The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 18, 1987
Filed:
Jul. 01, 1985
Robert L Bell, Oxford, MI (US);
Tyrone R Secord, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Fisher Dynamics Corporation, St. Clair Shores, MI (US);
Abstract
A recliner mechanism particularly adapted for motor vehicle seats is described. In accordance with this invention, the adjusted position of the seat back is controlled by using a recliner mechanism which includes a coil spring clutch which is selectively tightened or loosened around an actuator clutch drum surface to fix the reclined position or to permit it to be varied. The upper recliner structure has a toothed quadrant surface which meshes with a recliner gear which communicates preferably through an intermediate gear to the rotating actuator clutch drum. A lever is employed to cause relative rotation between a pair of actuator cam plates which are connected to extending ends of a coil clutch spring. Movement of the actuator lever selectively causes the coil clutch spring to tighten or loosen around the actuator clutch drum. In accordance with another feature of this invention, a redundant positioning pawl is provided which prevents unrestrained motion of the upper recliner structure in the event of a failure or improper operation of the coil spring clutch actuator.