US 5,222,814 AGranted

Vehicle seat track assembly

AssigneeRockwell International Corporation

InventorBartholomew J. Boelryk

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Abstract

Telescoping lower and upper tracks which comprises nested open channel sections. The lower track includes a three sided channel with opposing sides each forming one half of a bearing race. The open portion of the channel is defined by in-turned lips which enhance structural rigidity thereof. The upper track also includes a three sided channel with opposing sides forming the second half of a bearing race. The open portion of the channel is defined by outwardly extending lips which enhance structural rigidity thereof. A series of balls located in the bearing race established by the upper and lower track define a structural relationship therebetween. A retainer is disposed on the upper track and includes a laterally extending portion which occupies the opening defined by the inner track. The retainer limits the amount of dimensional displacement which may occur between the upper and lower tracks to an amount within the elastic range of deformation of the balls used to define the structural relationship therebetween.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A track assembly comprising:

a lower track telescopically disposed within an upper track;
said lower track formed as a first bilaterally symmetrical open channel section including a lower laterally extending portion connecting opposed upright portions;
each said upright portion formed as a first outwardly formed radius extending upwardly from said lower laterally extending portion which is connected with a first inwardly extending radius which is connected to a first vertically extending portion;
said first vertically extending portion including an in-turned lip formed at an angle less than 90.degree. with respect thereto;
said upper track formed as a second bilaterally symmetrical open channel section including an upper laterally extending portion connecting opposed vertically extending members;
each said vertical member formed as a second outwardly formed radius extending downwardly from said upper laterally extending portion which is connected to a second vertically extending portion connected to a third outwardly extending radius connected to a third vertically extending portion connected to an outwardly extending lip;
said first inwardly extending radius of said lower track and said third outwardly extending radius of said upper track cooperating to form a channel;
a plurality of spherical members disposed in said channel and defining a structural interconnection between said lower and upper track;
a retainer plate connected to said laterally extending portion of said upper track including a first laterally extending portion having opposed wing portions formed at an upward angle with respect thereto;
and
said opposed connected wing portions disposed within said open channel section formed by said lower track proximate said in-turned lip of said lower track.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.