Patent Description:
With the rise in popularity in ride sharing, small aircraft that can accommodate a small number of passengers for relatively short (e.g., intra-city) trips are contemplated. In a small aircraft with a cargo area for luggage located directly behind the passengers, it is possible for the passengers in the closest row to be able to access the luggage. This can be an issue if multiple passengers' luggage are located in the cargo hold.

<CIT>) relates to a SECURED VESTIBULE TO THE COCKPIT OF AN AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH SUCH AN ACCESS DOOR. According to the abstract of this document there is provided a secure access airlock enabling the communication between several rooms of an aircraft, the secure airlock being installed in an area of the aircraft between a first room and at least one second room, characterized in that it includes two mobile partitions provided in the form of portions of concentric cylinders, each of the partitions being capable of being moved, separately from one another, about a common axis, so as to provide a single opening therebetween which makes it possible to access either of the rooms, the two partitions being capable of moving over two concentric cylinders having different diameters.

<CIT>) relates to an array of aircraft seats. According to the abstract of this document there are provided sleeper seats, wherein each comprises a head rest, a back rest, a seat pan or seat cushion, a leg rest, an ottomans and a dividers between the individual seats with the their column. The four seats are arranged in a staggered chevron formation and two columns. All the seats in each column are parallel with each other and set at a "herringbone" angle α to the column direction, in other words their central axes A make the angle α with a longitudinal axis of the array. Each seat extends from its column side of the longitudinal axis across the axis to a small extent. Along the axis, first a seat from one column crosses the axis and then a seat from the other column crosses the axis and so on.

The invention is set out in the claims later within this document.

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," "aft," "forward," "inboard," "outboard" and "below" used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, <FIG> show a VTOL aircraft <NUM> and components therefor that include a number of features. These figures relate to subject matter which is useful for understanding the invention, but which is not part of the claimed invention.

<FIG> include forward and aft doors <NUM> and <NUM> that open simultaneously and are positioned in a side opening <NUM> of the aircraft body <NUM>. The forward and aft doors <NUM> and <NUM> are operatively connected such that opening the forward door <NUM> or moving the forward door <NUM> from the closed to the open position causes the aft door <NUM> to also move from the closed to the open position. Furthermore, opening the aft door <NUM> or moving the aft door <NUM> from the closed to the open position causes the forward door <NUM> to also move from the closed to the open position. The simultaneous opening and closing can be accomplished by mechanical mechanisms, electric mechanisms or a combination of both.

The dashed lines in <FIG> and <FIG> show the closing path of the doors. As shown, the forward door <NUM> provides access to the front row of seats <NUM> and the aft door <NUM> provides access to the back row of seats <NUM> and the cargo hold <NUM>. The cargo hold <NUM> is separated from the passenger cabin <NUM> by a divider member <NUM>, which prevents passengers seated in the back row <NUM> from reaching back into the cargo hold <NUM>. In another embodiment, the divider member can be omitted and access to the cargo hold <NUM> can be possible from the passenger area.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cargo hold <NUM> includes a pivotable shelf <NUM> that is movable between a stowed position (see <FIG>) and a deployed position (see <FIG>). Preferably, the shelf <NUM> is pivotably connected to the back wall <NUM> of the cargo hold <NUM> and pivots downwardly such that it rests on a ledge <NUM> on the divider member <NUM>. The shelf <NUM> divides the cargo hold <NUM> into upper and lower storage sections. In another example, more than one shelf can be included. Any seating arrangement is possible. As shown in <FIG>, the aircraft <NUM> can include forward facing seats that are separate within each row, or, as shown in <FIG>, the aircraft <NUM> can include bench seats that are angled outwardly.

<FIG> show another example where the forward and aft doors <NUM> and <NUM> open separately or independently to provide access to the various zones. As shown in <FIG>, the aircraft <NUM> includes a pilot zone <NUM> (cockpit or flight deck), passenger zone <NUM> and cargo zone <NUM>. Opening the forward door <NUM> provides access to the front row <NUM>, but with the aft door closed <NUM>, the back row <NUM> and the cargo hold <NUM> cannot be accessed. As shown in <FIG>, opening the aft door <NUM> provides access to the back row <NUM> and the cargo hold <NUM>, but with the forward door closed <NUM>, the front row <NUM> cannot be directly accessed. The forward door <NUM> can also be large enough (together with opening <NUM>) to provide access to the pilot zone <NUM>. In another example, the pilot zone can be accessed by a separate door. In another example, the forward door only provides access to the pilot zone and the aft door provides access to the entire passenger zone (the front and back rows) and the cargo hold.

As shown in <FIG>, when the forward and aft doors <NUM> and <NUM> are in the open position, a protected area or space <NUM> for passengers to enter and exit is provided. Providing this space <NUM> and allowing the passengers to access the cargo zone and passenger zone from the same space can help reduce turnaround time when compared to other aircraft where the passenger zone access is in a separate location from where the cargo hold.

<FIG> show plan views of a seating arrangement that includes the front and back rows <NUM> and <NUM> with angled seats <NUM>. These seating arrangements are not within the scope of the claims. The angle preferably prevents the two adjacent passengers from being in each other's line of sight. The angled seating also aligns the passengers toward the outboard of the aircraft <NUM>. <FIG> shows an angle Q between the seat <NUM> (or a vertical plane PI that bifurcates the seat) and the longitudinal axis Al of the aircraft <NUM> (or a vertical plane that bifurcates the bench seat assembly and/or the center portion). Preferably, the angle is symmetrical for the seats <NUM> on both sides of the aircraft <NUM>. Also, preferably, the seats in both rows include approximately the same outward angle. The angle Q can be any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, but is preferably less than <NUM>°. The example shown in the drawings includes an angle of <NUM>° off the center line for both seats. <FIG> shows passengers seated in some of the seats and gives an example of their sight lines. Approximately the same means that the angles are within at least a few degrees of one another.

<FIG> shows a cockpit <NUM> that includes a seat for a pilot. The cabin <NUM> includes foot space <NUM> on opposite sides of the pilot where the front row passengers can place their feet. <FIG> also show the foot space <NUM> on opposite sides of a forward area of the aircraft. As used herein, the term cockpit does not necessarily mean that room or seating is provided for a pilot. Accordingly, the space in <FIG> (a pilotless example) is still referred to as cockpit <NUM>. Foot space for the passengers in the back row can be provided on either side of the front row seats.

<FIG> show various configurations of bench seat assemblies <NUM> that include at least two seats <NUM> with a seat portion <NUM> and a back <NUM>. The seats <NUM> are angled outwardly. The bench seat assembly <NUM> includes a center portion <NUM> that can include different components therein. <FIG> show the center portion <NUM> with storage capabilities. <FIG> shows the center portion <NUM> with a drawer <NUM> that opens forwardly. <FIG> shows the center portion <NUM> with a cover <NUM> that opens upwardly to provide access to storage therein. As is shown in <FIG>, the center portion <NUM>, drawer <NUM> and cover <NUM> are shaped such that they fit into the center portion <NUM>. Therefore, they each have a front edge or surface <NUM> that has a wider or longer dimension that a rear edge or surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a bench seat assembly <NUM> with a baby seat <NUM> in the center portion <NUM>. The baby seat can be stowable within the center portion <NUM> and can deploy into the position shown in <FIG>. In another example, the center portion <NUM> can include the requisite attachments so that a commercially available baby seat can be connected to the center portion <NUM>. <FIG> includes another seat <NUM> or cushion in the center portion <NUM>. This can provide seating for a third person in the row or can provide overlap for a larger person seated in either of the seats.

<FIG> show further examples that include separate seats in the first and second rows <NUM> and <NUM> as opposed to the bench seating shown in some of the other examples herein. It will be appreciated that any of the features discussed herein with respect to the other examples can also be included in the examples shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is not within the scope of the claims, but shows a plan view of an aircraft with symmetrical, outward angled seating, similar to the examples shown in <FIG>. <FIG> includes a contoured or curved divider member <NUM> that provides further space in the cargo hold <NUM>. The curvature allows the divider to be positioned closer to the seat backs of the back row of seats, as opposed to a straight divider. This example includes a central pilot seat <NUM>, symmetrical angled passenger seats and symmetrical dividers between the various zones (divider member <NUM> between the cargo zone and the passenger zone, a front divider member <NUM> between the passenger zone and the pilot zone, and pilot doors <NUM> that provide access to the cockpit or pilot zone <NUM>. Any of the doors taught herein can be openable in a manner differently than pivotable. For example, the doors can translate or slide (upwardly or sideways) between the open and closed positions.

<FIG> shows an embodiment that includes at least one row with asymmetrical or staggered seating. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the front row includes the staggered seating and the back row seats are not staggered. In another embodiment, the back row can include staggered seating. The pilot seat <NUM> is also positioned to one side (e.g., the port side) of the aircraft. This provides the ability to move the seat(s) <NUM> on the opposite side (e.g., the starboard side) forward, thus providing more leg room for the two seats <NUM> on the starboard side. This can be offered as premium seating by the carrier. The seats <NUM> on the port side have less leg room or pitch. The front divider member <NUM> also has an asymmetrical shape, as shown in <FIG>, and includes a first section <NUM>, a second section <NUM> and a connector section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> is positioned rearwardly or aft of the second section <NUM> and the connector section <NUM> extends therebetween. In this embodiment, the forwardmost door <NUM> provides access to the pilot zone <NUM> and the forward starboard side seat <NUM>. In another embodiment, all of the seats can face directly forwardly and not be angled outwardly or inwardly.

<FIG> shows an embodiment similar to <FIG>, but where the forward section <NUM> of the front divider member <NUM> is positioned forward of the forward door, thus allowing access to a person of reduced mobility (PRM). In this embodiment, the forwardmost door is referred to as the PRM door. The space in front of the forward seat <NUM> can be large enough to allow a wheelchair to fit therein so that a PRM can transfer from the wheelchair to the seat. In another embodiment, the space may be too small for a wheelchair.

<FIG> shows an embodiment where both the front and back rows <NUM> and <NUM> include asymmetrical or staggered seating. The cargo hold divider member <NUM> also is asymmetrical, thus allowing additional space in the cargo hold. As a result of the starboard side rear seat being further forward than the port side rear seat, there is more cargo space on the starboard side than on the port side. In this embodiment, the cargo hold divider member <NUM> includes a first section <NUM>, a second section <NUM> and a connector section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> is positioned rearwardly or aft of the second section <NUM> and the connector section <NUM> extends therebetween. In other words, the distance between the starboard side of the divider member <NUM> and the back wall of the cargo hold is greater than the distance between the port side of the divider member <NUM> and the back wall of the cargo hold. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the stagger between the seats in the front row is different (greater) than the stagger between the seats in the back row. In another embodiment, the stagger can be the same.

<FIG> show examples not within the scope of the claims, that include forward and aft facing seats. <FIG> includes symmetrical seating and <FIG> includes asymmetrical seating. Some cabin structure may not allow multiple doors for passenger access, in which case, a face to face seating arrangement may be the best option to allow passengers seated in the front and back rows <NUM> and <NUM> to enter through the same door (first door <NUM> in <FIG>) and providing separate doors for the pilot (pilot door <NUM>) and for the cargo zone (second door <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the front row <NUM> includes aft facing sets that are angled inwardly instead of outwardly. The lines of sight for the passengers seated in the front and back rows are such that a passengers looking straight ahead is not looking directly at the other passenger seated on the same side of the cabin. Furthermore, the angle prevents facing passengers knees from interfering with one another.

<FIG> shows asymmetrical angled face to face seating (reducing knee interference and enabling extra foot space (e.g., that can be used for premium seating, oversized or limited mobility passengers). In <FIG>, the seats <NUM> on the starboard side of the aircraft are not angled inwardly or outwardly. In another example, these seats can be angled.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to. " As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the claims. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details.

As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated.

Claim 1:
An aircraft (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) that defines a cabin interior and a longitudinal axis (Al),
wherein the body is bifurcated by a central plane that divides the cabin interior into first and second sides,
wherein the cabin interior includes a pilot zone (<NUM>) and a passenger zone (<NUM>) positioned aft of the pilot zone,
a pilot seat (<NUM>) positioned in the pilot zone and on a first side of the cabin interior,
a front row (<NUM>) positioned in the passenger zone,
wherein the front row includes a first front seat (<NUM>) positioned on the first side of the cabin interior and a second front seat (<NUM>) positioned on the second side of the cabin interior,
wherein the first and second front seats are angled away from one another, wherein the first front seat is angled outwardly such that it forms a first acute angle with the longitudinal axis,
wherein the second front seat is angled outwardly such that it forms a second acute angle with the longitudinal axis, and
wherein the first and second acute angles are approximately the same,
wherein at least a portion of the second front seat is positioned forwardly of the first front seat,
a back row (<NUM>) positioned in the passenger zone aft of the front row,
wherein the back row includes a first back seat (<NUM>) positioned on the first side of the cabin interior and a second back seat (<NUM>) positioned on the second side of the cabin interior,
wherein the first and second back seats are angled away from one another, wherein the first back seat is angled outwardly such that it forms a third acute angle with the longitudinal axis,
wherein the second back seat is angled outwardly such that it forms a fourth acute angle with the longitudinal axis, and
wherein the third and fourth acute angles are the approximately same; and
a first divider member (<NUM>) that divides the cabin interior into the pilot zone and the passenger zone,
wherein the first divider member includes a first section (<NUM>) positioned on the first side of the cabin interior, a second section (<NUM>) positioned on the second side of the cabin interior, and a connector section (<NUM>) extending between the first and second sections, and
wherein the first section is positioned forwardly of the second section.