Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having bottom and a pivotally secured back. A release mechanism is operably engaged to the back and includes an actuating handle extending from the bottom. A plate is secured to the back at a first location and pivotable along with the back about an axis defined at a second location, an arcuate exterior surface defined by the plate exhibiting a recessed detent. A floor release lever is secured to the bottom proximate the plate and is pivotally associated with the release mechanism by a cable extending to a floor latch mechanism associated with the vehicle. A male detent is pivotally secured to the seat bottom in inter-disposed fashion between the floor release lever and the plate.

Abstract: A recliner clutch mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having a seat bottom and an upwardly extending and pivotally movable seat back. A lock plate having first and second faces is secured in translating fashion between the seat bottom and seat back. A first actuating plate is located in proximity to the first face of the lock plate and urges the lock plate to engage against the seat back in a first position. A second actuating plate is located in proximity to the second face of the lock plate and causing the lock plate to disengage from the seat back in a second release position. A spring engages the seat back in a forward rotating direction. A release handle and lever assembly is in operative communication with a secondary spring and, upon actuation, releases the engaging force exerted by the first plate, concurrent with influencing the second actuating plate against the lock plate in the second release position.

Abstract: A latch assembly for maintaining a seat back in upright position responsive to inertial loads. Support plates include hinged upwardly extending arms defining a seat back. A latch gear includes a first plurality of exteriorly arrayed teeth. A first cam operates a second pivotal cam so that, upon rotation, the second cam rotates in an opposite direction to move into and out of contact with a pawl. The pawl is pivotally and translatably secured to the support plates and includes additional teeth arrayed opposite to the latch gear teeth and an extending end with an upwardly/arcuate shape. A wedge block defines first and second shoulder supports. In operation, the pawl engages the first support surface of the block. In response to inertial loads, the pawl shifts radially to be engaged upon the second support surface, the pawl teeth being forcibly interengaged with the latch gear teeth.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a seat back to a seat bottom forming a part of a recliner mechanism. The seat back includes a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. The seat bottom includes a pivotally engaged and extending arm having a first side and a second side and to which the seat back is engaged. The fastener assembly includes a substantially cup shaped spacer having an inner annular rim defining an open interior. A multi-sided nut is provided having an enlarged and substantially annular shaped end portion integrally formed therewith. A polygonal recess is defined through the lower seatback arm and matches an exterior configuration of the nut to permit insertion of the nut through the recess and so that the enlarged annular portion abuts against the first side of the arm and the nut extending beyond the second side and through the inner annular rim defined in the spacer.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a seat back including a lower support bracket and an upwardly extending arm. A latch gear, mounted to the arm at the hinged connection, includes a first plurality of teeth. First and second cams pivotally secure to the support bracket and are operable to rotate in opposite directions. A pawl is engageable by one or both of the cams and includes additional teeth arrayed in opposing fashion to those of the latch gear. The pawl has an extending end configuration defined by an upwardly/arcuately extending surface. A wedge block includes shoulder support surfaces, the pawl engaging a first surface upon being rotated between latched and disengaged positions. In response to an inertial load, the pawl shifts in a lateral direction to engage upon a second shoulder support surface, the plurality of teeth being forcibly interengaged against those of the latch gear.