Patent Description:
A passenger compartment is provided by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lower edge may be configured to be flush with the surface of a floor of an aircraft cabin when the body is coupled to the floor via the set of floor-mounted components.

In some embodiments, the one or more structures may be positioned proximate to the ceiling of the aircraft cabin being the one or more overhead structures of the aircraft cabin.

In some embodiments, the one or more structures may be positioned proximate to the ceiling of the aircraft cabin including one or more ceiling-mounted components mounted to the ceiling of the aircraft cabin underneath the one or more overhead structures.

In some embodiments, the static aircraft seat privacy panel may further include a filler component configured to fit within a gap formed by the offset between the upper edge of the body and the surface of the one or more overhead structures.

In some embodiments, the aircraft seat may be able to actuate between at least one of a raised position, a bed position, or at least one lounge position.

In some embodiments, the at least the portion of the surface of the body may be configured to conform to a portion of an aircraft seat when the aircraft seat is the raised position.

In some embodiments, the at least the portion of the surface of the body may be configured to conform to a portion of an aircraft seat when the aircraft seat is the bed position or the at least one lounge position.

In some embodiments, the passenger compartment may further include an ottoman. The ottoman may be configured to be stowed to allow access to the aircraft seat when the aircraft seat is in the raised position. The ottoman may be configured to be deployed for use when the aircraft seat is in the bed position.

In some embodiments, the passenger compartment may further include an auxiliary component positioned in front of the aircraft seat within the passenger compartment. The auxiliary component may be configured to be deployed when the aircraft seat is in the raised position. The auxiliary component may be configured to be stowed when the aircraft seat is in the bed position.

In some embodiments, the passenger compartment may further include an auxiliary component including at least one of storage space or a footrest.

In some embodiments, the passenger compartment may further include an auxiliary component positioned behind the aircraft seat within the passenger compartment.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary component may be configured to be stowed when the aircraft seat is in the raised position. The auxiliary component may be configured to be deployed when the aircraft seat is in the bed position.

<FIG> in general illustrate static aircraft seat privacy panels, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Aircraft cabin designs may include aircraft interior structures such as privacy panels (e.g., partitions, shells, screens, or the like). The privacy panels may be coupled to or integrated with a structure of an aircraft seat. For example, the privacy panels may be coupled to or integrated with the structure of the aircraft seat, such that aircraft seat tracks coupling the aircraft seat to the aircraft cabin take on any load exerted by the privacy panels.

The coupling of the privacy panels to or integrating of the privacy panels with the aircraft seat may require the privacy panels and/or the aircraft seat to be over-engineered. For example, the design of the privacy panels and/or the aircraft seat may include unnecessary constraints to ensure the correct interface between the privacy panels and the aircraft seat. By way of another example, the design of the privacy panels and/or the aircraft seat may include unnecessary constraints to ensure the correct interface between the aircraft cabin and the privacy panels and/or the aircraft seat.

The coupling of the privacy panels to or integrating of the privacy panels with the aircraft seat may require the privacy panels to be tested in a similar manner and/or be require to meet similar aviation guidelines and/or standards as the aircraft seat. Load-bearing/weight-bearing force requirements must be met without losing the intended functionality of the privacy panels and/or the aircraft seat in the aircraft cabin. For example, the privacy panels and/or the aircraft seat 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. For instance, both the aircraft seat and the coupled-to or integrated-with privacy panels may be tested as a dynamic object needing to be compliant with <NUM> force requirements per aviation guidelines and/or standards in the most recent versions of the codes set forth in at least <NUM> C. Part <NUM>, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES in effect at the time of filing, in contrast to a static object only needing to be able to be compliant with <NUM> force requirements per aviation guidelines and/or standards in the most recent version of the codes set forth in at least <NUM> C. Part <NUM>, AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES in effect at the time of filing. The additional amount of testing required to obtain the increased level of certification may add risk, weight, cost, and complexity to one or more of the privacy panels, the aircraft seat, and/or the certification process.

As such, it would be beneficial to provide static aircraft seat privacy panels. For example, the static aircraft seat privacy panels may be configured to only need to meet a <NUM> certification standard instead of the more restrictive <NUM> certification standard, while still forming a portion of a first-class or business-class aircraft cabin passenger compartment, by not being coupled to aircraft seats. In addition, the static aircraft seat privacy panel may be coupled to one or more locations within the aircraft cabin on which a load may be exerted in place of the aircraft seat tracks. The combination of the non-coupling to the one or more aircraft seats and the direct coupling to the one or more locations within the aircraft cabin may allow for a lighter or less-weight static aircraft seat privacy panel design with removable panels (e.g., for review of internal components within the one or more static aircraft seat privacy panels).

<FIG> in general illustrate an aircraft cabin <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The aircraft cabin <NUM> includes one or more static aircraft seat privacy panels <NUM>. It is noted herein "static aircraft seat privacy panels" and variants of the term including, but not limited to, "static privacy panels," "privacy panels," or the like may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure. In addition, "panels," "partitions," "shells," and "screens" may be configured equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to a floor <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM>. The one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to one or more floor-mounted components <NUM> set within the floor of the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For instance, the one or more floor-mounted components <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, tracks, rails, brackets, or other floor-mounted components.

A privacy panel <NUM> includes a body <NUM>. A lower edge <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be flush with a surface <NUM> of the floor <NUM> when the one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to the floor <NUM>. For example, the flushness of the lower edge <NUM> with the surface <NUM> may prevent dropped or set-down items from shifting between adjacent passenger compartments <NUM> formed or defined at least in part from the one or more privacy panels <NUM>. It is noted herein "passenger compartment," "passenger suite," and "compartment suite" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The one or more privacy panels <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 privacy panels <NUM> are implemented as separators, the one or more privacy panels <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. The compact arrangement of the multiple passenger compartments <NUM> may result in an increased design space in the areas of the aircraft cabin <NUM> surrounding the one or more privacy panels <NUM> for other aircraft interior structures and/or monuments while continuing to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards. For example, the increased design space may allow for the addition of more passenger compartments <NUM> and/or components within the passenger compartments <NUM>, more monuments and/or structures throughout the aircraft cabin <NUM>, or the like. In this regard, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be considered components of the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>.

A spacing between adjacent privacy panels <NUM> forming at least a part of a passenger compartment <NUM> may be an opening configured to lead to an aircraft aisle <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM>. The opening may include a door. 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, a privacy panel <NUM> may be at least partially hollow, and the door may be slid into a cavity defined in the one or more privacy panel <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the lower edge <NUM> being flush with the surface <NUM>, it is noted herein the lower edge <NUM> may be offset or separated from the surface <NUM> a selected distance to provide a gap between the one or more privacy panels <NUM> and the floor <NUM>. For example, the gap may be filled in with a filler component fabricated from a solid soft material (e.g., a foam block or shield, a rubber block or shield, or the like), a solid hard material (e.g., a plastic block or shield, a metal block or shield, or the like), a fluidic hardening material (e.g., caulk or other sealing compound), or the like. For instance, the filer component may prevent access to attachment studs (e.g., fasteners such as washers, threaded nuts, bushings, spacers, or the like) coupling the one or more privacy panels <NUM> to the one or more floor-mounted components <NUM>. In addition, the filler component may prevent the one or more privacy panels <NUM> and the floor <NUM> from rubbing and/or making noise.

The one or more privacy panels <NUM> may include one or more overhead structures <NUM> coupled to a ceiling <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, the one or more overhead structures <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a luggage bin structure, a passenger service unit structure, or the like. The one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be coupled to the one or more overhead structures <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM>. The one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be coupled to one or more ceiling-mounted components <NUM> within the aircraft cabin <NUM> proximate to (e.g., underneath, exterior, or the like) to the one or more overhead structures <NUM>. For example, the one or more ceiling-mounted components <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, tracks, rails, brackets, or other mounted components. For instance, where the ceiling-mounted components <NUM> are underneath the one or more overhead structures <NUM>, one or more brackets or linkages may pass between adjacent overhead structures <NUM> or through the one or more overhead structures <NUM> to couple to the ceiling-mounted components <NUM>. In this regard, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to the aircraft cabin <NUM> proximate to the one or more overhead structures <NUM>.

An upper edge <NUM> of the body <NUM> is separated from a surface <NUM> of the one or more overhead structures <NUM> a selected distance to provide a gap <NUM> between the upper edge <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. For example, the gap <NUM> may be filled in with a filler component <NUM> fabricated from a soft material (e.g., a foam block, a rubber block, or the like) or a hard material (e.g., a plastic, or the like). For instance, the filler component <NUM> may prevent access to attachment studs <NUM> (e.g., fasteners such as washers, threaded nuts, bushings, spacers, or the like) coupling the one or more privacy panels <NUM> to the one or more overhead structures <NUM> and/or the ceiling-mounted components <NUM>. In addition, the filler component <NUM> may prevent the one or more privacy panels <NUM> and the one or more overhead structures <NUM> from rubbing and/or making noise. One or more dimensions of at least a portion of the gap <NUM> may be dependent on the spacing or distance between the upper edge <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the gap <NUM> may be <NUM>/<NUM>-inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) in height, corresponding to a <NUM>/<NUM>-inch (<NUM>,<NUM>) distance between the upper edge <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, the gap <NUM> may be any height.

According to the claimed invention, the disclosure illustrate the upper edge <NUM> being offset or separated from the surface <NUM> a selected distance. In examples not falling within the scope of the claims, the upper edge <NUM> may be flush with the surface <NUM> when the one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to the one or more overhead structures <NUM>.

The one or more privacy panels <NUM> (and thus the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>) may be oriented in any direction within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> (and thus the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>) may be set at an angle relative to the aisle <NUM> through the aircraft cabin <NUM>. It is noted herein the angling of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may result in an increased design space in the areas of the aircraft cabin <NUM> surrounding the one or more privacy panels <NUM> for other aircraft interior structures and/or monuments while continuing to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards. For instance, the increased design space may allow for the addition of more passenger compartments <NUM> and/or components within the passenger compartments <NUM>, more monuments and/or structures throughout the aircraft cabin <NUM>, or the like. In addition, it is noted herein the angling of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may result in a greater separation of passengers occupying the passenger compartments <NUM> formed at least in part by the one or more privacy panels <NUM>, resulting in a possible increased level of protection from airborne-transmitted diseases. By way of another example, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> (and thus the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>) may be set orthogonal relative to the aisle <NUM> through the aircraft cabin <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> (and thus the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>) may be set parallel to the aisle <NUM> through the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

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

In general, an 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 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 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>, the one or more privacy panels <NUM>, and/or one or more auxiliary components or structures <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.

The aircraft seat <NUM> may be configured to avoid contact with the one or more privacy panels <NUM> and/or the one or more auxiliary components or structures <NUM> when transitioning between positions (e.g., between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position).

At least one dimension of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be defined by a flat plane, such that the body <NUM> of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may include surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that are flat or substantially flat. It is noted herein, however, that the flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> may require a considerable amount of design space within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. This requirement of design space may result in a loss of valuable space (e.g., floor space, storage or stowage space, or the like) within the aircraft cabin <NUM>, which may be problematic where aircraft cabin designs need to address competing interests for increased passenger seating, storage space, lavatories, galley spaces, and other structures and/or monuments.

The one or more privacy panels <NUM> are shaped to at least partially conform to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>.

For example, the at least the portion of the body <NUM> may be shaped to at least partially conform to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>. For instance, at least the portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a portion of a first aircraft seat <NUM>, while at least the portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a portion of a second aircraft seat <NUM>.

By way of another example, portions of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be shaped to at least partially conform to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> when the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> are in or transitioning between positions (e.g., the upright or raised position, the one or more lounge or reclined positions, and/or the lie-flat or bed position). For instance, at least a first portion of a surface <NUM> and/or at least a first portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a first portion of an aircraft seat <NUM> when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a first position, and at least a second portion of a surface <NUM> and/or at least a second portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a second portion of the aircraft seat <NUM> when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a second position. In addition, at least a first portion of a surface <NUM> and/or at least a first portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a first portion of an aircraft seat <NUM> when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a first position, at least a second portion of a surface <NUM> and/or at least a second portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a second portion of the aircraft seat <NUM> when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a second position, and at least a third portion of a surface <NUM> and/or at least a third portion of a surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may conform to at least a third portion of the aircraft seat <NUM> when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a third position.

The shaping or conforming of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> provides a more three-dimensional contouring to the one or more privacy panels <NUM> as compared to a flat or substantially flat privacy panel <NUM>. The three-dimensional contouring of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may result in an increased design space in the areas of the aircraft cabin <NUM> surrounding the one or more privacy panels <NUM> for other aircraft interior structures and/or monuments while continuing to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards. For example, the increased design space may allow for the addition of more passenger compartments <NUM> and/or components within the passenger compartments <NUM>, more monuments and/or structures throughout the aircraft cabin <NUM>, or the like.

In one non-limiting example, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be vertical or substantially vertical relative to the floor <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM> along the entire length of the one or more privacy panels <NUM>.

In another non-limiting example, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> may be slanted or set at an angle relative to the floor <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM> along at least a portion of the length of the one or more privacy panels <NUM>. Where a first passenger compartment <NUM> and a second passenger compartment <NUM> are offset, such that a first aircraft seat <NUM> in the first passenger compartment <NUM> is set in front of (or forward relative to) a second aircraft seat <NUM> in the second passenger compartment <NUM> (e.g., as defined based on a distance from the aisle <NUM>), the slanted or angled privacy panel <NUM> may allow for increased shoulder space proximate to the aircraft seat <NUM> of the first passenger compartment <NUM> in any of the upright or raised position, the one or more lounge or reclined positions, and/or the lie-flat or bed position.

Although the increased shoulder space in the first passenger compartment <NUM> may encroach on space otherwise reserved for the second passenger compartment <NUM> (e.g., reserved if the one or more privacy panels <NUM> were vertical or substantially vertical), the offset relationship of the adjacent passenger compartments <NUM> means only non-utilized space (e.g., a walkway, a foot area, or the like) or non-fully utilized space (e.g., a storage compartment, a knee area, or the like) in the second passenger compartment <NUM> would be affected by the encroaching of the first passenger compartment <NUM>. In this regard, space usage within the aircraft cabin <NUM> may be further improved upon, 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.

The one or more privacy panels <NUM> are not coupled to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>, such that the one or more privacy panels <NUM> and the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> are separately coupled to the aircraft cabin <NUM>. The one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to the one or more floor-mounted components <NUM>. In addition, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> are coupled to the one or more overhead structures <NUM> or to the one or more ceiling-mounted components <NUM> proximate to the one or more overhead structures <NUM>. Further, the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> are coupled to the floor <NUM> via one or more seat tracks or rails <NUM>.

By not coupling the one or more privacy panels <NUM> to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> do not need to be designed to meet a dynamic load requirement set forth by aviation standards and/or guidelines (e.g., a <NUM> force requirement) such as that required for the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>, but instead may be designed to meet a static load requirement set forth by aviation standards and/or guidelines (e.g., a <NUM> force requirement). In addition, the coupling of the one or more privacy panels <NUM> to the floor <NUM> and the one or more overhead structures <NUM> may allow for a more effective distribution of applied loads at the ends of the privacy panels <NUM>, as opposed to through locations where the one or more privacy panels <NUM> couple to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>, requiring the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> to transfer the applied loads through the aircraft seat tracks or rails <NUM> within the floor <NUM>. Further, not coupling the one or more privacy panels <NUM> to the aircraft seats <NUM> may allow for a lighter or less-weight privacy panel <NUM> design, being separate from the structure of the aircraft seat <NUM>, with removable panels (e.g., for review of internal components within the one or more privacy panels <NUM>).

In addition, the one or more privacy panels <NUM> and the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may be considered components of a static aircraft seat privacy panel system, for purposes of the disclosure.

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

For example, the passenger compartment <NUM> may include an upright or raised position auxiliary component <NUM> positioned in front of the aircraft seat <NUM> and proximate to a privacy panel <NUM> within the passenger compartment <NUM>. For instance, the upright or raised position auxiliary component <NUM> proximate to the privacy panel <NUM> may be configured to be deployed when the aircraft seat is in the raised position, and configured to stowed when the aircraft seat is in the bed position.

By way of another example, the passenger compartment <NUM> may include a lie-flat or bed auxiliary component <NUM> positioned behind the aircraft seat <NUM> and proximate to a privacy panel <NUM> within the passenger compartment <NUM>. For instance, the lie-flat or bed auxiliary component <NUM> proximate to the privacy panel <NUM> may be configured to be stowed when the aircraft seat is in the raised position and configured to deployed when the aircraft seat is in the bed position. In addition, the lie-flat or bed auxiliary component <NUM> may be fixed in place, where doing so would not interfere with the actuation of the aircraft seat <NUM> between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position. It is noted herein the upright or raised position auxiliary component <NUM> may be positioned proximate to the privacy panel <NUM> at a greater height from the surface of the floor <NUM> than the lie-flat or bed auxiliary component <NUM>.

The auxiliary component <NUM> may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and/or one or more side surfaces. For example, the auxiliary component <NUM> may include a single continuous side surface where all corners are rounded. By way of another example, the auxiliary component <NUM> may include up to an N number of side surfaces where the auxiliary monument <NUM> includes up to an N number of corners.

The auxiliary component <NUM> may be fixed in position. It is noted herein, however, that the auxiliary component <NUM> may be actuatable. For example, the auxiliary component <NUM> may extend a select distance from a stored position to an extended position proximate to a passenger, similar to an aircraft tray table. In addition, the auxiliary component <NUM> may fold out from and/or return to a stowed position (e.g., against a particular privacy panel <NUM>), similar to an aircraft tray table.

The one or more auxiliary components <NUM> may be proximate to one or more divider panels <NUM> used as a separator between adjacent passenger compartments <NUM> and/or between a passenger compartment <NUM> and an open area within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, the one or more auxiliary components <NUM> may be positioned above, below, behind, in front of, or beside one or more divider panels <NUM>. The one or more auxiliary components <NUM> may be integrated into the one or more divider panels <NUM> and used as a separator between adjacent aircraft seats <NUM> and/or between an aircraft seat <NUM> and an open area within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. Where the one or more auxiliary components <NUM> are implemented as separators, the one or more auxiliary components <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. The compact arrangement of the multiple passenger compartments <NUM> may result in an increased design space in the areas of the aircraft cabin <NUM> surrounding the one or more auxiliary components <NUM> for other aircraft interior structures and/or monuments while continuing to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards. For example, the increased design space may allow for the addition of more passenger compartments <NUM> and/or components within the passenger compartments <NUM>, more monuments and/or structures throughout the aircraft cabin <NUM>, or the like. In this regard, the one or more auxiliary components <NUM> may be considered components of the one or more passenger compartments <NUM>.

The passenger compartment <NUM> may include one or more footwells <NUM> configured to be usable by one or more passengers in the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> positioned proximate to the one or more privacy panels <NUM>. The passenger compartment <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 one or more privacy panels <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 one or more privacy panels <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 compartment <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.

The one or more ottomans <NUM> may include one or more sections. For example, an ottoman <NUM> may include multiple sections configured to stow or deploy depending on the usage of the passenger compartment <NUM>. For instance, the ottoman <NUM> may be stowed to allow access to the aircraft seat <NUM>, such as when the aircraft seat <NUM> of the passenger compartment <NUM> is in the upright or raised position. In addition, the ottoman <NUM> may be deployed for use when the aircraft seat <NUM> of the passenger compartment <NUM> is in the lounge or reclined position, or the 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 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.

It is noted herein the passenger compartment <NUM> may be configured to include one or more footwells <NUM> and one or more ottomans <NUM> for additional passenger compartments <NUM> positioned underneath the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>, the one or more privacy panels <NUM>, the one or more auxiliary components <NUM>, and/or one or more storage compartments <NUM> within the passenger compartment <NUM>.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the ottoman <NUM> positioned within the footwell <NUM>, it is noted herein the ottoman <NUM> may be positioned outside a footwell <NUM> (e.g., against a particular privacy panel <NUM>), such that the footwell <NUM> may not be necessary. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The passenger compartment <NUM> may include the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be positioned proximate to or integrated within the one or more privacy panels <NUM>, the one or more auxiliary components <NUM>, or the like. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset in the one or more privacy panels <NUM>, the one or more auxiliary components <NUM>, or the like.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like).

The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a door. The one or more storage compartments may be similar to a shelving unit without doors.

The one or more auxiliary components <NUM> may include storage space similar to that described in the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. The one or more auxiliary components <NUM> may include a footrest <NUM> (e.g., similar to or separate from the footwell <NUM> and/or the ottoman <NUM>).

The passenger compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronics or electronic devices. For example, the one or more electronics or electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, one or more aircraft seat <NUM> actuation devices (e.g., assemblies, controls, actuators, and/or the like), one or more accessories, or the like. For instance, the one or more accessories 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.

The passenger compartment <NUM> may include one or more high-touch areas, or frequent touchpoints in contact with different users, which may have a high potential to transfer microbes (e.g., viruses, pathogens, microorganisms) between the users. In one non-limiting example, the high-touch areas may include portions of the privacy panels <NUM> such as, but not limited to, the surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the privacy panels <NUM>, lead edges of the privacy panels <NUM> proximate to the opening of the passenger compartment <NUM> configured to lead to the aircraft aisle <NUM> of the aircraft cabin <NUM>, or the like. In another non-limiting example, the high-touch areas may include the aircraft seat <NUM>, the footwell <NUM>, and/or the ottoman <NUM>. In another non-limiting example, the high-touch areas may include the one or more auxiliary components <NUM> (e.g., a tray or table, a side stand, an arm rest, or the like). The one or more high-touch areas may be protected with coatings (e.g., antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, or the like) configured to prevent the transfer of microbes. For example, the coatings may be in addition to disinfection of the high-touch areas during regular cleanings, fogging, and/or cleaning of the passenger compartment <NUM>.

In this regard, the static aircraft seat privacy panels <NUM> may be configured to only need to meet a <NUM> certification standard instead of the more restrictive <NUM> certification standard, while still forming a portion of a first-class or business-class aircraft cabin passenger compartment. To accomplish this, the static aircraft seat privacy panel <NUM> is a part of the passenger compartment <NUM> without being coupled to or integrated with the aircraft seat <NUM>. In addition, the static aircraft seat privacy panel <NUM> is directly coupled to the floor <NUM> and one or more overhead structures <NUM>, on which a load may be exerted in place of the aircraft seat tracks. The combination of the non-coupling to the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> and the direct coupling to the floor <NUM> and one or more overhead structures <NUM> may allow for a lighter or less-weight static aircraft seat privacy panel <NUM> design with removable panels (e.g., for review of internal components within the one or more static aircraft seat privacy panels <NUM>).

Claim 1:
A passenger compartment, the passenger compartment comprising:
a first aircraft seat;
a second aircraft seat, the first aircraft seat and the second aircraft seat configured to couple to a floor (<NUM>) of an aircraft cabin via a set of seat tracks;
a set of floor-mounted components configured to be positioned within the floor separate from the set of seat tracks of the aircraft seat; and
a static aircraft seat privacy panel (<NUM>), the static aircraft seat privacy panel comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a first surface (<NUM>) of the body being shaped to at least partially conform with at least a portion of the first aircraft seat;
a second surface (<NUM>) of the body being shaped to at least partially conform with at least a portion of the second aircraft seat;
a lower edge (<NUM>) of the body, the lower edge of the body coupled to the floor via the set of floor-mounted components, the lower edge configured to be positioned proximate to a surface of the floor when the body is coupled to the floor via the set of floor-mounted components; and
an upper edge (<NUM>) of the body, the upper edge configured to be separated from a surface of one or more overhead structures (<NUM>) of the aircraft cabin a selected distance when the body is configured to be coupled to one or more structures positioned proximate to a ceiling of the aircraft cabin,
the aircraft seat being compliant with <NUM> force requirements for aviation transport, the static aircraft seat privacy panel being compliant with <NUM> force requirements for aviation transport.