GRIPPING DEVICE FOR MULTI-SEATER SEAT CUSHIONS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-seat seat (10), particularly for an aircraft, comprising: - at least two seat cushions (15.1-15.3) and at least two backrests (16.1-16.3) defining at least two seat positions (17.1-17.3), - at least one first seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) and a second seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) disposed on the seat cushions (15.1-15.3) or on the backrests (16.1-16.3) of said seat (10), and - a cushion lifting device (24) comprising at least one gripping member (25.1, 25.2) connecting the first seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) and the second seat cushion. (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) so as to be able to simultaneously lift the two seat cushions (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) relative to the corresponding seats (15.1-15.3) or backrests (16.1-16.3), said grasping device (25.1, 25.2) being disposed between the two seats (17.1-17.3). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: GRIPPING DEVICE FOR CUSHIONS OF A MULTI-PLACE SEAT

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping member for cushions of a multi-seater seat, in particular the seat cushions or the back cushions. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with airplane seats intended for economy classes. However, the invention can also be implemented with the multi-seater seats of other types of aircraft.

[0002] In a manner known per se, an economy class multi-seater seat comprises at least two seats, in particular two seats, three seats or more, each formed by a seat and a backrest. Each backrest can be mounted so as to tilt backwards relative to the corresponding seat. A seat cushion is arranged on each seat and a backrest cushion is arranged on each backrest to improve the comfort of the seat.

[0003] To ensure that no dangerous parts have been hidden by a passenger, the cushions are checked before each flight. During this check, an operator feels and turns over the cushions of all the seats in the aircraft cabin one by one. However, this procedure is long and tedious to carry out.

[0004] The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a multi-seater seat, in particular for an airplane, comprising: - at least two seats and at least two backrests defining at least two seating positions, - at least a first seat cushion and a second seat cushion arranged on the seats or on the backs of said seat, and - a cushion lifting device comprising at least one gripping member connecting the first seat cushion and the second seat cushion together so as to be able to simultaneously lift the two seat cushions relative to the corresponding seats or backrests, said gripping member being arranged between the two seat positions.

[0005] The invention thus makes it possible, by connecting the cushions together via a gripping means, to simplify control by allowing the seat cushions to be moved simultaneously via the gripping means. The invention also limits the possibilities of introducing objects under the seat cushions. The invention is simple to implement insofar as it does not involve any complex mechanical element for articulating the seat. The invention is also adaptable to any shape of seat due to its design based on flexible textile elements. The invention also has the advantage of being light and inexpensive while being discreet with respect to its integration into the seat.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is chosen from: a handle, a cord, a hook or a string.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is fixed on the one hand to a cover or a comfort element of the first seat cushion and on the other hand to a cover or a comfort element of the second seat cushion adjacent to the first seat cushion.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is fixed to a cover or to a comfort element of a seat cushion by means of a removable fixing device.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is an integral part of a cover or a comfort element, in particular made of foam, of a seat cushion. The gripping member and the cover or the comfort element then form a single piece.

[0010] In all cases, the gripping member makes it possible to lift the comfort element on one side and to rotate and / or translate it around a flexible hinge described in more detail below.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member comprises a handle made in a single part.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member comprises a handle made of two parts connected together by a removable fixing device.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, said seat comprises a device for rotational and / or translational movement arranged between a seat cushion and a corresponding seat or backrest.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotational and / or translational movement device comprises a flexible hinge.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible hinge comprises a first portion and a second portion folded relative to the first portion, said first portion being fixed to a seat or back of the seat and said second portion being fixed to a comfort element or a cover of a corresponding seat cushion.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the removable fastening device is chosen from: self-gripping textile fastener strips with loops and hooks, such as Velcro fasteners (trade name), press studs, or magnets.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is arranged opposite a lifting direction of the seat cushions.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cushion lifting device comprises a first fixing portion carrying a removable fixing device, a first gripping member, a second fixing portion carrying a removable fixing device, a second gripping member, and a third fixing portion carrying a removable fixing device, the first gripping member is disposed between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the second gripping member being disposed between the second fixing portion and the third fixing portion.

[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 by way of illustration 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] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an airplane seat having a cushion lifting device according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an airplane seat showing by transparency a cushion lifting device according to the invention;

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top view of an airplane seat showing through transparency a cushion lifting device according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view of an airplane seat having a device for lifting cushions according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a cushion lifting device according to the invention having handles made in two parts;

[0025] [Fig.6a][Fig.6b][Fig.6c] Figures 6a, 6b, 6c are perspective views illustrating the mobility of a flexible hinge used with the aircraft seat according to the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the figures, 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.

[0027] The relative terms of the type "front", "rear" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a person installed on a seat according to the invention would give them.

[0028] [Fig. 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 provided with fasteners 12 configured to cooperate with the rails of the cabin. A luggage bar 13 makes it possible to retain the luggage placed under the seat 10.

[0029] The seat 10 comprises several seats 15.1-15.3 and several backrests 16.1-16.3 so as to define several places 17.1-17.3. In this case, the seat 10 comprises three seats 15.1-15.3 and three backrests 16.1-16.3 so as to define three places 17.1-17.3. However, as a variant, the seat 10 may have more or less than three seats 15.1-15.3 and three backrests 16.1-16.3 so as to define more or less than three places, in particular two places, four places, five places or more.

[0030] Each backrest 16.1-16.3 can be mounted tilting backwards relative to the corresponding seat 15.1-15.3. The seat 10 also has armrests 18.

[0031] In order to improve the comfort of the seat 10, each seat 15.1-15.3 is covered by a seat cushion 20.1-20.3 and each backrest 16.1-16.3 is covered by a backrest cushion 21.1-21.3. The first seat 15.1 is thus covered by a first seat cushion 20.1 which is an end cushion. The second seat 15.2 is covered by a second seat cushion 20.2 which is a central cushion. The third seat 15.3 is covered by a third seat cushion 20.3 which is an end cushion. The central cushion 20.2 is arranged between the two end cushions 20.1 and 20.3.

[0032] Furthermore, the first backrest 16.1 is thus covered by a first backrest cushion 21.1 which is an end cushion. The second backrest 16.2 is covered by a second backrest cushion 21.2 which is a central cushion. The third backrest 16.3 is covered by a third backrest cushion 21.3 which is an end cushion.

[0033] The seat cushions 20.1-20.3 and the back cushions 21.1-21.3 are commonly referred to as "seat cushions".

[0034] The invention described in more detail below is implemented with the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 but it can also be implemented with the back cushions 21.1-21.3.

[0035] A seat cushion 20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3 comprises a comfort element also called padding made of a flexible material and a cover covering the comfort element. Advantageously, the comfort element is made of a foam material, for example a polyurethane foam, a polyethylene foam, a fiber foam, a cellular foam, an inflatable foam or any other material allowing a comfort foam to be produced. The comfort element can be conventionally produced either by molding in a single block, or from several blocks of foam assembled together by gluing. In the case where the material of the seat cushion 20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3 is not sufficiently fire-resistant, the comfort element is covered with a fire-resistant envelope called "FBL" for "Fire Blocking Layer" in English terminology.

[0036] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, a seat cushion 20.1-20.3 is fixed to a seat 15.1-15.3 by means of a removable fixing device 23 to create a removable mechanical connection between the seat cushion 20.1-20.3 and the corresponding seat 15.1-15.3. The removable fixing device 23 is chosen from: self-gripping textile fastener strips with loops and hooks, such as Velcro fasteners (trade name), snap fasteners, or magnets.

[0037] Furthermore, a cushion lifting device 24 comprises at least one gripping member 25.1, 25.2 connecting at least two adjacent seat cushions 20.1-20.3 so as to be able to simultaneously lift the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 relative to the seats 15.1-15.3. The gripping member 25.1, 25.2 is arranged between the two adjacent seats 15.1 and 15.2 or 15.2 and 15.3. The gripping member 25.1, 25.2 is preferably chosen from: a handle, a cord, a hook or a string.

[0038] In this case, a first gripping member 25.1 is attached on the one hand to the cover of the first seat cushion 20.1 and on the other hand to the cover of the second seat cushion 20.2. A second gripping member 25.2 is attached on the one hand to the cover of the second seat cushion 20.2 and on the other hand to the cover of the third seat cushion 20.3. A gripping member 25.1, 25.2 can be attached to a cover or a comfort element of a seat cushion 20.1-20.3 by means of a removable fastening device 23 or be sewn onto the cover or the seat cushion comfort element 20.1-20.3. Alternatively, the gripping member 25.1, 25.2 is an integral part of a cover or a comfort element of a seat cushion, in particular a seat cushion 20.1-20.3. A gripping member 25.1, 25.2 and a cover or a comfort element of a seat cushion then form a single piece.

[0039] The removable fastening devices 23 can be chosen from: self-gripping textile fastener strips with loops and hooks, such as Velcro fasteners (trade name), press studs, or magnets.

[0040] For this purpose, as can be seen in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the cushion lifting device 24 comprises a first fixing portion 28.1 carrying a removable fixing device 23, a first gripping member 25.1 such as a first handle, a second fixing portion 28.2 carrying a removable fixing device 23, a second gripping member 25.2 such as a second handle, and a third fixing portion 28.3 carrying a removable fixing device 23. The first gripping member 25.1 is arranged between the first fixing portion 28.1 and the second fixing portion 28.2. The second gripping member 25.2 is arranged between the second fixing portion 28.2 and the third fixing portion 28.3. When the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 are in the position of use on the seat 10, the first gripping member 25.1 is arranged between the first place 17.1 and the second place 17.2, in particular between the first seat cushion 20.1 and the second seat cushion 20.2. The second gripping member 25.2 is arranged between the second place 17.2 and the third place 17.3, in particular between the second seat cushion 20.2 and the third seat cushion 20.3. All of the elements 28.1, 25.1, 28.2, 25.2, 28.3 are located in the extension of each other and . extend in the same longitudinal direction of extension.

[0041] The removable fixing device 23 of the first fixing portion 28.1 makes it possible to form a removable mechanical connection between the first fixing portion 28.1 and the first seat cushion 20.1. The removable fixing device 23 of the second fixing portion 28.2 makes it possible to form a removable mechanical connection between the second fixing portion 28.2 and the second seat cushion 20.2. The removable fixing device 23 of the third fixing portion 28.3 makes it possible to form a removable mechanical connection between the third fixing portion 28.3 and the third seat cushion 20.3. The removable mechanical connections between the fixing portions 28.1-28.3 and the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 are sufficiently rigid so that the fixing portions 28.1-28.3 remain attached to the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 when a flight attendant pulls on the gripping members 25.1, 25.2 in order to lift the seat cushions 20.1-20.3.

[0042] The fixing portions 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 preferably have an elongated shape. The fixing portions 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 may comprise reinforcing elements, for example flat elements made of plastic or metal, making it possible to improve the rigidity of the assembly when the lifting device 24 is actuated.

[0043] The different parts of the cushion lifting device 24 can be made in one piece or can be made separately and assembled together. In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], a handle 25.1, 25.2 can be made in a single part or in two half-handles connected together by a removable fixing device 23. In the latter case, a half-handle is located in the extension of a fixing portion to form a "half-handle and fixing portion" assembly. The "half-handle and fixing portion" assemblies are assembled together at the connecting junctions located at the handles 25.1, 25.2 so as to adapt to the number of seat cushions.

[0044] For a seat 10 having three seat cushions 20.1-20.3, a cushion lifting device 24 is provided comprising three fixing portions 28.1, 28.2, 28.3 and two gripping members 25.1, 25.2. More generally, for a seat 10 having N seat cushions, the cushion lifting device 24 comprises N fixing portions and N1 gripping members.

[0045] Advantageously, the cushion lifting device 24 is arranged opposite a lifting direction of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3. Thus, when the lifting of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 is carried out forward, the cushion lifting device 24 is arranged on the side of a rear edge of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3. In this case, the device 31 for moving the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 in rotation and / or translation described in more detail below can be arranged on the side of the front edge of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3.

[0046] When the lifting of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 is carried out towards the rear, the cushion lifting device 24 is arranged on the side of a front edge of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3. In this case, the device 31 for moving the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 in rotation and / or translation described in more detail below can be arranged on the side of the rear edge of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3.

[0047] The cushion lifting device 24 is preferably made of a flexible textile material. Alternatively, the cushion lifting device 24 may be made of a semi-rigid or rigid flexible plastic material.

[0048] Furthermore, a device 31 for rotational and / or translational movement is arranged between a seat cushion 20.1-20.3 and a corresponding seat 15.1-15.3 to allow rotational and / or translational movement of the seat cushion 20.1-20.3 relative to the corresponding seat 15.1-15.3.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the device 31 for rotational and / or translational movement comprises a flexible hinge 32, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6a, 6b and 6c. The flexible hinge 32 comprises a first portion 33.1 and a second portion 33.2 folded relative to the first portion 33.1. The first portion 33.1 is fixed to the seat 15.1-15.3 in an irremovable manner, for example by gluing or in a removable manner by means of a removable fixing device 23. The second portion 33.2 is fixed to the comfort element or the cover of the corresponding seat cushion 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 by means of a removable fixing device 23. The flexible hinge 32 thus allows a pivoting of a seat cushion 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 around an axis X located at the junction between the first portion 33.1 and the second portion 33.2 which have a common edge. The first portion 33.1 and the second portion 33.2 are preferably made in one piece and folded relative to each other. The hinge 32 may preferably be made of a flexible textile material or of a semi-rigid flexible plastic material.

[0050] The flexible hinge 32 is preferably located on the front edge side of the corresponding seat 15.1-15.3 in order to provide more ergonomic gripping members 25.1, 25.2. In addition, such a configuration makes it possible to block or prevent the insertion of dangerous parts under the seat cushion 20.1-20.3.

[0051] Thus, when a flight attendant checks the seat cushions 20.1-20.3, he simply needs to grasp the gripping member(s) 25.1, 25.2 of the seat 10 and then pull them towards him so as to pivot all of the seat cushions 20.1-20.3 around the flexible hinges 32 along the arrow FL. Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate the progressive deployment of a flexible hinge 32 during the pivoting of a cushion around the axis X. Alternatively, the pivoting movement of a seat cushion 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 can be combined with a translational movement. In this case, the device 31 can comprise a slide system arranged between a cushion 20.1-20.3 seat and a corresponding 15.1-15.3 seat.

[0052] Alternatively, the lifting device can be implemented in a similar manner with the back cushions 21.1-21.3 to allow the back cushions 21.1-21.3 to be lifted simultaneously. The hinge 32 allows a lock to be created.

[0053] The invention can of course be implemented with any type of aircraft seat, such as business class seats.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

Claims

Claims

1. Multi-seater seat (10), in particular for an airplane, comprising: - at least two seats (15.1-15.3) and at least two backrests (16.1-16.3) defining at least two seat positions (17.1-17.3), - at least one first seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) and one second seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) arranged on the seats (15.1-15.3) or on the backrests (16.1-16.3) of said seat (10), characterized in that a cushion lifting device (24) comprises at least one gripping member (25.1, 25.2) connecting together the first seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) and the second seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) so as to be able to simultaneously lift the two seat cushions (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) relative to the corresponding seats (15.1-15.3) or backrests (16.1-16.3), said gripping member (25.1, 25.2) being arranged between the two seat positions (17.1-17.3).

2. Seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping member (25.1, 25.2) is chosen from: a handle, a cord, a hook or a string.

3. Seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gripping member (25.1, 25.2) is attached on the one hand to a cover or a comfort element of the first seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) and on the other hand to a cover or a comfort element of the second seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) adjacent to the first seat cushion.

4. Seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gripping member (25.1, 25.2) is attached to a cover or to a comfort element of a seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3) by means of a removable attachment device (23).

5. Seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gripping member (25.1, 25.2) is an integral part of a cover or a comfort element of a seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3).

6. Seat according to claim 2 or one of claims 3 to 5 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the gripping member (25.1, 25.2) comprises a handle made in a single part.

7. Seat according to claim 2 or one of claims 3 to 5 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the gripping member (25.1, 25.2) comprises a handle made in two parts connected together by a removable fixing device (23).

8. Seat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a device (31) for rotational and / or translational movement arranged between a seat cushion (20.1-20.3, 21.1-21.3) and a corresponding seat (15.1-15.3) or backrest (16.1-16.3).

9. Seat according to claim 8, characterized in that the device (31) for rotational and / or translational movement comprises a flexible hinge (32).

10. Seat according to claim 9, characterized in that the flexible hinge (32) comprises a first portion (33.1) and a second portion (33.2) bent relative to the first portion (33.1), said first portion (33.1) being fixed to a seat (15.1-15.3) or a backrest (16.1-16.3) of the seat and said second portion (33.2) being fixed to a comfort element or a cover of a corresponding seat cushion (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3).

11. Seat according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that the removable fixing device (23) is chosen from: self-gripping textile fastener strips with loops and hooks, such as Velcro fasteners (trade name), press studs, or magnets.

12. A seat according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cushion lifting device (24) is arranged opposite a lifting direction of the seat cushions (20.1-20.3; 21.1-21.3).

13. A seat according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, said seat comprising three seat cushions (15.1-15.3), the cushion lifting device (24) comprises a first fixing portion (28.1) carrying a removable fixing device (23), a first gripping member (25.1), a second fixing portion (28.2) carrying a removable fixing device (23), a second gripping member (25.2), and a third fixing portion (28.3) carrying a removable fixing device (23), the first gripping member (25.1) is arranged between the first fixing portion (28.1) and the second fixing portion (28.2), the second gripping member (25.2) being arranged between the second fixing portion (28.2) and the third fixing portion (28.3).

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