CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/744,569, filed October 11, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a cabin attendant seat, and more

particularly to a double cabin attendant seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The need has arisen for a cabin attendant seat (CAS) that can fit into a narrow space within a small structure when stowed, while also allowing two flight attendants to sit comfortably. Federal Airworthiness Authorities (FAA) direct view requirements when deployed. The present invention allows for a double CAS to fit into the space normally occupied by a single CAS while meeting FAA direct view requirements when deployed.

[0004] Today double CAS systems exist in the aisle section of aircraft. These CAS are

attached to monuments (lavatories, galleys and/or closets) with one cabin attendant facing forward in the aisle and one facing aft in the aisle of the aircraft. This known position makes the double CAS unusable for crew rest during flight as it blocks the aisle. Some double cabin attendant seats also require the deployed assembly to attach or connect to an adjacent seat, monument or other load bearing structure.

[0005] Also today, single CAS systems exist in the aft section or aft complex (rear most section of the aircraft that typically contains some combination of galleys, lavatories and/or closets) for direct view requirements. However, aft complex seating systems are limited by available space to single CAS application. For example, see U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0319275, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aircraft that includes a fuselage, a monument including a compartment defined therein positioned in an aftmost portion of the cabin, and a double cabin attendant seat assembly that is movable between a stowed position where it is positioned in the compartment and a deployed position where it is positioned outside of the compartment. The double cabin attendant seat assembly includes a first seat that includes a first back portion and a first seat portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position and a second seat that includes a second back portion and a second seat portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position. The first back portion faces the right outboard wall when the double cabin attendant seat assembly is in the deployed position and the second back portion faces the left outboard wall when the double cabin attendant seat assembly is in the deployed position. In a preferred embodiment, the double cabin attendant seat assembly has a weight and defines a footprint on a floor of the cabin when the double cabin attendant seat assembly is in the deployed position. None of the floor within the footprint bears any of the weight of the double cabin attendant seat assembly. This allows the double cabin attendant seat to extend over or cantilever over the footprint when deployed, but then be retracted into the compartment when stowed to stay out of the way. Preferably, the entire weight of the double cabin attendant seat assembly is home by the monument when the double cabin attendant seat is in the deployed position. Preferably, the double cabin attendant seat is only connected to the monument and not to another load bearing structure.

[0007] The drawings show the double cabin attendant seat partially extending from the compartment in the stowed position. However, in another embodiment, the assembly can be completely received in the compartment and the compartment can include a door or other cover.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the double cabin attendant seat assembly is configured such that in the deployed position, a first cabin attendant sitting in the first seat can see forward in the cabin interior in a way that meets airworthiness authority direct view requirements, and a second cabin attendant sitting in the second seat can see forward in the cabin interior in a way that meets airworthiness authority direct view requirements. For example, the double CAS may allow the two cabin attendants individually to be able to see up to 100% of the passengers or at least allow both of the two cabin attendants to see up to 100% of the passengers together (e.g., 50% each). Any percentage between 0% and 100% is within the scope of the present invention. However, if only a single CAS is associated with the aft complex and the second is positioned on the divider between the exit door and the last row of seats, the cabin attendant seated on the seat adjacent the exit door may not be able to see any passengers.

[0009] The present invention provides for a double CAS in the aft section of the aircraft.

However, this is not a limitation and the assembly can be positioned in other locations in an aircraft or can be used in scenarios outside of an aircraft. In a preferred embodiment the double CAS system allows both flight attendants to meet FAA direct view requirements. This double CAS system is attached to the aft monument or aft. The aft complex can include galleys, lavatories, closets or any combination of such monuments.

[0010] By including two cabin attendant seats on the aft complex the following aspects are achieved that could not be achieved by either one CAS on the aft complex or a double CAS in the aisle. Two Cabin attendants available for FAA direct view requirements. For example, see FAA Advisory Circular AC No. 25,785-lB titled Flight Attendnant Seat and Torso Restraint System Installations dated May 11, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein, which provides information and guidance regarding an acceptable means of compliance with the portions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 25.785 and 14 CFR 121.311, which deal with flight attendant seats. The 14 CFR 25.785 and 14 CFR 121.311 are also incorporated by reference herein. A second CAS within the same system thus saving cost and reducing weight. Reduced CAS in the aisle due to relocation to the aft complex. Privacy for the cabin attendants in the aft section of the aircraft to rest during flight. Resting position for cabin attendants that does not block aisles. Reduced complexity of CAS on other monuments by including two CAS in one structure

[0011] Preferably, the CAS is deployed from the aft complex into the area just forward of the aft complex area. The CAS may or may not connect with the passenger seats and/or monuments forward of the seats for additional support. The aft complex can include galleys, lavatories, closets or any combination of such monuments.

[0012] The present invention can be used in scenarios other than an aircraft. For example, the invention can be used in other modes of transportation including but not limited to trains, cars, buses and vertical take-off and landing autonomous aircraft. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various features outlined to achieve a double CAS can be implemented individually or in combination without limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the aft portion of an aircraft with a monument having a double cabin attendant seat in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 2 is another plan view of the aircraft showing the double cabin attendant seat in the deployed position;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the double cabin attendant seat assembly with the seat portions in the closed position;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the double cabin attendant seat assembly with the seat portions in the open position; and

[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the aircraft showing the double cabin attendant seat in the deployed position and two cabin attendants looking down the aisle of the aircraft.

[0019] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same

embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0021] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0022] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0024] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0025] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back,"“top,”“bottom,” "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," "aft," "forward," "inboard," "outboard" and "below" used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-5 show a double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 and its preferred positioning within an aircraft 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is used in aircraft. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention and the assembly can be used in other vehicles or places where desired.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the double cabin attendant seat assembly is positioned in an aircraft 100 that includes a fuselage 102 that defines a cabin 104 therein. The cabin 104 includes and is partially defined by a left outboard wall 106 and a right outboard wall 108. It will be appreciated that the left and right walls are defined based on a passenger facing forwardly in the aircraft. The aircraft 100 includes a monument 12 positioned in an aftmost portion of the cabin 104. The monument 12 includes a compartment 14 defined therein.

The double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is stowed in the compartment 14 and is movable between a stowed position (FIG. 1) where it is positioned in the compartment 14 and a deployed position (FIG. 2) where it is positioned outside of the compartment 14.

[0028] As is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10

includes a first seat 16 that includes a first back portion 18 and a first seat portion 20 that is movable between a closed position (FIG. 3) and an open position (FIG. 4) and a second seat 22 that includes a second back portion 24 and a second seat portion 26 that is movable between a closed position and an open position. In a preferred embodiment, the first back portion 18 faces or is directed toward the right outboard wall 108 when the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is in the deployed position and the second back portion 24 faces the left outboard wall 106 when the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is in the deployed position.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the n the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 defines a weight and a footprint 26 on a floor 110 of the cabin 104 when the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is in the deployed position, and wherein none of the floor 110 within the footprint 26 bears any of the weight of the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10. In use, the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 deploys forwardly out of the compartment. It can be deployed via a rail system or the like. The seat portions are then pivoted downwardly to the open position. As shown in FIG. 4, within the footprint, there is nothing below the seats that contacts the floor. All of the weight or load of the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is borne by monument 12 due to the connection of the rail system or other components that connect the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 to the monument. This prevents the double cabin attendant seat 10 from having to be connected to another load bearing structure, such as a seat, monument, wall or other structure that is connected to or resting on the floor.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows two cabin attendants seated on the first and second seat portions 20 and 26. In a preferred embodiment, the first cabin attendant sitting in the first seat 16 can see forward in the cabin or cabin interior in a way that meets airworthiness authority requirements, and the second cabin attendant sitting in the second seat 22 can see forward in the cabin interior in a way that meets airworthiness authority requirements. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the FAA direct view requirements are difficult to meet while also positioning the cabin attendant seats in a position where the seats can also be used for the other advantages discussed herein. For example, if only a single forwardly facing cabin attendant seat is positioned on the aftmost monument, a second cabin attendant seat will likely be positioned in a location where a cabin attendant seated in the seat will have limited or no view of passengers. FIG. 5 shows the two cabin attendants seated on the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 in the deployed position and both cabin attendants are able to look forward from their seated position thus allowing both attendants to meet FAA direct view requirements.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, in an aircraft with a single aisle 112, the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is positioned in the middle of the monument 12 so that the cabin attendants can see directly down the aisle 112 when turning their heads. In more specific terms, as shown in FIG. 2, the aircraft 100 is bifurcated by a first plane Pl, the double cabin attendant seat assembly 10 is bifurcated by a second plane P2, and the first and second planes are co-planar. In another embodiment, a plan bifurcating the aisle 1 12 also is co-planar with Pl and P2.

[0032] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0033] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0034] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

[0035] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0036] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0037] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.