WO2020239579A1

WO2020239579A1 - Arrangement of seats for premium economy class

Info

Publication number: WO2020239579A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/064075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur GLAIN; Yann CAVEREAU
Original assignee: Safran Seats
Priority date: 2019-05-29
Filing date: 2020-05-20
Publication date: 2020-12-03
Also published as: FR3096655A1; FR3096655B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) of individual seats (11) intended to be installed, in particular, in an aircraft cabin having a rear row (13.1) of seats (11) and a front row (13.2) of seats (11), the seats (11) each having an axis (X2) forming a non-zero angle with respect to an axis (X1) of the aircraft cabin, - the seats (11) being convertible between a sitting position and a meridian position in which the backrest (16) is inclined backwards with respect to a vertical direction at an angle less than 45 degrees and preferably between 15 and 20 degrees, - a foot area (17) being associated with each seat (11), a smaller gap (L1) between a seat cushion (15) of a seat (11) and a corresponding foot area (17) being such that the passenger can rest his feet on the foot area (17) when the corresponding seat (11) is in the sitting position or in the meridian position. The arrangement (10) of individual seats (11) is intended, in particular, for premium economic class.

Description

Title of the invention: ARRANGEMENT OF SEATS FOR

PREMIUM ECONOMIC CLASS

The present invention relates to an arrangement of seats for premium economy class. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with aircraft cabins. Indeed, the invention can also be implemented with seats installed in other means of transport, such as for example bus, train or boat seats.

[0002] Space is relatively small inside airplane cabins. Airlines are therefore seeking to optimize the use of this space in order to maximize the cabin filling density. However, as the distances of direct flights increase, passengers want more comfort and more privacy.

[0003] There is therefore a need for an intermediate seat arrangement between the configurations of seats of the "economy class" type with high filling density but not very comfortable and the configurations of seats of the "business class" type offering passengers different positions. comfort, from sitting to lying down, but very bulky.

[0004] To meet this need, the invention provides an economical premium-type configuration making it possible to increase passenger comfort without compromising in terms of cabin filling density.

[0005] More specifically, the subject of the invention is an arrangement of individual seats intended to be installed in particular in an aircraft cabin comprising:

- a rear row comprising at least two seats arranged one next to the other,

- a front row comprising at least two seats arranged one next to the other,

- each seat comprising a seat and a reclining backrest, - the seats each have an axis forming a non-zero angle with respect to an axis of the aircraft cabin,

- the seats being convertible between a seated position and a meridian position in which the backrest is inclined towards the rear relative to a vertical direction at an angle of less than 45 degrees and preferably between 15 and 20 degrees,

- a foot zone being associated with each seat, a smaller gap between a seat base of a seat and a corresponding foot zone being such that the passenger can rest his feet on the foot zone when the corresponding seat is in a seated position or in a meridian position.

[0006] The invention thus proposes a new seating arrangement configuration making it possible, thanks to the presence of the foot area, to improve passenger comfort while offering a high filling density of the aircraft cabin of the makes limited displacement of the backrest making the seating units compact.

[0007] According to one embodiment, there is a longitudinal overlap between a rear seat unit formed by a seat of the rear row and a corresponding foot area and a front seat unit formed by a seat of the front row and a zone of corresponding feet.

[0008] According to one embodiment, in a herringbone configuration, the seats in the same row have axes parallel to one another.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the seats in the same row are offset longitudinally with respect to each other in a direction parallel to an axis of one of the seats in said row.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a zone of the feet of a seat in the rear row is arranged between the two seats in the front row.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the foot zone is closed so that an upper face constitutes an armrest surface associated with a seat in the front row. [0012] According to one embodiment, in a chevron configuration, the seats in the same row have axes forming a non-zero angle with respect to each other.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the seats in the same row face inwardly relative to an axis of the arrangement.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the seats in the same row face outwardly relative to an axis of the arrangement.

[0015] According to one embodiment, an insert or part of a seat is able to fill a space between a seat of said seat and a corresponding foot zone.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a pitch between a seat in the front row and a seat in the corresponding rear row is between 76.2 cm and 127 cm.

[0017] The subject of the invention is also an aircraft comprising an arrangement of individual seats as defined above.

The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent on reading the following detailed description comprising embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures, presented by way of non-examples. limiting, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which:

[0019] [Fig. 1a] Figure 1a is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an arrangement of individual seats according to the present invention;

[0020] [Fig. 1b] Figure 1b is a top view of the arrangement of individual seats of Figure 1a;

[0021] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a top view of a second embodiment of the arrangement of individual seats according to the invention; [0022] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a top view of a third embodiment of the arrangement of individual seats according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the arrangement of individual seats according to the invention.

[0024] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

Figures 1a and 1b show an arrangement 10 of individual seats 1 1 intended to be installed in an aircraft cabin of longitudinal axis X1.

A rear row 13.1 comprises at least two seats 1 1 arranged next to each other. A front row 13.2 has at least two seats 1 1 arranged next to each other.

The seats 1 1 of the rear row 13.1 and the seats 1 1 of the front row 13.2 are turned in the same direction of the aircraft cabin, for example towards the cockpit, or in the opposite direction towards the rear from the plane.

The seats 1 1 each have an axis X2 corresponding to a horizontal axis located in a median plane of the seat 1 1, in particular a plane of symmetry of the seat. An axis X2 of a seat 1 1 forms a non-zero angle A with respect to the axis X1 of the cabin.

Each seat 1 1 has a seat 15 and a reclining back 16. The seats 11 are convertible between a seated position corresponding to the position used in particular during the stopping, take-off and landing phases of the aircraft, and a meridian position which is a position of comfort in which the backrest 16 is inclined backwards with respect to a vertical direction by an angle of less than 45 degrees and preferably between 15 and 20 degrees. The seat 1 1 can not go beyond the meridian position. In the meridian position, the seat 15 may extend in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, in the meridian position, the seat 15 may have a front end inclined upwards. relative to the horizontal plane, in particular at an angle at least equal to 10 degrees. In the meridian position, the seat 15 may for example form an angle of between 10 and 20 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

A foot area 17 is associated with each seat 1 January. A foot area 17 is formed by a housing open at one end and intended to receive the feet of a passenger. A smaller gap L1 between a seat 15 of a seat 1 1 and a corresponding foot zone 17 is such that the passenger can rest his feet on the foot zone 17 when the corresponding seat 1 1 is in the seated position or in position meridian. The gap L1 is preferably between 6 inches (15.2cm) and 15 inches maximum (38.1 cm).

There is a longitudinal overlap between a rear seat unit 18.1 formed by a seat 1 1 of the rear row 13.1 and a corresponding foot area 17 and a front seat unit 18.2 formed by a seat 1 1 of the front row 13.2 and a corresponding 17 foot zone. As illustrated in Figure 1b, the lengths L2 and L3 respectively of a rear seat unit 18.1 and of a front seat unit 18.2 overlap with each other, in particular between a front part of the rear seat unit 18.1 comprising the foot area 17 and a rear part of the front seat unit 18.2 comprising the backrest 16 and, if applicable, the seat base 15 of the seat 1 1.

According to a herringbone configuration illustrated in Figures 1 a, 1 b, and 2, the seats 1 1 of the same row 13.1, 13.2 have axes X2 parallel to each other. The seats 1 1 are inclined in the same direction. Thus, in Figures 1a and 1b, the seats 1 1 are inclined in the direction of a traffic corridor 20. Such a configuration facilitates access by passengers to the traffic corridor 20. In Figure 2, the seats 1 1 are inclined in a direction opposite to the corridor 20.

In addition, the seats 1 1 of the same row 13.1, 13.2 are offset longitudinally with respect to each other by a distance L4 in a direction parallel to an axis X2 of one of the seats 1 1 of said row 13.1, 13.2. A foot area 17 of a seat 1 1 of the rear row 13.1 is arranged between the two seats 1 1 of the front row 13.2. The foot zone 17 located between the seats 1 1 of the front row 13.2 is closed so that an upper face constitutes an armrest surface associated with a seat 1 1 of the front row 13.2.

The embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 correspond to a chevron configuration in which the seats 1 1 of the same row 13.1, 13.2 have axes X2 forming a non-zero angle with respect to each other .

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the seats 1 1 of the same row

13.1, 13.2 are turned inwards with respect to an axis X3 of the arrangement 10 of seats 1 1. In this case, the axes X2 of the seats 1 1 of the same row 13.1, 13.2 intersect the axis X3 of the arrangement 10 at the front of the seats 1 1 of said row

13.1, 13.2. The foot zones 17 of the two seats 1 1 are arranged between the two seats 1 1 of the front row 13.2. If necessary, the foot zones 17 can be superimposed vertically on top of one another to reduce the lateral bulk of the assembly.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the seats 1 1 of the same row

13.1, 13.2 are turned outwards with respect to the axis X3 of the arrangement 10 of seats 1 1. In this case, the axes X2 of the seats 1 1 of the same row 13.1, 13.2 intersect the axis X3 of the arrangement 10 at the rear of the seats 1 1 of said row

13.1, 13.2. The foot zones 17 associated with the seats 1 1 of the rear row 13.1 are located on the outer side of the seats 1 1 of the front row 13.2.

Optionally, an insert 21 or part of the seat 1 1 may be intended to fill the space 22 between a seat 15 of said seat 1 1 and a corresponding foot area 17, as shown on the FIG. 2. Thus, the space 22 can be filled at least in part by an attached cushion suitable for being stored under a seat 15 of a corresponding seat 11, when it is not in use. Alternatively, the space 22 is intended to be filled at least in part by a seat 15 of the seat 1 1 which moves forward when the seat 1 1 passes from the seated position to the meridian position. In all cases, a pitch P between a seat 1 1 of the rear row 13.1 and a seat 1 1 of the corresponding front row 13.2 is between 30 inches (76.2cm) and 50 inches (127cm). It is recalled that a pitch P corresponds to the distance between two reference points of two adjacent seats 1 1 located one behind the other.

Of course the different characteristics, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

Obviously, 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 variants which a person skilled in the art may envisage in the context of the present invention and in particular any combination of the various operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

[Claims 1] Arrangement (10) of individual seats (1 1) intended to be installed in particular in an aircraft cabin comprising:

- a rear row (13.1) comprising at least two seats (1 1) arranged one next to the other,

- a front row (13.2) comprising at least two seats (1 1) arranged one next to the other,

- each seat (11) comprising a seat (15) and a reclining backrest (16), characterized in that the seats (1 1) each have an axis (X2) forming a non-zero angle with respect to an axis (X1) from the aircraft cabin,

- the seats (1 1) being convertible between a seated position and a meridian position in which the backrest (16) is inclined towards the rear relative to a vertical direction at an angle of less than 45 degrees and preferably between 15 and 20 degrees,

- a foot area (17) being associated with each seat (1 1),

- a smaller gap (L1) between a seat (15) of a seat (1 1) and a corresponding foot area (17) being between 15.2cm and 38.1cm, so that the passenger can rest their feet on the foot area (17) when the corresponding seat (1 1) is in a sitting position or in a meridian position.

[Claims 2] A seating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that there is a longitudinal overlap between a rear seat unit (18.1) formed by a seat (1 1) of the rear row (13.1) and a zone of corresponding feet (17) and a front seat unit (18.2) formed by a seat (1 1) of the front row (13.2) and a corresponding foot area (17).

[Claims 3] A seating arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a herringbone configuration, the seats (1 1) of the same row (13.1, 13.2) have axes (X2) parallel to the one in relation to the other.

[Claims 4] A seating arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the seats (1 1) of the same row (13.1, 13.2) are longitudinally offset with respect to each other in a direction parallel to an axis (X2) of one of the seats (1 1) of said row (13.1, 13.2).

[Claims 5] A seating arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a foot area (17) of a seat (1 1) of the rear row (13.1) is arranged between the two seats (1 1) ) of the front row (13.2).

[Claims 6] A seating arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the foot area (17) is closed so that an upper face constitutes an armrest surface associated with a seat (1 1) of the front row (13.2).

[Claims 7] Arrangement of seats according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a chevron configuration, the seats (1 1) of the same row (13.1, 13.2) have axes (X2) forming an angle not zero with respect to each other.

[Claims 8] A seating arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the seats (1 1) of a same row (13.1, 13.2) are turned inwardly relative to an axis (X3) of the arrangement (10).

[Claims 9] A seating arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the seats (11) of a same row (13.1, 13.2) are turned outwards with respect to an axis (X3) of the arrangement ( 10).

[Claims 10] A seating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an insert (21) or part of a seat (1 1) is adapted to fill a space (22) between a seat (15) of said seat (1 1) and a corresponding foot area (17).

[Claims 1 1] A seating arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a step (P) between a seat (1 1) of the rear row (13.1) and a seat (11) of the corresponding front row (13.2) is between 76.2 cm and 127 cm.

[Claims 12] Aircraft comprising an arrangement (10) of individual seats (1 1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims.