SEATING SYSTEM

Abstract

A seating system designed for venues such as stadiums and arenas includes a support beam and a plurality of side armrest assemblies securely attached to the support beam. Each assembly supports a seat and backrest structure positioned between adjacent side armrest assemblies. Notably, at least one side armrest assembly and the seat and/or backrest are engineered to allow for a range of free play adjustment along a longitudinal axis parallel to the support beam.

Claims

1. A seating system for venues such as stadiums and arenas, the seating system comprising: a support beam; a plurality of side armrest assemblies secured to the support beam; a plurality of seats and backrests, one seat and/or one backrest being attached between each adjacent pair of side armrest assemblies; and at least one side armrest assembly and the seat and/or backrest configured to provide a range of free play adjustment in a longitudinal direction parallel to the support beam, the free play adjustment permitting adjustment of a position of the seat and backrest relative to the side armrest assembly before securing the seat and/or backrest to the side armrest assembly.

2. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the range of free play adjustment is between plus or minus 5 mm to 20 mm.

3. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the range of free play adjustment is provided by a connection between the side armrest assembly and the seat and/or backrest.

4. The seating system of claim 1, wherein an angular free play adjustment is provided.

5. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the support beam includes elongate ports or channels housing cables.

6. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the cables connect to some or all of the seats, and are connected in a daisy chain or an overlapping configuration.

7. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the cables include pre-fitted plug and play connectors.

8. The seating system of claim 5, wherein electrical enclosures are clamped to an underside of the support beam, accommodating connections between the cables.

9. A seating system apparatus, the seating system apparatus comprising: a seating rail with a plurality of elongate ports; each port containing a plurality of modular cables; electrical enclosures clamped to an underside of the seating rail, accommodating the modular cables; armrests featuring: junction boxes at the seating rail and providing cable routes; a housing having a cavity therein; a seating rail engagement structure integrated into the housing; at least one seating rail port extending through the housing, wherein the seating rail port is configured to receive modular cables for power and data transmission; a cover cap for the cavity of the housing, the cover cap configured for closure and servicing; at least one armrest port extending through the housing, configured to allow cables to pass from the seating rail into the housing and electrically connect with at least one electronic accessory of the armrest; a connection block within the enclosure for connecting DC cables to a transformer; the modular cables being chosen from: a first set of modular cables comprising a plurality of cable lengths extending from one seat to the next seat, each modular cable being connectable to a loop extending through the junction box and armrest, such that the first set of modular cables can be connected in series, each cable length being equipped with pre-fitted plug and play connectors; a second set of modular cables comprising a plurality of cable lengths, each extending from an electrical enclosure to a respective seat and extending through the junction box and armrest of the respective seat, such that the second set of modular cables can be connected in an overlapping manner, each cable length being equipped with pre-fitted plug and play connectors; and a third set of modular cables comprising a plurality of cable lengths, each extending from one electrical enclosure to another electrical enclosure, each cable length being equipped with pre-fitted plug and play connectors.

10. The seating system apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electrical enclosures include a transformer to convert high voltage mains power to lower voltage DC power.

11. The seating system apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one electronic accessory of the armrest includes a heating device for heating the respective seat and backrest, a cooling device for cooling the respective seat and backrest, charging points and controls.

12. The seating system apparatus of claim 9, wherein a range of free play adjustment is provided by a connection between the armrest and the seat and/or backrest, and wherein the modular cables allow for the range of free play adjustment.

13. A seating system for venues such as stadiums and arenas, the seating system comprising: a support beam; a plurality of side armrest assemblies secured to the support beam; and a plurality of seats and backrests, one seat and one back rest being attached between each adjacent pair of side armrest assemblies.

14. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of seats and backrests include at least a first set of seats and backrests having a first width, and a second set of seats and backrests having a second width.

15. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the support beam has a profiled cross-section, and each side armrest assembly has a clamping section for secure attachment to the profiled cross-section of the support beam.

16. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the seats have tangs and the side armrest assemblies have pivots with cavities corresponding to the tangs, the tangs being secured within the pivots to prevent relative movement or rotation between the seats and the side armrest assemblies.

17. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the backrests are securely fixed between pairs of side armrest assemblies using flanges and threaded holes on the side armrest assemblies.

18. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the side armrest assemblies, seats, and backrests collectively permit a range of adjustment of plus or minus 0.5 inches (12-13 mm) in seat width.

19. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the side armrest assemblies, seat, and backrest permit a range of adjustment of plus or minus 7.5 degrees in coupling angle.

20. The seating system of claim 13, wherein the seats have pivot cavities that receive respective pivot elements partially therein, and wherein the pivot elements mount to respective side armrest assemblies.

21. The seating system of claim 20, wherein the pivot elements have slotted openings, and wherein the pivot elements mount to the respective side armrest assemblies via threaded fasteners that extend through the slotted openings and into the respective side armrest assemblies.

22. The seating system of claim 21, wherein the slotted opening allows for greater than 10 mm of movement of the respective pivot element relative to the respective side armrest assembly along a pivot axis of the respective pivot element.

23. The seating system of claim 20, wherein the pivot elements are partially received within the respective pivot cavities and allow for greater than 5 mm of movement of the pivot element relative to the respective seat along a pivot axis of the pivot element.

24. The seating system of claim 23, wherein the pivot element and the pivot cavity are formed to limit pivotal movement of the seat relative to the pivot element within a range of pivotal movement.

25. The seating system of claim 20, wherein the pivot element is formed of a glass-filled polymeric material that is at least 50 percent glass-filled.

26. The seating system of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of the seat that defines the pivot cavity is formed of a glass-filled polymeric material that is at least 50 percent glass-filled.

27. A method for installing a seating system in venues with varying row lengths, the method comprising: providing a support beam; securing a plurality of side assemblies to the support beam; and attaching one seat and one backrest between each adjacent pair of side assemblies.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the support beam is curved so as to follow curvature and shape of an arena or venue.

29. A seating system for venues such as stadiums and arenas, the seating system comprising: a support beam; a plurality of side armrest assemblies secured to the support beam; a plurality of seats and backrests, one seat and one backrest being attached between each adjacent pair of side armrest assemblies; an electrical system integrated into the support beam, the electrical system including: power input means for receiving mains power; power distribution means for supplying DC power to each seat; and data transmission means for connecting data cables between each seat to create a daisy-chained data connection.

30. The seating system of claim 29, wherein the support beam includes channels for accommodating a cable for the mains power, DC power cables, and data cables.

31. The seating system of claim 29, wherein the side armrest assemblies include charging points and controls.

32. The seating system of claim 29, wherein the side armrest assemblies include heating devices for heating the respective seat and backrest and cooling devices for cooling the respective seat and backrest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, of which

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art system;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another prior art system;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support beam, brackets and side assemblies of an embodiment of the seating system;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the addition of seats and back rests of seating system;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the side assembly and seat;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the side assembly and back rest;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing fully assembled seating system;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a front elevation of an example of the seating system;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan elevation of an example of the seating system;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the seating system;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of some of the components of an electrical system for the seating system;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross section of some of part the electrical system and the seating rail;

[0027] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the armrest assembly;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the assembled armrest assembly;

[0029] FIGS. 15 to 18 are diagrammatic views of cabling configurations; and

[0030] FIGS. 19 and 20 are views of another embodiment of the seating system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In this specification an apparatus/method/product comprising certain features is intended to be interpreted as meaning that it includes those features, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, a support beam 36 is secured to a riser (not shown) by brackets 35. The support beam 36 has a profiled cross-section, so that each armrest assembly 32 may be conveniently secured to this profile by means of a clamping section at the bottom of each armrest 32. The positions of the armrest assemblies will be determined by the size (width) of the seats required in the row but critically the size of row can be expanded or contracted by means of free play adjustment which is described in more detail below.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, each neighbouring pair of armrest assembly 32 supports a seat 40 and a back rest 42. The armrest assemblies 32 (or other structure or stanchion that supports the seat and/or back rest at the rail or support, such as a structure that provides for mounting of the seat and/or back rest without providing an arm rest) are first spaced appropriately to receive the seat 40 and back rest 42, and adjustments can be made to the position of the armrest assembly 32 to achieve this before each armrest 32 is firmly secured to the support beam 36.

[0034] Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, the seat 40 includes a tang 44, while the armrest assembly 32 includes a pivot 33. The pivot 33 includes a cavity, the cavity being distributed between the pivot body 38 and a pivot cap 39, the shape of the cavity corresponding to the shape of the tang 44. The tang 44 of the seat 40 is secured in the pivot 33 by lowering the tang 44 into the pivot body 38, and placing the pivot cap 39 on the pivot body 38 and securing the pivot cap 39 with screws 37, so that the tang 44 is secured and constrained relative to the pivot 33; the shape of the tang 44 and the cavity correspond, and is chosen to prevent relative movement or rotation between the tang 44 and pivot 33. Ideally, the position of the tang in the pivot cap can be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the beam 36 (i.e., the direction marked by arrow a by some distance); that is, the connection between the armrest and the backrest and seat has some free play adjustment in this direction. A useful amount or range of free play adjustment is plus or minus 12.5 mm, i.e., 25 mm in total. When the armrest and seat/backrest have been positioned satisfactorily, the pivot cap 39 is screwed to the pivot body 38 using screws 37 to grip the tang and secure the relative position of the seat/backrest to the armrest. Free play adjustment of the tang and pivot and subsequent fixing of the position could be further enhanced by other adjustable means, such as packing means in the pivot, or alternatively providing the tang with a screw thread on the tang shaft so that its extension from the seat 40 can be adjusted.

[0035] The armrest assembly 32 may include an armrest 45 which is pivotally joined or alternatively could be in a fixed position.

[0036] Referring particularly to FIG. 6, the back rest 42 includes a flange 43 on each side, project forwards and angled at substantially 90 degrees to the plane of the back rest 42. The flange includes two holes which correspond to threaded holes on the armrest assembly 32, so that the flange 43 can be attached to the armrest assembly 32 by screws 34. This securely fixes the back rest 42 between a pair of armrest assembly 32. The flange 43 also has elongate holes 47 which secures the backrest 42 to the flange, the elongate holes 47 accommodating the free play parallel to the beam (in the direction marked with arrow a) of the armrest to the seat and backrest.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, after the support beam 36 has been populated with armrest assemblies 32, seats 40 and back rests 42 may be installed between each armrest assembly 32. Of course, the components of the seating can also be installed in a different order if more convenient, for example an armrest assembly 32 can be installed next to a completed seat unit and the back rest 42 and seat 40 added sequentially, or the side assemblies 32 and back rests 42 installed first followed by the seat 40, or some other permutation of assembly order. If at a later date an additional seat were required to be added or taken away from the row; adjustments can be made using the free play adjustment provided for in 33 and 47 in combination with a change (reduction, addition or substitution) of one set of seat and backrest parts 40 and 42 to re-configure the seating row.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 8, a series of armrest assemblies 32 are distributed along a support beam 36, with seats 40 and back rests 42 secured between each neighbouring pair of armrest assemblies 32 as previously described. Seats 40 and back rests 42 of different widths may be provided to span each gap d between each adjacent pair of armrest assemblies 32, in this example the seats 40 and back rests 42 are either 21 inches (533 mm) or 22 inches (559 mm) as labelled. Each seat 40, back rest 42 and adjacent pair of armrest assemblies 32 permit a range of free play of plus or minus 0.5 inches (12-13 mm). For example, the seat 40 and back rest 42 have a width of 21 inches (533 mm), while the distance between the side assemblies 32, 32 may be between 20.5 inches (520 mm) and 21.5 inches (546 mm), and the seat 40 and back rest 42 have a width of 22 inches (559 mm), while the distance between the side assemblies 32, 32 may be between 21.5 inches (546 mm) and 22.5 inches 572 mm.

[0039] In this manner, by selecting different seat widths in combination with the range of free play adjustment in 33 and 47, rows of seat units can be fitted in differing row lengths and the spacing between the seats and the armrests can be constant without leaving gaps between seats units.

[0040] However, as discussed in relation to FIGS. 5 and 6, since some free play adjustment can be included between the armrests on the one hand and the seats and backrests on the other hand, this provides an important flexibility in the fitting and location of the seats on a beam. Referring to FIG. 8, if each seat has a range free play adjustment , the total range of free play adjustment over the whole row of seats in multiplied by the number of pivots of the seats. A typical range free play adjustment provided by the pivot and tang of the armrest and seat is plus or minus 12.5 mm, and therefore over eight seats as shown in FIG. 8 would be plus or minus 20 cm. This allows a degree of freedom for the designers of the seating, and the fitters when they come to install the seats. This may mean that the number of different seat widths provided can be reduced, or even a single seat width provided, while allow for a good justification (i.e., alignment) of the outmost seats of the row with respect to the other rows, and an even distribution of seats through each row. It also means that if the beam is not installed correctly, or if difficulties are found installing an armrest at a particular location, adjustments can be made through the whole row to achieve an acceptable result.

[0041] Of course, plus or minus 12.5 mm is just a typical range free play adjustment provided between each of the armrests on the one hand and the seats and backrests on the other hand. The plus or minus range free play adjustment could be within a range of 5 mm to 20 mm, or more ideally within a range of 10 mm to 15 mm. Also, such range free play adjustment does not have be provided on each side or a seat/backrest and the armrests, or between every pivot and seat/backrest, this will depend on the range free play adjustment required, and the arrangement on a beam will be able to accommodate any combination of such free play adjustment.

[0042] It should be appreciated that the provision of such range free play adjustment in the direction of the beam allows a freedom and flexibility which is not provided by adding adjustability to a standard non-beam system such as FIG. 1. In such existing systems, the standards supporting a gang of seats, or armrests are fixed directly to the floor or a riser and would only provide a range of adjustment with respect to the fixed standard or armrests. When provided on a rail or beam, the range free play adjustment provided between each the armrests on the one hand and the seats and backrests on the other hand multiplies the range free play adjustment across the entire row.

[0043] This also interacts with the customisations and flexibility of the electrical and data system described belowafter installation of a beam during an earlier stage of the building, armrests, seats and their associated electrical and data connections systems can be fitted in a flexible manner, and changes can be easily made at a late stage of installation, or even adjusted or changed after installation.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, four rows 51, 52, 53, 54 of seat units 30 are arranged on four beams 36. Each beam 36, and consequently each row 51, 52, 53, 54, includes a straight section in region a, and another straight section in region b, the straight section in region a being set at an approximately 15 degree angle to the straight section in region b, so that each beam 36 includes a bend where the regions a and b meet. It will be seen that each row of seat units 30 in the situation will have one or two seat units 30 which are secured to the beam 36 where it curves.

[0045] In a similar manner to that described in FIG. 8, the seats 40 and back rests 42 are either 21 inches (533 mm) or 22 inches (559 mm) as labelled so as to fully populate each support beam 36.

[0046] As well as accommodating some variation of width as previously discussed, the adjacent armrest assemblies 32, seat 40 and brackets 35 making up a seat unit 30 have some angular range free play adjustment, for example each coupling of one side assembly 32 and a seat 40 and brackets 35 have an angular range free play adjustment of +/7.5 degrees from an alignment where the seat unit 30 is secured to a straight section of support beam 36. A seat unit 30 in this example can therefore be secured to a support beam 36 which describes a 15 degree bend. However, a plus or minus angular range free play adjustment of plus or minus 5 degree to plus or minus 10 degree could be provided between the armrest assembly and the seat and/or backrest (or between the beam and the armrest).

[0047] In this manner, support beams 36 may be installed in an arena or other venue to follow the curvature and shape of the arena, and seat units 30 can be conveniently installed on the support beams 36 so that each row defined by each support beam 36 can be completely and snugly filled with seat units 30 without leaving any gaps or requiring awkward spacing. If necessary, for example if the support beam 36 has been fitted with a poor tolerance, or changes in its position had to be made during installation, different width seats 40 and brackets 35 can be easily substituted to properly fill the row. Bends in the support beam 36 can also be easily accommodated, and bends can be used to increase the row length and reduce the number of seat/backrest widths required. Further, the support beam 36 can be fitted at an early stage of the building of the arena, and the seat units 30 fitted at a convenient later time, for example at a late stage of the building of the arena. The system thus provides a rail seating system where the seats are truly ganged together, but which is flexible and versatile and the resulting armrest positions are all consistently positioned relative to the seats and backrests.

[0048] It is highly desirable that modern seating is provided with power and data connection. Power may be used to heat and cool seats, power speakers and immersive devices, providing LED lighting, allow device charging, and other uses. Data cabling may be used to provide internet connections and Wi-Fi capability.

[0049] In the context of seating systems employing support rails, it is advantageous to route cables through or along the seating rail. Although this resolves the issue of securely passing wires along the seating row, a new challenge arisesensuring the cables can exit the seating rail at specified locations to bridge gaps, such as entering armrests where device chargers, control switches, and electronic controllers can be conveniently located. Subsequently, these cables must navigate further, exiting the armrests and entering the seat and/or backrests for components like heater pads, cooling systems, and immersive devices.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 10, a convenient way to provide power and data transmission capabilities is shown. A power input 49 (typically mains power such as 110V or 220V AC) is supplied to each row via an isolator box 50 situated at one end of the row which allows the complete shut off of all power to the entire row at a single point. The isolator box 50 then supplies, via a power cable 51, a junction or junction box 52 which includes power transformer means.

[0051] The junction box 52 supplies mains power via power cable 54 to further junction boxes (not here shown) supplying other groups of seats in the row, each chair is provided with a 12V DC power cables 60. Several power cables 60 extend from a power distribution box 52, each individual cable suppling either one seat 30. Each 12V DC power cables 60 typically comprises a twisted pair of cables.

[0052] The junction box 58 supplies data connectivity via data cables 59 to each seat 30 of a group of seats that the junction box serves.

[0053] The data cables 59 (e.g., a CAT5E data cable) lead from a connection in the data distribution box 58 to each chair via connectors 57, each cable being the appropriate length, the data cables ideally being daisy chained in series via each chair connection.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the mains power cable 54, data cable 59, and 12V DC power cables 60, run along three respective channels provided in the lower portion of the support beam 36. The channels are ideally generally circular in cross section with one side being open, so that the cables may be securely pressed into them. An extruded clip 63 having a partial circle or major segment cross section may be used to gather up and secure the comparatively thin DC cable pairs 60 (several such cable pairs 60 may be located in a single channel). The extruded clip 63 also includes two horns in the section profile by which means the extruded clip fits flush and secure and can be removed if necessary. The cables may have a length sufficient to allow for lateral adjustment of the ends of the cables (as the armrest assemblies are laterally adjusted relative to the seat and backrest), and the support beam may have sufficient space to allow for coiling or contraction of the cables within the support beam when the armrest assemblies are adjusted to reduce the gap between adjacent armrest assemblies.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 13, the armrest assembly 32 includes a profile which engages with the support beam 36, the engagement being secured with an armrest assembly securement cap 31. Referring also to FIG. 14, the DC power cable 60 leaves the support beam 36 completely encompassed by the armrest assembly 32 and (when fitted) the end cap 66, and attaches to the DC armrest power loom 75 using a plug-and-play connector 67. The DC armrest power loom includes backrest heater pad cables 68 connected via backrest heater connectors 71 and PCB controller 72, USB charging outlet and cable 69, a switch and cable 70. However, alternative and additional power cabling and functionality may be provided, including seat cooling, and lighting.

[0056] After the plug-and-play connector 67 has been made, the cabling is enclosed by fitting an end cap 66, which completely covers the region of the support beam 36 where the cabling leaves the support beam channels and prevents people from tugging or trying to damage the cabling. The armrest and/or armrest support may of course take different shapes and designs, the key thing is that the connection between the cabling extending from the support beam and the cables in the armrest are covered and secure after the connections have been made.

[0057] The 12V DC power is provided by separate twin cables extending from a transformer in a junction or junction box to one or more seats, supplied by the transformer, depending on the load required for each seator, if the load for each seat is sufficiently small, a single twin cable extending from the transformer could supply all the seat associated with that transformed.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 15, the arrangement of the mains AC current is also dictated by the load requirements of the seat. This example shows a seating arrangement where the power draw for each seat is low, for example where the seat only supplies USB charging and LED lighting to each arm/seat. Here, each power distribution box 52 supplies six seats 30, so the mains AC cable can be joined in a daisy chain arrangement with quick connectors to each power distribution box 52.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 16, this example shows a seating arrangement where the power draw for each seat is high, for example where each seat includes a heating pad in addition to USB charging. Here, each power distribution box 52 supplies a single seat 30; the mains AC cable is still joined in a daisy chain arrangement with quick connectors to each power distribution box 52, but more power distribution boxes 52 are supplied.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 17, in the arrangement of FIG. 15 the junction box 52 supplies six seats 30 with 12V DC cabling 60, each cable extends from the junction box 52, along the support beam 36 (not here shown), to the armrest. The cables to each seat run in parallel in both directions, ideally within the same channel or port of the support beam, in an overlapping manner (topologically, this can be considered a star configuration, with several separate cables originating from a point in the junction box, each radiating to a seat).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 18, the data cable 59 also extends in both directions from the data distribution box 58, and runs through a channel in the support beam 38 as previously described. The data cable 59 can also be connected in series (or daisy-chained), so the combination of armrest j boxes and a single enclosure can supply a multiplicity of armrests. Though FIG. 18 shows the series connection in a simplified way, more specifically a length of data cable 59 extends from one armrest junction box to the next armrest junction box, where it connects to the armrest data cable loom with a plug and play connector (not shown), this armrest data cable loom forming a loop and returning to the armrest junction box to connect to the length of power cable 60 for the next seat.

[0062] In addition to the isolator box 50 and junction boxes 52, a row controller box could be included between the isolator box 50 and the junction boxes 52 to control the distribution of power to the junction boxes 52 if necessary could vary. Other enclosures, such as wireless transmitters, LED controller boxes, etc., could also be included.

[0063] The topologies described here are a series (daisy-chained) for the data cables, a series (daisy-chained) network for the 12V DC power cable or alternatively a star network (though arranged in a straight overlapping configuration) for lower load 12V DC application, and a simple daisy chained connection from junction box to junction box for the mains voltage power. However, other topologies could be accommodated in the system, housed in the channels or ports of the extruded support beam. For instance, a backbone or bus line could be disposed in the support beam port; similarly a ring line (whether or not the return line is included in the same port) could be disposed, or some other topology. Further, all the cables disposed in the support beam can then be routed to each chair in a safe and enclosed way through the armrest junction box, and attached to the respective looms with plug and play connections, meaning that the work does not need to be carried out by qualified electricians.

[0064] The armrest 45 and armrest assembly 32 could be provided as a single integrated unit; it will also be realised that the sockets or other connection means with the data cables 59 and DC power cable 60 could be provided with equivalent components, and the end cap could be integrated. The data cable could provide connectivity through wireless means, and need not extend all or part way through the armrest assembly 32 and armrest 45.

[0065] Providing armrest assemblies that are separate from the seats (and backs) allows a standardised and uniform connection method for the provision of power and data to each seat. Power or data cables are simply pressed or stripped into the channels or ports of the support beam and can enter the enclosures at any point along the length of the enclosure and be connected to electronic devices contained without removing the modular connectors. The armrest assembly (also structural support) is a single integrated unit or module that is electrically connected to a power supply and that includes one or more electronic accessories that provide for various seat functions, such as, for example, seat and backrest heating (via a heating device disposed at the seat and at the backrest), seat and backrest cooling (via a cooling device disposed at the seat and at the backrest), USB charging, lighting, and controls (e.g., switches, buttons, etc., for controlling the heating, cooling, lighting, etc.). The seating system and electronics assembly or module allows power and data to be brought up at intervals along the rail rather than being brought up from the back, or strapped to a rail, so that the power and data cables are hidden and users cannot maliciously pick at or damage the cables.

[0066] Typically, a maximum row length of 28 seat places is mandated for safety reasons. This system can supply power, data or other cabling requirements to such row lengths or to shorter row lengths, and further can accommodate different seat widths by choosing particular cable section lengths. Other modular cables that are not required for connection can remain securely in place simply bypassing other armrest J boxes or enclosures. As the cables are modular and fitted with pre-fitted plug and play connectors, the whole system can be conveniently installed, requiring an electrician only when the mains power is finally connected to the system. Optionally, a field installed module and cables may be provided that is installed to existing seat assemblies.

[0067] Armrest positions are determined by the seating row layout. Armrests are factory fitted with all electrical components required for devise charging, switching, controllers and looms. Armrest styles can vary in shape and design but include a junction box which fully encapsulates the seating rail, allowing cables secured in the rail ports to enter the junction box for making connections with the armrest and or seat and backrest electrical connections. Although shown and described as being part of the armrest assembly, the electronics unit or module may be implemented at seats that do not have armrests, such as part of a divider or structure or stanchion that is disposed at the rail between adjacent seats to provide for mounting the seats and backrests at the rail. The Junction box also serves as a cable route though the armrest through which cables can be passed from the seat and backrests into the junction box. The Junction box cover cap allows for convenient closure and servicing.

[0068] Devices that consume electrical load are added to the seating system the higher the rating of the electrical feed will be, and the load cannot exceed the amperage rating of the feed cable. Electrical feed isolation boxes can be added to reduce cable loading at any point in the seating row should that be required.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, arm assemblies 132 support a seat 140 and a back rest 142 and allow for positional adjustment of the seat and back rest relative to the respective adjacent arm assemblies disposed along the rail. The seat includes a pivot element 133 that mounts to the respective arm assembly 132 and allows the seat to pivot between a lowered use position and a raised non-use position. The pivot element 133 has one end that is fastened to a bracket 135 of the arm assembly and another end that is pivotally received in a pivot cavity of the seat 140. The back rest 142 is mounted to brackets 143 of the armrest assemblies 132 (or other structure or stanchion that supports the seat and/or back rest at the rail or support, such as a structure that provides for mounting of the seat and/or back rest without providing an arm rest).

[0070] The pivot element or hub 133 has a slot through which a fastener 144 is inserted to fasten the pivot element to the bracket 135 of the arm assembly. The bracket includes a circular hole such that, when the fastener is inserted through the slot of the pivot element and through the hole of the bracket, the pivot element can move (via the slot) relative to the fastener and relative to the bracket prior to securing the fastener and the pivot element at the bracket. The slot allows for longitudinal movement of the pivot element and the seat along a longitudinal axis of the rail. For example, the slot may be at least 15 mm long such that, if a 5 mm diameter fastener is used, the pivot element may be adjusted along the slot by at least 10 mm. Thus, with each pivot element of a particular seat being fastened in this manner, the slotted pivot elements may allow for 20 mm of adjustment (in the direction along the pivot axis of the pivot element). For example, the slot in the pivot element may allow for 13 mm of travel per side, such that the slotted pivot elements allow for 26 mm of travel range between the two sides.

[0071] The other end of the pivot element is a non-circular shape and is received in a non-circular shaped recess or pivot cavity of the seat, such that the seat can rotate or pivot relative to the pivot element within a range of motion limited by the shapes of the pivot element and pivot cavity. For example, the pivot element may have a pair of lobes or tangs that extend radially outward from a center region, while the pivot cavity may rotatably receive the lobes within respective cavity portions, with the cavity portions being sized to allow for pivotal movement of the lobed pivot element within a particular range (that is selected to allow for pivoting of the seat between the lowered use position and the raised non-use position).

[0072] The non-circular shape end of the pivot element may also move longitudinally within the pivot cavity to allow for longitudinal movement of the pivot element and the seat along a longitudinal axis of the rail. For example, the pivot element may longitudinally move up to or greater than 5 mm or greater than 10 mm within the pivot cavity such that the pivot elements and seat cavities may allow for 20 mm of adjustment (in the direction along the pivot axis of the pivot element).

[0073] The seat comprises a base that is molded or formed of a plastic material, such as a glass-filled polymeric material. The base has the pivot cavity molded at the side regions of the base, with the base having a plurality of reinforcement ribs or strengthening ribs formed at the cavity (such as below the cavity or above the cavity), which provides sufficient strength for supporting the pivot element even when the pivot element may not be fully seated within the pivot cavity.

[0074] The pivot element is formed of a plastic material, such as a glass-filled polymeric material, such as glass-filled nylon or glass-filled polypropylene or glass-filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). For example, the plastic material may comprise a polymeric material that is at least 50 percent glass filled, such as 60 percent glass filled. The material provides enhanced strength and durability of the pivot element to allow for the mounting fastener (that fastens the pivot to the bracket of the arm) to be located further out from the seat and thus at a location that imparts a greater moment arm or torque on the pivot element and seat when a person sits in the seat.

[0075] The back rest 142 is mounted to brackets 143 of the armrest assembly via fasteners 146. As shown in FIG. 19, the bracket 143 has slots to allow the fasteners (and the back rest) to move side to side to position the back rest at the appropriate location prior to securing the fasteners (and the back rest) relative to the bracket 143. The bracket 143 includes slots such that, when the fasteners are inserted through the holes of the back rest (such as through holes in a bracket 148 at the side of the back rest) and through the slots of the bracket 143, the back rest can move (via the fastener moving along the slot) relative to the bracket prior to securing the fastener and the back rest at the bracket. The slot allows for movement of the back rest along a longitudinal axis of the rail. For example, the slot may be at least 15 mm long such that, if a 5 mm diameter fastener is used, the back rest may be adjusted along the slot by at least 10 mm. Thus, the slotted brackets (one at each side of the back rest) may allow for 20 mm of adjustment, which allows for curved rail applications.

[0076] The pivot element and bracket allows for plus or minus 12-13 mm of free play adjustment between each of the armrests and the seats and backrests. FIG. 20 shows the adjustment ranges for different width seats. The slots of the pivot element at which the pivot element is attached at the armrest assembly may allow for at least plus or minus 5 mm, such as plus or minus 6 or 7 mm, or plus or minus 10 mm of free play adjustment between the armrest and the seat and backrest. For example, the slots of the pivot element may allow for plus or minus 6 or 7 mm to allow for 13 mm of travel at each side and 26 mm of travel total for the seat. The plus or minus range of free play adjustment of the pivot element at the pivot cavity and/or of the pivot element at the armrest assembly (at each side) could be within a range of 5 mm to 20 mm, or more ideally within a range of 10 mm to 15 mm. Also, such a range of free play adjustment does not have to be provided on each side or a seat/backrest and the armrests, or between every pivot element and seat/backrest, this will depend on the range free play adjustment required, and the arrangement on a beam or rail will be able to accommodate any combination of such free play adjustment.

[0077] Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be understood for example that different widths of seat and back rest may be provided, and naturally different versions of side armrest assemblies, seats and back rests having different shapes, features and amenities can be provided to be used within the same interchangeable system to provide seat units having differing characteristics in different parts of a row of between different rows.