Set of expandable surface trays, in particular for an aircraft seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of trays (21), in particular for an aircraft seat, comprising: - a main tray (23); - a translation mechanism (31) that allows the main tray (23) to be translatably movable relative to a support (27) between a proximal position and a distal position; - at least one arm (26) comprising a first end attached to a structural element of a seat and a second end rotatably mounted relative to one end of the support (27); and - an extension tray (24) having at least one position in which, when the main tray (23) is in the distal position, the extension tray (24) extends in a plane that is parallel to the plane of extension of the main tray (23) and having at least one portion longitudinally offset relative to the main tray (23) in the direction of translation (D1) so as to cover the translation mechanism (31).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: SET OF TRAYS WITH AN EXTENDABLE SURFACE, PARTICULARLY FOR AN AIRPLANE SEAT

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of trays with an extendable surface, particularly for an airplane seat. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with airplane seats intended for economy class. However, the invention may also be implemented with airplane seats intended for business class or with seats in other means of transport, such as, for example, seats installed in motor vehicles, trains or boats.

[0002] In a manner known per se, a meal tray of an economy class airplane seat is arranged at the rear of a seat back. The meal tray is mounted on a structural element of the seat, such as the back or an armrest support bracket, by means of connecting arms. Each connecting arm comprises a first end intended to be fixed on the structural element and a second end rotatably mounted on one end of a support to which the main tray is mechanically linked. The main tray is thus rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation between a stored position in which the meal tray is pressed against the seat back and a deployed position in which the meal tray extends in a substantially horizontal plane.In addition, a translation mechanism allows the main tray to be movable in translation relative to the backrest to allow the passenger to move the meal tray closer or further away from their body depending on their size.

[0003] A meal tray, however, offers a reduced usable space, not allowing the user, for example, to eat their meal and use a personal electronic device, such as a mobile phone or a digital tablet. There is also a risk of liquid spillage when moving the meal tray on which a cup is placed, which is neither practical nor comfortable. In addition, a meal tray has a unsightly appearance since some parts of its translation mechanism are visible when the tablet is moved away from the seatback. These parts of the translation mechanism can constitute a trash trap and present a risk of pinching the fingers of the passenger.

[0004] The invention aims to effectively remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a set of trays, in particular for an airplane seat, comprising: - a main plateau, - a translation mechanism allowing the main plate to be movable in translation, following a direction of translational movement, relative to a support, between a close position and a distant position, - at least one arm comprising a first end intended to be fixed to a structural element of a seat and a second end rotatably mounted relative to one end of the support, and - an extension plate having at least one position in which, when the main plate is in the remote position, the extension plate extends in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main plate and has at least one portion offset longitudinally relative to the main plate in the direction of translational movement so as to cover the translation mechanism.

[0005] The invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the extension tray, to increase the useful surface area of ​​the main tray, and therefore to accommodate larger meal trays, cup prints, as well as several functionalities for receiving a portable electronic device or the passenger's personal effects. The invention therefore offers additional comfort to the passenger as well as better stability, particularly for personal objects. The invention also makes it possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of a meal tray by hiding the translation mechanism. The invention also makes it possible to protect the passenger against certain risks of pinching fingers and to avoid the risks of a cup being knocked over. The invention can be easily integrated because it does not impact the design of a seat. The extension tray according to the invention has the advantage of being independent of the backrest.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension plate comprises at least one portion, in particular a portion extending in a horizontal plane when the main plate is in the deployed position, fixed in translation relative to the support.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension plate is movable in rotation relative to the support around an axis of rotation between a low position and a raised position.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension tray comprises a device for holding a fixed electronic device.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension tray comprises a base and a device for holding a portable electronic device that can move in translation relative to the base.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device for holding a portable electronic device is movable in translation along a direction of translational movement between a stored position in which said device is arranged inside a housing made in the base and a deployed position in which said device extends outside the housing of the base.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a through window arranged opposite the device for holding the portable electronic device, in particular when said device is in the stored position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension tray comprises a base and a device for holding a portable electronic device that can rotate relative to the base.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device for holding a portable electronic device is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation between a stored position in which said device cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape made in a thickness of the base and a deployed position in which said device extends at least partly projecting relative to a front edge of the base.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device for holding a portable electronic device is movable, in particular between the stored position and the deployed position, at an angle of 180 degrees.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device for holding a portable electronic device comprises a support pallet for an electronic device allowing the electronic device to be held in a position inclined backwards relative to a vertical direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension tray has a recess for a cup.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension tray has a recess for placing personal objects such as glasses, pens, keys, or cutlery.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension tray includes a space for displaying a logo and / or an advertising poster.

[0019] 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:

[0020] [Fig.1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft seat having mounted thereon a tray assembly according to the present invention;

[0021] [Fig.2a] [Fig.2b] Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a tray assembly according to the invention provided with a fixed configuration extension tray;

[0022] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3b] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the extension tray according to the invention has several functionalities including a dedicated footprint for placing objects personal, a cup imprint, and a portable electronic device holding device;

[0023] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4b] Figures 4a and 4b are perspective views of the set of trays according to the invention having an extension tray provided with a device for holding a portable electronic device movable in translation respectively in the stored position and in the deployed position;

[0024] [Fig. 4c] Figure 4c is an exploded perspective view of the tray assembly of Figures 4a and 4b;

[0025] [Fig.5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the extension plate according to the invention is rotatably mounted relative to the main plate;

[0026] [Fig.6a] [Fig.6b] Figures 6a and 6b are perspective views of an extension tray according to the invention provided with a device for holding a portable electronic device mounted to be mobile in rotation respectively in the stored position and in the deployed position;

[0027] [Fig. 6c] Figure 6c is a perspective view illustrating a deployment of the portable electronic device support pallet of Figures 6a and 6b;

[0028] [Fig. 7a] Figure 7a is a rear perspective view of an airplane seat provided with a set of trays according to the invention in the use position on which are arranged a meal tray and a cup;

[0029] [Fig. 7b] Figure 7b is a top view of the tray assembly of Figure 7a with a meal tray and a cup arranged thereon.

[0030] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0031] Furthermore, the relative terms of the type "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat located behind the seat carrying the set of trays according to the present invention would give them.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an economy class seat 10 intended to be fixed on rails (not shown) mounted on a floor of an aircraft cabin. For this purpose, the seat 10 comprises legs 11 shown partially provided with fasteners configured to cooperate with rails arranged on the floor. A luggage bar 13 makes it possible to retain the luggage arranged under the seat 10.

[0033] The seat 10 comprises at least one seat 15 and at least one backrest 16. Each backrest 16 can be mounted so as to tilt backwards relative to the corresponding seat 15 along the arrow F1. For this purpose, the backrest 16 is mounted on a crossbar 17 via a pivot connection. The L-shaped crossbar 17 comprises at least one opening for the passage of a beam 20 and means for fixing an armrest (not shown).

[0034] A set of trays 21 is arranged at the rear of the backrest 16. Alternatively, the set of trays 21 may be arranged on an armrest. The set of trays 21 comprises a main tray 23 and an extension tray 24. The main tray 23 has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the main tray 23 may have a square, round, oval or any other shape suitable for the application. The main tray 23 has an axis X1 extending in a median plane of the main tray 23. For a rectangular main tray 23, the axis X1 is parallel to the smaller lateral edges of the main tray 23. The main tray 23 is mounted on a structural element of the seat 10, such as the backrest 16 or the stock 17 by means of at least one arm 26, in this case two arms 26 arranged on either side of the main tray 23.

[0035] Each arm 26 has a first end intended to be fixed on the structural element 16 or 17 by means of a pivot connection and a second end rotatably mounted on one end of a support 27 shown in Figure 2b to which the main plate 23 is mechanically linked. The support 27 may have the shape of an elongated bar. The support 27 extends in a longitudinal extension direction perpendicular to the arms 26.

[0036] The main tray 23 is thus movable in rotation about an axis of rotation X2 between a stored position and a deployed position. The axis of rotation X2 is a horizontal axis. The axis of rotation X2 may be parallel to a plane in which the backrest 16 extends.

[0037] In the stored position, a face 29 of the main tray 23 faces the backrest 16. In the deployed position, the face 29 of the main tray 23 faces upwards so that the main tray 23 and the face 29 extend in a horizontal plane. The passenger can then place a meal tray and / or his personal items on the main tray 23. The main tray 23 may include a locking device 30, such as a quarter-turn lock, a hook device or a sliding tab, to be held in the stored position.

[0038] Furthermore, a translation mechanism 31 visible in Figure 2b allows the main plate 23 to be movable in translation, in a translational movement direction D1, relative to the support 27 between a close position in which the main plate 23 has a rear edge in contact with the support 27 and a distant position in which the rear edge is at a distance from the support 27, that is to say at a distance of at least 3 cm from the support 27. The translational movement direction D1 is a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the floor on which the seat 10 is mounted, when the main plate 23 is in the deployed position. The translational movement direction D1 is parallel or coincident with the axis X1 of the main plate 23. In the close position, the support 27 may be located inside a housing 28 made in a rear edge of the main plate 23, as shown in Figure 4c.

[0039] In the example shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the translation mechanism 31 is mounted between the main plate 23 and the support 27. The translation mechanism 31 comprises two rods 32.1, 32.2 coming from the support 27 and along which slides of complementary shape can slide. mounted on the main plate 23. The rods 32.1, 32.2 extend in the direction of translational movement D1.

[0040] The extension plate 24 has at least one position in which, when the main plate 23 is in the remote position, the extension plate 24 comprises at least one portion offset longitudinally relative to the main plate 23 in the translational movement direction D1 so as to cover the translation mechanism 31, as shown in FIG. 2a. The overlap between the extension plate 24 and the translation mechanism 31 is visible in a top view of the set of plates 21. The extension plate 24 also comprises a small portion, in particular a front edge which longitudinally covers a rear edge of the main plate 23. Preferably, a gap between a plane in which the main plate 23 extends and a plane in which the extension plate 24 extends is small, in particular less than 1 cm, in particular less than 5 mm. Preferably, the extension plate 24 is in contact with the main plate 23.The two elements 24 and 23 may be in contact with each other by means of a rolling element, such as a roller, a ball or a roller. Preferably, the extension plate 24 forms an angle of inclination relative to the plane in which the main plate 23 extends of less than or equal to 10°.

[0041] When the main tray 23 is in the close position, the extension tray 24 and the main tray 23 overlap longitudinally with respect to each other. Preferably, the main tray 23 and the extension tray 24 overlap along at least 90% of the surface area of ​​the extension tray 24. Advantageously, the extension tray 24 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b has a small thickness such that the step created by the extension tray 24 on the main tray 23 does not hinder the positioning of a meal tray. The thickness of the extension tray 24 can vary from 5 mm to more than 20 mm. The thickness of the extension tray 24 is preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm inclusive.

[0042] In the example shown, the extension plate 24 has a rectangular shape having a length L1' equal or substantially equal to the length L1 of the main plate 23 and a width L2' smaller, in particular at least twice smaller, than the width L2 of the main plate 23. By "substantially equal", we mean the fact that the length L1' of the extension plate 24 is between the length L1 of the main plate 23 minus 10% of this length L1 and the length L1 of the main plate 23 plus 10% of this length L1. The width L2' of the extension plate 24 is at least equal, preferably slightly greater, than a width of the translation mechanism 31 measured along the direction of translational movement D1 of the main plate 23.

[0043] In the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b, the extension plate 24 comprises at least one portion fixed in translation relative to the support 27. The extension plate 24 is preferably entirely fixed in translation relative to the support 27. In this case, the extension plate 24 is mounted fixed in translation and in rotation relative to the support 27. For this purpose, the extension plate 24 has a rim 34 comprising openings for the passage of fixing members 36, such as screws, rivets or any other member capable of performing this function, intended to cooperate with tapped holes made in the support 27 (see Figure 2b). The extension plate 24 is preferably removable relative to the support 27. Alternatively, the extension plate 24 may be movable in rotation relative to the support 27 around the axis X3.

[0044] The extension tray 24 may have an indentation 38 for a cup 39. The main tray 23 may also have an indentation 38 for a cup.

[0045] In the embodiment of Figures 3a and 3b, the extension tray 24 may also include a recess 40 for placing personal objects 41 such as glasses, pens, keys, or cutlery. The extension tray 24 may also include a space for displaying a logo and / or an advertising poster.

[0046] Furthermore, the extension tray 24 comprises a device 43 for holding a portable electronic device fixed relative to the extension tray 24. The device 43 for holding the electronic device can be made in one piece with the extension tray 24. Alternatively, the device 43 for holding electronic device is attached and fixed on the extension plate 24. The holding device 43 can be installed in a removable or non-removable manner on the extension plate 24.

[0047] In the embodiment of Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the extension plate 24 comprises a base 44 and a device 43 for holding a portable electronic device that is movable in translation relative to the base 44 in a translational movement direction D2. The translational movement direction D2 of the device 43 for holding a portable electronic device is identical or parallel to the translational movement direction D1 of the main plate 23.

[0048] The device 43 for holding a portable electronic device is movable in translation between a stored position in which the device 43 for holding a portable electronic device is arranged inside a housing 47 made in the base 44 (see FIG. 4a) and a deployed position in which the device 43 for holding a portable electronic device extends outside the housing 47 of the base 44 (see FIG. 4b). The housing 47 is made in a volume of the base 44. The device 43 is thus movable in translation relative to the base 44 in the manner of a drawer.

[0049] For this purpose, as can be seen in Figure 4c, a sliding connection 48 is arranged between the device 43 for holding the portable electronic device and the base 44. The sliding connection 48 is for example formed by two rods 49.1, 49.2 along which the device 43 for holding the portable electronic device can slide. The elements 50.1 and 50.2 comprise hinges which ensure the rotation of the extension plate 24 around the axis X3.

[0050] The base 44 has a tray shape, in particular a rectangular shape. The base 44 may include a through window 53 arranged opposite the device 43 for holding a portable electronic device when the device 43 is in the stored position. The window 53 opens vertically above the device 43 for holding a portable electronic device. The window 53 has a length less than that of the device 43 for holding a portable electronic device.

[0051] Thus, when the portable electronic device holding device 43 is in the stored position, a small electronic device 55, for example a mobile phone, can be introduced via the window 53 into a housing of the device 43, as illustrated in FIG. 4a. When the portable electronic device holding device 43 moves into the deployed position, the device 43 can support a larger electronic device, for example a digital tablet, as illustrated in FIG. 4b. Indeed, in this case, the entire length of the holding device 43 is available to receive the portable electronic device.

[0052] For this purpose, the device 43 for holding an elongated portable electronic device may comprise a housing 56 for receiving a lower edge of the electronic device. The holding device 43 may also comprise a support plate 57 allowing the electronic device to be held in a slightly inclined position, in particular by a few degrees, towards the rear relative to a vertical direction. For this purpose, the lower edge of the portable electronic device 55 is arranged inside the housing 56 while a rear face of the device bears against the support plate 57. The support plate 57 may have a rectangular or square shape. Alternatively, the support plate 57 may have a triangular shape or any other shape providing a sufficient support surface for the portable electronic device 55.

[0053] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the extension plate 24 is rotatable relative to the support 27 about an axis of rotation X3 between a low position and a raised position. The axis of rotation X3 is preferably a horizontal axis. The axis of rotation X3 is parallel to a plane of the backrest 16 of the seat 10. The axis of rotation X3 may be the same as or parallel to the axis of rotation X2. For this purpose, a pivot connection of axis X3 is arranged between the extension plate 24 and the support 27.

[0054] In the low position shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the extension plate 24 extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the main plate 23. In the raised position, the extension plate 24 forms a non-zero angle of inclination relative to the plane in which the main plate 23 extends, in particular an angle inclination between 45 and 90 degrees. Such a configuration allows free access to the main plate 23 when the latter is in the close position.

[0055] Alternatively, the movement of the extension plate 24 relative to the main plate 23 is provided by a connecting rod connection. The extension plate 24 can also be movable in translation according to the direction of translational movement D1 of the main plate 23.

[0056] In the embodiment of Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the extension plate 24 comprises a base 44 and a device 43 for holding a portable electronic device that can rotate relative to the base 44 about an axis of rotation X4. The axis of rotation X4 is a horizontal axis. The axis of rotation X4 extends along the front edge of the extension plate 24. The axis of rotation X4 of the device 43 is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation X2 of the main plate 23.

[0057] The portable electronic device holding device 43 is rotatable between a stored position in which the device 43 cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape 60 made in a thickness of the base 44 (see FIG. 6a) and a deployed position in which the device 43 projects relative to a front edge of the base 44 (see FIG. 6b). In the stored position, the upper face of the portable electronic device holding device 43 is flush with the upper face of the base 44.

[0058] The portable electronic device holding device 43 is movable between the stored position and the deployed position through a deployment angle of 180 degrees. When the holding device 43 moves from the stored position to the deployed position, the upper face of the holding device 43 rotates to become the lower face of the device 43 in the deployed position.

[0059] The device 43 for holding a portable electronic device may comprise a housing 56 for receiving a lower edge of the electronic device. The device 43 having a T shape, the housing is made in the longest portion of the T.

[0060] As illustrated in Figure 6c, the device 43 may also comprise a support pallet 57 allowing the electronic device to be held in a slightly inclined position, in particular by a few degrees, towards the rear relative to a vertical direction. For this purpose, the lower edge of the portable electronic device 55 is arranged inside the housing 56 while a rear face of the device bears against the support pallet 57. A notch 61 made in the extension of the hollow shape 60 may be provided to facilitate access to the rear edge of the device 43.

[0061] Figures 7a and 7b highlight that a meal tray 65 can rest substantially horizontally partly on the main tray 23 in the remote position and partly on the extension tray 24 offset longitudinally relative to the main tray 23. Furthermore, a cup 39 can be placed on the imprint 38 made in the extension tray 24 without interfering with the meal tray 65. It should also be noted that the movement of the main tray 23 from the close position to the remote position can be carried out without risk of the cup 39 tipping over since the cup 39 is placed on the extension tray 24 which remains stationary during the movement of the main tray 23 from one position to another.

[0062] Alternatively, the translation mechanism 31 can be integrated into the extension plate 24.

[0063] 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. 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. Set of trays (21), in particular for an airplane seat (10), comprising: - a main tray (23), - a translation mechanism (31) allowing the main plate (23) to be movable in translation, in a direction of translational movement (D1), relative to a support (27), between a close position and a distant position, - at least one arm (26) comprising a first end intended to be fixed on a structural element (16, 17) of a seat (10) and a second end rotatably mounted relative to one end of the support (27), characterized in that an extension plate (24) has at least one position in which, when the main plate (23) is in the remote position, the extension plate (24) extends in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main plate (23) and has at least one portion offset longitudinally relative to the main plate (23) in the direction of translational movement (D1) so as to cover the translation mechanism (31), - a gap between a plane in which the main plate (23) extends and a plane in which the extension plate (24) extends being small, less than 1 cm, in particular less than 5 mm.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension plate (24) comprises at least one portion fixed in translation relative to the support (27).

3. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension plate (24) is movable in rotation relative to the support (27) around an axis of rotation (X3) between a low position and a raised position.

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the extension plate (24) comprises a device (43) for holding a fixed electronic device.

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the extension plate (24) comprises a base (44) and a device (43) for holding a portable electronic device movable in translation relative to the base (44).

6. Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the device (43) for holding a portable electronic device is movable in translation along a direction of translational movement (D2) between a stored position in which said device (43) is arranged inside a housing (47) made in the base (44) and a deployed position in which said device (43) extends outside the housing (47) of the base (44).

7. Assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the base (44) comprises a through window (53) arranged opposite the device (43) for holding the portable electronic device.

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the extension plate (24) comprises a base (44) and a device (43) for holding a portable electronic device mobile in rotation relative to the base (44).

9. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (43) for holding a portable electronic device is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation (X4) between a stored position in which said device (43) cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape (60) made in a thickness of the base (44) and a deployed position in which said device (43) extends at least partly projecting relative to a front edge of the base (44).

10. Assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the device (43) for holding a portable electronic device is movable through an angle of 180 degrees.

11. Assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the device (43) for holding a portable electronic device comprises a support pallet (57) for an electronic device allowing the electronic device to be held in a position inclined backwards relative to a vertical direction.

12. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the extension plate (24) has an imprint (38) for a cup.

13. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the extension tray (24) has a recess (40) for placing personal objects such as glasses, pens, keys, or cutlery.

14. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the extension tray (24) has a space for displaying a logo and / or an advertising poster.

Images