Patent Publication Number: US-11046438-B2

Title: Seat pan for an aircraft

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/001,037, filed on Jun. 6, 2018, entitled “Seat Pan for an Aircraft,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a seat pan for an aircraft, and more specifically to a seat pan having a first portion and a second portion that is adjustable to either form a seating surface with the first portion or to allow for the first portion to be insertable into a footwell. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Increasing the density of passenger seats on a commercial aircraft can increase the amount of revenue that an airline can generate on a per flight basis, if the additional seats are sold. One way to increase seating density involves reducing the dimensions of the seats themselves. Another way to increase seating density involves reducing the space between adjacent seats. However, both of these techniques can reduce passenger comfort and demand for such seating, which can work against the goal of increased revenue. For example, passengers might find it intolerable if adjacent seats are placed too close together or if the seats themselves are too small. This might be especially true for “business class” passengers who presumably are willing to pay a premium for increased comfort and convenience. Additionally, there is a limit to how dense seating can be based on the size of the passengers. Thus, in many situations, it might be difficult to increase revenue by increasing seating density. 
     Airlines can also increase revenue by increasing the comfort and convenience of existing passenger seating without changing seating density. Many existing business class seat pans have a limited width because the seat pan is sized to slide into a footwell in front of the seat for lay flat capability. Thus, a need exists for a wider seat pan that could make the seat more comfortable and accommodate larger passengers without decreasing seating density or adversely affecting lay flat capability. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a seat pan for an aircraft. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for providing a seat pan for an aircraft. The method includes providing a first portion of the seat pan having a first end. The method also includes providing a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell. 
     A further aspect of the disclosure is a seating system for an aircraft. The seating system includes a footwell and a seat pan. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. 
     A further aspect of the disclosure is a method for providing a seating system for an aircraft. The method includes providing a footwell of the seating system and providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure includes a seating system for an aircraft. The seating system includes a footwell, a seat back, and a seat pan. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and the seating system is configured such that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     A further aspect of the disclosure includes a method for providing a seating system for an aircraft. The method includes providing a footwell of the seating system, providing a seat back of the seating system, and providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and the seating system is configured such that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft. The method includes moving a seat back of the seating system down toward a floor of the aircraft such that the seat back is substantially parallel with a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system to form a laying surface. The method also includes moving a second portion of the seat pan from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of a footwell of the seating system. A first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in the second position. The method also includes moving the first end of the first portion into the footwell. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure includes a method for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft. The method includes moving a first end of a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system out of a footwell of the seating system and moving a second portion of the seat pan from a second position to a first position. The first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in the second position. In the first position, the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The method also includes moving a seat back of the seating system up and away from a floor of the aircraft. 
     By the term “about” or “substantially” with reference to amounts or measurement values described herein, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative example of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a seating system in a first position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a seating system in transition between a first position and a second position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a seating system in a second position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a seating system in a first position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a seating system in transition between a first position and a second position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a seating system in a second position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a seating system in a first position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a seating system in transition between a first position and a second position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a seating system in a second position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a method, according to an example. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a method, according to an example. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a method, according to an example. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a method, according to an example. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a method, according to an example. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a seating system in a first position, according to an example. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of an aircraft, according to an example. 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic block diagram of an aircraft and a seating system, according to an example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, there exists a need for wider aircraft seat pans on commercial aircraft that could make seats more comfortable and accommodate larger passengers without decreasing seating density or adversely affecting lay flat capability. Accordingly, such seat pans, seating systems, and associated methods are disclosed herein. 
     A seat pan for an aircraft includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell. 
     In the first position, the second portion of the seat pan provides a seating surface with additional width (e.g., over the whole length of the seating surface) for increased comfort while the passenger is in a seated position. When the second portion of the seat pan is the first position, the seat pan is generally not within the footwell and the width of the seat pan can exceed the width of the footwell. 
     In the second position, the second portion of the seat pan is rotated or otherwise moved away from the first end of the first portion to effectively reduce the width of the seat pan at an end of the seat pan that is closest to the footwell in front of the seat pan. The first end of the first portion of the seat pan can then be inserted into the footwell without having the second portion of the seat pan provide an obstruction. A seat back can be lowered to be substantially parallel with the seat pan to form a laying surface that extends at least partially into the footwell. In the second position, the seat pan might abut a platform within the footwell that provides additional length for the laying surface. By taking advantage of footwell space, this configuration allows for reduced seating density (e.g., a decrease in “pitch” between seats of at least 2 to 4 inches). This might allow for one or more additional rows of seats to be placed within a particular aircraft&#39;s cabin. Additionally, the reduced width of the seat pan when the second portion is in the second position generally will not inconvenience the laying passenger because of the additional support provided by the seat back and the platform within the footwell. 
     Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples may be described and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a seating system  10  that includes a footwell  200  and a seat pan  100 . The seating system  10  is shown in a first position (e.g., an upright seating position). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the seating system  10  in transition between the first position and a second position (e.g., a lay flat position). 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the seating system  10  in the second position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the seat pan  100  includes a first portion  102  having a first end  104  and a second portion  106  that is adjacent to the first portion  102 . The second portion  106  is adjustable to be in the first position (shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 7 ) in which the second portion  106  forms a seating surface  108  together with the first portion  102 . The seating surface  108  has a width  110  that is wider than a width  112  of the first end  104  of the first portion  102 . The width  110  is also wider than a width  202  of the footwell  200 . The second portion  106  is adjustable to alternatively be in the second position (shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 9 ) in which the first end  104  of the first portion  102  extends beyond the second portion  106  to be insertable into the footwell  200 . 
     The first portion  102  can be formed of and/or include plastic, metal, foam cushions, and/or any other material suitable for an aircraft seat. For example, the first portion  102  might include a cushioned upper surface that partially forms the seating surface  108 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the first portion  102  is separated into two sections partitioned by a structural separation  103  (e.g., a seam), but in other examples, such as the example shown in  FIG. 15 , the first portion  102  does not include the structural separation  103 . That is, in the example shown in  FIG. 15 , the first portion  102  constitutes a single L-shaped portion. 
     The second portion  106  can be formed of and/or include plastic, metal, foam cushions, and/or any other material suitable for an aircraft seat. For example, the second portion  106  might include a cushioned upper surface that partially forms the seating surface  108  when the second portion  106  is in the first position. In some examples, it might be advantageous for the second portion  106  and the first portion  102  to be formed of and/or include different materials. 
       FIG. 1  also shows a floor rail  951  and a floor rail  952 . The floor rail  951  and the floor rail  952  are both mechanically coupled (e.g., fastened) to a floor  901  of an aircraft  60  (see  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). The floor rail  951  and the floor rail  952  can be formed with metal, plastic, or other materials. The floor rail  951  and the floor rail  952  define respective slots that can receive structural supports of the seating system  10 , as described below. 
     The seating system  10  also includes a structural support  953 , a structural support  954 , a structural support  955 , and a structural support  956 . The structural support  953  and the structural support  955  are coupled to the floor rail  951  and the structural support  954  and the structural support  956  are coupled to the floor rail  952 . The structural support  953  and the structural support  955  are configured to slide within the floor rail  951  to enable the seating system  10  to transition from the upright seating position to the lay flat position and from the lay flat position to the upright seating position. The structural support  954  and the structural support  956  are configured to slide within the floor rail  952  to enable the seating system  10  to transition from the upright seating position to the lay flat position and from the lay flat position to the upright seating position. The structural support  953 , the structural support  954 , the structural support  955 , and the structural support  956  can take the form of metal struts that are fastened to the first portion  102 , for example. 
     In particular examples, the width  112  of the first end  104  of the first portion  102  is substantially equal to the width  202  of the footwell  200  (e.g., such that the first end  104  can fit snugly within the footwell  200  when the second portion  106  is in the second position). 
     The first portion  102  has a second end  114  that is opposite the first end  104 . A width  116  of the second end  114  is greater than the width  112  of the first end  104 . 
     The seating system  10  also includes a motorized actuator  302  that is configured to move the second portion  106  from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. That is, the motorized actuator  302  is configured to move the seating system  10  from the upright seating position shown in  FIG. 1  to the lay flat position shown in  FIG. 3 , and vice versa. 
     The motorized actuator  302  can include one or more powered motors and/or other mechanical systems configured to enable the transitions between the upright seating position and the lay flat position. For example, the motorized actuator  302  can include one or more components that are mechanically coupled to a seat back  402  of the seating system  10 , the first portion  102 , and/or the second portion  106  and are configured to enable transitions between the upright seating position and the lay flat position. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the seating system  10  includes an unpowered actuator  304  that is configured to move the second portion  106  from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. That is, the unpowered actuator  304  is configured to move the seating system  10  from the upright seating position to the lay flat position, and vice versa. 
     The unpowered actuator  304  can include one or more mechanical systems (e.g., levers, springs, gears, etc.) configured to enable the transitions between the upright seating position and the lay flat position. For example, the unpowered actuator  304  can include one or more components that are mechanically coupled to the seat back  402 , the first portion  102 , and/or the second portion  106  and are configured to enable the transitions between the upright seating position and the lay flat position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the footwell  200  is at least partially enclosed and extends above and below the first portion  102  of the seat pan  100 . The footwell  200  rests on the floor  901  of the aircraft  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , an end  118  of the second portion  106  is configured to pivot downward away from the first end  104  of the first portion  102  and toward the second end  114  of the first portion  102  as the second portion  106  is adjusted from the first position to the second position. 
     The seat pan  100  further includes a rod  120  coupled to the first portion  102 . The second portion  106  is configured to pivot about the rod  120 . In some examples, the rod  120  is embedded within the first portion  102 . 
     In other examples, the second portion is configured to retract away from the first end of the first portion and toward the second end of the first portion as the second portion is adjusted from the first position to the second position. For example, the second portion can be configured to retract rearward into an adjacent section of the first portion. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the seating system  10  in the first position. The seat pan  100  is configured such that the seat back  402  forms an obtuse angle  404  with the seating surface  108  when the second portion  106  is in the first position. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the seating system  10  in transition between the first position and the second position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the seating system  10  in the second position. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a surface  126  of the second portion  106  that forms the seating surface  108  when the second portion  106  is in the first position is substantially perpendicular to the first portion  102  when the second portion  106  is in the second position. The seating system  10  is configured such that the seat back  402  is substantially parallel with the first portion  102  when the second portion  106  is in the second position. 
     The footwell  200  includes a facade  204  that defines the footwell  200 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the second portion  106  (e.g., the surface  126 ) is configured to abut the facade  204  when the second portion  106  is in the second position (e.g., when the first end  104  is inserted into the footwell  200 ). 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the seating system  10  in the first position. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the seating system  10  in transition between the first position and the second position. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of the seating system  10  in the second position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9 , a total length  122  of the seat pan  100  having the width  110  that is greater than the width  112  of the first end  104  of the first portion  102  when the second portion  106  is in the first position is greater than a total length  124  of the seat pan  100  having the width  110  that is greater than the width  112  of the first end  104  of the first portion  102  when the second portion  106  is in the second position. By transitioning from the first position to the second position, the first end  104  of the first portion  102  can be inserted into the footwell  200 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-9 , the seating system  10  includes a platform  206  within the footwell  200 . The first portion  102  is configured to abut the platform  206  and form a laying surface  208  together with platform  206  when the second portion  106  is in the second position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9 , a total length  122  of the seat pan  100  having the width  110  that is greater than the width  202  of the footwell  200  when the second portion  106  is in the first position is greater than a total length  124  of the seat pan  100  having the width  110  that is greater than the width  202  of the footwell  200  when the second portion  106  is in the second position. 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a method  500  for providing a seat pan for an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft  60  depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     At block  502 , the method  500  includes providing a first portion of the seat pan having a first end. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the first portion  102  to an end user such as an airline. 
     At block  504 , the method  500  includes providing a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion. The seating surface has a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell. For example, the aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the second portion  106  to an end user such as an airline. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a method  600  for providing a seating system for an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft  60  depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     At block  602 , the method  600  includes providing a footwell of the seating system. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the footwell  200  of the seating system  10  to an end user such as an airline. 
     At block  604 , the method  600  includes providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion. The seating surface has a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the seat pan  100  to an end user such as an airline. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a method  700  for providing a seating system for an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft  60  depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     At block  702 , the method  700  includes providing a footwell of the seating system. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the footwell  200  of the seating system  10  to an end user such as an airline. 
     At block  704 , the method  700  includes providing a seat back of the seating system. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the seat back  402  of the seating system  10  to an end user such as an airline. 
     At block  706 , the method  700  includes providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion. The seating surface has a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and the seating system is configured such that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. For example, an aircraft component supplier can manufacture or deliver the seat pan  100  of the seating system  10 . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a method  800  for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft  60  depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     At block  802 , the method  800  includes moving a seat back of the seating system down toward a floor of the aircraft such that the seat back is substantially parallel with a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system to form a laying surface. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the seat back  402  of the seating system  10  can be moved down toward the floor  901  of an aircraft such that the seat back  402  is substantially parallel with the first portion  102  of the seat pan  100  of the seating system  10  to form the laying surface  208 . The seat back  402  can be moved by operating the motorized actuator  302  or the unpowered actuator  304 , for example. 
     At block  804 , the method  800  includes moving a second portion of the seat pan from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion. The seating surface has a width that is wider than a width of a footwell of the seating system. A first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the second portion  106  can be moved from the first position (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to the second position (shown in  FIG. 6 ). In the first position shown in  FIG. 1 , the second portion  106  forms a seating surface  108  together with the first portion  102 . The seating surface  108  has the width  110  that is wider than the width  202  of the footwell  200  of the seating system  10 . The second portion  106  can be moved by operating the motorized actuator  302  or the unpowered actuator  304 , for example. 
     At block  806 , the method  800  includes moving the first end of the first portion into the footwell. For example, the first end  104  of the first portion  102  can be moved into the footwell  200  as shown  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 9 . The first end  104  of the first portion  102  can be moved into the footwell  200  by operating the motorized actuator  302  or the unpowered actuator  304 , for example. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a method  900  for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft (e.g., the aircraft  60  depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). 
     At block  902 , the method  900  includes moving a first end of a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system out of a footwell of the seating system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the first end  104  of the first portion  102  of the seat pan  100  can be moved out of the footwell  200 . The first end  104  of the first portion  102  can be moved out of the footwell  200  by operating the motorized actuator  302  or the unpowered actuator  304 , for example. 
     At block  904 , the method  900  includes moving a second portion of the seat pan from a second position to a first position. The first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in the second position. In the first position, the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the second portion  106  can be moved from the second position (shown in  FIG. 6 ) to the first position (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The first end  104  of the first portion  102  extends beyond the second portion  106  when the second portion  106  is in the second position. In the first position, the second portion  106  forms a seating surface  108  together with the first portion  102 . The seating surface  108  has the width  110  that is wider than the width  202  of the footwell  200 . The second portion  106  can be moved by operating the motorized actuator  302  or the unpowered actuator  304 , for example. 
     At block  906 , the method  900  includes moving a seat back of the seating system up and away from a floor of the aircraft. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the seat back  402  of the seating system  10  can be moved up and away from the floor  901  of an aircraft such that the seating system  10  is in an upright seating position. The seat back  402  can be moved by operating the motorized actuator  302  or the unpowered actuator  304 , for example. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an example of the seating system  10  in which the first portion  102  does not include the structural separation  103  that is shown in  FIG. 1 . That is, in the example shown in  FIG. 15 , the first portion  102  constitutes a single L-shaped portion. One of skill in the art will recognize that the example of the seating apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 15  can otherwise have any or all of the structural features and/or functionality of the seating apparatus  10  described above. 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of the aircraft  60 . 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic block diagram of the aircraft  60  and the seating system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the seating system  10  (i.e., the footwell  200 , the seat pan  100 , and/or the seat back  402 ) can be installed as part of the aircraft  60 . As further shown in  FIG. 17 , the seating system  10  need not be arranged specifically as shown in  FIG. 1 or 15 . 
     Examples of the present disclosure can thus relate to one of the enumerated clauses (EC) listed below. 
     EC 1 is a seat pan for an aircraft, the seat pan comprising: a first portion having a first end; and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion, wherein the second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell. 
     EC 2 is the seat pan of EC 1, wherein the width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to a width of the footwell. 
     EC 3 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1 or 2, wherein the first portion has a second end that is opposite the first end, and wherein a width of the second end is greater than a width of the first end. 
     EC 4 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-3, wherein an end of the second portion is configured to pivot downward away from the first end of the first portion and toward the second end of the first portion as the second portion is adjusted from the first position to the second position. 
     EC 5 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-4, further comprising a rod coupled to the first portion, the second portion being configured to pivot about the rod. 
     EC 6 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-5, wherein the second portion is configured to retract away from the first end of the first portion and toward the second end of the first portion as the second portion is adjusted from the first position to the second position. 
     EC 7 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-6, wherein a total length of the seat pan having a width that is greater than the width of the first end of the first portion when the second portion is in the first position is greater than a total length of the seat pan having a width that is greater than the width of the first end of the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 8 is the seat pan of any one of EC 1-7, wherein a surface of the second portion that forms the seating surface when the second portion is in the first position is substantially perpendicular to the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 9 is a seating system for an aircraft, the seating system comprising: a footwell; and a seat pan comprising: a first portion having a first end; and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell, wherein the second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. 
     EC 10 is the seating system of EC 9, wherein a width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell. 
     EC 11 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-10, wherein the footwell is at least partially enclosed. 
     EC 12 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-11, wherein the footwell extends above and below the first portion. 
     EC 13 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-12, further comprising a facade that defines the footwell, wherein the second portion is configured to abut the facade when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 14 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-13, further comprising a platform within the footwell, wherein the first portion is configured to abut the platform and form a laying surface together with the platform when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 15 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-14, wherein a total length of the seat pan having a width that is greater than the width of the footwell when the second portion is in the first position is greater than a total length of the seat pan having a width that is greater than the width of the footwell when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 16 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-15, further comprising a motorized actuator that is configured to move the second portion from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. 
     EC 17 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-16, further comprising an unpowered actuator that is configured to move the second portion from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. 
     EC 18 is the seating system of any one of EC 9-17, further comprising a seat back, wherein the seat pan is configured such that the seat back forms an obtuse angle with the seating surface when the second portion is in the first position. 
     EC19 is the seating system of any one of 9-18, further comprising a seat back, wherein the seating system is configured such that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 20 is a seating system for an aircraft, the seating system comprising: a footwell; a seat back; and a seat pan comprising: a first portion having a first end; and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell, wherein the second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell, wherein a width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell, and wherein the seating system is configured such that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 21 is a method for providing a seat pan for an aircraft. The method includes providing a first portion of the seat pan having a first end. The method also includes providing a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the first end of the first portion. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into a footwell. 
     EC 22 is a method for providing a seating system for an aircraft. The method includes providing a footwell of the seating system and providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. 
     EC 23 is a method for providing a seating system for an aircraft. The method includes providing a footwell of the seating system, providing a seat back of the seating system, and providing a seat pan of the seating system. The seat pan includes a first portion having a first end and a second portion that is adjacent to the first portion and is adjustable to be in a first position in which the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The second portion is adjustable to alternatively be in a second position in which the first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion to be insertable into the footwell. A width of the first end of the first portion is substantially equal to the width of the footwell and the seating system is configured such that the seat back is substantially parallel with the first portion when the second portion is in the second position. 
     EC 24 is a method for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft. The method includes moving a seat back of the seating system down toward a floor of the aircraft such that the seat back is substantially parallel with a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system to form a laying surface. The method also includes moving a second portion of the seat pan from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of a footwell of the seating system. A first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in the second position. The method also includes moving the first end of the first portion into the footwell. 
     EC 25 is a method for adjusting a seating system of an aircraft. The method includes moving a first end of a first portion of a seat pan of the seating system out of a footwell of the seating system and moving a second portion of the seat pan from a second position to a first position. The first end of the first portion extends beyond the second portion when the second portion is in the second position. In the first position, the second portion forms a seating surface together with the first portion, the seating surface having a width that is wider than a width of the footwell. The method also includes moving a seat back of the seating system up and away from a floor of the aircraft. 
     The description of the different advantageous arrangements has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous examples may describe different advantages as compared to other advantageous examples. The example or examples selected are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the examples, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various examples with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.