Patent Description:
More particularly, but not exclusively, this disclosure concerns an aircraft passenger suite comprising a console and a table movably mounted to the console, the table being movable relative to the console along a table path between a first position and a second position. The disclosure also concerns a method of controlling movement of a table in an aircraft passenger suite.

Aircraft passenger suites may be provided, for example, in first class or business class sections of an aircraft. A suite typically comprises a seat for use by a passenger, and a shell structure which at least partially surrounds the seat. A suite can also include one or more consoles in the vicinity of the seat, and one or more tables, e.g. a meal table. The table may be moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The table is typically stowed during taxi, take-off and landing, and may be deployed by a passenger during flight when use of the table is desired. When the table is stowed, it may be housed within a console in the suite, e.g. a side-console located next to the seat.

However, stowing and/or deploying a table may be a cumbersome and/or complicated task for a passenger to perform, particularly when the table is to be stowed in a console of the suite. Further, a passenger may not always stow the table correctly (or at all) when it is required for the table to be stowed, e.g. during landing. The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved aircraft passenger suite and method of controlling movement of a table in an aircraft passenger suite.

<CIT> discloses a control system and a control method of an automotive electric translational lifting table and the automotive electric translational lifting table. <CIT> discloses a work pod that includes a U-shaped first component; a tiltable surface secured to the first component, a U-shaped second component; a bridging panel, a chair movably mounted to the bridging panel and connectors for connecting the bridging panel between the first and second panels. <CIT> discloses a workstation table that has a first panel, a second panel, a support member, and a first deforming mechanism. <CIT> discloses a vehicle furniture system that has an article of furniture and a carriage configured to carry the article of furniture between first and second positions within a body portion of a vehicle when the carriage is coupled to the body portion of the vehicle. <CIT> discloses a multifunctional table and chair device that has a base, two opposite chair sets mounted on the base, and an adjustable table.

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect according to claim <NUM>, an aircraft passenger suite comprising a console and a table movably mounted to the console. The table is moveable relative to the console along a table path between a first position and a second position. The aircraft passenger suite comprises a controller for controlling electro-mechanical movement of the table along the table path. The controller comprises an initiation input for receiving an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table. The aircraft passenger suite comprises sensing equipment for sensing if any obstacle is present on the table path and providing, to the controller, an indication of whether or not any obstacle is present on the table path. The controller is configured to prevent electro-mechanical movement of the table along the table path if the controller receives an indication that an obstacle is present on the table path. The sensing equipment is configured to sense if any obstacle is present on the table path without requiring contact between the table and the obstacle.

Providing electro-mechanical movement of a table within an aircraft suite is more convenient for a passenger than a table that requires exclusively manual movement. This allows the deployment/stowage of the table to be controlled by a one-touch process (e.g. a passenger touches a button once and deployment/stowage of the table is initiated and continues until complete or until an object in the table path is detected). Such a one-touch process is easier, faster and/or more convenient than deploying and/or stowing the table manually. Further, such electro-mechanical movement can be performed in a more reliable and repeatable fashion compared to a case in which the passenger is required to move the table in a particular manner. In some cases, the passenger is not required to know or be informed how the table is to be moved, since the movement of the table is controlled by the controller. In some cases, initiation of the table movement is instructed from outside the suite. For example, when an aircraft is ready for landing, a signal may be provided to each passenger suite (e.g. from the cabin crew) to instruct initiation of table stowage. Therefore, the passenger need not be relied upon to correctly stow the table when the aircraft is ready for landing.

Moreover, by providing sensing equipment to sense if any obstacle is present on the table path, electro-mechanical movement of the table is made more reliable and/or safe. In particular, collisions between the table and other objects, and/or objects getting trapped or stuck, may be avoided. Control of the moveable table may thus be performed in an intelligent and reliable manner. Preferably, the sensing equipment is configured to sense if any obstacle is present further along the table path than the table, in the direction of travel of the table. Preferably, the sensing equipment is configured to sense if any obstacle is present on the table path without requiring contact between the table and the obstacle. Preferably, the sensing equipment is configured to sense if any obstacle, which the table could contact if electromechanical movement was initiated or continued, is present on the table path. Preferably, the sensing equipment is configured to sense if there is an obstacle along the table path, which the table may later contact.

The aircraft passenger suite may comprise an aircraft seat for use by a passenger. Preferably, the console is located adjacent to the seat. That is, the console may be located at a side of the seat. Hence, the console may comprise a side-console of the seat.

Movement of the table along the table path may involve moving the table into and/or out of the console. When the table is in the first position, the table may be substantially stowed within the console. Hence, the first position may be referred to as a "stowed position". This is more spatially efficient than stowing the table outside of the console. In such examples, the console comprises a stowage compartment for stowing the table. Preferably, the console comprises a lid for covering the stowage compartment. When the table is in the second position, the table may be external to the console. The second position may be referred to as a "deployed position". Therefore, deploying the table may comprise moving the table from the first position to the second position, and stowing the table may comprise moving the table from the second position to the first position. The controller may be configured to electro-mechanically deploy the table and/or stow the table, according to examples. Preferably, the controller is configured to electro-mechanically lift the lid covering the stowage compartment of the console as part of the deployment/stowage process.

Preferably, the table comprises a bi-fold table. As such, the table comprises two portions connected by a hinge. Deployment/stowage of the table may be performed when the table is in a folded configuration. When the table is fully deployed, the table may be unfolded for use by a passenger. Stowing the table in the folded configuration is more spatially efficient than stowing the table in an unfolded configuration.

In some examples, deployment/stowage of the table comprises several phases. At least some of these phases are performed using electro-mechanical actuation. In some cases, deployment/stowage is partly electro-mechanical (i.e. controlled by the controller), and partly manual (i.e. controlled by a passenger or crewmember). Preferably, in a first phase of deployment, the table is moved electro-mechanically out of the console. This may be a translational movement. In a second phase of deployment, the table is pivoted about a hinge. Pivoting the table may result in the table being moved from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, for use by the passenger. "Vertical" and "horizontal" are used herein with respect to the suite when arranged in an aircraft cabin. That is, a vertical axis extends between the cabin floor and the cabin ceiling, and a horizontal axis extends substantially parallel to the cabin floor. Pivoting of the table may be performed manually or electro-mechanically. Preferably, the pivoting is performed electro-mechanically (e.g. using a motor controlled by the controller). This enables the pivoting to be performed in a controlled manner. The speed of the pivoting is dependent on the speed of the motor. In a third phase of deployment, where the table comprises a bi-fold table, the table is unfolded. Unfolding of the table may be performed manually or electro-mechanically.

Similarly, stowage of the table may comprise a first phase of folding, a second phase of pivoting, and a third phase of moving into the console. Moving the table from the first position to the second position may correspond to the first phase, the second phase and/or the third phase of deployment/stowage. Preferably, moving the table from the first position to the second position corresponds to the first phase of deployment (i.e. moving the table out of the console) or the third phase of stowage (i.e. moving the table into the console). In some cases, however, moving the table from the first position to the second position corresponds to the second phase of deployment/stowage (i.e. pivoting the table from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, or from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation).

Preferably, when the table is in the unfolded state, the useable surface area of the table is at least <NUM><NUM>. More preferably, the useable surface area of the table in the unfolded state is at least <NUM><NUM>.

In some examples, when the table is in the deployed state, the table is configured to translate on a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the table. For example, the table may be able to translate towards and away from the aircraft seat. This may involve translating in a fore-and-aft direction. "Fore" and "aft" are used herein in relation to the suite when arranged in an aircraft cabin. Preferably, the table is configured to translate fore-and-aft by at least <NUM>, and more preferably by at least <NUM>, in either direction from a central position. Stowage of the table may involve translating the table to the central position. The central position may be adjacent to a stowage compartment of the console.

In some examples, when the table is in the deployed state, the table is configured to rotate about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the table. Preferably, the table is configured to rotate by at least <NUM> degrees, and more preferably by at least <NUM> degrees, when in the deployed state. As such, a passenger is able to move the table to a convenient position for use.

Preferably, the suite further comprises a furniture item moveable along a furniture item path between a first position and a second position. The furniture item path intersects with the table path in an intersection zone of the furniture item path. The sensing equipment may be configured to sense whether or not the furniture item is in the intersection zone and provide, to the controller, an indication of whether or not the furniture item is in the intersection zone. As such, when the furniture item is in the intersection zone, the furniture item is an obstacle present on the table path. In some examples, the furniture item path comprises an intersection zone and at least one safe zone. When the furniture item is in the at least one safe zone, the furniture item is not an obstacle present on the table path. As such, the table may be deployed/stowed electro-mechanically when the furniture item is in a safe zone, but not when the furniture item is in the intersection zone.

Preferably, the furniture item comprises a second table. The second table may be smaller than the first table. For example, the first table may comprise a meal table, and the furniture item may comprise a cocktail table. Hence, electro-mechanical movement of the meal table may be controlled based on the position of the cocktail table within the suite.

The furniture item may be moveably mounted to the console. Preferably, the furniture item is slideably mounted on the console. In some examples, the furniture item is at least partially located above an upper surface of the console, the upper surface being the furthest surface from the floor of an aircraft cabin when the suite is arranged in the cabin. The furniture item may be able to slide in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the console. For example, the furniture item may be able to slide towards and away from the aircraft seat. This can allow a passenger to move the furniture item, and reach the furniture item more easily when seated in the aircraft passenger suite. Movement of the furniture item relative to the console may be electro-mechanically and/or manually driven.

In some examples, the furniture item path is substantially perpendicular to the table path where the furniture item path intersects with the table path. For example, in the intersection zone, the table may be moveable in a substantially vertical direction along the table path, and the furniture item may be moveable in a substantially horizontal direction along the furniture item path. The plane of the table may be orientated substantially vertically as the table moves along the table path. In examples where the furniture item comprises a second table, the plane of the second table may be orientated substantially horizontally as the second table moves along the furniture item path. The table and/or the furniture item are moveable in other directions and/or planes in alternative embodiments.

Preferably, the sensing equipment is partially arranged on the console and partially arranged on the furniture item. That is, the sensing equipment may be distributed between the console and the furniture item. Distributing the sensing equipment between the console and the furniture item facilitates accurate position detection of the furniture item relative to the console. The sensing equipment may comprise a sensor and a triggering apparatus useable to trigger the sensor. One of the sensor and the triggering apparatus may be arranged on the console, and the other of the sensor and the triggering apparatus may be arranged on the furniture item. In other examples, the sensing equipment is arranged only on the console or only on the furniture item. In some examples, the sensing equipment is arranged on the table.

The sensing equipment may comprise a Hall effect sensor and a magnet. In some examples, the Hall effect sensor is arranged on the furniture item and the magnet is arranged on the console. The console may comprise a magnetic strip arranged in a location corresponding to the intersection zone. In other examples, the Hall effect sensor is arranged on the console, and the magnet is arranged on the furniture item. The Hall effect sensor may be arranged on the console in a location corresponding to the intersection zone. In either case, the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the Hall effect sensor, and thus the output of the Hall effect sensor, is dependent on the position of the furniture item along the furniture item path.

In some examples, the sensing equipment comprises a rotary sensor, a cable reel coupled to the rotary sensor, and a cable. The cable is wound around the cable reel such that movement of the furniture item relative to the console causes the cable reel to rotate. Rotation of the cable reel is sensed by the rotary sensor. In some examples, the cable reel is fixed to the console, and the cable is attached to the furniture item. In other examples, the cable reel is attached to the furniture item, and the cable is attached to the console. In either case, the output of the rotary sensor is dependent on the position of the furniture item along the furniture item path.

The sensor equipment may comprise a snap-action switch. For example, the sensor equipment may comprise a micro-switch. The switch may comprise a mechanical lever. The configuration of the switch may be changed from "on" to "off', or vice-versa, based on the position of the lever. The sensing equipment may also comprise a structure shaped to actuate the lever when the furniture item moves into or out of the intersection zone. The structure may be located on the console and the switch may be arranged on the furniture item. In other examples, the switch is arranged on the console, and the structure is located on the furniture item. In either case, the on/off configuration of the switch is dependent on the position of the furniture item along the furniture item path.

In some examples, the sensor equipment comprises distance measurement equipment. The controller may be configured to determine a position of the furniture item based on distance input received from the distance measurement equipment. The distance measurement equipment may comprise a signal emitter for emitting a signal at a first time, and a signal receiver for receiving the signal at a second time, a time lag between the first and second times corresponding to the distance being measured. The signal emitter may emit an infrared or an ultrasound signal, for example. In some examples, the signal emitter and receiver are located substantially adjacent each other (e.g. both located on the console). In other examples, one of the emitter and the receiver is located on the console and the other of the emitter and the receiver is located on the furniture item.

In some examples, the controller is configured to receive an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table, and initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table in response to receiving the instruction. The instruction may be received due to actuation of a button or other user-control mechanism, for example. Movement of the table may be in either direction along the table path, e.g. from the first position towards the second position, or from the second position towards the first position. Hence, electro-mechanical movement of the table may act to stow the table or deploy the table. The controller is configured to receive, after initiating electro-mechanical movement of the table, an indication of whether or not an obstacle is present on the table path. In response to a received indication that an obstacle is present on the table path, the controller is configured to cease electro-mechanical movement of the table. As such, electro-mechanical movement of the table may be started and subsequently stopped if/when an obstacle is detected.

In some examples, the controller is configured to receive an indication from the sensing equipment that an obstacle is present on the table path, receive an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table, and prevent electro-mechanical movement of the table. Hence, due to the indication that an obstacle is present on the table path, the controller does not put into effect the instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table. In some examples, the controller is configured to receive a second, subsequent indication from the sensing equipment that no obstacle is present on the table path. In response to the second indication, the controller is configured to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table along the table path. As such, the controller may first prevent, and then initiate and/or resume, electro-mechanical movement of the table. Preferably, electro-mechanical movement of the table is resumed regardless of whether or not a second, subsequent instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table is received. This allows the deployment/stowage of the table to be controlled by a one-touch process.

Preferably, the controller is configured to provide an alert if the controller receives an indication that an obstacle is present on the table path. The alert is used to notify a passenger and/or crewmember that an obstacle is present on the table path. The alert may comprise a visual alert. In some examples, the controller is configured to provide a visual alert displayed on or near the furniture item. For example, a light on a surface of the furniture item may be turned on. The light may comprise a flashing light. This enables a passenger to be notified that it is the furniture item in particular that is preventing electro-mechanical movement of the table. Additionally or alternatively, a visual alert may be displayed via a display system of the aircraft passenger suite. When the passenger moves the furniture item out of the intersection zone, electro-mechanical movement of the table may be initiated and/or resumed, and/or the alert may be turned off.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling electro-mechanical movement of a table in an aircraft passenger suite according to claim <NUM>, the table being moveably mounted to a console and moveable relative to the console along a table path between a first position and a second position. The method comprises: receiving an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table; receiving, from sensing equipment, an indication of whether or not an obstacle is present on the table path; and preventing electro-mechanical movement of the table if an indication that an obstacle is present on the table path is received. The electromechanical movement of the table is prevented before the table could make contact with the obstacle. Preferably, the obstacle detected is further along the table path than the table, in the direction of travel of the table. Preferably, the obstacle is situated in a position along the table path that would mean the table would later contact the obstacle if electromechanical movement was initiated or continued.

Electro-mechanical movement of the table may comprise stowage and/or deployment of the table. In some examples, the method comprises initiating electro-mechanical movement of the table in response to receiving the instruction. After initiating movement of the table, an indication of whether or not an obstacle is present on the table path may be received. In response to a received indication that an obstacle is present on the table path, movement of the table may be ceased. In other words, electro-mechanical deployment and/or stowage of the table may be started, and then may be stopped if/when an obstacle is sensed in the path of deployment/stowage.

In some examples, the method comprises, in the following order: receiving an indication from the sensing equipment that an obstacle is present on the table path; receiving an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table; and preventing electro-mechanical movement of the table. As such, if an indication is received indicating that an obstacle is present on the table path, then the electro-mechanical movement of the table is prevented regardless of a received instruction to initiate electro-mechanically movement.

In some examples, the method comprises receiving an indication from the sensing equipment of whether or not an obstacle is present on the table path, and in response to a received indication that no obstacle is present on the table path, initiating electro-mechanical movement of the table along the table path. Initiating electro-mechanical movement may comprise resuming electro-mechanical movement. For example, electro-mechanical movement of the table may be ceased when an obstacle is detected on the table path, and then resumed when no obstacle is detected on the table path. In some examples, the resumption may be performed in the absence of a further instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a table control apparatus for use in an aircraft passenger suite. The table control apparatus comprises a console and a table movably mounted to the console. The table is moveable relative to the console along a table path between a first position and a second position. The table control apparatus comprises a controller for controlling electro-mechanical movement of the table along the table path. The controller comprises an initiation input for receiving an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table. The table control apparatus also comprises a furniture item movably mounted to the console. The furniture item is moveable along a furniture item path between a first position and a second position. The furniture item path intersects with the table path in an intersection zone of the furniture item path. The table control apparatus comprises sensing equipment for sensing whether or not the furniture item is in the intersection zone. The controller is configured to prevent electro-mechanical movement of the table along the table path if the controller receives an indication that the furniture item is in the intersection zone.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an aircraft passenger suite <NUM> in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

The suite <NUM> includes an aircraft seat <NUM>, and an ottoman <NUM> located opposite the seat <NUM>, which provides a footrest function for a passenger sat in the seat <NUM>. The suite <NUM> also includes a shell structure <NUM>, or shroud, which defines the boundary of the suite <NUM>. The shell structure <NUM> has a gap <NUM> to allow entrance/exit to the suite <NUM>.

The suite <NUM> comprises a meal table <NUM>. The meal table <NUM> can be deployed for use by a passenger, and stowed when the meal table <NUM> is not required. The meal table <NUM> may also be stowed during particular events, such as taxi, take-off and landing (TTL). The meal table <NUM> is a bi-fold table in this embodiment. Unfolding of the bi-fold table forms part of the deployment procedure, and folding of the bi-fold table forms part of the stowage procedure. The meal table <NUM> is movably mounted on a console <NUM>, and can be stowed within the console <NUM>. This will be described in more detail below. The console <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the seat <NUM>. Hence, the console <NUM> comprises a side-console. The console <NUM> is located between the seat <NUM> and a side-wall of the shell structure <NUM>.

The suite <NUM> also comprises a cocktail table <NUM>. The cocktail table <NUM> is useable by the passenger even when the meal table <NUM> is stowed. The cocktail table <NUM> is mounted on the console <NUM>, and is slideable along an upper surface of the console <NUM>, as will be described in more detail below.

The suite <NUM> is also provided with a display system <NUM>. The suite <NUM> may comprise more, fewer and/or different components in other examples.

<FIG> show perspective views of a table control apparatus <NUM> in accordance with the first embodiment. The apparatus <NUM> can be used in the aircraft passenger suite <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> above. The apparatus <NUM> comprises the meal table <NUM>, cocktail table <NUM> and console <NUM>. The console <NUM> comprises a lid <NUM> for covering a stowage compartment (not shown) of the console <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> also comprises a controller <NUM> for controlling electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM>. The controller <NUM> comprises a processing system. The processing system comprises one or more processors and/or memory. The controller <NUM> is configured to receive instructions and/or electronic signals and to control electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM> based on such instructions and/or signals.

<FIG> shows the meal table <NUM> in a deployed position. In <FIG>, the meal table <NUM> is stowed within the console <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may comprise more, fewer and/or different components in other examples. In some examples, the controller <NUM> is not provided as part of the apparatus <NUM>. In such examples, movement of the meal table <NUM> may be controlled remotely (i.e. the controller <NUM> may be arranged at a different location to the apparatus <NUM>). In some examples, the apparatus <NUM> does not include the cocktail table <NUM>.

<FIG> show perspective views of the table control apparatus <NUM> of the first embodiment, in which the meal table <NUM> is moving between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.

In <FIG>, the meal table <NUM> is folded about a hinge that extends along the centre of the meal table <NUM>. This makes the meal table <NUM> more compact for stowage. Further, when the meal table <NUM> is in the folded configuration, it can be used by the passenger as a work surface or the like.

In <FIG>, the folded meal table <NUM> is pivoted to allow entry into the console <NUM>. Pivoting the folded meal table <NUM> involves moving the folded meal table <NUM> from a horizontal orientation (i.e. substantially parallel to a cabin floor when the suite <NUM> is arranged in a cabin) to a vertical orientation (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the cabin floor when the suite <NUM> is arranged in a cabin). The meal table <NUM> is mounted to the console <NUM> via a support arm <NUM>. The support arm <NUM> pivots about a hinge <NUM> attached to the base of the support arm <NUM>, thereby causing the meal table <NUM> to pivot from the horizontal orientation towards the vertical orientation. Rotation of the support arm <NUM> is performed electro-mechanically (e.g. driven by a motor) in this embodiment. When the meal table <NUM> is in the vertical orientation, the meal table <NUM> can be translated downwards and into the console <NUM>, thereby stowing the meal table <NUM>. Translation of the meal table <NUM> is performed electro-mechanically (e.g. driven by a motor) in this embodiment. Further, the lid <NUM> is electro-mechanically opened to allow the meal table <NUM> to enter the console <NUM>. Similarly, to deploy the meal table <NUM>, the meal table <NUM> can be translated upwards and out of the console <NUM>, then pivoted into a horizontal orientation, and finally unfolded.

Electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM> into and/or out of the console <NUM> is performed by an actuator mechanism (not shown) controlled by the controller <NUM>. The actuator mechanism is housed within the console <NUM>. The actuator mechanism may include gears, levers, rotary dampers, guides and/or motors, for example. Deployment/stowage of the meal table <NUM> is actuated by pressing a control button (not shown), which may be on or near the console <NUM>. Pressing of the control button causes an instruction to be sent to the controller <NUM> to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM> using the actuator mechanism. The control button is provided with a "press and hold" feature to avoid accidental deployment/stowage, in this embodiment. In addition to receiving instructions via actuation of the control button, the controller <NUM> is configured to receive and process inputs from sensing equipment, as will be described in more detail below.

As discussed above, the cocktail table <NUM> can slide along the upper surface of the console <NUM>. The cocktail table <NUM> is moveable along a cocktail table path. In <FIG>, the cocktail table <NUM> is in an aft-most position along the cocktail table path. Turning to <FIG>, the cocktail table <NUM> is in a fore-most position along the cocktail table path. "Aft" and "fore" as used herein relate to the suite <NUM> when arranged in an aircraft, with the seat <NUM> facing in the fore direction. In <FIG>, the meal table <NUM> is deployed, and in <FIG>, the meal table <NUM> is stowed. In the configurations shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, and <FIG>, the cocktail table <NUM> does not obstruct the movement of the meal table <NUM> into and/or out of the console <NUM>.

<FIG> show perspective views of the table control apparatus <NUM> when the cocktail table <NUM> is intermediate the aft-most position and the fore-most position.

In <FIG>, the meal table <NUM> is stowed within the console <NUM>. The cocktail table <NUM> is positioned at a location on the cocktail table path such that the cocktail table <NUM> obstructs movement of the meal table <NUM> out of the console <NUM>. Therefore, the cocktail table <NUM> is an obstacle on the meal table path.

In <FIG>, the meal table <NUM> is in the deployed configuration. The cocktail table <NUM> is positioned at a location on the cocktail table path such that the cocktail table <NUM> obstructs movement of the meal table <NUM> into the console <NUM>. Therefore, the cocktail table <NUM> is an obstacle on the meal table path.

<FIG> shows a side view of the table control apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment. In <FIG>, the cocktail table <NUM> is shown in two positions 140a, 140b, to illustrate that the cocktail table <NUM> can translate along a path that is substantially the length of the console <NUM>. The meal table <NUM> is shown in the deployed configuration. The cocktail table <NUM> is mounted to the console <NUM> via a linkage arm <NUM>. The linkage arm <NUM> is movably coupled to a track on the console <NUM>, to allow the cocktail table <NUM> to translate along the console <NUM>.

The cocktail table path comprises a first safe zone <NUM>, an intersection zone <NUM>, and a second safe zone <NUM>. When the cocktail table <NUM> is in one of the safe zones <NUM>, <NUM>, the cocktail table <NUM> does not obstruct movement of the meal table <NUM>. When the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>, the cocktail table <NUM> does obstruct movement of the meal table <NUM>. Electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM> is prevented when the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of the table control apparatus <NUM> according to the first embodiment. The apparatus <NUM> comprises sensing equipment <NUM>. The sensing equipment <NUM> is for sensing whether or not the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the sensing equipment <NUM> comprises a Hall effect sensor <NUM> and a magnetic strip <NUM>. The Hall effect sensor <NUM> is coupled to the cocktail table <NUM>. In particular, the Hall effect sensor <NUM> is arranged on the linkage arm <NUM>. The magnetic strip <NUM> is arranged on the console <NUM>, in a region corresponding to the intersection zone <NUM>. If the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>, the Hall effect sensor <NUM> generates an output due to the proximity of the magnetic strip <NUM>. Such an output indicates that the cocktail table <NUM> is in an obstructing position for movement of the meal table <NUM>. The output of the Hall effect sensor <NUM> is provided to the controller <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> receives an indication from the Hall effect sensor <NUM> that the cocktail table <NUM> is in an obstructing position, the controller <NUM> prevents electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> does not receive an indication that the cocktail table <NUM> is in an obstructing position (e.g. if the controller <NUM> receives an indication that the cocktail table <NUM> is in one of the safe zones <NUM>, <NUM>), electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM> is not prevented. The magnetic strip <NUM> may alternatively be arranged in a region corresponding to one or more of the safe zones <NUM>, <NUM> in other examples. It should be noted that, although the cocktail table <NUM> and Hall effect sensor <NUM> are depicted twice in <FIG>, this is intended to illustrate different positions 140a, 140b of the cocktail table <NUM> relative to the console <NUM>. In other examples, however, more than one cocktail table <NUM> may be provided.

<FIG> shows a side view of the table control apparatus <NUM> according to a second embodiment.

In this embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> comprises sensing equipment <NUM> comprising a magnet <NUM> coupled to the cocktail table <NUM>, and a plurality of Hall effect sensors <NUM> arranged on the console <NUM>. The Hall effect sensors <NUM> are arranged in a region corresponding to the safe zones <NUM>, <NUM>. When the cocktail table <NUM> is in the safe zones <NUM>, <NUM>, the proximity of the magnet <NUM> causes one or more of the Hall effect sensors <NUM> to generate an output, which is received by the controller <NUM>. This allows the controller <NUM> to determine the position of the cocktail table <NUM>, and hence determine whether or not the cocktail table <NUM> will obstruct electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM>. One or more of the Hall effect sensors <NUM> may be arranged in a region corresponding to the intersection zone <NUM> in other examples. Providing a plurality of Hall effect sensors <NUM> at different locations on the console <NUM> enables the position of the cocktail table <NUM> relative to the console <NUM> to be more accurately determined.

<FIG> shows a side view of the table control apparatus <NUM> according to a third embodiment.

In this embodiment, the apparatus comprises sensing equipment <NUM> comprising a cable <NUM>, a cable reel <NUM>, and a rotary sensor <NUM>. The cable reel <NUM> is attached to the console <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is wound around the cable reel <NUM> and attached to the cocktail table <NUM>. Therefore, movement of the cocktail table <NUM> relative to the console <NUM> causes rotation of the cable reel <NUM>. The rotary sensor <NUM> is coupled to the cable reel <NUM> and generates an output dependent on the rotation of the cable reel <NUM>. Hence, the position and/or movement of the cocktail table <NUM> can be determined and, if it is determined that the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>, electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM> is prevented.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the table control apparatus <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment. <FIG> shows a close-up view of a section <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> comprises sensing equipment <NUM> comprising a snap-action switch <NUM>. The snap-action switch <NUM> is shown schematically in <FIG>. The snap-action switch <NUM> comprises a mechanical lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is moveable between an open position <NUM> and a closed position <NUM>. When the lever <NUM> is in the open position <NUM>, the switch <NUM> is "off'. When the lever <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>, the switch <NUM> is "on". The sensing equipment <NUM> also comprises a structure <NUM> that is shaped to actuate the lever <NUM> when the cocktail table <NUM> moves into or out of the intersection zone <NUM>. The structure <NUM> comprises a CAM structure in this embodiment. The structure <NUM> comprises a protruding region (operable to move the lever <NUM> into the closed position <NUM>) in the safe zones <NUM>, <NUM>, and a non-protruding region (operable to move the lever <NUM> into the open position <NUM>) in the intersection zone <NUM>. Hence, the output of the switch <NUM> is dependent on whether or not the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>. The output of the switch <NUM> is received by the controller <NUM>. If an indication is received that the cocktail table <NUM> is in the intersection zone <NUM>, the controller <NUM> prevents electro-mechanical movement of the meal table <NUM>.

In examples, described above, the furniture item is slideably mounted to the console. In other examples, the furniture item can move relative to the console in a different manner. For example, the furniture item may be pivotably moveable with respect to the console. In some examples, the furniture item is not mounted to the console. For example, the furniture item may be movably mounted to a shell structure of the aircraft passenger suite. In such a case, the furniture item path may still intersect with the table path.

In examples described above, the console comprises a side-console of the suite. In other examples, the console comprises a front-console of the suite (i.e. arrangeable in front of the seat).

In some examples, the furniture item path and the table path are substantially parallel, or are angled with respect to one another.

In some examples, the table is not substantially stowed in the console when the table is in the first position. For example, the table may be stowed by moving the table so as to be flat against an outer surface of the console, and outside of the console.

In some examples, an alert other than a visual alert is provided if the controller receives an indication that an obstacle is present on the table path. For example, the controller may be configured to provide an audio alert. In some examples, an alert is not provided.

Electro-mechanical movement of the table may be prevented due to the sensing of obstacles other than furniture items on the table path. Such obstacles may comprise body parts of a passenger, luggage items, or passenger belongings, for example.

Claim 1:
An aircraft passenger suite (<NUM>) comprising:
a console (<NUM>);
a table (<NUM>) movably mounted to the console (<NUM>), the table (<NUM>) being moveable relative to the console (<NUM>) along a table path between a first position and a second position;
a controller (<NUM>) for controlling electro-mechanical movement of the table (<NUM>) along the table path, the controller (<NUM>) comprising an initiation input for receiving an instruction to initiate electro-mechanical movement of the table (<NUM>); and
sensing equipment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for sensing if any obstacle is present on the table path and providing, to the controller (<NUM>), an indication of whether or not any obstacle is present on the table path,
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to prevent electro-mechanical movement of the table (<NUM>) along the table path if the controller (<NUM>) receives an indication that an obstacle is present on the table path,
wherein the sensing equipment (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to sense if any obstacle is present on the table path without requiring contact between the table (<NUM>) and the obstacle.