HK40115766A - An aircraft cabin - Google Patents

Description

aircraft cockpit

Technical Field

This invention relates to the passenger cabin area (or passenger cabin) in an aircraft.

The present invention relates to an aircraft cabin (or aircraft cabin) having at least one passenger compartment area.

It should be noted that the terms “aircraft”, “airplane”, and “airplane” are used interchangeably in this document.

Background Technology

Commercial aircraft cabins include passenger cabin areas, such as those found in first class.

International application PCT/SG2005/000042 (WO2005/080196) discloses, in the name of the applicant, an aircraft cockpit having a passenger compartment area, which is incorporated herein by reference.

WO2005/080196 discloses an aircraft cockpit with outer and inner passenger compartments, the compartments in each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. Each compartment includes a wall defining the compartment space and is accessible via a doorway in one of the walls. Each compartment includes a seat for passengers and a separate bed. The bed is in a double-folding configuration and can be stored in a cavity in the compartment wall when not in the bed configuration position within the compartment. The outer row is separated from the inner row by a longitudinally extending aisle. The outer row is positioned along opposite sides of the aircraft, wherein the aircraft sidewalls form sections of the compartment walls for these rows. The inner row includes at least one pair of adjacent passenger compartments, each of the pair of adjacent passenger compartments having a separating doorway providing access to the adjacent aisle.

WO2005/080196 discloses an option that at least one pair of adjacent cabin sections in an inner row can be combined to form a double bed cabin section for passengers. When the cabin section is in a double cabin section configuration, the bed in each of the pair of adjacent cabin sections is positioned to form a double bed.

More specifically, WO2005/080196 discloses at least one pair of compartments separated by a partition wall extending upwards from the floor of the compartment to approximately waist height. A top rail and retractable louvers housed within the top rail are located above this partition wall. The louvers can be pulled down to position between the compartments so as to engage with a portion of the partition wall, thereby completely separating the compartments into two separate compartments. The louvers can also retract into the top rail, allowing the compartments to be converted from two separate compartments into a double bed compartment.

Another aircraft cabin is disclosed in the name of the applicant by reference to international application PCT/SG2017/050475 (WO2019/059841), which is incorporated herein by reference, and includes a passenger cabin area that includes a double bed cabin area option for passengers.

WO2019/059841 discloses an aircraft cabin with outer and inner rows of passenger compartments, the compartments in each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. Each compartment includes a wall defining the compartment space and accessible via a doorway in one of the walls, wherein each compartment includes seats and separate beds for passengers. The outer rows are positioned along opposite sides of the aircraft, wherein the aircraft sidewalls form sections of the compartment walls for these rows. The inner rows include at least one pair of adjacent passenger compartments, each of the pair of adjacent passenger compartments having a separate doorway providing access to an adjacent aisle.

Each compartment includes a storage box for vertically oriented storage of the bed along the longer edge of the bed in a stowed position, wherein the bed is movable between a stowed position and an operating position within the box, in which the bed defines a sleeping platform within the passenger space.

The dual-compartment option of WO2019/059841 includes two aforementioned compartments separated by a common perimeter wall section between the compartments.

The common wall is an extendable/retractable wall that allows it to extend or retract vertically between an extended and retracted position. The bed in the cabin is positioned against the common wall. When the extendable/retractable wall is in the retracted position, the bed can be moved from a stowed position to an operating position, defining a double bed arrangement (or configuration) in the operating position.

This invention provides an alternative to the passenger compartment area disclosed in WO2005/080196 and WO2019/059841.

The above description should not be regarded as an acknowledgment of common knowledge.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides an aircraft cockpit comprising a plurality of passenger compartments, the plurality of passenger compartments including (or comprising) at least one double-bed passenger compartment, wherein the double-bed compartment is defined by a peripheral wall having two openings allowing access to the double-bed compartment, two passenger seats positioned side-by-side adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen movable between (a) a retracted position and (b) a deployed position, wherein in the retracted position the privacy screen is at least substantially retracted outside the double-bed compartment, such that passenger movement within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen, and in the deployed position the privacy screen is located between the passenger seats within the double-bed compartment and divides the compartment into two separate individual passenger compartments, the privacy screen forming a common wall between the separate individual compartments, and each separate individual compartment is accessible via one of the openings.

Unlike the double bed compartments in WO2005/080196 and WO2019/059841, the double bed compartment described above does not require a partition wall, which would otherwise occupy valuable floor space and restrict passenger movement within the double bed compartment. Therefore, when the privacy screen is in the retracted position, more floor space can be utilized.

When deployed, the privacy screen ensures passenger privacy in two separate, independent passenger compartments.

When stowed, the double bed compartment, devoid of privacy screens, creates a fully integrated passenger space for two passengers. Each integrated space is fully accessible to the passengers within. Specifically, when the seats are not in bed configuration, passengers can move from one side of the integrated space to the other.

Unlike the vertically movable privacy screens in WO2005/08196 and WO2019/059841, this privacy screen can move horizontally between a retracted position, at least substantially outside the double bed compartment, and a deployment position within the double bed compartment, positioned between passenger seats. In practice, this typically (though not necessarily) means that the privacy screen moves forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft from the retracted position and toward the retracted position.

The perimeter wall may include a cavity for receiving the privacy screen and thus retracting the privacy screen in the retracted position.

The cavity can be located behind the passenger seat. However, the invention is not limited to this orientation, and by way of example, it is also conceivable that the cavity can be located in front of the passenger seat.

Privacy screens can include multiple upright panels that can move independently of each other between a retracted position and a deployed position.

In the retracted position, the panels can be arranged in an overlapping manner outside the double bed compartment area, that is, the panels are arranged side by side, with one panel facing the side of the adjacent panel.

In the deployment location, the panels can be arranged in an end-to-end configuration, meaning that the side edges of adjacent panels are in contact, and each panel occupies a section of a common wall between separate individual compartments.

The privacy screen may include multiple upright panels that are interconnected and can extend and retract between a retracted position and a deployed position.

The height of the surrounding wall can be any suitable height.

For example, the height can be in the range of 1.5-1.9m, but is usually 1.7m.

Privacy screens can extend to the height of the surrounding walls adjacent to the privacy screen.

However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement, and by way of example, it is also envisioned that the privacy screen can extend to a height that is less than or greater than the height of the surrounding wall.

The passenger compartment may include at least one rail for supporting and guiding the privacy screen to move between passenger seats, between a retracted position and a deployed position.

The guide rail can be positioned at the height of the perimeter wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

The passenger compartment may include at least one lower guide rail located on the floor of the compartment. Appropriately, the lower guide rail is recessed into the floor so as not to pose a tripping hazard to passengers.

The privacy screen can be operated electrically.

Alternatively, the privacy screen can be operated manually.

The present invention also provides an aircraft including the above-mentioned double-bed passenger cabin area.

The present invention also provides a double-bed passenger compartment area for an aircraft, the double-bed compartment area being defined by the following components: a peripheral wall having two openings allowing access to and from the double-bed compartment area; two passenger seats positioned side-by-side adjacent to each other; and an upright privacy screen movable between (a) a retracted position and (b) a deployed position, wherein in the retracted position the privacy screen is at least substantially retracted outside the double-bed compartment area so that passenger movement within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen; and in the deployed position the privacy screen is located between the passenger seats within the compartment area and divides the double-bed compartment area into two separate individual compartments, wherein the privacy screen forms a common wall between the two separate individual compartments, and each separate individual compartment is accessible via one of the openings.

The present invention also provides an aircraft cockpit comprising a plurality of passenger seats, the plurality of passenger seats including at least one pair of passenger seats positioned side by side adjacent to each other, each passenger seat in the pair being adjustable between an upright position and a reclining position, each passenger seat in the pair being operable by a passenger individually to adjust the position of the seat independently of the other seat in the pair, and the pairs of seats being operable together so that the positions of the pairs of seats can be adjusted simultaneously, thereby the two seats moving in coordination (or one in front of the other).

It should be noted that the arrangement described in the preceding paragraph is not limited to aircraft cabins with double-bed passenger compartments.

The arrangements described in the preceding two paragraphs offer passengers flexibility in how they wish to operate their seats. The passenger seats in a pair can be operated individually, or they can operate collaboratively, allowing a single passenger to operate both seats, thereby moving them together to the same tilt angle. This collaborative operation option means that a passenger does not have to individually adjust his/her seat to match the angle of the other passenger's seat in the pair.

The angle adjustment of the passenger seats in a pair of passenger seats can be remotely operated via a remote controller (or remote control).

Appropriately, the remote controller can independently adjust the angle of each passenger seat. The remote controller may include a single controller. Alternatively, the remote controller may include multiple controllers. The remote controller may include a wall-mounted (or wall-mounted) control panel. The control panel may be located on the perimeter wall of the cabin area. The remote controller may include a handheld controller. The handheld controller may be a wireless unit.

The passenger seat may have an inner armrest and an outer armrest, and at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest is height adjustable.

The terms “inner” and “outer” are understood in this document to refer to their position relative to the aisle. For example, an “outer armrest” is an armrest positioned for each seat closer to the adjacent aisle of the cabin area.

When the passenger seat is in an upright position, the inner armrest can be lowered to form a two-seat sofa configuration.

The term “two-seat sofa configuration” is understood in this article to mean an equivalent of a two-seat sofa formed by seats.

When the passenger seat is in a reclined position, the inner and outer armrests can be lowered to form a double bed configuration.

The term “double bed configuration” is understood in this article to mean the equivalent of a double bed formed by a chair.

At least one of the inner and outer handrails can be operated electrically, for example, via an electric motor.

Alternatively, at least one of the inner and outer handrails can be pneumatically operated. This can be achieved by operating an air compressor or by controlled release of compressed air from a storage tank to inflate an inflatable bladder (such as a balloon or pouch) inside the handrail.

Alternatively, at least one of the inner and outer handrails can be hydraulically operated. This can be achieved by operating a pump to pump fluid into an inflatable bladder (such as a balloon or pouch) inside the handrail.

The height of at least one of the inner and outer handrails can be adjusted via a remote controller.

At least one of the seats may have a backrest, the backrest comprising a central section and side wing sections pivotally connected to the central section, such that the curvature of the backrest is adjustable.

The flank section can be inflated by operating an air compressor or by controlling the release of compressed air from a storage tank to inflate an inflatable bladder (such as a balloon or pouch) inside the flank section.

Alternatively, the inflatable bladder can be inflated by injecting fluid. In other words, the inflatable bladder can be hydraulically operated.

The aforementioned backrest arrangement is suitable for providing both a flat surface when in a double bed configuration and a curved surface when in an upright position.

The passenger compartment may include footstools (or footrests) with seating.

The term “footstool” is understood in this text to mean a seat with a cushion (or padding), which is usually but not necessarily without a backrest or armrests, and is usually but not necessarily configured to define a storage space, wherein the seat is hinged to form a lid to close the storage space.

When the seat is in bed configuration, the footstool and seat can be configured as a limited bed.

Footstools may include space for storing (or storing) luggage.

The space can be located under the seat of the footstool.

The footstool seat can be moved upwards to allow access to the storage space.

Typically, the footrest is separate from the seat and located in front of it, spaced apart. The seat of the footrest can be raised to reveal the cabin's luggage storage space beneath the seat. Passengers can access the storage space even while seated (with the seatbelt in the operating position). This design maximizes storage space while maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

The footstool seating area can also be used as a "partner" seating area, allowing passengers to dine facing each other when the table is also set up, with one passenger sitting in the chair and another passenger sitting on the footstool. When the privacy screen retracts, up to four passengers can enjoy dining together.

The passenger compartment area may include a table movably connected to an arm extending from the peripheral wall. Suitable for sliding along rails on the arm.

The advantage of tables is that they are attached to the surrounding walls, rather than to the floor or seats. This means that when the tables are folded up, there are no obstacles that would impede passengers' movement within the cabin area.

In some embodiments, the arm is telescopically movable.

The table can have several sections connected together, making the table foldable, so that it can be transformed from a compact table assembly into an unfolded table assembly.

The present invention also provides an aircraft comprising the aforementioned pairs of passenger seats positioned side-by-side adjacent to each other.

The present invention also provides an aircraft cockpit, comprising:

(a) At least two outer row passenger compartments located on each side of the aircraft cockpit, wherein each row is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cockpit, and the aircraft sidewalls form sections of each row of compartments.

(b) At least two adjacent passenger compartments in the inner row.

(c) At least two aisles extending in the longitudinal direction and separating compartments in each row, such that each compartment can be accessed via one of the aisles.

as well as

(d) Each compartment includes a wall defining the compartment space and a doorway allowing access to the compartment space from one of the aisles, wherein each compartment includes at least a seat for passengers configured as a seat and a bed, and the wall along the aisle is an outwardly curved wall forming an area between the seat and the doorway, whereby a passenger can stand when the seat is in bed configuration.

It should be noted that the arrangement described in the preceding paragraph is not limited to aircraft cabins with double-bed passenger compartments.

Each compartment may include a door that is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the door extends across and closes the doorway, and in the open position the door is away from the doorway.

Doorways in the compartments on the opposite side of the passageway may not be aligned, thus the doorway faces the doorway wall on the opposite side of the passageway.

Attached Figure Description

The invention is further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a general layout diagram of an embodiment of an aircraft cockpit according to the present invention, which includes an embodiment of a passenger cabin area according to the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the passenger cabin area shown in Figure 1, with the privacy screen in its deployment position;

Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the passenger cabin area shown in Figure 1, with the privacy screen in the retracted position;

Figures 4A and 4B are external perspective views of the passenger cabin area shown in Figure 1, with privacy screens partially deployed.

Figure 5 is an interior perspective view of the passenger cabin area shown in Figure 1, with the privacy screen in the retracted position;

Figure 6A is a front perspective view of the passenger seat shown in Figure 1, where the backrest defines a flat surface;

Figure 6B is a front perspective view of the passenger seat shown in Figure 1, where the backrest defines a curved surface;

Figure 7A is a perspective view of the passenger cabin area shown in Figure 1, with the table in the stowed position;

Figure 7B is a perspective view of the passenger compartment area in Figure 1, where both tables are in the deployed and folded positions;

Figure 7C is a perspective view of the passenger compartment area of Figure 1, showing both tables in their deployed and unfolded positions; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the outer suite passenger cabin area shown in Figure 1, with the table in the deployed and unfolded position.

Detailed Implementation

Figure 1 shows the aircraft cockpit 3, which includes multiple passenger compartments 5 that define a multi-functional compartment space for passengers.

Cabin 5 is designed to be completely enclosed, giving passengers complete privacy.

Section 5 is specifically (but not exclusively) designed for long-haul flights, where passengers occupying the section may wish to work, relax, or sleep during the long journey.

The cabin includes outer rows 11a and 11c of cabin area 5; and inner row 11b, which includes a double bed cabin area option formed by two adjacent cabin areas 5, wherein each row of cabin areas 5 is spaced apart in the longitudinal extension direction of the aircraft, and wherein each row is separated by a longitudinally extending aisle 51.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the number of compartments 5 shown in the figure; the number of rows 11a, 11b, 11c; and the number of passageways 51.

The compartments 5 of each row 11a, 11b, and 11c can be accessed through openings in the form of doorways 9 in the wall 7b (hereinafter referred to as “doorway wall 7b”) that form a defined passageway 51.

Doorway 9 is centrally located within doorway wall 7b and divides wall 7b into two equal sections (one section on each side of wall 7b). It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this centrally located doorway arrangement.

The two outer rows 11a and 11c of compartment 5 are positioned along opposite sides of the aircraft. Aircraft sidewalls 15 form the outer walls of compartment 5. Each outer row 11a and 11c of compartment 5 also includes a wall 7a extending inward from the aircraft sidewall 15. Wall 7a forms the end wall of compartment 5. A portal wall 7b extends from the end wall 7a and forms the inner wall of compartment 5. The aircraft sidewall 15, wall 7a, and portal wall 7b together form the perimeter wall of each compartment 5.

Each end wall 7a and the portal wall 7b extending from the end wall 7a in the opposite direction are arranged in a substantially (or essentially) T-shape.

The inner row 11b of compartment 5 comprises pairs of compartments 5 arranged side-by-side. These compartments 5 have a curved front wall 7d, a doorway wall 7b, and an end wall 7a that jointly define the perimeter of the compartment 5. The doorway wall 7b curves outward toward the aircraft side wall 15. Each pair of compartments 5 has a doorway 9 leading to a passageway 51 on the opposite side of the inner row 11b. Viewed in plan view, the curved front wall 7d and the curved doorway wall 7d result in an egg-shaped appearance for the compartments 5.

It should be noted that the aircraft cockpit 3 may include more than one inner row 11b of paired compartments 5, wherein these paired compartments are spaced apart in the longitudinal extension direction of the aircraft.

Except that the outer rows 11a and 11c have different table components (which will be explained later in the instruction manual), the compartment 5 in the inner row 11b is the same as the compartment 5 in the outer rows 11a and 11c in terms of furniture and layout.

The compartment 5 in the inner row 11b is separated by an upright privacy screen 7c, which is horizontally movable between a deployment (or extension) position within the compartment 5 and a retracted position within a cavity 6 (also described as a “slot” – see Figure 1 and other figures) outside the compartment 5, as further described below, so that the compartment 5 can be converted from a separate single compartment 5 into an open double bed compartment.

It should be noted that the layout of the compartments in rows 11a, 11b, and 11c of this invention differs from the arrangement of the compartments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Walls 7a, 7b, and 7d have any suitable height to ensure the privacy of passengers in compartment 5. For example, walls 7a, 7b, and 7d are 1.7m high.

The passageway 51 is formed as a curved passageway. The curved passageway contributes to the overall appearance of the cabin. The curved passageway 51 is formed by making the doorway wall 7b a convex wall when viewed from the passageway 51 and by staggering the positions of the cabin areas 5 so that the doorways 9 of the cabin areas 5 on the opposite side of the passageway 51 are not aligned.

The compartments 5 in rows 11a, 11b, and 11c are staggered along the length of aisle 51, such that the doorway 9 of the compartment on one side of aisle 51 faces the doorway wall 7b on the other side of aisle 51, and vice versa.

As described above, the fact that the doorway wall 7b is formed as a curved wall when viewed from passageway 51 means that there is additional space in these sections of compartment 5, as further described below. This is an advantage because it allows for more efficient use of the available space within compartment 5.

Each compartment 5 includes a sliding door assembly for closing the doorway 9. Each compartment 5's sliding door assembly includes a door 8, which is mounted to slide between a retracted position and a closed position, wherein in the retracted position, the door 8 is located within a frame (not shown) in the doorway wall 7b, and in the closed position, the door 8 extends across the doorway 9 to close the compartment 5. In the closed position, the door 8 and the doorway wall 7b bend outwards into the corresponding aisle 51. By bending the door 8 outwards, additional space is created within the compartment 5. This additional space is useful because when the door is closed and the seat 31 is reclined in the bed configuration (as further described below), there is space between the bed and the closed door 8 allowing the passenger to stand or comfortably place his/her legs to stand beside the bed configuration.

Each door 8 has a fixed light-blocking panel (or louver panel).

Each passenger cabin area 5 accommodates a wide range of furniture that passengers need (especially on long-haul flights).

The furniture includes the aforementioned seat 31, footstool 36 with a seat, and table assembly 38 located in compartment 5.

The furniture is designed and arranged in an interactive manner, allowing it to be selectively configured with many different functions according to the needs of passengers, especially on long-haul flights.

Seat 31 is located on one side of the doorway and positioned against the end wall 7a on that side of doorway 9. Footrest 36 is located on the other side of doorway 9. Table assembly 38 is housed in the end wall 7a near footrest 36 and is movable between a storage position in which the table is stored in a cavity in the end wall 7a and an operating position in which the table assembly 38 extends horizontally into the space between seat 31 and footrest 36. In the case of outer rows 11a and 11c of compartment 5, table assembly 38 is positioned adjacent to aircraft side wall 15. In the case of inner row 11b of compartment 5, table assembly 38 is positioned adjacent to front wall 7d on the side of doorway 9.

Footstool 36 has a storage space for luggage located under the seat. The seat can be lifted up to expose the luggage stored in the space.

The seat 31 is multifunctional. Specifically, the seat 31 can be folded between an upright position suitable for a person to sit in the seat 31 and a fully reclined position in which the seat 31 forms a bed. It should be noted that the seat 31 can be adjusted to any position between the upright position and the fully reclined position.

In some embodiments, the footstool 36 can be abutted against the end of the bed to extend the length of the bed. In this regard, the footstool 36 has a top surface at the same height as the top surface of the bed to provide a flat surface for lying down.

Figures 2 to 4 show interior views of paired compartments 5 in inner row 11b.

In Figure 2, paired compartments 5 are separated by upright privacy screens 7c, which comprise three independently movable (i.e., individual) upright panels 53 in the aforementioned deployment position within the compartments 5. In this position, the panels 53 form a continuous privacy screen 7c as shown in the figure, separating the paired compartments 5. In other words, in this position, the panels 53 are arranged end-to-end, i.e., the side edges 55 of adjacent panels contact, and each panel 53 occupies a section (or portion) of the common wall between the compartments 5. Each panel 53 extends the entire height of the circumferential wall, i.e., 1.7m. When the privacy screens 7c are in the deployment position, they ensure that passengers in the paired compartments 5 are visually blocked from each other and cannot cross into the compartments 5. When in the deployment position, the privacy screens 7c also function as an acoustic barrier. In this regard, the privacy screens 7c may include sound-absorbing materials to further attenuate noise propagating between the compartments.

As described above, the upright privacy screen 7c can move from its deployment position within compartment 5 to a retracted position outside compartment 5, allowing compartment 5 to be transformed from a separate single compartment into a larger double bed compartment. In the double bed compartment configuration, the privacy screen 7c is not restricted to movement within the larger double bed compartment.

The panel 53 of the privacy screen 7c can be moved horizontally independently of each other between a deployment position (as shown in FIG. 2) and a retracted position in the cavity 6 (see FIG. 1 and other figures) via an electric drive system (not shown). In the retracted position, the panels 53 are arranged in an overlapping arrangement, that is, the panels 53 are arranged side by side, with one panel 53 facing the face of the adjacent overlapping panel 53.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate privacy screens 7c in a two-part deployment configuration. This partial deployment configuration provides passengers with some degree of privacy in opposing compartments. For example, in Figure 4A, a passenger in one compartment 5 is prevented from looking down at passengers in the other compartment 5. In Figure 4B, a passenger in one compartment 5 can visually observe passengers in the other compartment 5, but is prevented from observing the screen positioned on the front wall of compartment 5.

Figures 3 and 5 show the cabin area 5, in which the privacy screen 7c is in the retracted position, located in a cavity 6 in a portion of the end wall 7a positioned behind the seat 31.

Cavity 6 is an elongated slot (and referred to below as slot 6) extending across the entire height of the cabin (i.e., 1.7m). The depth of slot 6 is determined by the depth of the panels forming privacy screen 7c. In other words, slot 6 must be deep enough to accommodate a single panel without the panel protruding beyond slot 6. The width of slot 6 is determined by the maximum thickness of the panel closest to the location of slot 6. Preferably, each panel of privacy screen 7c has the same thickness.

However, it is also envisioned that when the privacy screen is in the deployment position, the thickness of the panels farther from the slot 6 can be less than the thickness of the panels closer to the slot. For example, the terminal panel located furthest from the slot 6 in the deployment position can have the smallest thickness. In some forms of the privacy screen 7c (not shown), the variation in thickness allows the panels of the privacy screen 7c to stretch and contract inwards relative to each other when retracted into the stowed position. Therefore, each panel, except for the terminal panel, needs to have a sufficiently large thickness to accommodate its adjacent panels.

The privacy screen 7c moves along and between a pair of guide rails (or tracks) 10 via an electric drive system (not shown). The pair of guide rails 10 are located at cabin height (i.e., 1.7m) and extend between the passenger seats 31.

The privacy screen 7c is electrically operated via a remote controller. The remote controller can be a handheld remote controller or a wall-mounted control panel.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the use of seat 31 in each passenger compartment 5. Seat 31 is pivotally adjustable between an upright position (as shown in Figures 6A and 6B), a fully reclined position (not shown), and any suitable position in between. In the reclined position, seat 31 transforms into a bed suitable for passengers to lie flat.

Adjacent passenger seats 31 are pivotally connected, such that adjusting the angle of one passenger seat 31 simultaneously adjusts the angle of the other passenger seat 31. When adjacent passenger seats 31 operate in coordination (or one in front of the other), as described above, a passenger's companion can adjust the angles of both seats 31 simultaneously. This configuration avoids the need for a passenger's companion to carefully adjust his/her seat 31 to match the angle of his/her companion's seat 31.

The angle adjustment of the passenger seats 31 is remotely operated via a remote controller. The remote controller may have a secondary (or second) operating mode, thereby enabling independent adjustment of the angle of each passenger seat 31. Preferably, the remote controller is the same remote controller used to operate the privacy screen 7c. However, it is also conceivable that the remote controller may be a different remote controller.

For safety reasons, it is desirable that flight attendants (or crew members) have access to a remote controller and be able to select which operating mode (i.e., cooperative or independent angle adjustment) to use when operating seat 31. For takeoff and landing, seat 31 must be in an upright position. Therefore, flight attendants may wish to have control over seat 31 to return all or some of the seats in seat 31 to an upright position.

Each passenger seat 31 has a pair of armrests 32. The armrests 32 are electrically actuated, making the height of each armrest adjustable. When a pair of passenger seats 31 are in an upright position, the armrest located between the seats 31 (inner armrest) can be lowered to form a configuration equivalent to a "double sofa" from the pair of adjacent seats. When the pair of passenger seats are in a reclined position, the armrest closest to the privacy screen 7c (outer armrest) can be lowered to form a configuration equivalent to a "double bed" from the pair of adjacent seats.

The height of at least one of the armrests 32 can be adjusted via a remote controller. Preferably, the remote controller is the same remote controller used to operate the angle of the seat. However, it is also conceivable that the remote controller can be a different remote controller.

Each seat 31 has a seat 33, a backrest 34 and a leg rest 35.

The backrest 34 includes a central section 34a, with side wings 34b pivotally connected to the central section. The side wings 34b allow the curvature of the backrest to be adjustable, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. It is desirable to provide a flat surface when the seat 31 is in a "double bed" configuration, and a curved surface when the seat 31 is in an upright position.

Each seat 31 also has a leg rest 35 pivotally connected to the base of the seat 31. When the seat 31 is in the upright position, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the leg rest 35 is approximately perpendicular to the base of the seat 31, so that it is tucked under the passenger's legs. However, when the seat 31 is in the reclined position, the top surface of the leg rest 35 is flush with the seat portion 33 and the backrest 34.

As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, each of the inner row 11b compartment 5 has a table assembly 38 connected to an arm 39 via a bracket 40.

Arm 39 has a proximal end connected to the front wall 7d and a distal end connected to the bracket 40. Arm 39 can extend telescopically in a first direction along a first axis extending between adjacent seats.

The arm 39 extends from the end wall 7a rather than the floor. When the table assembly 38 is in a stowed configuration, this configuration minimizes obstructions (which would otherwise pose a tripping hazard to passengers walking across the floor).

The support 40 includes a bottom section that is fixedly connected to the distal end of the arm 39, such that the support 40 can move together with the arm 39 as the arm 39 extends along the first axis in the first direction.

The table assembly 38 is a double-fold table including two table flaps 38a and 38b, which are hinged together so that the flaps can pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

As can be seen in Figure 7A, a portion of the front wall 7d in front of the seat 31 includes a horizontally extending elongated slot that defines a storage pocket 41. The storage pocket 41 is sized such that the table assembly 38 can be fully retracted into the storage pocket 41 in a stowed configuration.

In the deployment configuration, table component 38 is configured to support food and other items.

The table component 38 can be electrically switched from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration via a remote controller. Alternatively, the table component 38 can be manually switched from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

To rotate the table assembly 38, a support 40 extends along a first axis in a first direction to position the table assembly 38 between the seat 31 and the footstool 36, resulting in the arrangement shown in FIG. 7B. Then, one of the table flaps 38a, 38b is able to pivot about a second axis to unfold the table assembly 38, resulting in the arrangement shown in FIG. 7C.

As shown in Figure 8, each of the outer rows 11a and 11c of cabin 5 has a table assembly 41, which includes a table 42 with two table flaps 42a and 42b hinged to each other. The table 42 is connected to an arm 43, which is slidably mounted to a bracket 44. The bracket 44 is mounted along the aircraft sidewall 15. To stow the table assembly 41, passengers fold the table flaps 42a and 42b and slide the table assembly 41 forward into a storage bag located in front of the seat 31 in the cabin.

When the table assembly 41 is in a stowed configuration, this configuration similarly minimizes obstacles (which would otherwise pose a tripping hazard to passengers walking across the floor).

In summary, the aircraft cockpit according to the present invention optimizes space utilization, enhances the luxury experience, and minimizes the amount of tripping hazards in the passenger cabin area.

In the appended claims and the foregoing description of the invention, unless the context requires otherwise due to explicit language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” or variations such as “including” or “having” are used in an inclusive sense, that is, specifying the presence of the stated feature but not excluding the presence or addition of additional features in various embodiments of the invention.

It should be understood that if this article cites any prior art publication, such citation does not constitute an acknowledgment that the publication constitutes part of common general knowledge in the art.

Claims (28)

1. An aircraft cockpit comprising a plurality of passenger compartments, the plurality of passenger compartments including at least one double-bed passenger compartment, wherein the double-bed compartment is defined by a peripheral wall having two openings allowing access to the double-bed compartment, two passenger seats positioned side-by-side adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen movable between (a) a retracted position and (b) a deployed position, wherein in the retracted position the privacy screen is at least substantially retracted outside the double-bed compartment such that passenger movement within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen, and in the deployed position the privacy screen is positioned between the passenger seats within the double-bed compartment and divides the compartment into two separate individual passenger compartments, the privacy screen forming a common wall between the separate individual compartments, and each separate individual compartment being accessible via one of the openings. 2. The aircraft cockpit of claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall includes a cavity for receiving the privacy screen and thus retracting the privacy screen in the retracted position. 3. The aircraft cockpit according to claim 2, wherein the cavity is located behind the passenger seat. 4. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the privacy screen comprises a plurality of upright panels that are movable independently of each other between a retracted position and an extended position. 5. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the privacy screen extends to the height of the peripheral wall adjacent to the privacy screen. 6. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger cabin area includes at least one rail for supporting and guiding the privacy screen to move between the passenger seats, between the retracted position and the deployed position. 7. The aircraft cockpit of claim 6, wherein the at least one guide rail includes an upper guide rail positioned at a height adjacent to the peripheral wall of the privacy screen. 8. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the privacy screen is an electrically operable privacy screen. 9. A double-bed passenger compartment for an aircraft, the double-bed compartment being defined by a peripheral wall having two openings allowing access to the double-bed compartment, two passenger seats positioned side-by-side adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen movable between (a) a retracted position and (b) a deployed position, wherein in the retracted position the privacy screen is at least substantially retracted outside the double-bed compartment such that passenger movement within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen, and in the deployed position the privacy screen is positioned between the passenger seats within the double-bed compartment and divides the compartment into two separate individual passenger compartments, wherein the privacy screen forms a common wall between the separate individual compartments, and each separate individual compartment is accessible via one of the openings. 10. An aircraft cockpit comprising a plurality of passenger seats, the plurality of passenger seats including at least one pair of passenger seats positioned side by side adjacent to each other, each passenger seat in the pair being adjustable between an upright position and a reclining position, each passenger seat in the pair being operable by a passenger to adjust the position of the seat independently of the other seat in the pair, and the pair of passenger seats being operable together such that the positions of the pair of seats can be adjusted simultaneously, thereby causing the two seats to move in coordination. 11. The aircraft cockpit of claim 10, wherein the angle adjustment of the passenger seat can be remotely operated via a remote controller. 12. The aircraft cockpit of claim 11, wherein the remote controller is capable of independently adjusting the angle of each passenger seat. 13. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each passenger seat has an inner armrest and an outer armrest, and at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest is height adjustable. 14. The aircraft cockpit of claim 13, wherein when the passenger seat is in the upright position, the inner armrest can be lowered to form a two-seat sofa configuration. 15. The aircraft cockpit of claim 14, wherein when the passenger seat is in the tilted position, the inner armrest and the outer armrest can be lowered to form a double bed configuration. 16. The aircraft cockpit of claim 14, wherein at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest is electrically operated. 17. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the height of at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest is adjustable via the remote controller. 18. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the seats has a backrest, the backrest including a central section, and side wings pivotally connected to the central section such that the curvature of the backrest is adjustable. 19. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a footstool supported by the floor. 20. The aircraft cockpit of claim 17, wherein the footstool has space for storing luggage. 21. The aircraft cockpit of claim 18, wherein the storage space is located below the footstool seat and the footstool seat is an articulated seat that can be raised to expose luggage stored in the storage space. 22. The aircraft cockpit according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a table movably connected to an arm extending from the peripheral wall. 23. The aircraft cockpit of claim 22, wherein the arm is telescopically movable. 24. The aircraft cockpit according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the table is foldable. 25. An aircraft cockpit, comprising: (a) At least two outer rows of passenger cabin areas on each side of the aircraft cabin, wherein each row is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin, and the aircraft sidewalls form sections of each row of cabin areas. (b) at least two adjacent passenger compartments in the inner row, and (c) At least two aisles extending in the longitudinal direction and separating compartments in each row, such that each compartment can be accessed via one of the aisles, and (d) Each compartment includes a wall defining the compartment space and a doorway allowing access to the compartment space from one of the aisles, wherein each compartment includes at least a seat for passengers configured as a seat and a bed, and the wall along the aisle is an outwardly curved wall forming an area between the seat and the doorway, whereby a passenger can stand when the seat is in bed configuration. 26. The aircraft cockpit of claim 25, wherein each compartment includes a door movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the door extends across and closes the doorway, and in the open position the door is away from the doorway. 27. The aircraft cockpit according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the doorways of the compartment area on the opposite side of the aisle are not aligned, such that the doorways face the doorway wall on the opposite side of the aisle. 28. An aircraft comprising an aircraft cockpit as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 27.