Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses convertible seat-bed equipment for converting a reclining seat into an upper and lower bunk bed in an aircraft cabin. From seat position the bottom and back pivot up and legs pivotally mounted on the back drop down to support the horizontally extended bottom and back to comprise the top bunk. A fastener on the bottom attaches to the adjacent wall. The bottom bunk comprises pivotally mounted sections which extend with one end resting on a cross-member on the legs of the upper bunk. The midsection is supported and secured on wall-mounted brackets which were used to support and secure the bottom of the seat when the seat position is used.

<CIT> discloses an aircraft medical unit which comprises a front panel configured to fit in an aircraft cabin so as to form a divider inside the cabin and a spaced rear panel of substantially the same shape as that of the front panel. A side panel is constructed between the front and rear panels, and the front, rear and side panels defines a chamber. An access opening is formed in the front panel. A stretcher frame is provided and is movable between a folded and stowed position in the chamber and an unfolded and extended position to the outside of the chamber. The aircraft medical unit further includes at least one item of medical equipment used in the treatment of a patient.

<CIT> discloses a booth-type seating arrangement with fore and aft seats for airplanes and aircraft. A cabinet with a stowable video monitor and pull-up table can be positioned between the seats. Sliding gates integrated into the aisle seat end base can be deployed to form an enclosed play area for children. Theater-style seat bottoms can be provided which flip-up to provide more floor space. Child booster seats can be built into the seatbacks. The seatback and bottom cushions can articulate and slide within fixed frame members to combine with opposite cushions to form a flat sleeping configuration for passengers.

<CIT> discloses a stowable reversible seat for a vehicle which includes a first member pivotally coupled to a floor for supporting a seat base, a second member releasably secured to the floor for supporting the seat base, and a seat back pivotally coupled to the first member. Components of the seat pivot between a folded configuration for stowing and a deployed configuration for seating. The orientation of the seat may be reversed for switching between a forward-facing direction and an aft-facing direction. A method of configuring a seat into an aircraft includes adapting a cabinet area to receive and conceal the seat, configuring a rail to make the seat slidable out from the cabinet area into an aisle, attaching a pivotable seat base on the seat, and pivotally mounting a supporting leg underneath a portion of the seat to secure the pivotable seat base in a substantially horizontal position.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved seat extension apparatus which increases comfort of a passenger. Any examples and embodiments not falling under the scope of the claims are provided for illustration purposes. In particular, said seat extension apparatus is configured for a cabin dividing element, such as a bulkhead. The seat extension apparatus is also configured to provide an improved, stable and wide lay-flat bed surface to the passenger. The seat extension apparatus can be fixed to any type of cabin dividing element, such as a bulkhead or any other cabin interior and furniture element. Further, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved cabin dividing element providing said seat extension apparatus and an improved aircraft cabin for a passenger.

According to the disclosure, the object of the seat extension apparatus is solved by the features claimed in claim <NUM>. The object of the cabin dividing element is solved by the features claimed in claim <NUM>.

A seat extension apparatus that is fixable to a cabin dividing element positioned in front of a passenger seating arrangement in an aircraft cabin comprises at least an extension device having a mounting side and a bed surface side. The extension device is movable between a vertical stowed position in which the mounting side is facing into the aircraft cabin and the bed surface side is in alignment with the cabin dividing element, and a horizontal use position in which the bed surface side is in alignment with a seat surface of the passenger seating arrangement and the mounting side is arranged on a bottom of the bed surface side. Further, the seat extension apparatus comprises a support structure coupled to the extension device to pivotably support the extension device, wherein the support structure comprises at least one pivotable strut element having at least one end pivotably coupled to the mounting side of the extension device and at least one free end. In the vertical stowed position of the extension device the strut element is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension device, and in the horizontal use position of the extension device the strut element is arranged substantially perpendicular or angled to the longitudinal axis of the extension device.

In the vertical stowed position, the mounting side is facing into the aircraft cabin. For example, the mounting side is facing in a direction toward a passenger seat. The bed surface side is arranged on an opposite side of the mounting side. For example, the bed surface side and the mounting side are arranged extending parallel to each other. In the horizontal use position, the mounting side is arranged on a bottom of the bed surface side. For example, the mounting side may be arranged facing in a direction toward a cabin floor. The bed surface side may be arranged facing in a direction toward a cabin ceiling.

In an example, the extension device is configured as a bulkhead economy bed. For example, the extension device may be configured as a substantially panel-shaped shelf element. For example, the extension device may be configured as an ottoman.

For example, the bed surface side of the extension device may be cushioned providing more comfort to a passenger when the extension device is moved to the horizontal use position. In this position, the bed surface side may be arranged in a cabin space. That means that the bed surface side of the extension device may be visible and so as usable for the passenger as body support element. The strut element may be constructed to stably support the extension device in the horizontal use position, such as a wide lie-flat bed position, on a cabin floor. In particular, the second free end may be configured to be positioned on the cabin floor in a slip-resistant manner.

In the vertical stowed position of the extension device the bed surface side may be substantially hidden from view of the passenger. In this position, the mounting side of the extension device is visible to the passenger. For instance, the mounting side may comprise an optically appealing finish, such as a layer, a cover, a coating or the like which fits to a design of the aircraft cabin. The mounting side may be provided with any surface material, a placard and/or a logo design.

The seat extension apparatus is fixed to a cabin dividing element, such as a bulkhead, positioned in front of a passenger seating arrangement, such as a single seat or a row of at least two seats adjacent to each other in transverse direction of the cabin. The cabin dividing element may be a shell-like or wall-like element, such as a bulkhead, which for example divides aircraft cabin classes. The cabin dividing element may be arranged between a cabin seating arrangement and a galley or between a cabin seating arrangement and a doorway of the aircraft. When the extension device is positioned in the vertical stowed position a wide leg-space is provided in front of the passenger seating arrangement, for example between the cabin dividing element and the passenger seating arrangement. Thereby, the bed surface side is in alignment with the cabin dividing element. To provide a wide bed to the passenger(s) of the passenger seating arrangement, the extension device can be moved, for example fold down in a pivot motion away from the cabin dividing element, into the horizontal use position. The bed surface side and a seat cushion create one continuously lay-flat bed surface to the passenger.

In an example, the mounting side of the extension device comprises at least one carrier device to which the strut element is pivotably coupled. The carrier device may be arranged on side of the mounting side. The carrier device may be attached to the mounting side by a firm bond, force-fit and/or form-fit connection.

In an example, the carrier device and the extension device may be configured as one-piece element. The extension device and the carrier device may be a molded, such as injection-molded part.

In an example, the carrier device comprises at least one recess into which the strut element is fully arranged when the extension device is in the vertical stowed position.

In an example, the extension device comprises an integrated carrier device with a recess. For example, the extension device and the carrier device may be configured as one-piece component.

In an example, the carrier device comprises at least one storage pocket. For example, the storage pocket can be used to stow private items of the passenger and/or items provided by airline, such as magazines, a headphone or the like.

To provide enough mounting space e.g. for the strut, the recess and the storage pocket, the carrier device may be configured as a substantially box-shaped support element.

In another example, the strut element is substantially U-shaped. For example, free ends of legs of the U-shaped strut element may be connected to the extension device. The storage pocket may be formed between the legs of the U-shaped strut element. A connecting portion of the legs of the U-shaped strut element may be configured to be positioned on the cabin floor to sturdy support the extension device in the horizontal use position.

In an example, the support structure comprises at least one support linkage configured to pivotably couple the extension device to the support structure.

In an example, the support linkage is coupled to each one of the extension device and the support structure via a pivot point.

In an example, a pivot point of the strut element and the pivot point of the support linkage are substantially arranged on the same pivot axis.

In an example, the pivot axis is arranged in a center area of the extension device and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extension device.

In an example, when the extension device is pivoted from the vertical stowed position to the horizontal use position, the strut element is pivoted such that the strut element is fully arranged outside the recess of the carrier device.

In an example, a rear side of the extension device comprises at least one latch mechanism to latch the extension device in the horizontal use position.

A cabin dividing element for an aircraft cabin is provided, in particular arranged in front of a passenger seating arrangement, the cabin dividing element comprising at least a wall surface and a seat extension apparatus as described above, wherein the seat extension apparatus is coupled to the wall surface.

In an example, the support structure comprises at least a bracket fixedly connected to the wall surface or to a cabin floor to pivotably support the extension device relative to the wall surface.

In an example, the wall surface comprises a latch element for the latch mechanism of the seat extension apparatus so that the extension device is latched to the wall surface in the horizontal use position.

In an example, the wall surface comprises an attachment mechanism for at least one bassinet. Hence, parents can lie flat on the seat extension apparatus or sit on the passenger seating arrangement while their baby is safely located near to them.

Moreover, according to the disclosure, an aircraft cabin may comprise at least a passenger seating arrangement, and a cabin dividing element as described above, wherein the cabin dividing element may be arranged in front of the passenger seating arrangement.

In an example, the passenger seating arrangement may comprise at least one pivotable armrest having at least one stowable tray table. Particularly, a movable tray table is integrated inside the armrest. The armrest provides an in-arm tray table. The tray table may be moved out from the inside of the armrest to provide a surface panel to the passenger.

In an example, the armrest may be movable between a retracted stowed position, in which the armrest is arranged substantially alongside a side surface of a backrest of the passenger seating arrangement, and a deployed use position, in which the armrest is arranged substantially parallel and above a seat cushion of the passenger seating arrangement.

In an embodiment, the extension device is positioned in the horizontal use position the bed surface side of the extension device is in alignment with a seat surface of the passenger seating arrangement.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present disclosure, wherein:.

<FIG> show in perspective views an example of a seat extension apparatus <NUM> and a conversion of the seat extension apparatus <NUM> from a vertical stowed position P1, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, to a horizontal use position P2, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In particular, the <FIG> shows an aircraft cabin C having a cabin dividing element <NUM>, such as a bulkhead, and a passenger seating arrangement SA, wherein the seat extension apparatus <NUM> is fixed to the cabin dividing element <NUM>. The passenger seating arrangement SA is arranged behind the cabin dividing element <NUM> and, for example, facing in flight direction of an aircraft. In particular, the seat extension apparatus <NUM> and the cabin dividing element <NUM> provide an improved bed feature within the aircraft cabin C.

The seat extension apparatus <NUM> comprises an extension device <NUM> having a mounting side <NUM> and a bed surface side <NUM>. The extension device <NUM> is movable between the vertical stowed position P1 and the horizontal use position P2. Further, the seat extension apparatus <NUM> comprises a support structure <NUM> coupled to the extension device <NUM> to pivotably support the extension device <NUM> on the cabin dividing element <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> comprises a pivotable strut element <NUM> having a first end <NUM> pivotably coupled to the mounting side <NUM> of the extension device <NUM> and a second free end <NUM>. The strut element <NUM> is U-shaped. For example, free ends <NUM> of the two legs <NUM> of the U-shaped strut element <NUM> are connected to the extension device <NUM>. A connecting portion <NUM> of the legs <NUM> of the U-shaped strut element <NUM> is configured to be positioned on a cabin floor F to sturdy support the extension device <NUM> in the horizontal use position P2. The strut element <NUM> being U-shaped provides a simple synchronized movement of the legs <NUM>. In another embodiment, the strut element <NUM> may be substantially O-shaped. The first ends <NUM> may be coupled together by a second connecting portion which is pivotably coupled to the mounting side <NUM>. Alternatively, the strut element <NUM> may comprise two separate legs <NUM> arranged parallel to each other, wherein the free end <NUM> of each leg <NUM> is positioned on the cabin floor F in the horizontal use position P2 of the extension device <NUM>. Each leg <NUM> may be substantially I-shaped. The strut element <NUM> may be springloaded for a damped motion.

In the vertical stowed position P1 the strut element <NUM> is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis a of the extension device <NUM>. In the horizontal use position P2 of the extension device <NUM> the strut element <NUM> is arranged substantially perpendicular or angled to the longitudinal axis a of the extension device <NUM>.

For example, the bed surface side <NUM> is cushioned providing more comfort to a passenger O when the extension device <NUM> is positioned in the horizontal use position P2. In this position, the bed surface side <NUM> is visible and so as usable for the passenger O as body support element. The strut element <NUM> is constructed to stably support the extension device <NUM> in the horizontal use position P2, such as a wide lie-flat bed position, on the cabin floor F. For example, the second free end <NUM> is configured to be positioned on the cabin floor F.

In the vertical stowed position P1 the bed surface side <NUM> is substantially hidden from view of the passenger O. In this position, the mounting side <NUM> is visible to the passenger O. For instance, the mounting side <NUM> comprises an optically appealing finish, such as a layer, a cover, a coating or the like which fits to a design of the aircraft cabin C. Moreover, the mounting side <NUM> may comprise a storage pocket <NUM>, a mobile device holder or the like. The storage pocket <NUM> comprises a holding belt or strap <NUM> configured to secure items arranged inside the storage pocket <NUM>.

Further, the mounting side <NUM> comprises a carrier device <NUM> to which the strut element <NUM> is pivotably coupled to. The carrier device <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> corresponding with the shape, for example U-shape, O-shape or I-shape, of the strut element <NUM>. The strut element <NUM> is fully arranged in the recess <NUM> when the extension device <NUM> is positioned in the vertical stowed position P1. The carrier device <NUM> may comprise the storage pocket <NUM>. For example, the storage pocket <NUM> is arranged between the legs <NUM> of the strut element <NUM>.

Moreover, the support structure <NUM> comprises a support linkage <NUM> configured to pivotably couple the extension device <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>. Furthermore, the support structure <NUM> comprises at least a bracket <NUM> fixedly connected to a wall surface <NUM> of the cabin dividing element <NUM> to pivotably support the extension device <NUM> relative to the wall surface <NUM>. As shown, the support structure <NUM> comprises two parallel aligned and spaced-apart brackets <NUM>. The brackets <NUM> are fixed to a bottom side of the wall surface <NUM>. In another embodiment, the brackets <NUM> may be fixed to the cabin floor F. Further, the support structure <NUM> comprises two parallel aligned and spaced-apart support linkages <NUM>. Each of the support linkages <NUM> is pivotably hold in one of the brackets <NUM> and coupled to the extension device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the wall surface <NUM> may comprise at least one no further shown cavity in which the extension device <NUM> may be arranged. When the extension device <NUM> is stowed, the extension device <NUM> and the wall surface <NUM> may provide a substantially flat vertical surface.

The support linkage <NUM> is coupled to each one of the extension device <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> via a pivot point PP1, PP2. Each lower pivot point PP1 is provided in the brackets <NUM>. Each upper pivot point PP2 is provided on the mounting side <NUM> of the extension device <NUM>. For example, the upper pivot points PP2 are provided by the carrier device <NUM>.

Pivot points PP3 of the strut element <NUM> and each pivot point PP2 of the support linkages <NUM> are substantially arranged on the same pivot axis PA provided through the carrier device <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the pivot axis PA is arranged in a center area of the extension device <NUM>. For example, the pivot axis PA is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a of the extension device <NUM>. It is also possible to provide the pivot axis PA in a rear area or a front area of the extension device <NUM>. The rear area is an area facing toward the wall surface and the front area is an area facing toward the passenger seating arrangement SA.

When the extension device <NUM> is pivoted from the vertical stowed position P1 to the horizontal use position P2, the strut element <NUM> is pivoted such that the strut element <NUM> is fully arranged outside the recess <NUM> of the carrier device <NUM>. For example, the strut element <NUM> deploys by the rotation of the extension device <NUM>. The strut element <NUM> may be coupled to the extension device <NUM> via a not further shown gear mechanism.

For example, a front side <NUM> of the extension device <NUM> comprises a flap <NUM> configured to be pulled by the passenger O to initiate movement, in particular rotation, of the extension device <NUM>. A rear side <NUM> of the extension device <NUM> comprises a latch mechanism LM to latch the extension device <NUM> in the horizontal use position P2, as shown in <FIG> in more detail. Therefore, the wall surface <NUM> comprises a latch element <NUM> as shown in <FIG> in more detail. The latch element <NUM> is one of a bar-like, ring, eyelet or loop element. The latch mechanism LM of the extension device <NUM> comprises a hook-like element <NUM>, such as a claw latch, which is configured to detachably engage the latch element <NUM> arranged on the wall surface <NUM>. The wall surface <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> in which the latch element <NUM> is arranged. It is also possible to provide the seat extension apparatus <NUM> with at least one motorized adjustment device which is configured to move the extension device <NUM> between the horizontal use position P2 and the vertical stowed position P1 automatically upon actuation e.g. via a remote control.

In the shown embodiment, the seat extension apparatus <NUM> comprises three extension devices <NUM> and corresponding supporting parts as described above. The extension devices <NUM> are arranged in a row, adjacent to each other in transverse direction of the aircraft cabin C. The passenger seating arrangement SA comprises therefore three single seats <NUM> arranged adjacent to each other in transverse direction of the aircraft cabin C. Each seat <NUM> comprises at least a seat cushion <NUM> and a backrest <NUM>. Each seat <NUM> corresponds to one extension device <NUM> arranged in the front. Each passenger O of each seat <NUM> can use the respective extension device <NUM> as seat extension. In the horizontal use position P2, the front side <NUM> of the extension device <NUM> contacts the seat cushion <NUM> such that the bed surface side <NUM> of the extension device <NUM> and the seat cushion <NUM> together form the seat extension, such as a bed extension.

Further, the passenger seating arrangement SA comprises a number of pivotable armrests <NUM>, <NUM>' arranged between two seats <NUM>. In an exemplary arrangement of three seats <NUM> arranged side by side, i.e. adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the cabin C, the arrangement may comprise four armrests <NUM> to <NUM>". For example, outer side armrests <NUM>" are fixed to outer sides of outer seats <NUM> facing in a direction e.g. toward a cabin aisle. The outer side armrests <NUM>" may be pivotable or non-pivotable. Each armrest <NUM> and <NUM>" having a stowable tray table <NUM>. In this arrangement, only one pivotable armrest <NUM> with a stowable tray table <NUM> arranged inside the pivotable armrest <NUM> is enough. The pivotable armrest <NUM> provides the tray table <NUM> for a center seat <NUM> arranged between two outer seats <NUM>. For better understanding, the outer seats <NUM> will be given an additional reference sign <NUM>'. The center seat <NUM> will be given an additional reference sign <NUM>".

As shown, each of the pivotable armrests <NUM>, <NUM>' is arranged between two adjacent seats <NUM>. When the tray table <NUM> is vertically stowed and the armrest <NUM> is in the deployed use position P3, as shown in <FIG>, the deployed armrest <NUM> can be used as a seating area dividing element.

The armrests <NUM>, <NUM>' are movable between a retracted stowed position P4, as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, in which the armrests <NUM> are arranged substantially alongside a side surface of the backrests <NUM>, and the deployed use position P3, in which the armrests <NUM> are arranged substantially parallel and above the seat cushions <NUM>. In each of the deployed use position P3 and the retracted stowed position P4 each armrest <NUM> is locked. To release the lock, a commonly known release button connected to a lock mechanism of the armrest <NUM> may be provided on the armrest <NUM> and pushed. When the armrests <NUM> are locked in the retracted stowed position P4 the passenger seating arrangement SA, in particular all seats <NUM>, turn into a divan bed. In particular, seat cushion surfaces of each seat cushion <NUM> are in contact with each other such that the seat cushion surfaces form a unitary sitting (bench-like) and bed surface along the passenger seating arrangement SA.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a converted seat extension apparatus <NUM> creating a wide lie-flat bed surface with the passenger seating arrangement SA. For example, this wide lie-flat bed surface may be used by one single passenger O or by more than one passenger O on each corresponding seat <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cabin dividing element <NUM> comprising an attachment mechanism AM, as shown in <FIG>, for a bassinet <NUM>. In particular, the wall surface <NUM> comprises the attachment mechanism AM for the bassinet <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically show the seat extension apparatus <NUM> and a conversion of the seat extension apparatus <NUM> from a vertical stowed position P1 to a horizontal use position P2. In particular, <FIG> shows the extension device <NUM> in the vertical stowed position P1, <FIG> shows the extension device <NUM> in a slightly pivoted forward position from the stowed position P1 in a direction to the horizontal use position P2, <FIG> shows the extension device <NUM> in a pivoted position close to the horizontal use position P2 and <FIG> shows the extension device <NUM> in the horizontal use position P2.

<FIG> show in perspective views an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement SA comprising at least one pivotable armrest <NUM> having a stowable tray table <NUM>. The tray table <NUM> is configured as a bi-fold table. The armrest <NUM> comprises a slot <NUM>, for example in form of a through hole, through which the tray table <NUM> can be moved in a bi-folded state. Alternatively, the tray table <NUM> is configured as a single shelf.

In particular, <FIG> shows each of the armrests <NUM> and <NUM>' arranged above and substantially parallel to the seat cushion <NUM>, each armrest <NUM> and <NUM>' being positioned in the deployed use position P3, wherein a tray table <NUM> is arranged within the armrest <NUM> and is stowed inside the armrest <NUM>, the tray table <NUM> being arranged in a vertical position P5. <FIG> shows the armrest <NUM> with an open lid <NUM> and a tray table <NUM> which is moved out from the inside of the armrest <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the armrest <NUM> with the tray table <NUM> in a horizontal position P6 and <FIG> shows the armrests <NUM> and <NUM>' in the retracted stowed position P4. <FIG> shows an enlarged section of the seating arrangement SA according to <FIG>.

For example, the seating arrangement SA comprises three seats <NUM>, two outer side seats <NUM>' and one center seat <NUM>" arranged between the outer side seats <NUM>'. The seating arrangement SA further comprises four armrests <NUM> to <NUM>", two outer side armrests <NUM>" and two inner side armrests <NUM> and <NUM>'. Each of the inner side armrests <NUM> and <NUM>' is arranged between one of the outer side seats <NUM>' and the center seat <NUM>". Therefore, each seat <NUM>, <NUM>' to <NUM>" comprises two armrests <NUM> to <NUM>" which may be used. The outer side armrests <NUM>" comprise stowable tray tables <NUM> for passengers of the outer side seats <NUM>'. One of the inner side armrests <NUM> comprises a tray table <NUM> for a passenger of the center seat <NUM>".

In an arrangement of two seats <NUM>, it is possible to provide pivotable armrests <NUM> with tray tables <NUM> on outer sides of the seats <NUM>. Between the two seats <NUM> one pivotable armrest without a tray table <NUM> may be arranged.

The armrest <NUM> is pivotable mounted to a backrest <NUM>, such as a backrest <NUM> frame structure.

The tray table <NUM> may be coupled to the armrest <NUM> via an easy hinge or joint and pivot mechanism JPM. In particular, from a vertically stowed state of the bi-folded tray table <NUM>, wherein the tray table <NUM> is guided through the slot <NUM> of the armrest <NUM> in a vertical manner. The tray table <NUM> can be pivoted vertically upwards about the joint and pivot mechanism JPM to be moved from the stowed state, in particular the vertical position P5, into an intermediate deployed position P7 as shown in <FIG>. Afterwards, the tray table <NUM> can be folded down about the joint and pivot mechanism JPM in a direction towards the seat cushion <NUM> till the tray table <NUM> reaches a fully horizontal position P6. The bi-folded tray table <NUM> can now be unfolded providing a wider table surface.

According to an embodiment, the tray table <NUM> is configured as a bi-fold table; for example the tray table <NUM> comprises two tabletops <NUM> which are hinged to each other such that the two tabletops <NUM> can be folded one above the other. The armrest <NUM> comprises the slot <NUM> in which the tray table <NUM> may be fully stowed when not needed. The armrest <NUM> comprises a casing <NUM> which corresponds to the tray table <NUM> in its bi-folded shape. The casing <NUM> comprises an attachment section <NUM>. <NUM> which is pivotable mounted to the seat <NUM>, for example to the center seat <NUM>" and/or to the corresponding outer side seat <NUM>'. The casing <NUM> further comprises a main section <NUM>. <NUM> for the passenger. In the main section <NUM>. <NUM>, the lid <NUM>, the tray table <NUM> and the joint and pivot mechanism JPM are arranged being easy to reach for the passenger. For example, the casing <NUM> is configured such that dimensions of the main section <NUM>. <NUM> are larger than dimensions of the attachment section <NUM>.

In an area of the slot <NUM>, the armrest <NUM> comprises the lid <NUM> which is hinged on the area of the slot <NUM> to cover up the slot <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is arranged on an upper surface side of the armrest <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> is arranged on the upper surface side of the casing <NUM>. Even if the tray table <NUM> is deployed into a state above a passenger's lap, the lid <NUM> may cover the slot <NUM>. Therefore, the joint and pivot mechanism JPM may be arranged outside the slot <NUM> and a lid covering area. The joint and pivot mechanism JPM is arranged on the upper surface side of the armrest <NUM>, for example of the casing <NUM>. In particular, <FIG> shows the tray table <NUM> in a stowed state within the armrest <NUM>. <FIG> shows the tray table <NUM> in a vertically deployed and upward directed state. <FIG> shows the tray table <NUM> in a folded down horizontal state. <FIG> shows the tray table <NUM> in a flipped opened state, wherein the tabletops <NUM> form a wider table surface. <FIG> shows the armrest <NUM> in a retracted stowed position P4, wherein the tray table <NUM> is stowed within the armrest casing <NUM>. For instance, in case of a three-wide passenger seating arrangement SA as shown, there is only one armrest <NUM> with a stowable tray table <NUM> needed providing a table surface for a center seat <NUM>" of the three-wide passenger seating arrangement SA. As exemplary marked in <FIG>, armrests <NUM> of the outer seats <NUM>' each comprise a stowable tray table <NUM>. Thereby, a second center armrest <NUM>' may be configured as a common pivotable armrest <NUM>'.

<FIG> shows an enlarged section of the passenger seating arrangement SA. For example, the passenger seating arrangement SA comprises an armrest apparatus 11A comprising a tray table apparatus 12A. The armrest apparatus 11A comprises the casing <NUM> configured to receive and retain the tray table apparatus 12A. The tray table apparatus 12A comprises the tray table <NUM> and the joint and pivot mechanism JPM. The joint and pivot mechanism JPM is configured to connect the tray table apparatus 12A to the armrest apparatus 11A. Further, the armrest apparatus 11A comprises the main section <NUM>. <NUM> and the attachment section <NUM>. In the main section <NUM>. <NUM>, the casing <NUM> of the armrest apparatus 11A comprises the slot <NUM> to receive the tray table apparatus 12A. The tray table apparatus 12A is arranged in the main section <NUM>. <NUM> of the armrest apparatus 11A.

The slot <NUM> is configured as a vertical recess provided in the casing <NUM>. In the stowed vertical position P5 of the tray table apparatus 12A, the tray table <NUM> of the tray table apparatus 12A is fully arranged inside the slot <NUM> so as inside the casing <NUM> protected from external influences. The slot <NUM> is open at a top of the casing <NUM> facing in a direction toward the cabin ceiling. The armrest apparatus 11A further comprises the lid <NUM>. One side of the lid <NUM> is hinged to the casing <NUM> in the area of the slot <NUM>. Another side of the lid <NUM> can be latched to the casing <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is arranged above the slot <NUM> to cover said slot <NUM>. The casing <NUM> comprises a latch element <NUM> arranged in the area of the slot <NUM> on an opposite side of a hinge <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. The latch element <NUM> may comprise a clip-function, snap-function or any other engagement function to secure the lid <NUM> in a closed position to the casing <NUM>.

The joint and pivot mechanism JPM is arranged outside of the lid covering area. The joint and pivot mechanism JPM may be arranged in the slot <NUM> in an area which is not covered by the lid <NUM>. The joint and pivot mechanism JPM comprises a first hinge element <NUM>. The first hinge element <NUM> is pivotable coupled to armrest apparatus 11A, for example the casing <NUM>. The first hinge element <NUM> is pivotable about a first pivot axis PA1 extending parallel to a transverse axis y of the cabin C. The joint and pivot mechanism JPM comprises a second hinge element <NUM>. The second hinge element <NUM> is pivotable about a second pivot axis PA2 extending parallel to a longitudinal axis x of the cabin C. The pivot axes PA1 and PA2 are extending substantially perpendicular to each other. The second hinge element <NUM> is pivotable coupled to the first hinge element <NUM>. Further, the second hinge element <NUM> couples the tray table <NUM> to the first hinge element <NUM>. The first hinge element <NUM> is, for example, substantially U-shaped. The second hinge element <NUM> is arranged between legs <NUM> of the first hinge element <NUM>. A connection region of the legs <NUM> is pivotable coupled to the casing <NUM>. Via the first pivot axis PA1, the tray table <NUM> is movable from the slot <NUM>. For example, via the first pivot axis PA1, the tray table <NUM> is pivotable between the stowed vertical position P5 and the intermediate deployed position P7. Via the second pivot axis PA2, the tray table <NUM> is movable toward the seat cushion <NUM>. For example, via the second pivot axis PA2, the tray table <NUM> is pivotable between the intermediate deployed position P7 and the horizontal position P6.

The tray table apparatus 12A further comprises a table support <NUM>. The table support <NUM> is configured as a bracket or holder element to movably support the tray table <NUM>. The tray table <NUM> is attached to the table support <NUM>. For example, one of the two tabletops <NUM> is attached to the table support <NUM>.

Moreover, the tray table <NUM> comprises a pull-out flap <NUM>. The pull-out flap <NUM> is arranged in an area of a hinge connection of the two tabletops <NUM>. The pull-out flap <NUM> allows a simple operation to move the tray table <NUM> out from the slot <NUM>, i.e. from the stowed vertical position P5 to the intermediate deployed position P7.

It is understood that the outer side armrests <NUM>" also may be configured from an armrest apparatus 11A comprising a tray table apparatus 12A as described above.

Claim 1:
A seat extension apparatus (<NUM>) fixable to a cabin dividing element (<NUM>) positioned in front of a passenger seating arrangement (SA) in an aircraft cabin (C), the seat extension apparatus (<NUM>) comprising at least:
- an extension device (<NUM>) having a mounting side (<NUM>) and a bed surface side (<NUM>), wherein the extension device (<NUM>) is movable between a vertical stowed position (P1) in which the mounting side (<NUM>) is facing into the aircraft cabin (C) and the bed surface side (<NUM>) is in alignment with the cabin dividing element (<NUM>), and a horizontal use position (P2) in which the bed surface side (<NUM>) is in alignment with a seat surface of the passenger seating arrangement (SA) and the mounting side (<NUM>) is arranged on a bottom of the bed surface side (<NUM>), and
- a support structure (<NUM>) coupled to the extension device (<NUM>) to pivotably support the extension device (<NUM>), wherein the support structure (<NUM>) comprises at least one pivotable strut element (<NUM>) having at least one end (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the mounting side (<NUM>) of the extension device (<NUM>) and at least one free end (<NUM>), wherein
- in the vertical stowed position (P1) of the extension device (<NUM>) the strut element (<NUM>) is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (a) of the extension device (<NUM>), and
- in the horizontal use position (P2) of the extension device (<NUM>) the strut element (<NUM>) is arranged substantially perpendicular or angled to the longitudinal axis (a) of the extension device (<NUM>).