GB2353209A - Reversible seat back for trains and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat for a train or tram has a back rest 12 mounted on the seat base via longitudinal slide tubes 14 along which the seat back can slide. The seat back has a vertical post 31 which is connected to a longitudinal piston arrangement housed in a channel 15 at floor level. Actuation of the piston[s] from a central point eg the drivers cab, thus enables the seat backs to be moved to the opposite edge of the seat so that passengers may always face the direction of travel.

Description

2353209

1 Gordon Snape a British subject of Pimlico, London do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be perforined to be particularly described in and by the following statement.

The present invention relates to a reversible backrest for train/tram seating travel by rail on a rear facing seat can be a daunting prospect more so on a long journey with possible eyestrain an accompanying syndrome.

The construction of modem day rolling stock attempts to mitigate the problem by sub dividing forward and rear facing seats in equal proportion and although this is a partial solution does not satisfy fully the needs of the average traveller.

With all seats in forward array an adjustable seat pitch is attainable thus allowing an increase in payload density over the present system and fiirtlien-nore the common practice of using the opposite seat as a footstool is frustrated.

It is proposed therefore in the present application that the backrest of all seat throughout the train are made reciprocally active so that the seated passenger is consistently facing the direction of motion.

It is further proposed that the reversing mechanism is actuated uniformly throughout the train by instantaneous operation or single coach arrangement with fail safe device and by push button control from the drivers cab or conductor station at the route terminal points, before boarding commences and after seat inspection to remove any obstructive object.

A specific embodiment of the invent ' ion will now be described by way of example with ref to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig I shows the seat in elevation Fig 2 shows an end view Fig 3 shows a sectional view on arrow A Fig 4 shows an isometric view of the fixed seat structure and floor channel Fig 5 shows detail of the backrest slide assembly Fig 6 shows an outer stub leg and pivot Fig 7 shows a backrest assembly Fig 8 shows a sectional view Fig 9 shows a pivot pin Fig 10 shows an end view Fig 11 shows a floor section and actuating mechanism Fig 12 shows a comprehensive view of fig 11 Fig 13 shows aside view of an air cylinder and relevant stroke Fig 14 shows a comparative view of a vehicle floor plan Referring to fig 1 the seat is comprised of a moveable backrest 12 which is Mounted on slide tubes 14 that are rigidly attached to a fixed seat 10 which enables the backrest to transpose its position as shown in fig 2.

A more concise embodiment of the function is shown in fig 13 an air piston 48 attached to the vehicle floor on the underside is coupled to a transverse tube 44 which interfaces at each end with a vertical angle 43 and bolted as shows in fig 11.

I The aforesaid angles are then bolted to longitudinal channels 15 which are set parallel and flush with the vehicle floor line as shown in fig I I and more fully in fig 12.

By coupling the aforesaid channels to the back rest stub posts 31 with attachment angles 25 a reciprocating motion can be performed when the air cylinder is pressurised as demonstrated in fig 13.

To offer the long distance passenger a more relaxing posture it is considered desirable the backrest is pivotally inclined by 6' as shown in figs 2 and 3 and in greater detail in figs 9 and 10 the recline is effected during the stroke by a heavy duty rubber buffer 21 intercepting trip piece 27 and tilting the backrest into the desired position and cushioning any misalignment of stroke action in the array. The final lock is created by the angular shaped end of outerpost 32 interfacing with the rectangular end of stub post 3 1.

The pivot piece 39 and the pivot pin 40 for the recline are shown in detail in figs 9 and 10.

The fixed seat structure is substantially comprised of four unequal angles 16 welded at each of the four comers as depicted in fig 4 with a centre box member 17 welded in situ and forming a base for the bonded buffer. A plain angle 24 secured to the seat and a loose panel 23 bolted to both angle and floor forins the leg structure as shown in figs I and 2.

The seat base is formed of fiberlam panel 22 figs 3 and 4 and a dished foam cushion 24 fig 3. A comprehensive view of the slide tube assembly is shown in fig 5 wherein the tube is located within the frame extension and secured to the frame by end plug 20 to offer further stability a rubber buffer 19 is bonded to each end of the tube and cushions the interfacing action with the phosphor bronze bush 18 duplicated as shown to ensure a snag free movement of the stub leg.

The backrest frame is an open type structure and comprises outer box member 32 and centre box member 33 which is end plugged for reasons to be explained. A base panel 37 of fiberlam material is inserted between trim channel 36 attached to the box members and the frame rigidified by the attachment of bottom strap 35 and top strap 34 complete with trim channels and pinned as shown in fig 7 the foam cushion 38 is adhesively attached to the aforesaid panel after frame assembly as shown in fig 8.

To form a comparative assessment of seating density, the present invention is shown in fig 14 alongside a contra face arrangement B wherein the seat capacity of a 60 ft vehicle is found to be 64 seats @ 37" pitch in A config and 56 seats in B config.

Reducing pitch to 34" would accommodate an additional four seats making A config. 68 seats an increase of 21 % over current arrangement. The air cylinder is shown installed at approx mid length position of the vehicle.

An air supply of 25lbs/sq in. is envisaged as sufficient for the transition operation 2

Claims (9)

1. I A reversible train or tram seat wherein the backrest is mechanically transposed at the route terminal points so that the seated passenger is facing the direction or travel when the train or tram is in motion.

   2. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim I wherein all vehicle backrests are mechanically and electrically reversed in unison throughout by push button control and fail safe device from the drivers cab.

   3. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein an individual coach units seating can be transposed from a fail safe and tamper proof position on the unit.

   4. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in all preceding claims wherein the reciprocal action is performed by compressed air piston and transmission linkage installed below floor line.

   5. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim 4 wherein the transmission linkage is connected to longitudinal channels set flush with the floor line and connected to the backrest outer posts thus interlocking air piston and all backrests in the vehicle array.

   6. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim 5 wherein the backrest is mechanically inclined at 6' to the vertical and locked in position at maximum stroke.

   7. A reversible train or tram seat substantially as described herein with reference to figs 1-14 of the accompanying drawings.

   3 Amendments to the clairrIs have been filed as follows A reversible train or tram seat wherein the backrest is mechanically transposed at the I-OLIte terminal points so that the seated passenger is facing the direction of travel when the train or trarn is in motion.
2. 2. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim I wherein all vehicle backrests are mechanically and electrically reversed in unison thrOLIghoLit by PLIsh button control and fail safe device from the drivers cab.
3. 3. A reversible train or tram seat a claimed in claim I or claim ? wherein an individual coach units seating can be transposed from a fail safe and tarnper proof position on the unit.
4. 4. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in all preceding claims wherein the reciprocal action is performed by compressed air piston and transmission linkage installed below floor line.
5. 5. A reversible train or trarn seat as claimed in claim 4 wherein the transmission linkage is connected to longitudinal channels set flush with the floor line and connected to the backrest outer posts thus interlocking air piston and all backrests in the vehicle array.
6. 6. A reversible train or tram seat as claim in claim 5 wherein the backrest outer posts are pivotally connected at seat level.
7. 7. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lower post or stub leg is axially guided along tubular section attached to the fixed seat throughout the stroke.
8. 8. A reversible train or tram seat as claimed in claim 7 wherein the backrest is intercepted by rubber buffer and mechanically inclined at 6' to the vertical and locked in position at maximum stroke.
9. 9. A reversible train or trarn seat substantially as described herein with reference to figs 1- 14 of the accompanying drawings.