GB2444700A

GB2444700A - Seat extension system

Info

Publication number: GB2444700A
Application number: GB0624842A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trevor Edouard Lambert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-12
Filing date: 2006-12-12
Publication date: 2008-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-12
Also published as: GB2444700B; GB0624842D0

Abstract

A removable extension system for converting an existing row of seats 1 into a lying surface comprising a supporting device 4 which provides a horizontal load-bearing surface 2 adjacent the front edge of the seat portions of and at the height of the sitting surface. Securing means (19, 20, 23-26 in Figures 8-11) may be provided for securing the supporting device. Preferably there is a cushioning system 3 which covers, partially or totally, a seat row 1 and an adjacent load-bearing surface 2. The supporting device may be a collapsible structure (see Figure 1), inflatable (see Figure 8) or suspended from either the row of seats 1 or the adjacent row of seats 14 in a variety of different methods. The system is preferably to be used in an aircraft.

Description

SEAT ROW BED

This invention relates to a removable system for converting, when needed, an existing row of side-by-side seats into a wider, more uniform and soft lying surface similar to that of a standard bed.

Seat rows which have retractable, removable or an absence of armrests between each seat are often used by people to lie down and rest. A good example of this occurs in airplanes when lucky economy class passengers are able to find a row of four empty seats to lie on. Although being able to lie down in this way is a luxury when having to wait anywhere for long periods of time, it can be notoriously uncomfortable due to the lying surface's narrowness, non-uniformity caused by the concave shape of the seat portions of the seats, and the typically hard cushioning on which it is relatively comfortable to sit but not so much to lie down.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the.

aforementioned problems by enabling a typically narrow, non-uniform and hard seat row to be converted into a lying surface having the dimensions and comfort levels similar to those of a standard bed.

Patent specifications of a similar field provide

improvements in seats or sofas that convert to beds or general improvements in seat and bed arrangements. Such

patent specifications are 0S2004035980, US4071210,

US6000659, GB2295962, JP200].15826, JP2003552, US6663173, GB1284706, JP2005239154, W02006022669, EP1366987, US5271109, US5394573, tJS5815857, US5920928 and US2003014 814.

US-A 2004 03598 is perhaps the most related to the present system in so far as a seat pad extension along a row of seats is proposed. The key difference however is that such an extension comes as part of a seating arrangement and that although it can be retracted via a hinge, it is not removable or collapsible.

As used herein, the term seat row' means a plurality of known pre-existent seats in a side-by-side-formation in which armrests or dividers between each seat are either non-existent, or can be retracted or removed. When the term seat row is mentioned herein, it shall be assumed that a seat row's arrnrests or dividers, where provided, are either retracted or removed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a seat row extension system for converting a seat row into an extended lying surface comprising a supporting device to provide a substantially horizontal load-bearing surface adjacent to a front edge of seat portions of a seat row, substantially at the height of the sitting surface of a front-most part of said seat portions, said seat row extension system being characterised in that it is removable.

Preferably said seat row extension system is collapsible.

Preferably said seat row extension system is portable.

Preferably said seat row extension system is installable, removable and collapsible by hand without the need for tools.

Preferably said seat row extension system weighs less than 7kg.

Preferably said supporting device is made from a high rigidity-to-weight ratio material such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Preferably said horizontal load-bearing surface provided by said supporting device comprises fabric such as polyester fabric.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment said supporting device is arranged to transmit the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a base beneath said supporting device in use of the device.

A securing means for said supporting device of said seat row extension system may be provided, such that, when subjected to forces, in use, said load-bearing surface remains, substantially in the position described above relative to a said seat row.

Preferably said securing means does not comprise a permanent moveable connection such as a hinge.

Preferably said securing means allows said supporting device, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist such as on an aircraft, to be partially or totally held in position using existing vehicle seat belts.

Preferably said securing means allows said supporting device, in use, to be partially or totally held in position using binding devices such as straps.

Preferably said binding devices such as straps are arranged to tie, in use, said supporting device to underpinnings of a said seat row and underpinnings of another seat row directly in front of the firstmeritioned seat row.

A seat row extension system in combination with a said seat row.

Preferably said seat row consists of four seats.

Preferably said seat row consists of airliner seats.

Preferably said seat row or another seat row directly in front does not require permanent modifications.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cushioning system to be used in conjunction with a seat row extension system for making said extended lying surface softer and more uniform, comprising a layer for simultaneously covering, partially or totally, a seat row and an adjacent load-bearing surface provided by a supporting device.

Preferably, said layer is collapsible.

Preferably, said layer is portable.

Preferably, said layer has a variable degree of softness.

Preferably, said layer is inflatable.

Preferably, said layer weighs less than 5kg.

A securing means for said layer of the cushioning system may be provided, such that, when subjected to forces, in use, said layer remains, substantially in position described above relative to said seat row and said adjacent load-bearing surface provided by said supporting device.

Preferably, said layer, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist such as on an aircraft, is partially or totally held in position using existing vehicle seat belts.

Preferably, said layer, in use, is partially or totally held in position using binding devices such as straps.

Preferably, said layer is partially or totally held in position using separable fasteners such as hook-and-loop fastener materials like that known and sold under the Registered Trade Mark "Velcro".

The present system can also embrace a user safety means, wherein existing vehicle seat belts or other safety belts are made available to give the user the option of strapping in, when equipped with a seat row extension system and/or cushioning system as defined above.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a horizontal load-bearing surface, without its supporting device, located adjacent to a front edge of seat portions of a seat row, substantially at the height of the sitting surface of a front most part of said seat portions; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a layer, simultaneously covering a seat row and an adjacent load-bearing surface; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the preferred embodim?nt of a supporting device wherein said supporting device transmits the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a base beneath said supporting device; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the supporting device wherein said supporting device transmits part of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row and the remaining part of said load directly onto a base beneath said supporting device; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the supporting device wherein said supporting device transmits the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row; Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of the supporting device where said supporting device transmits part of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row and the remaining part of said load onto another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row; Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of the supporting device wherein it is a variation of the fourth embodiment depicted in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a sixth embodiment of the supporting device wherein said supporting device is also shown with the layer of a cushioning system; Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the preferred securing means for the preferred embodiment of the supporting device wherein binding devices such as straps tie said supporting device to underpinnings of a saidseat row and the underpinnings of another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row; Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a second securing means for the preferred embodiment of the supporting device wherein binding devices such as straps tie said supporting device to a plurality of anchor points on a base; Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a third securing means for the preferred embodiment of the supporting device wherein said supporting device is held in position using anchor points on a base which allow the supporting device to be directly locked in place without binding devices such as straps; Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a securing means for the layer of a cushioning system wherein said layer is held in position on a horizontal loadbearing surface using separable fasteners such as hook-and-loop fastener materials like that known under the Registered Trade Mark "Velcro"; and Fig. 13 schematically illustrates the preferred embodiment complete with a preferred supporting device, layer arid securing means in a deployed and ready-to-use condition.

While the figures depict the use of the present system with seat rows consisting of four seats, said system can be equally used with seat rows consisting of any number of seats.

As used herein, the term seat row' means a plurality of known pre-existent seats in a side-by-side-formation in which armrests or dividers between each seat are either non-existent, or can be retracted or removed. When the term seat row is mentioned herein, it shall be assumed that a seat row's armrests or dividers, where provided, are either collapsed or removed.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a horizontal load-bearing surface in its simplest form 2 is schematically shown located adjacent to a front edge of seat portions of a seat row 1, substantially at the height of the sitting surface of a front-most part of said seat portions. For clarity, in this figure the horizontal load-bearing surface is shown without its supporting device.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a layer 3 simultaneously covering a seat row 1 and an adjacent horizontal load-bearing surface 2. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the layer is inflatable although this is not restrictive. Ignoring for a moment how the load-bearing surface 2 is supported by a supporting device and how the supporting device and layer 3 are secured in position, Fig. 2 gives an idea of how simply the present invention aims to convert a typically narrow, non-uniform and hard seat row into a lying surface having the dimensions and comfort levels similar to those of a standard bed.

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Figs. 3 -8 inclusive schematically show various embodiments of the supporting device which provides the necessary support for the horizontal load-bearing surface; Figs. 9 -11 inclusive schematically show various securing means for the preferred embodiment of the supporting device; Fig. 12 shows a securing means for the layer; and Fig. 13 illustrates the system in a ready-to-use' condition with the preferred supporting device, layer and securing means.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the preferred embodiment of the supporting device in which the supporting device 4 transmits the totality of the load which the horizontal load-bearing surface 2 carries directly onto the ground or base beneath it 5. It should be understood that using crossed legs 6 as illustrated is not the only way of achieving the stated load transmission and that such an arrangement is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. For example exactly the same type of load transmission could be achieved by using eight vertical legs held in position using struts. Equally, the detail and materials used in the framework have not been specified as it is assumed such a structure is constructible by anyone with moderate skill in the art. These assumptions will be applicable to the remaining embodiments described herein.

As far as collapsibility is concerned, regardless of whether crossed legs, vertical legs or other types of members are used, most arrangements performing the same function as embodied in Fig. 3 can be made collapsible to a lesser or greater extent especially if fabric such as polyester fabric or canvas is used for the load-bearing surface 2. Although fabric for the load-bearing surface is preferred, those skilled in the art will realise that various other materials may also provide the required utility.

A second embodiment of the supporting device is schematically shown in Fig. 4 in which the device 4 transmits the load which the horizontal load-bearing surface 2 carries partly onto the sitting surface 7 of a seat row 1 and partly onto the ground or base 5 beneath the load-bearing surface. Again, the fact that three vertical legs 8 are shown in Fig. 4 in order to achieve the stated load transmission is purely arbitrary. With this particular embodiment, three ties 9 are attached to the frame which enable the frame to stay pressed against the seat backs of a seat row 1 by being tied and tightened around structural parts on the side of the seats 10 such as the arm rest attachment points.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the supporting device in which the supporting device 4 enables the totality of the load which the horizontal load-bearing surface 2 carries to be transmitted onto the sitting surface 7 of a seat row 1. In the arrangement shown, the load carried on the overhang 11 is supported by a seat row 1 via a cantilever provided by the seat row 1, the frame 4 and the existing vehicle seat belts 12 being tightened around a frame protrusion 13 as shown. Where vehicle seat belts do not exist, the same effect could be achieved using binding devices such as straps fastened around the underside of the seats.

A fourth embodiment of the supporting device is shown in Fig. 6 in which the supporting device 4 transmits the load which the horizontal load-bearing surface 2 carries partly onto the sitting surface 7 of a seat row 1 and partly onto a seat row directly in front 14. As embodied in Fig. 6, fabric is simply stretched out from the front of the back portion of a seat row 1 to the back of the back portion of a seat row directly in front 14 using a series of ties 9 threaded through reinforced holes 15 in the fabric and tightened around structural parts on the side of the seats 10 such as the arm rest attachment points. When not in use, the fabric can simply be folded away.

A fifth embodiment of the supporting device which is a variation of the fourth embodiment is schematically shown in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7 the front-most length of the fabric is attached to a straight member 16 which in turn is attached to a series of ties 9 which keep the straight member 16 pressed tightly against the back of the back portion of a seat row directly in front 14 by tightening the ties 9 around structural parts on the side of the seats 10 such as the arm rest attachment points. The other length of the fabric has an arrangement of reinforced holes 15 to which straps comprising the plug part of a seatbelt 17 are attached. These plugs are inserted into the existing seatbelt sockets 12 and the seatbelt is tightened to produce a tight fabric surface. In Fig. 7 the straight member 16 is shown with a halfway folding point 18 to allow for more compact storage.

Fig. 8 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the supporting device in which the supporting device 4 is also shown with the layer 3 of a cushioning system. Here the supporting device 4 is an inflatable structure with a cross-section such that when inflated it forms the load bearing surface 2 of the supporting device by taking up the foot well space beneath it. The inflatable structure secures itself in position by wedging itself between the two seat rows 1 and 14. In Fig. 8 the supporting device is shown with the layer 3 of a cushioning system over it as it may be advantageous from a manufacturing perspective to have both elements manufactured as one item. Both elements of said item could have separate air chambers or the item could just have one air chamber for both elements.

Having described some of the various potential embodiments for the supporting device, Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the preferred embodiment described in Fig. 3 with the preferred securing means. The preferred securing means comprises two adjustable binding devices such as straps 19 with attachment points such as hooks 20 at each end of the binding devices. With the supporting device installed as in Fig. 3, one binding device at each end of the supporting device is attached as shown in Fig. 9 by attaching the binding device ends 20 to the underpinnings 21 of both seat rows 1 and 14. The binding devices 19 are passed over the top surface of the supporting device 4 and tightened with loose ends 22 to keep the device firmly pressed against the ground or base 5.

Still with the preferred supporting device embodiment, Fig. 10 schematically shows a second securing means for the supporting device which removes the need for underpinnings of a seat row directly in. front for attachment points. The supporting device is secured in exactly the same way as shown in Fig. 9 except that the two binding device front ends 23 are fastened to anchor points 24 on the ground or base 5 instead of the underpinnings of a seat row directly in front as in the first and preferred securing means.

Although anchor points bolted to the ground are shown with the binding devices such as straps tied to them via a type of D-ring 25, such a drawing is not meant to be restrictive and anyone skilled in the art will realise that there are other ways of achieving the same utility. It should also be pointed out as a variation on the second securing means that this binding device and ground anchor point securing means could be implemented using more than two anchor points. The need for using seat row 1 underpinnings 21 as attachment points could for example be completely eliminated by tying the binding device ends attached to the underpinnings 21 to a further two anchor points on the ground placed substantially symmetrically opposite anchor points 24 about the central longitudinal axis of the load-bearing surface 2.

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates the preferred supporting device embodiment with a third securing means which completely does away with binding devices such as straps. This securing means comprises ground anchor points 26 designed to receive the ends of a securing device's legs and grip them adequately via a quick release click-on click-off' mechanism or other. Options regarding the type of anchor point and detail of the mechanism should be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In order to achieve the same effect as the securing means in Fig. 11 without affecting the ground, as a variation on the third securing means, such anchor points could be fitted to the underpinnings of two seat rows one in front of the other via a clamping system which would allow the anchor points to be easily removed. For this variation, modifications to the supporting device frame may be necessary in order for the supporting device's leg ends to reach the underpinning-mounted anchor point locations.

A securing means for the layer of a cushioning system S is schematically illustrated in Fig. 12 where the layer 3 is held in position on a horizontal load-bearing surface 2 using separable fasteners such as hook-and-loop fastener materials like "Velcro" along two strips 27. Such a securing means would require the two halves of each strip to be permanently fixed, one half on to the upper surface of the load-bearing surface and the other half on to the lower surface of the layer.

Finally, referring now to Fig. 13 the preferred embodiment is schematically illustrated in a fully deployed ready-to-use' condition with the preferred supporting device embodiment described in Fig. 3, the preferred securing means for the supporting device described in Fig. 9 and a layer as described in Fig. 2 which makes use of an existing vehicle seat belt 12 as a securing means. Such securing means is the preferred means when the present system is used on a vehicle with existing seat belts such as an aircraft. In Fig. 13 a layer 3 is secured to a seat row 1 and a supporting device 4 via an existing seat belt 12. A bespoke belt 28 with a plug made to fit in the socket of the existing seat belt 12 is attached at the other end to the underpinnings of a seat row directly in front 21 via a splitter 29 and attachment points such as hooks 20 located at each end of the two binding devices such as straps. Both the existing and bespoke belts are fastened together above the layer 3 and tightened with the existing loose end 30 of the belt in the normal way.

Such a securing means for the layer as described in Fig. 13 can also serve as a seat belt for the user of the bed. This is particularly advantageous and necessary in an aircraft where the option of strapping in is important. Not shown in Fig. 13, two strips 27 (Fig. 12) of separable fasteners such as hook-and-loop fastener materials like "Velcro" as arranged in Fig. 12 may also be used to provide added securing means for the layer 3 should the user choose not to fasten seat belt 12 (Fig. 13) for example. For cases where seat belts do not exist on seat rows, apart from using separable fasteners, a securing means for the layer could comprise a system of binding devices such as straps.

It will be appreciated that the present system enables a typically narrow, non-uniform and hard seat row to be converted into a lying surface having the dimensions and comfort levels similar to those of a standard bed.

To achieve this, a system is proposed for converting a seat row into a bed comprising four main elements: a removable seat row extension system for converting a seat row into an extended lying surface; a securing means for the seat row extension; a cushioning system for making the extended lying surface softer and more uniform; and a securing means for the cushioning system.

The present system applies to the means of converting an existing row of seats into a bed and is collapsible and portable; it requires no tools for installing, removing, collapsing or any other purposes; and it requires no permanent modification, or permanent moveable connection such as a hinge on any part of said seat row for fixing, securing, supporting or any other purposes.

Claims

1. A seat row extension system for converting a seat row into an extended lying surface comprising a supporting device to provide a substantially horizontal load-bearing surface adjacent to a front edge of seat portions of a seat row, substantially at the height of the sitting surface of a front-most part of said seat portions, said seat row extension system being characterised in that it is removable.

2. A seat row extension system according to claim 1, wherein it is collapsible.

3. A seat row extension system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it is portable.

4. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim, wherein it is installable, removable and collapsible by hand without the need for tools.

5. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim, wherein it weighs less than 7kg.

6. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim, wherein said supporting device is made from a high rigidity-to-weight ratio material such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

7. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim, wherein said horizontal load-bearing surface provided by said supporting device comprises fabric such as polyester fabric.

8. A seat row extension system according to claim 7, wherein said fabric, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist such as on an aircraft, is tightened using existing vehicle seat belts.

9. A seat row extension system according to claim 7, wherein said fabric is tightened using binding devices such as straps.

10. A seat row extension system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein it is inflatable.

11. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a base beneath said supporting device in use of the device.

12. A seat row extension system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit part of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row and the remaining part of said load directly onto a base beneath said supporting device in use of the device.

13. A seat row extension system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit part of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row and the remaining part of said load onto another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row in use of the device.

14. A seat row extersion system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row in use of the device.

15. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a securing means for said supporting device such that when subjected to forces, in use, said load-bearing surface remains, substantially in the position according to claim 1 relative to a said seat row.

16. A seat row extension system according to claim 15 wherein the securing means does not comprise a permanent moveable connection such as a hinge.

17. A seat row extension system according to claim 15, wherein said supporting device, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist such as on an aircraft, is partially or totally held in position using existing vehicle seat belts.

18. A seat row extension system according to claim 15, wherein said supporting device, in use, is partially or totally held in position using binding devices such as straps.

19. A seat row extension system according to claim 18, wherein said binding devices such as straps are arranged to tie, in use, said supporting device to underpinnings of a said seat row and underpinnings of another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row.

20. A seat row extension system according to claim 18, wherein said binding devices such as straps are arranged to tie, in use, said supporting device to a plurality of anchor points on a base.

21. A seat row extension system according to claim 15, wherein said supporting device, in use, is arranged to be partially or totally held in position using anchor points.

22. A seat row extension system according to claim 21, wherein said anchor points are fixed, in use, to underpinnings of a said seat row and underpinnings of another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row.

23. A seat row extension system according to claim 21, wherein said anchor points are fixed, in use, to a base.

24. A system for converting, when needed, a seat row into a bed comprising one inflatable structure which provides the function of both a substantially horizontal load-bearing surface and a layer according to claim 1. * * .*. * ISS * *

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24. A seat row extension system according to any preceding claim in combination with a said seat row.

25. A seat row extension system according to claim 24, wherein said seat row consists of four seats.

26. A seat row extension system according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said seat row consists of airliner seats.

27. A seat row extension system according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein said seat row or another seat row directly in front does not require permanent modifications.

28. A cushioning system to be used in conjunction with a seat row extension system according to any one of the preceding claims for making said extended lying surface softer and more uniform, comprising a layer for simultaneously covering, partially or totally, a said seat row and an adjacent load-bearing surface provided by a supporting device according to any of claims 11 to 14.

29. A cushioning system according to claim 28, wherein said layer is collapsible.

30. A cushioning system according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said layer is pQrtable.

31. A cushioning system according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein said layer has a variable degree of softness.

32. A cushioning system according to any of claims 28 to 31, wherein said layer is inflatable.

33. A cushioning system according to any of claims 28 to 32, wherein said layer weighs less than 5kg.

34. A cushioning system according to any of claims 28 to 33, further comprising a securing means for said layer such that when subjected to forces, in use, said layer remains substantially in the position according to claim 28 relative to a said seat row and said adjacent load-bearing surface provided by said supporting device.

35. A cushioning system according to claim 34, wherein said layer, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist such as on an aircraft, is partially or totally held in position using existing vehicle seat belts.

36. A cushioning system according to claim 34, wherein said layer, in use, is partially or totally held in position using binding devices such as straps.

37. A cushioning system according to claim 36, wherein said binding devices such as straps are arranged to tie, in use, said layer to underpinnings of a said seat row and underpinnings of another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row.

38. A cushioning system according to claim 34, wherein said layer is partially or totally held in position using separable fasteners such as hook-and-loop fastener materials.

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39. A system for converting, when needed, a seat row into a bed comprising a seat row extension system according to any of claims 1 to 27; and a cushioning system according to any of claims 28-38.

40. A system for converting, when needed, a seat row into a bed comprising one inflatable structure which provides the function of both a substantially horizontal load-bearing surface according to claim 1 and a layer according to claim 24.

41. A user safety means for use with a system for converting, when needed, a seat row into a bed according to claims 39 or 40 wherein existing vehicle seat belts or other safety belts are adapted to give the user the option of strapping in when using said seat row extension system and/or said cushioning system.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. An aircraft apparatus for converting, when needed, an existing aircraft row of side-by-side seats into a bed comprising an aircraft seat row extension for converting an existing aircraft seat row into an extended lying surface, the extension comprising a supporting device to provide a substantially horizontal load-bearing surface adjacent to a front edge of seat portions of an aircraft seat row, substantially at the height of the sitting surface of a front-most part of said seat portions; *I.S

S S S...

a cushioning system to be used in conjunction with a said aircraft seat row extension comprising a layer for simultaneously covering, partially or totally, a said aircraft seat row and an adjacent load-bearing surface S. * provided by said supporting device; and a belt arrangement for strapping in a user when lying down on the apparatus, said belt arrangement comprising a plurality of belts wherein one belt is an existing aircraft seat belt, and another belt is a bespoke belt which, in use, is attachable to said existing aircraft seat belt and adjustable in tightness, said belt arrangement being further characterised in that the anchor point of said existing aircraft seat belt and the anchor points of said bespoke belt lie along an axis substantially perpendicular to a said front edge of seat portions of a said aircraft seat row.

2. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 1, wherein it is collapsible.

4. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 1, wherein said horizontal load-bearing surface provided by the supporting device comprises fabric.

5. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 4, wherein said fabric, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist, is tightened using existing vehicle seat belts.

6. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 4, wherein said fabric is tightened using binding devices.

7. An aircraft seat row extension according to any preceding claim, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a base beneath said supporting device in use of the device.

8. An aircraft seat row extension according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit part of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row and the remaining part of said load directly onto a base beneath said supporting device in use of the device.

9. An aircraft seat row extension according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit part of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row and the remaining part of said load onto another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row in use of the device. 2*

10. An aircraft seat row extension according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said supporting device is arranged to transmit the totality of the load carried by said load-bearing surface onto a said seat row.

11. An aircraft seat row extension according to any preceding claim, further comprising a securing means for said supporting device such that when subjected to forces, in use, said load-bearing surface remains, substantially in the position according to claim 1 relative to a said seat row.

12. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 11, wherein said supporting device is partially or totally held in position using existing vehicle seat belts.

:* 20 13. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 11, wherein said supporting device, in use, is partially or totally held in position using binding devices.

14. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 13, wherein said binding devices are arranged to tie, in use, said supporting device to underpinnings of a said seat row and underpinnings of another seat row directly in front of the firstmentioned seat row.

15. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 13, wherein said binding devices are arranged to tie, in use, said supporting device to a plurality of anchor points.

17. An aircraft seat row extension according to claim 11, wherein said supporting device, in use, is arranged to be partially or totally held in position using a direct connection to anchor points on a base.

18. A cushioning system to be used in conjunction with an aircraft seat row extension according to any preceding claim, comprising a layer for simultaneously covering, partially or totally, a said aircraft seat row and an adjacent load-bearing surface provided by said supporting device.

19. A cushioning system according to claim 18, wherein said layer is inflatable.

20. A cushioning system according to claims 18 or 19, further comprising a securing means for said layer such that when subjected to forces, in use, said layer remains substantially in the position according to claim 18 relative to said a seat row and said adjacent load-bearing surface provided by said supporting device.

21. A cushioning system according to claim 20, wherein said layer, when in use on a vehicle where seat belts exist, is partially or totally held in position using existing vehicle seat belts.

22. A cushioning system according to claim 20, wherein said layer, in use, is partially or totally held in position using binding devices.

23. A system for converting, when needed, a seat row into a bed comprising an aircraft seat row extension according to any of claims 1 to 17; and a cushioning system according to any of claims 18 to 22.