Patent Abstract:
A seat track cover having telescopically engaged first and second portions that enables an overall length of the seat track cover to be adjusted as needed to cover a portion of a seat track that separates two adjacent seats mounted to the seat tracks. A cable can be routed within the first and second portions to enable electrical or optical signals to be conducted between data/power connection ports on the seats. One embodiment includes mating conductive elements formed along the lengths of each of the first and second portions.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to mobile platform passenger seats. In particular, the present invention relates to an expandable seat track cover that covers portions of a seat track between two adjacent seats.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Aircraft passenger seats are fixedly secured within an aircraft passenger cabin through cooperation with a seat track. The seat track typically extends the entire length of the passenger cabin. The seats are secured to the seat track at spaced apart intervals along the seat track. Therefore, the portions of the seat track between the seats are not used to secure the seats. The portions of seat track between the seats are typically covered by a seat track cover.  
         [0003]     The distance between the passenger seats, or seat pitch, varies depending on, for example, the aircraft operator, the class of service, the location of the seat within the passenger cabin, and the purpose of the aircraft. It is not uncommon for one aircraft to have a wide range of different seat pitches. Consequently, numerous seat track covers of numerous different sizes must be manufactured and kept on hand to accommodate the different seat pitches, thus increasing the cost of manufacturing and storing the seat tracks covers and increasing the difficulty and time required to install the seat track covers.  
         [0004]     In view of the forgoing, it would be highly desirable to provide a seat track cover that is expandable to cover the portions of the seat track between two seat groups regardless of the distance between the seat groups. It is further desirable that the seat track cover be capable of transferring data and/or electrical power between the seat groups.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In one preferred form, the present invention provides for a seat track cover adapted to be secured over a seat track, where the seat track extends between a first seat and a second seat. The seat track cover includes a first portion and a second portion to form a two piece assembly that allows the overall length of the cover to be adjusted to a desired length. In this manner, the length of the seat track can be tailored to match the length of the uncovered portion of the seat track, thus eliminating the need to maintain covers of various fixed lengths to suit specific applications.  
         [0006]     In one preferred form, the invention provides for a seat track cover for covering portions of a seat track between a first seat and a second seat that are both mounted to the seat track, and where the seat track is used on a mobile platform. The seat track cover includes an upper portion, side walls depending from the upper portion. The overall length of the seat track cover is adjustable.  
         [0007]     The invention still further provides for a method for covering portions of a seat track located between a first seat and a second seat. The method comprises forming a cover having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is slidably coupled to the first portion so that it can extend from the first portion at a variety of different distances to precisely match the distance between the first seat and the second seat.  
         [0008]     The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yet other embodiments. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a number of aircraft passenger seat groups secured to a seat track with the portions of the seat track between the seat groups covered by a seat track cover according to the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a seat track cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first portion of the seat track cover of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing the seat track cover of  FIG. 2  positioned between and connected to two seat legs of two different seat groups;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7A  is an expanded view illustrating interaction between first fingers and second fingers of the seat track cover of  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7B  is an expanded view illustrating interaction between first fingers and second fingers of the seat track cover of  FIG. 6  according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention, the seat track cover having a power bus;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the seat track cover of  FIG. 2  having a false upper portion;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the seat track cover of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an unassembled seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  is an assembled plan view of the seat track cover of  FIG. 13 , the seat track cover rotatably secured to a seat leg.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]     The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a portion of an aircraft passenger cabin  10  equipped with a number of seat track covers  12  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A seat track  14  is recessed within an aircraft passenger cabin floor  16 . A number of spaced apart passenger seat groups  18  are secured to the seat track  14 . The seat track covers  12  are positioned between the seat groups  18  and cover the portions of the seat track  14  between the seat groups  18 . It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to use in aircraft passenger cabins, but can be implemented in any form of mobile platform such as a ship, train, bus, motor-craft, etc., as well as on any stationary platform such as in theatre seats and stadium seats.  
         [0027]     With additional reference to  FIG. 2 , the seat track cover  12  generally includes a first portion  20  and a second portion  22 . The first portion  20  slidingly receives the second portion  22  to allow the overall length of the cover  12  to be varied as needed. Extending through both the first portion  20  and the second portion  22  is an optional cable  24 .  
         [0028]     With additional reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first portion  20  generally includes an upper portion  26  and a pair of side walls  28  that depend from the upper portion  26 . The upper portion  26  is illustrated as having a crowned portion, but can also be planar or any other suitable shape. Extending from the upper portion  26  is a seat leg shroud  30  sized to receive a portion of a rear seat leg.  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the side walls  28  are joined by a bottom portion  32  extending therebetween. Each side wall  28  includes a flange  34 . The bottom portion  32  includes a tongue or tab  36 . The tab  36  is narrower than the width of the rest of the bottom portion  32  and defines two slots  38  between the tab  36  and each side wall  28 . The slots  38  are at least wide enough to receive a portion of the second portion  22 .  
         [0030]     Each flange  34  is typically angled to engage portions of the underside of the floor  16  on either side of the seat track  14 . However, each flange  34  can include any type of detail or be of any suitable shape to promote cooperation between the flange  34  and the floor  16 . Each side wall  28  is at least somewhat flexible to allow its flange  34  to engage the floor  16  in a snap-fit manner.  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the second portion  22  of the seat track cover  12  is similar in construction to the first portion  20 . The second portion  22  includes an upper portion  40  and a pair of side walls.  
         [0032]     The upper portion  40  is substantially similar to the upper portion  26  and the description of the upper portion  26  equally applies to the upper portion  40 . However, the upper portion  40  has dimensions that are slightly smaller than the upper portion  26  so that the first portion  20  can receive the second portion  22 . The upper portion  40  includes a seat leg shroud  44  that extends upward from the upper portion  40 . The seat leg shroud  44  is sized to receive a portion of a front seat leg.  
         [0033]     The side walls  42  also each include a flange  46 . The flanges  46  are substantially similar to the flanges  34  of the first portion  20  and are angled to permit cooperation with the floor  16 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the side walls  42  further include a lower portion  48  ( FIG. 4 ) extending therebetween. The lower portion  48  extends substantially the entire length of the second portion  22 . The second portion  22  has overall dimensions that are smaller than the first portion  20  to permit the first portion  20  to receive the second portion  22 . Also, the portion of the flanges  46  nearest the first portion  20  are sized smaller than the portion of the flanges  46  furthest from the first portion  20  to allow the first portion  20  to receive the second portion  22  and to provide a region of the flanges  46  that have the same width as the flanges  34  to promote cooperation between the cover  12  and the undersurface of the floor  16 .  
         [0034]     With further reference to  FIG. 4 , this cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  illustrates the cooperation between the first portion  20  and the second portion  22 . The cable  24  is not illustrated in  FIG. 4  for clarity. The first portion  20  slidably receives the second portion  22  with the upper portion  40  positioned below the upper portion  26  and the side walls  42  positioned between the side walls  28 . The tab portion  36  of the first portion  20  is positioned atop the lower portion  48  of the second portion  22 . The side walls  42  of the second portion  22  are seated within the slots  38  of the first portion  20 .  
         [0035]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cable  24  extends from one end of the seat track cover  12  to the other end and through both the first portion  20  and the second portion  22 . The cable  24  includes a first connector  50  at one end of the cable  24  and a second connector  52  at a second end of the cable  24  opposite the first end. The cable  24  is seated within the cover  12  such that the first connector  50  is at the exposed end of the first portion  20  and the second connector  52  is at the exposed end of the second portion  22 . The first connector  50  and the second connector  52  are electrically or optically connected by conductors  54 . The length of the conductors  54  is at least equal to the approximate length of the seat track cover  12  when the second portion  22  is fully extended from the first portion  20  to allow the cover  12  to fully extend to accommodate large seat pitch lengths. When the second portion  22  is not fully extended, excess length of the conductors  54  is folded within at least one of the first side wall  28  and the second side wall  42 . While the conductors  54  are illustrated as a ribbon cable, the conductors  54  can be any suitable type of cabling that can conduct electricity and or data signals, such as a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a copper wire, a coiled telephone cord, a spring loaded cord, etc.  
         [0036]     With further reference to  FIG. 5 , the seat track cover  12  is illustrated installed between two seat groups  18 . In particular, the seat track cover  12  is installed between a front seat leg  56  of one seat group  18  and a rear seat leg  58  of a neighboring seat group  18 . The seat track cover  12  is sized, by slidably extending or retracting the second portion  22  relative to the first portion  20 , to completely extend between the front seat leg  56  and the rear seat leg  58 . The seat track cover  12  is orientated such that the first portion  20  abuts the rear seat leg  58  and the second portion  22  abuts the front seat leg  56 . However, this orientation can be reversed as well.  
         [0037]     The front seat leg  56  includes a front outlet  60 . The front outlet  60  is sized and configured to connect with the second connector  52 . The front outlet  60  is in cooperation with the electronic components of the seat group  18 , such as any audio/video equipment, computer networking equipment, and/or electrical power outlets, to transfer electrical power and data signals to and from the seat group  18 . The rear seat leg  58  includes a rear outlet  62  that is sized and configured to connect with the first connector  50 . Like the front outlet  60 , the rear outlet  62  is in cooperation with the electronic components of its associated seat group.  
         [0038]     The cover  12  is positioned between the front seat leg  56  and the rear seat leg  58  such that the first connector  50  cooperates with the rear outlet  62  of the rear seat leg  58  and the second connector  52  cooperates with the front outlet  60  to provide an electrical and/or optical connection between the two seat groups  18 . The connection between the first connector  50  and the rear outlet  62  is at least partially covered by and protected by the seat leg shroud  30 . The connection between the second connector  52  and the front outlet  60  is covered and protected by the seat leg shroud  44 . To fully span the distance between the front seat leg  56  and the rear seat leg  58  and provide this connection, the cover  12  is extended or retracted as needed by extending the second portion  22  from within the first portion  20 , or retracting the second portion  22  within the first portion  20 . The seat track cover  12  is secured in place between the front seat leg  56  and the rear seat leg  58  by securing the flanges  46  and  34  beneath the floor  16  in the region of the seat track  14 .  
         [0039]     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated at  100 . The seat track cover  100  is similar to the seat track cover  12  in that it includes a first portion  102  and a second portion  104 . The cable  24  extends the length of the cover  100  through both the first portion  102  and the second portion  104 .  
         [0040]     The first portion  102  includes a plurality of first fingers  106 . The fingers  106  are spaced apart and are open at one end of the first portion  102 . The first portion  102  further includes a recess  108 . The recess  108  includes a slit  110  in a wall portion  111  that allows the cable  24  to extend into the recess  108 . The flanges  112  extend from beneath the first portion  102 . The flanges  112  are substantially similar to the flanges  34  of the seat track cover  12 . Thus, the description of the flanges  34  of the seat track cover  12  equally applies to the flanges  112 .  
         [0041]     The second portion  104  includes a plurality of fingers  114 . Like the fingers  106 , the fingers  114  are spaced apart and open at one end of the second portion  104 . The second portion  104  also includes flanges  116 . The flanges  116  are similar to the flanges  34  and  46  of the seat track cover  12  and therefore, the description of the flanges  34  and  46  equally applies to the flanges  116 .  
         [0042]     The first portion  102  cooperates with the second portion  104  and slidingly receives the second portion  104 . The fingers  106  of the first portion  102  interlock with the fingers  114  of the second portion  104  to provide the cooperation between the first and second portions  102  and  104 . A small gap (not shown) is provided between the fingers  106  and the fingers  114  to accommodate the conductors  54  of the cable  24 , as described below.  
         [0043]     With reference to  FIG. 7A , to insure proper vertical alignment between the first portion  102  and the second portion  104 , the fingers  106  of the first portion  102  include recesses  118  that extend the length of the fingers  106  and the fingers  114  of the second portion  104  include protrusions  120  that extend the length of the fingers  114 . The recesses  118  cooperate with the protrusions  120  to insure vertical alignment between the first portion  102  and the second portion  104 . The recesses  118  and the protrusions  120  can be of various different shapes, such as having matching square shapes  114   a  and  118   a  in  FIG. 7B .  
         [0044]     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the cable  24  is inserted within the seat track cover  100  such that the first connector  50  is at the exposed end of the first portion  102  and the second connector  52  is at the exposed end of the second portion  104 . The conductors  54  extend between the first and second connectors  50  and  52 . Specifically, the conductors  54  extend from the first connector  50  to within the recess  108 . From the recess  108  the conductors  54  extend through the slit  110  and along the length of the fingers  106  of the first portion  102  and along the length of the fingers  114  of the second portion  104  to the second connector  52  within the small gap between the fingers  106  and  114 . The recess  108  accommodates excess portions of the conductors  54  that are required to span the distance between the first connector  50  and the second connector  52  when the second portion  104  is fully extended from the first portion  102 . To secure the connector  54  in position, the connector  54  can optionally be secured, using a suitable adhesive or other fastening device or method, to the fingers  114  of the second portion  104 .  
         [0045]     The seat track cover  100  is installed between the front seat leg  56  and the rear seat leg  58  to provide a connection between the first connector  50  and the second connector  52  in substantially the same manner that the seat track cover  12  is. Therefore, the description of the installation of the seat track cover  12  equally applies to the seat track cover  100 . However, to cover the recess  108 , the fingers  106 , and the fingers  114 , a shield  122  can be employed. The shield  122  is positioned over the cover  100  and can be secured either to the cover  100  or to the portions of the floor  16  surrounding the cover  100 . The shield  122  can include the seat leg shroud  44  to cover the connection between the second connector  52  and the front outlet  60  of the front seat leg  56 . The shield  122  can further include the seat leg shroud  30  to cover the connection between the rear outlet  62  and the first connector  50 . The shield  122  can include a seal to prevent liquids and other foreign materials from contacting the cover  100 . The shield  122  can be made of any suitable material, such as carpet or at least have a carpet covering.  
         [0046]     With additional reference to  FIG. 8 , a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated at  200 . The structure of the seat track cover  200  is substantially similar to the structure of the seat track cover  12 . Therefore, the portions of the seat track cover  200  that are identical to the seat track cover  12  are designated with like reference numbers having a prime symbol and the description of these like elements provided above equally applies to the seat track cover  200 .  
         [0047]     The seat track cover  200  does not include the cable  24  as the cover  12  does. Instead, the seat track cover  200  has an internal power bus  202  for conducting signals and/or power. The power bus  202  extends through both the first portion  20 ′ and the second portion  22 ′. The portion of the power bus  202  in the first portion  20 ′ includes a plurality of contacts  204 . The contacts  204  extend along the top surface of the bottom portion  32 ′ of the first portion  20 ′. The contacts  204  can be of any suitable material for conducting electricity and/or optical signals. If electrical signals are being conducted, then the contacts  204  will preferably be formed from copper, gold, etc. The contacts  204  are in cooperation with a first connection port  206  that can mate with other devices to transfer signals to or from the power bus  202 .  
         [0048]     The second portion  22 ′ also houses portions of the, power bus  202  including a connector block  208 . The connector block  208  is seated on the lower portion  48 ′ of the second portion  22 ′ at the end of the second portion  22 ′ received by the first portion  20 ′. The connector block  208  has a plurality of couplers  210  that typically correspond to the number of contacts  204  of the first portion  20 ′. Each of the couplers  210  mate with one of the contacts  204  of the first portion  20 ′ to conduct electricity and/or data between the first portion  20 ′ and the second portion  22 ′ regardless of how far the second portion  22 ′ is retracted within or extended from the first portion  20 ′.  
         [0049]     Extending from the connector block  208  are a plurality of conductors  212  that connect the connector block  208  to a second connection port  214 . The connection port  214  is at the exposed end of the second portion  22 ′ opposite the connector block  208 . The connection port  214  connects with an external device to transfer signals to/from the power bus  202 .  
         [0050]     The cover  200  is installed between the front seat leg  56  and the rear seat leg  58  in substantially the same manner that the cover  12  is. Therefore, the above description of the installation of the cover  12  equally applies to the cover  200 . Installation of the cover  200  between the seat legs  56  and  58  includes connecting the first connection port  206  to the rear outlet  62  and includes connecting the second connection port  214  to the front outlet  60 . Therefore, the seat track cover  200  provides a power and/or data connection between the two adjacent seat groups  18  of the rear seat leg  58  and the front seat leg  56 .  
         [0051]     With additional reference to  FIG. 9 , the seat track cover  12  is illustrated equipped with an optional false upper portion  300 . The false upper portion  300  is secured to the upper portion  40  of the second portion  22  using any suitable attachment method or device, such as an adhesive. The false upper portion  300  can also be integral to the second portion  22 . The width of the false upper portion  300  approximately equals the width of the upper portion  26 . Therefore, as the second portion  22  is extended from or retracted within the first upper portion  26 , it appears that only the part of the upper portion  40  not covered by the false upper portion  300  is changing length, making it difficult to discern that second portion  22  as a whole is changing length as it is extended from or retracted within the first portion  20 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 9  illustrates the cover  12  as having a single false portion  300 . However, the cover  12  can include numerous false portions similar to the false portion  300  to disguise the fact that the second portion  22  is narrower than the first portion  20 . Additional devices and methods that can be used to disguise the fact that the second portion  22  is more narrow than the first portion  20  include coloring, shading, or varying the texture of the first and second portions  20  and  22 , including any false upper portions  300  that might be used, so that the half of the second portion  22  nearest the second seat leg shroud  44  has the same color, shade or texture as the upper portion  26 . Further, multiple false portions  300  can be used.  
         [0053]     With additional reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated at  400 . The structure of the seat track cover  400  is substantially similar to the structure of the seat track cover  12 . Therefore, the portions of the seat track cover  400  that are substantially similar to the seat track cover  12  are designated with like reference numbers having a double prime symbol and the description of these like elements provided above equally applies to the seat track cover  400 .  
         [0054]     The cover  400  generally includes a first portion  20 ″ and a second portion  22 ″. Extending between the first portion  20 ″ and the second portion  22 ″ is an optional cable  24 ″. The first portion  20 ″ generally includes an upper portion  26 ″ and side walls  28 ″ that depend from the upper portion  26 ″. A seat leg shroud  30 ″ extends from the upper portion  26 ″ and is sized to receive a portion of the rear seat leg  58 .  
         [0055]     As seen in  FIG. 11 , the first portion  20 ″ further includes a bottom portion  32 ″ that includes bosses  402  that cooperate with apertures  404  on the side walls  28 ″ to secure the bottom portion  32 ″ between the side walls  28 ″. The width of the bottom portion  32 ″ is less than the distance between the side walls  28 ″ to accommodate the second portion  22 ″ as described below and as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The side walls  28 ″ also include holes  406  to mount the cable  24 ″, as described below.  
         [0056]     The second portion  22 ″ includes an upper portion  40 ″ and a pair of side walls  42 ″. The side walls  42 ″ include holes  408  to cooperate with the cable  24 ″ as further explained below. Extending inward from the bottom of each of the side walls  42 ″ are horizontal portions  410  that terminate near the center of the second portion  22 ″ at the flanges  46 ″. Unlike the flanges  46 , the flanges  46 ″ are moved inward from the side walls  42 ″ toward the center of the second portion  22 ″. Between the flanges  46 ″ is a gap  412 . The position of the flanges  46  inboard from the side walls  42 ″ permits the flanges to cooperate directly with the seat track  14 , instead of with the undersurface of the floor  16  as the flanges  46  do. Extending at least a portion of the length of the interior of the side walls  42 ″, just above the horizontal portions  410 , are side rails  413 .  
         [0057]     The cable  24 ″ includes a first connector  50 ″ at one end and a second connector  52 ″ at an opposite end of the cable  24 ″ connected by conductors  54 ″. The first connector  50 ″ includes details  414  that extend from the sides of the first connector  50 ″. Likewise the second connector  52 ″ includes details  416  that extend from the sides of the second connector  52 ″.  
         [0058]     To assemble the cover  400 , the cable  24 ″ is inserted within the first and second portions  20 ″ and  22 ″ by inserting the conductors  54 ″ through the gap  412 . Next, the first connector  50 ″ is inserted between the side walls  28 ″ so that the details  414  are received by the holes  406  to secure the first connector  50 ″ into position. Likewise, the second connector  52 ″ is inserted between the side walls  42 ″ and above the side rails  413  so that the details  416  are received by the holes  408  to secure the connector  52 ″ into position. Before or after the first connector  50 ″ is secured into position, the bottom portion  32 ″ is attached to the first portion  20 ″ by moving the bosses  402  into cooperation with the apertures  404 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view taken along like  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10  of the cover  400  as assembled. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the second portion  22 ″ is seated within the first portion  20 ″. Further the bottom portion  32 ″ is positioned between the horizontal portions  410  and the side rails  413 . The cover  400  is positioned between the seat legs  56  and  58  to provide a data and/or electrical connection between the outlets  60  and  62  in substantially the same manner that the cover  12  is and therefore the above description of the positioning of the cover  12  between the seat legs  56  and  58  equally applies to the cover  400 , the only substantial difference being that the cover  400  is secured directly to the seat track  14  rather than the floor  16 .  
         [0060]     With additional reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a seat track cover according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated at reference numeral  500 . The structure of the seat track cover  500  is similar to the structure of the seat track cover  12 . Therefore, the portions of the seat track cover  500  that are similar to the seat track cover  12  are designated with like reference numerals having a triple prime symbol (′″) and the description of these like elements provided above equally applies to the seat track cover  500 .  
         [0061]     The cover  500  generally includes a first portion  20 ′″ and a second portion  22 ′″. The first portion  20 ′″ generally includes an upper portion  26 ′″, a pair of spaced apart side walls  28 ′″ that depend from the upper portion  26 ′″, and a bottom portion  32 ′″ that is approximately parallel to the upper portion  26 ′″ and spans the two side walls  28 ′″. The upper portion  26 ′″, the side walls  28 ′″, and the bottom portion  32 ′″ define a first aperture  502 .  
         [0062]     A bracket assembly  504  extends from the upper portion  26 ′″. The bracket assembly  504  can include a first bracket  504 A and a second bracket  504 B. The first bracket  504 A is spaced apart from the second bracket  504 B at a distance great enough to accommodate either the front seat leg  56 ′″ or the rear seat leg  58 ′″ between the first and second brackets  504 A and  504 B. The bracket  504 A includes a through hole  506 A and the bracket  504 B includes a through hole  506 B. The through hole  506 A is aligned with the through hole  506 B. The bracket assembly  504  can be any suitable bracket assembly operable to pivotally mount the seat track  500  to either the front seat leg  56 ′″ or the rear seat leg  58 ′″.  
         [0063]     The portions of the side walls  28 ′″ and the bottom portion  32 ′″ can be curved in the region proximate to the bracket assembly  504 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , to provide the first portion  20 ′″ with a curved terminus at one end to facilitate pivoting of the cover  500 . Specifically, the bottom portion  32 ′″ is curved upward toward the upper portion  26 ′″. The side walls  28 ′″ are curved from the bottom portion  32 ′″ to the upper portion  26 ′″ in a plane at least substantially perpendicular to the upper portion  26 ′″.  
         [0064]     The second portion  22 ′″ generally includes an upper portion  40 ′″, a pair of spaced apart side walls  42 ′″ that are generally perpendicular to the upper portion  40 ′″ and depend from the upper portion  40 ′″, and a lower portion  48 ′″ that is generally parallel to the upper portion  40 ′″ and extends between the side walls  42 ′″. The upper portion  40 ′″, the side walls  42 ′″, and the lower portion  48 ′″ define a second aperture  508 . The second aperture  508  is generally sized and shaped to receive the first portion  20 ′″.  
         [0065]     The second portion  22 ′″ further includes a retainer  510 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the retainer  510  extends from one of the side walls  42 ′″ and the upper portion  40 ′″. The retainer  510  is generally rectangular and includes an upper portion  512 , an outer side portion  514 , a lower portion  516 , and an inner side portion  518 . The upper portion  512  and the lower portion  516  are generally parallel. The outer side portion  514  and the inner side portion  518  are generally parallel to each other and are generally perpendicular to the upper portion  512  and the lower portion  516  respectively. The outer side portion  514  extends between the upper portion  512  and the lower portion  516 . The inner side portion  518  extends from the upper portion  512 , but does not extend entirely to the lower portion  516 . The retainer  510  can be integral with the side portion  42 ′″ and/or the upper portion  40 ′″ or the retainer  510  can be a separate device that is secured to the second portion  22 ′″ using any suitable fastening means. The retainer  510  extends beyond the second aperture  508  and is offset from the remainder of the second portion  22 ′″ such that the retainer  510  is beyond the width of the upper portion  40 ′″, as best illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The retainer  510  can be any suitable retainer operable to securely mount at least one of the first and second connectors  50 ′″ and  52 ′″ of the cable  24 ′″, as described in greater detail below.  
         [0066]     The second portion  22 ′″ still further includes an extended portion  520  that extends from the upper portion  40 ′″ above the side wall  42 ′″ that is opposite to the retainer  510 . At least a part of the extended portion  520  extends beyond the width of the upper portion  40 ′″. The extended portion  520 , the retainer  510 , and the upper portion  40 ′″ generally define a “U” shaped receptacle  522 . The receptacle  522  is sized to receive and surround a portion of either the front seat leg  56 ′″ or the rear seat leg  58 ′″, as described in further detail below.  
         [0067]     The first portion  20 ′″ is slidingly received by the second aperture  508  of the second portion  22 ′″. The first portion  20 ′″ may include a pair of details  524  that protrude from the surface of the side walls  28 ′″ that is opposite the first aperture  502 . The details  524  slidingly cooperate with recesses  526  to maintain cooperation between the first portion  20 ′″ and the second portion  22 ′″. The sliding cooperation between the details  524  and the recessed  526  also allows the first portion  20 ′″ to slide within the second aperture  508  to increase and decrease the overall length of the cover  500 .  
         [0068]     The cable  24 ′″ extends the length of the cover  500 . The cable  24 ′″ is similar to the cable  24  except that the cable  24 ′″ includes only one connector, such as the connector  52 ′″. The connector  52 ′″ can be of any suitable size or shape that can be received by the retainer  510 . The connector  52 ′″ can be secured to the retainer  510  using any suitable fastening means, such as a press-fit, an adhesive, or a mechanical interlock. The conductors  54 ′″ are secured to the connector  52 ′″ and extend at least substantially the entire length of the cover  500  through the second aperture  508  and the first aperture  502 . The conductors  54 ′″ exit the first aperture  502  through an opening  530  proximate to the bracket assembly  504 .  
         [0069]     The cover  500  is pivotally attached to either the rear seat leg  58 ′″ or the front seat leg  56 ′″. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the cover  500  is secured to the front seat leg  56 ′″ by a pin  532  that cooperates with the through holes  506 A and  506 B of the brackets  504 A and  504 B respectively and holes  534 A and  534 B formed on opposing sidewalls of the front seat leg  56 ′″. The cover  500  can also be pivotally secured to the rear seat leg  58 ′″ in a similar manner. The cover  500  can also be pivotally secured to the rear seat leg  58 ′″ or the front seat leg  56 ′″ in any other suitable manner.  
         [0070]     The seat leg of the adjoining seat group  18  that is opposite the seat leg that the cover  500  is pivotally secured to, such as the rear set leg  58 ′″ of  FIG. 14 , can have an outlet assembly  540 . The outlet assembly  540  includes an outlet support bracket  542  and an outlet  544 . The outlet support bracket  542  is mounted to the rear seat leg  58 ′″, for example, using any suitable fastening means. The outlet  544  is mounted to the support bracket  542  using any suitable retaining means. The outlet  544  is exposed in the direction of the opposing seat leg, such as the front seat leg  56 ′″. The outlet  544  can be offset to the side of the rear seat leg  58 ′″, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , to permit cooperation with the second connector  52 ′″. The outlet  544  is usually offset on the side of the rear set leg  58 ′″ that is under the passenger seat and inboard from the aircraft aisle, at least when the cover  500  is used in an aircraft. The outlet  544  is in cooperation with the electronics of the seat group  18  associated with the rear seat leg  58 ′″.  
         [0071]     In many applications, the cover  500  is pivotally secured to the desired seat leg, such as the front seat leg  56 ′″ or the rear seat leg  58 ′″, and the outlet assembly  540  is secured to the opposing seat leg, such as the rear seat leg  58 ′″ or the front seat leg  56 ′″, during assembly of the seat group  18  outside the passenger cabin  10  by the seat group manufacturer. During transport of the seat group  18  to the passenger cabin  10 , the cover  500  is rotated upward such that the cover  500  is approximately parallel with the front seat leg  56 ′″ or the rear seat leg  58 ′″. After the seat groups  18  are in position, the cover  500  is rotated downward to within the seat track  14  and the second portion  22 ′″ is extended from the first portion  20 ′″ and the second connector  52 ′″ is brought into connection with the outlet  544  to provide an electrical and/or optical connection between adjoining seat groups  18 .  
         [0072]     While various preferred embodiments of the seat track cover have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other features and aspects can be employed within the scope of the present invention. For example, any of the covers  12 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500  described above can include a first connector extension (not shown) extending from the first portion  20  and a second connector extension (not shown) extending from the second portion  22 . In this embodiment the cable  24  or the power bus  202  do not directly contact the front outlet  60  or the rear outlet  62 . Instead, the first and second connector extensions each receive one of the first connector  50  and the second connector  52  respectively and it is the first and second connector extensions that cooperate with the front outlet  60  and the rear outlet  62  respectively.  
         [0073]     Further, the front outlet  60  and the rear outlet  62  of the front and rear seat legs  56  and  58  respectively can be movable or spring-loaded in a variety of different directions, such as horizontal relative to the floor  16  to facilitate connection with the covers  12 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500 . Still further, the first connector  50  and the second connector  52 , as well as the front outlet  60  and the rear outlet  62 , can be orientated in a variety of different directions in addition to the orientations illustrated, such as upward or downward in relation to the floor  16 .  
         [0074]     Also, the power bus  202  can be positioned within the cover  200  at other areas besides the lower portion  48  and the bottom  32 , such as along the sides of the cover  200  and along an upper portion of the cover  200 .  
         [0075]     Additionally, the covers  12 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500  can include more portions in addition to the portions  20  and  22  to increase the length of the covers  12 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500 . For example, the first and second portions  20 / 22  can be resized to accommodate a third portion between or on either side of the first and second portions  20 / 22 . The overall length of the covers  12  or  200  would then be increased by the length of the third portion. Similarly, the first and second portions  102  and  104  can be re-sized to accommodate additional portions between or on either side of the first and second portions  102 / 104  to increase the length of the cover  100 .  
         [0076]     Also, any of the covers  12 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400  can be secured to at least one of the seat legs  56  and  58 , such as the cover  500  is. The covers  12 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400  can be pivotally secured to at least one of the seat legs  56  and  58  in any suitable manner, such as the manner in which the cover  500  is. Securing the seat legs  12 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500  to at least one of the seat legs  56  and  58  facilitates installation of the seat groups  18  within the passenger cabin  10 .  
         [0077]     Finally, the position of the flanges  34 ,  46 ,  112 , and  116  can vary depending upon the surface that the cover is to engage. For example, any of the flanges can be positioned inward of the side walls, such as the flanges  46 ″ of the cover  400  ( FIG. 10 ) are to mate with the seat track  14 , or at the side walls, such as the flanges  34 / 46  of the cover  12  ( FIG. 2 ) are to mate with the under surface of the floor  16 . Further, one or more fasteners can be used to attach the covers  12  or  200  to the seat track  14  or the passenger cabin floor  16 .  
         [0078]     Therefore, the present invention provides for a telescoping seat track cover that can expand and contract to cover the portions of the seat track between two seat groups regardless of the distance between the seat groups. The seat track cover can be wired to conduct data and/or electricity between the seat groups.  
         [0079]     While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing from the inventive concept. The examples illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1