WO2024251804A1 - Panel for a furniture element provided with a support structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel (30) for a furniture element (13, 14, 28), comprising: a padding (31), a support structure (32), and attachment means (33) capable of attaching the panel (30) to a face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: PANEL FOR A FURNITURE ELEMENT EQUIPPED WITH A SUPPORT STRUCTURE

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a noise attenuating panel, for a piece of furniture provided with a support structure.

[0002] The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the aeronautical field, in particular for "business class" and "first class" type seat units in an aircraft cabin.

[0003] Such a seat unit comprises a seat and a shell extending at least partly around the seat so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to ensure the privacy of the passenger.

[0004] Noise that may disturb passengers is an important environmental concern to consider when developing a seating unit.

[0005] There is therefore a need to reduce the perception of noise inside an aircraft cabin in order to optimize the acoustic comfort of passengers.

[0006] In this context, noise attenuating panels comprising padding may be secured to the seat unit. The flexible padding may be secured to a solid support configured to limit contact between the padding and a seat structure by creating an air gap to independently certify the noise attenuating panels and the seat unit for compliance with fire regulations.

[0007] However, such solid supports have the disadvantage of being heavy.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a panel for a piece of furniture comprising at least: - a filling,

- a support structure, and

- fixing means capable of fixing the panel to one face of the furniture item.

[0009] The invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the support structure, to reduce the mass of the panel and therefore of the furniture elements, such as the aircraft seat units. This contributes to reducing fuel consumption, leading to a reduction in harmful emissions (CO, CO2, NOx, etc.).

[0010] The invention also makes it easier to pass certification tests, in particular fire resistance tests, since the panel can be certified independently of the piece of furniture on which the panel is installed.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a plurality of elongated structural elements arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a structural layer arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing means are arranged on the support structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means are removable fastening means, in particular textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, snap devices, press studs and/or magnetic fasteners.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is arranged inside a groove made in the packing. [0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is fixed directly to one face of the lining so that the support structure projects relative to said face of the lining made of flexible material.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filling made of flexible material is made of a material chosen from a foam, a fibrous material, a non-woven material, felt, a wadding-based material and/or a mixture of such materials.

[0018] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a piece of furniture and a panel as previously defined which is fixed to one face of the piece of furniture.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the furniture element is chosen from:

- a console,

- a shell, intended to extend at least partly around a seat,

- a footrest, and/or

- a monument of an aircraft cabin.

[0020] The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its embodiment and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0021] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit having a panel according to the present invention;

[0022] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a front view of a panel according to the invention;

[0023] [Fig. 3a] [Fig. 3b] Figures 3a and 3b are cross-sectional views illustrating a first embodiment of a panel according to the invention; [0024] [Fig. 4a] [Fig. 4b] Figures 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views illustrating a second embodiment of a panel according to the invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the structural and/or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit 10 having a panel 30 according to the present invention.

[0027] In particular, Figure 1 shows the seat unit 10 comprising a seat 12, which can be associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12.

[0028] Furthermore, the seat unit 10 may comprise a shell 14, also called a “privacy shell”, extending at least partly around the seat 12, so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger seated on the seat 12.

[0029] The shell 14 is made for example from a composite material or from a plastic material.

[0030] A video screen 16 of a multimedia system, also designated by the acronym “IFE” for “InFlight Entertainment” in English, can be installed on a rear part of the hull 14, so as to be usable by a passenger seated behind the seat unit 10.

[0031] The console 13 may comprise an upper wall 17 forming a table, on which the passenger can place objects, as well as a storage space 18 comprising one or more elements from a literature pocket, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage is configurable according to the wishes of the airline. The console 13 may also comprise a reading light 19 intended to direct lighting towards the seat 12. [0032] A recess 21 may be arranged under the upper wall 17. The recess 21 is open laterally towards the seat 12. In addition, a horizontal face 22 of the console 13 may in particular provide an armrest function. For this purpose, the horizontal face 22 may locally have the shape of a curved cuff 23 matching the shape of a portion of the passenger's arm.

[0033] The console 13 may also include a control unit 25 for the seat 12 and its ancillary components, also designated by the acronym “PCU” for “Passenger Control Unit” in English. The control unit 25 allows in particular the passenger to control a selection of a position of the seat 12, as well as the ancillary components, such as a multimedia system, a heating device, a lighting ambiance system and/or any other ancillary component that can be integrated into the seat 12.

[0034] The seat unit 10 may also conventionally comprise a tablet 26, in particular movable between a stored position, as shown in FIG. 1, in which the tablet 26 is located inside a housing, in particular arranged in the console 13, and a deployed position, in which the tablet 26 is located outside the housing, to allow the passenger to place an object there, such as a meal tray.

[0035] In addition, the console 13 comprises a housing 27, seen through transparency in FIG. 1, in which a footrest 28 is arranged. The footrest 28 comprises a horizontal face on which a passenger seated behind the seat unit 10 can place his feet.

[0036] According to the invention, the panel 30, in particular a noise attenuating panel 30, is fixed to one face of the shell 14. The panel 30 can be fixed to a front face of the shell 14, located on the side of the seat 12. As a variant or in addition, the panel 30 can be fixed to a rear face of the shell 14. The panel 30 can also be fixed to one face of the side console 13, located on the side of the seat 12 or around the footrest 28. [0037] Thus, the panel 30 can be fixed to one or more furniture elements of the seat 12, notably chosen from the console 13, the shell 14, and the footrest 28.

[0038] Alternatively, the furniture element on which the panel 30 is fixed may consist of a furniture element of an aircraft cabin, such as a monument, in particular a first-row monument and/or a last-row monument of an aircraft cabin. In particular, such a monument may include storage, housings for on-board devices and/or a footrest.

[0039] Figure 2 is a front view of the panel 30 according to the invention. Figures 3a and 3b and Figures 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views illustrating respectively a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the panel 30 according to the invention. More specifically, Figures 3a and 3b and Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a support structure 32 intended to be fixed on a face of the panel 30 respectively without and with a covering cap.

[0040] As can be seen in FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, 3b and FIGS. 4a and 4b, the panel 30 comprises a filling 31, in particular made of flexible material, the structure 32, and fixing means 33, capable of fixing the panel 30 to a face of the furniture element, in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and/or the footrest 28.

[0041] The furniture element, such as the console 13, the shell 14 and/or the footrest 28, can be made of a composite and/or plastic material, in particular having a honeycomb structure.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, a thickness E of the panel 30 can be between 1 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 12 mm and 15 mm inclusive.

[0043] The filling 31 may be made of a material, in particular chosen from a foam, in particular an open-cell foam, a fibrous material, a non-woven material, felt, and/or a wadding-based material.

[0044] The lining 31 has the shape of a flat panel of constant thickness. The lining 31 may comprise a single layer of material or several layers of different materials (among those mentioned above). One of the layers of the complex of materials of the lining 31 may be high-density foam which may or may not be perforated. The support structure 32 is arranged on an external face of the panel constituting the lining 31.

[0045] Alternatively, the filling 31 can be made of any other flexible material suitable for use.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the support structure 32 comprises a plurality of elongated structural elements arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel 30, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] For this purpose, the support structure 32 comprises at least two side members 35 parallel to each other, extending in particular along the largest sides of the panel 30, and at least two cross members 36 parallel to each other, extending in particular between the side members 35.

[0048] The side members 35 and the cross members 36 constitute at least part of the structural elements of the support structure 32.

[0049] The crosspieces 36 can provide a mechanical connection between the side members 35.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the side members 35 and the cross members 36 are elongated bars, in particular in the form of a profile, having a longitudinal direction of extension. [0051] The support structure 32 may also comprise intermediate elements 37 arranged between the crosspieces 36 of the support structure 32. The intermediate elements 37 may be arranged parallel to the crosspieces 36. The intermediate elements 37 may also take the form of elongated bars.

[0052] The intermediate elements 37 also constitute structural elements of the support structure 32.

[0053] The various structural elements are made of a rigid material, for example rigid plastic and/or a metallic material.

[0054] The fixing means 33 are arranged, in particular glued, on the support structure 32.

[0055] Advantageously, the fixing means 33 are preferably removable, in particular removable without the aid of a tool, such as for example snap-fastening devices, self-gripping textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, press studs, magnetic fasteners and/or any other fixing device adapted to the application.

[0056] In the first embodiment of FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b, the fixing means 33 comprise a first textile fastening strip 34 extending in a longitudinal elongation direction of the structural elements. The first textile fastening strips 34 of the panel 30 are intended to cooperate with second textile fastening strips 34' of complementary shape fixed to the furniture element.

[0057] In the case where the first textile fastening strips 34 of the panel 30 comprise loops, the second textile fastening strips 34' of the furniture element comprise hooks of complementary shape.

Conversely, in the case where the first textile fastening strips 34 of the panel 30 comprise hooks, the second textile fastening strips 34' of the furniture element comprise loops of complementary shape. [0058] Alternatively, the first textile fastening strips 34 of the furniture element and the second textile fastening strips 34' of the panel 30 may each comprise a combination of loops and hooks of complementary shape.

[0059] In the first embodiment of FIGS. 3a and 3b, the support structure 32 is arranged inside a groove 40 made in the lining 31, in particular an external face of the lining 40. The groove 40 has a longitudinal extension direction corresponding to that of an element of the support structure 32. The groove 40 has a face opposite a bottom of the groove 40 which is open towards the outside to allow the positioning of an element of the support structure 32 inside the groove 40. The groove 40 thus has a U-shaped section. An element of the support structure 32 can be glued against the bottom of the groove 40.

[0060] The arrangement of the support structure 32 is such that one face of the panel 30 is pressed against the furniture element, or at a very short distance from the furniture element, when the panel 30 is assembled with the furniture element.

[0061] The groove 40 can be obtained by local removal of material and/or local compression of the material of the lining 31.

[0062] The local compression of material of the lining 31 to obtain the groove 40 can be carried out in particular during a thermoforming operation of the lining 31.

[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 3b, the trim 31 may be covered by a trim cap 41. The trim cap 41 is chosen to give an aesthetic finish to the assembly. The trim cap 41 may, for example, be made of a material chosen from: a textile material, leather, imitation leather, alcantara, and/or any other flexible material suitable for finishing the panel 30.

[0064] The trim cover 41 may have decorative patterns on its visible parts, when the panel 30 is put in place on the furniture element, such as in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and/or the footrest 28 of the seat 12. Such decorative patterns may be personalized, in particular according to the wishes of an airline.

[0065] In the second embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4b, the support structure 32 is fixed directly to an external face of the lining 31 without creating a groove 40. The support structure 32 extends in projection relative to the face of the lining 31.

[0066] The arrangement of the support structure 32 is such that one face of the panel 30 is located at a distance from the furniture element, when the panel 30 is assembled with the furniture element. A clearance of a few millimeters, in particular between 1 mm and 15 mm, in particular 3 mm, may be provided between the panel 30 and the furniture element. Such clearance makes it possible to certify the parts independently of one another.

[0067] As can be seen in FIG. 3b, the trim 31 may be covered by a trim cap 41. The trim cap 41 is chosen to give the assembly an aesthetic finish. The trim cap 41 may, for example, be made of a material chosen from: a textile material, leather, imitation leather, alcantara, and/or any other flexible material suitable for finishing the panel 30.

[0068] The covering cap 41 may have decorative patterns on its visible parts, when the panel 30 is placed on the furniture element, such as in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and/or the footrest 28 of the seat 12. Such decorative motifs can be customized, especially according to the wishes of an airline.

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment, the support structure 32 may be a structural layer arranged at an interface between the panel 30 and the furniture element.

[0070] For this purpose, the structural layer can be glued directly to one face of the lining 31 or arranged inside a groove 40 made in the lining 31.

[0071] The structural layer may be: a textile material, such as a canvas, a woven, a non-woven, imitation leather, an ultra-suede and/or any other flexible material suitable for the application.

[0072] The structural layer may be solid, perforated and/or cut to create a support structure 32.

[0073] According to an alternative embodiment, the support structure 32 may consist of strips of a textile material, such as a canvas, a woven, a non-woven, a leatherette, an ultra-suede and/or any other flexible material suitable for the application. in order to minimize an amount of material used to make the support structure 32 as a structural layer.

[0074] Of course, the various features, variants and/or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0075] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

Claims

1. Panel (30) for a piece of furniture (13, 14, 28), characterized in that the panel (30) comprises at least: - a filling (31), - a support structure (32), and - fixing means (33), capable of fixing the panel (30) on one face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28), - the support structure (32) comprising a plurality of elongated structural elements (35, 36, 37) arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel (30), - the fixing means being arranged, in particular glued, on the support structure (32). 2. Panel (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure (32) comprises a structural layer arranged so as to extend at least along a periphery of the panel (30). 3. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (33) are removable fastening means, in particular textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, snap devices, press studs and/or magnetic fasteners. 4. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (32) is arranged inside a groove (40) made in the filling (31). 5. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (32) is fixed directly to one face of the filling (31). 6. Panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible material filling (31) is made of a material chosen from a foam, a fibrous material, a non-woven material or a non-woven material. woven, felt, wadding material and/or a mixture of such materials. 7. Assembly comprising a furniture element (13, 14, 28) and a panel (30) according to any one of the preceding claims fixed on one face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28). 8. Assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the furniture element (13, 14, 28) is chosen from: a console (13), a shell (14), intended to extend at least partly around a seat (12), a footrest (28), and/or a monument of an aircraft cabin.