Linear recliner assembly with threaded linear drive rod and rotatably engaged gear stop
US8226167B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18696
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.