GB2623782A

GB2623782A - Furniture item for an aircraft passenger suite

Info

Publication number: GB2623782A
Application number: GB2215838.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Parker Simon
Original assignee: Safran Seats GB Ltd
Current assignee: Safran Seats GB Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-26
Filing date: 2022-10-26
Publication date: 2024-05-01
Also published as: GB202215838D0; WO2024089412A1

Abstract

An extendable aircraft furniture item for mounting on a structure of an aircraft passenger suite. The furniture item comprises an extruded first frame structure 100 comprising a body and first and second receiving channels 120 integral with the body, the receiving channels 120 being parallel to one another and each comprising first and second angled interior walls; and a second frame structure 200 comprising first and second sliding members 231, translatably received within the first and second receiving channels 120 of the first frame structure 100 respectively, such that the second frame structure 200 is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure 100. The profile of the first frame structure 100, in a plane perpendicular to the first and second receiving channels, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels 120. A third frame structure (300, fig 1b) may be included. The furniture item may be a table.

Description

FURNITURE ITEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SUITE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns aircraft passenger suite furniture items. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention concerns an extendable furniture item for aircraft passenger suites. The invention also concerns an aircraft passenger suite with an extendable furniture item and a method of manufacturing an extendable furniture item for an aircraft passenger suite.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

100021 It is a well-known challenge in the aerospace industry that the space available in aircraft fuselages is very limited, and that the overall mass of an aircraft is preferably minimised. It is therefore desirable to design aircraft passenger suites and their furniture items to be as compact and lightweight as possible.

100031 However, it is also desirable to provide a high quality experience to passengers, and lightweight furniture items may give the impression of being inexpensive and of low quality. This can particularly be the case for extendable furniture items for aircraft passenger seat units, which when designed to be lightweight can fail to operate smoothly and can give a passenger the impression that the furniture items are of low quality. Other extendable furniture items may have improved, smoother movability when being extended, but these furniture items can be heavier, and expensive and complex to produce.

[0004] The present invention seeks to solve and/or mitigate some or all of the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item, an improved aircraft -2 -passenger suite, and an improved method of manufacturing an extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided an extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item for mounting on a structure of an aircraft passenger suite, the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item comprising: an extruded first frame structure comprising a body and first and second receiving channels integral with the body, the receiving channels being parallel to one another, each of the first and second receiving channels comprising first and second angled interior walls; and a second frame structure comprising first and second sliding members, the first and second sliding members being translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the first frame structure respectively, such that the second frame structure is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure; wherein the profile of the first frame structure, in a plane perpendicular to the first and second receiving channels, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels.

100061 By having an extruded first frame structure with integral receiving channels for receiving sliding members, with the profile of the first frame structure being uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels, it is possible for the first frame structure to have a compact and lightweight construction while also providing the necessary structure to allow the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item to be extended, in particular without any separate sliding mechanism that is potentially heavy and expensive needing to be used.

[0007] The aircraft passenger suite furniture item can be extended so that it is positioned in a position more convenient and comfortable for the passenger of the aircraft passenger suite, for example positioned directly in front of the passenger when they are seated. It can be moved to its unextended position, perhaps to the side of the passenger, so that it does not occupy valuable space in the aircraft passenger suite and so that it does not obstruct movement of the passenger.

[0008] It will be appreciated that, in any aspect of the invention, any extruded frame structure may be a frame structure that is manufactured by extrusion. Conventionally with this method of manufacture, material is pushed through a die having a cut-out in the shape of the desired cross section so as to produce an object with that desired cross section. This method is often used with metals. It will also be appreciated that any extruded frame structure may be a frame structure that is manufactured by pultrusion. Conventionally with this method of manufacture, material is pulled through a die having a cut-out in the shape of the desired cross section so as to produce an object with that desired cross section. This method is often used with fibre-reinforced plastics.

[0009] The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item is arranged to be fixed to any structure of an aircraft passenger suite. For example, the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item may be arranged to be fixed to a side console of an aircraft passenger suite, or it could be arranged to be fixed to a part of an aircraft seat; for example, the armrest of an aircraft seat or the base of an aircraft seat.

[0010] The first and second receiving channels of the first frame structure are integral with the body of the first frame structure such that they form a single component, namely the first frame structure.

[0011] The first and second receiving channels each have an axis along their length.

The receiving channels are parallel to one another such that the axes are parallel.

[0012] The first and second sliding members of the second frame structure may be translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the first frame structure in a direction parallel to the axes of the first and second receiving channels. The first and second sliding members are translatably received such that they can move along the length of the first and second receiving channels respectively. The second frame structure is movable with respect to the first frame structure in a direction parallel to the axes of the first and second receiving channels of the first frame structure.

100131 It will be appreciated that, in any aspect of the invention, the profile of any frame structure that is considered to be uniform along the length of its first and second receiving channels is such that its overall profile or cross-section is substantially uniform. However, machining of the frame structure, for example drilling of holes, can occur without the overall profile of the frame structure being considered to be changed.

100141 The frame structure being extruded means that it is lighter than alternative frame structure such as those manufactured using subtractive manufacturing methods, thereby reducing the overall weight of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item.

[0015] The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item may be an extendable table. Alternatively, the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item may be a cupboard door, a privacy door extending across the entrance of an aircraft passenger suite, a cup-holder, a phone holder, or any other appropriate furniture item.

[0016] The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item may further comprise a third frame structure; wherein the second frame structure is extruded and further comprises a body and first and second receiving channels integral with the body of the second frame structure, the receiving channels being parallel to one another, each of the first and second receiving channels comprising first and second angled interior walls; wherein the third frame structure comprises first and second sliding members, the first and second sliding members being translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the second frame structure respectively such that the third frame structure is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure and the second frame structure; and wherein the profile of the second frame structure, in a plane perpendicular to the first and second receiving channels of the second frame structure, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels of the second frame structure.

[0017] The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item may further comprise a fourth frame structure; wherein the third frame structure is extruded and further comprises a body and first and second receiving channels integral with the body of the third frame structure, the receiving channels being parallel to one another, each of the first and second receiving channels comprising first and second angled interior walls; wherein the fourth frame structure comprises first and second sliding members, the first and second sliding members being translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the third frame structure respectively such that the fourth frame structure is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure, the second frame structure and the third frame structure; and wherein the profile of the third frame structure, in a plane perpendicular to the first and second receiving channels of the third frame structure, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels of the third frame structure.

100181 The first and second receiving channels of the second and/or third frame structures are integral with the body of the second and/or third frame structures respectively such that the second and/or third frame structures each form a single component.

100191 First and second receiving channels of any of the frame structures each have an axis along their length. The first and second receiving channels of a single frame structure are parallel to one another such that their axes are parallel.

100201 The first and second sliding members of one of the frame structures may be translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of another of the frame structures in a direction parallel to the axes of the first and second receiving channels of the one of the frame structures, i.e. the first and second sliding members may be translatably received such that they can move along the length of the first and second receiving channels respectively. The another of the frame structures is then movable with respect to the one of the frame structures in a direction parallel to the axes of the first and second receiving channels of the one of the frame structures.

100211 It will be appreciated that, while the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item is described as having up to four frame structures with up to three sets of sliding member-receiving channel pairs at each interface between frame structures, the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item could comprise any number of frame structures and corresponding interfaces.

[0022] It will also be appreciated that, although each interface between frame structures is disclosed such that one frame structure has the first and second receiving channels and the other frame structure has the first and second sliding members, the arrangement may be swapped such that the other frame structure has the first and second receiving channels and the one frame structure has the first and second sliding members. The arrangement of any number of interfaces may be swapped i.e. the arrangement of all, some, one or none of the interfaces may be the swapped.

[0023] At least one receiving channel may further comprise a trough between the two interior angled walls. The cross-section of the at least one receiving channel may be trapezoidal with a rectangular hollow extending from its shortest end. When in use, the sliding member will be in contact with the two interior angled walls, or the angled sides of the trapezium, and will not come into contact with the bottom of the trough, or the edge of the rectangular hollow. As a consequence, debris produced as a result of the surfaces wearing at the point of contact between the receiving channel and sliding members can fall into the trough and not affect the movement of the guide members. In addition, if any foreign objects enter the receiving channel, they can also fall into the trough and will not be in the path of the sliding members, so will not slow or even obstruct the movement of the sliding members.

[0024] The length of the shortest parallel side of the trapezium, the trapezium being formed by the two angled interior walls, may be equal to the length of the side of the quadrilateral that coincides with the length of' the shortest parallel side of the trapezium. In this case, the sliding member may be shaped so that the end of its edges are coincident with the corner point of the trapezium. Alternatively, the length of the shortest parallel side of the trapezium, the trapezium being formed by the two angled interior walls, may be less than or more than the length of the side of the quadrilateral that coincides with the length of the shortest parallel side of the trapezium.

100251 The two interior angled walls of the receiving channel are preferably flat interior angled walls, forming sides of a 'V', preferably with a trough at the point of the V as described above. The receiving channel having such a profile results in a sliding member being able to self-centre. Such a profile also better compensates for wear.

[0026] The sliding member may be configured so that its edges are at the same angle as the two angled interior walls of the receiving channel such that the sliding member is in contact with its respective receiving channel along its edge. Alternatively, the sliding member may be configured so that its edges are at an angle (measured by the internal angle between the two edges) more than the angle between the two angled interior walls of the receiving channels such that the sliding member is in contact with its respective receiving channel at two contact points.

[0027] Alternatively, the cross-section of the receiving channel may have a different shape. The two interior angled walls may be curved interior angled walls. The cross section of the receiving channel may be a semi-circle. The sliding members may have a shape corresponding to that profile. The receiving channel having a semi-circular profile may be advantageous for highly flexible structural applications.

[0028] At least one sliding member may comprise a roller. The roller may be free spinning. The roller may comprise a tyre, the tyre comprising two angled surfaces. The roller may further comprise bearings, preferably flanged bearings. The roller may be a 'V roller. The roller enables smooth running along the receiving channels, and so the frame structure is smoothly moveable with respect to the frame structure that comprises the corresponding receiving channels.

[0029] At least one sliding member may comprise a longitudinal slider. The longitudinal slider may comprise a body and a sliding end. The body of the longitudinal slider may be fixedly mounted to the body of the frame structure, the frame structure being that which comprises the relevant sliding member. The body of the longitudinal slider may be fixed to the body of its frame structure using bolts and locknuts. The surface of the sliding end of the longitudinal slider may have a low-friction coating. The sliding end of the longitudinal slider is arranged and shaped for sliding within and along a receiving channel of another of the frame structures.

100301 The longitudinal slider is effective at remaining in the desired position within the receiving channel. The position of the longitudinal slider within the receiving channel -8 -is resilient against external loads or internal system loading. The longitudinal slider may be plastic, or it may be manufactured from metallic substrates, the metallic substrates being preferably coated with low friction polymers at the sliding end, or of any other suitable material.

100311 The sliding members of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item may be any combination of rollers and longitudinal sliders. For example, the interface between the first and second frame structures may use rollers and the interface between the second and third frame structures may use longitudinal sliding members.

100321 At least one sliding member may comprise an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the at least one sliding member with respect to the corresponding receiving channel. The adjustment mechanism facilitates alignment of the sliding member within its corresponding receiving channel. The adjustment mechanism may comprise eccentric adjusters. The eccentric adjuster may be at an axle of a roller. The alignment of the axle is thereby adjustable, meaning misalignment as a result of manufacturing tolerances can be overcome, wear on the system reduced. Alternatively or additionally, the eccentric adjustor may on the body of a longitudinal slider. The eccentric adjustor may be an eccentric adjustment bolt and may also be the means by which the longitudinal slider is mounted to its frame structure.

[0033] The adjustment mechanism of a sliding member that comprises a longitudinal slider can pre-load the slider member-receiving channel interface so as to provide damping of the linear motion. This damping can give a passenger the impression that the furniture item weighs more than it does in reality, which can give an impression of higher quality.

[0034] At least one of the frame structures may be formed of extruded metal. The extruded metal may be aluminium.

100351 At least one of the frame structures may substantially consist of elongate structural members. The profile of the extruded frame structure may then be such that less than 50% of its cross-sectional area is solid material, and the remainder area of its cross-section is void space.

[0036] The extendable passenger suite furniture item may be a table and may further comprise a tray mounted on the frame structure that is farthest from the frame structure arranged to be mounted on the structure of the aircraft passenger suite. The frame structure farthest from the structure of the aircraft passenger suite is the frame structure with the largest number of interfaces between it and the structure of the aircraft passenger suite. Mounting the tray on the farthest frame structure gives the largest range of movement of the tray with respect to the structure of the aircraft passenger suite to which the extendable passenger suite furniture item is mounted.

100371 The bodies of the frame structures may be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the receiving channels and to the plane of their uniform profiles, and the frame structures may comprise complementary shaped elements such that the frame structures can overlap each other in the direction perpendicular to the axes of the receiving channels and to the plane of their uniform profiles. The frame structures may overlap in such a way that the sliding members of one fixing structure are positioned in substantially the same plane [0038] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an aircraft passenger suite comprising the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item described above.

[0039] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item described above, comprising the step of extruding at least one of the frame structures.

[0040] The method may also comprise cutting the frame structure, once extruded, to the required size. Manufacturing by extrusion reduces the amount of wasted material when manufacturing an object compared to other methods of manufacturing such as manufacturing by subtractive methods. Manufacturing by extrusion can be used to produce frame structures with complex profiles as a single component, which is not possible with other manufacturing methods. For example, a groove or rail along the length of a frame structure, the groove or rail being within the structure and/or concealed by another part of the structure, could not easily be manufactured using milling due the difficulty in accessing to the parts to be machined.

-10 - [0041] The method may further comprise the step of machining the extruded frame structure after the step of extruding the frame structure. Post-extrusion machining may include machining or drilling slots and holes into the frame structure(s) to facilitate the housing of the sliding members such as V-rollers and eccentric adjusters.

100421 It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: [0044] Figure la shows a profile view of first and second extruded frame structures of an extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to a first embodiment of the invention, and their component parts; [0045] Figure lb shows a profile view of first, second and third extruded frame structures of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, and their component parts; 100461 Figure lc shows a profile view of first, second, third and fourth extruded frame structures of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, and their component parts; 100471 Figure 2a shows a profile view of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, in an unextended position, showing first, second, third and fourth extruded frame structures, their component parts and a tray; [0048] Figure 2b shows an isometric view of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, in an extended position, showing first, second, third and fourth extruded frame structures, their component parts and a tray; 100491 Figure 3a shows an isometric view of the second extruded frame structure of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, and its component parts; [0050] Figure 3b shows an isometric view of the third frame structure of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, and its component parts; 100511 Figure 3c shows an isometric view of the fourth frame structure of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention, and its component parts; [0052] Figure 4a shows an isometric close-up view of a roller and channel of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention; [0053] Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional close-up view of the roller of the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to the first embodiment of the invention; and [0054] Figure 5 shows an isometric exploded close-up view of a longitudinal slider of an extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

100551 An extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to Figures la to 4b. The extending aircraft table has four extruded frame structures 100, 200, 300, 400 and a table leaf 50.

[0056] The extruded frame structures 100, 200, 300, 400 are symmetrical around a central plane. When viewed from the perspective shown in Figures la to lc, features are labelled with 'a' when they are located on the left-hand side of an extruded frame structure, and are labelled with a 'b' when they are located on the right-hand side of an -12 -extruded frame structure. Not all features are labelled on both sides, but any feature labelled with 'a' or b' has a mirrored feature on the opposite side.

100571 Figure -I a shows the subassembly of the first extruded frame structure 100 and the second extruded frame structure 200. Figure lb shows the subassembly shown in Figure la further assembled with the third extruded frame structure 300. Figure lc shows the subassembly shown in Figure lb further assembled with the fourth extruded frame structure 400. Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show the second extruded frame structure 200, the third extruded frame structure 300 and the fourth extruded frame structure 400, respectively, in isometric view.

[0058] The first extruded frame structure 100 has a body 110 and two channels 120a and 120b which are positioned at opposite ends of the body 110. The body 110 and the two channels 120a and 120b are manufactured by extrusion as a single component. The first extruded frame structure 100 has a profile 111. The shape of the profile 111 is defined by the cross-section of the single frame making up the body 110 and the two channels 120a and 120b. The profile 111 is uniform along the length of the first extruded frame structure I 00.

[0059] The cross-section of the left channel 120a is roughly 'C'-shaped. The shape of the right channel 120b is a mirror image of' that of the left channel I 20a. The cut-out of the left channel 120a, i.e. the gap in the 'C', points toward the centre of the body 110. The left channel I 20a has a first angled section 12Ia and a second angled section I 22a. The angled sections 12 I a, I 22a point inward to the centre of the first extruded frame structure 100 while also being angled toward one another. Between the two angled sections 121 a, I 22a is a rectangular slot I 23a. If the angled sections 121a, I22a were extended further so that they formed a V-shape, the slot I23a would be positioned around the point of the 'V'.

100601 The second extruded frame structure 200 has a body 210 and three pairs of rollers 231a, 23 1 b, as can be seen from Figure 3a, with the rollers 231a, 23 lb of each pair being positioned at opposite ends of the body 210. The second extruded frame structure 200 has a profile 211. Its profile 211 is uniform along the length of the second extruded frame structure 200.

-13 - 100611 The rollers 231 a, 23Ib are mounted to the body 210 of the second extruded frame structure 200. Most of each of the rollers 231 a, 23 lb is contained within the profile 211 of the second extruded frame structure 210. The rest of the rollers 231 a, 231 b extend beyond the profile 211 in each case on the side farthest from the centre of the body 210 of the second extruded frame structure 200.

100621 The second extruded frame structure 200 is positioned such that the body 210 of the second extruded frame structure 200 sits on top of the body 110 of the first extruded frame structure 100. The rollers 231a, 231b sit in the channels 120a, 120b respectively. The surface of the roller 231a sits against the two angled sections 121a, 122a of the channel 120a, and similarly the surface of the roller 231b sits against the two angled sections 121b, 122b of the channel 120b. The rollers 231a, 231b do not extend into the slots 123a, 123b. The rollers 231a, 231b are therefore able to roll along their corresponding channels 120a, 120b, to allow the second extruded frame structure 200 to be extended from, and moved back into alignment with, the first extruded frame structure 100.

[0063] On the side opposite the first extruded frame structure 100, the second extruded frame structure 200 has two channels 220a, 220b which are approximately positioned one quarter of the width of the body 210 from either end of the body 210. The two channels 220a, 220b extend upwards from the body 210. As with the first extruded frame structure 100, the body 210 and the two channels 220a, 220b are manufactured by extrusion as a single component. However, in contrast to the channels 120a, 120b of the first extruded frame structure 100 which face each other, the channels 220a, 220b of the second extruded frame structure 200 face away from each other, towards the outer edges of the second extruded frame structure 200.

[0064] Similarly to the first extruded frame structure 100, the cross-section of the channel 220a is roughly 'C'-shaped. The shape of the left channel 220a is a mirror image of that of the right channel 220b. The cut-out of the right channel 220b, i.e. the gap in the 'C' points outward to the right end of the body 210. The right channel 220b has a first angled section 221b and a second angled section 222b. The angled sections 221b, 222b are angled toward one another. Between the two angled sections 221b, 2226 is a -14 -rectangular slot 223b. If the angled sections 221 b, 222b were extended further so that they would form a V-shape, the slot 223b would be positioned around the point of the [0065] The third extruded frame structure 300 has a body 310 and three pairs of rollers 331a, 33 1 b, as can be seen from Figure 3b. The body 310 is substantially flat with the each pair of rollers 331a, 331b positioned beneath the body 310 and at opposite ends of the body 310. The third extruded frame structure 300 has a profile 311. Its profile 311 is uniform along the length of the third extruded frame structure 300.

100661 The rollers 331a, 331b are mounted to the body 310 of the third extruded frame structure 300. Most of each of the rollers 331a, 331b is contained within the profile 311 of the third extruded frame structure 300. The rest of the rollers 331a, 331b extend beyond the profile 311 in each case on the side closest to the centre of the body 310 of the third extruded frame structure 300.

[0067] The third extruded frame structure 300 is positioned such that the body 310 of the third extruded frame structure 300 sits on top of the body 210 of the second extruded frame structure 200. The rollers 331 a, 331b sit in the channels 220a, 220b respectively. The surface of the roller 331 a sits against the two angled sections 221a, 222a of the channel 220a, and similarly the surface of the roller 33 lb sits against the two angled sections 221b, 222b of the channel 220b. The rollers 33 I a, 331b do not extend into the slots 223a, 223b. The rollers 33 I a, 33 lb are therefore able to roll along the corresponding channels 220a, 220b, to allow the third extruded frame structure 300 to be extended from, and moved back into alignment with, the second extruded frame structure 200.

[0068] The third extruded frame structure 300 has two channels 320a, 320b at the two ends of the body 310. The channels 320a, 320b are in line with and sit outside of the two rollers 331a, 331b. The channels 320a, 320b are substantially in the same plane along the width of the profile 331 and each roller 331a, 331b is closer to its proximate end of the body 310 than each channel 320a, 320b. As with the first extruded frame structure 100 and the second extruded frame structure 200, the body 310 and the two channels 320a, 320b are manufactured by extrusion as a single component. Similarly to the channels 220a, 2206 of the second extruded frame structure 200, the channels 320a, 320b -15 -of the third extruded frame structure 300 face away from each other, towards the outer edges of the third extruded frame structure 300.

100691 The cross-section of the right channel 320b is roughly C-shaped. The shape of the left channel 320a is a mirror image of that of the right channel 320b. The cut-out of the right channel 320b, i.e. the gap in the 'C', points outward of the end of the body 310. The right channel 320b has a first angled section 321b and a second angled section 322b. The angled sections 321b, 322b are angled toward one another. Between the two angled sections 32 lb, 322b is a rectangular slot 323b. If the angled sections 321b, 322b were extended further so that they would form a V-shape, the slot 323b would be positioned around the point of the 'V'.

100701 The fourth extruded frame structure 400 has a body 410 and three pairs of rollers 431a, 431b, as can be seen from Figure 3c. The body 410 is substantially flat with each pair of two rollers 431a, 431b positioned beneath the body 410 and at opposite ends of the body 410. The fourth extruded frame structure 400 has a profile 411. Its profile 411 is uniform along the length of the fourth extruded frame structure 400.

100711 The rollers 431 a, 431 b are mounted to the body 410 of the fourth extruded frame structure 400. Most of each of the rollers 431 a, 43 lb is contained within the profile 411 of the fourth extruded frame structure 400. The rest of the rollers 431 a, 431 b extend inwards, beyond the profile 411, on the side closest to the centre of the body 410 of the fourth extruded frame structure 400.

[0072] The fourth extruded frame structure 400 is positioned such that the body 410 of the fourth extruded frame structure 400 sits on top of the body 310 of the third extruded frame structure 300. The rollers 431a, 431 b sit in the channels 320a, 320b respectively. The surface of the roller 43 la sits against the two angled sections 321a, 322a, and similarly the surface of the roller 43 lb sits against the two angled sections 321b, 322b. The rollers do not extend into the slots 323a, 323b. The rollers 431a, 431b are therefore able to roll along the corresponding channels 320a, 320b, to allow the fourth extruded frame structure 400 to be extended from, and moved back into alignment with, the third extruded frame structure 300.

-16 - [0073] The rollers 43 I a, 43 lb of the fourth extruded frame structure 400 are arranged in line with the rollers 331 a, 33 lb of the third extruded frame structure 300 such that they are in the same plane along the width of the profile 411. The rollers 431a, 43 lb of the fourth extruded frame structure 400 are also arranged in line with the rollers 23 I a, 231b of the second extruded frame structure 200 such that the axes through the axle of each roller 231a, 431a, and 23 lb, 431b would be the same, i.e. the rollers are in line in the direction of the height of the profile 411.

100741 Figures 2a and 2b show the assembly of the first, second, third and fourth extruded frame structures 100, 200, 300, 400 and the table leaf 50. The table leaf 50 is mounted on the fourth extruded frame structure 400. The table leaf 50 has grooves 51 embedded into the table leaf 50. The first extruded frame structure 100 has guiding ridges 112 along its length.

[0075] Figure 4a shows the interface of one of the rollers 231 on the second extruded frame structure 200 with its corresponding channel 120 on the first extruded frame structure 100. Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of the roller 231. The roller 231 has an axle 234 around which it rotates. The axle 234 is fixed to the second extruded frame structure 200 (not shown). Tyre 232 of the roller 231 has a substantially flat outer surface with two angled sides. The angle between the two angled sides of the tyre 232 is the same as the angle between the first and second angled sections 121, 122 of the channel 120. The tyre 232 is mounted on the wheel 233 of the roller 231. There are flanged bearings 235 within the wheel 233.

[0076] The position of the roller 231 with respect to the channel 120 is adjustable using an eccentric adjustment mechanism 236. The eccentric adjustment mechanism 236 is accessible at the surface of the wheel 233 in line with the axle 234.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the rollers of the other extruded frame structure is similar.

100781 A longitudinal slider for an extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to Figure 5. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of the second embodiment is comprised of extruded frame structures similarly to the extendable aircraft -17 -passenger suite furniture item of the first embodiment, with the longitudinal slider described below taking the place of the rollers.

100791 Figure 5 shows the longitudinal slider 240 and its mounting part 249. The longitudinal slider 240 of the second embodiment of the invention is used in the same way as the rollers of the first embodiment of the invention. In use, it would slide along a corresponding channel of another extruded frame structure similarly to the tyre of the roller, but without rotating.

100801 The longitudinal slider 240 has a body 241 and a sliding end 242. The sliding end 242 fits into a corresponding channel of another extruded frame structure (not shown). The sliding end 242 has a low-friction coating. The body has two holes 247 for mounting and adjusting the body of the longitudinal slider 241 with respect to the mounting part 249.

[0081] The mounting part 249 has a bracket 243, which is fixed to an extruded frame structure (not shown). The bracket 243 may be integral with the extruded frame structure. The mounting part has holes 248. When they are assembled, the holes of the mounting part 248 and the holes of the body 247 are aligned such that two eccentric adjustment shoulder bolts 245 pass through them. Locking nuts are used to fix the body 247 to the bracket 243. Adjustment of the two eccentric adjustment shoulder bolts 245 adjusts the position of the sliding end 242 in the corresponding channel.

[0082] While the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

[0083] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some -18 -embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

-19 -CLAIMS1. An extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item for mounting on a structure of an aircraft passenger suite, the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item comprising: an extruded first frame structure comprising a body and first and second receiving channels integral with the body, the receiving channels being parallel to one another, each of the first and second receiving channels comprising first and second angled interior walls; and a second frame structure comprising first and second sliding members, the first and second sliding members being translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the first frame structure respectively, such that the second frame structure is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure; wherein the profile of the first frame structure, in a plane perpendicular to the first and second receiving channels, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels.
2. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of claim I, further comprising a third frame structure, wherein the second frame structure is extruded and further comprises a body and first and second receiving channels integral with the body of the second frame structure, the receiving channels being parallel to one another, each of the first and second receiving channels comprising first and second angled interior walls; wherein the third frame structure comprises first and second sliding members, the first and second sliding members being translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the second frame structure respectively such that the third frame structure is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure and the second frame structure; and wherein the profile of the second frame structure, in a plane perpendicular to the -20 -first and second receiving channels of the second frame structure, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels of the second frame structure.
3. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of claim 2, further comprising a fourth frame structure; wherein the third frame structure is extruded and further comprises a body and first and second receiving channels integral with the body of the third frame structure, the receiving channels being parallel to one another, each of the first and second receiving channels comprising first and second angled interior walls; wherein the fourth frame structure comprises first and second sliding members, the first and second sliding members being translatably received within the first and second receiving channels of the third frame structure respectively such that the fourth frame structure is translatably movable with respect to the first frame structure, the second frame structure and the third frame structure; and wherein the profile of the third frame structure, in a plane perpendicular to the first and second receiving channels of the third frame structure, is uniform along the length of the first and second receiving channels of the third frame structure.
4. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein at least one receiving channel further comprises a trough between the two interior angled walls.
5. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein at least one sliding member comprises a roller. -21 -
6. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein at least one sliding member comprises a longitudinal slider.
7. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein at least one sliding member comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the at least one sliding member with respect to the corresponding receiving channel.
8. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the frame structures is formed of extruded metal.
9. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of claim 8, wherein the extruded metal is aluminium.
10. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the frame structures substantially consists of elongate structural members.
11. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein the extendable passenger suite furniture item is a table, and further comprises a tray mounted on the frame structure that is farthest from the frame structure arranged to be mounted on the structure of the aircraft passenger suite.
-22 - 12. The extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, wherein the bodies of the frame structures are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the receiving channels and to the plane of their uniform profiles, and the frame structures comprise complementary shaped elements such that the frame structures can overlap each other in the direction perpendicular to the axes of the receiving channels and to the plane of their uniform profiles.
13. An aircraft passenger suite comprising the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim.
14. A method of manufacturing the extendable aircraft passenger suite furniture item of any preceding claim, comprising the step of extruding at least one of the frame structures.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of machining the extruded frame structure after the step of extruding the frame structure.