Funny that you mention cross sections & patents. Once (July 2011) I posted a large circular two deck configuration, trading cargo for seats.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z160/keesje_pics/extrawide10abreasttwindeckWB80mlongcrosssection.jpg
What a laugh. 
. 2 years later (Jul 30, 2013) Boeing files a brilliant patent: http://www.google.com/patents/US20130306793. I got a very formal answer..
2007"ECOLINER". 2012:
Boeing patents design for double-decker, mid-wing jet - seattlepi.com
2006 A320NEO:
Proposing the A320 enhanced performance — Civil Aviation Forum | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2009 777X:
Boeing 777-400NG Stretch, New Wing, Engine — Tech Ops Forum | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Often we see the Pavlov "who do you think..." reactions.
I might be wrong many times & of course it's all far more complicated. After decades you find out sometimes your ideas are off / not new. On other occasions you find they're not. Even more people jump on you. For many it just takes lots of time to recognize. Often (drilled to be) procedural types. To make money, you just ignore / move on
I won't post a Statler & Waldorf here
