Flap assemblies with retractable surfaces, especially for aircraft seats.

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a tray set (21) for an aircraft seat, comprising: a main tray (23); a translation mechanism (31) that enables the main tray (23) to move translationally between a position close to a support (27) and a position far from it; at least one arm (26) whose first end is attached to a structural element of the seat and whose second end is rotatably attached to one end of the support (27); and an extension tray (24) having at least one position. When the main tray (23) is in the far from it position, the extension tray (24) extends in the position in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main tray (23), and at least a portion of the extension tray (24) is offset longitudinally with respect to the main tray (23) in the translational movement direction (D1) and covers the translation mechanism (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flap assembly having a stretchable surface, particularly a flap assembly for an aircraft seat. The present invention is particularly advantageously applicable to economy class aircraft seats, but is not limited thereto. However, the present invention can also be implemented in business class aircraft seats or seats of other means of transportation such as, for example, automobile, train or boat seats.

Background Art

[0002] As is known per se, the meal flap of an economy class seat of an aircraft is arranged at the rear of the seat back. The meal flap is attached to a structural element of the seat, such as a backrest or an elbow rest bracket, by a connecting arm. Each connecting arm has a first end fixed to the structural element and a second end rotatably attached to one end of a support to which the main flap is mechanically connected. Thus, the main flap is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation between a stowed position where the meal flap is pressed against the seat back and a deployed position where the meal flap extends substantially in a horizontal plane. Further, by a translation mechanism, the main flap is translatable relative to the backrest, so that the passenger can move the meal flap closer to or farther from his or her body according to his or her physique.

[0003] The meal flap reduces the useful area, so that, for example, a user cannot use personal electronic devices such as a mobile phone or a digital tablet while eating. Also, there is a risk of liquid spilling when moving the meal flap with a cup placed thereon, which is neither practical nor comfortable. Further, the meal flap has an unsightly appearance because a part of its translation mechanism is visible when the flap is separated from the seat back. Such parts of the translation mechanism have a risk of accumulating dust or pinching a passenger's finger.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to effectively improve the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a flap assembly, particularly for aircraft seats, the flap assembly, Main flap and, A translation mechanism that enables the main flap to move in the translational direction between a position close to the support and a position far from it, An arm comprising at least one arm having a first end fixed to a structural element of the sheet and a second end rotatably attached to one end of the support, It comprises an extension flap having at least one position, When the main flap is in the separated position, the extension flap extends in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main flap at that position, and at least one portion of the extension flap is offset longitudinally from the main flap in the translational movement direction, covering the translational mechanism.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention can increase the useful surface area of ​​the main flap thanks to the extension flap, and thus accommodate a larger meal flap and cup recess, as well as several functions for supporting portable electronic devices or passengers' personal belongings. Thus, the present invention not only improves the stability of personal belongings in particular, but also provides passengers with greater comfort. The present invention can also improve the aesthetic appearance of the meal flap by concealing the translation mechanism. The present invention can also protect passengers from the risk of pinching their fingers and prevent cups from tipping over. The present invention can be easily incorporated as it does not affect the design of the seat. The extension flap according to the present invention has the advantage of being independent of the backrest.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap comprises at least one portion, in particular, a portion that extends in the horizontal plane when the main flap is in the deployed position, and which is fixed to the support so as to be translationally responsive.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap is rotatable relative to the support between a low position and an elevated position about a rotation axis.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap includes a fixed retaining device for electronic equipment.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap comprises a base and a holding device for a portable electronic device that is translationally movable relative to the base.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holding device for a portable electronic device is translationally movable along a translational direction between a storage position in which the device is positioned inside the housing in the base and an unfolded position in which the device extends outside the housing in the base.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base is provided with a through window facing the portable electronic device holder, particularly when the portable electronic device holder is in the storage position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap comprises a base and a holder for a portable electronic device that is rotatable relative to the base.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holder for a portable electronic device is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation between a stowed position in which the device cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape made in the thickness direction of the base, and an unfolded position in which the device protrudes at least partially from the front edge of the base.

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

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holding device for a portable electronic device includes an electronic device support plate that enables the electronic device to be held in a position inclined backward with respect to the vertical.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap is provided with a cup recess.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension flap has a recess for placing personal items such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, and cutlery.

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

[0019] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will emerge by reading the following detailed description. This detailed description includes embodiments given for illustrative purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented as non-limiting examples and may help to complete the understanding of the invention and the description of its embodiments and ultimately contribute to its definition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft seat to which the flap assembly according to the present invention is attached.

[0021] [Figure 2] Figures 2a and 2b are perspective and exploded perspective views of a flap assembly according to the present invention, which includes an extension flap with a fixed configuration.

[0022] [Figure 3] Figures 3a and 3b show modified embodiments of the extension flap according to the present invention, which have several functions, including a recess for placing personal items, a recess for a cup, and a holder for a portable electronic device.

[0023] [Figure 4]Figs. 4a and 4b are perspective views of a flap assembly according to the present invention, having an extension flap provided with a holding device for a portable electronic device that is translatable in the storage position and the deployment position, respectively, and Fig. 4c is an exploded perspective view of the flap assembly of Figs. 4a and 4b.

[0024] [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment in which an extension flap according to the present invention is rotatably attached to a main flap.

[0025] [Figure 6] Figs. 6a and 6b are perspective views of an extension flap according to the present invention, provided with a holding device for a portable electronic device that is rotatably attached in the storage position and the deployment position, respectively, and Fig. 6c is a perspective view showing the deployment of the holding device for a portable electronic device of Figs. 6a and 6b.

[0026] [Figure 7] Fig. 7a is a rear perspective view of an aircraft seat provided with a flap assembly according to the present invention in a use position where a meal tray and a cup are placed, and Fig. 7b is a top view of the flap assembly of Fig. 7a with a meal tray and a cup placed thereon.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0027] Note that in the figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments may have the same reference. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, such elements have the same structural, dimensional, and material characteristics.

[0028] Furthermore, relative terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "front", "rear", etc. are understood with reference to the general meanings that a passenger sitting in a seat behind the seat provided with the flap assembly according to the present invention would give them.

[0029] Figure 1 shows an economy class seat 10 fixed to rails (not shown) mounted on the floor of an aircraft cabin. For this purpose, the seat 10 comprises partially illustrated legs 11 having fasteners configured to cooperate with the rails on the floor. Luggage bars 13 allow luggage to be held beneath the seat 10.

[0030] The seat 10 comprises at least one seat base 15 and at least one backrest 16. Each backrest 16 can be mounted to tilt backward relative to the corresponding seat base 15 according to arrow F1. For this purpose, the backrests 16 are attached to a crossbar 17 by pivot connections. The L-shaped crossbar 17 comprises at least one opening for passing through a beam 20 and means for securing armrests (not shown).

[0031] A flap assembly 21 is located at the rear of the backrest 16. Alternatively, the flap assembly 21 may be located on the armrest. The flap assembly 21 comprises a main flap 23 and an extension flap 24. The main flap 23 has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the main flap 23 may have a square, circular, elliptical, or other shape suitable for the application. The main flap 23 has an axis X1 extending from the central surface of the main flap 23. In the case of a rectangular main flap 23, the axis X1 is parallel to the smaller side edge of the main flap 23. The main flap 23 is attached to a structural element of the seat 10, such as the backrest 16 or the crossbar 17, by at least one arm 26, in this case by two arms 26 located on either side of the main flap 23.

[0032] Each arm 26 has a first end fixed to a structural element 16 or 17 by a pivot connection, and a second end rotatably attached to one end of a support 27 shown in Figure 2b. The main flap 23 is mechanically connected to the support 27. The support 27 may have the shape of an elongated rod. The support 27 extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the arm 26.

[0033] In this way, the main flap 23 is rotatable around a rotation axis X2 between a stowed position and an extended position. The rotation axis X2 is a horizontal axis. The rotation axis X2 may also be parallel to the plane on which the backrest 16 extends.

[0034] In the stowed position, the surface 29 of the main flap 23 faces the backrest 16. In the deployed position, the surface 29 of the main flap 23 faces upward so that the main flap 23 and the surface 29 extend in a horizontal plane. Passengers can place a meal tray and / or personal belongings on the main flap 23. The main flap 23 may include locking devices 30 such as a quarter-turn lock, a hook device, or a sliding tab to hold it in the stowed position.

[0035] Furthermore, the translation mechanism 31 shown in Figure 2b allows the main flap 23 to be translated in the translation direction D1 relative to the support 27 between a close position where the trailing edge of the main flap 23 is in contact with the support 27 and a separated position where the trailing edge is away from the support 27, i.e., at least 3 cm away from the support 27. When the main flap 23 is in the deployed position, the translation direction D1 is parallel or substantially parallel to the floor to which the sheet 10 is attached. The translation direction D1 is parallel to or coincides with the axis X1 of the main flap 23. In the close position, as shown in Figure 4c, the support 27 may be positioned within the housing 28 of the trailing edge of the main flap 23.

[0036] In the example shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the translation mechanism 31 is mounted between the main flap 23 and the support 27. The translation mechanism 31 comprises two rods 32.1 and 32.2 extending from the support 27, along which complementary shaped slides attached to the main flap 23 can slide. The rods 32.1 and 32.2 extend in the translational direction D1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2a, the extension flap 24 has at least one position, and when the main flap 23 is in the separated position, the extension flap 24 has at least one portion that is longitudinally offset from the main flap 23 in the translational movement direction D1 so as to cover the translational mechanism 31. The overlap between the extension flap 24 and the translational mechanism 31 is shown in the top view of the flap assembly 21. The extension flap 24 also has a small portion, in particular a leading edge that longitudinally covers the trailing edge of the main flap 23. The gap between the plane on which the main flap 23 extends and the plane on which the extension flap 24 extends is small, preferably less than 1 cm, and especially preferably less than 5 mm. Preferably, the extension flap 24 is in contact with the main flap 23. The two elements 24 and 23 may be in contact with each other by rolling elements such as cylinders, balls, or rollers. Preferably, the extension flap 24 forms an inclination angle of 10° or less with respect to the plane on which the main flap 23 extends.

[0038] When the main flap 23 is in a close position, the extension flap 24 and the main flap 23 overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, at least 90% of the surface area of ​​the extension flap 24 overlaps with the main flap 23. Advantageously, the extension flap 24 in the embodiments of Figures 2a and 2b has a small thickness such that the step created on the main flap 23 by the extension flap 24 does not interfere with the positioning of the food tray. The thickness of the extension flap 24 varies from 5 mm to over 20 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the extension flap 24 is from 5 mm to 10 mm, including 10 mm.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the extension flap 24 has a rectangular shape with a length L1' that is equal to or substantially equal to the length L1 of the main flap 23, and a width L2' that is smaller than the width L2 of the main flap 23, particularly at least twice as small. "Substantially equal" means that the length L1' of the extension flap 24 is between the length L1 of the main flap 23 minus 10% of this length L1 and the length L1 of the main flap 23 plus 10% of this length L1. The width L2' of the extension flap 24 is at least equal to, and preferably slightly larger than, the width of the translation mechanism 31 measured in the translational movement direction D1 of the main flap 23.

[0040] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the extension flap 24 comprises at least one portion fixed to the support 27 so as to be translationally movable. Preferably, the extension flap 24 is fixed to the support 27 so as not to be translationally movable. In this case, the extension flap 24 is mounted to the support 27 so as not to be translationally movable or rotatable. For this purpose, the extension flap 24 has an opening for passing a fastening member 36 such as a screw, rivet, or other member capable of performing this function, and has a rim 34 that cooperates with a screw hole in the support 27 (see Figure 2b). Preferably, the extension flap 24 is removable from the support 27. Alternatively, the extension flap 24 may be rotatable relative to the support 27 about axis X3.

[0041] The extension flap 24 may have a recess 38 for the cup 39. The main flap 23 may also have a recess 38 for the cup.

[0042] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the extension flap 24 may include a recess 40 for placing personal items 41 such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, or cutlery. The extension flap 24 may also include an area for displaying a logo and / or advertising poster.

[0043] Furthermore, the extension flap 24 includes a holder 43 for portable electronic devices fixed to the extension flap 24. The holder 43 for electronic devices can be manufactured integrally with the extension flap 24. Alternatively, the holder 43 for electronic devices can be attached to and fixed to the extension flap 24. The holder 43 can be attached to the extension flap 24 in a removable or non-removable manner.

[0044] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c, the extension flap 24 comprises a base 44 and a portable electronic device holder 43 that can move in translational direction D2 relative to the base 44. The translational direction D2 of the portable electronic device holder 43 is the same as or parallel to the translational direction D1 of the main flap 23.

[0045] The portable electronic device holder 43 is translationally movable between a storage position (see Figure 4a) in which the portable electronic device holder 43 is positioned inside the housing 47 within the base 44, and an extended position (see Figure 4b) in which the portable electronic device holder 43 extends outside the housing 47 within the base 44. The housing 47 is made within the volume of the base 44. Therefore, the portable electronic device holder 43 is translationally movable relative to the base 44 as a drawer.

[0046] For this purpose, as shown in Figure 4c, a sliding connector 48 is positioned between the portable electronic device holder 43 and the base 44. The sliding connector 48 is formed, for example, by two rods 49.1, 49.2 on which the portable electronic device holder 43 slides. Elements 50.1, 50.2 are equipped with hinges that ensure the rotation of the extension flap 24 about axis X3.

[0047] The base 44 has a flap shape, particularly a rectangular shape. The base 44 may include a through window 53 facing the portable electronic device holder 43 when the holder 43 is in the stowed position. The window 53 opens vertically above the portable electronic device holder 43. The window 53 has a length shorter than the length of the portable electronic device holder 43.

[0048] Therefore, when the portable electronic device holder 43 is in the retracted position, a small electronic device 55, such as a mobile phone, can be introduced into the housing within the device 43 through the window 53, as shown in Figure 4a. When the portable electronic device holder 43 is moved to the deployed position, the device 43 can support a larger electronic device, such as a digital tablet, as shown in Figure 4b. In fact, in this case, the entire length of the holder 43 is available to receive the portable electronic device.

[0049] For this purpose, the elongated portable electronic device holder 43 may include a housing 56 for receiving the lower edge of the electronic device. The holder 43 may also include a support plate 57 that allows the electronic device to be held in a position slightly inclined toward the rear with respect to the vertical, particularly inclined by a few degrees. For this purpose, the lower end of the portable electronic device 55 is positioned inside the housing 56, and the rear surface of the device faces 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 that provides a sufficient support surface for the portable electronic device 55.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the extension flap 24 is rotatable relative to the support 27 about a pivot axis X3 between a low position and a raised position. The pivot axis X3 is preferably a horizontal axis. The pivot axis X3 is parallel to the plane of the backrest 16 of the seat 10. The pivot axis X3 may be the same as or parallel to the pivot axis X2. For this purpose, a pivot connection for axis X3 is located between the extension flap 24 and the support 27.

[0051] In the low position shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the extension flap 24 extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the main flap 23. In the raised position, the extension flap 24 forms a non-zero inclination angle with respect to the plane on which the main flap 23 extends, particularly an inclination angle between 45 and 90 degrees. This configuration allows for free access to the main flap 23 when it is in close proximity.

[0052] Alternatively, the movement of the extension flap 24 relative to the main flap 23 is provided by a connecting rod connection. The extension flap 24 may be translationally movable in the translational direction D1 of the main flap 23.

[0053] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the extension flap 24 comprises a base 44 and a portable electronic device holder 43 rotatable relative to the base 44 about a rotation axis X4. The rotation axis X4 is a horizontal axis. The rotation axis X4 extends along the leading edge of the extension flap 24. The rotation axis X4 of the device 43 is preferably parallel to the rotation axis X2 of the main flap 23.

[0054] The portable electronic device holder 43 is rotatable between a retracted position (see Figure 6a) in which the device 43 cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape 60 formed in the thickness direction of the base 44, and an unfolded position (see Figure 6b) in which the device 43 protrudes from the front edge of the base 44. In the retracted position, the upper surface of the portable electronic device holder 43 is flush with the upper surface of the base 44.

[0055] The portable electronic device holder 43 is movable between a retracted position and an unfolded position with an unfolded angle of 180 degrees. When the holder 43 moves from the retracted position to the unfolded position, the upper surface of the holder 43 rotates to become the lower surface of the holder 43 in the unfolded position.

[0056] The holder 43 for the portable electronic device may include a housing 56 for receiving the lower edge of the electronic device. The holder 43 has a T-shape, and the housing is made of the longest part of the T-shape.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6c, the retaining device 43 may also include a support plate 57 that allows the electronic device to be held in a position slightly inclined toward the rear with respect to the vertical, particularly inclined by only a few degrees. For this purpose, the lower end of the portable electronic device 55 is positioned inside the housing 56, and the rear of the device faces the support plate 57. To facilitate access to the rear edge of the retaining device 43, a notch 61 may be provided in the elongated portion of the hollow shape 60.

[0058] Figures 7a and 7b show that a portion of the meal tray 65 can rest substantially horizontally on the main flap 23 in a spaced-out position, while another portion can rest on the extension flap 24 which is vertically offset from the main flap 23. Furthermore, a cup 39 can be placed in the recess 38 of the extension flap 24 without interfering with the meal tray 65. It should also be noted that since the cup 39 is placed on the extension flap 24, which remains stationary during the movement of the main flap 23 from one position to another, the movement of the main flap 23 from a close position to a spaced-out position can be performed without the risk of the cup 39 tipping over.

[0059] Alternatively, the translation mechanism 31 may be integrated with the extension flap 24.

[0060] Of course, different features, variations, and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, provided they are not incompatible or exclusive with one another. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is provided only as examples. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that those skilled in the art may conceive of in the context of the present invention, and in particular, any combination of the various modes of operation described above may be taken individually or in combination.

Claims

1. In particular, a flap assembly (21) for an airplane seat (10), Main flap (23) and, A translation mechanism (31) enables the main flap (23) to move in the translational direction (D1) between a position close to the support (27) and a position far away from it, At least one arm (26) having a first end fixed to a structural element (16, 17) of the sheet (10) and a second end rotatably attached to one end of the support (27), It comprises an extension flap (24) having at least one position, When the main flap (23) is in the separated position, the extension flap (24) extends in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main flap (23) at at least one position, and at least one portion of the extension flap (24) is offset vertically with respect to the main flap (23) in the translational movement direction (D1), covering the translational mechanism (31). A flap assembly characterized in that the gap between the plane on which the main flap (23) extends and the plane on which the extension flap (24) extends is less than 1 cm, and more particularly less than 5 mm.

2. The flap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension flap (24) comprises at least one portion that is fixed to the support (27) in a translationally responsive manner.

3. The flap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension flap (24) is rotatably movable with respect to the support (27) about a rotation axis (X3) between a low position and an elevated position.

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

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

6. The flap assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the holding device (43) for the portable electronic device is capable of translational movement in the translational movement direction (D2) between a storage position in which the device (43) is positioned inside the housing (47) within the base (44) and an unfolded position in which the device (43) extends outside the housing (47) within the base (44).

7. The flap assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the base (44) is provided with a through window (53) facing the portable electronic device holder (43).

8. The flap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the extension flap (24) comprises a base (44) and a holding device (43) for a portable electronic device that is rotatable relative to the base (44).

9. The flap assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the holding device (43) for the portable electronic device is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis (X4) between a stowed position in which the device (43) cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape (60) made in the thickness direction of the base (44) and an unfolded position in which the device (43) protrudes at least partially from the front edge of the base (44).

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

11. The flap assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the holding device for portable electronic devices (43) comprises an electronic device support plate (57) that enables the electronic device to be held in a position inclined backward with respect to the vertical.

12. The flap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the extension flap (24) has a cup recess (38).

13. The flap assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the extension flap (24) has a recess (40) for placing personal items such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, and cutlery.

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

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