Seat system, seat system kit, and method of configuring a seat system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seating system, a seating system kit and a method of configuring a seating system. A seating system (1100) for a vehicle (1000) comprising a floor beam (1020) supporting a floor panel (1060) defining a floor surface (1062). The vehicle (1000) has a virtual longitudinal plane (1012) perpendicular to the floor surface (1062) and a virtual longitudinal axis (1010) parallel to the floor surface (1062) and located in the virtual longitudinal plane (1012). The seating system (1100) comprises: a primary seat track pair (1300); a secondary seat track pair (1310) wherein one seat track is positioned between seat tracks of the primary seat track pair (1300); and a first seat assembly (1200). The first seat assembly (1200) comprises a first seat support (1202) and a first plurality of seats (1204) attached to the first seat support (1202). The first seat support (1202) is attached to the primary seat track pair (1300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to seating systems, seating system kits, and methods of configuring seating systems. Background Art

[0002] Passenger vehicles, such as airplanes, are equipped with seats to provide passengers with comfortable and safe travel. These seats are part of a seating system that includes components for attaching individual seats to other parts of the vehicle. Typically, the seating arrangement in a passenger vehicle, such as an airplane, is fixed and cannot be easily changed after the vehicle is manufactured. However, once the vehicle is in service, seating requirements may change. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, an apparatus and method directed to addressing at least the above-mentioned problems would be of practical use.

[0004] The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of subject matter according to this invention that may or may not be claimed.

[0005] An example of the subject matter according to the present invention relates to a seating system for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor beam that supports a floor panel that defines a floor surface. The vehicle has a virtual longitudinal plane that is perpendicular to the floor surface. The vehicle also has a virtual longitudinal axis that is parallel to the floor surface and lies in the virtual longitudinal plane. The seating system includes: a primary seat track pair; a secondary seat track pair, one of which is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair; and a first seat assembly. The first seat assembly includes a first seat support and a first plurality of seats attached to the first seat support. The first seat support is attached to the primary seat track pair.

[0006] Another example of the subject matter according to the present invention relates to a seat system kit for a vehicle, the vehicle including a floor beam, a primary seat track pair attached to the floor beam, and a first seat assembly. The first seat assembly includes a first seat support and a first plurality of seats attached to the first seat support. The first seat support is attached to the primary seat track pair. The floor beam supports a floor panel defining a floor surface. The vehicle has a virtual longitudinal plane perpendicular to the floor surface. The vehicle also has a virtual longitudinal axis parallel to the floor surface and located in the virtual longitudinal plane. The seat system kit includes a secondary seat track pair and a second seat assembly. The second seat assembly includes a second seat support and a second plurality of seats attached to the second seat support. The second seat support is configured to be attached to the secondary seat track pair.

[0007] Yet another example of the subject matter of the present invention relates to a seat system kit for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a floor beam and a primary seat track pair attached to the floor beam. The seat system kit comprises a secondary seat track pair, a plurality of pillars, a doubler, and a spacer. The plurality of pillars comprises at least one of a first pillar or a second pillar. The plurality of pillars are configured to provide a connection interface between the secondary seat track pair and the floor beam. The doubler is configured to at least partially cover an opening in one of the floor beams. The spacer is configured to be positioned in the opening in one of the floor beams. When the second pillar and the doubler are attached to one of the floor beams, at least a portion of the spacer is positioned between the doubler and the second pillar. The first pillar is geometrically different from the second pillar.

[0008] Yet another example of the subject matter according to the present invention relates to a method of configuring a seating system of a vehicle including a floor beam. The seating system includes a primary seat track pair attached to the floor beam and supporting a first seat assembly. The method includes attaching a secondary seat track pair to the floor beam of the vehicle such that one of the secondary seat track pairs is positioned between seat tracks of the primary seat track pair. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Having thus generally described one or more examples of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale and in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle including a seat system according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of fastening hardware used in a seat system of a vehicle;

[0012] Figure 3A According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic top view of a primary guideway pair and a secondary guideway pair of a vehicle;

[0013] Figure 3B According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, Figure 3A A schematic top view of different seat assemblies supported by a primary rail pair and a secondary rail pair;

[0014] Figure 3Cis all of one or more examples according to the present disclosure Figure 3A A schematic top view of the different seat components supported by the main rail pair;

[0015] Figure 4A According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, Figure 3A A schematic front view of a first seat assembly supported by a pair of primary rails;

[0016] Figure 4B According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, Figure 3A A schematic front view of a second seat assembly supported by a pair of secondary rails;

[0017] Figure 5A According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic top view of a primary guide rail pair and a secondary guide rail pair of a vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the primary guide rail pair and the secondary guide rail pair are connected to a floor beam via a plurality of struts;

[0018] Figure 5B According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic front view of a secondary rail pair of a vehicle of the type shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the secondary rail pair is connected to a floor beam via a plurality of struts;

[0019] Figure 5C-1 According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 5B A schematic perspective view of a first pillar of a plurality of pillars;

[0020] Figure 5C-2 According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 5B A schematic perspective view of a second pillar of the plurality of pillars;

[0021] Figure 5D According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 5A The multiple pillars are connected to Figure 1 A schematic rear view of a pair of secondary rails of a floor beam of a vehicle;

[0022] Figure 5E According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 5B The first of the plurality of pillars is connected to Figure 1 A schematic side view of one of a pair of secondary guide rails of a floor beam of a vehicle;

[0023] Fig. 5F According to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 5B The second pillar of the plurality of pillars is connected to Figure 1A schematic side view of one of a pair of secondary guide rails of a floor beam of a vehicle;

[0024] Figure 5G is a schematic rear view of a secondary rail pair, a support post, and a reinforcement plate having fastener openings according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 is a method for configuring a system according to one or more examples of the present disclosure Figure 1 A block diagram of a method for a seat system of a vehicle;

[0026] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the aircraft production and operation methods; and

[0027] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] exist Figure 1 , the solid lines connecting various elements and / or components (if any) may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other connections and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, "coupled" means directly as well as indirectly associated. For example, component A may be directly associated with component B, or may be indirectly associated with it, for example, through another component C. It should be understood that it is not necessary to represent all relationships between the various disclosed elements. Therefore, there may also be connections other than those depicted in the block diagram. The dotted lines (if any) connecting the boxes specifying various elements and / or components represent connections similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, the connections represented by dotted lines may be provided selectively, or may involve alternative examples of the present disclosure. Similarly, the elements and / or components (if any) represented by dotted lines indicate alternative examples of the present disclosure. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, one or more elements shown in solid and / or dotted lines may be omitted from a particular example. Environmental factors (if any) are represented by dotted lines. For clarity, virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, Figure 1 Some of the features shown may be combined in various ways and need not include Figure 1 , other features described in other drawings and / or the accompanying disclosure, even if one or more such combinations are not explicitly shown herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein.

[0029] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8In the above description, as mentioned above, boxes can represent operations and / or parts thereof, and the lines connecting the boxes do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or parts thereof. Boxes represented by dashed lines indicate alternative operations and / or parts thereof. The dashed lines connecting the boxes (if any) represent alternative dependencies of operations or parts thereof. It should be understood that not all dependencies between the various disclosed operations need be represented. Figure 7 and Figure 8 And the attached disclosures describing the operation of (one or more) methods set forth herein should not be construed as necessarily determining the order in which the operations are performed. On the contrary, although an illustrative order is indicated, it should be understood that the order of operations can be modified in appropriate circumstances. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in different orders or simultaneously. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need to be performed.

[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which concepts may be practiced without some or all of these details. In other cases, details of known devices and / or processes have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Although some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0031] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose order, position, or hierarchy requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Furthermore, reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or preclude the presence of, for example, a "first" or lower numbered item and / or, for example, a "third" or higher numbered item.

[0032] Reference to "an example" herein means that one or more features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the example are included in at least one implementation. The phrase "an example" in various places in the specification may or may not refer to the same example.

[0033] As used herein, a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is in fact capable of performing the specified function without any changes, rather than having only the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to" represents an existing characteristic of a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that enables the system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware to perform a specified function without further modification. For the purposes of this disclosure, a system, device, structure, article, element, component or hardware that is described as "configured to" perform a specific function may be additionally or alternatively described as "suitable for" and / or "operable to" perform the function.

[0034] The following provides illustrative, non-exhaustive examples of subject matter in accordance with the present disclosure, which may or may not be claimed.

[0035] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , Figure 3C , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a seating system 1100 for a vehicle 1000 is disclosed. The vehicle 1000 includes a floor beam 1020 supporting a floor panel 1060 defining a floor surface 1062. The vehicle 1000 has a virtual longitudinal plane 1012 perpendicular to the floor surface 1062. The vehicle 1000 also has a virtual longitudinal axis 1010 parallel to the floor surface 1062 and located in the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. The seating system 1100 includes a primary seat track pair 1300, a secondary seat track pair 1310, and a first seat assembly 1200. One seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The first seat assembly 1200 includes a first seat support 1202 and a first plurality of seats 1204 attached to the first seat support 1202. The first seat support 1202 is attached to the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 1 of the present disclosure.

[0036] The two seat track pairs (primary seat track pair 1300 and secondary seat track pair 1310) positioned at the same general location in vehicle 1000 allow the seating configuration of vehicle 1000 to be changed with minimal effort. In one example, each of primary seat track pair 1300 and secondary seat track pair 1310 is configured to support different types of seat assemblies, such as seat assemblies with different numbers of seats. In some examples, these types of seat assemblies are interchangeable. In some examples, one seat assembly is used, for example, to increase the seating capacity of vehicle 1000, while another seat assembly is used, for example, to increase aisle space.

[0037] In one example, the first seat assembly 1200 is attached to and supported by the main seat track pair 1300 at one location in the vehicle 1000. The main seat track pair 1300 is also configured to attach to and support another seat assembly located at another location in the vehicle 1000 (e.g., behind the first seat assembly 1200). The secondary seat track pair 1310 is also available at this other location and is configured to attach to and support another seat assembly that is different from the seat assembly that can be supported by the main seat track pair 1300 at this other location. The operator of the vehicle 1000 can choose which of these seat assemblies should be used at this location. Because both the main seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are available, the seat assembly can be changed with minimal effort (e.g., without involving the manufacturer of the vehicle 1000). In one example, the seat assembly is bolted or otherwise fastened to the main seat track pair 1300 or the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0038] To avoid interference between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310, in some examples, these pairs are displaced relative to each other, such as in a direction perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. In some examples, the extent of the displacement is less than the track width of the primary seat track pair 1300 or the secondary seat track pair 1310. Thus, one seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat track of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the first seat assembly 1200. In some examples, the track widths of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are the same.

[0039] As used herein, "virtual" means having the attributes of an entity without having its physical form. For example, a virtual reference plane is an invisible or imaginary plane relative to which the position and orientation of other objects and / or invisible entities can be defined, rather than a physical plane.

[0040] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A and Figure 4B , only one seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 2 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0041] Positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 allows for avoiding interference between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the primary seat track pair 1300. Specifically, in some examples, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is displaced relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 in a direction perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. When the degree of displacement is less than the width of the primary seat track pair 1300, only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. In some examples, the degree of displacement is minimal to ensure that the seat assemblies supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 can be aligned along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010.

[0042] Positioning only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 also allows the use of two seat track pairs having the same or similar track widths. In some cases, a certain minimum track width is required in order to provide support for the seat assemblies attached to the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. In one example, each seat assembly includes a plurality of seats forming a row that can extend in a direction perpendicular to the track pair, thereby supporting the assembly. Wider tracks are able to support more seats in such assemblies.

[0043] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , only one seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 3 also includes subject matter according to Example 2 above.

[0044] Positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows for avoiding interference between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the primary seat track pair 1300 along that length. Additionally, positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 provides support to the secondary seat track pair 1310 along its entire length. This in turn allows for the use of a shorter secondary seat track pair 1310 than would otherwise be necessary, and the shorter track has a lower weight. In one example, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is shorter without sacrificing the support and load distribution characteristics of the seating system 1100.

[0045] When installed, in some examples, both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached to the same set of floor beams 1020. In one example, the primary seat track pair 1300 is longer and attached to a larger number of floor beams 1020 than the secondary seat track pair 1310. The larger number of floor beams 1020 delivers a more even load distribution to the primary seat track pair 1300. In some examples, the same set of floor beams 1020 to which both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached provides load redistribution between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0046] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , only a portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 4 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 3 above.

[0047] In some examples, the primary seat track pair 1300 is longer than the secondary seat track pair 1310 such that only a portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310. In this way, the primary seat track pair 1300 is configured to support a greater number of seat assemblies than the secondary seat track pair 1310. The portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 that is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 corresponds to locations in the vehicle 1000 where different seat assemblies may be supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 or the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0048] This orientation of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows the vehicle 1000 to be reconfigured, or more specifically allows the seat configuration of the vehicle 1000 to be changed. The seat configuration can be changed at a position where both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are available, that is, a position where a portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0049] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 are longer than the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 5 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 4 above.

[0050] In some examples, primary seat track pair 1300 is longer than secondary seat track pair 1310 and is configured to support a greater number of seat assemblies than secondary seat track pair 1310. The portion of one of the seat tracks in primary seat track pair 1300 that is positioned between the seat tracks of secondary seat track pair 1310 corresponds to a location in vehicle 1000 where different seat assemblies may be supported by primary seat track pair 1300 or secondary seat track pair 1310. However, in some examples, additional seat assemblies are supported by primary seat track pair 1300 outside of this location.

[0051] This orientation of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows the vehicle 1000 to be reconfigured, or more specifically allows the seat configuration of the vehicle 1000 to be changed. The seat configuration can be changed at a position where both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are available, that is, a position where a portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310. Figure 3B A first seat assembly 1200 attached to a primary seat track pair 1300, a second seat assembly 1210 attached to a secondary seat track pair 1310, and a third seat assembly 1220 attached to the primary seat track pair 1300 are shown. In one example, the second seat assembly 1210 is replaced by a fourth seat assembly 1230, as shown in FIG. Figure 3CWhen installed, the fourth seat assembly 1230 is attached to the primary seat track pair 1310. In this example, the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220 cannot be attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310 due to the length of the secondary seat track pair 1310. However, the primary seat track pair 1300 is longer than the secondary seat track pair 1310, and the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220 can be attached to the primary seat track pair 1300.

[0052] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , none of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310 intersects with any of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 6 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 above.

[0053] The lack of intersection between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 indicates that the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached to the floor beam 1020 without interfering with the primary seat track pair 1300. Specifically, when the secondary seat track pair 1310 is installed, the primary seat track pair 1300 remains attached in its initial position. Having a combination of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows the seat configuration of the vehicle 1000 to be changed.

[0054] In some examples, such as Figure 3A As shown, the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are spaced apart from each other to avoid interference. This spacing eliminates the possibility of intersections between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. Moreover, this spacing allows for non-parallel tracks.

[0055] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , the seat track of the primary seat track pair 1300 includes a first portion 1301 and a second portion 1302 inclined relative to the first portion 1301. The first portion 1301 of the seat track of the primary seat track pair 1300 is parallel to the seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 7 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 6 above.

[0056] In some examples, the first portion 1301 and the second portion 1302 of the primary seat track pair 1300 are positioned in different parts of the vehicle 1000. In some cases, these parts of the vehicle have different amounts of space available to accommodate seat assemblies. In some examples, the first portion 1301 and the second portion 1302 of the primary seat track pair 1300 are tilted relative to each other to accommodate these spatial differences in the vehicle 1000.

[0057] In some examples, first portion 1301 and second portion 1302 of primary seat track pair 1300 are used to attach different types of seat assemblies, such as seat assemblies with different numbers of seats. Additionally, in some examples, secondary seat track pair 1310 is used to attach another type of seat assembly, which is also different from the seat assembly attached to primary seat track pair 1300 (first portion 1301 or second portion 1302 thereof). This ability to support different types of seats provides for variable seating arrangements in vehicle 1000.

[0058] In some examples, vehicle 1000 is an aircraft that includes a fuselage that narrows in the tail. In some examples, primary seat track pair 1300 extends through a greater portion of the fuselage than secondary seat track pair 1310, for example. In some examples, a first portion 1301 of primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned away from the tail (e.g., in a wing), while a second portion 1302 of primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned in the tail. In some examples, second portion 1302 is tilted relative to first portion 1301 to accommodate the fuselage shape and the smaller space in the tail of the fuselage. In one example, a seat assembly positioned in the tail and supported by second portion 1302 of primary seat track pair 1300 has fewer seats than a seat assembly positioned away from the tail and supported by first portion 1301 of primary seat track pair 1300, for example. In some examples, the addition of a secondary seat track pair 1310 in the aft section enables the addition of more seats that might otherwise be supported by the second portion 1302 of the primary seat track pair 1300 .

[0059] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 are each parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 8 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 7.

[0060] In some examples, arranging the secondary seat track pairs 1310 parallel to the imaginary longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000 improves the load transfer characteristics of the vehicle 1000, because acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 1000 generally occur along the imaginary longitudinal axis 1010. Specifically, these loads are applied along the length of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pairs 1310, rather than laterally, which improves load distribution. In addition, this orientation of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pairs 1310 can simplify their attachment to the floor beams 1020.

[0061] In some examples, the floor beam 1020 is perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. Thus, when the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 are each parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010, then the seat tracks are also perpendicular to the floor beam 1020, thereby simplifying the attachment of the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020. Furthermore, in some examples, such attachment can support a greater load than when the secondary seat track pair 1310 is not perpendicular to the floor beam 1020, for example.

[0062] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , the second portion 1302 of the seat track of the primary seat track pair 1300 is not parallel to any seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 9 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 7 or 8.

[0063] In some examples, second portions 1302 of the two seat tracks of primary seat track pair 1300 extend in a portion of vehicle 1000 that has less space than other portions of vehicle 1000 (e.g., portions in which at least some of the seat tracks of secondary seat track pair 1310 are positioned). In some examples, second portions 1302 of the two seat tracks of primary seat track pair 1300 are oriented differently than secondary seat track pair 1310 to avoid interference with other components of vehicle 1000.

[0064] In some examples, the second portion 1302 of the two seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned in the tail section of the fuselage. In some examples, the tail section is narrower than the middle section and there is less space available for seats and seat tracks. In some examples, the second portion 1302 of the two seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 is non-parallel (e.g., tilted) relative to any of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310. Figure 3AAs shown, as the second portion 1302 protrudes toward the rear (and away from the first portion 1301), the second portion 1302 of the two tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 is inclined toward the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000. In some examples, the second portion 1302 of the two seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 protrudes further toward the rear than the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0065] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the seating system 1100 further includes a second seat assembly 1210 including a second seat support 1212 and a second plurality of seats 1214 attached to the second seat support 1212. The second seat support 1212 is attached to a secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 10 further includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1 to 9 above.

[0066] Second seat assembly 1210 and first seat assembly 1200 are supported by different seat track pairs. Specifically, first seat assembly 1200 is supported by primary seat track pair 1300, while second seat assembly 1210 is supported by secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, second seat assembly 1210 replaces another seat assembly that was previously supported by primary seat track pair 1300. For example, this replacement is performed to increase the passenger capacity of vehicle 1000.

[0067] For example, the initial seat assembly replaced by the second seat assembly 1210 is replaced back to the second seat assembly 1210. In this way, the seating configuration of the vehicle 1000 is completely reversible. In some examples, the main seat track pair 1300 remains in all of its initial positions.

[0068] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first seat support 1202 is geometrically different from the second seat support 1212. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 11 also includes subject matter according to Example 10 above.

[0069] The geometric differences between the first seat supports 1202 and the second seat supports 1212 allow the first plurality of seats 1204 to be aligned with the second plurality of seats 1214 relative to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 even when the seat tracks supporting the seat assemblies are offset. In some examples, the track offset is used to avoid interference between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. However, the alignment or different offset of the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 allows for a straight aisle with a constant width.

[0070] Specifically, the first seat assembly 1200 includes a first seat support 1202 attached to the primary seat track pair 1300, and the second seat assembly 1210 includes a second seat support 1212 attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. Figure 3A As shown, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is offset relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 or at least relative to the first portion 1301 of the primary seat track pair 1300 toward the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. Figure 3B As shown, each seat in first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200 is generally aligned with one seat in second plurality of seats 1214 of second seat assembly 1210 along imaginary longitudinal axis 1010 .

[0071] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200 are aligned with second plurality of seats 1214 of second seat assembly 1210 along virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 12 also includes subject matter according to Examples 10 or 11 above.

[0072] Aligning the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 with the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 allows for having a straight aisle extending along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000, such as Figure 3B In addition, passengers in second plurality of seats 1214 may use various convenience features of first plurality of seats 1204, such as foldable trays, video displays, various types of racks, and the like.

[0073] like Figure 3BAs shown, each seat in the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 is substantially aligned with one of the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010. In this example, the number of seats in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the number of seats in the second plurality of seats 1214 are the same. In addition, the seats (e.g., type, size) in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 are the same. In some examples, when the number of seats in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 are different or different types of seats are used, the midpoints of the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 are aligned along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000.

[0074] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 includes a first inboard seat 1205, the first inboard seat 1205 being positioned closer to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of the vehicle 1000 than all other seats in the first plurality of seats 1204. The second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 includes a second inboard seat 1215, the second inboard seat 1215 being positioned closer to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 than all other seats in the second plurality of seats 1214. The first shortest distance D between the first inboard seat 1205 and the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 a The second shortest distance D between the second inner seat 1215 and the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 b The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 13 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 10 to 12 above.

[0075] Having inboard seats of different rows of seats have the same shortest distance from the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 provides a straight aisle, which is at least partially defined by the first inboard seat 1205 and the second inboard seat 1215 .

[0076] In this example, the aisle extends along a virtual longitudinal plane 1012. A straight aisle allows passengers to move within the vehicle 1000 and / or move objects within the vehicle 1000 without turning significantly and bumping into seats. In addition, for example, a straight aisle is narrower than a non-linear aisle. A narrower aisle allows more seats to be put into the vehicle 1000, thereby increasing the passenger capacity of the vehicle 1000.

[0077] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4Aand Figure 4B , seats in first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200 are arranged along first row axis 1201. Seats in second plurality of seats 1214 of second seat assembly 1210 are arranged along second row axis 1211 that is parallel to first row axis 1201. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 14 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 10 to 13 above.

[0078] In some examples, when the first plurality of seats 1204 is parallel to the second plurality of seats 1214, or more specifically, when the second row axis 1211 is parallel to the first row axis 1201, the spacing between the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 is constant.

[0079] This alignment and constant spacing allow passengers to easily enter the second plurality of seats 1214, particularly seats in the second plurality of seats 1214 that are further away from the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. The constant spacing aspect also enables passengers sitting in the second plurality of seats 1214 to use various features of the back side of the first plurality of seats 1204, such as foldable trays, displays, etc. In some examples, the back side of the first plurality of seats 1204 is used as a safety feature for passengers sitting in the second plurality of seats 1214. The spacing between the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 is defined by pairs of seats, each pair being formed by one seat from the first plurality of seats 1204 and one corresponding seat from the second plurality of seats 1214.

[0080] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , the first row axis 1201 and the second row axis 1211 are both perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of the vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 15 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 14.

[0081] When the first row axis 1201 and the second row axis 1211 are perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012, passengers seated in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 face in a direction parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010. Considering that most of the deceleration and acceleration of the vehicle 1000 occurs along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010, passenger comfort is improved by such an orientation of the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214.

[0082] For example, during deceleration of the vehicle 1000, the rear side of the first plurality of seats 1204 is used as a safety feature for passengers seated in the second plurality of seats 1214. Similarly, passengers are generally more comfortable when acceleration of the vehicle 1000 occurs in a direction perpendicular to the back supports (and headrests) of the passenger seats.

[0083] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 and the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 have an equal number of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 16 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 10 to 14 above.

[0084] For example, with Figure 3C Compared to the seating arrangement shown, Figure 3B The equal number of seats in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 is shown to maximize the total seating capacity of the vehicle. In addition, the back supports of the first plurality of seats 1204 are used as a safety feature by passengers in the second plurality of seats 1214, for example, during sudden deceleration of the vehicle 1000. The equal number of seats also enables passengers sitting in the second plurality of seats 1214 to use various features on the rear side of the first plurality of seats 1204, such as a desk, a display, etc.

[0085] Specifically, each seat in second plurality of seats 1214 has a corresponding seat in first plurality of seats 1204. In some examples, a rear side of the seat in first plurality of seats 1204 is used to support these various features and is utilized by a passenger positioned in the seat in second plurality of seats 1214.

[0086] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , each seat in first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200 is identical to any seat in second plurality of seats 1214 of second seat assembly 1210. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 17 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 10 to 16 above.

[0087] Identical seats occupy the same amount of space and therefore can be easily aligned in vehicle 1000. Additionally, in some examples, seat assemblies having identical seats are easier to manufacture.

[0088] For example, each seat in second plurality of seats 1214 has a corresponding seat in first plurality of seats 1204, and the pair of seats are aligned. The alignment provides various comfort features for passengers in the seats in second plurality of seats 1214.

[0089] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , the seating system 1100 further includes a third seat assembly 1220 attached to the primary seat track pair 1300. At least a portion of the second seat assembly 1210 is positioned between the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 18 further includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 10 to 17 above.

[0090] Second seat assembly 1210 is positioned between first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220, but second seat assembly 1210 is attached to a different track pair. Specifically, first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220 are both attached to primary seat track pair 1300. Second seat assembly 1210 is attached to secondary seat track pair 1310 even though a portion of primary seat track pair 1300 extends below second seat assembly 1210. In at least one seating configuration, this portion of primary seat track pair 1300 is not used to attach second seat assembly 1210. However, in another seating configuration, this portion of primary seat track pair 1300 is used by another seat assembly that will replace second seat assembly 1210.

[0091] like Figure 3B As shown, in some examples, the number of seats in third seat assembly 1220 is less than the number of seats in second seat assembly 1210. In these examples, third seat assembly 1220 does not extend along the entire length of second seat assembly 1210, wherein the length of the second seat assembly is defined in a direction perpendicular to virtual longitudinal plane 1012. However, at least a portion of second seat assembly 1210 is positioned between first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220. In some examples, another portion of second seat assembly 1210 extends outside the area between first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220.

[0092] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , the third seat assembly 1220 includes a third plurality of seats 1224. The seats in the third plurality of seats 1224 are arranged along a third row axis 1221 that is inclined relative to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of the vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 19 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 18.

[0093] The tilted orientation relative to virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of vehicle 1000 enables third seat assembly 1220 to be positioned in a portion of vehicle 1000 that is smaller than another portion of first seat assembly 1200 or second seat assembly 1210 is positioned.

[0094] For example, the third seat assembly 1220 is positioned in the tail section of the aircraft, which is narrower than the middle section of the aircraft. The tilted orientation allows the third seat assembly 1220 to be positioned in this section without narrowing the aisle. In fact, in some examples, the tilted orientation is used to make the aisle wider. In some examples, the change in orientation angle (e.g., from perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 to tilted relative to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012) corresponds to a change in the number of seats. Figure 3B As shown, third plurality of seats 1224 has two seats, while second plurality of seats 1214 has three seats.

[0095] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 and the third plurality of seats 1224 of the third seat assembly 1220 have different numbers of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 20 also includes subject matter according to Example 19 above.

[0096] In some examples, seat type, available space for seats, seat orientation, and other factors determine the number of seats in each assembly. In some examples, assemblies with different numbers of seats are supported by the same track, such as by the main seat track pair 1300.

[0097] In some examples, third seat assembly 1220 is positioned in a portion of vehicle 1000 that is smaller than the portion in which first seat assembly 1200 is positioned. Figure 3B As shown, the third plurality of seats 1224 of the third seat assembly 1220 has fewer seats than the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200. The third seat assembly 1220 and the first seat assembly 1200 are both attached to and supported by the main seat track pair 1300.

[0098] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3C, the seating system 1100 further includes a third seat assembly 1220 and a fourth seat assembly 1230 both attached to the main seat track pair 1300. At least a portion of the fourth seat assembly 1230 is positioned between the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 21 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 21 further includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 17 above.

[0099] In some examples, fourth seat assembly 1230 is interchangeable with second seat assembly 1210 in the space between first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220. In these examples, the ability to change seat assemblies is used to increase seating capacity, increase aisle space, and for other purposes.

[0100] For example, Figure 3B and Figure 3C As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the seating capacity can be reduced by replacing the second seat assembly 1210 with the fourth seat assembly 1230. In addition, different seat configurations utilize different seat tracks, but both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are available in this location. Specifically, when the second seat assembly 1210 is installed, the second seat assembly 1210 is attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. However, when the fourth seat assembly 1230 is installed, the fourth seat assembly 1230 is attached to the primary seat track pair 1300.

[0101] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3C , the fourth seat assembly 1230 includes a fourth plurality of seats 1234. The seats in the fourth plurality of seats 1234 are arranged along a fourth row axis 1231 that is inclined relative to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of the vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 22 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 22 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 21.

[0102] The tilted orientation relative to virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of vehicle 1000 allows fourth seat assembly 1230 to be positioned in a portion of vehicle 1000 that has less space than, for example, a portion in which first seat assembly 1200 or second seat assembly 1210 is positioned. Additionally, in some examples, fourth plurality of seats 1234 is tilted relative to virtual longitudinal plane 1012 such that fourth plurality of seats 1234 is parallel to third plurality of seats 1224. This ensures that the space between fourth plurality of seats 1234 and third plurality of seats 1224 is uniform and allows passengers to enter third plurality of seats 1224 with minimal effort.

[0103] For example, the fourth seat assembly 1230 is positioned in the tail section of the aircraft which is narrower than the middle section of the aircraft. The tilted orientation allows the fourth seat assembly 1230 to be positioned in this section without narrowing the aisle. In these examples, the tilted orientation is used to make the aisle wider. In addition, the relative arrangement of the third plurality of seats 1224 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234 enables the passenger sitting in the third plurality of seats 1224 to use the rear side of the fourth plurality of seats 1234 to approach various features, such as foldable trays, displays, etc.

[0104] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3C , the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234 of the fourth seat assembly 1230 have different numbers of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 23 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 23 also includes subject matter according to Example 22 above.

[0105] The different number of seats in the fourth plurality of seats 1234 allows the fourth seat assembly 1230 to be positioned at a location of the vehicle 1000 that has a different amount of space than, for example, the location where the first seat assembly 1200 is positioned. The main seat track pair 1300 extends through both locations and supports both the first seat assembly 1200 and the fourth seat assembly 1230.

[0106] In one example, fourth seat assembly 1230 is positioned in a portion of vehicle 1000 that is smaller than the portion in which first seat assembly 1200 is positioned. Figure 3B As shown, fourth plurality of seats 1234 of fourth seat assembly 1230 has fewer seats than first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200. Fewer seats than the number of seats in first plurality of seats 1204 ensure that the minimum width of the aisle is maintained.

[0107] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3C , the third seat assembly 1220 includes a third plurality of seats 1224. The third plurality of seats 1224 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234 of the fourth seat assembly 1230 have an equal number of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 24 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 24 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 22 or 23.

[0108] For example, when the same or similar amount of space is available for the corresponding seat assemblies, an equal number of seats are used in the third plurality of seats 1224 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234. In addition, the equal number of seats in the third plurality of seats 1224 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234 allows passengers sitting in seats in the third plurality of seats 1224 to utilize the back sides of seats in the fourth plurality of seats 1234 to access various convenience features, especially when the respective seats in the third plurality of seats 1224 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234 are aligned.

[0109] In some examples, a rear side of a seat in fourth plurality of seats 1234 located forward of third plurality of seats 1224 includes a foldable tray, a display, and / or other similar features for use by passengers of seats in third plurality of seats 1224. In these examples, each seat in third plurality of seats 1224 has a corresponding seat in fourth plurality of seats 1234, and a rear side of the seat in fourth plurality of seats 1234 is used to support these various features.

[0110] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 7 , the vehicle 1000 is one of an aircraft, a ship or a land vehicle. The aforementioned subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 25 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 25 also includes subject matter according to any one of the above Examples 1 to 24.

[0111] Aircraft, ships, or automobiles are all examples of vehicles 1000 that carry many passengers. In some examples, changing the seating configuration in these types of vehicles is used to increase or decrease seating capacity, change aisle width, and other purposes. In addition, the seating system 1100 described herein can be easily reconfigured by the operator of the vehicle 1000 without, for example, involving the manufacturer.

[0112] Different seat assemblies in vehicle 1000 are attached to and supported by various seat tracks. In addition to using primary seat track pair 1300, using secondary seat track pair 1310 allows different seat configurations to be used, such as to maximize passenger capacity, provide additional aisle space, etc.

[0113] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B and Figure 4B, a seat system kit 1500 for a vehicle 1000 is disclosed. The vehicle 1000 includes a floor beam 1020, a primary seat track pair 1300 attached to the floor beam 1020, and a first seat assembly 1200. The first seat assembly 1200 includes a first seat support 1202 and a first plurality of seats 1204 attached to the first seat support 1202. The first seat support 1202 is attached to the primary seat track pair 1300. The floor beam 1020 supports a floor panel 1060 defining a floor surface 1062. The vehicle 1000 has a virtual longitudinal plane 1012 perpendicular to the floor surface 1062. The vehicle 1000 also has a virtual longitudinal axis 1010 parallel to the floor surface 1062 and located in the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. The seat system kit 1500 includes a secondary seat track pair 1310 and a second seat assembly 1210. The second seat assembly 1210 includes a second seat support 1212 and a second plurality of seats 1214 attached to the second seat support 1212. The second seat support 1212 is configured to be attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 26 of the present disclosure.

[0114] The seat system kit 1500 allows new seat configurations in the vehicle 1000. In some examples, a seat assembly with a smaller number of seats is replaced by a second seat assembly 1210 with a larger number of seats, thereby increasing the total seat capacity of the vehicle 1000. Adding a secondary seat track pair 1310 also allows the vehicle 1000 to be reconfigured without interfering with the main seat track pair 1300 positioned on the vehicle 1000. In addition, having both the main seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows for rapid reconfiguration of the vehicle 1000. The main seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are configured and used to support different types of seat assemblies (e.g., seat assemblies with different numbers of seats). These types of seat assemblies are interchangeable in the same general position. For example, one seat assembly is used to increase the seat capacity of the vehicle 1000, while another seat assembly is used to increase the aisle space.

[0115] In some examples, second seat assembly 1210 is used to replace a different type of seat assembly, such as a seat assembly with fewer seats, in vehicle 1000. However, second seat support 1210 is configured to be attached to and supported by secondary seat track pair 1310, whereas the seat assembly being replaced was previously attached to and supported by primary seat track pair 1310.

[0116] In some examples, the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the second seat assembly 1210 are supplied to an operator of the vehicle 1000 as a seating system kit 1500 to enable the operator to change the seating configuration of the vehicle 1000. The second seat assembly 1210 is added to the primary seat track pair 1300, rather than replacing the primary seat track pair 1300. In this way, the secondary seat assembly 1210 or the primary seat track pair 1300 can be used to support one or more seat assemblies at a specific location in the vehicle 1000. In some examples, the primary seat track pair 1300 extends beyond that location and is used to support other seat assemblies.

[0117] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , the secondary seat track pair 1310 is configured to be attached to the floor beam 1020 of the vehicle 1000 such that one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 27 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 27 also includes subject matter according to Example 26 above.

[0118] Positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 enables the tracks of the two track pairs to avoid interfering with each other. The secondary seat track pair 1310 is configured to be attached to a floor beam 1020 that also supports the primary seat track pair 1300. Specifically, in some examples, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is displaced relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 in a direction perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. When the degree of displacement is less than the width of the primary seat track pair 1300, only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. In some examples, the degree of displacement is minimal to ensure that the seat assemblies supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are aligned along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010.

[0119] Positioning only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 also allows seat tracks with similar track widths to be used. In some examples, a specific minimum track width is used in order to provide support to seat assemblies attached to the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, the track widths of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are constant and substantially the same (e.g., vary by less than 10% or even vary by less than 5%). This feature also enables the combination of non-linear tracks and straight tracks without interference. For example, Figure 3AA primary seat track pair 1300 is shown having a first portion 1301 and a second portion 1302 that is inclined relative to the first portion 1301. A secondary seat track pair 1310 is straight.

[0120] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A and Figure 4A , only one seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is configured to be positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 28 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 28 also includes subject matter according to Example 27 above.

[0121] Positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 allows for avoiding interference between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the primary seat track pair 1300. Specifically, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is displaced relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 in a direction perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. When the degree of displacement is less than the width of the primary seat track pair 1300, only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. In some examples, the degree of displacement is minimal to ensure that the seat assemblies supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are aligned along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010.

[0122] Positioning only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 also enables the use of seat tracks having similar track widths. In some examples, a specific minimum track width is used in order to provide support to the seat assemblies attached to the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310, particularly when the vehicle 1000 is moving. In some examples, the track widths of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are constant and substantially the same (e.g., varying by less than 10% or even varying by less than 5%). This feature also allows curved tracks and straight tracks to be combined without interference. For example, Figure 3A A primary seat track pair 1300 is shown having a first portion 1301 and a second portion 1302 that is inclined relative to the first portion 1301. A secondary seat track pair 1310 is straight.

[0123] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A and Figure 4B, only one seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is configured to be positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 29 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 29 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Examples 27 or 28.

[0124] Positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 avoids interference between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the primary seat track pair 1300 along that length. Additionally, positioning one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 provides support to the secondary seat track pair 1310 along its entire length and allows for the use of a shorter, and therefore lower weight, secondary seat track pair 1310 without sacrificing the support and load distribution characteristics of the seating system 1100.

[0125] When installed, both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached to the same set of floor beams 1020. In some examples, the primary seat track pair 1300 is longer and is attached to a greater number of floor beams 1020 (compared to the secondary seat track pair 1310), thereby allowing for a more even load distribution. The same set of floor beams 1020 to which both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached allows for load redistribution between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0126] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , only a portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 is configured to be positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 30 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 30 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 27 to 29 above.

[0127] In some examples, the primary seat track pair 1300 is longer than the secondary seat track pair 1310 such that only a portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310. In this way, the primary seat track pair 1300 is configured to support a greater number of seat assemblies than the secondary seat track pair 1310. The portion of one of the seat tracks in the primary seat track pair 1300 that is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 corresponds to locations in the vehicle 1000 where different seat assemblies may be supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 or the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0128] This orientation of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows the vehicle 1000 to be reconfigured, or more specifically allows the seat configuration of the vehicle 1000 to be changed. The seat configuration can be changed at a position where both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are available, which is a position where a portion of one seat track in the primary seat track pair 1300 is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0129] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , the secondary seat track pair 1310 is configured to be attached to the floor beam 1020 of the vehicle 1000, so that each seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 31 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 31 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 30 above.

[0130] In some examples, seat tracks parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000 improve comfort aspects of the vehicle 1000 because acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 1000 generally occur along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010. Specifically, loads are applied along the length of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pairs 1310, rather than across them. In this way, the secondary seat track pairs 1310 are configured to support larger loads in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, in some examples, this orientation of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pairs 1310 simplifies their attachment to the floor beams 1020.

[0131] In some examples, the floor beam 1020 is perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. Thus, when the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 are each parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010, then the seat tracks are also perpendicular to the floor beam 1020, thereby simplifying the attachment of the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020. In some examples, such attachment also supports larger loads, such as when the secondary seat track pair 1310 is not perpendicular to the floor beam 1020.

[0132] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , each seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is straight. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 32 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 32 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 31 above.

[0133] In some examples, straight tracks are easier to manufacture, transport, and install on vehicle 1000, for example, than tracks having curves. In addition, straight tracks are able to support larger loads, particularly in a direction parallel to the track.

[0134] In some examples, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is shorter than the primary seat track pair 1300 and is straight, even when positioned in a narrowed portion of the vehicle 1000 or between primary seat track pairs 1300 having angled portions.

[0135] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 have the same length. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 33 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 33 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 32 above.

[0136] The same length of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 enables the tracks to be used interchangeably. The secondary seat track pair 1310 having the same length is easier to manufacture, transport and install on the vehicle 1000.

[0137] In some examples, the length of the seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 spans across multiple floor beams 1020, thereby distributing the load applied to the secondary seat track pair 1310. Both seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached to the same set of floor beams 1020 to ensure that the second seat assembly 1210 supported by the secondary seat track pair 1310 is evenly supported.

[0138] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3A , each seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 is shorter than each seat track in the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 34 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 34 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 33 above.

[0139] In some examples, the length of the seat tracks is kept to a minimum to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle 1000. In some examples, the length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is less than the length of the primary seat track pair 1300 because the secondary seat track pair 1310 is used to support fewer seat assemblies than the primary seat track pair 1300.

[0140] In some examples, the primary seat track pair 1300 is used to support seat components outside the area of ​​the secondary seat track pair 1310. Figure 3BIn the example shown, the primary seat track pair 1300 supports the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220, while the secondary seat track pair 1310 supports the second seat assembly 1210 positioned between the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220. In some examples, the continuity of the primary seat track pair 1300 is used to provide different seating configurations for the vehicle 1000. Figure 3C As shown, the second seat assembly 1210 is replaced by a fourth seat assembly 1230 which is supported by the main seat track pair 1300 .

[0141] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5B , each seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 and each seat track in the primary seat track pair 1300 have the same width. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 35 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 35 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 34 above.

[0142] In some examples, the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 are substantially identical, or more specifically, each of the seat tracks has the same width. This similarity allows similar mounting points to be used for seat supports, similar hardware to attach the seat tracks to floor beams, and simplifies the manufacture of the seat tracks.

[0143] The width of each seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 and each seat track in the primary seat track pair 1300 is measured in a direction perpendicular to its respective longest dimension. In some examples, the cross-section of each seat track in the secondary seat track pair 1310 and each seat track in the primary seat track pair 1300 is the same in these directions. Figure 5B An example of a cross section of one of the secondary seat rail pairs 1310 is shown in FIG.

[0144] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 and the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 have an equal number of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 36 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 36 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 35 above.

[0145] With e.g. Figure 3C Compared to the seating arrangement shown, e.g. Figure 3BThe equal number of seats in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 is shown to maximize the total seating capacity of the vehicle. In addition, the back supports of the first plurality of seats 1204 are used as a safety feature by passengers in the second plurality of seats 1214, for example, during sudden deceleration of the vehicle 1000. The equal number of seats also enables passengers sitting in the second plurality of seats 1214 to use the back side of the first plurality of seats 1204 for access to various convenience features, such as foldable trays, displays, etc.

[0146] Specifically, each seat in second plurality of seats 1214 has a corresponding seat in first plurality of seats 1204. In some examples, a rear side of the seat in first plurality of seats 1204 is used to support the various features utilized by a passenger seated in the seat in second plurality of seats 1214.

[0147] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the second seat support 1212 is geometrically different from the first seat support 1202. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 37 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 37 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 36 above.

[0148] The geometric differences between the first seat supports 1202 and the second seat supports 1212 allow the first plurality of seats 1204 to be aligned with the second plurality of seats 1214 relative to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 even when the seat tracks supporting the seat assemblies are offset. For example, the track offset is used to avoid interference between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. However, the alignment or different offset of the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 enables having a straight aisle with a constant width.

[0149] Specifically, the first seat assembly 1200 includes a first seat support 1202 attached to the primary seat track pair 1300, and the second seat assembly 1210 includes a second seat support 1212 attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. Figure 3A As shown, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is offset relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 or at least relative to the first portion 1301 of the primary seat track pair 1300 toward the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. Figure 3B As shown, each seat in first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200 is generally aligned with one seat in second plurality of seats 1214 of second seat assembly 1210 along imaginary longitudinal axis 1010 .

[0150] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 7 , the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 includes one of a plurality of aircraft seats, a plurality of ship seats, or a plurality of land vehicle seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 38 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 38 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 37 above.

[0151] Aircraft, ships, or automobiles are all examples of vehicles 1000 that carry many passengers. Changing the seating configuration in these types of vehicles is used, for example, to increase or decrease seating capacity, change aisle width, and other purposes. Furthermore, the seating system 1100 described herein can be easily reconfigured by the operator of the vehicle 1000 without, for example, involving the manufacturer.

[0152] In some examples, different seat assemblies in vehicle 1000 are attached to and supported by various seat tracks. In addition to using primary seat track pair 1300, using secondary seat track pair 1310 allows different seat configurations to be used, such as to maximize passenger capacity, provide additional aisle space, etc.

[0153] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B and Figure 4B , the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 includes three seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 39 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 39 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 38 above.

[0154] Second seat assembly 1210 is used to replace another seat assembly with less seats, thereby increasing the total seat capacity of the vehicle. In addition, the number of seats in the second plurality of seats 1214 is selected, for example, to provide various safety and comfort features for passengers in other plurality of seats (for example, a plurality of seats behind the second plurality of seats 1214).

[0155] For example, the other seat assembly is located at the rear of the aircraft, between the aisle and the fuselage, and includes only two seats. The combination of the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the second plurality of seats 1214 is specially designed, for example, so as to Figure 3B and Figure 4B Additional seats are accommodated in the same location as shown.

[0156] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B, the second seat assembly 1210 is configured to be positioned between the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220 including the third plurality of seats 1224. The second plurality of seats 1214 and the third plurality of seats 1224 of the second seat assembly 1210 have different numbers of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 40 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 40 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 39 above.

[0157] In some examples, seat type, available space for seats, seat orientation, and other factors determine the number of seats in each assembly. However, assemblies with different numbers of seats are supported by the same track (in some examples, the main seat track pair 1300).

[0158] For example, third seat assembly 1220 is positioned in a portion of vehicle 1000 that is smaller than the portion in which first seat assembly 1200 is positioned. Figure 3B As shown, the third plurality of seats 1224 of the third seat assembly 1220 has fewer seats than the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200. The third seat assembly 1220 and the first seat assembly 1200 are both attached to and supported by the main seat track pair 1300.

[0159] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3C , the seat system kit 1500 also includes a fourth seat assembly 1230, which includes a fourth seat support 1232 and a fourth plurality of seats 1234 attached to the fourth seat support 1232. The fourth seat assembly 1230 is configured to replace the second seat assembly 1210 and be positioned between the first seat assembly 1200 and the third seat assembly 1220 including the third plurality of seats 1224. The fourth seat support 1232 is configured to be attached to the main seat track pair 1300. The fourth plurality of seats 1234 and the third plurality of seats 1224 of the fourth seat assembly 1230 have an equal number of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 41 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 41 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 39 above.

[0160] In some examples, fourth seat assembly 1230 is interchangeable with second seat assembly 1210 in the space between first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220. The combination of fourth seat assembly 1230 and second seat assembly 1210 is used to change the seating configuration of vehicle 1000.

[0161] For example, depending on the number of seats required in the vehicle 1000, the second seat assembly 1210 or the fourth seat assembly 1230 is positioned in the space, such as Figure 3B and Figure 3C Schematically shown in . Different seat configurations use different seat tracks. Specifically, when the second seat assembly 1210 is positioned in the space, the second seat assembly 1210 is attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. However, when the fourth seat assembly 1230 is positioned in the space, the fourth seat assembly 1230 is attached to the primary seat track pair 1300.

[0162] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B and Figure 3C , the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 and the fourth plurality of seats 1234 of the fourth seat assembly 1230 have different numbers of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 42 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 42 also includes subject matter according to Example 41 above.

[0163] In some examples, fourth seat assembly 1230 is interchangeable with second seat assembly 1210 in the space between first seat assembly 1200 and third seat assembly 1220 and is used to change the seating configuration of vehicle 1000 .

[0164] In some examples, fourth seat assembly 1230 is used to increase the width of the aisle, while second seat assembly 1210 is used to increase the overall seating capacity of vehicle 1000. Once secondary seat track pair 1310 is installed (e.g., attached to floor beam 1020), fourth seat assembly 1230 or second seat assembly 1210 may be used interchangeably, allowing vehicle 1000 to be reconfigured with minimal effort.

[0165] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , seats in the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 are configured to be arranged along the second row axis 1211. The second seat support 1212 is configured to be attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310 so that the secondary row axis is perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 of the vehicle 1000. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 43 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 43 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 26 to 42 above.

[0166] When the second row axis 1211 is perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012, passengers seated in the second plurality of seats 1214 face in a direction parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010. Considering that most deceleration and acceleration of the vehicle 1000 occurs along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010, passenger convenience is improved by such an orientation of the second plurality of seats 1214.

[0167] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, when both the first row axis 1201 and the second row axis 1211 are perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012, for example Figure 3B , elements on the rear side of the first plurality of seats 1204 are used as a convenience feature, for example, for passengers seated in the second plurality of seats 1214. Similarly, when acceleration of the vehicle 1000 occurs in a direction perpendicular to the back supports (and headrests) of the passenger seats, passengers are more comfortable.

[0168] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the first plurality of seats 1204 are configured to be aligned with the second plurality of seats 1214 along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 44 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 44 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 26 to 43 above.

[0169] Aligning the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 with the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 allows for having a straight aisle extending along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000, such as Figure 3B In addition, passengers in the second plurality of seats 1214 are able to use various features of the first plurality of seats 1204, such as foldable trays attached to the back supports of the first plurality of seats 1204, video displays positioned in the back supports, various types of brackets, etc.

[0170] like Figure 3B As shown, each seat in the first plurality of seats 1204 of the first seat assembly 1200 is substantially aligned with one of the second plurality of seats 1214 of the second seat assembly 1210 along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010. In this example, the number of seats in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the number of seats in the second plurality of seats 1214 are the same. In addition, the seats (e.g., type, size) in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 are the same. When the number of seats is different or different types of seats are used in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214, the midpoints of the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 are aligned along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010 of the vehicle 1000.

[0171] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the first plurality of seats 1204 includes a first inboard seat 1205, the first inboard seat 1205 being positioned closer to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 than all other seats in the first plurality of seats 1204. The second plurality of seats 1214 includes a second inboard seat 1215, the second inboard seat 1215 being positioned closer to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 than all other seats in the second plurality of seats 1214. The first shortest distance D between the first inboard seat 1205 and the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 a The second shortest distance D between the second inner seat 1215 and the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 b The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 45 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 45 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 26 to 44 above.

[0172] Having the same shortest distance between the inboard seats of different rows of seats and the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 allows for having a straight aisle at least partially defined by the first inboard seat 1205 and the second inboard seat 1215 .

[0173] In this example, the aisle extends along a virtual longitudinal plane 1012. A straight aisle allows passengers to move within the vehicle 1000 and / or move objects within the vehicle 1000 without turning significantly and bumping into seats. In addition, for example, a straight aisle is narrower than a non-linear aisle. A narrower aisle allows more seats to be put into the vehicle 1000, thereby increasing the passenger capacity of the vehicle 1000.

[0174] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B , discloses a seat system kit 1500 for a vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 includes a floor beam 1020 and a primary seat track pair 1300 attached to the floor beam 1020. The seat system kit 1500 includes a secondary seat track pair 1310, a plurality of pillars 1410, a reinforcement plate 1460, and a spacer 1440. The plurality of pillars 1410 include at least one of a first pillar 1420 or a second pillar 1430, and are configured to provide a coupling interface between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the floor beam 1020. The reinforcement plate 1460 is configured to at least partially cover an opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. The spacer 1440 is configured to be positioned in the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. When the second pillar 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 are attached to one of the floor beams 1020, at least a portion of the spacer 1440 is between the reinforcement plate 1460 and the second pillar 1430. The first strut 1420 is geometrically different from the second strut 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 46 of the present disclosure.

[0175] In some examples, the seating system kit 1500 is used to create a new seating configuration in a vehicle 1000 whose initial seating system has limited or no reconfiguration capability. During installation of the seating system kit 1500, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is added to the vehicle 1000, which allows the vehicle 1000 to be reconfigured without disturbing the primary seat track pair 1300 positioned on the vehicle 1000. For example, a seating assembly having a smaller number of seats and supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 can be replaced with a secondary seat assembly 1210 having a larger number of seats and now supported by the secondary seat track pair 1310, thereby increasing the overall seating capacity of the vehicle 1000. Furthermore, having both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 on the vehicle 1000 (by adding the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the primary seat track pair 1300 rather than replacing the primary seat track pair 1300 with the secondary seat track pair 1310 ) allows for rapid reconfiguration of the vehicle 1000 .

[0176] Referring to the various components of the seat system kit 1500, once the secondary seat track pair 1310 has been installed, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is used to support the second seat assembly 1210, which can be replaced with another seat assembly previously supported by the primary seat track pair 1300. A plurality of posts 1410 are used to attach the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020, or more specifically, to provide a coupling interface. The plurality of posts 1410 include at least one of a first post 1420 or a second post 1430. In some examples, the first post 1420 is used to attach the secondary seat track pair 1310 to some portions of the floor beam 1020 (e.g., without an opening), while the second post 1430 is used to attach to other portions of the floor beam 1020 (e.g., near an opening). The first post 1420 is geometrically different from the second post 1430 to achieve different functions. In some examples, the plurality of posts 1410 include only one or more first posts 1420, only one or more second posts 1430, or a combination of one or more first posts 1420 and one or more second posts 1430. The reinforcing plate 1460 is used in locations where one of the floor beams 1020 has an opening 1023, for example, to reinforce one of the floor beams 1020 around the opening 1023. Where the spacer 1440 is used, the spacer 1440 is positioned in the opening 1023 to bridge the space between the reinforcing plate 1460 and, for example, the second post 1430 when the second post 1430 and the reinforcing plate 1460 are attached to one of the floor beams 1020.

[0177] See generally Figure 1See for example Figure 5C-1 and Figure 5C-2 , the first pillar 1420 includes two first parallel side walls 1422 and a first face wall 1424 connecting the two first parallel side walls 1422. The second pillar 1430 includes two second parallel side walls 1432. The second pillar 1430 also includes a second face wall 1434 connecting the two second parallel side walls 1432. The second pillar 1430 additionally includes a tab 1436 extending from the opposite side of the second face wall 1434 and perpendicular to the two second parallel side walls 1432. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 47 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 47 also includes the subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 46.

[0178] In some examples, first brace 1420 and / or second brace 1430 are used to attach secondary seat track pair 1310 to different portions of floor beam 1020. First brace 1420 and second brace 1430 have different features to accommodate different requirements of these portions of floor beam 1020, such as reinforcement of floor beam 1020 around opening 1023, thereby reducing the overall weight of seating system 1100 and vehicle 1000.

[0179] Specifically, the first support post 1420 is attached to a portion of one of the floor beams 1020 that does not have any beam openings, e.g. Figure 5B As shown. The first wall 1424 of the first support 1420 is positioned against the floor beam 1020, and one or more of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 are installed through the first wall 1424 and the floor beam 1020. On the other hand, the second support 1430 is attached to a portion of one of the floor beams 1020, the portion having the opening 1023, for example, as also shown Figure 5B As shown. Openings 1023 are used in one or more floor beams 1020 for reducing weight and / or feeding cables, wiring, and other components through the vehicle 1000. In some examples, one of the floor beams 1020 has multiple openings. When openings 1023 are present in one of the floor beams 1020, the openings 1023 reduce the interface area between the second support 1430 and one of the floor beams 1020, and weaken one of the floor beams 1020 at the location of the openings 1023. Tabs 1436 of the second support 1430 are used to increase the interface area with one of the floor beams 1020. For example, one of the tabs 1436 extends away from the opening 1023. In addition, in some examples, another of the tabs 1436 overlaps with the opening 1023, and the opening 1023 is filled with a spacer 1440.

[0180] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5C-2, surfaces of the second wall 1434 and the tab 1436 of the second pillar 1430 facing one direction are coplanar. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 48 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 48 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 47.

[0181] When the second post 1430 is attached to the floor beam 1020 , the coplanar surfaces of the second face wall 1434 and the tab 1436 of the second post 1430 allow for an increased contact area between the second post 1430 and the floor beam 1020 .

[0182] In some examples, one of the floor beams 1020 has a flat surface. During installation of the second post 1430, the second post 1430 contacts the surface. More specifically, the second wall 1434 and the tab 1436 of the second post 1430 contact the surface. When the surfaces of the second wall 1434 and the tab 1436 are coplanar, each of these surfaces contacts the flat surface of one of the floor beams 1020, thereby increasing the contact area.

[0183] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B and Figure 5C-2 , the tabs 1436 of the second pillar 1430 are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal axis 1431 of the second pillar 1430. The longitudinal axis 1431 is parallel to each of the two second parallel side walls 1432 and to the second face wall 168 of the second pillar 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 49 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 49 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 47 or 48.

[0184] In some examples, tabs 1436 of second brace 1430 are offset to avoid interference or ensure overlap with other features of floor beam 1020. These features are located at different locations on floor beam 1020, and the locations of tabs 1436 are specifically offset to accommodate these locations.

[0185] Reference Figure 5B In the example shown, the right tab of the tabs 1436 is positioned higher (along the Figure 5B The longitudinal axis 1431 and orientation of the floor beams 1020 are oriented to avoid interfering with a bracket 1040 attached to one of the floor beams 1020. In one example, the left one of the tabs 1436 is positioned lower to ensure overlap with a spacer 1440 positioned in the opening 1023 of one of the floor beams 1020. Other types of offsets are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0186] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B, at least one of the tabs 1436 of the second support 1430 is configured to overlap at least a portion of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 50 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 50 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 47 to 49 above.

[0187] In some examples, one of the tabs 1436 (overlapping a portion of opening 1023) provides support to second support 1430 relative to one of floor beams 1020 even though the tab 1436 or at least some portion of the tab 1436 does not directly connect to one of floor beams 1020.

[0188] In some examples, at least one of the tabs 1436 overlaps at least a portion of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020 for attachment to the spacer 1440 positioned in the opening 1023 and the reinforcement plate 1460 positioned on the other side of one of the floor beams 1020. In this way, one of the tabs 1436 serves as a support feature for the spacer 1440 and the reinforcement plate 1460. The one of the tabs allows the second face wall 1434 to be positioned away from the opening 1023.

[0189] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5C-1 , the plurality of pillars 1410 include only the first pillar 1420. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 51 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 51 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 47 to 50 above.

[0190] First pillar 1420 has a lower weight than second pillar 1430 because first pillar 1420 does not have tab 1436 as a component of second pillar 1430. If first pillar 1420 can be used to attach secondary seat track pair 1310 to floor beam 1020, in some examples, first pillar 1420 is used instead of second pillar 1430, thereby reducing the overall weight of seating system 1100 and the overall weight of vehicle 1000.

[0191] In some examples, the first support column 1420 is attached to a floor beam 1020 without an opening or at least to a portion of the floor beam 1020 without an opening. If such a floor beam or such a floor beam portion exists, the first support column 1420 is used for weight saving considerations.

[0192] Although the term "first strut 1420" is used in the singular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some examples, multiple struts of this type are present in the plurality of struts 1410. Thus, the terms "only the first strut 1420" and "only the second strut 1430" should be viewed as types of struts in the plurality of struts 1410, rather than the presence of only one strut in the plurality of struts 1410.

[0193] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5C-2 , the plurality of pillars 1410 include only the second pillar 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 52 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 52 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 47 to 50 above.

[0194] In some examples, second post 1430 is attached to one of floor beams 1020 at any location, regardless of whether there is an opening in floor beam 1020. Thus, second post 1430 is an example of a universal post, and in some examples, is the only type of post supplied in seat system kit 1500 and is used at any location on floor beam 1020.

[0195] The presence and / or location of openings in the floor beam 1020 are typically unknown when forming the seating system kit 1500. The second post 1430 is configured for attachment to the floor beam 1020 at or near such openings and other locations without using the first post 1420 in these examples.

[0196] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the plurality of pillars 1410 include a first pillar 1420 and a second pillar 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 53 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 53 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 47 to 50 above.

[0197] The combination of first support post 1420 and second support post 1430 in seat system kit 1500 allows seat system kit 1500 to be installed on a floor beam 1020 having an opening without unduly increasing the weight of vehicle 1000. In some examples, this type of seat system kit 1500 is used when the presence and / or location of the opening in floor beam 1020 is known.

[0198] For example, in one example, if the attachment point on the secondary seat track pair 1310 does not have any openings, the first support post 1420 is used at that location. Figure 5B14. In some examples, the first support post 1420 has a lower weight than the second support post 1430 and the first support post 1420 is used in such a position. In other examples, the second support post 1430 is used in such a position. Alternatively, if the attachment location on the secondary seat rail pair 1310 has an opening 1023 or is close to an opening, the second support post 1430 is used. This example is shown in FIG. Figure 5B In some examples, the first support 1420 is not used in such a position near or at the opening 1023.

[0199] See generally Figure 1 See for example Fig. 5F , the wall 1025 including the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020 and the spacer 1440 have equal thickness. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 54 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 54 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 46 to 53 above.

[0200] In some examples, the spacer 1440 and the wall 1025 of the floor beam 1020 have equal thickness to ensure that the spacer 1440 is flush with both sides of the wall 1025 during installation of the seat system kit 1500. This flush arrangement allows the spacer 1440 to contact both the second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460. In addition, this flush arrangement allows the wall 1025 of the floor beam 1020 to contact the second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 around the opening 1023 in the wall 1025.

[0201] During installation of the seat system kit 1500, the spacer 1440 is positioned in the opening 1023 and aligned with one side of the wall 1025 around the opening. In some examples, the alignment is aided by the second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460. Thus, one side of the spacer 1440 and one side of the wall 1025 are coplanar and contact one of the second post 1430 or the reinforcement plate 1460. When the spacer 1440 and the wall 1025 of the floor beam 1020 have equal thickness, the other side of the spacer 1440 and the other side of the wall 1025 are also coplanar and allow contact with the other of the second post 1430 or the reinforcement plate 1460. Thus, the equal thickness allows the spacer 1440 and the floor beam 1020 to contact both the second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 around the opening 1023.

[0202] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B and Figure 5D, at least a portion of the opening 1023 in one of the spacers 1440 and the floor beams 1020 have complementary shapes. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 55 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 55 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 46 to 54 above.

[0203] The complementary shapes of the spacer 1440 and at least a portion of the opening 1023 provide a larger interface between the spacer 1440 and one of the floor beams 1020, thereby enabling support of a greater load between the spacer 1440 and one of the floor beams 1020. Additionally, depending on the shapes, load support is provided in more directions.

[0204] The spacer 1440 is positioned within the opening 1023 and is attached to the second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 by, for example, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490. The second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 may be connected to one of the floor beams 1020, respectively. The spacer 1440 is not directly attached to one of the floor beams 1020. The spacer 1440 may also transfer loads to and from one of the floor beams 1020, thereby providing additional support to one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490. This load transfer is performed through an interface between the spacer 1440 and one of the floor beams 1020 (or more specifically, an interface between an edge of the spacer and an edge of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020).

[0205] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B and Figure 5D , the spacer 1440 has a shape corresponding to a portion of a circle. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 56 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 56 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 46 to 55 above.

[0206] When the spacer 1440 has a shape corresponding to a portion of a circle and the shape is complementary to the shape of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020, load support between the spacer 1440 and one of the floor beams 1020 is provided in different directions. In some examples, these directions are perpendicular to the interface between the spacer 1440 and the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020.

[0207] The spacer 1440 is positioned within the opening 1023 and is attached to the second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 by, for example, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490. The second post 1430 and the reinforcement plate 1460 can each be connected to one of the floor beams 1020. The spacer 1440 is not directly attached to one of the floor beams 1020. The spacer 1440 can also transfer loads to and from one of the floor beams 1020, thereby providing additional support to one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490. This load transfer is performed through an interface between the spacer 1440 and one of the floor beams 1020 (or more specifically, an interface between an edge of the spacer and an edge of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020).

[0208] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5A and Figure 5B , each of the secondary seat rail pairs 1310 is formed of aluminum. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 57 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 57 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 46 to 56 above.

[0209] Aluminum is a lightweight material with good mechanical properties. The secondary seat rail pair 1310 is a long structure, and when the secondary seat rail pair 1310 is formed of aluminum, the weight of the secondary seat rail pair 1310 is reduced, for example, compared to other common structural materials (such as steel).

[0210] When the secondary seat track pair 1310 is formed of aluminum, it has a lower weight but still provides good mechanical support for the seat components that are later attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. In addition, the aluminum tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 can be easily attached to other types of materials, such as the floor beam 1020 (e.g., formed of a composite material) and the plurality of struts 1410 (e.g., formed of titanium).

[0211] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 2 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C-1 and Figure 5C-2 , the plurality of struts 1410 are formed of titanium. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 58 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 58 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 46 to 57 above.

[0212] Titanium is a lightweight material with good mechanical properties. However, titanium is expensive and, in some examples, is mainly used for small parts (such as the plurality of struts 1410).

[0213] When the plurality of pillars 1410 are formed of titanium, they have a lower weight but still provide good mechanical support for the secondary seat track pairs 1310 that are subsequently attached to the plurality of pillars 1410 and the seat assembly that is later attached to the secondary seat track pairs 1310. In addition, the titanium pillars can be easily attached to other types of materials, such as the floor beams 1020 (e.g., formed of a composite material) and the secondary seat track pairs 1310 (e.g., formed of aluminum).

[0214] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B , Figure 5E and Fig. 5F , one of the plurality of pillars 1410 is configured to receive one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 to attach the one of the plurality of pillars 1410 to the secondary seat track pair 1310. One of the plurality of pillars 1410 is also configured to receive one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 to attach the one of the plurality of pillars 1410 to one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 59 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 59 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 46 to 58 above.

[0215] In one example, one type of fastener (e.g., first plurality of fasteners 1480) is configured to attach one of the plurality of pillars 1410 to the secondary seat track pair 1310. In another example, the same or different type of fastener is configured to attach one of the plurality of pillars 1410 to the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0216] For example, one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 may protrude through a side wall of a pillar (e.g., one of the two first parallel side walls 1422 of the first pillar 1420 or one of the two second parallel side walls 1432 of the second pillar 1430) and through a wall of a track of the secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, in addition to protruding through the track of the secondary seat track pair 1310, one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 passes through two side walls of the same pillar (e.g., the two first parallel side walls 1422 of the first pillar 1420 or the two second parallel side walls 1432 of the second pillar 1430). In some examples, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 protrudes through a face wall of a pillar (e.g., the first face wall 1424 of the first pillar 1420 or the second face wall 1433 of the second pillar 1430) and a wall 1025 of one of the floor beams 1020. Additionally, in some examples, another one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 protrudes through one of the tabs 1436 of the second pillar 1430 , the spacer 1140 , and the reinforcement plate 1460 , thereby attaching the three components together.

[0217] In some examples, the plurality of first fasteners 1480 may be structurally identical or different from the plurality of second fasteners 1490. Some examples of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 and / or the plurality of second fasteners 1490 include, but are not limited to: Fasteners, bolts, screws and rivets.

[0218] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B , Figure 5E and Fig. 5F , the seat system kit 1500 also includes a plurality of second fasteners 1490. One of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is configured to protrude through one of the plurality of pillars 1410 and one of the floor beams 1020, and attach one of the plurality of pillars 1410 to one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 60 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 60 also includes subject matter according to Example 59 described above.

[0219] In some examples, plurality of second fasteners 1490 are different from plurality of first fasteners 1480 and are specifically used to attach second pillar 1430 to spacer 1140 and reinforcement plate 1460 and / or to attach second pillar 1430 to one of floor beams 1020. In some examples, seat system kit 1500 includes both plurality of first fasteners 1480 and plurality of second fasteners 1490.

[0220] For example, second plurality of fasteners 1490 may be of a different size or type than first plurality of fasteners 1480 due to their different attachment applications. In some examples, the number of fasteners in first plurality of fasteners 1480 and second plurality of fasteners 1490 in seat system kit 1500 depends on the number of attachment points used for each type of attachment.

[0221] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5C-2 , one of the plurality of pillars 1410 is a second pillar 1430, which includes two second parallel side walls 1432, a second face wall 1434, and a tab 1436. The second face wall 1434 connects the two second parallel side walls 1432. The tab 1436 extends from the opposite side of the second face wall 1434 and perpendicular to the two second parallel side walls 1432. One of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is configured to protrude through the reinforcement plate 1460, one of the floor beams 1020, and one of the second face walls 1434 or one of the tabs 1436, and attach the reinforcement plate 1460, one of the floor beams 1020, and one of the second face walls 1434 or one of the tabs 1436. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 61 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 61 also includes the subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 60.

[0222] In some examples, one or more of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 are used for direct attachment of the second post 1430 to one of the floor beams 1020, attachment of the second post 1430 to the spacer 1140 and the reinforcement plate 1460, attachment of the reinforcement plate 1460 to one of the floor beams 1020, or various combinations of these attachments.

[0223] Specifically, during installation of the seat system kit 1500, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 protrudes through the second face wall 1433 of the second pillar 1430 and the wall 1025 of one of the floor beams 1020. In addition, another of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 protrudes through one of the tabs 1436 of the second pillar 1430, the spacer 1140, and the reinforcement plate 1460, thereby attaching the three components together.

[0224] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5B , Figure 5E and Fig. 5F , the seat system kit 1500 also includes a plurality of first fasteners 1480. One of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 is configured to protrude through one of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310 and one of the plurality of pillars 1410, and attach one of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310 to one of the plurality of pillars 1410. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 62 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 62 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 59 to 61 above.

[0225] In some examples, the plurality of first fasteners 1480 are configured to attach the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the plurality of pillars 1410 during installation of the seating system kit 1500 on the vehicle 1000 and to support the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the plurality of pillars 1410 relative to each other during operation of the vehicle 1000 .

[0226] In some examples, one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 protrudes through a side wall of a pillar (e.g., one of the two first parallel side walls 1422 of first pillar 1420) and through a wall of a track of secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, in addition to protruding through the track of secondary seat track pair 1310, one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 protrudes through two side walls of the same pillar (e.g., the two first parallel side walls 1422 of first pillar 1420).

[0227] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5C-2, one of the plurality of pillars 1410 is a second pillar 1430, which includes two second parallel side walls 1432, a second face wall 1434, and a tab 1436. The second face wall 1434 connects the two second parallel side walls 1432. The tab 1436 extends from the opposite side of the second face wall 1434 and perpendicular to the two second parallel side walls 1432. One of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 is configured to protrude through at least one of the two second parallel side walls 1432. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 63 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 63 also includes the subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 62.

[0228] In some examples, the two second parallel side walls 1432 of the second pillar 1430 are connected to one of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310, and one or more of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 are configured to force the two second parallel side walls 1432 against one of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310, thereby supporting the second pillar 1430 relative to one of the seat tracks in the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0229] In some examples, one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 protrudes through a side wall of a pillar (e.g., one of the two first parallel side walls 1422 of a first pillar) and through a wall of a track of secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, in addition to protruding through the track of secondary seat track pair 1310, one of the plurality of first fasteners 1480 protrudes through two side walls of the same pillar (e.g., the two first parallel side walls 1422 of a first pillar 1420).

[0230] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 2 , the seat system kit 1500 also includes an adhesive 1470 to bond the reinforcement plate 1460 to one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 64 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 64 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 46 to 63 above.

[0231] In some examples, adhesive 1470 provides an adhesive bond between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020 (e.g., to support reinforcement plate 1460 relative to one of floor beams 1020 during and after installation of seat system kit 1500). In addition, adhesive 1470 ensures a larger contact interface between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020 and a more uniform load distribution between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020.

[0232] In some examples, adhesive 1470 is used instead of or in addition to fasteners (such as plurality of second fasteners 1490). Some examples of adhesive 1470 include, but are not limited to, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, methyl methacrylate adhesives, silicone adhesives, etc. Some examples of adhesive 1470 that is a one-component adhesive include heat-curable adhesives, moisture-curable adhesives (e.g., moisture in air), and / or radiation-curable adhesives.

[0233] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 2 , the seat system kit 1500 also includes an adhesive 1470 to bond the reinforcement plate 1460 to one of the floor beams 1020 and the spacer 1440. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 65 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 65 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 46 to 63 above.

[0234] In some examples, adhesive 1470 provides an adhesive bond between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020 and spacer 1440 (e.g., to support reinforcement plate 1460 and / or spacer 1440 relative to one of floor beams 1020 during and after installation of seat system kit 1500). In addition, adhesive 1470 ensures a larger contact interface between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020 and between reinforcement plate 1460 and spacer 1140, as well as a more uniform load distribution between these components.

[0235] In some examples, adhesive 1470 is used instead of or in addition to fasteners (such as plurality of second fasteners 1490). Some examples of adhesive 1470 include, but are not limited to, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, methyl methacrylate adhesives, silicone adhesives, etc. Some examples of adhesive 1470 that is a one-component adhesive include heat-curable adhesives, moisture-curable adhesives (e.g., moisture in air), and / or radiation-curable adhesives.

[0236] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5G , the reinforcing plate 1460 is configured to completely overlap the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 66 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 66 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 46 to 65 above.

[0237] When the reinforcing plate 1460 completely overlaps the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020, the reinforcing plate 1460 contacts the entire edge of the opening 1023 and provides support to the edge without creating any stress points. In this way, the reinforcing plate 1460 strengthens one of the floor beams 1020, considering that the second support 1430 is attached to one of the floor beams 1020 at this location.

[0238] In some examples, reinforcement plate 1460 meets one side of one of floor beams 1020 and extends over opening 1023, thereby completely overlapping opening 1023. Reinforcement plate 1460 is glued to one of floor beams 1020 and / or is attached to one of floor beams 1020 using one or more of plurality of second fasteners 1490. Reinforcement plate 1460 evenly distributes load on one of floor beams 1020 without creating stress points at the edge of opening 1023.

[0239] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 5C-2 and Figure 5G , one of the plurality of pillars 1410 is a second pillar 1430, which includes two second parallel side walls 1432, a second face wall 1434, and a tab 1436. The second face wall 1434 connects the two second parallel side walls 1432. The tab 1436 extends from the opposite side of the second face wall 1434 and perpendicular to the two second parallel side walls 1432. The reinforcing plate 1460 is configured to completely overlap with one of the tabs 1436 and the spacer 1440. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 67 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 67 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 46 to 66 above.

[0240] In some examples, connecting the second post 1430 to one of the floor beams 1020 around the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020 is performed using a combination of the reinforcement plate 1460, the spacer 1440, and one of the tabs 1436 of the second post 1430 without creating excessive stress on the one of the floor beams 1020 near the opening 1023. During installation of the seat system kit 1500, one of the tabs 1436 overlaps the reinforcement plate 1460. The spacer 1440 is positioned between one of the tabs 1436 and the reinforcement plate 1460 and allows loads to be transferred between the one of the tabs 1436 and the reinforcement plate 1460 through the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. The reinforcement plate 1460 then distributes the load away from the opening 1023.

[0241] In some examples, the reinforcing plate 1460 interfaces with one side of one of the floor beams 1020 and extends over the opening 1023 so as to completely overlap the opening 1023. The reinforcing plate 1460 is glued to one of the floor beams 1020 and / or is attached to one of the floor beams 1020 using one or more of the plurality of second fasteners 1490. Additionally, in some examples, the reinforcing plate 1460 interfaces with the spacer 1440, which in turn interfaces with one of the tabs 1436 of the second post 1430. The reinforcing plate 1460 is glued or otherwise attached to the spacer 1440, which in turn is glued or attached to one of the tabs 1436 of the second post 1430. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 are used to attach the reinforcing plate 1460, the spacer 1440, and one of the tabs 1436 of the second post 1430.

[0242] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3A , Figure 3C , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a method 6000 of configuring a seating system 1100 of a vehicle 1000 is disclosed. The vehicle 1000 includes a floor beam 1020. The seating system 1100 includes a primary seat track pair 1300 attached to the floor beam 1020 and supporting a first seat assembly 1200. The method 6000 includes (block 6200) attaching a secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 of the vehicle 1000 such that one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 68 of the present disclosure.

[0243] Attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 of a vehicle 1000 that already includes the primary seat track pair 1300 allows the seating configuration of the vehicle 1000 to be changed with minimal effort. In some examples, the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are configured and used to support different types of seat assemblies (e.g., seat assemblies with different numbers of seats). These types of seat assemblies are interchangeable in the same general location. For example, one seat assembly is used to increase the seating capacity of the vehicle 1000, while another seat assembly is used to increase aisle space.

[0244] In some examples, to avoid interference between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310, the pairs are displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. In some examples, the extent of the displacement is less than the track width of the primary seat track pair 1300 or the secondary seat track pair 1310. Thus, one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat track of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the first seat assembly 1200. In some examples, the track widths of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are the same.

[0245] In one example, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached to the floor beam 1020 of the vehicle 1000 using various fastening hardware 1400, such as a plurality of posts 1410, including, for example, a first post 1420 and / or a second post 1430. In some examples, the fastening hardware 1400 includes a reinforcement plate 1460 and a spacer 1440, which can be used to attach the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 including the opening 1023.

[0246] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3A and Figure 4B , according to method 6000, performing (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 of the vehicle 1000 such that only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 69 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 69 also includes subject matter according to Example 68 above.

[0247] Attaching one of the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 avoids interference between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the primary seat track pair 1300. In some examples, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is displaced relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 in a direction perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. When the degree of displacement is less than the width of the primary seat track pair 1300, only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. At the same time, in some examples, the degree of displacement is minimal to ensure that the seat assemblies supported by the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are aligned along the virtual longitudinal axis 1010.

[0248] Attaching only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 also enables the use of seat tracks with similar track widths. In some examples, a specific minimum track width is required in order to provide support to the seat assemblies attached to the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310, particularly when the vehicle 1000 is moving. In some examples, the track widths of the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are constant and substantially the same (e.g., varying by less than 10% or even varying by less than 5%). This feature also allows curved tracks and straight tracks to be combined without interference. For example, Figure 3A A primary seat track pair 1300 is shown having a first portion 1301 and a second portion 1302 that is inclined relative to the first portion 1301. A secondary seat track pair 1310 is straight.

[0249] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3A , according to method 6000, performing (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 of the vehicle 1000 such that only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 is positioned along its entire length between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 70 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 70 also includes subject matter according to Example 69 above.

[0250] Positioning only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 allows for avoiding interference between the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the primary seat track pair 1300 along that length. Additionally, positioning only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair 1310 between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair 1300 along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair 1310 provides support to the secondary seat track pair 1310 along its entire length and enables the use of a shorter, and therefore lower weight, secondary seat track pair 1310 without sacrificing the support and load distribution characteristics of the seating system 1100.

[0251] In some examples, when installed, both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached to the same set of floor beams 1020. The primary seat track pair 1300 is longer and is attached to a greater number of floor beams 1020, thereby allowing for a more even load distribution. The same set of floor beams 1020 to which both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310 are attached allows for load redistribution between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0252] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3B , the method 6000 further includes, before (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020, (block 6050) detaching the first seat assembly 1200 from the primary seat track pair 1300. The method 6000 further includes, after (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020, (block 6800) reattaching the first seat assembly 1200 to the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 71 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 71 further includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 68 to 70 above.

[0253] Removing the first seat assembly 1200 from the primary seat track pair 1300 provides access to the floor beam 1020 to which the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached. In some examples, a portion of the secondary seat track pair 1310 extends below the first seat assembly 1200, although the first seat assembly 1200 is not supported by the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0254] In some examples, disassembling the first seat assembly 1200 from the primary seat track pair 1300 involves removing fasteners (e.g., bolts) extending between the first seat assembly 1200 and the primary seat track pair 1300. In some examples, these fasteners are reused when the first seat assembly 1200 is reattached to the primary seat track pair 1300. The first seat assembly 1200 is reattached to the primary seat track pair 1300 after the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached to the floor beam 1020 and further access to the floor beam 1020 is not required.

[0255] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the method 6000 further includes, before (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020, (block 6100) removing the floor panel 1060 from the primary seat track pair 1300. The method 6000 further includes, after (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020, (block 6700) attaching the floor panel 1060 to the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 72 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 72 further includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 68 to 71 above.

[0256] Removing (block 6100) the floor panels 1060 from the primary seat track pair 1300 provides access to the floor beams 1020 to which the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached. Once the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached to the floor beams 1020 and no further access to the floor beams 1020 is required, the floor panels 1060 are reinstalled. In one example, the floor panels are identical to one another. In another example, at least some of the floor panels are structurally different from the other floor panels.

[0257] In some examples, the floor panel 1060 is initially attached to the primary seat track pair 1300 and extends between the primary seat track pair 1300. Once the secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached to the floor beam 1020 and no further access to the floor beam 1020 is required, the floor panel 1060 is attached to both the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, the floor panel 1060 extends between each pair of adjacent tracks, such that each pair is formed by one track of the primary seat track pair 1300 and one track of the secondary seat track pair 1310.

[0258] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 4B , method 6000 further includes, after (block 6200) attaching secondary seat track pair 1310, (block 6900) attaching second seat assembly 1210 to secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 73 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 73 also includes subject matter according to any one of Examples 68 to 72 above.

[0259] Once secondary seat track pair 1310 is attached to floor beam 1020, secondary seat track pair 1310 can support second seat assembly 1210, and second seat assembly 1210 is attached to secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, second seat assembly 1210 replaces another seat assembly, such as to change the seating configuration of vehicle 1000.

[0260] Attaching second seat assembly 1210 to secondary seat track pair 1310 may involve installing fasteners (e.g., bolts) extending between second seat assembly 1210 and secondary seat track pair 1310. In some examples, second seat assembly 1210 is attached at a particular distance from first seat assembly 1200. In some examples, additional seat assemblies are attached to secondary seat track pair 1310 during this operation.

[0261] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4BAccording to method 6000, first seat assembly 1200 includes first seat support 1202 and first plurality of seats 1204 attached to first seat support 1202. Second seat assembly 1210 includes second seat support 1212 and second plurality of seats 1214 attached to second seat support 1212. First plurality of seats 1204 and second plurality of seats 1214 have an equal number of seats. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 74 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 74 also includes subject matter according to the above-mentioned Example 73.

[0262] In some examples, such as with Figure 3C Compared to the seating arrangement shown, Figure 3B The equal number of seats in the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 is shown to maximize the total seating capacity of the vehicle. In addition, the back supports of the first plurality of seats 1204 are used as a safety feature by passengers in the second plurality of seats 1214, for example, during sudden deceleration of the vehicle 1000. The equal number of seats also allows passengers sitting in the second plurality of seats 1214 to use the back side of the first plurality of seats 1204 for access to various features, such as foldable trays, displays, etc.

[0263] Specifically, each seat in second plurality of seats 1214 has a corresponding seat in first plurality of seats 1204. The rear side of the seat in first plurality of seats 1204 is used to support these various features and is utilized by a passenger seated in the seat in second plurality of seats 1214.

[0264] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B According to method 6000, (block 6900) attaching the second seat assembly 1210 to the secondary seat track pair 1310 includes (block 6910) attaching the second seat support 1212 of the second seat assembly 1210 to the secondary seat track pair 1310. The second seat support 1212 is geometrically different from the first seat support 1202 attached to the primary seat track pair 1300. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 75 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 75 also includes subject matter according to Example 74 above.

[0265] The geometric differences between the first seat supports 1202 and the second seat supports 1212 enable the first plurality of seats 1204 to be aligned with the second plurality of seats 1214 relative to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012 even when the seat tracks supporting the seat assemblies are offset. In some examples, the track offset is used to avoid interference between the primary seat track pair 1300 and the secondary seat track pair 1310. However, the alignment or different offset of the first plurality of seats 1204 and the second plurality of seats 1214 allows for a straight aisle with a constant width.

[0266] Specifically, the first seat assembly 1200 includes a first seat support 1202 attached to the primary seat track pair 1300, and the second seat assembly 1210 includes a second seat support 1212 attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310. Figure 3A As shown, the secondary seat track pair 1310 is offset relative to the primary seat track pair 1300 or at least relative to the first portion 1301 of the primary seat track pair 1300 toward the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. Figure 3B As shown, each seat in first plurality of seats 1204 of first seat assembly 1200 is generally aligned with one seat in second plurality of seats 1214 of second seat assembly 1210 along imaginary longitudinal axis 1010 .

[0267] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B , Figure 5E and Fig. 5F According to method 6000, (block 6910) attaching second seat support 1212 of second seat assembly 1210 to secondary seat track pair 1310 includes (block 6915) installing a plurality of third fasteners 1495, each third fastener 1495 extending through second seat support 1212 and one of the seat tracks in secondary seat track pair 1310. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 76 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 76 also includes subject matter according to the foregoing Example 75.

[0268] A plurality of third fasteners 1495 secure the second seat support 1212 to one of the secondary seat track pairs 1310. In this way, the second seat assembly 1210 remains in its position relative to the secondary seat track pair 1310 and the remainder of the vehicle 1000 during operation of the vehicle 1000.

[0269] In some examples, the plurality of third fasteners 1495 may be the same as or different from the plurality of first fasteners 1480 or the plurality of second fasteners 1490. Some examples include, but are not limited to In some examples, third plurality of fasteners 1495 are installed after floor panel 1060 is installed. For example, portions of secondary seat track pair 1310 protrude above floor panel 1060 and are used to attach second seat support 1212 of second seat assembly 1210 .

[0270] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 3A , according to method 6000, (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pairs 1310 to the floor beams 1020 includes (block 6210) aligning the secondary seat track pairs 1310 with the floor beams 1020 such that each seat track in the secondary seat track pairs 1310 is perpendicular to each floor beam 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 77 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 77 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 68 to 76 above.

[0271] In some examples, the complexity of connecting the secondary seat track pairs 1310 to the floor beams 1020 is reduced when each seat track in the secondary seat track pairs 1310 is perpendicular to each floor beam 1020. For example, various rectangular features of the plurality of posts 1410 are used for this operation.

[0272] In some examples, the floor beam 1020 is perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal plane 1012. Thus, when the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair 1310 are each parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis 1010, the seat tracks are also perpendicular to the floor beam 1020, thereby simplifying the attachment of the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020. In addition, such attachment can support a greater load than when the secondary seat track pair 1310 is not perpendicular to the floor beam 1020, for example.

[0273] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B , Figure 5C-1 and Figure 5C-2 According to the method 6000, (block 6200) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 includes (block 6300) attaching the plurality of pillars 1410 to the floor beam 1020 and (block 6400) attaching the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the plurality of pillars 1410. The plurality of pillars 1410 includes at least one of the first pillar 1420 or the second pillar 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 78 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 78 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 68 to 77 above.

[0274] A plurality of braces 1410 are used to attach the secondary seat track pair 1310 to the floor beam 1020 , or more specifically, to provide a coupling interface.

[0275] The plurality of pillars 1410 include at least one of a first pillar 1420 or a second pillar 1430. In some examples, the first pillar 1420 is used to attach the secondary seat track pair 1310 to some portions of the floor beam 1020 (e.g., without an opening), while the second pillar 1430 is used to attach to other portions of the floor beam 1020 (e.g., near an opening). The first pillar 1420 is geometrically different from the second pillar 1430 to achieve different functions. In some examples, the plurality of pillars 1410 includes only one or more first pillars 1420, includes only one or more second pillars 1430, or includes a combination of one or more first pillars 1420 and one or more second pillars 1430. In some examples, a reinforcement plate 1460 is used in a location where one of the floor beams 1020 has an opening 1023, for example, to reinforce one of the floor beams 1020 around the opening 1023. In some examples, spacer 1440 is positioned in opening 1023 to bridge a space between reinforcement plate 1460 and, for example, second post 1430 when second post 1430 and reinforcement plate 1460 are attached to one of floor beams 1020 .

[0276] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B According to method 6000, one of floor beams 1020 includes opening 1023, and (block 6300) attaching the plurality of posts 1410 to one of floor beams 1020 includes (block 6305) attaching a second post 1430 to one of floor beams 1020. Second post 1430 includes two second parallel side walls 1432, a second face wall 1434, and a tab 1436. Second face wall 1434 connects the two second parallel side walls 1432. Tab 1436 extends from opposite sides of second face wall 1434 and perpendicular to the two second parallel side walls 1432. One of tabs 1436 at least partially covers opening 1023. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 79 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 79 also includes subject matter according to the above-described Example 78.

[0277] One of the tabs 1436 (overlapping a portion of the opening 1023) provides support to the second support 1430 relative to one of the floor beams 1020, even though the one of the tabs 1436, or at least some portion of the one of the tabs 1436, does not directly connect to one of the floor beams 1020.

[0278] In some examples, at least one of the tabs 1436 overlaps at least a portion of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020 for attachment to the spacer 1440 positioned in the opening 1023 and the reinforcement plate 1460 positioned on the other side of one of the floor beams 1020. In this way, one of the tabs 1436 serves as a support feature for the spacer 1440 and the reinforcement plate 1460. The one of the tabs allows the second face wall 1434 to be positioned away from the opening 1023.

[0279] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5D and Figure 5G According to method 6000, one of floor beams 1020 includes a first side 1024 and a second side 1026 opposite first side 1024, and (block 6305) attaching second leg 1430 to one of floor beams 1020 includes: (block 6320) positioning reinforcing plate 1460 against first side 1024 of one of floor beams 1020, (block 6340) positioning second leg 1430 against second side 1026 of one of floor beams 1020, (block 6360) forming one of a plurality of fastener openings 1027 through second leg 1430, one of floor beams 1020, and reinforcing plate 1460, and (block 6380) installing one of a plurality of second fasteners 1490 through one of the plurality of fastener openings 1027 to interconnect second leg 1430, one of floor beams 1020, and reinforcing plate 1460. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 80 of the present disclosure, wherein example 80 also includes subject matter according to example 79 above.

[0280] In some examples, reinforcement plate 1460 is connected to one of floor beams 1020 and second support 1430 to reinforce one of floor beams 1020 and redistribute load away from the connection point. For example, the connection point is located at or near opening 1023 in one of floor beams 1020.

[0281] When reinforcement plate 1460 is connected to one of floor beams 1020 and second post 1430, one of floor beams 1020 is positioned between reinforcement plate 1460 and second post 1430. Specifically, reinforcement plate 1460 is positioned against first side 1024 of one of floor beams 1020, and second post 1430 is positioned against second side 1026 of one of floor beams 1020. In some examples, a plurality of fastener openings 1027 are formed through second post 1430, one of floor beams 1020, and reinforcement plate 1460, such as using a drill. For example, a plurality of second fasteners 1490 installed through one of the plurality of fastener openings 1027 to interconnect second post 1430, one of floor beams 1020, and reinforcement plate 1460 are Fasteners, bolts, screws and rivets.

[0282] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B According to method 6000, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is installed by one of the tabs 1436 at least partially covering the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 81 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 81 also includes subject matter according to Example 80 above.

[0283] One of the tabs 1436 (overlapping a portion of the opening 1023 ) provides support to the second support 1430 relative to one of the floor beams 1020 , even though the one of the tabs 1436 , or at least some portion of the one of the tabs 1436 , does not directly connect to one of the floor beams 1020 .

[0284] In some examples, at least one of the tabs 1436 overlaps at least a portion of the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020 for attachment to the spacer 1440 positioned in the opening 1023 and the reinforcement plate 1460 positioned on the other side of one of the floor beams 1020. In this way, one of the tabs 1436 serves as a support feature for the spacer 1440 and the reinforcement plate 1460. The one of the tabs allows the second face wall 1434 to be positioned away from the opening 1023.

[0285] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5C-2 According to method 6000, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is installed through second face wall 1434 of second support 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 82 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 82 also includes subject matter according to the above-described Example 80.

[0286] In some examples, one or more of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 are used for direct attachment of the second post 1430 to one of the floor beams 1020, attachment of the second post 1430 to the spacer 1140 and the reinforcement plate 1460, attachment of the reinforcement plate 1460 to one of the floor beams 1020, or various combinations of these attachments.

[0287] In some examples, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 protrudes through the second face wall 1434 of the second pillar 1430 and the wall 1025 of one of the floor beams 1020. In addition, another of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 protrudes through one of the tabs 1436 of the second pillar 1430, the spacer 1140, and the reinforcement plate 1460, thereby attaching these three components together. Some examples of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 include, but are not limited to Fasteners, bolts, screws and rivets.

[0288] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B According to method 6000, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is installed through another of the tabs 1436 extending away from the opening 1023 in one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 83 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 83 also includes subject matter according to Example 80 above.

[0289] In some examples, tabs 1436 of second leg 1430 are used to increase the interface area with one of floor beams 1020. For example, one of tabs 1436 extends away from opening 1023. One of tabs 1436 is secured by one of a plurality of second fasteners 1490 for attaching second leg 1430 directly to one of floor beams 1020.

[0290] In some examples, a fastener opening 1070 is formed through one of the tabs 1436 and the floor beam 1020, and one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is installed through the fastener opening 1070. In some examples, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 further extends through a reinforcement plate 1460 positioned on the other side of one of the floor beams 1020, such that one of the floor beams 1020 is positioned between the reinforcement plate 1460 and one of the tabs 1436 of the second support 1430. Some examples of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 include, but are not limited to: Fasteners, bolts, screws and rivets.

[0291] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B , according to method 6000, (block 6305) attaching second post 1430 to one of floor beams 1020 further includes (block 6330) positioning spacer 1440 into opening 1023 in one of floor beams 1020 such that at least a portion of spacer 1440 is located between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of tabs 1436 of second post 1430. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 84 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 84 further includes subject matter according to any of the above Examples 80 to 83.

[0292] In some examples, spacer 1440 is positioned in opening 1023 to bridge a space between reinforcement plate 1460 and, for example, second post 1430 when second post 1430 and reinforcement plate 1460 are attached to one of floor beams 1020 .

[0293] In some examples, the spacer 1440 and the wall 1025 of the floor beam 1020 have equal thickness to ensure that the spacer 1440 is flush with both sides of the wall 1025 and meets the reinforcement plate 1460 and one of the tabs 1436 of the second pillar 1430. In some examples, one of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 is installed through the reinforcement plate 1460, the spacer 1440, and one of the tabs 1436 of the second pillar 1430. In some examples, when the spacer 1440 is positioned in the opening 1023, the spacer 1440 is adhered to the reinforcement plate 1460.

[0294] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 2 , according to method 6000, (block 6305) attaching second post 1430 to one of floor beams 1020 further includes (block 6322) applying adhesive 1470 between reinforcement plate 1460 and first side 1024 of one of floor beams 1020 and between reinforcement plate 1460 and spacer 1440. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 85 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 85 also includes subject matter according to the above-described Example 84.

[0295] In some examples, adhesive 1470 provides an adhesive bond between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020 (e.g., to support reinforcement plate 1460 relative to one of floor beams 1020 during and after installation of seat system kit 1500). In addition, adhesive 1470 ensures a larger contact interface between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020 and a more uniform load distribution between reinforcement plate 1460 and one of floor beams 1020.

[0296] In some examples, adhesive 1470 is used instead of or in addition to fasteners (such as plurality of second fasteners 1490). Some examples of adhesive 1470 include, but are not limited to, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, methyl methacrylate adhesives, silicone adhesives, etc. When adhesive 1470 is a one-component adhesive, some examples of adhesive 1470 include heat-curable adhesives, moisture-curable adhesives (e.g., moisture in air), and / or radiation-curable adhesives.

[0297] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5G, according to method 6000, (block 6305) attaching second brace 1430 to one of floor beams 1020 further includes (block 6310) removing bracket 1040 from one of floor beams 1020, (block 6365) forming an additional fastener opening of the plurality of fastener openings 1027 through reinforcing plate 1460, and (block 6385) installing another of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 through the additional fastener opening of the plurality of fastener openings 1027 and bracket 1040 to interconnect bracket 1040, one of floor beams 1020, and reinforcing plate 1460. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 86 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 86 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 80 to 85 above.

[0298] In some examples, bracket 1040 is positioned near the attachment point of second support 1430 to one of floor beams 1020. At the same time, reinforcement plate 1460 is used to reinforce one of floor beams 1020 and redistribute load throughout one of floor beams 1020 to avoid excessive stress near opening 1023 in one of floor beams 1020 and / or near the attachment point of bracket 1040 to one of floor beams 1020.

[0299] In some examples, reinforcement plate 1460 extends over the attachment point of bracket 1040 to one of floor beams 1020 and reinforces one of floor beams 1020 at that point. To prevent interference between the fasteners, supporting bracket 1040 relative to one of floor beams 1020, bracket 1040 is removed. Reinforcement plate 1460 is positioned against one of floor beams 1020 such that one of floor beams 1020 is disposed between reinforcement plate 1460 and bracket 1040. Bracket 1040 is then reattached using one of a plurality of second fasteners 1490 that protrudes through bracket 1040, one of floor beams 1020, and reinforcement plate 1460.

[0300] See generally Figure 1 See for example Figure 6 , according to method 6000, (block 6300) attaching the plurality of posts 1410 to one of the floor beams 1020 includes (block 6302) attaching the first post 1420 to one of the floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 87 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 87 also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 78 to 86 above.

[0301] A plurality of braces 1410 are also attached to the secondary seat track pair 1310 and support the secondary seat track pair 1310 relative to the floor beams 1020. Attaching the plurality of braces 1410 to one of the floor beams 1020 provides this support.

[0302] Various forms of attachment of the plurality of posts 1410 to one of the floor beams 1020 are within the scope of the present disclosure, such as installing fasteners (e.g., the plurality of second fasteners 1490), applying adhesive 1470, etc. When an opening 1023 is present in one of the floor beams 1020, the plurality of posts 1410 are attached to the one of the floor beams 1020 in an area away from the opening 1023.

[0303] See generally Figure 6 See for example Figure 5B and Figure 5C-1 According to method 6000, first post 1420 includes two first parallel side walls 1422 and a first face wall 1424 connecting the two first parallel side walls 1422, and (block 6302) attaching first post 1420 to one of floor beams 1020 includes installing a plurality of second fasteners 1490 through first face wall 1424 and one of floor beams 1020. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 88 of the present disclosure, wherein Example 88 also includes subject matter according to Example 87 above.

[0304] In some examples, first face wall 1424 of first leg 1420 is positioned against floor beam 1020. One or more of plurality of second fasteners 1490 are installed through first face wall 1424 and one of floor beams 1020, thereby securing first leg 1420 relative to one of floor beams 1020.

[0305] The number of fasteners in the plurality of second fasteners 1490 installed through one of the first face wall 1424 and the floor beam 1020 depends on the height of the first support column 1420. Some examples of the plurality of second fasteners 1490 include, but are not limited to: Fasteners, bolts, screws and rivets.

[0306] You can Figure 8 Aircraft manufacturing and operating method 800 and the like are shown Figure 7 Examples of the present disclosure are described in the context of an aircraft 700 as shown. During pre-production, the illustrative method 800 may include a specification and design block 804 of the aircraft 700 and a material procurement block 806. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing block 808 and system integration block 810 of the aircraft 700 may occur. Thereafter, the aircraft 700 may pass through a certification and delivery block 812, followed by an entry into service block 814. In service, the aircraft 700 may periodically undergo routine maintenance and repair block 816. Routine maintenance and repair may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft 700.

[0307] Each process of illustrative method 800 may be completed or performed by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this specification, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0308] like Figure 8 As shown, an aircraft 700 produced by the illustrative method 800 may include a fuselage 1118 having a plurality of high-level systems 750 and an interior 770. Examples of high-level systems 750 include one or more of a propulsion system 730, an electrical system 740, a hydraulic system 760, and an environmental system. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Therefore, in addition to the aircraft 700, the principles disclosed herein may be applicable to other vehicles, such as land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.

[0309] The apparatus and methods shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more stages of the manufacturing and operating method 800. For example, the components or subassemblies corresponding to the component and subassembly manufacturing block 808 may be produced or manufactured in a manner similar to the components or subassemblies produced while the aircraft 700 is in service block 814. Moreover, one or more examples of the apparatus, method, or combination thereof may be utilized during the production phase (blocks 808 and 810), for example, by significantly speeding up the assembly of the aircraft 700 or reducing the cost of the aircraft 700. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or method implementation, or combination thereof, may be utilized, for example, but not limited to, while the aircraft 700 is in service block 814 and / or during maintenance and repair block 816.

[0310] The different examples of the devices and methods disclosed herein include various components, features, and functions. It should be understood that the various examples of the devices and methods disclosed herein may include any combination of any components, features, and functions of any other examples of the devices and methods disclosed herein, and all of these possibilities are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0311] Many modifications of the examples set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

[0312] Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples shown, and modifications and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the above description and related drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in the context of certain illustrative combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the reference numerals in parentheses in the appended claims are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A seating system for a vehicle including a floor beam supporting a floor panel defining a floor surface, the vehicle having an imaginary longitudinal plane perpendicular to the floor surface and an imaginary longitudinal axis parallel to the floor surface and lying in the imaginary longitudinal plane, the seating system comprising: a primary seat track pair, wherein the seat track of the primary seat track pair includes a first portion and a second portion that is inclined relative to the first portion; a secondary seat track pair, one seat track of the secondary seat track pair being positioned between the first portions and between the second portions of the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair; as well as a first seat assembly including a first seat support and a first plurality of seats attached to the first seat support, in: the first seat support being attached to the primary seat track pair; said first portion of the seat track of said primary seat track pair being parallel to each of said secondary seat track pairs; the second portion of the seat track of the primary seat track pair is not parallel to either seat track of the secondary seat track pair, and Each of the secondary seat track pairs is shorter than each of the primary seat track pairs.

2. The seating system of claim 1, wherein only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair.

3. The seating system of claim 2, wherein only one of the secondary seat track pairs is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair along the entire length of the secondary seat track pair.

4. The seating system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein only a portion of one of the primary seat track pairs is positioned between the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pairs.

5. The seating system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein any seat track of the secondary seat track pair does not intersect any seat track of the primary seat track pair.

6. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the seat tracks of the secondary seat track pair are each parallel to the virtual longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

7. The seating system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second seat assembly comprising a second seat support and a second plurality of seats attached to the second seat support, wherein the second seat support is attached to the secondary seat track pair.

8. The seating system of claim 7 wherein the first seat support is geometrically different from the second seat support.

9. The seating system of claim 7, wherein the first plurality of seats of the first seating assembly are aligned with the second plurality of seats of the second seating assembly along the imaginary longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

10. The seating system of claim 7, wherein: the first plurality of seats of the first seat assembly comprising a first inboard seat, the first inboard seat being positioned closer to the imaginary longitudinal plane of the vehicle than all other seats in the first plurality of seats; the second plurality of seats of the second seat assembly includes a second inboard seat positioned closer to the imaginary longitudinal plane than all other seats in the second plurality of seats; and The first shortest distance (D) between the first inner seat and the virtual longitudinal plane a ) and the second shortest distance (D b )same.

11. The seating system of claim 7, wherein: The seats of the first plurality of seats of the first seat assembly are arranged along a first row axis; and The seats of the second plurality of seats of the second seat assembly are arranged along a second row axis that is parallel to the first row axis.

12. The seat system of claim 11, wherein: The first row axis and the second row axis are both perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

13. The seat system of claim 7, wherein: The first plurality of seats of the first seat assembly and the second plurality of seats of the second seat assembly have an equal number of seats.

14. The seat system of claim 7, wherein: Each seat in the first plurality of seats of the first seat assembly is identical to any seat in the second plurality of seats of the second seat assembly.

15. The seating system of claim 7 further comprising a third seat assembly attached to the primary seat track pair, and wherein at least a portion of the second seat assembly is positioned between the first seat assembly and the third seat assembly.

16. The seating system of claim 15, wherein: The third seating assembly includes a third plurality of seats; and The seats of the third plurality of seats are arranged along a third row axis that is inclined relative to the imaginary longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

17. The seating system of claim 16, wherein: The first plurality of seats of the first seat assembly and the third plurality of seats of the third seat assembly have different numbers of seats.

18. The seating system of any one of claims 7 to 14, further comprising a third seat assembly and a fourth seat assembly both attached to the main seat track pair, and wherein at least a portion of the fourth seat assembly is positioned between the first seat assembly and the third seat assembly.

19. The seating system of claim 18, wherein: the fourth seating assembly comprising a fourth plurality of seats; and The seats of the fourth plurality of seats are arranged along a fourth row axis that is inclined relative to the imaginary longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

20. The seating system of claim 19 wherein the first plurality of seats of the first seating assembly and the fourth plurality of seats of the fourth seating assembly have different numbers of seats.

21. A seating system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The third seating assembly includes a third plurality of seats; and The third plurality of seats and the fourth plurality of seats in the fourth seat assembly have the same number of seats.

22. The seating system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle is one of an aircraft, a ship or a land vehicle.

23. A method of configuring a seating system for a vehicle including a floor beam, the seating system including a pair of primary seat tracks attached to the floor beam and supporting a first seat assembly, the method comprising the steps of: Attaching a secondary seat track pair to the floor beam of the vehicle, wherein: The seat track of the main seat track pair comprises a first portion and a second portion inclined relative to the first portion, only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair is positioned between the first portions and between the second portions of the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair, said first portion of the seat track of said primary seat track pair being parallel to each of said secondary seat track pairs; the second portion of the seat track of the primary seat track pair is not parallel to either seat track of the secondary seat track pair, and Each of the secondary seat track pairs is shorter than each of the primary seat track pairs.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair to the floor beam of the vehicle is performed such that only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair to the floor beam of the vehicle is performed such that the only one seat track of the secondary seat track pair is positioned between the seat tracks of the primary seat track pair along its entire length.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising: prior to said step of attaching said secondary seat track pair to said floor beam, removing said first seat assembly from said primary seat track pair; as well as After the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair to the floor beam, the first seat assembly is reattached to the primary seat track pair.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising: prior to said step of attaching said secondary seat track pair to said floor beam, removing a floor panel from said primary seat track pair; as well as After the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair to the floor beam, the floor panel is attached to the primary seat track pair and the secondary seat track pair.

28. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising, after the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair, the step of attaching a second seat assembly to the secondary seat track pair.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein: The first seat assembly includes a first seat support and a first plurality of seats attached to the first seat support; the second seat assembly comprising a second seat support and a second plurality of seats attached to the second seat support; as well as The first plurality of seats and the second plurality of seats have the same number of seats.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: The step of attaching the second seat assembly to the secondary seat track pair includes the steps of attaching the second seat support of the second seat assembly to the secondary seat track pair, and The second seat support is geometrically different from the first seat support attached to the primary seat track pair.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of attaching the second seat support of the second seat assembly to the secondary seat track pair includes the step of installing a plurality of third fasteners, each third fastener extending through the second seat support and one seat track of the secondary seat track pair.

32. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair to the floor beams includes aligning the secondary seat track pair with the floor beams so that each seat track in the secondary seat track pair is perpendicular to each of the floor beams.

33. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the step of attaching the secondary seat track pair to the floor beam comprises the steps of: attaching a plurality of struts to the floor beam, and wherein the plurality of struts includes at least one of a first strut or a second strut; and The secondary seat track pair is attached to the plurality of pillars.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: One of the floor beams includes an opening; said step of attaching said plurality of posts to one of said floor beams comprises the step of attaching said second post to one of said floor beams; The second pillar includes two second parallel side walls, a second face wall connecting the two second parallel side walls, and a tab extending from opposite sides of the second face wall and perpendicular to the two second parallel side walls; and One of the tabs at least partially covers the opening.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein: said one of said floor beams comprising a first side and a second side opposite said first side; and The step of attaching the second brace to the one of the floor beams comprises: positioning a reinforcement plate against said first side of said one of said floor beams; positioning the second brace against the second side of the one of the floor beams; forming one of a plurality of fastener openings through the second post, one of the floor beams, and the reinforcement plate; and One of a second plurality of fasteners is installed through one of the plurality of fastener openings to interconnect the second column, one of the floor beams, and the reinforcement plate.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the one of the second plurality of fasteners is installed through one of the tabs, the tab at least partially covering the opening in the one of the floor beams.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the one of the second plurality of fasteners is mounted through the second facing wall of the second support column.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein the one of the second plurality of fasteners is mounted through another one of the tabs extending away from the opening in the one of the floor beams.

39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein: The step of attaching the second post to the one of the floor beams also includes positioning a spacer into the opening in the one of the floor beams such that at least a portion of the spacer is between the reinforcement plate and one of the tabs of the second post.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of attaching the second brace to the one of the floor beams further comprises applying an adhesive between the reinforcement plate and the first side of the one of the floor beams and between the reinforcement plate and the spacer.

41. The method of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the step of attaching the second brace to the one of the floor beams further comprises: removing a bracket from said one of said floor beams; forming an additional fastener opening through the plurality of fastener openings of the reinforcement plate; as well as Another of the second plurality of fasteners is installed through the one additional fastener opening of the plurality of fastener openings and the bracket to interconnect the bracket, one of the floor beams, and the reinforcement plate.

42. The method of claim 33, wherein: The step of attaching the plurality of posts to one of the floor beams includes the step of attaching the first post to the one of the floor beams.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein: The first pillar comprises two first parallel side walls and a first face wall connecting the two first parallel side walls; and The step of attaching the first post to the one of the floor beams includes installing a plurality of a second plurality of fasteners through the first face wall and the one of the floor beams.

Images