GB2473203A

GB2473203A - Support and slide locking arrangement for vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: GB2473203A
Application number: GB0915257A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Sawdy
Original assignee: NMI Safety Systems Ltd
Current assignee: NMI Safety Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2009-09-02
Filing date: 2009-09-02
Publication date: 2011-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-02
Also published as: GB0915257D0; GB2473203B

Abstract

A fitting for attaching a seat to a surface comprises: a base having a support surface; a securing arrangement comprising first and second securing elements 14, 27 that are attached to, and spaced apart from, the support surface, the first and second securing elements 14, 27 having respective engagement faces 17, 28 which are inclined with respect to the plane of the support surface. The first securing element 14 is substantially fixed in place with respect to the support surface. A locking arrangement is operable to move the second securing element 27 with respect to the support surface in a direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the support surface, between an open position, in which the engagement faces 17, 28 of the first and second securing elements 14, 27 do not exert substantial forces on one another, and a closed position, in which they do exert forces on one another so as to deflect a part of at least one of the first and second securing elements 14, 27 in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the support surface. The fitting may facilitate the mounting of a slidable and rotatable seat in a vehicle.

Description

Title: A SUPPORT FOR A SEAT

Description of Invention

THIS INVENTION relates to a support for a seat, and in particular concerns a support to be mounted in a vehicle so that it is slidably mounted on a track provided in the vehicle floor.

Tracks are often provided on the floors of motor vehicles, such as coaches or buses, in which large numbers of passenger seats are provided. One or more rows or parallel tracks are typically provided running along the floor of the vehicle, and an individual seat or a row of adjacent seats are secured via legs to a carriage which is slidably mounted on the tracks. The seat or seats can be manoeuvred to the desired position with respect to the vehicle floor, and may then be locked in place with respect to the tracks.

This technique allows the spacing between successive seats or rows of seats to be adjusted, thereby altering the "leg room" that is available for passengers.

Another fitting which allows a seat to be secured to the floor of the vehicle is disclosed in EP06016942. This document discloses a base part which engages with, and may slide along, parallel dovetailed grooved tracks in a vehicle floor, and may be locked in placed at a selected location along the length of the tracks. A seat is mounted on the base part and may rotate with respect to the base part. The seat may therefore both slide and rotate with respect to the vehicle floor.

However, this fitting is intended to allow the seat to be moved, on occasion, to accommodate a wheelchair user, and to allow use of the seat by an able-bodied passenger most of the time. This fitting is not, therefore, adapted to be operated and manipulated rapidly and easily.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a seat fitting that allows quick and easy sliding and rotation of a seat with respect to a vehicle floor.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a fitting for attaching a seat to a surface, the fitting comprising: a base having a support surface; a securing arrangement comprising first and second securing elements that are attached to, and spaced apart from, the support surface, the first and second securing elements having respective engagement faces which are inclined with respect to the plane of the support surface, the first securing element being substantially fixed in place with respect to the support surface; and a locking arrangement operable to move the second securing element with respect to the support surface in a direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the support surface, between an open position, in which the engagement faces of the first and second securing elements do not exert substantial forces on one another, and a closed position, in which the engagement faces of the first and second securing elements exert forces on one another so as to deflect a part of at least one of the first and second securing elements in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.

Advantageously, at least one of the first and second securing elements is elongate in a first direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the support surface.

Preferably, the locking arrangement is operable to move the second securing element in the first direction.

Conveniently, both the first and second securing elements are elongate in the first direction, and are substantially aligned with one another.

Advantageously, the fitting comprises a pair of securing arrangements, wherein the locking arrangement is operable to move the second securing elements of both securing arrangements.

Preferably, the locking arrangement comprises a single control element that is operable to move the second securing elements of both securing arrangements substantially simultaneously.

Conveniently, the support surface is a surface of a substantially planar element, and the locking arrangement comprises a control element that is mounted on an opposite surface of the substantially planar element.

Advantageously, retention portions of the securing elements define a profile height, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom element, and wherein the profile height is greater when the securing arrangement is in the closed position than when the securing arrangement is in the open position.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a fitting for securing a seat to a floor, comprising: a support surface, a securing arrangement protruding from the support surface, the securing arrangement being elongate and being adapted to secure the fitting releasably to an elongate groove, having a narrowed entrance defined by at least one inwardly-protruding lip, formed in the floor; an attachment surface attached to, spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the support surface, the attachment surface presenting an attachment site to which a seat can be fixed, and a generally hollow interior being defined between the support surface and the attachment surface; and a locking arrangement for controlling the release of the securing arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising a control element that is adapted to be manipulated by a user, at least a part of the control element being disposed substantially within the hollow interior.

Preferably, the fitting comprises first and second securing arrangements, being spaced apart from, and substantially parallel with, one another.

Conveniently, the control element controls the release of both the first and second securing arrangements.

Advantageously, the fitting comprises a base plate, the support surface being a lower surface of the base plate and the control element being mounted on an upper surface of the base plate.

Preferably, the securing arrangement comprises first and second securing elements that are attached to the support surface and spaced apart from the support surface, the first and second securing elements having respective engagement faces which are inclined with respect to the plane of the support surface, the first securing element being substantially fixed in place with respect to the support surface; and the locking arrangement is operable to move each second securing element with respect to the support surface in a direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the lower surface, between an open position, in which the engagement faces of the first and second securing elements do not exert substantial forces on one another, and a closed position, in which the mating faces of the first and second securing elements exert forces on one another so as to deflect a part of at least one of the first and second securing elements in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.

Conveniently, the fitting has a seat fixed to the attachment surface.

Advantageously, the seat may rotate with respect to the attachment surface.

Preferably, a seat belt is provided for securing an occupant of the seat in place.

Conveniently, the fitting further comprises a seat rotatably attached to the fitting so that the seat may rotate about an axis passing through a squab of the seat.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a fitting for securing a seat to a floor, comprising: a support surface, a securing arrangement protruding from the support surface, the securing arrangement being elongate and being adapted to secure the fitting releasably to an elongate groove, having a narrowed entrance defined by at least one inwardly-protruding lip, formed in the floor; an attachment surface attached to, spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the support surface, the attachment surface presenting an attachment site to which a seat can be fixed; a locking arrangement for controlling the release of the securing arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising a control element that is adapted to be manipulated by a user; and a seat rotatably attached to the fitting at a location substantially above the control element, so that the seat may rotate about an axis passing through a squab of the seat.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments therefore will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 3 show a base for a seat fitting embodying the present invention; and Figures 4 and 5 show a securing arrangement of the base in open and closed positions, respectively.

Referring to figure 1, a seat fitting embodying the present invention comprises a base 1. The base has a generally planar bottom element 2 which is preferably formed from a single sheet of a robust material such as steel. The underside of the bottom element 2 comprises a support surface on which the basel mayrestin use.

The base 1 also comprises a top element 3, which is spaced apart from, and preferably generally parallel with, the bottom element 2. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the top element 3 is generally planar and is preferably formed from a single sheet of a robust material such as steel. In an embodiment the bottom and top elements 3 are generally rectangular, and the top element 3 is shorter than the bottom element 2, but of substantially equal width, and is positioned generally centrally over the bottom element 2.

First and second side plates 4,5 extend between the bottom element 2 and the top element 3. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the side plates 4,5 are generally trapezoid in shape, and are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom element 2, and substantially parallel with each other. In figure 1, the most-front facing side plate 4 is shown as being transparent, so that components inside the base 1 can be seen more readily.

Front and back plates 6,7 are also provided, extending between the bottom and top elements 2,3 and also contacting the side plates 4,5. In an embodiment, the front and back plates 6,7 are inclined with respect to the bottom element 2 and the side plates 4,5. Preferably, at least the front plate 6, and conveniently also the rear plate 7, has a substantially-sized aperture 8 formed therethrough.

A number of connection apertures 9 are formed in the upper surface of the top element 3, to allow a seat to be attached to an upper surface of the top element 3. It will be understood that any suitable arrangement of connection apertures 9, or other connection features, may be provided.

Four rollers 10 are provided near the corners of the bottom element 2. In the depicted embodiment, each roller 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body 11 which may rotate about an axle 12 which is mounted above the upper surface of the bottom element 2. A roller aperture 13 is formed in the bottom element 2 to allow a part of the cylindrical body 11 to protrude through the bottom element 2, to allow the base 1 to be rolled with respect to a surface on which the bottom element 2 is placed.

It will be understood that any suitable arrangement for allowing the base 1 to be rolled, or otherwise easily moved along a surface, may be provided.

First securing elements 14 are fixed to the underside of the bottom element 2, as can be seen in figure 2. Each of the first securing elements 14 is elongate, having a substantially constant cross-section which is generally T-shaped, as can be seen in figure 3. Each of the first securing elements 14 has a relatively narrow support member 15, by which the first support element 14 is connected to the underside of the bottom element 2, and a relatively wide retention portion 16, which is provided on the distal end of the support member 15. Preferably, each of the first support elements 14 is formed in unitary fashion from a single piece of a robust material such as steel.

In alternative embodiments the support member 15 is not continuous along the length of the retention portion 16. In such embodiments the retention portion 16 may be attached to the underside of the bottom element 2 by a series of spaced-apart struts or other connectors.

At a first end of each of the first support elements 14, the first support element 14 terminates in an inclined engagement face 17. The first engagement face 17 is preferably angled so that it faces upwardly, towards the underside of the bottom element 2, at an angle.

Preferably, the first support elements 14 are secured to the bottom element 2 by a series of bolts 18, as can be seen in figure 1.

A drive plate 19 is attached to a central region of the upper surface of the bottom element 2, 50 that the drive plate 19 may move back and forth by a short distance with respect to the bottom element 2. Motion of the drive plate 19 is controlled by a control lever 20, which is mounted on a fixed control plate 21 which is connected to the upper surface of the bottom element 2, near a first end 22 thereof. The control lever 20 is connected, through a linkage arrangement 23, to a drive rod 24, which lies generally parallel with the bottom element 2 and is in turn connected to an upper surface of the drive plate 19. The control lever 20, linkage arrangement 23, drive rod 24 and drive plate 19 comprise a locking arrangement.

Preferably, the control lever 20 protrudes generally upwardly from the bottom element 2, in the vicinity of the aperture 8 that is formed through the front plate 6, so that it may readily be grasped and manipulated by a user sitting on a seat which is attached to the top element 3 of the base 1.

The drive plate 19 has respective side portions 25, which lie near side edges of the bottom element 2. Respective second securing elements 27 are attached to the undersides of the side portions 25 of the drive plate 19, so that they pass through elongate apertures 26 which are provided in the bottom element 2 and protrude downwardly through the underside of the bottom element 2.

As can be seen in figure 2, the second securing elements 27 are elongate and resemble the first securing elements 14, and are substantially aligned with the first securing elements 14. The second securing elements 27 also have generally T-shaped cross-sections, which are aligned with the T-shaped cross-sections of the first securing elements 14. At ends thereof which face the first securing elements 14, the second securing elements 27 each terminate in second engagement faces 28, which are generally parallel with the first engagement faces 17, but which face in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the underside of the bottom element 2, at an angle. Each pair of first and second securing arrangement 14, 27 comprises a securing arrangement.

By operation of the control lever 20, the second securing elements 27 can, through motion of the drive plate 19, be driven directly towards, or directly away from, the respective first securing elements 14, in a direction which is parallel with the elongate shape of the securing elements 14,27 themselves.

Turning to figure 4, one set of the first and second securing elements 14,27 is shown in an open position. In this position, the second securing element 27 is spaced apart from the first securing element 14.

In order to move the securing elements 14,27 into a closed position, the control lever 20 is manipulated, as shown in figure 5, to drive the drive plate 19 so that the second securing element 27 is driven towards the first securing element 14. As this occurs, the first and second engagement surfaces 17,28 of the first and second securing elements 14,27 are brought into engagement with one another. As the control lever 20 continues to be operated to drive the second securing element 27 towards the first securing element 14, it will be understood that the second engagement surfaces 17,28 will press against one another, and will exert forces on one another which will tend to cause the end of the first securing element 14 that carries its engagement face 17 to be deflected downwardly, away from the underside of the bottom element 2, and to cause the end of the second securing element 27 that carries its engagement face 28 to be deflected upwardly, towards the underside of the bottom element 2. Thus, as the securing elements 14,27 are moved into the closed position, the profile height (in a direction generally perpendicular with the plane of the bottom element 2) that is occupied by the retention portions 16 of the T-shaped profiles of the securing elements 14-27 is increased.

This locking mechanism has been found to be robust and reliable, and also, due to the presence of the inclined engagement surfaces, allows the user considerable mechanical advantage over the movement of the second securing elements 27.

It will be understood that, if the control lever 20 is moved in the opposite direction, the second securing elements 27 can be moved away from the first securing elements 14, to place the securing elements 14,27 in the open position once again.

In the example shown in the figures a single control lever 20 is provided to operate both securing arrangements simultaneously, and it is envisaged that users will find this to be convenient. However, a plurality of control elements may be provided, each controlling the operation of one securing arrangement.

In use, the base 1 is fitted onto a track (not shown) which comprises a pair of spaced apart parallel grooves, each of which has a generally T-shaped cross- section, having a narrowed entrance defined by at least one inwardly-protruding lip, which substantially matches the cross-section of the first and second securing elements 14,27. It will therefore be understood that, when the securing elements 14,27 are in the unlocked position, the base 1 may slide along the track in either direction, with the first and second securing elements 14,27 sliding within the grooves.

The rollers 10 assist in allowing the base 1 to roll easily along the track in either direction.

When it is desired to lock the base 1 in position with respect to the track, the operating lever 20 is operated to place the securing elements 14,27 in the closed position. As discussed above, this will cause parts of the securing elements 14,27 to be deflected upwardly and downwardly, thus gripping against the lower internal surfaces of the grooves, and fixing the base 1 securely in place with respect to the track. When it is desired to move the base 1 with respect to the track again, the operating lever 20 can be moved to place the securing elements 14,27 in the open position once again.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, a rotatable seat may be fixed to the top element 3 of the base 1. In still further preferred embodiments, a seat belt may be provided on or with the seat, to secure an occupant of the seat in place. The seat belt may be a "lap and diagonal" seat belt.

It is envisaged that embodiments of the present invention will find utility in many applications. As one example, it is often necessary for a doctor or other medical professional in a moving vehicle, such an ambulance, to attend to a patient who is lying on a stretcher at one side of the ambulance. Tools, instruments and other medical equipment may be provided on a far side of the ambulance, and the operator may need to move between the patient and the equipment in order to treat the patient. However, particularly in the case of an emergency, the ambulance may be moving and manoeuvring at high speed, thus making it very dangerous for the operator to remain in a standing position whilst attempting to treat the patient and handle the medical equipment.

If a suitable track is provided extending between the stretcher and the medical equipment, however, a seat provided on a fitting as described above may be attached to the track. The operator may then move the seat easily between the patient and the medical equipment, locking the seat in place as necessary at any location along the track. The operator may also easily rotate the seat to be able to access different regions of the patient and/or the medical equipment. Further, due to the presence of a seat belt, the operator may remain securely held in place during these motions, and is not in danger of injuring him/herself or the patient, or damaging any of the equipment within the ambulance.

The location of the control lever within a hollow body of the base also means that the control lever will be less likely to interfere with the operator's legs as the operator spins round on a rotatable seat, but will be easily accessible to the operator when the base needs to be locked in place with respect to the floor. Preferably, the seat is attached to the base so that the seat rotates about an axis that passes through the squab of the seat, so that the position of the control lever with respect to the seat occupant does not vary greatly as the seat rotates.

It will be appreciated that many other applications of the present invention are, of course, possible.

In the above specification, the base is described as having two sets of first securing elements and second securing elements, so that the two parallel grooves can be engaged simultaneously. However, it is envisaged that only one set of a first securing element and a second securing element may be provided. Alternatively, three of more sets of first and second securing elements may be provided.

It should also be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be used with other types of fittings, for instance a fitting could be adapted to be secured to one or more lower legs of a fixed (i.e. non-rotatable) seat, and lock the legs in place with respect to a track in the manned disclosed above.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A fitting for attaching a seat to a surface, the fitting comprising: a base having a support surface; a securing arrangement comprising first and second securing elements that are attached to, and spaced apart from, the support surface, the first and second securing elements having respective engagement faces which are inclined with respect to the plane of the support surface, the first securing element being substantially fixed in place with respect to the support surface; and a locking arrangement operable to move the second securing element with respect to the support surface in a direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the support surface, between an open position, in which the engagement faces of the first and second securing elements do not exert substantial forces on one another, and a closed position, in which the engagement faces of the first and second securing elements exert forces on one another so as to deflect a part of at least one of the first and second securing elements in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.
2. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second securing elements is elongate in a first direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the support surface.
3. A fitting according to claim 2, wherein the locking arrangement is operable to move the second securing element in the first direction.
4. A fitting according to claim 2 or 3, wherein both the first and second securing elements are elongate in the first direction, and are substantially aligned with one another.
5. A fitting according to any preceding claim, comprising a pair of securing arrangements, wherein the locking arrangement is operable to move the second securing elements of both securing arrangements.
6. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a single control element that is operable to move the second securing elements of both securing arrangements substantially simultaneously.
7. A fitting according to any preceding claim, wherein the support surface is a surface of a substantially planar element, and the locking arrangement comprises a control element that is mounted on an opposite surface of the substantially planar element.
8. A fitting according to any preceding claim wherein retention portions of the securing elements define a profile height, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom element, and wherein the profile height is greater when the securing arrangement is in the closed position than when the securing arrangement is in the open position.
9. A fitting for securing a seat to a floor, comprising: a support surface, a securing arrangement protruding from the support surface, the securing arrangement being elongate and being adapted to secure the fitting releasably to an elongate groove, having a narrowed entrance defined by at least one inwardly-protruding lip, formed in the floor; an attachment surface attached to, spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the support surface, the attachment surface presenting an attachment site to which a seat can be fixed, and a generally hollow interior being defined between the support surface and the attachment surface; and a locking arrangement for controlling the release of the securing arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising a control element that is adapted to be manipulated by a user, at least a part of the control element being disposed substantially within the hollow interior.
10. A fitting according to claim 9, comprising first and second securing arrangements, being spaced apart from, and substantially parallel with, one another.
11. A fitting according to claim 10, wherein the control element controls the release of both the first and second securing arrangements.
12. A fitting according to any one of claims 9 to 11 comprising a base plate, the support surface being a lower surface of the base plate and the control element being mounted on an upper surface of the base plate.
13. A fitting according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the securing arrangement comprises first and second securing elements that are attached to the support surface and spaced apart from the support surface, the first and second securing elements having respective engagement faces which are inclined with respect to the plane of the support surface, the first securing element being substantially fixed in place with respect to the support surface; and the locking arrangement is operable to move each second securing element with respect to the support surface in a direction that is substantially parallel with the plane of the lower surface, between an open position, in which the engagement faces of the first and second securing elements do not exert substantial forces on one another, and a closed position, in which the mating faces of the first and second securing elements exert forces on one another so as to deflect a part of at least one of the first and second securing elements in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.
14. A fitting according to any one of claims 9 to 13, having a seat fixed to the attachment surface.
15. A fitting according to claim 14, wherein the seat may rotate with respect to the attachment surface.
16. A fitting according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a seat belt for securing an occupant of the seat in place.
17. A fitting according to any preceding claim, further comprising a seat rotatably attached to the fitting so that the seat may rotate about an axis passing through a squab of the seat.
18. A fitting for securing a seat to a floor, comprising: a support surface, a securing arrangement protruding from the support surface, the securing arrangement being elongate and being adapted to secure the fitting releasably to an elongate groove, having a narrowed entrance defined by at least one inwardly-protruding lip, formed in the floor; an attachment surface attached to, spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the support surface, the attachment surface presenting an attachment site to which a seat can be fixed; a locking arrangement for controlling the release of the securing arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising a control element that is adapted to be manipulated by a user; and a seat rotatably attached to the fitting at a location substantially above the control element, so that the seat may rotate about an axis passing through a squab of the seat.
19. A fitting substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.