Modular seat assembly for a passenger vehicle, and passenger vehicle comprising such modular seat assembly

Abstract

A modular seat assembly for realizing one or more seats (100) of a passenger vehicle (200), comprising at least: - a plurality of substantially vertical bars (1) which are suitable to be fixed to at least one fixing part (202, 204, 206) of the vehicle (200) and spaced apart from each other; - a seat mounting bar (3) which is positioned transversely with respect to and is connected to the plurality of substantially vertical bars (1); - a modular seat frame (10) which is configured to be hanged on the seat mounting bar (3) and to be provided with said one or more seats (100).

Description

[0001] MODULAR SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR A PASSENGER VEHICLE, AND PASSENGER VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH MODULAR SEAT ASSEMBLY

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular seat assembly for realizing one or more seats of a passenger vehicle, in particular longitudinal seats, and to a passenger vehicle comprising such a modular seat assembly.

[0003] The modular seat assembly according to the present invention is particularly suitable for being applied in metro coaches and will be described hereinafter by making reference to such application, without intending in any way to limit its possible use in any other suitable type of passenger vehicles, such as buses, trains, taxi vans, etc.

[0004] At present, in public transportation vehicles, such as in metro coaches, longitudinally disposed seats, i.e. seats directed towards the inner part of coaches, are formed usually by a massive structure which comprises a single seat shell which cannot be flipped and offers no or very little modularity.

[0005] Hence, if there is the need or desire to change any part, for example to modify the appearance or layout of the sitting area, it is necessary to replace the whole structure or at least a big part of it.

[0006] Further, the current seat structures are not so easy to be installed and somehow occupy or hinder free access to the space under the seats, thus rendering for instance cleaning and maintenance operations more difficult.

[0007] Hence, the present invention is aimed at providing a solution capable of at least mitigating one or more of such issues.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a modular seat assembly for realizing one or more seats of a passenger vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least:

[0009] - a plurality of substantially vertical bars which are suitable to be fixed to at least one fixing part of the vehicle and spaced apart from each other;

[0010] - a seat mounting bar which is positioned transversely with respect to and is connected to the plurality of substantially vertical bars;

[0011] - a modular seat frame which is configured to be hanged on the seat mounting bar and to be provided with said one or more seats.

[0012] The above-mentioned aim of the present invention is also achieved by a passenger vehicle according to claim 1 1 . Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the contents of which are to be understood as an integral part of this description.

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages will become apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive exemplary embodiments of a modular seat assembly for realizing one or more seats of a passenger vehicle according to the present invention, illustrated only by way of non-limitative examples with the accompanying drawings, wherein: figures 1 , 1A, 1 B, 1C and 2 to 4 are views schematically illustrating some exemplary embodiments of some components used in the modular seat assembly according to the invention; figures 5 and 6 are views schematically illustrating some of the components of the modular seat assembly according to the invention under assembling; figure 7 shows an exemplary sitting layout in a metro coach realized using the modular seat assembly according to the invention.

[0014] It should be noted that in the detailed description that follows, identical or similar components, either from a structural and / or functional point of view, may have the same or different reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] It should also be noted that in order to clearly and concisely describe the present disclosure, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features of the disclosure may be shown in somewhat schematic form.

[0016] Further, when the term "configured", or “adapted", or “shaped”, or a similar term is used herein while referring to any component as a whole, or to any part of a component, or to a combination of components, it has to be understood that it means and encompasses correspondingly either the structure, and / or the configuration and / or the form and / or the positioning.

[0017] In addition, when the term “about” or “substantial” or “substantially” is used herein, it has to be understood as encompassing an actual variation of plus or minus 5% with respect to an indicated reference value, axis, time or position, and when the terms transversal or transversely are hereby used, they have to be understood as encompassing a direction non-parallel to the reference part(s) or direction(s) / axis they refer to, and perpendicularity has to be considered a specific case of transverse direction. Figure 7 illustrates schematically the interior (seen frontally) of a passenger vehicle 200, in particular a metro coach, with a sitting layout realized using a possible embodiment of a modular seat assembly according to the present invention.

[0018] In particular, in the illustrated layout, the modular seat assembly according to the invention is used to realize a first sitting area A where longitudinal seats 100 are provided on the left side of the coach, a siting area B where longitudinal seats 100 are provided on the opposite right side of the coach, and a central double sitting area C where longitudinal seats 100 are positioned back-to-back.

[0019] In the exemplary layout illustrated, the seats 100 of each sitting area are realized as a unique bench; clearly it is possible to have the same seat realized as individual seats or group of seats, e.g. separated by armrests.

[0020] The modular seat assembly according to the invention comprises at least:

[0021] - a plurality of substantially vertical bars, all schematically indicated in figure 1 by the same reference number 1 , which are suitable to be fixed to at least one fixing part of the vehicle 200 spaced apart from each other, for example aligned in a substantially vertical virtual plane;

[0022] - a seat mounting bar, schematically indicated in figure 1 by the reference number 3, which is positioned transversely with respect to and is connected, for example in a substantially horizontal position, to the plurality of substantially vertical bars 1 ;

[0023] - a modular seat frame, indicated in figure 2 by the overall reference number 10, which is configured to be hanged on the seat mounting bar 3 and to be provided with said one or more seats 100.

[0024] With the definition of modular seat frame is meant hereby a frame formed by a plurality of structurally individual components that are mechanically connected to each other in order to realize the desired configuration of the frame.

[0025] Depending on the applications, the at least one fixing part of the vehicle 200 can be constituted for example by a side wall 202 and / or the pavement 204 of the vehicle 200, as for example is the case for the sitting areas A and B illustrated in figure 7, can be the roof 206 and / or the pavement 204, as for example is the case for the sitting area C illustrated in figure 7. For instance, the seat mounting bar 3 can be connected to the plurality of vertical bars 1 by using a plurality of first fixing brackets, an exemplary embodiment of which is indicated in Fig. 1 A by the reference number 4.

[0026] Each of the first fixing brackets 4 comprises for example a central curved portion and one or two lateral substantially flat portions protruding from opposite sides of the central curved portion.

[0027] Each first fixing bracket 4 can be positioned at a connecting point between a vertical bar 1 and the transverse seat mounting bar 3 and therein connected, e.g. screwed.

[0028] At the connection points of the vertical bars 1 placed at the end sides of the plurality of bars 1 , the corresponding first fixing brackets 4 may have only one flat portion, as for example visible for the fixing bracket 4 shown in figure 6.

[0029] Usefully, the modular seat assembly according to the invention further comprises:

[0030] - at least one first profile, indicated in figure 5 by the overall reference number 20, which is configured to be connected to one or more first attachment parts 13 of the modular seat frame 10 thereby forming a seat pan of at least one seat 100, indicated in figure 7 by the reference number 102;

[0031] - at least one second profile, indicated in figure 3 by the overall reference number 30, which is configured to be connected at least to one or more second attachment parts 14 of the modular seat frame 10 thereby forming a seat backrest 104 of the at least one seat 100.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the modular seat frame 10 is configured so that, when it is hanged on the seat mounting bar 3, the at least one seat 100 is suspended above the pavement 204 of the vehicle 200 with the seat pan 102 spaced apart from the floor of the vehicle 200.

[0033] In this way, as visible in figure 7, a free space 208 is conveniently left between the seat pan 102 and the pavement 204.

[0034] Thus, movements of legs of sitting passengers are not hindered, and cleaning of the vehicle 200 is made easier.

[0035] The seat mounting bar 3 may have any shape suitable for the scope of the present invention. For example, as illustrated in figure 1 B, when seen in cross section, the seat mounting bar 3 may have an upper C or U-shaped portion 3A, and two opposite lower C or U-shaped portions 3B and 3C.

[0036] Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, the seat mounting bar 3 comprises or is provided with a plurality of hooks, illustrated in detail in figure 1 C and therein indicated by the reference number 5 which are placed along the seat mounting bar 3 spaced apart from each other, as illustrated in figure 1 .

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment of figure 1 , the hooks 5 are fixed along the seat mounting bar 3, spaced apart from each other.

[0038] Alternatively, the seat mounting bar 3 itself may have a shaped body or portion integrating in its structure the hooks 5.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, and as for example illustrated in figure 2, when seen laterally, the modular seat frame 10 comprises a plurality of L-shaped arms 11 which are mechanically connected to each other by means of one or more traverse connecting bars 12.

[0040] For instance, in the example of figure 2, each L-shaped arm 1 1 is connected to the adjacent one by means of two transverse connecting bars 12 whose ends are bolted to the respective arms 11 .

[0041] In particular, each L-shaped arm 1 1 comprises a first section 11 A configured to be connected to the seat mounting bar 3 and a second section 1 1 B which protrudes transversely from the first section 1 1 A and comprises at least one first attachment part 13 for the at least one first profile 20.

[0042] Each first attachment part 13 can be structurally integral with the respective first section 1 1 A or can be attached therewith, e.g. screwed.

[0043] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, each first attachment part 13 is connected, e.g. screwed, to the tip portion of the associated second section 11 B.

[0044] Conveniently, each L-shaped arm 1 1 comprises a hook-shaped portion 14 which is configured to be hooked onto an associated portion comprised in or connected to seat mounting bar 3.

[0045] In particular, the hook-shaped portions 14 of the L-shaped arms 11 form the second attachment parts 14 for the at least one second profile 30. In one possible example, the hook-shaped portion 14 of each L-shaped arm 11 is defined at an upper free end of the respective first section 11 A, as illustrated in figure 2.

[0046] In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, each hook-shaped portion 14 is configured to be hooked onto a corresponding hook 5 provided along the seat mounting bar 3 as for example illustrated in figure 5 where the modular seat frame 10 is shown hanged on the seat mounting bar 3.

[0047] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the modular seat frame 10 can be connected, e.g. hanged directly on the seat mounting bar 3, e.g. it can be hooked directly on the body of the seat mounting bar 3 (or connected therewith in any other suitable way), namely without using the hooks 5 but by simply adopting a bar 3 of suitable shape for realizing this alternative connection.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, as for example illustrated in figure 5, the at least one first profile 20 comprises a contoured body 21 which is shaped to form the desired shape of the seat pan 102 and which comprises an upper rim 22 and a lower rim 23.

[0049] The lower rim 23 is provided with at least one fixing bracket 24 configured to be attached to the first attachment parts 13 of the modular seat frame 10, e.g. by means of screws.

[0050] Further, the at least one first profile 20 comprises one or more reinforcing parts 25 which are adapted to bear against the upper surface of one or more of the second sections 1 1 B of the plurality of arms 1 1 .

[0051] In one possible embodiment, as illustrated for example in figures 3 and 5, the at least one second profile 30 has a contoured body 31 which is shaped to form the desired shape of the seat backrest 104 and which comprises a lower rim 32 suitable to be coupled at least with an associated portion of the at least one first profile 20, in particular the upper rim 22 of the first profile 20, and an upper rim 33.

[0052] In particular, the lower rim 32 is configured to define a recess 34 adapted to receive and clip therein the upper rim 23 of the at least one first profile 20, as illustrated in figure 5. Further, the lower rim 32 comprises a wall 34A which is configured to rest against the front surface of a first section of an arm 1 1 and therewith fixed, e.g. screwed.

[0053] In one possible embodiment, the at least one second profile 30 comprises a plurality of coupling brackets 35 which protrude rearwardly from the contoured body 31 , spaced apart from each other and are configured to be coupled each to a corresponding second attachment part 14 of the modular seat frame 10, i.e. the hook-shaped portion 14.

[0054] In the embodiment illustrated, each coupling bracket 35 comprises a substantially V-shaped part 35A, with the V shape directed downwardly, which is connected to the contoured body 31 via a connecting part 35B.

[0055] For example, the V-shaped part 35A can be separately connected to the connecting part 35B, for instance via one or more screws, or the whole coupling bracket 35 and the contoured body 31 may be realized in a one piece.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, as shown in figure 5, each coupling bracket 35, and in particular its V-shaped part 35A, is fitted over a corresponding hook-shaped portion 14.

[0057] In one possible embodiment, the modular seat assembly according to the present invention comprises at least a third profile, illustrated in figure 4 by the overall reference number 40, which comprises:

[0058] - at least a cover 41 suitable to be positioned over the upper rim 33 of the at least one second profile 30 thereby forming a top part of a seat 100;

[0059] - a shaped bar 42 which is positioned under and protrudes downwardly from the cover 41 ; and

[0060] - one or more couplers 43 which are placed along the shaped bar 42 spaced apart from each other and are configured to be connected to the seat mounting bar 3.

[0061] The couplers 43 may have any suitable shape, e.g. they can be configured as plugs, locks, clips, etc.

[0062] The couplers 43 are connected to the seat mounting bar 3, for example by being plugging or locking them inside the upper C or U-shaped portion 3A as illustrated in figure 6.

[0063] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the first profile 20, the second profile 30, and the third profile 40 is provided with a lighting device which is configured to be positioned inside the seat 100 and to emit light towards the outside of the seat 100.

[0064] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a lighting device, schematically indicated only in figure 5 by the reference number 50, is coupled to or structurally integrated with the structure of the second profile 30 and is configured to diffuse light from the inner part of a seat backrest 104 towards the associated seat pan 102.

[0065] In this way, a pleasant and cozy atmosphere can be created.

[0066] Clearly, depending of the applications, the modular seat assembly according to the invention may comprise some more components or may be coupled to other components.

[0067] For instance, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the modular seat assembly further comprises a plurality of lower mounting supports, illustrated in figure 2 and 5 and therein indicated by the reference number 60, and an additional seat mounting bar, partially visible only in figure 5 and therein indicated by the reference number 70.

[0068] The additional seat mounting bar 70 can have a shape similar to or different from the one of the seat mounting bar 3 and is positioned, transversely with respect to the plurality of bars 1 , below and spaced apart from the seat mounting bar 3.

[0069] For example, the additional seat mounting bar 70 can be coupled to the plurality of bars 1 also via fixing brackets 4.

[0070] Each lower mounting support 60 is configured to be coupled, for example at the elbow region, to an associated arm 11 , and to be fixed, e.g. screwed, to the additional seat mounting bar 70.

[0071] Hence, it has been demonstrated how the modular seat assembly according to the invention allows achieving the intended aim since it provides one or more longitudinal sitting areas suspended over the pavement of the vehicle 200, thus easing cleaning.

[0072] In particular, as previously described, the assembly comprises a plurality of individual modules or components which allow simplifying installation and maintenance, providing at the same time a great flexibility in applications.

[0073] For instance, since the profiles forming the seat backrests 104 and the seat pans 102 are structurally separate parts, this results in the possibility of offering multiple shapes, styling and functional comforts. For example, backrests 104 can be different in shapes, offered with or without cushions, with or without integrated armrest, without impacting the associated seat pans.

[0074] Likewise, seat pans 102 can be mounted with or without cushions and armrests depending on the specific needs.

[0075] Further, the profiles forming the backrests and the seat pans are elements that can be easily sized or replicated to form a sitting area of any possible and desired length.

[0076] For example, each profile 20 and / or 30 can be realized as an extruded profile of any desired length depending of the size of the coach, seating capacity and layout requirements, and can be supplied in any colored anodizing or painted finish.

[0077] In addition, in particular thanks to the hooking and fitting system adopted, the modular seat assembly according to the present invention, allows adjusting the seating positioning of the seat(s) along the vertical direction based on customer’s requirements.

[0078] The modular seat assembly thus conceived is susceptible of modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in particular by the appended claims.

[0079] All the details may furthermore be replaced with technically equivalent elements.

Claims

Claims:

1. A modular seat assembly for realizing one or more seats (100) of a passenger vehicle (200), characterized in that it comprises at least:- a plurality of substantially vertical bars (1 ) which are suitable to be fixed to at least one fixing part (202, 204, 206) of the vehicle (200) and spaced apart from each other;- a seat mounting bar (3) which is positioned transversely with respect to and is connected to the plurality of substantially vertical bars (1 );- a modular seat frame (10) which is configured to be hanged on the seat mounting bar (3) and to be provided with said one or more seats (100).

2. The modular seat assembly as in claim 1 , wherein it further comprises: at least one first profile (20) which is configured to be connected to one or more first attachment parts (13) of the modular seat frame (10) thereby forming a seat pan (102) of at least one seat (100); at least one second profile (30) which is configured to be connected at least to one or more second attachment parts (14) of the modular seat frame (10) thereby forming a seat backrest (104) of said at least one seat (100).

3. The modular seat assembly as in claim 1 or 2, wherein the modular seat frame (10) is configured so that, when it is hanged on the seat mounting bar (3), said at least one seat (100) is suspended above the pavement (204) of the vehicle (200) with a free space (208) being defined between a seat pan (102) of the one or more seats (100) and the pavement (204).

4. The modular seat assembly as in any one of the previous claims, wherein the seat mounting bar (3) comprises or is provided with a plurality of hooks (5) which are placed along the seat mounting bar (3) spaced apart from each other.

5. The modular seat assembly as in any one of the previous claims, wherein said modular seat frame (10) comprises a plurality of L-shaped arms (1 1 ) which are mechanically connected to each other by means of one or more traverse connecting bars (12), and wherein each L-shaped arm (1 1 ) comprises a first section (11 A) configured to be connected to the seat mounting bar (3) and a second section (1 1 B) which protrudes transverselyfrom the first section (1 1 A) and comprises at least one first attachment part (13) for said at least one first profile (20).

6. The modular seat assembly as in claim 5, wherein each L-shaped arm (11 ) comprises a hook-shaped portion (14) configured to be hooked onto an associated portion comprised in or connected to seat mounting bar (3).

7. The modular seat assembly as in claim 2, wherein the at least one second profile (30) comprises a contoured body (31 ) which is shaped to form the seat backrest (104) and comprises a lower rim (32) suitable to be coupled at least with an associated portion of the at least one first profile (20), an upper rim (33), and a plurality of coupling brackets (34) which protrude rearwardly from the contoured body (31 ) spaced apart from each other and are configured to be coupled each to a corresponding second attachment part (14) of the modular seat frame (10).

8. The modular seat assembly as in claim 2, wherein the at least one first profile (20) comprises a contoured body (21 ) which is shaped to form the seat pan (102) and comprises an upper rim (22) and a lower rim (23) which is provided with at least one fixing bracket (24) configured to be attached to the first attachment parts (14) of the modular seat frame (10).

9. The modular seat assembly as in claims 8 and 9, wherein said lower rim (32) of the at least one second profile (30) is configured to define a recess (34) adapted to receive and clip therein said upper rim (22) of the at least one first profile (20).

10. The modular seat assembly as in any one of the previous claims, wherein it further comprises at least one third profile (40) which comprises at least a cover (41 ) suitable to be positioned over an upper rim (33) of the second profile (30) thereby forming a top part of the seat (100), a shaped bar (42) protruding downwardly from the cover (41 ), and one or more couplers (43) which are placed along the shaped bar (42) spaced apart from each other and are configured to be connected to the seat mounting bar (3).11 . A passenger vehicle (200) comprising at least one modular seat assembly as defined in any of the previous claims.

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