An apparatus for transporting passenger seats

Abstract

An apparatus 3, for transporting passenger seats, the apparatus comprising of two or more seat tracks 103, each seat track having a longitudinal axis and being configured to receive the leg (108, see

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus fortransporting passenger seats. Background

[0002] Passenger seats such as those provided on aircraft, trains, vehicles, and the like are generally secured to the vehicle using a front and rear leg attachment point. These front and rear leg attachments vary in design and in distance apart in a forward to aft direction. Each passenger seat has two, three or more legs of varying leg-to-leg spacing, in an outboard / inboard direction. As such, transport, movement, loading and unloading of passenger seats typically relies on manual handling whereby one person will carry the seat from the outboard side and another person will carry the seat from the inboard side, to its destination. Alternatively, a trolley (also referred to as a cart or dolly) designed specifically for each passenger seat design may be used to transport, move, load and unload passenger seats, in which case the passenger seat rests on top of, rather than being secured to the trolley. This case-by-case trolley design is not cost effective for companies where multiple passenger seat variants are serviced in their facilities. The requirement for manual handling whereby two people lifts the passenger seat onto or off trollies opens the risk of injury to those lifting the passenger seats. As the passenger seat is not secured to the trolley, there is also risk of the passenger seat falling off the trolley, potentially causing injury to nearby workers along with cost implications of any damage caused as a result of the passenger seat falling from trolley.

[0003] The present invention seeks to obviate or mitigate the problems with transporting individual passenger seats. In particular, the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus capable of securing passenger seats of various shapes and sizes for the purpose of transporting passenger seats. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly comprising: a wheel assembly housing locatable around a longitudinal axis of a track; an engaging means arranged on and extending through the wheel assembly housing, for releasably engaging with the track; and one or more wheels connected to the wheel assembly housing.

[0005] Optionally, the one or more wheels are one or more swivel castors. The term “wheel” refers to a circular object that revolves on an axle. The term “swivel castor” refers to a wheeled device that can roll forwards and backwards and rotate 360 degrees to enable movement in any direction.

[0006] Optionally, the one or more wheels comprise a brake to slow or prevent the wheel from rotating. The brake may be foot or hand operated.

[0007] Optionally, the wheel assembly housing has a top and a bottom. Optionally, the engaging means is located on the top of the housing. Optionally, the one or more wheels are secured to the bottom of the housing. Optionally, the engaging means may be located on the bottom of the housing. Optionally, the wheel assembly housing has sides extending between the top and bottom. Optionally, the engaging means may be located on the sides of the housing.

[0008] Optionally, the engaging means is an index plunger. The term “index plunger” refers to a locking device that typically comprises of a housing, a plunger that extends from the housing and is biased into a rest a position by a spring, and an actuation mechanism (for example, a knob, pull ring, handle), for retracting the plunger into the housing against the force of the spring.

[0009] Optionally, the engaging means comprises a plunger. Optionally, the engaging means has a rest position in which the plunger is extended from the top of the wheel assembly housing towards the bottom of the wheel assembly housing. Advantageously, in this position, the plunger is engageable with a track.

[0010] Optionally, the plunger is biased towards the rest position by a biasing means. Optionally, the plunger can be manually moved away from the rest position by pulling the plunger. Advantageously, the plunger can be disengaged from the track in this way to release the wheel assembly from the track and enable relative movement between the track and wheel assembly. Optionally, the wheel assembly can be entirely removed from the track. Optionally, the wheel assembly is entirely removed from the track by raising the plunger and sliding the wheel assembly off the track. Optionally, the wheel assembly can be added to the track by raising the plunger and sliding the wheel assembly onto the track.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for transporting passenger seats, the apparatus comprising: two or more tracks, each track having a longitudinal axis, and being configured to receive a leg of a passenger seat; a wheel assembly mounted to the front of the track and a wheel assembly mounted to the rear of the track, both of which are engaged to each track, wherein the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies are spaced apart along the length of each track; each wheel assembly comprising a wheel assembly housing extending around the longitudinal axis of the track; an engaging means arranged on and extending through the wheel assembly housing in releasable engagement with the track; and one or more wheels connected to the wheel assembly housing.

[0012] Optionally, the track is the same as or like those used on airplanes to secure passenger seats. Optionally, the track is a seat track or cargo track. Optionally, the track comprises an elongated channel, which receives the seat fittings that are located on the bottom of legs of a passenger seat. Optionally, the seat fittings can slide along the length of the elongated channel when they are in the elongated channel. Optionally, the elongated channel comprises two upper opposing flanges that extend towards one another, but with a spacing therebetween. The flanges retain the seat fittings in the channel. Optionally, the track comprises circular openings defined by flanges and the spacing between the flanges. Optionally, the circular openings are spaced apart along the length of the channel. The circular openings accommodate a leg attachment bolt to retain the seat fittings and thus the seat in the track.

[0013] Optionally, the one or more wheels are one or more swivel castors.

[0014] Optionally, the one or more wheels comprise a brake to slow or prevent the wheel from rotating.

[0015] Optionally, the wheel assembly housing has a top and a bottom. Optionally, the engaging means is located on the top of the housing. Optionally, the engaging means may be located on the bottom of the housing. Optionally, the engaging means may be located on the sides of the housing. Optionally, the one or more wheels are secured to the bottom of the housing. Optionally, the one or more wheels can pivot about the housing.

[0016] Optionally, the engaging means is an index plunger. Optionally, the engaging means comprises a plunger. Optionally, the engaging means has a rest position in which the plunger is extended from the top of the wheel assembly housing towards the bottom of the wheel assembly housing. Advantageously, in this position, the plunger is engageable with a track.

[0017] Optionally, the plunger is biased towards the rest position by a biasing means. Optionally, the plunger can be manually moved away from the rest position by pulling the plunger. Advantageously, the plunger can be disengaged from the track in this way to release the wheel assembly from the track and enable relative movement between the track and wheel assembly.

[0018] Optionally, the plunger is sized too large to extend through the spacing between the flanges in the channel, but small enough to extend through the circular openings in the channel.

[0019] Optionally, the wheel assembly housing has a front, rear and two sides running between the front and rear. Optionally, the plunger is located closer to one side of the housing than the other side. This misalignment functions to prevent relative movement between the wheel assembly housing and the track when the plunger is in the rest position and in engagement with the track. In the rest position, the plunger is positioned at least partially in a part of a circular opening defined by the shape of the flange. Forward and backword movement along the length of the track results in the plunger abutting the flange, and substantial movement is thereby prevented and the wheel assembly housing is secured relative to the track.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for transporting passenger seats, the method involving using an apparatus for transporting passenger seats, the apparatus comprising: two or more tracks, each track having a longitudinal axis, and being configured to receive a leg of a passenger seat; a front mounted wheel assembly and a rear mounted wheel assembly engaged to each track, wherein the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies are spaced apart along the length of each track; each wheel assembly comprising a wheel assembly housing extending around the longitudinal axis of the track; an engaging means arranged on and extending through the wheel assembly housing in releasable engagement with the track; one or more wheels connected to the wheel assembly housing; the method comprising the steps of: i) setting the seat to be transported on the track, with the front and rear fittings in engagement with the track; ii) if the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies are not present on the track, then sliding the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies onto the track such that they are positioned at either side of the seat fittings, iii) ensuring each wheel assembly is engaged with the track and if a wheel assembly is not engaged with the track then engaging the wheel assembly with the track; and iv) wheeling the apparatus and seat to the destination.

[0021] Optionally, the method may include a preliminary step prior to step i) involving setting a distance between the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies sufficient to accommodate the distance between front and rear fittings on the legs of the seat to be transported, wherein the distance is set by disengaging the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assemblies, or both, and moving the wheel assembly along the length of the track.

[0022] Optionally, the method may include an additional step between steps ii) and iii) involving moving the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assemblies if required closer to the front and rear fittings of the seat so that the wheel assemblies are proximal to or abutting the fittings of the seat.

[0023] Optionally, the plunger is sized too large to extend through the spacing between the flanges in the channel, but small enough to extend through the circular openings in the channel.

[0024] Optionally, the method further comprises removing the seat from the track. List of Figures

[0025] Specific implementations of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1A shows an isometric view of the apparatus according to the invention, which herein is also referred to as a “passenger seat transport skate” or “skate”, in a first position, which corresponds to an open state of the skate, before a passenger seat is mounted.

[0027] Figure 1B shows an isometric view of the passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a first position, which corresponds to an open state of the skate, where a passenger seat is mounted, but not locked in position. Note that only 1 passenger seat leg (108) is shown as installed into the skate for visibility. Ref. Figure 10A.

[0028] Figure 1C shows an isometric view of the passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a second position, which corresponds to a closed state of the skate, where a passenger seat is mounted and is locked in position. Note that only 1 passenger seat leg (108) is shown as installed into the skate for visibility. Ref. Figure 10B.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the wheel assembly (1). Seat track (103) is not shown for visibility; and to highlight that the wheel assembly (1) is fully detachable from the seat track (103).

[0030] Figure 3 shows a front facing view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted to the front and back of the seat track (103). The purpose of this view is to show the positioning of the index plunger (106) with respect to the centreline of the seat track (103) and the wheel assembly housing (101). It is this positioning that allows the index plunger (106), when in its resting (R) position to lock into the seat track (103). Ref. Figure 5.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a top down, section view of wheel assembly (1) when mounted to the front and rear of the seat track (103). The purpose of this view is to show the positioning of the index plunger (106) in the wheel assembly housing (101), with respect to the centreline of the seat track (103). It is this positioning that allows the index plunger (106), when in its resting (R) position to lock into the seat track (103). In the rest position, the plunger (120) is positioned at least partially in a part of a circular opening (114) defined by the shape of the flange (113b). Forward and backward movement along the length of the track (103) results in the plunger (120) abutting the flange (113b), and substantial movement is thereby prevented and the wheel assembly housing (101), (102) is secured relative to the seat track (103). Ref, Figure 7.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an isometric section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its resting (R) position, locking the wheel assembly (1) along the axis (X) of the seat track (103).

[0033] Figure 6 shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its resting (R) position, locking the wheel assembly (1) along the axis (X) of the seat track (103).

[0034] Figure 7 shows an isometric section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its lifted (L) position, allowing the wheel assembly (1) to be moved along the axis (X) of the seat track (103) to the desired position.

[0035] Figure 8 shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its lifted (L) position, allowing the wheel assembly (1) to be moved along the axis (X) of the seat track (103) to the desired position.

[0036] Figure 9 shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its lifted (L) position, and the front mounted wheel assembly is being moved along the axis (X) of the seat track (103) to the desired position.

[0037] Figure 10A shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its resting (R) position, locking the wheel assembly (1) along the axis (X) of the seat track (103). Included in this view is a passenger seat leg assembly, compromising of, but not limited to, a passenger seat leg (108), a passenger seat front leg attachment bolt (109) and a passenger seat front leg attachment nut (110). In this view of the passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a first position; and corresponds to an open position of the skate as the wheel assembly (1) is not blocking the next available circular opening (114), from which the seat could be removed.

[0038] Figure 10B shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the front of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its resting (R) position, locking the wheel assembly (1) along the axis (X) of the seat track (103). Included in this view is a passenger seat leg assembly, compromising of, but not limited to, a passenger seat leg (108), a passenger seat front leg attachment bolt (109) and a passenger seat front leg attachment nut (110). In this view of the passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a second position; and corresponds to a closed position of the skate, whereby the passenger seat is locked into the seat track (103) as the wheel assembly (1) is blocking the next available circular opening (114), from which the seat could be removed.

[0039] Figure 11A shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the rear of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its resting (R) position, locking the wheel assembly (1) along the axis (X) of the seat track (103). Included in this view is a passenger seat leg assembly, compromising of, but not limited to, a passenger seat leg (108), a passenger seat rear leg attachment (111). In this view of the passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a first position; and corresponds to an open position of the skate as the wheel assembly (1) is not blocking the next available circular opening (114), from which the seat could be removed.

[0040] Figure 11B shows a side section view of the wheel assembly (1), when mounted on the rear of the seat track (103), where the index plunger (106) is in its resting (R) position, locking the wheel assembly (1) along the axis (X) of the seat track (103). Included in this view is a passenger seat leg assembly, compromising of, but not limited to, a passenger seat leg (108), a passenger seat rear leg attachment (111). In this view of the passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a second position; and corresponds to a closed position of the skate, whereby the passenger seat is locked into the seat track (103) as the wheel assembly (1) is blocking the next available circular opening (114), from which the seat could be removed.

[0041] Fig. 12 shows an isometric view of a further embodiment of a passenger seat transport skate according to the invention in a first position, which corresponds to an open state of the skate, before a passenger seat is mounted.

[0042] Fig. 13 shows an isometric view of the rear mounted wheel assembly (2) of the embodiment of Fig. 12. Seat track (103) is not shown for visibility; and to highlight that the rear mounted wheel assembly (2) is fully removeable.

[0043] Fig. 14 shows a top elevation view of a further embodiment of a seat track (203) according to the invention. Seat track (103) is similar to other embodiments described herein, but further comprises holes. Detailed Description

[0044] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently described subject matter pertains.

[0045] In the figures there is shown an apparatus (3), (4) for transporting passenger seats. Each apparatus (3), (4) has one seat track (103), with each seat track having a longitudinal axis, and being configured to receive one leg (108) of a passenger seat. The apparatus (3) has a wheel assembly (1) mounted to the front and to the rear of the seat track (103). The apparatus (4) has a wheel assembly (1) mounted to the front of the seat track (103); and a wheel assembly (2) mounted to the rear of the seat track (103). In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, each of the wheel assemblies (1) have two wheels (104), (105). Whereas in Figures 12 and 13, the rear mounted wheel assembly (2) has a single wheel (104). The skilled person will understand that in other embodiments the wheel assembly may have more than two wheels. The wheel assemblies (1), (2) are engaged to the seat track (103). Further, the wheel assemblies (1), (2) are spaced apart along the length of the seat track (103). Each wheel assembly (1),(2) hasa housing (101), (102) that extends around the longitudinal axis of the seat track (103). There is further an engaging means (106) arranged on and extending through the wheel assembly housing (101), (102) in releasable engagement with the seat track (103).

[0046] The seat track (103) is the same as those used on, but not limited to, airplanes to secure passenger seats, in terms of appearance and functionality. The seat track (103) comprises an elongated channel (112), which receives the seat fittings (109), (111) that are located on the bottom of legs (108) of a passenger seat. When the passenger seat is located in the elongated channel (112), the passenger seat leg (108) and fitting bolts (109), and within (111) can slide along the length of the elongated channel (112). The elongated channel (112) comprises two upper opposing flanges (113a), (113b) that extend towards one another. The flanges (113a), (113b) retain the seat fittings in the channel.

[0047] The seat track (103) has circular openings (114) defined by flanges (113a), (113b) and the spacing between the flanges. More specifically, each flange has a partial circular cut-out opposing partial circular cut-out in the opposing flange, and there is a space therebetween, that defines the circular opening (114). The circular openings (114) are equally spaced apart along the length of the channel (112). The circular openings (114) accommodate a front leg attachment bolt (109) and rear leg fitting (111) to retain the seat fittings and thus the seat in the track. The front leg attachment bolt (109) has a neck (116) and a head (117), wherein the head rests in the elongated channel (112) when in use. The head (117) is sized to fit through the circular openings (114) but not through the space between the circular openings (113a), (113b). Thus, to remove the seat from the track (103), the seat is slid until the head (117) is positioned in line with a circular opening (114). The seat can then be lifted away from the track.

[0048] The wheels (104), (105) are swivel castors and can thus rotate through 360 degrees. At least one of the wheels (104) comprises a brake (115), which may be foot or hand operated, to slow or prevent the wheel (104) from rotating.

[0049] The wheel assembly housing (101), (102) has a top (118) and a bottom (119). The engaging means (106) is located on the top (118) of the housing (101), (102). The wheels (104), (105) are secured to the bottom (119) of the housing (101), (102).

[0050] The engaging means (106) is an index plunger. The engaging means (106) comprises a plunger (120). The engaging means (106) has a rest position in which the plunger (120) is extended from the top (118) of the wheel assembly housing (101), (102) towards the bottom (119) of the wheel assembly housing (101), (102). Advantageously, in this position, the plunger (120) is engageable with the seat track (103) as it can rest inside the circular opening (114).

[0051] The plunger (120) is biased towards the rest position by a biasing means. The plunger (120) can be manually moved away from the rest position by pulling the plunger (120). Advantageously, the plunger (120) can be disengaged from the seat track (103) in this way to release the wheel assembly (1), (2) from the seat track (103) and enable relative movement between the seat track (103) and wheel assembly (1), (2).

[0052] The wheel assembly housing (101), (102) has a front (121), rear (122) and two sides (123), (124). The sides (123), (124) extend between the front (121) and rear (122). The plunger (120) is located closer to one side (123) of the housing than the other side (124). This misalignment functions to prevent relative movement between the wheel assembly housing (101), (102) and the seat track (103) when the plunger (120) is in the rest position and in engagement with the seat track (103). In the rest position, the plunger (120) is positioned at least partially in a part of a circular opening (114) defined by the shape of the flange (113b). Forward and backward movement along the length of the track (103) results in the plunger (120) abutting the flange (113b), and substantial movement is thereby prevented and the wheel assembly housing (101), (102) is secured relative to the seat track (103).

[0053] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the plunger is sized too large to extend through the spacing between the flanges in the channel, but small enough to extend through the circular openings in the channel.

[0054] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a seat track (203). Seat track (203) comprises holes (225) in the base of the seat track (203). The holes (225) are aligned with the circular openings (114) but may be located at any desired location along the length of the seat track (203). Further, in the illustrated embodiment there are four holes (225), but more or less than four holes may be included. The holes (225) can be used to secure the seat track (203), and therefore also any seat engaged with the seat track (203), to a surface, such as a wooden pallet, by screwing through the holes (225) and into the surface. In this way, the track (203) and seat can be secured for transportation for example from a manufacturer to a customer before being installed in an aircraft. The advantages of this are outlined further below.

[0055] In use, a seat can be transported by the apparatus (3), (4). The seat may either be transported by first setting the seat into the seat track (103) and engaging the seat with the seat track (103). Next, the wheel assemblies (1), (2) may be slid onto the track (103) such that they are positioned at either side of the seat fittings. The wheel assemblies (103) may then be engaged with the seat track (103). First, the plunger (120) is pulled vertically, away from the seat track (103), and ideally directly orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (x) of the seat track (103). The wheel assembly (1), (2), can then be slid along the length of the seat track (103). When the desired position is reached, the plunger (120) can be released. The biasing means then urges the plunger (120) towards the seat track (103) and locks the wheel assembly (1), (2), relative to the seat track (103) as the plunger (120) can rest inside the circular opening (114). The apparatus (3), (4) and seat can then be wheeled across a surface for transportation.

[0056] The advantage of this method is that it could obviate use of single-use plastic “shoes” used for shipping airplane seats after manufacture and before installation in an aircraft. Currently, in a lot of cases, a single use plastic “shoe” is added by the seating manufacturer to protect the seats front and rear track fittings / studs during seat shipment to customer. These “shoes” are cable tied around the seat and held to the seat by the cable ties. These “shoes” then have tabs which are screwed down through; and it is the screw through the tab on the “shoe” that secures a seat to a shipping pallet. Manufactures could forgo these plastic shoes if the seats were shipped secured to the seat track (103), which could be screwed down to a pallet through a hole in the seat track (103). The customer could then simply attach the wheel assemblies (1), (2) to transport the seat to the destination. Thus, widespread adoption of the present invention would remove this single use plastic and allow companies to just add the wheels when their seats are delivered (no need to cut cable ties, remove the “shoes” and dispose of these single use items, carry seats or set them onto dollies) and transport the seat to wherever it needs to go. Resulting in a quicker, more cost effective and sustainable end-to-end shipping process.

[0057] Alternatively, the wheel assemblies (3), (4), may be present on the seat track (103) before the seat is set onto the track (103). In this alternative method, the seat is transported by first setting a distance between the wheel assemblies (1), (2) installed on the front and rear of the seat track (103) sufficient to accommodate the distance between the front and rear fittings (109), (111) of the legs (108) of the seat to be transported. The distance is set by disengaging the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assemblies (1), (2), or both, and moving the wheel assembly or assemblies (1), (2), along the length of the seat track (103).

[0058] Next, the seat to be transported is then set on the seat track (103) with the seat fittings (109), (111) in engagement with the track (103). To prevent the seat from sliding about in the track (103) during transport, the wheel assemblies (1), (2), are moved into abutment with the seat fittings (109), (111). This can be done as described above for moving the wheel assemblies (1), (2). This then secures the seat relative to the seat track (103) as the next available circular opening (114) is being blocked by the wheel assemblies (1), (2).

[0059] If required, the brake (115) is released and the wheels (104), (105) are free to rotate. The assembly (3), (4) and seat can then be rolled across a surface to the desired destination. On arrival, the steps can be reversed to release the seat from the apparatus (3), (4). The seat can then be lifted away from the apparatus and set in its destination. Alternatively, the wheel assemblies (1), (2) can be removed from the seat track (103) leaving the seat resting on the seat track (103), so that the wheel assemblies (1), (2) can be added a later stage, when the seat is to be moved again.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiments, apparatus (3) comprises two wheel-assemblies (1), with each assembly having two wheels (104), (105). The user may transport a passenger seat using two or more of apparatus (3), one arranged on a first leg (108) and another arranged on a second leg of the passenger seat. For seats with more than two legs, it may be possible to still use only two of apparatus (3), or alternatively, apparatus (3) may be fitted to each leg.

[0061] Apparatus (4) differs from apparatus (3) in that the rear mounted wheel assembly (2) comprises a single wheel (104) rather than two wheels (104), (105). The user may transport a passenger seat using two or more of the apparatus (4), one arranged on each leg (108) of the passenger seat, accounting for seats with more than two legs.

[0062] Other arrangements will be apparent to the skilled person, for example, transporting a passenger seat using one of apparatus (3) and one of apparatus (4), one arranged on each leg (108).

[0063] Where a range of values is provided, for example, concentration ranges, percentage ranges, or ratio ranges, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the described subject matter. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and such embodiments are also encompassed within the described subject matter, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the described subject matter.

[0064] It should be understood that the terms "a" and "an" as used above and elsewhere herein refer to "one or more" of the enumerated components. It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms “a,” “an” and “at least one” are used interchangeably in this application.

[0065] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as size, weight, reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to the understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical 5 parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present subject matter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant 10 digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0066] Throughout the application, descriptions of various embodiments use "comprising" language; however, it will be understood by one of skill in the art, that in some instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language "consisting essentially of or "consisting of." 15

Claims

1. An apparatus for transporting passenger seats, the apparatus comprising:two or more tracks, each track having a longitudinal axis, and being configured to receive the leg of a passenger seat;a wheel assembly mounted to the front of the track and a wheel assembly mounted to the rear of the track, both of which are engaged to each track, wherein the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies are spaced apart along the length of each track;each wheel assembly comprising a wheel assembly housing extending around the longitudinal axis of the track;an engaging means arranged on and extending through the wheel assembly housing in releasable engagement with the track; andone or more wheels connected to the wheel assembly housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the track comprises an elongated channel which receives the seat fittings that are located on the bottom of legs of a passenger seat.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elongated channel comprises two upper opposing flanges that extend towards one another, with a spacing therebetween.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the track comprises circular openings defined by the flanges and the spacing between the flanges to accommodate a leg attachment bolt to retain the seat fittings and thus the seat in the track.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the circular openings are spaced apart along the length of the channel.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more wheels are one or more swivel castors.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more wheels comprise a brake to slow or prevent the wheel from rotating.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wheel assembly housing has a top and a bottom, and wherein the engaging means is located on the top of the housing.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the one or more wheels are secured to the bottom of the housing.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the engaging means is an index plunger.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the engaging means comprises a plunger that is biased towards a rest position by a biasing means, in which the plunger is extended from the top of the wheel assembly housing towards the bottom of the wheel assembly housing.

12. A wheel assembly comprising:a wheel assembly housing locatable around a longitudinal axis of a track;an engaging means arranged on and extending through the wheel assembly housing, for releasably engaging with the track; andone or more wheels connected to the wheel assembly housing.

13. A method for transporting passenger seats, the method involving using the apparatus of claim 1 an apparatus for transporting passenger seats, the apparatus comprising:the method comprising the steps of:i) setting the seat to be transported on the track, with the front mounted and rear mounted fittings in engagement with the track;ii) if the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies are not present on the track, then sliding the front mounted and rearmounted wheel assemblies onto the track such that they are positioned at either side of the seat fittings,iii) ensuring each wheel assembly is engaged with the track and if a wheel assembly is not engaged with the track then engaging the wheel assembly with the track; andiv) wheeling the apparatus and seat to the destination.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein prior to step i) the method comprises the step of setting a distance between the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies sufficient to accommodate the distance between front and rear fittings on the legs of the seat to be transported, wherein the distance is set by disengaging the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assemblies, or both, and moving the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assembly or both along the length of the track.

15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14 comprising an additional step between steps ii) and iii) involving moving the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assemblies if required closer to the front and rear fittings of the seat so that the wheel assemblies are proximal to or abutting the fittings of the seat.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:19CLAIMS1. An apparatus for transporting passenger seats, the apparatus comprising:two or more tracks, each track having a longitudinal axis, and being 5 configured to receive the leg of a passenger seat;wherein each track comprises an elongated channel which receives the seat fittings that are located on the bottom of legs of a passenger seat;a wheel assembly mounted to the front of the track and a wheel assembly mounted to the rear of the track, both of which are engaged to each 10 track, wherein the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies arespaced apart along the length of each track;each wheel assembly comprising a wheel assembly housing extending around the longitudinal axis of the track;CMan engaging means arranged on and extending through the wheel15 assembly housing in releasable engagement with the track; and1—one or more wheels connected to the wheel assembly housing.CM2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated channel comprises two upper opposing flanges that extend towards one another, with a spacing therebetween.20 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the track comprises circular openingsdefined by the flanges and the spacing between the flanges to accommodate a leg attachment bolt to retain the seat fittings and thus the seat in the track.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the circular openings are spaced apart along the length of the channel.25 5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or morewheels are one or more swivel castors.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more wheels comprise a brake to slow or prevent the wheel from rotating.the steps of:

257. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wheel assembly housing has a top and a bottom, and wherein the engaging means is located on the top of the housing.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the one or more wheels are5 secured to the bottom of the housing.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the engaging means is an index plunger.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the engaging means comprises a plunger that is biased towards a rest position by a biasing means, in which10 the plunger is extended from the top of the wheel assembly housing towardsthe bottom of the wheel assembly housing.

11. A method for transporting passenger seats, the method involving using the apparatus of claim 1 for transporting passenger seats, the method comprisingsetting the seat to be transported on the track, with the front mounted and rear mounted fittings in engagement with the track;if the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies are not present on the track, then sliding the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies onto the track such that they are positioned at either side of the seat fittings,ensuring each wheel assembly is engaged with the track and if a wheel assembly is not engaged with the track then engaging the wheel assembly with the track; andwheeling the apparatus and seat to the destination.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein prior to step i) the method comprises the step of setting a distance between the front mounted and rear mounted wheel assemblies sufficient to accommodate the distance between front and rear30 fittings on the legs of the seat to be transported, wherein the distance is set bydisengaging the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assemblies, or both, and15iv)moving the front mounted or rear mounted wheel assembly or both along the length of the track.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12 comprising an additional step between 5 steps ii) and iii) involving moving the front mounted or rear mounted wheelassemblies if required closer to the front and rear fittings of the seat so that the wheel assemblies are proximal to or abutting the fittings of the seat.21 10 24