Patent ID: 12195184

Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e., any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers is not to imply or create any particular ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to being only a single element unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms “before”, “after”, “single”, and other such terminology. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between the elements. By way of an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and the first element may encompass more than one element and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering of elements.

The term “about,” when used with respect to a physical property that may be measured, refers to an engineering tolerance anticipated or determined by an engineer or manufacturing technician of ordinary skill in the art. The exact quantified degree of an engineering tolerance depends on the product being produced and the technical property being measured. For a non-limiting example, two angles may be “about congruent” if the values of the two angles are within ten percent of each other. However, if an engineer determines that the engineering tolerance for a particular product should be tighter, then “about congruent” could be two angles having values that are within one percent of each other. Likewise, engineering tolerances could be loosened in other embodiments, such that “about congruent” angles have values within twenty percent of each other. In any case, the ordinary artisan is capable of assessing what is an acceptable engineering tolerance for a particular product, and thus is capable of assessing how to determine the variance of measurement contemplated by the term “about.” Similarly, the term, “plurality,” as used herein may also be referred to as a list, collection, or ensemble.

FIG.1shows schematically, in a top view, an embodiment of a seating arrangement100for a vehicle cabin10of an apparatus1100as shown inFIG.6. In the illustrated examples, the vehicle cabin10is an aircraft cabin, comprising a number of seats200A,200B. For example, a first number of seats200A is arranged in a first group10aand a second number of seats200B is arranged in a second group10b.FIG.1shows an example of a section of the vehicle cabin10.

The first and second groups10a,10bmay be seen as one group with a two-seat-arrangement in a transverse extension direction D2of the vehicle cabin10. The groups10a,10bextend in a longitudinal direction D1, for example a longitudinal extension direction D1, of the vehicle cabin10. The seats200A,200B may be facing in flight direction. The first group10ais arranged bordering a cabin wall12. The second group10bis arranged bordering an aisle11of the vehicle cabin10.

The group10acan be understood and seen as a column700or more columns700a,700bor row800or more rows800a,800b, extending in a longitudinal direction D1, for example parallel to a longitudinal axis La, of the vehicle cabin10. The group10acan be understood and seen as forming one column700or more columns700a,700bor forming one row800or more rows800a,800bextending in a transverse direction D2, for example a transverse extension direction D2, of the vehicle cabin10.

For example, the seats200A of the first group10aare positioned angled with respect to the longitudinal axis La and facing in an outward direction D3of the vehicle cabin10.

For example, the seats200B of the second group10bare positioned substantially in-line relative to the longitudinal axis La.

Each seat200A,200B is configured as being adjustable between at least a seating position P1and at least a bed position P2, as shown inFIG.3B. For example, each seat200A,200B is formed by at least a seat pan201and a backrest202. Additionally, each seat200A,200B may comprise optionally a not further shown leg rest and/or head rest203. For instance, each seat200A,200B can be brought into one or more positions, e.g. into the seating position P1for a taxi, take-off, landing, at least an inclined comfort position and the bed position P2. For example, in the bed position P2of the seat200A,200B the seat pan201, the backrest202and optionally the leg rest and head rest203are brought into a substantially lie-flat, horizontal position.

The seating arrangement100comprises two directly adjoining groups10a,10b, wherein the first group10acomprises twice as many seats200A as the second group10bat least with respect to the longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10. In particular, the seats200A of the first group10aare laterally offset to the seats200B of the second group10b.

Further, the first group10acomprises a number of identical angled seats200A oriented facing in a first direction FD with respect to a longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10. The second group10bcomprises a number of identical substantially forward facing seats200B oriented facing substantially in-line with a longitudinal axis La parallel to the longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10. For example, the angled seats200A and the forward facing seat200B are facing in different directions FD, FD′. Each seat200A,200B has a direct aisle access20to20″. The direct aisle accesses20,20′ for two angled seats200A, arranged one behind another in staggered manner, run between two forward facing seats200B arranged one behind another. In particular, the direct aisle accesses20,20′ of the angled seats200A intersect between two forward facing seats200B.

Each forward facing seat200B is an aisle seat200B. For further description reference200B will be used for terms referring to a forward facing aisle seat200B. Each angled seat200A may be a non-aisle seat200A or an aisle seat200A. For further description reference200A will be used for terms referring to an angled seat200A, an angled non-aisle seat200A, for example shown inFIG.1, or an angled aisle seat200A, for example shown inFIG.4A. For example, each non-aisle seat200A is a window seat. Each aisle seat200A,200B is arranged bordering the aisle11.

Even if the angled seats200A are configured identically, in the further description the reference number200A′ will be used to describe the angled seat of the first group10awhich is arranged laterally adjacent of the forward facing seat200B of the second group10b.

The first group10ahaving first angled seats200A and second angled seats200A′ arranged laterally offset with respect to a seat200B of the second group10b, and every second seat200A′ of the first group is arranged laterally adjacent relative to a seat200B of the second group10balong a shared boundary1000, an example is shown inFIG.2A.

The first angled seats200A and second angled seats200A′ are arranged offset relative to the longitudinal direction D1and alternating along the longitudinal direction D1.

For example, every first angled seat200A of the first group10ahaving a single seat which is partially enclosed between two second seats200A′ and their respective laterally adjacent seats200B of the second group10b, an example is shown inFIG.2A.

For example, every second angled seat200A′ of the first group10ahaving an aisle access20′ in front of the laterally adjacent seat200B of the second group10b. Every first angled seat200A of the first group10ahaving an aisle access20provided between two seats200B of the second group10b.

For example, the first angled seat200A of the first group10ahaving a first aisle access20. The second angled seat200A′ of the first group10ahaving a second aisle access20′. The first aisle access20and the second aisle access20′ merge in a region between two seats200B of the second group10b.

Each seat200A,200A′,200B comprises a privacy area300A,300B and being delimited by a number of furniture parts900from each other. For example, the furniture parts900may be, as best shown inFIG.2A: lateral armrests901to903, each provided on one lateral side of each seat200A,200A′,200B, partition walls904arranged at least partially surrounding each seat200A,200A′,200B, side utility elements400lateral adjacent to every angled seat200A,200A′ divider screens905laterally delimiting the respective privacy areas300B of the forward facing seats200B from respective privacy areas300A of the angled seats200A. For example, the divider screen905is arranged between the forward facing seat200B and a laterally adjacent and adjoining angled seat200A′, for example within the same row800B or column700. Further, the furniture parts900may comprise foot support structures906,907. The foot support structures906of each angled seat200A,200A′ are provided within each side utility element400arranged in the front. The foot support structure907of the forward facing seat200B may be part of a separate compartment element500arranged in front of the corresponding forward facing seat200B with respect of the orientation of the forward facing seat200B. When the seats200A,200A′,200B are positioned in bed position P2, a height of the backrest202, the seat pan201and optionally the leg-rest corresponds to a height of the foot support structure906,907creating a horizontal flat bed for passengers.

For example, the privacy areas300A of the angled seats200A,200A′ are configured identically.

For example, as shown inFIG.2A, the angled seat200A′ of the first group10ahaving a lateral armrest902arranged in an area of the shared boundary1000. The forward facing seat200B of the second group10bhaving a lateral armrest903arranged in the area of the shared boundary1000. The lateral armrest902of the angled seat200A′ is arranged in front of the lateral armrest903of the laterally adjacent forward facing seat200B in the longitudinal direction D1. The lateral armrest902is arranged laterally and longitudinally offset to the lateral armrest903. To separate the privacy areas300A and300B of the laterally adjacent seats200A′ and200B, the divider screen905is arranged along the shared boundary1000.

The side utility elements400are configured as consoles910for passenger use. For example, each side utility element400may comprise a not in detail shown shelf, a table, storage space and storage means. The storage means may provide storage space for a remote control, magazines, suitcases, shoes, headphones or other items belonging to the passenger or airline. Additionally, the side utility element400may comprise not in detail shown service and operational elements, such as switches and HMI-panel to control operable features of the seat200A or features provided within a respective privacy area300A,300B. In particular, the side utility elements400provide a substantially triangular shape, particularly a triangular-prism shape.

The compartment element500and/or the foot support structure907associated with the forward facing seat200B provides a substantially triangular, triangular-prism or rectangular, rectangular-prism or square, cube shaped. In particular, one side of the compartment element500and/or the foot support structure907is curved in such manner, that more access space is provided to the lateral adjacent angled seat200A,200A′ of the same row8008.

For example, each side utility element400and compartment element500having an entertainment device1010, indicated inFIG.2A. The entertainment device1010is facing towards a rear seat. The entertainment device1010may comprise not further shown screens such as displays and/or infotainment service devices.

For example, the compartment element500has a substantially bent inward portion such as a bend501as shown inFIG.2A.

For example, a total length of the forward facing seat200B and its respective privacy area300B at least partially overlap areas of three angled seats200A,200A′ arranged one behind another in one group10a. For instance, one forward facing seat200B and its respective privacy area300B are associated to three angled seats200A,200A′. Due to this configuration and the alternating sequence of rows800A,800B it is possible to create a group10awith twice as many seats200A as the other group10b. The second row800B may comprise two seats200A′,200B configured as one seating unit or passenger module.

Each forward facing seat200B and/or a respective privacy area300B of the forward facing seat200B is in connection with every second angled seat200A′. In particular, each forward facing seat200B shares one divider screen905with every second angled seat200A′. Further, each forward facing seat200B and every second angled seat200A′ are distanced to each other by each of their respective armrests902,903.

For example, a direct aisle access20′ of a front angled seat200A,200A merges with a direct aisle access20of a rear angled seat200A′ in a region between two forward facing seats200B. In particular, every direct aisle access20and20′ of the angled seats200A,200A are connected to each other to a substantially U-shape. Moreover, an additional privacy for passengers of the angled seats200A,200A′ is provided due to the specific extending shapes of the direct aisle accesses20,20′.

For example, each aisle access20,20′ has a substantially curved shape.

The direct aisle access20″ of the forward facing seat200B is extending substantially perpendicular to the respective seat axis sa′ of the forward facing seat200B. This direct aisle access20″ is provided between the forward facing seat200B and the corresponding compartment element500. The forward facing seat200B provides a wide direct aisle access20″. For example, the forward facing seat200B may be offered to passengers with disabilities. The forward facing seat200B and the respective privacy area300B may be configured to comply with so called DOT requirements.

Further, the seating arrangement100comprises at least two rows800A,800B each having a different number of seats200A to200B, in particular counted in transverse direction D2of the vehicle cabin10. The rows800A,800B are arranged alternating along the longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10. The first row800A comprises one angled single seat200A oriented facing in a first direction FD with respect to a longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10. The second row800B is arranged in front of the first row800A comprising an angled seat200A′ and a substantially lateral adjacent forward facing seat200B, wherein a distance between the forward facing seat200B and the lateral adjacent angled seat200A′ is less than a distance between the forward facing seat200B and the rear angled seat200A.

Moreover, the second row800B comprises a side utility element400, wherein the forward facing seat200B is arranged adjacent to a lateral side of the respective angled seat200A′, and the side utility element400is arranged on the other lateral side of the angled seat200A′. That means that the utility element400is laterally arranged on opposite sides of the same angled seat200A′ of the second row800B. The side utility element400comprises a foot support structure906for the rear angled seat200A, that means of the first row800A.

The side utility elements400are arranged one behind another.

Furthermore, the forward facing seat200B, the corresponding angled seat200A′ of the same row800B and its side utility element400are connected to each other on their rear facing side via a vertical side wall600. The vertical side wall600comprises at least a three-step decreasing shape with respect to the transverse direction D2or the longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10. Each step601to603having a different distance to the rear angled seat200A of the first row800A, for example as shown inFIGS.1and2A.

For example, the first step601is defined by the partition wall904arranged behind the forward facing seat200B. The second step602is defined by the partition wall904arranged behind the angled seat200A′ laterally adjacent to the forward facing seat200B. The third step603is defined by a rear facing side of the side utility element400associated with the angled seat200A′.

The shape of the vertical wall600and its arrangement with respect to the single seat200A enables a configuration of the aisle access20.

In one example, the first step601is arranged laterally distanced of a rear angled seat200A. For example, the first step601is arranged distanced to an area of the lateral armrest901of the rear angled seat200A. The second step602is arranged longitudinally distanced, for example in front of the rear angled seat200A. For example, the second step602is arranged distanced and in front of an area of the armrest901of the rear angled seat200A. The step603is arranged longitudinally distanced, for example in front of the rear angled seat200A. For example, the step603is arranged distanced and in front of a seat pan201of the rear angled seat200A.

For example, a distance between the seat pan201of the forward facing seat200B and a backrest202of the lateral adjacent angled seat200A′ of the same row800B is less than a distance between a backrest202of the same forward facing seat200B and a seat pan201of the rear angled seat200A of the first row800A.

The seats200A to200B are movable along their respective seat axis sa to sa′ between the seating position P1and the bed position P2. It is to be understood that each respective seat axis sa to sa′ corresponds to a longitudinal extension and moving direction of each respective seat200A to200B when moving between the seating position P1and the bed position P2and vice versa.

The angled seats200A,200A′ each having a respective seat axis sa which is located angled with respect to the longitudinal axis La. The forward facing seat200B has a respective seat axis sa′ which is located substantially parallel or with a marginal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis La.

The angled seats200A,200A′ of each row800A,800B are identical, that means the angled seats200A,200A′ have the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis La. For example, the angled seats200A,200A′ are positioned by a predefined angle of about more than 15°, preferably more than 20°, in particular about 25°. For example, the angled seats200A,200A′ are oriented facing inwardly or outwardly depending on an orientation with respect to the aisle11provided within the vehicle cabin10. Optionally, angles of the angled seats200A,200A′ may differ from each other. The forward facing seat200B is positioned by a predefined angle of about less than −10°, preferably less than 7°, in particular less or about 5°. The forward facing seat200B may be a so called in-line facing seat200B having a respective seat axis sa′ substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction D1of the vehicle cabin10.

FIGS.2A and2Bshow schematically in top views embodiments of seating arrangements100′,100″ for a vehicle cabin10, comprising a plurality of seats200A to200B. For example,FIG.2Ashows a seating arrangement100′ having a first group10abordering the cabin wall12and a second group10bbordering the aisle11. Moreover, the groups10a,10bcomprise a number of identical sequences of alternating rows800A,800B. For example,FIG.2Bshows a seating arrangement100″ having four groups10a,10balternating in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin10, wherein the groups10aand10bare mirrored along a center axis cca of the vehicle cabin10, for example of a wide body aircraft. The groups10bare each bordering an aisle11.

FIGS.3A and3Bshow schematically in top views embodiments of a seating arrangement100′ for a vehicle cabin10, for example of a narrow body aircraft.

FIGS.4A and4Bshow schematically in top views embodiments of seating arrangements100′″,100″″ for a vehicle cabin10, for example of a wide body aircraft.

The seating arrangement100′″ shown inFIG.4Acomprises a plurality of alternating groups10aand10bin a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin10. For instance, groups10aand10barranged in a center section of the vehicle cabin10(sections division seen in transverse direction) are arranged offset to the groups10a,10bof outer/cabin wall sections. Between the center section and each outer/cabin wall section an aisle11is arranged.

The seating arrangement100″″ shown inFIG.4Bcomprises a first center group10cand a second center group10deach comprising a number of angled seats200C forming a so called herringbone seating layout. Each angled seat200C having a direct aisle access20′″. The angled seats200C may be different or identical to the angled seats200B. The center groups10c,10dare arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin10and may be divided by a number of divider assemblies arranged along the center axis cca of the vehicle cabin10. Further, the seating arrangement100″″ comprises two outer groups10e,10fand two aisles11provided between a center group10c,10dand an outer group10e,10f. In this case it is to be understood that each outer group10e,10fis configured by the directly adjoining groups10a,10b, such as sub-groups, as described above. The seats200C may also be one of a forward facing or an outward facing or an inward facing seat200C.

FIG.5shows schematically in a top view an embodiment of a seating arrangement100′ for a vehicle cabin10, for example of a narrow body aircraft, comprising a plurality of seats200D. For example, the seats200D are configured as forward facing seats200D.

With reference now toFIG.6, the apparatus1100is provided. As shown inFIG.6, an example of the apparatus1100is a flying apparatus1101, such as an aerospace vehicle, aircraft, air cargo, flying car, satellite, planetary probe, deep space probe, solar probe, and the like. As also shown inFIG.6, a further example of the apparatus1100is a ground transportation apparatus1102, such as an automobile, a truck, heavy equipment, construction equipment, a boat, a ship, a submarine, and the like. A further example of the apparatus1100shown inFIG.6is a modular apparatus1103that comprises at least one or more of the following modules: an air module, a payload module, and a ground module. The air module provides air lift or flying capability. The payload module provides capability of transporting objects such as cargo or live objects (people, animals, etc.). The ground module provides the capability of ground mobility. The disclosed solution herein is applied to each of the modules separately or in groups such as air and payload modules, or payload and ground, etc. or all modules.

With reference now toFIG.7, a more specific diagram of the flying apparatus1101is depicted in which an implementation of the disclosure is advantageously employed. In this example, the flying apparatus1101is an aircraft produced by an apparatus manufacturing and service method and includes an airframe1202with a plurality of systems1204and an interior1206. Examples of the plurality of systems1204include one or more of a propulsion system1208, an electrical system1210, a hydraulic system1212, and an environmental system1214. However, other systems are also candidates for inclusion. Although an aerospace example is shown, different advantageous examples are applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry, etc.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the implementations thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there could be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term “implementation” is intended to mean “an example of.” The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.”

An advantage of each passenger seating arrangement of the present invention is to optimize a use of space within the vehicle cabin whilst providing maximum comfort and privacy for the passengers. For example, in each proposed seating arrangement the seats are at least staggered in transverse direction of the vehicle cabin in such way that a substantially narrow total column width is achieved. Furthermore advantageously is that each proposed seating arrangement of the present invention allows applying a comparatively high number of non-aisle seats, for example such as angled seats, in particular window seats, in combination with a different number of aisle seats within the vehicle cabin.

The present invention offers a specific, novel seating layout and design having combined angled and forward facing seats compared to already known seating arrangements, such as simple so called in-line seating layouts and herringbone seating layouts. The seating arrangements according to the disclosure may each increase an optical appearance of the vehicle cabin providing a feeling to the passengers of a new aircraft cabin design having individual privacy areas and aisle accesses. Each seat is provided with same features.

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Clauses

Further, the disclosure comprises embodiments according to the following clauses:Clause 1. A seating arrangement for a vehicle cabin, wherein the seating arrangement comprising:a first group having a number of seats;a second group having a number of seats; andeach group extending laterally adjacent to each other along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin;wherein the first group having twice as many seats as the second group with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin.Clause 2. The seating arrangement of clause 1, further comprising privacy areas associated with the seats of the second group and aligned with the seats of the second group substantially along the longitudinal direction.Clause 3. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the seats of the second group having privacy areas which total length at least partially overlaps privacy areas of the seats of the first group in the longitudinal direction.Clause 4. The seating arrangement of clause 1, further comprising foot support structures associated with the seats of the second group, the foot support structures having a substantially triangular shape, triangular-prism or rectangular, rectangular-prism or square, or cube shape.Clause 5. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the first group having first seats and second seats arranged laterally offset with respect to a seat of the second group, and every second seat of the first group is arranged laterally adjacent relative to a seat of the second group along a shared boundary.Clause 6. The seating arrangement of clause 5, wherein the first seats and second seats are arranged offset relative to the longitudinal direction and alternating along the longitudinal direction.Clause 7. The seating arrangement of clause 5, wherein every first seat of the first group having a single seat which is partially enclosed between two second seats and their respective laterally adjacent seats of the second group.Clause 8. The seating arrangement of clause 5, wherein every second seat of the first group having an aisle access in front of the laterally adjacent seat of the second group.Clause 9. The seating arrangement of clause 5, wherein every first seat of the first group having an aisle access between two seats of the second group.Clause 10. The seating arrangement of clause 5, wherein the first seat of the first group having a first aisle access, the second seat of the first group having a second aisle access, and the first aisle access and the second aisle access merge in a region between two seats of the second group.Clause 11. The seating arrangement of clause 5, wherein each seat having a seat pan and a backrest, and a distance between the seat pan of the seat of the second group and the backrest of the second seat of the first group is less than a distance between the backrest of the seat of the second group and the seat pan of the first seat of the first group.Clause 12. The seating arrangement of clause 5, further comprising side utility elements each associated with the first seat and the second seat of the first group, each side utility element arranged laterally adjacent to the first seat or the second seat, wherein the second seat and the respective laterally adjacent seat of the second group and the side utility element are connected to each other along a shared vertical side wall.Clause 13. The seating arrangement of clause 12, wherein the vertical side wall having a three-step decreasing shape with respect to the longitudinal direction, and each step having a different distance to first seat of the first group.Clause 14. The seating arrangement of clause 12, wherein each second seat of the first group is arranged between a respective side utility element associated with the second seat and the respective laterally adjacent seat of the second group, and the side utility element having a foot support structure.Clause 15. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the first group having a number of angled seats positioned angled relative to the longitudinal direction, and the second group having a number of substantially forward facing seats arranged substantially facing along the longitudinal direction.Clause 16. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the first group having a number of angled seats having identical seat axes with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle cabin, and the angled seats facing in an outward direction of the vehicle cabin.Clause 17. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the first group having seats positioned by a predefined angle of about more than 15° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle cabin.Clause 18. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the second group having seats positioned by a predefined angle of about less than −10° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle cabin.Clause 19. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the seats of the first group having a respective privacy area having:two lateral armrests;a partition wall arranged at least partially surrounding the first seat;a side utility element; anda foot support structure.Clause 20. The seating arrangement of clause 1, wherein the seats of the second group having a respective privacy area having:two lateral armrests;a partition wall arranged at least partially surrounding the first seat;a divider screen; anda foot support structure.Clause 21. A method of installing the seating arrangement of clause 1 in an aircraft.