Patent Description:
Seating rows provide most of the passenger seating in economy classes in aircraft and other conveyances due to their relative low cost and ability to maximize seating density. In narrow body aircraft, seating rows are arranged to form two columns positioned along opposing sides of a single longitudinal aisle. In wide body aircraft including spaced longitudinal aisles, seating rows are arranged to form three columns including two outboard columns and a single center column positioned between the spaced longitudinal aisles. In most economy classes, the seating rows are positioned forward facing and perpendicular to the longitudinal aisle axis and the aircraft longitudinal axis.

Typical seating rows include at least two laterally adjacent passenger seats, and more commonly three laterally adjacent passenger seats. In wide body aircraft, outboard seating rows typically include three laterally adjacent passenger seats whereas seating rows in the center column typically include three, four or five laterally adjacent passenger seats. Each seating row is positioned adjacent at least one longitudinal aisle. Therefore, as the number of passenger seats in a seating row increases, so does the distance from the outboard seat(s) to the nearest longitudinal aisle. As used herein, the term "outboard" means apart from the nearest longitudinal aisle, whereas the term "inboard" means closest the nearest longitudinal aisle. Thus, for example, a seating row positioned in a narrow body aircraft to one side of a longitudinal aisle would include an inboard (e.g., aisle) seat positioned nearest the longitudinal aisle, an outboard (e.g., window) seat positioned nearest the aircraft fuselage, and a middle seat positioned between the inboard and outboard seats.

The time required to "turn over" an aircraft, wherein passengers on an arriving flight deplane and passengers on a departing flight board, is attributable to several factors including, but not limited to, the size of the aircraft, number of passengers, refueling requirements, baggage handling, cleaning, restocking, etc. However, most of the time required to turn over an aircraft is attributable to the way passengers deplane and board. For example, most passenger deplaning and boarding occurs through a single aircraft exit, typically located near the front of the aircraft. Passenger deplaning and boarding typically starts at the front of the aircraft and continues, row-by-row, toward the back of the aircraft until the aircraft is emptied in the case of deplaning, and filled in the case of boarding.

Each passenger is typically afforded a carry-on bag and personal items such as small bags, purses, computer cases, backpacks, etc. Each passenger may also wear a coat that may be removed once on the plane. Aircraft are equipped with overhead bins and under seat spaces for stowing these items, but accessing the bins and spaces takes time for each passenger to retrieve and gather their belongings, especially when the aircraft is crowded, and overhead space is limited often requiring passengers to stow their belongings apart from their designated seating row. In addition, the low ceiling height of the overhead bins, particularly above the middle and outboard seats, further slows the boarding and deplaning processes by further crowding the passenger seating space.

Solutions have been developed for increasing cross aisle space during deplaning and boarding to facilitate ingress and egress. As used herein, the term "cross aisle space" refers to the space between adjacent rows through which passengers access their seat from the longitudinal aisle and leave their seat to reach the longitudinal aisle. Conventional solutions include various configurations of rotating seat bottoms and seat pans supporting seat bottoms. While these conventional solutions increase cross aisle space, the increase is minimal considering the negligible overhang of the forward extent of the seat bottom beyond the fixed legs and lateral support beams of the seating row.

Therefore, what is needed is a solution for significantly increasing cross aisle space during passenger deplaning and boarding to speed turn over time. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> relate to passenger seating.

Broadly speaking, the present disclosure provides vehicle seating rows for use in conveyances such as aircraft to maximize cross aisle space during passenger boarding and deplaning.

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the inventive aspects disclosed herein are directed to a vehicle seating row for installation in a passenger cabin adjacent an aisle, for instance a longitudinal aisle in an aircraft passenger cabin. The seating row includes a framework including a first seat and a second seat positioned laterally adjacent the first seat. The framework for the first seat includes a fixed rear leg coupled to a fixed rear transverse beam and a fixed front leg coupled to a fixed front transverse beam, the front and rear transverse beams being spaced apart and parallel. The framework for the second seat includes a fixed rear leg coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam and a movable front leg coupled to a movable front transverse beam. The movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam are coupled such that they can be displaced together, relative to the fixed rear leg and the fixed rear transverse beam respectively, between a first position in which the second seat has a maximum length and a second position in which the second seat has a minimum length. An actuator coupled to at least one of the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam is operative to displace the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam together between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the framework for the first seat further includes spaced frame members coupled to each of the fixed rear transverse beam and the fixed front transverse beam are operative to support a seat bottom and a backrest.

The framework for the second seat further includes spaced backrest members coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam and spaced seat bottom members rotatably coupled at one end to the fixed rear transverse beam, wherein forward ends of the spaced seat bottom members define elongated guides receiving the movable front transverse beam such that the movable front transverse beam travels along the elongated guides as the movable front transverse beam is displaced between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the elongated guides are inclined in a direction of the movable front leg, i.e., toward the forward direction, such that when the movable front transverse beam displaces from the first position to the second position the forward ends of the seat bottom members displace upwards.

In some embodiments, the bottom end of the movable front leg is slidably received in a guide mountable to the floor, wherein the guide is operative to guide horizontal translation of the movable front leg as the movable front leg is displaced between the first and second positions while preventing movement of the movable front leg apart from the floor.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seating row is installable in an aircraft, the first position corresponds to a flight condition of the aircraft, and the second position corresponds to at least one of a boarding and a deplaning condition of the aircraft.

In some embodiments, the framework further includes a third seat positioned laterally adjacent the second seat and apart from the first seat, with third seat framework the same as or substantially similar to the framework of the second seat.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seating row is installable in an aircraft with the first seat positioned apart from the aisle, the third seat positioned adjacent the aisle, and the second seat positioned as a middle seat between the first and third seats, the first position of the second and third seats corresponds to a flight condition of the aircraft, and the second position of the second and third seats corresponds to at least one of a boarding and a deplaning condition of the aircraft.

Embodiments can include one or more or any combination of the above-mentioned features.

Such description makes reference to the included drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and in which some features may be exaggerated, and some features may be omitted or may be represented schematically in the interest of clarity. Like reference numbers in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function. In the drawings:.

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended to be a description of various, illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Specific features and functionalities are described in connection with each illustrative embodiment; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of those specific features and functionalities. The aspects, features and functions described below in connection with one embodiment are intended to be applicable to the other embodiments described below except where expressly stated or where an aspect, feature or function is incompatible with an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a vehicle seating row according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown at reference numeral <NUM>. As shown, the seating row <NUM> includes three laterally adjacent seats including a first seat <NUM>, a second seat <NUM>, and a third seat <NUM>. In a particular installation in which the seating row <NUM> is installed in an aircraft adjacent and perpendicular to a longitudinal aisle, the first seat <NUM> may be positioned as a window seat, the third seat <NUM> positioned as an aisle seat, and the second seat <NUM> positioned as a middle or center seat.

As discussed below, when the seating row <NUM> is positioned adjacent a longitudinal aisle, the first seat <NUM> has a particular configuration considering its distance from the nearest longitudinal aisle, and the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM> have a different configuration considering their proximity to the same longitudinal aisle. The configuration of the first seat <NUM> is different from the configuration of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM> considering passengers gain access to the first and second seats <NUM>, <NUM> via the cross aisle space formed between adjacent seats row or a seat row and a forward wall. Seating rows may include greater or lesser number of seats, for example, two seats, four seats, five seats, etc. In wide body aircraft including a center column positioned between two longitudinal aisles, any seat that is passed to gain access to another seat may be configured as a second or third seat as discussed above, whereas any seat that is not passed to gain access may be configured as a first seat as discussed above.

Although not shown for clarity of the underlying framework <NUM>, each seat <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> preferably includes a seat bottom and a backrest, which may separate, coupled together or integrally formed. Each of the seat bottom and the backrest may include a support member supporting a cushion member and may optionally include a dress cover. The seating row <NUM> may further include fixed position or adjustable armrests coupled the framework. The configuration and materials of the passenger support and comfort members of the seats, and the armrests, are not limited to any type as the framework elements discussed herein in detail are compatible for use with various seat designs. The framework elements discussed herein are further compatible for use with various seat recline mechanisms.

The framework for the first seat <NUM> generally includes a fixed rear leg <NUM> coupled to a fixed rear transverse beam <NUM>, and a fixed front leg <NUM> coupled to a fixed front transverse beam <NUM>. The fixed rear transverse beam <NUM> may be shared by all the seats <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and span substantially the width of the seating row <NUM>. In some embodiments, the front and rear transverse beams <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and parallel. As used herein, the terms "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the seats themselves and not necessarily with reference to the conveyance or direction of travel. In some embodiments, the fixed front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM> may be separate, attached or integrally formed. Each of the fixed front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM> include a track fastener assembly <NUM> for securing the legs to the floor or a seat track positioned in the floor.

The framework for the first seat <NUM> further includes spaced frame members <NUM> coupled to each of the fixed rear transverse beam <NUM> and the fixed front transverse beam <NUM> operative to support a seat bottom and a backrest (not shown). In some embodiments, each of the spaced frame members <NUM> includes spaced front and rear openings receiving the respective front and rear transverse beams <NUM>, <NUM> therethrough. In some embodiments, the transverse beams are hollow beam tubes. In some embodiments, the front transverse beam <NUM> is elevated slightly as compared to the rear transverse beam <NUM> to impart a slight incline in the seat bottom toward the front. Each of the spaced frame members <NUM> may be constructed from attached components or may be integrally formed and may be foraminous for weight savings. While the backrest may be reclinable relative to the frame members <NUM>, the seat bottom is preferably positionally fixed, or at least the front and rear transverse beams <NUM>, <NUM> are positionally fixed.

The framework for the second seat <NUM> also includes a fixed rear leg <NUM> coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam <NUM>. In contrast to the fixed front leg <NUM> of the first seat <NUM>, the front leg <NUM> of the second seat <NUM> is movable, as is the front transverse beam <NUM> to which the front leg <NUM> is coupled. The movable front leg <NUM> and the movable front transverse beam <NUM> are coupled such that they can be displaced together, relative to the fixed rear leg <NUM> and the fixed rear transverse beam <NUM>, respectively, between a first position as shown in <FIG> in which the second seat <NUM> has a maximum length and a second position (shown in <FIG>) in which the second seat <NUM> has a minimum length.

At least one of the movable front leg <NUM> and the movable front transverse beam <NUM> is coupled to an actuator assembly <NUM> positioned below the seat bottom. As shown, the actuator assembly <NUM> may be attached to the fixed rear leg <NUM> and the driven member coupled to the movable front leg <NUM>. In use, the actuator assembly <NUM> is operative to displace the first leg <NUM> between first and second positions, wherein the first position is shown in <FIG> and corresponds to an in use or flight condition in which cross aisle space is minimized, and the second position (shown in <FIG>) corresponds to a boarding or deplaning condition in which cross aisle space is maximized. Types of actuator assemblies include, but are not limited to, linear actuators, worm gear assemblies and the like operative to drive the front leg <NUM> toward and apart from the rear leg <NUM>. An actuator coupled to at least one of the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam is operative to displace the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam together between the first and second positions.

With continued reference to <FIG>, like or similar to the second seat <NUM>, the third seat <NUM> also includes a framework including a fixed rear leg <NUM> coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam <NUM>, movable front leg <NUM> coupled to a movable front transverse beam <NUM>, actuator assembly <NUM> driving movement of the front leg <NUM>, etc. In some embodiments, the front transverse beams of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled or a single transverse front beam may serve both seats, and a single actuator assembly <NUM> may drive movement of both front legs <NUM> and both front transverse beams <NUM> simultaneously.

With reference to <FIG>, the framework for each of the second and third seats further includes spaced backrest members <NUM> coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam <NUM>, and spaced seat bottom members <NUM> rotatably coupled at one end to the fixed rear transverse beam <NUM>. Forward or front ends of the spaced seat bottom members <NUM> define elongated guides <NUM> each receiving a terminal end or portion of its respective movable front transverse beam <NUM> such that the movable front transverse beam <NUM> travels along the elongated guides <NUM> as the movable front transverse beam <NUM> is displaced between the first and second positions. The length of the elongated guides is determinative of the length of travel of the front transverse beam <NUM> and consequently the cross aisle space difference between the first and second positions.

The elongated guides <NUM> are inclined in a direction of the movable front leg <NUM>, i.e., in the forward direction, such that when the movable front transverse beam <NUM> displaces from the first position to the second position, the forward ends of the seat bottom members <NUM> displace upwards as the seat bottom members <NUM> pivot about the pivot axis <NUM> defined by the rear transverse beam <NUM>. In use, movement of the front leg <NUM> and simultaneous movement of the front transverse beam <NUM> within the elongated guide <NUM> causes the seat bottom members <NUM> to pivot and the forward ends thereof to rise, thereby shortening the length of the respective seat. Shortening the seat length while also moving the front leg <NUM> and front transverse beam <NUM> rearward clears space forward of the seat thereby maximizing the cross aisle space to facilitate ingress and egress to the outboard seat(s).

The bottom end of the movable front leg <NUM> is slidably received in a guide <NUM> mountable to the floor. The guide <NUM> is operative to guide horizontal translation of the movable front leg <NUM> as the movable front leg is displaced between the first and second positions, while preventing movement of the movable front leg <NUM> apart from the floor. In some embodiments, the guide <NUM> defines an elongated linear opening <NUM> and the front leg <NUM> interacts with the opening to permit horizontal movement while preventing vertical movement. For example, the guide <NUM> forms an overhang and a portion of the front leg <NUM> is positioned below the overhang and a portion of the front leg passes through the opening, thereby allowing horizontal translation while preventing vertical translation and or rotation. In some embodiments, the length of the linear opening <NUM> substantially corresponds to the horizontal length of the elongated guide <NUM> such that the front leg <NUM> and the front transverse beam <NUM> travel substantially equal amounts between the first and second positions.

With reference to <FIG>, the different framework configuration of the first seat <NUM> as compared to the framework configurations of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM> can be seen. Particularly, the different configuration of the spaced frame members <NUM> of the first seat <NUM> compared to the seat bottom frame members <NUM> and backrest frame members <NUM> of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the generally centered position of the front legs <NUM>, <NUM> and rear legs <NUM> relative to the respective spaced frame members <NUM> of the first seat <NUM> and the seat bottom members <NUM> and backrest members <NUM> of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the seating unit <NUM> is shown with the front legs <NUM> and the front transverse beams <NUM> of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM> displaced to their respective second position such that the front legs <NUM> are positioned closer to their respective rear leg <NUM> and the front transverse beams <NUM> are positioned closer to the rear transverse beam <NUM>. As evident comparing <FIG> and <FIG>, displacing the front transverse beams <NUM> and the front legs <NUM> rearward causes the seat bottom frame members <NUM> to pivot causing their forward ends to rise to shorten the seat length. Also, evident comparing <FIG> and <FIG>, the front legs <NUM> and transverse beams <NUM> horizontally translate, such that the horizontal translation of the front transverse beams <NUM> drives the forward ends of the seat bottom frame members <NUM> upward due to the interaction of the front transverse beams <NUM> with the includes elongated guides <NUM>. Further evident comparing <FIG> and <FIG>, the front transverse beams <NUM> of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM>, when in their respective second positions, and farther rearward as compared to the fixed front transverse beam <NUM> of the first seat <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the pivoting motion of the seat bottom frame members <NUM> from the translating front transverse beam <NUM> can be seen, thereby increasing the cross aisle space forward of the second and third seats of the seating row <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the different framework configuration of the first seat <NUM> as compared to the framework configurations of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM> can be seen. Particularly, the different configuration of the spaced frame members <NUM> of the first seat <NUM> compared to the seat bottom frame members <NUM> and backrest frame members <NUM> of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the generally centered position of the front legs <NUM>, <NUM> and rear legs <NUM> relative to the respective spaced frame members <NUM> of the first seat <NUM> and the seat bottom members <NUM> and backrest members <NUM> of the second and third seats <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the closer positions of the front transverse beams relative to the rear transverse beam <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the positions of the front legs <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the fixed rear legs <NUM> when the front legs <NUM> are in the first position can be seen in <FIG>, whereas the positions of the front legs <NUM> relative to the rear legs <NUM> and the front leg <NUM> of the first seat can be seen in <FIG>. Also apparent comparing <FIG> is the change in position of the front transverse beam <NUM> resulting in the change in incline of the seat bottom frame members <NUM>. The length of travel of the front transverse beam <NUM> and/or the inclination of the elongated slot <NUM> change be customized to control angular change, and consequently the shortening, of the seat bottom.

Claim 1:
A vehicle seating row for installation in a passenger cabin adjacent an aisle, comprising:
a framework (<NUM>) including a first seat (<NUM>) and a second seat (<NUM>) positioned laterally adjacent the first seat;
the framework for the first seat including a fixed rear leg (<NUM>) coupled to a fixed rear transverse beam (<NUM>), and a fixed front leg (<NUM>) coupled to a fixed front transverse beam (<NUM>);
the framework for the second seat including a fixed rear leg (<NUM>) coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam (<NUM>), and a movable front leg (<NUM>) coupled to a movable front transverse beam (<NUM>), wherein the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam are coupled such that the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam are displaceable together relative to the fixed rear leg and the fixed rear transverse beam, respectively, between a first position in which the second seat has a maximum length and a second position in which the second seat has a minimum length; and
an actuator coupled to at least one of the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam of the second seat, wherein the actuator is operative to displace the movable front leg and the movable front transverse beam together between the first and second positions
characterised in that the framework for the second seat (<NUM>) further includes spaced backrest members (<NUM>) coupled to the fixed rear transverse beam (<NUM>) and spaced seat bottom members (<NUM>) rotatably coupled at one end to the fixed rear transverse beam, wherein forward ends of the spaced seat bottom members define elongated guides (<NUM>) receiving the movable front transverse beam (<NUM>) such that the movable front transverse beam travels along the elongated guides as the movable front transverse beam is displaced between the first and second positions.