GB2497425A

GB2497425A - A seat liner

Info

Publication number: GB2497425A
Application number: GB1221975.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fiona Jackson; Catriona Mcleod Abry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-06
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2013-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-06
Also published as: GB2497425B; GB201120946D0

Abstract

A seat liner 100 for use with a vehicle seat is provided. The seat liner 100 comprises a body portion 102 comprising a cover being filled at least partially with a filling material, the body portion being shaped such that in use, the body portion comprises a seat section 104, a back section 106 and a neck and trunk support section 108. Securing means 110 are coupled to the body section and are arranged such that in use, the securing means can couple to a lap belt of the vehicle seat. The securing means may comprise two side engagement members with the lap belt being coupled to both of them. The side engagement members could be formed from a strap coupled to the seat and neck and trunk support sections so as to provide an aperture through which the lap belt of the vehicle seat can be retained. The seat liner may be used on an aircraft seat.

Description

A SEAT LINER

The invention relates to a seat liner, in particular it relates to a seat liner for use with a vehicle seat to improve the comfort of a user travelling on an aircraft.

Vehicle seats, in particular aircraft seats, train seats and car seats are ergonomically designed to fit the body shape of the average adult passenger in order to provide the best possible chance of the seats being comfortable for the maximum number of passengers. However, this can cause problems for passengers that are of a different body shape and size to thot which the seats are designed to fit. n particular many children are too small to get the support from the aircraft seat necessary for comfortable travel. Also, some disabled people moy require additional support whilst travelling on an aircraft that is not available from a conventional seat.

It is therefore desirable to provide a seat liner for use with a vehicle seat which improves the comfort of travel for the user. It is further desirable to provide a comfortable, lightweight, portable seat liner for use by a user travelling on a vehicle.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seat liner for use with a vehicle seat, comprising: a body portion comprising a cover being filled at least partially with a filling material, the body portion being shaped such that in use, the body portion comprises a seat section, a back section and a neck and trunk support section; and securing means coupled to the body section and arranged such that in use, the securing means can couple to a lap belt of the vehicle seat. When the seat liner is used with a vehicle seat, it provides for secure accommodation of a user.

The seat liner may be suitable for use with an aircraft seat. The seat liner may suitable for use with a train seat. The seat liner may be suitable for use with a car or coach (bus) seat.

The securing means may comprise one or more engagement members.

The securing means may comprise two side engagement members coupled to the body portion such that in use, the lap belt of the vehicle seat is coupled to both of the engagement members. The side engagement members may comprise a strap coupled to the seat section and neck and trunk support section of the body portion so as to provide an aperture, though which the lap belt of a vehicle seat can be retained.

The side engagement members may comprise a loop coupled to the seat section and neck and trunk support section of the body portion, through which the lap belt of the vehicle seat can be retained. The side engagement members may be adjustable.

The securing means may comprise a groin engagement member coupled to the seat section of the body portion. The groin engagement member may comprise at least one aperture, though which the lap belt of a vehicle seat can be retained. The groin engagement member may comprise at least two apertures, though which the lap belt of a vehicle seat can be retained. The apertures may be formed by loops.

The groin engagement member may extend forwardly from the seat section of the body portion, such that in use, it passes between the legs of a user child sitting on the seat portion.

The filling material may be removable form the cover. This will allow the cover to be cleaned. Alternatively, the filling material may be washable and may be washed along with the cover such that the filling material need not be removable from the cover.

The filling material may be a hollow fibre material.

The filling material may be a particulate material. The particulate material may comprise beads of polystyrene and/or polyurethane.

The filling material may be removable from the cover and the cover may comprise a fastener operable to allow the cover to be opened or closed to allow removal andJor insertion of the filling material.

The seat liner may further comprise at least two apertures formed in the back section of the body portion arranged such that in use an approved restraint harness, such as the CARES restraint system, can be retained through the apertures.

The neck and truck support section extends at least partially around the periphery of back section. The neck and truck support sections extends around the periphery of the back section such that it supports the neck and trunk of a user sitting on the seat section of the body portion.

The cover may be made from waterproof material. The cover may be made of polyurethane coated fabric material. The cover may be made of a fabric, fleece or other insulafive material.

The seat liner may further comprise a carrying strap.

The polyurethane coated fabric material cover preferably has the following properties:-a) at least two-way stretch properties providing pressure relief, b) waterproof properties, c) infection control properties, d) biocompatibility properties, e) moisture vapour-breathability properties, f) wipe-clean properties.

The seat liner is thus light weight and readily transportable.

The filing material is such that it will confirm to all safety regulations and the seat liner can be produced in a range of sizes and shapes so as to render it suitable for any user above the weight requirements for forward facing travel and personalized sizes and shapes of the device may be provided for users with disabilities who have specific needs.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a front view of a seaf liner of an embodiment of the invention; Figures 2, 3, and 4 are illustrative views showing use of the seat liner of Figure 1: Figure 5 is a further illustrative view, particularly showing the carry strap; Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are illustrative views, particularly showing the side engagement members at the sides of the body portion; Figures 7A, 7B, 70 and 7D are illustrative views, particularly showing the groin engagement member; Figure 8 shows the provision of apertures in the back section of the body portion; Figure 9 shows a seat liner according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 1 OA to 1 OF show the manufacturing steps of the seat liner of Figure 9.

Figure 1 shows a seat liner 10 suitable for use with a vehicle seat. The seat liner shown in Figure 1 is suitable for use with an aircraft seat. The seat liner 10 is shown as it would appear in use, but without the aircraft seat itself being shown. The seat liner 10 comprises a body portion 12 comprising a cover being filled at least partially with a filling material.

The body portion 12 is shaped such that in use, the body portion 12 comprises a seat section 14 upon which a user can sit, a back section 16 against which the back of a user can rest and a neck and trunk support section 18 for supporting the neck and trunk sections of a user.

The seat liner further comprises side engagement members 20 that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are straps that are coupled between the seat section 14 and the neck and trunk support section 18 to provide an aperture through which the lap belt of an aircraft seat can pass through and can be retained. The side straps 20 may be adjustable in length so that the seat liner is adjustable for users of different sizes and with different requirements.

A groin engagement member 22 is provided that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a groin strap. The groin strap 22 comprises at least one aperture through which the lap belt of an aircraft seat can pass through and can be retained. The groin strap 22 of Figure 1 has two apertures so that the groin strap is adjustable for users of different sizes and with different requirements. It should be appreciated that more than two apertures may be provided in the groin strap for greater adjustability.

Four apertures 24 are provided in the back section 16 of the body portion 12. The apertures 24 are arranged so that an approved restraint harness can be coupled to the seat liner. In use with an approved restraint harness, such as the CARES restraint system, the straps of the restraint harness are passed through apertures 24 on either side of a users neck and couple to the lap belt of the aircraft seat as it passes over the lap of the user, usually by passing the lap belt through loops in the ends of the straps of the restraint harness. By passing the straps of the restraint harness through the apertures 24 in the back section 16 of the seat liner, the restraint harness is secured Ic the seat liner and the user is held securely in place by both the seat liner and safety harness. Four apertures (Iwo pairs) are provided in order to provide two different height settings for users of different sizes. However, it should be appreciated that only two apertures 24, one positioned on either side of a users neck, may be provided.

Although Figure 1 shows apertures 24 provided in the back section 16 of the seat liner 10, it should be appreciated that the apertures could be replaced by clips, buckles or other retaining means in order to secure couple a restraint harness to the seat liner. In this situation, it need not be necessary that the restraint harness pass through the back section 16 and may be coupled to the surface of the back section 16.

A carry strap 26, in the form of a loop is provided on top of the neck and trunk support section 18 to facilitate easy carrying of the seat liner. Although not shown, the seat liner may also comprise retaining means for retaining the seat liner in a rolled up or folded state for ease of canying.

In Figure 1, the cover is made of a waterproof material and is filled at least partially with a filling material. The waterproof material in Figure 1 is polyurethane coated fabric material. However, it should be appreciated that the cover may be made of a fabric, fleece or other insulative material.

The filling material in Figure 1 is a particulate material. The particulate material may comprise beads of polystyrene and/or polyurethane. However, it should be appreciated that the filling material may be a hollow fibre material.

The filling material may be removable from the cover and the cover may comprise a fastener operable to allow the cover to be opened or closed in one or more places to allow removal and/or insertion of the filling materiaL Alternatively, the filling material may be washable and may be washed along with the cover such that the filling material need not be removable from the cover.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, more filling material is provided in the neck and trunk support section 18 than in the seat section 14 or the back section 16, in order to provide more support for the trunk and in particular the neck of a user.

It should be appreciated that the groin strap 22, the apertures 24 and the carrying strap 26 are all optional features that need not be provided.

Figures 2 to 4 show the seat liner 10 in use. In Figure 2, the seat liner 10 is shown in situ ready for use by a user. Figure 3 shows a representative user sat on the seat portion 14.

with the lap belt secured to the seat liner 10 by being passed through the apertures made by the side straps 20 and trough an aperture in the groin strap 22. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the lap belt is secured to the seat liner such that the user is securely and comfortably seating in the seat liner.

Figure 4 shows the seat liner 10 in use with a CARES restraint system 40. As can be seen in Figure 4, the restraint harness 40 passes through two of the apertures 24 on either side of the neck of the user and secures to the lap belt as the lap belt passes over the lap of the user.

Figures 5A and SB show the carrying loop 26 in more detail. Figure GA shows the seat liner without the optional groin strap. Figure 5A also shows buckles 28 that can be used to change the length of the side straps 20. Figure SB shows that the carrying loop 26 is a loop of fabric material coupled to the neck and trunk support section 18.

Figure 6A, 6B and 6C show the side straps in more detail and how the lap belt of an aircraft seat passes through the aperture formed by the side straps 20. Figures 6B and 6C in particular show the buckles 28 in more detail.

Figures 7k 7B, 7C and 7C show fhe groin strap 22 coupled to the seat section 14 in more detail. As can be seen, particularly in Figure 7B and 7D, the groin strap comprises two apertures through which the lap belt of an aircraft seat can pass. In Figure 70 the lap belt is shown passing through the bottom aperture of the groin strap. It should be appreciafed that the groin sfrap may comprise as many apertures as is required fo provide the necessary adjustability Figure 8 shows the apertures through the back section 16 in more detail. As can be seen, two pairs of apertures are provided to provide height adjustment.

A seat liner 100 for use with an aircraft seat of another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9. The seat iner 100 is shown as it would appear when not in use. The seat liner 100 comprises a body portion 102 comprising a cover being filled at least partially with a filling materiaL In Figure 9, the cover is made of a fleece or other insulative material and the filling material is a hollow fibre material.

The body portion 102 is shaped such that in use, the body portion 102 comprises a seat section 104 upon which a user can sit, a back section 106 against which the back of a user can rest and a neck and trunk support section 108 for supporting the neck and trunk sections of a user.

The seat liner 100 further comprises side engagement members 110 that in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 are loops that are coupled between the seat section 104 and the neck and trunk support section 108 to provide an aperture through which the lap belt of an aircraft seat can pass through and can be retained.

A groin engagement member 112 is provided that in the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is a groin strap. The groin strap 112 comprises two apertures through which the lap belt of an aircraft seat can pass through and can be retained.

Two apertures 114 are provided in the back section 106 of the body portion 102. The apertures 114 are arranged so that an approved restraint harness, such as the CARES restraint system, can be coupled to the seat liner.

A carry strap 116, in the form of a loop is provided on top of the neck and trunk support section 108 to facilitate easy carrying of the seat liner. Although not shown, the seat liner may also comprise retaining means for retaining the seat liner in a rolled up state for ease of carrying.

In Figure 9, the hollow fibre filling material may be removable from the cover and the cover may comprise a fastener operable to allow the cover to be opened or closed to allow removal and/or insertion of the filling material.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, more filling material is provided in the neck and trunk support section 108 than in the seat section 104 or the back section 106, in order to provide more support for the trunk and in particular the neck of a user.

It should be appreciated that the groin strap 112, the apertures 114 and the carrying strap 116 are all optional features that need not be provided.

Figure 1OA to 1OF shows the manufacturing steps of the seat liner of Figure 9. In Figure 1OA two appropriately shaped pieces of fleece fabric 200 are provided.

In Figure lOB, the two pieces of fabric 200 are machined to form a cover having a seat section 204, a back section 206 and a neck and trunk support section 208 and filled with hollow fibre material. The sections 204, 206, 208 may be provided by appropriate stitching, gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like of the two fabric sections 200. The cover is filled with hollow fibre material to provide the desired shape of the respective sections.

In Figure 1OC, side straps 210 are attached to the seat liner to provide apertures through which an aircraft lap belt can be retained. The side straps are attached to the seat section 204 and the neck and trunk support section 208. The side straps may be soft webbing and may be 25 mm webbing. The webbing may be attached to the seat liner by stitching, gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like.

Figure 1OD shows the optional step of the addition of the groin strap 212 to the seat liner. In Figure 1OD the groin strap 212 is attached to the seat section 204. The groin strap may be attached to the seat section 204 by stitching, gluing, ultrasonic welding or the ike.

Figure 1OE shows the optional step of the addition of the carrying strap 216 the seat liner. In Figure bE, the carrying strap 216 is attached to the neck and trunk support section 208. The carrying strap may be attached to the neck and trunk support section 208 by stitching, gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like.

Figure iDE shows the optional step of providing apertures in the back section 206. The apertures 214 may be formed by cutting or any other method of removing the necessary material to create the aperture. The cover is sealed around the apertures to prevent any of the hollow fibre filling material from leaving the cover. This sealing may be performed by stitching, gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a seat liner that is readily portable. The invention thus provides a contouring airline seat insert that provides support and comfort to users.

Although the above describes the use of apertures and 1oops in order to retain the lap belt of an aircraft seat, it should be appreciated that clips, buckles, hook and look arrangements or other securing means could equally be used. It should particularly be noted that the lap belt need not pass through the side engagement members and/or the groin engagement member and may instead be coupled to the surface of those engagement members.

Although the above describes the use of the seat liners 10, 100 with an aircraft seat, it should be apparent that the seat liner could be used with a train, car or coach (bus) seat with appropriate modifications of the side engagement members, groin engagement member and apertures in the back section to retain the seat belts particular to those type of seats. For example, with a three point seat belt as commonly found in cars and on coaches (buses), the lap belt portion of the seat belt could be retained by the side engagement members and optionally the groin engagement member by clip or the like, and the sash portion of the seat belt could be retained by appropriate coupling to the apertures in the back section of the seat liner, by clip or the like for example.

Although the above describes a seat liner having cover filled with filling material, it should be appreciated that the cover may instead be inflatable to provide the desired shape and support for a user. By providing an inflatable cover, the seat liner can be inflated for use a deflated for ease of transport and storage.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A seat liner for use with a vehicle seat, comprising: a body portion comprising a cover being filled at least partially with a filling material, the body portion being shaped such that in use, the body portion comprises a seat section, a back section and a neck and trunk support section; and securing means coupled to the body section and arranged such that in use, the securing means can couple to a lap belt of the vehicle seat.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A seat liner according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises one or more engagement members.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A seat liner according to claim 2, wherein the securing means comprises Iwo side engagement members coupled to the body portion such that in use, the lap belt of the vehicle seat is coupled to both of the engagement members.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A seat liner according to claim 3, wherein the side engagement members comprise a strap coupled to the seat section and neck and trunk support section of the body portion so as to provide an aperture, though which the lap belt of the vehicle seat can be retained.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A seat liner according to any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the side engagement members comprise a loop coupled to the seat section and neck and trunk support section of the body portion, through which the lap belt of the vehicle seat can be retained.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A seat liner according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the side engagement members are adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A seat liner according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the securing means comprises a groin engagement member coupled to the seat section of the body portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A seat liner according to claim 7, wherein the groin engagement member comprises at least one aperture, though which the lap belt of the vehicle seat can be retained.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A seat liner according to claim 8, wherein the groin engagement member comprises at least two apertures, though which the lap belt of the vehicle seat can be retained.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A seat liner according to claim 9, wherein the apertures are formed by loops.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A seat liner according to any preceding claim, wherein the filling material is a hollow fibre material.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A seat liner according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filling material is a particulate material.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A seat liner according to claim 12, wherein the particulate material comprises beads of polystyrene and/or polyurethane.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A seat liner according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least two apertures formed in the back section of the body portion arranged such that in use an approved restraint harness can be retained through the apertures.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A seat liner according to any preceding claim, wherein the neck and truck support section extends at least partially around periphery of back section.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A seat liner according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover is made from waterproof material.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A seat liner according to claim 16, wherein the cover is made of polyurethane coated fabric material.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A seat liner according to any preceding claim, further comprising a carrying strap.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A seat liner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>