Patent Description:
Passengers with restricted mobility may require the use of a wheelchair. In some cases, a less severely restricted mobility passenger may be able to walk a short distance to embark and disembark an aircraft. In other cases, a severely restricted mobility passenger may be wheelchair-dependent requiring full-time use of a personal and specialized wheelchair.

Most aisle widths in aircraft are incapable of accommodating personal and specialized wheelchairs. As such, transfer chairs may be utilized supplied by the airline carrier or airport. Transfer chairs have a narrow width to be able to traverse a narrow aisle, and in some cases are used to transfer a passenger from their personal wheelchair outside the aircraft to a passenger seat on-board the aircraft. Wheelchair transfers can be time consuming, stressful, disruptive to the passenger, and increase risk of injury to the passenger. Further, a personal or specialized wheelchair must be stowed on-board the aircraft between uses of the wheelchair. Stowage solutions in the passenger cabin are limited and therefore require the wheelchair to fold. Having to fold, stow, retrieve, and ready a wheelchair for usage increases the time to disembark passengers and consequently the turnover time of the aircraft between flights. In addition, an aircraft passenger seat may be incapable of functioning comparatively to a personal or specialized wheelchair. Wheelchair accommodation in aircraft cabins is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Accordingly, what is needed is an on-board solution for accommodating wheelchair-dependent passengers that obviates the need for transfer chairs, passenger transfers, specialized passenger seats, etc..

Accordingly, there is provided an aircraft passenger cabin as defined by claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second compartment is positioned between the first compartment and a wall adjacent the door, such as a fuselage wall of the aircraft, and the second compartment is accessible from the first branch aisle.

In some embodiments, the second compartment is positioned between the first compartment and the longitudinal aisle, and the second compartment is accessible from at least one of the first branch aisle and the longitudinal aisle.

In some embodiments, the closet includes a third compartment positioned directly above the second branch aisle, wherein the third compartment is accessible from at least one of the first compartment, the second branch aisle, and the longitudinal aisle, and wherein a bottom of the third compartment is substantially no lower than a height of the ceiling formed in the first compartment.

In some embodiments, the closet includes at least one of oxygen equipment and medical equipment located above the ceiling formed in the first compartment, the at least one of the oxygen equipment and the medical equipment configured for use by a passenger in the wheelchair accommodated in the first compartment.

In some embodiments, the closet includes a pallet positioned on the floor of the first compartment, the pallet including at least one device for attaching a strap to secure the wheelchair in place on the pallet.

In some embodiments, the pallet is configured to be secured to seat tracks in the floor and positioned at an angle to the longitudinal aisle.

In some embodiments, the first compartment is enterable through an opening without a door.

Various embodiments or examples ("examples") of the disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:.

Before explaining embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details, while falling within the scope of the claims. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the present disclosure. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways within the scope of the claims.

As used herein, where applicable, a letter following a reference numeral is intended to reference an embodiment of the feature or element that may be similar, but not necessarily identical, to a previously described element or feature bearing the same reference numeral (e.g., <NUM>, 1a, 1b).

Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Broadly, the present disclosure provides closet configurations for accommodating an unfolded wheelchair in a passenger cabin, for instance an aircraft passenger cabin. As used herein, the term "closet" refers to any enclosure, cabinet, monument or other furniture typically used for the purpose of stowing items in a passenger cabin, for instance an aircraft passenger cabin. Preferably, but not necessarily, a wheelchair according to the present disclosure means a passenger provided wheelchair and not an airport or airline carrier provided wheelchair configured for passenger transfer to and from a conventional passenger seat. In some embodiments, the wheelchair may be a standard sized or specialized wheelchair having a width or other dimension that makes the wheelchair incapable of traversing a conventional longitudinal aisle width. As used herein, the term "passenger of restricted mobility" is intended to mean any passenger that requires and/or benefits from the full-time or part-time use of a wheelchair. A wheelchair according to the present disclosure may be specialized in order to accommodate specific needs of the passenger.

Regarding implementation, a closet according to the present disclosure is preferably positioned proximate an exterior aircraft door for entering and exiting an aircraft. As used herein, aisle means any passageway in the cabin. The passenger cabin includes at least one longitudinal aisle arranged substantially parallel to an aircraft longitudinal aisle. Branch aisles extend from the longitudinal aisle. For example, a branch aisle may be arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal aisle providing a passageway between an exit door and a longitudinal aisle. A closet is positioned along a branch aisle and to one side of a branch aisle, such that the closet is directly accessible from the branch aisle upon entering into the aircraft.

The flight direction of the aircraft is indicated in the figures by the directional arrow <NUM> to provide meaning and context for forward and aft descriptions as used herein. For example, forward as used herein means generally facing the direction of flight, albeit in some embodiments angled and not necessary parallel to the aircraft longitudinal axis. As used herein, forward may also means a position closer to a front of the aircraft as compared to a referenced object. Vice versa, as used herein, aft means generally facing opposite the direction of flight, also in some embodiments at an angle to the aircraft longitudinal axis, as well as closer to a back of the aircraft as compared to a referenced object.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a non-limiting example of a portion of an aircraft cabin is shown generally at <NUM>. The portion shown includes a seat row <NUM>, a closet <NUM>, a first branch aisle <NUM> positioned forward of the closet <NUM>, and a second branch aisle <NUM> positioned between the first seat row <NUM> and the closet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first branch aisle <NUM> extends from an exterior door <NUM> for entering and exiting the aircraft, for instance during embarking and disembarking. In some embodiments, a lavatory <NUM> may be positioned to one side first branch aisle <NUM> and opposite the closet <NUM>. The lavatory <NUM> may have a door that opens directly to the first branch aisle <NUM> such that a substantially straight passageway is provided between the first compartment of the closet <NUM> and the lavatory <NUM>, as discussed further below. The lavatory <NUM> may include an aisle side door in addition to a branch aisle door, wherein the branch aisle door is dimensioned to allow passage of a wheelchair. In other embodiments, a galley may be positioned where the lavatory is shown or another closet <NUM>.

The cabin layout <NUM> further includes at least one longitudinal aisle <NUM> arranged parallel to the aircraft longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the longitudinal aisle <NUM> extends substantially the length of the aircraft. Each of the first and second branch aisles <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the longitudinal aisle <NUM> to the fuselage wall. Upon entering the cabin through the exterior door <NUM>, passengers with seat assignments traverse the first branch aisle <NUM> to reach the longitudinal aisle <NUM>, and thereafter traverse the longitudinal aisle <NUM> to reach their assigned seat. The first branch aisle <NUM> has a width sufficient to accommodate a wheelchair and provides direct access into the first compartment formed in the closet <NUM>, as discussed further below. The second branch aisle <NUM> may have a similar width as compared to the first branch aisle <NUM> in embodiments in which a wheelchair enters into the first compartment from the second branch aisle <NUM>. The longitudinal aisle <NUM>, at least the portion extending between the first branch aisle <NUM> and the second branch aisle <NUM> may have a width to allow passage of a wheelchair. In some embodiments, the first compartment formed in the closet <NUM> is enterable from the second branch aisle <NUM> and the seat row <NUM> facing the closet <NUM> is reserved for caretakers, family members or traveling companions of the person with restricted mobility, i.e., a relationship between the passenger(s) in the seat row and the passenger in the first compartment formed in the closet <NUM>.

The closet <NUM> includes a first compartment <NUM> and at least one second compartment. The first compartment <NUM> is dimensioned to accommodate a wheelchair <NUM> in an unfolded condition and in some cases occupied by person with restricted mobility. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a door <NUM> provides access into the first compartment <NUM> from the first branch aisle <NUM>. Equipment <NUM>, such as oxygen equipment, medical equipment, and other equipment may be located in the ceiling <NUM> directly above the first compartment. In some embodiments, the equipment <NUM> is intended for use by the person with restricted mobility as needed and/or in the event of an emergency situation. As shown, the wheelchair <NUM> is secured in place on a pallet <NUM> and is oriented facing the aft direction, generally facing the seat row <NUM>, and angled relative to the longitudinal aisle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the wheelchair <NUM> is also shown positioned in the first compartment <NUM> and secured in place on a pallet <NUM>, but instead facing the forward direction and angled toward the exterior door <NUM>. <FIG> further shows the first compartment <NUM> positioned behind an interior wall <NUM> adjacent the longitudinal aisle <NUM>. The positioning of the wheelchair <NUM> in the forward or aft facing direction may be according to the preference of the passenger, positioning capability of the first compartment <NUM> and/or floor pallet <NUM>, and location of a caretaker relative to the passenger.

Referring to <FIG>, the closet <NUM> generally includes the first compartment <NUM> and at least one second compartment <NUM> positioned adjacent to the first compartment <NUM>. As shown, the at least one second compartment <NUM> may be positioned to one side of the first compartment <NUM>, for instance between the first compartment <NUM> and the fuselage <NUM>. The at least one second compartment <NUM> may include a lower compartment and an upper compartment each including a door <NUM> for accessing the interior space. The at least one second compartment <NUM> may or may not be reserved for use the passenger in the first compartment <NUM>.

The first compartment <NUM> is formed between a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> and extends from the floor <NUM> to the ceiling <NUM>. The pallet <NUM> is secured to the floor <NUM>, such as to seat tracks embedded in the floor <NUM>. The first compartment <NUM> may be open at one end, for instance the end proximate the first branch aisle or the end proximate of the second branch aisle. In some embodiments, both compartment ends may be open forming a passageway through the first compartment <NUM>, such as a passageway between branch aisles. Cargo netting <NUM> or the like may be used, for example during taxi, takeoff and landing, to close the entrance to the compartment. Securement straps <NUM> may be used to secure the wheelchair <NUM> in place on the pallet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the straps <NUM> anchor at one end to the closet <NUM> or to the pallet <NUM>, and anchor at their opposing end to the other of the closet <NUM> or the pallet <NUM>, or to the wheelchair <NUM> itself. As shown in <FIG>, when implemented in an aircraft passenger cabin the closet <NUM> shape may correspond to the curvature of the fuselage.

Referring to <FIG>, the compartment ceiling <NUM> serves as the location for equipment, such as emergency oxygen equipment (see <FIG> at <NUM>) for use by the passenger in the first compartment <NUM>. Although not shown, additional amenities may be provided in the first compartment, such as a deployable tray table, media equipment, lighting, climatization, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, another configuration for the closet <NUM> includes the first compartment <NUM> and the at least one second compartment <NUM> positioned to one end of the closet <NUM>. As shown, the second compartment <NUM> is positioned at the aft end of the first compartment and elevated above the floor. More particularly, the second compartment <NUM> is positioned directly over the second branch aisle <NUM>. The first compartment <NUM> may be enterable from one or both of the first branch aisle <NUM> and the second branch aisle <NUM>. In this configuration, the first compartment <NUM> may extend substantially the length of the closet <NUM>, i.e., from the fuselage wall to the interior wall adjacent the longitudinal aisle <NUM>, and the second compartment <NUM> may also extend substantially from the fuselage wall to the longitudinal aisle <NUM>. The second compartment <NUM> may or may not be reserved for use by the passenger in the first compartment <NUM>. The second compartment <NUM> may be accessible from one or more of the first compartment <NUM>, second branch aisle <NUM>, and longitudinal aisle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, wherein the closet is removed for clarity, a first pallet <NUM> orientation is shown generally aft facing and angled relative to the longitudinal aisle <NUM>. The pallet <NUM> may be secured to seat tracks <NUM> embedded in the floor. In some embodiments, the pallet <NUM> may be positionally fixed. In other embodiments, the position of the pallet <NUM> may be adjustable based on passenger preference. Referring to <FIG>, wherein the closet is removed for clarity, a second possible pallet <NUM> orientation is shown generally forward facing, angled away from the longitudinal aisle <NUM>, and angled toward the exit door <NUM>. The pallet <NUM> positions shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be better suited for use with the longitudinally shifted and elevated second compartment closet configuration shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, wherein the closet is removed for clarity, the pallet <NUM> is positioned forward facing and parallel to the longitudinal aisle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, wherein the closet is removed for clarity, the pallet <NUM> is shown positioned aft facing and parallel to the longitudinal aisle <NUM>. The pallet <NUM> positions shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be better suited for use with laterally positioned second compartments wherein a portion of the closet width is consumed by each of the first compartment and the at least one second compartment.

Referring to <FIG>, the comparative volumes and positional relationship of the first compartment <NUM> and longitudinally-shifted second compartment <NUM> are shown. The storage volume lost by adding the first compartment <NUM> may be moved to the second compartment <NUM>, such as a bustle, positioned adjacent and aft of the first compartment <NUM> and above the second branch aisle <NUM> and at least a portion of the seat row <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second compartment <NUM> may include nearly <NUM>% of the lost storage volume. Therefore, if a partition across the aisle incorporates a similar second compartment, then the storage volume may be <NUM>% recovered. The embodiments according to the present disclosure are advantageous in that the closet may increase in space, e.g., length, and the lost storage volume can be made up by re-pitching the seats on the side of the aircraft where the closet is located.

Wheelchair attachment structure may include one or more straps configured to fasten the wheelchair to the pallet <NUM>. The straps may include one or more locking or latching mechanisms configured to secure the wheelchair to the pallet <NUM>. The attachment structure may be configured to rotate or swivel and enable a user of the wheelchair to face any direction (e.g., <NUM>° of freedom), thereby potentially reducing motion sickness for a user of the wheelchair. The first compartment <NUM> is formed by the one or more walls which may include a window.

Claim 1:
An aircraft passenger cabin, comprising:
a longitudinal aisle (<NUM>);
a first branch aisle (<NUM>) extending from the longitudinal aisle;
a door (<NUM>) positioned at one end of the branch aisle opposite the longitudinal aisle;
a closet (<NUM>) positioned to one side of the first branch aisle, the closet comprising:
a first compartment (<NUM>) extending between a first wall and a second wall and from a floor to a ceiling formed in the first compartment, and the first compartment dimensioned to accommodate a wheelchair in an unfolded condition; and
a second compartment (<NUM>) positioned to one side of the first compartment,
at least one passenger seat (<NUM>) positioned on a side of the closet opposite the first branch aisle and facing the closet; and
a second branch aisle (<NUM>) positioned between the at least one passenger seat and the closet, the second branch aisle extending from the longitudinal aisle;
wherein each of the first branch aisle and the second branch aisle is dimensioned to accommodate the wheelchair and provide direct access into the first compartment from the respective branch aisle.