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Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 22 May 2014, 21:14
by flyingfox
Just been looking on the US Patent office search and see and entry for 13th May 2014 which I thought was just a re patent of the old suite until I got to the images ! Looks interesting y)

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=31 ... ays%252522


http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=0872 ... ays%252522

Not sure about legs in a tube and head in the aisle!

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 22 May 2014, 21:43
by gumshoe
(Edited following removal of seating plan)

Well it's certainly different and, if accurate, would put an end to the "cone-shaped head" issue that's blighted the UCDS.

Sleeping the other way round would take some getting used to but I quite like the concept of accessing it from the side and having a wall above the ottoman - might make it feel a bit more private.

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 22 May 2014, 22:03
by flyingfox
I think the seating plan is a mix of what the UCDS would have been fitted on the A346, if you scroll through you will see I mighty 744 upper class config. Will remove that seating plan.

This looks like the plan for this new suite if configured on a 744 (cozy 2some in the A zone)

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=0872 ... ays%252522

Thanks

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 06:20
by Tinuks
I wonder if the walls would be "opaque". Seriously though, I think a lot has to be done to make it not seem like One is either in a coffin, circus contraption or medical device. Something else to be considered is window accessability and proper cleaning of the foot cave thing.

Now for the direction of sleeping! I won't like to keep having things bump against my headboard while I sleep, so unless they make the aisles wider I foresee a problem.

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 08:02
by northernhenry
Good find...and if true...oh dear..
Await first instance of a drink being spilt on someones face...?
Aisle traffic and lighting next to your head?
Requirement for pointy feet as well as a head now...?

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 08:26
by vizbiz
northernhenry wrote:Good find...and if true...oh dear..
Await first instance of a drink being spilt on someones face...?
Aisle traffic and lighting next to your head?
Requirement for pointy feet as well as a head now...?


Ah,a particular bete-noire (or however it's spelt!)for me is "aisle traffic" and in particular when I'm trying to sleep (in any part of the plane) is the what I can only describe as cabin crew "stomping past" my seat.... am I the only person who is irritated by this (and being unreasonable?)? It is not a problem on other carriers where the staff seem to be almost silent and almost ghost-like when around the cabin, by comparison - think Singapore, Emirates etc.....

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 10:05
by flyingfox
Reading pages 50-51 it describes the failings of the UCDS and how this new seat will give a First Class ambience. Page 51 makes reference to privacy screens at the foot rest end which I assume is used when in sleep mode. So this does look like the enhanced upper class product based on the original UCS.

Reading through all the techno babel they seem to be making real reference to this (EUCS) as having a First Class feel with the seating units raised off the cabin floor on a plinth, with the bedding stowed in the foot locker while the seat is in day mode.

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=0872 ... ays%252522

Thanks

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 11:42
by slinky09
I'm very interested and keen to see if this transpires. It looks innovative, from the layout it appears to offer the same space as UC on a 747 (same number of seats albeit two added where the IFBT used to be, and it looks to offer space and privacy, all great things. I like the personal shelf, which is much improved on the current designed for storage, esp. when sleeping (e.g. where to put spectacles and a glass of water). I'm not bothered by the feet arrangement, lots of airlines do this (e.g. EK, SQ) - but the head in the aisle does need to be investigated for drunks passing from the bar and aisle stomping! Overall, if it's real, it looks great, and I'll be keen to try it.

I'm keen to understand the layout showing UC all the way back through PE on a 747 ... I wonder what that means.

One thing I did really wish for though was a reverse herringbone arrangement, especially along the windows. That would have been great and it would also have put your head back at the window.

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 16:40
by StarGuy
This patent has been around for ages, it must have been renewed but does not mean that it will be used, but just to protect VS's intellectual property.

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 17:00
by joeyc
flyingfox wrote:This looks like the plan for this new suite if configured on a 744 (cozy 2some in the A zone)

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=0872 ... ays%252522


Hmmm an interesting concept.... just one question. Where's the bar gone? :0 :0

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 23 May 2014, 18:17
by Hull
joeyc wrote:
flyingfox wrote:This looks like the plan for this new suite if configured on a 744 (cozy 2some in the A zone)

http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=0872 ... ays%252522


Hmmm an interesting concept.... just one question. Where's the bar gone? :0 :0



Heavens forbid they remove the bar ):

With the new layout 12A+K really would have to know each other ;)

Not sure I like the two new seats where the beauty treatment area used to be, I think it will kill the open feeling the A zone has.

Re: Is this the new Upper Class Suite ?

PostPosted: 24 May 2014, 06:03
by Hamster
looks exactly like some of the images from the (original) UCS patent, if i remember correctly?

yes they are:
https://www.google.com/patents/US7523888