Patent Abstract:
A transportation passenger suite, including first and second spaced-apart end walls that define an at least partial enclosure adapted to be positioned along a longitudinal axis of a passenger cabin. A first seating assembly is positioned in the enclosure adjacent the first end wall of the passenger suite and facing in a first direction. A second seating assembly is positioned in the enclosure adjacent the second end wall of the passenger suite and faces in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. A first table is positioned in the enclosure for use by an occupant seated in the first seating assembly, and a second table is positioned in the enclosure for use by an occupant seated in the second seating assembly.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a premium class aircraft passenger suite that includes several unique features that provide enhanced passenger comfort, weight savings and efficient space utilization. The passenger suite includes a separate seat and bed that permit the seat and bed structures to be optimized for sitting and sleeping, respectively. Other features permit the passenger suite to be efficiently used by the passenger for sleeping, working, dining and video viewing. 
     Conventional prior art aircraft passenger suite tables are typically provided as a unit that deploys from a storage area in the seat arm rest or in a separate storage area proximate the seat. This application discloses dining and work tables that deploy from an area of the suite away from the main passenger seat and instead are used in combination with a separate dining and work chair positioned at right angles to the main passenger seat. Part of the invention also includes the provision of a bed that is a separate and distinct structure from the passenger seat and that deploys into a flat sleeping surface having a proper firmness, and that is already covered with a sheet or other bed covering. An integral tensioning system assists in deploying and stowing and deploying the bed. 
     The table arrangement provides tables that are a sufficiently large size to serve a full meal service within the confines of the airline passenger suite. They are able to operate completely independent of each other, making the space more flexible for the passenger and giving the airline the opportunity to market more sophisticated experiences to their premium class customers. 
     The novel table arrangement disclosed in this application provides two completely separate seating positions within the passenger suite. These separate seat positions enable each to be designed for its specific function without the need to compromise with the demands of the other seat position. 
     By creating separate positions for the premium class passengers within their space, it encourages them to get up and move about within the suite, which may reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) caused by sitting in the same position for long periods time. 
     Furthermore, by offering two separate tables, two passengers may dine in the same suite without the need to share one dining table or perch on a small buddy seat. 
     Conventional prior art aircraft passenger suite tables are typically provided as a unit that deploys from a storage area in the seat arm rest or in a separate storage area proximate the seat. This application discloses an automatically-extending dining table that stows horizontally in a space shorter than its deployed length. It is mounted on a pivoting arm which moves the table from its stowed position to its deployed position. As the table pivots to its deployed position, a cable that connects the pivot point of the table arm to a rack and pinion arrangement in the arm drives the table leaf from its stowed position to its extended position. This results in the table being deployed to the centerline of the main passenger seat. A second pivot point beneath the leaf of the table allows the table to be positioned parallel to the passenger at any point of its movement. This gives a range of positions so that people of all sizes can find a comfortable position for the table. 
     The suite includes, in addition to the table arrangement described above, a second table that is used by the occupant of a work/dining chair and operates completely independently of the main passenger seat table, making the space more flexible for the passenger and giving the airline the opportunity to market more sophisticated experiences to their customers. 
     The novel table arrangement provides two completely separate seated positions, both with a proper chair, within the passenger suite. These separate seat positions enable each to be designed for its specific function without the need to compromise with the demands of the other seat position. 
     Conventional prior art aircraft passenger suite tables are typically provided as a unit that deploys from a storage area in the main passenger seat arm rest or in a separate storage area proximate the seat. This means, of course, that the main passenger seat is also the seat used for dining and working. This arrangement is most often necessary because of space requirements, but is not ideal. Premium class passenger seats are typically relatively soft and place the seat occupant in a somewhat reclined seated position even when the seat back is in the upright taxi, takeoff and landing position. This position is suitable for reading, relaxing, and watching video entertainment but requires the occupant to lean forward slightly to eat or work. Prior art premium class suites have not addressed this issue in a completely suitable manner. This application discloses a passenger suite that provides the premium class passenger with both a main passenger seat for “relaxation” and a separate chair and table for dining and working, with both the table and chair specially designed for those functions. Thus, the suite includes, in addition to table for use with the main passenger seat, a work/dining table that is used by the occupant of a work/dining chair and operates completely independent of the main passenger seat table, making the space more flexible for the passenger and giving the airline the opportunity to market more sophisticated experiences to their premium class customers. 
     Premium class aircraft passenger suites typically provide the premium class passenger with a large, comfortable seat that has a number of motor-actuated adjustments for various purposes. Controls are also provided for electronic entertainment devices and the like. As the number of passenger operated controls increases, the control consoles are typically either made larger or the individual control buttons and switches made smaller. As a result, the controls take up additional space that could otherwise be used for other purposes, or become more difficult to operate. 
     As disclosed in this application, the passenger seat controls are contained in a console mounted in a rotating pivot mechanism used for deploying the main passenger seat dining table. This rotating pivot mechanism overlaps its space with the passenger seat controls. When the table is deployed, it rotates around the seat control console. Sharing mechanism space between the electronic seat control unit and the dining table deployment mechanism compacts the space in which these mechanisms function. The benefits of this arrangement include permitting the same amount of space to be used to fit more features into the same footprint on board the aircraft and freeing up space for the passengers to utilize for the items they bring on board with them. 
     This application discloses an automatically-extending dining table that stows horizontally in a space shorter than its deployed length. It is mounted on a pivoting arm which moves the table from its stowed position to its deployed position. As the table pivots to its deployed position, a cable that connects the pivot of the table arm to a rack and pinion arrangement in the arm drives the table leaf from its stowed position to its extended position. This results in the table being deployed to the centerline of the main passenger seat. 
     A second pivot beneath the leaf of the table allows the table to be positioned parallel to the passenger at any point along its range of movement. This gives a range of positions so that seat occupants of all sizes can find a comfortable position for the table. 
     The suite includes, in addition to the table arrangement described above, a second table that is used by the occupant of a work/dining chair and operates completely independent of the main passenger seat table, making the space more flexible for the passenger and giving the airline the opportunity to market more sophisticated experiences to their customers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite bed that is separate from the aircraft main passenger seat, referred to in this application as the “main seat”. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite that is optimized for dining, working, sleeping and video viewing within a compact, space-efficient position. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite with tables that are able to operate completely independent of each other, making the space more flexible for the passenger. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite with a table arrangement that provides tables of a sufficiently large size to serve a full meal service within the tight confines of the airline passenger suite. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite table arrangement that provides two completely separate seated positions, both with a proper chair, within the passenger suite. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite with separate positions for the premium class passengers within their space and that encourages the passengers to get up and move about within the suite, which may reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) caused by sitting in the same position for long periods time. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite that includes a main passenger seat and a work/dining table that deploys for use by the occupant of the main passenger seat. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite that includes a main passenger seat and dining table that deploys for use by the occupant of the main passenger seat, and that includes the passenger seat controls as a part of the dining table deployment mechanism. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a premium class aircraft passenger suite with a dining table and with passenger seat controls that occupy a minimum of space, thereby permitting additional space to be used for different purposes. 
     These and other objects and advantages are achieved by providing a passenger suite, which may be a premium class aircraft passenger suite, that includes first and second spaced-apart end walls defining an at least partial enclosure adapted to be positioned along a longitudinal axis of an aircraft cabin. A first seating assembly is positioned in the enclosure adjacent the first end wall of the passenger suite and faces towards the second end wall along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. A second seating assembly is positioned in the enclosure adjacent the second end wall of the passenger suite and faces in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. A first table is positioned in the enclosure for use by an occupant seated in the first seating assembly, and a second table is positioned in the enclosure for use by an occupant seated in the second seating assembly. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first seating assembly includes a main seat movable among upright and recline positions and adapted for occupant use during taxi, take-off and landing, and the second seating assembly includes a work/dining chair. The first table comprises a main table for use by an occupant of the main seat, and the second table comprises a work/dining table for use by an occupant of the work/dining chair. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, an elongate cabinet is provided and extends along a length of the suite between the first and second end walls. The main table is movable between a stowed position on the cabinet and a deployed use position in front of the main seat, and the work/dining table is positioned on the elongate cabinet opposite the work/dining chair and is movable between a stowed position above the cabinet and a deployed use position between the cabinet and the work/dining chair. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a bed is provided having a flexible mattress of predetermined dimensions that is movable between a stowed position to one side of the main seat, and a deployed position above and separate from the main seat. The main seat is configured to be movable between a seating position when the bed is stowed, and a stowed position with a lowered seat back when the bed is deployed for use, the seat in its stowed position being beneath and separate from the bed. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the work/dining chair is positioned adjacent the second end wall of the suite and faces in a direction perpendicular to the main seat. The work/dining table is positioned on the elongate cabinet opposite the work/dining chair and is movable between a stowed position above the cabinet and a deployed use position between the cabinet and the work/dining chair. The main table is positioned in the enclosure for use either by an occupant seated in the main seat or an occupant seated in the work/dining chair. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention the main table is mounted on the cabinet on a pivot arm carried by the cabinet that rotates about a first pivot assembly to deploy the main table to a center line in front of the main seat and on a second pivot assembly adapted to allow the table to be positioned parallel to its use position throughout its range of deployment. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the main table includes a cable positioned to extend around a center of rotation of a pinion gear positioned in a geared rack carried operatively associated with the first pivot assembly whereby rotational movement of the first pivot assembly translates through the cable, turning the pinion gear and driving the table inwardly or outwardly on the rack to deploy and stow the table, respectively. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second spaced-apart end walls define an at least partial enclosure adapted to be positioned along a longitudinal axis of an aircraft cabin. A first seating assembly is positioned in the enclosure adjacent the first end wall of the passenger suite and facing in a first direction. A second seating assembly is positioned in the enclosure adjacent the second end wall of the passenger suite and faces in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. A first table is positioned in the enclosure for use by an occupant seated in the first seating assembly, and a second table is positioned in the enclosure for use by an occupant seated in the second seating assembly. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first seating assembly includes a main seat selectively moveable between an upright taxi, take-off and landing position and a recline position. The second seating assembly includes a work/dining seat having a seat bottom and upright seat back, and a storage box is provided that serves as a base for supporting the seat bottom in a use position. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a slidable side privacy panel is provided that cooperates with at least one of the first and second spaced-apart end walls to form a partial enclosure. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat bottom of the work/dining chair is moveable between a lowered use position and any upright storage position next to the seat back. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a premium class aircraft passenger suite in the seating configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the premium class aircraft passenger suite according to  FIG. 1  in the deployed bed configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the premium class aircraft passenger according to  FIG. 1  showing deployment of the work/dining chair and table; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary schematic side elevation of the work/dining chair and table in their respective stowed positions; 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary schematic side elevation of the work/dining chair and table in their respective deployed positions, as in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary perspective view looking down into a premium class aircraft passenger suite, showing two tables in their respective stowed positions; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view showing the main passenger seat table in its stowed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary perspective view showing the main passenger seat table in its deployed position; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are fragmentary perspective views with parts broken away showing the alignment of the table with the main passenger seat during deployment; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the table during deployment showing a cable drive apparatus that extends the table outwardly away from its pivot point as it rotates; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are top plan views of the table in its stowed position and as it is deploying and the table is extending outwardly from its pivot point; 
         FIG. 14  is a further detailed view of the passenger seat control console associated with the dining table; and 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary view of the seat control console, showing the recess in which the seat controls reside. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, a passenger suite  10  is shown, and includes front and rear privacy panels  12 ,  14  and a slidable side privacy panel  16  that together form a partial enclosure. The suite  10  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  views extends along a length of the aircraft fuselage “F”, which forms one side of the suite  10 . By “passenger suite” is meant a seating area for at least one passenger that includes amenities in addition to a single seat and associated table positioned in at least a partial enclosure. 
     A main seat  20  that includes a seat back  22 , seat bottom  24 , and left and right armrests  26 ,  28  is provided for passenger use during taxi, take-off, landing and in-flight relaxation, video viewing, upright or semi-reclined reading and the like. A work/dining chair  30  sits on a storage box  32  at right angles to the main seat  20 . The suite  10  also contains work/dining tables  34 ,  36 , a video display monitor, main seat controls and electronics controls, not shown. The terms “main seat  20 ” and “work/dining chair  30 ” are used to provide descriptive clarity between these two seating assemblies. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , an elongate cabinet  40  extends along the length of the suite  10  adjacent the aircraft fuselage “F” and contains a roll-out membrane bed  42 . 
     The main seat  20  and bed  42  are separate elements. The seat back  22  folds forward, stowing face down above the seat bottom  24 , and at the same time the left and right armrests  26 ,  28  are lowered, making space for the roll-out membrane bed  42 . As is best shown by comparing  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the bed  42  occupies the space above the folded seat back  22  and the space that was previously occupied by the seat back  22  in its upright position when in use as the seat. As is also shown, the foot end of the bed  42  is supported over the work/dining chair  30 . The movement of the seat bottom  24 , seat back  22  and deploying bed  42  are electronically driven, interlinked and operated by a single switch. 
     When the bed  42  is deployed, a 2 inch gap is provided between the stowed surface of the seat back  22  and the underside of the bed  42 . This 2 inch gap allows for a deflection of the bed  42  to create comfort for the recumbent passenger. 
     The bed  42  is formed in one complete flexible surface that includes an underlying membrane  44  that supports a mattress  46 , without joints in the mattress  46 , as opposed to combination multiple padded surfaces, such as is common in lay-flat aircraft seating. A suitable material for use as the membrane  44  is a synthetic polymer sold under the trademark KrystalFlex. By designing the main seat  20  and the bed  42  as separate elements that do not need to convert from one use to another, each can be designed to optimize the comfort for its intended use. The bed  42  stows in a compact space within the cabinet  40  that is approximately  8 . 7  inches wide. The bed  42  deploys with the sheet or other bed coverings attached to it ready for the passenger to use. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the table  34  is normally positioned in a folded, stowed position in a bracket  44  and is formed of two table panels  34 A,  34 B attached by a piano-type hinge that permits the table panel  34 B to be opened into the position shown in  FIG. 3 . The table  34  is further deployed by pulling the table out and away from the cabinet  40  by means of the bracket  44 . The bracket  44  includes a pair of arms  46  (one shown) that permits the table  34  to both move forwardly towards the work/dining chair  30  and elevate into a proper work/dining height. Table  34  is thus ideally suited for use as a work/dining table. The work/dining chair  30  provides the passenger with a comfortable chair with an upright back that provides proper support.  FIG. 3  also shows a video display  39  mounted on the privacy panel  12  in a suitable position for viewing by the occupants of the main seat  20  and chair  30 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the table  34  in its stowed position on the cabinet  40 . A work/dining chair  50  according to an alternative embodiment is also shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Chair  50  includes a base  52 , and an L-shaped support structure  54 . The support structure  54  supports an upright seat back  56  and a seat bottom  58  that is movable between a stowed position,  FIG. 4 , and a deployed use position,  FIG. 5 . Note, also, the table  34  in its deployed position in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the passenger seated in the work/dining chair  30  can also use the table  36 , ordinarily intended for use by the occupant of the main seat  20 , as a further work or meal surface while also using the table  34 . Table  36  is mounted on the cabinet  40  on a pivot arm  46  and is formed of two table panels  36 A,  36 B attached by a piano-type hinge that permits the table panel  36 B to be opened from the position shown in  FIG. 7  into the position shown in  FIG. 8 . In an alternative arrangement, another passenger may sit in the main seat  20  and, by rotating the table  36  into position in front of the main seat  20 , also use the table  36  as a meal or work table. 
     Referring now generally to  FIGS. 9-15 , the table  36  is mounted on the cabinet  40  on a pivot arm  46  that rotates about a pivot point  48 . In order to deploy the table  36  to the center line of the main seat  20 , the table  36  automatically extends from its stowed pivot point  48  on the cabinet  40  as it deploys, as is shown by comparing the position of the table  36  in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     As is best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the table  36  has a second pivot point  50  positioned below the table panels  36 A,  36 B. This second pivot point  50  allows the table  36  to be positioned parallel to its use position throughout its range of deployment. 
     As is best shown in  FIG. 11 , a cable  52  extends around the center of rotation of a pinion gear  54  positioned in a geared rack  56 . The rotational movement of the pivot point  48  translates through the cable  52 , turning the pinion gear  54  and driving the table  36  outwardly on the rack  56 . The table  36  operates in reverse as the table  36  is stowed. See also  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the pivot  48  includes a passenger-operated seat control disc  60  mounted in a recess  62 ,  FIG. 15  on the pivot arm  46  concentric with the pivot  48 . The seat control disc  60  is divided into sections that are manipulated to control the movement of the main seat  20 . The control disc  60  is electrically-connected to motion control motors in the main seat  20  that are operable to move the main seat  20  as desired under the control of the switches. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 14 , the control disc  60  includes a depression  64  into which the passenger places a finger and rotates the control disc  60 . A return spring, not shown, returns the control disc  60  to its centered position upon release. Rotating the control disc  60  clockwise moves the seat back forward, while rotating the control disc  60  counterclockwise moves the seat back into its recline position. 
     A switch  66  moves the headrest forwardly or rearwardly when depressed, and a switch  68  moves the lumbar section of the seat back  22  in or out as desired by the seat occupant. A switch  70  located in the center of the control disc  60  returns the main seat  20  to the taxi, take off and landing position with the seat back  22  forward. Placing the seat controls in the area of the pivot  48  allows the remaining area around the pivot to be used by the passenger for other purposes. 
     A passenger seat for a premium class aircraft passenger suite having seat-mounted passenger seat controls according to the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1