Abstract: An automotive vehicle seat assembly having an extruded outer rail that interlocks with the inner rail. In cross section, the outer rail is generally C-shaped with a pair of internal flanges. The flanges interlock with portions of the inner rail to provide improved structural integrity for both the inner and outer rails.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly including a recliner interlock reducing the likelihood that the recliner will break away from the remainder of the seat assembly in a collision. The seat assembly includes a base having a pedestal and a rail mechanism, a seat frame including a seat pan and a seat back interconnected by the recliner, and a recliner interlock for mechanically securing the recliner to the seat base. The interlock includes a J-shaped retainer secured to the recliner and an inverted J-shaped track secured to the pedestal. The retainer and track slidably interfit with one another to allow the recliner retainer to move along the pedestal track when the seat is moved forward and backward.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly including a pedestal, a seat rail assembly on the pedestal, and an interlock for mechanically retaining the rail mechanism on the pedestal. The interlock includes a pair of brackets secured to opposite sides of the pedestal and extending up and over each rail of the seat rail mechanism. The interlock reduces the likelihood that the rail assembly, and therefore the seat, will leave the pedestal in case of vehicle impact. In an alternative embodiment, the interlock is integral with the pedestals; and the sidewalls of the pedestal, rather than separate brackets, extend over the seat rails.