Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a first seat track having a plurality of apertures and a second seat track supported for movement relative to the first seat track. At least one pin is movable from an engaged position with an aperture to a disengaged position. A handle is pivotally connected to the second seat track. A connecting member is pivotally connected to the second seat track and to the handle, and engages the plurality of pins such that the connecting member can move each pin from its engaged position to its disengaged position upon movement of the handle.

Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a first track having a mounting wall and first and second spaced apart side walls extending from the mounting wall, and a second track having a base flange and first and second spaced apart side flanges extending from the base flange. The side walls and the side flanges each have a pair of flat surfaces which cooperate to define a pair of load transmission channels. The load transmission channels are preferably square-shaped and oriented at 45 degrees. Load transmission elements are positioned in the load transmission channels. At least one of the first and second tracks produce an interference with the load transmission elements so that at least one of the first and second tracks is resiliently deflected by the load transmission elements to bias the load transmission elements into engagement with each of the four flat surfaces.

Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a first seat track having a plurality of apertures and a second seat track supported for movement relative to the first seat track. At least one pin is movable from an engaged position with an aperture to a disengaged position. A handle is pivotally connected to the second seat track. A connecting member is pivotally connected to the second seat track and to the handle, and engages the plurality of pins such that the connecting member can move each pin from its engaged position to its disengaged position upon movement of the handle.

Abstract: A seat track assembly includes a first track having a mounting wall and first and second spaced apart side walls extending from the mounting wall, and a second track having a base flange and first and second spaced apart side flanges extending from the base flange. The side walls and the side flanges each have a pair of flat surfaces which cooperate to define a pair of load transmission channels. The load transmission channels are preferably square-shaped and oriented at 45 degrees. Load transmission elements are positioned in the load transmission channels. At least one of the first and second tracks produce an interference with the load transmission elements so that at least one of the first and second tracks is resiliently deflected by the load transmission elements to bias the load transmission elements into engagement with each of the four flat surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat bottom and is attached to a vehicle support structure by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track along a first longitudinal axis. The seat bottom is supported on the second track for axial movement with the second track. This allows the seat assembly to be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly by a seat occupant. The seat back can also be moved relative to the second track between an upright position and a recliner position. The seat assembly receives a seat load resulting from the seat occupant sitting in the seat with the seat back in the reclined position and/or from a forward movement of the seat occupant during a deceleration of the vehicle when the seat occupant is belted into the seat.

Abstract: A seat track assembly comprises a first seat track and a second seat track slidable relative to the first seat track along a longitudinal axis. An actuator has a handle, at least one leg extending from the handle, and a distal end portion. The actuator is movable between a locked position where the distal end portion engages the first seat track to lock the second seat track with respect to the first seat track, and an unlocked position where deflection of the leg moves the distal end portion out of engagement with the first seat track. This allows sliding adjustment of the second seat track with respect to the first seat track. Each seat track may have openings which are coaxially aligned when the actuator is in the locked position. In certain preferred embodiments a fixed member biasing mechanism may be used to urge the actuator out of engagement with the first seat track.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back supported for movement relative to the seat bottom such that seat position can be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The seat assembly is mounted a vehicle structure via inboard track and outboard track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track. The seat bottom is supported on the second tracks for movement with the second tracks. A locking mechanism is installed on at least one of the track assemblies. The locking mechanism has a spring that is mounted between the first and second tracks. The spring is biased into engagement with the first and second tracks to frictionally retain the second track in a locked position. A handle is manually actuated to move the locking mechanism from the locked position to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back that is supported with respect to a seat bottom. The seat bottom is supported on a track assembly that includes a seat adjuster for controlling movement of the seat back and bottom. The seat adjuster can move the seat in horizontal and/or vertical directions and can also be used to adjust the tilt of the seat. An electric motor is used to drive the seat adjuster. The motor supports a first connector and the seat adjuster supports a second connector. A flexible shaft is used to interconnect the first and second connectors to transmit power from the motor to the adjuster. The shaft has a first end and a second end with each of the ends defined by a helical body portion. The first connector and the first end are mated to interconnect the motor and the shaft and the second connector and the second end are mated to interconnect the seat adjuster and the shaft.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a seat adjuster is used to adjust the longitudinal position of a vehicle seat between a plurality of positions. The drive assembly includes a first track mounted to a vehicle structure a second track that is supported for longitudinal movement relative to the first track. A bracket is fixed relative to the first track and has an opening through which a drive nut is inserted. The drive nut has a threaded central bore and is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the drive nut moves relative to the bracket through the opening. In the second position the drive nut contacts the bracket to form a positive structural engagement between the drive nut and the bracket. A screw shaft has an elongated body with an external threaded surface that engages the threaded central bore in the drive nut to move the second track between a plurality of adjusted positions relative to the first track.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat includes an inboard track assembly, an outboard track assembly spaced apart from the inboard track assembly, and at least one torque tube extending between the assemblies. The inboard and outboard track assemblies each have a first track fixed to a vehicle structure and a second track supported for longitudinal movement with respect to the first track to adjust horizontal seat position. A seat bottom mounted for horizontal movement with the second track. The torque tube is interconnected to the seat member by a linkage assembly to move the seat member between a lowered position and a raised position. An actuator is selectively actuated to supply rotational input to the torque tube. As the torque tube rotates, the linkage assembly moves the seat bottom in a vertical direction. The adjustment assembly includes at least one stop supported on one of the inboard or outboard track assemblies.

Abstract: A support structure for a vehicle seat assembly which allows the seat position to be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The seat support structure is mounted to a vehicle structure and includes a first track, a second track, a torque tube and a brace member supported for movement relative to the first track with the seat bottom being supported on the second track for movement relative to the first track. A restraint bracket which is attached to the seat belt is adjacent the torque tube and second track without the necessity of fasteners. The restraint bracket mounting allows a force to be transfered to the associated torque tube, first track, and second track. The present invention further provides a method of seat assembly in which the torque tube is maintained under compression and the brace member under tension to provide a rigid, integral seat support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally supported with respect to a seat bottom and is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a locking device mounted on an upper track that moves relative to a lower track. The locking device includes at least one locking tooth that engages one or more slots on the lower track so that the upper track and the seat are maintained in a fixed position relative to the lower track. The locking device includes a first release member for disengaging the locking device and adjusting the position of the seat. The locking device also includes a second release member which is responsive to pivotal movement of the seat back with respect to the seat bottom or is responsive to some other type of actuation member. As the seat back is pivoted toward the seat bottom, the second release member rotates with respect to the upper track and engages the locking device causing it to move from a locked position to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A linkage assembly is used to vertically adjust the position of a seat. The linkage assembly includes a first link that is connected to a second link without the use of fasteners. The first link has a first mounting portion and the second link has a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is deformed into engagement with the second mounting portion to rotatably connect the first link to the second link. In one embodiment, the first mounting portion is an extrusion that extends through an aperture in the second link. An end of the extrusion is deformed into engagement with the second link to form a lip to lock the first link to the second link and allow relative rotational movement between the first and second links while eliminating relative linear movement therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, portions of the first and second links are deformed into locking engagement.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back supported with respect to a seat bottom and is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has an inboard track assembly and an outboard track assembly that are both mounted to a vehicle structure with the track assemblies being spaced apart from one another. Each track assembly includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track. The first and second tracks are preferably mounted in a vertical configuration. The seat bottom is supported on the second track for horizontal movement with the second track as seat position is adjusted. A single drive mechanism is supported on one of the inboard or outboard track assemblies. The drive mechanism includes a single drive member that is mounted between the inboard and outboard track assemblies. A truss structure extends between the inboard and outboard track assemblies to provide structural support for the seat assembly as seat position is adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom and a seat back supported for movement relative to the seat bottom such that seat position can be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The seat assembly is mounted to a vehicle structure and includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track with the seat bottom being supported on the second track for movement with the second track. An actuator selectively controls the movement of the second track with respect to the first track. The assembly also includes at least one torque tube for providing vertical seat adjustment. The torque tube presents a bearing surface for rotatably supporting a bearing surface located on the second track.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back supported with respect to a seat bottom and is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has an inboard track assembly and an outboard track assembly that are both mounted to a vehicle structure with the track assemblies being spaced apart from one another. Each track assembly includes a first track and a second track supported for movement relative to the first track. The seat bottom is supported on the second track for horizontal movement with the second track as seat position is adjusted. A single locking mechanism is supported on one of the inboard or outboard track assemblies. The locking mechanism moveable between a locked position where the locking mechanism maintains the second track in a selected position relative to the first track and an unlocked position where the second track is moves with respect to the first track to a desired seat position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back supported with respect to a seat bottom and is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a locking device rotatably mounted on an upper track that moves relative to a lower track. The locking device includes at least one locking tooth that engages one or more slots on the lower track so that the upper track and the seat are maintained in a fixed position relative to the lower track. The mounting assembly includes a release member for disengaging the locking device and adjusting the position of the seat. The release member is rotatably supported on the second track and selectively moves into a release position when actuated by a substantially vertical force. This causes the locking device to rotate out of the locked position and into the unlocked position such that the second track can move relative to the first track allowing the seat position to be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally supported with respect to a seat bottom. The seat bottom is moveable between a generally horizontal position and a generally upright position and the seat back is moveable between a generally horizontal and upright position. The seat assembly is attached to the vehicle by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a locking device mounted on an upper track that moves relative to a lower track. The locking device moves between a locked position where the upper track cannot move with respect to the lower track and an unlocked position where the upper track can move with respect to the lower track. A release member is used to move the locking device between the locked and unlocked positions. A bypass member is supported on the second track and can be rotated independently from the release member.