Abstract: A recliner mechanism is disclosed for rotating an automobile vehicle seat with respect to the automobile floor. The recliner mechanism comprises a first plate member that is constrained from rotating relative to the vehicle floor and a second plate member that is selectively lockable with said first plate member. The second plate member is rotatable relative to the vehicle floor when it is unlocked from the first plate member and the seat is attached to the second plate member to rotate with the second plate member. An actuator handle is pivotally connected to the second plate member so as to rotate with the second plate member and the vehicle seat. The actuator member actuates an arrangement of linkages to lock and unlock the second plate member relative to the first plate member. Since the actuator handle is connected to the rotating second plate member, the handle will rotate with the seat and second plate member and thus be easily accessible even at the new seat position.

Abstract: A dual sided recliner assembly which minimizes interference and wear of the teeth of the engaging parts while providing a compact and enclosed construction for longer service life. The backrest of the seat is secured between opposed moving plates, each one including a recessed area having two arcuate slots and an arcuate rack along one of the edges within the recessed area. The width of the opening provided in one of the slots is uniform whereas the width of the opening within the other slot is irregular such that a portion of its length is wider than the other portion. The moving plate is rotatably supported on a stationary plate and a coil power spring biases the moving plate toward a fully reclined forward position. The stationary plate also includes a recessed area which is opposed to the recessed area in the moving plate when the plates are assembled. A pawl is contained between the recesses of the plates for movement therein.

Abstract: A powered hinge for adjusting the position of inclination of a vehicle's seatbacks has a planetary gear train in which are fixed to the vehicle a pair of bifurcated internal gears between which is coaxially supported for relative bidirectional rotation a driven internal gear attached to the seatback and driven by the second of a pair of compounded external gears, the first of which is bifurcated axially and disposed on either side of the second to form a satellite which is driven eccentrically with rolling, planetary motion within the fixed pair of internal gears by means of an eccentric cam rotated bidirectionally by, e.g., a shaft driven by an electric motor. The gearing, in which the number of teeth in corresponding external and internal gear pairs differs by only about one tooth, permits extremely large gear train values to be achieved within a very compact package and the use of relatively low-torque electric motors.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is constrained for adjustable movement in two degrees of freedom, viz., tilting and longitudinal sliding by an apparatus which includes three longitudinally-extending, laterally-parallel tracks in the outer two of which are retained a pair of followers attached to the bottom edge of the seat for guiding the seat longitudinally and for tilting it vertically thereabout. A carrier slides along the center track and is lockable in a plurality of longitudinal positions. A tilt-adjustment-arm is pivotally attached to the carrier at one end and has a second end pivotally attached to the seat generally rearward of the front edge and is lockable in a plurality of tilt positions relative to the carrier to permit the seat to be locked in one of a plurality of independent tilt positions.