Aircraft interior structure including surfaces and integrated footwell space

Abstract

This invention relates to an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space. The aircraft interior structure may include a social area portion containing a surface. The social area portion can be accessed from the aircraft cabin floor area. The aircraft interior structure may include a passenger seating area adjacent to the aircraft seats. The passenger seating area may include a footrest space. The aircraft interior structure may include a partition separating the passenger seating area and the social area portion into a first portion. The footrest space of the passenger seating area may be located in a second portion of the social area portion, below at least one of the partition or surface of the social area portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 981,327, filed February 25, 2020, with Mark B. Dowty and Daniel N. Moe, entitled “AIRCRAFT INTERIOR STRUCTURE INCLUDING A SURFACE AND ANINTEGRATED FOOTWELL,” filed pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Aircraft cabin design can include the aircraft's internal structure, which is constructed and installed separately within the aircraft cabin. The discrete nature of the aircraft's internal structure may result in the loss of valuable space within the aircraft cabin (e.g., floor space, storage space, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an aircraft interior structure is disclosed. The aircraft interior structure may include a social area portion containing a surface. The social area portion can be accessed from the floor area of ​​the aircraft cabin. The aircraft interior structure may include a passenger seating area adjacent to the aircraft seats. The passenger seating area may include a footwell. The aircraft interior structure may include a partition separating the passenger seating area and the social area portion into a first portion. The footwell of the passenger seating area may be located in a second portion of the social area portion below at least one of the partition or surface of the social area portion.

[0005] In some embodiments, the surface may include at least one accessible outer edge near the floor area. This outer edge is accessible from the floor area.

[0006] In some embodiments, the surface may include at least one accessible inner edge of a bounded space near the floor area. The inner edge is accessible from the bounded space.

[0007] In some embodiments, the surface may include at least one actuable portion. The at least one actuable portion may be configured to provide access to a bounded space with access to at least one crew-accessible interior edge and floor area.

[0008] In some embodiments, the social area portion may include at least one seat near the at least one outer edge accessible to the passenger.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one seat may be fixed in place.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one seat may be configured to actuate between a stowed position and an unfolded position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the floor area may include an aircraft aisle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aircraft seat may be parallel to the aircraft aisle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aircraft seat is configured at an angle relative to the aircraft aisle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aircraft interior structure may include a plurality of support structures. These support structures may be configured to support surfaces and / or define passenger seating areas.

[0015] In some embodiments, the footrest space may be located near the aircraft aisle and at least one of the external support structures among the plurality of support structures.

[0016] In some embodiments, the footrest space may be centered within the passenger seating area of ​​the aircraft interior structure.

[0017] In some embodiments, the passenger seating area may also include a footstool within the footrest space. The footstool and the aircraft seat may be configured to form a bed surface when the aircraft seat is in a lie-flat position.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an aircraft cabin is disclosed. The aircraft cabin may include at least one passenger cabin. The at least one passenger cabin may include aircraft seats. The aircraft cabin may include a floor area. The aircraft cabin may include an aircraft interior structure. The aircraft interior structure may include a social area portion containing a surface. The social area portion can be accessed from the floor area. The aircraft interior structure may include a passenger seating portion adjacent to the aircraft seats of at least one passenger cabin. The passenger seating portion may include a footrest. The aircraft interior structure may include a partition separating a first portion of the passenger seating portion and the social area portion. The footrest of the passenger seating portion may be located in a second portion of the social area portion below at least one of the partition or surface of the social area portion.

[0019] The subject matter of this disclosure will be fully described in the Detailed Description and the Brief Description of the Drawings section, while the Summary of the Invention section is merely an introduction to the subject matter. This Summary of the Invention section should not be considered a description of essential features, nor should it be used to define the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the foregoing Summary of the Invention section and the following Detailed Description section are merely examples and illustrations, and do not necessarily limit the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals may be used in different contexts in the description and drawings to indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples (“Examples”) of this disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Generally, unless otherwise provided in the claims, the operations of the disclosed processes can be performed in any order. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 A front view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 8 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0031] Figure 11A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0032] Figure 12 A perspective view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown; and

[0033] Figure 13 A plan view of an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The disclosed subject matter will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Before explaining one or more embodiments of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of the embodiments is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements or steps or methods set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Many specific details may be set forth in the following detailed description of the embodiments to provide a more thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure that the embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating this disclosure.

[0036] As used herein, letters following reference numerals are intended to indicate embodiments of features or components that are similar to, but not necessarily equivalent to, previously described parts or features bearing the same reference numerals (e.g., 1, 1a, 1b). Such shorthand symbols are used for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure in any way unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0037] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". For example, one of the following conditions satisfies condition A or B: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0038] Additionally, the terms "an" or "a type" may be used to describe the parts and components of the embodiments disclosed herein. This is done merely for convenience, and "an" and "a type" are intended to include "one (type)," "one (type) or more (types)," or "at least one (type)," and the singular forms also include the plural forms, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0039] Finally, as used herein, "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein. The phrase "in some embodiments" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. An embodiment may include one or more features that are expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of two or more such features together with any other sub-combinations that may not be expressly described or inherently present in this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1-13 The present invention generally illustrates an aircraft interior structure including a surface and an integrated footrest space according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Aircraft cabin design may include an internal structure constructed and installed separately within the aircraft cabin. For example, an aircraft cabin may include an internal structure having one or more footrests and / or one or more footstools for business or first class use. As another example, an aircraft cabin may include an internal structure configured to function as an attended bar, an unattended bar, a social area, work surfaces, storage areas, or other areas where passengers may gather and / or passengers and / or crew may load or retrieve items.

[0042] The discrete nature of an aircraft's internal structure can lead to a loss of valuable space within the cabin, such as floor space and storage space. However, aircraft cabin design needs to address competing interests to increase passenger seating, storage space, lavatories, galley space, and other structural and / or vertical space. For example, arranging the aircraft cabin layout to increase passenger seating may require reducing the amount of space available for storage, lavatories, galley space, and other structural and / or vertical space. This reduction may include, for example, modifications to the arrangement and / or design of components, including but not limited to galleys, lavatories, or other structural and / or vertical space within the aircraft cabin.

[0043] When modifying aircraft cabin design to allow for a more compact layout, load-bearing requirements must be met without sacrificing the intended functionality of the aircraft cabin's structure and / or vertical space. For example, the structure and / or vertical space in the aircraft cabin may need to be configured according to aviation guidelines and / or standards proposed by, but not limited to, those proposed by, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or any other flight certification body or organization, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Radio Aviation Corporation of Inc. (ARINC) or any other standards-setting organization or company, the Radio Technology Committee for Aviation (RTCA) or any other guidance body or organization.

[0044] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide aircraft interior structures with integrated surfaces. For example, social area surfaces could be integrated with passenger amenities such as footrests or footstools into a single structure or volumetric space for installation within the aircraft cabin. The integration of various aircraft interior components can reduce the required installation space, thereby increasing the available floor space for other aircraft interior structures and / or volumetric spaces, while continuing to meet aviation guidelines and / or standards.

[0045] Figure 1-13 The aircraft cabin 100 and the aircraft interior structure 102 configured for the aircraft cabin 100 are shown in general.

[0046] The aircraft interior structure 102 may include a social area portion 104. The social area portion 104 may be configured as a passenger social area portion 104. The social area portion 104 may be configured as a crew preparation area portion 104. It should be noted herein that, for the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "portion 104," "social area portion 104," and "crew preparation area portion 104" may be considered equivalent.

[0047] The social area portion 104 may include a surface 106. For example, one or more surfaces 106 may include, but are not limited to, work surfaces, work surfaces or other surfaces where passengers can gather and socialize / or where crew members can prepare food, drinks, etc. for passengers.

[0048] Surface 106 may include one or more layers, each of which has a selected shape.

[0049] For example, surface 106 may include one or more passenger-accessible outer edges 108 within or near the floor area 110 of the aircraft cabin 100 (e.g., aircraft aisle 110, walkway 110, crew preparation area 110 (e.g., galley section 110)). For example, surface 106 may be a solid shape including one or more passenger-accessible outer edges 108 (e.g., geometry without open areas, shapes representing alphanumeric or ASCII characters without open areas, etc.).

[0050] As another example, surface 106 may include one or more passenger-accessible outer edges 108 within or near floor area 110, and one or more passenger-accessible inner edges 112 within or near bounded space 114 at least partially defined by the area covered by surface 106. For example, surface 106 may be U-shaped, L-shaped, or other shapes having an open area of ​​floor area 110 or bounded space 114 (e.g., geometry with an open area, shapes representing alphanumeric or ASCII characters with open areas, etc.), and includes one or more passenger-accessible outer edges 108 and one or more passenger-accessible inner edges 112.

[0051] As another example, surface 106 may include one or more passenger-accessible outer edges 108 within or near floor area 110, and one or more crew-accessible inner edges 112 within a bounded space 114 at least partially defined by the area covered by surface 106. For example, surface 106 may be D-shaped, B-shaped, or other shapes having open areas or bounded spaces 114 (e.g., geometry with open areas, shapes representing alphanumeric or ASCII characters with open areas, etc.), and includes one or more passenger-accessible outer edges 108 and one or more crew-accessible inner edges 112.

[0052] In one non-limiting example, surface 106 can be used as a social space within aircraft cabin 100. In another non-limiting example, surface 106 can be used as an unattended bar or other unattended social space within aircraft cabin 100. In yet another non-limiting example, surface 106 can be used as an attended bar or other attended service area within aircraft cabin 100.

[0053] Note in this document that the open area or bounded space 114 may be configured to accommodate onboard aircraft components, including but not limited to galley trolleys or other movable components for use by the crew.

[0054] Surface 106 may include an actuable portion 116. For example, the actuable portion 116 may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., a hinge plate or door). As another example, the actuable portion 116 may be translatable (e.g., a sliding door). As another example, the actuable portion 116 may be movable / replaceable (e.g., a removable door or railing). Typically, the actuable portion 116 may include a non-fixed portion of surface 106 configured to allow access to an internal edge 112 and bounded space 114 by only one or more crew members.

[0055] However, it should be noted herein that one or more crew-accessible interior edges 112 and bounded spaces 114 may appear via fixed portions of surface 106. For example, social area portion 104 may include an open space between surface 106 and the floor area 110 of the aircraft cabin 100 (e.g., a lower crawlable portion of surface 106). In this example, actuable portion 116 to access one or more crew-accessible interior edges 112 and bounded spaces 114 may not be required. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure, but should be understood as illustrative only.

[0056] The social area portion 104 may include a support structure 118 for surface 106. Surface 106 may be at least partially supported by the support structure 118. For example, the support structure 118 may include, but is not limited to, frames, subframes, internal or external decorative panels, doorless shelving units, doored storage compartments, or other components configured to position surface 106 at a distance from the floor area 110 of the aircraft cabin 100.

[0057] Surface 106 may be surrounded by at least a portion of the standing space in the aircraft cabin 100. For example, the standing space may be part of or adjacent to the floor area 110. The standing space may be configured not to obstruct passage through the floor area 110 of the aircraft cabin 100.

[0058] The social area 104 may include one or more seats 120 within the aircraft cabin 100 near one or more external edges 108 accessible to passengers. For example, the one or more seats 120 may be fixed in place. As another example, the one or more seats 120 may be actuated between a stowed position within a defined area 122 and an extended position within a floor area 110. For example, the one or more seats 120 may rotate between the stowed and extended positions about one or more axes. Additionally, the one or more seats 120 may translate between the stowed and extended positions. Furthermore, the one or more seats 120 may be rotatable and translatable in some combination between the stowed and extended positions. In the case of multiple seats 120, the one or more seats 120 may have the same height or different heights. For example, the one or more seats 120 may have a height configured for a bar, counter, high-top table, etc. As another example, the one or more seats 120 may have a height configured for a low-top table, etc. Typically, the one or more seats 120 may be configured not to obstruct passage through the floor area 110 of the aircraft cabin 100.

[0059] The social area section 104 may include one or more accessories 124 configured to provide visual and / or auditory outputs to passengers and / or crew members surrounding the social area section 104. For example, one or more accessories 124 may include (but are not limited to) one or more lighting fixtures or illuminated panels, one or more in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, or one or more speakers configured to provide media content that is different from or accompanying the media content displayed on the in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, etc.

[0060] The aircraft interior structure 102 may include passenger seating area 126. Passenger seating area 126 may be adjacent to one or more cabins 128. For example, one or more cabins 128 may be completely separate (e.g., completely separated by privacy panels or partition panels). As another example, adjacent cabins 128 may occupy a shared portion of the floor area 110 of the aircraft cabin 100.

[0061] Cabin 128 may include a privacy shell 130 with one or more privacy shell components. Privacy shell 130 may include an opening within one or more privacy shell components for access to cabin 128, the opening being configured to lead to an aircraft aisle 110 of aircraft cabin 100. Cabin 128 may include a door for the opening. For example, the door may swing or slide to an open position against one or more privacy shell components. As another example, the one or more privacy shell components may be at least partially hollow, and the door may slide into a cavity defined within the one or more privacy shell components.

[0062] The cabin 128 may include one or more aircraft seats 132 (e.g., business class or first class passenger seats) positioned adjacent to the aircraft interior structure 102. It should be noted herein that the terms “aircraft seat” and “passenger seat” may be considered equivalent for the purposes of this disclosure.

[0063] Typically, aircraft seat 132 may be translational (e.g., trackable or slidable). Aircraft seat 132 may rotate about a lateral axis passing through it to a position, including but not limited to an upright or raised position, one or more lounge or reclined positions, and a lie-down or bed position. For example, aircraft seat 132 may directly transition between an upright position and a lie-down or bed position. As another example, it should be noted herein that aircraft seat 132 may transition between an upright position and a lie-down or bed position via one or more reclined positions. As another example, aircraft seat 132 may transition to one or more reclined positions with a movement separate from the transition between the upright position and the lie-down or bed position. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but should be considered merely as an example.

[0064] Aircraft seat 132 can rotate about an axis (e.g., rotatable). Aircraft seat 132 can be fully positioned between external motion limits defined by movable components of aircraft seat 132, one or more primary three-dimensional spaces 134 of cabin 128, and / or one or more auxiliary three-dimensional spaces 136. It is noted herein that, for the purposes of this disclosure, a vertical or raised position may be considered a taxiing, takeoff, or landing (TTOL) position during a selected phase of flight (although the vertical or raised position is not limited to being used as a TTOL position during a selected phase of flight, but may also be used at any time during flight). Furthermore, it is noted herein that, for the purposes of this disclosure, any position that does not meet the foregoing requirements of a TTOL position may be considered a non-TTOL position. Furthermore, it is noted herein that aircraft seat 132 can be actuated (e.g., translated and / or rotated) from a TTOL position to a non-TTOL position, and / or vice versa. Furthermore, it should be noted herein that aircraft seat 132 can be in a fully upright or raised position, and the TTOL position can have a more inclined seat back cushion and a more inclined upward seat board cushion compared to the fully upright or raised position. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure, but is merely illustrative.

[0065] Aircraft seat 132 may be configured to avoid contact with one or more main three-dimensional spaces 134 when changing positions (e.g., between an upright or raised position and a lie-down or bed position). One or more main three-dimensional spaces 134 may include or be implemented as partitions or structures separating adjacent cabins 128 and / or separating cabins 128 from floor areas 110 within the aircraft cabin 100. For example, where one or more main three-dimensional spaces 134 are implemented as partitions, they may be configured to allow multiple cabins 128 to be installed within the aircraft cabin 100 in a more compact arrangement. In this respect, the amount of floor area 110 required for one or more aircraft seats 132 in the aircraft cabin 100 can be reduced.

[0066] One or more auxiliary three-dimensional spaces 136 may include, but are not limited to, trays or tables, side supports, etc. The aircraft seat 132 may be configured to avoid contact with one or more auxiliary three-dimensional spaces 136 when changing positions (e.g., between an upright or raised position and a lie-down or bed position).

[0067] The auxiliary three-dimensional space 136 may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and / or one or more side surfaces. For example, the auxiliary three-dimensional space 136 may include a single continuous side surface, wherein all corners are rounded. As another example, the auxiliary three-dimensional space 136 may include up to N side surfaces, wherein the auxiliary three-dimensional space 136 includes up to N corners. The auxiliary three-dimensional space 136 may be fixed in place. However, it should be noted herein that the auxiliary three-dimensional space 136 may be actuable (e.g., a selected distance may be extended from the storage location to an extension location closer to the passenger, similar to an airplane tray table).

[0068] The auxiliary space 136 may be adjacent to a different primary space 134 that serves as a partition between adjacent cabins 128 and / or between cabins 128 and floor areas 110 within the aircraft cabin 100. For example, the auxiliary space 136 may be located above the primary space 134. The auxiliary space 136 may be integrated into the primary space 134, serving as a partition between adjacent aircraft seats 132 and / or between aircraft seats 132 and open areas within the aircraft cabin 100. In this respect, the area of ​​floor area 110 required for one or more aircraft seats 132 in the aircraft cabin 100 can be reduced.

[0069] Note in this document that at least some components (e.g., at least a portion of the privacy shell 130, the primary three-dimensional space 134, the secondary three-dimensional space 136, etc.) can conform to a portion of the aircraft seat 132. In this respect, the area of ​​the floor area 110 required for one or more aircraft seats 132 in the aircraft cabin 100 can be reduced.

[0070] The cabin 128 may include one or more storage compartments 138. The one or more storage compartments 138 may be positioned adjacent to or integrated into one or more privacy shell components, one or more main vertical spaces 134, or one or more auxiliary vertical spaces 136 of the privacy shell 130. The one or more storage compartments 138 may be coupled to and / or at least partially embedded in one or more privacy shell components, one or more main vertical spaces 134, or one or more auxiliary vertical spaces 136 of the privacy shell 130.

[0071] Storage compartment 138 may be a storage compartment (e.g., a wardrobe) configured to accommodate long and / or large items (e.g., passenger amenities that need to be hung, carry-on luggage, etc.) that require increased space and / or that passengers may prefer to store in a substantially vertical or upright orientation.

[0072] Storage compartment 138 may be configured to accommodate and retain (e.g., accommodate, secure, etc.) one or more passenger amenities, including but not limited to printed materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers, brochures, etc.), personal electronic devices (e.g., telephones, tablets, tablet phones, laptops, music devices, digital video disc (DVD) players, handheld game consoles or devices, etc.), food, beverage products, etc.

[0073] The storage compartment 138 may include one or more electronic connections for one or more passenger conveniences, such as, but not limited to, one or more charging ports, one or more charging cables, etc.

[0074] The storage compartment 138 may include one or more electronic connections that communicate with one or more components of the cabin 128, such as, but not limited to, one or more display device connection ports, one or more display device connection cables, one or more audio output jacks (e.g., headphone jacks), one or more audio input jacks, etc.

[0075] The storage compartment 138 may include one or more safety devices (such as gas masks, personal flotation devices, etc.).

[0076] Cabin 128 may include one or more electronic devices. For example, one or more electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, actuators (such as assemblies, controls, actuators, etc.) for one or more aircraft seats 132, one or more in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, one or more speakers configured to provide media content separate from or accompanying the media content displayed on the in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, one or more lighting fixtures, etc.

[0077] The aircraft interior structure 102 may include a partition 140. The partition 140 may include a vertical or substantially vertical portion 142 configured to separate a social area portion 104 from passenger seating portions 126 (e.g., business class or first class passenger seats). The social area portion 104 side of the partition 140 may include, but is not limited to, interior or exterior trim panels, doorless shelving units, storage compartments with doors, and / or in-flight entertainment systems (IEDs).

[0078] Surface 106 may be adjacent to a vertical or substantially vertical plane 144 defined by partition 140 (e.g., defined by a vertical or substantially vertical portion 142 of partition 140) on the social area portion 104 side. For example, surface 106 may be adjacent to vertical or substantially vertical plane 144. As another example, surface 106 may disrupt vertical or substantially vertical plane 144 and be at least partially embedded within partition 140 (e.g., in vertical or substantially vertical portion 142 of partition 140). Surface 106 may face a single direction or multiple directions for access to and from the social area portion 104 side (e.g., surface 106 may include a surrounding portion 146 configured to be accessible via floor area 110 of aircraft cabin 100).

[0079] The passenger seating area 126 side of the partition 140 may include, but is not limited to, interior or exterior trim panels, doorless shelving units, doored storage compartments and / or in-flight entertainment systems (IEDs) configured to be accessible to passengers in aircraft seats 132 located near the aircraft interior structure 102.

[0080] At least a portion of the partition 140 can separate the social area portion 104 and the passenger seating portion 126. For example, a vertical or substantially vertical portion 142 of the partition 140 (e.g., on or above the plane 148 defined by surface 106 in the social area portion 104) can prevent access or viewing between a first portion 150 of the social area portion 104 (e.g., on or above the plane 148 defined by surface 106 in the social area portion 104) and at least a second portion 152 of the passenger seating portion 126 (e.g., on or above the plane 148 defined by surface 106 in the social area portion 104).

[0081] Passenger seating portion 126 may include one or more footrest spaces 154 configured for use by one or more passengers located in one or more aircraft seats 132 adjacent to the aircraft interior structure 102. Passenger seating portion 126 may include one or more footrests 156 located within the one or more footrest spaces 154. For example, the one or more footrests 156 may be fixed in place. As another example, the one or more footrests 156 may be configured to transition between a first position and at least a second position. For example, at least a portion of the footrest 156 may be configured to translate, to rotate about an axis, or to translate and rotate about an axis.

[0082] When the corresponding aircraft seat 132 is in a lie-flat or bed position, the footrest 156 can be used by the passenger in the aircraft seat 132 located near the aircraft interior structure 102. For example, when the corresponding aircraft seat 132 is in a lie-flat or bed position, the footrest 156 may form part of the bed surface. When the corresponding aircraft seat 132 is in a reclined or rest position, the backrest 156 can be used by the passenger in the aircraft seat 132 located near the aircraft interior structure 102.

[0083] Footrest 156 may be located within the footrest space 154 of the passenger seating section 126. For example, one or more dimensions of the footrest space 154 may be altered by changing the aircraft seat 132 between an upright or raised position, a resting or reclined position, and a lie-flat or bed position. Note herein that a portion of the footrest 156 may be actuated (e.g., along a set of rails or linear tracks) to a position outside the footrest space 154.

[0084] Footrest 156 can be configured to translate and / or rotate about an axis passing through the sidewall of footrest 156 to orient its top surface toward the passenger occupying aircraft seat 132. For example, where footrest 156 can be configured to both translate and rotate, footrest 156 can be configured to rotate and / or translate independently. As another example, where footrest 156 can be configured to both translate and rotate, rotation can prevent further translation until footrest 156 returns to the selected position, and / or translation can prevent further rotation until footrest 156 returns to the selected position.

[0085] However, it should be noted herein that the aircraft seat 132 and / or footrest 156 may be restricted to an upright or raised position and / or one or more resting or reclining positions. Additionally, it should be noted herein that when the aircraft seat 132 is in a lie-flat or bed position, the aircraft seat 132 may be the sole component forming a bed. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure, but is merely illustrative.

[0086] The passenger seating portion 126 may disrupt the vertical or substantially vertical plane 144 defined by the partition 140, and the second vertical or substantially vertical plane 158 in the second portion 160 of the social area portion 104 (e.g., on or below the plane 148 defined by the surface 106 in the social area portion 104) is at least partially embedded within the social area portion 104. For example, components of the passenger seating portion 126 on the horizontal or substantially horizontal plane 162 of the passenger seating portion 126 and / or on the second vertical or substantially vertical plane 158 of the passenger seating portion 126 (e.g., a panel defining the footrest space 154, etc.) may be configured to serve as a support structure 118 for the surface 106 within the social area portion 104.

[0087] In this regard, when the passenger seating area 126 is at least partially located below the surface 106 (and partition 140), at least a portion 164 of the passenger seating area 126 (e.g., footrest 154 and / or footstool 156) can be considered integrated with the surface 106 within the social area area 104. It should be noted herein that integrating the passenger seating area 126 with the surface 106 reduces the combined area required for the footprint of the passenger seating area 126 and / or the social area area 104 compared to constructing and / or installing the passenger seating area 126 and / or the social area area 104 separately within the aircraft cabin 100.

[0088] Aircraft seat 132 may be parallel or substantially parallel to floor area 110 (e.g., where floor area 110 is aircraft aisle 110) and directly face aircraft interior surface 106. For example, aircraft seat 132 may be positioned close to each other (e.g., the central seat is separated from floor area 110 by a certain distance). For example, portions of passenger seat portion 126 corresponding to aircraft seat 132 (e.g., one or more footrests 154 and / or one or more footstools 156) may be centered within passenger seat portion 126 of aircraft interior structure 102 and positioned close to each other (e.g., in separate spaces or in shared spaces). As another example, aircraft seat 132 may be positioned close to floor area 110 (e.g., at a certain distance). For example, footrests 154 corresponding to aircraft seat 132 may be spaced apart and adjacent to one or more external or external support structures 118 of aircraft interior structure 102. Note herein that, for the purposes of this disclosure, “substantially parallel” may include an angle ranging between 0 and 7 degrees.

[0089] Although embodiments of this disclosure show a single surface 106 (solid or with an internal open area), it should be noted herein that the social area portion 104 may include multiple surfaces 106 (e.g., completely separate or substantially separate). For example, multiple surfaces 106 may be necessary where passenger seating portions 126 corresponding to aircraft seat 132 (e.g., footrest space 154 and / or footstool 156) can be separated by a distance. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure, but merely as an example.

[0090] Aircraft seat 132 may be configured relative to floor area 110 (e.g., floor area 110 is aircraft aisle 110) and at an angle relative to aircraft interior structure 102. For example, aircraft seat 132 may be positioned close to floor area 110 (e.g., aircraft seat 132 may be spaced apart), while footrests 154 corresponding to aircraft seat 132 may be positioned close to each other (e.g., may be separate or shared). As another example, aircraft seat 132 may be positioned close to each other (e.g., may be separate or shared), while footrests 154 corresponding to aircraft seat 132 may be positioned close to floor area 110 (e.g., footrests 154 may be spaced apart).

[0091] Note in this document that the passenger seating section 126 may be configured to include one or more footrests 154 and one or more footstools 156 for positioning an additional cabin 128 below one or more aircraft seats 132, one or more main vertical spaces 134, one or more auxiliary vertical spaces 136 and / or one or more storage compartments 138 within the passenger seating section 126.

[0092] Although the embodiments of this disclosure are directed to an aviation environment such as an aircraft cabin 100, it should be noted herein that the aircraft interior structure 102, including surface 106 and integrated footrest space 154, is not limited to aviation environments and / or aircraft components within aviation environments. For example, the aircraft interior structure 102, including surface 106 and integrated footrest space 154, can be configured for any type of vehicle known in the art. For example, said vehicle can be any air, space, land, or water-based personal equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based commercial equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based military equipment or vehicle known in the art. As another example, the aircraft interior structure 102, including surface 106 and integrated footrest space 154, can be configured for commercial or industrial use in a home or business. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure, but is merely illustrative.

[0093] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, equivalents and substitutions may be used herein without departing from the scope of the claims. The components shown and described herein are merely examples of systems / devices and components that may be used to implement embodiments of this disclosure and may be replaced by other devices and components without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, any dimensions, degrees, and / or numerical ranges provided herein should be understood as non-limiting examples unless otherwise specified in the claims.

Claims

1. An internal structure of an aircraft, comprising: The social area includes a work surface and includes at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the social area is located at or above a plane defined by the work surface, and the second portion is located at or below the plane defined by the work surface. The social area can be accessed from the floor area of ​​the aircraft cabin. The passenger seating area is arranged forward relative to the aircraft seat, and the passenger seating area includes at least a first part and a second part, wherein the first part of the passenger seating area includes a footrest space; and A fixed partition includes a fixed, substantially vertical portion configured to completely separate a second portion of the passenger seating area from a first portion of the social area area. The fixed, substantially vertical portion prevents entry, exit, or viewing between the first portion of the social area area and at least the second portion of the passenger seating area. The footrest space of the passenger seating area is located in the second part of the social area portion below at least one of the fixed partition or the work surface of the social area portion, wherein the work surface includes at least one accessible outer edge near the floor area, the outer edge being accessible from the floor area, and at least one accessible inner edge near a bounded space near the floor area, the inner edge being accessible from the bounded space, and the work surface is surrounded by at least a portion of the standing space in the aircraft cabin, the standing space being configured not to obstruct passage through the floor area of ​​the aircraft cabin.

2. The aircraft interior structure of claim 1, wherein the working surface includes at least one actuable portion configured to provide access to a bounded space of the at least one accessible interior edge and the floor area.

3. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 1, wherein the social area portion includes at least one seat near the at least one external edge accessible to the passenger.

4. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seat is fixed in place.

5. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 3, wherein the at least one seat is configured to be actuated between a stowed position and an extended position.

6. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 1, wherein the floor area includes an aircraft aisle.

7. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 6, wherein the aircraft seat is parallel to the aircraft aisle.

8. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 6, wherein the aircraft seat is configured at an angle relative to the aircraft aisle.

9. The aircraft internal structure according to claim 6, further comprising: Multiple support structures are configured to support the working surface and / or define at least one of the passenger seating portions.

10. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 9, wherein the footrest space is adjacent to the aircraft aisle and at least one of the plurality of external support structures.

11. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 1, wherein the footrest space is centered within the passenger seating area of ​​the aircraft interior structure.

12. The aircraft interior structure according to claim 1, wherein the passenger seating area further includes a footstool in the footrest space, the footstool and the aircraft seat being configured to form a bed surface when the aircraft seat is in a lying position.

13. An aircraft cabin, comprising: At least one passenger cabin, said at least one passenger cabin including aircraft seats; Floor area; and The internal structure of an aircraft includes: The social area includes a work surface, the social area including at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located at or above a plane defined by the work surface, and the second portion being located at or below the plane defined by the work surface, the social area being accessible from the floor area; A passenger seating area, the passenger seating area being arranged forward relative to an aircraft seat in the at least one passenger cabin, the passenger seating area comprising at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the passenger seating area including footrest space; and A fixed partition includes a fixed, substantially vertical portion configured to completely separate a second portion of the passenger seating area from a first portion of the social area area. The fixed, substantially vertical portion prevents entry, exit, or viewing between the first portion of the social area area and at least the second portion of the passenger seating area. The footrest space of the passenger seating area is located in the second part of the social area section below at least one of the partition or the working surface of the social area section. The working surface includes at least one accessible outer edge near the floor area, the outer edge being accessible from the floor area, and at least one accessible inner edge near a bounded space near the floor area, the inner edge being accessible from the bounded space. The working surface is surrounded by at least a portion of a standing space in the aircraft cabin, the standing space being configured not to obstruct passage through the floor area of ​​the aircraft cabin.

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