GB2510765A

GB2510765A - Aircraft passenger seating arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2510765A
Application number: GB1408877.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Goode
Original assignee: British Airways PLC
Current assignee: British Airways PLC
Priority date: 2014-01-07
Filing date: 2014-05-19
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-19
Also published as: WO2015104527A1; EP3092174B8; GB201614380D0; EP3092174A1; GB2541126B; US20160332734A1; GB201408877D0; US10435158B2; EP3572327A1; GB2541126A; EP3092174B1; GB201400219D0; GB2510765B

Abstract

An array of aircraft passenger seating arrangements is provided wherein each passenger seating arrangement comprises a seat 1, a secondary surface 4 spaced to one side of the seat 1, in a direction substantially parallel to the width of the seat; and an infill 3 deployable into a space between the seat and the secondary surface so as to form a substantially continuous sleeping surface along the secondary surface. The seat has a width substantially greater than its depth. The infill may be storable beneath the seat. The infill may be connected to the seat via a deployable mechanism.

Description

Aircraft Passenger Seating Arrangement The present invention relates to an aircraft passenger seating arrangement, to an array of such seating arrangements, and to an aircraft cabin including such an array.

Background to the Invention

Examples of prior art aircraft sleeper seats are disclosed in the applicant's patent publications WO-A-96 I X537, WO-A-002 I 3 I, WO-A-2007/072045, WO-A- 2007/135373 and WO-A-2009/066054, embodiments of which inchide current and previous versions the British Airways First and Club World (RTM) seats. These seats can he converted into a flat, horizontal bed, and have enjoyed great commercial success.

However, there is intense competition to provide ever-greater comfort and space for aircraft passengers.

Passenger seats for aircraft are subject to stringent design constraints, many of which are not applicable to seats for other vehicle types. One problem is the need to meet the relevant saFety standards [hr aircrali passenger seats, such as the I 6g test that requires seats to survive deceleration of 16g in a takeoff/landing position. Another problem is the need to minimize the weight of the seat, since canying extra weight on an aircraft increases thel consumption and therefore monetary and environmental cost. Hence, the scat must be both strong and light.

Most if not all commercially available lie-flat' aircraft passenger seats, that allow a passenger to lie in a flat and preferably horizontal position for sleeping, include a reclining mechanism that allows the seat back to move between substantially upright and horizontal positions, driven by one or more drive motors. Typically, the mechanism also allows the seat pan to move horizontally and!or to rotate. The mechanism and drive motor(s) add considerably to the weight and cost of the seat.

Another problem relates to the use of space. Any given aircraft cabin has a maximum area availablc for passcnger seating, which must be uscd in the most spacc-cfficient manner possible so as to maximize the scating area and legroom available to each passenger, while allowing unimpeded exit From the seat. It is also desirable I'or cost reasons to fit as many passenger seats as possible in the available area, without sacrificing passenger comfort and convenience.

Another problem relates to the level of comfort of the seat. Aircraft passenger seats may he used for day flights, in which the passenger wifl want to work, eat and/or relax, and night flights during which the passenger will want to sleepS. Preferably, an aircraft passenger seat should allow a passenger to adopt comfortable positions for all of these activities.

Another problem relates to the psychological andlor social needs of aircraft passengers, who may desire privacy while working, eating or sleeping, or may wish to interact with a travelling companion.

Most if not all commercially available aircraft passenger seats constrain the seating or lying positions available to the passenger, and do not easily allow the seating space to he shared with other passengers.

Another problem relates to aircraft passengers of above average width; conventional aircraft passenger seats are constrained in width, so that such passengers are compelled to occupy two adjacent seats, with the intermediate armrcst stowed. This wastcs space, and usually money since the passenger must pay for both seats.

Another problem relates to the tray tables that are usually provided in aircraft passenger seating, as a work or eating surface. The tray table is nomially positioned in front of the user, and cabin crew are required to lean over from the aisle to the tray table position in order to serve meals, which is inconvenient for the cabin crew and obtrusive for the passenger.

Another problem relates to the amount of personal storage space available to the aircraft passenger. Conventionally, much of the space mder or around an individual seat is taken up by reclining mechanisms, or needs to be kept clear to allow movement of the seat, so cannot be used for storage.

Statement of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided an aircraft passenger seating arrangement comprising a seat, a secondary surface spaced to one side of the seat, in a direction substantially parallel to the width of the seat; and an mull surface deployable into a space between the seat and the secondary surface so as to form a substantially continuous sleeping surface along the secondary surface, the infill surface and the width of the scat. Preferably, the seat has a width substantiaHy greater than its depth.

Aspects of the invention include an array of such passenger seating arrangements, the array comprising at east one column of said seating arrangements aligned a'ong a 1ongitudina direction, such that the seat of each seating arrangement in the co'umn faces at substantiaHy the same seating angie to the longitudinal direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference in the drawings identified below.

Figures Ia to Ic are perspective views of an aircraft passenger seating arrangement in a first embodiment of the present invention, when used for sitting, sleeping and rehxing respectively.

Figures 2a to 2g are perspective views of an aircraft passenger seating arrangement in a second embodiment of the present invention, in the following configurations: vacant, TTL (Taxi, Takeoff and Landing), work, rest/sleep, relax, service, and dining.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a personal stowage compartment for use in any of the embodiments.

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of an array of aircrati passenger seats in the second embodiment.

FigureS is a perspective view of a pair of aircraft passenger seating arrangements in the second embodiment, in a double dining configuration.

Figures 6a and 6h are schematic p'an views of alternative arrays of aircraft passenger seats of the second embodiment, configured for different aircraft cabins.

Figurc 7 is a schematic plan view of a layout of aircraft passcnger seats of the second embodiment, occupying an aircraft cabin section.

Figurcs 8a and Sb arc perspective views of a passcngcr seating arrangement in a third embodiment, respectively in sitting and lying configurations.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the passenger seating arrangement of the third embodiment showing storage areas under a secondary surface.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of facilities adjacent a side wall of the passenger seating arrangement of the third embodiment.

Figure lithe passenger seating arrangement of the third embodiment showing different positions and configurations of a tray table.

Figures l2a and l2h are perspective views showing an IFE screen in the passenger seating arrangement of the third embodiment, respectively in stowed and deployed positions.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Terminology and References In describing the embodiments, horizonLal' and vertical' are defined with reference to the floor of the passenger seating area of the aircraft. As is well known in the art, the angle of the floor relative to the gravitational horizontal is determined by the pitch of the aircraft, which is about 15° during takeoff and landing, and about 3° in level flight.

When describing an individual seating arrangemcnt, forward', rearward', front' and rear' are delined with reference to the longitudinal axis and direction of the aircraft cabin. Inward' and outward' directions are defined with reference to a central longitudinal axis of the cabin. The width of the seat is taken to be the distance across the seat, for example between the farthest points to the left and right of the passenger when sitting on the seat. The depth of the seat is taken to he the distance from the front of the seat to the back of the seat with reference to the direction in which the passenger normally sits.

Similar parts between different embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their description is not necessarily repeated for each embodiment.

Seating Arrangement -First Embodiment As shown in Figures Ia to Ic, an aircraft passenger seating arrangement in a first embodiment of thc present invention comprises the following main components: a seat 1, a seat housing or shell 2 surrounding the seat 1, a secondary surface 4 spaced to one side of the seat I, and an infill member or surface 3 that can he deployed to 1111 the space between the secondary surface 4 and the seat I as shown in Figure Ib, or stowed in the configurations shown in Figures Ia and Ic. The space between the seat I and the secondary surface 4 provides access to the seat I from an aisle.

The shell 2 provides a seat hack 2a and side wall 2h, against which the passenger may rest as shown in Figures Ia and I e. The shell 2 may be fixed relative to the seat I, and preferably no reclining mechanism is provided. The seat I and shell 2 may he fixed to the cabin floor, either as separate components or as a combined stmcture.

The seat I provides a continuous seating surface substantially wider than a conventional aircraft passenger seat, and substantially wider than its depth. The width of the seat 1 may be for example 2.5 to 4 times the hip width of the average airline passenger e.g. between approximately 40 and 60 inches or I and 1.5 metres. This allows 2-3 passengers of average size or smaller to sit together, in the manner of a sofa or bench, and also allows a passenger of above average size to sit in comfort. It also allows a passenger to recline along the width olthe seat. The depth of the seat I is designed to allow the average adult to sit comfortably, resting on the seat hack 2a, and is typically 20-30 inches (0.5 -0.75 metres).

The seat 1 faces at an angle of approximately 30-60° to the forward direction, while the side wall 2h is substantially parallel to the lorward direction. The depth of the seat I tapers in the direction towards the secondary surface 4, and is widest towards the side wall 2b.

The upper surface of the secondary surface 4 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the seat 1, and is also substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the mull surface 3 when deployed as shown in Figure lb, so that the upper surfaces of the seat I, infill surface 3 and secondary surface 4 form a substantially fiat sleeping surface.

Preferably, the sleeping surface is substantially horizontal. The sleeping surface extends at an angle of approximately 20-50° to the forward direction. The secondary surface 4 tapers in width in a direction away from the scat 1. The secondary surface 4 may also be usable as a foot/leg rest for the passenger in the seat I, as a table, or as a seat for a visitor.

The infill surface 3, when deployed, extends close to or in contact with the front end of the seat I along substantially the full width of the seat I, and substantially fills the gap between the seat 1 and the secondary surface 3 so as to provide a substantially continuous surface therehetween. Hence, the infihl surface 3 serves to widen the sleeping surface around the upper body of the passenger on the seat 1, and to allow the sleeping surface to extend between the seat 1 and the secondary surface 4. In alternative embodiments, the mull surface 3 may perform only one of these functions, or discrete infill surfaces may be provided to perform each function.

Preferably, the infill surface 3 is stowable under the seat I, and may include a deployment mechanism for sliding and/or pivoting the mull surface 3 from under the seat I into the deployed position. The infill surface 3 may be attached to the secondary surface 4 in the deployed position, for stability, or may be cantilevered from the seat 1.

In another alternative, the infill surface 3 may be removed completely from the seating arrangement when not in use, and may be attached to the seat I and/or secondary surface 4 when deployed.

As shown in Figures Ia to Ic, the seating arrangement allows a variety of dilTerent sitting, reclining and sleeping positions. Removable cushions, pillows, or bolsters may he provided for greater comfort in each of these positions.

Figure Ia shows the passenger in a sitting position on the middle of the seat 1, facing approximately 40 to 50° to the forward direction, although the passenger may sit closer to the side wall 2b, facing in an approximately forward direction, or closer to the secondary surface 4, in which case the passenger may face in almost any direction, from towards the side wall 2b to towards the secondary surface 4. The space between the seat I and the secondary surface 4 is sufficient to allow the passenger's feet to rest on the cabin floor when sitting on the end of the seat 1 closest to the secondary surface 4. The front edge of the seat I is curved, to accommodate different seating directions along the width of the seat I, and the seat hack 2a is also curved so as to be approximately parallel to the front edge of the seat I. Hence, the seating arrangement allows a wide range of different seating positions, unconstrained by armrests or other seat fittings. A scat belt may be arranged to secure the passenger in the middle of the scat 1 and/or in other sitting positions.

Figure lb shows the passenger in a lying position, with the infill surface 3 deployed.

The passenger's upper body extends along the width of the seat I and/or infill surface 3, while the legs extend over the intill surface 3 onto the secondary surface 4. Hence, the passenger's body extends substantially perpendicularly to the sitting direction shown in Figure Ia. Since the seat I is arranged as a single, continuous seat, the passenger may lie comfortably across the width of the seat 1. The seat 1 may be upholstered or otherwise covered with soft material so as to provide a comfortable seating and lying surface. Preferably, there are no armrests to impede the lying position, although optionally one or more armrests may be provided, stowable in the seat back 2a or the scat 1.

Figure Ic shows the passenger in a relaxing position, reclining along the width of the scat 1 and using the side wall 2b as a back rest. As in the lying position shown in Figure lb, the single, continuous seat 1 provides a comfortable extended surface for relaxing in a reclined position.

Seating Arrangement -Second Embodiment Figures 2a to 2g show a second embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment except that the seating arrangement is provided in a seating array, and includes additional advantageous features as described below. The seating array is shown as a longitudinally extending column of seats arranged along a cabin side wall, hut aspects of this embodiment may be applied to multiple columns of seats arranged across an aircraft cabin section. Each seat 1 within the column faces outwardly at substantially the same angle towards the cabin side wall.

Adjacent seating arrangements tessellate along the longitudinal colunm, such that the secondary surface 4 is positioned laterally of the seat I of the immediately forward seating arrangement. The seat back 2a reclines slightly backwards so as to overhang part of the immediately rearward seating arrangement, but preferably the angle of reclining is not adjustable. The seat back 2a ol the immediately forward seating arrangement is spaced from the front edge of the immediately rearward seat 1, to allow rooni for the passenger's legs when sitting.

A tray table S is moveable laterally between a first position above the secondary surface 4, as shown for example in Figures 2a, 2b, 2d, 2e, and 2f, and a second position adjacent the side wall 2h and opposite the seat I, as shown for example in Figures 2c and 2g. Preferably, the tray table S is slidably mounted to the back surface of the seat back 2a of the immediately forward seat 1, for example on a sliding track, to allow horizontal movement between the first and second positions.. In the first position, the tray table 5 above the secondary surface 4 is generally out of the way of the passenger but is easily accessible from the aisle, for example to facilitate service by cabin crew as shown in Figure 2f Optionally, the tray table 5 is expandable in size, for example by means of a folding or sliding mechanism. In the second embodiment, the tray table S is hinged about an axis of reflection such that one half can be folded over onto the other half Figures 2a, 2b, 2d and 2e show the tray tables in its folded position, while Figures 2c, 2f and 2g show the tray table 5 in its unfolded position.

An 1FF (in-flight entertainment) screen 6 is positioned facing the seat 1, adjacent the side wall 2b. The IFE screen 6 is pivotabic about a substantially vertical axis so as to be viewable from different positions along the width of the seat 1. The IFE screen 6 may also tilt about a substantially horizontal axis for optimum viewing angle. As shown in Figure 2c, the IFE screen 6 may be mounted on an arm that pivots about a substantially vertical axis Froni the seat hack 2a ofthe immediately Forward seat.

A shelf 7 or cocktail tray is positioned on or adjacent to the side wall 2b, forward of the seat 1. The shelf 7 is ola size and shape to carry drinks, pens and the like.

Various different configurations or uses of the seating arrangement will now be described. In a TTL configuration shown in Figure 2h, the passenger sits upright on the scat 1, resting against the scat back 2a. As best shown in Figure 2a, a seat belt is provided so as to secure the passenger when seated in this position. The tray table is moved to the second position, so as not to present a hazard to the passenger.

In a working configuration shown in Figure 2c, the tray table 5 is moved to the first position, and may hc unlhldcd, For usc as a work surfacc.

In a restlsleeping position shown in Figure 2d, the intill surface 3 is deployed and the passenger lies along the sleeping surface, comprising the seat 1, infill surface 3 and secondary surface 4. The tray table S is moved out of the way, to the second position, and may be folded.

In the relaxing position shown in Figure 2e, the passenger sits up against the corner between the seat back 2a and the side wall 2h, supported by a piHow or cushion. The 1FF screen 6 is rotated to face the passenger. The tray table S may be moved out of the way, to the second position, although could be moved to the first position to hold a magazine, laptop or tablet computer, for example.

In the service position shown in Figure 2L the tray table S is moved to the second position so as to he accessible from the aisle, so that it may be laid for a meal by cabin crew. In the dining position shown in Figure 2g, the tray table 5 is moved to the first position, so that the passenger may eat their meal in the sitting position.

Various other positions and configurations are possible within the scope of the second embodiment.

Personal Storage As shown in Figure 3, a personal storage drawer 8 may be provided under the secondary surface 4. The drawer 8 may slide out from under the secondary surface 4 towards the seat 1, as shown by the dashed arrow, so that the drawer is accessible in the gap between the seat I and the secondary surface 4. The drawer S may include one or more compartments for housing personal items, such as shoes, a laptop computer, and!or a smartphone.

Further storage means, such as storage drawers, cupboards, or shelves, may be provided under the seat 1. Since no reclining mechanism is provided, and the underside of the scat I is accessible along its width, a much larger volume of storage can he provided than in conventional aircraft seats.

Double Seating Arrangement Figure 4 shows a seating anay comprising a side column Cl of seating anangements adjacent the cabin sidewall and two adjacent central columns C2, C3. Column CI is substantially as in the second embodiment, while the seating arrangements of columns C2 and C3 are minor images about the longitudinal plane of the cabin, so that the seats I of the seating arrangements of columns C2 and C3 respectively face inwards towards each other and are aligned in the longitudinal or row direction. The seating anangements of columns Cl may also be aligned in the longitudinal direction with those of columns C2 and C3. The seat pitch (i.e. longitudinal spacing of seating arrangements) is 43 inches (1092 mm). The length of the sleeping surface in columns C2 and C3 is 74.47 inches (1 SRI mm) and the width of the sleeping surface is 26.3 inches (66M mm).

Figure 4 illustrates the width Wand depth D of sample seats in columns C2 and C3. Tn this embodiment, the width W is approximately 50 inches (1.25 metres) and the depth D is approximately 20 inches (0.5 metres).

A privacy screen 9 may be provided between laterally adjacent seats of the second and third columns C2, C3. The privacy screen 9 may be retractable between the side walls 2b of the laterally adjacent seating arrangements, for example by sliding, to form a double seating arrangement in which the occupants of the laterally adjacent seating arrangements may converse with each other. The tray tables S of the double seating arrangement may be moved to their first positions so that the occupants may dine together. Figure 5 shows such a double dining arrangement in a perspective view.

The front seating arrangements in each column Cl, C2, C3, have additional forward space as they are not required to tessellate with a forward seating arrangement. This space may be occupied by a substantially horizontal surface and/or storage, such as a double ottoman 10, spanning both central columns C2, C3. A double-width IFE screen 11 may be provided, spanning both central columns C2, C3, to provide a larger viewing screen or private cinema for the occupants of the double seat. in this example, a diagonal screen size of approximately 40 inches (1 metre) may be accommodated.

Figure 4 shows, in plan view, passengers in sitting and lying positions. In column Cl, a sitting passenger faces outwardly, towards the cabin wall, at an angle Si of approximately 40° to the cabin sidewall, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the aircraft cabin. A lying passenger's body extends inwardly, away from the cabin sidewall, at an angle Li of approximately 30° to the cabin sidewall.

In columns C2 and C3, passengers face inwards in a sitting position facing at a respective angle S2, S3 of approximately 45° to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin. A lying passenger's body extends outwardly, towards the cabin sidewall, at a respective lying angle L2, L3 of approximately 30° to the longitudinal direction L of the aircraft cabin.

The above angles are only approximate, in that they depend to some extent on the preferred sitting and lying positions of the passengers, and also depend on the pitch and width of the seating arrangements. The range of seating angles SI, 52 and S3 may be 300 to 600, and preferably 40° to 50°. The range of lying angles Li, L2 and L3 may be 20° to 50°, and preferably 30° to 40°.

Alternative Seating Arrays Figures 6a and 6b show seating arrays of the second embodiment, for different aircraft cabins. The array shown in Figure 6a is intended for the main deck of Boeing (RTM) 777 and 747 and Airhus (RTM) A380 aircraft. The pitch (i.e. longitudinal spacing of seating arrangements) is 42 inches (1067 mm) and the width (i.e. lateral width of the seating arrangement) is 47.28 inches (120i mm) for column Cl and 48.76 inches (1238 mm) for columns C and C3. The aisle width is i7.5 inches (445 mm). The lying angle LI is approximately 35°.

The array shown in Figure 6b is intended for the upper deck of Boeing (RTM) 787 and Airhus (RTM) A350 and A380 aircraft. The pitch is 43 inches (1092 mm) and the width (i.e. lateral width of the seating arrangement) is 43.77 inches (1112 mm) for column Cl and 44.51 inches (1131 mm) for columns C2 and C3. The aisle width is 17.5 inches (445 mm). The lying angle Li is approximately 35°.

Hence, the pitch and width of the seating arrangements may vary depending on the dimensions of the aircraft cabin. The ratio of the pitch to the width, and therefore the angle at which the sleeping surface extends, may also vary.

Layout Figure 7 shows a LOPA (Layout of Passenger Accommodation) of seating arrangements of the second embodiment, in an aircraft cabin section. The seating arrangements are arranged in four columns Ci to C4, each comprising 12 seating arrangements. The seating arrangements of the two central columns C2, C3 face inwardly towards each other, and may be configured as double seating arrangements as described above. The seating arrangements of the outer columns Ci, C4 face outwardly towards their adjacent cabin sidewalls. Aisles Ai, A2 are provided between columns Cl and C2, and between columns C3 and C4. As shown in Figure 7, a galley may be provided at one end of the cabin section, and lavatory cubicles may be provided at the other end.

Seating Arrangement -Third Embodiment Figures 8a and ft show a third embodiment which is similar to the second embodiment except that an aim rest 20 is provided to one side of the seat 1, towards the secondary surface 4. The arm rest 20 is retractable so that its upper surface is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the seat 1. When deployed, the arm rest 20 rises up in a substantially horizontal direction from the seat 1, supported by a deployment mechanism provided under the seat 1. The aim rest 20 provides comfort in the sitting position shown in Figure 8a, and encourages the passenger to face approximately forward in a TTL position. The ann rest 20 is wider than a conventional armrest and may be approximately triangular in plan.

A lap belt 22 maybe attached to any one of a plurality of different fixing points 21, so as to provide restraint for a passenger in different sitting positions, such as that shown in Figure Sa, or lying positions, such as shown in Figure Sb. A fixing point 21 may he provided on the infill surface 3 for this purpose.

As shown in Figure 9, a storage drawer 8 may be provided under the secondary surface 4, similar to that in the second embodiment. Additionally, sufficient space may be provided under the secondary surface 4 to allow cabin baggage 24 to be slid underneath.

A moveable retention member (not shown), may be provided so as to prevent the cabin baggage 24 from sliding out during the flight. The retention member may comprise a retention bar operable by pressing down with the foot.

As shown in Figure 10, additional facilities may be provided under the shelf?, such as a headphone hanger 25, drinks bottle holder 26, and magazine/safety card slot 27.

As shown in Figure 11, the tray table 5 may slide between the first and second positions, and may be unfolded to provide a larger area, as in the second embodiment.

Figures 12a and 12b show the IFE screen 6 pivotable about a substantially vertical axis so as to be viewable from different positions along the width of the scat 1, on an ann 6a that pivots about a substantially vertical axis from the seat back 2a of the immediately forward seat.

The third embodiment may be arranged in arrays or layouts similar to those described above with reference to the second embodiment.

Alternative Embodiments Alternative embodiments of the invention may be apparent from reading the above description. Such alternative embodiments may nevertheless fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A passenger seating arrangcment for an aircraft cabin, the arrangement comprising: a. a seat (1) having a width (W) substantially greater than its depth (D), b. a secondary surface (4) spaced to one side of the seat (1), in a direction substantially parallel to the width (W) of thc scat; and c. an infill surface (3) deployable into a space between the seat (1) and the secondary sirfacc (4) so as to forni a substantially continuous slccping surface &ong the secondary surface (4), the inflfl surface (3) and the width (W) of the scat (1).
2. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the upper surfaces of the scat (1) and the secondary surface (4) are substantially coplanar.
3. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 2, wherein the infill surface (3), when deployed into the space between the seat (1) and the secondary surface (4), is substantially coplanar with the upper surfaces oldie seat (1) and the secondary surface (4).
4. The passenger seating arrangement ol any preceding claim, wherein the infill surface (3), when deploycd into the space between thc scat (1) and the secondary surface (4), extends along the front end of the seat (1) so as to increase the depth thereof
5. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the inifil surface (3) is stowable under the seat (1).
6. The passenger seating anangenient of claim 5, wherein the infill surface (3) is connected to the seat (1) via a dcpoyrnent mechanism enabling deployment of the infill surface (3) into the space between the seat (1) and the secondary surface (4).
7. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the width (W) of the seat (1) is between 1 and 1.5 metres.
8. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the front end of the seat (1) is curved, to accommodate different seating positions in different directions along the width (W) of the seat (1).
9. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the depth (D) of the seat (1) tapers in a direction towards the secondary surface (4).
10. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the seat (1) is arranged to be fixed relative to a floor of the cabin.
11. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including a substantially fixed seat back (2a).
12. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 11, wherein the seat back (2a) is curved along the width (W) of the seat (1).
13. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including a tray table (5) moveahle horizontally between a first position above the secondary surface (4) and a second position opposite the seat (1).
14. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the tray table (5) is variable in size.
15. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 14, wherein the tray table (5) is foldable about an axis of reflection symmetry.
16. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including an IFE screen (6) pivotable about a substantially vertical axis so as to be viewable from different positions along the width (W) of the scat (1).
17. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the TEE screen (6) is mounted on an arm (6a) pivotable about a substantially vertical axis.
18. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including a storage drawer (8) located under the secondary surface (4).
19. The passenger seating arrangement oF any preceding claim, including a baggage storage space located under the secondary surface (4).
20. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 19, including a moveable retention member for retaining baggage within the baggage storage space.
21. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including storage located under the seat(l).
22. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including a side wall (2b) arranged at a side of the seat (1) opposite to the secondary surface (4).
23. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 22, wherein the direction of the width (W) of the seat is aligned at an angle of approximately 30-50° to the sidewall (2h).
24. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein at least one of the following are provided on or adjacent the side wall (2b): a tray (7), a hanger (25), a beverage holder (26) and a slot (27) for reading material.
25. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including an arm rest (20) arranged within the seat (1) and retractable so as to he substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the scat (1).
26. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 25, wherein the arm rest (20) is arranged at a side of the seat (1) towards the secondary surface (4).
27. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the arm rest (20) is substantially triangular in plan.
28. The passenger seating arrangement of any preceding claim, including a lap belt (22) having a plurality of different fixing points (21) to as provide passenger restraint in a plurality of different sitting andlor lying positions.
29. The passenger seating arrangement of claim 28, wherein at least one of said fixing points (21) is provided on or around the infill surface (3).
30. An array of passenger seating arrangements, each as claimed in any preceding claim, the array comprising at least one column (Cl, C2, C3, C4) of said seating arrangements aligned along a longitudinal direction (L), such that the seat (1) of each seating arrangement in the column faces at substantially the same seating angle (SI; 52; 53) to the longitudinal direction.
31. An array of passenger seating arrangements each comprising a seat (I), a secondary surface (4) spaced to one side of the seat (I), in a direction substantially parallel to the width (W) of the scat, and an infill surface (3) deployable into a space between the seat (I) and the secondary surface (4)so as to form a substantially continuous sleeping surface along the secondary surface (4), the infill surface (3) and the width (W) of the seat (I); wherein thc array comprises at least one column (Cl, C2, C3, C4) of said seating arrangements aligned along a longitudinal direction (L), such that the seat (I) of each seating arrangement in the column faces at substantially the same seating angle (SI; S2; 53) to the longitudinal direction.
32. The array of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the seating angle (SI; S2; S3) is in the range 30° to 600.
33. The array of claim 32, wherein the seating angle (Si; S2; 53) is in the range 40° to 50°.
34. The array of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the direction of the sleeping surface of each of the seating arrangements in the column is at substantially the same lying angle (LI; L2) to the longitudinal direction.
35. The array of claim 34, wherein the lying angle (Li; L2) is in the range 20° to 50°.
36. The array of claim 35, wherein the lying angle (Li; L2) is in the range 30° to 40°.
37. The array of any one of claims 30 to 36, arranged along an aircraft cabin side wall, such that each seating arrangement of the column (Cl) faces towards the cabin side wall.
38. The array of any one of claims 30 to 36, comprising two said columns (C2, C3) arranged adjacent to each other and substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction, such that the seating arrangements of the two columns &ce mutually inwardly.
39. The array of claim 38, including a privacy screen (9) arranged between aligned pairs of said seating arrangements between the two columns (C2, C3),
40. The array of claim 39, wherein the privacy screen (9) is retractable.
41. The array of any one of claims 30 to 40, including an WE screen (11) extending across an aligned -of said seating arrangements so as to be viewable from both seating arrangements of said aligned pair.
42. The array of any one of claims 30 to 41, including a horizontal surface and/or storage (10) extending across an aligned pair of said seating arrangements.
43. An aircraft cabin seating layout comprising an array according to claim 37 arranged along each side wall, and an array according to any one of claims 38 to 42 arranged substantially cenirally in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin.
44. An aircraft passenger seating arrangement, array or layout substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.