Patent Description:
An aircraft interior structure is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The aircraft interior structure may include a primary monument. The primary monument may include a primary panel and one or more storage compartments. The primary panel may be configured to actuate between a primary panel stowed position and a primary panel deployed position. The aircraft interior structure may include an auxiliary monument spaced a select distance from the primary monument across a floor area of an aircraft cabin. The auxiliary monument may include an auxiliary panel. The auxiliary panel may be configured to actuate between an auxiliary panel stowed position and an auxiliary panel deployed position. The aircraft interior structure may include a passenger seating section proximate to a passenger compartment. The passenger seating section may include a footwell. The footwell may be at least partially within the primary monument and proximate to the one or more storage compartments. The footwell may correspond to an aircraft seat within the passenger compartment. The aircraft seat may be configured to form a bed surface when the aircraft seat is in a lie-flat position. At least a portion of the bed surface may be within the footwell when the aircraft seat is in the lie-flat position.

The aircraft interior structure includes a service area formed from at least one actuatable shelf. The at least one actuatable shelf is coupled at least one of the primary panel or the auxiliary panel. The service area is configured to actuate between a service area stowed position and a service area deployed position.

In some embodiments, the at least one actuatable shelf may include a primary shelf coupled to the primary panel and an auxiliary shelf coupled to an auxiliary panel. The service area may be in the service area stowed position when the primary panel is in the primary panel stowed position and the auxiliary panel is in the auxiliary panel stowed position.

In some embodiments, the aircraft interior structure may include at least one crew member aircraft seat coupled to at least one of the primary panel or the auxiliary panel. The at least one crew member aircraft seat may be configured to actuate between a crew member aircraft seat stowed position and a crew member aircraft seat deployed position.

In some embodiments, the at least one crew member aircraft seat may include a primary crew member aircraft seat coupled to the primary panel and an auxiliary crew member aircraft seat coupled to the auxiliary panel. The primary crew member aircraft seat and the auxiliary crew member aircraft seat may be accessible when the primary panel is in the primary panel stowed position and the auxiliary panel is in the auxiliary panel stowed position. The primary crew member aircraft seat and the auxiliary crew member aircraft seat may be inaccessible when the primary panel is in the primary panel deployed position and the auxiliary panel is in the auxiliary panel deployed position.

In some embodiments, the primary crew member aircraft seat and the auxiliary crew member aircraft seat may be actuatable between the crew member aircraft seat stowed position and a crew member aircraft seat deployed position when the primary panel is in the primary panel stowed position and the auxiliary panel is in the auxiliary panel stowed position.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary panel may be configured to be in the auxiliary panel stowed position when the primary panel is in the primary panel stowed position. The auxiliary panel may be configured to be in the auxiliary panel deployed position when the primary panel is in the primary panel deployed position.

In some embodiments, the footwell may be configured to fit in a space within the primary monument at least partially defined by a depth of the one or more storage compartments.

In some embodiments, the primary monument and the auxiliary monument may be separated by a floor area within an aircraft cabin including the aircraft interior structure.

In some embodiments, the one or more storage compartments may be accessible from at least one of the floor area of the aircraft cabin when the primary panel is in the primary deployed position or an aircraft aisle of the aircraft cabin.

In some embodiments, the floor area may lead to an egress point of the aircraft cabin. The primary monument and the auxiliary monument may flank the egress point of the aircraft cabin. The primary panel and the auxiliary panel may provide access to the egress point when the primary panel is in the primary panel stowed position and the auxiliary panel is in the auxiliary panel stowed position.

In some embodiments, the passenger seating section may include an ottoman within the footwell. The ottoman may correspond to the aircraft seat within the passenger compartment. The ottoman and the aircraft seat may be configured to form the bed surface when the aircraft seat is in the lie-flat position.

An aircraft interior structure is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The aircraft interior structure includes a façade including the passenger seating section, the façade being couplable to a surface of the primary monument facing the passenger compartment, the passenger seating section including an opening configured to provide access to the footwell.

In some embodiments, the façade may include the footwell and the opening configured to provide access to the footwell. The surface of the primary monument may include a cavity configured to receive an extended portion of the façade corresponding to the footwell.

In some embodiments, the façade may include the opening configured to provide access to the footwell. The surface of the primary monument may include a cavity configured to operate as the footwell.

<FIG> generally illustrate an aircraft interior structure including actuatable panels and a footwell, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Aircraft cabin designs may include aircraft interior structures that are separately-constructed and separately-installed within the aircraft cabin. For example, the aircraft cabin may include an interior structure with one or more footwells and/or one or more ottomans for business class or first-class passenger compartments. By way of another example, the aircraft cabin may include an interior structure configured to operate as a service area or galley around which crew members may prepare items for passengers, and/or a service or galley stowage area in which crew members may stow or retrieve items.

The separate nature of the aircraft interior structures may result in a loss of valuable space (e.g., floor space, stowage space, or the like) within the aircraft cabin. However, aircraft cabin designs need to address competing interests for increased passenger seating, storage space, lavatories, service areas or galley spaces, and other structures and/or monuments. For example, arranging the layout of an aircraft cabin in order to increase passenger seating may require reducing an amount of room used for storage space, lavatories, service areas or galley spaces, and other structures and/or monuments. For instance, reducing the amount of room used may include modifying the arrangement and/or design of components including, but not limited to, a service area or galley, an aircraft lavatory, or other structures and/or monuments of the aircraft passenger cabin.

When modifying an aircraft cabin design to allow for a more compact arrangement, load-bearing/weight-bearing requirements must be met without losing the intended functionality of the structures and/or monuments in the aircraft cabin. For example, the structures and/or monuments in the aircraft cabin 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.

As such, it would be beneficial to provide aircraft interior structures with actuatable panels and a footwell. For example, a footwell may be integrated into a structure or monument of a set of structures or monuments including the service area, the set of structures or monuments to be installed within the aircraft cabin. The integrating of various aircraft interior components may reduce required installation space, resulting in an increase of available floor space for other aircraft interior structures and/or monuments while continuing to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards.

<FIG> in general illustrate an aircraft cabin <NUM> and an aircraft interior structure <NUM> configured for the aircraft cabin <NUM>. The aircraft interior structure <NUM> may be configured as a front row monument for the aircraft cabin <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, that the aircraft interior structure <NUM> being configured as a front row monument is not limiting, and that the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may be placed at other locations within the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

Referring now to at least <FIG>, the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include a primary monument <NUM> and an auxiliary monument <NUM>. The primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM> may be separated by a cabin area <NUM>. The aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include one or more actuatable panels <NUM>. For example, both the primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM> may each include an actuatable panel <NUM>.

As illustrated in a transition between <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> may be configured to actuate between a panel open or deployed position and a panel closed or stowed position. For example, the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> may be in the panel deployed position within at least a portion of the cabin area <NUM>. The actuation of the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> between the panel deployed position and the panel stowed position may occur via one or more actuation assemblies <NUM>. For example, an actuatable panel <NUM> may be coupled to the primary monument <NUM> or the auxiliary monument <NUM> via the one or more actuation assemblies <NUM>.

In general, the one or more actuation assemblies <NUM> may include any number of components capable of actuating the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> between the panel stowed position and the panel deployed position. For example, the one or more actuation assemblies <NUM> may include a sliding pivot point and linkage assembly. By way of another example, the one or more actuation assemblies <NUM> may include a partial- or full-length hinge assembly.

The aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include a service area <NUM>. For example, the service area <NUM> may be formed from one or more actuatable shelves. The service area <NUM> may be accessible (e.g., in a service area open or deployed position) when the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> are in the panel deployed position, and may be folded away (e.g., in a service area closed or stowed position) when the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> are in the panel stowed position. For example, the actuation of the service area <NUM> between the service area deployed position and the service area stowed position may be independent of the actuation of the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> between the panel deployed position and the panel stowed position. By way of another example, the one or more actuation assemblies <NUM> may include one or more sets of linkages configured to cause the actuation of the service area <NUM> between the service area deployed position and the service area stowed position to be dependent upon the actuation of the one or more actuation assembles <NUM>.

The service area <NUM> may form at least a portion of a social area or a crew member preparation area within the aircraft cabin <NUM> when the service area <NUM> are in the service area deployed position. For example, the service area <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface for passenger social area interaction or for crew member preparation. For instance, the service area <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a countertop, a work surface, or other surface about which passengers may congregate and/or on which crew members may prepare food, drink, or the like. By way of another example, the service area <NUM> may include a set of storage areas including, but not limited to, vertical or substantially vertical magazine or personal electronic device holders.

The primary monument <NUM> and/or the auxiliary monument <NUM> may include an indent or cut-out <NUM>. The indent or cut-out <NUM> may face toward the cabin area <NUM> between the primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM>. The indent or cut-out <NUM> may be configured to receive a corresponding actuatable panel <NUM> when the corresponding actuatable panel <NUM> is in the panel stowed position. For example, the indent or cut-out <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the service area <NUM> coupled to the corresponding actuatable panel <NUM>, and the portion of the service area <NUM> may be configured to stow within the indent or cut-out <NUM> when the service area <NUM> is in the service area stowed position and the corresponding actuatable panel <NUM> is in the panel stowed position.

It is noted herein, however, the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> may be configured to rest against a surface of the corresponding primary monument <NUM> or auxiliary monument <NUM> instead of within the indent or cut-out <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include one or more storage compartments <NUM>. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be positioned proximate to or integrated within the primary monument <NUM> and/or the auxiliary monument <NUM> of the aircraft interior structure <NUM>. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset in the primary monument <NUM> and/or the auxiliary monument <NUM> of the aircraft interior structure <NUM>.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a storage compartment (e.g., a wardrobe) configured to receive long and/or large items (e.g., passenger amenities needing to be hung, carry-on luggage, or the like) that require an increased space and/or that a passenger may prefer to store in a substantially vertical or upright orientation.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <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, 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), food products, drink products, or the like.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <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.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the passenger compartment <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. At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like).

A cavity <NUM> may be defined within the one or more storage components <NUM>. One or more shelves <NUM> may be installed within the cavity <NUM>. At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a corresponding door <NUM>. For example, a door <NUM> may be fully-opaque or solid. By way of another example, a door <NUM> may be at least partially fabricated from a transparent material (e.g., glass, plastic, or the like) or include a patterned or unpatterned set of cut-outs configured or designed to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards.

The cavity <NUM> of a particular storage compartment <NUM> may be accessible via one or more of a door <NUM> corresponding to the particular storage compartment <NUM> defining the cavity <NUM> orviathe cut-out <NUM> for a particular actuatable panel <NUM>.

The aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM>. The one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may be coupled to the one or more actuatable panels <NUM>. For example, the one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may be accessible when the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> are in the panel stowed position. In this non-limiting example, the one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may open into the floor area <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

The one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may be accessible when the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> are in the panel stowed position. For example, the one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may be in a service area open or deployed position or in a crew member aircraft seat closed or stowed position when the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> are in the panel stowed position. The one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may be inaccessible (e.g., and in the crew member aircraft seat stowed position) when the one or more actuatable panels <NUM> are in the panel deployed position.

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

The one or more passenger compartments <NUM> may include one or more aircraft seats <NUM> (e.g., business class or first-class passenger seats) positioned proximate to the aircraft interior structure <NUM>. It is noted herein the terms "aircraft seats" and "passenger seats" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

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 one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> of the passenger compartment <NUM>. It is noted herein an upright or raised position may be considered a taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTOL) position during select stages of flight (though the upright or raised 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. Further, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be capable of a fully upright or raised position, and that the TTOL position may have a more reclined seat back cushion and a more angled upward seat pan cushion as compared to the fully upright or raised position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

In general, an aircraft seat <NUM> of the one or more aircraft seats <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 lounge or reclined positions, and a lie-flat or bed position. For example, the aircraft seat <NUM> may transition directly between the upright position and the lie-flat or bed position. By way of another example, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may transition through one or more reclined positions between the upright position and the lie-flat or bed position. By way of another example, the aircraft seat <NUM> may transition into one or more reclined positions in a motion separate from the transition between the upright position and the lie-flat or bed position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The aircraft seat <NUM> may be configured to avoid contact with the one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> when transitioning between positions (e.g., between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position). The one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> may include or may be implemented as a divider panel or structure separating adjacent passenger compartments <NUM> and/or between a passenger compartment <NUM> from an open area within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, where the one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> are implemented as separators, the one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> may be configured to allow for the multiple passenger compartments <NUM> to be installed within the aircraft cabin <NUM> in a more compact arrangement. In this regard, the amount of floor area of the aircraft cabin <NUM> necessary for the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may be reduced.

The one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a tray or table, a side stand, or the like. The aircraft seat <NUM> may be configured to avoid contact with the one or more auxiliary monuments when transitioning between positions (e.g., between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position).

The one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM> may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and/or one or more side surfaces. For example, the auxiliary monument may include a single continuous side surface where all corners are rounded. By way of another example, the auxiliary monument may include up to an N number of side surfaces where the auxiliary monument includes up to an N number of corners. The auxiliary monument may be fixed in position. It is noted herein, however, that the auxiliary monument may be actuatable (e.g., may extend a select distance from a stored position to an extended position proximate to a passenger, similar to an aircraft tray table).

A particular passenger compartment <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the aircraft interior structure <NUM> within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, the passenger compartment <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the primary monument <NUM> of the aircraft interior structure <NUM>. For instance, the passenger compartment <NUM> may be positioned proximate to a passenger seating section <NUM> of the primary monument <NUM>.

It is noted herein that at least some components (e.g., at least a portion of the privacy shell <NUM>, a passenger compartment monument <NUM>, the passenger seating section <NUM>, or the like) may conform to a portion of an aircraft seat <NUM>. In this regard, the amount of floor area of the aircraft cabin <NUM> necessary for the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may be reduced.

The aircraft interior structure <NUM> and/or the one or more passenger compartments <NUM> may include one or more frames, one or more sub-frames, one or more interior or exterior décor panels, or the like.

It is noted herein that one or more of the aircraft interior structure <NUM>, the passenger compartment <NUM>, one or more components of the aircraft interior structure <NUM>, and/or one or more components of the passenger compartment <NUM> may be considered components of an aircraft cabin system installed within the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

Referring now to at least <FIG> and <FIG>, the passenger seating section <NUM> of the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> configured to provide access to one or more footwells <NUM>. The one or more footwells <NUM> may be configured to be usable by one or more passengers in one or more aircraft seats <NUM> within a passenger compartment <NUM> positioned proximate to the aircraft interior structure <NUM>. The passenger seating section <NUM> may include one or more ottomans <NUM> positioned within the one or more footwells <NUM>. For example, the one or more ottomans <NUM> may be fixed in place. By way of another example, the one or more ottomans <NUM> may be configured to transition between a first position and at least a second position. For instance, at least a portion of an ottoman <NUM> may be configured to translate, may be configured to rotate about an axis, or may be configured to translate and rotate about an axis.

An ottoman <NUM> may be usable by a passenger in an aircraft seat <NUM> positioned proximate to the aircraft interior structure <NUM> when the corresponding aircraft seat <NUM> is in a lie-flat or bed position. For example, the ottoman <NUM> may form a portion of a bed surface when the corresponding aircraft seat <NUM> is in the lie-flat or bed position. The ottoman <NUM> may be usable by a passenger in an aircraft seat <NUM> positioned proximate to the aircraft interior structure <NUM> when the corresponding aircraft seat <NUM> is in a reclined or lounge position.

The ottoman <NUM> may be positioned within a footwell <NUM> of the passenger seating section <NUM>. For instance, one or more dimensions of the footwell <NUM> may be changed by transitioning the aircraft seat <NUM> between the upright or raised position, a lounge or reclined position, and the lie-flat or bed 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 <NUM>.

The ottoman <NUM> may be configured to translate and/or rotate about an axis through a sidewall of the ottoman <NUM> to point a top surface to a passenger occupying the aircraft seat <NUM>. For example, where the 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 the 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.

It is noted herein, however, the aircraft seat <NUM> and/or the ottoman <NUM> may be limited to an upright or raised position and/or one or more lounge or 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. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

One or more storage compartments <NUM> may be positioned proximate to or integrated within one or more privacy shell elements of the privacy shell <NUM>, the one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM>, the passenger seating section <NUM>, or the like. One or more storage compartments <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset in the privacy shell <NUM>, the one or more passenger compartment monuments <NUM>, the passenger seating section <NUM>, or the like.

The passenger seating section <NUM> may include one or more work surfaces <NUM>. For example, the one or more work surfaces <NUM> may be horizontal or substantially horizontal. The one or more work surfaces <NUM> may be positioned above the one or more footwells <NUM>, the one or more ottomans <NUM>, and/or the one or more storage compartments <NUM>.

Referring now to at least <FIG> and <FIG>, the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may include one or more accessories <NUM>. For example, the one or more accessories <NUM> may be installed proximate to the footwell <NUM> of the passenger seating section <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more accessories <NUM> may be positioned proximate to or integrated within a surface <NUM> above the passenger seating section <NUM>. For instance, the surface <NUM> may be a surface of the primary monument <NUM> facing the passenger compartment <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more accessories <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset within the surface <NUM> above the passenger seating section <NUM>.

The one or more accessories <NUM> may be configured to provide a visual and/or auditory output. For example, the one or more accessories <NUM> may include one or more electronics or electronic devices. For instance, the one or more accessories <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, one or more lights or lighted panels, one or more in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, one or more speakers configured to provide media content separate from or accompanying the media content shown on the in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, or the like.

It is noted herein the one or more passenger compartments <NUM> may include electronics or electronic devices including, but not limited to, one or more aircraft seat <NUM> actuation devices (e.g., assemblies, controls, actuators, and/or the like), one or more air flow or temperature control devices, or the like.

Referring now to at least <FIG> and <FIG>, the aircraft cabin <NUM> may include an aircraft aisle <NUM>. The aircraft aisle <NUM> may provide access to the floor area <NUM> separating the primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM>. The aircraft aisle <NUM> may provide access to the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>.

When the one or more actuatable panels are in the panel stowed position, the floor area <NUM> may provide access to an egress point <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM> (e.g., a fuselage door, or the like). For example, the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may be proximate to the egress point <NUM>. For example, the primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM> may flank the egress point <NUM>, such that the floor area <NUM> leads to the egress point <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, that the aircraft interior structure <NUM> being proximate to the egress point <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM> is not limiting, and that the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may be placed at other locations within the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate a surface of the auxiliary monument <NUM> not facing the floor area <NUM> as being unused, it is noted herein that one or more crew member aircraft seats <NUM> may be coupled to the surface. In addition, the auxiliary monument <NUM> may form a portion of a privacy shell <NUM> of a passenger compartment <NUM>, such that the surface not facing the floor area <NUM> may be inside the passenger compartment <NUM> and proximate to an aircraft seat <NUM> of the passenger compartment <NUM>.

Referring now to at least <FIG> and <FIG>, it is noted herein the auxiliary monument <NUM> may include functionality in addition to being installed as a divider within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, the auxiliary monument <NUM> may include one or more storage compartments <NUM>.

As illustrated in at least <FIG>, the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be accessible from multiple directions. For example, the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be accessible via the aircraft aisle <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be accessible via the floor area <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be accessible via the passenger compartment <NUM>.

As illustrated in at least <FIG>, the footwell <NUM> and the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may at least partially overlap such that an amount of space originally designated for the one or more storage compartments <NUM> is instead re-purposed for the footwell <NUM>. The one or more footwells <NUM> (and the one or more ottomans <NUM>) may breach a vertical or substantially-vertical plane defined by the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. The one or more footwells <NUM> may be configured to fit within a space at least partially defined by a depth of the one or more storage compartments.

By breaching the vertical or substantially-vertical plane, at least a portion of the one or more footwells <NUM> (and the one or more ottomans <NUM>) may be at least partially set an amount of space reserved for the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. For example, the one or more footwells <NUM> may be partially surrounded by the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. For instance, the one or more footwells <NUM> may form a rear surface or side surface of the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. In addition, the one or more footwells <NUM> may be at least partially surrounded by the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. In addition, by breaching the vertical or substantially-vertical plane, at least a portion of the one or more footwells <NUM> (and the one or more ottomans <NUM>) may extend beyond the passenger seating section <NUM> (e.g., where defined by a depth of the work surface <NUM>).

In this regard, at least a portion of the passenger seating section <NUM> may be considered integrated within the aircraft interior structure <NUM>, as the aircraft interior structure <NUM> includes the one or more storage compartments <NUM> and at least a portion of the one or more footwells <NUM>. In addition, at least a portion of the one or more footwells <NUM> may be considered integrated within the aircraft interior structure <NUM>, as the one or more footwells <NUM> may be positioned within the aircraft interior structure <NUM> proximate to the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. It is noted herein that integrating the passenger seating section <NUM> with the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may reduce the combined area required for the footprints of the passenger seating section <NUM> and the aircraft interior structure <NUM>, as compared to if the sections were separately-constructed for and/or separately-installed within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. The aircraft interior structure <NUM> may then be installed at locations within an aircraft cabin <NUM> to allow for additional improvement in the monument or structure layout within the aircraft cabin <NUM> (e.g., additional stowage, an additional row of passenger compartments <NUM> and/or aircraft seats <NUM>, or the like). Marketable volume of the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may be maintained, while the available floor space within the aircraft cabin <NUM> may be increased (e.g., for additional monuments, structures, passenger compartment being installed, or the like).

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the aircraft interior structure <NUM> as including the primary monument <NUM> with a primary panel <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM> with an auxiliary panel <NUM>, it is noted herein the spacing of the floor area <NUM> may be such that the aircraft interior structure <NUM> includes only a single panel <NUM>. For example, the primary monument <NUM> may include a single panel <NUM> configured to span the some or all of a width of the floor area <NUM> between the primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the aircraft interior structure <NUM> as including the primary monument <NUM> and the auxiliary monument <NUM>, it is noted herein the aircraft interior structure <NUM> may only include the primary monument <NUM> (e.g., where dimensions of the aircraft cabin <NUM> require a smaller-footprint aircraft interior structure <NUM>, where the auxiliary monument <NUM> is a separate and/or standalone monument within the aircraft cabin <NUM>, or the like). Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Referring now to at least <FIG>, although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the passenger seating section <NUM> being integrated with the aircraft interior structure <NUM> (e.g., integrated with the primary monument <NUM> of the aircraft interior structure <NUM>), it is noted herein the passenger seating section <NUM> may be a portion of a separate component coupled to the aircraft interior structure <NUM>.

The aircraft cabin <NUM> may include a façade <NUM>. The facade <NUM> may include a backplate <NUM>. The passenger seating section <NUM> including, but not limited to, the one or more footwells <NUM> (and the one or more ottomans <NUM>), the one or more storage compartments <NUM>, the one or more work surfaces <NUM>, and/or the one or more accessories <NUM> may be coupled to or integrated with the backplate <NUM>. It is noted herein the surface <NUM> may be a surface of the backplate <NUM> facing the passenger compartment <NUM>, instead of a surface of the primary monument <NUM>.

The façade <NUM> may be coupled to a surface <NUM> of the primary monument <NUM> defining a vertical or substantially-vertical plane and facing the one or more passenger compartments <NUM> via one or more mount points <NUM>. The surface <NUM> may include a cavity or cut-out <NUM>.

The façade <NUM> may be full-height or a partial-height as compared to a height of the primary monument <NUM>. Where the façade <NUM> is a partial height, a portion of the aircraft interior structure <NUM> corresponding to a remainder or excess height may include interior or exterior décor panels, shelving units without doors, storage compartments with doors, and/or accessories proximate to the passenger seating section <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an extended portion <NUM> of the façade <NUM> corresponding to the footwell <NUM> may extend from the façade <NUM> and be insertable into the cavity or cut-out <NUM>, such that the cavity or cut-out <NUM> may be configured to receive the footwell portion of the auxiliary aircraft interior structure <NUM> to accommodate the extended portion <NUM>. As such, the extended portion <NUM> may extend beyond the vertical or substantially-vertical plane defined by the surface <NUM> of the primary monument <NUM> (or defined by a surface of the backplate <NUM> configured to be proximate to the surface <NUM>). It is noted herein, however, the façade <NUM> may not have the extended portion <NUM> extended from the façade <NUM>, such that the surface configured to be proximate to the surface <NUM> of the primary monument <NUM> may be within a single plane or substantially with the single plane.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in an alternative embodiment the façade <NUM> may not include the footwell <NUM> (and the ottoman <NUM>), but include only the opening <NUM>. Here, the cavity or cut-out <NUM> within the primary monument <NUM> may be accessible via the opening <NUM> within the façade <NUM>, such that the cavity or cut-out <NUM> is configured to operate as the footwell <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the façade <NUM> as including the backplate <NUM> to which the passenger seating section <NUM> may be coupled, it is noted herein the façade <NUM> may not include the backplate <NUM> and the passenger seating section <NUM> may directly couple to the surface <NUM> of the aircraft interior structure via the one or more mount points <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Claim 1:
An aircraft interior structure (<NUM>), comprising:
a primary monument (<NUM>), the primary monument including a primary panel and one or more storage compartments, the primary panel being actuatable between a primary panel stowed position and a primary panel deployed position via one or more actuation assemblies, the primary panel positioned within at least a portion of a floor area of an aircraft cabin when in the primary panel deployed position;
an auxiliary monument (<NUM>) spaced a select distance from the primary monument across the floor area of the aircraft cabin, the auxiliary monument including an auxiliary panel, the auxiliary panel being actuatable between an auxiliary panel stowed position and an auxiliary panel deployed position via one or more actuation assemblies, the auxiliary panel positioned within at least a portion of the floor area of the aircraft cabin when in the auxiliary panel deployed position;
the at least a portion of the floor area where the primary panel is positioned when in the primary panel deployed position being positioned between the primary monument (<NUM>) and the auxiliary monument (<NUM>), the at least a portion of the floor area where the auxiliary panel is positioned when the auxiliary panel deployed position being positioned between the primary monument (<NUM>) and the auxiliary monument (<NUM>); and
a passenger seating section (<NUM>) configured to be proximate to a passenger compartment, the passenger seating section including a footwell (<NUM>), the footwell being at least partially within the primary monument and proximate to the one or more storage compartments, the footwell corresponding to an aircraft seat within the passenger compartment, the aircraft seat being configured to form a bed surface when the aircraft seat is in a lie-flat position, at least a portion of the bed surface being within the footwell when the aircraft seat is in the lie-flat position; and characterized by
a service area (<NUM>) formed from at least one actuatable shelf, the at least one actuatable shelf being coupled to at least one of the primary panel or the auxiliary panel, the service area (<NUM>) being configured to actuate between a service area stowed position and a service area deployed position.