Patent ID: 12208709

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to 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 described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

FIG.1generally illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a stopper assembly200. Additional disclosure concerning stopper assemblies according to aspects or teachings of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, as well as in the drawings.

Referring toFIGS.2A-6, a seating system100is a modular seating system that includes a plurality of components which, when assembled, form one or more vehicle seats, such as for a passenger vehicle (e.g., cars, vans, SUVs, trucks, buses, trains, boats, ships, planes). The seating system100may be utilized in any other appropriate situation or apparatus, such as homes, office buildings, theaters, stadiums, recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, and/or agricultural equipment, among others. The seating system100includes one or more seat assemblies110,110′ and one or more seat track assemblies130.

As generally illustrated inFIGS.2A,3,4A,5A, and6, the seating system100includes a first seat assembly110and a second seat assembly110′ that are disposed on and adjustable along at least one seat track assembly130. The first seat assembly110may be a front or first row seat and the second seat assembly110′ may be a rear or second row seat, for example. Each seat assembly110,110′ includes a seat frame, a seat bottom112,112′, a seatback114,114′, and one or more support members116,116′. The support member116,116′ is configured as a cassette and is illustrated as simplified block diagrams inFIGS.2A-6, but may have other suitable configurations in other embodiments.

As generally illustrated inFIG.2A, the seat assembly110,110′ includes at least one support member116,116′. The support member116,116′ is connected to the seat frame and/or the seat bottom112,112′. The support member116,116′ is disposed on the track assembly130and at least a portion of the support member116,116′ projects through one or more track openings148,168of the track assembly130into a track receptacle180. The support member116,116′ 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 receptacle180of the track assembly130(e.g., via the track openings148,168) and can be removed vertically and/or horizontally from the track receptacle180of the track assembly130(e.g., via the track openings148,168), such as to add and/or remove the seat assembly110,110′ from the vehicle.

The support member116,116′ selectively and releasably engages and connects to the track assembly130to connect the seat assembly110,110′ to the track assembly130and a mounting surface102(e.g., a vehicle floor). For example, the support member116,116′ includes a latch, claw, or other locking structure that selectively and releasably engages an inner track160of the track assembly130(e.g., via one or more openings or windows of wall164) and includes a body, protrusion, flange, or similar structure that may contact an outer track140of the track assembly130(e.g., a lip of one or more walls144,146) to selectively restrict and control relative movement between the seat assembly110,110′ and the track assembly130and/or the mounting surface102. The support member116,116′ is moveable and/or adjustable along the track assembly130to move and/or adjust a position of the seat assembly110,110′. For example and without limitation, the support member116,116′ includes one or more rolling members and the support member116,116′ rolls along a top surface of the outer track140via the rolling members when moving the seat assembly110,110′ along the track assembly130.

As generally illustrated inFIGS.2A-6, the seating system100includes one or more seat track assemblies130. The track assembly130is connected to the mounting surface102(e.g., a vehicle floor). The track assembly130facilitates selective connection of the seat assemblies110,110′ to the mounting surface102and also facilitates adjustment of the seat assemblies110,110′ relative to one another and/or the mounting surface102. The seat assemblies110,110′ may be adjusted along the track assembly130manually and/or via an actuator (e.g., one or more electric motors operatively connected to one or more of the seat assemblies110,110′ and/or the track assembly130).

In at least some examples, the seating system100includes two seat track assemblies130. The track assemblies130are disposed adjacent to one another and extend parallel to one another. The track assemblies130are structured identically to one other as described in detail below, but may be structured differently from one another in other embodiments. The track assemblies130are laterally offset from each other (e.g., a Y-direction) such that the track assemblies130are generally aligned with respective outer sides of the seat assemblies110,110′. The track assemblies130each selectively and releasably engage and connect to a respective support member116,116′ of one or more of the seat assemblies110,110′. For example, a first support member116of the first seat assembly110and a first support member116′ of the second seat assembly110′ may be disposed on a first track assembly130and the first support members116,116′ may each project into the track receptacle180of the first track assembly130. A second support member116of the first seat assembly110and a second support member116′ of the second seat assembly110′ may be disposed on a second track assembly130and the second support members116,116′ may each project into the track receptacle180of the second track assembly130. However, the seating system100may conceivably include any number of seat assemblies110,110′ and seat track assemblies130and different combinations thereof (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).

As generally illustrated inFIGS.2A,2B,4B, and5B, the track assembly130includes a track pair defined by an outer track140and an inner track160that is disposed at least partially within the outer track140. The tracks140,160are each structured as an elongated member extending generally in an X-direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction) and facilitate movement and/or adjustment of the seat assemblies110,110′ along the track assembly130. The outer track140may include and/or be composed of a first material (e.g., aluminum) that may be relatively light. The inner track160may include and/or be composed of a second material (e.g., steel) that may be relatively strong compared to the first material.

The tracks140,160each have a bottom142,162and two walls (e.g., a first wall144,164and a second wall146) protruding from the bottom142,162to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in a Y-Z plane (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to an X-direction). A track opening148,168is defined between the two walls144,146,164of the track140,160. The inner track160is disposed at least partially within the outer track140. The bottom162of the inner track160is disposed on the bottom142of the outer track140. The bottom142,162of the tracks140,160are connected to one another and to the mounting surface102via one or more connectors104(e.g., bolts, rivets, etc.) thereby securing the track assembly130to the mounting surface102. The first wall164of the inner track160is disposed adjacent to the first wall144of the outer track140. The second wall of the inner track160is disposed adjacent to the second wall146of the outer track140.

The track assembly130includes a track receptacle180configured to receive and at least temporarily retain at least a portion of one or more support members116,116′ of one or more seat assemblies110,110′. The track receptacle180is defined by the bottom142and the two walls144,146(e.g., the U-shaped cross section formed thereby) of the outer track140. The track receptacle180includes an inner region182and an outer region184. The inner region182is defined by the bottom162and the two walls164(e.g., the U-shaped cross section formed thereby) of the inner track160. The outer region184is the portion of the track receptacle180outside of and/or surrounding the inner track160and/or the inner region182. A portion of a support member116,116′ is insertable into and retained within the track receptacle180(e.g., in both the inner region182and the outer region184thereof) via the track openings148,168.

As generally illustrated inFIGS.1-6, the track assembly130includes one or more stopper assemblies200that limit, restrict, and/or control movement of one or more seat assemblies110,110′ along and the track assembly130. The stopper assembly200is configured to contact the first seat assembly110to limit, restrict, block, and/or prevent movement of the first seat assembly110along the track assembly130in a first direction D1(e.g., generally toward the second seat assembly110′ in the X-direction). In this manner, the stopper assembly200is able to prevent the first seat assembly110from being adjusted to an undesirable position, such as to a position in which the first seat assembly110is too close to the second seat assembly110′ and encroaches on the occupant of the second seat assembly110′. The stopper assembly200is configured to withstand at least a5,000N load. The stopper assembly200is also configured to not restrict block, and/or prevent movement of the second seat assembly110′ along the track assembly130in a second direction D2opposite the first direction D1(e.g., generally toward the first seat assembly110in the X-direction). The second seat assembly110′ can thus be adjusted and/or moved as close to the first seat assembly110as desired to increase the amount of available space behind the second seat assembly110′, such as to increase storage area and/or provide additional space to an occupant (e.g., of a third-row seat).

The stopper assembly200is disposed at least partially within the inner region182of the track receptacle180and is connected to the inner track160. The stopper assembly200includes a base210, a pin240, a biasing member242, and a lever260. The stopper assembly200and/or portions thereof are generally composed of one or more metals, such as steel, but may be composed of a variety of other suitable materials so long as the stopper assembly200is capable of withstanding a desired load (e.g.,5,000N).

The base210secures the stopper assembly200to the track assembly130and supports the lever260. In examples, the base210may be a bracket-like structure, such as a mounting bracket. The base210has a bottom212and two walls (e.g., a first wall214and a second wall216) projecting from opposite sides of the bottom212to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in a Y-Z plane (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to an X-direction). As generally illustrated inFIGS.4B and5B, a recess218is disposed at or about a first end of the bottom212and a mounting tab220is disposed at or about a second end of the bottom212, which is opposite the first end. In other embodiments, the recess218is disposed at the second end of the bottom212and the mounting tab220is disposed at the first end of the bottom212. The recess218and the mounting tab220facilitate connection of the base210, and consequently the stopper assembly200, to the track assembly130(e.g., to the inner track160).

As generally illustrated inFIGS.1,4B, and5B, the mounting tab220is configured to engage the inner track160to connect the base210to the inner track160. The mounting tab220is connected to and projects from the second end of the bottom212generally in an X-direction (e.g., away from the recess218of the base210). The mounting tab220includes a step region that provides the mounting tab220with a generally S-shaped profile in a plane perpendicular to the Y-direction. The mounting tab220extends through an opening172in the inner track160and into an opening152of the outer track140. Withing the opening152, the free end of the mounting tab220contacts an underside surface of the bottom162of the inner track160. The step region of the mounting tab220is disposed at least partially within the opening172of the inner track160and facilitates engagement of the free end of the mounting tab220and the inner track160. The mounting tab220may alternatively have other suitable configurations. For example, the mounting tab220may project generally vertically from the bottom212and/or may have a spade or semi-circular shaped portion disposed at its free end for further securing the mounting tab220in the opening172.

As generally illustrated inFIGS.4B and5B, the recess218is configured to receive and engage a fastener230that connects the base210, and consequently the stopper assembly200, to the track assembly130. The recess218is disposed in, defined by, and extends vertically (e.g., generally in the Z-direction) through the bottom212. The recess218is disposed in vertical alignment with a recess170of the inner track160and a recess150of the outer track140. The fastener230is configured as a rivet in the illustrative example shown inFIGS.1,4B, and5B, but may have other suitable configurations (e.g., a bolt, screw, pin) in other embodiments. The fastener230is disposed at least partially within the recesses218,170,150of the base210, the inner track160, and the outer track140. A shaft232of the fastener230is disposed in and extends through the recess218of the base210and the recess170of the inner track160. A first head234of the fastener230is disposed on and engages the bottom212of the base210(e.g., a surface of the bottom212facing toward the lever260). A second head236of the fastener230is disposed on and contacts (e.g., an underside surface) of the inner track160. The second head236of the fastener230is disposed completely within (e.g., is recessed within) the recess150of the outer track140, which facilitates mounting of the track assembly130on the mounting surface102and reduces and/or prevents interference by the second head236(e.g., via the second head236of the fastener230contacting the mounting surface102and preventing the track assembly130from resting properly and/or stably on the mounting surface102).

The pin240is connected to and extends between the two walls214,216of base210(e.g., in the Y-direction). The pin240is disposed spaced apart from the bottom212of the base210(e.g., in the Z-direction) and extends substantially parallel to the bottom212of the base210. The pin240is disposed in and extends through two pin openings of the lever260thereby pivotably connecting the lever260to the base. The pin240defines an axis about which the lever260is pivotable and/or rotatable.

The biasing member242biases the lever260about the pin240(e.g., in a direction away from the base210) toward and/or into a stopping position via applying a biasing force to the lever260. The biasing member242is configured as a torsion spring242in the illustrative example shown inFIGS.1,4B, and5B, but may have other suitable configurations (e.g., a compression spring, tension spring, leaf spring) in other embodiments. The torsion spring242is disposed on and wound around the pin240between two sidewalls270,280of the lever260, which connects and secures the torsion spring242to the base210. The torsion spring242includes a first spring leg244that contacts and/or rests on a main body262of the lever260and a second spring leg246that contacts and/or rests on the bottom212of the base210.

The lever260is an elongated member configured to contact and/or abut the seat assemblies110,110′. The lever260has a first longitudinal end for contacting and/or abutting the support member116of the first seat assembly110to limit, restrict, and/or block movement of the first seat assembly110on the track assembly130in the first direction D1. The lever260also has an opposite, second longitudinal end that is pivotably and/or rotatably connected to the base210via the pin240. The lever260is pivotable and/or rotatable about the pin240to a stopping position (see, e.g.,FIGS.1-4B) and to a depressed position (see, e.g.,FIGS.5A-6, also shown in phantom inFIG.3), among other positions therebetween. When the lever260is in the stopping position, the stopper assembly200limits, restricts, and/or blocks movement of the first seat assembly110along the track assembly130in a first direction D1but does not limit, restrict, and/or block movement of the second seat assembly110′ along the track assembly130in an opposite, second direction D2. When the lever260is in the depressed position, the stopper assembly200does not limit, restrict, and/or block movement of the first seat assembly110nor the second seat assembly110′ along the track assembly130. The lever260is biased into the stopping position via the biasing member242. The lever260is adjustable, moveable, pivotable, and/or rotatable from the stopping position toward and/or to the depressed position via movement of the second seat assembly110′ and/or manually by a user (e.g., a user may press down on the lever260with their hand, finger, and/or an object to pivot the lever260into the depressed position).

The lever260has a main body262and two sidewalls270,280(e.g., a first sidewall270and a second sidewall280) projecting from opposite sides of the main body262to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in a Y-Z plane (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to an X-direction). The main body262has an actuation surface264that faces generally toward the track openings148,168and/or away from the base210(e.g., generally upward in the Z-direction). A stop flange266is disposed at the first longitudinal end of the lever260and projects transversely (e.g., obliquely) from the main body262generally towards the base210and/or the bottom162of the inner track160(e.g., generally downward in the Z-direction). The stop flange266contacts and/or abuts a contact surface118(e.g., of a shock-absorbing bumper) of the support member116of the first seat assembly110to limit, restrict, and/or block movement of the first seat assembly110.

The sidewalls270,280each include a pin opening that receives the pin240. The two pin openings are disposed in alignment with one another at or about the second longitudinal end of the lever260. A free end of each of the sidewalls270,280includes a curved surface region272and a linear surface region274, which is tangential the curved surface region272, that selectively contact the bottom212of the base210. The sidewalls270,280therefore at least partially support the lever260, which may reduce the amount of stress and/or force on the pin240and increase the surface life of the pin240. The linear surface region274contacts and rests on the bottom212of the base210when the lever260is in the stopping position thereby preventing the lever260from pivoting beyond the stopping position (e.g., via the biasing force of the biasing member242and/or a force from the support member116colliding, contacting, and/or pressing against the lever260). At least a portion of the curved surface region272contacts the bottom212of the base210when the lever260is in the depressed position and/or while the lever260is pivoting about the pin240. The sidewalls270,280each include a protrusion276,286disposed at the first longitudinal end of the lever260. The protrusions276,286are disposed adjacent to and/or in contact with a backside of the stop flange266. The protrusions276,286support the stop flange266to limit and/or resist deformation of the stop flange266(e.g., due to a force from the support member116colliding contacting, and/or pressing against the lever260).

As generally illustrated inFIGS.1and4B, when the lever260is in the stopping position, the lever260and the actuation surface264extend obliquely relative to the bottom212of the base210with the first longitudinal end of the lever260and the stop flange266oriented toward the first seat assembly110. The first longitudinal end of the lever260and the stop flange266at least partially protrude from the track opening168of the inner track160and are at least partially disposed in the outer region184of the track receptacle180. The stop flange266is disposed in alignment with the contact surface118of the support member116,116′ of the first seat assembly110(e.g., in the Y-direction and the Z-direction). The stop flange266and/or a surface thereof is oriented in a complimentary manner to the contact surface118of the support member116such that the stop flange266contacts the contact surface of the support member116in a substantially flush manner. As such, the contact surface area between the support member116and the lever260is increased, which distributes the stopping force applied to the support member116via the lever260across a greater area reducing pressure. The linear surface region274of each of the sidewalls270,280of the lever260contacts and rests on the bottom212of the base210thereby preventing the lever260from pivoting beyond the stopping position.

As generally illustrated inFIG.5B, when the lever260is in the depressed position, the lever260(e.g., the first longitudinal end and the stop flange266) is disposed out of alignment with the support members116,116′ (e.g., in at least the Z-direction) thereby allowing the support members116,116′ to pass over the stopper assembly200(e.g., while sliding across the actuation surface264of the lever260) and the seat assemblies110,110′ to slide freely along the track assembly130. The first longitudinal end of the lever260and the stop flange266are disposed closer to the bottom212of the base210than when the lever260is disposed in the stopping position. The lever260and the actuation surface264extend obliquely or generally parallel to the bottom212of the base210such that an angle defined between the bottom212of the base210and the lever260(e.g., the main body262and/or the actuation surface264) is smaller when the lever260is in the depressed position than when the lever260is in the stopping position. The first longitudinal end of the lever260and the stop flange266do not protrude from the track opening168of the inner track160and are disposed completely in the inner region182of the track receptacle180. At least a portion of the curved surface region272of each of the sidewalls270,280of the lever260contacts and rests on the bottom212of the base210and the linear surface region274is lifted off of the bottom212of the base210. Additionally, the first head234of the fastener230is disposed at least partially within the lever260and/or directly between the two sidewalls270,280in the Y-direction, thereby preventing the fastener230from interfering with and/or preventing the lever260from pivoting. Depending on a position of the seat assemblies110,110′, the lever260may be held and/or maintained in the depressed position by the support member116′ of the second seat assembly110′ (see, e.g.,FIGS.5A and5B) or the support member116of the first seat assembly110(see, e.g.,FIG.6). When the lever260is held and/or maintained in the depressed position by the first seat assembly110, the arrangement of the stopper assembly200and the portions thereof is substantially similar, if not identical, to when the lever260is held in the depressed position by the second seat assembly110′ as shown inFIG.5B.

As generally illustrated inFIGS.3-4B, movement of the first seat assembly110along the track assembly130in the first direction D1is limited, restricted, and/or blocked by the stopper assembly200when the lever260is in the stopping position. For example, when the first seat assembly110is disposed on the track assembly130in a first position in which the first seat assembly110is disposed on a first side202of the stopper assembly200and/or the base210thereof (see, e.g., the position shown inFIG.3) and the first seat assembly110is moved along the track assembly130in the first direction D1(e.g., generally toward the second seat assembly110′ in the X-direction), the contact surface118of the support member116contacts and/or abuts the first longitudinal end of the lever260(e.g., the stop flange266) of the stopper assembly200as shown inFIGS.4A and4B. This contact limits, restricts, and/or blocks further movement of the first seat assembly110in the first direction D1and effectively prevents the first seat assembly110from moving passed the stopper assembly200to a position in which the first seat assembly110is disposed at least partially above the lever260and/or at least partially on a second, opposite side204of the stopper assembly200and/or the base210(e.g., the position shown inFIG.6).

However, movement of the first seat assembly110along the track assembly130in the first direction D1is not limited, restricted, and/or blocked by the stopper assembly200when the lever260is in the depressed position (see, e.g.,FIG.6). In other words, when the lever260is in the depressed position, the first seat assembly110is adjustable along the track assembly130in the first direction D1from a position on the first side202of the stopper assembly200and/or the base210(e.g., one or more of the positions shown inFIGS.3-5A) to a position that is at least partially on the second side204of the stopper assembly200and/or the base210(e.g., the position inFIG.6). The lever260can therefore be pivoted and/or rotated from the stopping position to the depressed position (e.g., by a user manually pressing down on the lever260), to enable the first seat assembly110to be moved along the track assembly130in the first direction D1passed the stopper assembly200.

As generally illustrated inFIGS.3,5A, and5B, movement of the second seat assembly110′ along the track assembly130in the second direction D2is not limited, restricted, and/or blocked by the stopper assembly200when the lever260is in the stopping position. When the second seat assembly110′ is disposed on the track assembly130in a first position in which the second seat assembly110′ is disposed on the second side204of the stopper assembly200and/or the base210thereof (see, e.g., one or more of the positions shown inFIGS.3,4A, and6) and the second seat assembly110′ is moved along the track assembly130in the second direction D2(e.g., generally toward the first seat assembly110in the X-direction), the support member116′ contacts and/or abuts the actuation surface264of the lever260. As the second seat assembly110′ continues to move in the second direction D2, the support member116′ slides along the actuation surface264of the lever260and pushes the lever260toward the base210(e.g., generally downward in the Z-direction), which pivots and/or rotates the lever260about the pin240against the biasing force of the biasing member242toward, and eventually to, the depressed position (see, e.g., the position shown inFIGS.5A and5B). The second seat assembly110′ can thus be adjusted and/or moved as close to the first seat assembly110as desired to increase the amount of available space behind the second seat assembly, such as to increase storage area and/or provide additional space to an occupant (e.g., of a third-row seat).

The disclosure includes, without limitation, the following embodiments:1. A stopper assembly for a seat track assembly, comprising: a base connectable to said seat track assembly; a lever having a first end and a second end, the second end pivotably connected to the base; and a spring applying a biasing force to the lever and biasing the lever into a stopping position in which the first end of the lever limits movement of a first seat assembly mounted on said seat track assembly in a first direction via contacting said first seat assembly; wherein the lever is pivotable to a depressed position in which the first end of the lever does not limit movement of said first seat assembly in the first direction.2. The stopper assembly of embodiment 1, wherein, when the lever is in the depressed position, said first seat assembly is adjustable along said seat track assembly from a first position on a first side of the base to a second position on a second, opposite side of the base.3. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lever is pivotable to the depressed position via a second seat assembly mounted on said seat track assembly.4. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lever is contacted by said second seat assembly and pivoted to the depressed position when said second seat assembly is moved along said seat track assembly in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, to a position at which said second seat assembly is disposed at least partially above the lever.5. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein: said first seat assembly is disposed on a first side of the base; and the lever is contacted by said second seat assembly and pivoted to the depressed position when said second seat assembly is moved along said seat track assembly in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, from a first position at which said second seat assembly is disposed on a second, opposite side of the base to a second position at which said second seat assembly is disposed at least partially above the lever and/or at least partially on the first side of the base.6. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a pin connecting the second end of the lever to the base.7. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the base includes a bottom and two walls projecting 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 any of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the spring is a torsion spring disposed on and wound around the pin; and the torsion spring includes a first spring leg contacting the lever and a second spring leg contacting the base.9. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein, when the lever is in the stopping position, the lever extends obliquely relative to a bottom of the base with the first end oriented toward said first seat assembly.10. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein an angle defined between the lever and the bottom of the base is smaller when the lever is in the depressed position than when the lever is in the stopping position.11. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first end of the lever is disposed closer to a bottom of the base when the lever is in the depressed position than when the lever is in the stopping position.12. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the lever has an actuation surface extending obliquely relative to a bottom of the base when the lever is in the stopping position; and the lever pivots to the depressed position when the actuation surface is contacted by a second seat assembly mounted on said seat track assembly moving in a second direction opposite the first direction.13. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lever includes a main body and a stop flange, the stop flange contacting a contact surface of said first seat assembly and limiting movement of said first seat assembly in the first direction.14. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop flange is disposed at the first end of the lever and projects transversely from the main body.15. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein, when the lever is in the stopping position, the stop flange is oriented in a complimentary manner to said contact surface of said first seat assembly such that the stop flange contacts said contact surface of said first seat assembly in a substantially flush manner.16. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a fastener engaging a recess of the base and a recess of said seat track assembly, the fastener connecting the base to said seat track assembly.17. The stopper assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, 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 any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base includes a mounting tab engaging an opening of said seat track assembly and connecting the base to said seat track assembly.19. A seat track assembly, according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising the stopper assembly of embodiment 1 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 track.20. The seat track assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the base includes: a bottom; two walls projecting from opposite sides of the bottom; a mounting tab projecting from the bottom and engaging an opening of the inner track; and a recess disposed in the bottom; the stopper 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 a recess of the inner track; and the fastener and the mounting tab connect the base to the inner track.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/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 the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments.” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in 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 examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, 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 examples/embodiments.

“One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first element and the second element are both element, but they are not the same element.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is 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 include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will 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 will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising.” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples.

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

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

All matter contained in the above description or 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 present disclosure.