EP2429875A1

EP2429875A1 - Improvements relating to seating arrangements

Info

Publication number: EP2429875A1
Application number: EP10725239A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicholas Charles Talbot; Jeremy Steven White
Original assignee: Seymour-Powell Ltd; Seymour Powell Ltd
Current assignee: Seymour-Powell Ltd; Seymour Powell Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-15
Filing date: 2010-05-17
Publication date: 2012-03-21
Also published as: GB201006433D0; GB0908434D0; WO2010131014A1

Abstract

A seating arrangement comprising a group of seats arranged in rows, each row comprising at least two seats. At least some seats of the group are movably or removably mounted to reconfigure the group between a first configuration in which the seats of two successive rows face each other; and a second configuration in which at least two opposed seats of successive rows are reversed and at least two opposed seats of those successive rows are not reversed. At least two facing seats of those successive rows face each other and at least two reversed seats of those successive rows face away from each other. A walkway between backrests of the reversed seats provide user access to the facing seats.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

This invention relates to reconfigurable seating arrangements for multi-passenger vehicles such as trains and aircraft, although the invention may also have non- vehicular applications.

Privacy is desirable to passengers on long journeys, whether those passengers are travelling alone or in a group. Existing seating configurations in multi-passenger vehicles tend to provide inadequate privacy, giving passengers little sense of having their own personal space. Solo travellers may favour segregation from all other passengers but if the cabin of the vehicle is partitioned to allow such privacy to all passengers, this may undermine conviviality among a group of two or more passengers travelling together. The group may well desire privacy from other passengers but they will wish to communicate with each other during the journey. Also, of course, groups vary in size: two, three, four or more people may wish to travel together.

It is known to reconfigure seating in trains so that the seats always face the direction of travel. For example, seats in Japanese Shinkansen trains are reversed when the train reaches its terminus, each pair of seats having a mechanism allowing the seats to be turned 180° about a vertical axis to face the direction of travel on the return journey. However, reconfiguring the seating in this way does not allow an operator to tailor the configuration to its customers' wishes for conviviality or privacy. For instance, a solo traveller may wish to book a seat isolated from other seats, while a family of four may wish to book two pairs of seats facing each other in a convivial booth-style arrangement. Of course, this may be the case not only in trains but also in aircraft and other vehicles.

It is also known for seats in aircraft or trains to recline to a sleeping configuration, with some seats being configurable into a flat bed. However, known seating arrangements do not offer the flexibility to convert an area from a seating space to a sleeping space, and vice versa, while combining desirable levels of privacy and/or conviviality with adaptability.

Smaller vehicles such as multi-purpose vehicles or minivans have highly-flexible seating arrangements in which seats can be slid, swivelled, folded or removed to suit passenger preference and load-carrying needs. However such arrangements do little for privacy, suffer from awkward access involving clambering between the seat rows and are wasteful of space. For example, swivelling the seats of successive rows into a back-to-back arrangement creates a difficult-to-use space between the backrests of the seats and wastes valuable legroom.

Against this background, according to a first aspect, the present invention resides in a seating arrangement comprising a group of seats arranged in rows, each row comprising at least two seats, wherein at least some seats of the group are movably or removably mounted to reconfigure the group between a first configuration in which the seats of two successive rows face each other; and a second configuration in which at least two opposed seats of successive rows are reversed and at least two opposed seats of those successive rows are not reversed, such that at least two facing seats of those successive rows face each other and at least two reversed seats of those successive rows face away from each other, with a walkway between backrests of the reversed seats providing user access to the facing seats.

Thus the invention provides an easily configurable seating arrangement, creating a 'bay' or club seating system where passengers can may share space in a convivial manner with relative privacy.

Starting with the original bay arrangement of two (or more) sets of facing seats, it is also possible for a single seat to be turned to face away from its opposite seat, thus providing privacy for a single occupant, whilst allowing conviviality for the remaining passengers (there potentially being three such occupants if the seating layout was originally for four occupants in two facing pairs).

The seating arrangement may be configured in various ways, where a huge combination of facing pairs, facing quads, and single seats in a line (so called 'airline style') can be provided for, allowing great flexibility of the orientation of seating within the environment and of the overall layout of an interior space. The conversion can be undertaken by the seat occupants or by the operator/owner of the interior environment, such as a train operator.

Advantageously, passengers can pre-book a specific layout to suit their needs, whether travelling in groups, in pairs or seeking privacy when travelling solo. In some circumstances, the occupants of the seats could re-configure their space according to their requirements at the time.

Further, operators of trains, aircraft or buses can re-configure the interior layout according to the travel sector and specific needs of their travellers - for example, on a short or medium haul journey, a set of bays could be offered for people to meet and converse together and to work and eat together. On a longer-haul journey, the interior could be re-configured to a more private layout that allows occupants to be alone and to rest or sleep. This flexibility of 'mission' provides an advantage to the operator in terms of fast-turnaround interior flexibility.

The rows are preferably disposed between a window and an aisle of a vehicle, with the facing seats adjacent the window and the reversed seats adjacent the aisle when in the second configuration, and the walkway leading from the aisle toward the window.

The row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the reversed seats of the successive rows may be less than the row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the facing seats of the successive rows. Preferably, the row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the reversed seats is less than half of the row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the facing seats.

To ensure security and stability, the seats may be anchored to a floor or other structure when in use.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the reversed seats faces a seat of an adjacent row. The seat of the adjacent row may face toward the reversed seat. Alternatively, the seat of the adjacent row may face away from the reversed seat. Preferably, the seat of the adjacent row is reversible.

The arrangement of the invention may comprise a storage space between a backrest of a facing seat of the successive rows and a seat of an adjacent row. The seat of the adjacent row may, for example, face away from the facing seat of said successive rows. For convenience, the storage space may be accessible to a person seated in a reversed seat of said successive rows. The storage space may comprise a storage module, in which case the storage module may support a table usable by a person seated in a reversed seat of the successive rows. More generally, arrangements of the invention can be with or without any combination of tables. For example, tables may be fixed and removed manually, a table may be attached to and stowable within each individual seat, or a table or support can be attached to a secondary structure and can be fixed or stowed into that secondary structure - for example the side wall of a train carbody or an aircraft fuselage.

To increase privacy, when the seats are in the second configuration, the invention may comprise a partition between oppositely-oriented adjacent seats of a row that screens persons seated in those seats from each other. The partition may be movably or removably attached to at least one of the oppositely-oriented adjacent seats. The partition may comprise partition portions each associated with a respective one of the oppositely-oriented adjacent seats, the portions being mutually cooperable to create the partition. The partition portions may be in fixed relation to each of the seats. For example, the partition portions may be brought together to create the partition when at least one of the adjacent seats is moved to orient the seats in opposite relation.

The partition portions may be cooperable edge to-edge and have complementary edge shapes. For example, the edge shape of one portion may comprise an element inclined with respect to the associated seat and the edge shape of the other portion may comprise an element equally and oppositely inclined with respect to the associated seat. The partition portions may comprise major and minor portions, the major portion being deeper from front to rear than the minor portion.

Preferably, at least one of the seats has two partition portions, one to each side of the seat. The seat may have a major partition portion to one side and a minor partition portion to the other side. When the seats of the group are in the first configuration, preferably the major partition portions are disposed to at least one end of the rows to confer privacy upon the rows.

The partition portions may comprise wings extending forwardly from a backrest of the seat. The wings and the backrest may form a C-shape in plan. Preferably, oppositely- facing C-shapes of oppositely-oriented adjacent seats of a row form an S-shape in plan. When the group of seats is in the second configuration, the S-shapes of successive rows may be mirror images of each other. The mirror-image S-shapes of successive rows may define a generally T-shaped space between them in plan, the arm of the T being a compartment containing the facing seats and the stem of the T being the walkway providing user access to the facing seats.

Arrangements of the invention may comprise a reconfigurable table between facing seats. Preferably, the table comprises a movable or retractable element that can be moved or retracted from the space between the reversed seats of the successive rows when changing from the first configuration to the second configuration. The table may further comprise a movable element that can be removed from the space between the reversed seats of the successive rows and replaced between a reversed seat and a seat of an adjacent row.

The table may comprise a top that can be reoriented and/or raised or lowered to define a bed support member between the facing seats. The bed support member supports a cushion that may, for example, be extensible from or supported by at least one of the facing seats.

According to a second aspect, the present invention resides in a seating arrangement comprising a row having first and second adjacent seats, at least one of which is movably or removably mounted to reconfigure the row between a first configuration in which the first and second seats face the same way; and a second configuration in which the first and second seats face in opposite directions; wherein when the seats are in the second configuration, a partition between the seats screens persons seated in those seats from each other.

There are various ways to provide the privacy gained by a partition between adjacent seats when the seats now face in opposite directions to their original orientation. Examples are a rigid shell on the seat, or a fabric or flexible or semi-flexible divider between adjacent seats whether this be manually-attached or automatically-deployed in some way, or attached to a secondary structure such as a train carbody or an aircraft fuselage, or a curtain-style system that is suspended from overhead.

Preferably, the partition is movably or removably attached to at least one of the seats. The partition may comprise partition portions each associated with a respective one of the seats, the portions being mutually cooperable to create the partition. The partition portions may be in fixed relation to each of the seats. Preferably, the partition portions are brought together to create the partition when at least one of the adjacent seats is moved to achieve the second configuration. The partition portions may be cooperable edge-to-edge and have complementary edge shapes.

The edge shape of one portion may comprise an element inclined with respect to the associated seat and the edge shape of the other portion may comprise an element equally and oppositely inclined with respect to the associated seat.

The partition portions may comprise major and minor portions, the major portion being deeper from front to rear than the minor portion.

Preferably, at least one of the seats has two partition portions, one to each side of the seat. The seat may have a major partition portion to one side and a minor partition portion to the other side. When the seats of the row are in the first configuration, a major partition portion is advantageously disposed to one end of the row.

Preferably, the partition portions comprise wings extending forwardly from a backrest of the seat. The wings and the backrest may form a C-shape in plan, and such that oppositely-facing C-shapes may form an S-shape in plan when the row is in the second configuration.

In either aspect of the invention, reconfiguration of the arrangement enables privacy and conviviality to be adjusted as required. The partitions provide an immediate level of privacy for passengers. For this purpose, it is preferred that the seats are turned around by an angle sufficient to turn the occupant away from the seat that was in front of them.

The installation of such seating systems is applicable to the interiors of train carriages, private or corporate jet interiors and to commercial aircraft or rotorcraft interiors providing great flexibility in the use of the interior. Non-vehicular applications are also possible, for example in waiting rooms.

The seating arrangement of the invention - irrespective of the seat design per se - therefore brings a degree of flexibility to the layout of an interior that permits either privacy or conviviality, defined by the customer or by the transport operator. This brings many benefits to customers in terms of tailoring their environment, and also provides a unique selling point for operators.

Whilst rotating seats are known per se and are already used in the transport market, the scheme of the invention would lend itself very well to the requirements of flex layouts on multi-mission charter and VIP jets. The invention also finds benefit in road transport, for example in long-distance luxury bus and coach applications. The invention may also have architectural applications, where it would be possible to offer a system of 'pods' that provide more or less privacy in the built environment - for example in airport lounges, waiting rooms, public spaces, restaurants and others.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1a is a schematic plan view of a group of seats comprising eight rows of two seats, wherein the group is arranged in a first configuration;

Figure 1b is a schematic plan view of the group of seats of Figure 1a, wherein the group is arranged in a second configuration;

Figure 1c is a schematic plan view of the group of seats of Figures 1a and 1b, wherein the group is arranged in a third configuration;

Figure 1d is a schematic plan view of the group of seats of Figures 1a to 1c, wherein the group is arranged in a fourth configuration;

Figures 2a to 2d are schematic plan views of the seats in the configurations of Figures 1a to 1d, wherein co-operating shells are provided on each seat to promote privacy;

Figure 3a is a schematic side view of the group of seats shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 3b is a schematic side view of the group of seats shown of Figure 1b;

Figure 4ai is a schematic view similar to Figure 2a showing a line of cross-section; Figure 4aii is a schematic side view through the line of cross-section of the group of seats shown in Figure 4ai;

Figure 4bi is a schematic view similar to Figure 2b showing a line of cross-section;

Figure 4bii is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the group of seats shown in Figure 4bi;

Figure 5a is a perspective view of a group of seats arranged in eight rows of two seats which are arranged in the first configuration shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 5b is a perspective view from the side of some of the seats of Figure 5a;

Figure 6a is a perspective view of the group of seats of Figure 5a arranged in the second configuration shown in Figure 1 b;

Figure 6b is a perspective view from the side of some of the seats of Figure 6a;

Figure 7a is a perspective view of the group of seats of Figures 5a and 6a arranged in the third configuration shown in Figure 1c;

Figure 7b is a perspective view from the side of some of the seats of Figure

7a;

Figure 8a is a perspective view of the group of seats of Figures 5a, 6a and 7a arranged in the fourth configuration shown in Figure 1d;

Figure 8b is a perspective view from the side of a portion of the group of seats of Figure 8a;

Figures 9a and 9b are schematic views of the seats and in the configuration shown in Figures 5a and 5b, wherein co-operating shells are provided on each seat to promote privacy; Figures 10a and 10b are schematic views of the seats in the configuration shown in Figures 6a and 6b, wherein co-operating shells are provided on each seat to promote privacy;

Figures 11a and 11b are schematic views of the seats in the configuration shown in Figures 7a and 7b, wherein co-operating shells are provided on each seat to promote privacy;

Figures 12a and 12b are schematic views of the seats in the configuration shown in Figure 8a, wherein co-operating shells are provided on each seat to promote privacy;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a group of seats and storage modules in a first configuration;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the group of seats and storage modules of Figure 13 in a second configuration;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the group of seats and storage modules of Figures 13 and 14 in a third configuration;

Figure 16 is a view of a group of seats according to the invention in situ in a train carriage;

Figure 17a is a schematic side view of three pairs of seats, wherein cooperating fan-type privacy screens are provided on each seat;

Figure 17b is a schematic plan view of the three pairs of seats of Figure 17a;

Figure 18a is a perspective view of a group of seats with alternative fan-type privacy screens, wherein the seats are in a first configuration and the screens are in a folded state;

Figure 18b is a perspective view of the group of seats of Figure 18a, wherein the seats are in a second configuration and the screens are in an unfolded state; Figure 19a is a schematic side view of a three pairs of seats with removable privacy screens;

Figure 19b is a schematic plan view of the three pairs of seats of Figure 19a;

Figure 20a is a perspective view of a group of seats co-operable with removable privacy screens, wherein the seats are in a first configuration;

Figure 20b is a perspective view of the group of seats of Figure 20a, wherein the seats are in a second configuration and removable privacy screens are attached to the seats;

Figure 21a is a perspective view of a group of seats and tables in a first configuration;

Figure 21b is a perspective view of the group of seats and tables of Figure 21a, wherein the seats and tables are in a second configuration;

Figure 22a is a perspective view of a group of seats and alternative tables in a first configuration;

Figure 22b is a perspective view of the group of seats and tables of Figure 22a, wherein the seats and tables are in a second configuration;

Figure 23a is a schematic plan view of part of a first aircraft fuselage showing seats arranged in a first configuration;

Figure 23b is a larger schematic plan view of part of the aircraft fuselage of Figure 23a showing the seats in a second configuration;

Figure 24 is a schematic plan view of the fuselage of a second aircraft, wherein the seats are arranged in a variety of configurations in accordance with the invention;

Figure 25a is an enlarged schematic plan view of the front group of seats shown in Figure 24; Figure 25b is an enlarged schematic plan view of the middle group of seats shown in Figure 24;

Figure 25c is an enlarged schematic plan view of the rear group of seats shown in Figure 24;

Figure 26a is a schematic plan view of a pair of seats and a table in a bed configuration;

Figure 26b is a schematic side view of the pair of seats and table shown in

Figure 26a in a sitting configuration;

Figure 27a is a schematic plan view of a bed deck for use with a pair of seats and a table;

Figure 27b is a schematic side view of the bed deck of Figure 27b;

Figure 28a is a schematic plan view of the bed deck of Figures 27a and 27b shown in use with the pair of seats and the table shown in Figures 26a and 26b;

Figure 28b is a schematic side view of the bed deck, seats and table shown in Figure 28a;

Figure 29a is a schematic plan view of a futon for use with a pair of seats and a table;

Figure 29b is a schematic side view of the futon of Figure 29a;

Figure 30a a schematic plan view of the futon of Figures 29a and 29b shown in use with the pair of seats and the table shown in Figures 26a and 26b;

Figure 30b is a schematic side view of the futon, seats and table shown in Figure 30a; and

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the interior of a train carriage showing a pair of seats in a bed configuration. Figure 1a is a schematic plan view of a group of seats installed in a passenger train or aircraft, and Figure 3a is a schematic side view which corresponds to Figure 1a. For clarity, reference numerals are not repeated for identical features of the seats. The group comprises eight rows of two seats, where in each row has one 'inboard' seat 22 and one 'outboard' seat 24 (reference numeral 22 is used to refer to one or more inboard seat and reference numeral 24 is used to refer to one or more outboard seat), wherein the group is arranged in a first configuration. In the description that follows, 'outboard' and 'inboard' are used, respectively, to indicate window seats and aisle seats in a train or aircraft. In this instance, 'outboard' and 'inboard' are therefore defined with reference to the vehicle containing the seats. However, it is emphasised that these designations are used purely for convenience and may be varied. For example, 'inboard' may alternatively be regarded as the side from which users typically gain access to the seats. For the purposes of this description it is assumed that window seats are the uppermost or furthest seats shown in the drawings, and the aisle seats are the lowermost or closest seats shown in the drawings.

As more clearly shown in Figure 3a, and indicated on the inboard seat 22 of the first row 2, each seat comprises a backrest 26, a cushion 28 that extends from the lower part of the backrest 26 and a base 30 on which the cushion 28 is mounted. The base is 30 arranged to enable each seat to be turned as described below.

From left to right in Figures 1a and 3a, the seats of the first row 2 and second row 4 are arranged back-to-back, as are the seats of the third row 6 and fourth row 8, fifth row 10 and sixth row 12, and seventh row 14 and eighth row 16. The seats of the first and second rows 2, 4, and the seventh and eighth rows 14, 16, are each separated by a minor gap 18. The seats of the third and fourth rows 6, 8, and fifth and sixth rows 10, 12 are each separated by a major gap 20. Accordingly, the seats of the second row 4 face the seats of the third row 6, the seats of the fourth row 8 face the seats of the fifth row 10 and the seats of the sixth row 12 face the seats of the seventh row 14. Seats belonging to the same row face in the same direction in this first configuration.

The seats of the first and eighth rows 2, 16 are particularly suitable for groups of two passengers to occupy. The orientation of the seats of the first and eighth rows 2, 16 afford passengers using those seats a degree of privacy from other passengers occupying the seats of the group. Conversely, the facing seats of the second and third rows 4, 6, fourth and fifth rows 8, 10, and sixth and seventh rows 12, 14 are suitable for groups of four passengers, as the orientation of those seats afford those groups of passengers some privacy from other passengers and also a degree of conviviality.

Figure 1b is a schematic plan view of the group of seats of Figure 1a, wherein inboard seats 22 of the second to seventh rows 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 have been turned 180°, so that the group forms a second configuration. The second configuration is also shown as viewed from the side in Figure 3b. Accordingly, the inboard seats 24 of the second and third rows 4, 6 are now arranged back-to-back, as are the seats of the fourth and fifth rows 8, 10, and the sixth and seventh rows 12, 14.

In the second configuration, the outboard seats 24 of the second and third rows 4, 6 face each other, as do the inboard seats 22 of the third and fourth rows 6, 8, the outboard seats 24 of the fourth and fifth rows 8,10, the inboard seats 22 of the fifth and sixth rows 10, 12, and the outboard seats of the sixth and seventh rows 12, 14. The face-to-face arrangement of these pairs of seats provides convivial seating for groups of two passengers using the seats.

Accordingly, the inboard seats 22 of the first and second rows 2, 4, and the seventh and eighth rows 14, 16 are arranged in an 'airline' configuration, i.e. one behind the other and facing the same direction. This allows solo passengers in the inboard seats 22 of the second and seventh 4, 14 rows a degree of privacy from other passengers.

Figure 1c is a schematic plan view of the group of seats of Figures 1a and 1b in a third configuration in which the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4, fourth row 8 and sixth row 12 have been turned 180° in comparison with the first configuration shown in Figure 1a. The seats of the third row 6 face the outboard 24 seat of the second row 4 to form convivial three-berth seating for a group of three passengers, which offers some privacy from other passengers. Similar convivial seating is provided for further groups of three passengers by the seats of the fifth row 10 and the outboard seat 22 of the fourth row 8, and the seats of the seventh row 14 and the outboard seat 22 of the sixth row 12. The seats of the first row 2 and the eighth row 16 remain suitable for groups of two passengers sitting side-by-side, and the inboard 22 seats of the second row 4, fourth row 8 and sixth row 12 are each suitable for a solo passenger. Figure 1d is a schematic plan view of the group of seats of Figures 1a to 1c in a fourth configuration in which the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4, sixth row 12 and seventh row 14 have been turned 180° in comparison with the first configuration shown in Figure 1a. The seats of the third row 6 face the outboard seat of the second row 4 to form convivial seating for a group of three passengers, as described above for Figure 1c. The seats of the fourth row 8 face the seats of the fifth row 10 to form seating for a group of four travellers, as described for Figure 1a.

The fourth configuration shown in Figure 1d demonstrates the flexibility to provide different seating arrangements within the same group of seats. The outboard seats

24 of the sixth row 12 and seventh row 14 face each other, while the inboard seats

22 of those rows 12, 14 are arranged back-to-back. The arrangement of the seats of the sixth row 12 and seventh row 14 in this way provides convivial seating for a group of two passengers using the outboard seats 24. The inboard seats 22 of the second row 4, sixth row 12 and seventh row 14 are arranged in 'airline' configuration to provide a degree of privacy for solo passengers.

All the seats shown in Figures 1a to 1d have the capacity to be turned to form further configurations as required by a train or aircraft operator, or by the passengers themselves. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific configurations described throughout this specification.

Figures 2a to 2d are schematic plan views of groups of seat variants in the configurations of Figures 1a to 1d respectively. For clarity, reference numerals are not repeated for identical features of the seats. In these seat variants, a symmetrical shell 32 (indicated on the outboard 24 seat of the first row 2) is attached to each of the outboard seats 24 in all rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and to each of the inboard seats 22 of the first row 2 and eighth row 16. An asymmetrically-extended shell 34 is attached the inboard seats 22 of the second to seventh 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 rows of the group.

One of the symmetrical shells 32 will now be described in relation to the seat to which it is attached with reference to Figures 4ai and 4aii, wherein Figure 4aii is a cross-sectional view on line A-A of Figure 4ai. The shell 32 has a generally C- shaped cross-section when viewed from above, the shell comprising a back panel 36, a right wing 38 and a left wing 40. Viewed from above, the wings 38, 40 extend forwardly to the same extent from respective sides of the back panel 36; the wings 38, 40 also splay slightly outwardly in that view.

The back panel 36 lies behind and generally parallel to the backrest 26 of the seat, hence being inclined to approximately the same angle as the backrest 26. The back panel 36 extends downwardly from the top of the backrest 26, curves around the junction between the backrest 26 and the cushion 28 and terminates at the base 30.

Laterally, the wings 38, 40 extend from respective sides of the back panel 36 and curve around respective sides of the backrest 26 to terminate in respective front edges 42, 44.

Each wing 38, 40 comprises a lower portion 46, 47 (the lower portion 46 of the right wing 38 is indicated on the inboard 22 seat of the first row 2, and the lower portion 47 of the left wing 40 is indicated on the inboard 22 seat of the eighth row 16) where the front edge 42, 44 extends generally parallel to the back panel 36, hence being correspondingly inclined to the vertical, and an enlarged upper portion 48, 49 where the front edge 42, 44 lies substantially vertically. The respective lower portions 46, 47 of the wings 38, 40 join a lower shell portion 50 extending forwardly under the rear part of the cushion 28 from the bottom of the back panel 36.

An asymmetrically-extended shell 34 is attached to each of the remaining seats of the group, namely the inboard seats 22 of the second to seventh rows 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. The seats with these extended shells 34 are best appreciated with reference to Figures 4bi and 4bii, wherein Figure 4bii is a cross-sectional view on line A-A of Figures 4bi. The extended shells 34 are identical to the symmetrical shells 32 with the exception that one of the wings (numbered 51 for right wings and 53 for left wings) is forwardly extended, hence making the extended shells 34 asymmetrical when viewed from above.

The extended wing of the asymmetrically-extended shells 34 is the right wing for the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4, fourth row 8 and sixth row 12, and the left wing for the inboard seats 22 of the third row 6, fifth row 10 and seventh row 14.

Viewed from the side as shown in Figure 4bii, it will be apparent that each extended wing 51 comprises a lower portion 52 in which the front edge 54 is inclined and an upper portion 56 in which the front edge 54 is vertical. The inclination of the front edge 54 of the lower portion 52 is equal and opposite to the inclination of the corresponding lower portion 46 of a symmetrical shell 32. Thus, in this instance, the front edge 54 of the lower portion 52 is not parallel to the back panel 36; to the contrary, the front edge 54 of the lower portion 52 diverges from the plane of the back panel 36 moving upwardly such that the upper portion 56 of the extended wing 51 is substantially deeper, from front to rear, than the lower portion 52.

Arranging the seats and shells in the first configuration shown in Figure 2a affords groups of two or four passengers a booth-style environment that offers further privacy and conviviality. It will be noted here that, in this configuration, the extended wings 51 lie on the inboard sides of the inboard seats 22 of the second to the seventh rows 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. These extended wings 51 add to the privacy of the four-person booths defined between the facing second row 4 and third row 6, fourth row 8 and fifth row 10, and sixth row 12 and seventh 14 row, by helping to block the view into those booths from the inboard, or aisle, side.

When the adjacent seats of a row are oriented in opposite directions, as can be seen in Figures 2b to 2d, the wings of those seats cooperate to form partitions between them. For example, taking the second row 4 of seats shown in Figure 2b, the inboard seat 22 is turned through 180° from the position shown in Figure 2a. Then, the extended right-side wing 51 of the shell 34 of the inboard seat 22 fits closely edge-to- edge with the shallower right-side wing 38 of the shell 32 of the outboard seat 24. The cross-section of the cooperating shells 32, 34 is generally S-shaped when viewed from above.

The inclination of the front edge 42 of the symmetrical shell 32 matches the inclination of the front edge 54 of the asymmetrical shell 34, now no longer oppositely-inclined because the seat with the asymmetrical shell 34 has been turned through 180°. The vertical front edges 42, 54 of the upper portions 48, 56 of the opposed wings 38, 51 abut at a vertical join. The wings of the adjacent but opposed seats of a row thus lie in front-to-front abutting relation and cooperate to form effective partitions 60 between those seats.

The seats and shells of the fourth row 8 and sixth row 12 of Figure 2b are arranged similarly to those of the second row 4. The seats and shells of the third row 6, fifth row 10 and seventh row 14 are mirror images of the seats and shells of the second row 4, fourth row 8 and sixth row 12.

Arranging the seats and shells in the second configuration shown in Figure 2b provides a booth-style environment to passengers using the face-to-face seats. This affords those passengers further privacy from adjacent seats and seats to the rear of either of the face-to-face seats. Also, the partition 60 provides solo travellers using the outboard seats of the second row 4 and seventh row 14 with a private and enclosed space.

Similarly, arranging the seats and shells in the third configuration shown in Figure 2c provides a booth-style environment to passengers using the groups of three seats, with the further privacy and conviviality mentioned above.

Figure 2d demonstrates the flexibility of the seats and shells to provide different seating options in the same group of seats.

The invention is not limited by the design of seats, as illustrated in Figure 5a which shows a group of alternative seats arranged in eight rows of two seats in the first configuration described above. Figure 5b is a side perspective view of the third row 6 to sixth row 12 shown in Figure 5a.

Figure 6a shows the alternative seats in the second configuration described above, and Figure 6b is a side perspective view of the third row 6 to sixth row 12 shown in Figure 6a.

Figure 7a shows the alternative seats in the third configuration described above, and Figure 7b is a side perspective view of the third to sixth rows shown in Figure 7a.

Figure 8a shows the alternative seats in the fourth configuration described above. Figure 8b is a side perspective view of the fifth to eighth rows shown in Figure 8a, but in which the outboard seat 24 of the eighth row 16 has been turned through 180°.

Figures 9a and 9b are schematic perspective and side views of a group of alternative seat variants in the configuration of Figures 5a and 5b respectively. In these seat variants, similarly to those shown in Figures 2a to 2d, a symmetrical shell 32 is attached to each of the outboard seats 24 in all rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and to each of the inboard seats 22 of the first row 2 and eighth row 16. An asymmetrically- extended shell 34 is attached to each of the remaining seats of the group. Since the arrangement of the seats corresponds to those of Figures 2a, 4ai and 4aii, this group of seats provides the additional privacy and conviviality of the first configuration, discussed above.

Figures 10a and 10b are schematic perspective and side views of the group of seat variants of Figures 9a and 9b, in the configuration of Figures 6a and 6b respectively. Since the arrangement of the seats corresponds to those of Figures 2b, 4bi and 4bii, this group of seats provides the additional privacy and conviviality of the second configuration, discussed above.

Figures 11a and 11b are schematic perspective and side views of the group of seat variants of Figures 9a to 10b, in the configuration of Figures 7a and 7b respectively. Since the arrangement of the seats corresponds to those of Figure 2c, this group of seats provides the additional privacy and conviviality of the third configuration, discussed above.

Figure 12a is a schematic perspective view of the group of seat variants of Figures 9a to 11 b, in the configuration of Figure 8a. Figure 12b is a schematic side view of the third row 6 to sixth row 12 shown in Figure 12a. Since the arrangement of the seats shown in Figures 12a and 12b corresponds to that of Figure 2d, this group of seats provides the additional privacy and conviviality of the fourth configuration, discussed above.

Figure 13 shows a group of further alternative seat variants and a storage module 58 in a first configuration, in the positions that they would be when installed in a train carriage. Four rows 2, 4, 6, 8 of two seats are arranged so that the seats of the first row 2 face the seats of the second row 4, and the seats of the third row 6 face the seats of the fourth row 8. The seats of each row 2, 4, 6, 8 both face in the same direction. A storage module 58 is located against the carriage wall, between adjacent windows (although neither the wall nor the windows are shown in this simplified view), in a gap 60 between the second and third outboard seats 24. The gap 60 is wide enough for walk-in access to the storage module 58 from the aisle. A symmetrical shell 32 is attached to each of the outboard seats 24, and an asymmetrically-extended shell 34 is attached to each of the inboard seats 22. Figure 14 shows the seat variants and storage module of Figure 13 in a second configuration. The inboard seats 22 are now turned 180° so that adjacent seats in each row 2, 4, 6, 8 are oriented in opposite directions. As described above, the wings 38, 40, 51, 53 of those seats cooperate to form partitions 60 between them. Additionally, the occupants of the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4 and third row 6 have easy access to the storage module 58 while remaining seated.

Figure 15 shows the seat variants and storage module 58 of Figures 13 and 14 in a third configuration. When compared to the first configuration of Figure 13, only the inboard seat 22 of the third row 6 is now turned 180°. Accordingly, that seat is isolated from the other seats and is suitable for a solo traveller. The passenger seated in that inboard seat 22 of the third row 6 has seated access to the storage module 58. Behind and to the side of that passenger, a group of three passengers may enjoy a convivial booth arrangement while being screened by the partitions 60 between the seats of the third row 6.

The storage module 58 of Figures 14 and 15 may have an extending table, discussed further below, for use by the passengers sitting in the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4 and third row 6 in the second configuration, or the inboard seat 22 of the third row 6 in the third configuration.

Figure 16 is a close-up view of two rows of two seats and a storage module 58 installed in a train carriage. The inboard seats 22 face each other and the outboard seats 24 are arranged back-to-back, with the storage module 58 located between the outboard seats 24. The seats and storage module 58 are essentially arranged in the second configuration shown in Figure 14.

An alternative to the shells 32, 34 to create a partition between adjacent seats of a row is the fan-type privacy screen shown in Figures 17a, 17b, 18a and 18b.

Figure 17a is a schematic side view of three rows 2, 4, 6 of two seats installed in a passenger train or aircraft, and Figure 17b is a schematic plan view of those seats. The inboard seats 22 of the first row 2 and second row 4 are arranged face-to-face, and the outboard seats 24 of the first row 2 and second row 4 are arranged back-to- back. The seats of the first row 2 face in opposite directions, as do the seats of the second row 4. The inboard seat 22 of the third row 6 is arranged back-to-back with the inboard seat 22 of the second row 4, and the outboard seat 24 of the third row 6 faces in the same direction as its adjacent inboard seat 22.

A fan 62 comprising two generally triangular leaves 62, 64 is attached to at least one side of each seat near the base of the backrest 26. In the case of the oppositely- facing seats of the first row 2 and second row 4, the fans 62 are unfolded such that the leading edge 67 of the forwardmost leaf 66 of each fan 62 relative to its seat abuts edge-to-edge with the opposed fan 62 to provide a partition 60 between the seats. When seats of the same row face in the same direction, as in the third row 6, passengers in those seats may unfold the fans 62 to provide a degree of privacy from the adjacent seat, in the case of the outboard seat 24, or from the aisle, in the case of the inboard seat 22. However, if those passengers prefer, they may leave the fans 62 folded.

Figure 18a is a perspective view of a group of four rows of two seats in a first configuration. A fan 62 is installed on the inboard side of each outboard seat 24 near the base of the backrest 26. Each fan 62 is in a folded state. The first row of seats 2 faces the second row of seats 4, and the third row of seats 6 faces the fourth row of seats 8. A gap 68 is provided between the seats of the second row 4 and third row 6, and the seats in each row face in the same direction.

Figure 18b shows the group of seats of Figure 18a in a second configuration. The inboard seats 22 are now turned 180° so that adjacent seats in the same row face opposite directions. The fans 62 are now in an unfolded state. Again, the fans 62 comprise two leaves 70, 71 , but of greater width than those shown in Figures 17a and 17b. Each unfolded fan-style privacy screen extends from the backrest 26 of the outboard seat 24 to the backrest of the inboard seat 22 to provide a degree of privacy for passengers occupying those seats.

When in the first configuration shown in Figure 18a, the fan-type privacy screen can be unfolded between the seats to afford passengers in those seats a degree of privacy from their neighbours. Rather than having leaves, a fan-type privacy screen may have a concertinaed surface.

A further alternative privacy screen is the flexible panel 72 shown in Figures 19a, 19b, 20a and 20b. Figure 19a is a schematic side view of three rows of two seats installed in a passenger train or aircraft, and Figure 19b is a schematic plan view of those seats. The inboard seats 22 of the first row 2 and second row 4 are arranged face-to-face, and the outboard seats 24 of the first row 2 and second row 4 are arranged back-to- back. The seats of the first row 2 face in opposite directions, as do the seats of the second row 4. The outboard seat 24 of the third row 6 is arranged back-to-back with the outboard seat 24 of the second row 2, and the inboard seat 22 of the third row 4 faces the same direction as its adjacent outboard seat 24.

Male popper elements 74 are provided on at least one side of the head portion 76 of each backrest 26 and on at least one side of each cushion 28. Flexible panels 72 extend between and are attached to the inboard 22 and outboard 24 seats of the first row 2 and the second row 4. The flexible panel 73 for use between the seats of the third row 6 is rolled up and stored under the inboard seat 22 of the third row 6 ready for use. To enable attachment to the seats, the panels comprise complementary female popper elements 75 in locations corresponding to the male popper elements 74. The poppers are secured by a pushing a female popper element 75 into engagement with the corresponding male popper element 74.

Figure 20a is a schematic perspective view of four rows of two seats installed in a passenger train or aircraft in a first configuration. The seats of the first row 2 face the seats of the second row 4, and the seats of the third row 6 face the seats of the fourth row 8. The seats of each row face in the same direction. Before attaching the flexible panels as shown in Figure 20b, the inboard seats 22 are turned 180° so that the seats in a row now face in opposite directions. The flexible panels 72 are then attached to the seats as described above.

As alternatives to poppers (not shown), the panels may be attached by clips or eyelets, or may be zipped to the seat upholstery.

In a further alternative (not shown), privacy screens may be mounted on a track or rails. For example, tracks or rails fixed to the wall of a train carriage above the top of the seats and to the floor of the carriage hold rigid partitions in one or more articulated leaves. These can be dragged around so that when seats are facing each other they form a partition between the seats. The partitions are stored neatly behind the seat backs. In a simple form, the partition could be in the form of a curtain. In a further alternative (not shown), privacy screens may be telescopic or retractable. For example, screens may extend from a secondary structure, such as the storage modules 58 mentioned above.

In a yet further embodiment (not shown), the privacy screens may have a 'roller blind' arrangement. For example, a roller blind or fabric partition is stored behind the seats. The roller blind could, optionally, be removed completely and stored in another location. When required, the roller blind is deployed and fixed between adjacent seats.

In a final alternative (not shown), the privacy screens are provided by means of a roller stretch partition. A secondary structure located between seats, such as the storage modules 58 mentioned above, contains two flexible screens of fabric, for example. These can be threaded between adjacent seats. The screens could be fixed to the back of one of the adjacent seats or fixed to upper structures and floor.

Where a group of seats also includes tables, the invention also provides flexibility in the positioning of those tables, as illustrated in Figures 21a and 21b. Figure 21a shows fours rows of two seats in a first configuration. The first row 2 of seats are arranged back-to-back with the second row 4 of seats, as are the third row 6 of seats and the fourth row 8 of seats. The second row 4 and third row 6 of seats are arranged face-to-face, between which is a table 78. The table 78 may be split into an inboard table 80 and an outboard table 82, as shown in Figure 21b.

When the configuration of the seats is changed, for example, to the second configuration shown in Figure 21b where the inboard seats 22 are turned 180°, the inboard table 80 is moved from between the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4 and third row 6, to between the inboard seats 22 of the first row 2 and second row 4 which now face each other. The tables 80, 82 are secured to the floor in sockets 84, thereby providing 'move and plug' functionality. In this instance, both tables 80, 82 have foldable rearward and forward portions 86 in the form of leaves or flaps allowing easy access to the seats. However, it is possible for only one or indeed neither of the tables 80, 82 to have foldable edges of this type.

Figure 22a shows a group of seats and a telescopic table 88 in the configuration of Figure 21a. In addition, support structures 58 are provided between the outboard seats 24 of the first row 2 and second row 4, and between the outboard seats 24 of the third row 6 and fourth row 8. Here, the table 88 is extended telescopically from a wall 90 to serve the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4 and third row 6. When the inboard seats 22 of the second row 4 and third row 6 are turned 180° to form the second configuration of Figure 21b, the telescopic element 92 of the table 88 is retracted to allow access to the outboard seats 24 of the second row 4 and third row 6. In addition, secondary tables 94 are deployed telescopically from the support structures 58 between the outboard seats 24 of the first row 2 and second row 4 and the third row 6 and fourth row 8. The secondary tables 94 serve the facing inboard seats 22 of the first row 2 and second row 4, and the facing inboard seats 22 of the third row 6 and fourth row 8.

The tables 92, 94 may be extended and/or deployed in other, non-telescopic ways, such as by folding. In a further alternative (not shown), 'pop and hide' tables may be incorporated in the seats. These tables are similar to those found on some aircraft seats where the tables can be pivoted up and then stowed in the armrest or by the side of the armrest using a ball joint or double pivot. As the tables move with the seats, this provides the quickest and easiest turn-around when reconfiguring the seating layout. Each passenger may decide to have their table out or hidden, offering ultimate control over personal space.

Figure 23a shows a group of seats installed in the fuselage 102 of a first aircraft 100, in a first configuration. Each seat incorporates a symmetrical shell 32 similar to those described above. The group comprises four rows 2, 4, 6, 8, wherein each row 2, 4, 6, 8 comprises six seats; therefore, the group has a total of twenty-four seats. As viewed from left to right, the third and fourth seats of each row 2, 4, 6, 8 are staggered towards the cockpit 104. A first aisle 106 extends between the second and third seats of each row 2, 4, 6, 8 and a second aisle 108 extends between the fourth and fifth seats of each row 2, 4, 6, 8, thereby dividing the group into three sections, port 110, centre 112 and starboard 114. The first seat in each row 2, 4, 6, 8 is located beside the port wall 116 of the fuselage 102, and the sixth seat in each row 2, 4, 6, 8 is located beside the starboard wall 118 of the fuselage 102. Thus the first and sixth seat of each row 2, 4, 6, 8 are window seats.

The first and second seats of the first row 2 face the first and second seats of the second row 4, and the first and second seats of the third row 6 face the first and second seats of the fourth row 8. The third seat of the first row 2 faces the third and fourth seats of the second row 4, and the third and fourth seats of the third row 6 face the third and fourth seats of the fourth row 8. The fourth seat of the first row 2 faces the cockpit 104.

The fifth seat of the first row 2 faces in the opposite direction to the fifth seat of the second row 4. The fifth seat of the second row 4 faces the fifth seat of the third row 6. The fifth seat of the fourth row 8 faces the back of the fifth seat of the third row 6 in an 'airline' configuration. The sixth seat of the first row 2 faces the sixth seat of the second row 4, and the sixth seat of the third row 6 faces the sixth seat of the fourth row 8.

Tables 120 are located between the first seats of the first row 2 and second row 4, the first seats of the third row 6 and fourth row 8, each of the third and fourth facing seats of the centre section 112, the fifth seats of the second row 4 and third rows 6, the sixth seats of the first row 2 and second row 4 and the sixth seats of the third row 6 and fourth row 8.

Figure 23b shows the group of seats of Figure 23a in a second configuration. The second seats of the first row 2, second row 4 and third row 6 are now turned 180°, as are the fourth seats of the second row 4 to fourth row 8. The second seats of the second row 4 and third row 6, and the fourth seats of the second row 4 and third row 6 now face each other. Facing seats are now converted into a sleeping arrangement to form beds 122, while individual seats, i.e. the second seats of the first row 2 and fourth row 4, the fourth seats of the first row 2 and fourth row 8 and the fifth seats of the first row 2 and fourth row 8, remain available for passengers to sit in. Of the twenty-four seats of the group, eighteen have been converted into single beds 122.

Gaps 124 are provided between the second seats of the first row 2 and second row 4, the second seats of the third row 6 and fourth row 8, the fifth seats of the first row 2 and second row 4, and the fifth seats of the third row 6 and fourth row 8. The gaps 124 enable access to the beds 122 formed by the first seats, and the beds 122 formed by the sixth seats.

Figure 24 shows the fuselage 132 of a second aircraft 130, containing a group of seats comprising twelve rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 of four seats with an aisle 136 extending the length of the fuselage 132 between the second and third seats of the rows 2 ... 24. The group therefore contains forty-eight seats, of which, fourteen have been converted into seven beds 124, as described below. Each seat comprises a symmetrical shell 32 similar to those described earlier. The group is divided into front 140, middle 142 and rear sections 144. The seats are arranged in various configurations, i.e. face-to-face, bed, back-to-back and airline, as will now be described with reference to Figures 25a, 25b and 25c.

Figure 25a is an enlarged close-up schematic plan view of the front section of seats. The first and second seats of the first row 2 face the first and second seats of the second row 4, as do the first and second seats of the third row 6 and fourth row 8. Tables 120 are located between these facing pairs of seats. The third seat of the first row 2 suitable for solo travellers faces the cockpit 134 and is arranged back-to-back with the third seat of the second row 4 which faces the third seat of the third row 6, with a table 120 located between those seats. The third seat of the fourth row 8 is suitable for solo travellers and faces the back of the third seat of the third row 6. The fourth seats of the first row 2 and second row 4, and the third row 6 and fourth row 8, are arranged face-to-face with a table 120 located between each facing pair. Storage modules 58 are provided adjacent the opposed fuselage walls, to port 146 and starboard 148, between the first seats and the fourth seats of the second row 4 and third row 6.

Figure 25b is an enlarged schematic plan view of the middle section 142 of seats. The first seats of the fifth row 10 and sixth row 12, and of the seventh row 14 and eighth row 16, are arranged face-to-face with a table 120 located between each facing pair. The second seat of the fifth row 10 faces the rear of the aircraft and has a table 120 located in front of its passenger. It faces the rear of the second seat of the sixth row 12, airline style, which is arranged face-to-face with the second seat of the seventh row 14, in a sitting configuration. The second seat of the eighth row 16 faces the rear of the second seat of the seventh row 14 in airline style, and has a table 120 located in front of it. The third and fourth seats of the fifth row 10 face the third and fourth seats of the sixth row 12 respectively, and are in a bed arrangement 122. Similarly, the third and fourth seats of the seventh row 14 face the third and fourth seats of the eighth row 16 respectively, and are in a bed arrangement 122. Storage modules 58 are provided adjacent the opposed fuselage walls to port 146 and starboard 148, between the first seats and the fourth seats of the sixth row 12 and seventh row 14.

Figure 25c is an enlarged schematic plan view of the rear section of seats. The first and second seats of the ninth row 18 and tenth row 20 face each other, as do the first seats of the eleventh row 22 and twelfth row 24. Tables 120 are located between each facing pair. The second seat of the eleventh row 22 faces the cockpit 134, and the second seat of the twelfth row 24 faces the rear of the third seat of the eleventh row 22. A table 120 is located in front of the second seat of the twelfth row 24. The third seat of the ninth row 18 faces the cockpit 134 is arranged back-to-back with the third seat of the tenth row 20. The fourth seats of the ninth row 18 and tenth row 20 face each other in a bed configuration 122, as do the third seats of the tenths row 20 and eleventh row 20, and the fourth seats of the eleventh row 22 and twelfth row 24. The third seat of the twelfth row 24 faces the rear of the aircraft. Storage modules 58 are provided adjacent the opposed fuselage walls to port 146 and starboard 148, between the first seats and the fourth seats of the tenth row 20 and eleventh row 22.

The above aircraft embodiments illustrate the flexibility of the invention to provide seating or beds as required by the aircraft operator.

Figures 26a is a plan view of a first seat 200 face-to-face with a second seat 202, wherein the seats 200, 202 are arranged in a bed configuration 122. Located between the seats 200, 202 is a table 204 with an oblong tabletop 204. Each seat 200, 202 comprises a backrest 208, a cushion 210 which comprises an upper member 212 and a lower member 214 joined at the front edge of the cushion by a horizontal pivot 216, armrests 218 and a base 220. The table 204 is pivotable about a vertical central axis on a vertically-extendable pedestal 222.

In the bed configuration 122, the tabletop 206 is at a low height and upper members 212 of the cushions 210 are unfolded to rest on the tabletop 206. In this arrangement the upper member 212 and lower member 214 have a flat surface to create a bed mattress. The tabletop 206 is also pivoted about the vertical central axis of the pedestal so that it lies lengthwise to bridge the gap between the seats 200, 202. A representation of a passenger 224 is shown lying flat on the unfolded seat cushions 210.

To convert to a sitting configuration, as illustrated in Figure 26b, the seat cushions 210 are folded so that the upper members 212 lie on top of the lower members 214, and the tabletop 206 is turned 90° so that its short edges extend between the seats 200, 202, to enable users of the seats to fit their legs between the table 204 and the seats 200, 202 when seated. Figures 27a and 27b are schematic plan and side views respectively of a bed deck 226 for reconfiguring a pair of seats 200, 202 and table 204, similar to those shown in Figures 26a and 26b, to a bed configuration 122. The bed deck 226 comprises a top portion 228, a base portion 230 and side retaining portions 232. The base portion 230 extends along the underside of the top portion 228 and stops short of the ends of the top portion 228 to form a first shoulder 234 and a second shoulder 236. Thus, the top portion 228 is longer than the base portion 230. The bed deck 226 may be stowed, for example in a storage module 58.

Figures 28a and 28b illustrate the use of the bed deck 226 with a pair of facing seats 200, 202 and a table 204. The seats 200, 202 and table 204 of Figures 28a and 28b are identical to those of Figures 26a and 26b with the exception that the seat cushions 210 are non-foldable. In a sleeping configuration 122, the tabletop 206 is lowered and oriented to bridge the gap between the seats 200, 202. The base portion of the bed deck 230 is placed on the tabletop 206 so that the first shoulder rests 234 on the cushion 210 of the first seat 200 and the second shoulder 236 rests on the cushion 210 of the second seat 202. The bed deck 226 therefore extends from the front edge of one seat cushion 210 to the front edge of the other seat cushion 210 and the restraining portions 232 cooperate with the armrests 218 of the seats 200, 202 to prevent a person sleeping on the seats 200, 202 and bed deck 232 in the bed configuration 122 from falling out of the bed.

Figures 29a and 29b are schematic plan and side views respectively of a futon 238 which is an alternative to the bed deck 226 of Figures 27a to 28b. The futon 238 comprises a padded top portion 240, a base portion 230 and side retaining portions 232. Similarly to the bed deck 226, the base portion 230 extends along the underside of the top portion 240 and stops short of the ends of the top portion 240, i.e. the top portion 240 is longer than the base portion 230, to form a first shoulder 234 and a second shoulder 236. However, the top portion 240 of the futon 238 extends further than the top portion 228 of the bed deck 226 so that in use a first end 242 covers the seat cushion 210 of the first seat 200 and a second end 244 covers the seat cushion 210 of the second seat 202. The futon 238 may be rolled up, as indicated in Figure 29b, for storage, for example in a storage module 58.

Figures 30a and 30b illustrate the use of the futon 238 with a pair of facing seats 200, 202 and a table 204. The seats 200, 202 and table 204 of Figures 30a and 30b are identical to those of Figures 28a and 28b. In a sleeping configuration 122, the tabletop 206 is lowered and orientated to bridge the gap between the seats 200, 202. The base portion 230 of the futon 238 is placed on the tabletop 206 so that the first shoulder 234 rests against the front edge of the cushion 210 of the first seat 200 and the second shoulder 236 rests against the cushion 210 of the second seat 202. The first end 242 of the top portion 240 rests on the cushion 210 of the first seat 200 and the second end 244 of the top portion 240 rests on the cushion 210 of the second seat 202. In use, the top portion 240 extends from the backrest 208 of the first seat 200 to the backrest 208 of the second seat 202 and the restraining portions 232 cooperate with the armrests 218 of the seats 200, 202 to prevent a person sleeping in the bed configuration 122 from falling out of the bed.

Figure 31 shows a pair of outboard facing seats 24 in a bed configuration 122 installed in a train carriage according to the invention. The inboard seats 22 are arranged back-to-back which affords a person sleeping in the outboard seats 22 a degree of privacy. A gap 246 between the inboard seats 22 allows access to the outboard seats 24.

Although the invention is described in terms of seating for trains, aircraft, coaches and the like, it will be immediately apparent that the invention is not limited to such applications. The invention may be used in static environments such as waiting rooms or airport lounges to provide the adaptability, privacy and conviviality described above. Furthermore, the invention may be adapted for more than two adjacent seats, for example, seats may be arranged three or more abreast.

Claims

1. A seating arrangement comprising a group of seats arranged in rows, each row comprising at least two seats, wherein at least some seats of the group are movably or removably mounted to reconfigure the group between:

a first configuration in which the seats of two successive rows face each other; and

a second configuration in which at least two opposed seats of successive rows are reversed and at least two opposed seats of those successive rows are not reversed, such that at least two facing seats of those successive rows face each other and at least two reversed seats of those successive rows face away from each other, with a walkway between backrests of the reversed seats providing user access to the facing seats.

2. The arrangement of Claim 1 , wherein the rows are disposed between a window and an aisle of a vehicle, with the facing seats adjacent the window and the reversed seats adjacent the aisle when in the second configuration, and the walkway leading from the aisle toward the window.

3. The arrangement of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the reversed seats of said successive rows is less than the row-to- row spacing between the backrests of the facing seats of said successive rows.

4. The arrangement of Claim 3, wherein the row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the reversed seats is less than half of the row-to-row spacing between the backrests of the facing seats.

5. The arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the seats are anchored to a floor when in use.

6. The arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the reversed seats faces a seat of an adjacent row.

7. The arrangement of Claim 6, wherein the seat of the adjacent row faces toward the reversed seat.

8. The arrangement of Claim 6, wherein the seat of the adjacent row faces away from the reversed seat.

9. The arrangement of Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the seat of the adjacent row is reversible.

10. The arrangement of any preceding claim and comprising a storage space between a backrest of a facing seat of said successive rows and a seat of an adjacent row.

11. The arrangement of Claim 10, wherein the seat of the adjacent row faces away from the facing seat of said successive rows.

12. The arrangement of Claim 10 or Claim 11 , wherein the storage space is accessible to a person seated in a reversed seat of said successive rows.

13. The arrangement of any of Claims 10 to 12, and comprising a storage module in the storage space.

14. The arrangement of Claim 13 when depending from Claim 12, wherein the storage module supports a table usable by a person seated in a reversed seat of said successive rows.

15. The arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein when the seats are in the second configuration, a partition between oppositely-oriented adjacent seats of a row screens persons seated in those seats from each other.

16. The arrangement of Claim 15, wherein the partition is movably or removably attached to at least one of the oppositely-oriented adjacent seats.

17. The arrangement of Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the partition comprises partition portions each associated with a respective one of the oppositely-oriented adjacent seats, the portions being mutually cooperable to create the partition.

18. The arrangement of Claim 17, wherein the partition portions are in fixed relation to each of the seats.

19. The arrangement of Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the partition portions are brought together to create the partition when at least one of the adjacent seats is moved to orient the seats in opposite relation.

20. The arrangement of any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the partition portions are cooperable edge to-edge and have complementary edge shapes.

21. The arrangement of Claim 20, wherein the edge shape of one portion comprises an element inclined with respect to the associated seat and the edge shape of the other portion comprises an element equally and oppositely inclined with respect to the associated seat.

22. The arrangement of any of Claims 17 to 21 , wherein the partition portions comprise major and minor portions, the major portion being deeper from front to rear than the minor portion.

23. The arrangement of any of Claims 17 to 22, wherein at least one of the seats has two partition portions, one to each side of the seat.

24. The arrangement of Claim 23 when depending from Claim 22, where said seat has a major partition portion to one side and a minor partition portion to the other side.

25. The arrangement of Claim 24, wherein when the seats of the group are in the first configuration, the major partition portions are disposed to at least one end of the rows.

26. The arrangement of any of Claims 23 to 25, wherein the partition portions comprise wings extending forwardly from a backrest of the seat.

27. The arrangement of Claim 26, wherein the wings and the backrest form a C- shape in plan.

28. The arrangement of Claim 27, wherein oppositely-facing C-shapes of oppositely- oriented adjacent seats of a row form an S-shape in plan.

29. The arrangement of Claim 28, wherein when the group of seats is in the second configuration, the S-shapes of successive rows are mirror images of each other.

30. The arrangement of Claim 28, wherein the mirror-image S-shapes of successive rows define a generally T-shaped space between them in plan, the arm of the T being a compartment containing the facing seats and the stem of the T being the walkway providing user access to the facing seats.

31. The arrangement of any preceding Claim, comprising a reconfigurable table between facing seats.

32. The arrangement of Claim 31 , wherein the table comprises a movable or retractable element that can be moved or retracted from the space between the reversed seats of the successive rows when changing from the first configuration to the second configuration.

33. The arrangement of Claim 32, wherein the table comprises a movable element that can be removed from the space between the reversed seats of the successive rows and replaced between a reversed seat and a seat of an adjacent row.

34. The arrangement of any of Claims 31 to 33, wherein the table comprises a top that can be reoriented and/or raised or lowered to define a bed support member between the facing seats.

35. The arrangement of Claim 34, wherein the bed support member supports a cushion extensible from or supported by at least one of the facing seats.

36. A seating arrangement comprising a row having first and second adjacent seats, at least one of which is movably or removably mounted to reconfigure the row between:

a first configuration in which the first and second seats face the same way; and

a second configuration in which the first and second seats face in opposite directions; wherein when the seats are in the second configuration, a partition between the seats screens persons seated in those seats from each other.

37. The arrangement of Claim 36, wherein the partition is movably or removably attached to at least one of the seats.

38. The arrangement of Claim 36 or Claim 37, wherein the partition comprises partition portions each associated with a respective one of the seats, the portions being mutually cooperable to create the partition.

39. The arrangement of Claim 38, wherein the partition portions are in fixed relation to each of the seats.

40. The arrangement of Claim 38 or Claim 39, wherein the partition portions are brought together to create the partition when at least one of the adjacent seats is moved to achieve the second configuration.

41. The arrangement of any of Claims 38 to 40, wherein the partition portions are cooperable edge to-edge and have complementary edge shapes.

42. The arrangement of Claim 41 , wherein the edge shape of one portion comprises an element inclined with respect to the associated seat and the edge shape of the other portion comprises an element equally and oppositely inclined with respect to the associated seat.

43. The arrangement of any of Claims 38 to 42, wherein the partition portions comprise major and minor portions, the major portion being deeper from front to rear than the minor portion.

44. The arrangement of any of Claims 38 to 43, wherein at least one of the seats has two partition portions, one to each side of the seat.

45. The arrangement of Claim 44 when depending from Claim 43, where said seat has a major partition portion to one side and a minor partition portion to the other side.

46. The arrangement of Claim 45, wherein when the seats of the row are in the first configuration, a major partition portion is disposed to one end of the row.

47. The arrangement of any of Claims 44 to 46, wherein the partition portions comprise wings extending forwardly from a backrest of the seat.

48. The arrangement of Claim 47, wherein the wings and the backrest form a C- shape in plan.

49. The arrangement of Claim 48, wherein oppositely-facing C-shapes form an S- shape in plan when the row is in the second configuration.

50. A seating arrangement, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.