Abstract:
A modular seat assembly having an elongate support spine extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end is provided. A seat portion is connected to a front side of the support spine, and each of the seat portion and the support spine includes one of a complementary pair of interlocking portions. The interlocking portion of the seat portion slides onto the interlocking portion of the support spine over the first end. The modular seat assembly further includes an end cap lockably disposed over the first end that prevents the seat portion from sliding off the support spine.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This divisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/967,959, filed Dec. 14, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,350 and titled MODULAR TRANSIT SYSTEM, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/286,174, filed Dec. 14, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in this application in their entirety. 
    
    
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENTIAL LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a modular transit system, and more particularly, to a modular transit system having a seating system that includes various interchangeable parts. 
     2. Description of the Background of the Disclosure 
     Development of seating systems in mass transit have traditionally involved a company pre-selecting a desired seating configuration and permanently installing the pre-selected configuration into a transit car or multiple transit cars. The procurement, design, implementation, and manufacturing process may take many years to complete so a company must plan ahead for the types of configurations that the company desires. If a company wishes to deviate from the pre-selected selections, the company must re-order the seating system and/or re-configure the car interior. Either of these options are extremely cost prohibitive. 
     The traditional seating systems suffer from many disadvantages. For example, once a transit car is designed and manufactured, the configuration of seating is limited to the original design. Still further, the transit company may have special ordered some unique configurations, but the transit car configurations are limited. 
     SUMMARY 
     A modular seat assembly having an elongate support spine extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end is provided. A seat portion is connected to a front side of the support spine, and each of the seat portion and the support spine includes one of a complementary pair of interlocking portions. The interlocking portion of the seat portion slides onto the interlocking portion of the support spine over the first end. The modular seat assembly further includes an end cap lockably disposed over the first end that prevents the seat portion from sliding off the support spine. 
     A method of assembling a modular seating system, including a seat portion attachable to a support spine, is also provided. The method comprises the step of releasably attaching the seat portion to the support spine by sliding a projection of one along a channel of the other from one end of the support spine, wherein the projection interlocks with the channel. The method further comprises the step of locking an end cap over the end of the support spine to prevent the seat portion from disassembling from the support spine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a transit car having a track system and a plurality of modular seats attached to the track system; 
         FIG. 2  is partial cross-sectional view of the track system of  FIG. 1  taken generally along the lines of  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  and having a center spine and struts attached thereto, with the seat portions and features removed therefrom for clarity; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of a modular seat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear isometric view of the modular seat of  FIG. 3  having a first implement; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear isometric view of the modular seat of  FIG. 3  having second and third implements; 
         FIG. 6  is a front isometric view of a modular seat having a plurality of seats; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic of transit car having a track system and a plurality of attachments attached thereto; and 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic of transit car having a modular seat with an attachment attached thereto. 
     
    
    
     Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have like or similar reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to a modular transit system and may be embodied in many different forms. Several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a transit system that includes an elongate transit car  52 , a track system  54  attached to a wall  56  of the transit car  52 , and a plurality of modular seats  58  attached to and extending outwardly from the track system  54 . The transit car  52  includes doors  59  and windows  53  disposed along a length thereof that are of a kind known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the track system  54  includes a first channel  60  having a grab bar  61  extending outwardly therefrom. The grab bar  61  includes a bulbous hook  63  extending upwardly from an end  65  of the grab bar  61 . The grab bar  61  generally extends outwardly from a medial portion  62  of the wall  56  of the transit car  52 . A locking mechanism (not shown) may be included in an interior section of the grab bar  61  such that other components are able to interlock with the grab bar  61 . If a seat  58  is not attached to the track system  54 , the grab bar  61  and more specifically, the bulbous hook  63 , may be utilized to provide an additional surface for a user to grab onto during transit. Any type of locking mechanism known in the art may be utilized including locking mechanisms that allow modular seats and/or attachments to be attached and detached therefrom. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , a channel  64  is disposed in a surface  67  in a bottom section  66  of the transit car  52  located adjacent the grab bar  61 . The channel  64  may include an attachment component, such as a recess (not shown), in a top surface  69  thereof that is adapted to interact with a support member in the form of a strut  70 . The strut  70  is comprised of an elongate base member  72  that includes an upwardly extending notch  74  at a first end  76  thereof. The strut  70  further includes two upwardly extending protrusions  78   a ,  78   b  that are adapted to interact with the modular seats  58  as described in more detail hereinbelow. The notch  74  is preferably angled and sized to correspond to the channel  67  such that the strut  70  can be aligned with and may be inserted into the channel  67  to secure the strut  70  to the track system  54  disposed on the wall  56  of the transit car  52 . The strut  70  includes a latch  77  that extends upwardly from the base member  72  and is adapted to help secure the strut  70  to the wall  56 . The latch  77  can be rotated from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position, once the strut  70  is inserted into the channel  67 . The strut  70  further includes an end cap or strut cap  73  ( FIG. 3 ) disposed at an end  75  thereof that provides aesthetic benefits as well as having the capability to accept implements as described in more detail below. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a secondary strut  80  is used to provide structural reinforcement and to secure a top portion  82  of the modular seat  58  to the track system  54  attached to the wall  56  of the transit car  52 . The secondary strut  80  includes a latch  83  extending from a front side  84  of the strut  80  that helps secure and lock the strut  80  to the wall  56 . The secondary strut  80  further includes a hook member  86  extending from an end  88  thereof that is adapted to lock into the bulbous hook  63  of the grab bar  61 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the secondary strut  80  includes two upwardly extending triangular protrusions  90   a ,  90   b , that are adapted to interact with the modular seats  58  as described in more detail hereinbelow. The secondary strut  80  may further include a strut cap  92  that locks into the secondary strut  80  at a second end  94  to provide aesthetic benefits as well as having the capability to accept implements as described in more detail below. 
     Although the track system  54 , including the grab bar  61  and the channel  64  are depicted as integral with the wall  56  of the transit car  52 , any of the track system  54  components may be installed as separate parts that are attached to an outside surface of the wall  56 . Further, latches  77 ,  83  may be utilized to secure the struts  70 ,  80  to the track system  54  and/or other locking mechanisms may be used as known in the art such as, for example, lock and key. It is preferable that the latches  77 ,  83  are positioned such the seat  58  covers the latches  77 ,  83  when the seat  58  is attached to the struts  70 ,  80 . The hidden latches  77 ,  83  prevent unauthorized persons from accessing and unlocking the struts  70 ,  80 . 
     A modular seat  200 , as best seen in  FIG. 3 , may be used with the track system  54  disclosed previously herein, or may be used with other track systems as known in the art. The modular seat  200  includes a first generally vertical seat portion  201 , a second generally horizontal seat portion  203 , and a center support spine  202  having an upper section  204  and a lower section  206  connected by a bent portion  208  and adapted to support the first and second seat portions  201 ,  203 , respectively. The vertical seat portion  201  and horizontal seat portion  203  may be seat cushions. The center spine  202  includes a plurality of tracks disposed in a front surface  210  and rear surface  212  thereof. The front surface  210  includes an upper channel  214   a  and a lower channel  214   b  disposed in a central portion therein, wherein each channel  214   a ,  214   b  comprises a triangular cross sectional profile adapted to receive complementary shaped protrusions (not shown) that extend outwardly along all or a portion of sections  218   a ,  218   b  of the seat  200 . The protrusions  216   a ,  216   b  are preferably disposed on bottom surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  of the seat  200  so that top surfaces  222   a ,  222   b  of the seat  200  are outwardly facing when the seat  200  is attached to the center spine  202 . Raised portions  224   a ,  224   b ,  224   c ,  224   d , extend outwardly from the upper and lower channels  214   a ,  214   b , respectively, and include channels  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d  disposed on back sides thereof. The channels  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d  are adapted to receive the protrusions  78   a ,  78   b ,  90   a ,  90   b , respectively, that extend upwardly from struts  70 ,  80 , as previously discussed herein. The channels and protrusions may be any shape and size so long as the protrusions can be moved along and retained in the channels to releasably secure the seat portions or other attachments to the center support spine  202  in an interlocking connection. 
     In use, when securing the modular seat  200  to the spine  202 , the first seat portion  201  is slid downwardly onto the spine  202  such that the protrusion  216   a  slides into the channel  214   a . The first seat portion  201  is slid downwardly until an edge (not shown) of the protrusion  216   a  hits a ridge  217   a  that extends into the channel  214   a  from the bent portion  208  of the center spine  202 . Once the first seat portion  201  is in place, a spine cap  219   a  is inserted into channels  226   a ,  226   b  to lock the first seat portion  201  into place. Similarly, the second seat portion  203  is slid laterally onto the spine  202  such that the protrusion  216   b  slides into the channel  214   b . The second seat portion  203  is slid laterally until an edge (not shown) of the protrusion  216   b  hits a ridge  217   b  that extends into the channel  214   b  from the bent portion  208  of the center spine  202 . Once the second seat portion  203  is in place, a spine cap  219   b  is inserted into channels  226   c ,  226   d  to lock the second seat portion  203  into place. The spine caps  219   a ,  219   b  may be secured using an interference fit with the channels  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d , or may utilize other securement methods so long as the first and second seat portions  201 ,  203  are firmly locked into place when the spine caps  219   a ,  291   b  are disposed in the channels  226   a ,  226   b ,  226   c ,  226   d  and such that the spine caps  219   a ,  219   b  can be releasably removed if it is desired to remove the first and second seat portions  201 ,  203  from the center spine  202 . 
     The first and second seat portions  201 ,  203  are preferably shaped to the contour of the user&#39;s body and are preferably two separate parts, such that each seat portion  201 ,  203  can be exchanged independently of the other portion  201 ,  203 . The seat portions  201 ,  203  may be made of any material known in the art including, for example, vinyl, plastic, cloth, and the like. The first portion  201  may be manufactured from one type of material and the second portion  203  may be manufactured from a second type of material, or both materials may be the same. The seat portions  201 ,  203  may also be formed in other styles, configurations, and/or contours as desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first seat portion  201  may include a variety of implements disposed on a back side  242  thereof. The implements are preferably releasably attached to any and/or all of the strut caps  73 ,  92  and/or spine caps  219   a ,  219   b  utilizing protrusions and channels as described previously herein or using other securement methods as known in the art. A first implement  240 , in the form of a crash pad  244 , is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The crash pad  244  is preferably made of a soft material that may help absorb forces during an accident. A second implement in the form of a grip handle  246  is depicted in  FIG. 5 . A third implement in the form of a cup holder  248  is also depicted in  FIG. 5 . It is also contemplated that other implements may also be used, such as, for example, head rests, electronic or printed advertisement displays, a coat hook, a cell phone charger, an audio dock, stanchion mounts (shown in  FIG. 6 ), leg/footrests, and the like. Any of the implements may be used alone or in combination with each other. Further, the implements may be permanently secured to the modular seat  200  or may be releasably attached. 
     The modular seat  200  may comprise a single modular seat  58  configuration as depicted in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , or may include a plurality of modular seats  302  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The single modular seat configuration  58  utilizes the center spine  202  and struts  70 ,  80  disclosed previously herein to support the modular seat  58 . The plurality of modular seats  302  utilize longer struts (not shown) attached to the bottom and backs of the seats to attach the seats to the wall  56  of the transit car  52  in the same manner as described hereinabove. An additional support member  304 , shown in  FIG. 6 , may be releaseably attached on one end to the center spine (not shown) of the seat  58  and may be releasably attached on the other end to the transit car  52 . Other support members may be utilized with the modular seat(s) that provide support and/or attachment capabilities to the transit car  52 . 
     The single modular seat  58  configuration and/or plurality of modular seats  302  may be oriented in a transverse direction as designated by  400  in  FIG. 1 , or may be oriented in a center-facing direction as designated by  402 , also shown in  FIG. 1 . Any combination of a single modular seat or plurality of modular seats in transverse and/or center-facing directions may be used in the transit car  52  as disclosed herein. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , other attachments may be used with the track system  54  in conjunction with and/or instead of the modular seats  200 . For example, an attachment in the form of a bicycle boot  404  is attached to the channel  64  disposed on the wall  56 . Any mechanisms known in the art may be used to releasably secure the boot  404  to the wall  58 . Another attachment in the form of a lean pad  406  is also depicted in  FIG. 7 . The lean pad  406  is attached to the grab bar  61  using a hook member (not shown) disposed on a back side of the lean pad  406  that is adapted to latch onto the bulbous hook  63  of the grab bar  61 . Any of the attachments may also be attached to either the channel  64  and/or the grab bar  61  utilizing methods known in the art or methods disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an attachment may be used in conjunction with and/or may be releasably attached to the modular seat  200 . For example, an attachment in the form of a luggage rack  408  is attached to a side  410  of the modular seat  200 . The luggage rack  408  may be attached to the seat  200  utilizing the strut system disclosed previously herein or may be attached using other methods as known in the art. 
     In all of the methodologies disclosed herein, it is contemplated that many of the parts are releasably attached to each other to allow for the transit car  52  to be easily reconfigured. Further, the track system  54  disclosed herein may be used with the modular seat  200  described herein or may be adapted to be used with other seating systems as known in the art. The modular seat  200  disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with the track system  54  disclosed herein or may be used independently in other seating systems as known in the art. Further, although a transit car  52  is disclosed, it is contemplated that the track system  54  and/or modular seating  200  could be used in other settings including a concert venue, a stadium, a boat, and/or other locations that utilize various seating arrangements. 
     Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure provides a modular transit system having a track system and/or modular seating that can be used to modify a transit car. The track system can support a variety of attachments to allow the transit car to be reconfigured. 
     Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.