GB2598589A

GB2598589A - Passenger suite for a vehicle and seating array

Info

Publication number: GB2598589A
Application number: GB2013805.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Darbyshire Martin; Flashman Daniel; Bellwood Lawrie; Round Matthew
Original assignee: Tangerine Ltd
Current assignee: Tangerine Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-02
Filing date: 2020-09-02
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: GB202013805D0

Abstract

A passenger suite (fig.102A),, suitable for a vehicle such as an aircraft or a train, has an adjustable seat 104 with a base (fig.1,108) and back( fig.1,106), which can be put in a stowed configuration (figs.2-6); and a deployable bed 800, separate from the seat, which deploys from a stowed configuration to overlie the stowed seat back (figs.6-10). Preferably the bed folds along a centreline 904, and is deployed by lifting or driving the bed from a position at right angles to a floor of the suite and rotating it to be parallel with the floor when deployed. The suite may have opposing sidewalls 802,804 at least one of which may support the bed when deployed across the full suite width, the bed may also be supported by a surface 114 of an adjacent suites footwell. Also claimed is an ottoman (fig.10,1006) for a passenger suite for a vehicle, which is deployed (figs.10-12) to form an extended sleeping surface (fig.12,1200;fig.15b,1506) in conjunction with a separate bed or a separate adjustable seat (fig.15,1500a) when deployed the ottoman occupies at least a part of an access aisle (fig.13,103;fig15a,1501) separating passenger suites.

Description

PASSENGER SUITE FOR A VEHICLE AND SEATING ARRAY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a passenger suite for a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a seating array and a vehicle comprising the passenger suite and/or the deployable ottoman.

The passenger suite is particularly suitable for use in passenger transport vehicles, including, in particular, aircraft and trains. It may also be used in other vehicles or contexts where passenger comfort is an important consideration.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Some known passenger suites for vehicles, in particular aircraft, generally comprise reclinable seats, which have a seat back that is articulatable relative to a seat base. The reclinable seat is provided with a mechanism which includes an articulation between the seat back and the seat base for enabling an occupant to recline the seat back. When the seat back is reclined, the seat back and the seat base form a sleeping surface, which may in some cases be a lie-flat sleeping surface. In some known suites, an extended sleeping surface may be provided by an ottoman which may be fixed or moveable.

These known suites have the disadvantages of providing a discontinuous sleeping surface having gaps between the bed components. The sleeping surface of these suites are also often too hard for comfortable sleep, as the reclining seat back and seat base must be sufficiently firm to form a seating surface. The known suites in which ottomans are used to extend the sleeping surface also suffer from the ottomans occupying space in the suite which is typically at a premium.

Some other known passenger suites for vehicles, in particular aircraft, offer a bed that is a separate and distinct structure from a passenger seat and that deploys into a flat, continuous sleeping surface. Although these suites may provide increased comfort compared to a lie flat seat, they do not allow for a sufficiently dense seating arrangement, i.e. they require the seat pitch to be increased by an economically unsustainable level.

The inventors have appreciated a need for a passenger suite which may result in improved seat density while improving passenger comfort by providing a passenger seat and a separate bed structure. The inventors have also appreciated a need for an improved ottoman to extend a sleeping surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The term "substantially" is used herein to refer to an approximate orientation of a component of the passenger suite. The term "substantially parallel" may refer to an orientation that is between about -20 degrees and about + 20 degrees offset from a parallel orientation. Similarly, "substantially orthogonal" may refer to an orientation that is between about -20 degrees and about + 20 degrees offset from an orthogonal orientation.

The present invention is defined by the appended independent claims, to which reference should now be made.

In particular, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a passenger suite for a vehicle. The present invention provides, in a second aspect, a deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle. The present invention provides, in a third aspect, a seating array comprising the passenger suite of the first aspect. The present invention provides, in a fourth aspect, a seating array comprising the deployable ottoman of the second aspect. The present invention provides, in a fifth aspect, a seating array comprising at least two of the passenger suites according to the first aspect, an access aisle between the at least two suites, each suite comprising a deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle according to the second aspect.

The present invention provides, in a sixth aspect, a vehicle comprising at least one passenger suite according to the first aspect. The present invention provides, in a seventh aspect, a vehicle comprising at least one deployable ottoman according to the second aspect. The present invention provides, in an eighth aspect, a vehicle comprising the seating array of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect.

Preferred or advantageous features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims to which reference should now be made.

In the first aspect, the present invention provides a passenger suite for a vehicle, comprising: an adjustable seat comprising a seat base and a seat back, the seat configured to be moveable between an active seat configuration and a stowed seat configuration; and a deployable bed, separate from the seat, and moveable between a stowed bed configuration and a deployed bed configuration.

The bed is stowable behind the seat back in the active seat configuration of the seat; and the bed is deployable from the stowed bed configuration to the deployed bed configuration so as to overlie the seat back in the stowed seat configuration. -2 -

The term "seating configuration" is used herein to refer to a configuration or arrangement of an adjustable seat. In an "active seat configuration", the seat is in a substantially upright or sitting or Taxi, Take-Off and Landing (TTOL) configuration in which a seat occupant may sit on the seat base and the seat occupant's upper body may rest, or be supported by, the seat back. An angle between the seat base and the seat back may typically be between about 90 and about 135 degrees, as the seat back is reclinable. As such, the seat back has a significant vertical component.

In a "stowed seat configuration", the seat back is adjusted to a position in which the seat back is further reclined or folded down so as to overlie the seat base. As such, the seat back has a substantially horizontal component.

A passenger suite embodying the present invention may provide a private space for each passenger, with direct aisle access.

A passenger suite embodying the present invention provides a separate, i.e. dedicated, deployable bed providing a more comfortable sleeping surface than that which may be provided by a reclined seat.

The arrangement of the components of the suite may maximise usage of the available space in the passenger suite because the bed is storable behind the seat back in the active seat configuration of the seat, and because the bed in the deployed bed configuration overlies the seat back in the stowed seat configuration. The deployable bed may therefore provide a sleeping surface which occupies a greater portion of the available space in a passenger suite than other known suites having a dedicated bed, or a sleeping surface provided by a reclining or lie-flat seat.

A passenger suite embodying the present invention may be provided at a smaller pitch than existing seating arrangements, in particular comparable suites.

During boarding and deboarding of a vehicle, the bed will be stowed in the stowed bed configuration and the seat will be in the active seat configuration, to facilitate and accelerate boarding. If the vehicle is an aeroplane, the seat will remain in this configuration during taxiing, take-off, and landing (TTOL) for safety and regulatory reasons.

Once the vehicle is travelling, e.g. an aircraft is in flight, the suite may be reconfigured so that the adjustable seat may be reclined. When a suite occupant desires to rest, the seat may be moved to the stowed seat configuration and the bed may be deployed to the deployed bed configuration.

Preferably, the bed is deployable by lifting the bed and rotating the bed down into the deployed bed configuration. Such a bed deployment mechanism may be simple, and the bed -3 -may be deployed manually by a passenger or member of staff. Advantageously, the bed deployment may not require any specific training.

Preferably, the bed is orientatable substantially orthogonal to a floor of the suite in the stowed bed configuration. As such, the bed may be stored in a narrow space behind a seat back of the seat in the active seat configuration. The bed being substantially orthogonal minimises the horizontal dimension of the bed in the stowed bed configuration, thus minimising the space in the passenger suite that the stowed bed occupies in the stowed bed configuration.

Preferably, the bed is orientatable substantially parallel to a floor of the suite in the deployed bed configuration. This may maximize the portion of the area defined by the suite that is occupied by the bed in the deployed bed configuration. This may increase a sleeping surface available to a suite occupant and thereby provide enhanced passenger comfort during periods of rest.

Preferably, in the deployed bed configuration, the bed is above and spaced from the seat back in the stowed seat configuration of the seat. Advantageously, the bed, in the deployed bed configuration, may occupy the same portion of the space within in the suite that is occupied by the adjustable seat in the active seat configuration, thereby optimising use of the available suite space for the sleeping surface.

Preferably, the passenger suite for a vehicle further comprises a first pair of opposing suite sidewalls, wherein the bed is deployable to occupy, in the deployed bed configuration, substantially a full width of the suite between the first pair of opposing sidewalls. Advantageously, the bed may be easily deployable and stowable and, when deployed, may occupy all or substantially all of a width of the suite. This may increase a sleeping surface available to a suite occupant and thereby provide enhanced passenger comfort during periods of rest.

Preferably, the bed is supportable by at least one of the first pair of opposing sidewalls in the deployed bed configuration. This may provide a convenient means for supporting the bed along a side and may thereby provide a more stable and secure sleeping surface.

Preferably, the bed is supportable, in the deployed bed configuration, by a surface defining a footwell for an adjacent passenger suite. This may enable space usage within the suite to be optimised, as the same space may be occupied, at different levels, by the deployed bed of the passenger suite in the deployed bed configuration and by feet of an occupant of an adjacent passenger suite. It may also enable a greater reclined sitting surface and/or a greater sleeping surface. -4 -

Preferably, the at least one of the pair of opposing sidewalls or the footwell for an adjacent passenger suite comprises a ledge or shelf for supporting the bed along a side in the deployed bed configuration.

More preferably, the ledge, and/or any other part of the at least one of the pair of opposing sidewalls or the footwell for an adjacent passenger suite which is configured to support the bed in the deployed bed configuration, comprises a cushioning material. Preferably, the cushioning material is a foam. Advantageously, cushioning or padding the areas, or the ledge, which support the bed in the deployed bed configuration may improve passenger comfort. The cushioning material may reduce movement of the bed, e.g. vibration of the bed caused by a running turbine or engine, or swaying of the bed in response to turbulence or imperfect road or rail conditions.

The bed may be deployable by activation of a bed drive apparatus. Advantageously, this may enable the bed to be deployed, and stowed, in a consistent and reliable manner, without requiring any manual work or particular skill. The bed drive apparatus may be an electric bed drive apparatus controllable from a control panel positioned within the passenger suite or outside of the suite.

Preferably, the bed is foldable along a longitudinal centreline and unfoldable during deployment of the bed to extend a sleeping surface of the bed. The bed may alternatively be foldable along a line that is spaced, or offset from, or angled relative to, a longitudinal centreline. This may enable a full-width bed to be provided in the deployed bed configuration while avoiding a need to store a full-width bed in the deployed bed configuration. Instead, the full-width bed may be folded and stored as a folded bed in the deployed bed configuration. A bed that is foldable may provide a simple solution that is easily deployed and stowed and is reliable and durable for repeated use by consecutive suite occupants.

Preferably, the bed comprises at least one bed latch configured to selectively secure the bed in the deployed bed configuration.

Preferably, the passenger suite further comprises at least one track, and the bed comprises at least one corresponding component that is engagable with the track, such that, the bed deployment is controlled by the track and the corresponding component. The corresponding component may for example be a pin slidable within a slot, or a roller rollable on or inside a track. Other solutions will be apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably, the seat is configurable such that the seat back is substantially parallel to the floor in the stowed seat positon. Advantageously, this may optimise usage of the available space within the suite, as it allows for the bed to be deployed into the same suite space occupied by the seat back in the active seat configuration. Additionally, this may minimise the -5 -dimension of the seat orthogonal to a floor of the suite (i.e. the vertical dimension when the vehicle is level) occupied by the seat back in the stowed seat configuration. This may enable a sleeping surface of the bed to be provided at a more convenient and user-friendly distance from a floor (i.e. a convenient height).

Preferably, the seat, in the active seat configuration, is reclinable. In the reclined seating configuration, the seat back may be reclined relative to the seat base and/or the seat base may be lowered relative to the seat back and/or the seat base may dip such that a front end of the seat base is lower than a rear end of the seat base.

More preferably, the seat may comprise a limiter, such that the seat may be moved into the stowed seat position in which the seat back is substantially parallel to the floor only when the seat is fully upright (i.e. the seat back is not reclined). This may allow for the short seat pitch to be provided.

Preferably, the suite further comprises a deployable ottoman moveable between a stowed ottoman configuration and a deployed ottoman configuration in which the ottoman combines with the bed, in the deployed bed configuration, to form an extended sleeping surface. The ottoman may extend a length of the sleeping surface. This may enable a full-length bed and sleeping surface to be provided without requiring an increased seat pitch.

More preferably, the ottoman is hinged along an edge and is rotatable about the hinge between the stowed ottoman configuration and the deployed ottoman configuration. A hinge may provide a simple, cheap, and reliable way of enabling the ottoman to be deployed and stowed. It may provide a simple solution that is reliable and durable for repeated use by consecutive suite occupants.

Preferably, the ottoman is configured so to occupy, in the deployed ottoman configuration, at least a portion of an access aisle separating the suite from at least one opposite passenger suite. This may permit temporary usage of the aisle space to provide an extended sleeping surface or a full-length bed while keeping the seat pitch as short as possible. It may permit temporary use of the aisle during periods when there is a reduced use of the aisle, e.g. during periods of rest for a majority of passengers on board a vehicle.

During boarding and deboarding of a vehicle, the deployable bed and ottoman will be stowed in their respective stowed configurations, so that the full access aisle width is available to boarding passengers and so that the ottoman does not narrow the access aisle and slow down boarding. If the vehicle is an aeroplane, the ottoman will remain in the stowed ottoman configuration during taxiing, take-off, and landing (TTOL) for safety and regulatory reasons. -6 -

Once the vehicle is travelling, e.g. an aircraft is in flight, the suite may be reconfigured so that the bed and ottoman are deployed to form the extended sleeping surface.

Preferably, the ottoman comprises an ottoman latch configured to selectively secure the ottoman in one or both of the deployed ottoman configuration and the stowed ottoman configuration.

Preferably, the ottoman is orientatable substantially orthogonal to a floor of the suite in the stowed ottoman configuration. This may reduce a suite space occupied by the ottoman in the stowed ottoman configuration making more effective use of the suite space and maximising the space available for the suite occupant.

Preferably, the ottoman is orientatable substantially parallel to a floor of the suite in the deployed ottoman configuration. This may maximise a length of a sleeping surface being provided.

Preferably, the seat further comprises at least one moveable armrest. In particular, the movable armrest may be moveable between a deployed armrest configuration, wherein the armrest is substantially orthogonal to the seat back, and a stowed armrest configuration, wherein the armrest is substantially parallel to the seat back. This may facilitate ingress and egress of the suite occupant into and from the seat.

Preferably, the bed is stowable in and deployable from a cabinet behind the seat back in the active seat configuration. The cabinet may allow for the bed to be securely and reliably stored, out of the way, and out of sight. The cabinet may also protect the bed and a bed deployment mechanism from damage.

Preferably, the bed comprises a base and a mattress. The mattress may be affixed to the bed or may be a separate component. The mattress may be a sprung mattress or foam mattress. A dedicated mattress may provide enhanced passenger comfort.

The mattress may have a topper which may be integral or removable. The mattress may be provided with a removable cover. This may facilitate cleaning.

Preferably, the seat in the stowed seat configuration is lowerable into a lowered stowed seat configuration. Advantageously, this allows for the bed in the deployed bed configuration to occupy the same suite space as the seat in the seating configuration, without compromising the comfort of the seat. In particular, the seat base in the seating configuration may be provided at a conventional height, which is comfortable and convenient for the passenger. -7 -

As such, a lowerable seat in the stowed seat configuration allows for a bed to be provided at a convenient height in the deployed bed configuration, while also providing a seat base at a convenient height in the seating configuration.

Preferably, the passenger suite further comprises a safety belt for use by an occupant when the bed is in the deployed bed configuration. More preferably, the safety belt is an inertia reel safety belt. Advantageously, the safety belt may allow for an occupant to safely rest on the deployed bed even in turbulence or uneven road or rail conditions.

In the second aspect, the present invention provides a deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle, moveable between a stowed ottoman configuration and a deployed ottoman configuration; wherein in the deployed ottoman configuration, the ottoman is operable to form an extended sleeping surface in conjunction with a separate bed or a separate adjustable seat; and wherein the ottoman is configured so to occupy, in the deployed ottoman configuration, at least a portion of an access aisle separating a passenger suite from at least one adjacent passenger suite.

Advantageously, the ottoman may temporarily extend the suite space and in particular the length of the sleeping surface by making temporary additional use of the aisle space. The ottoman may be deployed so as to temporarily extend into an aisle space and thereby extend a sleeping surface of an adjustable (i.e. reclinable) seat, or a separate bed. When stowed, the ottoman no longer occupies the aisle space.

As such, the ottoman may permit a full-length bed to be provided in conjunction with a separate bed or a separate adjustable seat, without increasing the seat pitch or reducing the width of an aisle when the ottoman is in the stowed ottoman configuration.

Preferably, the ottoman is hinged along an edge and is rotatable about the hinge between the stowed ottoman configuration and the deployed ottoman configuration. A hinge may provide a simple and inexpensive way of deploying and stowing the ottoman. It may also provide a simple solution that is reliable and durable for repeated use by consecutive suite occupants.

Preferably, the ottoman comprises an ottoman latch configured to selectively secure the ottoman in at least one of the deployed ottoman configuration and the stowed ottoman configuration.

Preferably, the ottoman is configured to, in the deployed ottoman configuration, extend a sleeping surface of a deployable bed.

Alternatively, the ottoman may be configured to, in the deployed ottoman configuration, extend a sleeping surface of a reclined, or lie-flat, seat. The ottoman may be positioned such -8 -that a longitudinal axis of the ottoman substantially aligns with a longitudinal axis of the reclined, or lie-flat, seat in a reclined, or lie-flat, configuration.

In a third aspect, the present invention may provide a seating array comprising at least one passenger suite according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the seating array comprises at least two of the passenger suites according to the first aspect of the present invention and an access aisle between the at least two suites.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention may provide a seating array comprising at least one deployable ottoman according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the seating array comprises at least two ottomans.

Preferably, the seating array comprises an access aisle between the at least two ottomans.

Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the ottoman is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the access aisle.

Preferably, the seating array further comprises, for each of the at least two ottomans, a corresponding reclinable seat. More preferably, an angle of the reclinable seat relative to a longitudinal axis of the access aisle is substantially the same as that of the corresponding ottoman.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention may provide at least two of the passenger suites according to the first aspect of the present invention, an access aisle between the at least two suites, each suite comprising a deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the at least two ottomans are deployable into the access aisle so as to change a configuration of the access aisle from a straight aisle to a staggered aisle.

The term "staggered" aisle is used herein to refer to a shape of an aisle, in a plan view, which varies in width along a longitudinal axis of the aisle. The longitudinal axis of the aisle may align substantially with a longitudinal axis of a vehicle. However, the position of the aisle, relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, may differ, along a longitudinal axis of the aisle. When the ottomans on opposite sides of the aisle are deployed, they will extend into the aisle at different or staggered positions along the longitudinal axis of the aisle. This will form the staggered aisle arrangement which may also have the appearance of a zigzag, undulating, stepped, or meandering aisle.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention may provide a vehicle comprising at least one suite according to the first aspect of the present invention. -9 -

In the seventh aspect, the present invention may provide a vehicle comprising at least one deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention.

In the eighth aspect, the present invention may provide a vehicle comprising a seating array according to the third aspect of the present invention.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention may be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

One or more example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seating array comprising four passenger suites for a vehicle embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figure 1, wherein a seat of one of the passenger suites is in a reclined seating configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 and 2, wherein an armrest of a seat of one of the passenger suites is in a stowed armrest configuration; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 3, wherein a seat back of a seat of one of the passenger suites is in an intermediary configuration between an active seat configuration and a stowed seat configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 4, wherein a seat of one of the passenger suites is in the stowed seat configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 5, wherein a seat of one of the passenger suites is in a lowered stowed seat configuration; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 6, wherein a seat of one of the passenger suites is in the lowered stowed seat configuration, and a lid of a cabinet containing a deployable bed is half-open; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 7, wherein a bed of one of the passenger suites is lifted out of a cabinet; -10-Figure 9 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 8, wherein a bed of one of the passenger suites is rotated and in an intermediary configuration between a stowed bed configuration and a deployed bed configuration; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 9, wherein a bed of one of the passenger suites is in the deployed bed configuration; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the seating array of Figures 1 to 10, wherein an ottoman of one of the passenger suites is in an intermediary configuration between a stowed ottoman configuration and a deployed ottoman configuration; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a seating array of Figures 1 to 11, wherein an ottoman of one of the passenger suites is in the deployed ottoman configuration; Figure 13 is a plan view of a seating array comprising four passenger suites for a vehicle embodying the present invention, wherein the seats of each passenger suite are in an active seat configuration and the beds of each passenger suite are in a stowed bed configuration; Figure 14 is a plan view of the seating array of Figure 13, wherein the seats of each passenger suite are in the stowed seat configuration and the beds of each passenger suite are in the deployed bed configuration; Figure 15a is a plan view of the seating arrangement employing an ottoman of the present invention in a stowed ottoman configuration; Figure 15b is a plan view of the seating arrangement employing the ottoman of the present invention of Figure 15a in a deployed ottoman configuration; Figure 16a is a perspective view of a seating arrangement employing the ottoman of the present invention of Figures 15a and 15b in a stowed seat configuration and stowed ottoman configuration; and Figure 16b is a perspective view of the seating arrangement employing the ottoman of the present invention of Figures 15a, 15b, and 16a in a reclined seat configuration and deployed ottoman configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 provides an example of a seating array 100 comprising the passenger suite and ottoman of the present invention. The seating array 100 comprises four passenger suites 102A, 1028, 102C, 102D. Two of the passenger suites 102A, 102D are adjacent one another and separated from the two opposite passenger suites 102B, 102C by an access aisle 103.

Each of the passenger suites 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D comprises a seat 104 having a seat back 106 and a seat base 108. Although each passenger suite 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D comprises these components, the features of the passenger suites 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D of the seating array 100 will be described in relation to a single one of the passenger suite 102A. However, any feature described in relation to the single passenger suite 102A applies equally to each of the other passenger suites 102B, 1020, 102D, and any other passenger suites embodying the present invention in a seating array comprising more passenger suites.

Figure 1 shows the seat 104 in an active seat configuration, in which the seat base 108 is substantially parallel to the floor and the seat back 106 is substantially orthogonal to the floor and/or the seat back 106. In the active seat configuration, the seat 104 is configured to receive a passenger in a seated position. At the top of the seat back 106, the seat 104 has a head rest 110.

The head rest 110 may be adjustable, such that a height and/or an angle of the head rest 110, relative to the seat back 106, may be adjusted.

The seat 104 has at least one armrest 112 moveable between a deployed armrest configuration, in which the armrests 112 are substantially orthogonal to the seat back and configured to support the arms of a passenger seated in seat 104, and a stowed armrest configuration, in which the armrests 112 are substantially parallel to, or laterally adjacent to, the seat back 106.

The passenger suite 102A further comprises a countertop 114 on which a passenger of the suite 102A may rest food, drinks, personal possessions or the like when the seat 104 is in the active seat configuration. The countertop 114 of passenger suite 102A is the top surface of a footwell 115 of the adjacent passenger suite 102D. Similarly, the countertop 114D of the adjacent passenger suite 102D is the top surface of a footwell 115 for a passenger of the single passenger suite 102A.

As such, for a pair of adjacent passenger suites 102A, 102D or 102B, 102C, one of the seats 104 is positioned closer to the aisle 103, and the other of the seats 104 is positioned further from the aisle 103. The seats 104 of two adjacent passenger suites 102A, 102D or 102B, 102C face each other in a yin-yang-type arrangement.

Each passenger suite 102A, 1023, 1020, 102D further comprises a passenger light A cabinet 118 is positioned behind the seat back 106 of the seat 104, when the seat 104 is in the seating position as shown in Figure 1. A bed is stowed, or stored, in the cabinet -12- 118. The cabinet 118 is separate from the seat 104. The bed, which is stowed in the cabinet 118, is also separate from the seat 104.

Each passenger suite 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D further comprises an opposing pair of suite side walls 802, 804.

Figure 2 shows the seat 104 in a reclined seating configuration, in which the angle between the seat back 106 and the seat base 108 is increased compared to the active seat configuration, and in which the seat base 108 may be lowered compared to the active seat configuration.

Figure 3 shows the seat 104 in the active seat configuration, in which the armrests 112 of seat 104 have been stowed. This facilitates access to, and egress from, a seat 104.

Figures 4 to 12 show the reconfiguration of the seat 104 from an active seat configuration to a lowered stowed seat configuration, the reconfiguration of a bed from a stowed bed configuration to a deployed bed configuration, and the reconfiguration of an ottoman from a stowed ottoman configuration to a deployed ottoman configuration. When the seat 104 is in the lowered stowed seat configuration, the bed is in the deployed bed configuration, and the ottoman is in the deployed ottoman configuration, each passenger suite 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D provides a substantially full-length and substantially full-width bed.

In Figure 4, the seat back 106 of seat 104 is in an intermediary configuration between an active seat configuration and a stowed seat configuration. The stowed seat configuration, in which the seat back 106 and the armrests 112 are substantially parallel to the floor and substantially parallel to the seat base 108, is shown in Figure 5.

From the stowed seat configuration, the seat 104 may be further reconfigured into a lowered stowed seat configuration, in which the seat base 108 is moved forward and down towards the floor together with the seat back 106 and the armrests 112, as shown in Figure 6. This allows for a bed to be deployed so as to overlie the stowed seat 104, so as to provide a bed at a lower height than would otherwise be possible, which is more convenient for a passenger.

A bed is stowed in the cabinet 118 behind the seat back 106 when the seat 104 is in the active seat configuration or reclined seating configuration as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The cabinet 118 in which a bed is stowed comprises a lid 600. As shown in Figure 7, the lid 600 of the cabinet 118 may be opened to provide access to the stowed bed. The lid 600 may be hingedly coupled to the cabinet 118, such that it is moveable between an open lid configuration and a closed lid configuration. The bed 800 may be lifted vertically up and out of the cabinet 118 as shown in Figure 8. -13-

The bed 800, when stowed in the cabinet 118, and when lifted out of the cabinet 118 but not yet deployed, is substantially orthogonal to the floor. The bed 800 is deployable so as to occupy a full width of the suite, i.e. the full distance between a first suite side wall 802 and a second suite side wall 804.

The bed 800 comprises a first bed surface 900 and a second bed surface 902, which are foldably connected along a longitudinal centreline 904 of the bed 800. The folding mechanism may be a hinge, i.e. the first bed surface 900 may, on an edge, be hingedly connected to the second bed surface 904.

Once the bed 800 is at the elevated, or vertically lifted, position, the bed 800 may be unfolded by rotating it down into the deployed bed configuration, as shown in Figure 9. As the bed 800 is rotated down, the first and second bed surfaces 900, 902 are unfolded so as to extend a width of sleeping surface of the bed. When the bed is in the deployed bed configuration, it provides a full-width bed, as shown in Figure 10.

The bed 800 in the deployed bed configuration is supported at the cabinet 118 in which the bed is stored. The deployed bed is also supported at least partially along an opposite side by a ledge 1000 on the opposite suite side wall 804, i.e. the suite side wall 804 which is further from the cabinet 118. The bed 800 is further supported along a ledge 1002 on a short side of the passenger suite 102A opposite the aisle 103.

The ledge 1002 on a short side of the passenger suite 102 may, for example, be provided on a side wall of a vehicle, for example the interior wall of the cabin of an aeroplane.

The bed 800, when in the deployed bed configuration, is further supported along a ledge 1004 on or around the countertop 114 which is provided by an upper surface of a footwell 115 of the adjacent passenger suite 102D.

The bed 800 comprises a base 1005A and a mattress 1005B. The base 1005A is configured to support the mattress 1005B. The base 1005A is further configured to be supported by the ledges 1000, 1002, 1004.

Each of the ledges 1000, 1002, 1004 comprises, or is covered in, a cushioning material or a padding. The cushioning or padding minimises vibration of the bed 800 when in the deployed bed configuration, such as vibration due to turbines or engines, or aerodynamic drag. The cushioning or padding also minimises swaying or clapping of the bed in response to turbulence, steering, or imperfections of a road or rail surface.

Each passenger suite 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D further comprises an ottoman 1006 on a low aisle end wall 1008. The ottoman 1006 is hingedly connected to the end wall 1008 along at least part of an edge of the ottoman 1006, so that it is rotatable between a stowed ottoman -14-configuration, as shown in Figure 10, and a deployed ottoman configuration, as shown in Figure 12. An intermediate configuration between a stowed ottoman configuration and a deployed ottoman configuration of the ottoman 1006 is shown in Figure 11.

In the stowed ottoman configuration, the ottoman 1006 is positioned substantially orthogonally to the floor, so as to minimise the suite space occupied by the ottoman 1006 in the stowed ottoman configuration. In the deployed ottoman configuration, an ottoman surface 1200 of the ottoman 1006, which is configured to extend the sleeping surface of bed 800, is positioned substantially parallel to a floor of an access aisle, and substantially in the same plane as the sleeping surface of bed 800.

The ottoman 1006, when in the deployed ottoman configuration, extends beyond the low aisle end wall 1008 of the passenger suite 102A and into the space designated for the aisle 103. As such, and as may most easily be appreciated from Figure 14, the ottoman 1006 in the deployed ottoman configuration extends beyond the periphery of the passenger suite 102A so as to occupy some of the space designated for the aisle 103. This results in the aisle 103 no longer being straight, as will be discussed in detail below with reference to Figure 14.

The ottoman is provided, around its periphery which faces the aisle 103, a bumper or shell 1202. The shell 1202 may reduce the likelihood of passengers or staff moving along the aisle 103 bumping into the ottoman 1006, and may reduce the discomfort such inadvertent contact has on the passenger in the passenger suite 102A.

Figure 13 shows a plan view of the four passenger suites 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D wherein all seats 104 are in the active seat configuration, all beds 800 are stowed in the respective cabinet 118 in the stowed bed configuration, and all ottomans 1006 are stowed in the stowed ottoman configuration.

In the example embodiment of Figure 13, each passenger suite 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D has a width A of about 80 cm between the opposing pair of suite side walls 802, 804. The minimum width B of the straight aisle 103 is about 50 cm. The length C of each suite 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D is about 155 cm. As such, if the embodiment of Figure 13 is a layout of passenger accommodations (LOPA) of an aeroplane cabin, the width D of the cabin is about 363 cm, which is similar to the width of an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft.

The pitch E of a pair of adjacent passenger suites 102A, 102D or 102B, 102C is about 172 cm. This means that the equivalent pitch of a single passenger suite 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D may be about 86 cm. -15-

Figure 14 shows a plan view of the four passenger suites 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D, wherein all seats 104 are in the lowered stowed configuration, all beds 800 are in the deployed bed configuration, and all ottomans 1006 are in the deployed ottoman configuration.

In the embodiment of Figure 14, the beds 800 of each of the passenger suites 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D extends across the entire width A of the respective suite. As such, the width of the bed is about 80 cm. The minimum diagonal width B' of the aisle between two ottomans 1006 of opposite passenger suites 102A, 102B or 1020, 102D is about 46 cm, which is not significantly narrower than the minimum width B of the straight aisle 103 of Figure 13 of about 50 cm.

The length F of the extended sleeping surface, i.e. the combined diagonal length of the bed 800 and the ottoman 1006, is about 182 cm.

As such, the example embodiment of Figures 13 to 14 provides passenger suites 102A, 102B, 1020, 102D having a substantially full width (about 80 cm) and substantially full length (about 183 cm) bed 800, which is separate from an adjustable seat 104, with an equivalent pitch per passenger suite of only about 86 cm. As such, in a typical commercial aircraft such as an Airbus A320, a suite embodying the present invention provides separate, full-width, full-length beds for each suite, at a small pitch, by optimising usage of space in the passenger suite by stowing the bed behind a seat back of a separate seat, and by providing ottomans which, in a deployed ottoman configuration, extend into the aisle space.

When multiple ottomans 1006 are in the deployed ottoman configuration, there is no longer a linear aisle 103, but instead the ottomans 1006 combine to create an aisle which, when viewed in plan as shown in Figure 14, is a staggered aisle 1400. The staggered aisle 1400 may be referred to as a stepped, zigzag, undulating, or meandering aisle.

Independently of which term is used, a suite embodying the present invention provides a plurality of ottomans 1006 which extend into an aisle, may increase the length of a sleeping surface which is available to a passenger.

It should be appreciated that although an embodiment of a seating array having four passenger suites embodying the present invention has been described, the skilled person would understand that any number of suites may be provided. In particular, a single suite may be provided, two opposing suites may be provided, four suites may be provided, or any number of suites which meet the constraints of the type of vehicle.

Although the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings and described above provide a separate bed, the ottomans 1006 extending into an aisle may be advantageous even if provided with conventional lie-flat seats, i.e. seats which are capable of -16-being configured into a lie-flat configuration in which a seat back and a seat base form a sleeping surface.

A dense seating arrangement employing an ottoman, which may selectively extend into an aisle, embodying the present invention in a second aspect, may be provided in conjunction with reclining seats. Such a seating arrangement may be provided with a pitch of about 157 cm (that is 79 cm per seat), which is the same pitch as a row of economy seats.

Use of the ottoman embodying the present invention in a second aspect in conjunction with a reclining, or lie-flat, seat may allow for an extended sleeping surface to be provided without increasing a pitch. An example of such an arrangement is shown in Figures 15a, 15b, 16a, and 16b.

Figure 15a shows a plan view of four seats, each seat having an ottoman embodying the present invention in a second aspect. The seats are arranged in two opposing pairs, a first pair of adjacent seats 1500a and a second pair of adjacent seats 1500b. The first pair of adjacent seats 1500a and the second pair of adjacent seats 1500b are generally facing toward each other and are separated by an aisle 1501. The seats are generally arranged in a herringbone, or V, formation. The seats have a large herringbone angle and therefore face largely towards the access aisle.

The first pair of adjacent seats 1500a are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are angled away from one another. The seats of the first pair of adjacent seats are further arranged such that the seat backs 1502a of the seats are closer to one another than the seat bases 1504a. Similarly, due to the angle of the seats, the corresponding ottomans 1506 of the first pair of adjacent seats 1500a are further apart from one another than the seat backs 1502a and the seat bases 1504a.

The second pair of adjacent seats 1500b are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are angled towards one another, such that the seat backs 1502b of the seats are further apart from one another than the seat bases 1504b. Similarly, due to the angle of the seats, the corresponding ottomans 1506 of the second pair of adjacent seats 1500b are closer to one another than the seat backs 1502b and the seat bases 1504b. As such, each ottoman 1506 is arranged at the same orientation as the corresponding seat.

In this configuration, the ottomans of the second pair of adjacent seats 1500b are deployable between the ottomans of the first pair of adjacent suites. The configuration of the seats and ottomans is such that, in the stowed configuration, the ottomans border or line the aisle and are substantially in-line with or parallel to the aisle and when the ottomans are deployed they extend into the aisle and form a staggered, stepped, zigzag, undulating, or meandering aisle. -17-

The ottomans 1506 of the second pair of adjacent seats 1500b may be directly adjacent one another, as shown in the perspective views of Figures 16a and 16b.

As will be appreciated from Figures 15a and 15b, the ottomans of the first pair of adjacent seats 1500a, which are separated from one another, are each directly adjacent an ottoman 1507 of further adjacent seats on either side of the first pair of adjacent seats 1500a.

The ottomans 1506 are hingedly connected to a low end wall 1508. The low end wall 1508 lines the straight aisle 1501.

Each ottoman 1506 comprises a shell 1510, which surrounds an aisle-facing side of the ottoman 1506 when the ottoman 1506 is in the deployed ottoman position. The shell 1510 may reduce the likelihood of passengers or staff moving along the aisle 1501 bumping into the ottoman 1006. The shell may also reduce the discomfort such inadvertent contact has on a passenger in one of the seats.

An angle between the longitudinal axis of the aisle 1501 and a first seat of the first pair of seats 1500a is preferably between about 110 degrees and about 130 degrees, and an angle between the longitudinal axis of the aisle 1501 and a second seat of the first pair of seats 1500a is preferably between about 50 degrees and 70 degrees, respectively.

As shown in Figure 15b, when the reclining seats are in the lie-flat configuration and each ottoman 1506 is in the deployed ottoman configuration, a surface 1512 of the ottomans 1506 forms an extension of the sleeping surface of the reclining seat in the lie-flat configuration. In this configuration, the seats and the ottomans 1506 are substantially parallel to the floor, and in the same plane as at least a portion of the reclined seat. The ottomans are arranged so that, when deployed, the ottomans are substantially in line with their respective seat. In other words, a principal dimension (i.e. ottoman length in the direction of the sleeping surface or herringbone angle) of the deployed ottomans is substantially in-line with the herringbone angle of the seats. The ottomans may alternatively be arranged, in the deployed configuration either parallel to, or at an angle to the herringbone angle of the seats.

The two adjacent seats of the first pair of seats 1500a are separated by a first side wall 1514 which may be a dividing screen or panel to provide enhance passenger privacy. Each of the adjacent seats of the first pair of seats 1500a are separated from respective adjacent pairs of seats by a second side wall 1516 or which may be a further dividing screen or panel. One or more of the dividing screens or panels may be provided with an monitor forming part of an IFE system. One or more of the dividing screens or panels may be provided with a slidable panel to enable passengers in the seats of an adjacent pair of seats to view and/or communicate with one another. -18-

When the ottomans 1506 of opposing pairs of seats are deployed, the configuration of the aisle is changed from a straight aisle 1501 to a staggered aisle, as shown in Figure 15b.

The skilled person would understand that although specific embodiments and dimensions have been described, it is within the skilled person's ability to employ passenger suites embodying the present invention in vehicles for which dimensions have not been provided. -19-

Claims

CLAIMSA passenger suite for a vehicle, comprising:-an adjustable seat comprising a seat base and a seat back, the seat configured to be moveable between an active seat configuration and a stowed seat configuration; and a deployable bed, separate from the seat, and moveable between a stowed bed configuration and a deployed bed configuration; wherein the bed is stowable behind the seat back in the active seat configuration of the seat; and wherein the bed is deployable from the stowed bed configuration to the deployed bed configuration so as to overlie the seat back in the stowed seat configuration.
2. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein the bed is deployable by lifting the bed and rotating the bed down into the deployed bed configuration.
3. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the bed is orientatable substantially orthogonal to a floor of the suite in the stowed bed configuration.
A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the bed is orientatable substantially parallel to a floor of the suite in the deployed bed configuration.
A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein, in the deployed bed configuration, the bed is above and spaced from the seat back in the stowed seat configuration of the seat.
6. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, further comprising a first pair of opposing suite sidewalls, wherein the bed is deployable to occupy, in the deployed bed configuration, substantially a full width of the suite between the first pair of opposing sidewalls.
7. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to Claim 6, wherein the bed is supportable by at least one of the first pair of opposing sidewalls in the deployed bed configuration.
A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the bed is supportable, in the deployed bed configuration, by a surface defining a footwell for an adjacent passenger suite.
-20 - 9. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the bed is deployable by activation of a bed drive apparatus.
10. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the bed is foldable along a longitudinal centreline and unfoldable during deployment of the bed to extend a sleeping surface of the bed.
11. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the seat is configurable such that the seat back is substantially parallel to the floor in the stowed seat positon.
12. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the suite further comprises a deployable ottoman moveable between a stowed ottoman configuration and a deployed ottoman configuration in which the ottoman combines with the bed, in the deployed bed configuration, to form an extended sleeping surface.
13. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to Claim 12, wherein the ottoman is hinged along an edge and is rotatable about the hinge between the stowed ottoman configuration and the deployed ottoman configuration.
14. A passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of Claims 12 or 13, wherein the ottoman is configured so to occupy, in the deployed ottoman configuration, at least a portion of an access aisle separating the suite from at least one opposite passenger suite.
15. A deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle, moveable between a stowed ottoman configuration and a deployed ottoman configuration; wherein in the deployed ottoman configuration, the ottoman is operable to form an extended sleeping surface in conjunction with a separate bed or a separate adjustable seat; and wherein the ottoman is configured to occupy, in the deployed ottoman configuration, at least a portion of an access aisle separating a passenger suite from at least one adjacent passenger suite.
16. A deployable ottoman according to Claim 15, wherein the ottoman is hinged along an edge and is rotatable about the hinge between the stowed ottoman configuration and the deployed ottoman configuration.
17. A seating array comprising at least one passenger suite according to any of Claims 1 to 14
18. A seating array comprising at least two of the passenger suites according to any of Claims 1 to 14 and an access aisle between the at least two suites.-21 -
19. A seating array comprising at least one deployable ottoman according to Claim 15 or 16.
20. A seating array comprising at least two of the passenger suites according to any of Claims 1 to 14, an access aisle between the at least two suites, each suite comprising a deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle according to Claims 15 or 16.
21. A seating array according to Claim 20, wherein the at least two ottomans are deployable into the access aisle so as to change a configuration of the access aisle from a straight aisle to a staggered aisle.
22. A vehicle comprising at least one suite according to any of Claims 1 to 14.
23. A vehicle comprising at least one deployable ottoman for a passenger suite for a vehicle according to any of Claims 15 to 16.
24. A vehicle comprising a seating array according to Claim 17 or 18.
25. A vehicle comprising a seating array according to Claim 19, 20, or 21.-22 -