Patent ID: 6789849
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
A fold-flat seat recliner mechanism for a seat having a seat, a seat-back and a frame, comprising:an arm attachable at one end to the seat-back, and pivotably attachable at an opposite second end to the frame to permit pivoting of the seat-back relative to the frame; a stop pin mountable on the frame; a pawl having a pivot end pivotably attachable to the frame and a gripping end, said pawl movable between a locked position in which said gripping end engages said second end of said arm to prevent said arm from pivoting, and a released position in which said gripping end is free from said second end of said arm, thereby permitting said arm to pivot; and a locking member having a pivot end pivotably attachable to the frame, said locking member pivotable between a rotated position and a relaxed position, and associated with said pawl such that said pawl is in said locked position when said locking member is in said rotated position and said pawl is in said released position when said locking member is in said relaxed position, said locking member including a flange projecting from said pivot end and wherein said flange engages said stop pin mountable on the frame to limit the pivoting of said locking member, wherein said locking member includes a bearing end, and said gripping end of said pawl defines a lower edge having a support surface, said bearing end engaging said support surface when said locking member pivots to said rotated position to position said pawl in said locked position, wherein said locking member is pivotable away from said pawl to permit said pawl to pivot to said released position by force of gravity.