Aircraft seating arrangement

A vehicle seating arrangement can comprise a fore-facing lower seating assembly, an aft-facing lower assembly, and an upper seating assembly positioned between the fore-facing and aft-facing lower assemblies. The lower and upper assemblies can be configured to form a 3-seat unit in which a portion of a seat of said fore-facing and aft-facing lower seat assemblies underlaps a portion of an upper seating assembly. At least one of the fore-facing and aft-facing lower assemblies can be angled with respect to the upper seating assembly to shorten the overall linear dimension of the 3-seat unit and provide egress areas for lower passengers to aisle access. A vertical member can be configured to attach to the upper seating assembly and to a ceiling structure to reduce the load on the floor.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to seating and seating arrangements for passenger vehicles, and more particularly, to aircraft seating arrangements in which seats can be converted between an upright position and a lie-flat sleeping position.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Optimizing an aircraft seating arrangement includes maximizing seating capacity while attending to passenger comfort. Generally, the more spacious and comfortable a seat, the more an airline can charge for the seat, but the fewer the number of seats that can be provided.

A traditional aircraft seat includes a base portion upon which a passenger sits and a seatback against which a passenger leans back. The seatback is typically adjustable to move between a generally upright “takeoff and landing position” and a slightly reclined “traveling” position. Aircraft seats are typically arranged side-by-side in rows transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft with the seats facing forward in the direction of travel. The seat rows are typically spaced apart from one another so that in commercial aircraft the seats have a pitch between 27 and 82 inches to provide legroom between the rows. Longitudinal aisles may be provided that divide the seats into sections. For example, the seating arrangement may include two aisles that divide the seating arrangement into a center section and two side sections to provide improved ingress and egress to the rows and access to emergency exits.

To maximize profit, airlines charge higher fares for upgraded or premium seating. For example, a premium seat may be wider, and recline farther, and be arranged to provide more legroom than a standard seat. Some aircraft are divided into different class cabins, with each having a different seating arrangement. For example, an aircraft may have a higher fare “first class” cabin near the front of the plane and a lower fare “coach” class cabin at the rear of the plane.

In recent years, seats have been developed that are convertible between a “takeoff and landing” position to a “lie-flat” sleeping position to allow the seats to be used as “beds.” These seats have proven popular on long haul and international flights during which a passenger may desire to sleep aboard the aircraft. While such lie-flat seating provides additional comforts to passengers, and allows airlines to charge higher fares, lie-flat seating requires additional space, making it difficult to provide in large quantity. For example, when seats are oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of an aircraft, a typical lie-flat seating arrangement has a seat pitch of about 58 to 63 inches, which is significantly more than the pitch of typical of coach class seating which ranges from 27 to 34 inches. Angled lie-flat seating places one passenger's head over the feet of the passenger directly behind him or her. Non-angled lie-flat seating will typically have a pitch of 76 to 82 inches and will often rely on an alternative arrangement of seats to facilitate efficient utilization of space in the aircraft.

Several attempts have been made to provide fully reclining, lie-flat, or sleeper seat seating arrangements that efficiently utilize limited aircraft cabin space. Some arrangements have attempted to angle the seats in a horizontal plane in a “chevron” style in an attempt to increase lie-flat seating density.

Others have attempted to overlap portions of the seats vertically so that a passenger's feet are placed underneath the head of another passenger of a seat in front. For example, seats may be provided that recline at an angle so that the feet of a passenger in a rearward seat extend below the head of another passenger reclined in a seat in the row in front. Others have provided back-to-back seating in which seats are placed back-to-back, lengthwise and alternate seats are placed substantially above the passageway floor and the remaining seats below the passageway floor, so that the back of the upper seat recline over the back of the adjacent lower seat.

More recently, a seating arrangement that includes a raised seat that overlaps two lower seats when reclined a lie-flat position has been proposed. By exploiting generally unused space to expand in a vertical direction, seating density can be increased to maximize passenger capacity while providing fully reclining seating.

While fit for their intended purposes, the prior art arrangements are plagued by several drawbacks and disadvantages. For example, in some prior art seating arrangements, the seat of a first passenger covers the head of a second passenger, a generally undesirable configuration. Other prior art arrangements fail to efficiently utilize horizontal and/or vertical space, decreasing the cost effectiveness of the arrangement. Arrangements designed to conserve space can require one passenger to crawl over another passenger to enter or exit a seat, a process that can be uncomfortable for both the moving and seated passengers. Not only is this inconvenient for both passengers but it may also lead to difficulties during an emergency. Raised seating arrangements also generally cause greater loads to be applied to the floor, and thus require heavier, and more substantial and expensive support structures to satisfy airline safety requirements.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, aircraft seating is arranged to include a fore-facing lower seating assembly, an aft-facing lower seating assembly, and an upper seating assembly positioned between the fore-facing lower assembly and the aft-facing lower assembly. The fore-facing lower seating assembly, the aft-facing lower seating assembly and the upper seating assembly are configured to form a three-seat grouping that can be referred to as a lower-upper-lower (L-U-L) grouping. Each of the lower and upper seating assemblies of the three-seat L-U-L grouping includes a seat that is convertible between an upright and a lie-flat position. In an L-U-L configuration, a portion of a seat of the fore-facing lower seating assembly and a portion of a seat of the aft-facing lower seating assembly underlap the upper seating assembly when extended in a lie-flat position.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the fore-facing lower seating assembly and said aft-facing lower seating assembly is oriented at an angle in relation to the linear dimension of said upper seating assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, both lower seating assemblies are angled with respect to the upper seat, forming an angled L-U-L arrangement. An angled arrangement can shorten the required overall length of the three-seat grouping, and provide easy ingress/egress to its occupants. In addition, an angled arrangement can provide improved ingress and egress for adjacent seating that may be arranged to extend longitudinally beyond the angled seating.

A lower seating assembly within a three-seat grouping can be arranged so that its longitudinal axis is parallel, i.e. aligned, with the longitudinal axis of the upper seating assembly in the three-seat grouping, rather than angled. Hinge lines of a seat of a lower seating assembly in this orientation are perpendicular to the linear dimension of the lower seating assembly and the upper seating assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, both lower seating assemblies are arranged having a longitudinal axis in parallel or in alignment with the linear dimension of the upper seating assembly. This embodiment, which can be referred to as an aligned L-U-L arrangement, can provide unobstructed ingress and egress to upper and lower seating assemblies and provide a shortened linear dimension by the disposition of a footwell for the lower seating assemblies. In an example embodiment, an occupant's body is angled when a lower seating assembly is in a lie-flat position, allowing a shorter linear dimension for the lower seating bed, thereby shortening the overall linear dimension of the three-seat grouping.

A three-seat grouping can be used in conjunction with other seating to form various seating arrangements. In an example embodiment, a three seat grouping is provided in conjunction with at least one adjacent lower seat. A lower seat may be arranged generally parallel to the upper seat and adjacent a lower seat of the three-seat grouping. When a lower seat is positioned “straight” next to an angled seat of a three-seat grouping, an egress area can be formed between the three-seat grouping and the lower seat, to allow a passenger in the straight lower seat to access his seat without invading the space of a passenger in a lower seat of the three-seat grouping. In an example embodiment, the straight lower seat may be arranged in an opposite direction of the angled lower seat. This arrangement can increase the distance between seated passengers giving passengers in both the straight and angled seating greater privacy. Partitions, walls, dividers, or the like may be used to further separate the angled passenger from the straight passenger. For example, an arrangement can allow each passenger to enter a passenger compartment without having to invade the privacy of another passenger. Similarly, a three-seat grouping having non-angled, or straight lower seating assemblies can be combined with at least one adjacent lower seating assembly in a manner that provides unobstructed seat access for occupants of all upper and lower seats.

In an example embodiment, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a five-seat module in which a three-seat grouping is provided in conjunction with a two-seat grouping. The three-seat grouping can comprise angled or aligned lower seating. In an example embodiment, the two-seat grouping may comprise lower seats that include an aft-facing seating assembly and a fore-facing seating assembly. The aft-facing seating assembly and the fore-facing seating assembly can include seats convertible between an upright and a horizontal position. In an example embodiment, the two-seat grouping is configured adjacent with the three-seat grouping to form the 5-seat module in which an access area is provided between the adjacent lower seats. In a further embodiment, the two-seat grouping can be configured to join or be contiguous with the 3-seat grouping to form an integral 5-seat module. The 5-seat module can be configured to provide unobstructed access to all five seating assemblies so that no passenger has to crawl over another passenger or otherwise invade another passenger's space in order to be seated.

In an example embodiment, two three-seat groupings can be combined to form a six-seat module that allows unobstructed access to all seating assemblies, conserves space and efficiently provides seating throughout an aircraft fuselage. Each three-seat grouping can be arranged so that one or both lower seat assemblies are disposed in parallel with, or alternatively, at an angle with respect to the upper seat assembly. When combined to form a six-seat grouping, the upper seats may be facing the same direction (aft or forward) or may face opposite directions. In an example embodiment, a six-seat grouping having aligned seats is configured to angle a lower passenger across a lie-flat seat thereby conserving space in the linear direction.

An example embodiment can include a six-seat module comprising two upper seats, two lower seats that face the same direction as the upper seats, and two lower seats that oppose the upper seats. While all lower seating can be aligned with the upper seating, disposition of footwells for lower opposing passengers, due to a sharing of footspace with upper passengers, can angle occupants in a lie-flat position; while disposition of footwells for lower non-opposing passengers can allow a passenger to lie straight.

An example vehicle seating assembly can include a support assembly structure, and a seat movably attached to the support assembly structure, the seat including a seatback and a seat base for supporting a passenger. An exemplary seating assembly can include a vertical member configured to extend between the support assembly structure and a vehicle ceiling structure to provide stability to said seating assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical member is in the form of a generally vertical support configured for attachment to the seat shell and a vehicle ceiling structure. In an example embodiment the vertical member is adapted to attach to a ceiling beam of an aircraft fuselage. The vertical member reduces the load on the vehicle floor when a force is applied the seating assembly. The vertical member is particularly advantageous when used with a seating assembly that provides an elevated seat.

In an example embodiment, a seating arrangement includes a three-seat grouping having a vertical member. The three-seat grouping can include a fore-facing lower seating assembly providing a seat convertible between a sitting position and a lie flat position in a lower horizontal plane, an aft-facing lower seating assembly providing a seat convertible between a sitting position and a lie flat sleeping position in the lower horizontal plane, an upper seating assembly positioned between the fore-facing and aft-facing lower seating assemblies providing a seat convertible between a sitting position and a lie flat position in an upper horizontal plane, and a vertical member configured to attach to said upper seat assembly and an aircraft ceiling structure to provide stability to said upper seating assembly. The two lower seating assemblies and the single upper seating assembly can form a three-seat grouping in which fore- and aft-facing lower seats underlap an upper center seat when extended in a lie flat position. The vertical member can strengthen and stabilize the upper seat assembly, reducing its structural load and improving the ability of the seating structure and the floor beneath it to withstand applied forces. The lower seating assemblies can be aligned with, or angled with respect to the upper seating assembly.

In an example embodiment, an aircraft fuselage is configured to accommodate one or more seating assemblies comprising a vertical member. By way of example, but not limitation, storage compartments associated with the seating assemblies can be disposed at the ground or seating level, eliminating the need for overhead storage. Seating level storage offers several advantages, including but not limited to, increased passenger headroom above the seats, improved storage compartment accessibility by passengers and crew, and improved safety as the potential hazard of falling items from overhead bins is eliminated. In addition, the absence of overhead storage compartments facilitates vertical member mounting and allows the use of raised seating near the side of the fuselage which is typically restricted by the curvature of the fuselage. In an exemplary embodiment a seating arrangement includes a storage compartment associated with each seat. The storage compartment can be sized and configured to accommodate carry-on items. A storage compartment for a first passenger can be integrated with a seating assembly of a second passenger to reduce the amount of space required to provide sufficient storage for each passenger.

An example vehicle seating arrangement can include various arrangements of combined 3-seat and 2-seat groupings. For example, one 3-seat grouping and one two-seat grouping can be combined to form a 5-seat module. A plurality of 5-seat modules can be placed end-to-end along the linear or longitudinal dimension of a vehicle. Two 5-seat modules can be placed side by side along the width of a vehicle to form a 10-seat module. A plurality of 10-seat modules can be placed end-to-end along the linear dimension of the vehicle. In a similar fashion, two 3-seat modules can be combined to form a 6-seat module. A 6-seat module can be combined with additional 2-, 3-, 5- and/or 6-seat groupings and arranged end-to-end along the linear dimension of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As required, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. These embodiments are meant to be examples of various ways of implementing the invention and it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in alternative forms. The figures may not be to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements, while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. The terms “fore” and “aft” are used merely for orientational purposes in reference to the particular exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the term lie-flat may mean substantially flat which could be angled and not necessarily horizontal.

For purposes of teaching, and not limitation, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are discussed in the context of an Airbus A-330 or A-340 aircraft. However, the present invention is applicable to other aircraft as well, such as, by way of example and not limitation, Airbus models A-300 and A-380 models, and Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 models, McDonald Douglas MD-11, as well as other aircraft and vehicles.

Referring to the Drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views,FIG. 1depicts an example seating arrangement100in an aircraft fuselage102. The seat arrangement100includes a plurality of three-seat configurations105, each including a lower aft-facing seat107, an upper seat108, and a lower fore-facing seat109, and can be referred to as a lower-upper-lower (L-U-L) configuration or grouping. The upper seat108is disposed at an elevated height above the lower aft- and fore-facing seats107,109. As discussed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/409,442 filed on Mar. 23, 2009 by Henshaw, and PCT Application No. PCT/US2009/001823 filed on Mar. 24, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, the lower aft- and fore-facing seating assemblies107,109and the upper seat108are configured to be convertible between a sitting position and a lie-flat position. The seats of the lower seating assemblies107,109can be configured to underlap the upper seating assembly108when in the lie-flat position. While grouped together in the example L-U-L three-seat configuration105, the lower seating assemblies107,109can be either angled or aligned with the upper seating assembly108. In the example depicted inFIG. 1, the lower seating assemblies107,109are angled with respect to the upper seating assembly108, and can be referred to as an angled L-U-L grouping since at least one lower assembly is angled with respect to the upper assembly. Accordingly, a longitudinal axis of the lower seating assembly107,109is not parallel with that of the upper seating assembly108. An angled orientation shortens the length of the three-seat configuration105, thereby conserving space, allowing more seats to be disposed in the fuselage102, and increasing revenue for the airline without sacrificing passenger comfort. A plurality of three-seat configurations105can be combined with one or more other seat configurations, to efficiently and comfortably provide the overall seating layout100.

FIGS. 2A-Cshow an example embodiment200having a three-seat grouping201that includes a lower aft-facing seating assembly202, for accommodating a first passenger203, an upper seating assembly204for accommodating a passenger205, and a lower fore-facing seating assembly206for accommodating a passenger207. The upper seating assembly204is positioned between the lower aft- and fore-facing seating assemblies202,206, forming an L-U-L arrangement. The spacing of the lower seating assemblies202,206from the upper seating assembly is configured to provide sufficient leg room for the passengers203,205,207when in a sitting position, while allowing underlapping in the sleeping position. By way of example, but not limitation, the three seat-grouping201can be arranged so that the upper seating assembly can be fore-facing.

A line L (FIG. 2C, D) is shown parallel to the linear dimension of the upper seating assembly204, effectively representing a longitudinal axis for the seating assembly204. The arrow A indicates the orientation of the lower aft-facing seating assembly202at an angle θ with respect to the line L. Similarly, arrow B shows the orientation of the lower fore-facing seating assembly206at an angle φ with respect to the line L. To further point out the angled relationship, a hinge line275for the lower seating assembly204is perpendicular to the arrow A, representing longitudinal axis of the lower seating assembly202, and is therefore not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for the upper seating assembly204. Likewise, the hinge line277for lower seating assembly206is perpendicular to the arrow B, but not the arrow L. In an exemplary embodiment, the angles θ and φ are equivalent, providing symmetry to the three-seat configuration200. Values for the angles θ and φ can vary, typically, but not limited to, the range from 0° to 10°, but it has been found 10° is a desired value, as it efficiently balances space utilization, seating density and passenger comfort and allows for convenient ingress and egress of adjacent passengers as discussed in more detail below. With the angled lower seating assemblies202,206, the 3-seat grouping201can have a shorter overall length than a configuration in which the lower seating assemblies202,206and the upper seating assembly204are linearly aligned, thus conserving precious passenger cabin space within a vehicle.

The lower aft-facing seating assembly202, and lower fore-facing assembly206each comprise a lower seat220and lower support shell225. The lower seat220includes a seat base221for supporting the legs and buttocks of a passenger, and a seatback222coupled to the base221to support a passenger's back. In an example embodiment, the seat base221can be topped with a seat cushion223. The lower seat220is convertible between a sitting position in which the seatback222is generally upright (FIG. 2A) and a sleeping position in which the seatback222is generally horizontal, as shown inFIG. 2C. In an exemplary embodiment the seatback222can be attached to the seat base221at a pivot point. The seat base221can be configured to move forward to allow the seatback222to be lowered to a lie-flat position. The lower seats220in lower aft- and fore-facing seating assemblies202,206can form a lower bed220′ in a lower horizontal plane when fully reclined.

The lower support shell225can include an endwall226, a first sidewall227, and a second sidewall228. The lower support shell225can secure and support the seat220, provide privacy to the passenger203, and can be configured to allow easy ingress/egress to the lower seat220. The lower support shell225can include a base support229for supporting the seat base221and a reclined seatback222.

The upper seating assembly204can comprise an upper seat230, and an upper footrest support assembly (FSA)240. The upper FSA240provides support for the upper seat230, as well as privacy for the passenger205. The upper seat230comprises a seat base231for supporting the legs and buttocks of the passenger205when the seat230is in an upright position, and a seatback232coupled to the seat base231to support a passenger's back. A seat base can be embodied as or topped by a seat cushion. The upper seat230is convertible between a sitting position in which the seatback232is generally upright (FIG. 2A), and a generally horizontal sleeping position in which the seatback232is generally horizontal, as shown inFIG. 2C. When fully reclined, the upper seat230in upper seating assembly204, can form an upper bed230′ in an upper horizontal plane. When reclined, as shown inFIG. 2C, a portion of the beds220′ underlap a portion of the FSA240. The degree of underlapping allows the passengers203,207to fully recline in a sleeping position while their heads remain in open space uncovered by any seating structure.

In an example embodiment, the FSA240can be in the form of a shell that can include a first sidewall236, a first end wall238and a base support233. The sidewall236and end wall238can provide privacy for the passenger205. The base support233can support the upper seat230in an upright or reclined position. In an example embodiment, the first end wall238can be arranged to proximate or abut the second sidewall228of the lower support shell225. A divider assembly250can include a first privacy wall251and a second privacy wall252with a storage compartment253disposed therebetween. The divider assembly250can be positioned to separate the seating assembly204from adjacent seating, giving additional privacy to the passenger205, and further providing seating level storage to him. In an exemplary embodiment the divider assembly250is configured to abut the FSA240seating assembly204and/or the lower support shells235. However, it is contemplated that the divider assembly250could connect to one or more of the seating assemblies202,204,206. In addition, it is contemplated that an example divider assembly could have extended privacy walls that function as sidewalls for the lower support shells225.

The upper seating assembly204can provide the seat230in a raised position in relation to the vehicle floor and relative to the lower seats220. The FSA240can include an elevated floor board249that can support a passenger's feet when the upper seat230is in an upright position. The FSA240can include a second sidewall237and a second endwall239. The space between the upper seat230and the FSA240second endwall239can provide legroom for the passenger205occupying the upper seat230, and access for entering and exiting the seating assembly204. When the upper seat230is reclined in a lie-flat position, the feet of the passenger205can be supported by a footrest243. The footrest243can be configured to provide a resting surface in generally the same horizontal plane as the bed230and can embodied as a cushion or be topped by a cushion. In an example embodiment, the endwall239can be angled or oriented with respect to the sidewall237so that a footwell244is narrower than the seat230. In an example embodiment, the footrest243can extend into the footwell244. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a relationship between the angling of the lower seating assemblies202and the angling of the endwall239. Similarly, in an example embodiment, the first endwall238of the FSA240can be angled with respect to the first sidewall236. The angling of the endwall238can be related to the angling of the lower seating assembly206.

An upper sleeping berth can be formed by the combination of the bed230′ and the footrest243. Due to angling of the endwall239, an upper sleeping berth can be longer on the side with the footwell244, proximate the divider assembly250, than on the side proximate the sidewall237. In an example embodiment, the footwell244can be narrower than the seatback231and/or the seatbase232, encouraging passenger205to sleep on the side of the bed230′ that allows his feet to extend into the footwell244. Angling of the endwall239can provide more headroom on the same side of the berth as the footwell, further encouraging a passenger to sleep on the side with the footwell. With the angling of the lower seating assemblies202,206and a footwell244that is narrower than the seat230, the passenger205can be provided a sleeping berth that is narrower at the passenger's feet than at his head. In an example embodiment, there is a relationship between the configuration of the footwell244and the angling of one or both the lower assemblies202,206.

Similarly, angling of the lower assemblies202,206in relation to the upper seating assembly204can form a footwell260associated with the lower assembly206, and a similar footwell (not shown) for association with the lower assembly202. A lower leg rest248(FIG. 3A) can be disposed for association with the lower seat220when it is reclined in a lie-flat position to form a bed220′. The lower leg rest248can be configured to provide a resting surface in generally the same horizontal plane as the bed220′ and beneath the footrest243of the FSA240. As shown in the figures, a portion of the beds220′ underlap a portion of an upper sleeping berth formed by the bed230′ and the footrest243. In addition, a storage area245can provide floor-level storage for the passenger203. A legrest254can be provided to support the feet of passenger207when the lower seat220of the lower seating assembly206is configured in a lie-flat position. The legrest254can be configured to provide a resting surface in generally the same horizontal plane as the bed220′. In an example embodiment, the legrest254can be topped by a cushion265. In addition, a storage area255can provide floor-level carry-on storage to the passenger207at seating assembly206. The relationships between the dimensions of the lower seats220and upper seat230and lower legrests254and upper legrest243and the spacing between seats and legrests can lead to varying degrees of underlapping of the FSA240and seat230by the lower aft-facing and fore-facing seats. In an exemplary embodiment the lower legrests for opposing lower seats are proximate each other at the FSA240to conserve space in the linear dimension. In an example embodiment one or both lower beds220′ can underlap the bed230′.

The FSA240can provide separation and privacy between the passenger205and the passengers203and207. In addition, it can provide a surface for mounting displays, trays, pockets, safety equipment, etc. For example a first surface241of the endwall239, can be used for mounting an entertainment center246for the passenger205. An opposing surface242of the endwall239, facing the lower seating assembly202, can be used to mount an entertainment center246for passenger203. Similarly, the endwall238can provide a surface247for mounting displays, trays, pockets, safety equipment, etc. For example, an entertainment center246for passenger207can be mounted on the surface247. Electrical connectivity can be provided between the three seating assemblies202,204,206to facilitate use of in-flight entertainment systems, such as the entertainment center246for the three passengers203,205,207.

The FSA240can be arranged to proximate or abut the second sidewall228of the lower support shell225. It can also be configured to proximate or abut a privacy wall255that separates the seating assembly204from seating assemblies of other passengers. In a further embodiment an FSA can be configured to connect to the second sidewall228and/or the divider assembly250. A storage compartment253can be positioned between the two privacy walls251and252to provide seating level storage for the upper passenger205. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 2D, E, an FSA can include an FSA panel274to provide privacy for an upper passenger and define an upper compartment comprising the raised upper seat230.

An example seating arrangement can include a three-seat L-U-L grouping combined with one or more variously configured seat groupings; for example, a three-seat L-U-L grouping can be arranged with one or more single seats or multi-seat groups. In an exemplary embodiment one or more adjacent, non-underlapping seats can be arranged with a three-seat grouping.FIGS. 3A-3Eshow an example arrangement comprising a three-seat grouping adjacent additional seating.FIG. 3Ashows an example300comprising the 3-seat grouping201adjacent a lower seating assembly301. The divider assembly250can be used to provide separation from the seating assembly301and a storage compartment253for use by an occupant of upper seating assembly204.

FIGS. 3B-Fshow a 5-seat grouping305that includes the 3-seat grouping201and a two-seat grouping302. The two-seat grouping302includes an adjacent non-underlapping lower fore-facing seating assembly304, and an adjacent non-underlapping lower aft-facing assembly306. The divider assembly250can be disposed between the adjacent non-underlapping fore-facing and aft-facing seating assemblies304,306to provide separation between the upper assembly204and the non-underlapping lower assemblies304,306, and storage space for the passenger205in the three-seat grouping201.

The adjacent non-underlapping lower aft-facing and fore-facing seating assemblies304,306can include a seat310convertible to a lie-flat position, and a support platform316on which the seat310can be mounted. The seat310can include a seatback312for supporting a passenger's back and a seat base314for supporting a passenger's buttocks and legs. In an example embodiment the seat base314can be embodied as, or topped by, a seat cushion. The support platform316can include a leg support panel318that can be extended from a lowered position (FIG. 3D) to a raised position (FIG. 3E) to support a passenger's legs when the seat310is in a horizontal position. In a lie-flat position, the seatback312can be lowered to rest on the support platform316, and the leg support panel318can be raised to a generally horizontal position, so that the seatback312, seatbase314and leg support panel318can form a bed310′. A storage area340can be provided to accommodate carry-on items of a passenger in a seating assembly304or306.

In this example embodiment, the adjacent non-underlapping aft-facing and fore-facing seating assemblies304,306are arranged parallel to the upper seat, for example, in the linear direction of the airplane. When placed adjacent to the respective fore-facing206and aft-facing202lower seating assemblies of the three-seat grouping201, an access/entryway330is provided therebetween for access to seating assembly304, and an access/entryway332for access to seating assembly306. Access is further provided due to the fact that the end of the lower seating assemblies304,306extend further than the angled seating202,206. Furthermore, a footrest for the lower seating assemblies304,306may be of a lesser width than the back portion of the seats, or shaped so as to allow easy entry. In addition, the footrest may be movable between a stowed position and a support position to allow better access to a passenger seating or compartment.

An integral privacy panel/footrest320can include a privacy panel321that can shield a passenger seated in the seat310, a panel base322for supporting the privacy panel321, and at least one footrest323for supporting the feet of a passenger. In an example embodiment, the footrest323is disposed in generally the same horizontal plane as the bed310′. In an exemplary embodiment, a first footrest323is provided on a first side of the privacy panel321, and a second footrest323is provided on an opposing side to support the legs of a passenger facing the opposing side, so that the integral privacy panel/footrest320can be shared, for example by two two-seat groupings302. The footrest323can be embodied as or topped with a cushion. In an example embodiment, the footrest323can be configured to swing down to provide additional entry space for a passenger seated in one of the seating assemblies304,306.

In an exemplary embodiment, the divider assembly250can serve as a sidewall, endwall or separation wall for the seating assembly304and/or306, separating one or both from the three-seat grouping201. In an exemplary embodiment, a 3-seat grouping and a 2-seat grouping can share one or more common sidewalls and/or endwalls through proximity or contact. In a further example embodiment a 3-seat grouping can be configured to connect with a 2-seat grouping to share a common wall. Separation of the integral privacy panel/footrest320from seating assemblies202,204,206,304, and306can provide sufficient distance to adequately accommodate the feet of a passenger on the bed310′ and can give passengers seated in the two-seat grouping302more room to enter and exit their seats.

As shown in theFIGS. 3A-3F, a three-seat grouping can be combined with additional seating to allow all passengers to sit upright or relax in a sleeping position, regardless of the positions of the other passengers. In addition, the angling of the lower seating assemblies in the three-seat grouping allows passengers in the two-seat grouping to easily enter or exit their seats without having to crawl over, pass through or otherwise invade the space of a passenger of the three-seat grouping. Furthermore, no passenger is directly facing another passenger, rather each passenger has some protected privacy. When the seating assemblies of the module300are converted to beds, no passenger is forced to have his/her head directly next to or underneath the feet of another passenger. Although it is possible to combine a single adjacent non-underlapping seat assembly302with a three-seat grouping301, the combination of a two-seat grouping with a three-seat grouping can improve space utilization.

FIG. 4Ashows an example arrangement400in a manner in which some support structures for the upper and lower seats are not shown in order to better emphasize relational and concealed aspects. The example embodiment400includes a first 3-seat grouping404, comprising an aft-facing lower seat401, an upper seat402, and a fore-facing lower seat403, combined with a second 3-seat grouping408comprising an aft-facing lower seat405, an upper seat406, and a fore-facing lower seat407to form a 6-seat grouping in which all seats are convertible between and upright and lie-flat position. In an exemplary embodiment, the second grouping408is arranged as a mirror image of the first grouping404to conserve space while providing unobstructed ingress and egress to all passengers. As shown inFIG. 4E, the lower seats401,403,405,407can be oriented at angles θ and φ respectively with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the upper seats406,408. The 3-seat groupings404,408can be positioned adjacent and abutting each other. In an example embodiment, the 3-seat groupings404,408can be combined to form an integral module that shares one or more structural aspects.

The lower seat401can be associated with a footrest409, and the lower seat405can be associated with a footrest413. The lower footrests409,413, can support the lower legs and feet of a reclining passenger and direct an occupant's feet to a particular side of upper footrests410,412, associated with the upper seats402,406respectively, in a manner consistent with the angling of the seats401and405. The footrest410can be disposed in generally the same plane as the upper seat402in a lie-flat position, and likewise the footrest412associated with the upper seat406. The lower seat403can be associated with a lower footrest411, below the upper seat402, and the lower seat407can be associated with a lower footrest415below the seat406. The lower footrests411,415direct an occupant's feet to a side of the upper seats402,406respectively, consistent with the angled relationship between the upper and lower seats402,406and403,407respectively. As discussed previously, angling of lower underlapping seating shortens the overall linear dimension of a seating group, and improves access to the lower seating. The foot rests410,412can be shorter on one side (seat egress side) than the other, with a longer side over the foot rests409,413, providing additional egress room for occupants of lower seats.

FIGS. 4B-Eshow an example embodiment420of an integrated module in which seats share a common support structure. The lower seats401and405share a support shell421, as do the lower seats403,407sharing the support shell423. The upper seats402and406can share an FSA422. The lower support shell421can include an endwall424, a first sidewall425and a second sidewall426. In an example embodiment, the endwall424can be perpendicular to the linear dimension of the upper seats404,406, with the lower seats401,405angled with respect to the endwall424. Likewise, the lower seats403,407can be angled with respect to the endwall427, which can be perpendicular to the linear dimension of the upper seats404,406. For each of the lower seats401,403,405,407, a lower seat support base430can be disposed to support a lower seat in both upright and lie-flat positions. A divider432can be disposed between the lower seats401,405, and between the lower seats403,407to provide separation between, and privacy for, lower seat occupants. An upper surface434of the divider432can serve as an armrest for both lower seat passengers. A privacy shield436can be disposed to provide further separation between the personal areas of occupants of the lower seats401,405and403,407, and additional privacy, particularly when the lower seats are reclined in lie-flat positions.

The FSA422can be in the form of a shell that includes a first endwall438, adjacent a first sidewall439a second sidewall440, and a second endwall442adjacent a first sidewall443and a second sidewall444. A divider446can be disposed to separate and define the personal areas associated with each of the upper seats402and406. An entertainment center448can be provided, secured to a mounting assembly449which can be configured to allow the entertainment center448to pivot from a non-viewing or retracted position (as shown associated with seat406) to a desired viewing angle, as shown associated with seat402. A support base450can support the seat402in both upright and lie-flat positions. A support base450can also be disposed to support the seat406in upright and lie-flat configurations. Entertainment centers452can be provided for the passengers seated in the lower seats401,405,403and407.

The bed402′ and the footrest410can cooperate to form a berth412for a first upper passenger. In similar fashion, the bed406′ and the footrest414can cooperate to form a sleeping berth416for a second upper passenger. The sleeping berths412,416are longer on one side than the other due to the shape of the footrests410and414.

FIG. 4E, a sectional view of the arrangement400, shows the angling of the lower seats401,405,403,407with respect to the upper seats402,406. Line L represents the longitudinal axis, or linear dimension of the FSA420. Line A represents longitudinal axis of seat401, oriented at an angle θ with the FSA420. Line B represents the longitudinal axis of seat403, oriented at an angle φ with respect to the FSA420. In like manner, line C represents the longitudinal axis of the seat405, which is oriented at an angle α with respect to the FSA420, and line D indicates the longitudinal axis of the seat407, which is oriented at an angle β with respect to the FSA420.

FIGS. 5A, B show an example seating assembly500that includes a seat502, an FSA504, and a vertical member506configured to attach to the FSA504and extend generally vertically to attach to a ceiling structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical member506is configured to attach to a ceiling beam508of an aircraft fuselage using a tie-bar509that connects the vertical member506to a tie-bar beam mounting510on the vehicle ceiling beam508. The seat502can include a seatback512coupled to a seat base514, preferably at a pivot point. The FSA504can include a footrest516that can be used in conjunction with a bed502′ to support a reclining passenger's feet, and for example form a sleeping berth. The FSA504can include an FSA panel507for privacy and separation. As shown inFIG. 5B, the presence of the vertical member506does not impede the seat502from converting to a bed502′; nor does it interfere with a passenger's private space when in an upright or lie-flat position. The seat502can be disposed at an elevated height above a vehicle floor. The vertical member506is particularly beneficial when included in a seating assembly with a raised seat as it offers the advantage of reducing the load on the floor by dissipating some of that load to the ceiling, which can help the seating assembly500withstand high forces. However, it is contemplated that a vertical member could also be used with a seating assembly that provides a standard height seat. In an example embodiment, the vertical member506can be used to mount accessories for lighting, air, electricity, entertainment, etc.

FIGS. 5C-5Eshow an example three-seat arrangement514in which the seating assembly500is combined with a lower aft-facing seating assembly521and a lower fore-facing assembly523to form an L-U-L configuration in which a portion of the seat525of the lower assembly521and the seat527of the lower assembly523underlap the seating assembly500when in a lie-flat position. As shown inFIG. 5C, lower aft- and fore-facing seating assemblies are angled with respect to the seating assembly500. A footrest534can be disposed for association with the seating assembly521to support an occupant's feet in a lie-flat position. The footrest534can be offset consistent with the angling of the seating assembly521. Similarly, a footrest536can be provided for association with the seating assembly523.

FIGS. 5F-Gdepict an example arrangement515configured with a vertical member506. A 3-seat grouping520includes the lower seating assembly521, an upper seating assembly522, and the lower seating assembly523. The lower seating assembly521can include a seat525configurable between an upright and a lie-flat position, and a lower support shell524. The upper seating assembly522can include an FSA528and the upper seat502, convertible to a lie-flat position. The FSA528does not have the panel507but is instead arranged adjacent a divider assembly528. The lower seating assembly523can include a lower support shell526and a lower seat527convertible between an upright and a lie-flat position. The lower seats525and527can underlap the upper seat502when in a lie-flat position, and form an angled L-U-L configuration. The height of the FSA528required to achieve a L-U-L configuration will be closer to the vehicle's ceiling structure than the lower seats. This enables the use of structural members extending from the seat structure to the vehicle's ceiling structure to add stability and strength to the seating structure. Connecting seat structures to the floor and/or ceiling of a vehicle can facilitate satisfying aviation impact and strength requirements. A divider assembly538can provide privacy and a storage compartment539.

FIGS. 5H-5Kdepict an example embodiment in which a five-seat grouping incorporates a vertical member. In an example embodiment540, the 3-seat grouping520is combined with the 2-seat grouping302(FIG. 3B). Movement of seats in the 3-seat grouping520and 2-seat grouping302from an upright to a lie-flat position is unencumbered by the vertical member506. Even with the vertical member506, the interaction between the group520L-U-L seating and group302adjacent lower seating provides an arrangement that diminishes undesirable passenger interaction such as visual exposure, bumping and passing over or through another passenger's space. In addition, access to ground level storage and seat ingress/egress are unencumbered by the vertical member506.

FIG. 6shows an example600in which an example seating arrangement602is employed in an aircraft fuselage604. The aircraft fuselage604includes a floor603and a ceiling605.FIG. 6offers a perspective looking from the rear of the fuselage toward the front of the aircraft. The seating arrangement602includes a leftside seating column606, a center seating column608, and a rightside seating column610. The leftside seating column includes the 5-seat grouping305that includes the upper seating assembly204. Because the upper seating assembly204includes a seat elevated above the aircraft floor, which positions a passenger's head closer to the ceiling605, the three-seat grouping201of the five-seat grouping305is positioned adjacent to the left aisle620where the ceiling605is higher than it is over the two-seat grouping302. Similarly, the three-seat grouping305can be positioned so upper seating is adjacent the aisle622. Angling of the lower seating assemblies of the three-seat grouping201gives room for a passenger seated in the two-seat grouping302to enter and exit without invading the personal space of passengers seated in the 3-seat grouping201. In an example arrangement, seating630along the center column608can comprise raised seating as the aircraft ceiling606is high above that column. Positioning lower seats of the 5-seat group305in fuselage locations with a lower ceiling economically increases seating density in a manner that does not compromise passenger comfort.

FIG. 7shows an example eight-seat grouping700that can be a useful configuration for seating between aisles. A combination of two L-U-L groupings, adjacent a lower 2-seat grouping can be advantageous for seat configurations located between aisles. Each seat of the 8-seat grouping700can be put in an upright or lie-flat position. In an exemplary embodiment, the eight-seat grouping700combines the 2-seat grouping302with the 3-seat grouping201, and a 3-seat grouping703configured as a mirror image of the grouping201. The two-seat grouping302and the two three-seat groupings201,703, can be configured to share common walls. For example a shell sidewall of the two-seat grouping302can function as a privacy wall and/or sidewall for the first or second three-seat grouping201,703. Likewise a sidewall of either the first or second three-seat groupings201,703can function as a privacy wall for the two-seat grouping302. In an example arrangement, a divider assembly can be disposed between the two-seat and three-seat groupings to provide a shared privacy wall. In an exemplary embodiment the two-seat302and the three seat groupings201,703, proximate one another in order to share a common privacy wall. However, it is contemplated that in a further embodiment the two- and three seat groupings can be interconnected. As shown inFIG. 7, the lower seating assemblies of the 3-seat groupings201,703are typically angled so that the heads of lower passengers seated in the 3-seat groupings201,703are angled away from the feet of passengers in the two-seat grouping302when the seats of the 2- and 3-seat groupings are in a lie flat position. This manner of angling provides additional ingress/egress space for the passengers in a two-seat grouping. In an example aircraft seating arrangement, the eight-seat grouping700can be positioned in a column between two aisles, and provide aisle access to all passengers.

As shown in theFIGS. 7-9, seat groupings can vary in configuration in order to optimize a vehicle seating arrangement. As discussed previously, the angling of the lower seat assemblies of a three-seat grouping and the footwell area of the upper seat assembly can be interrelated. As shown inFIG. 7, feet of lower reclining passengers of the201grouping are angled toward the longer side of the bed230′, which is on the upper passenger's left side. The feet of lower reclining passengers of the703grouping are angled toward the longer side of the bed705′, but the longer side is on the upper passenger's right side. Thus groupings can be configured to be left-hand or right-hand to maximize arrangement flexibility and efficiency for a particular environment.

For seat configurations that span aisles, a combination of two 3-seat L-U-L groups and two adjacent, generally parallel lower 2-seat groups comprising fore- and aft-facing seats can be advantageous. The example embodiment800includes a grouping810that can provide direct aisle access to ten passengers seated in seats convertible between an upright and a lie-flat position without requiring any of them to pass through or over another passenger's space. The example arrangement800can include the 5-seat grouping305and a 5-seat group805configured as a mirror image of the 5-seat group305. In addition, between two aisles a 10-seat grouping810can be positioned. In an example embodiment, the grouping810can comprise a combination of the305and805groups. As shown inFIG. 8, all passengers in both upper and lower seating have aisle access. Due to the angling of the three-seat groupings, the two-seat groupings can be arranged at a window side of the vehicle or interior to other groupings, while still providing unobstructed ingress/egress to their occupants.

FIG. 9shows an example seating arrangement900for a vehicle. In an example embodiment, the seating arrangement900can efficiently provide comfortable lie-flat seating in a wide-bodied aircraft. The seating arrangement900can comprise adjacent configurations800that span aisles along the linear dimension of a vehicle. Arrows inFIG. 9show aisle access for occupants in non-aisle seating, indicating that passengers in non-aisle seating can access an aisle without having to move over, or under, or otherwise invade the space of an adjacent passenger.

Thus, 2-seat, 3-seat, 5-seat and 6-seat groupings can be variously combined to efficiently arrange seating in an aircraft fuselage and provide unobstructed ingress and egress for all passengers. The foregoing figures depicted various example arrangements in which a 3-seat grouping includes an upper seating assembly combined with two lower seating assemblies that are angled to some degree in relation to the linear dimension of the upper seat. As discussed previously herein, an example embodiment of the invention can include a 3-seat grouping in which lower seating assemblies are aligned with the linear dimension of an upper seating assembly, i.e. oriented at an angle of 0° with the linear dimension of the upper seating assembly, while still conserving space in the overall linear dimension of the grouping.

FIGS. 10A-10Dshow an example 3-seat grouping in which lower seats are aligned with an upper seat, forming an aligned L-U-L arrangement.FIG. 10Ashows a side-view of an aircraft fuselage1001in which an example 3-seat grouping1003comprises a lower seating assembly1002, an upper seating assembly1004, and a lower seating assembly1006. In an example arrangement, the lower seating assembly1002and the upper seating assembly1004can be fore-facing, while the lower seating assembly1006can be aft-facing. As shown inFIG. 10B, a line L indicates the longitudinal axis of the upper seating assembly1004and the 3-seat grouping1000, and shows that the longitudinal axes of the three seating assemblies are aligned. The lower seating assembly1002includes a seat1008having a transverse hinge line1010perpendicular to the line L. Likewise, the upper seating assembly1004includes a seat1012having a transverse hinge line1014, and the lower seating assembly1006includes a seat1016having a transverse hinge line1018. The hinge lines1010,1014, and1018are all parallel to each other and perpendicular to line L, further indicating the alignment of the three seating assemblies.

Although the lower seating assemblies1002,1006are aligned with the upper assembly1004rather than angled, the 3-seat grouping1003can provide seating in a manner that conserves space in the linear dimension. The required overall length of the grouping1000can be shortened by angling the passenger when he is reclined in a lie-flat position. As shown in FIGS.10C,D, while the seating assemblies1002,1006are “straight” in alignment with the upper seating assembly1004, an offset positioning of a footspace for the lie-flat position for passengers seated in the lower seating assemblies can lead occupants to angle their bodies across a reclined bed, shortening a required bed length.

An offset footrest1022is disposed at a footspace1020associated with the lower bed1008′. In like manner, an offset footrest1026is disposed at the footspace1024associated with the lower bed1016′. As perhaps best illustrated inFIG. 10D, a sectional view of the seating arrangement1003in which part of the upper seating assembly1004is not shown, the disposition of the footrests1022and1026cause a occupant angle himself across the beds1016′,1008′ and therefore be angled with respect to the upper seating assembly1004. Angling of lower seat passengers in a lie-flat position can conserve space in the linear dimension. The straight bed1008′ can cooperate with the offset footrest1022to form a sleeping berth1030for a passenger of the lower seating assembly1002. In like manner, the straight lower bed1016′ can cooperate with the footrest1026to form a sleeping berth1032for an occupant of the lower seating assembly1006.

Referring toFIG. 10C, the upper straight bed1012′ can cooperate with an aligned footrest1017to provide an upper sleeping berth1034. The footrest1017is generally the same width as the bed1012′, providing a wide berth that allows an upper passenger to lie straight in a berth of relatively uniform width. As shown inFIGS. 10C-10D, a portion of the beds1008′ and1016′ underlap the seating assembly1004. In an example embodiment a portion of the beds1008′ and1016′ underlap the berth1034.

FIGS. 11A-Fshow an example arrangement1100in which a first 3-seat aligned L-U-L grouping1102having a lower seat1104, an upper seat1106and a lower seat1108is combined with a second 3-seat aligned L-U-L grouping1110, comprising lower seat1112, upper seat1114, and lower seat1116, to form a 6-seat grouping. As shown inFIG. 11A, a hinge line1118of the seat1104, a hinge line1120of the seat1106, and a hinge line1122of the seat1108are parallel with one another and perpendicular to the linear dimension of the upper seat1106. Similarly, a hinge line1124of the seat112, a hinge line1126of the seat1114, and a hinge line1128of the seat1116are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the linear dimension of the seat1114. In addition, lower seats1104,1112are parallel with each other as are the upper seats1106,1114, and the lower seats1108,1116.

In an exemplary arrangement, the 3-seat grouping1110is arranged as a mirror image of the 3-seat grouping1102so that the feet of the passengers occupying beds formed by the lower seats, namely beds1104′,1112,1108′ and1116′ are directed beneath and toward a particular side (the inside) of upper beds1106′ and1114′. Because the passengers of the lower beds1104′,110′8,1112′ and1116′ are angled across their respective beds, a shortened linear dimension for the lie-flat 6-seat grouping1110can be achieved in comparison to a seating arrangement in which both seats and passengers are aligned with the linear dimension of the seats when in a lie-flat position.

In an example embodiment, the lower seats1104,1112can share a common lower support shell1136, the upper seats1106,1114can share a common FSA1138, and the lower seats1108,1116can share a common lower support shell1140. The support shell1136can have an endwall1141, a first sidewall1142, and a second sidewall1144. A seat base support1146can be disposed to provide support to the lower seat1104, and one can be provided to support the lower seat1112. The lower seats1104,1112can each include a lower leg extension1117that can extend in an up position when the seat1104,1112is in a lie-flat position to provide support to an occupant's legs. The lower leg extension1117, when extended with the seat1104in a lie-flat position can form a bed1104′ for a reclining passenger. In addition, a foot rest1173offset at the FSA1138can cooperate with the bed1104′ to form a berth1190that angles a lower passenger with respect to an upper seating assembly. Similarly, a footrest1174can cooperate with the bed1112′ to form a sleeping berth1192for a lower reclining passenger.

The lower support shell1140can comprise an endwall1161with a first sidewall1162and a second sidewall1164. A seat base support1146can be provided to support the lower seat1108and the lower seat1116. The seats1108,1116can also include the lower leg extension1117for supporting an occupant's legs and forming a bed when the seat1108,1116is in a lie-flat position. A footrest1175at the FSA1138can cooperate with the bed1108′ to form a sleeping berth1194that angles a lower fore-facing occupant. A footrest1176can cooperate with the bed1116′ to form a lower sleeping berth1196for an occupant. Disposition of the footrests1173,1174,1175,1176angles all lower passengers with respect to the FSA1138.FIGS. 11E,F show sectional views of the arrangement1100to better illustrate the manner in which the footrests1173,1174,1175,1176angle passengers1182,1184,1186,1188across the beds1104′,1112′,1108′ and1116″.

The lower support shells1136,1140can include a partition1131having an upper surface1132that can be split by a divider1134to form two areas that can function as armrests for the adjacent lower passengers. In addition, a privacy shield1135can be disposed to provide additional privacy for lower passengers in both an upright and a lie-flat position.

The FSA1138can comprise a shell that can include a first endwall1148, with a first sidewall1150and a second sidewall1152, and a second endwall1154having a first sidewall1156and a second sidewall1158. A seat base support1160can be disposed on an elevated floorboard1159to provide support for the upper seat1114. The upper bed1106′ can cooperate with a foot rest1130to form a sleeping berth1107for an upper seat occupant. The foot rest1130can be integrated with the FSA1138, for example the foot rest1130can be attached to the endwall1148. In like manner, the upper bed1114′ can cooperate with the footrest1131to form a berth1115. While the lower berths1192,1196can underlap the upper berth1115, and the lower berths1190and1194can underlap the upper berth1107, it can be observed from the drawings that only the lower portion of a lower occupant extends beneath the upper berths, providing a comfortable, non-claustrophobic lie-flat experience for reclining lower occupants. The FSA1138can include a partition1164that can provide privacy to the occupants of the upper seats1106and1114. A tray table1166can be provided at either side of the partition1164so that each upper seat occupant has a separate tray table that can be in an upright (FIG. 11B) or horizontal (FIG. 11C) position. In an exemplary embodiment the partition can be removable to provide a premium cabin area that can be shared by more than one person.

FIGS.11C,D show the 6-seat grouping1100with seats in an upright position. As shown in the figure, when the seats of the 6-seat grouping1100are in an upright position, the passengers of the lower seats1104,1108,1112,1116have an egress area1172that can provide unobstructed access to the lower seats without infringement of upper seat space. After being seated, a lower seat occupant has a comfortable amount of leg room as well.

The example seating arrangement1100is configured to provide each passenger an entertainment center. For example, an entertainment center1178can be disposed at the endwall1148, one for each of the occupants of the seats1104and1112. For the occupants of the upper seats1106and1114, an entertainment center1170can be provided on a mounting assembly1171configured to allow pivoting of the entertainment center1180from a retracted position (associated with seat1106) to an extended position (associated with seat1114). The 6-seat grouping1100can be grouped with other 6-seat groupings in an end-to-end fashion in an aircraft fuselage, as discussed earlier herein in regard to 2-, 3- and 5-seat groupings.

Both the angled and aligned 6-seat groupings conserve space in the linear dimension by angling lower passengers when the seats are in a lie-flat position, shortening the length required to provide a lie-flat bed. Two lower beds can underlap an upper bed in a manner in which only a lower portion of a passenger is beneath the bed of an upper passenger, and privacy is protected between adjacent passengers. Egress areas for lower and upper passengers allow a passenger to enter a seat without having to crawl through or otherwise invade the personal space of another passenger.

FIGS. 12A-Fshow an exemplary embodiment of a hybrid arrangement in which a 6-seat grouping is configured with an upper seating assembly and aligned lower underlapping seating assemblies. However, footspace for a lower seat facing the same direction as the upper seat, referred to as a “non-opposing” lower seat, is configured differently from that for a lower seat facing an opposite direction of an upper seat, referred to as an “opposing seat”. In short, while all seats in a hybrid arrangement can be aligned with each other, having transverse hinge lines perpendicular to an arrangement linear dimension, passengers in opposing lower beds can be angled, while those in non-opposing beds are not angled. In an example embodiment, footspace can be divided between upper and lower seating. By way of example, but not limitation, footspace can be between an upper seat seated position and a lower opposing seat bed position.

An example embodiment1200can include a first non-opposing lower seat1232, a second non-opposing lower seat1240, a first upper seat1210, a second upper seat1212, a first opposing lower seat1250, and a second opposing lower seat1260. Lower seats1232,1240,1250,1260can be aligned with the upper seats12010,12012. As shown inFIG. 12C, which shows the configuration1200in a lie-flat configuration, transverse seat hinge lines1214,1216,1218,1220,1222and1224are perpendicular to the linear dimension of the upper seats1210,1212, a further indication of seat alignment. Occupants in the first and second lower seats1232and1240are lying “straight” or in alignment with the first and second upper seats1206,1208. However, due to the disposition of footspace for the lower opposing seats2, their occupants are angled when lying on the beds1250′ and1260′.

The upper seat1210can be associated with a footspace1209for a seated passenger. A footrest1211can be provided at an FSA1205to support the feet of a passenger when reclining on the bed1210′. The upper seat1210can comprise a seat extender1207that can be extended when the seat1210is in a lie-flat position. The seat extender1207can be shaped so that the bed1210′ can cooperate with the footrest1211to provide a berth for an upper passenger of relatively uniform width.

In like manner, the upper seat1212can be associated with a footspace1215for a seated passenger. The FSA1205can provide a footrest1213to support the feet of the passenger when using the bed1212′. The seat1212can include the seat extender1207, and be configured to cooperate with the footrest1215provide a berth for an upper passenger or relatively uniform width.

Turning first to the non-opposing lower seating, the lower seat1232can be configured with a leg extension1234for supporting a passenger's lower legs and cooperating with the seat1232in a lie-flat position to form a bed1232′. A footwell1236can be provided in association with the seat1232, in which a footrest1238can be disposed. The footrest1238is about the same width as the leg extension1234, and the two can cooperate to allow an occupant to lie fairly straight when reclined in a lie-flat position. Together the bed1232′ and the footrest1238can provide a berth1233.

Similarly, second lower non-opposing seat1240can be configured with a leg extension1242, with which it can form a bed1240′. A footwell1244can be provided in which a footrest1246of generally uniform width can be disposed. Together the bed1240′ and the footrest1246can provide a berth1243having sufficient width for an occupant to lie straight (not angled) in a lie-flat position.

However, footspace for lower opposing seats is configured differently. The first lower opposing seat1250can have a leg extension1252with which it can form a bed1250′ in a lie-flat position. A footwell1254can be provided adjacent a footspace1272for a seated occupant of an upper seat of the FSA1270. A foot rest1256can be disposed to cooperate with the bed1250to provide a berth1253for a lower passenger. The portion of the footrest1256that extends into the footwell1254is noticeably narrower than the leg extension1252, causing an occupant to lie in an angled position when fully reclined. Similarly, a second lower opposing seat1260can be configured with a leg extension1262. A footwell1264for a seat1260occupant can be provided adjacent a footspace1274for a seated occupant of an upper seat of the FSA1270. A footrest1266for supporting a reclining passenger's feet can be provided. The portion of the footrest1266that extends into the footwell1264can be noticeably more narrow than the seat1260and leg extension1262, encouraging, if not forcing, an occupant to lie in an angled position when fully reclined.

Thus lower seats1232,1240have a wide footspace and a correspondingly wide footrest that is substantially the same width as the associated seat, allowing passengers to lie straight, while lower opposing seats1250,1260have a more narrow footspace and footrest, prompting passengers to be angled. As shown in the various figures all upper and lower seats have unobstructed ingress/egress and a comfortable amount of foot room when in an upright position. This arrangement allows bed lengths to be optimized relative to the overall length of the cabin while providing ample leg room for a passenger. An upper seat can be offered as a premium seat over lower seats due to the potentially larger bed that can be achieved if dimensions are biased in favor of upper seats.

As required, many example arrangements are provided herein, however the invention is not limited to exemplary embodiments disclosed.