Patent Description:
An aircraft passenger compartment suite in an aircraft cabin of a passenger aircraft is disclosed according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the combined divan aircraft seat in the combined divan passenger compartment may face forward within the aircraft cabin. The at least one single aircraft seat in the at least one single passenger compartment may face rearward within the aircraft cabin.

In some embodiments, the combined divan aircraft seat in the combined divan passenger compartment may face rearward within the aircraft cabin. The at least one single aircraft seat in the at least one single passenger compartment may face forward within the aircraft cabin.

In some embodiments, the combined divan aircraft seat in the combined divan passenger compartment and the at least one single aircraft seat in the at least one single passenger compartment may face outward from the privacy divider.

In some embodiments, the combined divan aircraft seat in the combined divan passenger compartment and the at least one single aircraft seat in the at least one single passenger compartment may face inward toward the privacy divider.

In some embodiments, a portion of the combined divan aircraft seat may be configured to be positioned underneath the privacy divider when the combined divan aircraft seat is in the combined divan lie-flat position.

In some embodiments, the combined divan aircraft seat may include a primary section and an auxiliary section. The primary section may be configured to actuate between the combined divan upright position and the combined divan lie-flat position.

In some embodiments, the combined divan passenger compartment may include an ottoman proximate to the combined divan aircraft seat.

In some embodiments, the combined divan aircraft seat and the ottoman may be configured to form a bed surface when the combined divan aircraft seat is in the combined divan lie-flat position and the ottoman is in an ottoman lie-flat position.

In some embodiments, the ottoman may be positioned underneath a monument of the privacy divider.

In some embodiments, the combined divan passenger compartment may include a stowage compartment dimensioned to receive and hold large passenger amenities in a substantially vertical orientation. The stowage compartment may be proximate to the combined divan aircraft seat. The stowage compartment of the combined divan passenger compartment may prevent access from the second aisle.

In some embodiments, the stowage compartment may include a door.

<FIG> generally illustrate an aircraft passenger compartment suite including a combined divan aircraft seat, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

In commercial transportation vehicles such as passenger aircraft, an aircraft passenger compartment suite may include one or more double aircraft seat compartments. The double seat compartments may separate the aircraft passenger compartment suite into individual passenger environments. The double seat compartments may be accessible from separate aisles. The double seat compartments may be facing the same direction or different directions within the passenger aircraft.

To allow for a more shareable seating experience during select stages of flight, a combined divan aircraft seat may be usable in place of the double seat compartments. As such, it would be beneficial to provide an aircraft passenger compartment suite including a combined divan aircraft seat.

<FIG> illustrate an aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be positioned within an aircraft cabin. The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more sides. For example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include a side <NUM> and a side <NUM> separated by a privacy divider <NUM>. The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more aircraft passenger compartments 100a. For example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more aircraft passenger compartments 100a within the side <NUM> and/or one or more aircraft passenger compartments 100a within the side <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> includes a privacy shell with one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>. The privacy shell may include an opening <NUM> within the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM> into the aircraft passenger compartment 100a, the opening <NUM> configured to lead to an aisle of the aircraft cabin. The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include a door for the opening <NUM>. For example, the door may swing or slide into an open position against a privacy shell element <NUM>. By way of another example, a privacy shell element <NUM> may be at least partially hollow, and the door may be slid into a cavity defined in the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a includes one or more single aircraft seats <NUM> (or standard-width aircraft seats <NUM>) configured to seat a single passenger. For example, the aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one aircraft seat <NUM>. By way of another example, the aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include two aircraft seats <NUM>. An aircraft seat <NUM> may include one or more aircraft seat sections. For example, the aircraft seat <NUM> may include a primary section <NUM> and an auxiliary section <NUM>. By way of another example, the aircraft seat <NUM> may include a single section <NUM>. Generally, the aircraft seat <NUM> may include any number of sections.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a includes a combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> (or wide aircraft seats <NUM>). A combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may include one or more aircraft seat sections. For example, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may include a primary section <NUM> and an auxiliary section <NUM>. By way of another example, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may include a single section <NUM>. Generally, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may include any number of sections.

The aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be translatable (e.g., trackable or slidable). The aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis cross-wise through the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> into a position including, but not limited to, an upright or raised position, one or more reclined positions, and/or a bed or lie-flat position. The aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., swivelable). The aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be fully positionable between the outer limits of motion as defined by the moveable components of the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or other monuments of the aircraft passenger compartment 100a. It is noted herein a fully upright or raised position may be considered a taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTOL) position during select stages of flight (though the upright 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 seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., translatable and/or rotatable) from the TTOL position to a non-TTOL position, and/or vice versa.

A privacy shell element <NUM> proximate to the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to conform to at least a portion of the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the privacy shell element <NUM> may include a first section configured to conform to a first portion of the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., a backrest) and a second section configured to conform to a second portion of the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the first section of the privacy shell element <NUM> may be configured to extend into an exterior living space of a passenger aircraft a select amount. Where the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> are offset from one another, different portions of corresponding privacy shell elements <NUM> may extend into the exterior living space of the passenger aircraft. In this regard, where multiple aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> are installed within a passenger aircraft, adjacent aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> include complementary privacy shell elements <NUM>, which allow for a first section of a first privacy shell element <NUM> of a first aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> to engage (e.g., receive, interlock, or the like) with a second section of a second privacy shell element <NUM> of a second (e.g., adjacent) aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>.

It is noted herein the complementary privacy shell elements <NUM> of the adjacent aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> may allow for the multiple aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> to be installed within the passenger aircraft in a more compact arrangement. In addition, it is noted herein the complementary privacy shell elements <NUM> of the adjacent aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> may allow for a reduction in the amount of passenger aircraft living space taken up by an aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, as compared to an amount of exterior living space taken up by an aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> with curved or rounded privacy shell elements <NUM>.

The combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is wider than the aircraft seat <NUM>. For example, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be the width equal to a width of a bedroom mattress when the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is in the lie-flat position. For instance, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may have a width equal to a width of a full or double mattress, a queen mattress, a king mattress, a California king mattress, or other mattress. By way of another example, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be the width of two aircraft seats <NUM>.

In general, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be configured to fit within a space for a pair of adjacent aircraft seats <NUM> (e.g., a double aircraft seat). For example, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be installed during the manufacture and assembly of the passenger aircraft compartment suite <NUM>, without causing the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> to take up more exterior living space of the passenger aircraft than a version including the pair of adjacent aircraft seats <NUM>. By way of another example, the passenger aircraft compartment suite <NUM> may be convertible between the pair of adjacent aircraft seats <NUM> and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> (e.g., by ground crew, by onboard crew members, or via retrofitting). In this regard, an airline may choose to build a First Class spatial interior or convert an area of the passenger aircraft between a Business Class spatial interior and a First Class spatial interior, retaining a more compact arrangement and reducing an amount of passenger aircraft living space taken up by the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be in an upright position. The combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may form a wide seating area or surface when the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is in the upright position. The wide seating area or surface may be configured to seat one or more passengers. For example, the primary section <NUM> may be configured to seat a passenger occupying the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> and a guest passenger. By way of another example, the auxiliary section <NUM> may be configured to seat additional guest passengers when the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is in the upright position. It is noted herein the increased width of the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may provide for the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> to be used as a shared, social environment for guest passengers in addition to usage by the passenger occupying the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be a lie-flat position. For example, the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may form a lie-flat area or surface when the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is in the lie-flat position. For instance, the wide lie-flat area or surface may provide increased width for portions of a passenger's upper body (e.g., torso, arms, shoulders, head, or the like). In addition, the wide lie-flat area or surface may provide an area to be used as a surface for the passenger's belongings (e.g., similar to a nightstand or end table).

It is noted herein that an auxiliary seatback portion of the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> (e.g., a cushion, or other portion of the auxiliary section) may remain coupled or attached to the privacy shell element <NUM>. For example, a gap may exist between an auxiliary seat base portion and the auxiliary seatback portion of the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> (e.g., an air gap, a gap configured to hold a pillow for a passenger when the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is in the lie-flat position) when the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> is in the lie-flat position. The gap may represent a spacing between the auxiliary seat base portion and the auxiliary seatback portion of the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> (e.g., a spacing where a portion of a privacy shell element <NUM> be may observed). The gap may contribute to the wide lie-flat area or surface providing increased width for portions of a passenger's upper body (e.g., torso, arms, shoulders, head, or the like). It is noted herein, however, that the entirety of the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may actuate into the lie-flat position.

It is noted herein the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> transitions directly between the upright position and the lie-flat position. In addition, it is noted herein the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may transition through one or more reclined positions between the upright position and the lie-flat position. Further, it is noted herein the combined divan 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 position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

It is noted herein the one or more single aircraft seats <NUM> may also be configured to transition between an upright position, one or more reclined positions, and/or a lie-flat position. As such, any embodiments directed to the transitioning of the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be directed to a transitioning of the one or more single aircraft seats <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be proximate to an ottoman <NUM> of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> when in the lie-flat position, such that the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> and the ottoman <NUM> may form the lie-flat surface when the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> and the ottoman <NUM> are each in a lie-flat position.

The ottoman <NUM> may be positioned underneath a monument <NUM> of the privacy divider <NUM>. For example, a monument <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a tray or table <NUM>, a side stand, or the like. Where the monument <NUM> includes a tray or table <NUM>, the tray or table may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and/or one or more side surfaces. For example, the tray <NUM> may include a single continuous side surface where all corners are rounded. By way of another example, the tray may include up to an N number of side surfaces where the tray <NUM> includes up to an N number of corners. The tray <NUM> may be fixed in position. It is noted herein, however, that the tray <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., may extend a select distance from a stowed position to an extended position proximate to a passenger).

The ottoman <NUM> may be positioned within a footwell of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>. For instance, one or more dimensions of the footwell may be changed by transitioning the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> between an upright position, a reclined position, and/or the lie-flat 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.

The ottoman <NUM> may be configured to translate and/or rotate about an axis through a sidewall of the ottoman to point a top surface to a passenger occupying the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, where the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to both translate and rotate, the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to independently rotate and/or translate. By way of another example, where the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to both translate and rotate, a rotation may prevent further translation until the ottoman <NUM> is returned to a select position and/or a translation may prevent further rotation until the ottoman <NUM> is returned to a select position.

It is noted herein, however, the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the ottoman <NUM> may be limited to an upright position and/or one or more reclined positions. In addition, it is noted herein the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be the sole component forming a bed when the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> are in a lie-flat position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

In one example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the one or more single aircraft seats <NUM> and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> are proximate to one another, though separated by the privacy divider <NUM>. For instance, the one or more single aircraft seats <NUM> and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may face outward from the privacy divider <NUM>. In another example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the ottomans <NUM> of the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be proximate to one another and positioned under respective monuments <NUM> of the privacy divider <NUM>. For instance, the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may face inward toward the privacy divider <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more passenger in-flight entertainment devices (IFEs). For example, the one or more IFEs may include, but are not limited to, one or more widescreen display devices <NUM> coupled to and/or positioned proximate to the privacy divider <NUM>.

The one or more widescreen display devices <NUM> may include a collapsible screen (e.g., a screen capable of transitioning between a stowed position and a deployed position). For example, the collapsible screen may be a standalone display device (e.g., a roll-up light-emitting-diode (LED) screen, or the like) configured to receive a signal, generate an image output based on the signal, and display the image output. By way of another example, the collapsible screen may be a screen (e.g., a projector screen, or the like) configured to display an image output projected on it by a projection device <NUM>. The projection device <NUM> may be configured to receive a signal, generate an image output based on the signal, and project the image output onto the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM>. The projection device <NUM> may be mounted (e.g., coupled to a privacy shell element <NUM>) proximate to the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM>. The one or more widescreen display devices <NUM> (and the accompanying projection device <NUM>) may be image-stabilized relative to the motion of a passenger aircraft including the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>.

The one or more widescreen display devices <NUM> may include a non-collapsible screen. For example, the non-collapsible screen may be a standalone display device (e.g., a monitor, a television, or the like) configured to receive a signal, generate an image output based on the signal, and display the image output.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more speakers configured to provide accompanying sound to media content being displayed on the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM>. The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more lights, the operation of which may be tied to the operation of the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM> (e.g., a dimming function). The aircraft passenger compartment 100a may include one or more IFEs in addition to the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM>.

The aircraft passenger compartment 100a of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include one or more stowage compartments <NUM>. For example, a stowage compartment <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, one or more pieces of carry-on luggage, 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. By way of another example, a stowage compartment <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. By way of another example, a stowage compartment <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <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. By way of another example, a stowage compartment <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like). The one or more stowage compartments <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset in the one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>, the one or more monuments <NUM>, or the like.

The aircraft passenger compartments 100a in the side <NUM> are accessible via a first aisle <NUM> of the aircraft cabin, while the aircraft passenger compartments 100a in the side <NUM> are accessible via a second aisle <NUM> of the aircraft cabin.

Where the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> includes the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM>, multiple openings <NUM> in the privacy shell allowing access to the aircraft passenger compartment 100a with the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> from the aisles <NUM>, <NUM> is not necessary (or allowed, depending on aviation guidelines and/or standards). In this case, the opening <NUM> may be replaced by a large stowage compartment <NUM>, such that the aircraft passenger compartment 100a is only accessed from the aisle <NUM> or the aisle <NUM>.

The large stowage compartment <NUM> may include a door <NUM>. For example, the large stowage compartment <NUM> with a door <NUM> may be a stowage compartment configured to receive long and/or large items (e.g., passenger amenities needing to be hung up, similar to a closet) that there may be a preference to stow in a substantially vertical orientation. By way of another example, the large stowage compartment <NUM> with the door <NUM> may be configured to contain items otherwise easily displaced by the motion of the plane including, but not limited to, bar supplies and/or barware, food items, drink items, or the like.

The door <NUM> may be hinged or otherwise configured to rotate or pivot about an axis. The door <NUM> may be configured to slide into a cavity defined within one or more privacy shell elements <NUM>. It is noted herein, however, that the large stowage compartment <NUM> may be open to the aircraft passenger compartment 100a including the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM>. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate components as being installed within and/or related to the side <NUM> or the side <NUM>, it is noted herein any discussion about components installed within and/or related to the side <NUM> may be applied to the side <NUM>, and vice versa. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured such that all seats <NUM>, <NUM> face multiple directions. For example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured such that the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may face in a rearward or aft direction and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may face in a forward or fore direction. By way of another example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured such that the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may face in a forward or fore direction and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may face in a rearward or aft direction.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured such that all seats <NUM>, <NUM> face a single direction. For example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured such that the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be in a forward or fore direction. By way of another example, the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured such that the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> and the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be in a rearward or aft direction.

The aircraft cabin may be configured such that the passenger aircraft may include aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> with aircraft seats <NUM> and combined divan aircraft seats <NUM> installed in a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> (or <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>) arrangement (meaning a three- or four-passenger aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> flanked by a set of two-passenger aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM>). For example, the aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> may be separated by aisles.

In general, however, it is noted herein the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may be configured and/or positioned within the passenger aircraft such that the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> and/or the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may face any direction, subject to any aviation guidelines and/or standards. In addition, it is noted herein the aircraft passenger compartment suites <NUM> may be configured and/or positioned within the passenger aircraft in any arrangement, subject to any aviation guidelines and/or standards. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although embodiments of the disclosure are directed to the aircraft passenger compartment 100a including the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> being occupied by a primary passenger but usable by a guest passenger during select stages of flight, it is noted herein the aircraft passenger compartment 100a may be a space within the aircraft cabin shared by all passengers in the surrounding aircraft passenger compartments 100a. In this regard, the aircraft passenger compartment 100a including the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may not be sold to a passenger for a duration of a flight, but rather rented for a portion of the flight (e.g., similar to a conference space or a video space of an apartment, a business, or a school). It is noted herein the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may not need to transition into a lie-flat position with this set-up, but rather may remain in an upright position or have a capability to transition into one or more reclined positions. In addition, it is noted herein the decision to sell the aircraft passenger compartment 100a including the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> or retain the aircraft passenger compartment 100a including the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM> may be made on a flight-to-flight, service provider-to-service provider basis. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a passenger aircraft <NUM> including the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The passenger aircraft <NUM> may include one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> (e.g., in the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>). The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to execute the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM> to carry out one or more of the various steps described throughout the present disclosure. The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may include one or more communication interfaces <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more components in an aircraft passenger compartment 100a of the side <NUM> (e.g., the one or more aircraft seats <NUM>, the one or more ottomans <NUM>, the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM>, the one or more projection devices <NUM>, or other components of the aircraft passenger compartment 100a of the side <NUM>). The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more components in an aircraft passenger compartment 100a of the side <NUM> (e.g., the combined divan aircraft seat <NUM>, the ottoman <NUM>, the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM>, the one or more projection devices <NUM>, or other components of the aircraft passenger compartment 100a of the side <NUM>). The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more components in the privacy divider <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may transmit instructions, power, control signals, data, or the like to the one or more components in the aircraft passenger compartments 100a of the side <NUM>, the aircraft passenger compartments 100a of the side <NUM>, and/or the privacy divider <NUM>. The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may receive instructions, power, control signals, data, or the like from the one or more components in the aircraft passenger compartments 100a of the side <NUM>, the aircraft passenger compartments 100a of the side <NUM>, and/or the privacy divider <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., physically and/or communicatively coupled) to one or more external aircraft controllers <NUM>. The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to execute the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM> to carry out one or more of the various steps described throughout the present disclosure. The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may include one or more communication interfaces <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be coupled to one or more display devices <NUM>. The one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be coupled to one or more user input devices <NUM>.

The one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> may be coupled to a control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be coupled to one or more display devices <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be coupled to one or more user input devices <NUM>. The passenger control unit <NUM> may be positioned in an aircraft passenger compartment 100a for use by a passenger. The passenger control unit <NUM> may be positioned on an external surface of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> for use by a crew member.

It is noted herein the control unit <NUM> may be considered to be at least a portion of the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be a component of the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>. By way of another example, the control unit <NUM> may be integrated in the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>. In addition, it is noted herein the control unit <NUM> may be considered to include and/or be a passenger seat control unit, for purposes of the present disclosure.

The one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> may include any one or more processing elements known in the art. In this sense, the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> may include any microprocessor device configured to execute algorithms and/or program instructions. In general, the term "processor" may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing elements, which execute a set of program instructions from a non-transitory memory medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>, <NUM>), where the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to cause the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> to carry out any of one or more process steps.

The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may include any storage medium known in the art suitable for storing the one or more sets of program instructions <NUM>, <NUM> executable by the associated one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM>, <NUM> may include a non-transitory memory medium. For instance, the memory <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical memory device (e.g., disk), a magnetic tape, a solid state drive, and the like. The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to provide display information to the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the memory <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to store user input information from the one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed in a common controller housing with the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>. The memory <NUM>, <NUM> may, alternatively or in addition, be located remotely with respect to the spatial location of the processors <NUM>, <NUM>, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM>. For instance, the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>, the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM>, and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may access a remote memory <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., server), accessible through a network (e.g., internet, intranet, and the like) via one or more communication interfaces.

The one or more communication interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be operatively configured to communicate with one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite controller <NUM> and/or the one or more components of the aircraft controller <NUM>. For example, the one or more communication interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may also be coupled (e.g., physically, electrically, and/or communicatively) with the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate data transfer between components of the one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite controller <NUM> and/or the one or more components of the aircraft controller <NUM> and the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the one or more communication interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to retrieve data from the one or more processors <NUM>, <NUM>, or other devices, transmit data for storage in the memory <NUM>, <NUM>, retrieve data from storage in the memory <NUM>, <NUM>, or the like. By way of another example, the aircraft controller <NUM> and/or one or more offboard controllers may be configured to receive and/or acquire data or information from other systems or tools by a transmission medium that may include wireline and/or wireless portions. By way of another example, the aircraft controller <NUM> and/or the one or more offboard controllers may be configured to transmit data or information (e.g., the output of one or more procedures of the inventive concepts disclosed herein) to one or more systems or tools by a transmission medium that may include wireline and/or wireless portions (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, physical connection interface, or any combination). In this regard, the transmission medium may serve as a data link between the aircraft controller <NUM> and/or the one or more offboard controllers and the other subsystems (e.g., of the passenger aircraft <NUM> and/or the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM>). In addition, the aircraft controller <NUM> and/or the one or more offboard controllers may be configured to send data to external systems via a transmission medium (e.g., network connection).

Although the present disclosure is directed to the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> being separate, it is noted herein the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM> may be the same and/or share select components. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include any display device known in the art. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) based display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), an electronic paper (E-ink) display, a plasma display panel (PDP), a display light processing (DLP) display, a cathode-ray tube (CRT), or the like. Those skilled in the art should recognize that a variety of display devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be suitable for implementation in the present invention and the particular choice of display device may depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, form factor, cost, and the like. In a general sense, any display device capable of integration with the user input device (e.g., touchscreen, bezel mounted interface, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and the like) is suitable for implementation in the present invention.

The one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include any user input device known in the art. For example, the one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a keypad, a touchscreen, a lever, a knob, a scroll wheel, a track ball, a switch, a dial, a sliding bar, a scroll bar, a slide, a handle, a touch pad, a paddle, a steering wheel, a joystick, a bezel input device, or the like. In the case of a touchscreen interface, those skilled in the art should recognize that a large number of touchscreen interfaces may be suitable for implementation in the present invention. For instance, the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrated with a touchscreen interface, such as, but not limited to, a capacitive touchscreen, a resistive touchscreen, a surface acoustic based touchscreen, an infrared based touchscreen, or the like. In a general sense, any touchscreen interface capable of integration with the display portion of a display device is suitable for implementation in the present invention. In another embodiment, the input devices may include, but is not limited to, a bezel mounted interface.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM> being indirectly coupled to the corresponding one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> indirectly (e.g., via the one or more aircraft passenger compartment suite controllers <NUM> and/or the one or more aircraft controllers <NUM>), it is noted herein the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be directly coupled to the corresponding one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the one or more display devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed with the one or more user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> in a common user interface housing. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

It is noted herein that any embodiments directed to the display devices <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the user input devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be directed to IFEs installed within the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> (e.g., the one or more widescreen display devices <NUM>, or the like). Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate the actuation of components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> via the control unit <NUM> (e.g., where the components are driven via a motor), it is noted herein that one or more components of the aircraft seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be actuated by engaging a handle that activates one or more analog mechanical assemblies. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

It is noted herein that one or more components of the aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> 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.

Claim 1:
An aircraft passenger compartment suite (<NUM>) in an aircraft cabin of a passenger aircraft, comprising:
at least one single passenger compartment including at least one single aircraft seat (<NUM>), the at least one single aircraft seat configured to seat a single passenger;
a combined divan passenger compartment including a combined divan aircraft seat (<NUM>), the combined divan aircraft seat configured to seat at least one passenger, the combined divan aircraft seat having a width greater than a width of the at least one single aircraft seat, the combined divan aircraft seat configured to actuate between a combined divan upright position and a combined divan lie-flat position;
a privacy divider (<NUM>) separating the combined divan passenger compartment and the at least one single passenger compartment;
characterised in that said suite comprises further:
a privacy shell including at least one privacy shell element (<NUM>), the at least one privacy shell element configured to conform to a portion of the combined divan aircraft seat, a first section of the at least one privacy shell element configured to engage with an adjacent section of an adjacent privacy shell element of an adjacent aircraft passenger compartment suite;
the aircraft passenger compartment suite being positioned within the passenger aircraft between a first aisle (<NUM>) and a second aisle (<NUM>), the first aisle and the second aisle being configured in a longitudinal orientation along a longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin, the first aisle being parallel to the second aisle, the at least one single passenger compartment being accessible from the first aisle and the second aisle, the combined divan passenger compartment being accessible from the first aisle.