Patent ID: 7086697
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
1. A recliner mechanism for a seat assembly of an automotive vehicle for allowing pivotal adjustment of a seat back relative to a seat cushion, said recliner mechanism comprising: a seat back bracket adapted to be fixedly secured to the seat back and having a sector of teeth; a seat cushion bracket adapted to be fixedly secured to the seat cushion, said seat cushion bracket pivotally assembled to said seat back bracket for movement of said seat back bracket relative to said seat cushion bracket between a plurality of seating positions, said seat cushion bracket having spaced apart guide walls defining a channel therebetween; and a pawl having a rack of teeth lockably engagable with said sector of teeth, said pawl slidably engaged within said channel for movement between a locked position with said rack of teeth lockably engaged with said sector of teeth to maintain the angular position of the seat back bracket relative to the seat cushion bracket and an unlocked position with said rack of teeth disengaged from said sector of teeth to allow pivotal movement of said seat back bracket relative to said seat cushion bracket between said plurality of seating positions, said pawl including a first cam edge having a raised profile slidably engagable with a portion of said seat back bracket for maintaining said pawl in said unlocked position during movement of said seat back bracket between said plurality of seating positions.