GB2532868A - Anchoring system for securing a seat to a floor of a vehicle, in particular a Bus - Google Patents

Abstract

Anchoring system 10 for securing a seat 12 to a floor 14 of a vehicle, preferably a bus, comprising: lug plate (18, fig 1) having a first through opening 20, the lug plate (18, fig 1) being on a first side 22 of a floor panel 16 of the floor 14, and lug 24 which penetrates both first and second through openings, 20, 26 of the floor panel 16. The lug 24 has external thread 28 and first internal thread (36, fig 3) on the first side 22, the lug connects to bolt 38 for securing the seat (12, fig 6) to the lug 24, and nut 48 having a second internal thread 52 which screws to the lug 24 by means of the external thread 28 and the second internal thread 52 thereby fastening the lug 24 to the floor panel 16, and a ratchet mechanism 60 formed by a ratchet element 61 and a wall 62 bounding the first through opening 20, allowing a rotational movement of the lug 24 in a first direction 64 and preventing rotational movement in the opposite direction. In embodiments, the lug may be a keyed member (84, fig. 9) interlocking with the first through opening 20.

Description

Anchoring System for Securing a Seat to a Floor of a Vehicle, in particular a Bus The invention relates to an anchoring system for securing a seat to a floor of a vehicle, in particular a bus.

US 8 777 289 B2 shows an anchoring system that secures an anchored apparatus to a mounting structure, the anchoring system comprising a base and a plurality of fastening devices attached to the base and extending away from an upper face of the base. The anchoring system further comprises a reinforcement plate which is disposed outside the mounting structure and includes openings to receive the plurality of fastening devices. The base has a shape similar to an inside configuration of the mounting structure such that the base is inserted into the mounting structure and positioned to any desirable location along the mounting structure, wherein the plurality of fastening devices extend through the mounting structure and attach the anchored apparatus to the mounting structure.

Currently, in vehicles such as buses, in particular special needs buses, mounting seats on respective floors of the vehicle and dismounting the seats from the floors can be cumbersome.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system by means of which at least one seat can be mounted on and dismounted from a floor of a vehicle in a particular easy way.

This object is solved by an anchoring system having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

The anchoring system according to the present invention serves for securing at least one seat to a floor of a vehicle, in particular a bus. The anchoring system comprises at least one lug plate having at least one first through opening, wherein the lug plate is configured to be arranged on a first side of a floor panel of the floor. The anchoring system further comprises at least one lug configured to penetrate the first through opening and a second through opening of the floor panel. The lug has an external thread and a first internal thread configured to be, on the first side, connected to a bolt for securing the seat to the lug. This means the bolt for securing this seat to the lug and, thus, the floor panel can be arranged on the first side and screwed to the lug by means of the first internal thread.

Furthermore, the anchoring system comprises at least one nut which has a second internal thread and is configured to be, on a second side facing away from the first side, screwed to the lug by means of the external thread second internal thread. This means the nut is configured to be arranged on a second side of the floor panel, the second side facing away from the first side. The nut can be screwed to the lug by means of the external thread and the second internal thread thereby fastening the lug to the floor panel and, thus, the floor.

Additionally, the anchoring system comprises a ratchet mechanism which is also referred to as a ratchet or ratchet device. The ratchet mechanism is formed by a ratchet element and at least one wall bounding at least partially the first through opening. The ratchet mechanism allows a rotational movement of the lug in relation to the lug plate in a first direction. Moreover, the ratchet mechanism prevents a rotational movement of the lug in relation to the lug plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. For example, the anchoring system according to the present invention provides the manufacturer of the vehicle the ability to install the seat on the floor panel and, thus, the floor and then remove this seat whilst leaving the lug fastened to the floor panel since the lug can stay attached to the floor panel by means of the external thread and the nut screwed thereon whilst loosening the bolt from the lug so as to remove the seat.

In other words, the bolt can be removed from the lug so as to remove the seat whilst the lug can stay mounted on the floor panel by means of the external thread and the nut screwed thereon. Moreover, the seat can be readily installed and removed without having to hold the nut on the second side of the floor panel, the second side being an underside of the floor, wherein the underside faces away from the interior of the vehicle. Using the ratchet mechanism, the entire assembly can be tightened during the manufacturing process of the vehicle. Preferably, the nut is configured as a serrated flange nut which is used on the lug to ensure the lug will not slip in subsequent torque applications between the lug and the floor. Once tightened, the ratchet mechanism keeps the lug from turning in the second direction which is, for example, the counter clockwise direction, when the seat is loosened for removal.

Once the lug and, via the lug, the lug plate are installed and, thus, mounted on the floor panel by the external thread and the nut mounted thereon, no special fasteners are needed for the end-user to uninstall and re-install the seat since the lug, the lug plate and the nut can stay attached to the floor panel whilst uninstalling and installing the seat.

For example, the lug is a seat foot anchor to which the seat, in particular a seat foot of the seat, can be secured thereby securing the seat to the floor. The lug and the lug plate create a subtle and gentle transition in the floor that will not impede special needs occupants and attendants from traversing. The anchoring system according to the present invention allows the manufacturer to spec other attachments such as wheelchair attachments in lieu of full length track flooring.

The ratchet mechanism is a feature that provides an anti-loosening feature guaranteeing that the lug will not inadvertently get loosened in the process. The anchoring system according to the present invention allows the lug to be torqued from the first side which is a top side of the floor panel, the top side facing away from the underside. Moreover, said bolt can be mounted on and dismounted from the lug from the first side without having to hold the nut on the second side. Thus, the seat can be installed and uninstalled in a particularly easy and time-effective way.

For example, the ratchet element is formed by the lug. In other words, for example, the ratchet element and the lug are formed in one piece. Alternatively, the ratchet element and the lug are separate components, wherein the ratchet element is connected to the lug at least in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, the ratchet element is supported on the lug in its circumferential direction.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawings show in: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment an anchoring system according to the present invention, the anchoring system being configured to secure a seat to a floor of a vehicle, in particular a bus; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of the anchoring system; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of parts of the anchoring system; Fig. 4 a schematic top view of the parts shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 a perspective and sectional top view of a ratchet mechanism of the anchoring system; Fig. 6 a schematic perspective view of a seat secured to the floor by means of at least two anchoring systems according to the present invention; Fig. 7 a schematic perspective view of lugs and a lug plate of a second embodiment of the anchoring system; Fig. 8 a schematic and perspective top view of the lug plate of a third embodiment of the anchoring system; Fig. 9 a schematic and perspective bottom view of the lug plate according to Fig. 8; Fig. 10 a schematic perspective view of the lugs and the lug plate of a fourth embodiment of the anchoring system; Fig. 11 a schematic side view of one of the lugs according to Fig. 10; Fig. 12 a schematic top view of the lug according to Fig. 11; Fig. 13 a schematic top view of the lug according to Figs. 11 and 12; and Fig. 14 a schematic perspective view of the lugs and the lug plate of a fifth embodiment of the anchoring system; In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic sectional view, a first embodiment of an anchoring system 10 for securing a seat 12 (Fig. 6) to a floor 14 of a vehicle such as, for example, a bus. The floor 14 is also referred to as a floor structure and comprises at least one floor panel 16. As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2 the anchoring system 10 comprises at least one lug plate 18 which is made of, for example, a metallic material. The lug plate 18 has first through openings 20 and is configured to be arranged on a first side 22 of the floor panel 16. The first side 22 is a top side of the floor panel 16, the top side facing towards the interior of the vehicle with respect to the completely assembled state of the vehicle.

Moreover, the anchoring system 10 comprises two lugs 24 configured to penetrate the respective first through openings 20. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the floor panel 16 has through openings 26 which are, for example, configured as counterbored holes in relation to the through openings 20. When assembling the anchoring system 10 and, in particular, the vehicle the lug plate 18 is arranged in such a way that the through openings 20 overlap the corresponding through openings 26 respectively. Thus, the lugs 24 can be plugged into the through openings 20 and 26 so as to penetrate the through openings 20 and 26.

The respective lug 24 has an external thread 28 formed by a shaft 30 of the respective lug 24. Moreover, the respective lug 24 has a head 32 connected to the shaft 30. For example, the shaft 30 and the head 32 are formed in one piece. Preferably, the lug 24 is made of a metallic material. The respective head 32 has a receptacle 34 in which a respective first internal thread 36 of the lug 24 is arranged. The respective first internal thread 36 is configured to be, on the first side 22, connected to a respective bolt 38 for securing the seat 12 to the respective lug 24 and, thus, the floor panel 16. The respective bolt 38 has a shaft 40 forming a second external thread 42 which corresponds to the internal thread 36. Thus, the respective bolt 38 can be screwed to the respective lug 24 by means of the external thread 42 and the corresponding internal thread 36.

For example, by means of the respective lug 24 and the corresponding respective bolt 38 a seat foot 44 of the seat 12 can be attached to the floor panel 16 so that the seat 12 can be attached to the floor panel 16 by means of the seat foot 44. For this purpose the respective bolt 38 has a flange 46 so that the seat foot 44 can be clamped between the flange 46 and the lug plate 18 thereby attaching the seat foot 44 to the floor panel 16. The bolt 38 is configured to be arranged on the first side 22 so that, on the first side 22, the bolt 38 can be screwed to the respective lug 24.

The anchoring system 10 further comprises respective nuts 48 configured to be arranged on a second side 50 of the floor panel 16, the second side 50 facing away from the first side 22. Thus, the second side 50 is an underside of the floor panel 16, said underside facing away from the interior of the vehicle. The respective nut 48 has a second internal thread 52 so that the respective nut 48 can be, on the second side 50, screwed to the respective lug 24 by means of the external thread 28 and the internal thread 52 thereby fastening the respective lug 24 to the floor panel 16.

As can be seen from Fig. 3, the respective lug 24 has a notch 54 in which a retaining ring 56 of the anchoring system 10 can be arranged. The retaining ring 56 arranged in the corresponding notch 54 protrudes from the notch 54 and the lug 24 so that, in the longitudinal direction of the respective lug 24, the lug 24 can be supported, via a washer 58, on the lug plate 18. This means the washer 58 is arranged, in the longitudinal direction of the lug 24, between the retaining ring 56 and the lug plate 18 so that the lug 24 is supported, in the longitudinal direction of the lug 24, on the washer 58 and, via the washer 58, on the lug plate 18 by means of the retaining ring 56. Via the washer 58 and the lug plate 18 the respective lug 24 can be supported, in the longitudinal direction of the lug 24, on the floor panel 16. Thus, the floor panel 16, the lug plate 18 and the washer 58 can be clamped between the retaining ring 56 and the respective nut 48 thereby fastening the respective lug 24 to the floor panel 16.

The anchoring system 10 further comprises a ratchet mechanism which can be seen from Figs. 4 and 5, the ratchet mechanism being indicated by 60. The ratchet mechanism 60 is formed by a ratchet element 61 and at least one wall 62 bounding the respective through opening 20 at least partially. The ratchet mechanism 60 allows a rotational movement of the lug 24 in relation to the lug plate 18 in a first direction which is illustrated by a directional arrow 64. Moreover, the ratchet mechanism 60 prevents a rotational movement of the lug 24 in relation to the lug plate 18 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, this second direction being illustrated by a directional arrow 66. For example, the ratchet element 61 is formed by the lug 24, i.e. the lug 24 and the ratchet element 61 are formed in one piece. Alternatively, the ratchet element 61 and the lug 24 are separate or separately manufactured components, wherein the ratchet element 61 is mounted on the lug 24 at least in a rotationally fixed manner.

As can be seen from Figs. 4 and 5, the ratchet mechanism 60 comprises a round gear 68 formed by the lug plate 18, in particular said wall 62, wherein the round gear 68 comprises a plurality of teeth 70 as well as tooth gaps 72 arranged between the respective teeth 70. Additionally, the ratchet mechanism 60 comprises a plurality of pawls 74 which are, for example, flexible and elastically deformed when turning the lug 24 in the first direction. For example, the pawls 74 are formed by the ratchet element 61. The pawls 74 are configured to engage the respective tooth gaps 72 thereby interacting with the teeth 70 in a form-fit manner. Thus, the lug 24 can be rotated in the first direction which is, for example, the clockwise direction, but the lug 24 cannot be rotated in the second direction, in particular, the counterclockwise direction.

Fig. 6 shows the seat 12 arranged in the interior of the vehicle, wherein the seat 12 is attached to the floor panel 16 and, thus, the floor 14 by means of two anchoring systems 10. Moreover, Fig. 6 shows two anchoring systems 10' which are currently not used to attach the seat to the floor 14.

As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2, the bolt 38 can be screwed to the lugs 24 as well as loosened from the lugs 24 without loosening the lugs 24 from the floor panel 16. Thus, the seat 12 can be installed, uninstalled and re-installed without having to hold or move the nuts 48 arranged on the second side 50. In order to uninstall the seat 12, the bolts 38 are dismounted or loosened from the lugs 24. In order to install the seat 12, the bolts 38 are screwed to the lugs 24 by means of the external threads 42 and the internal threads 36. Thus, the seat 12 can be installed and uninstalled whilst the lugs 24 can stay attached to the floor panel 16.

Fig. 7 shows the lugs 24 and the lug plate 18 of a second embodiment of the anchoring system 10. In the first embodiment, the respective through opening 20 is circular. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the respective through opening comprises a first portion 78 and a second portion 80 abutting the first portion 78. The first portion 78 has the form of a segment of a circle, wherein the second portion 80 is straight or linear so that, as a whole, the respective through opening 20 is at least substantially D-shaped. Moreover, the respective head 32 of the respective lug 24 is also D-shaped. In other words, the outer circumferential shape of the respective head 32 corresponds to the inner circumferential shape of the respective through opening 20. Thus, the respective head 32 comprises a third portion 82 and a fourth portion 84 abutting the third portion 82. The third portion 82 has the form of a segment of a circle, wherein the fourth portion 84 is straight or linear so that, as a whole, the respective head 32 is at least substantially D-shaped.

This means the head 32 has a shape matching the shape of the through opening 20, so that the lug 24 can be plugged into the through opening 20 in such a way that the third portion 82 abuts the first portion 78 and the fourth portion 84 abuts the second portion 80 since the fourth portion 84 is a feature matching the second portion 80. Thereby, the respective lug 24 is prevented form turning in relation to the lug plate 18 when tightening the bolts 38. After the respective lug 24 is installed through the floor panel 16 and tightened the lug plate 18 is installed using, for example, screws by means of which the lug plate 18 is screwed to the floor panel 16. For example, four screws are used, the screws penetrating corresponding through openings 76 of the lug plate 18 which is also referred to as a top plate. Once installed the respective lug 24 will not turn when the seat 12 is removed or reinstalled.

Figs. 8 and 9 show the lug plate 18 of a third embodiment of the anchoring system 10. In the third embodiment the internal or female threads 52 are attached to the lug plate 18 which is also referred to as a mounting pad. In the third embodiment the nuts 48 having the internal threads 52 are attached to the lug plate 18. The nuts 48 are configured as weld nuts welded to the lug plate 18. In particular, the weld nuts (nuts 48) are welded to an underside 86 of the lug plate 18, the underside 86 facing away from the floor panel 16. Thus, the nuts 48 can be installed on the floor panel 16 together with the lug plate 18. Moreover, said screws used to screw the lug plate 18 to the floor panel 16 can be seen in Fig. 8, said screws being designated by 88.

Furthermore, Figs. 10 to 13 illustrate the lugs 24 of a fourth embodiment of the anchoring system 10. As can be seen from Fig. 11 the respective lug 24 has a flange 90 protruding the head 32 in the radial direction of the head 32, wherein the flange 90 is arranged on a side of the head 32, said side facing away from the shaft 30. Thus, the head 32 is arranged between the flange 90 and the shaft 30 with respect to the axial direction of the lug 24. The flange 90 is also referred to as a shoulder of the lug 24. As can be seen from Fig. 12, an upper side 92 of the flange 90 is serrated, the upper side 92 facing away from the shaft 30. As can be seen from Fig. 13, an underside 94 of the flange 90 is also serrated, the underside 94 facing away from the upper side 92. Moreover, preferably, the respective nut 48 comprises a second flange having a second upper side facing towards the floor panel 16, wherein the second upper side is serrated. Thus, for example, the respective nut 48 is configured as a serrated flange nut.

For example, in the completely assembled state of the anchoring system 10, the second upper side is supported on the floor panel 16, in particular the second side 50. Furthermore, the underside 94 is supported on the lug plate 18 and the upper side 92 is supported on the seat foot 44. For example, the respective lug 14 is configured as a hex socket head screw so that the head 32 is configured as a hex socket head. Thus, the lug 24 has a hexagon socket 96 in the hex socket head, the hexagon socket allowing the lug 24 to be tightened through a mounting hole 98 in the seat foot 44 during the assembly process of the bus. Said mounting hole 98 can be seen in Fig. 1 and is configured as a through opening. The serrated upper side 92, the serrated underside 94 and the serrated second upper side ensure the lug 24 will not slip in subsequent tightening or loosening torque applications. Also, since the diameter of the male or internal thread portion (shaft 30) of the lug 24 is greater than the diameter of seat bolts a higher installation torque can be used for even additional assurance the lug 24 will not loosen (or tighten) with subsequent seat installations and removals.

Fig. 14 shows the lugs 24 and the lug plate 18 of a fifth embodiment of the anchoring system 10. In the fifth embodiment the ratchet mechanism 60 is configured as a spring ratchet mechanism, in particular a spring steel ratchet mechanism comprising the ratchet element 61 configured as a spring element in the form of a washer ring forming the pawls 74. Moreover, the head 32 has a receptacle in the form of a notch 100 in which the ratchet element 61 is arranged, wherein the pawls 74 protrude from the notch 100. The ratchet mechanism 60 further comprises a retaining ring 102 arranged in the notch 100 and fixing the ratchet element 61 to the head 32 and, thus, the lug 24. For example, the retaining ring 102 and/or the ratchet element 61 are made of a metallic material, in particular steel.

Using the ratchet mechanism 60 on the lug 24 being a seat foot anchor the entire assembly can be tightened via the hex socket head and, thus, the hexagon socket 96 inside the lug 24 through the mounting hole 98 in the seat foot 44 during the assembly process of the bus. The serrated flange nut will be used on the lug 24 to ensure it will not slip in subsequent clockwise torque applications between the lug 24 and the floor interface (floor panel 16). Once tightened, the ratchet mechanism 60 being a spring clip ratchet mechanism will keep the lug 24 (seat foot anchor) from turning in the counterclockwise direction when the seat foot 44 is loosened for removal.

List of reference signs 10, 10' anchoring system 12 seat 14 floor 16 floor panel 18 lug plate through opening 22 first side 24 lug 26 through opening 28 external thread shaft 32 head 34 receptacle 36 internal thread 38 bolt shaft 42 external thread 44 seat foot 46 flange 48 nut second side 52 internal thread 54 notch 56 retaining ring 58 washer ratchet mechanism 61 ratchet element 62 wall 64 directional arrow 66 directional arrow 68 round gear teeth 72 tooth gaps 74 Pawls 76 through opening 78 first portion second portion 82 third portion 84 fourth portion 86 underside 88 screw flange 92 upper side 94 underside 96 hexagon socket 98 mounting hole notch 102 retaining ring

Claims (8)

1. Claims 1. An anchoring system (10) for securing a seat (12) to a floor (14) of a vehicle, in particular a bus, the anchoring system (10) comprising: at least one lug plate (18) having a first through opening (20), the lug plate (18) being configured to be arranged on a first side (22) of a floor panel (16) of the floor (14), at least one lug (24) configured to penetrate the first through opening (20) and a second through opening (26) of the floor panel (16), wherein the lug (24) has an external thread (28) and a first internal thread (36) configured to be, on the first side (22), connected to a bolt (38) for securing the seat (12) to the lug (24), at least one nut (48) which has a second internal thread (52) and is configured to be, on a second side (50) facing away from the first side (22), screwed to the lug (24) by means of the external thread (28) and the second internal thread (52) thereby fastening the lug (24) to the floor panel (16), and a ratchet mechanism (60) formed by a ratchet element (61) and at least one wall (62) bounding at least partially the first through opening (20), the ratchet mechanism (60) allowing a rotational movement of the lug (24) in relation to the lug plate (18) in a first direction (64) and preventing a rotational movement of the lug (24) in relation to the lug plate (18) in a second direction (66) opposite to the first direction (64).
2. 2. The anchoring system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet mechanism (60) comprises: -a round gear (68) formed by the lug plate (18), the round gear (68) having a plurality of teeth (70), and -a plurality of pawls (74) formed by the ratchet element (61), the pawls (74) being configured to engage respective tooth gaps (72) between the teeth (70).
3. 3. The anchoring system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nut (48) is configured as a serrated flange nut.
4. 4. The anchoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring system (10) comprises the bolt (38) configured to be screwed to the lug (24) by means of the first internal thread (36) and a second external thread (42) of the bolt (38), wherein the bolt (38), when screwed to the lug (24), is configured to rotate the lug (24) in the first direction (64).
5. 5. The anchoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lug (24) comprises a flange (90) having at least one serrated side (92, 94) configured to prevent the lug (24) from turning.
6. 6. The anchoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lug (24) and the corresponding through opening (26) comprise corresponding first portions (78, 82) and corresponding second portions (80, 84) respectively, the first portions (78, 82) having the forms of segments of circles and the second portions (80, 84) being linear.
7. 7. The anchoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nut (48) is attached, in particular welded, to the lug plate (18).
8. 8. A vehicle comprising at least one anchoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.