Patent ID: 9022478
Filing Date: 2015-05-05
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
1. A recliner mechanism for releasably securing a seat back with respect to a seat cushion comprising: an upper gear plate adapted to be affixed to the seat back, the upper gear plate defining gear teeth; a lower gear plate secured to a seat bottom, the lower gear plate defining gear teeth that cooperate with the gear teeth of the upper gear plate; at least one wedge that is mounted in relation to the upper gear plate; a ring disposed radially inward from the at least one wedge and providing a support surface for the at least one wedge; a clutch spring that is located within a central bore of the lower gear plate, the clutch spring having two driving legs projecting radially inwardly and axially, by which the at least one wedge is engaged; a first bushing disposed within the central bore between the lower gear plate and the clutch spring so that an outside surface of the clutch spring can frictionally engage the first bushing; a second bushing disposed between the at least one wedge and the clutch spring; a wedge spring having support legs projecting generally perpendicularly therefrom, the support legs engaging the at least one wedge and biasing the at least one wedge so that the at least one wedge may engage an inner surface of the second bushing; and a driver extending through the lower gear plate, the first bushing, the clutch spring, the wedge spring, the second bushing, and the upper gear plate, the driver engaging at least one driving leg of the clutch spring so that, depending on a direction of driver rotation, the at least one wedge exerts gripping forces between the ring and the inside of the second bushing.