Abstract: A strap is coupled between the sliding upper track of a power seat adjuster and the lead screw of a horizontal drive to transmit forces acting on the upper track which move the upper track in a forward direction to the lead screw bypassing the horizontal drive gears. The horizontal drive gears coupling the horizontal drive motor output shaft to the lead screw and the gear housing surrounding the drive gears are formed of a plastic material. In one embodiment, the strap has first and second ends with the first end loosely surrounding the lead screw. The second end of the strap is coupled in a force transmitting path with the upper track. An intermediate portion of the strap between the first and second ends is formed in a predetermined contour to deform under tension toward a planar shape and is disposed bypassingly around the drive gears.

Abstract: A power seat adjuster includes first and second spaced track assemblies, each formed of an upper track slidably mounted in a lower track anchored to a vehicle floor. Each upper track is integrally formed as a one-piece member and has at least one pair of spaced mounting flanges integrally formed as a part thereof and extending outward from the upper track. Aligned apertures are formed in the mounting flanges to connect a tubular member extending between the track assemblies to the upper track of each track assembly. Another pair of mounting flanges may be formed at the opposite end of each upper track for mounting a second tubular member between and to the upper tracks of the track assemblies.