U.S. patent application number 10/596477 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for vehicle seating with foot rest.
This patent application is currently assigned to BE AEROSPACE, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark Brian Dowty, James Yurchenco.
Application Number | 20070158992 10/596477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34704282 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070158992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dowty; Mark Brian ; et
al. |
July 12, 2007 |
Vehicle Seating with Foot Rest
Abstract
A passenger seating arrangement for a vehicle having a floor
includes a footrest positioned forward of a seat bottom. The
footrest has a foot supporting surface positioned above the floor.
The footrest may be an enclosure suspended below the bottom of a
forward-positioned seat. In an alternative embodiment, the seating
arrangement may include a footrest which allows each of a
passenger's feet to be supported above the floor in different
longitudinal positions.
Inventors: |
Dowty; Mark Brian; (Rural
Hall, NC) ; Yurchenco; James; (Palo Alto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADAMS EVANS P.A.
201 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET, SUITE 2350
CHARLOTTE
NC
28244
US
|
Assignee: |
BE AEROSPACE, INC.
1400 Corporate Center Way
Wellington
FL
33414
|
Family ID: |
34704282 |
Appl. No.: |
10/596477 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
December 15, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/42077 |
371 Date: |
June 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60529686 |
Dec 15, 2003 |
|
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|
60589297 |
Jul 20, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/423.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/62 20130101; B64D
11/0624 20141201; B64D 11/0643 20141201; B64D 11/064 20141201; B64D
11/0636 20141201; B64D 11/0647 20141201; B60R 22/26 20130101; B60N
3/063 20130101; B60N 3/06 20130101; B60N 2/646 20130101; B60N
2/7005 20130101; B60N 2/643 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/423.19 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/50 20060101
A47C007/50 |
Claims
1. A passenger seat for a vehicle, comprising: a frame for being
attached to a floor of a vehicle; an upwardly-extending seat back
carried by said frame; a seat bottom carried by said frame for
supporting a passenger; a footrest disposed forward of said seat
bottom, said footrest having a foot supporting surface positioned
above said floor.
2. The passenger seat of claim 1, wherein said footrest comprises:
an enclosure having a front wall, opposed top and bottom walls,
opposed side walls, and a rear opening, said enclosure defining a
surface for support a passenger's foot; and means for suspending
said enclosure underneath a second seat positioned forward of said
seat.
3. The passenger seat of claim 2 wherein a drawstring is disposed
around the periphery of said rear opening.
4. The passenger seat of claim 2 wherein said top wall of said
footrest is attached underneath a bottom of said second seat by a
plurality of fasteners.
5. A footrest assembly for a passenger seat which is mounted to a
floor, comprising: an enclosure having a front wall, opposed top
and bottom walls, opposed side walls, and a rear opening, said
enclosure defining a surface for support a passenger's foot; and
means for supporting said enclosure above said floor.
6. The footrest assembly of claim 5, wherein said footrest is
suspended underneath a second seat positioned forward of said
seat.
7. The footrest assembly of claim 6 wherein a drawstring is
disposed around the periphery of said rear opening.
8. The footrest assembly of claim 6 wherein said top wall of said
footrest is attached underneath a bottom of said second seat by a
plurality of fasteners.
9. A passenger seat for vehicle, comprising: a frame for being
attached to a floor of a vehicle; a seat bottom disposed on said
frame for supporting a passenger; and a footrest disposed forward
of said seat bottom for supporting the feet of a passenger above
said floor with each foot in a different longitudinal position
relative to said seat bottom.
10. The passenger seat of claim 9, wherein said footrest comprises:
a first block for supporting a first foot of said passenger, said
first block mounted for longitudinal translation relative to said
seat; and a second block for supporting a second foot of said
passenger, said second block mounted for longitudinal translation
relative to said seat.
11. The passenger seat of claim 10 wherein said first and second
blocks are interconnected such that forward longitudinal movement
of one block causes reward longitudinal movement of the other
block.
12. The passenger seat of claim 10 wherein each block includes a
non-slip surface thereon.
13. The passenger seat of claim 10 wherein said blocks are carried
by a pair of spaced-apart rails, said rails being pivotally
attached to said floor and moveable between: an upwardly-extending
stowed position; and a use position wherein said rails extend along
said floor.
14. The passenger seat of claim 9 wherein said footrest comprises a
generally laterally extending foot bar disposed in a position
relative to said seat for supporting first and second feet of a
passenger seated in said seat above said floor, said foot bar being
pivotable so as to support said first and second feet of said
passenger in different longitudinal positions relative to said
seat.
15. The passenger seat of claim 13 further including means for
means for preventing said foot bar from pivoting once it is set in
a desired position.
16. The passenger seat of claim 13 wherein said foot bar includes a
non-slip surface thereon.
17. A passenger seat for vehicle, comprising: a frame for being
attached to a floor of a vehicle; a upwardly-extending seat back
carried by said frame; a seat bottom carried by said frame for
supporting a passenger; and a footrest assembly attached said seat,
said footrest moveable between: a stowed position; and a deployed
position wherein said footrest extends rearward of said seat back
for supporting the feet of a rear-seated passenger above said
floor, wherein said footrest assembly includes a resilient support
surface adapted to support each of a passenger's feet at a
different height.
18. The passenger seat of claim 17, wherein said footrest assembly
comprises: a pair of spaced-apart rails; and a laterally-extending
foot bar disposed extending between said rails, wherein said
support surface is disposed between said rails.
19. The passenger seat of claim 18, wherein said support surface
comprises a grid of resilient strands.
20. The passenger seat of claim 19, wherein a forward end of each
of said rails is pivotally attached to said seat back.
21. The passenger seat of claim 17, wherein when said footrest
assembly is in said deployed position, passenger's feet are
supported at a level equal to or above a height of a lower surface
of said seat bottom.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to vehicle seating and more
particularly to a tourist/coach class aircraft seating arrangement.
Aircraft seating is typically divided into various classes, for
example first class, business class, and coach or tourist class.
For each class of seating, an individual passenger is allotted a
preselected amount of space (both area and volume). First-class
seats provide the most individual space, and also may include
features to improve comfort, such as fully reclining sleeper
functions. In contrast, the tourist/coach class is provided with a
relatively small amount of space, in order to provide the most
efficient transportation and lowest cost. However, this space
limitation can produce passenger discomfort or possibly even
physical ailments, and also makes it difficult for a passenger to
find a comfortable position in which to sleep on long flights.
[0002] To alleviate discomfort, it is advantageous for a passenger
to be able to support his or her feet raised above the floor of the
aircraft. This not only provides a better sitting posture but also
enables the passenger to keep his or her feet out of contact with
the floor, which may be relatively dirty and cold. Unfortunately,
prior art coach class seats do not readily accommodate a foot
support. Furthermore, the space in front of a seated passenger is
typically left clear in order to store luggage or various carry-on
items.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
footrest for a passenger seat which supports a passenger's feet
above the floor of a vehicle.
[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide a footrest
which supports a passenger's feet in different longitudinal
positions.
[0005] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
a passenger seating arrangement for a vehicle, including: a frame
for being attached to a floor of a vehicle; an upwardly-extending
seat back carried by the frame; a seat bottom carried by the frame
for supporting a passenger; and a footrest disposed forward of the
seat bottom. The footrest has a foot supporting surface positioned
above the floor.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
footrest includes: an enclosure having a front wall, opposed top
and bottom walls, opposed side walls, and a rear opening, the
enclosure defining a surface for support a passenger's foot; and
means for suspending the enclosure underneath a second seat
positioned forward of the seat.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
drawstring is disposed around the periphery of the rear
opening.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, the top
wall of the footrest is attached underneath a bottom of the second
seat by a plurality of fasteners.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, a footrest
assembly for a passenger seat which is mounted to a floor includes:
an enclosure having a front wall, opposed top and bottom walls,
opposed side walls, and a rear opening, the enclosure defining a
surface for support a passenger's foot; and means for supporting
the enclosure above the floor.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
footrest is suspended underneath a second seat positioned forward
of the seat.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
drawstring is disposed around the periphery of the rear
opening.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the top
wall of the footrest is attached underneath a bottom of the second
seat by a plurality of fasteners.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
passenger seating arrangement for vehicle includes: a frame for
being attached to a floor of a vehicle; a seat bottom disposed on
the frame for supporting a passenger; and a footrest disposed
forward of the seat bottom for supporting the feet of a passenger
above the floor with each foot in a different longitudinal position
relative to the seat bottom.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
footrest includes: a first block for supporting a first foot of the
passenger, the first block mounted for longitudinal translation
relative to the seat; and a second block for supporting a second
foot of the passenger, the second block mounted for longitudinal
translation relative to the seat.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
and second blocks are interconnected such that forward longitudinal
movement of one block causes reward longitudinal movement of the
other block.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, each block
includes a non-slip surface thereon.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the blocks
are carried by a pair of spaced-apart rails, the rails being
pivotally attached to the floor and moveable between: an
upwardly-extending stowed position; and a use position wherein the
rails extend along the floor.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
footrest includes a generally laterally extending foot bar disposed
in a position relative to the seat for supporting first and second
feet of a passenger seated in the seat above the floor, the foot
bar being pivotable so as to support the first and second feet of
the passenger in different longitudinal positions relative to the
seat.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
passenger seating arrangement of further includes means for means
for preventing the foot bar from pivoting once it is set in a
desired position.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the foot
bar includes a non-slip surface thereon.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
passenger seat for vehicle includes: a frame for being attached to
a floor of a vehicle; a upwardly-extending seat back carried by the
frame; a seat bottom carried by the frame for supporting a
passenger; and a footrest assembly attached the seat. The footrest
is moveable between: a stowed position; and a deployed position
wherein the footrest extends rearward of the seat back for
supporting the feet of a rear-seated passenger above the floor.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
footrest assembly includes: a pair of spaced-apart rails; a
laterally-extending foot bar disposed extending between the rails;
and a support surface disposed between the rails.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
support surface includes a grid of resilient strands.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, a forward
end of each of the rails is pivotally attached to the seat
back.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention may be
best understood by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat set including a
suspended footrest;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the footrests shown
in FIG. 2, from a rear three-quarter position;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the footrest shown in FIG.
2, from a front three-quarter position;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the footrest of FIG. 3 in a
closed position;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a side view of a passenger seated in a seat
incorporating the footrest shown in FIG. 2;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seat set incorporating a
split footrest assembly;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side view of the seat set of FIG. 6;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a seat set incorporating a
pivoting footrest assembly;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a side view of the seat set of FIG. 8;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a side view of a seat incorporating a variation
of the split footrest assembly shown in FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a side view of a seat incorporating another
variation of the split footrest assembly shown in FIG. 6; and
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seating arrangement
incorporating an elevated footrest.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference
numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,
FIG. 1 illustrates a passenger seat set 10 incorporating a
suspended foot rest. The seat set 10 includes two seats 12 and 14
which are collectively provided with three arm rests 16, 18, and
20, each shown in the lowered passenger use position. The seats
include seat backs 22 and 22' and seat bottoms 24 and 24'. The
seats 12 and 14 are supported by a frame 26. The frame 26 is
mounted on legs 28 and 30 which are in turn mounted to the deck of
the aircraft by track fittings of a known type. For illustrative
purposes, the suspended foot rest is only described in detail with
respect to the seat 14, however it will be understood that the same
type of seat bottom may also be implemented on the other seat
12.
[0039] A bag-type suspended footrest 32 is suspended under the seat
14. The suspended footrest 32 is illustrated in detail in FIGS.
2-4. It is constructed of a natural or synthetic fabric and
includes spaced-apart top and bottom walls 34 and 36, spaced-apart
side walls 38 and 40, a front wall 42, and a rear opening 44. The
rear opening 44 may include a drawstring 46 disposed around its
periphery. The rear opening 44 could also be elasticized so that it
tends to close around a passenger's feet. The footrest 32 may be
padded or insulated in a known manner and may include a soft inner
liner 45 if desired. The footrest could also be constructed of a
rigid material. The footrest 32 is attached to the underside of the
seat bottom 24'. In the illustrated example, the footrest 32 is
attached by a plurality of rivets 48, however any know type of
fastener or structure which securely holds the footrest 32 to the
seat bottom 24' may be used.
[0040] FIG. 5 depicts the footrest 32 in use by a passenger "P".
The passenger P is seated in a seat 50, which may be similar to the
seat 14, aft of the seat 14. The passenger's feet are inserted into
the footrest 32 through the rear opening 44 where they are
comfortably suspended above the deck "D" of the aircraft by the
bottom wall 36, which forms a foot-supporting surface. If desired,
the drawstring 46 may be pulled tight to close the rear opening 44
about the passenger's feet. In this position, the passenger's feet
do not touch the relatively hard floor which may also be cold or
dirty. This allows the passenger to remove his or her shoes without
getting cold feet or soiling his or her socks. The passenger's feet
are also suspended out of the way of any carry-on luggage that
might be placed under the seat 14.
[0041] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a passenger seat unit 110 having
seats 112 and 114 which incorporates a split footrest assembly 116.
The split footrest assembly 116 includes a left footrest 118 and a
right footrest 120 for each individual passenger seat. Each of the
left and right footrests 118 and 120 includes a block 122
constructed and shaped in an appropriate manner for supporting a
passenger's foot. For example, the block 122 may have a tapered top
foot-supporting surface of a synthetic rubber or other resilient
material with a tread pattern to prevent the passenger's foot from
slipping. Each block 122 is mounted on a longitudinally-extending
track 124 and may be slid forward or backwards to a desired
position. Although not shown, each of the left and right footrests
118 and 120 may include a locking means for preventing the block
122 from moving once it is set in a desired position. The motion of
the left and right footrests 118 and 120 could also be coordinated,
through mechanical interconnection or otherwise, such that forward
motion of the right footrest 120 causes a proportional backwards
motion of the left footrest 118 and vice-versa. The split footrest
assembly 116 allows the passenger's feet to be comfortably
supported in different longitudinal positions. FIGS. 5 and 6 depict
the legs "L" of a passenger sitting in such a position, with the
knees bent to different degrees.
[0042] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate variations of the split footrest
assembly 116. Referring to FIG. 10, a split footrest assembly 116'
is substantially similar in construction and operation to the split
footrest assembly 116 described above, and includes moveable
footrest blocks 122' (only one of which is shown in FIG. 10). In
this variation, the tracks 124' (only one shown) that the blocks
122' ride in are not fixed, but rather are pivotally mounted at a
rear end thereof so they can be moved between a horizontal use
position "A" and an upright storage position "B" underneath the
passenger's seat. In the storage position the tracks 124' do not
interfere with the passenger's feet.
[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates another split footrest assembly 116''
which is substantially similar to the split footrest assembly 116',
except that the tracks 124'' in which the blocks 122'' ride are
pivotally mounted at a front end thereof so they can be moved
between a horizontal use position "E" and an upright storage
position "F" underneath a seat. In this variation, the split
footrest assembly 116'' is intended for the use of a passenger
seated in a seat behind the seat to which the split footrest
assembly 116'' is mounted.
[0044] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a seat set 210' having seats 212
and 214 and including a pivoting footrest assembly 216. The
pivoting footrest assembly 216 comprises a laterally-extending foot
bar 218 for each individual passenger seat 212 and 214. The foot
bar 218 may be supported by a mount 220 which is attached to a
passenger seat located forward of the seat 212. The foot bar 218 is
constructed and shaped in an appropriate manner for supporting a
passenger's foot. For example, the foot bar 218 may have a tapered
top foot-supporting surface of a synthetic rubber or other
resilient material with a tread pattern to prevent the passenger's
foot from slipping. The foot bar 218 is pivotable about the axis of
the mount 220. Although not shown, the foot bar 218 may include a
locking means for preventing it from moving once it is set in a
desired position. The pivoting footrest assembly 216 allows the
passenger's feet to be comfortably supported in different
longitudinal positions FIGS. 7 and 8 depict the legs "L" of a
passenger sitting in such a position, with the knees bent to
different degrees.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates a passenger seating arrangement
incorporating an elevated foot rest. The seating arrangement
includes two rows 312 and 314 each having two seats 316, 318, 320,
and 324, respectively. For the purposes of illustration the
elevated footrest assembly will only be described in detail with
respect to the seats 318 and 324, however it will be understood
that the same type of footrest assembly may also be implemented on
the other seats 316 and 320, and that the same type of footrest
assembly may be implemented on any number of seats, seat units, or
rows of seats. The seats 318 and 324 include seat backs 326 and
326' and seat bottoms 328 and 328'. The seats 12 and 14 are
supported by a which is mounted on legs 330, 330', 332', and 332',
which are in turn mounted to the deck of the aircraft by track
fittings of a known type.
[0046] An elevated footrest assembly 334 and 334' is carried by the
seats 318 and 324, respectively. The elevated footrest assemblies
334 and 334' are substantially identical in construction,
accordingly, only the footrest assembly 334 will be described in
detail. The footrest assembly 334 comprises spaced-apart side rails
336 and 338, a transverse foot bar 340, and a support surface 342
disposed between the side rails. The entire footrest assembly 334
is pivotally mounted to the seat 318, for example with hinges 344,
so that it may be moved between a stowed position against the seat
back 326, and a deployed position wherein it extends rearward from
the seat back 326. In the illustrated example the support surface
342 is a hammock-like grid of resilient strands such as elastic
cords or metallic wires. The support surface could also be made
from a continuous material such as plastic sheeting or natural or
synthetic fabric.
[0047] FIG. 12 depicts the footrest assembly 334 in use. A seated
passenger "P" can place brace his or her feet against the foot bar
340, with his or her heels on top of the support surface 342. This
allows the passenger P to raise his or her feet from the vehicle
floor, which may be relatively cold or dirty. Because of the
resilient nature of the support surface 342, the footrest assembly
334 allows the passenger to sit in a rolled or "side sleep"
position with each foot at a different height.
[0048] Depending on how it is mounted, the footrest assembly 342
may also allow the passenger P to sit in a "knees up" position with
his or her knees bent. This provides an alternative posture so that
the passenger P can vary his or her knee and leg position
throughout a flight. The degree to which a passenger's knees are
bent when placed on the footrest assembly 334 will vary depending
upon the passenger's height and leg length, and the longitudinal
spacing or "pitch" between the seat rows. In general, if the
footrest assembly 334 is mounted at or above the bottom surface of
the seat bottom, it will tend to support the passenger's thighs and
knees above a horizontal plane so long as the passenger is equal to
or taller than a 50th percentile adult male. If desired, means for
adjusting the height of the footrest assembly 334 may be provided
to accommodate a "knees up" position in passengers of different
statures. It is noted that the described structure is only an
example of how a passenger's feet may be supported in such a "knees
up" position, and other configurations may be substituted so long
as they extend rearward from the seat 318 so as to support the
passenger's feet above the floor.
[0049] The foregoing has described a seating arrangement including
various footrest assemblies. These seat features may be combined
with each other as desired to produce a seat having multiple
comfort features. While specific embodiments of the present
invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are
provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the
purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the
claims.
* * * * *