CA2557466C - An aircraft cabin interior layout - Google Patents
An aircraft cabin interior layout Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2557466C CA2557466C CA2557466A CA2557466A CA2557466C CA 2557466 C CA2557466 C CA 2557466C CA 2557466 A CA2557466 A CA 2557466A CA 2557466 A CA2557466 A CA 2557466A CA 2557466 C CA2557466 C CA 2557466C
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- seats
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- 241001669679 Eleotris Species 0.000 claims description 14
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000763 evoking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004197 pelvis Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
- B64D11/0601—Arrangement of seats for non-standard seating layouts, e.g. seats staggered horizontally or vertically, arranged in an angled or fishbone layout, or facing in other directions than the direction of flight
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
- B64D11/0627—Seats combined with storage means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
- B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
- B64D11/0641—Seats convertible into beds
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an internal layout for an aircraft cabin, consisting of an aircraft seat assembly which is intended to be disposed in the cabin and which comprises at least two adjacent columns of seats. According to the invention, the seats are disposed one behind the other in each of the seat columns. In addition, each seat can be converted into a bed, such as to form an essentially-elongated sleeping surface. Moreover, when converted into a bed, each seat comprises a first sleeping part (12) and at least one second sleeping part (8) which is narrower than the first part (12). The seats are arranged in two adjacent columns in a staggered manner, such that the first part (12) of a seat from one column is disposed opposite a second narrower part (8) of a seat from the second row.
Description
AN AIRCRAFT CABIN INTERIOR LAYOUT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns an aircraft cabin interior layout.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The scope of the present invention is the interior layout of aircrafts intended for passenger transportation and more especially aircrafts exploited commercially by airlines. In such an aircraft, every passenger is provided with a seat but according to the class in which this seat is located the comfort of this seat is more or less. For instance, some aircrafts include three classes commonly called economic class, business class and first class.
Generally, for all classes of comfort, seats are arranged, in tows transverse in relation to the airplane axis (or the airplane moving direction) as well as in longitudinal columns.
To make their airplane fleets profitable, airlines have a double concern.
They wish, on the one hand, to have the largest number possible of passengers travel in a given space (the aircraft cabin) and on the other hand they wish to satisfy and win their customers over by offering them the best possible performances in terms of comfort and space. Several documents, such as for example WO-03/053735 and FR-843 730, have proposed aircraft cabin interior layout optimizing the available space in such cabin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In at least one aspect, the present invention concerns more specifically the business class and first class compartments in which passengers may travel in lying position. Document EP-1 364 874 reveals an individual module for aircraft passenger that, combined with others similar modules, permits to occupy in an optimized way the available space in an aircraft cabin while conforming to technical constraints imposed by aeronautic norms. Figures of this document show combinations of modules permitting to fit a large number of passengers in a cabin. However, in the proposed layout, some seats are oriented in the moving direction of the aircraft while of others are oriented in the opposite direction.
As such, it is an object of at lest one aspect of the present invention to provide an aircraft cabin layout permitting to fit a maximum number of passengers in a given space, all seats destined to accept passengers in this layout being oriented in the same direction.
To this effect it proposes a set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two columns of neighboring seat, the seats being arranged one behind another in each of the seat columns and every seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, each seat when converted into berth presents a first bedding part and at least a second bedding part less broad than the first part; in two adjacent columns, seats are arranged in a staggered manner, such that the first part of a seat from one column is placed opposite to a second narrower part of a seat from the second column.
This staggered seats disposition, combined with seats not presenting, once converted into berth, a constant width, fits a larger number of seats in a given space without downgrading the comfort of the passengers. The part with the larger width of the seat converted into berth is preferably intended for receiving a passenger's torso while the narrower parts of the berth receive notably the passenger's head and legs. The bedding surface is not necessarily plane. The seat of concern here can be a reclining seat not forming an appreciably horizontal bedding surface in its "most reclined" position.
An advantageous form of realization provides that each seat, when converted into berth, presents an appreciably straight longitudinal side. Such seats may hence be adjusted to form columns either along a passageway or along a cabin wall. In this form of realization, the set of aircraft seats according to the invention include, for example, at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the right of a passenger occupying aforesaid seat and a second type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the left of the passage occupying the same position on this seat. It can be expected then that the seats of a same column are for example all of a same type.
2a In a first form of realization seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them is less than about ten centimeters. In that way, the loss of room in the cabin is minimized and then a larger number of seats is fitted in a given space.
In another form of realization, seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allow for a passenger's passageway. This configuration may be used notably when the set of seats according to the invention are against a cabin wall. Thanks to the provided passageways, access to the seats of the seat column set along the cabin wall is possible without the passengers occupying these seats close to the wall having to apologize to the passengers installed on the other column seats.
In the case where seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another, a luggage bin may be arranged between two neighboring seats of this column.
For example it pertains here to a column of seats set along a cabin wall.
A set of aircraft seats according to the invention includes for example two columns of seats.
In this case, when seats present a straight longitudinal side, this set of seats is delimited for example by a longitudinal passageway and the straight longitudinal side of the seats is on the side of aforesaid passageway.
A set of aircraft seats according to the invention may also includes three columns of seats.
In this case, the seats of a same column of seats are conveniently spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allow for a passenger's passageway. In this way, it is possible to reach the central column of seats without having to apologize to the passengers in the lateral columns. In this form of realization, since the free space between seats of the central column is not useful for a passenger's passageway, this space is advantageously used for storage.
A set of three columns of seats provides for example that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats presents, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
These seats of greater length can then be proposed to large size passengers.
A set of three columns of aircraft seats are preferably delimited longitudinally by two passageways in order to facilitate the access to all seats of this assembly. The seats of the lateral columns then advantageously present an appreciably straight longitudinal side on the corresponding passageway side. Such an assembly can present a longitudinal symmetry axis.
In a set of three columns of aircraft seats according to the invention, the seats of the central column can be staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column while they may be aligned with the seats of the other lateral column. It is also possible to have the central column seats staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
The present invention also proposes a set of aircraft seats including four columns of seats.
Such an assembly is made for example of two sets of two columns of seats as described above.
Seats of a same column of seats of a set of four columns of seats are preferably spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allow for a passenger's passageway. In this manner, it is possible to reach all seats of this assembly without having to disturb the already installed passengers. In such a configuration, the free space left between the central columns seats may be used to fit a luggage bin since it is useless for a passengers' passageway.
Another form of realization of a four seats assembly provides that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central columns of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a greater length than the length of the lateral column seats when they are converted into berth. These central column seats may then welcome passengers of larger size.
In a four columns of seats configuration, it may also be provided that seats of one of the central columns are aligned in relation to the seats of the other central columns but are staggered in relation to the seats of the corresponding lateral column of seats.
Accordingly, in at least one aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the 5 second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that the seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes four columns of seats, in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and in that the seats of the central 5a columns of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the length of the lateral column seats when they are converted into berth.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column whereas they are aligned with the seats of the other lateral column.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising: at least two columns of neighboring seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of the second column than to the first part of the seat of a second column, and wherein, in at least one of said at least two columns, neighboring seats are in contact with each other when converted into sleepers.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising: at least three columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of 5b said at least three columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising: at least four columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of said at least four columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
The present invention also concerns an aircraft, characterized in that it includes a set of seats such as describes here above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Details and advantages of the present invention will be more evident in the description that follows, reference made to the schematic drawing in appendix in which Figure 1 represents schematically in plan view a section of an aircraft cabin presenting five columns of seats, Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 for a cabin presenting seven columns of seats, Sc Figure 3 is a variant of the cabin layout represented in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a section of an aircraft cabin including eight columns of seats.
The figures of the drawing are representing an aircraft cabin compartments in which convertible seats are laid out. In such a disposition, a traveller occupying such a compartment may travel in a seated position as well as in a stretched out, or almost stretched out position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In plan view, every seat represented in the drawing, when converted into berth (plane or almost plane), has a contour adapted to the human morphology.
The berth part intended for receiving a passenger's torso is wider while the berth parts intended for receiving the passenger's head and legs are narrower. Although not represented in the drawing, it is quite possible here to consider using modules such as those revealed in document EP-1 364 874.
In the attached drawing, each seat, when converted into berth, presents a contour having the same shape (save one symmetry). This contour (Figure 1) presents first of all two straight transverse extremities. A first extremity 2 lays on the berth side intended to receive a traveller's feet, whereas the other transverse extremity 4 lays at the extremity of the berth intended to receive this traveller's head. These transverse extremities are represented straight. One may however consider other forms here:
rounded angles, entirely rounded, elliptic, etc....
These traverse extremities 2, 4 are joined by longitudinal sides. A first longitudinal side is straight and extends perpendicularly to transverse sides 2, 4. This straight longitudinal side is called in continuation with straight side 6 description.
The other longitudinal side presents a dogleg shape. First of all, from transverse side 2, this dogleg extends toward transverse side 4 while forming a first section 8 appreciably parallel to straight side 6. It results in a narrow berth part.
Second section 10 of the dogleg forming the second longitudinal side creates a widening of the berth. The corresponding part of the berth receives for example a traveller's thighs and pelvis.
A third section 12 of the longitudinal dogleg side is again parallel to straight side 6. This section corresponds for example to the part of the berth intended to receive a traveler's bust.
Finally, the last and fourth section 14 of the dogleg forming the second longitudinal side realizes a narrowing of the berth width. The part of the berth corresponding to this last and fourth section 14 is intended to receive notably a traveler's head.
It is noticed on the different figures of the drawing that there are two types of seat. The first type of seat is such that when a traveler lies down on his back on the berth, his/her head being then toward the rear of the aircraft, straight side 6 is to his/her right. For the other type of seat, under the same conditions, straight side 6 of the corresponding berth is to the traveler's left.
On Figure 1, five columns of seats are represented. It is meant here and in the rest of the description by columns of seats, as a set of seats arranged longitudinally one behind another in relation to the aircraft.
A first column of seats is arranged between left wall 16 of the cabin and a first passageway 18. In this column, seats are arranged one behind another so that, into berth position, a front transverse side 2 comes in contact, or nearly in contact, with a neighboring transverse side 4. A minimal space is left therefore between two neighboring seats of a same column converted into berth. In this column of seats, all seats are of a same type and straight side 6 of these seats is every time along left wall 16 of the cabin.
A set of two columns is located appreciably in the center of the cabin represented. This set is arranged between passageway 18 and a second passageway 20.
In each of these columns, a same type of seat is found every time. For the seats of the column being on passageway 18 side, straight side 6 is located to the left of a passenger traveling in the moving direction of the aircraft whereas in the second column, located on the side of passageway 20, straight side 6 is placed to the right of a passenger traveling in the moving direction of the aircraft.
It is noticed on the drawing that the passengers of this set of two columns are arranged staggered. Indeed, the seats of the columns are not arranged in order to obtain transverse rows, meaning perpendicular to the columns. Indeed, these two neighboring columns, in each of which the seats are set one following another in order to leave a minimum space between two neighboring seats converted into berth, are staggered in the longitudinal direction one in relation to the other. This shift is chosen so that the largest part of the berth, corresponding to third section 12 of a column, is located appreciably at the level of a narrower part of a berth seat of the neighboring column.
Hence, at the center of both column assembly, the larger part of a seat in one column is at the level of the berth seat part corresponding to first section 8 of the neighboring column seat.
The last two columns of seats are arranged between passageway 20 and a right cabin wall 22. Columns of this set of seats are distinct from the columns described previously in that a space 24 is left free between two neighboring berth seats. This free space 24 is sufficient to allow for a traveler's passageway. In this manner, in the column adjoining passageway 20, passageways are arranged to allow for accessing the seats located along right cabin wall 22. The passengers with a seat along this right cabin wall 22 may therefore reach their seat without bothering a person installed on his/her seat in the column adjoining passageway 20.
A shift similar to the previously described shift for two neighboring columns is found for these two columns presenting free spaces 24. Indeed, as noticed on the drawing, except possibly for the seats located at the extremities of a column, the larger part of a seat, corresponding to third section 12, is at the level of a narrower part, in the present case the part corresponding to first section 8.
Considering the existing shift between the various columns, spaces 26 remain without seats. They may be used to provide for storage bins.
On Figure 2, the represented aircraft cabin includes seven columns of seats. In this configuration, three passageways with references 28, 30 and 32 are found.
Here as well, a left cabin wall 16 and a right cabin wall 22 are found. The column of seats located along left cabin wall 16 is similar to the column of seats located along left cabin wall 16 of Figure 1. Similarly, the set of two columns of seats being between passageways 28 and 30, respectively 30 and 32, are similar to the set of two columns of seats represented in Figure 1 between passageways 18 and 20. The set of two columns of seats being on the side of right cabin wall 22 are also similar the one in Figure 1 also located along right cabin wall 22.
One notices on this Figure 2 that, for columns located along cabin walls 16 and 22, toward the front of the aircraft, seats are not perfectly aligned one behind another but the column shape adjusts to the shape of the corresponding cabin wall. The seat shape allows here for a good fit to the cabin wall shape.
Figure 3 is a slight variant from layout realization in Figure 2 which allows for placing a larger number of seats in a same space.
Finally, in Figure 4, three passageways 28, 30 and 32 are found. The set of two columns of seats located each time between two passageways are similar to the set of two columns of seats arranged between two passageways in Figures 2 and 3.
On the cabin wall side, there are each time here sets of two columns of seats, the seats being spaced one from another in a same column of seats.
Other configurations than those represented in the drawing may be considered. For example, in narrower cabins, four columns of seats with a single central passageway may be provided. One obtains then a configuration similar to that in Figure 4 without however the four central columns of seats.
Set of three or four columns of seats may also be provided. So in Figure 4 configuration for example, it is possible to suppress central passageway 30 and to adjoin one to the other both sets of two columns of seats located on each sides of this central passageway 30. This configuration presents the inconvenience that passengers installed into berth seats of the central columns of this set of four columns need to apologize to their neighbor if they want to reach or leave their seat. In order to avoid this inconvenience, it is then sufficient to create passageways between the seats as represented for example in Figure 4 for the columns of seats located on the side of cabin walls 16 and 22.
In these sets of four columns of seats, within each column there is same type of seats (straight side 6 on the right or on the left) and an alternate type of seats from one column to another. In this set of four columns of seats, a longitudinal shift between seats of two neighboring columns is found except for both central columns. For these two columns, there may be either no shift or a shift identical to the existing shift between two other columns, or else a different shift.
As evoked above, it is also possible in the context of the invention to have sets of three columns of seats. Preferably, to facilitate the access to the seats in the central column, a space, such as spaces 24 in Figures 1 to 4, is provided each time between two neighboring seats of a same column of seats. It is also advantageously provided here to have in each column of seats only one type of seats and to alternate types of seats from one column to another. In such a configuration, with three columns of seats, it is possible to provide a longitudinal shift between two seats of two neighboring columns but it is also possible to have a shift for the columns of seats that are neighboring by their longitudinal sides of non straight seats and not to have a shift (or the same shift or a different shift) for the seats of columns neighboring by two straight sides.
In this configuration of three columns of seats, it may be advantageous to plan for a third type of seat for the central column. It would be a seat presenting a symmetrical shape in relation to its longitudinal axis. Each longitudinal side of such a seat would present a shape such as that described above in reference to Figure 1. The use of this third type of seat allows then for optimizing the width of the set of three columns of seats, meaning to offer the greatest comfort possible to passengers traveling on these seats while having the smallest global width possible for the three columns.
One notices here that the spaces provided above between seats of a same column are not used for travelers' passageway with regard to spaces left free between the central column seats.
These central column berth seats may then provide a longer bedding surface.
Such a berth seat would then be reserved for a passenger of large size. The free spaces between seats of this central column may also be used for storing luggage. According to the layout retained for the cabin interior, if enough storage spaces are provided in this way, it becomes possible to suppress any luggage bin placed above head.
The remarks made above on the use of the space left free between two berth seats of the central column of a set of three columns of seats (realizing a longer bedding surface or storage space) may apply also to the central columns of a set of four columns of seats described above.
The forms of realization presented here above permit to reach all described seats without disturbing a passenger installed on another seat.
The seat shape, when they are converted into berth, may of course vary from the shapes described above. One may, for example, also use seat modules such as 5 those revealed in the EP-1 364 874 Al document. Referring to Figure 5A of that document, which is also the abstract figure, a module such as those represented on this figure is considered. This module of the abstract figure presents a straight side (26) which is placed to the left of a traveler occupying the represented module.
This module may cooperate with another similar module in which straight side (26) is to the right of 10 the passenger traveling inside this module. These two modules are placed then side by side so that a first segment (28) of one of these modules comes to cooperate with a second segment (30) of the other module. Some configurations similar to those represented on figures 1 to 4 of the drawing are then found.
The present invention doesn't limit itself to the various forms of realization described above as non restrictive examples. It also concerns all alternative of realization accessible to the skilled man in the context of the claims hereafter.
The invention is therefore not limited to aircraft cabins capable to fit five, seven or eight columns of seats. The invention fit all widths of cabin and can be considered from a cabin in which three columns of seats may be positioned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns an aircraft cabin interior layout.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The scope of the present invention is the interior layout of aircrafts intended for passenger transportation and more especially aircrafts exploited commercially by airlines. In such an aircraft, every passenger is provided with a seat but according to the class in which this seat is located the comfort of this seat is more or less. For instance, some aircrafts include three classes commonly called economic class, business class and first class.
Generally, for all classes of comfort, seats are arranged, in tows transverse in relation to the airplane axis (or the airplane moving direction) as well as in longitudinal columns.
To make their airplane fleets profitable, airlines have a double concern.
They wish, on the one hand, to have the largest number possible of passengers travel in a given space (the aircraft cabin) and on the other hand they wish to satisfy and win their customers over by offering them the best possible performances in terms of comfort and space. Several documents, such as for example WO-03/053735 and FR-843 730, have proposed aircraft cabin interior layout optimizing the available space in such cabin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In at least one aspect, the present invention concerns more specifically the business class and first class compartments in which passengers may travel in lying position. Document EP-1 364 874 reveals an individual module for aircraft passenger that, combined with others similar modules, permits to occupy in an optimized way the available space in an aircraft cabin while conforming to technical constraints imposed by aeronautic norms. Figures of this document show combinations of modules permitting to fit a large number of passengers in a cabin. However, in the proposed layout, some seats are oriented in the moving direction of the aircraft while of others are oriented in the opposite direction.
As such, it is an object of at lest one aspect of the present invention to provide an aircraft cabin layout permitting to fit a maximum number of passengers in a given space, all seats destined to accept passengers in this layout being oriented in the same direction.
To this effect it proposes a set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two columns of neighboring seat, the seats being arranged one behind another in each of the seat columns and every seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, each seat when converted into berth presents a first bedding part and at least a second bedding part less broad than the first part; in two adjacent columns, seats are arranged in a staggered manner, such that the first part of a seat from one column is placed opposite to a second narrower part of a seat from the second column.
This staggered seats disposition, combined with seats not presenting, once converted into berth, a constant width, fits a larger number of seats in a given space without downgrading the comfort of the passengers. The part with the larger width of the seat converted into berth is preferably intended for receiving a passenger's torso while the narrower parts of the berth receive notably the passenger's head and legs. The bedding surface is not necessarily plane. The seat of concern here can be a reclining seat not forming an appreciably horizontal bedding surface in its "most reclined" position.
An advantageous form of realization provides that each seat, when converted into berth, presents an appreciably straight longitudinal side. Such seats may hence be adjusted to form columns either along a passageway or along a cabin wall. In this form of realization, the set of aircraft seats according to the invention include, for example, at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the right of a passenger occupying aforesaid seat and a second type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the left of the passage occupying the same position on this seat. It can be expected then that the seats of a same column are for example all of a same type.
2a In a first form of realization seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them is less than about ten centimeters. In that way, the loss of room in the cabin is minimized and then a larger number of seats is fitted in a given space.
In another form of realization, seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allow for a passenger's passageway. This configuration may be used notably when the set of seats according to the invention are against a cabin wall. Thanks to the provided passageways, access to the seats of the seat column set along the cabin wall is possible without the passengers occupying these seats close to the wall having to apologize to the passengers installed on the other column seats.
In the case where seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another, a luggage bin may be arranged between two neighboring seats of this column.
For example it pertains here to a column of seats set along a cabin wall.
A set of aircraft seats according to the invention includes for example two columns of seats.
In this case, when seats present a straight longitudinal side, this set of seats is delimited for example by a longitudinal passageway and the straight longitudinal side of the seats is on the side of aforesaid passageway.
A set of aircraft seats according to the invention may also includes three columns of seats.
In this case, the seats of a same column of seats are conveniently spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allow for a passenger's passageway. In this way, it is possible to reach the central column of seats without having to apologize to the passengers in the lateral columns. In this form of realization, since the free space between seats of the central column is not useful for a passenger's passageway, this space is advantageously used for storage.
A set of three columns of seats provides for example that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats presents, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
These seats of greater length can then be proposed to large size passengers.
A set of three columns of aircraft seats are preferably delimited longitudinally by two passageways in order to facilitate the access to all seats of this assembly. The seats of the lateral columns then advantageously present an appreciably straight longitudinal side on the corresponding passageway side. Such an assembly can present a longitudinal symmetry axis.
In a set of three columns of aircraft seats according to the invention, the seats of the central column can be staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column while they may be aligned with the seats of the other lateral column. It is also possible to have the central column seats staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
The present invention also proposes a set of aircraft seats including four columns of seats.
Such an assembly is made for example of two sets of two columns of seats as described above.
Seats of a same column of seats of a set of four columns of seats are preferably spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allow for a passenger's passageway. In this manner, it is possible to reach all seats of this assembly without having to disturb the already installed passengers. In such a configuration, the free space left between the central columns seats may be used to fit a luggage bin since it is useless for a passengers' passageway.
Another form of realization of a four seats assembly provides that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central columns of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a greater length than the length of the lateral column seats when they are converted into berth. These central column seats may then welcome passengers of larger size.
In a four columns of seats configuration, it may also be provided that seats of one of the central columns are aligned in relation to the seats of the other central columns but are staggered in relation to the seats of the corresponding lateral column of seats.
Accordingly, in at least one aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the 5 second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that the seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes four columns of seats, in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and in that the seats of the central 5a columns of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the length of the lateral column seats when they are converted into berth.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column whereas they are aligned with the seats of the other lateral column.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising: at least two columns of neighboring seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of the second column than to the first part of the seat of a second column, and wherein, in at least one of said at least two columns, neighboring seats are in contact with each other when converted into sleepers.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising: at least three columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of 5b said at least three columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising: at least four columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of said at least four columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
The present invention also concerns an aircraft, characterized in that it includes a set of seats such as describes here above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Details and advantages of the present invention will be more evident in the description that follows, reference made to the schematic drawing in appendix in which Figure 1 represents schematically in plan view a section of an aircraft cabin presenting five columns of seats, Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 for a cabin presenting seven columns of seats, Sc Figure 3 is a variant of the cabin layout represented in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a section of an aircraft cabin including eight columns of seats.
The figures of the drawing are representing an aircraft cabin compartments in which convertible seats are laid out. In such a disposition, a traveller occupying such a compartment may travel in a seated position as well as in a stretched out, or almost stretched out position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In plan view, every seat represented in the drawing, when converted into berth (plane or almost plane), has a contour adapted to the human morphology.
The berth part intended for receiving a passenger's torso is wider while the berth parts intended for receiving the passenger's head and legs are narrower. Although not represented in the drawing, it is quite possible here to consider using modules such as those revealed in document EP-1 364 874.
In the attached drawing, each seat, when converted into berth, presents a contour having the same shape (save one symmetry). This contour (Figure 1) presents first of all two straight transverse extremities. A first extremity 2 lays on the berth side intended to receive a traveller's feet, whereas the other transverse extremity 4 lays at the extremity of the berth intended to receive this traveller's head. These transverse extremities are represented straight. One may however consider other forms here:
rounded angles, entirely rounded, elliptic, etc....
These traverse extremities 2, 4 are joined by longitudinal sides. A first longitudinal side is straight and extends perpendicularly to transverse sides 2, 4. This straight longitudinal side is called in continuation with straight side 6 description.
The other longitudinal side presents a dogleg shape. First of all, from transverse side 2, this dogleg extends toward transverse side 4 while forming a first section 8 appreciably parallel to straight side 6. It results in a narrow berth part.
Second section 10 of the dogleg forming the second longitudinal side creates a widening of the berth. The corresponding part of the berth receives for example a traveller's thighs and pelvis.
A third section 12 of the longitudinal dogleg side is again parallel to straight side 6. This section corresponds for example to the part of the berth intended to receive a traveler's bust.
Finally, the last and fourth section 14 of the dogleg forming the second longitudinal side realizes a narrowing of the berth width. The part of the berth corresponding to this last and fourth section 14 is intended to receive notably a traveler's head.
It is noticed on the different figures of the drawing that there are two types of seat. The first type of seat is such that when a traveler lies down on his back on the berth, his/her head being then toward the rear of the aircraft, straight side 6 is to his/her right. For the other type of seat, under the same conditions, straight side 6 of the corresponding berth is to the traveler's left.
On Figure 1, five columns of seats are represented. It is meant here and in the rest of the description by columns of seats, as a set of seats arranged longitudinally one behind another in relation to the aircraft.
A first column of seats is arranged between left wall 16 of the cabin and a first passageway 18. In this column, seats are arranged one behind another so that, into berth position, a front transverse side 2 comes in contact, or nearly in contact, with a neighboring transverse side 4. A minimal space is left therefore between two neighboring seats of a same column converted into berth. In this column of seats, all seats are of a same type and straight side 6 of these seats is every time along left wall 16 of the cabin.
A set of two columns is located appreciably in the center of the cabin represented. This set is arranged between passageway 18 and a second passageway 20.
In each of these columns, a same type of seat is found every time. For the seats of the column being on passageway 18 side, straight side 6 is located to the left of a passenger traveling in the moving direction of the aircraft whereas in the second column, located on the side of passageway 20, straight side 6 is placed to the right of a passenger traveling in the moving direction of the aircraft.
It is noticed on the drawing that the passengers of this set of two columns are arranged staggered. Indeed, the seats of the columns are not arranged in order to obtain transverse rows, meaning perpendicular to the columns. Indeed, these two neighboring columns, in each of which the seats are set one following another in order to leave a minimum space between two neighboring seats converted into berth, are staggered in the longitudinal direction one in relation to the other. This shift is chosen so that the largest part of the berth, corresponding to third section 12 of a column, is located appreciably at the level of a narrower part of a berth seat of the neighboring column.
Hence, at the center of both column assembly, the larger part of a seat in one column is at the level of the berth seat part corresponding to first section 8 of the neighboring column seat.
The last two columns of seats are arranged between passageway 20 and a right cabin wall 22. Columns of this set of seats are distinct from the columns described previously in that a space 24 is left free between two neighboring berth seats. This free space 24 is sufficient to allow for a traveler's passageway. In this manner, in the column adjoining passageway 20, passageways are arranged to allow for accessing the seats located along right cabin wall 22. The passengers with a seat along this right cabin wall 22 may therefore reach their seat without bothering a person installed on his/her seat in the column adjoining passageway 20.
A shift similar to the previously described shift for two neighboring columns is found for these two columns presenting free spaces 24. Indeed, as noticed on the drawing, except possibly for the seats located at the extremities of a column, the larger part of a seat, corresponding to third section 12, is at the level of a narrower part, in the present case the part corresponding to first section 8.
Considering the existing shift between the various columns, spaces 26 remain without seats. They may be used to provide for storage bins.
On Figure 2, the represented aircraft cabin includes seven columns of seats. In this configuration, three passageways with references 28, 30 and 32 are found.
Here as well, a left cabin wall 16 and a right cabin wall 22 are found. The column of seats located along left cabin wall 16 is similar to the column of seats located along left cabin wall 16 of Figure 1. Similarly, the set of two columns of seats being between passageways 28 and 30, respectively 30 and 32, are similar to the set of two columns of seats represented in Figure 1 between passageways 18 and 20. The set of two columns of seats being on the side of right cabin wall 22 are also similar the one in Figure 1 also located along right cabin wall 22.
One notices on this Figure 2 that, for columns located along cabin walls 16 and 22, toward the front of the aircraft, seats are not perfectly aligned one behind another but the column shape adjusts to the shape of the corresponding cabin wall. The seat shape allows here for a good fit to the cabin wall shape.
Figure 3 is a slight variant from layout realization in Figure 2 which allows for placing a larger number of seats in a same space.
Finally, in Figure 4, three passageways 28, 30 and 32 are found. The set of two columns of seats located each time between two passageways are similar to the set of two columns of seats arranged between two passageways in Figures 2 and 3.
On the cabin wall side, there are each time here sets of two columns of seats, the seats being spaced one from another in a same column of seats.
Other configurations than those represented in the drawing may be considered. For example, in narrower cabins, four columns of seats with a single central passageway may be provided. One obtains then a configuration similar to that in Figure 4 without however the four central columns of seats.
Set of three or four columns of seats may also be provided. So in Figure 4 configuration for example, it is possible to suppress central passageway 30 and to adjoin one to the other both sets of two columns of seats located on each sides of this central passageway 30. This configuration presents the inconvenience that passengers installed into berth seats of the central columns of this set of four columns need to apologize to their neighbor if they want to reach or leave their seat. In order to avoid this inconvenience, it is then sufficient to create passageways between the seats as represented for example in Figure 4 for the columns of seats located on the side of cabin walls 16 and 22.
In these sets of four columns of seats, within each column there is same type of seats (straight side 6 on the right or on the left) and an alternate type of seats from one column to another. In this set of four columns of seats, a longitudinal shift between seats of two neighboring columns is found except for both central columns. For these two columns, there may be either no shift or a shift identical to the existing shift between two other columns, or else a different shift.
As evoked above, it is also possible in the context of the invention to have sets of three columns of seats. Preferably, to facilitate the access to the seats in the central column, a space, such as spaces 24 in Figures 1 to 4, is provided each time between two neighboring seats of a same column of seats. It is also advantageously provided here to have in each column of seats only one type of seats and to alternate types of seats from one column to another. In such a configuration, with three columns of seats, it is possible to provide a longitudinal shift between two seats of two neighboring columns but it is also possible to have a shift for the columns of seats that are neighboring by their longitudinal sides of non straight seats and not to have a shift (or the same shift or a different shift) for the seats of columns neighboring by two straight sides.
In this configuration of three columns of seats, it may be advantageous to plan for a third type of seat for the central column. It would be a seat presenting a symmetrical shape in relation to its longitudinal axis. Each longitudinal side of such a seat would present a shape such as that described above in reference to Figure 1. The use of this third type of seat allows then for optimizing the width of the set of three columns of seats, meaning to offer the greatest comfort possible to passengers traveling on these seats while having the smallest global width possible for the three columns.
One notices here that the spaces provided above between seats of a same column are not used for travelers' passageway with regard to spaces left free between the central column seats.
These central column berth seats may then provide a longer bedding surface.
Such a berth seat would then be reserved for a passenger of large size. The free spaces between seats of this central column may also be used for storing luggage. According to the layout retained for the cabin interior, if enough storage spaces are provided in this way, it becomes possible to suppress any luggage bin placed above head.
The remarks made above on the use of the space left free between two berth seats of the central column of a set of three columns of seats (realizing a longer bedding surface or storage space) may apply also to the central columns of a set of four columns of seats described above.
The forms of realization presented here above permit to reach all described seats without disturbing a passenger installed on another seat.
The seat shape, when they are converted into berth, may of course vary from the shapes described above. One may, for example, also use seat modules such as 5 those revealed in the EP-1 364 874 Al document. Referring to Figure 5A of that document, which is also the abstract figure, a module such as those represented on this figure is considered. This module of the abstract figure presents a straight side (26) which is placed to the left of a traveler occupying the represented module.
This module may cooperate with another similar module in which straight side (26) is to the right of 10 the passenger traveling inside this module. These two modules are placed then side by side so that a first segment (28) of one of these modules comes to cooperate with a second segment (30) of the other module. Some configurations similar to those represented on figures 1 to 4 of the drawing are then found.
The present invention doesn't limit itself to the various forms of realization described above as non restrictive examples. It also concerns all alternative of realization accessible to the skilled man in the context of the claims hereafter.
The invention is therefore not limited to aircraft cabins capable to fit five, seven or eight columns of seats. The invention fit all widths of cabin and can be considered from a cabin in which three columns of seats may be positioned.
Claims (86)
1. Set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
2. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 1, characterized in that each seat, when converted into berth, presents a longitudinal side appreciably straight.
3. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 2, characterized in that it consists of at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the right of a passenger occupying aforesaid seat, and a second type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the left of the passenger occupying the same position on this seat.
4. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 3, characterized in that the seats of a same column are all of a same type.
5. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 1, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them is less than about ten centimeters.
6. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 1, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
7. Set of aircraft seats according to one of claim 1, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another and in that a luggage storage is arranged between two neighboring seats of this column.
8. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 1, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
9. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 8, characterized in that free space between the seats of the central column is used for storage space.
10. Set or assembly of aircraft seats according to claim 1, characterized in that it is delimited longitudinally by two passageways.
11. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 10, characterized in that lateral column seats present a longitudinal side appreciably straight on the side of the corresponding passageway.
12. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 11, characterized in that it presents a longitudinal symmetry axis.
13. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 1, characterized in that seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column whereas they are aligned with the seats of the other lateral column.
14. Set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that the seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
15. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that each seat, when converted into berth, presents a longitudinal side appreciably straight.
16. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 15, characterized in that it includes at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the right of a passenger occupying aforesaid seat, and a second type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal said placed to the left of the passage occupying the same position on this seat.
17. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 16, characterized in that the seats of a same column are all of a same type.
18. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them is less than about ten centimeters.
19. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
20. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another and in that a luggage storage is arranged between two neighboring seats of this column.
21. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
22. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 21, characterized in that free space between the seats of the central column is used for storage space.
23. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
24. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that it is delimited longitudinally by two passageways.
25. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 24, characterized in that lateral column seats present a longitudinal side appreciably straight on the side of the corresponding passageway.
26. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 25, characterized in that it presents a longitudinal symmetry axis.
27. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column whereas they are aligned with the seats of the other lateral column.
28. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 14, characterized in that the seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
29. Set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes four columns of seats, in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that, when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and in that the seats of the central columns of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the length of the lateral column seats when they are converted into berth.
30. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that each seat, when converted into berth, presents a longitudinal side appreciably straight.
31. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 30, characterized in that it includes at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the right of a passenger occupying aforesaid seat, and a second type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the left of the passage occupying the same position on this seat.
32. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 31, characterized in that the seats of a same column are all of a same type.
33. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them is less than about ten centimeters.
34. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
35. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another an in that a luggage storage is arranged between two neighboring seats of this column.
36. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that it is constituted of two sets of two columns of seats according to one of claims 8 or 9.
37. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
38. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 37, characterized in that the space left free between the central column seats is used to fit a luggage bin.
39. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 29, characterized in that the seats of one of the central columns are aligned in relation to the seats of the other of the central columns but are staggered in relation to the seats of the corresponding lateral column of seats.
40. Set of aircraft seats intended to equip an aircraft cabin, including at least two neighboring columns of seats, the seats being arranged one behind another in each column of seats and each seat being convertible into berth in order to present an appreciably stretched out bedding surface, characterized in that each seat, when it is converted into berth, presents a first bedding part and at least a second narrower bedding part in relation to the first part, in that two neighboring columns seats are arranged in staggered form, so that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second narrower part of a seat in the second column, in that it includes three columns of seats, in that seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of a lateral column whereas they are aligned with the seats of the other lateral column.
41. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that each seat, when converted into berth, presents a longitudinal side appreciably straight.
42. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 41, characterized in that it includes at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the right of a passenger occupying aforesaid seat, and a second type of seats presenting a straight longitudinal side placed to the left of the passage occupying the same position on this seat.
43. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 42, characterized in that the seats of a same column are all of a same type.
44. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the spaces separating them is less than about ten centimeters.
45. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
46. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another and in that a luggage storage is arranged between two neighboring seats of this column.
47. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a traveller's passageway.
48. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 47, characterized in that free space between the seats of the central column is used for storage space.
49. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from another so that when they are converted into berth, the space separating them allows for a passenger's passageway, and that the seats of the central column of seats present, when they are converted into berth, a length greater than the seats length of the lateral columns when they are converted into berth.
50. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that it is delimited longitudinally by two passageways.
51. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 50, characterized in that lateral column seats present a longitudinal side appreciably straight on the side of the corresponding passageway.
52. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 51, characterized in that it presents a longitudinal symmetry axis.
53. Set of aircraft seats according to claim 40, characterized in that the seats of the central column are staggered longitudinally in relation to the seats of both lateral columns but with a different stagger.
54. Aircraft, characterized in that it includes a set of seats according to claim 1.
55. Aircraft, characterized in that it includes a set of seats according to claim 14.
56. Aircraft, characterized in that it includes a set of seats according to claim 29.
57. Aircraft, characterized in that it includes a set of seats according to claim 40.
58. An arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising:
at least two columns of neighboring seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of the second column than to the first part of the seat of a second column, and wherein, in at least one of said at least two columns, neighboring seats are in contact with each other when converted into sleepers.
at least two columns of neighboring seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of the second column than to the first part of the seat of a second column, and wherein, in at least one of said at least two columns, neighboring seats are in contact with each other when converted into sleepers.
59. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 58, wherein each seat, when converted into a sleeper, includes a substantially rectilinear longitudinal edge.
60. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 59, wherein the arrangement includes at least two types of seats, a first type of seats presenting a rectilinear longitudinal edge located to the right of a passenger occupying such seat and a second type of seats presenting a rectilinear longitudinal edge located to the left of the passenger occupying this seat in the same position.
61. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 60, wherein the seats of the same column are all of the same type.
62. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to one of claims 58 to 61, wherein the neighboring seats of each of said at least two columns of seats are one against another when converted into sleepers.
63. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to one of claims 58 to 61, wherein the neighboring seats of a column of seats, other than said at least one column, are spaced one from the other in such a way that when converted into sleepers, a space separating them enables a passenger to pass.
64. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to one of claims 68 to 61, wherein the seats of a column of seats, other than said at least one column, are spaced one from the other.
65. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 58, wherein the arrangement comprises two columns of seats.
66. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claims 59 or 65, wherein the arrangement is delimited by a longitudinal aisle, and rectilinear longitudinal edges of seats are located on the side of such aisle.
67. An arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising:
at least three columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of said at least three columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
at least three columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of said at least three columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
68. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein the seats of the same column of seats are spaced one from the other in such a way that when converted into sleepers, a space separating them enables a passenger to pass.
69. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 68, wherein a space between the seats of a central column is a storage space.
70. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein the seats of each lateral column of seats are spaced one from the other in such a way that when converted into sleepers, a space separating them enables a passenger to pass, and wherein the seats of a central column of seats, when converted into sleepers, have a length greater than the length of the seats of the lateral column when converted into sleepers.
71. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein the arrangement is longitudinally delimited by two aisles.
72. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 71, wherein the seats of lateral columns present a longitudinal edge that is substantially a straight line on the side of the corresponding aisle.
73. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 72, wherein the arrangement presents a longitudinal symmetrical centerline.
74. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein the seats of a central column are offset longitudinally with respect to the seats of a side column while they are aligned with the seats of the other side column.
75. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein the seats of a central column are offset longitudinally with respect to the seats of the two side columns but with a different offset.
76. An arrangement of aircraft seats for outfitting an aircraft cabin comprising:
at least four columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of said at least four columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
at least four columns of seats, with the seats arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats and each seat being convertible into a sleeper so as to present a stretched out sleeping surface, wherein all seats of the arrangement are turned in the same direction, each seat when converted into a sleeper presents a first sleeping portion and at least a second narrower sleeping portion with respect to the first portion, and in two neighboring columns of said at least four columns, the seats are staggered, so that the first part of a seat of a first column of said two neighboring columns is closer to the second narrower portion of a seat of a second column of said two neighboring columns than to the first part of the seat of the second column, and the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
77. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 76, wherein the seats of a same column of seats are spaced one from the other in such a way that when converted into sleepers, a space separating them enables a passenger to pass.
78. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 76, wherein the seats of each side column of seats are spaced one from the other in such a way that when converted into sleepers, a space separating them enables a passenger to pass, and wherein the seats of central columns of seats, when converted into sleepers, have a length that is greater than the length of the seats of the side columns when converted into sleepers.
79. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 76, wherein the seats of one of central columns are aligned with respect to the seats of the other central column but are offset with respect to the seats of the corresponding side column of seats.
80. An aircraft comprising:
an aircraft cabin; and an arrangement of seats according to claim 58, said arrangement being inside said aircraft cabin.
an aircraft cabin; and an arrangement of seats according to claim 58, said arrangement being inside said aircraft cabin.
81. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 58, wherein each sleeper is configured to be converted from a single seat.
82. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein the seats of a same column of seats are located a predetermined distance apart, the predetermined distance great enough to allow a suitcase to be placed between adjacent seats in the same column.
83. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein said at least three columns consist of five columns, with one of said five columns being a lone column and four of said five columns being paired in two pairs of said two neighboring columns, a first pair being separated from a second pair by a first aisle, and said lone column being separated from said second pair by a second aisle.
84. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein said at least three columns consist of seven columns, with one of said seven columns being a lone column and six of said seven columns being paired in three pairs of said two neighboring columns, a first pair being separated from a second pair by a first aisle, the second pair being separated from a third pair by a second aisle and said lone column being separated from said third pair by a third aisle.
85. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to claim 67, wherein said at least three columns consist of eight columns being paired in four pairs of said two neighboring columns, a first pair being separated from a second pair by a first aisle, the second pair being separated from a third pair by a second aisle and the third pair being separated from a fourth pair by a third aisle.
86. The arrangement of aircraft seats according to any one of claims 58 to 66, wherein the first portion of the seat of the first column is at substantially a same distance from a floor of the cabin as the first portion of the seat of the second column.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR04/01958 | 2004-02-26 | ||
| FR0401958A FR2866840B1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2004-02-26 | INTERIOR AIRCRAFT CABIN ARRANGEMENT |
| PCT/FR2004/000884 WO2005092705A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2004-04-09 | Internal layout of an aircraft cabin |
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| CA2557466A1 CA2557466A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
| CA2557466C true CA2557466C (en) | 2013-01-15 |
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| CA2557466A Expired - Lifetime CA2557466C (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2004-04-09 | An aircraft cabin interior layout |
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| CN (1) | CN1922074B (en) |
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| WO (1) | WO2005092705A1 (en) |
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| FR2904805B1 (en) * | 2006-08-10 | 2009-06-26 | Airbus Sas | AIRCRAFT CAR AND AIRCRAFT CABIN SUB-ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SUCH A SUBSET |
| FR2924683A1 (en) * | 2007-12-06 | 2009-06-12 | Airbus Sas | Cabin for e.g. double-aisle aircraft, has passenger seats arranged in rows that are inclined with respect to longitudinal aisles, where seats of each row are arranged side by side and oriented perpendicular to row and towards aisles |
| DE102009014606B4 (en) * | 2009-03-24 | 2012-06-06 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Semi-automated procedure for reconfiguring a cabin layout |
| EP2923946B1 (en) | 2014-03-28 | 2018-05-30 | Airbus Operations GmbH | Passenger seat arrangement for a vehicle |
| US9409648B2 (en) | 2014-05-15 | 2016-08-09 | The Boeing Company | Seating arrangement and method |
| CN107697305A (en) * | 2017-09-16 | 2018-02-16 | 黄上立 | A kind of sleeping berth and seat mixed cabin of long-range jumbo jet |
| US20210403167A1 (en) * | 2018-11-23 | 2021-12-30 | Adient Aerospace Llc | Passenger module, passenger seating arrangement |
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| US2583960A (en) * | 1949-06-18 | 1952-01-29 | Budd Co | Passenger accommodations for railway cars and similar vehicles |
| GB9425078D0 (en) * | 1994-12-13 | 1995-02-08 | British Airways Plc | A seating unit |
| US6237872B1 (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 2001-05-29 | Reuven Bar-Levav | Aircraft cabin environment |
| DE10059603B4 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | Airbus Deutschland Gmbh | Airplane passenger cabin with an arrangement of passenger seats |
| DE60233003D1 (en) * | 2001-08-09 | 2009-08-27 | Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd | A seat assembly and a passenger accommodation unit for a vehicle |
| US7252332B2 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2007-08-07 | James Thompson | Seating for a vehicle |
| FR2839947B1 (en) * | 2002-05-22 | 2004-11-26 | Airbus | INDIVIDUAL MODULE FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER |
| FR2843730B1 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2005-07-08 | Airbus | INTERIOR FITTING OF AN AIRCRAFT CABIN |
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- 2004-02-26 FR FR0401958A patent/FR2866840B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-04-09 AU AU2004317562A patent/AU2004317562B2/en not_active Expired
- 2004-04-09 BR BRPI0418466-1A patent/BRPI0418466B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2004-04-09 JP JP2007500243A patent/JP4589377B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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- 2004-04-09 EP EP04742470.0A patent/EP1718528B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-04-09 CA CA2557466A patent/CA2557466C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-04-09 WO PCT/FR2004/000884 patent/WO2005092705A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-04-09 CN CN200480042101XA patent/CN1922074B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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| RU2347721C2 (en) | 2009-02-27 |
| RU2006134023A (en) | 2008-04-10 |
| WO2005092705A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
| CN1922074A (en) | 2007-02-28 |
| EP1718528B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 |
| FR2866840B1 (en) | 2007-06-29 |
| CN1922074B (en) | 2012-01-11 |
| BRPI0418466A (en) | 2007-06-05 |
| FR2866840A1 (en) | 2005-09-02 |
| JP4589377B2 (en) | 2010-12-01 |
| CA2557466A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
| AU2004317562B2 (en) | 2011-12-01 |
| BRPI0418466B1 (en) | 2013-02-19 |
| AU2004317562A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
| JP2007524544A (en) | 2007-08-30 |
| EP1718528A1 (en) | 2006-11-08 |
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