LAYOUT OF AIRCRAFT SEATS AND AIRCRAFT SEATING FURNITURE

The present invention relates to an aircraft passenger seating arrangement comprising at least two seats arranged facing each other along a longitudinal axis (y) each seat being provided with a seat portion and a backrest portion. At least a first front seat comprising a footrest portion facing the second rear seat and arranged adjacent to the seat portion of the same seat separated by a partition wall. Further, said two seats being spaced apart along said longitudinal axis (y) by a first distance such as to form an interspace extending in width along a second axis (x) transversal to said longitudinal axis (y) for substantially the area in width of said two seats. Said arrangement of seats being characterised in further providing a mobile element independent from both said two seats, arranged in said interspace in correspondence with the footrest portion of the first seat and comprising an upper support surface arranged at the same height of the footrest portion of the first seat and of the seat portion of the second seat.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an aircraft seating arrangement.

In addition, the present invention relates to a mobile for airliners, specifically a mobile element suitable for integration into business class seating configurations.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an aircraft seating mobile suitable for integration into a business class seat, the configuration of which allows for an increase in the usable area, by a passenger in an aircraft seat, of the cabinet itself and the seat into which said mobile is integrated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

At the state of the art, it is well known that seats and suites for passengers on airliners, particularly business class, offer additional comforts and ancillary services over and above a basic seat, e.g., economy class, such as accessories for the use of personal items during the flight, multimedia tools, storage compartments, and the ability to provide greater comfort during the flight.

In the design of such business class seats, passenger comfort is a key and critical aspect, and therefore allowing the passenger to take on multiple configurations in the seat improves their flight experience and reduces their stress.

In fact, aircraft seats can either recline or take on resting configurations during the flight. Particularly for long-distance flights, some seats are configured to take on a configuration reminiscent of a bed, such as by fully reclining the seat back, or by employing accessory structural elements within the seat or integrated into it.

Such elements and mechanisms that enable said type of “bed” configuration, which may be elements integrated directly into the seat, are often cumbersome, thus diminishing the space reserved for the passenger, or consisting of elaborate mechanical systems, thus involving a high level of maintenance.

In addition, such moving systems, comprising, for example, mechanical/electronic actuators and/or pneumatic systems, may require assistance from specialized personnel, who, in case the passenger is unable to use said systems configured to allow the seat to assume said “bed” configuration, must step in to help the passenger, thus taking up more work time during the flight.

An additional problem with the prior art is that such systems are a hindrance in terms of weight, a key factor in the design of said type of seating; which in fact adds additional weight to the vehicle, thus implying an overall increase in total weight, thus requiring more fuel (and expense).

Prior art patent document WO 2015/104527 A1 describes an aircraft seating arrangement comprising a movable filling surface that can be deployed to increase the sleeping space for the passenger. However, such a surface can only be used in the bed phase, as it does not allow the passenger to assume the seated position when unfolded.

Prior art patent document EP 3 583 030 B1 describes an aircraft seating arrangement comprising a side footrest portion integrated with the seat. Such a solution is not favorable because it does not allow, when arranging the aircraft space, to vary the pitch i.e., the pitch between seats arranged in multiple rows to maximize aircraft space while maintaining passenger comfort.

SUMMARY

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the previously highlighted problems of the prior art, specifically that of integrating into an aircraft seat (specifically business class) an accessory mobile that allows the usable surface area of a passenger to be increased during flight. Specifically so as to allow the passenger to comfortably assume an additional resting position where he or she is lying down.

An additional purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art by employing the smallest possible footprint, in order to be able to give more space, to the passenger to improve his or her travel experience and perception of freedom of movement during flight.

An additional purpose is to provide such comforts to the passenger, and with a mechanism that is as light as possible, simple, and intuitive for the passenger, in order to allow it to be used quickly, e.g., without requiring specialized personnel and without necessarily requiring the installation of electronic devices.

It is, therefore, is an object of the present invention an aircraft passenger seating arrangement comprising at least two seats arranged facing each other along a longitudinal axis, each seat being provided with a seat portion and a backrest portion, at least a first front seat comprising a footrest portion facing the second rear seat and arranged adjacent to the seat portion of the same seat separated by a partition wall, said two seats being spaced apart along said longitudinal axis by a first distance such as to form an interspace extending in width along a second axis transversal to said longitudinal axis for substantially the area in width of said two seats, said arrangement of seats being characterised in further providing a mobile element independent from both said two seats, arranged in said interspace in correspondence of the footrest portion of the first seat and comprising an upper support surface arranged at the same height of the footrest portion of the first seat and of the seat portion of the second seat, in that said upper support surface of said mobile element is extensible in width along said second axis so that it assumes a first retracted configuration, wherein it fills the portion of said interspace in correspondence with the footrest portion of the first seat leaving the remaining portion of said interspace empty in at least a portion of said seat portion of said second seat for allowing the passenger to access said second seat and for accommodating the legs of the passenger seated on said second seat, and a second extended configuration wherein said upper support surface is more extended in width along said second axis than said retracted configuration, so as to fill almost completely also the remaining portion of said interspace along said second axis also in correspondence with said seat portion of said second seat for forming a single bed surface with said footrest portion of said first seat and said seat portion of said second seat.

In particular, according to the invention, the longitudinal development of said interspace may be substantially uniform and corresponds to said first distance. Still, according to the invention, the encumbrance according to a plan view of each seat may be substantially a parallelogram.

More specifically according to the invention, the encumbrance according to a plan view of said movable element may be substantially a parallelogram.

Always according to the invention, in at least one first seat the encumbrance according to a plan view of the seating portion may have a substantially rectangular trapezoid shape wherein the oblique side corresponds to a portion of said separation wall.

Further according to the invention, in said at least one first seat encumbrance according to a plan view of the footrest portion may have a substantially right triangle shape or a substantially right trapezoid shape, wherein the respective oblique side corresponds to a portion of said separation wall.

Preferably according to the invention, a portion of said separation wall of said at least one first front seat from a plan view may be oriented along a third axis inclined by a first angle in respect of said longitudinal axis comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably equivalent to 23°.

Further, according to the invention, the separation wall may also define the backrest portion and said footrest portion of the same seat.

Still, according to the invention, the backrest portion of each seat may have an extension in width oriented along an axis substantially parallel to said second axis.

Always according to the invention, said second axis may be inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis by an angle comprised between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°, in particular equivalent to 78°.

Further according to the invention, in each seat said seat portion and said backrest portion may be fixed and devoid of movement mechanisms.

In particular, according to the invention, each seat may provide a back wall arranged rearwardly said backrest portion and above said footrest portion of said seat, preferably on said back wall being arranged a monitor.

More specifically according to the invention, said rear wall from a plan view may have an extension in width substantially parallel to said second axis.

Always according to the invention, said footrest portion of said at least one first seat may be closed at the top by said separation wall in such a way that said upper portion acts as a shelf surface for the passenger seated in the seating portion of said first seat.

Preferably according to the invention, said mobile element may comprise a support structure fixed in said interspace at said footrest portion of said first seat. In particular according to the invention, said mobile element may comprise a first support panel and a second support panel, wherein in said retracted configuration of the mobile element said upper support surface corresponds to the upper surface of the first support panel, and wherein in said extended configuration of the mobile element said upper support surface corresponds to the upper surface of both said two support panels side by side.

Preferably according to the invention, said mobile element may comprise a storage compartment for storing said second panel when said mobile element is in said retracted configuration.

Further according to the invention, said storage compartment is arranged inferiorly to said first support panel when said mobile element is in said retracted configuration.

Always according to the invention, said storage compartment may be slidingly coupled along said second axis to said support structure and is configured in such a way that in said extended configuration of said mobile element said storage compartment is translated along said second axis for bringing said second panel side by side with said first panel.

In particular according to the invention, the sliding coupling between said storage compartment and said support structure may be via two side rails.

In addition according to the invention, said mobile element may provide actuating means, preferably mechanical, for example, linear levers, or electrical, associated with said support structure and with said storage compartment for causing or assisting the translation movement of said storage compartment.

Further according to the invention, said mobile element may provide a lifting system of said second panel inside said storage compartment such that when said mobile element is in an extended configuration, said second panel can be lifted with its respective upper surface in the same plane as the upper surface of the first panel for forming said upper support surface.

Alternatively according to the invention, said mobile element in said retracted configuration may comprise said first panel arranged over said second panel contained in said storage compartment, and wherein said first panel is rotationally constrained to said second panel in correspondence with a respective side so that, when said mobile element switches to said extended configuration, said first panel rotates 180° with respect to said second panel.

In particular, according to the invention, said mobile element may provide a lifting system for lifting said second support panel from said storage compartment before rotating said first support panel for obtaining the extended configuration.

More specifically according to the invention, said lifting system may provide at least one plurality of levers associated with said storage compartment and with said second panel.

Preferably according to the invention, said mobile element may provide a handle element, in particular a flap, apt to be pulled by a user to bring said mobile element from said retracted configuration to said extended configuration.

In particular, according to the invention, said handle element may be associated with said storage compartment so as to facilitate its translation.

More specifically according to the invention, said handle element may be associated with said second support panel in such a way as to facilitate lifting of said second support panel.

Still according to the invention, said second panel may be rotationally constrained to said first panel at a respective side, wherein in said retracted configuration said second panel is arranged at 90° with respect to said first support panel, and in said extended configuration said second panel is arranged at 180° to said first support panel.

Preferably according to the invention, said mobile element may comprise a storage compartment.

Further according to the invention, said storage compartment may be arranged underneath said upper support surface and wherein it is accessible at the face facing the seat portion of the second seat.

Finally according to the invention, said storage compartment may be obtained at the upper support surface of said mobile element and provides an upper closing panel.

Additionally, it is object of the present invention a mobile element for aircraft seats apt to be arranged in the interspace between two seats arranged opposite each other in an arrangement as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Looking atFIGS.1-5, a passenger seating arrangement10′,10″ for aircraft according to the invention is shown.

The seating arrangement10′,10″ is configured as an assembly consisting of a pair of the seats10′,10″, arranged opposite each other along a longitudinal y-axis and oriented concordantly along said longitudinal y-axis, e.g., along the direction in which the aircraft cabin is spread and/or the direction of flight.

Said seats10′,10″ may be at a side wall of the aircraft cabin and accessible from one side via an aisle or at the central portion of the aircraft cabin adjacent to other seats and an access aisle or between two access aisles.

The seat assembly also provides for a mobile element1that is structurally and functionally independent, i.e., it can be installed independently of the two seats10′,10″ and does not require any interaction with them for its proper use; in fact, it is attached to the floor of the aircraft by its interface structure, just as the seats10′,10″ are in their turn, thus making it considerable as a static element of the aircraft.

In the pair of seats, positioned longitudinally at a first distance D20or pitch between two seats (also called “pitch” in English), it is possible to define a first and a second seat10′,10″ (specifically placed opposite each other), which each include in their structure a seat portion11and a backrest portion12.

At least one of the two seats10′,10″, in the example both, provides, in addition, a footrest portion13, divided by a partition14. Specifically, the footrest portion13of the first seat10′ faces the second seat10″. The distance D20allows to further define a free space or interspace20located between the two seats10′,10″. Said interspace20is developed in width along a second x-axis, transverse to the longitudinal y-axis, in particular, inclined by an angle α between 45° and 135°, preferably between 70° and 110°, in particular equivalent to 78°.

The mobile element1, according to the invention, is designed to be positioned in the interspace20, longitudinal extension along the y-axis is essentially uniform whose length corresponds to the distance D20between the two seats10′,10″, between the footrest portion13of the first seat10′ and the seat portion11of the second seat10″. In fact, the mobile element1has a support surface8arranged at the same height as the footrest portion13and seat portion11(which are placed at the same height in turn) in order to create a single substantially continuous surface between the two seats10′,10″. Additionally, the upper surface8of the mobile element1is apt to extend along the second x-axis, thereby increasing its overhead, moving from a first configuration (in which the passenger is seated, shown inFIG.2) to a second use configuration (in which the passenger is lying down, shown inFIG.3) and thus optimizing the space in the cabin. Said support surface8of said mobile element1is then extendable and retractable in width along said second x-axis to alternately assume said retracted configuration and said extended configuration.

In the first use configuration, also called the “retracted” configuration, the top surface8fills the interspace20only partially, leaving a portion of the edge of the seat portion11free in order to allow the passenger using seat10″ to comfortably access seat10″ and position his or her legs in the remaining space of the interspace20between the seat portion11and the backrest12of the first seat10′.

In the present embodiment said seat portion11and said backrest12of each seat10′,10″ are fixed and rigid mechanical elements, which have no mechanical or electrical movement mechanism.

The second use configuration, also called “extended”, involves the support surface8of the mobile element1filling almost completely the interspace20, increasing its surface area along the direction defined by the second x-axis, thus aligning with the entire edge of the seat portion11of the second seat10″ between the two seats10′,10″.

The second “extended” use configuration makes it possible to create a single surface, large enough for the passenger to be able to fully lie down, using the seat portion11of the second seat10″, the surface8and the footrest portion13of the first seat10′ as a single surface, like a bed, thanks to the mobile element1that extends the horizontal surface between the seats10′,10″ in order to be able to rest and/or sleep in a lying position.

With reference in particular toFIGS.2-3, it is possible to visualize the plan arrangement of the seats10′,10″ facing each other and the mobile element1interposed between them. From this view, it can be seen that the overall dimensions of the two seats10′,10″ and mobile element1basically correspond to a parallelogram.

In such an arrangement of seats10′,10″, the footrest portion13included in the first seat10′,10″ has an elongated plan footprint, in particular in the shape of a triangle or trapezoid, having a side parallel to said longitudinal axis y and an oblique side coincident with a portion of said partition wall14; which defines at the same time the, substantially right, trapezoidal footprint of the seat portion11of seat10′,10″, in which a portion of said partition wall14forms the oblique side of the trapezoid.

Referring toFIG.1, according to the invention, the partition wall14of the first front seat10′ is oriented along a third z-axis, inclined by a first angle β, between 5° and 45°, with respect to the longitudinal y-axis preferably equivalent to 23°, which indicates the orientation in which the passenger reclines when the movable element is in said “extended” configuration.

The partition wall further defines the footrest portion13of the seats10′,10″ and the backrest12of the seats10′,10″ themselves, in particular, the latter presents an extension in width oriented along an axis parallel to the second x-axis. Adjacent to said separation wall14, with particular reference toFIGS.4-5, there is arranged, posterior to said footrest portion13of the seat10′,10″, a rear wall15for the installation of accessory elements to the seat10′,10″ itself, in particular a monitor17, having a characteristic width oriented along the second transverse axis x. Further in said figures, it is possible to visualize how, according to the invention, the footrest portion13of the first seat10′,10″ is closed superiorly by the separation wall14, so as to advantageously define an upper portion16, usable by the passenger seated on the seat portion11of the first seat10′,10″ as a support surface, for example for the elbow or personal objects.

With reference toFIGS.6a-15, mobile element1, in its three embodiments, is now described below.

Said mobile element1, rigidly placed in the interspace20at the footrest portion13of the first seat10′ has a support structure5to support all its components, particularly a first and second panel (which may consist of an upholstered padded element) support3,4installed in said structure.

Specifically, when the mobile element1is in said “retracted” configuration, the supporting surface8coincides with the surface of the first supporting panel3, while when the movable element is in said “extended” configuration, the supporting surface8coincides with the surface of both supporting panels3,4side by side.

In addition, as shown for the embodiment forms ofFIGS.6a-9a,6b-9b, and12-14, within the support structure5of the movable element, a storage compartment7may be provided, located below to the first support panel3, designed to contain the second support panel4when the mobile element is in said “retracted” configuration and to contain a storage compartment6arranged inferiorly to the support surface8, accessible at the face facing the seating portion11of the second seat10″.

In a first embodiment, visible inFIGS.6a-9b, of the mobile element1, it is provided that said storage compartment7can be slidingly coupled to the support structure5along the second x-axis, in particular through the use of two linear side rails2, so that when the mobile1is in said “extended” configuration, the storage compartment7translates, thus adjoining the second panel4, contained in said storage compartment7, to the first panel3. Such movement of the compartment7, and thus also the alignment of the second panel4, takes place by means of movement mechanical means, such as actuators or levers18, or movement electric means, installed in the support structure5and associated with the compartment7itself, in particular, capable of moving along a specially shaped guide and/or by other pairs of levers18. In this embodiment the panel4, when the mobile element is in said “retracted” use configuration, is contained within compartment7and placed adjacent inferiorly to the first support plane3, thus minimizing the total footprint of the mobile element1. In the transition between the two use configurations and simultaneously with the translation of compartment7on the two side rails2, there is a lifting system associated with the second panel4in the support structure5, so that it is raised and thus its upper surface is aligned with the surface of the first panel3when the mobile element is in said “extended” configuration.

With reference toFIGS.12-14, a further embodiment of the mobile element1is described, in which, when it is in said “retracted” configuration, the first panel3is arranged superior to the second panel4(contained in the storage compartment7) and is constrained in rotation with respect to the second panel4itself so that, in the transition between the two configurations of use, it (the panel3) rotates by an angle of 180° with respect to the second panel4. In such an embodiment, before the rotation of the first panel3, the lifting means, specifically a plurality of levers18, are provided to lift the second panel4and bring it out of the storage compartment7to achieve the “extended” use configuration of the mobile element1.

In the two just described embodiments, the mobile element1can provide for a handle element9, specifically a flap9, installed to be pulled by a user, a skilled operator or a passenger, to operate the lifting and/or linear movement systems of the storage compartment7, in such a way as to switch from the “retracted” to the “extended” use configuration. In fact, in the first embodiment, the flap9is associated with the storage compartment7to facilitate its translation along the x-axis, while in the second embodiment the flap9is associated with the second panel4to facilitate its lifting. Further, according to the invention, in order to slow down such movements described above, the translation of the compartment7and the rotation of the second support panel4, dampers may be provided in order to slow down its travel by controlling it.

With reference toFIGS.10-11, a further embodiment of the mobile element1is described, in which the second panel4is rotatably constrained to the first panel3at one side of it. This arrangement of the two panels ensures that when the mobile element1is in the “retracted” configuration, the second panel4is positioned at 90° relative to the first panel3, and when it is in the “extended” configuration, the second panel4is positioned at 180° relative to the first panel3, thus aligning and creating a larger support surface8for the passenger.

Further in this embodiment, an upper closing door61may be provided at the upper support surface8to access the storage compartment6.

In the present text the mobile element1is always described in combination with the arrangement of two seats, it is apparent that it is also the subject of the present invention independently of these seats.

Advantageously, the seating arrangement according to the invention provides excellent passenger comfort while making practical use of cabin space.

Even more advantageously, the mobile element according to the invention allows the pitch between two seats to be varied by simply changing their dimensions in width and/or length during design or manufacture, without having to change the seat modules themselves.

In addition, the solution according to the invention allows an accessory mobile to be integrated into an aircraft seat (specifically business class) to increase the usable surface area for a passenger during a flight.

Advantageously, the solution according to the invention makes it possible to provide comfort to the passenger while reducing the weight of the structure and facilitating the passenger's movement on the seat, without requiring specialized personnel and without necessarily requiring the installation of electronic devices.

The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.