermediate arrangement of figure 30. Optionally without such a substrate 87. And the primary table top may be directly connected to the arm portion 86.

The primary desktop bears a segmented secondary desktop. The segmented secondary table top is constructed from two adjacent extension panels 84 pivotally mounted to the primary table top 82. In the preferred embodiment as shown in fig. 29 and 30, two pivotally mounted expansion panels 84 are pivoted or hinged from the edge of the main tabletop 82 closest to the passenger. The two pivotally mounted expansion 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 primary surfaces are in face-to-face contact with each other; either or both of the pivotally mounted expansion panels 84 in the second position may be pivotally or hingedly moved from the collapsed position into the deployed position so as to increase the overall tabletop surface facing the passengers with the main tabletop 82.

Alternatively, the pivotally mounted expansion plate 84 can be hinged from any edge of the primary table top.

The preferred edge of the main tabletop available is the edge perpendicular to the direction in which the seat faces. The primary table top is preferably quadrilateral in shape. And is preferably rectangular. The expansion panels are also preferably rectangular in shape and each include edges that can be placed adjacent to each other, such as when both expansion panels are fully deployed or are fully in the storage position.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more tray tables 80 for a row of seats can act in concert to provide a variety of table arrangements for passengers in the row of seats. It is contemplated that tray tables of various available configurations may be used in conjunction with seats of many available configurations, such as seating system 500, to provide a high degree of flexibility and usability for passengers and groups of passengers of various sizes, as shown in fig. 8-28.

For example, the tray table arrangement for the seat in the middle of a row of 3 seats may be fully deployed, with the leg rest of that seat in the stowed position to allow the occupant in that seat to sit for extended periods. Passengers in adjacent seats may sit on fully deployed leg rests of their respective seats, allowing them to sit in a more common manner with passengers in the middle seat and to utilize a tray table arrangement in a desired manner. This can help promote more comfortable or satisfactory interactivity between a row of passengers.

The partially deployed tray table arrangement and variously configured tray table arrangements can also assist passengers in the accessibility and usability of their seating environments.

As shown in fig. 31, it is contemplated that the aircraft may include a plurality of rows (when viewed as a plan view) of seat units, the seat units being arranged in a plurality of rows in each row. As an example, the seating units may be arranged in rows of three or two columns separated by channels. The rows in each column may be aligned or offset from each other. The rows in each column may set a row pitch having the same pitch (pitch) or different pitches. In fact, the pitch between the rows in a column may not be uniform.

Preferably, all seats in a row face in a forward direction. The seat facing direction of each seat in a row, and preferably of all seats in all rows, is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. Preferably the rows are parallel to each other.

Preferably the plane of all seats in a row compared to the other seats in the row no longer advances. For example, the direction of the rows is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

Preferably, the seat does not rotate about any vertical axis. For example, the direction in which the seat faces remains fixed (i.e., it does not rotate). And preferably the seat frame is stationary.

In another embodiment for larger aircraft and as shown in fig. 32, it is contemplated that two columns of seat units arranged side-by-side with three side-by-side seats in each of at least one or two columns may be separated by another column of seats having a channel on each side. The separate seat row does not have to be the seat unit claimed in the present claims but can be any known seat. The seat of the invention lends itself particularly well to use in a row placed adjacent the inner side wall of an aircraft, where the seat may be arranged to allow passengers to lean up against the cabin wall and thereby create more space in the row. When the outermost armrest is removed, the individual can more conveniently lean against the side wall of the aircraft.

The seat pan of each seat preferably comprises a single seat cushion for each seat. Gaps exist between the cushions of adjacent seats to allow the seat belt to extend from the seat frame between adjacent cushions. The individual cushions are each movable and can be moved separately. The seat pan of each seat may also be tilted independently of the seat pan of the adjacent seat(s) in the row. A seat recline mechanism may be provided so that the angle of inclination (in the fore-aft direction) of the cushion can be varied. The mechanism may be tethered to a recliner mechanism of a backrest of a seat. For example, the seat pan may move when the backrest moves.

It is envisaged that the seat may be provided in the economy class section of the aircraft.

The accommodation space created by the present invention provides a flexible and versatile space that facilitates shared use of a defined space by multiple passengers. The space may be configured not to treat the passenger as an individual, but as a group of people, e.g. a couple of couples, a family of three, two business partners, 3 children, etc., but also to serve a single traveler. And provides more and versatile space for individual passengers. For example when the aircraft is not fully loaded or loaded in full tanks.

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.

Claims

1. A method of configuring a containment area for at least two adult passengers on a passenger vehicle, the containment area defined at least in part by a row of seats having at least three adjacent seats mounted on a support frame, each seat independently extendable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the row of seats so as to span a gap between the row of seats and a row of seats immediately preceding the row of seats, each extended seat supported only by the support frame when extended, the method comprising:

configuring the seats into a first mode in which all seats of the row of seats extend forming a coplanar and abutting extended support surface for the at least two adult passengers to recline or lie by extending in a direction parallel to the direction of the row of seats such that adjacent extended seats abut or there is a small but negligible gap, and the method comprises at least one of:

i) a step of configuring the seats into a second mode in which none of the seats in the row of seats are extended or all of the seats are retracted, thereby allowing the at least two adult passengers to be in an upright, sedentary position in the respective seats of the row of seats;

ii) a step of configuring the seats in a third mode in which two adjacent seats of the row of seats extend, thereby forming a coplanar and abutting, extended support surface for shared use by the at least two adult passengers;

iii) a step of configuring the seats in a fourth mode in which only one or more seats at one or both ends of the row of seats extend; and

iv) a step of configuring the seats in a fifth mode in which only one or more seats intermediate the two ends of the row of seats extend.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each seat includes a seat back and a seat pan, and each seat in the row of seats has an armrest on each side, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: when the receiving area is configured in the second mode or the third mode, moving an armrest intermediate two seats in the row of seats from an available position, wherein the armrest is positioned between the seat back and the seat pan, to a stowed position, wherein the armrest is not positioned between the seat back and the seat pan.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each seat comprises a seat pan and a seat extension, wherein the step of extending one or more seats comprises: moving the seat extension relative to the seat pan between a stowed condition and a fully deployed condition, wherein in the fully deployed condition the seat extension is coplanar and contiguous with the seat pan such that when two or more adjacent seats are extended to form the second mode or the third mode, the seat extension and seat pan of the extended, adjacent seats cooperate to form a coplanar and contiguous, extended support surface for shared use by the at least two adult passengers.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning only two passengers to a row of seats having only three seats.