Seat for a means of transport and associated means of transport

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat for a means of transport and to an associated means of transport. The seat (12) comprises a backrest (14) defining a first surface (18) and a second surface (20), the second surface (20) comprising an opening (32), the backrest (14) comprising a table (24) movable between a folded position and a deployed position, in which, in the folded position, the table (24) closes the opening (32), and in the deployed position, the opening (32) is unobstructed, the backrest (14) comprising locking means (26) operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking means (26) being configured to hold the table (24) in its folded position in the locked configuration and to allow the table (24) to move towards its deployed position in the unlocked configuration, characterized in that the locking means (26) comprises a lock capable of being actuated to operate the locking means (26) between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat for a means of transport, comprising a backrest defining a first surface for receiving the back of a passenger and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface comprising an opening for accessing at least one cavity arranged between the first surface and the second surface.

[0002] The backrest comprises a table movable between a folded position in which the table closes the opening to the cavity and an unfolded position in which the opening to the cavity is unobstructed.

[0003] The backrest includes a locking device operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking device being configured to hold the table in its folded position in the locked configuration while preventing the table from moving toward its deployed position, and to allow the table to move toward its deployed position in the unlocked configuration. Background Art

[0004] Such a seat is known in the prior art and provides a horizontal support surface, i.e. a table, on which the passenger can arrange personal belongings and work, and at the same time provides the possibility of folding the table to free up space for easier passenger movement.

[0005] Yet such seat is not completely satisfactory.In fact, it is common that the passenger leaves its seat for a short time (for example, to go to the toilet), but the passenger is necessary to take its personal belongings with him, because if personal belongings are left on the seat, personal belongings have the risk of being stolen. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a seat that helps reduce the risk of theft of a passenger's property.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a seat of the aforementioned type, wherein the locking device comprises a lock which can be actuated in order to operate the locking device between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.

[0008] The seat according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0009] The lock is a digital lock that can be activated by a digital code assigned to the corresponding passenger.

[0010] The volume of the cavity is greater than 150 mm x 100 mm x 15 mm, preferably greater than 250 mm x 200 mm x 30 mm, preferably substantially equal to 350 mm x 300 mm x 40 mm.

[0011] - The size of the opening leading to the cavity is set to receive a table, the surface of which is greater than or substantially equal to the surface of the opening.

[0012] - The second surface includes a frame disposed below the opening, and a digital lock is disposed on the frame.

[0013] - The backrest, advantageously the table of the backrest, includes means for controlling a lamp associated with the seat.

[0014] - The backrest includes a lighting device configured to turn on when the table moves from its folded position towards its unfolded position, and the lighting device is advantageously located in the upper part of the cavity.

[0015] - The table includes: a first part hingedly mounted on the second surface of the backrest, the first part being rotatably mounted relative to the second surface along a first axis; and a second part hingedly mounted on the first part, the second part being rotatably mounted relative to the first part along a second axis parallel to the first axis.

[0016] - The second part defines a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and the second part is rotatable between an unfolded position in which the first face has an angle of substantially 180° with the first part and a folded position in which the first face is in direct contact with the first part.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a means of transportation comprising a transportation seat as described above. Description of the Drawings

[0018] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description, provided by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the backrest of the seat according to the present invention, with the table in its unfolded position;

[0020] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 in view, with the table in its folded position;

[0021] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1 in view, showing a table according to a variant of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a seat 12 of a means of transportation. The means of transportation is in particular a public means of transportation, such as a railway means of transportation. In a variant, the means of transportation is a bus or a ship.

[0023] The seat 12 includes a backrest 14 and a cushion (not shown in the figures). The backrest 14 defines a first surface 18 for receiving the back of a first passenger and a second surface 20 opposite the first surface 18. The second surface 20 of the backrest 14 generally faces a second passenger located behind the first passenger.

[0024] The backrest 14 includes a folding table 24 and a locking device 26 on one side of the second surface of the backrest.

[0025] Advantageously, the backrest 14, and more specifically the folding table, further includes means 30 for controlling a light associated with the seat, particularly a light located in the upper part of the cavity.

[0026] In a variant, the backrest includes means for controlling a light located in the upper part of the cavity 34, the control means being capable of controlling the activation of the light when the table is in the deployed position and the deactivation of the light when the table is in the folded position. The control means is, for example, a switch capable of cooperating with the wall of the cavity 34 to move from an on position (where the light is activated) in the deployed position to an off position (where the light is deactivated) when the table is folded and blocks access to the cavity.

[0027] The second surface 20 includes an opening 32 for accessing at least one cavity 34 provided between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 of the backrest 14.

[0028] In particular, the opening 32 allows access to the space formed between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20, which forms the cavity 34. The opening 32 is preferably generally rectangular.

[0029] The cavity 34 is further laterally bounded by two lateral walls extending between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 and is at least vertically bounded by a bottom wall and an upper wall extending between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20.

[0030] The volume of the cavity 34 is greater than approximately 350 mm in height × 300 mm in width × 40 mm in depth. Thus, the cavity 34 is particularly suitable for receiving personal items such as a tablet, a book, or a laptop computer.

[0031] As described below, the size of the opening 32 for accessing the cavity 34 is set to receive the table 24.

[0032] Advantageously and with reference to Figure 2 , the second surface 20 is provided with a frame 36, which is provided below the opening 32, i.e., below the cavity 34.

[0033] Table 24 can be moved between a folded position and an unfolded position. When table 24 is in the folded position, table 24 closes the passage leading to cavity 34. When table 24 is in the unfolded position, the passage leading to cavity 34 is unobstructed.

[0034] Table 24 has an upper surface or surface that is substantially flush with the surface defined by opening 32. Thus, when table 24 is in the folded position, it completely closes the opening and thus completely closes the passage leading to cavity 34.

[0035] Advantageously, the surface of table 24 is less than or equal to 110% of the surface defined by opening 32.

[0036] The angle between the folded position and the unfolded position of table 24 is, for example, greater than 45°, advantageously greater than 75°, and preferably substantially equal to 90°.

[0037] Locking device 26 can be operated between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Locking device 26 is configured to hold table 24 in its folded position in the locked configuration while preventing any movement of table 24 towards its unfolded position. Locking device 26 is configured to allow table 24 to move towards its unfolded position in the unlocked configuration.

[0038] Advantageously, locking device 26 includes digital lock 38, which can be actuated to operate locking device 26 between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

[0039] Advantageously, digital lock 38 can be actuated by a digital code assigned to the corresponding passenger. Thus, the position of table 24 between its folded position and its unfolded position can only be changed by a specific passenger. This ensures that only passengers seated on the seats facing second surface 20 can use cavity 34 and thus can safely store their personal items in cavity 34. The assigned digital code is, for example, printed on the corresponding passenger's ticket. ]

[0040] According to Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, digital lock 38 is provided on frame 36. Thus, when table 24 is in the unfolded position, the upper part of cavity 34 is accessible to the passenger. This configuration can facilitate the placement and retrieval of personal items in cavity 34.

[0041] Lighting control device 30 (when present) is configured to be usable when table 24 is moved from its folded position to its unfolded position, such that the passenger controls the lamp located in the upper part of cavity 34, while the lighting device (when present) is configured to turn on when table 24 is moved from its folded position to its unfolded position.

[0042] Thanks to the above invention, even when the passenger temporarily leaves his or her seat 12, the passenger can ensure the security of his or her personal belongings without the risk of theft by placing his or her personal belongings in the cavity 34 and then locking the table 24 in the folded position by means of the locking device 26.

[0043] According to a variant of the invention, the table 24 comprises a first part 40 and a second part 42. The first part 40 is hingedly mounted on the second surface 20 of the backrest 14. The first part 40 is rotatably mounted relative to the second surface 20 along a first axis A-A'. The first axis A-A' is, for example, substantially horizontal or substantially vertical.

[0044] The second part 42 is hingedly mounted on the first part 40. The second part 42 is rotatably mounted relative to the first part 40 along a second axis B-B' parallel to the first axis A-A'.

[0045] The second part 42 defines a first face 44 and a second face 46 opposite the first face 44. The second part 44 is rotatable between an unfolded position in which the first face 44 has an angle of substantially 180° with the first part 40 and a folded position in which the first face 44 is in direct contact with the first part 40.

[0046] Making the table 24 in two hinged parts can provide a working surface (in the unfolded position of the second part) larger than that resulting from the dimensions of the opening 32 defining the cavity 34.

[0047] According to Figure 3 the configuration shown, when the table 24 is in the unfolded position and the second part 44 is in the unfolded position, the first face 44 of the second part 42 is oriented upwards and is intended to receive the passenger's items. Then, the second face 46 of the second part 42 is oriented downwards.

[0048] When the table 24 is in the unfolded position and the second part 44 is in the folded position, the second face 46 of the second part 42 is oriented upwards. Thus, in this configuration, the second face 42 can continue to receive the passenger's personal belongings while reducing the total surface area of the table 24.

Claims

1. A seat (12) for a means of transport, the seat comprising a backrest (14), the backrest (14) defining a first surface (18) for receiving a passenger's back and a second surface (20) opposite the first surface (18), the second surface (20) including an opening (32) for accessing at least one cavity (34) provided between the first surface (18) and the second surface (20). The backrest (14) includes a table (24) movable between a folded position and a deployed position, in the folded position, the table (24) closes the opening (32) for accessing the cavity (34), and in the deployed position, the opening (32) for accessing the cavity (34) is unobstructed. The backrest (14) includes a locking device (26) operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking device (26) being configured to hold the table (24) in its folded position in the locked configuration while preventing any movement of the table (24) towards its deployed position, and to allow the table (24) to move towards its deployed position in the unlocked configuration. It is characterized in that The locking device (26) includes a lock that can be actuated to operate the locking device (26) between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, the lock being a digital lock (38) that can be actuated by a digital code assigned to the corresponding passenger. The second surface (20) includes a frame (36) provided below the opening (32), the digital lock (38) being provided on the frame (36), the digital lock being actuable by a passenger assigned to the seat facing the second surface.

2. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 1, characterized in that The volume of the cavity (34) is greater than 150 mm × 100 mm × 15 mm.

3. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the opening (32) for accessing the cavity (34) is set to receive the table (24), the surface of the table (24) being greater than or equal to the surface of the opening (32).

4. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backrest (14) includes means for controlling a light associated with the seat.

5. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backrest (14) includes a lighting device configured to turn on when the table (24) moves from its folded position towards its deployed position.

6. The seat (12) of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The table (24) includes: a first part (40) hingedly mounted on the second surface (20) of the backrest (14), the first part (40) being rotatably mounted relative to the second surface (20) along a first axis (A - A'); and a second part (42) hingedly mounted on the first part (40), the second part (42) being rotatably mounted relative to the first part (40) along a second axis (B - B') parallel to the first axis (A - A').

7. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 6, wherein, The second part (42) defines a first face (44) and a second face (46) opposite the first face (44). The second part (42) is rotatable between a deployed position in which the first face (44) has an angle of 180° with respect to the first part (40) and a folded position in which the first face (44) is in direct contact with the first part (40).

8. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 4, wherein, The table of the backrest (14) comprises means for controlling a lamp associated with the seat.

9. The seat (12) of a means of transport according to claim 5, wherein, The lighting device is located in the upper part of the cavity.

10. The seat (12) of a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The volume of the cavity (34) is greater than 250 mm × 200 mm × 30 mm.

11. A means of transportation, comprising a seat (12) of the means of transportation according to claim 1.

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