Bed and row of beds

Abstract

The invention relates to a bed (1) for a person, with a length (L) of the bed (1) and a width (B) extending between two longitudinal edges (2), wherein the bed (1) has, along its length (L), a head region (4) ending at an edge (3) and a foot region (6), likewise ending in an edge (5), characterized in that the bed (1) is bevelled at an angle a from a rectangular base area in one corner of the head region (4) and in one longitudinal edge (2) and in one corner of the foot region (6) and in the other longitudinal edge (2), wherein the edges of the head region (3) and of the foot region (5) are rounded, wherein the width of the bed is also reduced in the foot region (6) by a constriction (7), and wherein the transition from the constriction (7) to the adjacent longitudinal edge (2) is formed in a radius (RK) which corresponds to the radius (RK) of the rounded edge of the head region (3).

Description

[0001] Lounger and row of loungers

[0002] The invention relates to a lounger for one person, having a length of the lounger and a width extending between two longitudinal edges, wherein the lounger has along its length a head area ending at an edge and a foot area, also ending at an edge.

[0003] Most night-time transport options, such as buses and trains, are dominated by rectangular bunks arranged lengthwise or crosswise to the direction of travel. Currently, carriages with six-berth compartments and a side aisle are considered the most efficient way to accommodate bunks on night trains. These compartments are usually accessed via the aisle running lengthwise through the vehicle. The compartment features a narrow aisle running perpendicular to the direction of travel and two or three bunks arranged one above the other on either side, parallel to this aisle. Furthermore, the luggage rack is located above the door and below the lowest bunk. The variant with six bunks in the compartment results in disadvantages in terms of comfort due to the lack of height in the bunk area. This is (increasingly) being counteracted by four-berth compartments, which reduces the capacity of the vehicle.Additional shortcomings of both of these variants arise in terms of privacy and the subjective sense of security, as passengers have to share compartments with strangers. New developments such as the Mini Cabins, which are being installed by manufacturer Siemens in the new generation of ÖBB Nightjets, improve these aspects, but still fail to create the significant capacity required for efficient, environmentally friendly, and profitable nighttime service. Furthermore, they only allow for limited luggage storage space.

[0004] CN104527685A discloses a bunk arrangement in sleeping cars for railway trains. The bunks are arranged diagonally to the direction of travel and are partially nested within each other. The basic shape of the bunk is not ergonomically comfortable, and the space savings achieved with the specified nesting are not significant. CN204623455U shows a bed arrangement in sleeping cars for railway trains with bunks arranged diagonally to the direction of travel. This results in even less space savings.

[0005] CN105151054A and CN204452453U teach night train carriages or vehicles equipped with single compartments. Parts of one compartment extend into an adjacent compartment to increase the footwell. The disadvantages are, on the one hand, the limited space savings, and, on the other, this solution results in half of the compartments lacking window access and thus being less popular. The invention aims to create a bed as mentioned above, which allows for optimal use of the interior space of an elongated vehicle while maintaining comfort. The solution should be practical, provide a high sense of security for passengers, be affordable, easy to use, and less prone to failure.

[0006] The lounger according to the invention achieves this by starting from a rectangular starting surface and being bevelled at an angle α in one corner of the head area and one longitudinal edge, as well as in one corner of the foot area and the other longitudinal edge. The edges of the head area and the foot area are rounded. In addition, the width of the lounger in the foot area is reduced by a constriction, and the transition from the constriction to the adjacent longitudinal edge is designed with a radius that corresponds to the radius of the rounded edge of the head area. It is also conceived that it has a storage surface, the longitudinal edge of the lounger, which lies on the side of the constriction, being completely adjacent to the storage surface.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous that an edge of the storage surface that borders the bevel on the head side is aligned with the bevel. In a further embodiment, it has a secondary storage surface, wherein the secondary storage surface rests against the edge of the head area and also has an edge that is aligned with the bevel on the head area.

[0008] It is also contemplated that the bed may have a vertical, fixed partition wall which is at least partially adjacent to portions of the longitudinal edges and / or the edges and / or the bevels of the bed.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous that the partition wall is opaque and preferably sound-insulating.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a luggage compartment of substantially the same area as the bed and of a predetermined height is provided beneath the bed, wherein the luggage compartment is completely closed by a wall, and wherein the wall has a lockable door.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the bed is part of a sleeping berth, wherein the outer wall in the head area is designed as a window in order to be usable as a window side, and wherein the partition wall has a lockable door element adjacent to the foot area of ​​the bed.

[0012] It is also intended that the bed or sleeping berth is part of a bunk bed, with one or more sleeping surfaces arranged at a predetermined distance vertically above the bed and with the same circumference as the bed.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous that the bunk bed has a partition wall that extends vertically over the further or all further sleeping surfaces.

[0014] In a further embodiment, a row of beds is provided for the interior of a transport vehicle, in particular a railway carriage, with a substantially straight window side, wherein it comprises a plurality of beds and / or sleeping berths and / or bunk beds which are arranged such that their respective bevels of the head region adjoin the window side and that the edge of the head region of a bed adjoins the constriction of an adjacent line.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a transport vehicle, in particular a railway carriage, is provided with two essentially straight and parallel window sides, with a row of beds being arranged on each window side.

[0016] It is also envisaged that, for a given interior width of the vehicle, the length of the beds and the angle a are selected such that a central aisle of predetermined width is created, which is preferably between about 35 cm and about 100 cm.

[0017] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows the layout of a bed; Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of beds; Figs. 3 and 4 show perspective views of bunk beds; Figs. 5 and 6 show arrangements of rows of beds; and Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of wide beds.

[0018] According to Fig. 1, the bed 1 according to the invention achieves its advantages by modifying its outline, starting from a rectangle with longitudinal edges 2 and four corners, by the following measures. First, the bed 1 is beveled at a predetermined angle a at two diagonally opposite corners. The bevels 8 do not impair sleeping comfort, since, on the one hand, the outline of a person lying upright tapers at the head and foot ends, and other sleeping positions, for example, with bent legs, are particularly well accommodated in the outline shown.

[0019] Secondly, the edges 3, 5 of the head area 4 and the foot area 6 are rounded. These edges, for example, have their own radius (radius RK in the head area 4 and radius RF in the foot area 6). This also more closely resembles the outline of a lying person and saves lying space where it is not needed. Thirdly, the width B of the bed in the foot area 6 is reduced by a constriction 7. Since the foot area 6 is intended to house a person's legs and feet, and since any objects such as pillows or sleeping utensils are more likely to be in the head area 4, within reach of the arms and hands, this third measure does not reduce comfort.The standard width B of the bed 1 can then be set slightly wider than usual (80 to 100 cm for beds in domestic use, 50 to 80 cm for public transport), thus providing additional space for lying down or for additional items without significantly offsetting the space savings achieved by the aforementioned measures. The length of the bed can also be selected to be larger than usual (180 to 190 cm for public transport).

[0020] Finally, however, on the bed 1, the transition from the constriction 7 to the adjacent longitudinal edge 2 is designed with a radius RK that corresponds to the radius RK of the rounded edge of the head area 4. This, together with the previously mentioned measures, means that beds 1 can be arranged next to each other at an angle a without loss of space and can be lined up in a sleeping car or other means of transport in a very space-saving manner.

[0021] The present invention, as shown in Fig. 2 and the following figures, increases comfort while maintaining the same vehicle capacity compared to the prior art, and enables single compartments with good privacy. By adapting the geometry to the space constraints and the requirements for sleeping comfort, advantages in terms of capacity and comfort are achieved compared to the prior art. Known concepts with more capacity offer less comfort, while concepts with more comfort offer less capacity.

[0022] The material and construction of a lounger 1 can be freely selected, as the advantage is primarily achieved through the shape of the lounger surfaces. The geometry of the lounger is not rectangular and elongated, but rather "opens" towards the respective window area (e.g., window side 17) and narrows in the leg or foot area 6. This creates additional space between the lounger surface and the window, allowing for the storage of personal belongings and valuables with a high subjective feeling of security. Furthermore, the angled arrangement (angle a) allows for some widths B and lengths L of the lounger 1 to be above average, such as the length L of the lounger 1 and the width B of the lounger 1 in the middle area, without increasing the overall space requirement. The geometry is optimized for both space requirements and lounger comfort.

[0023] The range from approximately 20 to approximately 70 degrees has proven to be a useful angle a in order to optimise space savings within a row of beds 21.

[0024] Adjacent berths 1 overlap so that the central area and the head area 4 remain comfortably wide, and only the leg area of ​​the adjacent berth 1 becomes narrower. Additionally, the berth is cut at the appropriate angle a, so that the central aisle has the required aisle width GB. This allows two rows of berths 21 to be arranged inside the car with a central aisle 18 between them, resulting in an unusually high capacity for single compartments without restricting the ceiling height or the berth width B. In addition, each berth 1 has its own large window area, which improves the view.

[0025] Beds 1 arranged side by side form a row of beds 21, whose longitudinal axis is at an angle a to the longitudinal axis (length L) of a bed 1. Such rows of beds 21 can be installed longitudinally in elongated vehicle interiors. In railway carriages, for example, along their window side 17 and along a central aisle 18 (see below).

[0026] It is also conceivable to provide a side aisle (not shown) in the interior of a vehicle instead of a central aisle 18 with two rows of berths 21, and to install only one row of berths 21 along it. Depending on the vehicle's specified dimensions or the desired passenger capacity, this solution can also be space-saving and advantageous.

[0027] Luggage can be stowed in the level below the berths (Figs. 3 and 4). Although the geometry of berths 1 is particularly suitable for single compartments, which provide optimal privacy for solo travelers, connected compartments with more than one single berth are also conceivable. The overlapping geometry, which is uninterrupted by aisles or luggage storage spaces, facilitates this particularly flexible design (Fig. 7).

[0028] The invention includes berths according to Fig. 5 in a symmetrical arrangement to the central aisle 18. A row of berths 21 can also be arranged offset according to the embodiment in Fig. 6, thereby enabling various aisle shapes. A staggered arrangement with gaps between berths 1 is also possible. A varying aisle width GB makes it much easier to pass each other and stow luggage. This arrangement can be used in different vehicle widths. This allows angles, radii and other details of the berth 1 to change. However, the usual dimensions of a berth can be maintained, since the main limitation is the geometry of the footwell. At least one level for luggage and two levels for passengers can be integrated in conventional vehicles: the lowest level is preferably used for luggage, and the middle and upper levels as sleeping berths.Three or more berths one above the other are also conceivable if the vehicle height is appropriate.

[0029] It is also conceivable to tilt the berths 1 of the two rows of berths 21 of a carriage at the specified angle, deviating from the embodiments of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, not in the same direction, but in different directions. This has the advantage that in each carriage, the berths 1 of one row of berths 21 are aligned with the head area 4 in the direction of travel, while the berths 1 of the other row of berths 21 are aligned in the opposite direction. Thus, regardless of the operation of a carriage, both orientations are always available to passengers. Furthermore, in this last-described embodiment, a central aisle 18 is created with yet another set of recesses, which can have advantages for boarding and alighting, letting passengers pass, stowing luggage, etc.Based on the total wagon width and the required length L of the berths 1, the angle a can be selected such that an aisle width GB of the central aisle 18 of predetermined dimensions, such as between approximately 35 cm and approximately 100 cm, is achieved. Other of the aforementioned parameters could also be varied to achieve predetermined dimensions of the other parameter(s).

[0030] The base area of ​​bed 1 is a logical, geometric shape resulting from the angle a of the arrangement, the available width of the vehicle, and the desired bed parameters such as width B and length L. Generous radii at the intersections of the beds 1 next to each other increase space utilization and reduce the feeling of nesting. This can also be a radius RS at the corner from the long edge 2 to the bevel 8 in the foot area 6. The use of a radius RS at this point again creates a comfortable impression for the passengers. Furthermore, this section of bed 1 faces the aisle area and, thanks to this rounded shape, reduces impact situations with luggage and legs.

[0031] By overlapping adjacent berths (a common height level), more or wider berths 1 can be accommodated on the same carriage length without reducing comfort, as the berths 1 overlap in such a way that only the leg area is narrowed, creating more space for the middle area and the head area 4 of the berth 1. The berths 1 can be separated by partition walls 14 next to each other in various designs. Fixed and / or flexible elements can be statically or dynamically separating the areas from one another or connecting them. Single compartments with the greatest possible privacy are conceivable, as are extended compartments for couples or family compartments. The partition walls 14 can include sockets, hooks, lights, switches and other items to improve comfort and practicality. The partition walls 14 are arranged vertically around the perimeter or along the perimeter to maintain space savings.adjacent to sections of the circumference of the berths 1 and partly of the storage area 9 and the secondary storage area 10 and designed to be as thin and flat as possible, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 7. They consist of or are coated with opaque and / or sound-insulating flat material in order to maintain the feeling of security. Closed compartments can be accessed via the entire front part that protrudes into the central aisle 18. There is enough space in this area of ​​the berth 1 to turn around. Hand luggage or valuables can be stored in the area between berth 1 and the window on storage areas 9 and secondary storage areas 10 and are thus directly accessible to the passenger, but far away from the entrance to the berth. A storage area 9 and a secondary storage area 10 can be on the same level as berth 1 or stepped above or below it. They can also be designed as a net or as an additional locker.They can also include sockets, hooks, lights, switches and more to improve the comfort and peace of mind in a compartment.

[0032] According to all figures, a bed 1 borders on the window side 17 at the head area and on each side on an adjacent bed 1. This creates two points on each bed 1 at which the perimeters of two adjacent beds 1 separate from each other opposite the window side 17. At these points, dividing walls 14 can be continued to the window side 17 in order to further divide the adjacent beds 1 into two sleeping berths 11. The dividing walls 14 abut perpendicularly on the window side 17. This in turn creates two locations near the head area 4 of a bed 1 which belong to its sleeping berth 11 and are essentially triangular in their base areas. These base areas can form the above-mentioned storage area 9 and the secondary storage area 10. The available floor space can and should be fully utilized and offer either storage options for utensils or storage space.As a storage option in the embodiment of fixed storage surface 9 and fixed secondary storage surface 10 approximately at the level of the bed surface of bed 1, a significantly increased feeling of space and room is created in a sleeping berth 11 - still maintaining the space savings achieved through the special bed shape throughout the vehicle. The edge 15 of the storage surface extends up to the window side 17, as does the bevel 8 of bed 1 in the head area 4. The edge 15 of the table top 9 is thus aligned with the bevel 8. The same is true for the corresponding edge of the secondary storage surface 10. The head area 4 of bed 1 borders the outer wall of the vehicle and allows a good view out of the window side 17 of the vehicle.

[0033] The invention is used in various means of transport for night travel, including coaches, airplanes, and night trains. The advantages compared to the prior art are particularly valuable and relevant for night trains. For example, in a night train, various designs of the berth 1 can be installed across the full width and length of the carriage. In addition to single berths, wider berths and berths that can be extended over several units along the central aisle 18, e.g., as double berths 19, are also used (Fig. 7). The advantageous effect of space utilization is still largely maintained, but a double berth 19 with 20% to 100% more width B offers space for two people, or one person can be offered particularly ample space in their sleeping berth 11. The partition is fixed for single berths and movable for extendable berths. The partition walls 14 can be made from flexible elements or from solid material.The closing elements are also movable and can be locked from the inside. The luggage compartments 12 for suitcases and similar items can also be locked by the passenger. Each berth 1 is still aligned with its own large window.

[0034] List of reference symbols

[0035] 1 lounger

[0036] 1' adjacent lounger

[0037] 2 Longitudinal edge

[0038] 3 Edge of the head area

[0039] 4 Head area

[0040] 5 Edge of the foot area

[0041] 6 Foot area

[0042] 7 Constriction

[0043] 8 Bevel

[0044] 9 storage space

[0045] 10 secondary storage space

[0046] 11 sleeping berths

[0047] 12 Luggage compartment

[0048] 13 bunk beds

[0049] 14 Partition wall

[0050] 15 Edge of the shelf

[0051] 16 Wall (of the luggage compartment)

[0052] 17 Window side

[0053] 18 Central aisle

[0054] 19 double beds

[0055] 21 rows of loungers

[0056] L length

[0057] B Width

[0058] IB interior width

[0059] GB aisle width

[0060] RK Radius head side

[0061] RF Radius Foot Side

[0062] RS Radius of the side a Angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lounger (1) for one person, with a length (L) of the lounger (1) and a width (B) extending between two longitudinal edges (2), wherein the lounger (1) has along its length (L) a head region (4) ending at an edge (3) and a foot region (6), also ending in an edge (5), characterized in that the lounger (1), starting from a rectangular starting surface, is beveled at an angle α in a corner of the head region (4) and a longitudinal edge (2) as well as in a corner of the foot region (6) and the other longitudinal edge (2), wherein the edges of the head region (3) and the foot region (5) are rounded, wherein moreover the width of the lounger in the foot region (6) is reduced by a constriction (7), and wherein the transition from the constriction (7) to the adjacent longitudinal edge (2) is designed with a radius (RK) which corresponds to the radius (RK) of the rounded edge of the head area (3).

2. Lounger according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a storage surface (9), wherein the longitudinal edge (2) of the lounger, which lies on the side of the constriction (7), is completely adjacent to the storage surface (10).

3. Lounger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an edge (15) of the storage surface (9) which borders on the bevel (8) on the head side (4) is flush with this bevel (8).

4. Lounger according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a secondary storage surface (10), wherein the secondary storage surface (10) rests on the edge (3) of the head region (4) and also has a further edge which is aligned with the bevel (8) on the head region (4).

5. Lounger according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lounger (1) has a vertical fixed partition wall (14) which at least partially adjoins sections of the longitudinal edges (2) and / or the edges (3, 5) and / or the bevels (8) of the lounger (1).

6. Lounger according to claim 5, characterized in that the partition wall (14) is opaque and preferably sound-insulating.

7. Bed according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a luggage compartment (12) of substantially the same base area as the bed (1) and of a predetermined height is provided below the bed (1), the luggage compartment (12) being completely closed by a wall (16), and the wall (16) having a lockable door.

8. Sleeping berth (11) comprising a bed (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer wall in the head region (4) is designed as a window in order to be usable as a window side (17), and that the partition wall (14) has a closable door element adjacent to the foot region (6) of the bed (1).

9. Bunk bed (13) with a bed (1) or a sleeping berth (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that one or more lying surfaces are arranged at a predetermined distance vertically above the bed (1) and with a circumference congruent with the bed (1).

10. Bunk bed (13) according to claim 9, characterized in that it has a partition wall (14) which extends vertically over the further or all further sleeping surfaces.

11. Row of beds (21) for the interior of a transport vehicle, in particular for a railway carriage, which has a substantially straight window side (17), characterized in that the row of beds (21) comprises a plurality of beds (1) and / or sleeping berths (11) and / or bunk beds (13) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which are arranged such that the edge (3) of the head region (4) of a bed (1) borders on the constriction (7) of an adjacent line (1).

12. A transport vehicle, in particular a railway carriage, with two substantially rectilinear and mutually parallel window sides (17), characterized in that a row of beds (21) according to claim 11 is arranged on each window side (17).

13. Traffic vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, for a given interior width (IB) of the traffic vehicle, the length (L) of the beds (1) and the angle a are selected such that a central aisle (18) of predetermined aisle width (GB) is created, which is preferably between about 35 cm and about 100 cm.

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