Abstract:
An actuating device comprises a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing: a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged; a means for disengaging the brake mechanism; a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and, a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The actuating device of the invention is particularly suited for actuating a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/506,396, filed on Jul. 11, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to manual seat lift devices, particularly for use in vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a seat lift device having clutch and brake mechanisms for actuating a seat height adjusting device a motor vehicle seat assembly. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The seats in a motor vehicle, in particular the driver&#39;s seat, are typically provided with some device for adjusting the position thereof so as to ensure that the seat is at the desired height for the driver&#39;s visibility and at the desired spacing from the steering wheel and pedals. Many seats are also provided with other comfort settings that can also be adjusted. The adjusting devices can be either manual or powered by one or more motorized mechanisms. Motor vehicle seats are commonly formed with a frame, onto which the cushions and upholstery etc. are provided. Height adjustment devices are typically mounted to the frame so as to allow the entire seat assembly to be raised or lowered as needed. 
         [0004]    Various devices and mechanisms are known in the art for manually adjusting the height of seats in vehicles. Generally, such devices comprise a manual actuator, such as a spring activated lever, that is connected to a seat height adjustment mechanism provided in a seat assembly. Such actuators are generally provided with a clamping or braking mechanism, for locking the height adjustment mechanism so as to position the seat at a desired height. The occupant of the seat engages the actuator to release the clamp or brake, adjusts the seat to a desired height, and releases the actuator to clamp the seat in the desired position. It is also common for such manual actuating devices to include a clutch mechanism to facilitate the height adjustment process by preventing the weight of the passenger from acting against the actuator. Examples of known manual seat adjustment devices and actuators are provided in the following documents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,575 (Kawade); U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,965 (Hochmuth); U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,196 (Weber); and US 2007-0227854 (Cabrit). 
         [0005]    Some of the known manual seat height actuators or devices utilize a friction-based mechanism for achieving the required clamping forces. In such known devices, a number of balls, i.e. ball bearings (U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,965) or rollers (US 2007-0227854) are forced by springs into a space or channel bounded by two members. Once the balls are frictionally engaged into such channel, relative movement between the two members is prevented. 
         [0006]    The mechanisms used in many known devices for raising and lowering of seats tend to be clumsy, cumbersome and difficult to operate. The known devices are also generally expensive (due, for example, to the use of machined components) and are either large and/or heavy, which are undesirable characteristics when manufacturing vehicles having cost constraints, and space and weight restrictions. 
         [0007]    The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the drawbacks of the known seat height actuating devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In one aspect, the present invention provides a seat height adjusting device, which comprises a handle such as a lever or a rod etc., and a pinion gear or other such rotatable component that is adapted to engage a seat height adjustment mechanism of a seat assembly to raise or lower same. When the handle is in a neutral position, the device is maintained in a “brake” mode, wherein the pinion gear is not rotatable. In the brake mode, a brake mechanism of the device is engaged, and which prevents rotation of the pinion gear. The handle is adapted to be rotated in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions, preferably over a defined arc. Rotation of the handle actuates a clutch mechanism and disengages the brake mechanism. In turn, the rotation of the handle is translated to a rotation of the pinion gear. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the brake and clutch mechanisms utilize a number of ball bearings that are used to transfer rotational forces from the handle to other components so as to actuate the brake and clutch mechanisms. In one aspect, the ball bearings transfer such rotational forces by frictional contact between a rotating member, driven by the handle, to adjacent drums, such as a clutch drum and brake drum. The frictional contact is produced by wedging the ball bearings against the respective drums. In a preferred embodiment, the drums are provided with tapered or deformed portions to create the required wedges. 
         [0010]    Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides an actuating device comprising a rotatable handle and a rotatable driven member driven by the handle, wherein the device further comprises:
   a brake mechanism for preventing rotation of the driven member;   a means for disengaging the brake mechanism and for allowing rotation of the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and,   a clutch mechanism for preventing reverse rotation of the driven member while being rotated.   
 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the invention provides actuating device comprising a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing:
   a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged;   a means for disengaging the brake mechanism;   a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and,   a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.   
 
         [0019]    In another aspect, the brake mechanism of the actuating device comprises:
   a brake drum and a hub, the brake drum and hub being generally coaxially aligned and wherein the brake drum has a larger radius than the hub; and,   a plurality of brake rotating members positioned between the hub and the brake drum, the brake rotating members being in frictional contact with an outer surface of the hub and an inner surface of the brake drum.   
 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the clutch mechanism comprises:
   a driver drum and a clutch drum, the driver drum and clutch drum being generally coaxially aligned, and wherein the driver drum has a larger radius than the clutch drum; and,   a plurality of clutch rotating members positioned between the driver drum and the clutch drum, the clutch rotating members being in frictional contact with an inner surface of the driver drum and an outer surface of the clutch drum.   
 
         [0025]    In one aspect, the brake and clutch rotating members comprise ball bearings or rollers. In another aspect, the clutch rotating members are constrained within a cage. 
         [0026]    In one aspect, the handle includes a motion translating means for translating motion of the handle to the driver drum. In another aspect, the clutch drum includes a motion translation means for translating motion of the clutch drum to the brake drum. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a seat height actuating device according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective sectional view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates top and front views of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional elevation of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 , through the lines A-A of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional end view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 , through the lines B-B of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional top view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 , through the lines C-C of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the clutch mechanism of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional top view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 , through the lines D-D of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the brake mechanism of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional end view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 , through the lines E-E of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional end view of the actuating device of  FIG. 1 , through the lines F-F of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of a clamp or brake sub-assembly of the actuating device of the invention, comprising a brake drum, brake hub, brake springs and brake ball bearings according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of the brake drum of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the brake drum of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view a clutch sub-assembly of the actuating device of the invention, comprising a clutch carriage, clutch springs and clutch ball bearings according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the clutch drum of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of the clutch drum of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of a driver drum according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a driver drum according to an aspect of the invention, including handle plate rivets for engaging a handle plate. 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a handle plate according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a pinion gear according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of an inner plate cover according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of an outer cup according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of a sub-assembly comprising an outer cup and a driver drum, according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of a sub-assembly comprising an outer cup, a driver drum and a handle plate according to an aspect of the invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 26  is a cross sectional top view of another embodiment of the actuating device of the invention, illustrating another embodiment of the clutch mechanism. 
           [0054]      FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of the device of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 28  is a cross sectional top view of the actuating device according to another embodiment of the invention, and illustrating the clutch mechanism. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    This present invention relates to a manual seat lift height adjusting device that controls or actuates a height adjusting mechanism of a seat assembly (i.e. the frame, cushions, springs etc. that form a vehicle seat). One example of a height adjustment mechanism provided on a seat assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,575. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular height adjustment. The actuating mechanism of the present invention actuates the height adjustment mechanism of a seat assembly to raise or lower the seat assembly. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the springs, levers and other mechanisms that cause the raising or lowering of a seat are typically provided within the seat assembly and that such devices/mechanisms are known in the art. Thus, the device of the invention provides a means for actuating such height adjustment mechanisms of a seat assembly. Therefore, the terms “device” or “seat lift height adjustment mechanism” etc., as used herein with reference to the present invention, will be understood to mean the actuating means that connects to a further mechanism provided in a seat assembly. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a seat lift height adjusting device or mechanism  100 , according to one aspect of the invention, is illustrated in exploded view to show the various components making up the device as well as the assembly process for constructing same.  FIG. 2  shows a broken, isometric view of the assembled part of the seat lift mechanism while  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the complete assembly of the device according to an aspect of the invention. 
         [0058]    As shown for example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the device  100  of the invention generally comprises an outer cup  7  (also shown in  FIG. 23 ) to which are connected a handle plate  6  (or simply “handle”) and an inner plate cover  5 . The handle plate  6  is also shown in isolation in  FIG. 20 , which illustrates a mounting portion  22  and a handle portion  24 . The terms “outer” and “inner” as used herein with respect to the device as a whole will be understood to be in the context of the device when in use, that is, when mounted on a seat assembly. In such case, the term “inner” will be understood to refer to the portion of the device that faces, or is placed against the seat, while the term “outer” will be understood to refer to the portion of the device that is directed away from the seat. 
         [0059]    As shown in, for example  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the handle portion  24  of the handle plate  6  is preferably provided with a handle cover  4  or other such covering that can be engaged by a person sitting in the seat. As will be understood, the handle cover  4  may be designed for functional and/or aesthetic reasons. In terms of functional criteria, the handle cover  4  may be of a sufficient width and/or length for providing a comfortable and leveraged grip for the user, when turning the handle portion  24  of the handle plate  6 . The invention is not limited to any type of handle cover  4 . 
         [0060]    The device is provided with a number of bolts  12  that secure the device  100  to a seat assembly. More particularly, the bolts  12  serve to secure the device  100  to the frame portion of the seat assembly. In the illustration shown in the enclosed figures, three, generally equidistantly spaced bolts  12  are used; however, it will be understood that any number bolts may be used with the invention. Similarly, although bolts  12  may be preferred, it will be understood that any other connecting means may be used for the same purpose of connecting the device  100  to a seat assembly. 
         [0061]    A pinion gear  1  extends through the inner plate cover  5  and serves as the drive means that connects the device, or actuator,  100  of the invention to a seat height adjustment mechanism provided in the seat assembly. In general, and as discussed further below, rotation of the handle plate  6  results in rotation of the pinion gear  1 , which, in turn, actuates the height adjustment mechanism of the seat assembly. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the pinion gear  1  comprises a body portion  26  and a gear portion  28 . Although the gear portion  28  is shown with a plurality of teeth, which would engage a suitably shaped drive gear, it will be understood that any other orientation of the gear portion  28  can be used to provide the required rotational drive means. 
         [0062]    As described further below, the outer cup  7  serves as an enclosure for containing brake and clutch mechanisms to assist in controlling the motion of the pinion gear  1 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show, respectively, horizontal and vertical sectional views of the device  100  according to an embodiment of the invention, and illustrate how the embodiment of the device  100  is assembled. As shown, the pinion gear  1  is secured to the device  100  by a generally centrally provided bolt  20  (as explained below), which extends through a brake hub  2 , preferably through a pinion washer  13 , and the handle plate  6 . 
         [0064]    The pinion gear  1  is held in place with respect to a brake drum  19  by means of a slotted feature, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . That is, the brake drum  19  is provided with a slot  21  that is adapted to receive the body portion  26  of the pinion gear  1 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , having a corresponding shape. Due to the arrangement of the slot  21  and the corresponding shape of the body portion  26 , it will be understood that rotation of the pinion gear  1  is therefore tied to the rotation of the brake drum  19 , whereby relative rotation between the gear  1  and the brake drum  19  is prevented. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the pinion gear  1  includes a threaded opening  30  that is adapted to receive and engage the threaded end of the bolt  20 . Thus, the bolt  20 , when combined with the pinion gear  1 , serves to maintain the actuating device  100  in the assembled state. As will be understood, the mounting of the device  100  to a seat assembly, using bolts  12 , will also serve to keep the device in such assembled state. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the inner cover plate  5  and outer cup  7  may be secured together in other ways such as by welding or another set of bolts etc. In certain cases, such as where further weight or size reduction is needed, the welding of the cover plate  5  and outer cup  7  may be preferred. 
         [0065]    The seat height actuating device  100  is operated by the user moving the handle portion  24  of the handle plate  6 , which drives handle plate rivets  10  that are fastened to a driver drum  11 . The driver drum  11 , with and without handle plate rivets  10  is shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , respectively. As shown, the rivets  10  extend through rivet openings  32  provided on driver drum  11 . The handle plate rivets  10  are adapted to also extend through openings  34  provided in the mounting portion  22  of the handle plate  6 . As will be understood, with such arrangement, rotation of the handle plate  6  would cause rotation of the driver drum  11  due to the mutual engagement of the handle plate rivets  10 .  FIGS. 23 to 25  illustrate the cooperative engagement between the outer cup  7  and the handle plate  6 . As shown, the outer cup  7  encloses the driver drum  11  (as shown in  FIG. 1  for example), wherein the handle plate rivets  10  of the driver drum  11  extend through curved slots  36  provided in the outer cup  7 . In this arrangement, it will be understood that the driver drum  11  is able to be partially rotated within the outer cup  7 , with the extent of such rotation being limited by the length of the slots  36 . In other words, the curved slots  36  form tracks through which the rivets  10  are permitted to travel. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the openings  34  of the mounting portion  22  of the handle plate  6  receive the rivets  10 . The outer cup  7  is provided with bolt holes  38  that are adapted to receive the bolts  12 , which fasten the device  100  of the invention to a seat assembly, whereby, the outer cup is held stationary. Thus, as will be understood, with the arrangement shown, rotation of the handle plate  6  results in the rotational force being transferred to the rivets  10  and, subsequently to the driver drum  11 . Thus, both the handle plate  6  and the driver drum  11  are then able to be rotated about the outer cup  7 . The outer cup  7  is further preferably provided with a biasing means, such as a torsion spring  8 , having a first end  40  secured to the outer cup  7  (such as by engagement through a hole  41  provided on the outer cup  7 ) and a second end  42  that is inserted into a hole  43  provided on the handle plate  6  (see  FIG. 20 ). In this way, the biasing means serves to bias the handle plate  6  in one direction, wherein release of the handle forces the handle plate to resume a biased position. 
         [0066]    As shown for example in  FIGS. 1 ,  8  and  9 , the various components of the actuator  100  are combined in a generally coaxial manner, with sequential components being contained within each other. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  8  and  9 , moving from the outer diameter inwards, the device  100  comprise: the outer cup  7 ; the driver drum  11 ; a clutch drum  14 ; a brake drum  19  and a brake hub  2 . It will be understood that the sizes or diameters of each component will be chosen so as to allow such structural arrangement. 
         [0067]    A clutch sub-assembly according to an aspect of the invention is provided by including between the driver drum  11  and the clutch drum  14 , the assembly shown in  FIG. 15 . The assembly of  FIG. 15  comprises a clutch carriage  15  having a generally ring-like structure. Preferably, the clutch carriage  15  is formed of a plastic, mainly to achieve weight reduction. However, any other material may be used to form the clutch carriage. The clutch carriage  15  comprises a number of circumferential races  44 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the clutch carriage  15  is provided with three races  44  that are generally equidistantly spaced about the circumference of the carriage  15 . Each of the races  44  is fitted with a pair of clutch ball bearings  17  having a clutch spring  16  located there-between. The clutch springs  16  may comprise, for example, wound wire compression springs or urethane springs etc. In general, the clutch springs  16  serve to bias each of the ball bearings  17  of the respective pairs of ball bearings apart from each other, whereby each clutch ball bearing  17  of a given pair is urged against opposite edges of the respective race  44 . Thus, any material that achieves this goal would be suitable for use as the clutch springs  16 . Preferably, the carriage  15  is formed with a pair of walls,  45  and  46 , so as to form a groove that is sized to frictionally house the ball bearings. Similarly, the clutch spring  16  is sized to be under tension when assembled in the carriage  15  with the clutch ball bearings  17 . In such arrangement, the clutch springs  16  are also retained within the races  44 . As shown in the figures, the clutch carriage  15  is provided with separators  47  so as to separate adjacent races  44  and, therefore, adjacent pairs of clutch ball bearings  17 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the inner plate cover  5  is preferably provided with tabs  49 , which combine with the separators  47  to aid in such separation. The tabs  49  of the inner cover plate  5  also serve to positively locate the clutch carriage  15 . As discussed above, the inner cover plate  5  is secured to the seat assembly and is therefore rendered immovable. In the result, the table  49  of the inner cover plate  5  serve as immovable stops for the clutch ball bearings  17 . 
         [0068]    In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, three pairs of clutch ball bearings  17  are provided. In the result, three clutch springs  16  are provided between each pair and three separators  47  are provided to separate adjacent pairs of ball bearings  17 . It will be understood that the invention is not limited to this number of ball bearings and that any number of pairs of ball bearings  17  may be used. It will also be understood that the number of springs  16  and separators will be adjusted accordingly. For example, it may be preferred to incorporate six pairs of ball bearings  17  in order to provide a desired level of force. Such an embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , in view of the doubling of the number of pairs of clutch ball bearings  17 , a respective doubling in the number of clutch springs  16  and tabs  49  is also necessary. 
         [0069]    The clutch mechanism of the present invention will now be described with reference to the clutch sub-assembly discussed above. As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  18  and  19 , the driver drum  11  is provided with a number of inwardly deformed or indented sections  52 . As shown in FIG.  8 , when the clutch drum  14  is contained within driver drum  11 , the indented sections  52  form wedge profiles at each of the locations of the indented sections  52 . That is, the inwardly indented sections  52  result in a reduction in the radial separation between the generally coaxially arranged driver drum  11  and clutch drum  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , such wedges serve to frictionally engage or lock the clutch ball bearings  17 . As shown, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, an indented section  52  of the driver drum  11  is provided at the junction of adjacent pairs of clutch ball bearings  17 , opposite the separators  47  and tabs  49 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the indented sections  52  are preferably wider than the separators  47  of the clutch carriage  15  and the tabs  49  of the inner plate cover  5 . In this way, the clutch springs  16  separating respective pairs of clutch ball bearings  17  are further compressed. As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , this arrangement causes the clutch ball bearings  17  to be urged by the respective clutch springs  16  into the wedges formed between the indented sections  52  and the wall of the clutch drum  14 . In other words, the clutch springs  16  provide tension to ensure that the clutch ball bearings  17  are maintained in a wedged arrangement between the  11  driver drum and the  14  clutch drum. This arrangement produces a frictional engagement between the driver drum  11  and the clutch ball bearings  17 . For example, as can be seen, with a given pair of clutch ball bearings  17  (i.e. two ball bearings that are separated by a clutch spring  16 ), rotation of the driver drum  11  would result in movement of both of the ball bearings  17  of the given pair. In the result, a first of the ball bearings  17  would become disengaged from the wedge formed by one of the indentations  52  while the second ball bearing  17  would be further urged into the other of wedges, thereby becoming frictionally engaged therein. In such position, the second ball bearing  17  would frictionally engage the opposed walls of the driver drum  11  and the clutch drum  14 . Therefore, further rotation of the driver drum  11 , would result in rotation of the clutch drum  14  in the same direction due to the frictional force transferred through the second ball bearing. 
         [0070]    As discussed above, the driver drum  11  is driven by the handle of the handle plate  6 . As will be understood, once the handle is released, it is returned to its neutral position by means of the spring (i.e. torsion spring)  8 . 
         [0071]    A brake sub-assembly according to an aspect of the invention is provided by including between the brake drum  19  and the brake hub  2 , a number of spring biased brake ball bearings  18 . The ball bearings are biased apart with brake springs  3 . The arrangement of brake ball bearings  18  is shown in isolation in  FIG. 12 . As shown, the brake ball bearings  18  are provided in pairs within the brake drum  19 , with each of the pairs of ball bearings being separated by a brake spring  3 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the brake drum  19  is provided with slots or apertures  48 , preferably equidistantly arranged about the central axis of the drum  19 . The slots  48  are adapted to receive tabs  50  that are provided on clutch drum  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  8  and  9 , when brake drum  19  is provided within the clutch drum  14 , the tabs  50  extend through slots  48 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , adjacent pairs of brake ball bearings, once located in the brake drum  19 , are separated by one of the tabs  50 . The brake springs  3  urge the pairs of brake ball bearings against the tabs  50 . In one embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying figures, three pairs of brake ball bearings  18  are provided. In the result, three brake springs  3  are provided between each pair and three tabs  50  are similarly provided to separate adjacent pairs of ball bearings  18 . As discussed above with respect to the clutch mechanism, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the above mentioned number of ball bearings and that any number of pairs of brake ball bearings  18  may be used. It will also be understood that the number of springs  3  and tabs  50  will be adjusted accordingly. As illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , although the number of clutch ball bearings  17  is varied, the arrangement of the brake mechanism is not affected by such variation in the clutch mechanism. In a similar way, the number of brake ball bearings may be varied without necessarily affecting the arrangement of the clutch mechanism. It will be understood that, depending on the need, one or both of the clutch and brake mechanisms may be varied as discussed herein. 
         [0072]    The operation of brake mechanism of the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  12 - 14  and the above description of the brake sub-assembly. As shown, the brake drum  19  is provided with a number of indentations  54  that comprise inward depressions, similar to the indentations  52  provided on the driver drum  11 . As above, the indentations  54  form wedges with the hub  2 . As shown, one indentation is preferably provided for each pair of brake ball bearings  18 . The tabs  50  of the clutch drum  14  releases the brake ball bearings  18  from a “brake mode” or “brake position”. The brake springs  3  urge the brake ball bearings  18  into the wedges formed between the brake drum  19  and the hub  2 . As will be understood from the figures and the above description, due to the insertion of the tabs  50  of the clutch drum  14  into the slots  48  provided in the brake drum  19 , rotation of the clutch drum  14  results in rotation of the brake drum  19 . In addition, as mentioned above, rotation of the brake drum in turn causes rotation of the pinion gear  1  by virtue of the engagement of the body portion  26  of the pinion gear within the slot  21  of the brake drum  19 . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the brake hub  2  engages the brake ball bearings  18  due to the frictional engagement within the wedges formed between the walls of the brake hub  2  and the brake drum  19 . The brake hub  2  is preferably fixed in position with respect to the inner plate cover  5 . This is preferably achieved by providing the brake hub  2  with an engaging portion that engages the inner plate cover  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 22 , the brake hub is provided with a generally square shaped engaging portion  56  that is adapted to be inserted into a correspondingly shaped slot or aperture  58 . As will be understood, such an arrangement serves to prevent relative rotation between the brake hub  2  and the inner plate cover  5 . It will also be understood that the same result may be achieved with other shapes of the engaging portion  56  and corresponding slot  58 . 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 22 , the inner plate cover  5  is also provided with bolt holes  60  on the outer perimeter thereof. As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-4  and  7 , the bolt holes  60  of the cover  5  are aligned with the bolt holes  38  provided in on the outer cup  7  and are adapted to receive the bolts  12  there-through. Thus, as with the outer cup  7 , the inner plate cover  5  is also secured to the seat assembly and is immovable with respect to same. In view of the engagement between the inner cover plate  5  and the brake hub  2  as discussed above, it will therefore be understood that brake hub  2  is also maintained immovable with respect to the seat assembly and, therefore, the device  100  of the invention. In such arrangement, as the brake bearing balls  18  frictionally engage the brake hub  2  within the wedge formed between the brake hub  2  and the brake drum  19 , it will be understood that movement of the brake drum will be halted. 
         [0075]    As can be seen in for example  FIGS. 8 and 9 , rotation of the clutch drum  14  causes the tabs  50  of the clutch drum  14  to release the brake ball bearings  18  in the annular space between the brake hub  2  and the brake drum  19 . As mentioned above, the brake drum  19  includes a slot  21  (as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) which corresponds in shape to the body portion  26  of the pinion gear  1 . In such manner, rotation of the pinion gear  1  is tied to the rotation of the brake drum  19 . Further, as shown for example in  FIG. 12 , the brake hub  2  is provided with a generally central aperture  62  through which the body portion  26  of the pinion gear  1  is rotatably provided. Thus, as will be understood, the pinion gear  1  is therefore rotatable with respect to the brake hub  2  but no respective rotation between the pinion gear  1  and the brake drum  19  is possible. 
         [0076]      FIG. 9  illustrates the device  100  with the brake ball bearings  18  engaged in the wedge formed between the brake hub  2  and the brake drum  19 . In this “brake mode”, wherein the handle plate  6  is in its neutral position, relative rotation between the brake drum  19  and the brake hub  2  is prevented. Actuation or rotation of the handle plate  6  causes rotation of the clutch drum  14  (as discussed above). In the result, the tabs  50  of the clutch drum  14  are also rotated, which in turn displaces one of each of the pairs of ball bearings  18  from the wedge it is contained in and compresses the brake springs  3 . It will be understood from  FIG. 9  that the brake ball bearing  18  that is dislodged will depend on the direction in which the handle plate  6  is rotated. Dislodging of the ball bearings  18  allows the tabs  50  to rotate the brake drum  19  and, thereby rotation of the pinion gear  1 . As described above, the handle plate  6  is permitted to rotate only through the arc of the curved slots  36  provided in the outer cup  7  (within which the handle plate rivets  10  travel). Thus, when the handle plate  6  reaches the maximum rotation distance, further rotation is prevented, thereby stopping rotation of the pinion gear  1 . 
         [0077]    As will be understood from the above description of the device  100 , rotation of the handle plate  6  drives the following:
   rotation of the driver drum  11 , due to engagement of the handle plate  6  with the handle plate rivets  10 , which may also be referred to as “motion translation means”;   one of each of the pairs of clutch ball bearings  17  (dependent upon the direction in which the handle plate  6  is rotated), due to frictional engagement of the clutch ball bearings  17  with the driver drum  11 ;   the clutch drum  14 , due to frictional engagement of the clutch drum  14  with the clutch ball bearings  17 ;   one of each of the pairs of brake ball bearings  18  (dependent upon the direction in which the handle plate  6  is rotated), due to frictional engagement of the brake ball bearings and the clutch drum  14 ;   and the brake drum  19 , due to the engagement of the tabs  50  of the clutch drum  14  and the slots  48  of the brake drum  19 , wherein the tabs  50  may be referred to as “motion translation means”.   
 
         [0083]    In the result, it will be understood that the movement of the handle plate  6  causes the release of the brake mechanism of the device, to allow rotation of the pinion gear  1  in one direction, but also causes the clutch mechanism of the device to become engaged to prevent the pinion gear  1  from rotating in the opposite direction. 
         [0084]    Once the handle plate  6  reaches its maximum rotation distance, it can be released, which would allow the torsion spring  8  to return the handle plate  6  to its neutral position, wherein the device  100  re-enters the “brake” mode. 
         [0085]    In the above description, reference has been made to “ball bearings” for use in the clutch and brake mechanisms. However, it will be understood that this term is also intended to include other types of rollers or rolling members as known in the art. 
         [0086]      FIG. 28  illustrates another embodiment of the invention, wherein elements that are similar to those described above are identified with the same reference numerals but with the letter “a” added for clarity. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 28 , the actuating device  100 a is provided with rollers,  17   a  and  18   a,  instead of ball bearings. In one aspect, the rollers may be held in position using positioning pins extending axially through the rollers, and over which the rollers may rotate. It will be understood that such pins are optional and may not be needed in all cases. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 28  is also of a generally larger size than that shown in previous figures and, as such, includes additional rollers,  17   a  and  18   a.  In the result, as shown in  FIG. 28  and as will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the various indentations or contact points provided on the brake drum  19   a  and the driver drum  11   a  would be adjusted accordingly. 
         [0087]    The device described herein is particularly suited for connecting to and actuating any seat lift height adjusting mechanism provided on seat assembly. In particular, the present device is well suited for use in vehicles. However, as will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the use of the present device with vehicle seat height adjustment mechanisms is a preferred embodiment of the invention and that the present device may be used with any other mechanism that is actuated by a rotating member. 
         [0088]    In one aspect of the invention, the various components described herein are designed to be suitable for manufacturing by known stamping processes. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, such advantage results in reduced production costs for the device of the invention. The components of the invention that are particularly suited for manufacture by stamping methods include the handle plate  6 , the driver drum  11 , the clutch drum  14  and the brake drum  19 . However, it will be understood that other components of the invention may also be manufactured by known, low cost methods. 
         [0089]    Further, the device of the invention provides the required brake and clutch mechanisms as a relatively compact and low weight component, thereby overcoming the constraints of providing the device inside a vehicle environment. 
         [0090]    Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the purpose and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. Any examples provided herein are included solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Any drawings provided herein are solely for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the invention and are not intended to be drawn to scale or to limit the invention in any way. The disclosures of all prior art recited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.