Aircraft seating unit

Abstract

The invention provides an aircraft seating unit 100 comprising a main seat 105 and a companion seat 106 facing each other wherein the companion seat comprises a seat pan 112 providing a seat pan surface 115, and a movable seat element 120 movable relative to the seat pan between a stowed position in which the seat pan surface 115 faces the main seat 105 and a deployed position in which the seat pan surface 115 faces the main seat 105 and the companion seat 106 faces the main seat 105 and the companion seat 106. The movable seat element is movable between a stowed position in which the companion seat provides an additional support surface 121 for a host passenger on the host seat and a deployed position in which the movable seat element provides a backrest surface 124 for a companion passenger on the companion seat. The invention further provides a method for unfolding the companion seat and a method for folding the companion seat.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the number of 201980041208.9, the invention name of “Aircraft Seat Unit” and the application date of June 20, 2019 (PCT application number is PCT / GB2019 / 051735). Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to aircraft seating units.

[0003] The present invention relates to an aircraft seating unit for providing seating for one or more passengers in an aircraft. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an aircraft seating unit comprising a primary seat and a companion seat, the primary seat and the companion seat facing each other, wherein the companion seat comprises a seat pan providing a seat pan surface. The present invention also relates to a method of deploying the companion seat and a method of stowing the companion seat. Background Art

[0004] There are many prior art aircraft seating units and many of them, particularly those designed for use in first or business class, contain a main passenger seat and a companion seat which may also function as a footrest / footrest or part of the main seat bed surface. An example can be seen in GB 2412310.

[0005] However, in these arrangements, the companion seat may not be comfortable to sit in, especially for long periods of time. For example, the second passenger may not want to sit in the companion seat to share a meal with the passenger in the main seat because the companion seat may not be comfortable enough.

[0006] The present invention seeks to alleviate the above mentioned problems.Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved aircraft seating unit. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an aircraft seating unit comprising a main seat and a companion seat, the main seat and the companion seat facing each other, wherein the companion seat comprises: a seat pan providing a seat pan surface; and a movable seat element, the movable seat element being movable relative to the seat pan between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein in the stowed position, the companion seat provides an additional support surface for a main passenger on the main seat, and in the deployed position, the movable seat element provides a backrest surface for a companion passenger on the companion seat.

[0008] The fact of having a movable seat element allows for a backrest surface to be provided for the passenger on the companion seat (when deployed). This makes the companion seat more comfortable and the companion passenger can sit in the companion seat for longer periods of time. Ideally, the companion seat can provide comparable comfort to the companion passenger's designated seat or the main seat. When the movable seat element is stowed, it provides an additional support surface, such as a foot or leg rest, for the main passenger on the main seat. Thus, the movable seat element is dual purpose.

[0009] Preferably, the main seat is convertible between a seat configuration and a bed configuration and wherein, when the movable seat element is in the stowed position, the additional support surface provided is an additional bed support surface for the main passenger. This allows the companion seat to be further used as a bed surface for the main passenger on the main seat (when the main seat is in its bed configuration). The bed surface may be a foot-end bed surface.

[0010] Preferably, the seat pan surface is (at least partially) covered by the movable seat element when the movable seat element is in its stowed position. Preferably, the seat pan surface is uncovered when the movable seat element is in its deployed position.

[0011] Preferably, the seat pan surface and the backrest surface have substantially the same size and / or shape. For example, when the movable seat element is in the stowed position, less than 50% (or 25% or 10%, or substantially 0%) of the seat pan surface and the backrest surface are exposed. In other words, when the movable seat element is in its stowed position, at least 50% (or 75% or 90%, or substantially 100%) of the seat pan surface is covered by the movable seat element and at least 50% (or 75% or 90%, or substantially 100%) of the backrest surface rests against the seat pan surface.

[0012] Preferably, the movable seat element can slide and / or rotate relative to the seat pan. This allows the movable seat element to be effectively moved relative to the seat pan. The movable seat element can slide (e.g. slide sideways relative to the seat pan or slide up and down relative to the seat pan), swivel out from behind the seat pan or swivel out from the seat pan.

[0013] More preferably, the movable seat element is rotatable relative to the seat pan. This provides an efficient deployment / stowage action that is easy for a passenger to operate.

[0014] It is further preferred that the movable seat element is rotatable about a rotation axis adjacent to (preferably along) a rear edge of the movable seat element.This allows the movable seat element to be flipped upwards for deployment.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, "rear" and "front" (as well as forward and rearward / backward) relate to the conventional orientation of the associated seat. That is, the "front" of the seat is the direction the passenger / seat faces, and the "rear" is the direction the passenger / seat faces away from. When the companion seat faces the main seat (i.e., the front edge of the companion seat is closest to the main seat), the rear edge is the edge farthest from the main seat.

[0016] It is further preferred that the axis of rotation is also adjacent to and preferably along the rear edge of the seat pan surface. This allows the movable seat element to be flipped upwards relative to the seat pan surface for deployment. This means that the seat pan surface may be covered when the movable seat element is stowed. This prevents damage to the seat pan surface, for example by the feet / legs of a passenger on the main seat.

[0017] It is further preferred that the seat panel surface faces upwards and is angled so that the front edge of the seat panel surface is higher than the rear edge of the seat panel surface. This provides an angled seat panel (relative to the conventional orientation of the companion seat). This means that the passenger is safely positioned on the seat with a reduced risk of falling off the companion seat. For example, the seat panel surface may be tilted rearwards at an angle of 3 to 14 degrees relative to the aircraft floor on which the companion seat is to be mounted (so that the front of the seat panel is higher). Preferably, the seat panel surface angle is between 5 and 14 degrees, more preferably between 10 and 14 degrees.

[0018] It is further preferred that when the movable seat element is in the stowed position, the backrest surface faces downwards and is angled accordingly to abut against the seat pan surface. This allows a compact stowed arrangement (the backrest surface can be coplanar with the seat pan surface). It also allows the backrest surface to be angled when the movable seat element is deployed to provide additional comfort for a fellow passenger.

[0019] It is further preferred that when the movable seat element is in the stowed position, the additional support surface faces upward and is substantially horizontal. This allows the additional support surface, such as the bed surface and / or the foot / leg rest surface to be aligned with the angle of the main seat and provide an effective additional support surface. Substantially horizontal may mean that the surface is substantially parallel to the aircraft floor. It also includes an angle of about 3 degrees to the aircraft floor so that the surface is substantially horizontal during flight of the aircraft.

[0020] Preferably, the seat pan surface is dimensioned for seating a companion passenger. For example, the seat pan surface has a depth of at least 250 mm between the front and rear edges. More preferably, the seat pan surface has a depth of at least 350 mm. Further preferably, the seat pan surface has a depth of at least 400 mm. Preferably, the movable seat element is rotatable relative to the seat pan about a rotation axis, and wherein the rotation axis is adjacent to the rear edge of the seat pan surface.

[0021] The backrest surface and the additional support surface may be non-coplanar and / or non-parallel.When the additional support surface is substantially vertical, the backrest surface may provide an inclined backrest.

[0022] When the additional support surface is substantially vertical (at 90 degrees), the backrest surface may provide an inclined backrest which is between 93 degrees and 114 degrees, preferably between 104 degrees and 114 degrees. Thus, the angle between the backrest surface and the additional support surface is between 3 degrees and 24 degrees, preferably between 14 degrees and 24 degrees. In one example, when the seat pan surface is at an angle of 3 degrees relative to the aircraft floor on which the companion seat is to be mounted, and the angle between the backrest surface and the additional support surface is 3 degrees, the additional support surface is substantially horizontal (relative to the aircraft floor) when the backrest surface is flush with the seat pan surface. This also provides a 93 degree backrest inclination angle (relative to horizontal / aircraft floor) at a 90 degree angle to the seat pan surface. In another example, when the seat pan surface is at an angle of 14 degrees relative to the aircraft floor on which the companion seat is to be mounted, and the angle between the backrest surface and the additional support surface is 14 degrees, the additional support surface is substantially horizontal (relative to the aircraft floor) when the backrest surface is flush with the seat pan surface. This also provides a 104 degree backrest angle at 90 degrees relative to the seat pan surface (relative to horizontal / aircraft floor). In another example, when the seat pan surface is at a 14 degree angle relative to the aircraft floor on which the companion seat is to be installed, and the angle between the backrest surface and the additional support surface is 24 degrees, when the backrest surface is flush with the seat pan surface, the additional support surface is at a 10 degree angle to the horizontal plane (relative to the aircraft floor). This also provides a 114 degree backrest angle at 100 degrees relative to the seat pan surface (relative to horizontal / aircraft floor).

[0023] Aircraft seating units may include a table between the primary seat and the companion seat. This allows two passengers in both seats to eat together from the same table or to use the table to work together.

[0024] Preferably, the seat pan is movable relative to the companion seat support structure between a rear position at a first distance from the main seat and a second, shorter distance from the main seat. This allows the passenger on the companion seat to sit closer to the main passenger on the main seat. Thus, a suitable distance for dining or working (with a table between the two seats) can be provided.

[0025] More preferably, the movable seat element and the seat pan are coupled so that movement of one of the movable seat element and the seat pan causes movement of the other of the movable seat element and the seat pan. This allows a combined movement of the movable seat element and the seat pan, which makes deployment / stowage of the movable seat element and movement of the seat pan easier.

[0026] Further preferably, the movement of movable seat element causes the movement of seat pan and / or seat pan movement causes the movement of movable seat element. This means that the passenger in mobile seat pan and movable seat element does not have to physically move another in order to make it move.

[0027] For example, the rearward (rearward) movement of the seat pan may cause the retracting of the movable seat element. For example, the forward movement of the seat pan may cause the deployment of the movable seat element. For example, the retracting movement of the movable seat element may cause the seat pan to move rearward (rearward). For example, the deployment movement of the movable seat element may cause the forward movement of the seat pan. Of course, any combination of the above examples is possible.

[0028] Preferably, the additional support surface has a first hardness and the seat pan surface has a second, different hardness. This allows providing a first hardness that is best suited for use as a bed and / or foot / leg rest surface, and providing a second, different hardness that is best suited for the seat pan surface. The second hardness may be lower (less rigid) than the first hardness.

[0029] The hardness of the backrest can be different from the hardness of the seat pan and / or the additional support surface. This allows providing a backrest hardness that is best suited for use as a backrest surface.

[0030] Preferably, the seat pan surface is a cushioning surface.

[0031] Preferably, the companion seat comprises at least one movable armrest movable relative to the movable seat element between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which the companion seat provides an armrest support surface for the companion passenger. This makes the companion seat more comfortable. Having a stowable movable armrest also allows for a compact stowage arrangement. Two movable armrests may be provided; the movable armrests are on either side of the companion seat. The armrests may be immovable when the movable seat element is stowed. The armrests may be movable when the movable seat element is deployed.

[0032] The hardness of the armrest surface can be different from the hardness of the seat pan and / or backrest and / or additional support surface. This allows providing an armrest hardness that is best suited for use as an armrest surface.

[0033] Further preferably, the movable armrest is rotatable relative to the movable seat element. This provides an easy and intuitive deployment / stowage action for the passenger.

[0034] Further preferably, the movable armrest is rotatable about a rotation axis adjacent to (preferably along) the rear edge of the movable armrest. This provides a large armrest surface. Since the companion seat faces the main seat (i.e. the front edge of the companion seat is closest to the main seat), the rear edge of the movable armrest is the edge farthest from the main seat.

[0035] It is further preferred that the axis of rotation is also adjacent to (preferably along) the backrest surface. This allows the armrest to be effectively deployed relative to the backrest.

[0036] Preferably, in the stowed position, the movable armrest is substantially flush with the backrest surface. This allows a passenger to sit on a companion seat with the armrest in the stowed state and have a large backrest surface to lean against. It also provides a compact stowed arrangement. This is because the movable seat element can lie flush against the seat pan surface when stowed.

[0037] Preferably, the armrest abuts against a portion of the movable seat element when the armrest is in the deployed position. This prevents the armrest from being lowered further than substantially horizontal or any other desired deployment angle.

[0038] Preferably, the companion seat comprises at least one movable headrest movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the movable seat element, wherein the companion seat provides a headrest support surface for the companion passenger. This provides greater comfort for the companion passenger. It may also provide protection for a television monitor or other equipment behind the headrest support surface. When the movable seat element is stowed, the headrest may not be movable. When the movable seat element is deployed, the headrest may be movable.

[0039] The movable headrest can be rotated about the rotation axis along the lower edge of the movable headrest. This provides a large headrest surface. The rotation axis can also be along the backrest surface, such as the upper edge of the backrest surface. This allows the headrest to be effectively deployed relative to the backrest.

[0040] In the stowed position, the movable headrest can be substantially flush with the backrest surface. This enables a passenger to sit in a companion seat with the headrest stowed and have a large backrest surface to lean against. It also provides a compact stowed arrangement. This is because the movable seat element can lie flush against the seat pan surface when stowed.

[0041] Preferably, the seat pan of the companion seat is movable up and down so that the height of the additional support surface provided and / or the height of the seat pan surface relative to the height of the main seat varies. This allows the companion seat to be placed at a suitable height to serve as an additional support surface, as well as the seat pan surface of the companion passenger to be placed at a suitable height. The companion seat may be movable on rails mounted on the housing or bracket of the aircraft seat unit. The supporting structure of the companion seat may also be movable up and down with the seat pan.

[0042] Preferably, the companion seat comprises a storage container beneath the movable seat element. This provides additional storage space for the main passenger or the companion passenger, for example for shoes or slippers. The storage container may be openable. Alternatively, the storage container may comprise a closing mechanism, such as a rotatable door or a slidable drawer.

[0043] Preferably, the companion seat includes a safety belt for the companion passenger. This allows the companion passenger to sit in the companion seat in flight (e.g., in turbulence) and possibly during taxi, take-off and landing (TTL).

[0044] Preferably, the movement of the movable seat element between the stowed position and the deployed position is mechanically and / or electrically actuated. This allows efficient stowage / deployment of the movable seat element.

[0045] There may be a handle or button that can be used to initiate or control the actuation of the deployment / stowage.

[0046] There may be a latch that needs to be unlocked to allow the deployment and / or stowage movement to occur.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for unfolding a companion seat is also provided, the method comprising the following steps: providing a main seat and a companion seat for an aircraft unit, the main seat and the companion seat facing each other; moving a movable seat element of the companion seat relative to the seat panel from a stowed position to a unfolded position, the seat panel providing a seat panel surface of the companion seat, in the stowed position, the companion seat providing an additional support surface for the main passenger on the main seat, and in the unfolded position, the movable seat element providing a backrest surface for the companion passenger on the companion seat.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for stowing a companion seat is also provided, the method comprising the following steps: providing a main seat and a companion seat for an aircraft unit, the main seat and the companion seat facing each other; moving a movable seat element of the companion seat relative to the seat panel from a deployed position to a stowed position, the seat panel providing a seat panel surface of the companion seat, wherein in the deployed position, the movable seat element provides a backrest surface for a companion passenger on the companion seat, and in the stowed position, the companion seat provides an additional support surface for the main passenger on the main seat.

[0049] Of course, it should be understood that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams in which:

[0051] Figure 1 A downward perspective view of a double aircraft seating unit comprising two single aircraft seating units according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 2a A schematic diagram showing a companion seat of one of a single aircraft seating unit, wherein the companion seat has a movable seat element in a stowed configuration;

[0053] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a A schematic diagram of a companion seat of , wherein the movable seat element is in a deployed configuration;

[0054] Figure 2c Shows Figure 2a and 2b A schematic diagram of a companion seat of wherein the movable seat element is in a deployed configuration, the companion seat having two armrests in their deployed configurations;

[0055] Figure 3a Shows Figures 2a to 2c A side view of a companion seat with the movable seat element in a stowed configuration;

[0056] Figure 3b Shows Figures 2a to 2c a side view of a companion seat with the movable seat element in the deployed configuration and the two armrests in their deployed configurations;

[0057] Figure 4a Shows Figure 1 A side view of a portion of one of the aircraft seat units, showing Figures 2a to 2c and Figure 3a and 3b a companion seat wherein the movable seat element is in a stowed configuration;

[0058] Figure 4b Shows something like Figure 4a A side view of the movable seat element in the stowed configuration in a forward position;

[0059] Figure 4c Shows something like Figure 4a and 4b , with the movable seat element in the deployed configuration in a forward position;

[0060] Figure 4d Shows something like Figures 4a to 4c , with the movable seat element in the deployed configuration in a forward position and the two armrests in their deployed configurations;

[0061] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A perspective rear view of a portion of one of the aircraft seating units showing a front view of a companion seat with the movable seat element in the stowed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 A downward perspective view of a double aircraft seating unit 200 comprising two single aircraft seating units 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0063] Each aircraft seat unit 100 is located above the floor 101 and contains a private shell 102 surrounding a side shelf 103, a primary seat 105, and a companion seat 106. The primary seat 105 and the companion seat 106 face each other, with the shelf 103 on one side of the seats 105, 106 and an aisle (a gap in the private shell 102) on the other side of the seats 105, 106. Inside the private shell 102, behind the companion seat 106 is a television monitor 104 for viewing by the passenger in the primary seat 105.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the aircraft seating unit 100 at the top of the figure has a companion seat 106 in an expanded configuration, on which a companion passenger can sit and be provided with a backrest. Another aircraft seating unit 100 (at the bottom of the figure) has a companion seat 106 in a stowed configuration, wherein the companion seat serves as a footrest for the main seat 105.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, it is Figure 1 1. A perspective rear view of a portion of one of the aircraft seating units 100 of FIG. 1, a companion seat 106 includes a support structure 111 that supports the remainder of the companion seat 106. The support structure 111 also provides a storage container 150 beneath the remainder of the companion seat 106.

[0066] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of a companion seat 106 (excluding the support structure 111) is shown. The companion seat 106 comprises a seat pan 112 and a movable seat element 120 pivotally mounted to flip relative to the seat pan 112. Figure 2a 1, the movable seat element 120 is in the stowed position (lying on top of the seat pan 112). In this position, the upwardly directed surface 121 of the movable seat element 120 provides a foot / leg rest surface, thereby providing a footrest function for the main seat 105. If the main seat 105 is in the bed configuration, the surface 121 of the movable seat element 120 can be used to form part of the bed surface of the provided bed.

[0067] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a 1, wherein the movable seat element 120 is in the deployed configuration so that it has been flipped upward to provide a backrest for the companion seat 106. More specifically, the previously downwardly facing surface of the movable seat element 120 (opposite to the surface 121) provides a slightly inclined backrest surface 124.

[0068] In this configuration, other features of the seat pan 112 are more easily seen. The seat pan 112 has an upwardly directed (although actually angled slightly rearwardly) seat pan surface 115, a front edge 113, and a rear edge 114.

[0069] Figure 2c Shows Figure 2a and 2b Schematic diagram of a companion seat of , wherein the movable seat element 120 is in the deployed configuration. Here, two armrests 131, 132 (one on each side of the backrest surface 124) have been flipped down to provide an armrest surface 134. Compare Figure 2b and 2c , it can be seen that in its retracted position (such as Figure 2b ), the armrests 131 , 132 are flush with the backrest surface 124 .

[0070] Figure 3a Shows Figures 2a to 2c Side view of a companion seat with the movable seat element 120 in the stowed configuration. Here, the shape of the different parts of the companion seat 106 can be more easily seen. The seat pan 112 includes a shaped wedge-shaped pad 116, wherein the front edge 113 of the wedge-shaped pad 116 is longer and extends higher than the rear edge 114. All pads are made of graphite combustion modified high-resilience polyurethane foam for aircraft seats, such as DAX (RTM) foam of different densities supplied by MGR Foamtex. The pad 116 has a density suitable for use as a seat pan. This density is approximately 57-66 kg / m 3 .

[0071] The movable seat element 120 is also wedge-shaped, with its rear edge (eg Figure 3a 112 is longer than its front edge and extends downwards more. This means that when the movable seat element 120 is in the stowed position, the movable seat element 120 and the seat pan 112 constitute a rectangular outline.

[0072] The movable seat element 120 has an upper cushion layer 122 that provides a foot / leg / bed surface and a lower wedge-shaped pad 125 that provides a backrest pad / surface. These pads 122, 125 can be made of foam (or any other material) with different densities and provide different hardness. For example, the pad 122 has a density suitable for use as a foot / leg rest / bed surface. The density is about 60-66 kg / m 3 The cushion 125 has a density suitable for use as a backrest. This is about 43-57 kg / m 3 123 marks the pivot point of the movable seat element 120 relative to the seat plate 112.

[0073] Also visible in this figure is a cushioning pad 135 for the armrest 131 and a pivot point 133 about which the armrest pivots relative to the movable seat element 120. The density of the cushion 135 is suitable for use as an armrest surface. This is about 43-66 kg / m 3The armrests 131, 132 are unfolded / folded by flipping downward / upward against the friction hinge.

[0074] Figure 3b Shows Figures 2a to 2c 106, wherein the movable seat element 120 is in the deployed configuration and the two armrests 131, 132 are in their deployed configuration. Here, it can be clearly seen that in the deployed configuration, the backrest surface 124 is inclined to provide a comfortable backrest for the passenger on the companion seat 106. In addition, the angle of the seat pan surface is slightly tilted backwards to also contribute to the comfort of the companion passenger. As can be seen here, the bottom side of the armrests 131, 132 directly abuts / rests on the pad 125, thus preventing the armrests 131, 132 from falling below this position.

[0075] Figure 4a Shows Figure 1 A side view of a portion of one of the aircraft seating units 100 of FIG. 1 shows a companion seat 106 with a movable seat element 120 in a stowed configuration. In this position, the seat pan 112 and the movable seat element 120 are against the private screen 102.

[0076] like Figure 4b As shown, the arrows show that the seat pan 112 and the movable seat element 120 can slide forward (ie, toward the main seat 105). Figure 4c As shown, the movable seat element 120 can be flipped upward to the deployed configuration. Figure 4d As shown, the armrests 131 , 132 can be flipped downward to be unfolded.

[0077] Figure 4d Also shown is a tracking assembly 140 for coupling the movement of the seat pan 112 and the movable seat element 120. Thus, the upward tilting (from Figure 4b to Figure 4c The movement of the seat plate 112 causes the seat plate 112 to slide forward (from Figure 4a to Figure 4b Similarly, the downward flipping of the movable seat element 120 causes the seat pan 112 to slide rearwardly.

[0078] The tracking assembly 140 includes rails mounted on the private screen 102 and rails mounted on the bracket 103. The seat plate 112 is mounted on these rails.

[0079] It is also possible to vary the height of the seat pan 112 and the movable seat element 120. This is accomplished by mounting the seat pan 112 on two rails; one attached to the privacy screen 102 and one attached to the side brackets 103. Thus, the seat 106 can be at a lower height when used as a foot / leg rest (footrest function) or bed surface, and at a higher height when used as a seat for a companion passenger (taking into account the height reduction by flipping up the movable seat element 120).

[0080] Although not shown, the side bracket 103 provides a table that can be placed between the two seats 105, 106. Thus, two passengers (one on the main seat 105 and one on the companion seat 106) can use the same table to eat or work together facing each other.

[0081] Although not shown, the companion seat 106 is provided with a safety belt that the passenger on the companion seat 106 may use, for example, during taxi, takeoff, landing (TTL), or turbulence.

[0082] Although not shown, before the movable seat element 120 can be moved from the deployed position and the stowed position, the latch needs to be unlocked (activated by a handle). The movable seat element 120 can then be manually moved by simply flipping it up or down. A friction mechanism (not shown) allows the seat pan 112 and the movable seat element 120 to stay in various positions between the stowed and deployed configurations.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically shown herein. By way of example only, some possible variations will now be described.

[0084] The provided storage container 150 may be closable, for example using a drawer or flip door.

[0085] The companion seat 106 may additionally be provided with a headrest. The headrest may be attached to the movable seat element 120 and may be flipped (or otherwise deployed) relative to the movable seat element 120.

[0086] A latch handle may be used to control the movement of the armrests 131 , 132 .

[0087] Alternatively, it may be that movement of the seat pan 112 causes movement of the movable seat element 120 (rather than the other way around). For example, the seat pan 112 may be slid forward by applying pressure to a latch handle (which may be positioned toward the front edge 113 of the seat pan 112). When pressure is applied to the latch handle, the seat pan 112 may slide forward on the rails of the tracking assembly 140. This will then cause the angle of the movable seat element 120 to change, thereby controlling the tilt angle of the backrest of the companion seat 106. When the user releases pressure on the latch handle, the position of the seat pan 112 (and movable seat element 120) is locked (e.g., by a clamping mechanism that clamps the seat pan 112 in that position relative to the rails.).

[0088] An alternative method of adjusting the height of the companion seat 106 is to mount the support structure 111 on rails attached to the privacy screen 102 or the bracket 103. Another alternative is to use a gas strut (like an adjustable office chair) to help adjust the height. The user can press a handle (no weight / little weight on the seat 106) to start the upward movement (the movement stops when the handle is released). When the height is to be lowered, the user can use the same process (applying weight on the seat 106). Another option is to control the height electronically.

[0089] The companion seat 106 (the seat pan 112 of the movable seat element 120 slides and flips) may alternatively be electronically movable using an electronic actuation system.

[0090] The padding of the companion seat may alternatively be a non-graphite combustion-modified polyurethane foam or a closed-cell foam made of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).

[0091] In the foregoing description, when reference is made to an integral body or element with known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, these equivalents are incorporated herein as if set forth separately. The true scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the claims, which should be interpreted as covering any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that the integral body or features of the invention described as preferred, advantageous, convenient, etc. are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. In addition, it should be understood that, although there may be benefits in some embodiments of the invention, such optional integral bodies or features may not be desired in other embodiments and therefore may not exist.

[0092] It should be noted that throughout the specification, "or" should be interpreted as "and / or".

Claims

1. An aircraft seat unit comprising: - Main seat, and - a companion seat, said main seat and said companion seat facing each other, The companion seat comprises: a seat pan providing a seat pan surface, a movable seat element, and a companion seat support structure supporting the seat pan and the movable seat element, wherein the movable seat element is rotatable relative to the seat pan between a stowed position in which the companion seat provides an additional support surface for a primary passenger in the primary seat and a deployed position in which the movable seat element provides a backrest surface for a companion passenger in the companion seat; as well as wherein the movable seat element and the seat pan are coupled such that rotation of the movable seat element from the stowed position to the deployed position causes the seat pan to slide toward the main seat relative to the companion seat support structure, and such that rotation of the movable seat element from the deployed position to the stowed position causes the seat pan to slide away from the main seat relative to the companion seat support structure, wherein the movable seat element is rotatable about a rotation axis adjacent a rear edge of the movable seat element and adjacent a rear edge of the seat pan surface; as well as wherein the movable seat element is slidable in a front-rear direction, and wherein the rotation shaft slides together with the movable seat element.

2. The aircraft seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the main seat is convertible between a seat configuration and a bed configuration, and wherein: When the movable seat element is in the stowed position, the additional support surface provided is an additional bed support surface for the primary passenger.

3. The aircraft seating unit of claim 1 , wherein the seat pan is movable relative to a companion seat support structure between a rear position a first distance from the primary seat and a forward position a second, shorter distance from the primary seat.

4. The aircraft seating unit of claim 1 wherein the seat pan surface faces upward and is angled such that a front edge of the seat pan surface is higher than a rear edge of the seat pan surface.

5. An aircraft seating unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat pan surface is at least partially covered by the movable seating element when the movable seating element is in its stowed position.

6. The aircraft seating unit of claim 1, wherein the additional support surface faces upward and is substantially horizontal when the movable seating element is in the stowed position.

7. An aircraft seating unit according to claim 1, wherein when the movable seat element is in the stowed position, the backrest surface faces downwardly and is correspondingly angled to abut against the seat pan surface.

8. An aircraft seating unit according to claim 1 or 6, wherein movement of the movable seat element causes movement of the seat pan and / or movement of the seat pan causes movement of the movable seat element.

9. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein the additional support surface has a first hardness and the seat pan surface has a second, different hardness.

10. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the companion seat comprises at least one movable armrest movable relative to the movable seat element between a stowed position and a deployed position, with which the companion seat provides an armrest support surface for the companion passenger.

11. An aircraft seating unit according to claim 10, wherein the movable armrest is rotatable relative to the movable seat element.

12. An aircraft seating unit according to claim 11, wherein the movable armrest is rotatable about an axis of rotation adjacent a rear edge of the movable armrest.

13. An aircraft seating unit according to claim 12, wherein the axis of rotation is also adjacent to the backrest surface.

14. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein in the stowed position the movable armrest is substantially flush with the backrest surface.

15. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the companion seat comprises at least one movable headrest movable relative to the movable seat element between a stowed position and a deployed position, with which the companion seat provides a headrest support surface for the companion passenger.

16. An aircraft seating unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat pan of the companion seat is movable up and down such that the height of the additional support surface provided and / or the height of the seat pan surface relative to the height of the main seat varies.

17. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the companion seat comprises a storage container beneath the movable seat element.

18. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the companion seat includes a safety belt for use by a companion passenger.

19. An aircraft seating unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein movement of the movable seat element between the stowed position and the deployed position is mechanically and / or electrically actuated.

20. A method for deploying a companion seat, the method comprising the steps of: - providing the aircraft unit with a main seat and a companion seat, said main seat and companion seat facing each other, - a movable seat element for moving a companion seat relative to a seat pan, the seat pan providing a seat pan surface of the companion seat, from a stowed position, in which the companion seat provides an additional support surface for a primary passenger on the primary seat, to a deployed position, in which the movable seat element provides a backrest surface for a companion passenger on the companion seat; wherein the movable seat element is rotatable about a rotation axis adjacent a rear edge of the movable seat element and adjacent a rear edge of the seat pan surface; Wherein the movable seat element is slidable in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the main seat, and wherein the rotation axis slides together with the movable seat element.

21. A method of stowing a companion seat, the method comprising the steps of: - providing the aircraft unit with a main seat and a companion seat, said main seat and companion seat facing each other, - a movable seat element of the companion seat moving relative to the seat pan, the seat pan providing a seat pan surface of the companion seat, from a deployed position, in which the movable seat element provides a backrest surface for a companion passenger on the companion seat, to a stowed position, in which the companion seat provides an additional support surface for a primary passenger on the primary seat; wherein the movable seat element is rotatable about a rotation axis adjacent a rear edge of the movable seat element and adjacent a rear edge of the seat pan surface; Wherein the movable seat element is slidable in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the main seat, and wherein the rotation axis slides together with the movable seat element.

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