FOLDABLE / DEPLOYABLE DEVICE FOR PASSENGER SEATS IN A TRANSPORT VEHICLE

Abstract

FOLDABLE / DEPLOYABLE DEVICE FOR PASSENGER SEATS OF A TRANSPORT VEHICLE The invention relates to a foldable / deployable device for passenger seats of a transport vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a first portion (2) configured to be able to surround at least one headrest of at least one first seat, a second portion (6) comprising at least two hooks (15, 16, 17, 18) configured to be able to be fixed to the backrest of a second seat, a third portion (4) extending from said first portion (2), configured to be able to extend at least partially between said headrest and the seat of said first seat, at least a fourth portion (5) and a fifth portion (7) configured to be able to form, in a deployed state of said device, at least a first surface (25) and a second surface (27) for receiving luggage,said fourth portion (5) and fifth portion (7) linking said second portion (6) and said third portion (4). Figure for the abbreviation: figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: FOLDABLE / DEPLOYABLE DEVICE FOR PASSENGER SEATS IN A TRANSPORT VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of luggage racks. The invention relates more particularly to a foldable / deployable device for seats, especially for passenger seats in a transport vehicle, for receiving luggage. Technological background

[0002] Passenger transport vehicles, such as railway vehicles, are equipped with seats forming seating positions and generally arranged in rows, each row comprising at least one seat, often one, two, or three seats, sometimes more. Luggage storage shelves of relatively shallow depth are often located high up along each exterior wall of the vehicle, above the seats positioned against the exterior walls. Some vehicles may also provide dedicated luggage spaces near the doors or between certain rows of seats. These spaces are particularly suitable for luggage or other bulkier items than those that can be placed under the seats or on the storage shelves located along the exterior walls.

[0003] During peak periods such as holiday departures or weekends, the number of passengers' luggage increases significantly, and the storage spaces provided inside the vehicles become insufficient. This can cause not only inconvenience for passengers but also a safety problem related to the congestion of passenger and staff circulation areas on board the railway vehicles. Storing luggage in areas not designated for this purpose can also cause damage or premature wear to other components.

[0004] To meet this occasional need for additional luggage storage space, a waterproof fabric cover has already been proposed, configured to cover a row of seats and to protect seats used occasionally for luggage.

[0005] While it does indeed prevent soiling and damage to the seat upholstery during luggage handling, such a solution remains unsuitable for luggage storage, as the luggage is not held securely enough and the space remains unsuitable for such use.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. Objectives of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a foldable / deployable device that is easy to handle and ergonomic, both for its installation and for access to the luggage it receives.

[0008] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a foldable / deployable device which is, in general, reliable and particularly robust.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a foldable / deployable device that can be easily put in place and removed.

[0010] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a foldable / deployable device which has a very small footprint in its folded state, when not in use.

[0011] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a foldable / deployable device capable of supporting at least 40 kg, or even up to 100 kg of total load. Description of the invention

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a folding / deployable device for seats, in particular for passenger seats in a transport vehicle, each seat comprising a seat and a backrest equipped with a headrest, said folding / deployable device being characterized in that it comprises:

[0013] - a first portion configured to be able to surround at least one headrest minus one first seat,

[0014] - a second portion comprising at least two hooks configured to be able to must be fixed to the backrest of at least a second seat,

[0015] - a third portion extending from said first portion, configured for to be able to extend at least partially between said headrest and the seat of said first seat,

[0016] - at least a fourth portion configured to be able to form, in a state deployed from said device, at least a first baggage reception area, said fourth section connecting said second section and said third section,

[0017] - at least a fifth portion configured to be able to form, in a state deployed from said device, at least a second baggage reception area, said fifth section connecting said second section and said third section.

[0018] A foldable / deployable device according to the invention comprising a plurality of interconnected portions configured as defined above makes it possible not only to provide, when desired, at least two separate levels of luggage storage but also prevents passengers from sitting in said seats.

[0019] Advantageously and according to the invention, said second seat does not belong to the same row as said first seat, that is to say, the backrest of the second seat extends substantially mainly along a plane that is not coplanar with a principal plane in which the backrest of said first seat extends mainly. Advantageously and according to the invention, said first seat and said second seat belong to two adjacent rows of seats, said second seat being arranged in front of said first seat, the front being considered as the side towards which the seat cushion extends relative to its backrest.

[0020] Advantageously and according to the invention, in a deployed state of said device, said second receiving surface extends substantially parallel to said first luggage receiving surface. In particular, advantageously and according to the invention, in a deployed state of said device, said first receiving surface and said second receiving surface extend substantially horizontally. In particular, advantageously and according to the invention, in a deployed state of said device, said first receiving surface and said second receiving surface extend substantially parallel to the principal plane in which the seat of said seats extends.

[0021] Advantageously and according to the invention, said fifth portion is configured to be able to extend, in a deployed state of said device, at least in part in contact with the seat of said first seat, that is to say in particular on the seat of said first seat, the luggage that may be placed on said second luggage reception surface then being able to rest at least in part on the seat of said first seat.

[0022] Advantageously and according to the invention, said first portion is configured to be able to at least partially envelop said at least one headrest of said at least one first seat. Advantageously and according to the invention, in particular according to a first embodiment of the invention, said first portion forms a cover enveloping at least partially the headrests of the seats belonging to the same row of seats as said first seat, the seats of the same row being placed side by side (without any gap corresponding to an aisle of said transport vehicle).

[0023] Advantageously and according to the invention, in particular according to a first embodiment according to the invention, said second portion has at least one attachment extending from an edge of said second portion, each attachment having an end provided with at least one hook.

[0024] Advantageously and according to the invention, each hook is configured so that it can be fixed under said at least a second seat, to a beam of the frame thereof.

[0025] Advantageously, and according to the invention, particularly according to a first embodiment of the invention, said second portion is configured to have a fastener under each seat. Advantageously, and according to the invention, said second portion comprises two fasteners, each fastener being equipped with a hook. Said fasteners may be in the form of a band, a ribbon, or a cord. Said fasteners may be made of fabric, in particular of the same fabric as that forming said second portion.

[0026] Thus, advantageously and according to the invention, said first portion, said second portion, said third portion, said fourth portion and said fifth portion are formed of at least one woven material.

[0027] Advantageously, and according to the invention, particularly according to a first embodiment of the invention, said first portion, said second portion, said third portion, said fourth portion, and said fifth portion are formed of the same fabric. In particular, said fabric has limited elasticity so as to allow said fourth and fifth portions to maintain a substantially identical position even when heavy luggage rests upon them.

[0028] Advantageously and according to the invention, in particular according to a second embodiment according to the invention, said first portion comprises a first blade and a second blade connected to each other by two flexible bands, said first blade and said second blade being configured so as to be able to be arranged on either side of said at least one headrest of said at least one first seat.

[0029] Advantageously and according to the invention, said flexible bands extend from said first portion to said second portion. In particular, said flexible bands extend against said fifth portion configured to form said second baggage receiving surface.

[0030] Advantageously and according to the invention, in particular according to a second embodiment of the invention, said second portion comprises a first blade, a last blade, and a plurality of blades extending between said first blade and said last blade, said first blade, said last blade, and said blades each extending longitudinally in directions substantially parallel to each other. In particular, in a deployed state of said device, said blades of the second portion are configured to extend parallel to each other and all extend substantially in the same plane (itself substantially parallel to the plane in which the backrest of said at least one second seat extends).

[0031] Advantageously and according to the invention, said blades are formed of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of metallic materials, wood and composite materials.

[0032] Advantageously, and according to the invention, each blade of said first portion, each blade of said third portion, and each blade of said second portion are each attached to at least one flexible strip of said device so as to connect them together while allowing the device to be folded so that it has a limited footprint when not in use. Each blade can be attached to a flexible strip, for example, by gluing with an adhesive and / or by stapling.

[0033] Advantageously and according to the invention, in particular according to a second embodiment of the invention, said fourth portion and said fifth portion each comprise two profiles, each profile being configured to be able to be removably fixed, in the deployed state of said device, to said second portion and said third portion.

[0034] Advantageously, and according to the invention, each profile comprises a plurality of slots configured to receive blades, i.e., in a removable manner. The blades can be positioned in the slots of said profiles so as to form at least one receiving surface for luggage.

[0035] Said profiles and said blades that can be attached to said profiles make it possible to provide, in the deployed state of the device, said first baggage reception area and second baggage reception area, while being simple to install by an operator or any person on board said transport vehicle.

[0036] The invention also relates to a transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, equipped with at least one foldable / deployable device according to the invention.

[0037] The invention also relates to a foldable / deployable device and a railway vehicle equipped with such a device, characterized in combination by all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. List of figures

[0038] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: • [Fig.1] represents a schematic perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention. • [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of part of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention. • [Fig. 3] represents a schematic perspective view of the underside of a part of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention installed on seats. • [Fig. 4] represents a schematic perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention. • [Fig. 5] represents a schematic perspective view of an element of said device according to a second embodiment of the invention. • [Fig. 6] represents a schematic perspective view of an element of said device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first embodiment of a foldable / deployable device according to the invention.

[0041] Fig. 1 illustrates a foldable / deployable device according to the invention in a deployed state in which the seats on which they could be installed are not shown, for the sake of clarity, but whose shape can be guessed.

[0042] Such a device can be installed on seats, in particular passenger seats in a transport vehicle. It can also be used for seating in any reception area (or waiting room). Each seat comprises a seat 30 and a backrest equipped, in its upper position, with a headrest, the seat and backrest of the same seat being connected to each other and optionally hinged to allow adjustment of the opening angle between them. Each seat can also comprise a frame including a leg connected to the floor and a beam 31 supporting the backrest and seat, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], which shows a partial view of a row of two seats from below and from the side.

[0043] In both embodiments shown, the folding / deployable device according to the invention is configured for rows of seats comprising two seats side by side. The folding / deployable device according to the invention can, of course, also be configured to suit rows each comprising a single seat (often called a "solo" seat), or even rows each comprising three or more seats.

[0044] The foldable / deployable device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises:

[0045] - a first portion 2 configured to be able to at least partially envelop the two headrests of the two adjacent seats in the first row of seats,

[0046] - a second portion 6, comprising four brackets 15, 16, 17, 18, configured for can be attached to the two seatbacks of a second row of seats positioned directly in front of the first row of seats,

[0047] - a third portion 4 extending from the first portion 2 and configured to be able to stretch out between the headrests and the seat cushions of the first row,

[0048] - a fourth portion 5 configured to be able to form, in a deployed state of the device, a first baggage reception area 25, the fourth section 5 connecting the second section 6 and the third section 4,

[0049] - a fifth portion 7 configured to be able to form, in a deployed state said device, at least a second baggage reception area 27.

[0050] The fifth portion 7 connects the second portion 6 and the third portion 4.

[0051] The first portion 2, the second portion 6, the third portion 4, the fourth portion 5, and the fifth portion 7 are formed of a woven material. In this first embodiment, the second portion 6, the third portion 4, the fourth portion 5, and the fifth portion 7 form sections of fabric strips of the same width, corresponding substantially to the width of the row of seats intended to be equipped with the device according to the invention.

[0052] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], in the deployed state of the device, the second receiving surface 27 extends substantially parallel to the first baggage receiving surface 25. The fifth portion 7 is the one located closest to the seat backs and can extend into contact with the seat of said first seat in the deployed state of the device.

[0053] The second portion 6 comprises two fasteners 21, 22 extending from a lower edge 20 of the second portion, each fastener having an end equipped with a hook 23, 24 configured to be able to be fixed to a beam of the frame of the second row of seats.

[0054] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate a second embodiment of a foldable / deployable device 40 according to the invention in which, unlike the first embodiment, the first portion 42, the second portion 46, the third portion 44, the fourth portion 45 and the fifth portion 47 comprise substantially rigid blades in the manner of slats.

[0055] The first portion 42 comprises a first blade 64 and a second blade 63 that can be positioned on either side of the headrests of the first row of seats. The first and second blades 64 and 63 are connected to each other by two flexible bands 70, 71 configured to be able to surround the free upper part of a headrest. As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the first blade 64 and the second blade 63 are also laterally connected to each other at each of their longitudinal ends by straps 72, 74. The presence of the straps 72, 74 stabilizes the position of the first blade 64 and the second blade 63 of the first portion 42. This allows the deployable device to be reliably attached to the first row of seats and to support the luggage load that the device 40 is likely to bear when used as a luggage rack in the deployed state.

[0056] The second portion 46 comprises a plurality of blades 51 (four blades 51 in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4]) extending between a first blade 52 and a last blade 50. The blades 50, 51, 52 each extend longitudinally in directions that are substantially parallel to each other and substantially in the same plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the backrests of the second row of seats extend, in a deployed state of the device.

[0057] The third portion 44 of the device 40 also includes a plurality of blades 62 (four blades 62 in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4]) between the second blade 63 of the first portion 42 and a blade 61.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the fourth portion 45 and the fifth portion 47 configured to be able to form respectively a first baggage reception surface 65 and a second baggage reception surface 67 are each in the form of a removable tray that is at least partially detachable.

[0059] Fig. 5 illustrates such a removable tray which can constitute the fourth portion 45 or the fifth portion 47.

[0060] The fourth portion 45 and the fifth portion 47 therefore each comprise two profiles 80, 81 arranged parallel to each other and a plurality of blades 90 arranged so that they extend longitudinally orthogonally to the profiles 80, 81, the blades thus arranged forming a receiving surface for luggage or other objects to be stored within the transport vehicle.

[0061] Fig. 6 illustrates a profile 80 that can be used to form the fourth portion 45 or the fifth portion 47 of the device 40. Each profile 80, 81 has two distal ends 82 curved in the manner of a hook forming a notch 83 (or groove) configured to be able to receive the edge of a blade 52, 61 of the device. Each profile 80, 81 comprises on a longitudinal edge a plurality of slots 84 separated by projecting portions 85. The slots 84 form receiving housings for the blades 90, the two profiles 80, 81 being arranged each at one end of the blades 90. Thus, each profile 80, 81 can be positioned by wedging each notch 83, on one side, on a blade 52 of the second portion 46, and on the other side, on a blade 61 of the third portion 44 of the device 40.The profiles 80 and 81 each rest on two distinct portions of the device 40, each portion being able to be fixed to two adjacent rows of seats between which a luggage storage space can be installed. The profiles 80 and 81 also make it possible to maintain a constant gap between the second portion 46 and the third portion 44 of the device 40 when the device is in its deployed state.

[0062] The flexible strips 70, 71 extend from the first portion 42 to the second portion 46, passing through the third portion 44, then under the fifth portion 47, forming a second baggage receiving surface 67. The blades 50, 51, 52, 62, 63, 64 are bonded to the flexible strips, a portion of strip 70, 71 being left free between each blade to allow movement of the adjacent blades. between them and thus to allow the folding / deployable device to be folded and stored, for example, under a row of seats when not in use.

[0063] In the folded (or disassembled) state, the device 40 therefore comprises, on the one hand, a part that can be folded on itself comprising the first portion 42, the third portion 44 and the second portion 46, these being connected to each other by the flexible bands 70, 71, and, on the other hand, four profiles 80, 81 and blades 90 (fourteen in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], i.e. seven per baggage reception surface 65, 67).

[0064] The blades 90 used may, for example, have a thickness of 10 mm to 15 mm and a width of a few centimeters. The slots 84 of each profile 80, 81 preferably have a width substantially the same as, or slightly greater than, that of the blades 90 so as to allow them to be held firmly in place, preventing them from moving when the luggage is positioned on the device, while also allowing them to be removed one by one without excessive effort by an operator.

[0065] A device according to the invention thus makes it possible in the case of a transport vehicle, such as a passenger car of railway rolling stock, comprising rows of two seats side by side, to have a storage space of at least four standard-sized suitcases (in particular of the "cabin suitcase" type) for example, two additional suitcases being able to also be placed on the floor, under the folding / deployable device installed.

[0066] Nothing prevents the installation of a device according to the invention between two rows of seats arranged back to back.

[0067] The dimensions of a device according to the invention can, of course, be modified and adapted according to the size of the seats and the number of seats per row of the transport vehicle concerned. Nothing also prevents the provision of a folding / deployable device sized for a single seat width and the placement of several folding / deployable devices on adjacent seats.

Claims

Demands

1. Folding / deployable device for seats, in particular for passenger seats of a transport vehicle, each seat comprising a seat and a backrest equipped with a headrest, said folding / deployable device being characterized in that it comprises: - a first portion (2, 42) configured to be able to surround at least one headrest of at least one first seat, - a second portion (6, 46) comprising at least two hooks (15, 16, 17, 18, 55, 58) configured to be able to be attached to the backrest of at least one second seat, - a third portion (4, 44) extending from said first portion (2, 42), configured to be able to extend at least partially between said headrest and the seat of said first seat, - at least a fourth portion (5, 45) configured to be able to form, in a deployed state of said device, at least one first surface (25, 65) baggage reception, said fourth section (5, 45) linking said second section (6,46) and said third portion (4, 44), - at least a fifth portion (7, 47) configured to be able to form, in a deployed state of said device, at least a second baggage reception area (27, 67), said fifth portion (7, 67) connecting said second portion (6, 46) and said third portion (4, 44).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a deployed state of said device, said second receiving surface (27, 67) extends substantially parallel to said first baggage receiving surface (25, 65).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said fifth portion (7, 47) is configured to be able to extend, in a deployed state of said device, at least partially in contact with the seat of said first seat.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first portion (2, 42) is configured to be able to wrap at least in part around said at least one headrest of said at least one first seat.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second portion (6) has at least one attachment (21, 22) extending from an edge (20) of said second portion (6), each attachment (21, 22) having an end equipped with at least one hook (23, 24).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first portion (2, 42), said second portion (6, 46), said third portion (4, 44), said fourth portion (5, 45) and said fifth portion (7, 67) are formed of at least one woven material.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first portion (42) comprises a first blade (64) and a second blade (63) connected to each other by two flexible bands (70, 71), said first blade (64) and said second blade (63) being configured so as to be able to be arranged on either side of said at least one headrest of said at least one first seat.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said flexible bands (70, 71) extend from said first portion (42) to said second portion (46).

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said second portion (46) comprises a first blade (52), a last blade (50) and a plurality of blades (51) extending between said first blade (52) and said last blade (50), said first blade (52), said last blade (50) and said blades (51) each extending longitudinally in directions substantially parallel to each other.

10. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said fourth portion (45) and said fifth portion (47) each comprise two profiles (80, 81), each profile (80, 81) being configured to be able to be removably fixed, in the deployed state of said device (40), to said second portion (46) and to said third portion (44).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that each profile (80, 81) comprises a plurality of slots (84) configured to be able to receive blades (90).

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