Sliding seat assembly

Abstract

A seat assembly includes an anchor having a post surrounded by a body. The post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads. The post surrounds a locking pin that is actuated within the post. An electrical connector extends outwardly from the anchor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to seat assemblies and, more particularly, to a seat assembly that can translate to various positions. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are often equipped with seat assemblies that can be adjusted to suit the comfort of the occupants. Some seat assemblies in vehicles are capable of translation in the fore-aft or left-right directions. However, there is a need for reconfigurable seat assemblies in vehicles that can be translated to various positions within the vehicle cabin. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes an anchor having a post surrounded by a body. The post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads. The post surrounds a locking pin that is actuated within the post. An electrical connector extends outwardly from the anchor.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0005] Anchors engage with the rail system;

[0006] The guide rail system includes low-friction sections;

[0007] The guide rail system further includes a plurality of positioning holes configured to receive locking pins;

[0008] The rail system includes a conductor provided with electrical power and configured to receive an electrical connector;

[0009] The electrical connector is generally circular so that it remains coupled to the conductor regardless of the rotational position of the anchor;

[0010] The seat assembly further includes a first spring positioned between the upper head portion and the body and configured to facilitate actuation of the locking pin;

[0011] The seat assembly further includes a second spring positioned at a lower region of the locking pin and configured to bias the locking pin in a downward direction;

[0012] A second spring is located within the lower head of the column; and

[0013] • The locking pin further includes a shoulder that engages the underside of the second spring.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes an anchor having a post surrounded by a body. The post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads. The post surrounds a locking pin that is vertically actuated within the post. An electrical connector extends outward from the anchor to establish an electrical connection with the seat assembly.

[0015] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0016] The seat assembly further includes a recess in at least one side of the lower head of the anchor;

[0017] The alcove receives a data cable configured to send and receive data related to the positioning of the seat assembly; and

[0018] • The alcove further includes one or more data readers operably coupled to the data path such that data relating to the configuration of the seat assembly is sent to and received from the data cable.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes an anchor having a post surrounded by a body. The post extends above and below the body and terminates in an upper head and a lower head. The post surrounds a locking pin that is actuable within the post. A first spring is positioned between the upper head and the body and is configured to facilitate actuation of the locking pin.

[0020] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0021] The anchor is engaged with a rail system having a plurality of locating holes configured to receive locking pins;

[0022] The seat assembly further includes a second spring positioned at a lower region of the locking pin and configured to bias the locking pin in a downward direction;

[0023] The second spring is located in the lower head of the main body;

[0024] The locking pin further includes a shoulder that engages an underside of the second spring; and

[0025] The seat assembly further includes an alcove in at least one side of the lower head of the anchor, wherein the alcove receives a data cable configured to send and receive data related to the positioning of the seat assembly, and wherein the alcove includes one or more data readers operably coupled to the data path such that data related to the configuration of the seat assembly is sent to and received from the data cable.

[0026] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the attached figure:

[0028] Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle passenger cabin illustrating a track system and a seat assembly according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a top view of a vehicle passenger cabin illustrating a track system and a seat assembly according to another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a top view of a track system illustrating movement of a seat assembly along the track system according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 is a top view of a track system illustrating movement of a seat assembly along the track system according to another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 is a top view illustrating a portion of a track system of a seat assembly traversing the track system through a corner according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 is a top perspective view illustrating a corner of a rail system with an anchor coupled thereto, according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 is a top view of an anchor engaged with a rail system illustrating a curved side of the anchor according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic top view illustrating rounded corners of a rail system of a ladder-shaped seat base according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 9 According to one embodiment, Figure 8 A side view of the anchor coupled to the rail system taken along line IX-IX;

[0037] Figure 10 is a side view of a wheel of a seat assembly according to one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 11 is a side perspective view of a seat assembly with a partial cutaway view of an anchor according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 an enlarged view of the anchor depicted in ;

[0040] Figure 13 According to one embodiment, Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system and anchor taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.

[0041] Figure 14 According to another embodiment, Figure 9A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system and anchor taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.

[0042] Figure 15 According to another embodiment, Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system and anchor taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.

[0043] Figure 16 According to one embodiment, Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system and anchor taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG.

[0044] Figure 17 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 1 , illustrating the bridge member of the floor covering in the lowered position;

[0045] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a locking pin in a lowered position and a drive cable along a Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system and anchor taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.

[0046] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a device in a raised position and along a drive cable according to another embodiment. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the guide rail system and anchor taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 1 ; and

[0047] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the routing of a data cable along a Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the rail system and anchor taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] For the purpose of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used as such. Figure 1 The orientations in the figures are associated with the present concepts. However, it should be understood that the present concepts can adopt various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0049] The embodiments illustrated herein reside primarily in a combination of method steps and apparatus components related to seat assemblies. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, with only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure being shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Additionally, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent like elements.

[0050] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in conjunction with a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as comprising elements A, B, and / or C, the composition may comprise only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0051] In this document, relational terms (such as first and second, top and bottom, etc.) are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a ..." does not, in the absence of more constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 20 , the vehicle 30 has a passenger cabin 34 that includes a rail system 38 coupled to a floor pan 42 and a floor covering 46 that includes a bridge 50. The vehicle 30 also includes one or more anchors 54 that couple a seat assembly 58 to the rail system 38 and are configured to displace the bridge 50 when the anchors traverse the rail system 38.

[0053] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2, the vehicle 30 may be a wheeled motor vehicle equipped with a plurality of wheel and tire assemblies 62 and one or more access doors 66. For example, there may be four wheel and tire assemblies 62, with one wheel and tire assembly 62 positioned approximately at each corner of the vehicle 30. The access doors 66 may be positioned on one or more sides 70 of the vehicle 30. The access doors 66 may additionally or alternatively be positioned on the front 74 of the vehicle 30 and / or the rear 78 of the vehicle 30. According to some embodiments, the vehicle 30 may be an autonomous vehicle ( Figure 1 In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle 30 may be controlled by an operator or driver ( Figure 2 ). The rail system 38 can define tracks within the passenger cabin 34 of the vehicle 30. The rail system 38 can include inner tracks 82 and outer tracks 86. In some embodiments, the rail system 38 can also include loading and unloading tracks 90. The loading and unloading tracks 90 can extend between the sides 70 of the vehicle 30 and / or between the front 74 and the rear 78 of the vehicle 30. The loading and unloading tracks 90 can include open ends 94 that facilitate coupling the seat assembly 58 to the rail system 38. In embodiments that do not include loading and unloading tracks 90, the seat assembly 58 can be coupled directly to at least one of the inner tracks 82 and the outer tracks 86 without utilizing the open ends 94 of the rail system 38.

[0054] Further references Figure 1 and Figure 2 The seat assembly 58 includes a comfort structure 98 and a seat base 102. The seat base 102 operably couples the seat assembly 58 to the track system 38. The seat base 102 can be operably coupled to the comfort structure 98 via a pivot mechanism 106. The seat assembly 58 can include armrests 110. An occupant 114 of the seat assembly 58 can pivot the seat assembly 58 about a vertical axis, as facilitated by the pivot mechanism 106, so that the occupant 114 and their feet 118 can face any desired direction within the passenger cabin 34 of the vehicle 30. Regardless of the translational position of the seat assembly 58 on the track system 38, the pivot mechanism 106 can position the seat assembly 58 in the rotational position desired by the occupant 114. The track system 38 can also accommodate furniture and / or items that may be useful or desired by the occupants 114 of the passenger cabin 34. For example, a table 122 can be operably coupled to the track system 38 in a manner similar to that of the seat assembly 58. The table 122 can traverse various locations and / or positions along the rail system 38. The table can rotate about a vertical axis, move laterally, move longitudinally, and / or assume various pitch angles relative to the floor pan 42 of the vehicle 30. In some embodiments, the table 122 can be provided by the rear surface of the seat assembly 58 when the seat assembly 58 is in the folded position. The passenger cabin 34 of the vehicle 30 can be provided with a privacy wall 124 that separates the driver or operator of the vehicle 30 from the passenger area.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the rail system 38 includes an inner rail 82 and an outer rail 86. In some embodiments, the rail system 38 also includes a loading and unloading rail 90 and an open end 94. The loading and unloading rail 90 can extend from one side of the rail system 38, as shown here. Alternatively, the loading and unloading rail 90 can extend from one side of the rail system 38 to the opposite side of the vehicle 30 ( Figure 1 ), or the rail system 38 may intersect the loading and unloading track 90 as it traverses the vehicle 30 from one side to the other. The rail system 38 may be equipped with a drive cable 126. In some embodiments, the drive cable 126 is generally associated with the outer track 86 of the rail system 38. The drive cable 126 may engage one or more pulleys 130 positioned at various locations around the rail system 38. In some embodiments, the pulleys 130 may be positioned at directional transition points along the rail system 38. For example, the pulleys 130 may be positioned at a corner of the rail system 38, at the junction of the loading and unloading track 90 and the rail system 38, and / or may be associated with a location on the rail system 38 where the seat assembly 58 changes direction as it traverses the tracks of the rail system 38.

[0056] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4, the drive cable 126 can be operably coupled to the motor 134 and the control module 138. The drive cable 126 can be routed around a tensioner, such as a clockwise tensioner or a counterclockwise tensioner, that facilitates engagement between the drive cable 126 and the pulley 130. The drive cable 126 can also be routed through one or more routing guides 140 that facilitate guiding the drive cable 126 onto and off the track system 38 so that the drive cable 126 can engage the pulley 130. The routing guides 140 can help prevent the drive cable 126 from becoming detached from the track system 38. The routing guides 140 can provide elevation changes to the drive cable 126, which can be beneficial, for example, at the junction of the loading and unloading track 90 with the rest of the track system 38. The drive cable 126 can be a continuous loop of material. The drive cable 126 can be routed in a manner that avoids passing the drive cable 126 through the center of the loading and unloading track 90. By avoiding allowing the drive cable 126 to pass through the center of the loading and unloading track 90, the seat assembly 58 can avoid premature engagement with the drive cable 126 when the seat assembly 58 is loaded onto the track system 38. For example, when the seat assembly 58 is loaded onto the track system 38 (e.g., the loading and unloading track 90), the drive cable 126 can be moved to one side of the loading and unloading track 90, thereby allowing the seat assembly 58 to be loaded onto the track system 38 and pass over the drive cable 126. In the depicted embodiment, the track system 38 is generally rectangular, includes four corners, and is equipped with the loading and unloading track 90. Each of the four corners of the track system 38 is equipped with one of the pulleys 130 positioned outside the outer track 86. Additionally, the pulleys 130 are positioned at the junction between the outer track 86 and the loading and unloading track 90. The track system 38 can be further equipped with additional pulleys 130 positioned on the inner track 82 and generally corresponding to the pulleys 130 positioned at the junction of the outer track 86 and the loading and unloading track 90. By positioning the pulleys 130 in this manner, the seat assembly 58 can smoothly traverse the track system 38 by selectively engaging the drive cables 126 while the control module 138 activates the motor 134.

[0057] Further references Figure 3 and Figure 4, the seat assembly 58 may be equipped with one or more of the anchors 54. The anchors 54 may be positioned generally corresponding to each of the four corners of the seat assembly 58. Generally, it may be beneficial for the seat assembly 58 to be equipped with at least one of the anchors 54 that is operably coupled to each of the inner and outer rails 82, 86. The seat assembly 58 may preferably be equipped with a plurality of anchors 54 that engage with each of the inner and outer rails 82, 86 (e.g., two anchors 54 for each of the inner and outer rails 82, 86), such that the seat assembly 58 is equipped with four of the anchors 54. According to one embodiment, different shading of the anchors 54 indicates the engagement or disengagement of the anchors 54 with the drive cables 126. The anchors 54 are shown with different levels of shading, which convey whether the anchors 54 are engaged or disengaged with the track system 38 and the drive cables 126. Anchors 54 that are not shaded represent anchors 54 that are engaged with the rail system 38, locked in place (e.g., by a locking pin), and disengaged from the drive cable 126. Anchors 54 that are fully shaded represent anchors 54 that are engaged with the rail system 38, unlocked from the rail system 38, and engaged to the drive cable 126.

[0058] Now refer to Figure 5 , a seat assembly 58 is shown operably coupled to the track system 38 via an anchor 54. More specifically, the seat assembly 58 is shown in positions A through G and depicts an example of how the seat assembly 58 traverses the track system 38 by selectively engaging the anchor 54 with the drive cable 126. The anchors 54 are shown with varying levels of shading, which convey whether the anchor 54 is engaged or disengaged from the track system 38 and the drive cable 126. Unshaded anchors 54, such as those in positions A and G, represent anchors 54 that are engaged with the track system 38, locked in place (e.g., by a locking pin), and disengaged from the drive cable 126. Partially shaded anchors 54 with vertical lines represent anchors 54 that are engaged with the track system 38, unlocked from the track system 38 (e.g., by raising a locking pin), and disengaged from the drive cable 126. A fully shaded anchor 54 , such as the anchor 54 located at the upper right of the seat assembly 58 in position B, represents the anchor 54 engaged with the track system 38 , unlocked from the track system 38 , and engaged to the drive cable 126 . Figure 5 The pulley 130 is omitted; however, the pulley 130 is used to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The embodiments are described in the manner discussed. Figure 5Movement of the seat assembly 58 along the track system 38 and a right-angle transition of the seat assembly 58 from a first portion of the track system 38 to a second portion of the track system 38 through selective engagement of the anchor 54 with the track system 38 and the drive cable 126 are depicted.

[0059] Refer again Figure 5 Position A of the seat assembly 58 represents a fixed position for the seat assembly 58, wherein the seat assembly 58 is secured to the track system 38 by a locking pin so that the seat assembly 58 cannot inadvertently or accidentally traverse the track system 38 (e.g., during vehicle maneuvers, a crash event, etc.). The seat assembly 58 in position A is generally ready to receive an occupant. In position D, the seat assembly 58 has unlocked each of the anchors 54 from the track system 38 and engaged one of the anchors 54 to the drive cable 126, allowing the seat assembly 58 to begin traversing the track system 38. The seat assembly 58 can traverse the track system 38 while occupied or unoccupied; however, when the seat assembly 58 is unoccupied, it may be beneficial to limit the traversal of the seat assembly 58 on the track system 38 to reduce the risk of injury to the occupant. In the depicted embodiment, position B engages the anchor 54 located at the upper right corner of the seat assembly 58 to the drive cable 126 and initiates traversal of the track system 38. By engaging the anchors 54 as depicted in position B, the likelihood of obstruction to the movement of the seat assembly 58 can be reduced. For example, if position B engages the anchor 54 located at the upper left of the seat assembly 58 to the drive cable 126, a situation may arise when the seat assembly 58 approaches a pulley 130 located at a corner of the track system 38, and then when the anchor 54 engaged by the drive cable attempts to follow the path of the drive cable 126 around the pulley 130 and encounters obstacles from the track system 38, the travel guide 140 ( Figure 4 ) and / or structural resistance of pulley 130, binding or movement obstruction may occur.

[0060] Further references Figure 5When the seat assembly 58 reaches a corner 142 of the track system 38, the engaged configuration of the anchors 54 transitions to the position shown in position C. The seat assembly 58 in position C provides one of the anchors 54 engaged with the drive cable 126 when unlocked from the track system 38. In the depicted embodiment, the seat assembly 58 reaches the corner 142 of the track system 38 and begins to at least briefly stop. Once the seat assembly 58 has reached the corner 142, if movement of the seat assembly 58 along the second portion of the track system 38 is desired, the engaged configuration of the anchors 54 can be adjusted. In position D, the seat assembly 58 transitions from the locked configuration to the mid-motion configuration of the anchors 54. For example, an occupant may already be seated in the seat assembly 58 and desire to sit at a corner of the track system 38; however, a new configuration of the passenger compartment 34 of the vehicle 30 is desired. When the seat assembly 58 transitions from the first portion to the second portion of the track system 38, the anchor 54 can assume a locked position with respect to the track system 38 while disengaging from the drive cable 126 to prevent the seat assembly 58 from unintentionally or accidentally moving freely along the track system 38 (e.g., while the vehicle is in motion).

[0061] Further reference Figure 5 At position E, the seat assembly 58 is prepared to exit the corner 142 of the track system 38 by providing three of the anchors 54 unlocked from the track system 38 and disengaged from the drive cables 126 while the remaining anchors 54 disengage from the track system 38 and engage with the drive cables 126. Once the anchors 54 engage with the drive cables 126 at position E, the seat assembly 58 begins traversing the second portion of the track system 38, as shown in position F. Position G may be the occupant's final desired position, with each anchor 54 positioned locked with the track system 38 and disengaged from the drive cables 126. While positions A through G have been described as occurring in a stepwise manner, it is contemplated that these positions may be traversed in a continuous manner. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations of the above sequence may be performed without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. The sequence of positions A through G as described and depicted illustrates one embodiment of how the seat assembly 58 may traverse the corner 142 of the track system 38. Alternative embodiments of the track system 38 , anchors 54 , and / or seat assembly 58 are possible without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.

[0062] Reference Figure 6 , illustrates a junction of the rail system 38, such as a corner 142, where the anchor 54 is operably coupled to the rail system 38. A junction plate 146 may be positioned below the rail system 38. The junction plate 146 may define a floor coupling hole 150 for coupling the junction plate 146 to the floor pan 42 ( Figure 9) or another support structure. The engaging plate 146 can be operably coupled to the guide rail system 38, or can be integrally formed with the guide rail system 38. In some embodiments, the guide rail system 38 can be integrally formed with the floor chassis 42. The guide rail system 38 is equipped with a plurality of locking pin holes 154, which are configured to receive the locking pins 158 of the anchor 54. The locking pins 158 can pass through the base 162 of the anchor 54 to engage with the locking pin holes 154. The guide rail system 38 can define a channel 166. The channel 166 can be configured to resemble an inverted T-shape. The base 162 of the anchor 54 can roughly correspond to the cross member of the inverted T-shaped channel 166 or be associated with the cross member of the inverted T-shaped channel 166, and the locking pins 158 can roughly correspond to the vertical legs of the inverted T-shaped channel 166.

[0063] Now refer to Figure 7 , the anchor 54 may include one or more curved sides 170. Curved sides 170 may be beneficial in embodiments where the rail system 38 does not utilize an orthogonal or generally square rail arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the rail system 38 may transition from a first portion of the rail system 38 to a second portion via a generally arcuate turn, such as shown below in FIG. Figure 8 . The curved sides 170 provide additional clearance between the walls 174 of the rail system 38, particularly when the anchor 54 is navigating turns or corners in the rail system 38. The length 178 of the anchor 54 may generally correspond to the cross member of the inverted T-shaped channel 166. The width 182 of the anchor 54 may generally correspond to the distance between the walls 174 of the rail system 38. More specifically, the width 182 of the anchor 54 measured from the widest point of the anchor 54 may generally correspond to the distance between the walls 174 of the rail system 38.

[0064] Reference Figure 8 , a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a rail system 38 having rounded corners is shown. The seat assembly 58 is shown transitioning from a first portion to a second portion of the rail system 38 via the rounded corners. The rounded corners of the rail system 38 have an inner radius 186 associated with the inner track 82 and an outer radius 190 associated with the outer track 86. In the depicted embodiment, the seat base 102 of the seat assembly 58 may generally resemble a trapezoidal geometry. The distance between the anchors 54 associated with the inner track 82 may be less than the distance between the anchors 54 associated with the outer track 86 of the rail system 38. The anchors 54 are configured to engage with the rail system 38 so as to prevent the anchors 54 from becoming trapped or binding within the rail system 38 as the seat assembly 58 traverses the tracks. The base 162 ( Figure 6 ) can be generally rectangular and sized to avoid entrapment or binding within the rail system 38. Alternatively, the base 162 of the anchor 54 can be provided with a geometry including rounded edges and / or sides, such as Figure 7 , or the base 162 may have a generally circular or oval cross-section. In summary, it may be beneficial to avoid sharp edges on the base 162 of the anchor 54 so that transitions between the first portion, the second portion, and other portions of the rail system 38 can be accomplished with a reduced likelihood of entrapment, binding, and / or general dislocation of the anchor 54.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 9 , showing one side of a seat assembly 58 according to one embodiment. The rail system 38 is presented in the depicted embodiment; however, Figure 9 The rail system 38 is omitted from the figure to illustrate further details of the anchor 54. The anchor 54 is operably coupled to the seat base 102 of the seat assembly 58 and extends downwardly therefrom. The anchor 58 may include wheels 194 configured to interact with the floor covering 46 and facilitate smooth movement of the seat assembly 58 as the seat assembly 58 traverses various positions along the rail system 38. The base 162 of the anchor 54 is positioned near the lower end of the anchor 54. A locking pin 158 extends through the anchor 54 along a vertical axis. The locking pin 158 extends below the anchor 54 and engages with the locking pin hole 154 of the rail system 38. The rail system 38 and / or the floor pan 42 may include a locking pin plate 198. According to one embodiment, the locking pin plate 198 may be formed from folded steel.

[0066] Reference Figure 10 , the wheels 194 of the anchor 54 can be operably coupled to the load frame 202 via wheel support arms 206. In some embodiments, the wheel support arms 206 are pivotally coupled to the load frame 202 at suspension pivots 210. The load frame 202 can be operably coupled to the seat base 102 ( Figure 9 ) or integrally formed with the seat base 102. The downward force 214 is typically applied to the wheel support arm 206, for example, by the seat assembly 58 and / or the occupant 114 ( Figure 1 ) in some embodiments, the downward force 214 can result in a situation where the wheels 194 can begin to dig into the floor covering 46, making it more difficult for the seat assembly 58 to move around the passenger cabin 34 along the track system 38. A resilient member 218 can be provided between the load frame 202 and the anchor 54 or the wheel 194. The resilient member 218 can provide a degree of suspension to the wheel 194 to resist the downward force 214. Because the wheel support arm 206 is pivotally coupled to the load frame 202 at the suspension pivot 210, the downward force 214 can additionally result in a compression force 222 that compresses the resilient member 218. As a result, the resilient member 218 provides an opposing force to the compression force 222, which can help maintain the suspension of the wheel 194.

[0067] Refer again Figure 10 According to some embodiments, the wheels 194 can carry the entire weight of the seat assembly 58, such that the weight is transferred to the floor covering 46. The resilient members 218 can generate a lateral force against the sides of the anchors 54, which is transferred into the load frame 202 in an equal and opposite manner. In response to the lateral force, a downward force 214 can be applied and cause the load frame 202 and / or the anchors 54 to lift in a vertical direction. The resilient members 218 can be configured with a strength or spring constant sufficient to lift the weight of the seat assembly 58, such that the entire weight of the seat assembly 58 is supported on the wheels 194. The resilient members 218 can be configured to lift the weight of the seat assembly 58 only when the seat assembly 58 is unoccupied.

[0068] Further references Figure 10 The seat assembly 58 may also include an electrical conductor 226 configured to engage with a conductor 230 to provide electrical power to the seat assembly 58. The conductor 230 may be positioned between the track system 38 and the floor covering 46. When the seat assembly 58 traverses the track system 38, the electrical conductor 226 may extend from at least one of the anchors 54 to engage with the conductor 230. In some embodiments, the electrical conductor 226 extends from the anchor 54 and trails the wheel 194 to avoid damaging the electrical conductor 226 and / or the conductor 230. The electrical conductor 226 may trail the anchor 54 by a distance 234 from where the wheel 194 contacts the floor covering 46 that is at least about 5 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 15 mm, at least about 20 mm, less than about 25 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 35 mm, less than about 40 mm, and / or combinations and ranges including intermediate values.

[0069] Now refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the seat assembly 58 can rotate about a vertical axis due to the coupling of the pivot mechanism 106 to the comfort structure 98. The comfort structure 98 can include a seat back 238 pivotally coupled to a seat 242. The pivot mechanism 106 can be positioned between the seat 242 and the seat base 102. The seat base 102 of the seat assembly 58 can include a trim portion 246 positioned to generally correspond to a width 250 of the track system 38, as shown. Figure 14 The decorative portion 246 preferably surrounds the anchor 54 so that the user is presented with a smooth and aesthetically pleasing seat assembly 58. Additionally, by having the decorative portion 246 surround the anchor 54, the anchor 54 and the rail system 38 can be protected from debris. In embodiments utilizing wheels 194, such as Figure 9 、 Figure 10In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and discussed below, a decorative portion 246 may additionally surround the wheels 194 of the anchors 54. In the depicted embodiment, wheels 194 are not used. A plow may be positioned below the floor covering 46 and above the track system 38, operably coupled to the leading edge of the anchors 54, causing the floor covering 46 and / or bridge 50 to rise. The decorative portion 246 may extend around the circumference of the seat base 102 and prevent the floor covering 46 and / or bridge 50 from prematurely rising, while also enclosing the floor covering 46 and / or bridge 50 once the anchors 54 have passed. Additionally or alternatively, the bridge 50 may be made of a rigid yet resilient material so that once the anchors 54 have passed, the restorative force stored in the structure of the bridge 50 forces the bridge 50 to descend above the track system 38. The bridge 50 is shown in a raised position. The bridge 50 of the floor covering 46 can be operably coupled to the rail system 38. The bridge 50 generally corresponds to the channel 166 defined by the vertical legs of the inverted T-shaped channel 166 in the rail system 38. The bridge 50 includes a rigid arm 258 that extends above the channel 166 in the rail system 38 so that when the bridge 50 is in the lowered position ( Figure 17 ) prevents floor covering 46 from entering channel 166. Bridge 50 can be operably coupled to first side 262 of rail system 38 via bridge coupling protrusions 266. Conductor 230 can be positioned between rail system 38 and floor covering 46 on second side 270 of rail system 38. First side 262 and second side 270 of rail system 38 can be separated by channel 166 such that bridge 50 and conductor 230 are positioned on both sides of channel 166.

[0070] Refer again Figure 11 and Figure 12Conductor 230 may also include a housing 274 equipped with a living hinge 278. Electrical conductor 226 may be separated from housing 274, allowing housing 274 to open about living hinge 278 to allow electrical connection between conductor 230 and electrical conductor 226, thereby providing power to seat assembly 58. Housing 274 may be a dust-resistant elastomeric extrusion and include a rail coupling lug 282 that engages with rail system 38. Anchor 54 may include a post 286 surrounded by body 290. In some embodiments, post 286 extends above and below body 290 and terminates in an upper head 294 and a lower head 298. Lower head 298 may alternatively be referred to as base 162 of anchor 54. Post 286 surrounds locking pin 158. Locking pin 158 may be actuated within post 286, selectively engaging and disengaging locking pin 158 with locking pin aperture 154 of rail system 38. The locking pin hole 154 may alternatively be referred to as a locating hole. The anchor 54 may be equipped with a first spring 302 that is positioned between the upper head 294 and the body 290. In some embodiments, the weight of the seat assembly 58 is transferred to the post 286 and / or cushioned by the interaction of the first spring 302 and the upper head 294. Thus, the weight of the seat assembly 58 may be substantially supported by the post 286 that interacts with the low friction portion 318. Additionally, the first spring 302 may act in an upward direction on the underside of the upper head 294 such that the body 290 of the anchor 54 is lifted to suspend the lower head 298 within the rail system 38. The depicted embodiment is relatively simple to implement with respect to utilizing wheels 194 (e.g., Figure 10 A benefit of an embodiment of the present invention may be that the body 290 can be instantly switched to travel in a different direction at the intersection of the rail system 38, whereas the wheel 194 may have to be cast to a different orientation before changing direction. A second spring 306 may be positioned at a lower region of the locking pin 158. The second spring 306 may be configured to bias the locking pin 158 in a downward direction, for example, to engage one of the locking pin holes 154. The second spring 306 may be positioned within the lower head 298 of the post 286. The locking pin 158 may also include a shoulder 310 that engages with the underside of the second spring 306. The upper side of the second spring 306 may engage with the lower head 298 of the post 286. The lower head 298 may define a recessed area on its underside that is configured to receive the second spring 306 and the shoulder 310. At least a portion of the locking pin 158 extends below the lower head 298, such that the locking pin 158 engages with the locking pin hole 154. The first spring 302 and the second spring 306 can act in opposite directions relative to each other. In other words, the restoring force of the first spring 302 can resist the restoring force of the second spring 306.

[0071] Further references Figure 11 and Figure 12In some embodiments, the first spring 302 provides cushioning or damping of sudden movements that may be caused by obstacles in the vehicle's path. For example, the upper head 294 of the post 286 can be operably coupled to or integrally formed with the seat base 102 to provide additional cushioning to the seat assembly 58. In such an embodiment, the locking pin 158 can be actuated by a manual lever or by a transmission mechanism operably coupled to the locking pin 158. The anchor 54 can be configured in a generally cylindrical manner so that the anchor 54 can rotate within the rail system 38. In some embodiments, the electrical conductor 226 operably coupled to the anchor 54 is generally disc-shaped and extends continuously radially outward from the circumference of the anchor 54 so that the electrical connector 226 can engage the conductor 230 regardless of the rotational position of the anchor 54. The rail system 38 can be operably coupled to the floor pan 42 via one or more fasteners 314. The track system 38 may include a low friction portion 318 that extends from the top surface of the track system 38 into the inverted T-shaped channel 166, such that the upper surface of the lower head 298, the outer surface of the post 286, and the underside of the body 290 may contact the low friction portion 318, thereby reducing the work or force required to move the seat assembly 58 along the track system 38. The floor pan 42 and the floor covering 46 may be separated by a filler layer 322. The thickness 326 of the filler layer 322 may generally correspond to the height of the track system 38. The height of the track system 38 may include the bridge 50 and the housing 274 of the conductor 230. The bridge 50 and the housing 274 of the conductor 230 may have similar or equal thicknesses.

[0072] Reference Figure 13 , the anchor 54 can utilize the first spring 302 and omit the second spring 306 ( Figure 12 ). Similar to Figure 12As with the aforementioned embodiments, the first spring 302 can assist in actuating the locking pin 158 or provide additional cushioning for the seat assembly 58. The anchor 54 is configured to displace the bridge 50 as the anchor 54 traverses the track system 38. The bridge 50 can be displaced by the anchor 54 such that the bridge 50 pivots upward about the flexible portion 330 to a raised position. When pivoting upward, the bridge 50 can contact the inner surface of the trim portion 246 and / or the outer surface of the body 290 of the anchor 54. The first spring 302 can be positioned between the upper head 294 of the post 286 and the upper surface of the body 290. The body 290 of the anchor 54 can rest on the low-friction portion 318 of the track system 38. Additionally, the anchor 54 can be configured such that the lower head 298 of the post 286 is vertically offset from the lower surface of the channel 166. Thus, the majority of the weight of the seat assembly 58 can be supported by the body 290, so that movement of the seat assembly 58 along the track system 38 can require significantly less force than would be required if the lower head 298 supported the majority of the weight of the seat assembly 58 and the lower head 298 contacted the underside of the bottom surface of the channel 166. In other words, the majority of the weight of the seat assembly 58 is supported by components that experience relatively low friction or resistance to motion (e.g., rolling friction versus sliding friction, low friction material interaction, etc.).

[0073] Refer again Figure 13 The locking pin 158 can be actuated manually or by utilizing a transmission mechanism within the post 286 and / or lower head 298 so that the locking pin 158 selectively engages the locking pin aperture 154 as the seat assembly 58 traverses various positions along the track system 38. In the depicted embodiment, the conductor 230 is positioned on the track system 38 radially inward of the trim portion 246. The trim portion 246 can be positioned above the housing 274 of the conductor 230 so that increased positive contact is maintained between the conductor 230 and the electrical conductor 226 as the seat assembly 58 traverses the track system 38. A filler layer 322 is positioned between the floor covering 46 and the floor pan 42. The floor pan 42 can be constructed of a hard and rigid material, such as steel. The track system 38 can be operably coupled to the floor pan 42 via fasteners 314. The fasteners 314 may be, but are not limited to, weld nuts, bolts, rivets, or the rail system 38 may be integrally formed with the floor pan 42. The rail system 38 may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, in one embodiment, the rail system 38 may be constructed from a steel rail 334 that defines at least a portion of the channel 166 and is positioned within an aluminum rail 338 that constitutes the majority of the remainder of the rail system 38.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15The wheels 194 are operably coupled to the trim portion 246 such that one of the wheels 194 is positioned substantially above the conductor 230, thereby providing a compressive force that improves electrical contact between the electrical conductor 226 and the conductor 230. The depicted embodiment omits the first spring 302 and the second spring 306. The locking pin 158 is positioned within the post 286 and can be actuated between a raised position and a lowered position. The electrical conductor 226 extends from the outer surface of the post 286. When the electrical conductor 226 passes through the conductor 230, the housing 274 of the conductor 230 is separated and opened about the living hinge 278, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electrical conductor 226 and the conductor 230. In the depicted embodiment, the wheels 194 can support the majority of the weight of the seat assembly 58 while suspending the lower head 298 of the post 286 above the lower surface of the channel 166. As a result, the seat assembly 58 can be moved about the track system 38 with less force than if the lower head 298 were stationary on the lower surface of the channel 166. When the anchor 54 is positioned over the locking pin hole 154 and the locking pin 158 is aligned with the locking pin hole 154, the locking pin 158 can be placed in the lowered position. Figure 10 In the embodiment of the structure shown and described in FIG, the weight of the seat assembly 58 can be transferred into the wheel 194 and ultimately into the floor covering 46 to prevent the lower head 298 from contacting the steel rail 334. In such an embodiment, the anchor 54 is prevented from binding in the rail system 38 because the surfaces of the lower head 298 and the steel rail 334 can not be provided with the low friction portion 318.

[0075] Reference Figure 16 The rail system 38 is shown operably coupled to the floor chassis 42 and having an anchor 54. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking pin 158 can be actuated within the post 286 of the anchor 54. For example, the locking pin 158 can be actuated manually or vertically via a transmission mechanism. The depicted embodiment illustrates one example of how the locking pin 158 can be actuated and can accommodate manual and / or powered operation of the depicted mechanism. A control lever 342 can engage the underside of a platform 346 such that actuation of the control lever 342 can raise the locking pin 158 out of the locking pin aperture 154. For example, the control lever 342 can have a generally sinusoidal shape such that downward actuation of the control lever 342 at a first end 350 causes upward movement of the control lever 342 at a second end 354, which translates into vertical movement of the locking pin 158. The control lever 342 can have a pivot point 358 located between the first end 350 and the second end 354. For example, the pivot point 358 may be located approximately at the center of the length of the control rod 342 .

[0076] Now refer to Figure 17, the rail system 38 is shown without the anchors 54 and depicts the bridge 50 of the floor covering 46 in a lowered or resting position. The rigid arms 258 of the bridge 50 span the opening defined by the vertical legs of the channel 166 and contact both the first side 262 and the second side 270 of the rail system 38. By thus covering the channel 166, the bridge 50 and the floor covering 46 prevent debris, obstructions, and other items not intended to be located within the channel 166 from entering the channel 166. Additionally, a substantially horizontal and substantially continuous surface of the floor covering 46 is presented to the user, thereby eliminating trip hazards and presenting the user with an aesthetically pleasing cabin 34. Furthermore, the positioning and composition of the rigid arms 258 allows the bridge 50 to be supported by the rail system 38 and prevented from entering the channel 166 when pressure is applied to the floor covering 46 directly above the channel 166. Due to the reaction force to the applied pressure provided at the contact point 362 between the rail system 38 and the bridge 50 , the bridge 50 is prevented from entering the channel 166 .

[0077] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 , the locking pin 158 is shown in the lowered position ( Figure 18 ) and raised position ( Figure 19). The locking pin 158 can also be positioned in an intermediate position, wherein the locking pin 158 is disengaged from the locking pin aperture 154 but not yet engaged with the drive cable 126. The depicted embodiment utilizes the drive cable 126. The drive cable 126 can be positioned between the lower head 298 of the post 286 and the shoulder 310 of the locking pin 158. The drive cable 126 can be positioned radially outward of the second spring 306. The second spring 306 is positioned between the lower head 298 and the shoulder 310 via the locking pin 158 passing through the center of the second spring 306. When the locking pin 158 is in the lowered position, the seat assembly 58 is disengaged from the drive cable 126 and locked to the track system 38. Thus, when the locking pin 158 is in the lowered position, the seat assembly 58 is stationary on the track system 38. When the locking pin 158 is actuated in an upward direction, the actuation cable 126 becomes sandwiched between the lower head 298 and the shoulder 310. More specifically, the drive cable 126 engages the seat assembly 58 when the shoulder 310 of the locking pin 158 compresses the second spring 306 and ultimately clamps the drive cable 126 between the lower head 298 and the shoulder 310. Once the seat assembly 58 is engaged to the drive cable 126 via the anchor 54, the seat assembly 58 can begin to traverse the track system 38 because the action of engaging the drive cable 126 simultaneously disengages the locking pin 158 from the locking pin aperture 154. The depicted embodiment may share some or all of the features described herein for alternative embodiments of the various components depicted. For example, the electrical conductor 226 extends radially outward from the outer surface of the anchor body 290, the body 290 surrounds the post 286, the fastener 314 couples the track system 38 to the floor pan 42, a low-friction portion 318 is employed, a filler layer 322 fills the space between the floor covering 46 and the floor pan 42, and so on.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 20 , the seat assembly 58 may also include a recess 366 in at least one side of the lower head 298 of the anchor 54. The recess 366 may receive a data cable 370 configured to send and receive data related to the positioning of the seat assembly 58. The recess 366 may include one or more data readers 374 that are operably coupled to a data path 378 of the seat assembly 58. The data path 378 may be directed through the anchor 54 to the seat base 102 ( Figure 11 ), where data path 378 can then branch to various sensors and controllers. Data related to the configuration of the seat assembly 58 can be sent by the data reader 374 to and received from the data cable 370. The data received by the seat assembly 58 from the data cable 370 may include, but is not limited to, commands related to the pitch angle of the seat back 238 relative to the seat 242, the position of the pivot mechanism 106 ( Figure 11), heating or ventilation information to provide a heated or cooled surface to the seat assembly 58, a command to prepare the seat assembly 58 for translation along the track system 38, a command to execute translation of the seat assembly 58 along the track system 38, and the like. Data transmitted from the seat assembly 58 to the data cable 370 may include, but is not limited to, the occupancy status of the seat assembly 58, the current pitch angle of the seat back 238 relative to the seat 242, the position of the seat assembly 58 on the track system 38, the temperature of the surface of the seat assembly 58, the current rotational position of the pivot mechanism 106, general information regarding the configuration of various components on the seat assembly 58, and the like. Data may be transmitted to and from the data cable 370 via near-field data transmission. By using near-field data transmission, exposure to conducted noise, wear and tear on the data cable 370, and wear and tear on the data reader 374 may be reduced or entirely avoided. The data cable 370 may be configured to send and receive data from more than one seat assembly 58 at a time, thereby eliminating the use of multiple data cables 370 that may otherwise be required in a design using one cable per seat assembly. Thus, crossover and tangling problems that can occur with multiple cable arrangements are avoided, particularly when negotiating corners of the track system 38. Furthermore, for systems using one data cable 370 per seat assembly 58, vehicles with large seating capacities may present packaging difficulties, a problem not encountered with the present disclosure.

[0079] The vehicle 30 is typically provided with a seat assembly that can be adjusted to the comfort of the occupant 114. Some seat assemblies in the vehicle 30 are capable of translating in the fore-aft or left-right directions. However, conventional seat assemblies are generally not translatable to various positions within the passenger cabin 34 of the vehicle 30. The components of the passenger cabin 34 of the vehicle 30 disclosed herein, such as the track system 38, seat assembly 58, drive cables 126, and data cables 370, provide the user with a reconfigurable passenger cabin 34. The seat assembly 58 and other components coupled to the track system 38 can be repositioned, reorganized, or reordered to present various configurations suitable for the user's desired purpose.

[0080] Those skilled in the art and those who understand or use the concepts disclosed herein will recognize modifications of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the following claims interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law (including the doctrine of equivalents).

[0081] Those skilled in the art will understand that the described concepts and the construction of other components are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0082] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupled, coupled, coupled, etc.) generally refers to the joining (electrical or mechanical) of two components to one another. Such joining may be fixed in nature or removable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with two components (electrical or mechanical), and any additional intermediate members may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0083] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the disclosed elements as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only several embodiments of this innovation are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that, without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the described subject matter, many modifications are possible (e.g., the size, dimensions, structure, shape and ratio, parameter values, mounting arrangements, material use, color, orientation, etc., of the various elements). For example, the elements shown as being integrally formed can be made up of multiple parts, the elements shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interface can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other elements of the system can change, and the nature or quantity of the adjustment position provided between the elements can change. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be made up of any of a variety of materials, and the material provides sufficient strength or durability with any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this innovation. Other replacements, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of this innovation.

[0084] It should be understood that any of the processes or steps within the processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0085] It will be further understood that changes and modifications may be made in the foregoing structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure and that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless such claims, by their language, expressly dictate otherwise.

[0086] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided having an anchor having a post surrounded by a body, wherein the post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads, and wherein the post encloses a locking pin actuatable within the post; and an electrical connector extending outwardly from the anchor.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the anchor engages with the rail system.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the guide rail system comprises a low friction portion.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the rail system further includes a plurality of positioning holes configured to receive locking pins.

[0090] According to one embodiment, a rail system includes a conductor provided with electrical power and configured to receive an electrical connector.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the electrical connector is generally circular in shape such that the electrical connector remains coupled to the conductor regardless of the rotational position of the anchor.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the above invention further features a first spring positioned between the upper head and the body and configured to facilitate actuation of the locking pin.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a first spring positioned at a lower region of the locking pin and configured to bias the locking pin in a downward direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the second spring is positioned within the lower head of the post.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the locking pin further comprises a shoulder engaging with an underside of the second spring.

[0096] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided having an anchor having a post surrounded by a body, wherein the post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads, and wherein the post surrounds a locking pin that can be vertically actuated within the post; and an electrical connector extending outwardly from the anchor to establish an electrical connection with the seat assembly.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a recess in at least one side of the lower head of the anchor.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the alcove receives a data cable configured to transmit and receive data related to the positioning of the seat assembly.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the alcove further includes one or more data readers operably coupled to the data path such that data related to the configuration of the seat assembly is sent to and received from the data cable.

[0100] According to the present invention, a seat assembly is provided having: an anchor having a post surrounded by a body, wherein the post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads, and wherein the post surrounds a locking pin that can be actuated within the post; and a first spring located between the upper head and the body and configured to assist in actuating the locking pin.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the anchor engages a rail system having a plurality of locating holes configured to receive locking pins.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a second spring positioned at a lower region of the locking pin and configured to bias the locking pin in a downward direction.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the second spring is positioned within the lower head of the body.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the locking pin further comprises a shoulder engaging with an underside of the second spring.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a recess in at least one side of the lower head of the anchor, wherein the recess receives a data cable configured to send and receive data related to the positioning of the seat assembly, and wherein the recess includes one or more data readers that are operably connected to the data path so that data related to the configuration of the seat assembly is sent to and received from the data cable.

Claims

1. A seat assembly comprising: an anchor having a post surrounded by a body, wherein the post extends above and below the body and terminates in upper and lower heads, and wherein the post encloses a locking pin capable of being actuated within the post; and an electrical connector extending outwardly from the anchor; The anchor is engaged with a rail system, wherein the rail system includes a conductor provided with electrical power and configured to receive the electrical connector.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the track system includes a low friction portion. 3 . The seat assembly of claim 2 , wherein the track system further comprises a plurality of locating holes configured to receive the locking pins.

4. The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrical connector is generally circular in shape such that the electrical connector remains coupled to the conductor regardless of the rotational position of the anchor.

5. The seat assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: A first spring is positioned between the upper head and the body and is configured to facilitate actuation of the locking pin.

6. The seat assembly of claim 5, further comprising: A second spring is located at a lower region of the locking pin and is configured to bias the locking pin in a downward direction.

7. The seat assembly of claim 6 wherein the second spring is positioned within the lower head of the post.

8. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein the locking pin further comprises a shoulder that engages an underside of the second spring.

9. A vehicle comprising a seat assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

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