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:
Jan. 07, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 11, 2001
Stephen C. Bruck, Fraser, MI (US);
Tyrone Secord, Troy, MI (US);
BAE Industries, Inc., Centerline, MI (US);
Abstract
A latch assembly for a seat back including a lower support bracket and an upwardly extending arm. A latch gear, mounted to the arm at the hinged connection, includes a first plurality of teeth. First and second cams pivotally secure to the support bracket and are operable to rotate in opposite directions. A pawl is engageable by one or both of the cams and includes additional teeth arrayed in opposing fashion to those of the latch gear. The pawl has an extending end configuration defined by an upwardly/arcuately extending surface. A wedge block includes shoulder support surfaces, the pawl engaging a first surface upon being rotated between latched and disengaged positions. In response to an inertial load, the pawl shifts in a lateral direction to engage upon a second shoulder support surface, the plurality of teeth being forcibly interengaged against those of the latch gear.