Horizontally Movable Support Surface Patents (Class 248/424)
  • Patent number: 7073764
    Abstract: A seat track mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprises a pair of substantially parallel movable rails attached to the vehicle seat, a pair of substantially parallel stationary rails attached to a floor section of a vehicle, the movable rails being combined with the stationary rails so as to be slidable along the stationary rails, and shutter members for covering the stationary rails, the shutter members being movably supported to the stationary rails so as to pass around one ends of the stationary rails, around the other ends of the stationary rails, and then under bottom portions of the stationary rails, the shutter members having openings, and the movable rails being combined with the stationary rails through the openings of the shutter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromasa Matsushiro
  • Patent number: 7070155
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement and method for a drive motor for power seat slider rail assemblies, in which a bracket extends between a pair of right angle gear units secured to one end of a respective slider rail. The bracket has a longitudinal slot at one end engaging a headed pin on one of the gear units and a transverse slot at the other end snap fit to a headed pin on the other gear unit when the bracket is swung about the first pin and slot connection. The bracket has intermediate structure which engages the drive motor to align the same between the gear units when the bracket is swung into position and prevent rotation of the motor casing. Flexible drive shafts extend from each end of the motor to drive respective gear units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal E. Garrido, Brent Hauck, Brian Moore
  • Patent number: 6988655
    Abstract: The device includes an elongated shaft disposed along a vertical plane, a bracket being adaptable to selected shapes for being secured to the shaft, and a telescopic support member extending outwardly from the bracket along a substantially orthogonal path. The telescopic support member includes a plurality of elongated tubes slidably engageable along a path for moving a mailbox between extended and retracted positions. One of the tubes is secured to the bracket, wherein a plurality of stop members is selectively engageable with each other for defining a distance along which the plurality of tubes can be moved. The device further includes a platform secured to an inner tube for maintaining a mailbox thereon, and a handle is provided beneath the platform for assisting a user to move the support member between selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony E. Riccio
  • Patent number: 6987666
    Abstract: A monitor stand includes a configurable base having a swivel device. A monitor support extends from the base and a flat panel monitor is pivotably mounted on the monitor support. The base is configurable to receive an advanced port replicator and a portable computer, or an ultra-small form factor computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: John K. Medica, Orin M. Ozias
  • Patent number: 6986493
    Abstract: A seat slide device including two slide assemblies each having an upper slide element which is slid by a drive unit along a lower track element via a flexible drive transmission element. The drive unit is provided in the seat and the flexible drive transmission element is arranged between the drive unit and two slide assemblies, such that a part of the flexible drive transmission element extends along a direction in which the two slide assemblies extend. An auxiliary flexible drive transmission element may be added to insure imparting a drive force to the upper slide element. A lock operation/control system is provided to insure precise locking and unlocking of the upper slide element with respect to the lower track element, while simultaneously effecting selective switch-over operation of the drive unit to cause forward and backward movement of the upper slide element along the lower track element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Yokota
  • Patent number: 6981681
    Abstract: A seat slide device includes a lock mechanism swingably supported to a bracket and having a lock piece with lock pawls rotatively biased by a coil spring and engaged/disengaged from lock openings of a lower rail, a spring protrusion formed with the bracket and catching one end of the coil spring, a lock releasing lever formed with the lock piece and catching another end of the coil spring, and a provisional spring protrusion formed with the lock piece and located in the neighborhood of the spring protrusion and catching one end of the coil spring provisionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6971620
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a slide of a motor vehicle seat, the adjustment mechanism comprising a worm screw, a first nut and a second nut rotatably receiving the worm screw, a support, and two resilient buffers received respectively between the first nut and the support, and between the second nut and the support. The adjustment mechanism further comprises a band forming a housing for receiving the two nuts and the two buffers and thereby forming a pre-assembled unit prior to being mounted on the support. The first and second nuts have tapped bores which have threads that start at different angular positions, so that screwing the worm screw into the nuts generates a gap between the first and second nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'automobile S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Moradell, Patrick Mallard
  • Patent number: 6959900
    Abstract: A powered seat sliding apparatus includes a sliding mechanism having a lower rail and an upper rail being movable in a lengthwise direction relative to the lower rail, a feed screw fixedly supported by the upper rail to be rotated around a rotational axis in the lengthwise direction in response to a rotational force of a motor, a slit train provided at both side portions of the lower rail in the lengthwise direction and being engaged with the feed screw, and a feeding mechanism defined between the feed screw and the slit train so as to slidably move the upper rail relative to the lower rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoaki Hoshihara, Sadao Ito, Genta Moriyama, Hideo Nihonmatsu
  • Patent number: 6955291
    Abstract: An adjustable mailbox platform is connectable to an existing mailbox post for receiving a mailbox thereon. The platform includes a bracket including a plurality of spaced side members for securing to a mailbox post. A plurality of cross members are secured to the side members for maintaining a stable position. The platform further includes an elongated support member with a flanged end portion for securely receiving a mailbox thereon. The support member includes a plurality of edge portions slidably engageable between the plurality of side members so the mailbox can be selectively moved between forward and rearward positions. The support member and cross members have a plurality of holes formed therein and alignable with each other for receiving a fastening member therethrough and for securely attaching the support member to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Vincent Knight
  • Patent number: 6948693
    Abstract: A vehicle seat adjuster has a first track member attached to a vehicle frame and a second track member attached to a vehicle seat and is movable relative to the first track. The adjuster includes a drive mechanism, having a threaded shaft connected with the second track member, a drive block attached to the first track member, and means for moving the threaded shaft within the drive block, for moving the track members. The drive block is made of a base, an isolator made of a urethane material, and a nut. The isolator fits within an opening on the base, and the nut fits within an opening within the isolator. Each of the components has a bore formed therethrough such that the threaded shaft can pass through the drive block. The isolator and the nut are pivotable within the base component in order to maintain alignment between the shaft and the drive block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Neil G. Goodbred
  • Patent number: 6945505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat mount assembly for a vehicle having a seat, such as a tractor. The seat mount assembly, in one embodiment, includes a seat support, one or more seat securing members connected to the seat and movably engaged with the seat support and at least one seat adjust handle. The seat mount assembly enables users to conveniently change the seat position while remaining seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gary David Hohnl, Brian Thomas Mallaney, Michael Ray McClain, Dimitri Nunez
  • Patent number: 6926238
    Abstract: A support structure includes a support stand operable with a supported article. The support stand has a pair of side pieces. Each side piece includes a main beam, wherein a length of the main beam is optionally adjustable, and an angle beam joined to the main beam at an outward joining angle of from about 20 to about 60 degrees thereto. The main beams of the two side pieces are spaced apart and are parallel to each other. The support stand further includes two or more cross beams. The cross beams are spaced apart from each other and are each affixed to the two side pieces to form a top frame. A support base extends downwardly from the top frame and includes a pair of leading columns, wherein one of the leading columns is affixed to each of the main beams, and a pair of trailing columns, wherein one of the trailing columns is affixed to each of the angle beams. Desirably, a length of each of the leading columns and a length of each of the trailing columns is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David Blessing
  • Patent number: 6923415
    Abstract: A seat slide device for a vehicle is provided which comprises a lower rail, an upper rail and a lock mechanism for releasably locking the upper rail to the lower rail. The lock mechanism includes one or more locking fingers pivotally installed on an upper rail side, a plurality of engaged portions provided to a lower rail side, and a biasing unit for urging the one or more locking fingers in the direction to engage a corresponding number of the engaged portions. The one or more locking fingers and the biasing unit are disposed within a space between the upper rail and the lower rail. The lock mechanism further includes a lock plate having the engagement portions. The lock plate is an independent part, disposed within the space and secured to the lower rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignees: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd., Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yokoi, Masaaki Yokota
  • Patent number: 6913237
    Abstract: A multi-axis adjusting apparatus includes a base seat, and an adjusting seat, a sliding seat and a rotating seat installed in a sequence on the base seat. A plurality of worm and worm gears are used to control the adjusting seat, and guiding slots and guiding pillars are used to cooperatively guide the sliding seat and the rotating seat. Besides, adjusting elements for controlling adjustments are screwed at one side of the seats. Whereby, an optical engine is driven to process multi-dimensional linear and rotating movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Szu Lin, Shih-Hsuan Kuo, Chi-Chui Yun
  • Patent number: 6902235
    Abstract: A runner for a motor vehicle seat, said runner comprising firstly first and second rails mounted to slide relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, and secondly a locking mechanism including an additional latch mounted substantially to pivot on a main latch about a second pivot axis, the additional latch being interposed between the main latch and a control member so that, when the control member moves from the locking position to the unlocking position, firstly the additional catch is pivoted about the second pivot axis, and secondly the additional latch and the main latch are pivoted about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile S.A.
    Inventors: René Rohee, Jean-Marie Fretel
  • Patent number: 6886797
    Abstract: A seat track assembly having a first track member and a second track member that defines a first recess. A single slide member is disposed between the first and second track members. The slide member additionally has an integral flange extending therefrom wherein the flange is adapted to engage the first recess for fixing the slide member relative to the second track member. The sliding member has a contact surface engaging the second track member and a sliding surface in sliding engagement with the first track member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Keith McCullen, Keith Hensley, Randy Gage, Sunil K. Gupte, Neil G. Goodbred, Tony Centi, Wee Gam
  • Patent number: 6874747
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat track for vehicles. The fixed rail includes a horizontal bottom fixed piece, a pair of first and second grooves formed by bending both side portions of the fixed piece at a right angle and rounding a center portion of each of the resulting vertical bent portions to have an outwardly convex semi-circular form for allowing balls to be inserted therein, a first end piece formed by downwardly bending a vertical end portion of the second groove by an acute angle, a vertical piece extending upwardly from an upper end of the first groove by a relatively long length, and a second end piece formed by twice bending an upper end portion of the vertical piece at a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Yoon Young Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byeong Chan Oh
  • Patent number: 6857612
    Abstract: An automotive seat assembly including a seat frame having a main portion fixedly mounted to the bottom of a vehicle seat and a riser portion fixedly mounted to the floor pan of a vehicle. A seat drive mechanism is included having at least one drive motor and a threaded lead screw. A drive nut having a through-bore with internal threads that cooperate with the threads of the lead screw is adapted to cause the seat assembly to move relative to the vehicle floor pan in response to the drive motor. The drive nut also includes a second bore formed adjacent to, and extending in the general direction of, the through-bore such that the internal threads of the through-bore are interrupted by the second bore and act to clear the threads of the lead screw and prevent foreign matter that collects on the lead screw from entering the threaded interface between the drive nut and the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Nell Gentry Goodbred
  • Patent number: 6857674
    Abstract: The articulated device (10) that is intended for filtering vibrational movements from a vehicle floor (12) and transmitted to a passenger support (19), is installed between said floor (12) and said support (19), and comprises two mounts (20) fixed to the vehicle floor (12), one mobile central part (22) articulated to the support (19), two connecting rods (24), each articulated to one of the mounts (20) and the central part (22). These five elements (20, 22, 24) are articulated to each other and to the support (19) by rotation joints, the rotations operating about five rotation axes (32, 34, 36) that are parallel to each other. The system (100) for filtering vibrational movements transmitted to a passenger support (19) comprises at least three filtering devices (10), such that the support (19) moves in translation along a plane curved trajectory. To be used for an aircraft seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Philippe Chareyre
  • Patent number: 6851655
    Abstract: A seat position sensor rail device is disclosed, comprising an upper rail body to partially support a seat, a lower rail body which slidably engages the upper rail body, a position sensor device mounted on the upper rail body, and a contact plate member secured to the lower rail body. The position sensor device comprises a pivotal contact lever device having a magnet member and a magnetic field sensor device. The contact lever device gets in contact with the contact plate member, angularly displacing the magnetic field generated by the magnet member. The angular magnitude of the magnetic field is detected and the data is utilized in controlling deployment of an airbag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Denki Seisakusho KK
    Inventors: Shizuo Kume, Yoshinari Onogi
  • Patent number: 6833988
    Abstract: A portable information handling system includes a monitor stand. The monitor stand includes a base surface with a positioning member movably located on the base surface. A docking system is removably mounted on the positioning member, and a portable computer is docked with the docking system. A support member extends from the base surface and is positioned such that a front section and side sections of the monitor stand are free from obstructions, allowing enhanced access to the portable computer and to the docking system. A cantilever support surface extends from the support member and is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the base surface. A monitor is mounted on the cantilever support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kamphuis, Ronald J. LeBert, II
  • Publication number: 20040232303
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide rail for the seat of a motor vehicle, comprising add-ons for the connection of a seat frame, a safety belt or the like. According to the invention, at least one part of the add-ons (2) are connected to the guide rail (1) by means of laser welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Rausch, Jochen Hofmann, Christina Schwerdtner, Bernd Hausler, Martin Rader, Sven Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040222347
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat track for vehicles. The fixed rail includes a horizontal bottom fixed piece, a pair of first and second grooves formed by bending both side portions of the fixed piece at a right angle and rounding a center portion of each of the resulting vertical bent portions to have an outwardly convex semi-circular form for allowing balls to be inserted therein, a first end piece formed by downwardly bending a vertical end portion of the second groove by an acute angle, a vertical piece extending upwardly from an upper end of the first groove by a relatively long length, and a second end piece formed by twice bending an upper end portion of the vertical piece at a right angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Byeong Chan Oh
  • Publication number: 20040217251
    Abstract: A runner for a motor vehicle seat, said runner comprising a fixed rail and a moving rail, a latch and an actuating element. Retaining device for retaining the actuating element are adapted to co-operate with longitudinal indexing system on the fixed rail so as firstly to hold the actuating element in the unlocking position over at least one predetermined range of longitudinal positions, and secondly to allow the actuating element to move into the locking position outside the at least one predetermined range of longitudinal positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Arnault Leguede, Farid Senahdji
  • Publication number: 20040206878
    Abstract: In a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat, for motor-driven longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat (1), having a first seat rail (5) defining the longitudinal direction, a second seat rail (8) that can be made to slide relative to the first seat rail (5), a first drive element (11) in the first seat rail (5), and a second drive element (14) cooperating with the first drive element (11) to achieve longitudinal adjustment, the second drive element (14) being mounted in a drive casing (18) belonging to the second seat rail (8), the drive casing (18) being mounted longitudinally between two bearing plates (20) connected to the second seat rail (8), and each bearing plate (20) is firmly attached to the second seat rail (8) on at least two sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Borbe, Stefan Wetzig
  • Patent number: 6799803
    Abstract: An adjustable four plate assembly for a chair including a first plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a second plate having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive the top surface of the first plate so as to allow for the pivoting of said second plate from side to side. A third plate having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive the top surface of the second plate so as to allow for the lateral sliding of the third plate from side to side. A fourth plate having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive the top surface of the third plate so as to allow for the sliding of the fourth plate forwards and backwards. The adjustable four plate assembly allows for the second plate, the third plate and the fourth plate to move independently of one another and or in combination with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Allseating Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth Julia Lee, Christopher Barnabas Wilson, John Louis Ingold
  • Publication number: 20040182983
    Abstract: A positive engagement latching mechanism (22) for a seat assembly (10) of a vehicle includes a track member (28) having a multiple apertures (30), each of which having nonuniform width. Multiple engageable devices (42), each having a tapered engagement portion (52), positively engage in the apertures (30). A latching mechanism engagement-maintaining system (24) for a seat track assembly (12) of the seat assembly (10) includes an engageable device housing (40) having a tapered sides (46) that corresponds with a contour of an adjacent track member edge (48). A shear load resistive device (88) is coupled to the housing (40) and a track member (26) and resists vertical travel of the track member (26) in relation to the housing (40). A load guide (90) is coupled to the housing (40) and to the track member (26) and guides direction of travel of the track member (26) under loading conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Neil G. Goodbred, David J. Abdella
  • Publication number: 20040173723
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo and seating pallet having one or more internal stringer sections including a top section configured to engage a seat and/or a seat attachment. The top section may be a linear track along which the seat or seat attachment may slide, or it may include fixed attachment points for securing the seat to the pallet. The aircraft cargo and seating pallet may also include one or more hinged flaps that are positionable over flanges extending outwardly from a lower portion of the pallet. As a result, the flanges are not exposed to passengers, and the open space between adjacent pallets is substantially minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Satco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Looker
  • Publication number: 20040159764
    Abstract: A slidable vehicle seat provided with automotive electronic parts, includes a seat tract mechanism for allowing the seat to be moved forward and rearward in a vehicle, an electrically wiring construction for the automotive electronic parts, a longitudinal housing member disposed adjacent the seat track mechanism and provided at a floor section of the vehicle, the housing member having a slit extending along a longitudinal direction of the housing member, the electrically wiring construction including first, second and third electrical wiring members, the first electrical wiring means being led out of the automotive electronic parts, the third electrical wiring member being connected to a power source and passing in the floor section of the vehicle, the second electrical wiring member being movably housed within the housing member so as to be capable of travelling along the housing member according to movement of the seat, the second electrical wiring member having first and second ends, the first end of the s
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Nao Oshima, Hirokazu Horii, Hiromasa Matsushiro
  • Publication number: 20040155168
    Abstract: A seat track mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprises a pair of substantially parallel movable rails attached to the vehicle seat, a pair of substantially parallel stationary rails attached to a floor section of a vehicle, the movable rails being combined with the stationary rails so as to be slidable along the stationary rails, and shutter members for covering the stationary rails, the shutter members being movably supported to the stationary rails so as to pass around one ends of the stationary rails, around the other ends of the stationary rails, and then under bottom portions of the stationary rails, the shutter members having openings, and the movable rails being combined with the stationary rails through the openings of the shutter members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hiromasa Matsushiro
  • Patent number: 6772985
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat rail locking system for a vehicle, installed in a seat rail assembly to permit forward and rearward movement of a seat and maintain the seat in a desired position. The seat rail assembly includes a lower rail which is fastened to a floor panel of a vehicle body, and an upper rail to which the seat is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Daebu Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6764054
    Abstract: A locking device of a longitudinal adjustment device of a vehicle seat is provided with a catch bar with periodically arranged snap openings and snap studs that is assigned to a bottom rail of the longitudinal adjustment device and is further provided with a locking unit assigned to a seat rail of the longitudinal adjustment device. The locking device has at least two locking pins that can be inserted into the snap openings independent of one another, they can be disengaged only jointly. The locking pins are arranged in a guide member which has a pin bore for each locking pin. The snap pins are provided with a grooved region consisting of at least one individual groove. Said grooved region is located in proximity to the lower end of the corresponding pin bore when the locking pin is engaged in a snap opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Burkhard Becker, Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Klaus Kautzner, Ulrich Karthaus
  • Publication number: 20040118990
    Abstract: A seat slide device for a vehicle is provided which comprises a lower rail, an upper rail and a lock mechanism for releasably locking the upper rail to the lower rail. The lock mechanism includes one or more locking fingers pivotally installed on an upper rail side, a plurality of engaged portions provided to a lower rail side, and a biasing unit for urging the one or more locking fingers in the direction to engage a corresponding number of the engaged portions. The one or more locking fingers and the biasing unit are disposed within a space between the upper rail and the lower rail. The lock mechanism further includes a lock plate having the engagement portions. The lock plate is an independent part, disposed within the space and secured to the lower rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicants: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD., TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yokoi, Masaaki Yokota
  • Publication number: 20040108436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal seat adjustment device comprising an upper rail (40) and a lower rail (10). The upper rail (40) sits in the lower rail (10). Between the two rails (10, 40) a spindle (14) is fixedly connected to the lower rail (10). Drivable on said spindle (14) is a transmission (30), which can be retained in a specific manner by means of slotted bridges in the case of a crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfram-Heinrich Hofschulte, Michael Wohrle, Frank Probst, Fred Krimmel
  • Publication number: 20040094684
    Abstract: A metal profile part, comprising two or more superimposed metal profiles (12, 14), the metal profiles having openings/holes (22, 24) in the area of the superimposed contacting surfaces (16, 18) and the metal profiles being interconnected by means of injection molded plastic material (26) through the openings (22, 24). A method to interconnect metal profiles (12, 14) to create a metal profile part (10), the method comprising insertion of metal profiles (12, 14) to be interconnected in a tool in such a way that openings (22, 24) provided in contacting surfaces (16, 18) of the metal profiles (12, 14) are lying on top of each other in a generally congruent manner, and comprising injection molding of plastic material connections (26) in the area of the openings (22, 24) through the openings (22, 24) and subsequent curing of the plastic material connections (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Gottfried Sailer
  • Publication number: 20040094683
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement and method for a drive motor for power seat slider rail assemblies, in which a bracket extends between a pair of right angle gear units secured to one end of a respective slider rail. The bracket has a longitudinal slot at one end engaging a headed pin on one of the gear units and a transverse slot at the other end snap fit to a headed pin on the other gear unit when the bracket is swung about the first pin and slot connection. The bracket has intermediate structure which engages the drive motor to align the same between the gear units when the bracket is swung into position and prevent rotation of the motor casing. Flexible drive shafts extend from each end of the motor to drive respective gear units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Pascal E. Garrido, Brent Hauck, Brian Moore
  • Publication number: 20040089784
    Abstract: A vehicle seat linkage assembly includes a rod. The linkage has a first link with an aperture and a second link adjacent but spaced from the first link and having a slot. Additionally, a drive nut is adjacent the rod. The drive nut has a body portion, one end, another end and an aperture engaging the rod. The one end is inserted into the slot and the another end is inserted into the aperture. When the nut is disposed into the slot and aperture, the nut is rotated to engage the slot and the aperture so that the nut cannot be disengaged from the first link and the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Pascal E. Garrido
  • Patent number: 6695275
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a longitudinal adjustment device for vehicle seats, in which the seat is attached along each of its long sides to runner rails 10, mounted with freedom to slide in guide rails 15, which are attached to the vehicle. Each runner rail 10 has a locking device, which can be released from its connection to the guide rail 15. The locking device comprises a release lever 21, 22, supported with freedom to swivel on each runner rail 10, to move the device into its released position, which lever is to be shifted via rods 31, 32 of an actuating element 30 supported on the runner rails 10. The adjusting moment exerted on the actuating element 30 is transmitted to the rods 31, 32 via a differential, where the rods 31, 32 are disconnected from each other. As a result, each rod can be moved until the locking device has been moved completely into the position in which it is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Deiper GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf SchĂ¼ler, JĂ¼rgen Stemmer
  • Patent number: 6688692
    Abstract: A locking device for allowing horizontal seat positioning of a chair seat has a friction strip or brake pad between a seat pan and a seat plate. A screw and spring assembly is used to resiliently hold the seat pan and the seat plate together such that by lifting up on the forward portion of the seat pan, the friction strip, if attached to the seat plate, is separated from the seat pan allowing the seat pan to be moved horizontally in forwardly and rearwardly directions, thus adjusting the seat position. When the front of the seat pan is lifted substantially vertically, the screw and spring assembly is compressed to allow the seat pan to separate sufficiently from the friction strip and allow relative movement of the seat pan with respect to the seat plate. As an alternative, a lever may be used to loosen a locking mechanism and therby allow seat adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Phillips, Jay R. Machael, Brian R. Trego
  • Patent number: 6688574
    Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding device includes a lower rail adapted to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle, an upper rail adapted to be fixed to the vehicle seat and mounted on the lower rail for forward and rearward movement, and a releasable lock mechanism disposed between the lower rail and the upper rail for locking the upper rail. The lock mechanism has a lock lever disposed within sections of the upper and lower rails and extending forward and rearward, with the lock lever being movably mounted on the upper rail. A nail portion is formed on the lock lever and is adapted to be selectively fitted into engaging holes formed on the upper and lower rails from inside the upper and lower rails toward outside. An urging mechanism is positioned within the sections of the lower and upper rails for urging the lock lever toward its locking condition, and an operating mechanism operates the lock lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Gifu Shatai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okazaki, Yukifumi Yamada, Hideo Nihonmatsu, Yasuhiko Mori, Takuo Yanagihara
  • Publication number: 20040011939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat mount assembly for a vehicle having a seat, such as a tractor. The seat mount assembly, in one embodiment, includes a seat support, one or more seat securing members connected to the seat and movably engaged with the seat support and at least one seat adjust handle. The seat mount assembly enables users to conveniently change the seat position while remaining seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Gary David Hohnl, Brian Thomas Mallaney, Michael Ray McClain, Dimitri Nunez
  • Publication number: 20040011940
    Abstract: A seat slide device includes a lock mechanism swingably supported to a bracket and having a lock piece with lock pawls rotatively biased by a coil spring and engaged/disengaged from lock openings of a lower rail, a spring protrusion formed with the bracket and catching one end of the coil spring, a lock releasing lever formed with the lock piece and catching another end of the coil spring, and a provisional spring protrusion formed with the lock piece and located in the neighborhood of the spring protrusion and catching one end of the coil spring provisionally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030230696
    Abstract: A seat slide device which includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, an upper rail fitted into the lower rail to be slidable relative to the lower rail for supporting a seat, a lock device for fixing the upper rail at an arbitrary position of the lower rail, a lock lever provided in the lock device and rotatably supported on the upper rail, a lock bore formed on the lower rail, a pawl provided on the lock lever for being able to be inserted into the lock bore, and an energy absorbing bore provided on the lower rail and arranged in series with the lock bore and separated from the lock bore by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Takami Terada, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Hideki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6631879
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a seat portion having a seat cushion, a seat slide mechanism for adjusting the position of the seat portion back and forth, and a lock mechanism adapted to effect locking engagement of the seat portion with a striker fixedly arranged relative to the floor of the vehicle, with the locking engagement being adapted to be released at a predetermined fixed position of the seat portion. A first operational mechanism is provided for operating the lock mechanism and is adapted to be operated from the rear side of the seat portion, and a second operational mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the seat portion and is adapted to be operated from the front side and the rear side of the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Algin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Hibino, Yukifumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6622982
    Abstract: Description of a device for the side translation of a seat in a motor-vehicle, consisting of two sliding guides (4, 5) placed transversally to the axis of the seat, at least one of said guides being articulated, either directly or indirectly, to the end of a spring element (15) that can be compressed by rotating a control lever (20), so that the stretching of said spring element(15), subsequent to its compression, causes the side translation of said guides (4, 5) which are united between them to form a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Leone Silvia
  • Publication number: 20030116689
    Abstract: In a lever drive (11) for a vehicle seat adjuster, in particular in a motor vehicle seat, having a drive lever (17) which can be manually moved, at least one driven lever (21) operatively connected to the adjuster, and at least one transmission means (25), which transmits a torque acting on the drive lever (17) to the driven lever (21) with a transmission ratio, the transmission ratio changes as a function of the transmitted torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Schuler, Dirk Angermann
  • Patent number: 6578810
    Abstract: Roller receiving steps (12f) are formed in both sides of a bottom portion of a main body portion (12a) in a long lower rail (12). An upper rail (13) is formed by a main body portion (13a) and a vertical wall (13e) protruding upward from a center of an upper wall (13d) and protruding upward from an opening portion (12e). A roller (27) is inserted to a portion between the step (12f) in the bottom portion of the main body portion (12a) and the upper wall (13d) of the main body portion (13a) in the upper rail (13). Circular arc surfaces (27d) are formed in both side portions (27a) of the roller (27). The circular arc surfaces (27d) in both side portions (27a) of the roller (27) are mounted to circular arc surfaces (28) of the steps (12f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Moriyuki Eguchi, Ryo Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20030106978
    Abstract: A vehicle seat linkage assembly includes a rod. The linkage assembly has a first link with an aperture and a second link adjacent but spaced from the first link and having a slot. Additionally, a drive nut is adjacent the rod. The drive nut has a body portion, one end, another end and an aperture engaging the rod. The one end is inserted into the slot and the another end is inserted into the aperture. When the nut is disposed into the slot and aperture, the nut is rotated to engage the slot and the aperture so that the nut cannot be disengaged from the first link and the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Pascal E. Garrido
  • Publication number: 20030085330
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat rail locking system for a vehicle, installed in a seat rail assembly to permit forward and rearward movement of a seat and maintain the seat in a desired position. The seat rail assembly includes a lower rail which is fastened to a floor panel of a vehicle body, and an upper rail to which the seat is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Won Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6557943
    Abstract: A cable guide is provided for a movable body such as a chair having legs with casters. The cable guide guides a cable attached to the movable member away from the casters during movement of the movable member and/or horizontal rotation of a portion of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Omron Corp.
    Inventor: Masahiro Ando