Patent Description:
Document <CIT>, according to its abstract, states a seating arrangement comprising a pair of seats disposed alongside and secured to each other, wherein each seat comprises a backrest portion, and a seat pan portion. The pair of seats face at an acute angle to each other; the backrest portions of the respective seats are nearest the vertex of the acute angle than the seat pan portions. The seat pan portion of each seat may be separated from each other and an armrest located between the seat pan portions. A utility surface may be located between the seat pan portions. The utility surface may be supported by a base structure; movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The utility surface may provide an armrest when in the raised position. The utility surface, when in the lowered position, may define a continuous support surface with the seat pans of each adjacent seat. A secondary seat pan may be provided, positioned intermediate of and spanning between the seat pans of the two seats when in a first position.

Document <CIT>, according to its abstract, states an aircraft seat unit including a first seat, a second seat, an intermediate portion disposed between the first seat and the second seat, and a front wall adjacent to the intermediate portion. An axis line of the first seat and an axis line of the second seat are respectively disposed at angles that are oriented in mutually opposite directions with respect to a traveling direction. The intermediate portion is disposed in a space between the first set and the second seat and is capable of supporting a load of a bassinet placed thereon. The front wall includes engagement holes that detachably engage with engagement portions of the bassinet.

Document <CIT>, according to its abstract, states a deployable infill assembly and passenger seat construction. The infill assembly includes a cushion element deployable laterally along a low trajectory from a stowed position to a deployed position. The cushion assembly is coupled to a frame carrying guide tracks for guiding movement of the cushion assembly between the stowed and deployed positions. The cushion assembly is selectively deployable for use as a leg support, table or to complete a continuous bed. The infill assembly is packaged in a compact footprint well-suited for aircraft applications.

Document <CIT>, according to its abstract, states a seat module intended to be installed in the cabin of an aircraft, comprising a seat and a tray table that can move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The tray table can also move in translation and/or rotation in relation to the seat in order to move from the deployed position into a shifted deployed position.

According to the present disclosure, an aircraft according to claim <NUM> is provided. Further embodiments of the claimed invention are defined in the dependent claims. The claimed invention is only defined by the claims; the below embodiments, examples, and aspects are present for aiding in understanding the background and advantages of the claimed invention.

The various implementations, examples, and examples 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 implementations, examples, and examples described herein, wherein:.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples and implementations will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. Further, references to "one example", "one implementation", or "one example" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples, implementations, or examples that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples, implementations, or examples "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property can include additional elements not having that property.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "vertical," and the like are used to describe examples, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that a top side becomes a bottom side if the structure is flipped <NUM> degrees, becomes a left side or a right side if the structure is pivoted <NUM> degrees, and the like.

Certain implementations provide an improved passenger utility element for a seat, in particular an aircraft or vehicle seat, providing at least more utility features for a passenger while ensuring an additional comfort feature for the passenger, such as in different seat positions. In some examples, a passenger seating arrangement is improved, namely equipped with more comfort features, by arranging the seat units.

The passenger utility element as described in more detail herein includes components configured to be moved to different positions to allow different comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements for passengers (e.g., passengers on an aircraft). A utility base element and an extension element are provided, wherein the extension element is movable between a stowed position and a deployed use position relative to the base element, and wherein the extension element provides at least one cushioned support surface for a passenger when deployed.

<FIG> show schematically in a rear view an implementation of a passenger utility element <NUM> having a utility base element <NUM> and an extension element <NUM>. The extension element <NUM> is operable to be moved between different positions as described in more detail herein. For example, <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in a stowed position P1 within the utility base element <NUM>. In this position, the extension element <NUM> is contained and housed within the utility. <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in a deployed position P2, such as a fully pulled out or fully extended position, relative to the utility base element <NUM>. In this position, the extension element <NUM> is extended laterally (illustrated by the arrow L) from the utility base element <NUM>. <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in a deployed use position P3. In this position, the extension element <NUM> is rotated (illustrated by the arrow R) and located adjacent the utility base element <NUM>. In the illustrated example, in the deployed use position P3, the extension element <NUM> is rotated ninety degrees with respect to the position in the deployed position P2, thereby being oriented adjacent to the utility base element <NUM>. In some examples, the utility base element <NUM> is a side element configured as a support structure and/or furniture structure, and the passenger utility element <NUM> is an add-on furniture part that can be added to any seat unit. That is, the passenger utility element <NUM> can be equipped to any seat unit.

It should be noted that the mechanisms to move the various components or parts described herein can be accomplished using any type of device or element. For example, rotational or translational movement of one or more components or parts can be provided using mechanical devices or structures that allow or provide for such movement. It should be appreciated that the mechanical mechanisms can be adapted or configured based on the particular configuration. Additionally, other mechanisms, such as magnetic elements can also be implemented in some examples to facilitate movement or other desired characteristics.

In one example, the passenger utility element <NUM> is a furniture part of a seat unit SU, illustrated as an aircraft seat unit SU, comprising at least a seat S and the passenger utility element <NUM> arranged adjacent to the seat S. The passenger utility element <NUM> in some examples is arranged on a lateral side of the seat S. The seat S is adjustable between at least a sitting position S1 and at least a bed position S2. The seat S comprises at least a seat pan <NUM> and a backrest <NUM>. Additionally, the seat S in one example optionally comprises a leg-rest <NUM> and/or a headrest <NUM>. In various examples, the seat S is operable to be brought into one or more positions, e.g. into a sitting position S1, such as a taxi, take-off, landing position, also known as "TTL" or "TT&L"-position, and an inclined position and/or a sleeping or bed position S2. In the bed position S2, the seat pan <NUM>, the backrest <NUM> and optionally the leg-rest <NUM> and/or headrest <NUM> are brought into a substantially flat, horizontal position. That is, the seat pan <NUM>, the backrest <NUM> and optionally the leg-rest <NUM> and/or headrest <NUM> are arranged and/or positioned to form a flat surface. As discussed in more detail herein, the extension element <NUM> is operable to move between different positions to be complementary to and facilitate passenger comfort in the sitting position S1 and the bed position S2 in various examples.

The seat S is movable between the sitting position S1 and the bed position S2, wherein a seat surface <NUM> (e.g., a surface for seating a passenger) of the seat S is in substantially horizontal alignment with a cushioned support surface <NUM> of the extension element <NUM> when the extension element <NUM> is deployed, in particular positioned in the deployed use position P3. In this example, when the seat S is positioned in the bed position S2, the cushioned support surface <NUM> is brought into horizontal alignment with the seat surface <NUM> and/or one or more other surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the different seat parts, namely the backrest <NUM> and optionally the leg-rest <NUM> and/or headrest <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). As can be seen, a lateral side of the seat S is configured to be arranged and/or positioned to be brought into contact with a lateral side surface <NUM> of the extension element <NUM>.

Thus, the passenger utility element <NUM> includes at least the utility base element <NUM> and the extension element <NUM>, wherein the extension element <NUM> is movable between the stowed position P1 and the deployed use position P3 relative to the utility base element <NUM> such that the extension element <NUM> provides at least the cushioned support surface <NUM> for a passenger when deployed. An opposite surface of the cushioned support surface <NUM> is arranged to be supported on the utility base element <NUM> in the illustrated example. In one example, the utility base element <NUM> includes a stowage space <NUM> in which the extension element <NUM> is positioned in the stowed position P1 (e.g., concealed or housed therein).

In some examples, the extension element <NUM> comprises an upholstery element. For example, the extension element <NUM> is covered with a cover, a trim or the like. In one implementation, at least the cushioned support surface <NUM> is covered by a material providing comfort characteristics, such as fabric and/or leather, and is padded in some examples. The extension element <NUM> is configured to be lightweight in some examples using lightweight material, such as synthetic material or textile, and/or different layers of material. Moreover, edges of the cushioned support surface <NUM> are slightly rounded in some examples.

In the illustrated example, the utility base element <NUM> is substantially box-shaped. For example, depending on the seat unit SU and/or a seat orientation within the seat unit SU and/or depending on an arrangement of furniture parts F (shown in <FIG>), such as dividers or the like, the utility base element <NUM> can have a different shape. That is the shape, configuration, or other characteristics of the utility base element <NUM> can be varied as desired or needed. For example, the utility base element <NUM> in some examples is a triangular shape. Further, a height of the utility base element <NUM> is variable. For example, the height is adjusted, adapted or designed to correspond to a height of the seat S and/or dimensions of the extension element <NUM>, such that when the seat S is positioned in the bed position S2, the cushioned support surface <NUM> is in horizontal, flat alignment with the seat surface <NUM> and/or the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the seat S. That is, a height or thickness of the extension element <NUM> is configured to provide a flat or planar surface across these parts.

The extension element <NUM> in various examples has at least a form/shape that substantially corresponds to an outer form and/or outer periphery or circumference of the utility base element <NUM>. That is, the configuration of the extension element <NUM> is complementary to the configuration of the utility base element <NUM>. For example, outer edges <NUM> (defining edge portions) of the extension element <NUM> correspond to and/or are complementary to outer edges <NUM> (defining edge portions) of the utility base element <NUM> (e.g., sized or shaped to be arranged or positioned as described in more detail herein). In the deployed use position P3 of the extension element <NUM>, the extension element <NUM> is at least supported by the edge portions <NUM> of the utility base element <NUM>. For example, the edge portions <NUM> define a shoulder or engagement surface on which a portion of the extension element <NUM> is supported and maintained in the deployed use position P3. The corresponding edge portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the extension element <NUM> and the utility base element <NUM> in some examples comprise a fastening device, such as a clip, snap-in, magnetic device to lock or fasten the extension element <NUM> in place when deployed relative to or on the utility base element <NUM>. That is, a locking or coupling arrangement is thereby provided.

The extension element <NUM> comprises a pull-out flap <NUM>. For example, the pull-out flap <NUM> is a textile element, such as a flexible textile or flexible band. The pull-out flap <NUM> is arranged on the lateral surface side <NUM> of the extension element <NUM>. For example, the pull-out flap <NUM> in some examples is configured to be fastened to a counter element provided on the utility base element <NUM> (e.g., coupled to a complementary element or component). The pull-out flap <NUM> provides additional length and an added comfort feature in the various examples.

In the stowed position P1 of the extension element <NUM>, the lateral side surface <NUM> is aligned with an upper surface <NUM> of the utility base element <NUM>. The utility base element <NUM> in some examples comprises a lid covering an opening of the stowage space <NUM> for the extension element <NUM>. That is, a cover or other enclosing element is configured to cover the opening of the stowage space <NUM> for the extension element <NUM> and conceal the extension element <NUM> therein. It should be appreciated that the opening also can be covered by the lid when the extension element <NUM> is deployed. As such, the stowage space <NUM> is covered to prevent, for example, items dropping therein. Further, the lid covers the lateral side surface <NUM> of the extension element <NUM> when stowed in various examples. In the stowed position P1 of the extension element <NUM>, the extension element <NUM> is positioned vertically with respect to a cabin floor of an aircraft. In the deployed use position P3 of the extension element <NUM>, the extension element <NUM> is positioned horizontally and substantially parallel to the floor.

In examples where the utility base element <NUM> comprises the stowage space <NUM> in which the extension element <NUM> is received in the stowed position, the utility base element <NUM> comprises an integrated recess or an external open space providing the stowage space <NUM> for the extension element <NUM>. The extension element <NUM> is inserted into the stowage space <NUM> when stowed. For example, the extension element <NUM> is insertable into and extractable from the stowage space <NUM> in a cassette-like manner. As such, the extension element <NUM> is configured as a simple pull-out element in various examples.

Thus, in various examples, the extension element <NUM> is pivotably coupled (e.g., hinged) to the utility base element <NUM>, such as in an area of the opening of the stowage space <NUM>. The utility base element <NUM> further comprises a guide device (e.g., rails) for linear displacement of the extension element <NUM> relative to the utility base element <NUM> in some examples. That is, a structure that guides the movement of the extension element <NUM> during linear operation (to extend the extension element <NUM>) is provided. It should be appreciated that the guide device can be any type of mechanism or structure that guides or restricts the movement of the extension element <NUM> in a particular direction. The guide device is arranged within the stowage space <NUM> in some examples.

<FIG> show schematically in perspective top views an implementation of a passenger seating arrangement PA having two identical seat units SU arranged adjacent to each other. Each seat unit SU includes a seat S (shown in the bed position S2) and a passenger utility element <NUM> such as described herein. <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in the vertical stowed position P1. <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in the horizontal deployed use position P3.

In one or more examples, the utility base element <NUM> comprises one or more storage compartments <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and/or at least an armrest <NUM>. The armrest <NUM> in various examples is movable between an extended use position and a retracted non-use position A1 (as shown in <FIG>). In the extended use position, the armrest <NUM> is raised, such that the armrest <NUM> is arranged above the seat pan <NUM> (e.g., positioned vertically higher than the seat pan <NUM>). In some examples, the utility base element <NUM> comprises another stowage space for an armrest displacement mechanism. In the retracted non-use position A1, an upper surface of the armrest <NUM> is arranged in substantially horizontal alignment with the upper surface <NUM> of the utility base element <NUM>. For example, the upper surface of the armrest <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the utility base element <NUM> together providing a substantially planar surface (e.g., a flat surface). When the extension element <NUM> is arranged in the deployed use position P3, a flat or planar sitting and/or lying surface is thereby provided to the passenger. It should be noted that a size of the extension element <NUM> can vary, such as based on design requirements (e.g., customer requirements), a size of the utility base element <NUM>, a desired configured, etc..

In the illustrated examples, the extension element <NUM> covers the entire upper surface <NUM> of the utility base element <NUM> and is also supported on the armrest <NUM> when the armrest <NUM> is in the deployed use position P3. Further, the cushioned support surface <NUM> of the extension element <NUM> creates a bed extension surface. That is, the cushioned support surface <NUM> of the extension element <NUM> defines an extended planar surface adjacent to the main planar surface (e.g., a side surface adjacent to the sleeping surface). In various examples, a height of the entire passenger utility element <NUM> with the extension element <NUM> when in the deployed use position P3 corresponds to a height of the seat S in the bed position S2. That is, the heights of each are complementary and aligned to create or form a planar or flat surface. In some examples, this configuration defines a substantially continuous planar or flat surface for use by the passenger (with minimal gaps between the elements).

Thus, one or more examples provide a utility furniture to a passenger with one or more additional comfort features, whereas the passenger can extend the extension element <NUM> to provide an extended bed and support surface for the passenger as described in more detail herein. That is, the extension element <NUM> can be exposed for used by the passenger. In one example, the cushioned support surface <NUM> can be used as a bed extension surface when the seat S is positioned in a flat-bed orientation that is a substantially horizontal sleeping position. The cushioned support surface <NUM> can also be used as an additional sitting surface for the passenger or another passenger and/or lying surface for an additional passenger, such as a toddler, next to the respective seat of the seat unit. For example, when the respective seat is in the sitting position, the extension element <NUM> can be used as additional seat or lying surface. The other passenger may be a friend, a relative or a toddler of the passenger of the seat unit. When the extension element <NUM> is stored, the utility base element <NUM> can be used as a common console or side element providing a number of utility features, such as a shelf, storage compartments, a tabletop, an armrest or the like.

It should be appreciated that the cushioned support surface <NUM> of the extension element <NUM> can also be used as a shelf or a storage area, for example for items of the passenger. Moreover, the extension element <NUM> can be configured as a lid or a flap which can cover up at least an open storage compartment of the utility base element <NUM> as described in more detail herein. For example, the storage compartment is opened towards a passenger (e.g., the storage compartment is a recess facing in a direction towards a ceiling of the vehicle or aircraft) and can be covered as described in more detail herein.

In some examples, the seat units SU are divided by a privacy center divider <NUM>, such as an adjustable screen, for example a telescopic adjustable screen with one or more adjustable screen parts that are movably arranged relative to each other. In one example, when the center divider <NUM> is in a fully retracted non-use position A1 as shown in <FIG>, a substantially continuous surface is provided between both seat units SU when the extension elements <NUM> are in the deployed use position P3. That is, a larger planar or flat surface is thereby defined.

In various examples, each seat unit SU includes one or more furniture parts F and/or structural components. For example, each seat unit SU includes at least a console <NUM> forming a footwell for a passenger seated behind and/or a utility surface for a corresponding passenger of the seat unit SU. In some implementations, the furniture parts F comprise wall structures, such as separating walls and carrier parts for displays or the like. For example, the console <NUM> and/or the footwell defines an open space. In particular, the open space is arranged at a rear side of the footwell facing towards the passenger seated behind another passenger in some examples, such that the footwell is accessible for a rear passenger. The leg-rest <NUM> in some examples is positioned within the footwell in the bed position S2 of the seat S.

In the illustrated example, each seat units SU is configured as an angled seat unit SU, wherein each longitudinal axis of each seat S is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle cabin C. The seats S of an angled seat unit SU can be angled inwardly or outwardly, and at one or more different angles. For example, as shown, each respective passenger utility element <NUM> is arranged in an inner area of the corresponding seat unit SU, adjacent to the center divider <NUM> or a cabin wall, and each console <NUM> is arranged in an outer area, e.g. adjacent an aisle. In this implementation, the seats S are facing aisles of the vehicle (e.g., angled towards an adjacent aircraft aisle).

Different configurations and operational examples of one or more examples will now be described. With particular reference to <FIG> that show schematically in perspective side views an implementation of a passenger seating arrangement PA having two identical seat units SU arranged adjacent to each other, each seat unit SU includes a seat S and a passenger utility element <NUM>. <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in a deployed intermediate position P4 with respect to the utility base element <NUM>. <FIG> shows the extension element <NUM> in the deployed position P2 before pivoting the extension element <NUM> relative to the utility base element <NUM> into the deployed use position P3 or after pivoting the extension element <NUM> from the deployed use position P3. That is, <FIG> illustrates the extension element <NUM> in a position ready to be pivoted from the deployed position P2 to the deployed use position P3. Also, the armrest <NUM> in this example is shown in the retracted non-use position A1.

<FIG> shows schematically in a top view an implementation of vehicle cabin C, illustrated as an aircraft cabin C, comprising a passenger seating arrangement PA with a plurality of seat units SU, wherein the angled seats S face in a direction towards an aisle <NUM>. In this example, the passenger utility elements <NUM> are configured shorter in a longitudinal direction of the cabin C than the passenger utility elements <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. In the illustrated example, the extension element 300A is shown in the deployed use position P3 wherein the passenger is able to use the cushioned support surface. The extension element 300B is shown in the stowed position P1. The seats S are shown in the sitting position S1. As should be appreciated, the configuration of the passenger utility elements <NUM> can be varied, such as the dimensions, shape, etc. based on the particular application (e.g., type of aircraft or cabin).

<FIG> show schematically in top views an implementation of a seat unit SU (<FIG>), a passenger seating arrangement PA (<FIG>) having two identical seat units SU arranged one behind another, and a passenger seating arrangement PA (<FIG>) having a plurality of seat units SU arranged one behind another and adjacent to each other. That is, different configuration are illustrated in the figures and represent different possible arrangements. However, the seating configurations are merely examples and different configurations are contemplated, such as having a different number of seat units SU, a different orientation of seat units SU, etc. The passenger utility elements <NUM> in this example are configured having dimensions that fill a gap between each seat unit SU arranged one behind another in longitudinal direction of the cabin C. That is, an abutting arrangement of each seat unit in the longitudinal direction is provided, which maximizes the use of space in various examples.

In <FIG>, the extension element <NUM> is shown in the stowed position P1 with the seat S in the sitting position S1. The dashed lines illustrates the bed position S2, namely the extended position for the seat pan <NUM>. In <FIG>, the extension element <NUM> is likewise shown in the stowed position P1 with the seat S in the sitting position S1. Additionally, the armrest <NUM> is in the retracted non-use position A1 (illustrated by the hash lines). <FIG> illustrates a plurality of seats S in the same position as shown in <FIG>.

Thus, various implementations as described in one or more examples provide seats, which are in seat units in one or more examples, that are movable to different positions. As such, passengers can easily adapt the seating spacing to a particular use or configuration that includes one or more comfort features. For example, the passenger utility element <NUM> includes the extension element <NUM> that has at least one cushioned support surface <NUM> for a passenger when deployed.

Some examples of the disclosure are used in manufacturing and service applications as shown and described in relation to <FIG>. Thus, examples of the disclosure are described in the context of an apparatus of manufacturing and service method <NUM> shown in <FIG> and an apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, a diagram illustrating an apparatus manufacturing and service method <NUM> is depicted in accordance with an example. In one example, during pre-production, the apparatus manufacturing and service method <NUM> includes specification and design <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> and material procurement <NUM>. During production, component, and subassembly manufacturing <NUM> and system integration <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> takes place. Thereafter, the apparatus <NUM> goes through certification and delivery <NUM> in order to be placed in service <NUM>. While in service by a customer, the apparatus <NUM> is scheduled for routine maintenance and service <NUM>, which in one example, includes modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service subject to configuration management, described herein.

In one example, each of the processes of the apparatus manufacturing and service method <NUM> are performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator. In these examples, the operator is a customer. For the purposes of this description, a system integrator includes any number of apparatus manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party includes any number of venders, subcontractors, and suppliers; and in one example, an operator is an owner of an apparatus or fleet of the apparatus, an administrator responsible for the apparatus or fleet of the apparatus, a user operating the apparatus, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, or the like.

With reference now to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> is provided. As shown in <FIG>, an example of the apparatus <NUM> is a flying apparatus <NUM>, such as an aerospace vehicle, aircraft, air cargo, flying car, and the like. As also shown in <FIG>, a further example, not falling within the scope of the claims, of the apparatus <NUM> is a ground transportation apparatus <NUM>, such as an automobile, a truck, heavy equipment, construction equipment, a boat, a ship, a submarine, and the like. A further example, not falling within the scope of the claims, of the apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a modular apparatus <NUM> that comprises at least one or more of the following modules: an air module, a payload module, and a ground module. The air module provides air lift or flying capability. The payload module provides the capability of transporting objects such as cargo or live objects (people, animals, etc.). The ground module provides the capability of ground mobility. The disclosed solutions and examples herein can be applied to each of the modules separately or in groups, such as air and payload modules, or payload and ground modules, etc. or all modules.

With reference now to <FIG>, a more specific diagram of the flying apparatus <NUM> is depicted in which an implementations of the disclosure are advantageously employed. In this example, the flying apparatus <NUM> is an aircraft produced by the apparatus manufacturing and service method <NUM> in <FIG> and includes an airframe <NUM> with a plurality of systems <NUM> and an interior <NUM>, which can include seats and the passenger utility element <NUM>. Examples of the plurality of systems <NUM> include one or more of a propulsion system <NUM>, an electrical system <NUM>, a hydraulic system <NUM>, and an environmental system <NUM>. However, other systems are also candidates for inclusion.

Any range or value given herein can be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above can relate to one example or can relate to several examples. The examples are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages.

The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than the listed elements. In other words, the use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items. Further, references to "one implementation" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. The term "exemplary" is intended to mean "an example of".

When introducing elements of aspects and implementations of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. In other words, the indefinite articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" as used in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one.

The phrase "one or more of the following: A, B, and C" means "at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C. " The phrase "and/or", as used in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one implementation, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another implementation, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another implementation, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc..

As used in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of' "only one of or "exactly one of.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and/or B") can refer, in one implementation, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another implementation, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another implementation, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc..

Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed.

Ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term), to distinguish the claim elements.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described implementations (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various implementations of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various implementations of the disclosure, the implementations are by no means limiting and are example implementations. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various implementations of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims.

In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
An aircraft comprising a cabin floor and a seat (S) having a passenger utility element (<NUM>), the passenger utility element (<NUM>) comprising:
a utility base element (<NUM>); and
an extension element (<NUM>), wherein the extension element (<NUM>) is movable between a stowed position (P1) and a deployed use position (P3) relative to the utility base element (<NUM>), wherein in the stowed position, the extension element is positioned within the utility base element (<NUM>) and positioned vertically with respect to the cabin floor, wherein in the deployed use position the extension element is positioned horizontally and substantially parallel to the cabin floor, and wherein the extension element (<NUM>) comprises a cushioned support surface (<NUM>) configured to be exposed in the deployed use position (P3), characterised in that
the extension element (<NUM>) comprises a pull-out flap (<NUM>), wherein in the stowed position of the extension element (<NUM>), a lateral side surface (<NUM>) of the extension element (<NUM>) is aligned with an upper surface (<NUM>) of the utility base element, wherein the pull-out flap (<NUM>) is arranged on the lateral surface side (<NUM>) of the extension element (<NUM>).