Stop assembly for seat track assembly

Abstract

A stopper assembly for a seat track assembly may include a base, a lever, and a spring. A base may be connected to the seat track assembly. The lever may have a first end and a second end. The second end of the lever may be pivotally connected to the base. A spring may apply a biasing force to the lever and may bias the lever to a stop position in which a first end of the lever restricts movement of the first seat assembly mounted on the seat track assembly in a first direction via contact with the first seat assembly. The lever may pivot to a depressed position in which the first end of the lever does not restrict movement of the first seat assembly in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a stopper assembly for a seat track assembly and a seating system including a seat track assembly having a stopper assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Although the claims are not limited to specific illustrations, an understanding of various aspects can be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. In addition, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail below with reference to the drawings:

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a stop assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2A is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seating system including a first seat assembly, a second seat assembly, and a track assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A close-up perspective view of a portion of the track assembly of a seating system.

[0006] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure, wherein first and second seat assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of a stop assembly.

[0007] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure, wherein a lever of a check assembly is in a check position and has contacted a first seat component.

[0008] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A close-up cross-section of a portion of the seating system.

[0009] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure wherein the second seat assembly has pivoted the lever of the check assembly to a depressed position.

[0010] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A close-up cross-section of a portion of the seating system.

[0011] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure wherein a first seat assembly holds and / or maintains a lever of a check assembly in a depressed position. Detailed description

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a stop assembly 200 is generally illustrated. Additional disclosures regarding stop assemblies according to aspects or teachings of the present disclosure are disclosed herein and in the accompanying figures.

[0015] Reference Figures 2A-6 The seating system 100 is a modular seating system comprising a plurality of components that, when assembled, form one or more vehicle seats, such as for use in passenger vehicles (e.g., cars, vans, SUVs, trucks, buses, trains, boats, ships, airplanes). The seating assembly 100 may be used in any other suitable situation or installation, such as a home, office building, theater, stadium, recreational vehicle, commercial vehicle, and / or agricultural equipment. The seating system 100 includes one or more seat assemblies 110, 110' and one or more seat track assemblies 130.

[0016] like Figure 2A 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 5A and Figure 6 , the seating system 100 includes a first seat assembly 110 and a second seat assembly 110' that are disposed on and adjustable along at least one seat track assembly 130. For example, the first seat assembly 110 may be a front or first row seat, and the second seat assembly 110' may be a rear or second row seat. Each seat assembly 110, 110' includes a seat frame, a seat bottom 112, 112', a seat back 114, 114', and one or more support members 116, 116'. The support members 116, 116' are configured as a cassette and are arranged in a manner such that the seat frame 110 is ... Figures 2A-6 The diagram is shown as a simplified block diagram, however other suitable configurations are possible in other embodiments.

[0017] like Figure 2A As generally illustrated in FIG, seat assembly 110, 110' includes at least one support member 116, 116'. Support member 116, 116' is connected to the seat frame and / or seat bottom 112, 112'. Support member 116, 116' is disposed on track assembly 130, and at least a portion of support member 116, 116' protrudes through one or more track openings 148, 168 of track assembly 130 into a track receptacle 180. The support members 116, 116' can be inserted vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) and / or horizontally (e.g., in the X direction and / or Y direction) into the track receiving portion 180 of the track assembly 130 (e.g., via the track openings 148, 168) and can be removed vertically and / or horizontally from the track receiving portion 180 of the track assembly 130 (e.g., via the track openings 148, 168) to add the seat assembly 110, 110' to the vehicle and / or remove the seat assembly 110, 110' from the vehicle.

[0018] The support members 116, 116' selectively and releasably engage and connect to the track assembly 130 to connect the seat assemblies 110, 110' to the track assembly 130 and the mounting surface 102 (e.g., the vehicle floor). For example, the support members 116, 116' include a latch, claw, or other locking structure that selectively and releasably engages the inner track 160 of the track assembly 130 (e.g., via one or more openings or windows in the wall 164), and the support members 116, 116' include a body, protrusion, flange, or similar structure that can contact the outer track 140 of the track assembly 130 (e.g., a lip of one or more walls 144, 146) to selectively constrain and control relative movement between the seat assemblies 110, 110' and the track assembly 130 and / or the mounting surface 102. Support members 116, 116' are movable and / or adjustable along track assembly 130 to move and / or adjust the position of seat assemblies 110, 110'. For example, but not limited to, support members 116, 116' may include one or more rolling members, and when seat assemblies 110, 110' are moved along track assembly 130, support members 116, 116' may roll along the top surface of outer rail 140 via the rolling members.

[0019] like Figures 2A-6As generally illustrated, seating system 100 includes one or more seat track assemblies 130. Track assembly 130 is coupled to mounting surface 102 (e.g., a vehicle floor). Track assembly 130 facilitates selective coupling of seat assemblies 110, 110' to mounting surface 102 and further facilitates adjustment of seat assemblies 110, 110' relative to each other and / or mounting surface 102. Seat assemblies 110, 110' can be adjusted along track assembly 130 manually and / or via an actuator (e.g., one or more electric motors operably coupled to one or more of seat assemblies 110, 110' and / or track assembly 130).

[0020] In at least some examples, the seating system 100 includes two seat track assemblies 130. The track assemblies 130 are positioned adjacent to each other and extend parallel to each other. As described in detail below, the track assemblies 130 are configured identically, but may be configured differently in other embodiments. The track assemblies 130 are laterally offset from each other (e.g., in the Y direction) such that the track assemblies 130 are generally aligned with the respective outer sides of the seat assemblies 110, 110'. The track assemblies 130 each selectively and releasably engage and connect to a corresponding support member 116, 116' of one or more of the seat assemblies 110, 110'. For example, the first support member 116 of the first seat assembly 110 and the first support member 116' of the second seat assembly 110' may be positioned on the first track assembly 130, and the first support members 116, 116' may each protrude into the track receiving portion 180 of the first track assembly 130. The second support member 116 of the first seat assembly 110 and the second support member 116′ of the second seat assembly 110′ can be disposed on the second track assembly 130, and the second support members 116, 116′ can each protrude into the track receiving portion 180 of the second track assembly 130. However, the seating system 100 is contemplated to include any number and combinations of seat assemblies 110, 110′ and seat track assemblies 130 (e.g., a single seat assembly and a single seat track assembly, two seat assemblies and a single seat track assembly, three seat assemblies and two seat track assemblies, two seat assemblies and three seat track assemblies).

[0021] like Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5BAs generally shown, track assembly 130 includes a track pair defined by an outer track 140 and an inner track 160 disposed at least partially within outer track 140. Tracks 140, 160 are each configured as an elongated member extending generally along an X-direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction) and facilitate movement and / or adjustment of seat assemblies 110, 110' along track assembly 130. Outer track 140 may include and / or be composed of a first material (e.g., aluminum) that may be relatively lightweight. Inner track 160 may include and / or be composed of a second material (e.g., steel) that may be relatively stronger than the first material (e.g., steel).

[0022] Each of the rails 140, 160 has a base 142, 162 and two walls (e.g., a first wall 144, 164 and a second wall 146) projecting from the base 142, 162 to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in the YZ plane (e.g., a plane perpendicular to the X direction). Rail openings 148, 168 are defined between the two walls 144, 146, 164 of the rails 140, 160. The inner rail 160 is at least partially disposed within the outer rail 140. The base 162 of the inner rail 160 is disposed on the base 142 of the outer rail 140. The bases 142, 162 of the rails 140, 160 are connected to each other and to the mounting surface 102 via one or more connectors 104 (e.g., bolts, rivets, etc.), thereby securing the rail assembly 130 to the mounting surface 102. The first wall 164 of the inner rail 160 is disposed adjacent to the first wall 144 of the outer rail 140. The second wall of the inner track 160 is disposed adjacent to the second wall 146 of the outer track 140 .

[0023] The track assembly 130 includes a track receiver 180 configured to receive and, at least temporarily, retain at least a portion of one or more support members 116, 116' of one or more seat assemblies 110, 110'. The track receiver 180 is defined by the base 142 and two walls 144, 146 of the outer rail 140 (e.g., forming a U-shaped cross-section therewith). The track receiver 180 includes an inner region 182 and an outer region 184. The inner region 182 is defined by the base 162 and two walls 164 of the inner rail 160 (e.g., forming a U-shaped cross-section therewith). The outer region 184 is the portion of the track receiver 180 that is exterior to and / or surrounds the inner rail 160 and / or the inner region 182. A portion of the support member 116 , 116 ′ may be inserted into the rail receiver 180 via the rail opening 148 , 168 and retained within the rail receiver 180 (eg, in both the interior region 182 and the exterior region 184 of the rail receiver 180 ).

[0024] like Figures 1-6 As generally shown, the track assembly 130 includes one or more stop assemblies 200 that limit, restrict, and / or control the movement of one or more seat assemblies 110, 110' along the track assembly 130. The stop assembly 200 is configured to contact the first seat assembly 110 to limit, restrict, inhibit, and / or prevent movement of the first seat assembly 110 along the track assembly 130 in a first direction D1 (e.g., generally in the X-direction toward the second seat assembly 110'). In this manner, the stop assembly 200 can prevent the first seat assembly 110 from being adjusted to an undesirable position, such as a position in which the first seat assembly 110 is too close to the second seat assembly 110' and encroaches on the passenger space of the second seat assembly 110'. The stop assembly 200 is configured to withstand a load of at least 5000N. The stop assembly 200 is also configured to not restrict, inhibit, and / or prevent movement of the second seat assembly 110′ along the track assembly 130 in a second direction D2 that is opposite to the first direction D1 (e.g., generally in the X-direction toward the first seat assembly 110). Thus, the second seat assembly 110′ can be adjusted and / or moved closer to the first seat assembly 110 as needed to increase the amount of space available behind the second seat assembly 110′, such as to increase storage area and / or provide additional space for occupants (e.g., occupants of the third row of seats).

[0025] The stop assembly 200 is at least partially disposed within the interior region 182 of the rail receiver 180 and is coupled to the inner rail 160. The stop assembly 200 includes a base 210, a pin 240, a biasing member 242, and a lever 260. The stop assembly 200 and / or portions of the stop assembly 200 are typically comprised of one or more metals, such as steel, but may be comprised of various other suitable materials, so long as the stop assembly 200 is capable of withstanding the desired load (e.g., 5000 N).

[0026] The base 210 secures the stop assembly 200 to the track assembly 130 and supports the lever 260. In an example, the base 210 may be a bracket-like structure, such as a mounting bracket. The base 210 has a bottom 212 and two walls (e.g., a first wall 214 and a second wall 216) protruding from opposite sides of the bottom 212 to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in the YZ plane (e.g., a plane perpendicular to the X direction). Figure 4B and Figure 5BAs generally illustrated, the recess 218 is disposed at or around a first end of the base 212, and the mounting tab 220 is disposed at or around a second end of the base 212, opposite the first end. In other embodiments, the recess 218 is disposed at the second end of the base 212, and the mounting tab 220 is disposed at the first end of the base 212. The recess 218 and the mounting tab 220 facilitate connecting the base 210, and therefore the stop assembly 200, to the track assembly 130 (e.g., to the inner track 160).

[0027] like Figure 1 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5B As generally illustrated, the mounting tab 220 is configured to engage the inner rail 160 to connect the base 210 to the inner rail 160. The mounting tab 220 is connected to the second end of the bottom portion 212 and protrudes from the second end of the bottom portion 212 generally in the X-direction (e.g., away from the recess 218 of the base 210). The mounting tab 220 includes a step region that provides the mounting tab 220 with a generally S-shaped profile in a plane perpendicular to the Y-direction. The mounting tab 220 extends through the opening 172 in the inner rail 160 and into the opening 152 of the outer rail 140. Within the opening 152, the free end of the mounting tab 220 contacts the underside surface of the bottom portion 162 of the inner rail 160. The step region of the mounting tab 220 is at least partially disposed within the opening 172 of the inner rail 160 and facilitates engagement of the free end of the mounting tab 220 with the inner rail 160. The mounting tab 220 may alternatively have other suitable configurations. For example, the mounting tab 220 may project generally vertically from the base 212 and / or may have a spade or semi-circular portion disposed at a free end of the mounting tab 220 to further secure the mounting tab 220 within the opening 172 .

[0028] like Figure 4B and Figure 5B As generally illustrated, the recess 218 is configured to receive and engage a fastener 230 that connects the base 210, and therefore the stop assembly 200, to the track assembly 130. The recess 218 is disposed in, is defined by, and extends vertically (e.g., generally in the Z direction) through the bottom 212. The recess 218 is disposed in vertical alignment with the recess 170 of the inner track 160 and the recess 150 of the outer track 140. The fastener 230 is disposed in Figure 1 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5BIn the illustrated example, the fastener 230 is configured as a rivet, but other suitable configurations (e.g., bolts, screws, pins) may be employed in other embodiments. The fastener 230 is at least partially disposed within the recess 218 of the base 210, the recess 170 of the inner rail 160, and the recess 150 of the outer rail 140. The shaft 232 of the fastener 230 is disposed within and extends through the recess 218 of the base 210 and the recess 170 of the inner rail 160. A first head 234 of the fastener 230 is disposed on and engages the bottom 212 of the base 210 (e.g., the surface of the bottom 212 facing the lever 260). A second head 236 of the fastener 230 is disposed on and contacts the inner rail 160 (e.g., the underside surface thereof). The second head 236 of the fastener 230 is fully disposed within the recess 150 of the outer rail 140 (e.g., recessed within the recess 150), which facilitates installation of the track assembly 130 on the mounting surface 102 and reduces and / or prevents interference by the second head 236 (e.g., via the second head 236 of the fastener 230 contacting the mounting surface 102 and preventing the track assembly 130 from properly and / or stably resting on the mounting surface 102).

[0029] The pin 240 is connected to the two walls 214, 216 of the base 210 and extends between the two walls 214, 216 (e.g., in the Y direction). The pin 240 is arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom 212 of the base 210 (e.g., in the Z direction) and extends substantially parallel to the bottom 212 of the base 210. The pin 240 is disposed in and extends through two pin openings of the lever 260, thereby pivotally connecting the lever 260 to the base. The pin 240 defines an axis about which the lever 260 can pivot and / or rotate.

[0030] The biasing member 242 biases the lever 260 about the pin 240 (eg, in a direction away from the base 210) toward and / or into the detent position by applying a biasing force to the lever 260. Figure 1 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5B In the illustrated example, the torsion spring 242 is configured as a torsion spring, but in other embodiments, other suitable configurations (e.g., a compression spring, an extension spring, a leaf spring) may be employed. The torsion spring 242 is disposed on and wound around the pin 240 between the two side walls 270, 280 of the lever 260, thereby connecting and securing the torsion spring 242 to the base 210. The torsion spring 242 includes a first spring leg 244 that contacts and / or rests on the body 262 of the lever 260 and a second spring leg 246 that contacts and / or rests on the bottom 212 of the base 210.

[0031] The lever 260 is an elongated member configured to contact and / or abut the seat assembly 110, 110'. The lever 260 has a first longitudinal end for contacting and / or abutting the support member 116 of the first seat assembly 110 to limit, restrict and / or prevent movement of the first seat assembly 110 on the track assembly 130 in the first direction D1. The lever 260 also has an opposite second longitudinal end that is pivotally and / or rotatably connected to the base 210 via a pin 240. The lever 260 can pivot and / or rotate about the pin 240 to a stop position (e.g., see Figures 1-4B ) and depressed positions (see, e.g., Figures 5A-6 , also Figure 3 2 (shown in phantom in the figure), and other positions between the stop position and the depressed position. When the lever 260 is in the stop position, the stop assembly 200 limits, restricts, and / or prevents movement of the first seat assembly 110 along the track assembly 130 in a first direction D1, but does not limit, restrict, and / or prevent movement of the second seat assembly 110′ along the track assembly 130 in an opposite second direction D2. When the lever 260 is in the depressed position, the stop assembly 200 does not limit, restrict, and / or prevent movement of the first seat assembly 110 or the second seat assembly 110′ along the track assembly 130. The lever 260 is biased to the stop position by the biasing member 242. The lever 260 can be adjusted, moved, pivoted and / or rotated from the stop position toward the depressed position and / or can be adjusted, moved, pivoted and / or rotated from the stop position to the depressed position, which is achieved via movement of the second seat assembly 110' and / or manually by the user (e.g., the user can press the lever 260 with their hand, fingers and / or object to pivot the lever 260 to the depressed position).

[0032] The lever 260 has a body 262 and two sidewalls 270, 280 (e.g., a first sidewall 270 and a second sidewall 280) projecting from opposite sides of the body 262 to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in the YZ plane (e.g., a plane perpendicular to the X direction). The body 262 has an actuation surface 264 that faces generally toward the track openings 148, 168 and / or away from the base 210 (e.g., generally upward in the Z direction). A stop flange 266 is provided at a first longitudinal end of the lever 260 and projects laterally (e.g., obliquely) from the body 262 generally toward the base 210 and / or the bottom 162 of the inner track 160 (e.g., generally downward in the Z direction). The stop flange 266 contacts and / or abuts the contact surface 118 of the support member 116 (e.g., of the shock absorbing bumper) of the first seat assembly 110 to limit, restrict, and / or prevent movement of the first seat assembly 110.

[0033] The side walls 270, 280 each include a pin opening for receiving the pin 240. The two pin openings are positioned aligned with one another at or around the second longitudinal end of the lever 260. The free end of each side wall 270, 280 includes a curved surface region 272 and a linear surface region 274 tangential to the curved surface region 272. The curved surface region 272 and the linear surface region 274 selectively contact the bottom 212 of the base 210. Thus, the side walls 270, 280 at least partially support the lever 260, which can reduce the amount of stress and / or force on the pin 240 and increase the surface life of the pin 240. When the lever 260 is in the stop position, the linear surface region 274 contacts and rests on the bottom 212 of the base 210, thereby preventing the lever 260 from pivoting beyond the stop position (e.g., via the biasing force of the biasing member 242 and / or the force from the support member 116 impacting, contacting, and / or pressing on the lever 260). When the lever 260 is in the depressed position and / or when the lever 260 is pivoted about the pin 240, at least a portion of the curved surface area 272 contacts the bottom 212 of the base 210. The side walls 270, 280 each include a protrusion 276, 286 disposed at a first longitudinal end of the lever 260. The protrusions 276, 286 are disposed adjacent to and / or in contact with a rear side of the stop flange 266. The protrusions 276, 286 support the stop flange 266 to limit and / or resist deformation of the stop flange 266 (e.g., due to forces from the support member 116 impacting, contacting, and / or pressing on the lever 260).

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 4BAs generally illustrated, when the lever 260 is in the detent position, the lever 260 and the actuation surface 264 extend obliquely relative to the bottom 212 of the base 210, and the first longitudinal end of the lever 260 and the detent flange 266 are oriented toward the first seat assembly 110. The first longitudinal end of the lever 260 and the detent flange 266 at least partially protrude from the track opening 168 of the inner track 160 and are at least partially disposed within the outer region 184 of the track receiver 180. The detent flange 266 is aligned (e.g., in the Y and Z directions) with the contact surface 118 of the support member 116, 116' of the first seat assembly 110. The detent flange 266 and / or its surface is oriented in a complementary manner to the contact surface 118 of the support member 116 such that the detent flange 266 contacts the contact surface of the support member 116 in a substantially flush manner. As a result, the contact surface area between the support member 116 and the lever 260 is increased, which distributes the stopping force applied to the support member 116 via the lever 260 over a larger area, thereby reducing the pressure. The linear surface area 274 of each side wall 270, 280 of the lever 260 contacts and rests on the bottom 212 of the base 210, thereby preventing the lever 260 from pivoting beyond the stop position.

[0035] like Figure 5BAs generally illustrated, when lever 260 is in the depressed position, lever 260 (e.g., first longitudinal end and stop flange 266) is disposed out of alignment with support members 116, 116' (e.g., at least in the Z-direction), thereby allowing support members 116, 116' to pass over stop assembly 200 (e.g., when sliding over actuation surface 264 of lever 260) and seat assemblies 110, 110' to slide freely along track assembly 130. The first longitudinal end of lever 260 and stop flange 266 are disposed closer to bottom 212 of base 210 than when lever 260 is disposed in the detent position. The lever 260 and the actuation surface 264 extend obliquely or generally parallel to the bottom 212 of the base 210 such that the angle defined between the bottom 212 of the base 210 and the lever 260 (e.g., the body 262 and / or the actuation surface 264) when the lever 260 is in the depressed position is smaller than the angle defined when the lever 260 is in the stopped position. The first longitudinal end and the stop flange 266 of the lever 260 do not protrude from the track opening 168 of the inner track 160 and are completely disposed within the interior region 182 of the track receiver 180. At least a portion of the curved surface region 272 of each side wall 270, 280 of the lever 260 contacts and rests on the bottom 212 of the base 210, and the linear surface region 274 is elevated from the bottom 212 of the base 210. Furthermore, the first head 234 of the fastener 230 is at least partially disposed within the lever 260 and / or directly between the two side walls 270, 280 in the Y direction, thereby preventing the fastener 230 from interfering with and / or preventing the lever 260 from pivoting. Depending on the position of the seat assemblies 110, 110', the lever 260 may be positioned by the support member 116' of the second seat assembly 110' (e.g., see Figure 5A and Figure 5B ) or the support member 116 of the first seat assembly 110 (see, for example, Figure 6 ) is held and / or maintained in the depressed position. The arrangement of the stop assembly 200 and its portions when the lever 260 is held and / or maintained in the depressed position by the first seat assembly 110 is different from that when the lever 260 is held in the depressed position by the second seat assembly 110' (e.g. Figure 5B The arrangement of FIG. 1 is substantially similar (if not identical) to that shown in FIG.

[0036] like Figure 3-4B As generally illustrated, when the lever 260 is in the stop position, movement of the first seat assembly 110 in the first direction D1 along the track assembly 130 is limited, restricted, and / or prevented by the stop assembly 200. For example, when the first seat assembly 110 is disposed on the track assembly 130 and in the first position, the first seat assembly 110 is disposed on the first side 202 of the stop assembly 200 and / or its base 210 in that position (see, for example, Figure 3) and the first seat assembly 110 moves along the track assembly 130 in the first direction D1 (e.g., generally toward the second seat assembly 110 ′ in the X-direction), the contact surface 118 of the support member 116 contacts and / or abuts the first longitudinal end (e.g., the stop flange 266 ) of the lever 260 of the stop assembly 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This contact limits, restricts, and / or blocks further movement of the first seat assembly 110 in the first direction D1 and effectively prevents the first seat assembly 110 from moving past the stop assembly 200 to a position where the first seat assembly 110 is at least partially disposed above the lever 260 and / or at least partially disposed on the second opposing side 204 of the stop assembly 200 and / or the base 210 (e.g., at Figure 6 shown in the figure).

[0037] However, when the lever 260 is in the depressed position, movement of the first seat assembly 110 along the track assembly 130 in the first direction D1 is not limited, constrained, and / or prevented by the stop assembly 200 (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 6 In other words, when the lever 260 is in the depressed position, the first seat assembly 110 can be moved from a position on the first side 202 of the stop assembly 200 and / or the base 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ). Figure 3-5A ) along the track assembly 130 in the first direction D1 to a position at least partially on the second side 204 of the stop assembly 200 and / or the base 210 (e.g., at Figure 6 ). Thus, lever 260 can be pivoted and / or rotated from the detent position to the depressed position (e.g., by a user manually depressing lever 260) to enable first seat assembly 110 to move in the first direction D1 along track assembly 130 past stop assembly 200.

[0038] like Figure 3 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B As generally illustrated, when the lever 260 is in the stop position, movement of the second seat assembly 110′ along the track assembly 130 in the second direction D2 is not limited, restricted, and / or prevented by the stop assembly 200. When the second seat assembly 110′ is disposed in a first position on the track assembly 130 (in which position the second seat assembly 110′ is disposed on the stop assembly 200 and / or the second side 204 of the base 210 of the stop assembly 200 (e.g., see Figure 3 、 Figure 4A and Figure 6) and the second seat assembly 110′ moves in the second direction D2 (e.g., generally in the X-direction toward the first seat assembly 110) along the track assembly 130, the support member 116′ contacts and / or abuts the actuation surface 264 of the lever 260. As the second seat assembly 110′ continues to move in the second direction D2, the support member 116′ slides along the actuation surface 264 of the lever 260 and pushes the lever 260 toward the base 210 (e.g., generally downward in the Z-direction), which overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member 242 and pushes the lever 260 about the pin 240 toward the depressed position (e.g., see Figure 5A and Figure 5B Thus, the second seat assembly 110′ can be adjusted and / or moved closer to the first seat assembly 110 as needed to increase the amount of space available behind the second seat assembly, such as to increase storage area and / or provide additional space for occupants (e.g., occupants of the third row of seats).

[0039] The present disclosure includes but is not limited to the following embodiments:

[0040] 1. A stop assembly for a seat track assembly, comprising: a base connectable to the seat track assembly;

[0041] a lever having a first end and a second end, the second end being pivotally connected to the base; and a spring applying a biasing force to the lever and biasing the lever to a stop position, wherein the first end of the lever restricts movement of the first seat assembly mounted on the seat track assembly in a first direction via contact with the first seat assembly; wherein the lever is pivotable to a depressed position, wherein the first end of the lever does not restrict movement of the first seat assembly in the first direction.

[0042] 2. The stop assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first seat assembly is adjustable along the seat track assembly from a first position on a first side of the base to a second position on an opposite second side of the base when the lever is in the depressed position.

[0043] 3. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lever is pivotable to the depressed position via a second seat assembly mounted on the seat track assembly.

[0044] 4. A stop assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the lever contacts the second seat assembly and pivots to the depressed position when the second seat assembly moves along the seat track assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction to a position where the second seat assembly is at least partially disposed above the lever.

[0045] 5. A stop assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the first seat assembly is disposed on a first side of the base; and when the second seat assembly moves from a first position to a second position along the seat track assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the lever contacts the second seat assembly and pivots to the depressed position, wherein the second seat assembly is disposed on an opposite second side of the base at the first position of the second seat assembly, and the second seat assembly is at least partially disposed above the lever and / or at least partially disposed on the first side of the base at the second position of the second seat assembly.

[0046] 6. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a pin connecting the second end of the lever to the base.

[0047] 7. A stop assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the base includes a bottom and two walls protruding from opposite sides of the bottom; and the pin is connected to the two walls of the base and extends between the two walls of the base.

[0048] 8. A stopper assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the spring is a torsion spring disposed on and wound around the pin; and the torsion spring includes a first spring leg in contact with the lever and a second spring leg in contact with the base.

[0049] 9. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein when the lever is in the stop position, the lever extends obliquely relative to the bottom of the base, with the first end oriented toward the first seat assembly.

[0050] 10. A stop assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the angle defined between the lever and the bottom of the base when the lever is in the depressed position is smaller than the angle defined between the lever and the bottom of the base when the lever is in the stop position.

[0051] 11. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein when the lever is in the depressed position, the first end of the lever is disposed closer to the bottom of the base than when the lever is in the stop position.

[0052] 12. A stop assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: when the lever is in the stop position, the lever has an actuating surface extending obliquely relative to the bottom of the base; and when the actuating surface contacts a second seat component mounted on the seat track assembly and moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the lever pivots to the depressed position.

[0053] 13. The stopper assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lever comprises a body and a stop flange that contacts a contact surface of the first seat component and limits movement of the first seat component in the first direction.

[0054] 14. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the stop flange is provided at the first end of the lever and projects laterally from the body.

[0055] 15. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein when the lever is in the stop position, the stop flange is oriented in a complementary manner to the contact surface of the first seat component such that the stop flange contacts the contact surface of the first seat component in a substantially flush manner.

[0056] 16. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a fastener engaging a recess of the base and a recess of the seat track assembly, the fastener connecting the base to the seat track assembly.

[0057] 17. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the fastener is at least partially received in the lever when the lever is disposed in the depressed position.

[0058] 18. The stop assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the base includes mounting tabs that engage openings of the seat track assembly and connect the base to the seat track assembly.

[0059] 19. A seat track assembly comprising the stop assembly of any preceding embodiment and at least one track pair, wherein: the at least one track pair comprises an outer track and an inner track; the inner track is disposed within the outer track; and the stop assembly is disposed within and connected to the inner track.

[0060] 20. A seat track assembly according to embodiment 19, wherein: the base includes: a bottom; two walls protruding from opposite sides of the bottom; a mounting tab protruding from the bottom and engaging with the opening of the inner track; and a recess provided in the bottom; the stop assembly further includes: a pin connecting the second end of the lever to the base; and a fastener engaging the recess of the base and the recess of the inner track; and the fastener and the mounting tab connect the base to the inner track.

[0061] Various examples / embodiments for various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments can be put into practice without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, parts, and elements are not described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in this specification. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore it will be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0062] References throughout this specification to "an example," "in an example," "according to an example," "various embodiments," "according to an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "an embodiment," etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "an example," "in an example," "according to an example," "in various embodiments," "according to an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "an embodiment," etc., in multiple places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Thus, particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples without restriction, as long as such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] It should be understood that references to individual elements are not necessarily so limited, but may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the examples / embodiments.

[0064] “One or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (eg, in a distributed fashion), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0065] It should also be understood that although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first element and the second element are elements, but they are not the same element.

[0066] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises", and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0067] References to joining (e.g., attaching, coupling, connecting, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, removable connection, operative connection, indirect contact and / or direct contact. Therefore, reference to joining does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in a fixed relationship with each other. The connection of electrical components (if any) may include mechanical connection, electrical connection, wired connection and / or wireless connection, etc. The use of "for example" and "such as" in this specification should be interpreted broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0068] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein with reference to one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that these methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, by performing certain steps simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or by omitting certain described steps.

[0069] As used herein, the term “if” is optionally interpreted to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting”, as appropriate to the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [the condition or event] is detected” is optionally interpreted to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the condition or event]”, as appropriate to the context.

[0070] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the disclosure.

Claims

1. A stopper assembly for a seat track assembly, comprising: a base connectable to the seat track assembly; a lever having a first end and a second end, the second end being pivotally connected to the base; and a spring applying a biasing force to the lever and biasing the lever to a stop position in which the first end of the lever limits movement of the first seat assembly in a first direction via contact with a first seat assembly mounted on the seat track assembly; Wherein, the lever is capable of pivoting to a depressed position, in which the first end of the lever does not restrict movement of the first seat component in the first direction.

2. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first seat assembly is adjustable along the seat track assembly from a first position on a first side of the base to a second position on an opposing second side of the base when the lever is in the depressed position.

3. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lever is pivotable to the depressed position via a second seat assembly mounted on the seat track assembly.

4. The stopper assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The lever contacts the second seat assembly and pivots to the depressed position when the second seat assembly moves along the seat track assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction to a position where the second seat assembly is at least partially disposed above the lever.

5. The stopper assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The first seat assembly is disposed on a first side of the base; and The lever contacts the second seat assembly and pivots to the depressed position when the second seat assembly moves from a first position to a second position along the seat track assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second seat assembly is disposed on an opposite second side of the base at the first position, and wherein the second seat assembly is at least partially disposed above the lever and / or at least partially disposed on the first side of the base at the second position.

6. The stop assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pin connecting the second end of the lever to the base.

7. The stopper assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The base includes a bottom and two walls protruding from opposite sides of the bottom; and The pin is connected to and extends between the two walls of the base.

8. The stopper assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The spring is a torsion spring disposed on and wound around the pin; and The torsion spring includes a first spring leg in contact with the lever and a second spring leg in contact with the base.

9. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the lever is in the rest position, the lever extends obliquely relative to the bottom of the base with the first end oriented toward the first seat component.

10. The stopper assembly according to claim 9, wherein: An angle defined between the lever and the bottom of the base when the lever is in the depressed position is smaller than an angle defined between the lever and the bottom of the base when the lever is in the stopped position.

11. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the lever is in the depressed position, the first end of the lever is disposed closer to a bottom of the base than when the lever is in the rest position.

12. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the lever is in the stop position, the lever has an actuation surface extending obliquely relative to the bottom of the base; and The lever pivots to the depressed position when the actuation surface contacts a second seat assembly mounted on the seat track assembly that is moving in a second direction opposite the first direction.

13. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lever includes a body and a stop flange that contacts a contact surface of the first seat component and limits movement of the first seat component in the first direction.

14. The stopper assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The stop flange is disposed at the first end of the lever and protrudes laterally from the body.

15. The stopper assembly according to claim 13, wherein: When the lever is in the detent position, the detent flange is oriented in a complementary manner to the contact surface of the first seat component such that the detent flange contacts the contact surface of the first seat component in a substantially flush manner.

16. The stop assembly of claim 1 further comprising a fastener engaging a recess of the base and a recess of the seat track assembly, the fastener connecting the base to the seat track assembly.

17. The stopper assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The fastener is at least partially received in the lever when the lever is disposed in the depressed position.

18. The stopper assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes mounting tabs that engage openings of the seat track assembly and connect the base to the seat track assembly.

19. A seat track assembly, comprising a stopper assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and at least one track pair, wherein: The at least one track pair includes an outer track and an inner track; The inner track is disposed within the outer track; and The stopper assembly is disposed within and connected to the inner rail.

20. The seat track assembly of claim 19, wherein: The base comprises: bottom; two walls projecting from opposite sides of the base; A mounting tab protrudes from the base and engages with the opening of the inner track; and a recessed portion disposed in the bottom portion; The stopper assembly further comprises: a pin connecting the second end of the lever to the base; and a fastener engaging the recess of the base and the recess of the inner track; and The fasteners and the mounting tabs connect the base to the inner track.

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