Seat track anti-rattle locking device
An improved seating apparatus for an aircraft comprising: a seat assembly; and a wedge lock device for securing the seat assembly to the aircraft without any rattle. In the preferred embodiment, the wedge lock device includes: a selectively adjustable force applicator for applying force to a force bearer; a force bearer for transferring force to an aircraft seat track; and a stud connected to the seat assembly. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat leg.
1. An improved seating apparatus for an aircraft comprising:
(a) a seat track;
(b) a seat assembly; and
(c) a wedge lock device located between the seat track and the seat assembly including a bendable force bearer having a plate attached at one end of the plate for engaging the upper surface of the seat track to secure the seat assembly to the aircraft.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a seat leg.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a seat back.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes an armrest.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a headrest.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a serving tray.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes seat controls.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the seat controls include seat recline control.
9. A wedge lock apparatus for securing a seat assembly to an aircraft having a seat track, the wedge lock apparatus comprising:
(a) a selectively adjustable force applicator for applying force to the unattached end of a force bearer;
(b) a bendable force bearer located between the seat track and the seat assembly including a plate for engaging the upper surface of the seat track, the plate including an attached end and an unattached end; and
(c) a stud for matingly engaging the seat track connected to the seat assembly.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the force applicator includes a rod.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the rod includes threads.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the threaded rod is a setscrew.
13. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the force bearer further includes a flexible pad adjacent to the plate.
14. The apparatus according to claim 9 further including a seat track for engaging the stud.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the track includes a top, bottom, and at least one side defining a slot for retaining the stud.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the top of the track includes opposing edges generally parallel to the sides of the track.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the distance between the opposing edges changes along at least a portion of the track.
18. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the stud extends trackwardly from the seat assembly.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the stud includes a head portion.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the stud includes a collar portion.
21. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the head portion of the stud is larger than the collar portion of the stud measured transverse the trackward extension of the stud.
22. An improved seating apparatus for an aircraft having a seat track comprising:
(a) a seat assembly; and
(b) a wedge lock device for securing the seat assembly to the aircraft including:
(i) a selectively adjustable force applicator for applying force to the unattached end of a force bearer;
(ii) a bendable force bearer located between the seat track and the seat assembly including a plate for engaging the upper surface of the seat track the plate including an attached end and an unattached end; and
(iii) a stud for matingly engaging the seat track connected to the seat assembly,
whereby force applied to the force bearer by the force applicator is deflected to secure the seat assembly to the seat track.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the seat assembly includes a seat back.
24. The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the seat assembly includes an armrest.
25. The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the seat assembly includes a headrest.
26. The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the seat assembly includes a serving tray.
27. The apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein the seat assembly includes seat controls.
28. The apparatus according to claim 27 , wherein the seat controls include seat recline control.
29. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the force applicator includes a rod.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the rod includes threads.
31. The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the threaded rod is a setscrew.
32. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the force bearer further includes a flexible pad adjacent to the plate.
33. The apparatus according to claim 22 further including a seat track for engaging the stud.
34. The apparatus according to claim 33 wherein the track includes a top, bottom, and at least one side defining a slot for retaining the stud.
35. The apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the top of the track includes opposing edges generally parallel to the sides of the track.
36. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the distance between the opposing edges changes along at least a portion of the track.
37. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the stud extends trackwardly from the seat assembly.
38. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the stud includes a head portion.
39. The apparatus according to claim 38 wherein the stud includes a collar portion.
40. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the head portion of the stud is larger than the collar portion of the stud measured transverse the trackward extension of the stud.