Chairs and seats – Movable back – Tiltable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-10-02
Nelson, Jr., Milton (Department: 3624)
Chairs and seats
Movable back
Tiltable
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296311
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to hinge mechanisms for controlling the pivotal movement of a seatback relative to a seat bottom and, more particularly, to a seat with a hinge having a constant engagement reclining mechanism.
2. Discussion
Numerous hinge mechanisms are generally known in the art for selectively adjusting the angular position of a seatback relative to a seat bottom. Many of these mechanisms include latches that are selectively movable by the operator from a first position fixing the angular position of the seatback relative to the seat bottom to a second position wherein the seatback is adjustable relative to the seat bottom. Some of these latch mechanisms include constant engagement and/or infinite recline position features wherein the latching assembly prevents undesirable movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom. Such latching mechanisms may also be operable in reclining modes where actuation of a handle in a first direction pivots the seatback in a corresponding direction while actuation of the handle in a second direction pivots the seatback in an opposite direction.
While the aforementioned constant engagement infinite recliners generally operate in a satisfactory manner to achieve their intended results, the need remains for a constant engagement infinite recliner that can be efficiently manufactured, is durable, and provides long-lasting performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a hinge assembly for use in a vehicle seat wherein the hinge assembly includes a constant engagement infinite recliner.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a constant engagement infinite recliner assembly that prevents unexpected and/or undesirable movement of a second hinge member relative to a first hinge member.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a constant engagement infinite recliner assembly having a locking assembly that allows rotation of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member in a first direction while preventing such rotation in a second direction.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a constant engagement infinite recliner assembly having the above features that can be efficiently manufactured, is durable, and provides long-lasting performance.
These and other objects are obtained by providing a hinge assembly for use with a seat having a seat back and a seat bottom. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge member adapted to be connected to one of the seat back and the seat bottom and having a cylindrical bearing surface that defines a cavity. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member adapted to be connected to the other of the seat back and seat bottom as well as to the first hinge member for rotation relative thereof. Finally, the hinge assembly includes a reclining mechanism including a hub fixed for rotation with the second hinge member, a locking assembly, a handle, a drum, and a spring. The locking assembly is operable in a neutral mode to prevent rotation of the hub relative to the first hinge member, a first adjusting mode to allow rotation of the hub relative to the first hinge member in a first direction while preventing rotation of the hub relative to the first hinge member opposite the first direction, and a second adjusting mode allowing rotation of the hub relative to the first member in a second direction while preventing rotation of the hub relative to the first hinge member in the first direction. The handle is coupled to the first hinge member for movement between a neutral position, a recline actuated position, and an upright actuated position. The drum is rotatable relative to the first and second hinge members and operatively coupled to the handle and the locking assembly to move the locking assembly into the first adjusting mode when the handle is moved into its recline actuated position and into the second adjusting mode when the handle is moved into the upright position. The spring biases the handle into its neutral position.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood however that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
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Bonk Jeffery T.
Coughlin Craig J.
Fisher Dynamics Corporation
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Jr. Milton Nelson
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