Dura Automotive Systems, Gmbh

Jerry W Foster

Dorin Morgos

Mark L Gleason

A latch mechanism, particularly for securing a pivoting member of a motor vehicle seat with respect to a fixed member is disclosed, comprising a sector rotatable about a sector pivot point and having a front wall. A release lever is rotatable about a release lever pivot point between a locked position and an easy entry position. A latch is rotatable about a latch pivot point and has a front face and a rear catch. When the release lever is in the locked position the release lever holds the latch so that the front face contacts the front wall at a contact angle of about 15 to 22 degrees. The contact angle is formed between a first line defined by the front wall and a second line perpendicular to a line between a contact point between the front face and the front wall. As the release lever rotates toward the easy entry position the release lever contacts the rear catch, urging the latch to rotate out of engagement with the sector. This permits the release lever and the latch to move with respect to the sector. The pivoting member can comprise a seat back assembly and the fixed member can comprise a seat base assembly.

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Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

Jerry W Foster