Panel, in particular for a furniture element, in particular a seat unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a furniture element, in particular for an aircraft seat unit (10), comprising at least one main panel (24) at least made of a felt-based material comprising an agglomeration of non-woven fibres.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: PANEL, IN PARTICULAR FOR A PIECE OF FURNITURE, IN PARTICULAR A SEATING UNIT

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel, in particular for a furniture element, in particular a seating unit. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with structural panels forming furniture elements, in particular privacy shells and / or consoles belonging to seating units, in particular of the "business class" and "first class" type, of an aircraft cabin.

[0002] In a manner known per se, a seat unit comprises at least one seat associated with a privacy shell. The privacy shell extends at least partly around the seat, so as to delimit a private space at least partially enclosed around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger seated on the seat.

[0003] The privacy shell is traditionally formed by thermoformed plastic panels or "sandwich" type composite panels, i.e. panels made up of a stack of layers of different materials.

[0004] Such type of materials have the disadvantage of having a significant mass, which deteriorates the aircraft's performance in terms of fuel consumption and emission of polluting particles. There is therefore a need to reduce the weight of the furniture elements of the seating units without excessively modifying the manufacturing methods of this type of furniture elements.

[0005] The invention aims to effectively remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a piece of furniture, in particular for an aircraft seat unit, comprising at least one main panel, the main panel being made at least from a felt-based material comprising an agglomeration of fibers non-woven, said fibers being capable of agglomerating under the effect of heat due to their intrinsic property or the addition of a binder.

[0006] The invention thus configured contributes to the optimization of performance by reducing the overall mass of the aircraft, thus reducing fuel consumption leading to a reduction in emissions of polluting particles (CO, CO2, NOx, etc.).

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the felt-based material is shaped by industrial processes of the thermocompression or thermoforming type.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the material constituting the main panel comprises natural fibers made from a material chosen from hemp, linen, wool or bamboo.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the constituent material of the main panel comprises mineral fibers and / or fibers made from an aramid material.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the constituent material of the main panel comprises fibers made from a plastic material chosen from: polyamide, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyetherimide, or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the material constituting the main panel comprises at least one binder, in particular a resin.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, said furniture element comprises an additional panel fixed on one face of the main panel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional panel is made from felt, - the main panel comprising alternating hollows and flats so as to present a wavy shape, - the additional panel comprising alternating hollows and flats so as to present a wavy shape, - the main panel and the additional panel being arranged back to back in such a way that the flats of the main panel are in contact with the flats of the additional panel and that the hollows of the main panel and the additional panel arranged at a distance from each other delimit cells so as to stiffen the assembly of two panels.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, said furniture element comprises a reinforcing element, in particular having a rigidity greater than a rigidity of the main panel, fixed on one face of the main panel.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing element constitutes a connecting interface and / or a contact interface between the main panel and another component of the furniture element.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the furniture element comprises a comfort element, in particular made from a flexible material, arranged on one face of the main panel.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main panel comprises a deformed portion extending in projection relative to a face of the main panel, in particular to form an armrest.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main panel comprises at least one hinge constituted by a zone of mechanical weakness, in particular comprising at least one groove.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the zone of mechanical weakness is produced by local removal of material in a thickness of the main panel and / or at constant thickness by local deformation of the main panel.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main panel comprises a gripping zone, in particular constituted by an end portion of the main panel, in particular an end portion of the main panel at least partly folded.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main panel comprises a closing device.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing device comprises an opening made in the main panel, capable of cooperating with a locking element, in particular having at least in part a trapezoidal shape, a dovetail shape and / or a ball shape.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the furniture element is chosen from a console, a shell, a footrest and / or a door.

[0024] The invention also relates to an aircraft seat unit comprising a furniture element as previously defined.

[0025] The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its embodiment and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0026] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seating unit comprising at least one furniture element having a structural panel according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a footrest disposed within a seat unit having a panel according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a trim piece of the seat unit of Figure 1;

[0029] [Fig. 4a] Figure 4a is a side view of the panel according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0030] [Fig. 4b] Figure 4b is a side view of the panel according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0031] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the panel according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the panel according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a side view of a panel according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0034] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a door according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig. 9a] [Fig. 9b] [Fig. 9c] Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are front views of the door of Figure 8 according to different embodiments;

[0036] [Fig. 10a] [Fig. 10b] Figures 10a and 10b show different groove shapes along a section plane AA of Figures 9a-9c;

[0037] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a door according to the invention;

[0038] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a detailed perspective view of a closing device according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig. 13a] [Fig. 13b] [Fig. 13c] Figures 13a, 13b, and 13c are detail views of different forms of a locking element of the closure device of Figure 12; and

[0040] [Fig. 14a] [Fig. 14b] [Fig. 14c] [Fig. 14d] [Fig. 14e] Figures 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e are schematic representations illustrating different embodiments of a door provided with a closing device according to the invention.

[0041] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seating unit 10 comprising at least one furniture element having a main panel 24, in particular a structural panel 24, according to the invention.

[0043] More particularly, Figure 1 shows the seat unit 10 comprising a seat 12 associated with a console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12. In addition, a shell 14, also called a privacy shell, extends at least partly around the seat 12 so as to delimit an at least partially enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger seated on the seat 12.

[0044] The shell 14 constitutes an example of a piece of furniture within the meaning of the invention.

[0045] The console 13 includes a housing 19 in which is arranged a footrest 20, also called an ottoman, on which a rear passenger can place his feet.

[0046] The seat unit 10 may comprise a door 21. In particular, the door 21 is mounted to move in translation relative to the shell 14, by means of a translational movement mechanism, for example taking the form of a slide or a carriage capable of moving along a rail.

[0047] The door 21 is arranged on the side of a circulation corridor of an aircraft cabin in which the seat unit 10 is arranged.

[0048] The door 21 may be a door of the seat unit 10 providing access to the aircraft cabin aisle or a door of a piece of furniture, such as a closet, located inside the aircraft cabin.

[0049] In the closed position, door 21 allows the passenger to isolate himself from the aircraft cabin circulation aisle. In the open position, door 21 allows the passenger to access the aircraft cabin circulation aisle.

[0050] According to the invention, the furniture element comprises the main panel 24. In particular, the main panel 24 can be made of a material with felt base, formed by an agglomeration of fibers. The fibers are able to agglomerate under the effect of heat due to their intrinsic property or the addition of a binder.

[0051] The main panel 24 may be made of a nonwoven material made from natural and / or synthetic fibers. More specifically, the main panel 24 may be obtained by a process of matting and compacting the fibers using heat, pressure and humidity. The main panel 24 is therefore devoid of weft or warp yarn.

[0052] The furniture element may take the form of the shell 14, the footrest 20, the door 21, a shelf, a storage door and / or any other furniture element suitable for the application.

[0053] In addition, the furniture element may take the form of a covering element covering the shell 14 and / or a false floor, such as a lower part of the footrest 20

[0054] The main panel 24 may constitute a structural member of the furniture element. Thus, the main panel 24 may be able to support the loads and contribute to the overall strength and rigidity of the furniture element.

[0055] The main panel 24 may have a small thickness relative to a length and / or a width of the main panel 24. Accordingly, it is possible to consider that the main panel 24 extends essentially at least partly in a plane.

[0056] As can be seen in Figure 4a, the main panel 24 has an internal face 24.1 and an external face 24.2, opposite the internal face 24.1.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment of the door 21, the internal face 24.1 is, for example, turned towards the seat 12 and the external face 24.2 is turned towards a circulation corridor of the aircraft cabin.

[0058] The main panel 24 is preferably thermocompressed or thermoformed, that is to say it is preheated before being shaped inside a mold.

[0059] The main panel 24 may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example, hemp, linen, wool, or bamboo fibers and / or any other natural material suitable for the application.

[0060] Although the main panel 24 may be made from a process that does not require a specific binder, the main panel 24 may include a binder that provides a bond between the natural fibers. The binder is, for example, an acrylic or phenolic resin.

[0061] In particular, a mass rate of the binder may be between 5% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 25%, of the total mass of the main panel 24.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the main panel 24 may comprise mineral fibers, such as glass fibers and / or fibers made from an aramid material, in particular a para-aramid or meta-aramid material. The glass fibers and / or aramid material may be used alone or in combination with the other types of fibers listed in the present description.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the main panel 24 may also comprise fibers made of a plastic material. The plastic material may be a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Advantageously, the fibers are made of a material chosen from: polyamide, also designated by the acronym "PA", polyethylene also designated by the acronym "PE", polyurethane also designated by the acronym "PU", polyetherimide, also designated by the acronym "PEI", or polyethylene terephthalate, also designated by the acronym "PET". It is possible to use a material composed entirely of fibers made of a aforementioned plastic material. Alternatively, the plastic fibers of different types can be mixed with each other and / or with natural fibers and / or mineral fibers and / or fibers made from an aramid material.

[0064] In the case of a material comprising plastic fibers, the main panel 24 may comprise a binder providing a bond between the fibers. However, it may not be necessary to use a binder since the plastic fibers will bond together when heated.

[0065] Alternatively, the main panel 24 may comprise a mixture of fibers made from a plastic material and natural fibers. Such a mixture may be made so as to optimize the thermoformability of the main panel 24, if necessary.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the main panel 24 comprises carbon fibers, optionally combined with a resin. The carbon fibers may be flame retardant. The resin may be a thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

[0067] In particular, a mass rate of the resin may be between 5% and 40%, preferably between 20% and 25%, of the total mass of the main panel 24.

[0068] Such carbon fibers can exhibit fire-resistant properties and possess high thermal stability, not burning easily. When such carbon fibers are exposed to high temperatures, they decompose without flames and form a carbon layer that acts as a thermal insulator, thus slowing down the spread of fire.

[0069] Such carbon fibers allow the manufacture of a main panel 24 having structural properties, lightness and thermal resistance.

[0070] Regardless of the material chosen for the fibers, namely fibers made from plastic material and / or natural fibers, at least part of the fibers can be made from recycled materials.

[0071] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the door 21 comprises the main panel 24 made of a felt-based material. The main panel 24 may comprise a portion 27 extending projecting relative to the main panel 24, in particular the internal face 24.1 The portion 27 constitutes a projecting deformation capable of constituting, for example, an armrest for the passenger seated on the seat 12.

[0072] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the footrest 20 disposed within the seat unit 10 having the main panel 24 according to the invention.

[0073] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 2, a wall 25 of the housing 19 comprises the main panel 24 made of a felt-based material.

[0074] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a trim piece of the seat unit 10 according to the invention.

[0075] More particularly, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the shell 14 comprises a covering part constituted by the main panel 24 made from a felt-based material.

[0076] Figure 4a is a side view of the main panel 24 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0077] More particularly, an additional panel 28 is fixed on one face of the main panel 24. Preferably, the additional panel 28 is fixed on the internal face 24.1 of the main panel 24. Thus, the additional panel 28 is not visible from the outside of the seat unit 10, that is to say in particular not visible from the circulation corridor of the aircraft cabin.

[0078] The additional panel 28 may be made of a felt-based material. The felt-based material may be the same or different material as the material of the main panel 24.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, as presented in figure 4a, the additional panel 28 can have a corrugated shape so as to stiffen the main panel 24.

[0080] For this purpose, the additional panel 28 has an alternation of hollows 30 and flats 29. In such a configuration, the hollows 30 come into contact with a face of the main panel 24 while the flats 29 are projecting and therefore at a distance from the face of the main panel 24. Preferably, the additional panel 28 covers at least 80%, preferably all of the area of ​​the face of the main panel 24.

[0081] In the embodiment of Figure 4b, the main panel 24 comprises an alternation of hollows 30 and flats 29 so as to have a wavy shape. The additional panel 28 also made from felt comprises an alternation of hollows 30 and flats 29 so as to have a wavy shape.

[0082] The main panel 24 and the additional panel 28 are arranged in such a way that the flats 29 of the main panel 24 are in contact with the flats 29 of the additional panel 28. The hollows 30 of the main panel 24 and of the additional panel 28 arranged at a distance from each other delimit cells 32 so as to stiffen the assembly of the two panels 24, 28.

[0083] Figure 5 is a side view of the main panel 24 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0084] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 5, a reinforcing element 33 is attached to one face of the main panel 24. More specifically, the reinforcing element 33 is located in specific areas of the main panel 24 in order to provide localized reinforcement of such specific areas.

[0085] The reinforcing element 33 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic and / or a composite material. In particular, the element of reinforcement 33 has a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the main panel 24.

[0086] Preferably, the local reinforcing element 33 is fixed on the internal face 24.1 of the main panel 24. Thus, the local reinforcing element 33 is not visible from the outside of the seat unit 10.

[0087] The local reinforcing element 33 may consist of a panel of small dimensions compared to the dimensions of the main panel 24. The local reinforcing element 33 may be a flat panel, as shown on the left in Figure 5, or a corrugated panel, as shown on the right in Figure 5.

[0088] Alternatively or in addition, the local reinforcing element 33 may be a panel following a curvature of the main panel 24.

[0089] The local reinforcing element 33 may, for example, be arranged behind the deformed portion 27 of the main panel 24 forming an armrest.

[0090] Figure 6 is a side view of the main panel 24 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0091] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 6, the reinforcing element 33 constitutes a connecting interface and / or a contact interface between the main panel 24 and another furniture element and / or with a component of such a furniture element.

[0092] The reinforcing element 33 has at least: a connecting part 34.1, intended to be superimposed with the main panel 24, and a joining part 34.2, intended not to be superimposed on the main panel 24.

[0093] The connecting portion 34.1 may be attached to a portion of the main panel 24 by gluing, riveting and / or any other means suitable for the application.

[0094] The joining part 34.2 may comprise means for fixing with the other furniture element and / or with the component of such a furniture element, such as, for example, openings for passage of a fixing member or an integration of fixing means by snap-fastening, screwing, riveting and / or other.

[0095] The reinforcing element 33 may also take the form of a reinforcing tube made of metal, in particular aluminum and / or a composite material.

[0096] Figure 7 is a side view of the main panel 24 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0097] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 7, a comfort element 37 is arranged on the main panel 24.

[0098] The comfort element 37 may be made of a flexible material, such as, for example, foam, a rubber material and / or an elastomer material. The comfort element 37 may also comprise several layers of different materials (among those mentioned above) and not just a single material. One of the layers of the material complex of the comfort element 37 may be high-density foam which may or may not be perforated.

[0099] According to a particular embodiment, the comfort element 37 is capable of being arranged on a face of the main panel 24 facing the passenger, in particular on the internal face 24.1 of the main panel 24. Thus, arranged, the comfort element 37 can in particular be arranged on a lateral face of the shell 14, so that the passenger can rest a part of his body on the comfort element 37.

[0100] According to another particular embodiment, the comfort element 37 is capable of being arranged on a face of the main panel 24 facing a circulation corridor of the aircraft cabin.

[0101] Alternatively or in addition, the comfort element 37 may have a function of covering all or part of the main panel 24.

[0102] For this purpose, the comfort element 37 is a finishing layer fixed to all or part of the main panel 24 by gluing and / or any other means suitable for the application. In particular, the comfort element 37 as a finishing layer can be removably fixed to the main panel 24. Such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure easy changing of the finishing layer as required.

[0103] In particular, the comfort element 37 may be of the fabric, suede, leather, “imitation” leather type and / or any other material making it possible to provide an appearance finish to the main panel 24.

[0104] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the door 21 according to the invention.

[0105] More particularly, in the embodiment of figure 8, the door 21 comprises at least one main panel 24 provided with a hinge 31.

[0106] In particular, the hinge 31 is constituted by a zone of mechanical weakness 35, capable of allowing localized folding of the main panel 24. Thus, in the event of an emergency situation and / or when the mechanism for moving the door 21 is malfunctioning, a passenger can, by applying a force, in particular a force perpendicular to the plane of the door 21, move the sliding door 21 in rotation around the hinge 31 so as to free access to the circulation corridor of the aircraft cabin.

[0107] In normal use of the door 21, that is to say when no significant force is applied to the door 21, the hinge 31 does not flex.

[0108] The mechanical weakness zone 35 extends along at least a portion of the height of the door 21 measured in a vertical direction. Preferably, the mechanical weakness zone 35 extends along the entire height of the door 21.

[0109] According to a particular embodiment, the zone of mechanical weakness 35 may be a groove 36, made over a part of the thickness of the main panel 24.

[0110] Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are front views of the door 21 of Figure 8 according to different embodiments.

[0111] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 9a, the groove 36 may be continuous.

[0112] Alternatively, in the embodiment of Figure 9b, the groove 36 may be discontinuous.

[0113] Finally, in the embodiment of Figure 9c, the mechanical weakness zone 35 may comprise a plurality of grooves 36, in particular arranged parallel to each other. Such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain a distribution of the forces when opening the door 21.

[0114] Figures 10a and 10b show different shapes of the groove 26 along a section plane AA of Figures 9a-9c.

[0115] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figures 10a and 10b, the groove 36 may have a “V”, “U” or “C” shaped section rotated 90°. In particular, the groove 36 having a “V” and “U” shape may also have rounded corners.

[0116] In the embodiments of Figure 10a, the groove 36 is produced by local removal of material in a thickness of the main panel 24. In such confirmation, the main panel 24 has a reduced thickness at the location of the groove 36 compared to the overall thickness of the main panel 24.

[0117] In the embodiments of Figure 10b, the groove 36 is made with a constant thickness relative to the rest of the main panel 24. In such a confirmation, the main panel 24 has the same thickness at the location of the groove 36 as in the rest of the main panel 24. In this case, the groove 36 can be obtained by a local deformation of the main panel 24.

[0118] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the door 21 provided with a closing device 40 according to the invention, presented in a detailed perspective view in Figure 12.

[0119] More particularly, in the embodiment of figures 11 and 12, the door 21 comprises at least one main panel 24 which may comprise a gripping zone 38, forming for example a handle, intended for a passenger or a flight attendant.

[0120] The gripping zone 38 is constituted, for example, by an end portion of the main panel 24. The gripping zone 38 of the main panel 24 may in particular have a reduced width compared to the rest of the main panel 24.

[0121] Additionally, the gripping area 38 may be bent at least partially such that at least a portion of the gripping area 38 forms a non-zero angle relative to the remainder of the main panel 24.

[0122] Furthermore, the gripping area 38 may project from an edge of the main panel 24.

[0123] Furthermore, a closing device 40 is provided in order to ensure that the door 21 is kept in the closed state. Specifically, the closing device 40 may comprise an opening 41, in particular made in the main panel 24, in particular near or inside the gripping zone 38. Preferably, the opening 41 is a through opening.

[0124] The opening 41 is intended to cooperate with a locking element 43. According to one embodiment, the locking element 43 is capable of being fixed to a fixed element 45 of the aircraft cabin, for example a wall of the aircraft cabin or a wall of a piece of furniture, such as the seat unit 10.

[0125] Figures 13a, 13b, and 13c are detailed views of different shapes of the locking element 43 of the closing device 40 according to the invention.

[0126] According to the various embodiments presented, the blocking element 43 comprises a stud 44.

[0127] In the embodiment of figure 13a, the stud 44 may have a trapezoidal shape, in particular with a small side located opposite a face of the fixed element 45 on which the blocking element 43 is fixed.

[0128] In the embodiment of Figure 13b, the pad 44 may have a dovetail shape.

[0129] In the embodiment of Figure 13c, the pad 44 may have a ball shape.

[0130] Alternatively, the stud 44 may have any other shape suitable for the application.

[0131] When the door 21 is in the closed state, the blocking element 43 is inserted inside the corresponding opening 41 of the closing device 40. In order to open the door 21, the passenger and / or the flight attendant can grasp the gripping area 38 and pull so as to disengage the blocking element 43 from the opening 41.

[0132] The door 21 may comprise a hinge 31 as in the previous embodiment, so as to fold the door 21 around the hinge in order to open the door 21.

[0133] Figures 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e are schematic representations illustrating different embodiments of the door 21 provided with the closing device 40 according to the invention.

[0134] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 14a, the door 21 comprises only at least one main panel 24.

[0135] Furthermore, in the embodiment of figure 14b, the door 21 comprises at least one main panel 24 and a reinforcement at the hinge 31. The reinforcement at the hinge 31 may consist of the additional panel 28 and / or the reinforcement element 33, as described previously.

[0136] Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figure 14c, the door 21 comprises at least one main panel 24, one additional panel 28 and / or one reinforcing element 33. The additional panel 28 can be fixed on the internal face 24.1 of the main panel 24. Similarly, in addition or alternatively, the reinforcing element 33 can be fixed on the internal face 24.1 of the main panel 24.

[0137] According to another embodiment presented in figure 14d, the door 21 comprises at least one main panel 24, one additional panel 28 and / or one reinforcing element 33. The additional panel 28 can be located at the level of the closing device 40. Similarly, in addition or alternatively, the reinforcing element 33 can be located at the level of the closing device 40.

[0138] Finally, in the embodiment of Figure 14e, the door 21 comprises at least one main panel 24, one additional panel 28 and / or one reinforcing element 33. The additional panel 28 may be located at the level of the closing device 40 and surrounding the gripping zone 38 in order to stiffen it locally. Similarly, in addition or alternatively, the reinforcing element 33 may be located at the level of the closing device 40 and surrounding the gripping zone 38 in order to stiffen it locally.

[0139] The invention also relates to a seating unit comprising a furniture element according to the invention.

[0140] The present invention has been described in relation to a seating unit 10. However, it finds application with any piece of furniture comprising at least one main panel made at least from a felt-based material.

[0141] Of course, the various features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0142] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Furniture element, in particular for an aircraft seat unit (10), comprising at least one main panel (24), characterized in that the main panel (24) is made at least from a felt-based material comprising an agglomeration of non-woven fibers, said fibers being capable of agglomerating under the effect of heat due to their intrinsic property or the addition of a binder.

2. Furniture element according to claim 1, characterized in that the felt-based material is shaped by industrial processes of the thermocompression or thermoforming type.

3. Furniture element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material constituting the main panel (24) comprises natural fibers made from a material chosen from hemp, linen, wool or bamboo.

4. Furniture element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the material constituting the main panel (24) comprises mineral fibers and / or fibers made from an aramid material.

5. Element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the material constituting the main panel (24) comprises fibers made from a plastic material chosen from: polyamide, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyetherimide, or polyethylene terephthalate.

6. Furniture element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the material constituting the main panel (24) comprises at least one binder, in particular a resin.

7. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional panel (28) fixed on one face of the main panel (24).

8. Furniture element according to claim 7, characterized in that the additional panel (28) is made from felt, - the main panel (24) comprising an alternation of hollows (30) and flats (29) so as to present a wavy shape, - the additional panel (28) comprising an alternation of hollows (30) and flats (29) so as to present a wavy shape, - the main panel (24) and the additional panel (28) being arranged back to back in such a way that the flats (29) of the main panel (24) are in contact with the flats (29) of the additional panel (28) and that the hollows (30) of the main panel (24) and of the additional panel (28) arranged at a distance from each other delimit cells (32) so as to stiffen the assembly of two panels (24, 28).

9. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a reinforcing element (33), in particular having a rigidity greater than a rigidity of the main panel (24), fixed on one face of the main panel (24).

10. Furniture element according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing element (33) constitutes a connecting interface and / or a contact interface between the main panel (24) and another component of the furniture element.

11. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a comfort element (37), in particular made of a flexible material, arranged on one face of the main panel (24).

12. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main panel (24) comprises a deformed portion (27) extending in projection relative to a face of the main panel (24), in particular to form an armrest.

13. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main panel (24) comprises at least one hinge (31) consisting of a zone of mechanical weakness (35), in particular comprising at least one groove (36).

14. Furniture element according to claim 13, characterized in that the zone of mechanical weakness (35) is produced by local removal of material in a thickness of the main panel (24) and / or at constant thickness by local deformation of the main panel (24).

15. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main panel (24) comprises a gripping zone (38), in particular constituted by an end portion of the main panel (24), in particular an end portion of the main panel (24) at least partly folded.

16. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main panel (24) comprises a closing device (40).

17. Furniture element according to claim 16, characterized in that the closing device (40) comprises an opening (41) made in the main panel (24), capable of cooperating with a locking element (43), in particular having at least in part a trapezoidal shape, a dovetail shape and / or a ball shape.

18. Furniture element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is chosen from a console (13), a shell (14), a footrest (20) and / or a door (21).

19. An aircraft seat unit (10) comprising a furniture element as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

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