Patent ID: 6827403
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
A latching-unlatching mechanism for accommodating lockable, selective, angular-position adjustment of a seat-back structure, which is mounted, effectively, on a seat-base frame structure for reciprocal rocking relative to such frame structure, throughout a defined angle of adjustment, and about a rock axis comprisinga rocker gear anchored for rocking motion as a unit with said seat-back structure about the rock axis, including a row-set arc of teeth radially centered on the rock axis, a latch element mounted on the seat base frame structure adjacent said rocker gear for rocking motion which is relative both to the seat-base frame structure, and to the seat-back structure, about an axis which is spaced from and generally parallel to the rock axis, said latch element including a row-set of teeth disposed in an arc having substantially the same radius of curvature as does the arc of teeth in said rocker gear, said two row-sets of teeth being disengageably meshable, meshing of said teeth locking said rocker gear, and thereby the seat-back structure, against rocking motion, and de-meshing of the teeth enabling such rocking motion, cam-follower structure formed on said latch element, and a person-manipulable rocker cam mounted on said seat-base frame structure for counter-rotation relative to said seat-base frame structure, rocker gear, and latch element, and about an axis which is spaced from, and generally parallel to, said two, earlier-mentioned axes, contactively inter-engaged with said cam-follower structure, manipulable to one position enabling disengagement of said two row-sets of teeth, and to another position involving cam driving of said latch element by said rocker cam wherein said row-sets of teeth are engaged.