Device for attaching an object to an attachment rail, arrangement for attaching an object, method, and seat rail

An arrangement for attaching an object within an aircraft or spacecraft, the arrangement comprising:

• at least one attachment rail comprising:
• a rail main body that has an upper flange comprising a plurality of through-holes arranged along the upper flange according to a predetermined pattern;
• and
• a plurality of bushes that are connected to the upper flange from a lower side of the upper flange, wherein each bush of the plurality of bushes is:
• arranged at a position corresponding to a position of an associated one of the plurality of through-holes;
• and
• formed with an internal passage therethrough;
• at least one device for attaching the object to the at least one attachment rail, the at least one device comprising:
• a base part comprising a support surface configured to be placed onto an outer surface of the at least one attachment rail;
• at least one locking element configured to partially protrude from the support surface of the base part along a line of protrusion;
• and
• at least one tensioning arrangement;
• wherein the base part and the at least one locking element are, or are configured to be, coupled such that the at least one locking element is movable relative to the base part along the line of protrusion and is rotatable with respect to the base part;
• wherein an end section of the locking element has a tip portion shaped in a dovetail-type manner;
• and
• wherein the at least one tensioning arrangement is configured, when the support surface of the base part rests on the outer surface of the at least one attachment rail and when the tip portion is in an engaging position relative to the at least one attachment rail, for tensioning the at least one locking element with respect to the at least one attachment rail;
• wherein the at least one locking element of the at least one device extends into the internal passage of one of the bushes, with the tip portion being engageable with the bush.

A method for attaching an object within an aircraft or spacecraft, the method comprising:

• providing at least one attachment rail comprising:
• a rail main body that has an upper flange comprising a plurality of through-holes arranged along the upper flange according to a predetermined pattern;
• and
• a plurality of bushes that are connected to the upper flange from a lower side thereof, each bush being arranged at a position corresponding to a position of an associated one of the through-holes, wherein each of the bushes is formed with an internal passage therethrough;
• providing at least one device comprising:
• a base part comprising a support surface configured to be placed onto an outer surface of the at least one attachment rail;
• at least one locking element configured to partially protrude from the support surface of the base part along a line of protrusion;
• and
• at least one tensioning arrangement;
• wherein the base part and the at least one locking element are, or are configured to be, coupled such that the at least one locking element is movable relative to the base part along the line of protrusion and is rotatable with respect to the base part;
• wherein an end section of the locking element has a tip portion shaped in a dovetail-type manner;
• and
• wherein the at least one tensioning arrangement is configured, when the support surface of the base part rests on the outer surface of the at least one attachment rail and when the tip portion is in an engaging position relative to the at least one attachment rail, for tensioning the at least one locking element with respect to the at least one attachment rail;
• inserting the at least one locking element of the at least one device into the internal passage of a corresponding bush of the plurality of bushes;
• and
• engaging the tip portion of the at least one locking element with the corresponding bush.