Space-optimizing seating arrangements for passenger transport and methods therefor

In illustrative embodiments, apparatus and associated methods relate to an aircraft cabin with an elevated zone along a centerline, and a main deck with passenger seating space located under the elevated zone. In an illustrative example, the elevated zone may include an elevated walkway between, for example, one or more cabins on either lateral side of the walkway. Access between the elevated zone and the main cabin may be via a stairway oriented, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The elevated zone may be advantageously retrofit or provided as original equipment that may increase passenger density, for example, and may further provide for enhanced amenities.

BACKGROUND

Commercial aircraft provide seating for passengers, integrating safety features required by the FAA with comfort and entertainment features. More efficient seating arrangements may increase the airline's profitability and as such, airlines may balance passenger comfort, with seating capacities. Commercial airlines may provide different comfort levels, charging more for arrangements that take up more valuable space, or that provide more amenities, such as first-class or business-class.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Apparatus and associated methods relate to an aircraft cabin with an elevated zone along a centerline, and a main deck with passenger seating space located under the elevated zone. In an illustrative example, the elevated zone may include an elevated walkway between, for example, one or more cabins on either lateral side of the walkway. The cabins in the elevated zone may each include, for example, a digital display panel in lieu of windows. Access between the elevated zone and the main cabin may be via a stairway oriented, for example, along the centerline. In some implementations, the passenger seating on the main deck may be arranged in, for example, a herringbone pattern. The elevated zone may be advantageously retrofit or provided as original equipment that may increase passenger density, for example, and may further provide for enhanced amenities.

Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, the number of passengers in a commercial aircraft may be increased without sacrificing comfort, by providing advantageous cabin layouts. The airline may offer customers individual cabin rooms for passengers that range in size depending on the specific zone of the aircraft.

In some embodiments, passengers may be provided with seats that may face forward during take-off taxiing and landing (TTL), may rotate sideways during a flight, and may convert to into a bed that lies substantially flat. In areas where windows may not be installed, some embodiments may provide passengers with a wall mounted digital display panel, which may advantageously provide travelers with a more open feel in lieu of line-of-sight access to a window through the fuselage. Some examples may beneficially permit the airline and passengers a diverse set of seating options and amenity levels to passengers who choose to travel in specific seating zones.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiments. In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without those specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter.

References throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, it is intended that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter cover modifications and variations thereof.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. That is, unless expressly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a,” “an,” “the,” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation.

Furthermore, the terms “approximately,” “proximate,” “minor,” and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10% or preferably 5% in certain embodiments, and any values therebetween.

FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper and lower deck arrangement. An aircraft cabin100, includes an upper deck105and a lower deck110. The upper deck105is fixedly coupled to a staircase115. The staircase115is fixedly coupled to the lower deck110. The upper deck105includes multiple individual passenger cabins120. The individual passenger cabins120contain digital display units125. In some examples the digital display units125may provide passengers130with a substantially open feeling. The lower deck110contains multiple individual passenger pods135. Each of the individual passenger pods135includes an individual passenger seat140.

FIG. 2depicts a front elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper and lower deck arrangement. An aircraft cabin200, includes the upper deck105and the lower deck110. The upper deck105is fixedly coupled to a staircase115. The staircase115is fixedly coupled to the lower deck110. The upper deck105includes an elevated walkway205. In some embodiments, the elevated walkway205may employ the space above the lower deck110, to advantageously gain additional passenger capacity. A passenger210may gain access between the lower deck110and the elevated walkway205via the staircase115. The lower deck110contains the individual passenger pods135. Each of the individual passenger pods135includes the individual passenger seat140.

FIG. 3depicts a rear elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating exemplary business-class suites arrangement, beneath an elevated walkway. An aircraft cabin300, includes the upper deck105and the lower deck110. The lower deck110contains multiple individual passenger pods135a,135b,135cand135d, in a business-class zone. The upper deck105includes the elevated walkway205. The elevated walkway205includes access to a cabin area305aand305b. In an illustrative example, the elevated walkway205gives access to the cabin areas305aand305b, benefiting aircraft with additional passenger capacity. The aircraft cabin300, includes a pair of aisles310aand310b. In some embodiments, the upper deck105may be advantageously formed to provide substantially ample headroom within the two aisles310aand310b. In an exemplary embodiment the shape of the upper deck105with the lowered middle portion, may benefit passengers with substantially ample headroom in the elevated walkway205within the upper deck105.

FIG. 4depicts a side elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating exemplary first-class suites arrangement. An aircraft cabin400, includes the upper deck105and the lower deck110. The lower deck110contains multiple stowage compartments405. The lower deck110contains the individual passenger pods135. Each of the individual passenger pods135includes the individual passenger seat140. The upper deck105includes the individual passenger cabins120. The individual passenger cabins120contain the digital display units125.

FIG. 5depicts a plan view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper deck arrangement. An upper deck of an aircraft cabin500includes multiple first-class suites505. In some examples the first-class suites505may include a transformable chair510. In some examples the transformable chairs510may be unfolded, into a co-planar sleeping surface515. In some examples, the first-class suites505may include a permanent sleeping surface520. In some examples, the permanent sleeping surface520, may be substantially below the digital display units125. In an illustrative example, the permanent sleeping surface520and the co-planar sleeping surface515, may be substantially co-planar, which may advantageously provide a wider sleeping surface for a larger passenger525, for example.

FIG. 6depicts a plan view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary herringbone arrangement. A herringbone arrangement600includes multiple business-class seating pods605. Each business-class seating pod605contains a business-class seat610. Within the herringbone arrangement600, a passenger615may find a benefit of substantially ample legroom. The herringbone arrangement600contains extra areas620a,620b, and620c. In some examples the extra areas620a,620b, and620cmay be employed as storage units configured to stow additional luggage, supplies or equipment. In further examples, the extra areas620a,602b, and620cmay include stowage for entertainment offerings, such as pull out monitors, beverage centers, personal electronics docking, and/or headphone stowage. The herringbone arrangement600contains a nook area625. In some examples the nook area625may become a support for a larger table surface to be shared by adjacent passengers. In some examples the nook area625may be employed as a shared beverage station or other convenience unit. In further examples, the nook area625may be employed as additional personal storage space or entertainment provision stowage (e.g., pull-out monitor, headphone dock, personal electronics dock, etc.).

FIG. 7depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper deck private cabin arrangement. The upper deck private cabin arrangement700includes a first-class cabin705. The first-class cabin705contains a convertible chair710. The convertible chair710converts into an extended full-size bed715. The extended full-size bed715may be substantially co-planar with, and next to a fixed bed720. In some examples the full-size bed715and the fixed bed720may form an extra wide sleeping surface. The fixed bed720may be converted into a couch by adding back supports and arm rests that fold out of an accessories door725. In some embodiments, the accessories door725may be opened by a passenger730and may advantageously provide the accessories needed to assemble a couch setting for a family or co-workers, for example.

FIG. 8depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary flex space arrangement. An aircraft upper deck forward area800includes a first premium business-class suite805. The upper deck forward area800also includes a flex space810. In some embodiments, the flex space810may be employed for a second premium business-class suite. In some examples, the airline may choose to construct a lounge or bar area in the flex space810, which may advantageously allow passengers to spend flight time together while enjoying a beverage or snacks. In some embodiments, the flex space810may be employed for general stowage, for example to stow luggage. In an illustrative example a flight attendant may rest in the flex space810. In some embodiments, the flex space810may be employed to prepare food or beverages. In further embodiments, the flex space810may be utilized as a vending area, for example to inspect and purchase duty free goods.

FIG. 9depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper deck private cabin arrangement with fold-out workspaces. An aircraft cabin900is depicted with two first-class suites905. In some examples, the first-class suites905may include a work surface910. The work surface910is rotatably coupled to the inside of an aisle-side wall915. In an illustrative example, the work surface910may be deployed by first pivoting the work surface910in the plane of the aisle-side wall915, then hinging the work surface910away from the aisle-side wall915, to position the work surface910substantially level. The work surface910may contain a mechanical stop to hold the work surface910in place.

In some examples, the first-class suites905may include a collapsible desk920. The collapsible desk920collapses and stores into a compartment925, under a permanent bed930. In some examples, the collapsible desk920may be an adjustable-height standing desk. In some examples the supports935for the collapsible desk920, may be a scissors mechanism that may be adjustable to any suitable height. The collapsible desk920, in one example, may function as a desk or coffee table unit.

FIG. 10depicts a front elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper and lower deck arrangement with a chair privacy head wall. An aircraft cabin1000contains a passenger pod1005. The passenger pod1005is fixedly coupled to a privacy head wall1010. In some examples the privacy head wall1010may be removably coupled to the passenger pod1005. In some embodiments, the privacy head wall1010, may advantageously provide additional privacy to the passenger pod1005. The privacy pod, for example, may be used by nursing mothers at feeding times.

FIG. 11depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper and lower deck arrangement. An aircraft cabin1100includes an upper deck1105and a lower deck1110. The upper deck1105is fixedly coupled to a staircase1115. The staircase1115is fixedly coupled to the lower deck1110. The upper deck1105includes multiple individual passenger cabins1120. The lower deck1110contains multiple individual business-class suites1125.

FIG. 12depicts a front elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper and lower deck arrangement. An aircraft cabin1200includes the upper deck1105and the lower deck1110. The lower deck1110includes two aisles1205. The two aisles1205are located outboard within the aircraft cabin1200.

FIG. 13depicts a rear elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper level deck and main deck structures. An aircraft cabin1300includes an upper level deck1305and a main deck1310. The upper level deck1305includes an elevated walkway1315. The elevated walkway1315includes access to an upper personal cabins1320aand1320b. In some embodiments, the elevated walkway1315may provide passengers and crew access to the increased seating capacity. The main deck1310includes the two aisles1205. The main deck1310is fixedly coupled to an upper level structural member1325. In some examples the upper level structural member1325may provide support for the upper level deck1305. In some embodiments, the upper level deck1305may be advantageously formed to provide substantially ample headroom within the two aisles1205. The upper level deck1305includes a first portion1330located at a first elevation above the main deck1310. The upper level deck1305further includes a cabin standing surface1335on either lateral side of the elevated walkway1315. Each one of the cabin standing surfaces1335is disposed above a second portion1340of the upper level deck1305located at a second elevation above the main deck1310. The upper level deck1305further includes a cabin sleeping surface1345adjacent to the cabin standing surfaces1335. Each one of the cabin sleeping surfaces1345is disposed above a third portion1350of the upper level deck1305located at a third elevation above the main deck1310. The upper level deck1305further includes a nook surface1355adjacent to the cabin sleeping surfaces1345. Each one of the nook surfaces1355is disposed above a fourth portion1360of the upper level deck1305located at a fourth elevation above the main deck1310. In some examples, the raised fourth portion1360may advantageously give passengers substantially ample headroom in the two aisles1205. The fourth portion1360at the fourth elevation exceeds the third portion1350at the third elevation, which exceeds the second portion1340at the second elevation, which exceeds the first portion1330at the first elevation of the upper level deck1305. The succession of elevations proceeds as in a staircase, coupling with gentle (e.g., substantially parabolic) connection curves.

FIG. 14depicts a side elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary lower deck business-class seating arrangement. An aircraft cabin1400includes the lower deck1110. The lower deck1110includes the individual business-class suites1125. Each individual business-class suite1125includes a dedicated overhead luggage storage compartment1405.

FIG. 15depicts a plan view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary upper level first-class seating arrangement. An aircraft cabin upper level1500contains multiple first-class suites1505. The first-class suites1505contain a video monitor1510. In some embodiments, the video monitor1510may be a simulated aircraft window, which may advantageously give passengers1515a less closed-in feel. Rather than a single monitor, in further embodiments, the first-class suites1505may include a series of monitors simulating a series of aircraft windows. The aircraft cabin upper level1500also contains a forward staircase1520and an aft staircase1525.

FIG. 16depicts a plan view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary lower level business-class seating arrangement. An aircraft cabin lower level1600includes the multiple individual business-class suites1125. Each business-class suite1125includes a business-class seat1605. In some embodiments, a lounge seat1610may take the place of the business-class seat1605. The aircraft cabin lower level1600also contains the forward staircase1520and the aft staircase1525.

FIG. 17depicts a side elevation view of an aircraft cabin illustrating exemplary business-class seating embodiments. An aircraft cabin1700includes the business-class suites1125. The business-class suites1125are separated by walls1705. The business-class suites1125include business-class convertible seats1605a,1605b, and1605c. The business-class convertible seats1605a,1605b, and1605cmay face forward during take-off taxing and landing (TTL) as depicted in seat1605a, may rotate sideways during flight as depicted in seat1605b, and may open to become a sleeping surface as depicted in seat1605c. For example, the business-class suites1125may be sized such that one or more of the convertible seats1605a,1605b, and1605ccan be extended only in a rotated orientation (e.g., lateral to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft or otherwise offset to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft).

FIG. 18depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary lower deck business-class seating arrangement. An aircraft cabin1800includes business-class suites1125. The depicted business-class suites1125include the business-class convertible seats1605a,1605b,1605c. The business-class convertible seats1605a-1605cface forward during take-off taxing and landing (TTL) as depicted in seat1605a, rotate sideways during flight as depicted in seat1605b, and open to become a sleeping surface as depicted in seat1605c.

FIG. 19depicts a perspective view of an exemplary modular couch. A business-class seating area1900contains a business-class suite1905. The business-class suite1905includes a modular couch1910. In some examples, the modular couch1910may provide passengers a comfortable and versatile seating option.

FIG. 20depicts a perspective view of an exemplary modular couch. A business-class seating area2000contains the business-class suite1905. The business-class suite1905includes the modular couch1910. The modular couch1910contains an integral seat2005. The integral seat2005faces forward for TTL and becomes a modular couch during flight, similar to the modular couch1910. The modular couch1910may advantageously provide a large sleeping surface. In some embodiments, the integral chair2005may include back supports and fold out arm rests.

FIG. 21depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary lower deck business-class seating arrangement with an adjoining conference window. An aircraft cabin2100includes a first carrel2105and a second carrel2110. Separating the first carrel2105and the second carrel2110is a divider wall2115. The divider wall2115contains a left communication aperture2120and a right communication aperture2125. The left communication aperture2120includes a left independent door2130. The right communication aperture2125includes a right independent door2135. The left independent door2130includes a left door knob2140. The right independent door2135, includes a right door knob2145. The left independent door2130is slidably coupled to the top and bottom edges of the left communication aperture2120. The right independent door2135is slidably coupled to the top and bottom edges of the right communication aperture2125. In some embodiments, the left independent door2130may allow a first passenger2150to independently allow conversation with a second passenger2155. Unless the left independent door2130and the right independent door2135are both open, the communication aperture made up of the left communication aperture2120and the right communication aperture2125is closed to conversation. In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of the communication apertures2120and2125, may be similar to adjoining hotel rooms. In some embodiments, the independent doors2130and2135may hide away inside the divider wall2115when open, which may be similar to the operation of a pocket door for example. In some examples the independent doors2130,2135may be made of a flexible material such that the independent doors2130,2135may roll-up onto a spring-loaded cylinder, for example.

FIG. 22depicts a perspective view of an aircraft cabin illustrating an exemplary lower deck business-class seating arrangement with adjoining fold-down workspaces. A business-class seating arrangement2200includes an independent passenger compartment2205a. The independent passenger compartment2205ais surrounded by three walls: a left wall2210, a right wall2215and a central wall2220. The central wall2220includes a first fold-down work surface2225a. The first fold-down work surface2225aincludes a support bracket2230. The first fold-down work surface2225agroups with a second fold-down work surface2225bfrom an adjacent independent passenger compartment2205b, situated on the opposite side of the central wall2220. The first fold-down work surface2225agroups with a third fold-down work surface2225cfrom an adjacent independent passenger compartment2205c. The third fold-down work surface2225cgroups with a fourth fold-down work surface2225dfrom an adjacent independent passenger compartment2205d, situated on the opposite side of the central wall2220. The work surfaces2225a-2225dmay be grouped to form a larger conference table. In some examples the fold-down work surfaces2225a-2225dmay be manipulated by a passenger2235a,2235b,2235c,2235d, such that the fold-down work surfaces2225a-2225dmay be stowed in the upright state for privacy, and may be deployed in the folded-down state to collaborate with other passengers2235a-2235d.

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible.

In an exemplary aspect, an aircraft cabin system includes a lower deck defining a horizontal floor surface extending substantially in a horizontal plane that longitudinally divides an interior space of a substantially cylindrical fuselage section. The horizontal floor surface is disposed between the nose and the tail of an airframe to form a cabin space above the lower deck. The system further includes an upper deck partition that longitudinally divides the cabin space to define a lower cabin space below the upper deck partition and above the lower deck. The upper deck partition further defines an upper cabin space above the upper deck partition and below a wall of the fuselage section. A first portion of the upper deck partition has a first elevation above the lower deck along a longitudinal centerline of the fuselage section. The system further includes an elevated walkway having a centerline aisle in the upper cabin space. The centerline aisle extends parallel to the centerline in a longitudinal direction and extends laterally from the centerline to permit a passenger to walk along the centerline in the upper cabin space. The system further includes two or more passenger cabins formed in the upper cabin space and on either lateral side of the elevated walkway. Each one of the passenger cabins is at least partially disposed above a second portion of the upper deck partition at a second elevation above the lower deck. The second elevation exceeds the first elevation. At least two passenger seating spaces are located in the lower cabin space directly between the second portion of the upper deck partition and the lower deck.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a lower cabin aisle formed in the lower cabin space and extending longitudinally and parallel to the centerline. The lower cabin aisle may be disposed directly under the second portion of the upper deck partition.

In some examples, the system may further include a third portion of the upper deck partition at a third elevation above the lower deck. The third elevation may exceed the second elevation. The system may further include a lower cabin aisle formed in the lower cabin space and extending longitudinally and parallel to the centerline. The lower cabin aisle may be disposed directly under the third portion of the upper deck partition.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a staircase extending from the lower deck to the upper deck, either aligned along the centerline or aligned substantially orthogonal to the centerline.

In an illustrative example, the passenger seating spaces may further include two or more seating pods. The seating pods may be arranged in a substantially herringbone pattern. At least some of the seating pods may be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the centerline.

In some embodiments, the passenger cabins may each have an inboard wall adjacent the centerline aisle, an outboard wall opposite the inboard wall, an aft wall and an opposing forward wall that connect the inboard wall to the outboard wall. A display device may be mounted on the outboard wall.

Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a dual-level aircraft cabin layout with an elevated walkway with additional passenger seating, and enclosed private structures with seats operable to face forward, face sideways and lie flat, and articulating walls converting to work surfaces, and closeable apertures between passengers. In an exemplary embodiment, an aircraft may employ the elevated walkway to increase passenger seating capacity, thereby increasing profits. In some examples, passengers may be provided with privacy, with private structures between seats, and may find benefit from rotating seats for more legroom, and may find further benefit from seats that convert to a sleeping surface, that may be substantially flat and parallel with the floor. In some embodiments, passengers may advantageously manipulate fold-out tables and slidable doors within apertures to collaborate with other passengers. In some examples, airlines may attract customers or may justify fare increases due to the additional amenities.