Abstract: A drive member including a motor with a longitudinal axis and with at an actuating end a gear mechanism. A support member carries a displacement rod that is movably mounted on the support member. The motor is with its actuating end connected to the support member. The gear mechanism includes a hinge member allowing pivoting of the displacement rod about a pivot axis that is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis. The gear mechanism engages with the displacement rod and the support member is hingingly attached to a fixation bracket in a hinge connection that is hingeable about an axis which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis. The drive member can be used for the adjustment of the backrest of a rear seat in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underframe with an improved structure. The underframe includes an underframe body, an operating handle, a reclining pull rope and a gas spring pull rope, a cushion back-and-forth moving mechanism being installed on the outer side of the underframe body, the operating handle being installed through a left outer wall of the underframe body at a lower end of the cushion back-and-forth moving mechanism, a backrest installed on a rear end of the underframe body through a backrest connecting rod; and a reclining elastic adjusting mechanism is arranged at a front end of an inner wall of the underframe body, a backrest angle adjusting mechanism is arranged at the inner wall of the underframe body on a right side of the reclining elastic adjusting mechanism, a cushion height adjusting mechanism is fixedly connected in the underframe body.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a compartment of a vehicle interior is provided. The latch assembly comprises a frame, a first pawl member, a second pawl member, a lever member, and a resilient member. The frame has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The frame is fixed to a cover of the compartment. The first pawl member is slidingly disposed in the first portion of the frame. The second pawl member is slidingly disposed in the second portion of the frame. The lever member has a first and a second pivot pin and a center hub. The center hub is rotatably supported by the third portion of the frame. The first pivot pin is disposed in the first pivot slot of the first pawl member. The second pivot pin is disposed in the second pivot slot of the second pawl member.

Abstract: When a first memory member rotates relative to a second rotating member to a predetermined relative rotation position at which a second memory member sliding on a sliding surface is capable of entering an engagement slot, the slide-trailing end of the second memory member, which leaves the sliding surface last, is a corner having no round shape. Further, the boundary between the sliding surface and the engagement slot is also a corner having no round shape.

Abstract: An inertia locking system for a seat of a vehicle includes a base member that is fixed to a seat structure and a Double D shaped shaft that rotates with a cam to allow the seat back to be adjusted. A movable inertia locking bracket has an opening including a circular portion and a slot portion. The Double D shaped shaft is disposed in the opening of the inertia locking bracket and includes flat opposite surfaces that prevent rotation of the Double D shaped shaft relative to the inertia bracket when the Double D shaped shaft is disposed in the slot portion of the opening. Acceleration causes the inertia locking bracket to slide forward such that the Double D shaped shaft is disposed in the elongate slot portion to prevent rotation of the Double D shaped shaft and prevent release of the seat back mechanism.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism including an anti-back drive device for releasably securing a seat back with respect to a seat cushion is provided. The mechanism may include an upper gear plate affixed to the seat back and a lower gear plate secured to a seat bottom. Wedges may be mounted in relation to the upper gear plate. A clutch spring may be located within the lower gear plate and a split bushing may be disposed between the clutch spring and the lower gear plate. A split leaf bushing may be disposed between the wedges and the clutch spring. A wedge spring may engage the wedges biasing them against the split leaf bushing. Upon rotation of a driver, the clutch spring and the one or more wedges are arcuately displaced and lock the seat back in position.

Abstract: A reclining seat for a vehicle includes a seat and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat. The reclining seat also includes an actuator for adjusting the inclination of the seat back relative to the seat. The actuator includes a lockable reclining mechanism, a motor for selectively unlocking the reclining mechanism and permitting manual adjustment of the inclination of the seat back, and an actuator switch electrically coupled to the motor for selectively energizing the motor.

Abstract: A reclining device includes an operating shaft that is inserted through the reclining device in its axial direction to be mounted, and is adapted to release the reclining device from a locked position, and a torsion spring mounted between an outer end portion of the operating shaft which protrudes from the reclining device outward in a width direction of the seat, and a frame portion that is located outside the reclining device in the seat width direction. The operating shaft is constantly biased by the torsion spring in a rotational direction for locking the reclining device. The torsion spring is mounted onto the outer end portion of the operating shaft in the axial direction from an outer side of the seat, and has an inner end portion which is engaged with the operating shaft, and an outer end portion which is engaged with the frame portion.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: A seat recliner comprises an inner toothed plate (2) having an inner ring gear (21), an outer toothed plate (3) having an outer ring gear, an eccentric wheel (4) and a wedge-shaped block (6). A shaft shoulder (22) is provided in the center of the inner toothed plate (2), and an axis central hole (32) is provided in the center of the outer toothed plate (3). The outer ring gear engages with the inner ring gear (21), and a radially eccentric area is formed between the shaft shoulder (22) and the axis central hole (32). The eccentric wheel (4) is disposed in the radially eccentric area, and appears entirely in the shape of an eccentric ring, and a planetary gear transmission mechanism with small difference between the number of teeth is constituted by the eccentric wheel (4), the inner toothed plate (2) and the outer toothed plate (3). The eccentric wheel (4) in the large-diameter segment of the radially eccentric area forms a clearance fit with the shaft shoulder (22) and the axis central hole (32).

Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle seat (1) has a mount (22), a drive (24) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be pivoted about a first axis (A), an output (25) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be rotated about a second axis (B), and a transmission. The transmission transmits a driving pivot movement of the drive (24), which moves the drive (24) from an initial position into a deflected position, to the output (25) and causes a rotating movement of the output (25). At least one rolling body (26) is provided as the transmission. The rolling body (26), in the initial position and during the driving pivot movement of the drive (24), is in friction contact both with the drive (24) and simultaneously with the output (25) and rolls along same, and releases during the pivot movement back into the initial position.

Abstract: A fitting system (5) for a vehicle seat (1) includes a first fitting (10), a second fitting (50), a first transmission element (7) acting between the two fittings (10, 50), a free-pivoting device (54) assigned to the second fitting (50), a first operating element for adjusting the inclination, with the actuation thereof the two fittings (10, 50) being unlocked by using the first transmission element (7), and a second operating element for free pivoting. With the actuation of the second operating element, the first fitting (10) and the free-pivoting device (54) are unlocked. A second transmission element (80) is arranged between the two fittings (10, 50) and mounted on the fittings (10, 50), and which—independently of the first transmission element (7)—acts between the free-pivoting device (54) and the first fitting (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinged fitting for vehicle seats, having a fixed fitting part and a pivotable fitting part which are pivotably connected to each other about a swivel axis (2). The swivel movement of the pivotable component can be blocked in a stepless manner by a blocking device. A first blocking element (4) is connected in a nonrotatable manner to the fixed fitting part, and a second blocking element (5) is connected in a nonrotatable manner to the pivotable fitting part. Thereby the blocking elements which are positioned opposite each other coaxially to the swivel axis (2) can be coupled and decoupled to and from each other in a nonrotatable manner by means of an actuating unit.

Abstract: A linear latch interconnecting a pivotally adjustable seatback with a frame location of a vehicle interior. A bracket supported housing pivotally secures to a surface of the frame. An elongated member is supported in linearly displaceable fashion to the bracket and exhibits a plurality of spaced apart apertures. A forward extending end of the member connects to the seatback. A coil spring influences seats over the elongated member and biases the same in a first lineal direction away from the housing. A pair of pins are anchored to an inner support member within the housing and which is biased in a first lateral direction to cause the pins to seat through aligning apertures in the elongated member. A cable retracting mechanism displaces the inner support member in a second opposite direction, causing the pins to outwardly displace from the elongated member and to permit adjustment relative to the housing in order to define a range of seatback motion between upright design and rear recline positions.

Abstract: A multi-section angle adjusting structure for a chair back contains a supporting member axially connected to a base and axially inserted to a sliding groove through a shaft to slide in the sliding groove so that the chair back fixed to the supporting member is adjusted to a desired angle relative to the base. The shaft includes a slidable bar fitted thereon to be connected to a slot of the base. Another end of the slot pushes a toothed block biased against by a first spring which contacts with a stop plate so that the toothed block abuts against an end portion of the slidable bar. The slot includes a positioning structure mounted therein, and the positioning structure includes a toothed seat guided by a guiding line to engage with the toothed block.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat assembly, a backrest assembly, a support assembly, and an actuating mechanism. The seat assembly includes a leg unit and a seat plate mounted to the leg unit. The backrest assembly includes a backrest plate and an engaging frame interconnecting pivotally the backrest plate and the seat assembly. The support assembly includes at least one telescopic rod interconnecting the engaging frame and the leg unit. The actuating mechanism includes at least one actuating member corresponding in position to the telescopic rod, and a drawing unit coupled to the actuating member and operable for driving the actuating member to actuate length adjustment of the telescopic rod so as to adjust inclination of the backrest assembly relative to the seat assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a connecting apparatus for rotatably connecting a first and second object member of a vehicular seat relative to each other having a first and second connecting member and a holding member. The first and second connecting member are integrated in a direction of matching disks thereof to be able to rotate relative to each other. The first connecting member is integrally attached to the first object member. The second connecting member is integrally attached to the second object member. The holding member straddles outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second connecting member to hold the connecting members in a plate thickness direction. The holding member is provided with an opening portion. The first connecting member is provided with a protruding portion. The protruding portion extends through the opening portion in a radial direction, and the protruding portion is attached to the first object member.

Abstract: An adjustment fitting, in particular for a vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part and a second fitting part that can be rotationally adjusted relative to the first fitting part about an axis of rotation. An external gear, which has internal teeth and into which an internal gear that is associated with the second fitting part and has external teeth is inserted eccentrically to the axis of rotation like an eccentric gear, is associated with the first fitting part. The internal gear forms an eccentric receiving space towards the axis of rotation. The adjustment fitting further comprises an eccentric member that is rotatably inserted into the eccentric receiving space, and a drive shaft for driving the eccentric member. The external gear is designed as a ring gear that has a bottom and an external wall which axially extends beyond the internal teeth and embraces the external teeth of the internal gear by means of a radially inward-oriented collar.

Abstract: A seat driving apparatus includes: a gear transmission mechanism, preventing a backlash by means of the wedge member applied with a biasing force of a biasing member and transmitting a torque; an actuator, operating a seatback of a seat; and a control unit, controlling driving of the actuator. The control unit includes a seat operation mode in which the actuator is driven to operate the seatback at a predetermined speed and a creep mode in which the actuator is driven at a slower speed than a speed in the seat operation mode. The actuator is driven in the creep mode until a load for releasing the holding of the gear transmission mechanism is applied to the wedge member and subsequently the actuator is driven in the seat operation mode when the seatback is operated in an opposite direction from the previous operational direction thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a pivotally connected seat back. The seat body is configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that inhibits the seat back from actuating the easy entry function. The seat body is further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that allows the seat back to actuate the easy entry function. The first actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the first angular range. A second actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the second angular range. The seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.

Abstract: The object is to provide a reclining device for a seat such as an automotive seat including a differential transmission mechanism (Taumel mechanism) which makes it possible to eliminate precision machining of the inner surface of an external gear into which a slide bearing is pressed, in which the freedom of design of the reclining device is not restricted by the standards of a bearing bush, and which can be manufactured at a low cost. The reclining device includes a differential transmission mechanism for adjusting the opening angle of a hinge through which the seating portion and the backrest portion of the seat are coupled together. The differential transmission mechanism includes an internal gear and an external gear having a slightly smaller number of teeth than the internal gear and meshing with the internal gear. An arcuate gap is defined between a shaft hole of the external gear and a small-diameter portion of a cam integral with a shaft of the internal gear.

Abstract: In the case of a transmission device (5) for a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, with at least one hub (7, 27, 27?, 27?) and a shaft (10) which interact in a form-fitting manner in order to transmit a torque, wherein the shaft (10) has a profile with m teeth (12) and the hub (7, 27, 27?, 27?) has a profile with a central opening with n receptacles (15, 15?), and wherein each receptacle (15, 15?) is designed for interaction with a tooth (12), the hub (7, 27, 27?, 27?) has n=2m receptacles (15, 15?) or n=2m?1 receptacles (15, 15?).

Abstract: A seating unit has a base pivotably coupled to a back by a reclining mechanism, which has a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the base side members. The arms are coupled to a rearward transverse member that swings forward and compresses a cylinder actuator as the user reclines the back. The opposed end of the actuator is coupled to a forward transverse member, which is in turn coupled between the base side members. The actuator has a release valve that is operated by pulling a manual lever of a release mechanism. The release mechanism frees the cylinder actuator from a rigid position thereby allowing the user to force the back rearward or allowing the predisposed extension force of the cylinder to return the reclining back to the fully upright position. Discontinuing the release mechanism will cause the actuator to arrest the back in a reclined position.

Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle includes first, second, and third gear mechanisms, each gear mechanism including a first frame having an internal gear and a second frame having an external gear engaging with the internal gear, the number of teeth of the external gear being fewer than the internal gear, wherein the first gear mechanism is provided at one side of a vehicle seat, and the second and third gear mechanisms are provided at the other side, a shaft connecting the first gear mechanism with the second and third gear mechanisms, and an electric motor rotating the shaft to shift an engagement position between the internal gear and the external gear for tilting the seatback relative to the seat cushion, wherein the electric motor is disposed at one of the first frame and the second frame of the first gear mechanism provided at the one side.

Abstract: A reclining actuator for moving a seat back relative to a seat bottom includes a mounting plate and a crank supported on the mounting plate for movement relative thereto. A rod is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the crank and the second end is adapted to engage a seat back. A driver is provided for moving the crank relative to the mounting plate. A seat assembly includes a seat having a seat back and a seat bottom. The seat back is moveable relative to the seat bottom. A crank is connected to a driver for movement. A rod is connected between the crank and the seat back such that movement of the rod causes movement of the seat back.

Abstract: A rotary adjustment mechanism is provided. The rotary adjustment mechanism has a first member, a second member, a first gear, a second gear, a locking gear, a spring, and a release. The first gear is rotationally attached to the first member. The second member is pivotally attached to the first member. The second gear is rotationally attached to the second member. The locking gear is moveable from a first position coupling the first gear with the second gear to a second position decoupling the first gear with the second gear. The spring biases the locking gear towards the first position. The release is coupled to the locking gear and selectively moves the locking gear to the second position.

Abstract: A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.

Abstract: In a seat reclining device, reclining mechanisms that are respectively provided on right and left sides of a seat are constructed such that locking and unlocking motion thereof can be performed in synchronism with each other via a connection member. A connection structure of the connection member and a operation shaft is constructed as a transmission preventing mechanism for preventing transmission of the unlocking motion between the reclining mechanisms when a load is laterally disproportionately applied to the seat back in which the reclining mechanisms are in a locking condition such that a relatively different rotational displacement that permits to release the locking condition is generated between the reclining mechanisms that are arranged in rotationally synchronism with each other.

Abstract: A cross member assembly for adjusting a reclinable vehicle seat includes a joint. The joint permits the cross member assembly to deflect during a vehicle impact if the reclinable vehicle seat is occupied.

Abstract: A press-back style reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat fixed to the frame, the seat being generally horizontally disposed; a generally upright backrest positioned above the rear portion of the seat; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects the frame and the backrest and controls the movement of the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position, in which the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is more reclined relative to the underlying surface than in the upright position. The reclining mechanism includes an actuating unit that enables the backrest to move to and remain in any partially reclined position between the upright and fully reclined positions.

Abstract: A gear stage (14) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, has a driving shaft (16) and a driven shaft (18). The gear stage (14) reduces the rotational speed of the driving shaft (16) to a lower rotational speed of the driven shaft (18). The gear stage (14) comprises at least one row (24) of transmission balls upon which tangentially lie at least one, and in particular two driving surfaces (22) of the driving shaft (16), at least one driven surface (26) of the driven shaft (18) and at least one housing surface (28) of a housing (32).

Abstract: A seat reclining mechanism for a power wheelchair implements an actuator and a plurality of linkages mechanistically connected to the seat portion, back portion, arm rests and footrests of the wheelchair to recline the back portion and shift the seat in harmony with the center-of-gravity position of the wheelchair it attached to synchronously. So that a user can be free from the risk of falling during operation of the seat reclining mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linking assembly between a mechanical system, such as an aircraft seat, and an adjustment actuator, comprising an input shaft connected to an output of the actuator and an output shaft connected to an input of the mechanical system, and engagement/disengagement members placed between the input shaft and the output shaft, the members being mobile between a locked position, wherein the input shaft and the output shaft cooperate in rotation, and an unlocked position, position-copying means being mounted solidly attached to the actuator, the copying means having an input shaft, a position-copying rod being fixed between the output shaft and the input shaft of the copying means.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking the position of a moving part of a seat such as a seat on an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a screw and nut assembly with a clamping element. The clamping element allows movement of the moving part of the seat when the clamping element is released and holds the moving part of the seat in position when engaged.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a pair of left and right seatback side frames comprising a seatback frame. The seatback frame is connected to the rear end of a seat portion frame via a reclining mechanism. The vehicle seat is further provided with a torsion bar that is an elastic body between the reclining mechanism and the seatback frame. When the seatback frame displaces and falls forward relative to the seat portion frame, the torsion bar deforms and resists the displacement of the seatback frame. The torsion bar is arranged at the upper region of the seat occupant's pelvis.

Abstract: A structure to adjust a seat back includes a seat base, a seat back, an adjusting device and a linking rod. The seat back comprises a seat back support pivotally connected to the seat base. The adjusting device includes a worm, a worm wheel and a bracket. The bracket is secured to the seat base opposite the seat back. The worm is pivotally connected to the bracket. The worm wheel is pivotally connected to the bracket and meshes with the worm. The linking rod has one end pivotally connected to the seat back support and another end connected to the worm wheel. By operating the worm, the worm wheel is linked to spin, which links the linking rod to move to adjust the seat back.

Abstract: A locking device in an office chair structure of the type with articulation permitting the movement of the adjustable seat and seat back, with a mobile base from which a column rises, which is adjustable in height, and which supports a seat plane and a hinged seat back. The structure of the office chair includes a seat, attached at the front to the corresponding front side of a central support body secured to the top of the adjustable column along the vertical axis; a central support body, which, at the back, keeps in place the lower ends of the two support uprights of the armrests and a seat back connected to the seat, swinging and linked, near to the back part, to the central support body by means of a compression spring; Coaxially to the compression spring, there is a rod, one side of which is integral with the back rest, while the other side is axially mobile with respect to a static connecting body linked to the central support body of the chair.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for an aircraft comprising: a passenger seat having a seat frame and a seat back; a recline control device for selectively reclining the seat back; and a seat recline control override for disabling the recline control device. In the preferred embodiment, the passenger seat includes a seat leg supporting the seat. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat recline control override comprises: an override lever for overriding the recline control; an actuator for remotely moving the override lever; and a linkage connecting the override lever to the actuator.

Abstract: A side plate according to the invention includes a main body, a first cup-shaped feature formed of the main body, and a second cup-shaped feature formed of the first cup-shaped feature, wherein the second cup-shaped feature has a diameter smaller than the first cup-shaped feature and is oriented in the direction opposite the first cup-shaped feature. The first and second cup-shaped features form a frustum-conical segment extending generally outward from the main body. The frustum-conical segment includes a plurality of threads located about a length of a hole formed therethrough. A contact surface is disposed about the hole.

Abstract: A motorcycle backrest adjusting system includes a motorcycle that has a seat and a pair of support bars that extend rearward from the seat. A pair of lower brackets is provided and each of the lower brackets is attached to one of the support bars. A pair of upper brackets is provided and each of the upper brackets is moveably coupled to one of the lower brackets. Each of a pair of guide tracks is attached to and extends along one of the upper brackets. A drive apparatus selectively moves the upper brackets with respect to the lower brackets. A control is operationally coupled to the drive apparatus. A backrest is mounted to the upper brackets and faces toward a pair of handlebars of the motorcycle. The backrest is selectively moved toward or away from the seat.

Abstract: A linear seat recliner for use in a motor vehicle having a seat with a seat back pivotally connected to a seat bottom. The seat is operable in a plurality of use positions ranging from an upright position to a fully reclined position. The linear seat recliner includes a housing adapted to be coupled to one of the seat back and the seat bottom, a latching mechanism coupled to the housing, and a recliner rod. The recliner rod includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a substantially planar top flat diametrically opposed and parallel to a substantially planar bottom flat. The top flat includes a plurality of teeth positioned at the first end of the body. The first end of the recliner rod is selectively engageable by the latching mechanism and the second end of the recliner rod is adapted to be coupled to the other of the seat back and the seat bottom.

Abstract: A modular seat for a jeep includes a base frame, a recliner assembly and a backrest. The base frame has a front member, a rear member and two side members. The front member has a hole in it or a mounting bracket that is attached to it. The recliner assembly is mechanically coupled to one of the two side members of the base frame. The backrest is mechanically coupled to the recliner assembly so that the backrest is able to recline relative to the base frame. A lever assembly is either disposed in the hole in the front member or coupled to the bracket. A cable mechanically couples the lever assembly to the recliner assembly so that the modular jeep seat can be installed on either the driver's side or the passenger's side of a jeep.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention is to reduce a backlash at the time of locking of a seat back and to reduce clearance in the thrust direction of a worm so as to prevent generation of an abnormal noise with a simple structure suitable for mass production. Substantially cone-shaped recesses 15 and 16 are provided respectively on both end faces of the worm 4 pivotably attached on a seat cushion, and inside end faces of a pair of holders 13 and 14 to support these two end portions, and at the same time balls 17 are rotatably housed respectively in a pair of spaces formed in the recesses 15 and 16 facing each other to form a pair of bearings 11 and 12 which rotatably support the worm 4. A press means composed of a coil spring 25 and the like which presses the worm 4 to the worm wheel 5 is provided in a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A linear recliner for a vehicle seat assembly providing selectively lockable pivotal adjustment of a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion between a plurality of reclined seating positions. A housing is fixedly secured to the seat cushion. The housing includes a bore extending between front and rear ends of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing adjacent and open to a portion of the bore. A rod extends between one end pivotally coupled to the seat back and an opposite end slidably carried within the bore of the housing for axial displacement of the rod within the bore during pivotal movement of the seat back. The rod includes a rack of teeth extending towards the chamber. A pawl lockably engagable with the rack of teeth in the rod for preventing axial displacement of the rod within the bore is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement in and out of the locking engagement with the rack of teeth in the rod.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanisms suited for vehicle seats, and particularly mechanisms that include a memory feature. The inventive adjustment system is of the type that provides a method of selecting a preferred seat position, releasing the adjustment mechanism for free movement of the seat, and automatically arresting the adjustment mechanism, securing the seat at the selected position. In the case of some prior art seat adjustment mechanisms, using the recline adjustment control to dump the seat does not allow the passenger to automatically return the seat back to the selected position. Other prior art seat adjustment mechanism separate the recline adjustment and the dump controls but rely upon relatively bulky stamped metal components to capture and latch the seat after dumping.

Abstract: A linear recliner for a vehicle seat assembly providing selectively lockable pivotal adjustment of a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion between a plurality of reclined seating positions. A housing is fixedly secured to the seat cushion. The housing includes a bore extending between front and rear ends of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing adjacent and open to a portion of the bore. A rod extends between one end pivotally coupled to the seat back and an opposite end slidably carried within the bore of the housing for axial displacement of the rod within the bore during pivotal movement of the seat back. The rod includes a rack of teeth extending towards the chamber. A pawl lockably engagable with the rack of teeth in the rod for preventing axial displacement of the rod within the bore is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement in and out of the locking engagement with the rack of teeth in the rod.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the angular position of a seat back member (18) relative to a seat cushion member (12) having an anchor shaft (34) supported by a bracket (36) that is attached to the seat cushion member (12) and supports a pawl plate (32) transmitting forces thereto from a rod (24) when in a latched position. The anchor shaft (34) extends through the slot (42) to prevent longitudinal movement of the pawl plate (32) while allowing the pawl plate (32) to rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the rod (24). A pair of guide plates (44) guide the pawl plate (32) to move in an arc transversely into and out of engagement with the rod (24) between the latched and unlatched positions. An actuator pin (56) extends laterally from the pawl plate (32) and a lever (58) is supported on an axle (60), which is supported for rotation by the housing (38).

Abstract: A side plate for operatively connecting a recliner assembly to a frame structure has an integrally formed boss including frustum conical wall segment, a wall segment connecting the upper edge of the frustum conical wall segment, and a collar extending inwardly from the wall segment. A method of manufacturing the side plate having an integrally formed boss includes providing a continuous sheet of predetermined width, drawing a portion of the sheet into a first cup-shaped feature, reducing the diameter of the first cup-shaped feature, drawing a portion of the first cup-shaped feature into a second cup-shaped feature, reducing the diameter of the second cup-shaped feature, reverse drawing the first cup-shaped feature in the direction opposite the prior drawing step of the first cup-shaped feature, and forming a hole through the second cup-shaped feature.

Abstract: A recliner assembly allows adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion between a plurality of reclined seating positions and further allows the seat back to move from a seating position to a fowardly folded-flat position and back to the original seating position. The recliner assembly comprises a seat back bracket rotatably assembled to a seat cushion bracket. The seat back bracket is fixedly attached to the seat back. The cushion bracket is fixedly attached to the seat cushion. The recliner assembly further includes a disc recliner having an outer disc rotatably assembled to and releasably lockingly engaged with an inner disc. The inner disc is fixedly attached to the seat cushion bracket. A shaft rotatably journalized to the outer and inner discs is moveable from an unreleased position to a released position, whereby the outer disc is released from locking engagement with the inner disc. A latch link having first and second ends is pivotally mounted at its first end to the outer disc.