Footrest device and method for installing same, and system comprising such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a child footrest device (1) for attachment to an aircraft seating unit, the device comprising: - a single upright (2) connected to the aircraft seating unit, the upright (2) comprising at its lower end a base (4) which rests on the floor of the aircraft, - a footrest bar (3) transverse to the upright, - a first support bar (5) extending from the base (4), for connecting the footrest device (1) to the aircraft seating unit.

Description

[0001] Footrest device and its mounting method, and system comprising such a device

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to footrest devices and their mounting methods, and to systems comprising such a device.

[0004]

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a footrest device, intended for children, designed to be installed against the seat of an airplane seat or bench in order to improve their comfort during travel.

[0005] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0006] [02a] Footrests are known for example from CN 212995537 U or US 4,767,160.

[0007]

[0003] In airplanes, although the restraint system is adjustable and suitable for children, the standard seats or benches are still mostly designed for adults. Unlike motor vehicles where child seats or reducers can be installed, airplanes generally do not have built-in or mandatory devices to improve the posture and comfort of young passengers.

[0008]

[0004] Consequently, they may not offer optimal comfort for young passengers, particularly with regard to their posture. Indeed, this can lead to several discomforts: children's legs often dangle in the air due to the seat height, which can impede blood or lymphatic circulation in the thighs.

[0009]

[0005] Furthermore, the lack of leg support can lead to increased fatigue, prolonged discomfort, and difficulty maintaining correct posture during long flights. It is therefore necessary to offer a suitable solution to address these problems and improve the comfort and safety of children during air travel.

[0010]

[0006] A footrest device for a child seat in a motor vehicle is known from document WO2013 / 175,131. This document also presents a fastening tool for use with this device in an aircraft. This fastening tool thus allows the same footrest device to be used in both a car and an aircraft.

[0011]

[0007] However, the cited document describes a complex system in which the attachment and retention of the footrest device rely on the use of two bars, namely the footrest device's upright in its initial form and the vertical bar of the fastening tool, in the case of an aircraft. This system, although functional, presents drawbacks in the context of its application in an aircraft, particularly due to the more restrictive spatial configuration and the specific requirements for simplicity and speed of installation and removal for safety reasons.

[0012]

[0008] The invention thus aims to solve the problem of complexity, bulk, and ergonomics of existing footrest devices for children, in particular when it comes to installing them in an airplane smoothly and efficiently.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014]

[0009] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a child's footrest device installed against the seat of an aircraft bench. The footrest device comprises a single post intended to be connected to the aircraft bench. The post has a foot at its lower end intended to rest on the floor. The device also comprises a footrest bar transverse to the post, a first support bar extending from the foot and intended to connect the footrest device to the aircraft bench, and a second, substantially horizontal support bar positioned so as to make direct contact with the front of the aircraft bench seat.

[0015]

[0010] The single amount makes the configuration of the footrest device simpler.

[0016]

[0011] Depending on different aspects, it is possible to foresee one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0017]

[0012]

[0018]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first support bar is configured to extend below a bar of the bench seat. The end of said first support bar is provided with two teeth adapted to receive the bench seat bar between them.

[0019]

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first support bar is configured to extend over a bar of the bench seat. The end of said first support bar is designed to hook onto the bar of the bench seat.

[0020]

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first support bar is articulated by a first joint at the foot, allowing the first support bar to fold against the single upright by means of a rotational movement, so as to bring the second end of the first support bar closer to the second support bar.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the footrest device may include a quick-release system configured to allow the folding or pivoting of the first support bar.

[0021]

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first support bar is provided with a second joint allowing the first support bar to be folded back on itself in a rotational movement, so as to move the second end of the first support bar away from the second support bar.

[0022]

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first support bar is provided with a third joint allowing it to pivot in one direction or the other, towards the lateral ends of the footrest bar.

[0023]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the footrest device can be made in two separate parts, comprising:

[0024] - a horizontal section, corresponding to the first support bar, and

[0025] - a vertical part, comprising the single upright, the second support bar, the footrest bar, and the foot, said vertical part being configured to fit laterally into a base provided on the horizontal part.

[0026]

[0020] According to one embodiment, the foot is equipped with a ball joint system adapted to adjust the first support bar to different bench depths.

[0027]

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising the footrest device and a bench seat.

[0028]

[0022] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for mounting the footrest device comprising:

[0029] - connect the upright to the base,

[0030] - connect the first support bar to the bench seat.

[0031]

[0023] The present invention, without being limited therein, will now be exemplified with the following description of embodiments and implementation.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0034]

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the footrest device in the installed position,

[0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the footrest device in the installed position,

[0035]

[0027] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the footrest device,

[0036]

[0028] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the footrest device,

[0037]

[0029] Figure 5 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the footrest device in a detached and folded position from the bench seat,

[0038]

[0030] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the uninstalled footrest device,

[0039]

[0031] Figure 7 is a detailed view of the ball joint system.

[0040]

[0032] In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar objects.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042]

[0033] The invention relates to a child's footrest device 1. The footrest device 1 is intended to be installed against an aircraft seat or bench. For the sake of clarity in this description, the "front" is defined as the part of the aircraft comprising the cockpit, and the "rear" as the tail of the aircraft, and it is assumed that the aircraft bench is installed so that the passenger normally seated in it faces forward. The invention remains applicable, however, to seats or benches oriented differently in the aircraft. The aircraft seat or bench consists of a seat portion 21, a backrest portion 22, and a bar 23 positioned under its seat 21. The bar 23 extends transversely in the fore-aft direction and serves as a barrier to the luggage of the passenger seated in the seat behind the seat in question, and placed under the seat in question.

[0043]

[0034] The footrest device 1 is defined by two faces: a rear face, designated as face A, and a front face, designated as face B, if the same orientation as previously defined is used. The footrest device 1 comprises a post 2 with an elbow 7 for connection to the aircraft seat, a footrest bar 3 allowing the child seated in the seat to rest their feet comfortably, and a foot 4 for resting on the aircraft floor and connected to the lower end of the post 2. The footrest device 1 further comprises a first support bar 5. The first support bar 5 has two ends: a first end 28 is connected to the foot 4 of the footrest device 1, and a second end 29 is adapted to connect the footrest device 1 to the aircraft seat. The first support bar 5 extends from said foot 4, and is intended to connect the footrest device 1 to the aircraft seat.Implementation methods for the aforementioned first support bar 5 will be detailed below.

[0044]

[0035] The footrest device 1 also includes a second support bar 6, substantially horizontal and positioned so as to make direct contact with the front face of the seat 21 of the aircraft bench seat. Said second support bar 6 is located at the upper end of the upright 2 against the end of the elbow 7 situated on the side of face A of the footrest device 1.

[0045]

[0036] In Figure 1, the elbow 7 is oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the main axis of the upright 2. However, it is possible to consider other configurations where the angle of the elbow would be more or less open, such as for example at 45°, or even less.

[0046]

[0037] The footrest bar 3 is height-adjustable along the upright 2 by means of a sliding and locking mechanism. The footrest bar 3 has a "T" shape, comprising three ends: two free lateral ends 26 and a central end 27 connected to the upright 2. The central end of said footrest bar 3 is provided with a tube 10 that fits around the upright 2. To obtain the desired position of the footrest bar 3, one or two locking collars 11, positioned respectively above and below the tube 10, are used to extend or shorten the upright 2. These locking collars 11 are designed to raise or lower the footrest bar 3, thus allowing an optimal position of the footrest bar 3 relative to the floor.It is understood that any other adjustment and locking device may be used to adjust the height and fix the footrest bar along the upright, for example a rack or notch system, a clamping system, push button, screw+bolt, .

[0047]

[0038] More specifically, in this embodiment, two means for adjusting the overall height of the device are provided. A first adjustment means allows the length of the upright 2 between the foot 4 and the tube 10, and consequently the footrest bar 3, to be adjusted. A second adjustment means allows the length of the upright 2 to be adjusted by sliding it between the tube 10 and the elbow 7, and consequently the length of the upright to be adjusted to the distance between the floor and the bench. It is understood that any other means of adjusting the length of the upright is usable and that, in other embodiments, the first and / or the second means for adjusting the overall height of the device may be omitted.

[0048]

[0039] In an embodiment not shown, the means for adjusting the height of the footrest bar 3 and the means for adjusting the length of the upright 2 are combined, and adjusting the height of the footrest bar changes the height of the upright. Alternatively, the two dimensions can be changed independently of each other. The footrest bar 3 may include anti-slip sleeves 15 where the child's feet will rest.

[0049]

[0040] It is important to note that the seat depth of aircraft seats varies depending on the airline and / or the flight. In Figure 7, the footrest device 1 is equipped with a depth adjustment system allowing the first support bar 5 to adapt naturally to different seat depths in an aircraft. This depth adjustment system may, for example, include a ball joint system 17.

[0050]

[0041] The foot 4 is articulated by a ball joint on the upright 2 so that, if the footrest device is installed with an inclined upright, its lower face 16 is horizontal and lies flat on the aircraft cabin floor. The lower face 16 of the foot may have a non-slip coating, for example, indentations that will grip the carpet, possibly loop pile, commonly found on aircraft cabin floors. It is understood that it may be advantageous for the upright 2 to be inclined from the bottom and front to the top and rear during installation in order to form a kind of buttress against the front of the seat, thus improving the retention of the footrest device on the aircraft seat in the event of a collision.

[0051]

[0042] In an unrepresented variant, a means is provided for adjusting the anteroposterior distance between the second support bar 6 and the footrest bar 3. For example, a means for adjusting the length of the rear part of the elbow 7 of the same type as that of the second means for adjusting the length of the upright 2 with sliding of two parts of the upright can be used.

[0052]

[0043] The footrest bar 3 and the second support bar 6 are fixed at their midpoints to the upright 2 to form a substantially symmetrical arrangement with respect to this upright. In this example, the footrest bar 3 and the second support bar 6 are substantially curved.

[0053]

[0044] Ideally, the components of the device, particularly those likely to come into contact with the child, such as the upright 2, the footrest bar 3, and the second support bar 6, are designed without sharp edges or protruding parts. The edges of the components may be rounded or protected by a soft material to prevent accidental injury. They are preferably tubular with circular cross-sections. To enhance safety and comfort, these elements may be covered with a shock-absorbing material, such as open-cell or closed-cell foam, which also provides anti-slip properties.

[0054]

[0045] These components are preferably made of plastic. In the specific context of aircraft use, it may be advantageous for the hollow parts to be transparent, thus facilitating visual inspection during security checks. The plastic material can be of any composition and may also be flame-retardant or fireproof.

[0055]

[0046] Several embodiments of the first support bar 5 are envisaged. In Figure 1, a first embodiment is shown in which the first support bar 5 is configured to extend below a bar 23 of the bench seat, with the end 29 of said first support bar having two teeth 12 adapted to receive the bar 23 of the bench seat between them. In Figure 2, a second embodiment is shown in which the first support bar 5 is configured to extend above a bar 23 of the bench seat, with the end 29 of said support bar having an L-shaped hook 30, with a rectangular or square cross-section, forming a substantially right angle, designed to hook onto the bar 23 of the bench seat.

[0056]

[0047] In the two embodiments above, the first support bar 5, intended to extend forward from the bottom of the aircraft seat, is articulated by a first articulation 13 at the foot 4. Said articulation 13 allows the first support bar 5 to fold against the upright 2 at an angle of 90°.

[0057]

[0048] The joint 13 is a first joint of the first support bar 5. In a third embodiment of the footrest device 1, the first support bar 5 has a second joint 14, located approximately at the center of the support bar 5, allowing it to fold back on itself. This second joint 14 allows the support bar 5 to fold back on itself through a 180° rotation. Said joint 14 also allows the first support bar 5 to return to its initial position through a -180° rotation. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0058]

[0049] In a fourth embodiment, the first support bar 5 is provided with a third joint 24 which allows it to pivot 90° in either direction towards the lateral ends 26 of the footrest bar 3, which is substantially perpendicular to the first support bar 5. This pivot of the first support bar 5 facilitates its detachment from the bar 23 of the bench seat. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 4.

[0059]

[0050] In all four embodiments, the first support bar 5 forms a single unit with the rest of the footrest device 1. However, an alternative option provides that the footrest device 1 can be made in two separate parts. For example:

[0060] - A horizontal part, corresponding to the first support bar 5.- A vertical part, including the upright 2, the second support bar 6, the footrest bar 3, and the foot 4.

[0061]

[0051] In this configuration, the vertical part is designed to slide laterally into a base 25 provided on the horizontal part, allowing for a two-step installation. This option offers additional modularity while maintaining the stability and functionality of the footrest device.

[0062]

[0052] In Figure 1, the footrest device 1 is installed against an aircraft seat 20 according to a first embodiment. The second support bar 6 is positioned to rest against the front of the seat 21, thus placing the upright 2 approximately in the center, between the child's two legs (not shown). The upright 2 is inclined in a vertical plane, from the rear and top to the front and bottom, where it rests on the floor of the aircraft cabin by means of the ball-jointed foot 4. The footrest bar 3 is height-adjustable to accommodate the child's size and the specific constraints of the aircraft installation. In an advanced version of the device, where the overall height is adjustable, this adjustment is made to perfectly match the aircraft installation.It can be noted that in the absence of such a means of height adjustment or if it is insufficient, compensation can be obtained within certain limits by tilting the upright 2 more or less.

[0063]

[0053] In Figures 1 and 2, the footrest device 1 is secured against the seat 20 by the first support bar 5. The end 29 of said first support bar 5 is either provided with two prongs 12 adapted to receive between them the bar 23 of the bench seat, according to the first embodiment (Figure 1), or designed to hook onto the bar 23 of the bench seat according to the second embodiment (Figure 2). These ends of both embodiments are designed to ensure secure retention of the first support bar 5 against the bar 23 of the bench seat.

[0064]

[0054] In Figure 3, the footrest device 1 is designed to allow for quick and efficient removal in emergency situations, such as may be necessary in the event of an emergency evacuation or a fire in the video unit. In this case, removal is made possible by the second hinge 14, which allows the first support bar 5 to fold back on itself. This second hinge 14 enables a rotational movement that moves the end 29 of the first support bar 5 away from the second support bar 6, thus facilitating rapid release of the footrest device 1.

[0065]

[0055] In Figure 5, the storage of the footrest device 1 before landing or when not in use is simplified by the first hinge 13. This first hinge 13 allows the first support bar 5 to fold against the single upright 2. By folding the first support bar 5, the footrest device 1 is then placed in a more compact position, thus minimizing its size. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments just described, but extends to all variants and equivalents consistent with its spirit. Thus, it is clear that the invention can be implemented in many other ways without departing from the scope defined by the description and the claims. For example, a means for attaching accessories, games, or tools to one or more elements of the device can be provided.

[0066] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0067] 1: Footrest device

[0068] 2: Amount

[0069] 3: Footrest bar

[0070] 4: foot

[0071] 5: First support bar

[0072] 6: Second support bar

[0073] 7: elbow

[0074] 10: tube

[0075] 11: Locking collars

[0076] 12: teeth

[0077] 13: First joint

[0078] 14: second joint

[0079] 15: Anti-slip sleeves

[0080] 16: lower face

[0081] 17: ball joint system

[0082] 20: Seat

[0083] 21: Seated

[0084] 22: File

[0085] 23: Bench seat bar

[0086] 24: Third joint

[0087] 25: Base

[0088] 26: Two lateral extremities

[0089] 27: Central extremity

[0090] 28: First end of the first support bar

[0091] 29: Second end of the first support bar

[0092] 30: Crochet

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A child's footrest device (1) intended to be fixed to an aircraft seat, said device comprising: - an upright (2) intended to be connected to the aircraft seat, the upright (2) having at its lower end a foot (4) intended to rest on the aircraft floor, - a footrest bar (3) transverse to the upright, - a first support bar (5) extending from the foot (4), intended to connect the footrest device (1) to the aircraft seat, characterized in that: a second, substantially horizontal bar (6) is positioned so as to come into direct contact with the front of the seat (21) of the aircraft bench seat, and Amount (2) is a single amount.

2. Footrest device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first support bar (5) is configured to extend below a bar (23) of the bench, the end (29) of said first support bar (5) being provided with two teeth (12) adapted to receive between them the bar (23) of the bench.

3. Footrest device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first support bar (5) is configured to extend over a bar (23) of the bench seat, the end (29) of said first support bar (5) being designed to hook onto the bar (23) of the bench seat.

4. Footrest device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first support bar (5) is articulated by a first articulation (13) to the foot (4) allowing the first support bar (5) to fold against the single upright (2) so as to bring the end (29) of the first support bar (5) closer to the second support bar (6).

5. Footrest device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a quick-release system configured to allow folding or pivoting of the first support bar (5).

6. Footrest device (1) according to claim 5, in which the first support bar (5) is provided with a second joint (14) allowing the first support bar (5) to be folded back on itself by means of a rotational movement so as to move the end (29) of the first support bar (5) away from the second support bar (6).

7. Footrest device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first support bar (5) is provided with a third joint (24) allowing it to pivot in either direction, towards the lateral ends (26) of the footrest bar (3).

8. Footrest device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is made in two separate parts, comprising: a. a horizontal part, corresponding to the first support bar (5), and b. a vertical part, comprising the single upright (2), the second support bar (6), the footrest bar (3), and the foot (4), said vertical part being configured to fit laterally into a base (25) provided on the horizontal part.

9. Footrest device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the foot (4) is provided with a ball joint system (17) adapted to adjust the first support bar (5) to different bench depths.

10. System comprising a footrest device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a bench seat.

11. Method for mounting the footrest device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: a. Connect the upright to the base, b. Connect the first support bar to the bench seat.

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