Patent Description:
An aircraft passenger compartment suite is defined in claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the collapsible display device may be a standalone display device configured to receive a signal, generate the image output based on the signal, and display the image output.

In some embodiments, the aircraft passenger compartment suite may include a projection device coupled to a privacy shell element of the aircraft passenger compartment suite. The projection device may be configured to receive a signal, generate the image output based on the signal, and project the image output. The collapsible display device may include a projector screen configured to display the image output projected by the projection device.

In some embodiments, the collapsible display device may be positioned within the first side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite. The collapsible display device may be configured to deploy after the first display device is actuated into the first display device stowed position.

In some embodiments, the second side may include a second display device. The second display device may be configured to actuate between a second display device deployed position and a second display device stowed position. The second display device may be configured to display an image output when in the second display device deployed position. The second side may include a second plate positioned proximate to a rear surface of the second display device. The second plate may be configured to be an extension of a second horizontal surface in the second side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite when the second display device is in the second display device stowed position.

In some embodiments, the collapsible display device may be positioned within the second side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite. The collapsible display device may be configured to deploy after the second display device is actuated into the second display device stowed position.

In some embodiments, the first plate may include a guard configured to protect at least a portion of the first display device when the first display device is in the first display device stowed position.

In some embodiments, the first horizontal surface may be a surface of a monument in the first side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite.

In some embodiments, the second plate may include a guard configured to protect at least a portion of the second display device when the second display device is in the second display device stowed position.

In some embodiments, the second horizontal surface may be a surface of a monument in the second side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite.

In some embodiments, the deployed position for the first display device may be an outward-facing position toward the first aircraft seat.

In some embodiments, the deployed position for the second display device may be an outward-facing position toward the second aircraft seat.

It is hereby emphasized that said embodiments must not be linked to the claimed invention. As independent claim <NUM> is linked to two seats in one passenger compartment suite and two distinct display devices, all embodiments linked to one seat and/or one display device only are thus not covered by the appended claims. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of sub-combination of two or more such features.

<FIG> generally illustrate actuatable display devices for aircraft passenger compartment suites, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

An aircraft passenger compartment suite may include one or more seats. In select arrangements where there are multiple seats, the multiple seats may face the same side of a privacy divider, and the passengers occupying the set of seats may wish to simultaneously view the same display device. In addition, in select arrangements where there are multiple seats, the multiple seats may be separated by, and may face different sides of, a privacy divider. The privacy divider may be opened a select amount to allow for interaction between passengers.

Opening the privacy divider may require re-positioning one or more divider panels of the privacy divider and/or re-positioning one or more display devices in the aircraft passenger compartment suite. Select known mechanisms for relocating the display devices include lateral slide mechanisms. The lateral slide mechanisms, however, may be heavy, especially ones necessary to counteract the weight of larger display devices. In addition, the mechanisms may result in a limited ability to open up the privacy divider (e.g., due to the horizontal dimensions of the display devices).

As such, it would be beneficial to provide actuatable display devices configured to be viewable by multiple passengers on the same side of a privacy divider. In addition, it would be beneficial to provide actuatable display devices configured to actuate with stowage mechanisms having a lower weight than the select known mechanisms used to move current display devices. Further, it would be beneficial to provide actuatable display devices configured to actuate with stowage mechanisms that reduce and/or eliminate lateral motion of the display devices (e.g., to increase an opening in the privacy divider through which passengers may interact).

<FIG> illustrate an aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> includes one or more sides. The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> includes a side <NUM> and a side <NUM> separated by a privacy divider <NUM>. The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more passenger compartments 100a. For example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more passenger compartments 100a within the side <NUM> and one or more passenger compartments 100a within the side <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include a privacy shell with one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>. The privacy shell may include an opening <NUM> within the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM> into the aircraft passenger compartment 100a. The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include a door for the opening <NUM>. For example, the door may swing or slide into an open position against a privacy shell element <NUM>. By way of another example, a privacy shell element <NUM> may be at least partially hollow, and the door may be slid into a cavity defined in the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a includes at least a first aircraft seat <NUM> on the first side <NUM> and a second aircraft seat <NUM> on the second side <NUM>. A privacy shell element <NUM> may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aircraft seat <NUM>. For example, the privacy shell element <NUM> may be configured to receive a seat back of the aircraft seat <NUM>.

To allow for a more compact configuration of the aircraft seats <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, the two or more aircraft seats <NUM> in the side <NUM> may be offset from (e.g., not directly across from) the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> in the side <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the two or more aircraft seats <NUM> in the side <NUM> may be directly across from the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> in the side <NUM>, where configuration of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> allows.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more ottomans <NUM>. For example, the side <NUM> and the side <NUM> may include an ottoman <NUM> positioned a select distance from each aircraft seat <NUM>. By way of another example, the ottoman <NUM> may be positioned within a footwell. For instance, one or more dimensions of the footwell may be changed by transitioning the aircraft seat <NUM> between an upright position, a reclined position, and/or a lie-flat position. It is noted herein that a portion of the ottoman <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., along a set of tracks or linear rails) to a position outside of the footwell.

To allow for a more compact configuration of the one or more ottomans <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, the one or more ottomans <NUM> in the side <NUM> may be offset from (e.g., not directly across from) the one or more ottomans <NUM> in the side <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the one or more ottomans <NUM> in the side <NUM> may be directly across from the one or more ottomans <NUM> in the side <NUM>, where configuration of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> allows.

The one or more ottomans <NUM> may be configured to translate and/or rotate about an axis through a sidewall of the ottoman to point a top surface to a passenger occupying the aircraft seat <NUM>. For example, where an ottoman <NUM> may be configured to both translate and rotate, the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to independently rotate and/or translate. By way of another example, where an ottoman <NUM> may be configured to both translate and rotate, a rotation may prevent further translation until the ottoman <NUM> is returned to a select position and/or a translation may prevent further rotation until the ottoman <NUM> is returned to a select position.

An aircraft seat <NUM> and an ottoman <NUM> may form a bed when the aircraft seat <NUM> and the ottoman <NUM> are each in a lie-flat or bed position. It is noted herein, however, the aircraft seat <NUM> and/or the ottoman <NUM> may be limited to an upright position and/or one or more reclined positions. In addition, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be the sole component forming a bed when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a lie-flat or bed position.

The aircraft seat <NUM> may be translatable (e.g., trackable or slidable). The aircraft seat <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis cross-wise through the aircraft seat <NUM> into a position including, but not limited to, an upright or raised position, one or more reclined positions, and/or a bed or lie-flat position. The aircraft seat <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., swivelable). The aircraft seat <NUM> may be fully positionable between the outer limits of motion as defined by the moveable components of the aircraft seat <NUM>, and/or other monuments of the aircraft passenger compartment 100a. It is noted herein a fully upright or raised position may be considered a taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTOL) position during select stages of flight (though the upright position is not limited to use during the select stages of flight as the TTOL position, but also may be used at any point during the flight), for purposes of the present disclosure. In addition, it is noted herein that any position that does not meet the above-defined requirements of the TTOL position may be considered a non-TTOL position, for purposes of the present disclosure. Further, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., translatable and/or rotatable) from the TTOL position to a non-TTOL position, and/or vice versa.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more monuments <NUM>. For example, a monument <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a side stand, a tray or table, or the like. A monument <NUM> may include an accessible surface for a passenger occupying the aircraft passenger compartment 100a.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include a tray <NUM> for each aircraft seat <NUM>. The tray <NUM> may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more side surfaces. For example, the tray <NUM> may include a single continuous side surface where all corners are rounded. By way of another example, the tray <NUM> may include up to an N number of side surfaces where the tray <NUM> includes up to an N number of corners.

The tray <NUM> may be coupled to and/or positioned proximate to the privacy divider <NUM>. The tray <NUM> may be coupled to a monument <NUM>. The tray <NUM> may be configured to extend a select distance from a stowed position (e.g., under the privacy divider <NUM>) to an extended position proximate to a passenger in an aircraft seat <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more lights <NUM>. For example, the one or more lights <NUM> may be coupled to and/or partially inset in the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more stowage compartments <NUM>. For example, a stowage compartment <NUM> may be configured to receive and hold (e.g., contain, secure, or the like) one or more passenger amenities including, but not limited to, one or more pieces of carry-on luggage, paper-printed materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, or the like), select personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, phablets, laptops, music devices, digital video disc (DVD) players, handheld gaming consoles or devices, or the like), headphones, wearable devices or clothing articles, food products, drink products, or the like. By way of another example, a stowage compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections for one or more passenger amenities such as, but not limited to, one or more charging ports, one or more charging cables, or the like. By way of another example, a stowage compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> such as, but not limited to, one or more display device connection ports, one or more display device connection cables, one or more audio output jacks (e.g., headphone jacks), one or more audio input jacks, or the like. By way of another example, a stowage compartment <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like). The one or more stowage compartments <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset in the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>, the one or more monuments <NUM>, or the like.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more passenger in-flight entertainment devices (IFEs). The one or more IFEs may be housed and/or supported by a bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may include one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

The one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be flush with a bezel of the one or more IFEs so as to prevent the bezel of the one or more IFEs from being grabbed onto by a passenger in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> (e.g., when moving, in the case of an emergency, turbulence, or the like). It is noted herein the one or more IFEs and any actuation assemblies coupling the one or more IFEs to the privacy divider <NUM> may need to meet aviation guidelines and/or regulations, should the passenger in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> be able to grab onto the bezel of the one or more IFEs.

The one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be actuated from a deployed position to a stowed position. For example, the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be stowed (e.g., via a lateral slide mechanism or a rotation mechanism) when the one or more IFEs are in the stowed position and the passengers of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> wish to open the privacy divider <NUM> between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be actuated upward (e.g., flipped upward about an axis through a top edge of the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM>, raised or lifted upward via a slide mechanism, rolled up, or the like) when the one or more IFEs are in the stowed position and the passengers of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> wish to open the privacy divider <NUM> between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the use of one or more actuatable and non-collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM>, it is noted herein the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be collapsible. For example, the actuatable and collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a roll-up screen or shade, a side-collapsible screen or shade, a set of curtains, or other collapsible material that is moveable when it is desired that privacy between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM> be created or removed. The actuatable and collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be drawn to the side proximate to a privacy shell element <NUM>. The actuatable and collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be raised into the bridge <NUM>. The actuatable and collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be lowered into a monument <NUM> of the privacy divider <NUM>. The actuatable and collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be held in place with a rope, a hook, or other device configured to secure the actuatable and collapsible panels <NUM>, <NUM> in the stowed position. In this regard, the total weight of components such as the privacy divider <NUM> may be reduced.

The privacy divider <NUM> may be considered closed when at least one of the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, and/or the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> are in the deployed position. For example, the privacy divider <NUM> may be considered closed when the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, and the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> are in the respective deployed positions. By way of another example, the privacy divider <NUM> may be considered closed when the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM> and the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM> are in the respective deployed positions.

The privacy divider <NUM> may be considered open when at least one of the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, and/or the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> are in the stowed position. For example, the privacy divider <NUM> may be considered open when the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, the one or more IFEs of the side <NUM>, and the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> are in the respective stowed positions. By way of another example, the privacy divider <NUM> may be considered open when the one or more IFEs in the passenger compartments 100a of the side <NUM> and the one or more IFEs in the passenger compartments 100a of the side <NUM> are in the respective stowed positions.

The actuation of the one or more panels <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the actuation of the one or more IFEs may be assisted by one or more actuation devices. For example, the one or more actuation devices may include, but are not limited to, one or more springs (e.g., gas springs, mechanical springs, or the like), one or more actuators (e.g., solenoids, servo motors, or the like), and/or one or more mechanical assemblies driven by an actuator (e.g., one or more gear assemblies such as a worm gear-and-wheel assembly or a rack-and-pinion assembly, one or more chain-and-sprocket assemblies, one or more belt-and-pulley assemblies, or the like).

The one or more IFEs and/or the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be unlocked from the stowed position via a manual latching or locking assembly (e.g., a push-to-release latch, or the like). For example, the manual latching or locking assembly may be situated directly on an actuation assembly of the one or more IFEs and/or situated directly on the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM>. By way of another example, the manual latching locking assembly may have one or more components situated elsewhere in or proximate to the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> (e.g., on the aircraft seat <NUM>, on a monument <NUM>, on an exterior surface of a privacy shell element <NUM>, or the like). In the instance where the components are situated on an exterior surface of a privacy shell element <NUM> or elsewhere outside the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, a passenger of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may need to request the actuation be performed by a crew member. The one or more IFEs and/or the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be unlocked from the stowed position via an electronic latching or locking assembly.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> and the one or more IFEs as separate components, it is noted herein the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to a rear surface of the one or more IFEs, either directly (e.g., coupled together) or indirectly (e.g., tied together via a cam follower assembly including a cam follower in a cam-shaped track) for a smooth transition. In addition, it is noted herein the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrated with (e.g., form) the rear surface of the one or more IFEs. In this regard, the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may rotate with the one or more IFEs. In addition, although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> as separate components, it is noted herein the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be tied together (e.g., via a cam follower assembly including a cam follower in a cam-shaped track) for a smooth transition. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the one or more IFEs include but are not limited to, one or more display devices <NUM> coupled to and/or positioned proximate to the privacy divider <NUM>. The one or more display devices <NUM> may include a collapsible screen.

For example, the collapsible screen may be a standalone display device (e.g., a roll-up light-emitting-diode (LED) screen, or the like) configured to receive a signal, generate an image output based on the signal, and display the image output to a passenger in an aircraft seat <NUM>.

By way of another example, the collapsible screen may be a screen (e.g., a projector screen, or the like) configured to display an image output projected on it by a projection device <NUM>. The projection device <NUM> may be configured to receive a signal, generate an image output based on the signal, and project the image output onto the one or more display devices <NUM>. The projection device <NUM> may be mounted (e.g., coupled to a privacy shell element <NUM>) proximate to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>. The one or more display devices <NUM> (and the accompanying projection device <NUM>) may be image-stabilized relative to the motion of a passenger aircraft including the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>.

The one or more display devices <NUM> are actuatable from a deployed position to a stowed position. The one or more display devices <NUM> may be drawn to the side proximate to a privacy shell element <NUM>. The one or more display devices <NUM> may be raised into or proximate to the bridge <NUM>. The one or more display devices <NUM> may be lowered into or proximate to a monument <NUM> of the privacy divider <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more non-collapsible IFEs (e.g., as described throughout the disclosure) or one or more additional collapsible IFEs in addition to the one or more display devices <NUM>. The use of non-collapsible IFEs in addition to the one or more display devices <NUM> may allow for the display of multiple screens. For example, a primary graphical user interface (GUI) window may display content when the one or more display devices <NUM> are in the deployed orientation, while a secondary GUI window may display additional content (e.g., a menu for the passenger aircraft, call options to the crew members of the passenger aircraft, flight path location, advertising, controls for the aircraft passenger compartment suite, or the like) on the one or more non-collapsible IFEs.

Where the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> includes one or more non-collapsible IFEs in addition to the one or more display devices <NUM>, the one or more display devices <NUM> may be deployed before or after any non-collapsible IFEs of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> are actuated from a deployed position to a stowed position.

It is noted herein, however, that the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include the one or more display devices <NUM> without any non-collapsible IFEs. In this regard, existing aircraft passenger compartment suites may be retrofitted with the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM>.

The one or more display devices <NUM> may be driven by an actuator (e.g., a motor, or the like) coupled to a controller of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> between the deployed position and the stowed position. It is noted herein, however, the one or more display devices <NUM> may be manually deployed and/or stowed.

The one or more display devices <NUM> may be docked when in the deployed position and/or the stowed position to prevent unintended actuation of the one or more display devices <NUM>. For example, the privacy divider <NUM> may include one or more anchor points configured to secure to the one or more display devices <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more display devices <NUM> may include one or more anchor points configured to secure to the privacy divider <NUM>.

Docking the one or more display devices <NUM> with the one or more anchor points when in the deployed position and/or the stowed position may reduce or eliminate the need for actuating harnesses and/or actuating mechanisms. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM> may be allowed to freely actuate between the deployed position and the stowed position without the assistance of actuating harnesses and/or actuating mechanisms, as the one or more anchor points may reduce or eliminate the need for the actuating harnesses and/or actuating mechanisms to lock the one or more display devices <NUM> in the deployed position and/or the stowed position.

It is noted herein that actuating the display device <NUM> from the deployed position to the stowed position may have a few benefits. For example, doing so may increase open area in the center privacy divider <NUM> between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM>. For instance, the combined width of the one or more display devices <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment 100a may be substantially similar to the width of the privacy divider <NUM> when the one or more display devices <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment 100a are in the deployed position.

It is noted herein the one or more display devices <NUM> are configured to operate as a collapsible barrier between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM> when the one or more display devices <NUM> are in the deployed position.

Although embodiments of the disclosure include the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM> in the side <NUM>, it is noted herein the side <NUM> may also include the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM>. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM> in the side <NUM> may provide media content independently from the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM> in the side <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM> in the side <NUM>, and the one or more display devices <NUM> and the projection device <NUM> in the side <NUM> may provide the same media content as selected by the passengers in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> or crew members.

Referring now to <FIG>, the one or more IFEs include, but are not limited to, one or more display devices <NUM> coupled to and/or positioned proximate to the privacy divider <NUM>. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM> may include a non-collapsible screen (e.g., a monitor, a television, or the like) configured to receive a signal, generate an image output based on the signal, and display the image output to a passenger in an aircraft seat <NUM>.

The one or more display devices <NUM> are actuatable from a deployed position to a stowed position. The one or more display devices <NUM> may be coupled to an actuation assembly. It is noted herein that the terms actuation assembly, stowage mechanism, display device actuation assembly, and display device stowage mechanism may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the present disclosure.

To allow for a more compact configuration of the one or more display devices <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, the one or more display devices <NUM> in the side <NUM> may be offset from (e.g., not directly across from) the one or more display devices <NUM> in the side <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the one or more display devices <NUM> in the side <NUM> may be directly across from the one or more display devices <NUM> in the side <NUM>, where configuration of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> allows.

The one or more display devices <NUM> are configured to actuate between a deployed position and a stowed position, as illustrated in the transition between <FIG> and <FIG>, in the transition between <FIG> and <FIG>, in the transition between <FIG> and <FIG>, in the transition between <FIG> and <FIG>, and in the transition between <FIG>.

The one or more display devices <NUM> may face outward when upright in the deployed position and may be in either a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation toward an aircraft seat <NUM>, such that content on the one or more display devices <NUM> may be viewable. The one or more display devices <NUM> are configured to rotated about an axis to face downward (e.g., to a floor surface, a footwell, a surface of a monument <NUM>, or the like in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>) in the stowed position.

It is noted herein that, depending on the position with a particular side <NUM>, <NUM> of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, that the one or more display devices <NUM> may actuate in the same direction (e.g., toward aircraft seats <NUM> within the same side <NUM> or <NUM> of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> when transitioning from outward-facing to downward-facing) or may actuate in different directions (e.g., toward aircraft seats <NUM> within a different side <NUM> or <NUM> of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> when transitioning from outward-facing to downward-facing).

A plate <NUM> is positioned proximate to a rear surface of the one or more display devices <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may be coupled to a rear surface of the one or more display devices <NUM>. When in the stowed position, the plate <NUM> is configured to be an extension of a horizontal surface when facing upward following a rotation about the axis of the one or more display devices <NUM>. For example, the plate <NUM> may act as an extension of a monument <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may include a pattern or other decorative surface.

The plate <NUM> may include a lip or guard <NUM>. For example, the guard <NUM> may be configured to protect at least a portion (e.g., a side or edge) of the one or more display devices <NUM> when the one or more display devices <NUM> are in the stowed position. For instance, the guard <NUM> may prevent interaction with the one or more display devices <NUM> by a passenger in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> (e.g., when moving, in the case of an emergency, or the like) when the one or more display devices <NUM> are in the stowed position. It is noted herein that a screen portion of the one or more display devices <NUM> may be protected with a shield or cover when in the stowed position (e.g., between the one or more display devices <NUM> and the floor surface, the footwell, the surface of a monument <NUM>, or the like in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>), in addition to or in the alternative to the guard <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the plate <NUM> as being a component coupled to the rear surface of the one or more display devices <NUM>, it is noted herein the rear surface of the one or more display devices <NUM> may be configured to act as a horizontal surface when facing upward following a rotation about the axis of the one or more display devices <NUM>. In addition, the guard <NUM> may be coupled directly to the one or more display devices <NUM> or may not be required in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The one or more display devices <NUM> may be driven by an actuator (e.g., a motor, or the like) coupled to a controller of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>) between the deployed position and the stowed position. It is noted herein, however, the one or more display devices <NUM>, may be manually deployed and/or stowed.

The one or more display devices <NUM> may be docked when in the deployed position and/or the stowed position to prevent unintended actuation of the one or more display devices <NUM>. For example, where the one or more display devices <NUM> are installed proximate to a privacy divider <NUM>, the privacy divider <NUM> may include one or more anchor points configured to secure to the one or more display devices <NUM>. By way of another example, where the one or more display devices <NUM> are installed proximate to a privacy divider <NUM>, the one or more display devices <NUM> may include one or more anchor points configured to secure to the privacy divider <NUM>.

It is noted herein that actuating the one or more display devices <NUM> from the deployed position to the stowed position may have a few benefits. For example, doing so may increase open area in a privacy divider <NUM> between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM>. For instance, the combined width of the one or more display devices <NUM> in aircraft passenger compartment 100a may be substantially similar to the width of the privacy divider <NUM> when the one or more display devices <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment 100a are in the deployed position.

It is noted herein that the one or more display devices <NUM> (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) and the one or more display devices <NUM> (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) are installed simultaneously within the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> (e.g., within the side <NUM> or the side <NUM> of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>). In this regard, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of the one or more display devices <NUM> or the use of the one or more display devices <NUM> in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, but rather that the one or more display devices <NUM> and <NUM> are both installed within the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> may actuate into and out of a cavity defined within the monument <NUM> of the privacy divider <NUM>.

Referring again generally to <FIG>, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more speakers configured to provide accompanying sound to media content being displayed on the one or more display devices <NUM> and/or the one or more display devices <NUM> (e.g., a display device <NUM> and/or a display device <NUM> in the side <NUM>, a display device <NUM> and/or a display device <NUM> in the side <NUM>, and/or a display device <NUM> and/or a display device <NUM> shared between the side <NUM> and the side <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a passenger aircraft <NUM> including the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The passenger aircraft <NUM> may include one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> (e.g., within the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>). The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to execute the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM> to carry out one or more of the various steps described throughout the present disclosure. The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may include one or more communication interfaces <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more components within the side <NUM> (e.g., the aircraft seat <NUM>, the ottoman <NUM>, the tray <NUM>, the one or more lights <NUM>, the one or more display devices <NUM>, the projection device <NUM>, and/or the one or more display devices <NUM>).

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more components within the privacy divider <NUM> (e.g., the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>, <NUM>, the one or more display devices <NUM>, and/or the one or more display devices <NUM>).

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may transmit instructions, power, control signals, data, or the like to the one or more components within the side <NUM>, the side <NUM>, and/or the privacy divider <NUM>. The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may receive instructions, power, control signals, data, or the like from the one or more components within the side <NUM>, the side <NUM>, and/or the privacy divider <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more external aircraft controllers <NUM>. The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to execute the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM> to carry out one or more of the various steps described throughout the present disclosure. The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may include one or more communication interfaces <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be coupled to one or more display devices <NUM>. The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be coupled to one or more user input devices <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled to a control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be coupled to one or more display devices <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be coupled to one or more user input devices <NUM>. The passenger control unit <NUM> may be positioned within the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> for use by a passenger. The passenger control unit <NUM> may be positioned on an external surface of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> for use by a crew member.

It is noted herein the control unit <NUM> may be considered to be at least a portion of the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be a component of the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>. By way of another example, the control unit <NUM> may be integrated within the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>. In addition, it is noted herein the control unit <NUM> may be considered to include and/or be a passenger seat control unit, for purposes of the present disclosure.

The one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> may include any one or more processing elements known in the art. In this sense, the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> may include any microprocessor device configured to execute algorithms and/or program instructions. In general, the term "processor" may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing elements, which execute a set of program instructions from a non-transitory memory medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>, <NUM>), where the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to cause the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> to carry out any of one or more process steps.

The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may include any storage medium known in the art suitable for storing the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>, <NUM> executable by the associated one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM>, <NUM> may include a non-transitory memory medium. For instance, the memory <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical memory device (e.g., disk), a magnetic tape, a solid state drive, and the like. The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to provide display information to the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the memory <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to store user input information from the one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed in a common controller housing with the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>. The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may, alternatively or in addition, be located remotely with respect to the spatial location of the processors <NUM>, <NUM>, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM>. For instance, the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>, and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may access a remote memory <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., server), accessible through a network (e.g., internet, intranet, and the like) via one or more communication interfaces.

The one or more communication interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be operatively configured to communicate with one or more components of the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM><NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM>. For example, the one or more communication interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may also be coupled (e.g., physically, electrically, and/or communicatively) with the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate data transfer between components of the one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite controller <NUM> and/or the one or more components of the aircraft controller <NUM> and the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the one or more communication interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to retrieve data from the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>, or other devices, transmit data for storage in the memory <NUM>, <NUM>, retrieve data from storage in the memory <NUM>, <NUM>, or the like. By way of another example, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be configured to receive and/or acquire data or information from other systems or tools by a transmission medium that may include wireline and/or wireless portions. By way of another example, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be configured to transmit data or information (e.g., the output of one or more procedures of the inventive concepts disclosed herein) to one or more systems or tools by a transmission medium that may include wireline and/or wireless portions (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, physical connection interface, or any combination). In this regard, the transmission medium may serve as a data link between the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> and the other subsystems (e.g., of the passenger aircraft <NUM> and/or the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>). In addition, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be configured to send data to external systems via a transmission medium (e.g., network connection).

It is noted herein the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be the same and/or share select components. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include any display device known in the art. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) based display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), an electronic paper (E-ink) display, a plasma display panel (PDP), a display light processing (DLP) display, a cathode-ray tube (CRT), or the like. Those skilled in the art should recognize that a variety of display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be suitable for implementation in the present invention and the particular choice of display device may depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, form factor, cost, and the like. In a general sense, any display device capable of integration with the user input device (e.g., touchscreen, bezel mounted interface, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and the like) is suitable for implementation in the present invention.

The one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include any user input device known in the art. For example, the one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a keypad, a touchscreen, a lever, a knob, a scroll wheel, a track ball, a switch, a dial, a sliding bar, a scroll bar, a slide, a handle, a touch pad, a paddle, a steering wheel, a joystick, a bezel input device, or the like. In the case of a touchscreen interface, those skilled in the art should recognize that a large number of touchscreen interfaces may be suitable for implementation in the present invention. For instance, the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrated with a touchscreen interface, such as, but not limited to, a capacitive touchscreen, a resistive touchscreen, a surface acoustic based touchscreen, an infrared based touchscreen, or the like. In a general sense, any touchscreen interface capable of integration with the display portion of a display device is suitable for implementation in the present invention. In another embodiment, the input devices may include, but is not limited to, a bezel mounted interface.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being coupled to the corresponding one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> indirectly (e.g., via the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM>), it is noted herein the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be directly coupled to the corresponding one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed with the one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> in a common user interface housing. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate the actuation of components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> via the control unit <NUM> (e.g., where the components are driven via a motor), it is noted herein that one or more components of the aircraft seat <NUM> may be actuated by engaging a handle that activates one or more analog mechanical assemblies. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although the present disclosure is directed to the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> being installed within the passenger aircraft <NUM>, it is noted herein that suites similar to the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> or components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be installed within any number of environments.

It is noted herein that one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may need to be configured in accordance with aviation guidelines and/or standards put forth by, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or any other flight certification agency or organization; the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC), or any other standards setting organization or company; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) or any other guidelines agency or organization; or the like.

Claim 1:
An aircraft passenger compartment suite, comprising:
a first side (<NUM>) having a first aircraft seat (<NUM>);
a second side (<NUM>) having a second aircraft seat (<NUM>);
a privacy divider (<NUM>) configured to separate the first side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite including the first aircraft seat (<NUM>) and the second side of the aircraft passenger compartment suite including the second aircraft seat (<NUM>; and
a collapsible display device (<NUM>) positioned proximate to the privacy divider (<NUM>) of the aircraft passenger compartment suite, the collapsible display device configured to actuate between a deployed position and a stowed position, the collapsible display device configured to display an image output when in the deployed position;
the collapsible display device (<NUM>) configured to operate as a collapsible barrier between the first side and the second side when the collapsible display device (<NUM>) is in the deployed position, wherein the first side comprises:
a first display device (<NUM>) configured to actuate between a first display device deployed position and a first display device stowed position, the first display device configured to display an image output when in the first display device deployed position, the first display device configured to rotate about an axis to face downward towards a floor surface in the first display device stowed position, the first display device (<NUM>) being different from the collapsible display device (<NUM>); and
a first plate (<NUM>) positioned proximate to a rear surface of the first display device (<NUM>), the first plate configured to be an extension of a horizontal surface in the first side (<NUM>) of the aircraft passenger compartment suite when the first display device (<NUM>) is in the first display device stowed position.