Each seat, which fully reclines into a bed, will feature a reading light, a power outlet, telephone, interactive entertainment system and a privacy divider with storage space.

"It's better than the best limo seating out there," he said, "with big, plush club chairs that fully recline."

A user can change position from upright to sitting to fully reclined, and the monitor and keyboard will automatically adjust to the proper position.

In combination with fully reclining front seats this gave satisfactory, if spartan, sleeping accommodation.

The chaise, which does not fully recline, is $1,200 and can be ordered from Totem.

The "flat-bed seat" goes to a full 180-degree (horizontal) position when fully reclined.

In 1949 this arrangement was modified so that fully reclining front seatbacks created a sleeping area entirely within the passenger compartment.

That's what prams suitable for newborns can fully recline.

The seven-passenger model also can double as a camper, with seats that recline fully to create an adequate if somewhat lumpy bed.

Air France this month trumpeted its new L'Espace seat as the industry's first to fully recline.