Granted Patent B2

US 6,948,386 · App. 10/754,859 · Granted Sep 27, 2005

Abstract

Claims (27)

1. An over-travel protection device for placing in a load path between a load cell and an object being weighed, the device comprising:

a first member positioned to be in the load path, said first member including a circular top member with a radially inwardly crimped periphery;

a second member positioned to be in the load path and arranged to cooperate with the first member to transfer load force from the object to the load cell, the first and second members defining a space between one another and said second member including a retaining lip;

a compressible member disposed in said space between said first member and said second member; and

a retaining member adapted to limit separation displacement between said first and second members, said retaining member includes said retaining lip being captured by said inwardly crimped periphery.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said compressible member is made of rubber.

3. A seat assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

a seat rail;

a seat base;

a load cell positioned in a load path between said seat rail and said seat base; and

an over-travel protection device connected to said load cell and positioned in said load path and arranged to limit the displacement of said load cell to a predetermined amount, said over-travel protection device comprising:

a first member adapted for placing in the load path, said first member including a circular top member with a radially inwardly crimped periphery;

a second member adapted for placing in the load path, said second member including a retaining lip;

an elastic member disposed in a cavity defined between said first member and said second member; and

a retaining member adapted to limit separation displacement of said first and second members, said retaining member includes said retaining lip being captured by said inwardly crimped periphery.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said elastic member is made from a rubber material.

5. A seat assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising:

a seat rail;

a seat base;

a load cell having a predetermined range of displacement and positioned in a load path between said seat rail and said seat base; and

an over-travel protection device connected to said load cell and positioned in said load path, said over-travel protection device comprising:

a first member adapted for securing in the load path, said first member including a circular top member having a radially extending shoulder portion;

a second member connected to said first member and adapted for securing in the load path;

a retaining member for limiting separation displacement between said first and second members; and

a shunt body, said shunt body having an opening disposed therein for containing said circular top member and comprising a shunt ledge extending radially inwardly over said radially extending shoulder portion, wherein motion of said first member due to a load applied across the load path is limited by mechanically contacting said shunt body and said motion is limited to a distance less than or equal to said predetermined range of displacement, and wherein said first portion mechanically contacting said shunt body occurs between said radially extending shoulder portion and said shunt ledge.

6. The assembly of claim 5 further comprising a compressible member disposed between said first and second members.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said compressible member is made of a rubber material.

Assignments (20)