GB2612793A - A vehicle seat having a stowage space - Google Patents

A vehicle seat having a stowage space Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2612793A
GB2612793A GB2116202.9A GB202116202A GB2612793A GB 2612793 A GB2612793 A GB 2612793A GB 202116202 A GB202116202 A GB 202116202A GB 2612793 A GB2612793 A GB 2612793A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
seat pan
seat
leg rest
stowage space
actuator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2116202.9A
Other versions
GB202116202D0 (en
Inventor
Robert Newell Keith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
Original Assignee
Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thompson Aero Seating Ltd filed Critical Thompson Aero Seating Ltd
Priority to GB2116202.9A priority Critical patent/GB2612793A/en
Publication of GB202116202D0 publication Critical patent/GB202116202D0/en
Publication of GB2612793A publication Critical patent/GB2612793A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/062—Belts or other passenger restraint means for passenger seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/02246—Electric motors therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0627—Seats combined with storage means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/06395—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats characterised by the arrangement of electric motors for adjustment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/0641—Seats convertible into beds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/0643—Adjustable foot or leg rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0646—Seats characterised by special features of stationary arms, foot or head rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0647—Seats characterised by special upholstery or cushioning features
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0648—Lower frame constructions

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle seat (fig.1,10) has at least one moving section, such as a seat pan extension (fig.5,14) or leg rest (fig.1,12), which are moved by an actuator (fig.6,16,17) engaging them. A stowage space 18 is formed in the seat, which is provided relative to the actuator without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the seat or impeding movement of the sections. The seat may have a fixed seat pan (fig.5,13) with two sides (fig.5,19,19a) defining its width, the seat pan extension may engage the sides and slide relative to the fixed seat pan; the stowage space may extend fully between the sides between 100-340mm, but only extend part of the way along the fixed seat pan to be 80-160mm deep. The stowage space preferably has four walls with a height of 35-90mm, a bottom member, and an open top side. The actuator may be a linear actuator such as a rod and cylinder, where the rod extends below the stowage space.

Description

A VEHICLE SEAT HAVING A STOWAGE SPACE
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a vehicle seat, and in particular to a vehicle seat comprising a stowage space formed therein.
Background of the invention
It is known to provide a vehicle seat, such as an aircraft seat, which comprises movable components to improve comfort and functionality. For example, aircraft seats may comprise an extendable seat pan section or a foot rest portion which may be raised or lowered as desired. Such moving parts require mechanisms and actuation means which are required to be housed within the body of the seat. Resultantly, space within the body of the seat becomes limited and as such finding positions in which to install auxiliary systems that may be required becomes difficult without unduly increasing the overall dimensions of the seat. In particular, housing components of auxiliary systems in a location proximal to their intended use, or close to other components in the auxiliary system with which they are intended to cooperate or communicate, is often complicated. Resultantly, such components of auxiliary systems are often required to be located far from the site of their intended use or remote from other components with which they are required to operate or communicate, which increases the need for additional wiring or the like to connect said auxiliary systems. Alternatively, components of auxiliary systems may be housed outside of the body of the seat, increasing the overall footprint of said seat which is highly disadvantageous where space is limited, such as on an aircraft.
It is desirable to provide a vehicle seat comprising a stowage space whilst not significantly increasing the overall size of the vehicle seat or interfering with moving elements thereof
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention there is provided a vehicle seat comprising at least one movable portion, the at least one movable portion being operably engagable with respective actuation means for actuating movement thereof, the seat comprising a stowage space formed therein, said stowage space being sized, shaped, dimensioned and/or positioned relative to the at least one actuation means such that stowage is provided without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the vehicle seat, or impeding movement of the at least one movable portion.
Advantageously, stowage may be provided for auxiliary systems or the like without unduly increasing the size of the seat or affecting the functionality of the seat.
Ideally, the vehicle seat comprises a seat pan portion.
Preferably, the at least one movable portion comprises a movable seat pan extension section of the seat pan portion.
Ideally, the seat pan extension section is engagable with a seat pan extension actuation means for actuating movement thereof relative to a fixed section of the seat pan portion.
Preferably, the seat pan has the stowage space formed therein.
Most preferably, the fixed section of the seat pan has the stowage space formed therein.
Ideally, the at least one movable portion further comprises a movable leg rest portion.
Preferably, the movable leg rest portion is engagable with a leg rest actuation means for actuating 15 movement thereof.
Ideally, the seat pan extension actuation means comprises at least one slide arrangement.
Preferably, the seat pan extension actuation means comprises a seat pan actuator configured to 20 selectably slide the seat pan extension section along the slide arrangement between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.
Ideally, the fixed section of the seat pan comprises two side members defining the seat pan width therebetween.
Preferably, when referring to seat pan width this is the dimension extending between each lateral side of the seat and references to depth of the seat pan relate to the depth-wise dimension extending generally from the front of the seat pan towards the rear of the seat pan whereat it integrates with a back rest.
Preferably, the seat pan extension section comprises first and second engagement portions configured for slidable engagement with the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan respectively.
Ideally, the stowage space is locatable between the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan.
Preferably, the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan comprise two channel members which extend along either width-wise side of the seat pan.
Ideally, the two channel members have an inner side which faces towards the interior of the seat pan and an outer side which faces outwardly of the seat.
Preferably, a receiving channel is defined between the inner and outer sides of the channel 5 members, the receiving channel being open at least at the front of said members.
Ideally, the engagement potions of the seat pan extension section are sized and dimensioned for at least partial insertion into the receiving channel of the channel members of the fixed section of the seat pan.
Preferably, a slide arrangement is operable between the engagement potions of the seat pan extension section and the channel members.
Ideally, each engagement portion of the seat pan and its respective channel member into which it is 15 inserted have a slide arrangement therebetween such that the engagement portions are slidably mountable within the respective channel portions.
Preferably, the slide arrangements are linear slide arrangements.
Ideally, the slide arrangements may take any one of a number of forms with which the skilled person would be well aware of such as but not limited to linear rail slides comprising bearings, linear track slides, etc. Preferably, the stowage space is locatable between the two side members of the fixed section of the 25 seat pan Ideally, the stowage space extends substantially the width of the seat pan between said side members.
Preferably, wherein the stowage space extends from proximal a front end of said side members to a location part way along the fixed section of the seat pan.
Ideally, the stowage space is a generally quadrangular stowage space.
Ideally, when referring to top or bottom herein, this is in reference and relative to the seat when installed in place such that the top or top side of the seat pan for example is the side of the seat pan on which a user would sit, the bottom side of the seat pan being the side which would generally face the floor when the seat is installed for use.
Ideally, the stowage space has four at least partially enclosed walls and a bottom member which together act to define a space therein.
Preferably, the stowage space has an open top side.
Ideally, the stowage space extends between 100mm and 340mm in the width-wise dimension of the 5 seat between the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan.
Most ideally, the stowage space extends between 250 mm and 330mm in the width-wise dimension of the seat between the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan.
Preferably, the stowage space extends approximately between 80mm and 160mm in the depth-wise dimension of the seat.
Most preferably, the stowage space extends approximately between 100mm and 140mm in the depth-wise dimension of the seat.
Ideally, the stowage space has a height-wise dimension of between 35mm and 90mm.
Most ideally, the stowage space has a height-wise dimension of between 40mm and 80mm.
Ideally, the seat pan actuator is a linear actuator.
Most ideally the seat pan actuator is a rod and cylinder arrangement.
Ideally, the seat pan actuator is mountable to the fixed section of the seat pan such that at least the 25 rod of the leg rest actuator is below the lowest point of the stowage space.
Preferably, the cylinder of the seat pan actuator is fixable directly or indirectly to one or more of the side members of the fixed section of the seat pan.
Ideally, the rod of the seat pan actuator is engageable with the seat pan extension portion such that linear movement of the rod in first and second opposing directions effects corresponding slidable linear movement of the seat pan extension portion in opposing first and second directions relative to the fixed section of the seat pan.
Preferably, the seat pan actuator is mountable such that at least the rod thereof extends beneath the stowage space.
Advantageously, the rod of the seat pan actuator may move in a liner fashion bi-directionally without being impeded by the structure of the stowage space.
Ideally, the seat pan extension section comprises a rod engagement component which extends below the level of the lowest point of the stowage space such that said rod may engage therewith.
Preferably, the rod engagement component comprises first and second downwardly depending 5 support members which extend from the first and second engagement portions of the seat pan extension section respectively.
Ideally, each downwardly depending support member extends between a first end thereof proximal the respective engagement portion of the seat pan extension section to a second end below the 10 lowest portion of the stowage space.
Preferably the rod engagement component further comprises a width-wise spanning member which is coupleable at a first end to the first downwardly depending support member and at a second end to the second downwardly depending support member.
Ideally, the rod of the seat pan actuator is coupleable to the width-wise spanning member.
Preferably, the width-wise spanning member is a rod or bar.
Ideally, the movable leg rest portion is rotatably coupleable to the seat pan extension section.
Preferably, the movable leg rest portion is rotatably coupleable to the seat pan extension section proximal the front of the engagement portions of the seat pan extension portion.
Preferably, the first and second width-wise sides of the movable leg rest portion is rotatably coupleable to respective first and second engagement portions of the seat pan extension section.
Ideally, the movable leg rest portion is rotatable from a retracted position generally perpendicular to the seat pan when the seat is viewed from the side to an extended position wherein the movable leg 30 rest portion extends in an oblique fashion relative to the seat pan when the seat is viewed from the side Preferably, the leg rest actuation means is a leg rest actuator.
Ideally, the leg rest actuator is a linear actuator.
Preferably, the leg rest actuator is a rod and cylinder type arrangement.
Ideally, the leg rest actuator is mountable to the fixed section of the seat pan such that at least the 40 rod of the leg rest actuator is below, or extends below, the lowest point of the stowage space.
Advantageously, the rod of the leg rest actuator may move in a liner fashion bi-directionally without being impeded by the structure of the stowage space.
Preferably, the rod of the leg rest actuator has a first end movably mountable within the cylinder 5 thereof and a second end proximal the first end which is coupleable to the leg rest portion.
Ideally, the second end of the rod of the leg rest actuator is rotatably coupleable to the leg rest portion.
Preferably, the second end of the rod of the leg rest actuator is coupleable to a rear side of the leg rest portion.
Ideally, the leg rest actuator is mountable to the fixed portion of the seat pan by one or more mounting extensions which extend downwardly from the fixed section of the seat pan.
Preferably, the cylinder of the leg rest actuator comprises a first end having the rod extendable therefrom and a second end distal the first end.
Ideally, the cylinder of the leg rest actuator is mountable to the fixed section of the seat pan such that 20 the first end of said cylinder is further from the fixed section of the seat pan than the second end of said cylinder.
Advantageously, the leg rest actuator engages the leg rest portion in an oblique fashion which acts to better support the leg rest portion during rotation from the retracted position to the extended 25 position.
Ideally, the vehicle seat is an aircraft passenger seat.
Most ideally, the vehicle seat is a business class or first class aircraft seat.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat comprising the steps of: providing a seat pan and leg rest portions wherein the seat pan and/or leg rest portions are movable or comprise a movable portion; providing a stowage space in the seat pan; providing at least one actuation means for actuation of the seat pan and/or leg rest portions, or movable portions thereof; and sizing, shaping, dimensioning and/or positioning the stowage space relative to the at least one actuation means such that stowage is provided without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the vehicle seat, or impeding movement of the seat pan or leg rest portions or movable portions thereof.
Preferably, the method further comprising the steps of forming the seat pan to comprise a fixed section and a movable seat pan extension section slidably mounted to the fixed section by at least one slide arrangement.
Ideally, the method further comprising the steps of forming the stowage space in the fixed section of the seat pan, and mounting a seat pan extension actuation means between the fixed section of the seat pan and the seat pan extension section to effect slidable movement of the seat pan extension section relative to the fixed section of the seat pan, wherein the slide arrangement and seat pan extension actuation means are sized, dimensioned and/or positioned to not impede the space occupied by the stowage space.
Preferably, the method further comprising forming the leg rest as a movable leg rest and mounting a leg rest actuator between the fixed section of the seat pan and the leg rest which effect movement of the leg rest but which do not impede the space occupied by the stowage space.
Brief description of the drawings
An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat; Figure 2 is a plan view of the support structure of a seat pan and leg rest portions of the vehicle seat of Figure 1 with a seat pan extension portion and leg rest portion in a retracted position, Figure 3 is a side view of the structure of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a sectional view along section A-A of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a is a plan view of the support structure of a seat pan and leg rest portions of the vehicle seat of Figure 1 with a seat pan extension portion and leg rest portion in an extended position; Figure 6 is a side view of the structure of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a sectional view along section A-A of Figure 5; Figure 8 is an isometric view of the support structure of a seat pan and leg rest portions of the vehicle seat of Figure 1 with a seat pan extension portion and leg rest portion in a retracted position; and Figure 9 is an isometric view of the support structure of a seat pan and leg rest portions of the vehicle seat of Figure 1 with a seat pan extension portion and leg rest portion in an extended position.
Detailed Description of the drawings
The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary vehicle seat. It will be understood that the exemplaryvehicle seat is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one Figure may be interchanged with those of other Figures or other equivalent elements without departing from the spirit of the present teaching.
Referring now to the Figures there is illustrated a vehicle seat 10. In the preferred embodiment the vehicle seat is an aircraft seat 10 comprising a seat pan 11 and a leg rest portion 12. Reference herein to the seat pan 11 and leg rest portion 12 generally refers to the support structure portions of these structures as is shown in Figures 2 to 9, said support structures being covered in padding and material to form the seat as shown in Figure 1. The seat pan 11 has a fixed section 13 and a seat pan extension section 14. The leg rest portion 12 and seat pan extension section 14 are movable relative to the fixed section 13 of the seat pan and each is in operable engagement with respective actuation arrangements 15, 16, 17 for actuating movement of the leg rest portion 12 and seat pan extension section 14. The vehicle seat 10 comprises a stowage space 18 formed in the fixed section 13 of the seat pan, said stowage space 18 being sized, shaped, dimensioned and/or positioned relative to the actuation arrangements 15, 16, 17 such that stowage is provided without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the vehicle seat 10, or impeding movement of the actuation arrangements 15, 17, 17 and/or the leg rest portion 12 or seat pan extension section 14. Advantageously, stowage may be provided for auxiliary systems or the like without unduly increasing the size of the seat 10 or affecting the functionality of the seat.
Ideally, the seat pan extension actuation arrangement 15, 16 comprises at least one slide arrangement 15 and a seat pan actuator 16 configured to selectably slide the seat pan extension section 14 along the slide arrangement 15 between a retracted configuration (as is best viewed in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 8) and an extended configuration (as is best viewed in Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 9). The fixed section 13 of the seat pan comprises two side members 19, 19a defining the seat pan width therebetween. When referring to seat pan width herein, this is the dimension extending between each lateral side of the seat 10. References to depth of the seat pan 11 relate to the depth-wise dimension extending generally from the front of the seat pan 11 towards the rear of the seat pan 11 whereat it integrates with a back rest 20. In addition, when referring to top or bottom herein, this is in reference and relative to the seat 10 when installed in place such that the top or top side of the seat pan 11 for example is the side of the seat pan 11 on which a user would sit, the bottom side of the seat pan 11 being the side which would generally face the floor when the seat 10 is installed for use. The height-wise dimension refers to the vertical dimension of the seat 10 when installed for use.
The seat pan extension section 14 comprises first and second engagement portions 21, 21a for slidable engagement with the two side members 19, 19a of the fixed section of the seat pan respectively. The stowage space 18 is locatable between the two side members 19, 19a of the fixed section 13 of the seat pan 11. The two side members 19, 19a of the fixed section of the seat pan comprise two channel members 19, 19a which extend along either width-wise side of the seat pan 11. The two channel members 19, 19a have an inner side 22 which faces towards the interior of the seat pan 11 and an outer side 23 which faces outwardly of the seat 10. A receiving channel 26 (as is best viewed in Figure 9) is defined between the inner and outer sides 22, 23 of the channel members 19, 19a, the receiving channel 26 being open at least at the front 25 of said members 19, 19a. Essentially, at least the front portion of the channel members 19, 19a form channel sections which have a receiving channel or cavity 26 therein suitable for receiving the engagement portions 21, 21a of the seat pan extension section 14, these engagement portions 21, 21a being slidable into the cavity 26 of the channel sections 19, 19a from the front end 25 thereof The cavity 26 of the channel members 19, 19a needs only be of sufficient length to receive the engagement portions 21, 21a and as such the remainder of the side members 19, 19a may be of solid construction if desired, or may be of channel construction also.
The engagement potions 21, 21a of the seat pan extension section 14 are sized and dimensioned for insertion into the receiving channel 26 of the channel members 19, 19a of the fixed section 13 of the seat pan 11. A slide arrangement 15 is operable between the engagement potions 21, 21a of the seat pan extension section and the channel members 19, 19a. Each engagement portion 21, 21a of the seat pan and its respective channel member 19, 19a into which it is inserted have a slide arrangement 15 therebetween such that the engagement portions 21, 21a are slidably mountable within the respective channel portions 19, 19a. The slide arrangements 15 are linear slide arrangements which preferably act to constrain movement of the seat pan extension section 14 to linear movement generally in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side members 19, 19a. For brevity, the slide arrangements 15 are not discussed in detail herein as the skilled person would be well aware of various slide mechanisms which could be utilised to permit a sliding arrangement between the engagement portions 21, 21a and the side members 19, 19a. The slide arrangements 15 may therefore take any one of a number of forms with which the skilled person would be well aware of such as but not limited to linear rail slides comprising bearings, linear track slides, etc. By locating the slide arrangements 15 in the side members 19, 19a, this alleviates any requirement for one or more slide arrangements to be situated in the space between the two side members 19, 19a and as such in the space occupied by the stowage space 18. Positioning of the slide arrangements in this manner therefore allows for bi-directional slidable movement of the seat pan extension section 14 whilst also allowing for provision of the stowage space 18.
The stowage space 18 is locatable between the two side members 19, 19a of the fixed section 13 of the seat pan 11 and extends substantially the width of the seat pan 11 between said side members 19, 19a. In the specific embodiment as shown in the drawings, the stowage space 18 comprises a rear support member 27 and a forward support member 28. The rear support member 27 and forward support member 28 extend between and are attachable to the side support members 19, 19a such that the rear support and forward support member form spaced apart support members 27, 28 which extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side members 19, 19a, and define a space therebetween for the stowage space 18. The stowage space 18 further comprises a bottom member 29 which extends between the rear support member 27 and the forward support member 28. The bottom member 29 is a generally planar member which is attachable to the rear support member and forward support member 27, 28. In the embodiment of the drawings, the bottom member 29 comprises rear attachment elements 31, 31a, 31b formed for receiving the rear support member 27 and upstanding forward attachment elements 30 formed for attaching to the forward support member 28. The stowage space 18 may also comprise side wall portions 32, 33 which extend generally parallel to the side members 19, 19a, between the front and rear support members of the stowage space 27, 28, to form side walls 32, 33 of the stowage space 18. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the stowage space has an open top side. As will be appreciated, the drawings illustrate one implementation of a possible structure for the stowage space 18; however the skilled person would clearly be able to structure and attach the stowage space 18 in various ways.
The key aspect is the interrelation between the positioning, dimensions, and/or shape of the stowage space 18 and the positioning and structure of the elements which permit movement of the leg support portion 12 and seat pan extension portion 14 of the seat 10. These aspects provide a stowage space 18 whilst retaining the functionality of the moving portions of the seat 10. Advantageously, the stowage space 18 may be used to house components of auxiliary equipment or systems in a location of the seat 10 which would typically not facilitate such stowage space 18. The stowage space 18 extends from proximal a front end of said side members 19, 19a to a location part way along the fixed section of the seat pan and forms a generally quadrangular stowage space 18. However, it should again be appreciated that the skilled person could fashion other suitable shapes of stowage spaces if required.
In a preferable embodiment, the stowage space extends between 250mm and 330mm in the width -wise dimension of the seat 10 between the two side members 19, 19a of the fixed section 13 of the seat pan, and extends approximately between 100mm and 140mm in the depth-wise dimension of the seat 10. The stowage space 18 has a height-wise dimension of between 40mm and 80mm.
However, it should be understood that once the vacant space has been provided to accommodate the stowage space as a result of the inventive arrangement as described herein, the stowage space may take any reasonable size.
In the embodiment of the Figures, the seat pan actuator 16 is a linear actuator 16, and most 40 preferably a rod and cylinder arrangement 16 wherein the rod is drivable in a linear fashion bi-directionally relative to the cylinder by electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power. The cylinder 34 of the seat pan actuator 16 is fixable to the side members 19, 19a of the fixed section 13 of the seat pan. The rod 35 of the seat pan actuator 16 is engageable with the seat pan extension portion 14 such that linear movement of the rod 35 in first and second opposing directions effects corresponding slidable linear movement of the seat pan extension portion in 14 in first and second opposing directions relative to the fixed section 13 of the seat pan. The seat pan actuator 16 is mountable such that at least the rod 35 thereof extends beneath the stowage space 18. By this it is meant that even should part of the cylinder of the seat pan actuator 16 be located such that it is above the height of the lowest part of the stowage space 18, the rod 35 thereof is still located such that it is below this lowest part of the stowage space 18. Advantageously, the rod 35 of the seat pan actuator 16 may move in a liner fashion bi-directionally without being impeded by the structure of the stowage space 18. The seat pan extension section 14 comprises a rod engagement component 36 which extends below the level of the lowest point of the stowage space 18 such that said the rod 35 of the seat pan actuator 16 may engage therewith. The rod engagement component 36 comprises first and second downwardly depending support members 37, 37a which extend from the first and second engagement portions 21, 21a of the seat pan extension section 14 respectively. Each downwardly depending support member 37, 37a extends between a first end thereof proximal the respective engagement portion 21, 21a of the seat pan extension section 14 to a second end below the lowest portion of the stowage space 18. The rod engagement component 36 further comprises a width-wise spanning member 38 which is coupleable at a first end to the first downwardly depending support member 37 and at a second end to the second downwardly depending support member 37a. The rod 35 of the seat pan actuator 16 is coupleable to the width-wise spanning member 37. In the embodiment as shown in the Figures, the width-wise spanning member 38 is a rod or bar 38. One or more downwardly depending cylinder mounting supports 46 may also be provided which depend from the stowage space 18 or another portion of the fixed section of the seat pan 13 and to which the cylinder of the seat pan actuator 16 may be mounted.
The movable leg rest portion 12 is rotatably coupleable to the seat pan extension section 14 proximal the front the engagement portions 21, 21a of the seat pan extension portion 14. Each of the first and second width-wise sides 19, 19a of the movable leg rest portion 12 is rotatably coupleable to a respective first and second engagement portion 21, 21a of the seat pan extension section 14. The movable leg rest portion 12 is rotatable from a retracted position generally perpendicular to the seat pan 11 when the seat is viewed from the side (as can best be seen in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 8) to an extended position wherein the movable leg rest portion extends in an oblique fashion relative to the seat pan when the seat is viewed from the side (As is best viewed in Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 9).
The leg rest actuator 17 is a linear actuator 17. and most preferably a rod and cylinder arrangement 17 wherein the rod 39 is drivable in a linear fashion bi-directionally relative to the cylinder 40 by electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power. The leg rest actuator 17 is mountable to the fixed section 40 14 of the seat pan such that at least the rod 39 of the leg rest actuator 17 is below the lowest point of the stowage space 18. Advantageously, the rod 39 of the leg rest actuator 17 may move in a liner fashion bi-directionally without being impeded by the structure of the stowage space 18.
The rod of the leg rest actuator 17 has a first end movably mountable within the cylinder thereof and a second end 41 proximal the first end which is coupleable to the leg rest portion 12 on a rear side thereof The second end 41 of the rod 39 of the leg rest actuator 17 is rotatably coupleable to the leg rest portion 12 on a rear side thereof via a rotatable coupling 42. The skilled person would be well aware of various rotatable couplings that may be used for this purpose so for brevity this will not be laboured upon herein. The leg rest actuator 17 is mountable to the fixed portion 14 of the seat pan 11 by one or more mounting extensions 43 which extend downwardly from the stowage space 18 or from another portion of the fixed section 13 of the seat pan 11. In a preferred embodiment, two mounting extensions 43 are provided which are spaced apart such that the leg rest actuator 17 is mountable therebetween. The cylinder 40 of the leg rest actuator 17 comprises a first end 44 having the rod 39 extendable therefrom and a second end 45 distal the first end 44. The cylinder 40 of the leg rest actuator 17 is mountable to the fixed section 13 of the seat pan such that the first end 44 of said cylinder 40 is further from the fixed section 13 of the seat pan than the second end 45 of said cylinder 45. Put another way, the cylinder is mounted in an angled or sloping fashion being higher at the rear end 45 thereof than at the front end 44 thereof such that the cylinder 40 slopes downwardly as it approaches the leg rest portion 12. Advantageously, the leg rest actuator 17 engages the leg rest portion 12 in an oblique fashion which acts to better support the leg rest portion 12 whilst rotation from the retracted position to the extended position is carried out.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (25)

  1. CLAIMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7.A vehicle seat comprising at least one movable portion, the at least one movable portion being operably engagable with respective actuation means for actuating movement thereof, the seat comprising a stowage space formed therein, said stowage space being sized, shaped, dimensioned and/or positioned relative to the at least one actuation means such that stowage is provided without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the vehicle seat, or impeding movement of the at least one movable portion.
  2. The vehicle seat of claim 1 comprising a seat pan portion, the at least one movable portion comprising a movable seat pan extension section of the seat pan portion which is engagable with a seat pan extension actuation means for actuating movement thereof relative to a fixed section of the seat pan portion, the seat pan having the stowage space formed therein.
  3. The vehicle seat of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one movable portion further comprises a movable leg rest portion which is engagable with a leg rest actuation means for actuating movement thereof.
  4. The vehicle seat of any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the seat pan extension actuation means comprises at least one slide arrangement and a seat pan actuator configured to selectably slide the seat pan extension section along said slide arrangement between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.
  5. The vehicle seat of claim 4, wherein the fixed section of the seat pan comprises two side members defining the seat pan width therebetween.
  6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein the seat pan extension section comprises first and second engagement portions for slidable engagement with the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan respectively, and wherein the stowage space is locatable between the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan.
  7. The vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan comprise two channel members which extend along either width-wise side of the seat pan and having an inner side which faces towards the interior of the seat pan and an outer side which faces outwardly of the seat, a receiving channel being defined between the inner and outer sides of the channel members, the receiving channel being open at least at the front of said members.
  8. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the engagement potions of the seat pan extension section are sized and dimensioned for at least partial insertion into the receiving channel of the channel members of the fixed section of the seat pan, and a slide arrangement is operable between the engagement potions of the seat pan extension section and the channel members.
  9. 9. The vehicle seat of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the stowage space is locatable between the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan and extends substantially the width of the seat pan between said side members.
  10. 10. The vehicle seat of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the stowage space extends from proximal a front end of said side members to a location part way along the fixed section of the seat pan.
  11. 11. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the stowage space has four at least partially enclosed walls and a bottom member which together act to define a space therein, the stowage space preferably having an open top side.
  12. 12. The vehicle seat of any preceding claim, wherein the stowage space extends between 100mm and 340mm in the width-wise dimension of the seat between the two side members of the fixed section of the seat pan and approximately between 80mm and 160mm in the depth-wise dimension of the seat, the stowage space having a height-wise dimension of approximately 35 to 90mm.
  13. 13. The vehicle seat of any of claims 4 to 11 or claim 12 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the seat pan actuator is a linear actuator and preferably is a rod and cylinder arrangement, the cylinder thereof being fixable directly or indirectly to one or more of the side members of the fixed section of the seat pan and the rod thereof being engageable with the seat pan extension portion such that linear movement of the rod in first and second opposing directions effects corresponding slidable linear movement of the seat pan extension portion in first and second opposing directions relative to the fixed section of the seat pan.
  14. 14. The vehicle seat of claim 13, wherein the seat pan actuator is mountable such that at least the rod thereof extends beneath the stowage space, the seat pan extension section comprising a rod engagement component which extends below the level of the lowest point of the stowage space such that said rod may engage therewith.
  15. 15. The vehicle seat of claim 14, wherein the rod engagement component comprises first and second downwardly depending support members which extend from the first and second engagement portions of the seat pan extension section respectively, each downwardly depending support member extending between a first end thereof proximal the respective engagement portion of the seat pan extension section to a second end below the lowest portion of the stowage space.
  16. 16. The vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein the rod engagement component further comprises a width-wise spanning member which is coupleable at a first end to the first downwardly depending support member and at a second end to the second downwardly depending support member, the rod of the seat pan actuator being coupleable to the width-wise spanning member.
  17. 17. The vehicle seat of any of claims 6 to 16, wherein the movable leg rest portion is rotatably coupleable to the seat pan extension section proximal the front the engagement portions of the seat pan extension portion and preferably, each of the first and second width-wise sides of the movable leg rest portion is rotatably coupleable to a respective first and second engagement portions of the seat pan extension section.
  18. 18 The vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein the movable leg rest portion is rotatable from a retracted position generally perpendicular to the seat pan when the seat is viewed from the side to an extended position wherein the movable leg rest portion extends in an oblique fashion relative to the seat pan when the seat is viewed from the side.
  19. 19. The vehicle seat of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the leg rest actuation means is a leg rest actuator, and preferably a linear actuator comprising a rod and cylinder type arrangement, the leg rest actuator being mountable to the fixed section of the seat pan such that at least the rod of the leg rest actuator is below the lowest point of the stowage space.
  20. 20. The vehicle seat of claim 19, wherein the rod of the leg rest actuator has a first end movably mountable within the cylinder thereof and a second end proximal the first end which is coupleable to the leg rest portion.
  21. 21. The vehicle seat of claim 20, wherein the leg rest actuator is mountable to the fixed portion of the seat pan by one or more mounting extensions which extend downwardly from the fixed section of the seat pan.
  22. 22 The vehicle seat of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the cylinder of the leg rest actuator comprises a first end having the rod extendable therefrom and a second end distal the first end, the cylinder of the leg rest actuator being mountable to the fixed section of the seat pan such that the first end of said cylinder is further from the fixed section of the seat pan than the second end of said cylinder.
  23. 23. A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat comprising the steps of: providing a seat pan and leg rest portions wherein the seat pan and/or leg rest portions are movable or comprise a movable portion; providing a stowage space in the seat pan; providing at least one actuation means for actuation of the seat pan and/or leg rest portions, or movable portions thereof; and sizing, shaping, dimensioning and/or positioning the stowage space relative to the at least one actuation means such that stowage is provided without significantly increasing the overall dimensions of the vehicle seat, or impeding movement of the seat pan or leg rest portions or movable portions thereof.
  24. 24 The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of forming the seat pan to comprise a fixed section and a movable seat pan extension section slidably mounted to the fixed section by at least one slide arrangement, forming the stowage space in the fixed section of the seat pan, and mounting a seat pan extension actuation means between the fixed section of the seat pan and the seat pan extension section to effect slidable movement of the seat pan extension section relative to the fixed section of the seat pan, wherein the slide arrangement and seat pan extension actuation means are sized, dimensioned and/or positioned to not impede the space occupied by the stowage space.
  25. 25 The method of claim 24 further comprising forming the leg rest as a movable leg rest and mounting a leg rest actuator between the fixed section of the seat pan and the leg rest which effect movement of the leg rest but which do not impede the space occupied by the stowage space.
GB2116202.9A 2021-11-11 2021-11-11 A vehicle seat having a stowage space Pending GB2612793A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2116202.9A GB2612793A (en) 2021-11-11 2021-11-11 A vehicle seat having a stowage space

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2116202.9A GB2612793A (en) 2021-11-11 2021-11-11 A vehicle seat having a stowage space

Publications (2)

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GB202116202D0 GB202116202D0 (en) 2021-12-29
GB2612793A true GB2612793A (en) 2023-05-17

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Family Applications (1)

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GB2116202.9A Pending GB2612793A (en) 2021-11-11 2021-11-11 A vehicle seat having a stowage space

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GB (1) GB2612793A (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080001425A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-01-03 Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. Vehicle seat assembly
EP2607234A2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-26 Airbus Operations GmbH Passenger seat with a luggage receiving device
EP2965990A1 (en) * 2014-07-08 2016-01-13 Airbus Operations GmbH Passenger seat for a means of transportation
US20200277059A1 (en) * 2017-10-03 2020-09-03 Singapore Airlines Limited Aircraft seat
US20200369387A1 (en) * 2019-05-24 2020-11-26 AirGo Design Pte., Ltd. Space-efficient flat-bed seating arrangement

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080001425A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-01-03 Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. Vehicle seat assembly
EP2607234A2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-26 Airbus Operations GmbH Passenger seat with a luggage receiving device
EP2965990A1 (en) * 2014-07-08 2016-01-13 Airbus Operations GmbH Passenger seat for a means of transportation
US20200277059A1 (en) * 2017-10-03 2020-09-03 Singapore Airlines Limited Aircraft seat
US20200369387A1 (en) * 2019-05-24 2020-11-26 AirGo Design Pte., Ltd. Space-efficient flat-bed seating arrangement

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