U.S. patent application number 15/237206 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for swivel base assembly with fore/aft/rotational movement and warping features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Goodrich Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Goodrich Corporation. Invention is credited to Troy Brodish.
Application Number | 20180044025 15/237206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59337492 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180044025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brodish; Troy |
February 15, 2018 |
SWIVEL BASE ASSEMBLY WITH FORE/AFT/ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT AND WARPING
FEATURES
Abstract
Systems and methods for swivel base assemblies for seats are
provided. A swivel base assembly for an aircraft seat may comprise
a swivel center beam, a swivel plate pivotally coupled to the
swivel center beam, the swivel plate configured to rotate with
respect to the swivel center beam about a first centerline axis, a
first side rail coupled to the swivel center beam, and a second
side rail coupled to the swivel center beam, the swivel center beam
being located between the first side rail and the second side
rail.
Inventors: |
Brodish; Troy; (Black
Forest, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goodrich Corporation |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Goodrich Corporation
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
59337492 |
Appl. No.: |
15/237206 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 11/0639 20141201;
B60N 2/14 20130101; B60N 2002/022 20130101; B60N 2/062 20130101;
B64D 11/0689 20130101; B64D 11/0691 20141201; B60N 2/02 20130101;
A47C 3/18 20130101; B64D 11/064 20141201; B60N 2/42709 20130101;
B60N 2/0732 20130101; B64D 11/0619 20141201; B64D 11/0696 20130101;
B64D 11/0648 20141201 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06 |
Claims
1. A swivel base assembly for an aircraft seat, comprising: a
swivel center beam; a swivel plate pivotally coupled to the swivel
center beam, the swivel plate configured to rotate with respect to
the swivel center beam about a first centerline axis; a first side
rail coupled to the swivel center beam; and a second side rail
coupled to the swivel center beam, the swivel center beam being
located between the first side rail and the second side rail,
wherein a track lug is pivotally coupled to the first side rail,
the track lug configured to retain the first side rail in a track
and translate along the track.
2. (canceled)
3. The swivel base assembly of claim 2, wherein a track pin is
coupled to the first side rail, the track pin configured to prevent
the first side rail from translating along the track in response to
the track pin being in an extended position.
4. The swivel base assembly of claim 3, wherein a swivel stud foot
is coupled to the swivel center beam and the first side rail
comprises a slot, the swivel stud foot configured to pass through
the slot in response to the swivel plate rotating about the first
centerline axis.
5. The swivel base assembly of claim 4, wherein the swivel center
beam defines a center aperture comprising the first centerline
axis, a pivot coupled between the center aperture and the swivel
plate.
6. The swivel base assembly of claim 5, wherein the swivel center
beam comprises: a center body; a first member extending from the
center body having a first aperture for receiving a first sliding
bar for coupling the first member to the first side rail; a second
member extending from the center body having a second aperture for
receiving a second sliding bar for coupling the second member to
the first side rail; a third member extending from the center body
having a third aperture for receiving a first fastener for
attaching the third member to the second side rail; and a fourth
member extending from the center body having a fourth aperture for
receiving a second fastener for attaching the fourth member to the
second side rail.
7. The swivel base assembly of claim 6, wherein the first aperture
comprises a second centerline axis, the second centerline axis
being perpendicular with the first centerline axis.
8. The swivel base assembly of claim 7, wherein the first member is
configured to receive a pin for retaining the first sliding bar at
least partially within the first aperture.
9. The swivel base assembly of claim 8, wherein the pin extends in
a direction being perpendicular with the second centerline
axis.
10. The swivel base assembly of claim 9, wherein the pin is
configured to shear in response to the swivel center beam moving
relative to the first side rail in a direction along the second
centerline axis.
11. The swivel base assembly of claim 6, wherein the center body,
the first member, the second member, the third member, and the
fourth member comprise a single, monolithic member.
12. A swivel center beam for an aircraft seat base assembly,
comprising: a center body defining a center aperture having a first
centerline axis; a first member extending from the center body
having a first aperture for receiving a first sliding bar for
coupling the first member to a first side rail; a second member
extending from the center body having a second aperture for
receiving a second sliding bar for coupling the second member to
the first side rail; a third member extending from the center body
having a third aperture for receiving a first fastener for
attaching the third member to a second side rail; a fourth member
extending from the center body having a fourth aperture for
receiving a second fastener for attaching the fourth member to the
second side rail; and wherein the first member is configured to
receive a pin for retaining the first sliding bar at least
partially within the first aperture, and the pin is configured to
shear in response to the swivel center beam moving relative to the
first side rail.
13. The swivel center beam of claim 12, wherein the first aperture
comprises a second centerline axis, the second centerline axis
being perpendicular with the first centerline axis.
14. (canceled)
15. The swivel center beam of claim 13, wherein the pin extends in
a direction being perpendicular with the second centerline
axis.
16. The swivel center beam of claim 15, wherein the pin is
configured to shear in response to the swivel center beam moving
relative to the first side rail in a direction along the second
centerline axis.
17. The swivel center beam of claim 12, wherein the center body,
the first member, the second member, the third member, and the
fourth member comprise a single, monolithic member.
18. A method of manufacturing a swivel base assembly for an
aircraft seat, comprising: coupling a first end of a first sliding
bar to a side rail; positioning a second end of the first sliding
bar into a first aperture disposed in a swivel center beam; and
positioning a pin, the pin extending at least partially into a
second aperture disposed in the swivel center beam and into an
aperture disposed in the first sliding bar, wherein the pin is
configured to shear in response to the side rail moving with
respect to the swivel center beam.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the coupling the first end is
performed by bolting the first end to the side rail.
20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to retaining systems and, in
particular, to retaining systems for retaining aircraft seats.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Air vehicles generally include seats for pilot(s) and/or
passenger(s). These seats may have base assemblies for attaching
the seats to the air vehicle. The base assembly may be fixed to an
airframe and the seat may be coupled to the base assembly.
SUMMARY
[0003] Systems and methods for swivel base assemblies for seats are
provided herein. A swivel base assembly for an aircraft seat may
comprise a swivel center beam, a swivel plate pivotally coupled to
the swivel center beam, the swivel plate configured to rotate with
respect to the swivel center beam about a first centerline axis, a
first side rail coupled to the swivel center beam, and a second
side rail coupled to the swivel center beam, the swivel center beam
being located between the first side rail and the second side
rail.
[0004] In various embodiments, a track lug may be pivotally coupled
to the first side rail, the track lug configured to retain the
first side rail in a track and translate along the track. A track
pin may be coupled to the first side rail, the track pin configured
to prevent the first side rail from translating along the track in
response to the track pin being in an extended position. A swivel
stud foot may be coupled to the swivel center beam and the first
side rail comprises a slot, the swivel stud foot configured to pass
through the slot in response to the swivel plate rotating about the
first centerline axis. The swivel center beam may define a center
aperture comprising the first centerline axis, a pivot coupled
between the center aperture and the swivel plate. The swivel center
beam may comprise a center body, a first member extending from the
center body having a first aperture for receiving a first sliding
bar for coupling the first member to the first side rail, a second
member extending from the center body having a second aperture for
receiving a second sliding bar for coupling the second member to
the first side rail, a third member extending from the center body
having a third aperture for receiving a first fastener for
attaching the third member to the second side rail, and a fourth
member extending from the center body having a fourth aperture for
receiving a second fastener for attaching the fourth member to the
second side rail. The first aperture may comprise a second
centerline axis, the second centerline axis being perpendicular
with the first centerline axis. The first member may be configured
to receive a pin for retaining the first sliding bar at least
partially within the first aperture. The pin may extend in a
direction being perpendicular with the second centerline axis. The
pin may be configured to shear in response to the swivel center
beam moving relative to the first side rail in a direction along
the second centerline axis. The center body, the first member, the
second member, the third member, and the fourth member may comprise
a single, monolithic member.
[0005] A swivel center beam for an aircraft seat base assembly may
comprise a center body having a first centerline axis, a first
member extending from the center body having a first aperture for
receiving a first sliding bar for coupling the first member to a
first side rail, a second member extending from the center body
having a second aperture for receiving a second sliding bar for
coupling the second member to the first side rail, a third member
extending from the center body having a third aperture for
receiving a first fastener for attaching the third member to a
second side rail, and a fourth member extending from the center
body having a fourth aperture for receiving a second fastener for
attaching the fourth member to the second side rail.
[0006] In various embodiments, the first aperture may comprise a
second centerline axis, the second centerline axis being
perpendicular with the first centerline axis. The first member may
be configured to receive a pin for retaining the first sliding bar
at least partially within the first aperture. The pin may extend in
a direction being perpendicular with the second centerline axis.
The pin may be configured to shear in response to the swivel center
beam moving relative to the first side rail in a direction along
the second centerline axis. The center body, the first member, the
second member, the third member, and the fourth member may comprise
a single, monolithic member.
[0007] A method of manufacturing a swivel base assembly for an
aircraft seat may comprise coupling a first end of a first sliding
bar to a side rail, positioning a second end of the first sliding
bar into a first aperture disposed in a swivel center beam, and
positioning a pin, the pin extending at least partially into a
second aperture disposed in the swivel center beam and into an
aperture disposed in the first sliding bar.
[0008] In various embodiments, the coupling the first end may be
performed by bolting the first end to the side rail. The pin may be
configured to shear in response to the side rail moving with
respect to the swivel center beam.
[0009] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in
various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly
indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the
operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the
following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be
understood, however, the following description and drawings are
intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. A more complete understanding of the present
disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the
detailed description and claims when considered in connection with
the figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft seat coupled to a swivel base
assembly, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a swivel base assembly, in accordance
with various embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of a side rail,
in accordance with various embodiments;
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an installation process of a first
side rail into a first track, in accordance with various
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a swivel base
assembly, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a partially exploded view of a swivel
base assembly, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of a swivel stud located
in a slot of a side rail, in accordance with various embodiments;
and
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of manufacturing a swivel base
assembly, in accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein
makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary
embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary
embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments of the
disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be
realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and
construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the
teachings herein. Thus, the detailed description herein is
presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation. The
steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be
executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order
presented.
[0020] Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural
embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step
may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to
attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent,
removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible
attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact
(or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal
contact. Surface cross hatching lines may be used throughout the
figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the
same or different materials.
[0021] Air vehicles generally include seats for pilot(s) and/or
passenger(s). Some seats, including seats for military and medical
air vehicles, may benefit from being movable in various directions.
These seats may have base assemblies for attaching the seats to the
air vehicle. In this regard, these seats may benefit from base
assemblies which allow the seat to move in such various
directions.
[0022] Swivel base assemblies of the present disclosure include a
swivel center beam pivotally coupled to a swivel plate. The
pivoting relationship between the swivel center beam and the swivel
plate may allow a seat to pivot about a centerline axis. The swivel
center beam is also coupled to a first side rail and a second side
rail. The swivel center beam may be coupled to the first side rail
via sliding bars to allow relative movement between the swivel
center beam and the first side rail and thus accommodate warping of
the swivel base assembly. Further, the side rails may be coupled to
their respective tracks to allow a seat to translate within the
tracks (i.e., slide forward and backwards, or side to side,
etc.)
[0023] With reference to FIG. 1, a seat 10 is illustrated. A first
base member 12-1 of the seat 10 may be coupled to a swivel base
assembly 20. A second base member 12-2 of the seat 10 may be
coupled to a swivel base assembly 20. A first cable 14 may extend
between swivel base assembly 20 and seat 10 for control of swivel
base assembly 20. A second cable 15 may extend between swivel base
assembly 20 and seat 10 for control of swivel base assembly 20. In
various embodiments, seat 10 may comprise an air vehicle seat.
Swivel base assembly 20 may be coupled to the floor or body of the
air vehicle. Swivel base assembly 20 may secure seat 10 to the
floor or body (i.e., airframe 92 of FIG. 4A). Swivel base assembly
20 may allow seat 10 to move in various directions relative to
swivel base assembly 20 as described herein.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 2, swivel base assembly 20 may
include swivel plate 30, in accordance with various embodiments.
Swivel plate 30 may comprise a plurality of attachment features 16
for attaching base members 12-1 and 12-2 (see FIG. 1) to swivel
plate 30. In various embodiments, attachment features 16 may
comprise a boss extending from swivel plate 30. In various
embodiments, attachment features 16 may comprise a lug, a bolt, a
rod, or the like. In various embodiments, swivel plate 30 may
comprise four attachment features 16, as illustrates in FIG. 2.
However, swivel plate 30 may comprise any number of attachment
features 16.
[0025] In various embodiments, swivel base assembly 20 may include
swivel center beam (also referred to herein as center beam) 40.
Center beam 40 may be pivotally coupled to swivel plate 30.
[0026] In various embodiments, swivel base assembly 20 may include
a first side rail 50. In various embodiments, swivel base assembly
20 may include a second side rail 60. In various embodiments,
second side rail 60 may be similar to first side rail 50. First
side rail 50 may be coupled to center beam 40. Second side rail 60
may be coupled to center beam 40. Center beam 40 may be located
between first side rail 50 and second side rail 60.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 3, a view of first side rail 50 is
illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. First side
rail 50 may include a track pin 51. With momentary reference to
FIG. 4A, swivel base assembly 20 may include a first track 70.
First track 70 may be secured to a floor. First track 70 may be
secured to a floor of an aircraft. In various embodiments, first
track 70 may comprise a scalloped track. First track 70 may have a
series of rounded portions 71 at least partially defining a series
of tabs 72 which extend inwards. Track pin 51 may comprise a
diameter equal to the diameter of the rounded portions 71. Track
pin 51 may comprise a diameter which is slightly less than the
diameter of the rounded portions 71. For example, the diameter of
track pins 51 may be between 90% and 99.99% of the diameter of
rounded portions 71.
[0028] In various embodiments, with combined reference to FIG. 2
and FIG. 3, track pin 51 may be operatively coupled to first cable
14. Track pin 51 may be actuated (i.e., translated in the
z-direction) via first cable 14. With momentary reference to FIG.
5, rod 61 may comprise a first bell crank 62. First bell crank 62
may be located between a first end and a second end of the rod 61.
Rod 61 may comprise a second bell crank 63. Second bell crank 63
may be located at a first end of rod 61. The first end of rod 61
may be rotatably coupled to first side rail 50. For example, the
first end of rod 61 may be inserted into an orifice of first side
rail 50. Rod 61 may comprise a third bell crank 64. Third bell
crank 64 may be located at a second end of rod 61. The second end
of rod 61 may be rotatably coupled to second side rail 60. For
example, the second end of rod 61 may be inserted into an orifice
(not visible in FIG. 5) of second side rail 60. First cable 14 may
be coupled to rod 61 via first bell crank 62. Track pin 51 may be
coupled to rod 61 via second bell crank 63. In this regard, in
response to first cable 14 being actuated, rod 61 may rotate about
a centerline axis 2 and translate track pin 51 (in the
z-direction). With combined reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 5, track
pin 51 may be retracted into first side rail 50 and/or pulled from
rounded portion 71 of first track 70 in response actuating first
cable 14.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, first side rail 50 may include a
keeper pin 52. Keeper pin 52 may be rotated about centerline axis 3
via handle 53. A bias 55 may be in contact with slotted portion 54
of keeper pin 52 to prevent keeper pin 52 from rotating. However,
in response to a force being greater than the force of bias 55
being applied to keeper pin 52 via handle 53, keeper pin 52 may
rotate.
[0030] In various embodiments, first side rail 50 may include a
roller 57 coupled to an eccentric axle 56. Eccentric axle 56 may be
coupled to first side rail 50. In various embodiments, eccentric
axle 56 may be rotated about axis 4 to raise (in the positive
z-direction) or lower (in the negative z-direction) roller 57. In
this regard, the height of roller 57 may be adjustable via
eccentric axle 56. First side rail 50 may comprise a plurality of
rollers 57. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, first side rail
50 may comprise two rollers 57.
[0031] With continued reference to FIG. 3, first side rail 50 may
comprise a track lug 58. Track lug 58 may be rotatably coupled to
fastener 59. In various embodiments, fastener 59 may comprise a
bolt, pin or the like. Track lug 58 may be rotatable about
centerline axis 5. With momentary additional reference to FIGS.
4A-4C, a rotatable track lug 58 may accommodate warping of swivel
base assembly 20. A rotatable track lug 58 may prevent members of
swivel base assembly 20 from failing during events such as warping.
In this regard, a rotatable track lug 58 may allow first side rail
50 to rotate with respect to first track 70.
[0032] With combined reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the installation
process of first side rail 50 onto first track 70 is illustrated,
in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 4A illustrates the
beginning of the installation process with handle 53 in the open
position and first side rail 50 being located above first track 70.
First track 70 may be coupled to airframe 92. Airframe 92 is only
partially illustrated in FIG. 4A for clarity purposes. FIG. 4B
illustrates first side rail 50 lowered into first track 70. Track
pin 51 may be located directly above a rounded portion 71.
Eccentric axle 56 may be adjusted so that track lugs 58 are able to
translate (in the x-direction) within first track 70. FIG. 4C
illustrates handle 53 in the closed position. With handle 53 in the
closed position, keeper pin 52 is rotated such that keeper pin 52
prevents first side rail 50 from moving (in the positive
z-direction) relative to first track 70. Further, track pin 51 may
be extended (in the negative z-direction) and located within a
rounded portion 71 of first track 70. In this manner, track pin 51
may prevent first side rail 50 from translating (in the
x-direction) with respect to first track 70. Further, track pin 51
may prevent first side rail 50 from moving in the x-y plane with
respect to first track 70.
[0033] In various embodiments, first side rail 50 may translate or
move along first track 70 (in the x-direction) in response to first
cable 14 (see FIG. 2) being actuated to lift track pin 51 from a
rounded portion 71 of first track 70. A force may be applied to
first side rail 50 (in the x-direction) to move first side rail 50
along first track 70 (in the x-direction). During this movement,
track lugs 58 may prevent first side rail 50 from moving in the
positive z-direction with respect to first track 70, while allowing
first side rail 50 to translate with respect to first track 70 in
the x-direction. Stated another way, track lugs 58 may retain first
side rail 50 within first track 70 and translate in first track
70.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 5, center beam 40 may comprise a
center body 41, a first member 42, a second member 43, a third
member 44, and a fourth member 45. In various embodiments, center
body 41, first member 42, second member 43, third member 44, and
fourth member 45 may comprise a single, monolithic member. Center
body 41 may define a center aperture 46. Center aperture 46 may
comprise a centerline axis (also referred to herein as a first
centerline axis) 1. First member 42 may extend from center body 41.
First member 42 may extend in a direction away from centerline axis
1. Second member 43 may extend from center body 41. Second member
43 may extend in a direction away from centerline axis 1. Third
member 44 may extend from center body 41. Third member 44 may
extend in a direction away from centerline axis 1. Fourth member 45
may extend from center body 41. Fourth member 45 may extend in a
direction away from centerline axis 1. Third member 44 may be
coupled to second side rail 60. Fourth member 45 may be coupled to
second side rail 60.
[0035] In various embodiments, center beam 40 may be coupled to
second side rail 60 via fastener (also referred to herein as first
fastener) 66. Center beam 40 may be coupled to second side rail 60
via fastener (also referred to herein as second fastener) 67. In
various embodiments, fasteners 66, 67 may comprise bolts. In this
regard, center beam 40 may be fixed to second side rail 60. Third
member 44 may comprise an aperture (also referred to herein as a
third aperture) 73 for receiving fastener 66 for coupling third
member 44 to second side rail 60. In various embodiments, fourth
member 45 may comprise an aperture (also referred to herein as a
fourth aperture) 74 for receiving fastener 67 for coupling fourth
member 45 to second side rail 60.
[0036] In various embodiments, swivel base assembly 20 may include
first sliding bar 31 and second sliding bar 32. First sliding bar
31 and second sliding bar 32 may each comprise a metallic
cylindrical bar. First sliding bar 31 may comprise a centerline
axis 49. In various embodiments, centerline axis 49 may be
substantially perpendicular to centerline axis 1, wherein the term
substantially in this regard may refer to within .+-.5 degrees.
First sliding bar 31 may comprise an aperture 33 for receiving
first pin 37 for retaining first sliding bar 31 at least partially
within aperture (also referred to herein as first aperture) 47.
First pin 37 may extend through aperture 35 of first member 42 and
aperture 33 of first sliding bar 31 to retain first sliding bar 31
at least partially within aperture 47. In this regard, aperture 47
may receive a portion of first sliding bar 31. In various
embodiments, first pin 37 may be configured to shear in response to
center beam 40 moving relative to first side rail 50 along
centerline axis 49 (i.e., in the positive y-direction). In this
regard, center beam 40 may translate along centerline axis 49 (in
the y-direction) relative to first sliding bar 31. Fastener 68 may
threadingly attach to first sliding bar 31 to attach first sliding
bar 31 to first side rail 50. In this regard, first sliding bar 31
may be fixed to first side rail 50. Similarly, second sliding bar
32 may be fixed to first side rail 50 via fastener 69. Second pin
38 may extend through aperture 34 and aperture 36 to retain a
portion of second sliding bar 32 within aperture (also referred to
herein as second aperture) 48 of second member 43. In this regard,
aperture 48 may receive a portion of second sliding bar 32.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 5, swivel base assembly 20
may include a pivot 22. In various embodiments, pivot 22 may
comprise a first sleeve 23 and a second sleeve 24. First sleeve 23
may be threadingly attached to second sleeve 24. Second sleeve 24
may circumferentially surround first sleeve 23. One or more
bearings 25 may circumferentially surround second sleeve 24. A ring
26 may circumferentially surround second sleeve 24. Ring 26 may
comprise a delrin ring. Although illustrated as comprising first
sleeve 23, second sleeve 24, bearings 25, and ring 26, pivot 22 may
comprise any suitable member or members for pivotally attaching
swivel plate 30 to center beam 40.
[0038] In various embodiments, a metering plate 27 may be coupled
to center beam 40. In various embodiments, metering plate 27 may
comprise an annular geometry having a plurality of apertures
disposed in metering plate 27. A swivel pin 28 may extend through
swivel plate 30 and into metering plate 27 (i.e., into an aperture
disposed in metering plate 27) to prevent swivel plate 30 from
rotating about centerline axis 1, relative to center beam 40.
Swivel pin 28 may be operatively coupled to second cable 15. Swivel
plate 30 may be free to rotate about centerline axis 1, relative to
center beam 40, in response to second cable 15 retracting swivel
pin 28 from metering plate 27. Second cable 15 may be coupled to a
lever on seat 10 (see FIG. 1). Pivot 22 may rotate about centerline
axis 1 with swivel plate 30. Stated another way, pivot 22 may be
fixed to swivel plate 30. A bracket may couple first cable 14 and
second cable 15 to swivel plate 30.
[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 5, swivel base assembly 20
may include a plurality of roller bearings (i.e., first roller
bearing 81, second roller bearing 82, third roller bearing 83, and
fourth roller bearing 84) for supporting swivel plate 30. In
various embodiments, first roller bearing 81 may be coupled to
first member 42 of center beam 40. In various embodiments, second
roller bearing 82 may be coupled to second member 43 of center beam
40. In various embodiments, third roller bearing 83 may be coupled
to third member 44 of center beam 40. In various embodiments,
fourth roller bearing 84 may be coupled to fourth member 45 of
center beam 40.
[0040] With respect to FIG. 6, elements with like element
numbering, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, are intended to be the same
and will not necessarily be repeated for the sake of clarity. FIG.
6 illustrates first sliding bar 31 and second sliding bar 32
inserted into first member 42 and second member 43,
respectively.
[0041] With respect to FIG. 7, elements with like element
numbering, as depicted in FIGS. 1-6, are intended to be the same
and will not necessarily be repeated for the sake of clarity. In
various embodiments, first side rail 50 may comprise a slot 95 for
receiving a swivel stud foot 90. Swivel stud foot 90 may pass
through slot 95 in response to swivel plate 30 rotating about
centerline axis 1 (see FIG. 5). A gap may exist between swivel stud
foot 90 and first side rail 50. Said gap may allow first side rail
50 to move relative to swivel plate 30. As illustrated, swivel
plate 30 may include four swivel stud feet. In this regard, first
side rail 50 may comprise two slots for accepting the swivel feet
and second side rail 60 may comprise two slots for accepting the
swivel feet.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 8, a method 800 of manufacturing a
swivel base assembly is provided, in accordance with various
embodiments. In various embodiments, method 800 may include
coupling a first end of a first sliding bar to a side rail (step
801). In various embodiments, method 800 may include positioning a
second end of the first sliding bar into an aperture (step 802). In
various embodiments, method 800 may include positioning a pin, the
pin extending at least partially into an aperture disposed in the
swivel center beam and into an aperture disposed in the first
sliding bar (step 803).
[0043] With combined reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, step 801 may
include coupling a first end of first sliding bar 31 to first side
rail 50. Step 802 may include positioning a second end of first
sliding bar 31 into aperture 47 disposed in center beam 40. Step
803 may include positioning first pin 37 such that first pin 37
extends at least partially into aperture 35 disposed in center beam
40 and into aperture 33 disposed in first sliding bar 31.
[0044] Benefits and other advantages have been described herein
with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting
lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to
represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical
couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that
many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical
connections may be present in a practical system. However, the
benefits, advantages, and any elements that may cause any benefit
or advantage to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements
of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be
limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or
more." Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B,
or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be
interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B
alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an
embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may
be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B
and C, or A and B and C.
[0045] Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the
detailed description herein, references to "various embodiments",
"one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc.,
indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or
characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not
explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the
disclosure in alternative embodiments.
[0046] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the
present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to
invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited
using the phrase "means for." As used herein, the terms
"comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus.
* * * * *