(1) Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of tools which are used in the removal of airplane passenger seats and the like from seat tracks which are typically mounted in the floor of an airplane. The invention is also in the field of tools which are used in the installation of passenger seats and the like in the seat tracks.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Passenger seats and the like are held in place in many commercial airplanes by being locked into seat tracks which are typically mounted in the floor of the airplane. In many instances, such as when the airplane is being converted from a passenger-carrying aircraft into a freight-carrying aircraft, it is desired to remove some or all of the seats.
The present method of unlocking the passenger seats, practiced by airline companies throughout the world, is by prying up on the seat locking plug (which is part of the aft seat locking mechanism) using a conventional flat-blade screwdriver and a hammer. This crude method often damages the seat track and/or the aft seat locking mechanism. As a result of the damage, the seat may become unremovable, thus creating a significant problem for the airline.