Abstract: The linear guide system is formed by a tubular body (2) which, internally, has at least three and preferably four guide tracks (33-36, 42, 43) formed, for example, as steel rails (33-36) inserted in an aluminum extrusion which forms the guide body. A slit (7) extends through the outside of the guide body (2); within the guide body, a portion (8) of a carriage is located, which portion includes two bearing elements (11) on either side, formed with two outer tracks (14, 15) for a group of balls (10) to run on the bearing (9) formed by the tracks in the guide body (2) and on the bearing elements (11). To return the balls, upon motion of the carriage, ball return guide elements (24, 25) are located on both ends of the bearing elements (11), and so arranged that they take balls from an upper track (14) and pass them through a duct (16) near the bottom of the bearing element (11).

Abstract: To reliably seal an elongated slit (8) passing through an essentially tubular guide body (6) against contamination by dirt, machine cutting chips and the like, while permitting passage of a movable projecting element through the slit, a cover tape (14) is placed over the slit, but removable therefrom. The cover tape (14) is locked to the guide body (6) by a releasable locking arrangement which includes interengaging, interlocking projection (26) and recess (35) means, located at the sides of the tape (14) on the guide body (6), respectively. The projection means is formed by a headed elongated rib (27), preferably located on the guide body, and the recess means (35) are formed by a groove between a pair of laterally deflectable lips (36, 37), which can snap over the head portion (28) of the rib for positive engagement, while requiring only little force to lift them off the head portion.

Abstract: To prevent elongation of a covering tape or ribbon (25) extending over an elongated opening (34) in an elongated base body (2) over which a movable element (3) can slide, the tape or ribbon is retained at preferably both of its ends, by a reverse motion, or one-way lock (50,52). In the simplest form, this reverse-motion lock (50,52) is formed by a leaf spring (63) extending at an acute angle with respect to the tape or ribbon; the tape or ribbon is backed up by bridge-like counter element (54) bridging over the elongated opening (34).