PANEL FOR A FURNITURE ELEMENT WITH A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel (30) for a piece of furniture (13, 14, 28) comprising: a covering (31), a support structure (32), and fastening means (33) for fixing the panel (30) to one face of the piece of furniture (13, 14, 28). Figure 3a

Description

Title of the invention: PANEL FOR A FURNITURE ELEMENT EQUIPPED WITH A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a noise-attenuating panel, for a piece of furniture equipped with a support structure.

[0002] The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the aeronautical field, in particular for "business class" and "first class" type seat units in an aircraft cabin.

[0003] Such a seating unit comprises a seat and a shell extending at least partially around the seat so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration ensures the passenger's privacy.

[0004] Noise that may disturb passengers is an important environmental concern to be taken into consideration when developing a seating unit.

[0005] There is therefore a need to reduce the perception of noise inside an aircraft cabin in order to optimize the acoustic comfort of passengers.

[0006] In this context, noise-attenuating panels with padding can be attached to the seat unit. The soft padding can be fixed to a solid support configured to limit contact between the padding and the seat structure by creating an air gap, allowing the noise-attenuating panels and the seat unit to be certified independently, in compliance with fire regulations.

[0007] However, such solid supports have the disadvantage of being heavy.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a panel for a piece of furniture comprising at least: - upholstery, - a support structure, and - fastening means suitable for fixing the panel to one face of the furniture element.

[0009] The invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the support structure, to reduce the mass of the panel and therefore of the furniture elements, such as aircraft seat units. This contributes to reducing fuel consumption, leading to a reduction in harmful emissions (CO, CO2, NOx...).

[0010] The invention also makes it easier to pass certification tests, in particular fire resistance tests, insofar as the panel can be certified independently of the furniture element on which the panel is installed.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a plurality of elongated structural elements arranged so as to extend at least along one periphery of the panel.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a structural layer arranged to extend at least along one periphery of the panel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means are arranged on the support structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means are removable fastening means, in particular textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, snap fasteners, snap buttons and / or magnetic fasteners.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is arranged inside a groove made in the lining.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is fixed directly onto one face of the padding so that the support structure extends in projection relative to said face of the padding made of flexible material.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible material filling is made of a material chosen from foam, fibrous material, non-woven material, felt, wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

[0018] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a piece of furniture and a panel as previously defined which is fixed to one face of the piece of furniture.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the furniture item is chosen from: - a console, - a shell, designed to extend at least partially around a seat, - a footrest, and / or - a monument in an airplane cabin.

[0020] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying figures, presented by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which:

[0021] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a siege unit comprising a panel according to the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a front view of a panel according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig. 3a] [Fig. 3b] Figures 3a and 3b are cross-sectional views illustrating a first embodiment of a panel according to the invention; and

[0024] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4b] Figures 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views illustrating a second embodiment of a panel according to the invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit 10 comprising a panel 30 according to the present invention;

[0027] In particular, [Fig.1] shows the seat unit 10 comprising a seat 12, which can be associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12.

[0028] In addition, the seat unit 10 may include a shell 14, also called a "privacy shell," extending at least partially around the seat 12, so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in seat 12.

[0029] The shell 14 is made for example of a composite material or of a plastic material.

[0030] A video screen 16 of a multimedia system, also designated by the acronym "IFE" for "InFlight Entertainment" in English, can be installed on a rear part of the hull 14, so as to be usable by a passenger seated behind the seat unit 10.

[0031] The console 13 may include an upper panel 17 forming a table on which the passenger can place items, as well as a storage space 18 comprising one or more items such as a bookcase, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage options is configurable according to the airline's requirements. The console 13 may also include a reading light 19 designed to direct light towards the seat 12.

[0032] A recess 21 can be arranged under the upper wall 17. The recess 21 is open laterally towards the seat 12. In addition, a horizontal face 22 of the console 13 can, in particular, serve as an armrest. For this purpose, the horizontal face 22 can locally have a curved cuff shape 23 conforming to the shape of part of the passenger's arm.

[0033] The console 13 may also include a control unit 25 for the seat 12 and its ancillary components, also designated by the acronym "PCU" for "Passenger Control Unit". The control unit 25 allows the passenger, in particular, to select a position for the seat 12, as well as ancillary components, such as a multimedia system, a heating system, an ambient lighting system and / or any other ancillary component that can be integrated into the seat 12.

[0034] The seat unit 10 may also conventionally include a tablet 26, in particular movable between a stored position, as shown in [Fig.1], in which the tablet 26 is inside a housing, in particular provided in the console 13, and a deployed position, in which the tablet 26 is outside the housing, to allow the passenger to place an object on it, such as a meal tray.

[0035] In addition, the console 13 has a housing 27, seen by transparency on the [Fig.1], in which a footrest 28 is arranged. The footrest 28 has a horizontal face on which a passenger seated behind the seat unit 10 can place his feet.

[0036] According to the invention, the panel 30, in particular a noise-dampening panel 30, is fixed to a face of the shell 14. The panel 30 can be fixed to a front face of the shell 14, located on the side of the seat 12. Alternatively or in addition, the panel 30 can be fixed to a rear face of the shell 14. The panel 30 can also be fixed to a face of the side console 13, located on the side of the seat 12 or around the footrest 28.

[0037] Thus, the panel 30 can be fixed on one or more furniture elements of the seat 12, in particular chosen from the console 13, the shell 14, and the footrest 28.

[0038] Alternatively, the furniture element to which the panel 30 is attached may be an aircraft cabin furniture element, such as a monument, in particular a front-row monument and / or a rear-row monument of an aircraft cabin. In particular, such a monument may include storage compartments, housings for onboard equipment and / or a footrest.

[0039] Figure 2 is a front view of the panel 30 according to the invention. Figures 3a and 3b and Figures 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views illustrating, respectively, a first and a second embodiment of the panel 30 according to the invention. More specifically, Figures 3a and 3b and Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a support structure 32 intended to be fixed to one face of the panel 30, respectively without and with a cover cap.

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 4a and 4b, the panel 30 comprises a padding 31, in particular made of flexible material, the structure 32, and fastening means 33, suitable for fixing the panel 30 on one face of the furniture element, in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and / the footrest 28.

[0041] The furniture element, such as the console 13, the shell 14 and / the footrest 28, can be made of a composite and / or plastic material, in particular having a honeycomb structure.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, a thickness E of the panel 30 can be between 1mm and 50mm, in particular between 5mm and 20mm, in particular between 12mm and 15mm inclusive.

[0043] The padding 31 can be made of a material, in particular chosen from a foam, in particular an open-cell foam, a fibrous material, a non-woven material, felt, and / or a wadding-based material.

[0044] The padding 31 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 padding 31 may be high-density foam, which may or may not be perforated.

[0045] Alternatively, the padding 31 can be made of any other flexible material suitable for the use.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the support structure 32 comprises a plurality of elongated structural elements arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel 30, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0047] To this end, the support structure 32 comprises at least two parallel longitudinal members 35, extending in particular along the longer sides of panel 30, and at least two parallel crossbeams 36 extending in particular between the longitudinal members 35.

[0048] The stringers 35 and the cross members 36 constitute at least part of the structural elements of the support structure 32.

[0049] The cross members 36 can provide a mechanical link between the longitudinal members 35.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal members 35 and the cross members 36 are bars elongated, especially in profile shape, exhibiting a longitudinal extension direction.

[0051] The support structure 32 may also include intermediate elements 37 arranged between the cross members 36 of the support structure 32. The intermediate elements 37 may be arranged parallel to the cross members 36. The intermediate elements 37 may also take the form of elongated bars.

[0052] The intermediate elements 37 also constitute structural elements of the support structure 32

[0053] The various structural elements are made of a rigid material, for example rigid plastic and / or metallic material.

[0054] The fastening means 33 are arranged, in particular glued, on the support structure 32.

[0055] Advantageously, the fastening means 33 are preferably removable, in particular detachable without the aid of tools, such as, for example, snap-on devices for textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, snap buttons, magnetic fasteners and / or any other fastening device suitable for the application.

[0056] In the first embodiment of Figures 2, 3a and 3b, the fastening means 33 comprise a first textile fastening strip 34 extending along a longitudinal elongation direction of the structural elements. The first textile fastening strips 34 of the panel 30 are intended to cooperate with second textile fastening strips 34' of complementary shape fixed to the furniture element.

[0057] Where the first textile fastening strips 34 of the panel 30 have loops, the second textile fastening strips 34' of the furniture element have hooks of a complementary shape. Conversely, where the first textile fastening strips 34 of the panel 30 have hooks, the second textile fastening strips 34' of the furniture element have loops of a complementary shape.

[0058] Alternatively, the first textile fastening bands 34 of the furniture element and the second textile fastening bands 34' of the panel 30 may each include a combination of loops and hooks of complementary shape.

[0059] In the first embodiment of figures 3a and 3b, the support structure 32 is arranged inside a groove 40 made in the lining 31. The support structure 32 can be glued against the bottom of the groove 40.

[0060] The arrangement of the support structure 32 is such that one face of the panel 30 is pressed against the furniture element, or at a very short distance from the furniture element, when the panel 30 is assembled with the furniture element.

[0061] The groove 40 can be obtained by local removal of material and / or local compression of the material of the lining 31.

[0062] The local compression of material of the lining 31 to obtain the groove 40 can be carried out in particular during a thermoforming operation of the lining 31.

[0063] As can be seen in [Fig. 3b], the trim 31 can be covered by a trim cap 4L. The trim cap 41 is chosen to provide an aesthetic finish to the assembly. The trim cap 41 can, for example, be made of a material chosen from: a textile material, leather, imitation leather, of Alcantara, and / or any other flexible material suitable for finishing panel 30.

[0064] The upholstery cover 41 may have decorative patterns on its visible parts, when the panel 30 is placed on the furniture element, such as in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and / the footrest 28 of the seat 12. Such decorative patterns may be customized, in particular according to the wishes of an airline.

[0065] In the second embodiment of figures 4a and 4b, the support structure 32 is fixed directly onto one face of the lining 31. The support structure 32 extends outward from the face of the lining 31.

[0066] The arrangement of the support structure 32 is such that one face of the panel 30 is located at a distance from the furniture element when the panel 30 is assembled with the furniture element. A gap of a few millimeters, in particular between 1 mm and 15 mm, and especially 3 mm, may be provided between the panel 30 and the furniture element. Such a gap allows the parts to be certified independently of each other.

[0067] As can be seen in [Fig. 3b], the trim 31 can be covered by a trim cap 4L. The trim cap 41 is chosen to provide an aesthetic finish to the assembly. The trim cap 41 can, for example, be made of a material chosen from: a textile material, leather, imitation leather, Alcantara, and / or any other flexible material suitable for the finish of the panel 30.

[0068] The upholstery cover 41 may have decorative patterns on its visible parts, when the panel 30 is placed on the furniture element, such as in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and / the footrest 28 of the seat 12. Such decorative patterns may be customized, in particular according to the wishes of an airline.

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment, the support structure 32 can be a structural layer disposed at an interface between the panel 30 and the furniture element.

[0070] For this purpose, the structural layer can be glued directly onto one face of the lining 31 or placed inside a groove 40 made in the lining 31.

[0071] The structural layer can be: a textile material, such as canvas, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, imitation leather, ultra-suede and / or any other flexible material suitable for the application.

[0072] The structural layer can be solid, perforated and / or cut to create a support structure 32.

[0073] According to an alternative embodiment, the support structure 32 may consist of strips a textile material, such as canvas, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, imitation leather, ultra-suede and / or any other flexible material suitable for the application. in order to minimize the amount of material used to make the support structure 32 as a structural layer.

[0074] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0075] 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 a person skilled in the art might consider 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

Demands

1. Panel (30) for a furniture item (13, 14, 28), comprising at least: a filling (31), a support structure (32), and fastening means (33), suitable for fixing the panel (30) to a face of the furniture item (13, 14, 28), characterized in that the support structure (32) comprises a plurality of elongated structural elements (35, 36, 37) arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel (30) and in that the fastening means are arranged, in particular glued, on the support structure (32).

2. Panel (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure (32) comprises a structural layer arranged to extend at least along a periphery of the panel (30).

3. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (33) are removable fastening means, in particular textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, snap fasteners, snap buttons and / or magnetic fasteners.

4. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (32) is arranged inside a groove (40) made in the lining (31).

5. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (32) is fixed directly to one face of the trim (31).

6. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soft material filling (31) is made of a material selected from foam, fibrous material, non-woven material, felt, wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

7. Assembly comprising a furniture element (13, 14, 28) and a panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims fixed to a face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

8. Assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the furniture element (13, 14, 28) is selected from: a console (13), a shell (14), intended to extend at least partially around a seat (12), a footrest (28), and / or a monument in an airplane cabin.

Images