The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 11, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 31, 1998
Tom O Mathey, Rockton, IL (US);
Michael D Kobrehel, Elkhart, IN (US);
Christopher George Pasternak, Mishawaka, IN (US);
Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
An infinitely adjustable seat track assembly is provided with a lower track assembly and an upper track assembly releasably slidable on the lower track assembly. The lower track assembly comprises at least one lower track, and a wrap spring wrapped around a rod and aligned with the lower track. The upper track assembly has at least one upper track which can slide in forward and rearward directions over the lower track. A lever is mounted on the upper track assembly. The lever is pivotable from a latching position where the wrap spring wraps tightly around the rod, to an unlatching position where the lever urges the wrap spring to partially unwrap around the rod, thereby permitting the wrap spring to slide along the rod. An engagement mechanism operatively engages the wrap spring so that when the lever is in the latching position the upper track is secured to the lower track, and when the lever is in the unlatching position the wrap spring travels with the upper track over the rod in response to the upper track sliding over the lower track. Preferably the rod is secured to the lower track and the wrap spring is free of the upper and lower tracks. An easy entry feature can be attached to the lever so that dumping a seat back to a full down position moves the lever to the unlatching position, allowing the upper track or track to be slid to a full forward position.