Czech Republic

Rail service is on the increase right across Europe, and passenger expectations in the fields of comfort and quality of travelling environment are growing. The sleeper/couchette¹ market for overnight travel is no exception, and regular upgrading of vehicle interiors is necessary if customers are to be won and retained. It has to be remembered that many cars in service at present were built around 20 years ago, and passengers’ expectations have changed since the mid-80s.

Comfort and a welcoming ambience are all important factors. Naturally, these have to be balanced with economic aspects – such as the number of sleeping berths available within a vehicle. Great emphasis is placed on creating a welcoming environment, and above all on offering berth which provide everything one would wish for in order to enjoy a good night’s sleep. The supplier of these berth units is BORCAD cz, which enjoys an international reputation for its high quality modular units for sleeper and couchette cars.

The prototype sleeper emerged in 2000. Quality design and high comfort levels must go hand in hand in the design of both sleeping berths and seated accommodation. The BORCAD solution is a module which incorporates the compartment partition wall. The anchoring posts², including their covers, the mechanisms for adjusting the position of the middle berth of the stack³ of three, the three seats, and the three berths themselves. The module, in addition to being convertible into “day” and “night” configurations, also offers the option of “night” configurations for two or for three passengers.

For daytime travel, all three berths are folded up against the compartment wall, and locked into position. The unit of three seats can then be adjusted by means of a spring-load mechanism⁴ which supports most of the weight of the seat unit. The latter has both fold-up arm rests adjustable head rests. Space is provided under the seating unit for bulky or heavy luggage.

An ergonomically designed adjustment mechanism effects the change from two- to three-berth configuration and vice versa. The mechanism, patented by BORCAD cz, is at present the most convenient solution available for transforming a three-berth compartment into one or two berths, while adjusting the height of the berths to offer the maximum headroom in each configuration. In both configurations the berths are secured by two-position locks, which provide added security in case of partial failure. The double locking also prevents the berths from unfolding when the compartment is arranged in daytime configuration, with the seats in use.

All materials incorporated in the sleeping berth/seats module comply with all rail safety norms, and great emphasis is placed on fire resistance. An attractive and cosy travelling environment is produced through the use of imitation leather for the compartment wall panels and for the sides of the berths, these being easily exchanged if damaged. Separate upholstery is provided for the mattresses. BORCAD is convinced that the new sleeper will find favour among even the most demanding of overnight travellers.

Notes:

1 couchette – спальне місце у вагоні 2 anchoring post – розпірна стійка

3 stack – комплект, блок, штабель, стелаж 4 spring-load mechanism – підпружинювальний механізм