Joints and connections – With adjunctive protector – broken parts retainer – repair,... – Releasably captive nut or bolt
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-30
2001-09-25
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
With adjunctive protector, broken parts retainer, repair,...
Releasably captive nut or bolt
C074S089100, C074S459500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293723
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a jack extension tube for use on power seat adjuster mechanisms for vehicles and, in particular, to a jack extension tube having low-noise operational characteristics and a low-torque internal stop-release and which can be mounted to an existing link in the seat adjuster mechanism by a fastener such as a rivet.
2. Description of Related Art Jack extension tubes are used in power seat adjuster mechanisms for vehicles to operably connect a vehicle seat track or seat back to a powering mechanism to move the seat or any component thereof in a desired direction via a link member. By varying the length of the tube, jack extension tubes allow a particular seat adjuster mechanism to be used with seats on different vehicle models. Further, the tubular construction allows cost savings and weight savings over a solid machined rod. Two known prior art jack extension tubes are shown in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,312,198 and 5,536,100 issued May 17, 1994 and July 16, 1996, respectively. Typically, the link member is mounted to the extension tube by a fastener such as a shoulder bolt with an attached nut, a pin, a rivet and the like.
However, because these extension tubes are often manufactured solely from steel or other metal components, some prior jack extension tubes have been known to make excessive amounts of noise during operation—more than is aesthetically pleasing while adjusting the seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Further, prior extension tubes are often subject to “chucking”—looseness between components of the jack extension tube which contributes to unacceptable noise and vibration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to a jack extension tube for vehicles comprising an elongated tube having a first section with an open end and a second section spaced from the first section. A threaded nut is mounted in the first section and a mounting flange is provided in the second section which is adapted to receive a fastener. A jack screw is received in the first section open end and is threadably received in the threaded nut. The jack screw can include an exposed end defining a gear and an opposite end configured so that the jack screw is retained in the threaded nut and cannot be fully unscrewed from the threaded nut.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to the tube having a first flange extending inwardly adjacent an inner end of the threaded nut and a second flange extending inwardly adjacent an outer end of the threaded nut whereby the threaded nut is securely retained within the elongated tube between the first and second flanges.
In another embodiment, the threads on the threaded nut are preferably involute shaped threads.
In an additional embodiment, the threaded nut is preferably formed of a rigid synthetic resin material.
In a further embodiment, a stop is preferably provided on one of the jack screw inner end and the threaded nut inner end wherein the stop comprises a shoulder on the jack screw inner end and at least one ring received on the jack screw between the jack screw inner end and the threaded nut inner end in abutment with the shoulder whereby the at least one ring is prevented from being removed axially from the jack screw inner end by the shoulder. The stop thereby prevents the threads on the jack screw from being separated from the threads on the threaded nut during rotation of the jack screw relative to the threaded nut.
The first flange can comprise a circumferential flange. The first flange can be integrally formed with the tube. The first and second flanges are preferably formed closely adjacent ends of the threaded nut whereby the first and second flanges prevent movement of the threaded nut within the elongated tube. The second flange is preferably formed at the first section open end. The second flange can be integrally formed with the first section open end.
The threaded nut can be formed of a rigid synthetic resin material which can be reinforced with fibers and formed of a reinforced nylon material. The nut and its associated threads can be injection molded. The threads on the threaded nut can be involute shaped threads. The threads on the threaded nut and the threads on the jack screw can form a gap therebetween. The threads on the threaded nut can have an arcuate surface in abutment with the threads on the jack screw whereas the threads on the jack screw can have a standard helical thread. The threaded nut and the elongated tube can be rectangular in cross section. The threaded nut has chamfered portions adjacent each end in abutment with the first and second flanges of the tube.
The stop can comprise a first ring received on the jack screw in abutment with the jack screw inner end and a second ring received on the jack screw inwardly of the first ring. The first ring and the second ring can be made from different materials. At least one of the first ring and the second ring is preferably formed from a synthetic resin material. At least one of the first ring and the second ring can be made from a self-lubricating synthetic resin material. At least one of the first ring and the second ring is preferably made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethlyene, polypropylene, and nylon. At least one of the first ring and the second ring is preferably formed from the same material as the screw.
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Browne Lynne H.
Cottingham John R.
Rader, Fishman, Grauer & McGarry
Ran Enterprises, Inc.
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