TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mounting apparatus for a seat. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a seat mounting apparatus for mounting a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

It is known to mount aircraft seats to seat mounting rails provided in an aircraft. The seat mounting rails form part of the airframe and are typically arranged as two parallel tracks for supporting a seat mounting assembly or chassis. The seat mounting assembly is fastened to the seat mounting rails using mechanical fasteners. The seat mounting assembly must be capable of withstanding impact loads which may result in the deformation of the seat mounting rails. The deformation of one or both seat mounting rails may apply a pitching moment and/or a rolling moment to the seat mounting assembly. The seat mounting assembly should remain structurally intact in the event of an impact even when the seat mounting rails are deformed.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved seat mounting assembly for mounting a vehicle seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a seat mounting assembly; a combination of a seat mounting chassis and a vehicle seat; and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a seat mounting assembly for mounting a vehicle seat, the seat mounting assembly comprising:

a first sub-assembly for mounting to first and second seat mounting rails, the first sub-assembly comprising a first frame and a transverse member; and

seat mounting means for mounting the vehicle seat;

wherein a swivel joint is provided to connect the first frame to the transverse member. The seat mounting assembly seat is suitable for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft. At least in certain embodiments, the swivel joint may help to maintain structural integrity of the seat mounting assembly. For example, the swivel joint may accommodate relative movement of the first and second seat mounting rails. The first and second seat mounting rails may be integrated into a structure of the vehicle, for example integrated into an airframe. The first frame and the transverse member may swivel relative to each other to allow for relative displacement of the first and second seat mounting rails. The relative displacement of the first and second seat mounting rails may, for example, comprise a pitching and/or rolling movement. The swivel joint may be configured to enable rotational movement about a longitudinal axis. The swivel joint may be disposed at a half-way point between the first and second seat mounting rails.

The seat mounting means may comprise one or more mounting brackets or fixtures. The seat mounting means may be fixed such that the orientation of the vehicle seat is fixed. Alternatively, the seat mounting means may be adjustable such that the orientation of the vehicle seat may be adjusted. The seat mounting means may, for example, comprise a rotational mechanism to enable the orientation of the vehicle seat to be adjusted. The seat mounting means may be provided at a vertical position which is higher than that of the swivel joint.

The seat mounting means may be provided on the first sub-assembly.

A second sub-assembly may be mounted to the first sub-assembly. The seat mounting means may be provided on the second sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly may be fixedly mounted to the first sub-assembly. Alternatively, the second sub-assembly may be movably mounted to the first sub-assembly. For example, the second sub-assembly may translate relative to the first sub-assembly to enable the position of the vehicle seat to be adjusted. The second sub-assembly may translate in a transverse direction. Alternatively, or in addition, the second sub-assembly may translate in a longitudinal direction. The second sub-assembly may comprise first and second longitudinal members. The first and second longitudinal members may comprise longitudinal tracking members, for example longitudinal tracking tubes. The first sub-assembly may comprise first and second guide members for cooperating with the first and second longitudinal members respectively. The first and second longitudinal members may be disposed at a vertical position higher than the swivel joint.

The first frame may comprise first and second arms for mounting to the first and second seat mounting rails. The first and second guide members may be provided on said first and second arms respectively. The swivel joint may comprise a pivot pin. The pivot pin may form an articulated joint between the first frame and the transverse member.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise a resilient member. The resilient member may damp movement of the first sub-assembly. Alternatively, or in addition, the resilient member may bias the swivel joint towards a neutral position. The resilient member may be incorporated into the swivel joint. The swivel joint may, for example, comprise an elastomeric bush joint.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise stop means for limiting rotational movement of the first sub-assembly relative to the transverse member about said swivel joint.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise means for releasably locking the swivel joint. The locking means may comprise a locking element for releasably locking the swivel joint. The locking element may be configured releasably to lock the first sub-assembly to inhibit or limit rotational movement of the first sub-assembly relative to the transverse member about the swivel joint during normal operation. The locking element may be a breakaway locking element. In the event of an impact or other failure condition resulting in deformation of the seat mounting rails, the breakaway locking element may fracture or deform to enable rotational movement of the first sub-assembly relative to the transverse member about the swivel joint. The breakaway locking element may, for example, comprise a shear pin. The breakaway locking element may be frangible. In use, the breakaway locking element may fracture to release the rotational joint between the frame and transverse member to release the first sub-assembly. The breakaway locking element may, for example, comprise a line of weakness or a tapered section, to provide a controlled failure mode. Alternatively, the breakaway locking element may be releasably mounted in a coupling device. The breakaway locking element may be released from the coupling device to enable rotational movement of the first sub-assembly relative to the transverse member about the swivel joint.

The first frame may comprise a central portion. The swivel joint may be configured to connect the central portion of the first frame to the transverse member. The transverse member may comprise a mounting lug for cooperating with the first frame to form the swivel joint. This arrangement may be reversed such that the mounting lug is provided on the first frame. The mounting lug may be disposed centrally on the transverse member. The mounting lug may be positioned at a mid-point of the transverse member. The mounting lug may be received in an aperture formed in the first sub-assembly.

The swivel joint may be disposed at a rear of the seat mounting assembly. Alternatively, the swivel joint may be disposed at a front of the seat mounting assembly. In a variant, the seat mounting assembly may comprise two swivel joints. A first swivel joint may be provided at the front of the seat mounting assembly and a second swivel joint may be provided at the rear of the seat mounting assembly. The first and second swivel joints may comprise respective locking elements of the type described herein.

The first and second tracking members may be disposed at a vertical position higher than the swivel joint.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise first and second lateral members. The first and second lateral members may be provided on the second sub-assembly. For example, the first and second lateral members may be mounted to a rotational mechanism. The first and second lateral members may be lateral tracking members the lateral tracking members may comprise lateral tracking tubes, for example.

The first frame may be suitable for mounting to the first and second seat mounting rails. The first frame may be configured to be mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails by at least one first mounting bracket. The at least one first mounting bracket may comprise a longitudinal bore for receiving a first longitudinal mounting pin. Each first mounting bracket may be configured such that a central axis of the first longitudinal bore extends substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the swivel joint. When fitted, the first longitudinal mounting pin may define a longitudinal pivot axis which is at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the swivel joint.

The transverse member frame may be suitable for mounting to the first and second seat mounting rails. The transverse member may be configured to be mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails by at least one second mounting bracket. The at least one second mounting bracket may comprise a longitudinal bore for receiving a second longitudinal mounting pin. Each second mounting bracket may be configured such that a central axis of the second longitudinal bore extends substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the swivel joint. When fitted, the second longitudinal mounting pin may define a longitudinal pivot axis which is at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the swivel joint.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a seat mounting assembly for mounting a vehicle seat, the seat mounting assembly comprising:

first and second lateral members for extending between said first and second seat mounting rails;

a first sub-assembly for mounting the vehicle seat, the first sub-assembly comprising a first sub-frame having a first guide member for cooperating with the first lateral member, and a second sub-frame having a second guide member for cooperating with the first lateral member; and

seat mounting means for mounting the vehicle seat, the seat mounting means being provided on the first sub-frame;

wherein the first and second sub-frames are connected by a swivel joint.

The first sub-assembly may be fixedly mounted to said first and second lateral members. Alternatively, the first sub-assembly may be movable along said first and second lateral members. The first and second lateral members may each comprise a lateral tracking member.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise a second sub-assembly. The second sub- assembly may comprise first and second sub-frames mounted to respective first and second longitudinal members.

The second sub-assembly may be fixedly mounted to said first and second longitudinal members. Alternatively, the second sub-assembly may be movable along said first and second longitudinal members. The first and second longitudinal members may each comprise a longitudinal tracking member.

The first and second longitudinal members may be configured to be mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails by at least one first mounting bracket and by at least one second mounting bracket.

The at least one first mounting bracket may comprise a longitudinal bore for receiving a first longitudinal mounting pin. A central axis of the first longitudinal bore may extend substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the swivel joint. The at least one second mounting bracket may comprise a longitudinal bore for receiving a second longitudinal mounting pin. A central axis of the second longitudinal bore may extend substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the swivel joint.

The swivel joint may have a rotational axis. The swivel joint may be arranged such that the rotational axis extends in a longitudinal direction. The swivel joint may comprise a pivot pin. The swivel joint may form an articulated joint between the first frame and the transverse member.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise a resilient member for damping movement of the first sub-assembly and/or for biasing the first frame towards a neutral position.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise stop means for limiting rotational movement of the first and second sub-frames relative to each other.

The seat mounting assembly may comprise means for releasably locking the swivel joint. The locking means may comprise a locking element.

The swivel joint may be disposed at a rear of the seat mounting assembly. Alternatively, the swivel joint may be disposed at a front of the seat mounting assembly.

The seat mounting assembly may suitable for installation in an aircraft. The seat mounting assembly may be configured to mount an aircraft seat.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle seat in combination with a seat mounting assembly as described herein. The vehicle seat may be an aircraft seat for installation in an aircraft.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising one or more of the seat mounting assemblies as described herein. The vehicle may be an aircraft. The vehicle seat may be an aircraft seat. Each seat mounting assembly may be fastened to at least one seat mounting rail provided in the aircraft. The at least one seat mounting rail may form part of an airframe of the aircraft. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an aircraft comprising a plurality of vehicle seats mounted using a seat mounting assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a vehicle seat shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the seat mounting assembly shown in

Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a rear elevation of the seat mounting assembly with the seat mounting rails in an un-deformed state;

Figure 5 shows a rear elevation of the seat mounting assembly with the seat mounting rails in a deformed state; and

Figure 6 shows a front perspective view of a seat mounting assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A seat mounting assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The seat mounting assembly 1 is suitable for mounting a vehicle seat 2 in a vehicle 3. In the present embodiment, the seat mounting assembly 1 is configured for use in an aircraft, such as a business aircraft or a commercial aircraft. The seat mounting assembly 1 is described a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z. The seat mounting assembly 1 and the vehicle seat 2 are illustrated in the accompanying figures in a default configuration for take-off and landing of an aircraft. The seat mounting assembly 1 is configured to mount the vehicle seat 2 to first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2. The first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. It will be understood that the seat mounting assembly 1 may have other applications, for example mounting a vehicle seat 2 in a train or a road vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle seat 2 comprises a seat chassis 6 for supporting a seat squab 7 and a backrest 8. The configuration of the seat chassis 6 may be adjustable, for example to enable the position and/or orientation of the seat squab 7 and/or the backrest 8 to be adjusted.

The first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 are fixedly mounted to the floor of the aircraft 3 and extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 have the same configuration and are of conventional design. The first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 each comprise a C-shaped channel 9 having a plurality of circular cut-outs 10 spaced at regular intervals along an upper surface 1 1. The seat mounting assembly 1 comprises front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2 and rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2 for mounting the seat mounting assembly 1 to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2. The front and rear mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2, 13-1 , 13-2 each have an enlarged foot portion which locates in the C-shaped channel 9. The circular cut-outs 10 are configured to cooperate with at least one projection (not shown) formed on the front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2 to locate the seat mounting assembly 1. A mechanical fastener 14 fastens the front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2 to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2, thereby inhibiting longitudinal movement of the seat mounting assembly 1. The front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2 each comprise first and second lugs 15 and a longitudinal bore is formed through the first and second lugs 15 to receive a front longitudinal mounting pin 16. The front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2 are configured such that a central axis of the front longitudinal mounting pins 16-n extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2 are capable of travelling along the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2. The rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13- 2 each comprise first, second and third lugs 17 and a longitudinal bore is formed through the first, second and third lugs 17 to receive a rear longitudinal mounting pin 18. The rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2 are configured such that a central axis of the rear longitudinal mounting pins 18 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In the present embodiment, the front and rear mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2, 13-1 , 13-2 are arranged such that the front and rear longitudinal mounting pins 16-n, 18 are arranged coaxially. As shown in Figure 3, the seat mounting assembly 1 comprises a first sub-assembly 20 configured to be fixedly mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 by said front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2 and said rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2. The first sub-assembly 20 comprises a first frame 21 having first and second arms 22-1 , 22-2 and a central portion 23. In the present embodiment, the first frame 21 has a unitary composition and is formed from a single member. The first frame 21 may be cast and/or machined, for example from aluminium. In a variant, the first frame 21 could be formed from a composite material, for example comprising carbon fibres. The first and second arms 22-1 , 22-2 each have a mounting projection 24 which locates between the first and second lugs 15 formed on the front mounting brackets 12-1 , 12-2. A longitudinal bore is formed in the mounting projection 24 to receive the front longitudinal mounting pin 16-n. The mounting projections 24 extend downwardly from an underside 25 of the first and second arms 22-1 , 22-2. The first and second arms 22-1 , 22-2 each have first and second longitudinal guide members 26- 1 , 26-2, 27-1 , 27-2. The first and second longitudinal guide members 26-1 , 26-2, 27-1 , 27-2 comprise respective first and second annular collars having a central axis X1 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first and second longitudinal guide members 26-1 , 26-2, 27-1 , 27-2 extend upwardly from an upper side 28 of the first and second arms 22-1 , 22-2.

The central portion 23 of the first sub-assembly 20 comprises a generally V-shaped section 29 and a transverse bracing member 30 (shown in Figures 4 and 5). The V-shaped section 29 and the transverse bracing member 30 have a generally triangular shape in plan form. The V-shaped section 29 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis X. As shown in Figure 2, a transverse aperture or cut-out 31 is formed in a rearmost section 32 of the V-shaped section 29. A longitudinal bore 33 is formed in the V-shaped section 29 for receiving a pivot pin 34. The longitudinal bore 33 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the seat mounting assembly 1.

The first sub-assembly 20 comprises a transverse member 40 configured to be mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2. In the present embodiment, the transverse member 40 has a unitary composition and is formed from a single member. The transverse member 40 may be cast and/or machined, for example from aluminium. In a variant, the transverse member 40 could be formed from a composite material, for example comprising carbon fibres. The transverse member 40 is positioned at the rear of the first sub-assembly 20 and is mounted to the rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2. In particular, the transverse member 40 has first and second ends 41-1 , 41-2 for cooperating with the rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2 respectively. The first and second ends 41-1 , 41-2 each comprise first and second rear mounting projections 42 for positioning between the first, second and third lugs 17 of the rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2. A longitudinal bore extends through the first and second rear mounting projections 42 for receiving the rear longitudinal mounting pin 18 to mount the transverse member 40 to the rear mounting brackets 13-1 , 13-2.

The transverse member 40 comprises a central lug 43 for mounting the first sub-assembly 20. The central lug 43 projects upwardly from a mid-point of the transverse member 40 and is configured to locate in the transverse aperture 31 formed in the V-shaped section 29 of the first frame 21. A longitudinal bore 45 is formed in the central lug 43 for receiving the pivot pin 34. When assembled, a swivel joint 44 is formed between the first frame 21 and the transverse member 40. Thus, the first sub-assembly 20 is articulated such that the first frame 21 and the transverse member 40 may rotate relative to each other. The swivel joint 44 in the present embodiment is configured to define a rotational axis X1 which is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The swivel joint 44 is configured to inhibit or supress movement in a longitudinal direction. A collar or bearing (not shown) is provided in the central lug 43 for receiving the pivot pin 34. A resilient member, such as an elastomeric bushing, may be provided. The resilient member may damp relative movement and/or bias the swivel joint 44 towards a neutral position. The transverse member 40 and the first frame 21 cooperate with each other to limit rotational movement of said swivel joint 44, thereby functioning as stop means. Alternatively, or in addition, the transverse member 40 and/or the first frame 21 may comprise a stop member, such as a projection, to limit rotational movement. The seat mounting assembly may optionally comprise a breakaway locking element to lock the first sub-assembly in position such that rotational movement of the first sub-assembly relative to the transverse member about the swivel joint is inhibited during normal operation. The breakaway locking element may be configured to release the swivel joint 44 in the event of an impact.

The seat mounting assembly 1 comprises a second sub-assembly 50 which is mounted to the first sub-assembly 20. The second sub-assembly 50 comprises a second frame 51 ; a seat rotational mechanism 52; first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2; and first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2. The second frame 51 comprises first and second front arms 55-1 , 55-2; first and second rear arms 56-1 , 56-2; and a central aperture 57 for mounting the seat rotational mechanism 52. In the present embodiment, the second frame 51 has a unitary composition and is formed from a single member. The second frame 51 may be cast and/or machined, for example from aluminium. In a variant, the second frame 51 could be formed from a composite material, for example comprising carbon fibres. The first and second front arms 52-n extend laterally outwardly to the front of the seat mounting assembly 1 ; and the first and second rear arms 56-1 , 56-2 extend laterally outwardly to the rear of the seat mounting assembly 1. The first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2 each comprise a longitudinal tracking tube having a central axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2 each comprise a lateral tracking tube.

The first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2 are mounted substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first longitudinal tracking member 53-1 is supported by the first front arm 55-1 and the first rear arm 56-1. The second longitudinal tracking member 53-2 is supported by the second front arm 55-2 and the second rear arm 56-2. The first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2 are disposed in the first and second longitudinal guide members 26-1 , 26-2, 27-1 , 27-2 provided on the first and second arms 22- 1 , 22-2 of the first frame 21. The first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2 are translatable within the first and second longitudinal guide members 26-1 , 26-2, 27-1 , 27- 2 to enable adjustment of the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat 2. A first translation locking mechanism (not shown) is provided to lock the longitudinal position of the first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2. The first translation locking mechanism may, for example, comprise one or more retractable locking pins (not shown) for locating in apertures formed in the first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2.

The vehicle seat 2 is mounted to the seat rotational mechanism 52. To enable a swivelling motion of the vehicle seat 2, the seat rotational mechanism 52 is rotatable relative to the second sub-assembly 50. In particular, the central aperture 57 is a circular aperture in which the seat rotational mechanism 52 is mounted. A bearing (not shown) may be provided in the central aperture 57 to provide the rotational movement capability. A rotational locking mechanism (not shown) is provided to lock the seat rotational mechanism 52, thereby inhibiting rotation of the vehicle seat 2.

As shown in Figure 3, the first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2 extend in a transverse direction at least substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y. The seat rotational mechanism 52 comprises an annular wall 59 for positioning within the central aperture 57; and first and second lateral guide members 60-1 , 60-2 for supporting the first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2. The first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2 each comprise a lateral tracking tube having a central axis which extends parallel to the transverse axis Y. The first and second lateral guide members 60-1 , 60-2 comprise first and second upper brackets 61-1 , 61-2. Front and rear pairs of slide bearings 62-1 , 62-2 are mounted in the first and second upper brackets 61-1 , 61-2 to enable translation of the first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2. The vehicle seat 2 is fixedly mounted to the first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2 and the lateral position of the vehicle seat 2 may be adjusted by translating said first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2. A second translation locking mechanism, for example comprising a friction lock, may be provided to lock the lateral position of the first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2.

As described herein, the first and second arms 22-1 , 22-2 are mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 to support the front of the first sub-assembly 20. The transverse member 40 is mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 to support the rear of the first sub-assembly 20. The swivel joint 44 connects the first frame 21 to the transverse member 40. Thus, the front of the first frame 21 is supported on opposing sides; and the rear of the first frame 21 is supported in a central position. In use, the swivel joint 44 accommodates rotational movement of the first frame 21 about the longitudinal axis X. If the vehicle 3 is involved in a collision, the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 may be displaced relative to each other. At least in certain embodiments, the rotational movement of the first frame 21 may help to maintain structural integrity of the seat mounting assembly 1. If the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 are displaced relative to each other, the swivel joint 44 may enable rotational movement of the first frame 21 about the longitudinal axis X. At least in certain embodiments, this rotational movement may preserve structural integrity of the seat mounting assembly 1. The orientation of the front and rear longitudinal mounting pins 16-n, 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis X may also facilitate rotational movement whilst preserving structural integrity. At least in certain embodiments, this mounting arrangement may permit rotational movement of the first sub-assembly 20 and/or the transverse member 40 relative to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4- 2.

A rear elevation of the seat mounting assembly 1 mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 is shown in Figure 4 and 5. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 4, the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 are in an un-deformed state extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5, the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 are in a deformed state. In the illustrated arrangement, the first seat mounting rail 4-1 is pitched downwardly at an angle of 10°; and the second seat mounting rail 4-2 has a positive roll angle of 10°. This configuration is representative of a pre-load for a standardised 16g impact test. As can be seen Figure 5, the pitch and roll offset between the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 is accommodated by the swivel joint 44 and also the front and rear longitudinal mounting pins 16, 18. The first and second longitudinal tracking members 53-1 , 53-2 remain in substantially parallel to each other.

It will be understood that the seat mounting assembly 1 may be modified to omit one or more of the seat adjustment functions described herein. For example, the seat rotational mechanism 52 may be omitted if rotational adjustment of the vehicle seat 2 is not required. Alternatively, or in addition, the first and second lateral tracking members 54-1 , 54-2 may be fixedly mounted if adjustment of the lateral position of the vehicle seat 2 is not required.

A seat mounting assembly 101 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 6. The seat mounting assembly 101 in the present embodiment has a low-profile or compact configuration. In the present embodiment, the seat mounting assembly 101 is configured for use in an aircraft, such as a business aircraft or a commercial aircraft.

The seat mounting assembly 101 is configured to be mounted to first and second seat mounting rails 104-1 , 104-2. The first and second seat mounting rails 104-1 , 104-2 have the same configuration as the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Similarly, the front and rear mounting brackets 112-1 , 112-2, 113-1 , 1 13-2 are unchanged from those in the previous embodiment.

The seat mounting assembly 101 comprises a first sub-assembly 170 configured to be fixedly mounted to the first and second seat mounting rails 104-1 , 104-2 by the front and rear mounting brackets 112-1 , 1 12- 2, 1 13-1 , 113-2. The first sub-assembly 170 comprises first and second longitudinal tracking members 171-1 , 171-2; and first and second sub-frames 172-1 , 172-2. The first and second longitudinal tracking members 171-1 , 171-2 each comprise a longitudinal tracking tube having a central axis X1 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first and second sub-frames 172-1 , 172-2 are generally U-shaped and each comprise a front mounting bracket 174-1 , 174-2 and a rear mounting bracket 175- 1 , 175-2. The first and second sub-frames 172-1 , 172-2 can translate along the first and second longitudinal tracking members 171-1 , 171-2. The first and second sub-frames 172-1 , 172-2 each have a locking mechanism 176-1 , 176-2 for locking the longitudinal position of the first and second sub-frames 172-1 , 172-2. The locking mechanisms 176-1 , 176-2 each comprise a locking pin for locating in an aperture formed in the respective first and second longitudinal tracking members 171-1 , 171-2. The locking mechanisms 176-1 , 176-2 are configured to operate in unison to lock and un-lock the locking mechanisms 176-1 , 176-2 together.

The seat mounting assembly 101 may comprise means for inhibiting or suppressing rotational movement of the first and second sub-frames 172-1 , 172-2 relative to the first and second longitudinal tracking members 171-1 , 171-2. For example, the front mounting bracket 174-1 , 174-2 and/or the rear mounting bracket 175-1 , 175-2 may be configured to inhibit rotational movement. The front mounting bracket 174-1 , 174-2 and/or the rear mounting bracket 175-1 , 175-2 may be configured to form a fixed or resilient mount. Alternatively, or in addition, a breakaway locking element may be incorporated into the front mounting bracket 174-1 , 174-2 and/or the rear mounting bracket 175-1 , 175-2. Alternatively, or in addition, the front mounting brackets 112-1 , 112-2 and/or the rear mounting brackets 113-1 , 113-2 may be configured to inhibit pivoting movement about the front and rear longitudinal mounting pins. For example, the front mounting brackets 1 12-1 , 1 12-2 and/or the rear mounting brackets 113-1 , 1 13-2 may comprise a fixed or resilient mounting bracket.

The seat mounting assembly 101 comprises a second sub-assembly 180. The second sub- assembly 180 comprises a first sub-frame 181 ; a second sub-frame 182; a seat rotational mechanism 183; a front lateral tracking member 184; and a rear lateral tracking member 185. The front and rear lateral tracking members 184, 185 each comprise a lateral tracking tube having a central axis extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y. The first sub-frame 181 comprises a front guide member 186 for receiving the front lateral tracking member 184. The second sub-frame 182 comprises a rear guide member 187 for receiving the rear lateral tracking member 185. The first and second sub-frames 181 , 182 translate in a lateral direction along said front and rear lateral tracking members 184, 185. The first and second sub-frames 181 , 182 are connected to each other by a swivel joint 188. The swivel joint 188 may, for example, comprise a pivot pin extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The swivel joint 188 enables rotational movement of the first sub-frame 181 relative to the second sub-frame 182. The swivel joint 188 is configured to enable rotation about a longitudinal axis X2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The swivel joint 188 in the present embodiment is configured to enable rotation only about the longitudinal axis X2. The swivel joint 188 inhibit rotation about other axes, for example to prevent yaw or pitch movements. The swivel joint 188 also inhibits longitudinal movement of the first and second sub-frames 181 , 182 relative to each other. The seat rotational mechanism 183 is provided in the first sub-frame 181 and enables rotation of the vehicle seat 2 about the vertical axis Z. The seat rotational mechanism 183 in the present embodiment comprises a rotatable bearing 189.

The swivel joint 188 forms an articulated joint between the first and second sub-frames 181 , 182. The swivel joint 188 thereby accommodates rotational movement of the first and second sub-frames 181 , 182 relative to each other. At least in certain embodiments, the rotational movement of the first and second sub-frames 181 , 182 may help to preserve structural integrity of the seat mounting assembly 101 , for example if the first and second seat mounting rails 4-1 , 4-2 are displaced relative to each other. As in the previous embodiment, the orientation of the front and rear longitudinal mounting pins in the front and rear mounting brackets 112-1 , 112-2, 113-1 , 113-2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X may also facilitate rotational movement whilst preserving structural integrity.

The references herein to the“front” and“rear” of the seat mounting assembly 101 are in relation to the default orientation of the vehicle seat 2, as illustrated in Figure 1. In the embodiment(s) described herein, the default orientation corresponds to a configuration for take-off and landing of the aircraft. It will be understood that the vehicle seat 2 may not be oriented towards the front of the vehicle 3. For example, the vehicle seat 2 could be forward- facing or rear-facing. Accordingly, the terms“front” and“rear” used herein to describe the seat mounting assembly 101 do not necessarily correspond to the front and rear of the vehicle 3. Similarly, as described herein, the vehicle seat 2 may be rotatable, allowing a change in the relative orientation to the seat mounting assembly 101.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiment(s) described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The mounting assemblies 1 ; 101 described herein could, for example, comprise more than one swivel joint 44; 188. The mounting assemblies 1 ; 101 could comprise multiple swivel joints 44; 188 for accommodating rotational movement about parallel axes or about different axes.

Furthermore, the seat mounting assembly 1 has been described herein with reference to a single vehicle seat 2. It will be understood that the seat mounting assembly 1 could be modified to mount a plurality of vehicle seats 2 in a row. For example, the seat mounting assembly 1 could comprise a plurality of swivel joints 44; 188, each swivel joint 44; 188 being associated with a respective one of said vehicle seats 2.