CN110435487B

CN110435487B - Track assembly

Info

Publication number: CN110435487B
Application number: CN201910368976.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 蒂博·康达明; 诺尔丁·哈姆塔什; 安托万·穆兰
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2018-05-04
Filing date: 2019-05-05
Publication date: 2022-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-05
Also published as: DE102019206304A1; CN110435492B; DE102019206411B4; DE102019206411A1; CN110435494B; DE102019206385A1; CN110435492A; CN110435487A; DE102019206313A1; CN110435495A; DE102019206304B4; CN110435497B; CN110435497A; CN110435488B; CN110435493B; CN110435496A; DE102019206313B4; CN110435495B; CN110435494A; CN110435488A

Abstract

The present application relates to track assemblies. The track assembly includes a track, a support member, and/or a lever. The support member may be connected to the track, and/or the lever may be connected to the support member. The lever may include an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track. The lever is rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The lever may limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction and/or the lever may not limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction. The lever may be configured to contact the rail. The track may include a window having a first edge and/or a second edge.

Description

Track assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of the following patent applications: french patent application serial No. 1853891 filed on 4.5.2018; french patent application serial No. 1853892 filed on 4.5.2018; french patent application serial No. 1853893 filed on 4.5.2018; and french patent application serial No. 1853894 filed on 4.5.2018; the disclosures of these patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to track assemblies (tracks), including track assemblies that may be used to connect vehicle seat tracks.

Background

The following background description is set forth for background purposes only. Thus, any aspect described in this background is not admitted to be prior art by express or implied admission that it is prior art to the present disclosure to the extent that it is not otherwise prior art.

Some track assemblies may be relatively complex and/or may not provide adequate functionality. Movement of some track assemblies may not be automatically restricted.

Accordingly, there is a need for a solution/option that minimizes or eliminates one or more challenges or disadvantages of the track assembly. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the art and should not be taken as negating the scope.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, the track assembly may include a track, a support member, and/or a lever. The support member may be connected to the track, and/or the lever may be connected to the support member. The lever may include an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track. The lever may be rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first position and/or a second position. The lever may limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction and/or the lever may not limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction. The lever may be configured to contact the rail. The track may comprise a window (window) having a first edge and/or a second edge. The contact portion of the lever may be disposed in the window when the lever is in the first position. The lever may include a contact portion, which may have a first portion, a second portion, and/or a third portion, which may connect the first portion and/or the second portion. The third portion of the contact portion may not be in contact with the rail when the contact portion may be in the first position. The third portion may not be in contact with the track when the contact portion may be in the second position.

According to embodiments, the first portion may be substantially perpendicular to the track, and/or the second portion may be tapered (tapered). The lever may not be configured to rotate when in contact with the rear edge of the window of the rail when the lever may be in the first position. The second portion may be configured to cause the lever to rotate when in contact with a front edge of the window of the track. The second portion may be disposed at an acute angle relative to the front edge of the window. The second portion may be disposed at an acute angle relative to the first portion. The lever may include a damper portion (damper portion) configured to contact a rear edge of the window of the rail. The lever may not be configured to automatically rotate when disposed in the window of the track and/or the support member moves in the first direction. The lever may be configured to automatically rotate when disposed in the window and/or the support member moves in the second direction. When the lever may be in the second position, the seat may be in an easy entry position.

In an embodiment, the track may comprise a first portion and/or a second portion. The first portion may correspond to a comfort range (comfort range) and/or the second portion may correspond to an easy entry range. The lever may be configured to automatically rotate away from the window as the support member may be moved from the first portion to the second portion. The lever may be configured to automatically rotate into the window as the support member may be moved from the second portion to the first portion. The track may comprise a third portion, and/or the first portion may be disposed between the second portion and the third portion. The lever may be configured to automatically restrict movement of the support member into the third portion when the support member may be moved from the second portion towards the third portion. The track assembly may include a biasing member (biasing member) that may be configured to bias the lever toward the first position. The lever may be disposed substantially within the support member and/or the body of the support member may be disposed above the track when the lever is in the second position.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a track assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A and 2B are perspective views generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 2C is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a track assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views generally illustrating portions of embodiments of contact portions in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track and a lever with the lever in a first position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4B is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track and a lever moving between a first position and a second position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4C is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track and a lever with the lever in a second position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track and a lever with the lever in a first position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track and a lever with the lever in a second position according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a track and lever according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of operating a track assembly.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, the track assembly 20 may include a track 40, a support member 80, and/or a lever 100. Track assembly 20 may be configured to support an external component 30 (e.g., a vehicle seat and/or a seating element) on a track 40. The outer component 30 may be referred to herein as a seat 30, but is not limited to a seat. The support member 80 may move (e.g., slide, roll, etc.) along the track 40. The track assembly 20 may be connected to a mounting surface 32 (e.g., such as a floor of a vehicle).

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, the track 40 may extend in a longitudinal direction. The track 40 may include an inner portion 42 and an outer portion 50 (see, e.g., fig. 2C). Inner portion 42 may be disposed substantially within outer portion 50. The inner portion 42 of the track 40 may include a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 46, and/or a second side wall 48. The bottom wall 44, the first side wall 46, and/or the second side wall 48 may be connected to form a generally U-shaped configuration (see, e.g., fig. 2A, 2B, and 2C). The bottom wall 44 may, for example, be substantially planar. The first side wall 46 and/or the second side wall 48 may extend from an end of the bottom wall 44. The first sidewall 46 and/or the second sidewall 48 may be curved (e.g., may include a generally C-shaped profile). For example, the side wall (e.g., first side wall 46) may include a C-shaped profile that may be outwardly open. For example, the side wall (e.g., second side wall 48) may include a C-shaped profile that may open downward. According to an embodiment, the first sidewall 46 may include a window 60. The outer portion 50 of the track 40 may include a generally U-shaped configuration.

In an embodiment, the window 60 may be configured as a recess in the first sidewall 46. The window 60 may extend longitudinally along the first sidewall 46. The length 60L of the window 60 may be a percentage of the total length 40L of the track 40. For example, but not limiting of, the window length 60L may be less than 50% of the total length 40L of the track 40. The window 60 may correspond to a portion of the first sidewall 46 having a reduced height. For example, the first sidewall 46 may include a first height H at or near the window 60₁And/or the remainder of the first sidewall 46 may include a second height H₂Second height H₂May be greater than the height H₁. For example, but not limited to, first height H₁May be of a second height H₂About one third, one half or threeTwo in two. The window 60 may include a first edge 62 and a second edge 64. The first edge 62 may be disposed at a rear end of the window 60 and the second edge 64 may be disposed at a front end of the window 60. The track 40 may include a first portion 66, a second portion 68, and/or a third portion 70. The first portion 66 may correspond to a comfort range of the support member 80 and/or the seat 30. The second portion 68 may correspond to an easy entry range of the support member 80 and/or the seat 30. The window 60 may extend along some or all of the length of the first portion 66. The first portion 66 may be disposed (e.g., longitudinally) between the second portion 68 and the third portion 70. The second edge 64 of the window 60 may be proximate and/or adjacent to the second portion 68. The first edge 62 of the window 60 may be proximate and/or adjacent to the third portion 70.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, the support member 80 may be configured to be connected to the track 40. For example, but not limiting of, the support member 80 may move in a longitudinal direction along the track 40. The support member 80 may be configured to selectively engage with the track 40 and/or disengage from the track 40. The support member 80 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and/or may be substantially rectangular.

In embodiments, the support member 80 may include a box configuration, and/or may include a rotating member 81, a cam 82, an anchor member 84, and/or a locking member 86, some or all of which may be configured to selectively connect the support member 80 with the track 40. According to an embodiment, the rotating member 81 and/or the locking component 86 may be connected to the inner portion 42 of the track 40. The cam 82 and/or the anchor member 84 may be connected to the outer portion 50 of the track 40.

According to an embodiment, the support member 80 may include a lever 100. The lever 100, the rotating member 81, the cam 82, the anchor component 84, and/or the locking component 86 may be disposed substantially within the support member 80. The cam 82 may be configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The cam 82 may limit the vertical movement and/or play of the support member 80 relative to the track 40. The locking component 86 may include one or more track locking portions 88, and the track locking portions 88 may be inserted (vertically and/or longitudinally) into the track 40 to limit longitudinal movement of the support member 80. Anchor 84 may include an engagement portion 90 to selectively connect support member 80 to track 40, such as to limit removal of support member 80 (and seat 30) from track 40. The rotation member 81 may be configured to contact the rail 40, for example at the first edge 62 of the window 60 and/or at the second edge 64 of the window 60, to selectively prevent the support member 80 from moving along the longitudinal direction of the rail 40. The rotating member 81 may be connected to a lever 100, for example, by a rod 98. The rotating member 81, the anchor component 84, the locking component 86, and/or the lever 100 may rotate about

axes

81A, 84A, 86A, 100A, which axes 81A, 84A, 86A, 100A may be substantially coincident (e.g., may effectively rotate about the same axis). One or more of the

axes

81A, 84A, 86A, 100A may be arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and/or may be arranged above the track 40. The rotational member 81, the anchor component 84, the locking component 86, and/or the lever 100 may be connected by a rod 98. In an embodiment, the rod 98 may extend in a longitudinal direction. The rod 98 may be supported by the support member 80 and/or may support the rotational member 81, the anchor component 84, the locking component 86, and/or the lever 100. The support member 80 may be selectively connected to the track 40 by the anchor component 84, the locking component 86, and/or the lever 100. The lever 100 can be coupled to (e.g., selectively engage) the inner portion 42 of the track 40.

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A-2B, a lever 100 may be connected to the support member 80 and/or the rod 98. The support member 80 and/or the rod 98 may rotatably support a lever 100. The lever 100 may include an axis of rotation 100A that is parallel to the track 40. The axis of rotation 100A may extend through the body 102 of the lever 100, such as through a middle portion 104 of the body 102. The axis of rotation 100A of the lever 100 may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 98A of the rod 98. The body 102 may include an aperture 106, which may be configured to receive the rod 98. According to an embodiment, the lever 100 may be connected to the biasing member 120. The biasing member 120 rotatably biases the lever 100, e.g., toward an engagement with the first sidewall 46 and/or the window 60 (e.g., toward the first position of the lever 100).

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, the lever 100 may include a contact portion 110. The contact portion 110 may be disposed at the bottom of the lever 100 or near the bottom of the lever 100. The contact portion 110 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, but not limiting of, the contact portion 110 may be generally triangular (see, e.g., fig. 3A and 3B). The contact portion 110 may include a first portion 112 (e.g., a back side) and a second portion 114 (e.g., a front side). The first portion 112 may be closer to the first edge 62 of the window 60 than the second portion 114, such as when the support member 80 is disposed in the first portion 66 of the track 40. The second portion 114 may be closer to the second edge 64 of the window 60 than the first portion 112, such as when the support member 80 is disposed in the first portion 66 of the track 40. The first portion 112 and/or the second portion 114 of the contact portion 110 may be configured to selectively contact the rail 40 (e.g., the first edge 62, the second edge 64, and/or the first sidewall 46 of the rail 40). At least in the first position of the lever 100, the intermediate portion 104 of the lever 100 may be disposed substantially within the support member 80 and the contact portion 110 may be disposed partially outside the support member 80.

According to an embodiment, the first portion 112 and/or the second portion 114 may or may not be substantially planar. The first portion 112 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second portion 114 may be substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, but not limiting of, the second portion 114 may be at an angle θ relative to the longitudinal axis of the rail 40₁(e.g., an oblique angle and/or an acute angle), which may provide the second portion 114 with a generally conical configuration (see, e.g., fig. 3A and 3B). The second portion 114 may be tapered (e.g., tapered in a lateral direction) such that a length 110L of the contact portion 110 in a lateral direction (lateral direction) may vary in a longitudinal direction. The first portion 112 and the second portion 114 may be connected at a third portion 116. The third portion 116 may be substantially planar (see, e.g., fig. 3A) and/or pointed (see, e.g., fig. 3B).

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the lever 100 may include a first position and/or a second position. When the support member 80 is disposed within the first portion 66 (e.g., comfort range) of the track 40, the lever 100 may be in the first position. When the support member 80 is disposed in the second portion 68 (e.g., easy entry range) and/or the third portion 70 of the track 40, the lever 100 may be in the second position.

In an embodiment, in the first position of the lever 100, the contact portion 110 may be longitudinally aligned with an outer wall of the track 40 (see, e.g., fig. 4A and 5A). In an embodiment, the first portion 112 may contact the first edge 62 of the window 60 when the support member 80 is moved rearward (e.g., see fig. 4A). Contact between the first portion 112 and the first edge 62 of the window 60 may limit and/or prevent the support member 80 from moving longitudinally in a first direction (e.g., a rearward direction). The first portion 112 may include a damper portion 118. The damper portion 118 may include one or more force absorbing materials. For example, but not limiting of, the damper portion 118 may include rubber and/or a flexible polymer. The shape of the damper portion 118 may correspond to the shape of the first edge 62 of the window 60 and/or be aligned with the shape of the first edge 62 of the window 60. The damper portion 118 may absorb the longitudinal force when the lever 100 contacts the first edge 62 of the window 60. Additionally or alternatively, the damper portion 118 may include sound dampening characteristics.

According to embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 4C, 5B, and 5C, in the second position of the lever 100, the contact portion 110 may be disposed outside of the window 60. For example, and without limitation, in the second position of the lever 100, the contact portion 110 may not be longitudinally aligned with the outer wall of the track 40, at least when the support member 80 is disposed in the second portion 68 (e.g., easy entry range) and/or the third portion 70 of the track 40. In the second position of the lever 100, the third portion 116 of the contact portion 110 may contact the inner surface 52 of the first sidewall 46 of the track 40 (see, e.g., fig. 5B). For example, in the second position, the contact may be the only contact between the contact portion 110 and the track 40. The contact between the third portion 116 and the track 40 may not substantially restrict and/or prevent movement of the support member 80 relative to the track 40. In the second position of the lever 100, the first portion 112 and/or the second portion 114 may not be in contact with the track 40. In some cases, in the second position, the contact portion 110 may not contact the inner surface 52 (see, e.g., fig. 5C).

In embodiments such as generally illustrated in fig. 4B and 5B, the lever 100 and/or the contact portion 110 may be movable (e.g., rotated) between a first position and a second position. As the support member moves from the first portion 66 (e.g., comfort range) to the second portion 68 (e.g., easy entry range) of the track 40, the second portion 114 of the contact portion 110 may contact the second edge 64 of the window 60. The second portion 114 may be configured such that upon contact with the second edge 64 of the window 60, the lever 100 may rotate away from the first position toward the second position. According to an embodiment, the force with which the contact portion 110 contacts the second edge 64, such as the force provided by the sliding of the support member 80, may be greater than the force of the biasing member 120. For example, but not limiting of, the biasing member 120 may be overcome by contact between the tapered second portion 114 and the second edge 64, which may cause the lever 100 to rotate from the first position to the second position. The force involved in rotating the lever 100 out of the first position may correspond to the angle between the second portion 114 and the second edge 64 of the window 60.

According to an embodiment, the lever 100 may be automatically moved from the first position to the second position (e.g., without being externally actuated). For example, and without limitation, as the support member 80 moves from the first portion 66 to the second portion 68 of the track 40, actuation of the lever 100 from the first position to the second position may be caused by interaction between the contact portion 110 and the second edge 64 of the window 60, and may not be caused by the actuator 34 connected to the lever 100. As the second portion 114 slides along the second edge 64, the contact portion 110 may rotate from the first position to the second position. The lever 100 may rotate, for example, about 45 degrees or less, when moving between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, as the support member 80 moves from the second portion 68 to the first portion 66 of the track 40 (e.g., returns to the easy entry range), the contact portion 110 may move from the second position to the first position, which may include moving (e.g., rotating) into alignment with the window 60. For example, and without limitation, the force of the biasing member 120 may automatically rotate the lever toward the first position, e.g., if the third portion 116 of the contact portion 110 is no longer in contact with the inner surface 52 of the first sidewall 46.

According to an embodiment, the lever 100 may be in the first position when the support member is in the first portion 66 (e.g., comfort range) of the track 40. The support member 80 may be moved along the track 40 (e.g., in a rearward direction) until the first portion 112 of the contact portion 110 contacts the first edge 62 of the window 60, for example, if the support member 80 reaches the third portion 70 of the track 40. Contact between the first portion 112 and the first edge 62 may limit and/or prevent further rearward movement of the support member 80. The contact portion 110 may not automatically rotate when contacting the first edge 62 of the window 60. According to an embodiment, the lever 100 may be externally actuated (e.g., rotated), such as by the actuator 34, such that the first portion 112 of the contact portion 110 may not be aligned with the outer wall of the track 40 (e.g., the lever 100 may be rotated to the second position). The support member 80 may then be moved into the third portion 70 of the track 40. In the third portion 70 of the track 40, the third portion 116 of the contact portion 110 may be in contact with the inner surface 52 of the first sidewall 46 or may not be in contact with the inner surface 52 of the first sidewall 46. Contact between the third portion 116 and the inner surface 52 does not substantially affect movement of the support member 80 relative to the track 40.

In an embodiment, the support member 80 may be moved in a forward direction from the third portion 70 to the first portion 66 of the track 40 (e.g., comfort range). When moving from the third portion 70 to the first portion 66, the lever 100 may be automatically moved from the second position to the first position by the biasing member 120. For example, without limitation, the biasing member 120 may rotate the contact portion 110 outward and/or into the first position (e.g., into the window 60) once the first portion 112 (e.g., the rear side) of the contact portion 110 moves past the first edge 62 of the window 60.

In embodiments such as that generally illustrated in fig. 6, a method 200 of operating a track assembly 20 may include providing a track assembly 20. Providing a track assembly may include providing a track 40, a support member 80, and/or a lever 100 (step 202). The track 40 may include a first portion 66 (e.g., a comfort zone), a second portion 68 (e.g., an easy entry zone), and/or a third portion 70. The support member 80 and the outer component 30 that may be connected to the support member may be disposed within the comfort zone 66 of the track 40. According to an embodiment, the method 200 may include moving the support member 80 and/or the lever 100 to the front of the comfort zone 66 of the track 40 (step 204). The method 200 may include continuing to move the support member 80 from the comfort range 66 to the easy entry range 68 (e.g., in a forward direction) and automatically rotating the lever 100 from the first position to the second position (step 206). The lever 100 may rotate so as to not be longitudinally aligned with the first sidewall 46. The method 200 may include moving the support member 80 and/or the lever 100 from the easy entry range 68 (e.g., in a rearward direction) to the comfort range 66 (step 208), and the lever 100 automatically rotates from the second position to the first position (step 210). In an embodiment, method 200 may include moving support member 80 and/or seat 30 to the rear of the comfort range of track 40 and preventing support member 80 from moving further rearward by lever 100 contacting first edge 62 (e.g., the rear end) of the window (step 212). The lever 100 may be rotated outward (e.g., from the first position to the second position) such that the contact portion 110 is not longitudinally aligned with the first sidewall 46, and the support member 80 (step 214) and/or the lever 100 may be moved into the third portion 70 of the track 40 (step 216). In an embodiment, the method may include moving the support member 80 and/or the lever 100 from the third portion 70 (e.g., in a forward direction) to the first portion 66 (step 218), and the lever 100 automatically rotates from the second position to the first position (step 220). In at least one position (e.g., the first position), the lever 100 can limit movement of the support member 80 into the third portion 70 of the track 40. The lever 100 may substantially/essentially not restrict the support member 80 from moving into the second portion 68 of the track 40 (e.g., regardless of the position of the lever 100).

Various embodiments for various devices, systems, and/or methods are described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the general structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to "various embodiments," "according to embodiments," "in embodiments," or "embodiments" or the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "according to embodiments," "in an embodiment," or "an embodiment" or the like appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation, as long as such combination is not illogical or functional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It will be understood that reference to a single element is not necessarily so limited, and may include one or more of such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive (plus), negative (minus), upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the embodiments.

References to connected (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, reference to connected does not necessarily mean that the two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of "for example" in this specification is to be construed broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. The use of "and" or "should be interpreted broadly (e.g., as" and/or "). For example, and without limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all of the elements or features listed, and the use of "or" is intended to be inclusive unless such a configuration is illogical.

Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that the methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, with certain steps being performed at the same time, with additional steps being omitted, and/or with certain described steps being omitted.

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

Claims

1. A track assembly, comprising:

a track;

a support member connected to the rail; and

a lever connected to the support member;

wherein the lever comprises an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track; the lever is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position; the lever is configured to limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction; the lever is configured to substantially not restrict movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction; and the lever includes a contact portion having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion connected to the first portion and the second portion.

2. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever is configured to contact the track.

3. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the track includes a window having a first edge and a second edge.

4. The track assembly of claim 3, wherein the contact portion of the lever is disposed in the window when the lever is in the first position.

5. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the third portion is not in contact with the track when the lever is in the first position.

6. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the third portion is in contact with the track when the lever is in the second position.

7. The track assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the track and the second portion is tapered.

8. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever is not configured to rotate when in contact with a rear edge of a window of the track when the lever is in the first position.

9. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion is configured to cause rotation of the lever when in contact with a front edge of a window of the track.

10. The track assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second portion is disposed at an acute angle relative to the front edge of the window.

11. The track assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is disposed at an acute angle relative to the first portion.

12. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein a seat is connected to the support member; and when the lever is in the second position, the seat is in an easy entry position.

13. The track assembly according to claim 1, wherein the track comprises a first portion and a second portion; the first portion corresponds to a comfort range; the second portion corresponds to an easy entry range; and the track includes a window disposed in the first portion.

14. The track assembly of claim 1, comprising a biasing member configured to bias the lever toward the first position.

15. A track assembly, comprising:

a track;

a support member connected to the rail; and

a lever connected to the support member;

wherein the lever comprises an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track; the lever is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position; the lever is configured to limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction; the lever is configured to substantially not restrict movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction; and, the lever includes a damper portion configured to contact a rear edge of the window of the rail.

16. A track assembly, comprising:

a track;

a support member connected to the rail; and

a lever connected to the support member;

wherein the lever comprises an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track; the lever is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position; the lever is configured to limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction; the lever is configured to substantially not restrict movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction; the lever is not configured to automatically rotate when the lever is disposed in the window of the track and the support member moves in a first direction; and, the lever is configured to automatically rotate when the lever is disposed in the window and the support member moves in the second direction.

17. A track assembly, comprising:

a track;

a support member connected to the rail; and

a lever connected to the support member;

wherein the lever comprises an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track; the lever is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position; the lever is configured to limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction; and the lever is configured to substantially not restrict movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction; the track comprises a first portion and a second portion; the first portion corresponds to a comfort range; the second portion corresponds to an easy entry range; the track comprises a window disposed in the first portion; the lever is configured to automatically rotate away from the window as the support member moves from the first portion to the second portion; and the lever is configured to automatically rotate into the window as the support member moves from the second portion to the first portion.

18. The track assembly according to claim 17, wherein the track includes a third portion; the first portion is disposed between the second portion and the third portion; and the lever is configured to automatically restrict movement of the support member into the third portion when the support member is moved towards the third portion.

19. A track assembly, comprising:

a track;

a support member connected to the rail; and

a lever connected to the support member;

wherein the lever comprises an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the track; the lever is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position; the lever is configured to limit movement of the support member relative to the track in a first direction; the lever is configured to substantially not restrict movement of the support member relative to the track in a second direction;

when the lever is in the second position, the lever is disposed substantially within the support member and the body of the support member is disposed above the track.