Abstract:
The present invention provides an aircraft passenger seat assembly that includes: (a) first and second seats selectively movable between upright and reclined positions and adapted for being positioned beside and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other; (b) a center console having a relatively wide aft end and a relatively narrow forward end for being positioned between the first and second seats; and © the relatively wide aft end of the center console including first and second foot wells therein adapted to permit the feet of a passenger seated in an aft-positioned first or second seat to extend therein when the aft-positioned first or second seat is in the recline position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation patent application of U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/339,824 filed Jul. 8, 2009 currently pending. This continuation application and the Ser. No. 29/339,824 application claim the benefit of priority of non-provisional U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,470 issued Aug. 25, 2009. This continuation application and the U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,470 patent also claim the benefit of priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60/745,338 filed Apr. 21, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to passenger seating, and more particularly to an angled lounge seating arrangement. 
         [0003]    Long-haul aircraft flights regularly fly non-stop to destinations 12-18 hours or more away from the origination point. At present, first class cabins provide various forms of “sleeper seats”, meaning that the seat back reclines to the point where the seat occupant is able to attain a prone or nearly-prone position. In some cases the seats form a horizontal sleeping surface, and in other cases the head end of the reclined seat is raised to some degree above the foot end. The seats are generally parallel with the center line axis of the aircraft and traditionally forward facing in nature. 
         [0004]    While such seats provide good passenger comfort, there are deficiencies in this arrangement. Because aircraft operating costs are directly linked to the physical size and attendant aerodynamic draft of the fuselage, it is desirable to make the cabin as small as possible. Prior art sleeper-type seats consume a large amount of space within the aircraft cabin. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for a passenger seat arrangement which provides a comfortable sleeping position to a passenger seated therein while minimizing the space consumed within an aircraft cabin. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This need is addressed by the present invention, which provides an arrangement of sleeper seat units disposed in an angled configuration to allow for efficient telescoped placement thereof in an aircraft cabin. 
         [0007]    An aircraft passenger seat assembly according to one aspect of the invention includes first and second seats positioned in fixed lateral alignment and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other, including first and second seat bottoms, and respective first and second seat backs that are selectively movable between upright and lie-flat positions, and first and second stationary privacy shells positioned in at least partially surrounding relation to respective first and second seat backs for providing privacy to passengers seated in the respective first and second seats. A center convenience unit is provided, having a wide aft end and a narrow forward end positioned in an intermediate space between the first and second seats, the narrow forward end defining a terminus that is at all times spaced-apart from a like seat assembly. The wide aft end of the center convenience unit is positioned between the first and second seats, and includes at least one foot well therein adapted to permit the feet of a passenger seated in an aft-positioned like seat assembly physically separated from the seat assembly to extend therein when the first or second seat is in the lie-flat position. First and second leg rests are mounted on respective ones of the first and second seats, and are selectively-moveable between a retracted position beneath the seat bottoms, and an extended position forward of the seat bottoms bridging a passage space between the first and second seat bottoms and the at least one foot well of a forward positioned like seat assembly to provide a continuous lie-flat seat surface from the at least one foot well to the seat backs when in the lie-flat position. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the invention, the inwardly-facing angles of the first and second seat are oblique to a fore and aft longitudinal axis of an aircraft cabin. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the invention, the inwardly facing angles of the first and second seat are between 10 degrees and 20 degrees. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, the inwardly facing angles of the first and second seat are between 13 degrees and 17 degrees. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, the center convenience unit is generally triangularly-shaped. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one foot well comprises first and second foot wells, and each of the first and second foot wells comprise an ottoman. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention the first and second privacy shells are integrally-formed. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention each privacy shell includes an outwardly-facing video monitor, a viewing surface of the monitor being positioned normal to the inwardly-facing angle of a respective one of each of the first and second seats for viewing by a passenger seated aft of the privacy shell. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the invention the video monitors are positioned on the first and second privacy shells above respective the at least one foot well. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the invention, an aft end of the center convenience unit defines a convex shape having two planar surfaces, and the first and second privacy shells each extend rearwardly beyond the rearward-most extent of the center convenience unit. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, an aircraft passenger seat assembly, is provided, comprising first and second seats positioned in fixed lateral alignment and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other, including respective first and second seat bottoms, and first and second seat backs that are selectively movable between upright and lie-flat positions. Third and fourth seats are positioned aft of the first and second seats in lateral alignment and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other and include respective third and fourth seat bottoms and third and fourth seat backs that are selectively movable between upright and lie-flat positions. First and second stationary privacy shells are positioned in at least partially surrounding relation to the respective first and second seat backs, and third and fourth stationary privacy shells are positioned in at least partially surrounding relation to the respective third and fourth seat backs. A first center convenience unit is provided having a wide aft end and a narrow forward end defining a generally triangular shape and positioned in an intermediate space between the first and second seats, and physically separate from the third and fourth seats. A second center convenience unit is provided having a relatively wide aft end and a relatively narrow forward end positioned in an intermediate space between the third and fourth seats, the narrow forward end of the second center convenience unit defining a terminus that is at all times spaced-apart from the first and second privacy shells to provide passage space between the third and fourth seats and the first and second privacy shells. The aft end of the first center convenience unit positioned at least partially between the first and second privacy shells, and includes respective first and second foot wells physically separate from the third and fourth seats and adapted to permit the feet of passengers seated in the third and fourth seats to extend therein when the third and fourth seats are in the lie-flat position. First and second leg rests are mounted on respective ones of the first and second seats and third and fourth leg rests are mounted on respective ones of the third and fourth seats and are each selectively-moveable between a retracted position beneath respective seat bottoms, and an extended position forward of the respective seat bottoms bridging the passage space between the seat bottoms and the respective foot wells to provide a continuous lie-flat seat surface from the foot wells to the seat backs when in the lie-flat position. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the invention the first seat is positioned at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and the second seat is positioned at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis. 
         [0019]    According to another aspect of the invention the first and second seats and the first center convenience unit are positioned in a first group, and the third and fourth seats and the second center convenience unit are positioned in a second group behind the first group. 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the invention, the first and third seats define respective longitudinally-extending parallel axes, and the second and fourth seats define respective longitudinally-extending parallel axes that are not parallel to the longitudinally-extending parallel axes of the first and third seats. 
         [0021]    According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second convenience units each include a privacy divider positioned between respective first and second, and third and fourth seats. 
         [0022]    According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second convenience units each include a privacy divider positioned between respective first and second, and third and fourth seats, and selectively movable between a raised position for providing a visual barrier between seat occupants in the first and second seats, and seat occupants in the third and fourth seats, and a lowered position for providing visual communication between seat occupants in the first and second seats, and seat occupants in the third and fourth seats. 
         [0023]    According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of ranks and files of first and second seats, and third and fourth seats are provided, collectively defining an aircraft cabin seat set. 
         [0024]    According to another aspect of the invention, an aircraft passenger seat assembly is provided, including first and second seats positioned in fixed lateral alignment and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other, first and second seat bottoms, and respective first and second seat backs that are selectively movable between upright and lie-flat positions. First and second stationary privacy shells are positioned in at least partially surrounding relation to respective first and second seat backs for providing privacy to passengers seated in the respective first and second seats. A center convenience unit having a wide aft end and a narrow forward end is positioned in an intermediate space between the first and second seats. The narrow forward end defines a terminus. The wide aft end of the center convenience unit is positioned between the first and second seats and includes first and second foot wells. First and second leg rests are mounted on respective ones of the first and second seats, and are selectively-moveable between a retracted position beneath the seat bottoms, and an extended position forward of the seat bottoms bridging a passage space between the first and second seat bottoms and the at least one foot well of a forward positioned like seat assembly to provide a continuous lie-flat seat surface from the at least one foot well to the seat backs when in the lie-flat position. The narrow forward end terminus of the center convenience unit is at all times aft of the first and second legs rests when the leg rests are in the extended, lie-flat position. 
         [0025]    According to another aspect of the invention, each of the first and second seats includes a respective elongate, outboard arm rest. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The subject matter that is regarded as the invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is an overhead view of a group of passenger seats constructed according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a pair of passenger seats constructed according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the seat pair of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is rear view of the seat pair of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a grouping of passenger seats constructed according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is another perspective view of the passenger seat grouping of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the passenger seat grouping of Figure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the passenger seat grouping of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary schematic plan view of the passenger seat grouping of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a schematic side of the passenger seat grouping of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary schematic plan view of a portion of the passenger seat grouping of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an exemplary cabin arrangement. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate a group of passenger seat units  10  which are arranged in seat pairs  11  each having first and mirror-image oriented seat units  10 A and  10 B with a center unit  13  disposed therebetween. The seat units  10  are substantially identical to each other, and include seat backs  12 A,  12 B (the upper portions of which define separate or integral headrests  14 A,  14 B) seat bottoms  16 A,  16 B, leg rests  18 A,  18 B, and spaced-apart arm rests  20 , which may be movable between an “up” or “extended” position and a “down” or “retracted” position. The seat units  10  are supported by frames which are in turn mounted to the deck of the aircraft by track fittings of a known type. 
         [0040]    Privacy shells  24  are provided which enclose the back and sides of the seat backs  12 . The privacy shells  24  are configured to permit the occupant to see over and around the shells  24  when sitting upright, but to be shielded from view from the sides when in other positions. 
         [0041]    The center unit  13  has a recess disposed in a central rear portion thereof which is sized to accommodate the feet of passengers seated in both seat units  10 A and  10 B of a given seat pair  11 . A foot divider  30  is disposed in the recess and serves to keep the individual passenger&#39;s feet separate by forming two foot wells  26 A and  26 B. Ottomans  27 A and  27 B are positioned within foot wells  26 A and  26 B respectively and include elevated support surfaces  28 A and  28 B for receiving a passengers&#39; feet in certain seating positions that are described in more detail below. Thus, the passengers in seat units  10 A and  10 B effectively share a space approximately equal to what would be allotted to one passenger in conventional arrangements, yet each passenger retains “ownership” of his or her portion of that space. 
         [0042]    Each seat unit  10  is provided with appropriate movable components, actuators, and controls to enable a passenger seated therein to put the seat unit  10  into various configurations including an upright or “seated” configuration, a fully reclined “lie-flat” or “sleeping” configuration in which the seat unit  10  serves as a bed, and a number of intermediate configurations. 
         [0043]    In  FIGS. 1-3 , seat units  10 A and  10 B are shown in the upright position for landing and takeoff, dining, working and video viewing. The leg rests are folded down, the seat bottoms  16 A and  16 B are generally horizontal and translated as far rearward as possible (in cases where they are movable), and the seat backs  12 A and  12 B are substantially upright. 
         [0044]    In  FIGS. 5-8 , Seat unit  10 A is shown in a partially reclined position, with the seat back  12 A is angled rearward. In this position the occupant is supported along the entire body length in a comfortable semi-reclining position with the head elevated above the rest of the body and with the legs comfortably flexed at the knees. Seat unit  10 B is shown in a fully reclined “lie-flat” or “sleeping” position. The occupant is permitted to fully recline with the head only very slightly above the remainder of the body. In this position, the support surface  28 B is aligned with plane of the leg rest  18 B, seat back  12 B, and seat bottom  16 B to collectively form a sleeping surface. Additional seat units  10 A′ and  10 B′, identical in construction to the seat units  10 A and  10 B, are shown in the upright position described above. 
         [0045]    As indicated above seat units  10  are arranged in seat pairs  11 . Two seat pairs  11 , denoted as a rear pair  11  and a front pair  11 ′, are depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 . Each seat unit  10  is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis “L” of the aircraft. This is best seen in  FIGS. 9-11 . The seat unit  10 A is disposed at a first angle “A” while the seat unit  10 B is disposed at an opposing second angle “B”, to form essentially a “V” shape. The magnitudes of angles “A” and “B” may be equal or different. Preferably, angles “A” and “B” are generally equal and are between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees. More preferably, angles “A” and “B” are between about 13 degrees and about 17 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, angles “A” and “B” about 15 degrees. The effect of the angling is to “point” the passengers seated side-by-side in seat units  10 A and  10 B so that their feet share the foot well  26 ′ of the forwardly-disposed center unit  13 ′ and to offset the associated Ottomans  27 A and  27 B in a lateral direction, so they can be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. The overall length consumed by the seat pairs  11  and  11 ′ when “telescoped,” or “nested,” in this manner is less than the sum of their individual lengths. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the seat pairs  11  may include service features for the individual passengers such as television or video monitors  32 ; literature storage  34 ; a retractable privacy divider  36 ; additional forward and side storage spaces  38 ,  40 , and  42 ; and the like. As shown in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the retractable primary divider  36  extends the length of the center console between the seat units  10 A and  10 B. 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  illustrates a how the seat units  10  described above may be disposed in an aircraft cabin  44 . In this arrangement, several of the seat pairs  11  are placed in telescoped columns  46  aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. Any number of these seat pairs  11  can be placed throughout the cabin  44  to make longer or shorter columns, and the columns  46  may be aligned at any angle desired relative to the aircraft&#39;s longitudinal axis (e.g. the columns  46  may be rear-facing). A number of different specific cabin arrangements are possible while incorporating the telescoped V-shaped configuration described above and these arrangements are equally applicable to other types of vehicles besides aircraft. 
         [0048]    The seat units  10  are uniquely configured so as to maximize usage of space within the cabin of the aircraft, to promote a sense of privacy of passengers, and to facilitate conversation between two passengers in a seat pair  11 . In this regard, the telescoped configuration reduces the overall length required for a given number of seat pairs  11  positioned in rows. The inward angle of each seat unit  10  in a seat pair  11  promotes privacy by positioning passengers such that their line of sight is directed away from passengers seated in adjacent seat pairs  11 . This arrangement can also promote conversation between passengers seated within a seat pair  11  by positioning them in a more conventional conversational pose, i.e. generally directed toward each other. When conversation is not desired, a passenger within the seat unit  10 A of a seat pair  11  can utilize retractable privacy divider  36  to separate themselves from a passenger in the seat unit  10 B. 
         [0049]    The foregoing has described a passenger seating arrangement having telescoped seat pairs. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.