PASSENGER MODULE, PASSENGER SEATING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger module for a vehicle cabin, the passenger module comprising a first side element, a second side element; and two seats arranged between the first side element and the second side element.

Claims

1. A passenger module for a vehicle cabin, the passenger module comprising: a first side element, a second side element; and two seats arranged between the first side element and the second side element; wherein the first side element and the second side element extending parallel to each other; the seats are arranged substantially one behind another and facing substantially in a same direction; wherein a front seat is positioned angled by a predefined first angle around its vertical axis in a direction towards the first side element; and at least the first side element is arranged adjacent a cabin wall and extending laterally adjacent to at least one of the seats; wherein an outer side wall of the first side element extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle cabin and an inner side wall of the first side element extends parallel to a seat axis of the front seat and at least the second side element is arranged adjacent to an aisle and extending laterally adjacent to the front seat; wherein an outer side wall of the second side element extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aisle and an inner side wall of the second side element extends parallel to a seat axis of the rear seat; and wherein each side element is forming one of a console element or a compartment element.

2. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein a rear seat is positioned angled by a predefined second angle around its vertical axis in a direction towards the second side element.

3. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein a dimension of each of the first side element and the second side element decreases from a side pointing in a direction towards a rear seat to a side pointing in a direction towards a front seat.

4. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein each of the side elements comprises a substantially triangular shape.

5. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first angle and the second angle differ from each other.

6. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein each seat has a direct access to an aisle of the vehicle cabin.

7. The passenger module according to claim 1, further comprising a rear partition wall which is configured, starting from the first side element, to extend behind the rear seat in the direction towards the second side element.

8. The passenger module according to claim 1, further comprising a front partition wall which is configured, starting from the first side element, to extend between the rear seat and the front seat in the direction towards the second side element.

9. The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein the front partition wall is configured to separate a rear passenger seating area and a front passenger seating area.

10. The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein the front partition wall is configured to form a continuously running wall between the first side element and the second side element.

11. The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein a passenger access path for a passenger of the rear seat is arranged behind the front partition wall extending in the direction towards the second side element.

12. The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein a passenger access path for a passenger of the front seat is arranged in front of the front partition wall extending in the direction towards the second side element.

13. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first angle is about 5° to 18° with respect to the first side element.

14. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the second angle is about 20° to 40° with respect to the second side element.

15. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first side element having a front console element and a rear console element arranged adjacent to each seat and each console element at least having a utility surface and storage compartments for a corresponding passenger of each seat.

16. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the second side element is configured as the compartment element having a footwell for a rear seat passenger.

17. A passenger seating arrangement for a vehicle cabin comprising at least two identical passenger modules according to claim 1, wherein the passenger modules are arranged one behind another in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin or adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin.

18. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim 17, wherein when at least two passenger modules are arranged behind another the front passenger seating area of a rear passenger module a corresponding legroom and passenger access path are delimited by the rear partition wall of the front passenger module.

19. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim 17, wherein when at least two passenger modules are arranged behind another the rear console element of the front passenger module having a footwell for the front seat passenger of the rear passenger module.

20. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the front console element and the rear console element of the front passenger module are configured to form an extended footwell for the front seat passenger of the rear passenger module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger module comprising two seats in a TTL-position,

[0039] FIG. 2 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of the passenger module comprising two seats in a sleeping-position,

[0040] FIG. 3 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement comprising two passenger modules arranged one behind another,

[0041] FIG. 4 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement comprising a plurality of identical passenger modules,

[0042] FIG. 5 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a vehicle cabin having a passenger seating arrangement with a plurality of identical passenger modules,

[0043] FIG. 6 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement within the vehicle cabin,

[0044] FIG. 7 shows schematically a perspective front view of an embodiment passenger module comprising two seats in a TTL-position,

[0045] FIG. 8A shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement comprising two passenger modules,

[0046] FIG. 8B shows schematically a perspective side view of the passenger seating arrangement according to FIG. 8A, and

[0047] FIG. 9 shows schematically a perspective view of a side element of the passenger module.

[0048] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIGS. 1 and 2 each shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger module M comprising two seats 1, 2, wherein FIG. 1 shows each seat 1, 2 in a so-called TTL-position P1 and FIG. 2 shows two passenger modules M arranged behind one another, wherein each seat 1, 2 is shown in a sleeping-position P2.

[0050] For a better understanding of subsequent descriptions of the passenger module M a coordinate system is shown in further figures. The coordinate system comprises a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z in relation to an aircraft. In particular, the longitudinal axis x defines a longitudinal direction and length of a vehicle cabin 3 and corresponds to a central axis ca, e.g. a cabin axis, the transverse axis y defines a transverse direction and width of the vehicle cabin 3 and the vertical axis z defines a vertical direction and height of the vehicle cabin 3. Exemplarily, a flight direction F is shown in further figures.

[0051] A number of passenger modules M are arranged within the vehicle cabin 3. The passenger modules M may be fitted and positioned in various arrangements, e.g. in a staggered and angled arrangement, in the vehicle cabin 3. In particular, the passenger modules M are configured as a repeating pattern of pairs of seats 1, 2. One of the seats 2 is substantially arranged behind the other seat 1.

[0052] The passenger module M comprises a first side element FE and a second side element SE. The first side element FE and the second side element SE are arranged distanced from each other while extending parallel to each other. In particular, the first and second side elements FE, SE are extending parallel to the longitudinal axis x. For instance, each of the side elements FE, SE comprises outer side walls 4.1, 4.2. Particularly, each outer side wall 4.1, 4.2 is arranged extending parallel to the longitudinal axis x.

[0053] Each module M defines a pair of seats 1, 2. For a repeating pattern of pairs of seats 1, 2 a number of modules M are arranged one behind another.

[0054] Further, the seats 1, 2 are arranged one behind another with respect to the longitudinal direction. The seats 1, 2 are arranged in an offset manner, in particular with respect to the transverse axis y. With other words: The seats 1, 2 are arranged one behind another in a staggered manner. This arrangement of the seats 1, 2 allows a more dense arrangement relating to the longitudinal and transverse dimension of the whole passenger module M.

[0055] The seats 1, 2 are both facing substantially in a same direction. In particular, the seats 1, 2 are both forward facing with respect to the flight direction F.

[0056] Each seat 1 and 2 has a direct access, in particular a respective passenger access path 1.3 and 2.3, to an aisle of the vehicle cabin 3. In the shown embodiment the seat 1 is positioned at a cabin wall 3.1 or window side of the vehicle cabin 3 and angled toward the cabin wall 3.1 with a first angle α. The seat 2 behind the other seat 1 is arranged next to an aisle 3.2 of the cabin 3 and angled toward the aisle 3.2 of the vehicle cabin 3 with a greater second angle β than the first angle α. This greater second angle β open a greater passenger access path 1.3 for direct access to the seat 1 arranged at the cabin wall 3.1. A stepping over of the neighbouring seat 2 arranged at the aisle 3.2 when the neighbouring seat 2 is in a fully reclined position is avoided (see also the various embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 5).

[0057] The seats 1, 2 are divided into a front seat 1 and a rear seat 2, wherein the front seat 1 is arranged in front of the rear seat 2 in view of the longitudinal and flight direction F. Both seats 1, 2 are arranged between the first side element FE and the second side element SE.

[0058] The front seat 1 is positioned angled by the predefined first angle α around its own vertical axis sz in a direction towards the first side element FE. The rear seat 1 is positioned angled by the predefined second angle β around its own vertical axis sz′ in a direction towards the second side element SE. In particular, the seats 1, 2 are positioned angled in a direction pointing away from each other.

[0059] In particular, the predefined first angle α of the front seat 1 differs from the predefined second angle β from the rear seat 2. For instance, the predefined angle β is greater than the predefined angle α. This allows an improved longitudinal and transversal staggering of the seats 1, 2 within the passenger module M.

[0060] For example, the front seat 1 is positioned at an angle α of about 5° to 18°, preferably about 10° to 15°, with respect to the first side element FE. In the shown embodiment, the angle α comprises about 13°.

[0061] The rear seat 2 is positioned at an angle β of about 20° to 40°, preferably about 25° to 35°, with respect to the second side element SE. In the shown embodiment, the angle β comprises about 31°.

[0062] In particular, the first angle α is an included angle between the first side element FE and a respective seat axis sa which runs through the vertical axis sz of the front seat 1 defining a pointing and extension direction of the seat 1. The second angle β is an included angle between the second side element SE and a respective seat axis sa′ which runs through the vertical axis sz′ of the rear seat 2 defining a pointing and extension direction of the seat 2. Particularly, each outer side wall 4.1, 4.2 defines a reference axis for each respective seat axis sa, sa′ to define each angle α, β.

[0063] For example, the first side element FE is arranged adjacent a cabin wall 3.1 as shown in FIG. 5 and the second side element SE is arranged adjacent the aisle 3.2 as shown in FIG. 5, wherein the first and second side elements FE, SE are extending parallel to each other. Thereby, the respective seat axis sa, particularly the pointing and extension direction of the front seat 1 is directed substantially towards the cabin wall 3.1. The respective seat axis sa′, particularly the pointing and extension direction of the rear seat 2 is directed substantially towards the aisle 3.2.

[0064] The seats 1, 2 are movable, in particular convertible into lie-flat beds. Each seat 1, 2 is formed by at least a seat pan 1.1, 2.1 and a backrest 1.2, 2.2. In particular, the rear seat 2 is arranged behind the front seat 1 in such manner that the seat pan 2.1 is arranged substantially behind the backrest 1.2 of the front seat 1 in view of the longitudinal direction. Due to opposite angled positions of the seats 1, 2, there is a small overlap portion in the transverse direction between the seat pan 2.1 and the backrest 1.2.

[0065] Optionally, each seat 1, 2 may comprise an additional leg-rest. For instance, each seat 1, 2 can be brought into one or more positions, e.g. into a taxi, take-off, landing position, designated as “TTL” or “TT&L”-position P1, an inclined position and/or a sleeping-position P2. Particularly, in the sleeping-position P2 the seat pan 1.1, 2.1, the backrest 1.2, 2.2 and optionally the leg-rest are brought into a substantially flat, horizontal position.

[0066] The seats 1, 2 are movable along their respective seat axis sa, sa′ between the TTL-position P1 and the sleeping-position P2. It is to be understood that the respective seat axis sa, sa′ corresponds to a longitudinal extension direction of each seat 1, 2. For instance, the respective seat axes sa, sa′ intersects in a convergence point behind the front seat 1. In particular, due to the advantageous staggered arrangement of the described angled seats 1, 2 (slightly offset arrangement and densely arranged one behind another) the convergence point is in a backrest area of the rear seat 2.

[0067] The passenger module M comprises a rear partition wall 5 which is configured, starting from the first side element FE, to extend behind the rear seat 2 in the direction towards the second side element SE.

[0068] Further, the passenger module M comprises a front partition wall 6 which is configured, starting from the first side element FE, to extend between the rear seat 2 and the front seat 1 in the direction towards the second side element SE, and which is configured to separate a rear passenger seating area 2A and a front passenger seating area 1A. Thereby, due to the greater angle β the passenger access path 2.3 (egress) to access the rear seat 2 can be achieved within the rear passenger seating area 2A. In particular, the passenger access path 2.3 is arranged between the rear partition wall 5 and the front partition wall 6.

[0069] Further, legroom 2.4 for a passenger of the rear passenger seating area 2A is formed within the rear passenger seating area 2A. Both, the passenger access path 2.3 and the legroom 2.4 are module-internal.

[0070] The passenger access path 1.3 for a passenger of the front seat 1 is arranged extending along the front partition wall 6 in the direction towards the second side element SE. Legroom 1.4 for the passenger of the front seat 1 is provided directly in front of the front seat 1, wherein the passenger access path 1.3 is connecting the legroom 1.4. Thereby, it could be said that the passenger access path 1.3 and the legroom 1.4 are module-external.

[0071] Furthermore, the first side element FE is configured as a front console element 1.5 and a rear console element 2.5 arranged adjacent to each seat 1, 2 and each console element 1.5, 2.5 comprises at least a utility surface and/or storage compartments for a corresponding passenger of each seat 1, 2.

[0072] In a repeating pattern, wherein at least two identical passenger modules M are arranged behind another, the console elements 1.5 to 2.5 are all arranged behind another. For example, the console elements 1.5 to 2.5 are arranged behind another at the cabin wall 3.1. In particular, the console elements 1.5 to 2.5 are substantially aligned with the cabin wall 3.1 and extending along the cabin wall 3.1. Further, the front console element 1.5 is arranged in front of the corresponding rear console element 2.5. For example, the front console element 1.5 and the rear console element 2.5 are separated by the partition wall 6.

[0073] In an embodiment, the front console element 1.5 and the rear console element 2.5 are forming a substantially connected unit in their extending direction.

[0074] The utility surface for the corresponding passenger of the each seat 1, 2 is provided by an upper surface 1.5.1, 2.5.1 of each console element 1.5, 2.5. For example, the utility surface can comprise a shelf, a table, storage space and storage means. The storage means can provide storage space for a remote control, magazines, suitcases, shoes, headphones or other items belonging to the passenger or airline. Additionally, the utility surface can comprise service and operational elements, such as switches and HMI-panel to control operable features of each passenger seating area 1A, 2A.

[0075] Additionally, the second side element SE is configured as a compartment element 7 having a footwell 9 for the passenger of the rear seat 2. For instance, the adjustable seat 2 can be brought into the sleeping-position P2, in particular a bed position, such that the seat 2 is partially projecting into the footwell 9. Therefore, the compartment element 7 and a footwell space can be seen as an extension space for the rear passenger. When the seat is brought into the sleeping-position P2, the seat pan 2.1 or optionally a leg-rest can come into contact with a support surface portion 9.1 arranged inside the footwell 9 as shown in FIG. 9 such that a sleeping surface is extended for the rear passenger. The support surface portion 9.1 has a corresponding shape with a shape of the seat pan 2.1 or optionally the leg-rest.

[0076] FIG. 3 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement PA comprising two passenger modules M arranged one behind another.

[0077] When two passenger modules M are arranged behind another the front passenger seating area 1A of a rear passenger module M, its corresponding legroom 1.4 and passenger access path 1.3 are delimited by the rear partition wall 5 of the front passenger module M.

[0078] When two passenger modules M are arranged behind another the rear seat console element 2.5 of the front passenger module M comprises a footwell 9 for the passenger of the front seat 1 of the rear passenger module M. Further, each console element 1.5, 2.5 can comprise the support surface portion 9.1 as shown in FIG. 9 which is fixed inside the footwell space.

[0079] In one embodiment, the front seat console element 1.5 and the rear seat console element 2.5 of the front passenger module M are configured to form an extended footwell for the passenger of the front seat 1 of the rear passenger module M.

[0080] In the shown embodiment, the compartment element 7 comprises a movable tray table 8 for the passenger of the rear seat 2, wherein the tray table 8 is stowed within the compartment element 7 in a non-use position P3 and is deployed towards the rear seat 2 in a use-position P4. For instance, the tray table 8 is bi-foldable. In the stowed non-use position P3, the tray table 8 is folded to form a smaller stowable table surface. In the deployed use-position P4 the tray table 8 can be unfolded, e.g. turned, swung or opened up, by the passenger to form a bigger usable table surface.

[0081] Further, in an exemplary embodiment, an armrest 1.6 is arranged within the at least one of the passenger seating areas 1A, 2A. The armrest 1.6 can be seen in FIG. 3 within the front passenger seating area 1A of the rear passenger module M. The armrest 1.6 is substantially triangular-shaped. In particular, the armrest 1.6 is positioned adjacent to the seat 1 on a seat side oriented towards the passenger access path 1.3. As seen, the armrest 1.6 is fitted into a gap formed between the partition wall 6 and the seat 1.

[0082] For example, each partition wall 5, 6 is configured, starting from the first side element FE, to comprise a substantially first wall section 5.1, 6.1. The first wall section 5.1, 6.1 extends straight from the first side element FE towards the corresponding seat 1, 2, in particular toward a rear portion of each backrest 1.2, 2.2. Each partition wall 5, 6 comprises a second wall section 5.2, 6.2 which is angled away from the first wall section 5.1, 6.1 in the direction towards the second side element SE. The second wall section 5.2, 6.2 extends substantially straight. For instance, the second side element SE is positioned offset from the first side element FE with respect to the longitudinal direction and flight direction F. The second wall section 5.2, 6.2 extends behind the seat 1, 2 towards the offset, more forwardly arranged second side element SE. Additionally, each partition wall 5, 6 comprises an optional curved section 5.3, 6.3 which is configured connecting the first wall section 5.1, 6.1 and the second wall section 5.2, 6.2. Particularly, each curved section 5.3, 6.3 is configured to at least partially enclose the backrest 1.2, 2.2 and/or to extend behind, in particular along, the rear portion of the backrest 1.2, 2.2.

[0083] Moreover, the front partition wall 6 is configured to form a continuously running wall between the first side element FE and the second side element SE. That means that the front seat 1 and the rear seat 2 are fully separated in the transverse direction. Therefore, the second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6 is extended towards the second side element SE. In particular, the front partition wall 6 connects the first side element FE and the second side element SE. According to an embodiment, the front partition wall 6 is configured to continuously extend between the outer side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the side elements FE, SE. For example, the front partition wall 6 is configured to connect the outer side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the first and second side elements FE, SE.

[0084] The second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6 is extending away from the front seat 1 towards the second side element SE, whereas the front seat 1 is positioned angled in the direction towards the first side element FE. Thus, the gap is formed between the front seat 1 and the second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6. To support an entrance to and an egress from the seat 1, the armrest 1.6 is tiltable. In particular, the armrest 1.6 is configured as a hinged armrest 1.6. The armrest 1.6 is tiltable arranged on the front partition wall 6, particularly movable fixed to a front surface of the front partition wall 6. For instance, the armrest 1.6 is tiltable attached to the second wall section 6.2 via hinge elements 1.6.1 or the like.

[0085] The armrest 1.6 rotates up to go against the front partition wall 6, in particular against the front surface of the second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6. A top surface which is used to support arms of the front seat passenger aligns with the front surface of the second wall section 6.2 in a upwards rotated position, particularly a stowed position. In a use position, the armrest 1.6 is rotated downwards away from the front partition wall 6. The stowed armrest position allows a more comfortable egress and entrance and a greater egress and entrance space from/to the seat 1. Moreover, a stowed armrest 1.6 allows a creation of a free vertical space adjacent to the seat 1, for example when the seat 1 is in sleeping-position P2.

[0086] In the shown embodiment, an access divider element 10 is provided to separate the passenger access path 1.3, 2.3 when at least two passenger modules M are arranged behind another. The access divider element 10 is, for example, shaped as a wall-like element which extends from the rear partition wall 5 towards the second side element SE. The access divider element 10 separates the front passenger access path 1.3 from the rear passenger access path 2.3 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the access divider element 10 creates private passenger access paths 1.3, 2.3. The access divider element 10 is an optional element.

[0087] FIG. 4 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement PA comprising a plurality of identical passenger modules M.

[0088] In the shown embodiment, the passenger modules M are arranged one behind another in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin 3 and adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin 3.

[0089] In particular, each first side element FE is configured to be arranged adjacent a cabin wall 3.1 of the vehicle cabin 3 and each second side element SE is configured bordering an aisle 3.2 of the vehicle cabin 3.

[0090] The identical passenger modules M are arranged along two columns C1, C2, wherein the columns C1, C2 are separated by the aisle 3.2. Particularly, the passenger modules M are separated by the aisle 3.2 and are arranged symmetrically identical with respect to the central axis ca of the aisle 3.2. That means, the passenger modules M of the first column C1 are all mirrored around the central axis ca or vice versa.

[0091] FIG. 5 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of the vehicle cabin 3 having the passenger seating arrangement PA with a plurality of identical passenger modules M.

[0092] The shown vehicle cabin 3 comprises the two columns C1, C2 each arranged along a cabin wall 3.1, wherein the aisle 3.2 is arranged between the two columns C1, C2.

[0093] In particular, a so-called 2-2 passenger seating arrangement PA for a narrow cabin body is shown. The passenger modules M are arranged one behind another in each column C1, C2.

[0094] Depending on an interior space of the vehicle cabin 3, a number of passenger modules M can be varied. Further, the number of passenger modules M can varied as desired by e.g. an airline itself. The term “interior space” is understood as comprising dimensions of the vehicle cabin 3, in particular a length and a width of at least a passenger carrying compartment of the vehicle. The length of the passenger carrying compartment affects a length of each column C1, C2, in particular the number of passenger modules M arranged behind each other within each column C1, C2. The width of the passenger carrying compartment affects a number of columns C1, C2 arranged next to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin 3. For instance, the cabin 3 can comprise one or more outer columns C1, C2 along each vehicle cabin wall 3.1 and one or more center columns arranged between the outer columns C1, C2. Thereby, the center columns can be separated from the outer columns C1, C2 and/or from each other by aisles.

[0095] FIG. 6 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of the passenger seating arrangement PA within the vehicle cabin 3.

[0096] FIG. 7 shows schematically a perspective front view of an embodiment passenger module M comprising two seats 1, 2 each shown in a TTL-position P1.

[0097] The passenger module M comprises a first side element FE and a second side element SE. The first side element FE and the second side element SE are arranged distanced from each other while extending parallel to each other. In particular, the first and second side elements FE, SE are extending parallel to the longitudinal axis x.

[0098] The first side element FE comprises a front console element 1.5 which is arranged adjacent the front seat 1. The front console element 1.5 comprises an upper surface 1.5.1 which can be used as an armrest by the front seat passenger or as a shelf to put down items such as a cup, magazines, entertainment devices etc.

[0099] In the shown embodiment, the front console 1.5 comprises a lower console portion 1.5.2, wherein the upper surface 1.5.1 is distanced from the lower console portion 1.5.2 in vertical direction. A space formed between the upper surface 1.5.1 and the lower console portion 1.5.2 can be used as storage and/or a lateral bed extension when the seat 1 is in the sleeping-position P2.

[0100] FIG. 8A shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement PA comprising two passenger modules M arranged behind another.

[0101] FIG. 8B shows schematically a perspective side view of the passenger seating arrangement PA according to FIG. 8A.

[0102] As shown in the FIGS. 8A and 8B the previously in FIG. 3 shown access divider element 10 can be excluded. This allows more access space 11 for the rear passenger of the front passenger module M as well as the front passenger of the rear passenger module M.

[0103] Further, FIGS. 8A and 8B show an embodiment of a tray table 8 which is not foldable but comprises dimensions which correspond with dimensions of the first and second side elements FE, SE such that the tray table 8 is fully stowable within the first and second side elements FE, SE when arranged in the non-use position P3.

[0104] FIG. 9 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of a second side element SE of the passenger module M. For example, the second side element SE is configured as a compartment element 7 having a footwell 9 for a passenger of a rear seat 2. For instance, the adjustable seat 2 can be brought into the sleeping-position P2, in particular a bed position, such that the seat 2 is partially projecting into the footwell 9. Therefore, the compartment element 7 and a footwell space can be seen as an extension space for the rear passenger. When the seat is brought into the sleeping-position P2, the seat pan 2.1 or optionally a leg-rest can come into contact with a support surface portion 9.1 arranged inside the footwell 9 such that a sleeping surface is extended for the rear passenger. The support surface portion 9.1 has a corresponding shape with a shape of the seat pan 2.1 or optionally the leg-rest.