Patent ID: 6352312
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: B60N,B60R

Abstract:
A seat interlock mechanism for retaining a seat of a vehicle to a seat base during a sudden deceleration of the vehicle, the seat being adjustable forwardly and rearwardly along a track assembly positioned along opposite sides of the seat, each track assembly having an upper and lower track section, said interlock mechanism being positionable along at least one side of the seat and comprising:a mounting member extending laterally outwardly from at least one side of the upper section of the track assembly of the seat, said mounting member comprising a deformable, elongated member extending laterally across the seat and being mountable at each end to the upper track section of a respective one of the track assemblies; a first channel member positionable at the seat base and at least partially along the lower track section of the respective one of the track assemblies; an interlock bracket positioned at said mounting member, said interlock bracket including a second channel member extending downwardly therefrom, said second channel member being positioned along said first channel member and at least initially spaced therefrom; and a seat belt mount positioned at one of an end of said mounting member and said interlock bracket, such that said interlock bracket is movable to engage said second channel member with said first channel member in response to deformation of said mounting member by a seat belt force at said seat belt mount which is sufficient to deform said mounting member.