Footrest with a metal wire structure provided with a suspension web

Abstract

The present invention relates to a footrest (23) for an aircraft seat comprising: - a metal wire structure (25) comprising a frame (26) formed by a peripheral wire (28), and - a flexible suspension web (29) fixed to the frame (26) of the metal wire structure (25), the suspension web (29) being suitable for supporting the feet of a passenger.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: FOOTREST WITH WIRE METAL FRAME AND SUSPENSION LINER

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire-framed metal footrest equipped with a suspension system. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of aeronautics, especially with "business class" and "first class" seating units in an aircraft cabin.

[0002] As is well known, such a seating unit comprises a seat combined with a privacy shell that extends at least partially around the seat to create a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. This configuration ensures passenger privacy.

[0003] The seat offers the passenger various comfort positions, from a "sitting" position to a "lying" position, in which the seat cushion and backrest create a nearly horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also available, such as the "relax" position in which the seat backrest is significantly reclined.

[0004] The seat unit also includes a console with a housing in which is placed a footrest also called an "ottoman" on which a rear passenger can rest their feet, particularly when their seat is in a reclined position.

[0005] As illustrated in Figure 1, a footrest panel 1 is formed by a structural layer 2 comprising a central core made of a honeycomb material and two composite material plates arranged on either side of the central core. The composite material plates may have a fibrous or woven reinforcement, based on carbon fibers or fiberglass; coated with a resin.

[0006] The structural layer 2 is covered by a comfort layer 3, notably made of foam, which can itself be covered by a layer of fire-resistant material 4. The whole can be covered by a covering cap 5.

[0007] Composite panels are generally incinerated at the end of their lifecycle because they are difficult to recycle due to their multiple components. The materials used in their construction are also not made from recycled materials. The materials used in the footrest panel were identified in an ATI (Aerospace Technology Institute) report on aircraft seat components as a priority for replacement in order to improve the environmental footprint of aircraft seats. Therefore, there is a need to replace the composite structural layer of the footrest panel with an easily recyclable material.

[0008] The invention aims to effectively remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a footrest for an aircraft seat comprising: - a wireframe metal structure comprising a frame formed by a peripheral wire, and - a flexible suspension mat attached to the frame of the wire metal structure, said suspension mat being capable of supporting the feet of a passenger.

[0009] The invention, through the use of a wireframe metal structure, enables the recycling of the metal material from the footrest. The invention offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the composite material currently used. Furthermore, the invention reduces tooling costs, as the wireframe metal structure can be produced using manual or CNC bending machines. This also represents savings in materials and development time compared to manufacturing a mold to produce a honeycomb composite structure.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises two longitudinal members extending parallel to each other and two cross members extending parallel to each other.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front crossmember intended to be located on the passenger side is at least partially offset vertically downwards relative to a plane of the frame.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front cross member is connected to the ends of the side members by means of two portions of the peripheral wire inclined angularly downwards.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises flattened fixing portions provided with an opening for the passage of a fixing member into which a fixing member can be inserted to ensure a fixing of the wire metal structure with a structural element.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, each flattened portion of the fixing is a local deformation of the peripheral wire.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flattened fixing portions are arranged vertically recessed downwards relative to a plane in which the frame extends.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, each flattened portion of the fixing extends in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the frame extends.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wire metal structure further comprises at least one reinforcing wire extending inside the frame.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wire metal structure comprises transverse reinforcing wires and / or longitudinal reinforcing wires and / or reinforcing wires extending in a direction forming an angle between 0 degrees excluded and 90 degrees excluded with respect to a side of the frame.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing wire has an arch shape so as to present a vertical downward offset relative to a plane in which the frame extends.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible suspension mat is made of a deformable mesh fabric.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible suspension mat is made of a three-dimensional fabric.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible suspension sheet comprises at least one longitudinal retaining element provided with a groove intended to cooperate by snapping with one side of the frame and / or an edge folded and sewn around one side of the frame and / or a sewn pocket into which a portion of the wire metal structure is inserted.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wire metal structure is made of an aluminum-based material.

[0024] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying figures, presented by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which:

[0025] [Fig. 1] Figure 1, already described, is a cross-sectional view of a footrest panel according to the prior art;

[0026] [Fig. 2a] [Fig. 2b] Figures 2a and 2b are front and rear perspective views of an aircraft seat unit comprising a footrest according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a footrest according to the present invention;

[0028] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a footrest frame according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a flexible suspension sheet of a footrest according to the invention;

[0030] [Fig. 6a] [Fig. 6b] Figures 6a and 6b are perspective and front views of a variant embodiment of a wire metal structure of a footrest according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of a flattened portion of a footrest frame fixing according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of a 3D fabric that can be used to make the footrest suspension mat according to the invention.

[0033] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0034] The relative terms of the type "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", are understood by reference to the common meaning that would be given to them by a passenger seated on a seat located at the rear of the seat according to the invention and looking at the footrest associated with the seat according to the invention.

[0035] Figures 2a and 2b show a seating unit 10 comprising a seat 11 and a privacy shell assembly 12 including a console 13 positioned next to the seat 11 and a privacy shell 15 extending at least partially around the seat 11 so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. This configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in seat 11.

[0036] More specifically, seat 11 comprises a seat cushion 16 and a backrest 17. Seat 11 is advantageously equipped with a mechanism allowing it to move between a "seated" position, in which seat 11 is configured to define a passenger's seating position, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat cushion 16 and the backrest 17 define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously substantially horizontal. Seat 11 can also assume at least one intermediate comfort position, known as the "relaxed" position, in which the backrest of seat 11 is significantly inclined backward.

[0037] The console 13 has side panels 20 and a top panel 21 on which the passenger can place objects. The console 13 has an internal compartment 22 in which a footrest 23 is located. The internal compartment 22 is open at the rear so that a rear passenger can place their feet on the footrest 23.

[0038] The footrest 23 has an X-axis (see Figure 2b) corresponding to the intersection between the footrest 23 and a vertical median plane. The X-axis can be parallel to the direction of the leg orientation of a reclining passenger whose feet are resting on the footrest 17.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 3, the footrest 23 comprises a wire metal structure 25 having a frame 26 formed by a peripheral wire 28, and a flexible suspension web 29 attached to the frame 26 of the wire metal structure 25. The suspension web 29 is suitable for supporting the feet of a passenger.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 4, the frame 26 comprises two longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2 extending parallel to each other and two cross members 36.1, 36.2 extending parallel to each other. The cross members 36.1, 36.2 provide a connection between the longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2. The longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2 can extend along the X-axis of the footrest 23. The frame 26 may have rounded corners. The peripheral wire 28 can be shaped by a bending machine. The ends of the peripheral wire 28 can be welded together.

[0041] The front crossmember 36.1, intended to be located on the passenger side, is at least partially offset vertically downwards relative to a plane P of the frame 26. The plane P of the frame 26 passes through the two longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2 of the frame.

[0042] The front crossmember 36.1 is connected to the ends of the side members 35.1, 35.2 by means of two downward-angled portions 45.1, 45.2 of the peripheral wire 28. One downward-angled portion 45.1 connects one end of the front crossmember 36.1 to the side member 35.1. A downward-angled portion 45.2 connects the other end of the front crossmember 36.2 to the side member 35.2. This configuration allows the flexible suspension spring 29 to deform freely before the front crossmember 36.1 can absorb the forces applied by the passenger's legs on the footrest 23.

[0043] The frame 26 includes flattened fixing portions 39, each with an opening for a fastener 40 into which a fastener can be inserted to secure the wire structure 25 to a structural element, such as a bracket wall 13. The fastener (not shown) may be a screw, a rivet, or any other fastener suitable for the application. Each flattened fixing portion 39 may be formed by a local deformation of the peripheral wire 28.

[0044] The flattened fixing portions 39 are arranged vertically recessed downwards from the plane P in which the frame 26 extends. Such a configuration makes it easier to install the footrest 23 inside the internal housing 22 of the console 13.

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 7, each flattened fastening portion 39 extends in a plane P' perpendicular to the plane P in which the frame 26 extends. Each flattened fastening portion 39 has a thin rectangular or square plate shape. Each flattened fastening portion 39 has a first end connected to a first downward-inclined, deformed peripheral wire section 41.1 and a second end connected to a second downward-inclined, deformed peripheral wire section 41.2. The first peripheral wire section 41.1 and the second peripheral wire section 41.2 form a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal extension direction of the side of the frame 26 in which the sections 41.1, 41.2 are formed. The side of the frame 26 can be a longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 or a cross member 36.1, 36.2.

[0046] In this case, each longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 has two flattened fixing portions 39. Alternatively, each longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 may have more than two flattened fixing portions 39 or only one flattened fixing portion 39. Alternatively, a cross member 36.1, 36.2 may have one or more flattened fixing portions 39.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 3, the flexible suspension mat 29 is made of a stretchable mesh fabric. The mesh fabric allows for good air circulation, promoting skin breathability. Its elasticity allows the fabric to adapt to body movements. The durable, tear-resistant mesh fabric has a long lifespan. The mesh pattern adds a modern and elegant touch. The mesh fabric is easy to care for, as it can be washed and dried quickly.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the flexible suspension sheet 29 can include at least one longitudinal retaining element 43 provided with a groove 44 intended to cooperate by snapping with one side of the frame 26.

[0049] The flexible suspension mat 29 has a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges connecting the front and rear edges. The front edge can be positioned on the passenger side. The rear edge can be positioned on the opposite side from the front edge.

[0050] The flexible suspension web 29 may have two longitudinal retaining elements 43 on two opposite edges, for example, the front and rear edges or the two side edges. Alternatively, the suspension web 29 may have three or four longitudinal retaining elements 43. In the latter case, a longitudinal retaining element 43 extends along each edge of the flexible suspension web 29. A longitudinal retaining element 43 extends along at least 50% of the length of a corresponding edge, preferably along at least 80% of the length of a corresponding edge.

[0051] A longitudinal retaining element 43 may have a groove 44 having a width slightly less than a dimension, in particular a diameter, on one side of the frame 26 (corresponding longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 or cross member 36.1, 36.2), so that when pressure is exerted on the longitudinal retaining element 43 bearing on a longitudinal member, the edges of the groove 44 spread apart by deformation to allow the insertion of the side of the frame 26 inside the groove 44. The edges of the groove 44 then tend to return to their undeformed position, which has the effect of applying a force on the side of the frame 26 holding the element 43 around the corresponding longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 or cross member 36.1, 36.2. The retaining element 43 can be made of a rigid elastically deformable material, in particular a plastic material or an elastically deformable metallic material.

[0052] As an alternative or in addition to the longitudinal support element(s) 43, the flexible suspension sheet 29 may include one or more folded edges sewn around one side of the frame 26 (a longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 or a cross member 36.1, 36.2).

[0053] As an alternative or in addition to the longitudinal support element 43, the flexible suspension sheet 29 may include a sewn pocket into which a portion of the wire metal structure 25 is inserted.

[0054] Alternatively, the flexible suspension mat 29 can be made of a three-dimensional fabric shown in Figure 8. The three-dimensional fabric has two fabric walls 46, 47 separated from each other by a wire spacer 48, i.e. a spacer made from wire, so as to allow an air passage 49 between the two fabric walls 46, 47.

[0055] As illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, the wire metal structure 25 may further include at least one reinforcing wire 27.1 extending inside the frame 26.

[0056] The wire metal structure 25 may include one or more transverse reinforcing wires 27.1 parallel to the crossbeams 36.1, 36.2.

[0057] To allow for the deformation of the fabric, the reinforcing threads 27.1 can be arched so as to present a downward vertical offset Z relative to the plane P in which the frame 26 extends (see Figure 6b). The maximum downward vertical offset Z of the transverse threads is between 0 mm (exclusive) and 60 mm, and is preferably on the order of 35 mm. "On the order of" means a variation of plus or minus 10% around the stated value.

[0058] The 25 wire mesh structure is preferably made of an aluminum-based material. Aluminum offers a good balance between mechanical strength and weight, providing a lightweight solution. Alternatively, the 25 wire mesh structure can be made of steel or any other metallic material suitable for the application.

[0059] The wire mesh structure 25 can be made using metal wires 27.1, 27.2, 28 with a diameter between 4 and 20 mm, depending on the mechanical load requirements. Preferably, the diameter of the wires 27.1, 27.2, 28 is between 7 and 12 mm. The perimeter wire 28 and the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 can be solid or tubular, i.e., hollow.

[0060] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0061] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that a person skilled in the art may envision within the scope of the present invention, and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be considered separately or in combination.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Footrest (23) for an aircraft seat (11) comprising: - a wire-like metal structure (25) comprising a frame (26) formed by a peripheral wire (28), and - a flexible suspension mat (29) attached to the frame (26) of the wire metal structure (25), said suspension mat (29) being capable of supporting the feet of a passenger, characterized in that the flexible suspension webbing (29) comprises at least one longitudinal retaining element (43) provided with a groove (44) intended to cooperate by snapping with one side of the frame (26).

2. Footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (26) comprises two longitudinal members (35.1, 35.2) extending parallel to each other and two cross members (36.1, 36.2) extending parallel to each other.

3. Footrest according to claim 2, characterized in that the front cross member (36.1) intended to be located on the passenger side is at least partially offset vertically downwards with respect to a plane (P) of the frame (26).

4. Footrest according to claim 3, characterized in that the front cross member (36.1) is connected to the ends of the side members (35.1, 35.2) by means of two portions of the peripheral wire (28) inclined angularly downwards.

5. Footrest according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (26) has flattened fixing portions (39) provided with an opening for the passage of a fixing member (40) into which a fixing member can be inserted to ensure a fixing of the wire metal structure (25) with a structural element.

6. Footrest according to claim 5, characterized in that each flattened fixing portion (39) is a local deformation of the peripheral wire (28).

7. Footrest according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the flattened fixing portions (39) are arranged vertically recessed downwards with respect to a plane (P) in which the frame (26) extends.

8. Footrest according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each flattened fastening portion (39) extends in a plane (P 1 ) perpendicular to a plane (P) in which the frame (26) extends.

9. Footrest according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wire metal structure (25) further comprises at least one reinforcing wire (27.1) extending inside the frame (26).

10. Footrest according to claim 9, characterized in that the wire metal structure (25) comprises transverse reinforcing wires (27.1) and / or longitudinal reinforcing wires (27.2) and / or reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) extending in a direction forming an angle between 0 degrees excluded and 90 degrees excluded with respect to a side of the frame (26).

11. Footrest according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the reinforcing wire (27.1, 27.2) has an arched shape so as to present a vertical downward offset relative to a plane in which the frame (26) extends.

12. Footrest according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flexible suspension webbing (29) is made of a deformable mesh fabric.

13. Footrest according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flexible suspension sheet (29) is made of a three-dimensional fabric.

14. Footrest according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the flexible suspension webbing (29) has a folded edge sewn around one side of the frame (26) and / or a sewn pocket into which a portion of the wire metal structure (25) is inserted.

15. Footrest according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the wire metal structure (25) is made of an aluminum-based material.

Images