Seat recliner with memory dump mechanism

Abstract

A seat recliner having a linear recliner mechanism and a memory dump mechanism. The linear recliner mechanism includes a housing fixed to the seat bottom and a recliner rod supported for selective movement relative to the housing. The memory dump mechanism includes a second housing secured to the seatback and which is supported on the recliner rod for movement between a memory position and a free position relative to the recliner rod. A latch assembly is provided for releasably latching the second housing to the recliner rod in the memory position. When the second housing is secured in the memory position, the linear recliner mechanism can be selectively actuated to adjust the reclined position of the seatback between upright and fully-reclined positions. When the latch assembly is actuated, the second housing can be slid toward the free position in response to movement of the seatback toward its dumped position. Optionally, the latch assembly can also function to latch the second housing to the recliner rod in the free position for latching the seatback in its dumped position. Subsequent return of the seatback from its dumped position causes the second housing to again be secured in the memory position so as to locate and retain the seatback in its previously reclined position.