Seating cluster for airport waiting and similar areas

Abstract: A seating cluster 10 for airport and similar seating areas, comprising a table 11 positioned on a supporting surface, with six seats attached to and supported by the table 11 adjacent each other in spaced-apart relation above the supporting surface. Each of the seats have a seat bottom 15a-20a having a front edge, opposed sides 15c-20c,15d-20d and a seat back 15b-20b. Each of the six seats 15-20 are attached to the table 11 with the front of its seat bottom 15a-20a positioned at an oblique angle to the front of a seat bottom of a first adjacent seat whereby each seat and its respective first adjacent seat are angled slightly to each other to facilitate conversation by occupants. Each of the six seats are positions seat back-to-seat back with a second adjacent seat whereby occupants of each seat and the second adjacent seat are seated substantially back-to-back.

Description: This invention relates to a seating cluster for airport waiting and similar areas, and to a seating area formed from the clusters in a particular arrangement. While seating clusters according to the present invention may be used in bus stations, train stations, hotel waiting areas and other areas, reference to airport waiting areas will be used in this application merely for purposes of illustration. The invention results from studies into seating utilization in airport waiting areas, particularly at boarding gates. Such waiting areas are generally designed with a number of rows of seats. There may be as many as 20 or 30 seats in a row, with five to 10 rows to provide sufficient seating to accommodate passengers awaiting embarkation. Adjacent rows are usually back-to-back, so that a long row of occupants face an equally long row of occupants across a narrow aisle. Generally, these rows of seats are designed so that occupants share arm rests. This creates a situation where either one occupant takes up the entire arm rest, or adjacent occupants jockey their arms and elbows to acquire arm rest space. Studies have shown that even in crowded airports, only about 60% of the seats in the prior art types of seating area arrangements are actually used for seating. This results from the fact that approximately 70% of all airline passengers are travelling alone and prefer not to sit in very close proximity to strangers. The rest of the seats are used to hold luggage or to provide space between passengers, particularly strangers. It has been observed that many passengers will stand off to the side of the seating area or in aisles rather than sit immediately next to strangers. In addition, these prior art seating areas usually do not provide space for luggage to be placed near the owner. If the luggage is not placed in a nearby seat thereby depriving another of a place to sit, the luggage will be placed in or at the end of an aisle, creating obstacles to free movement within the area and the possibility for stumbling and tripping of passengers over the obstacles. If these problems are addressed at all, it generally involves providing larger areas. However, it has been observed that adding additional seats does not solve the problem, since only 60% of any added seats will generally be occupied. Interaction between individuals in public places, particularly strangers, is controlled by deeply ingrained customs of which individuals are usually not even aware. Concepts such as "space" and an avoidance of touching between and among individuals in public places have not been adequately recognized or taken into account. For various reasons these factors seem to be more important to Americans than to many other nationalities. Prior art seating areas for airports also do not accommodate needs and preferences of families, friends and business associates traveling together. Most passengers traveling with acquaintances travel in groups of two. In prior art seating areas, such individuals are forced either to sit next to each other looking straight ahead, or across an aisle from each other. If sitting next to each other, they must turn towards each other to comfortably establish eye contact needed for conversation. If sitting across a relatively wide aisle from each other, they must speak over the conversation of others and at a volume which eliminates any privacy. Since each low row of seats has an equally long aisle between it and an adjacent row, with only two ends of the row for exiting, there is a continual flow of traffic between the seats, making conversation even more difficult. Prior art seating arrangements do not provide any nearby table areas for food or drinks, newspapers or magazines, or for telephones, reading lights, ash trays or other conveniences. Very often, seat occupants place drink cups and food on the floor near the seat. These get kicked over, creating unsanitary conditions and increasing maintenance and replacement costs. Prior art seating arrangements also do not provide access or parking facilities for wheelchairs. For all of these reasons, a new concept in public seating has been developed which solves these problems. In so doing, it is believed that more compact seating areas can be designed which will nevertheless respect privacy and result in more comfortable short term seating. A seat assembly in which a seat is supported from each leg of a table is described in US-A-3596985. According to the present invention, there is provided a seating cluster for public seating areas, comprising a table positioned on a supporting surface and a plurality of seat means attached to and supported by the table adjacent each other to be in spaced-apart relation above the supporting surface; characterised by each seat means being so located as to have the front of the seat means positioned at an oblique angle to the front of the first adjacent seat means, whereby each seat means and its respective first adjacent seat means are angled slightly to each other to facilitate conversation by occupants, and by each seat means being so located as to be positioned back-to-back with a second adjacent seat means, whereby occupants of each seat means and the second adjacent seat means are seated substantially backto-back. Preferably the seating cluster has six seat means are attached to and supported by the table. Each seat means may have a seat bottom having a front edge, opposed sides and a seat back. Preferably, the sides of each of the seats and the second adjacent seat are obliquely angled to each other to define a recessed area for placement of personal possessions such as luggage. The table preferably comprises three sides. Preferably, the table has three primary joined sides to define a triangular-shaped table. The table is preferably separable to define three identical seating cluster segments. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the two seats are attached to each of the three primary sides in back-to-back relation to each other. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the three primary sides are slightly concave. According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the three primary sides comprise first and second side segments oblique to each other. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the triangle is equilateral. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the seating clusters are grouped and geometrically arranged in spaced-apart to define a seating area for airports and similar facilities. Preferably, the geometrical placement of the seating clusters comprises a plurality of arranged seating clusters, wherein in a first direction the seating clusters extend along a first straight line and in a second direction the seating clusters extend along a second straight line diagonal to the first straight line, and further wherein the spaces between adjacent seating clusters comprise aisles. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seating cluster according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view of three of the seating clusters substantially as shown in Figure 1, but without a segmented table; Figure 3 is a seating area formed of a plurality of seating clusters with about 915 millimetre (36 inch) spacing between seats; Figure 4 is a seating area formed of a plurality of seating clusters with about 762 millimetre (30 inch) spacing between seats; Figure 5 is a seating area formed of a plurality of seating clusters with about 610 millimetre (24 inch) spacing between seats; and Figure 6 is a top plan view of an airport boarding area showing uses of the cluster in two, four and six seat configurations. Referring now specifically to the drawings, a seating cluster according to the present invention is illustrted in Figure 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. Seating cluster 10 includes a centrally-positioned table 11. Table 11 is formed as a low, solid box which sits directly on a supporting floor surface. Table 11 may be decorated to complement the overall decor of the seating area, including carpet or fabric coverings. Six seats 15 through 20 are suspended from table 10. A supporting post 21 extends outwardly from table 10 and underneath each of the seats 15-20, onto which one of the seats 15-20 is mounted. This arrangement provides a completely open space beneath each seat 15-20 for luggage storage and to permit complete and easy cleaning. The geometry of seating cluster 10 is more clearly shown in Figure 2. Table 11 is substantially triangular in shape, with three equilateral sides 22, 23, and 24. Sides 22, 23 and 24 are each formed of two side serpents 22a, 22b; 23a, 23b; and 24a, 24b, respectively. Side serpents 22a, 22b; 23a, 23b; and 24a, 24b are angled to the side sequent of the same respective side 22, 23 or 24 at a very shallow oblique angle. As is shown in Figure 2, seats 15 and 16 are attached to side 24 of table 11, seats 17 and 18 are attached to side 22 of table 11, and seats 19 and 20 are attached to side 23, also in such a manner as to define a very shallow oblique angle. The areas 100 formed by these shallow angles provide sufficient space to place several pieces of luggage. In front of the seats, there is foot space 102,104, for passengers whose feet are in normal placement on the ground (as at 102) or fully extended in front (as at 104). Each seat 15-20 has a seat bottom 15a-20a, respectively; a seat back 15b-20b, respectively, two opposed arm rests 15c,15d-20c-20d. The geometry of the seating cluster 10 provides two distinct types of paired groupings of seats. One paired grouping comprises, for example, any seat and a first other seat which it backs up to so that occupants of these seats will be back-to-back to each other. These groupings are 15, 16; 17, 18 and 19, 20, respectively and thus provide three pairs of seats per cluster. These seats could be occupied by strangers with a feeling of privacy from each other despite relatively close proximity, particularly since each seat is separated from every other seat by a portion of the table 11. Another grouping of the seats comprises any seat and a second other seat which it is angled towards so that the front of the seat bottoms are at a shallow, oblique angle to each other. These groupings are 15, 17;, 18, 19; and 20, 16, respectively. These seats can be occupied by passengers traveling together. The occupants face slightly towards each other for ease of conversation and are close enough for private conversation at a moderate voice level. Again, the table 11 provides enough distance between adjacent seat occupants to permit comfortable conversation. Furthermore, table 11 provides sufficient distance between the seats so that strangers consider the each seat to be a single seat. Table 11 is adaptable to variety of uses. Lamps, ash trays, telephones, cup holders and the like can be provided for the occupants. A raised rim 30 around the periphery of the table 11 can be added to contain spills. Up-directed lighting can be incorporated into the center of each table to provide reading light. In addition, table 11 can be formed in three uniform segments 11a, 11b, 11c, as shown in 1. When necessary or desirable, either one, two or three table segments 11a, 11b, or 11c with the attached seats can be placed in corners, against walls or in other places where the full seat cluster 10 will not fit. This is shown in Figure 6, where seating clusters 70, comprising segments 11a and 11b, are joined together, and seating clusters 80, comprising only a single segment 11a, are used to fill odd-sized and undersized spaces, and to provide more room along aisles. This is particularly important as a means of providing access for wheelchairs and extra space for the handicapped, those with baby strollers, large luggage carriers or several bags. wheelchairs and baby strollers can be easily moved though the aisles and parked in one of the recesses next to another seat. Each separate seating cluster provides a suitable space for parking a wheelchair or the like. If desired, seating clusters 70 or 80 can be specifically arranged and positioned near an exit or to the side to accommodate a wheelchair. As is also shown in Figures 2, and 3, seating clusters 10 are placed in a geometric pattern which provides aisles 40 which jog slightly as they traverse each seating cluster 10. Three different seating cluster arrangements are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In Figure 3, 36 inches (90cm) are provided in aisle 40 between adjacent seats of adjacent seating clusters 10. This arrangement requires approximately 20sq.ft (1.8m² ) per seat. In Figure 4, aisles 50 provide 30 inches (75cm) between adjacent seats of adjacent seating clusters 10. This arrangement requires approximately 18.45sq.ft (1.7m²) per seat. In Figure 5, aisles 60 provide 24 inches (60cm) between adjacent seats of adjacent seating clusters 10. This arrangement requires approximately 17sq.ft (1.6m²) per seat. A seating cluster is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practising the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the claims. It can be understood from the above that the embodiments which have been described provide the following: a seating cluster which provides a compact seating area for public areas such as airport waiting areas; a seating cluster which provides an area for luggage storage adjacent the seat where the owner is seated without using another seat; a seating cluster which provides a seating arrangement for two individuals travelling together to face each other at an angle comfortable for private conversation; a seating cluster which provides ample space for passengers feet; a seating cluster which increases seating occupancy rates; a table next to each seat in a seating cluster for occupant use; a seating cluster which can be arranged in a geometric pattern which provides luggage storage space, foot space, adequate aisles for passage and space or proximity between passengers according to preference; a seating cluster which has segmented parts which can be separated if necessary to fill in odd-shaped areas such as corners; a seating cluster which provides aisles permitting entry and exit in several different directions and by several different paths; a seating cluster which provides two arm rests for each seat occupant; a seating cluster which can be securely positioned without permanent attachment to the floor, for ease of movement for re-arrangement or when cleaning or maintaining the floor; a seating cluster which, when combined with at least two other like seating clusters permits conversation between six individuals, all of whom are facing each other at a comfortable distance from each other; a seating cluster, which, when arranged in a grouping provides space for wheelchair parking without blocking aisle access; and a seating cluster which can be broken down into a cluster having either two or four seats.

Claims: A seating cluster (10) for public seating areas, comprising: (a) a table (11) positioned on a supporting surface; (b) a plurality of seat means (15,16,17,18,19,20) attached to and supported by the table adjacent each other to be in spaced-apart relation above the supporting surface; characterised by: each seat means being so located as to have the front of the seat means positioned at an oblique angle to the front of a first adjacent seat means, whereby each seat means and its respective first adjacent seat means are angled slightly to each other to facilitate conversation by occupants, and by each seat means being so located as to be positioned back-to-back with a second adjacent seat means, whereby occupants of each seat means and the second adjacent seat means are seated substantially back-to-back. A seating cluster (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that six seat means (15-20) are attached to and supported by the table (11). A seating cluster (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each seat means has a seat bottom (15a-20a) having a front edge, opposed sides and a seat back (15b-20b) A seating cluster according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the sides (15c-20c, 15d-20d) of each of the seats and the second adjacent seat are obliquely angled to each other to define a recessed area (100) for placement of personal possessions such as luggage. A seating cluster according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the table (11) comprises three sides (22,23,24). A seating cluster according to claim 5, characterised in that the table (11) has three primary joined sides to define a triangular-shaped table which is seperable to define three identical seating cluster segments (11a,11b,11c). A seating cluster according to claim 6, characterised in that two seats (15-20) are attached to each of the three primary sides (22,23,24) in back-to-back relation to each other. A seating cluster according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that each of the three primary sides (22,23,24) are slightly concave. A seating cluster according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterised in that each of the three primary sides (22,23,24) comprise first and second segments (22a,22b, 23a,23b,24a,24b) oblique to each other. A seating cluster according to any preceding claim, characterised in that each of the seats (15-20) has two individual arm rests (15c-20c,15d-20d). A seating area for airports and similar facilities, said seating area comprising a plurality of geometrically placed, spaced-apart seating clusters (10) according to any preceding claim. A seating area according to claim 11, characterised in that the geometrical placement of the seating clusters (10) comprises a plurality of arranged seating clusters, and in that in a first direction the seating clusters extend along a first straight line and in a second direction the seating clusters extend along a second straight line diagonal to the first straight line, and further characterised in that the spaces between adjacent seating clusters comprise aisles (40,50,60).

Inventors: MAXWELL JOSEPH A JR, MAXWELL, JOSEPH A., JR.
Applicants: MAXWELL JOSEPH A JR, MAXWELL, JOSEPH A., JR.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A47C1
IPC codes: A47C1, A47B83