U.S. patent application number 12/023427 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for transportation seating system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMERICAN SEATING COMPANY. Invention is credited to Douglas L. Fassett, Trevor R. Haney, Bernard A. III Herold, Douglas G. Oswald, David I. Wolf.
Application Number | 20080116726 12/023427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37892973 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herold; Bernard A. III ; et
al. |
May 22, 2008 |
TRANSPORTATION SEATING SYSTEM
Abstract
The specification discloses a modular transportation seating
assembly that includes a support frame and seats mounted on the
frame. The frame includes a seat beam and a cantilever beam. The
cantilever beam includes a body and a connector inserted into the
body and held together by compressive force. The body has an end
defining a plurality of receivers, and the connector includes a
plurality of lugs each received within one of said receivers. The
seat beam includes a body, a tee nut slidably received within the
body, a second connector outside the body, and a fastener
intersecuring the two connectors to retain them in position along
the length of the body. A single fastener intersecures the
connectors on the seat beam and the cantilever beam. The seat
includes a flange hooked about the back edge of the seat beam and
one or more fasteners connecting the seat to the forward edge of
the seat beam. The backs of adjacent seats define a vee, and a seat
tie fills the lower portion of the vee to prevent objects from
accidentally catching in the vee. The seats are molded and can
include an integrally molded grab rail.
Inventors: |
Herold; Bernard A. III;
(Grandville, MI) ; Wolf; David I.; (Cedar Springs,
MI) ; Fassett; Douglas L.; (Kentwood, MI) ;
Haney; Trevor R.; (Jenison, MI) ; Oswald; Douglas
G.; (Grand Rapids, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP
900 FIFTH THIRD CENTER
111 LYON STREET, N.W.
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503-2487
US
|
Assignee: |
AMERICAN SEATING COMPANY
401 American Seating Center
Grand Rapids
MI
49504-4499
|
Family ID: |
37892973 |
Appl. No.: |
12/023427 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11234602 |
Sep 23, 2005 |
|
|
|
12023427 |
Jan 31, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/242 20130101;
B60N 2/015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.7 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a seat; a seat
beam adapted to support said seat; a beam support adapted to
support said seat beam; and hinge means for hingedly
interconnecting said seat beam and said beam support, said beams
being movable between a collapsed position and a deployed
position.
2. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein:
said seat beam includes a first connector defining a first hole;
said beam support includes a body having opposite ends and a second
connector inserted into one of said ends, said second connector
defining a second hole aligned with said first hole; and a fastener
installed through said first and second holes.
3. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein
said beam support is cantilevered under said seat beam in the
deployed position.
4. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein
said body and said second connector are under compression.
5. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein:
said beam defines at least one hollow portion; and said connector
includes at least one lug extending into said hollow portion.
6. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 5
including a plurality of said hollow portions and a plurality of
said lugs, each of said lugs being received closely within one of
said hollow portions.
7. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a seat; a seat
beam supporting said seat; a cantilever beam supporting said seat
beam; and a hinge interconnecting said seat beam and said
cantilever beam for movement between a folded storage position and
an unfolded installation position.
8. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein:
said cantilever beam includes a cantilever beam body and a
cantilever beam connector under compression; and said hinge
includes a single fastener.
9. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein:
said cantilever beam body defines a plurality of hollow portions;
and said cantilever beam connector includes a plurality of lugs
extending into said hollow portions.
10. A transportation seating system comprising: a seat beam; a seat
on said seat beam; and a beam support supporting said seat beam,
said beam support including a body and a pair of connectors, said
body having a pair of ends each defining a plurality of openings;
each connector including a plurality of lugs each closely received
within one of said openings to support said insert within one of
said body ends.
11. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 10
wherein; the lugs on one of said connectors cooperatively define a
bore; and said assembly further includes a fastener extending
through said bore to connect the seat beam and the beam
support.
12. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 10
wherein the number of openings and the number of lugs are the
same.
13. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 10
wherein said body is metal and said connectors are plastic.
14. A transportation seating frame including: a generally
horizontal seat beam defining a first hole; a cantilevered beam
support adapted to support said seat beam, said beam support
including a body having opposite ends each defining a plurality of
receivers, said beam support further including a connector
interfitting with one of the ends of said body, said connector
including a plurality of lugs each received within one of said
receivers, said connector defining a second hole aligned with said
first hole; and a fastener extending through said first and second
holes to interconnect the seat beam and the beam support
connector.
15. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 14
wherein said lugs cooperatively define said second hole.
16. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 14
including an equal number of receivers and lugs.
17. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 14
wherein said body is metal and said connector is plastic.
18. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a seat beam
having a lower portion and defining a channel opening through said
lower portion; a first connector slidably received within said
channel; a second connector outside said channel, said second
connector adapted to be connected to a beam support; and a fastener
extending through said second connector into said first connector
for drawing the first and second connectors together to secure the
connectors in a fixed position relative to the seat beam.
19. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 18
comprising a plurality of said channels and a plurality of pairs of
said first and second connectors.
20. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 18
wherein said first connector comprises a T-nut.
21. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a seat; a seat
beam supporting said seat; a first connector slidably received
within said beam; a second connector outside said beam; a fastener
interconnecting said first and second connectors to secure first
and second connectors in a fixed position along said seat beam.
22. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 21
wherein: said seat beam defines a channel; and said first connector
is located within said channel.
23. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 22
including a plurality of said channels and a plurality of said
first connectors, each located within one of said channels.
24. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 22
wherein said first connector comprises a T-nut.
25. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a seat beam
having a lower portion, a forward portion, and a rear portion; a
seat supported on said beam support, said seat including a flange
extending around one of said forward portion and said rear portion;
and fastener means for attaching said seat to the other of said
forward portion and said rear portion.
26. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 25
wherein said seat is a single molded piece including said
flange.
27. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 25
wherein: said one portion is said rear portion; and said other
portion is said forward portion.
28. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 25
wherein said fastener means comprises a fastener extending through
said seat and secured within said seat beam.
29. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a seat beam
having an upper surface, a lower surface, a back edge, and a front
edge; a one-piece seat supported on said seat beam, said seat
having a portion conforming to said upper surface of said beam,
said seat having a flange extending downwardly beyond and around
said back edge to engage said lower surface of said beam; and a
fastener extending through said seat and secured in said forward
edge of said seat beam.
30. A transportation seating assembly comprising: a support frame;
first and second seats supported on said support frame, said first
and second seats including first and second edges respectively,
said first and second edges defining an upwardly opening slot that
tapers from an upper portion to a lower portion; and a seat tie
connected to said first and second seats and filling said lower
portion of said slot to reduce the likelihood that objects will be
caught in said slot.
31. A transportation seating assembly as defined in claim 30
wherein: said slot is V-shaped having a closed bottom; and said
seat tie is located closely proximate said bottom.
32. A transportation seating system comprising: a pair of adjacent
seats each having a back, said backs together defining an upwardly
opening V-shaped slot having a closed bottom; and a filler within
said bottom of said V-shaped opening to reduce the likelihood that
objects will be caught in said slot.
33. A transportation seat comprising: a seat body; and a grab rail
extending from said seat body, said seat body and said grab rail
being portions of a one-piece, unitary whole.
34. A transportation seat as defined in claim 33 wherein: said seat
body includes a seat back; and said grab rail extends from said
seat back.
35. A transportation seat comprising: a seat portion; a back
portion; and a grab rail extending from said back portion, all of
said seat portion, said back portion, and said grab rail molded of
a single, unitary piece.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to seating systems, and more
particularly to transportation seating systems.
[0002] A wide variety of transportation seating systems have been
developed for use in public transportation vehicles. Such vehicles
include busses, subways, and streetcars. While the systems
developed to date have gained widespread acceptance, there is a
continuing need for improved systems which are simpler, less
expensive, more functional, and safer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to a transportation
seating system incorporating a variety of novel concepts.
[0004] In a first aspect of the invention, the seating system
includes a frame assembly supporting one or more seat shells. The
frame assembly in turn includes a seat beam and a beam support. The
beam support includes a beam body and a connector inserted into the
body. The connector and the body therefore are in compression under
the weight of the system and the seating occupants. Further
preferably, the seat beam and the beam support are hingedly
interconnected, so that the frame can be 1) folded for shipment and
storage or 2) unfolded for installation in a vehicle.
[0005] In a second aspect of the invention, the system includes a
frame assembly supporting one or more seat shells. The frame
assembly includes a seat beam for supporting the seat shells, and a
beam support for supporting the seat beam. The beam support
includes a beam body and a pair of connectors inserted into
opposite ends of the body. The body defines a plurality of openings
or receivers, and each connector defines a plurality of lugs each
closely received within one of the openings. This structure
provides a simple yet highly effective interconnection of the frame
components.
[0006] In a third aspect of the invention, a unique connector
system is provided between the seat beam and the beam support. More
specifically, the seat beam defines at least one channel and
includes a first connector slidably received within the channel. A
second connector is outside the channel and adapted to be connected
to the beam support. A fastener extends through the second
connector and into the first connector to draw the two connectors
together to secure the connectors in a fixed position along the
length of the seat beam. The connection system enhances the
adaptability and modularity of the system by enabling the seat beam
and the beam support to be interconnected in a variety of relative
positions. The connection system also enables the seat beam to be
precisely horizontally installed regardless of potential variations
in the supporting structure.
[0007] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the system includes a
novel structure for interconnecting the seats and the seat beam.
More specifically, the seat beam includes a front portion and a
back portion. The seat includes an integral flange extending around
the rear portion of the beam. A fastener extends through the seat
and into the front portion of the beam. The interconnection is
simple, effective, and safe. The ease of the interconnection also
facilitates the modularity of the system and enables the seats to
be easily installed after the installation of the frame assemblies,
reducing the likelihood of seat damage during vehicle
construction.
[0008] In a fifth aspect of the invention, two of the seats are
mounted side-by-side on the seat beam. The seat backs taper and
therefore define an upwardly opening v-shaped slot. A seat tie or
filler is installed in the lower portion of the slot to prevent
objects such as coat strings and buttons from becoming trapped in
the slot. The tie also can be a structural component to assist in
interconnecting and aligning the adjacent seat shells.
[0009] In a sixth aspect of the invention, the seat is an integral
one-piece molded article. The seat includes a seat body and a grab
rail extending from the seat body, preferably from the seat back.
The one-piece construction provides seat and grab rail in a
relatively simple and efficient construction without the
requirement of multiple interconnected parts.
[0010] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the description of the current embodiments and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the transportation
seating system of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a lower front perspective view of the seating
system;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a lower rear perspective view of the seating
system;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the seating system;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an upper exploded perspective view of the frame
assembly;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a lower exploded perspective view of the frame
assembly;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along Line VII-VII in FIG.
1 showing the interconnection of the seat beam and the seat;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing the
alternative interconnection of the seat beam and the beam
support;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the T-nut used in the
alternative connection system;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the beam support
body;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the beam support
connector;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the beam support
connector;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the beam support
connector;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hinge base;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along Line XV-XV in FIG.
14;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the base connector;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a upper perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the frame assembly in which the beam support is
oriented vertically in a pedestal configuration;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a upper exploded perspective view of the
alternative frame assembly;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the pedestal foot base;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of two adjacent seats and the
seat tie;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the two adjacent seats
and the seat tie;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the seat tie;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the seat tie;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along Line XXIV-XXIV in
FIG. 20;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a first alternative
tie;
[0036] FIG. 26a is a rear elevational view of the first alternative
tie;
[0037] FIG. 26b is a rear perspective view of the front piece of
the first alternative tie;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a second alternative
seat tie;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the second alternative
seat tie; and
[0040] FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of two adjacent seats
including the second alternative seat tie.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
[0041] A transportation seating system constructed in accordance
with a current embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the
drawings and generally designated 10. The system includes seats 12
and a frame assembly or lower mounting group 14. The frame assembly
14 includes a seat beam 16 and a beam support 18. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-6, the beam support is angled in a cantilevered
configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 17-18, the beam support is
vertical in a pedestal configuration. The frame assembly 14 is
attached to structural components of a public transportation
vehicle (not shown). The seats 12 are mounted on the frame assembly
during factory production, or when the frame assembly is installed
in the vehicle, or after the frame assembly is installed in the
vehicle.
I. Seat
[0042] Each seat 12 is a one-piece integral molded component. The
seat 12 includes a seat portion 20, a back portion 22, and a grab
rail 24. The seat is injection molded of a glass-filled Nylon (i.e.
polyamide) using gas-assist technology. Other appropriate materials
and manufacturing techniques are and will be know to those skilled
in the art. Optionally, the grab rail can include a stainless steel
or other surface by including an appropriate insert in the mold.
Onserts (upholstered or otherwise) or other seating surfaces can be
included as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The
appearance and construction of the seat shell are more fully
illustrated in co-pending design application Ser. No. ______
entitled TRANSPORATION SEAT, filed on even date herewith.
[0043] The seat back 22 includes a pair of opposite edges 26 and
28. The opposite edges taper toward one another along the height of
the back portion 22. The taper provides increased hip clearance
room in the aisle adjacent the seats 12. The grab rail 24 is
integral with the remainder of the seat 12. Alternatively, the grab
rail may be omitted for certain application, for example for a
transverse seat.
[0044] The seat 12 includes an integral mount 30 on the underside
of the seat portion 20. As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 4, the
mounting structure includes a rear flange 32 and a forward portion
34. The rear flange extends around the seat beam 16 as will be
described, and the front portion 34 is attached to the seat beam
also as will be described.
II. Frame Assembly or Lower Mounting Group
[0045] The frame assembly or lower mounting group 14 is illustrated
in perhaps greatest detail in FIGS. 5-6. The frame assembly
includes the seat beam 16, the beam support 18, the seat beam
bracket 36, and the base connector 38.
[0046] The seat beam 16 includes a seat beam body 40 extruded of
aluminum and having the cross-section illustrated in FIG. 7. Other
suitable materials are and will be known to those skilled in the
art. The seat beam body 40 is drilled at various locations to
receive rivet nuts (also knows as clinch nuts or cinch nuts) 43,
44, and 46. An end cap 47 of conventional construction (FIGS. 2-4)
is inserted into the end of the seat beam body 40.
[0047] The seat beam bracket 36 includes a body portion 48 and a
securing flange 50. The flange 50 is secured in conventional
fashion to a vehicle frame or other structural component to support
the seat beam 16 on the vehicle. The body 48 includes a connector
plate 52 defining a plurality of holes 54. Bolts 56, lock washers
58, and flat washers 60 are used to interconnect the seat beam
bracket 36 and the seat beam body 40. Specifically, the bolts 56
are threadedly received and secured within the rivet nuts 43.
[0048] The beam support 18 includes a beam support body 80, a pair
of beam support connectors 82, a pair of connector pins 84, and a
hinge connector 42. The beam support body 80 is extruded of
aluminum or other suitable material. The profile of the beam
support body 80 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The beam support
includes a plurality of openings, channels, or receivers 86, each
of which receives a lug on one of the connectors 82 as will be
described. The beam support also defines a transverse hole 85 at
each of its opposite ends for receiving one of the pins 84.
[0049] The beam support connector 82 is illustrated in perhaps
greatest detail in FIGS. 11-13. The beam support connector includes
a body 90 and a plurality of lugs 92 extending therefrom. Each lug
92 is dimensioned to be closely, or even tightly, received within
one of the openings 86 in the beam support body 80 (see FIG. 10).
The close or tight interfit between the lugs 92 and the beam
support 80 provides a simple yet rigid interconnection. The lugs 92
collectively define a hole 94 for receiving a pin. The body 90
defines a hole 96 for receiving a connector pin. A shoulder 98 is
located between the body 90 and the lugs 92 to abut the end of the
beam support body 80. The depth of each slot 100 also is selected
to engage the end of the beam support body 80.
[0050] Returning to FIGS. 5 and 6, pins 84 intersecure the beam
support connectors 82 within the beam support body 80. More
specifically, the pins 84 are inserted through the aligned holes 94
and 85. A cap screw 101 is secured in each end of each connector
pin 84 to retain the pin in position.
[0051] The hinge connector 42 (FIGS. 5-6 and 14-15) is mounted on
the underside of the seat beam body 40. The connector 42 includes a
relatively flat body portion 62 and a pair of lugs 64a and 64b
extending therefrom. Each lug 64 in turn defines a hole 66. The two
holes 66a and 66b are aligned with one another for receiving a pin
or other fastener as will be described. The body 62 includes four
holes 68. Bolts 70 are inserted through the lock washers 72, the
flat washers 74, and the holes 68 and into the rivet nuts 44 to
secure the hinge connector 42 to the underside of the seat beam
body 40. A plurality of flat washers 76 are included between the
connector 42 and the body 40.
[0052] The base connector 38 (FIGS. 1-11 and 16) includes a base
102 and a pair of lugs 104 extending therefrom. The lugs 104
cooperatively defines a hole 106 to receive a pin or other fastener
as will be described. The body 102 defines a pair of slotted
apertures 108 for receiving fasteners (not shown) to connect the
connector 102 to the frame or structural component of the
vehicle.
[0053] A pin 110 (FIGS. 5-6) interconnects the connector 38 and the
beam support connector 82. More specifically, the pin 110 is
positioned within the aligned holes 96 in the beam support
connector and 106 in the base connector. Cap screws 112 are
inserted in the opposite ends of the connector pin 110 to complete
the interconnection.
[0054] Similarly, the pin 114 interconnect the beam support 18 and
the seat beam 16. More specifically, the pin 114 extends through
the aligned holes 66 in the hinge connector and 96 in the beam
support connector. Cap screws 116 are installed in the opposite
ends of the pin 114 to complete the interconnection. Consequently,
a single pin or fastener interconnects the seat beam 16 and the
beam support 18. Similarly, a single pin or fastener interconnects
the beam support 18 and the base connector 38.
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative construction for securing
the hinge connector 42 to the beam body 40'. In the alternative
construction, the beam body 40' defines a pair of channels 132 each
opening through the lower surface 130. Two T-nuts 134 are slidably
received within each of the channels 132. The T-nut 134 is
illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 9. The T-nut includes a
threaded bore 136 for receiving the fasteners 70. Consequently, the
fasteners 70 extend through the hinge connector 42 and are secured
within the T-nuts 134. As the fasteners are tightened, the
connectors 42 and 132 are drawn together to clamp the beam body 40'
therebetween. That clamping force is sufficient to retain the hinge
connector 42 in position along the length of the beam body 40'. It
also is possible to deform the body as a complement to, or in place
of, the clamping connection. The FIG. 8 construction permits the
hinge connector 42 to be positioned and secured at any point along
the length of the seat beam body 40'. This facilitates installation
and enables the seat beam to be aligned horizontally regardless of
variations in the supporting structure.
[0056] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an alternative pedestal embodiment of
the support frame in which the beam support 18 is oriented
vertically. The only difference between the alternative embodiment
and the previously described embodiments are 1) the beam support
body 80 is shorter and oriented vertically and 2) the base
connector 38 is replaced by the pedestal foot base 140. The
unchanged elements are numbered similarly and will not be described
in detail. Only the changes to the beam support body 80 and
pedestal base 140 will be described in detail.
[0057] The pedestal base 140 is illustrated in greatest detail in
FIGS. 18-19. The base or connector 140 includes a body 142 defining
a pair of elongated attachment holes 144 at opposite ends thereof.
The body also defines a recess 146 within which are positioned a
plurality of lugs 148. The lugs 148 are sized and dimensioned to
closely interfit with the openings 86 in the beam support body 80
(see also FIG. 10). Accordingly, the lugs 148 are dimensioned
similarly to the lugs 92 on the beam support connector 82 (see
FIGS. 11-13). Accordingly, the pedestal base and the beam support
body 80 closely interfits to provide a secure rigid interconnection
between the two. The connector pin 110 extends through the aligned
hole 85 in the body 80 and the hole 150 in the base 140 to
intersecure the pieces. Cap screws 112 are installed in the
opposite ends of the pin 110 to retain the pin in position.
[0058] A pedestal base cap 152 is installed on the base 140 as
illustrated in FIG. 17 to hide the fasteners (now shown) positioned
therebelow and to prevent dirt or debris from collecting in this
location. The caps 152 snap-fit into the base 140 in conventional
fashion. Additional caps (not shown) are installed on the base
connector 38 to cover the holes 108 and the mounting fasteners (not
shown) extending therethrough.
III. Seat/Frame Interconnection
[0059] The interconnection of the seat 12 and the seat beam body 40
is perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 7. The seat beam body 40
includes a forward portion 120 terminating in a forward edge 122.
Similarly, the body 40 includes a rear portion 124 terminating in a
rear edge 126. The body also includes an upper surface 128 and a
lower surface 130.
[0060] The rear flange 32 on the seat 12 extends downwardly around
the rear portion 124 and rear edge 126 of the body 40 to engage the
undersurface 130 of the body. The flange 32 therefore securely
retains the back portion of the seat on the beam body 40. The
forward portion 34 of the seat mount 30 defines an aperture 131
through which a screw 132 extends into the press nut 46. Therefore,
the screw 132 anchors the forward portion 34 of the seat 12 to the
forward portion 120, and more particularly to the forward edge 122,
of the body beam 40. The lower surface of the mount 30 generally
conforms to the upper surface 128 of the body beam 40.
Consequently, the seat 12 conforms to the beam body 40 from the
flange 32 to the forward portion 34.
[0061] As will be appreciated, the seats 12 can be readily
installed on and removed from the seat beam 16. This enables the
seats to be installed separately from the installation of the frame
assemblies 14. This construction also enables seats to be easily
replaced in case of damage or desired updating.
IV. Seat Tie
[0062] FIGS. 20-24 illustrate a first embodiment of an optional
seat tie/connector 160, which may be included as a customer
preference. If included, the tie is installed on and between a pair
of adjacent seats 12a and 12b. The adjacent edges 26b and 28a of
the adjacent seats define an upwardly opening V-shaped slot 162
which tapers to a point obscured in FIGS. 20-21 but visible in
FIGS. 1 and 3. In the absence of the tie 160, the V-groove might
catch coat drawstrings, buttons, buckles, and other objects worn by
or carried by travelers. The tie 160 is inserted within the
V-groove 162 to reduce the likelihood of catching such objects.
[0063] The tie is illustrated in greatest detail in FIGS. 22-23.
Specifically, the tie includes a front plate 164 and a rear plate
166 defining a plurality of screw holes 168. The tie 160 is a
molded article in which the front and rear plates 164 and 166 are
portions of an integral unitary hole. The tie defines a pair of
opposite grooves 170 for receiving and interfitting with the seat
edges 26 and 28.
[0064] The tie 160 is installed after the seats have been mounted
on the seat beam 16. More specifically, the tie is positioned in
the slot 162 and then moved downwardly until further movement is
prevented by the edges 26 and 28 of the adjacent seats 12. Screws
or other fasteners (not shown) are installed through the holes 168
and into the seats 12 to retain the tie in position.
[0065] A first alternative embodiment of the optional seat tie is
illustrated in FIGS. 25-26b. The seat tie 160' is fabricated as two
separate portions rather than a single portion as in the previously
described embodiment. The seat tie 160' includes a front portion
164' and a separate back portion 166'. The front portion 164' in
turn includes a plate portion 180 and a rib 182 on its rear side
defining a threaded socket 184. The back portion 166' includes a
back plate 186 having a rib 188 defining a hole 190. A screw 192 is
installed through the hole 190 and secured within the threaded
socket 184 to intersecure the two portions 164' and 166' in the
installed condition. A plurality of projections 194 extend
generally perpendicularly from the rear of the back plate 186. The
projections 194 extend into holes in the seats 12 to secure the
seat tie 160' vertically. As with the previously described
embodiment, the tie 160' is positioned in the lower portion or
bottom of the slot 162 to reduce the likelihood that objects will
be caught between the seats 12.
[0066] A second alternative embodiment of the optional tie is
illustrated in FIGS. 27-29. the alternative tie 160'' includes a
front plate 164'' and a rear plate 166'' interconnected by a rib
194. The rear plate 196 extends well below the bottom of the slot
162 and terminates in an end 196 that is shaped and dimensioned to
interfit with the seat beam body 40. The lower end defines an
attachment hole 198. FIG. 29 shows the tie 160'' installed in the
seat assembly. The upper portion of the seat tie is secured within
the V-groove 162 as in the previous embodiments. The lower end 196
of the seat tie is secured to the seat beam body 40 using a screw
200. The retention of the lower end 196 to the seat beam body 40
retains the tie 160'' in position.
[0067] The described transportation seating systems are modular,
simple, efficient, and safe. The modular construction permits all
of the components to be shipped from the manufacturing facility in
an unassembled or "knock-down" condition. The seats may be
compactly stacked within one another. The frames can be assembled
easily on site within the transportation vehicle. The seats may be
installed when the seat frames are installed or at another time
thereafter. The postponed installation of seats enables the seat
frames to be installed with less effort and without damaging the
seats.
[0068] The above descriptions are those of current embodiments of
the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law, including the
doctrine of equivalents.
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