Claims:We Claim:

1. A reclining mechanism (100), comprising:
a bracket (101) defined with an aperture (102) and a protrusion (103) extending outwardly along a periphery of the bracket (101);
a shaft (104), received by the aperture (102);
a housing (105) defined with a plurality of recesses (107), wherein the housing (105) is supported by the shaft (104) within the bracket (101);
a plurality of pins (106), at least one pin of the plurality of pins (106) is positioned within each of the plurality of recesses (107), wherein each of the plurality of pins (106) is configured to operate between an abutting position and non-abutting position, relative to the bracket (101);
a plurality of spacers (108), each positioned between at least two adjacent pins of the plurality of pins (106), wherein the plurality of spacers (108) are configured to displace between a first position and a second position; and
a cam (109) movably supported on the shaft (104) and coupled to each of the plurality of spacers (108), the cam (109) is configured to rotate based on operation of the shaft (104) to relatively displace the plurality of spacers (108) between the first position and the second position;
wherein, displacement of the plurality of spacers (108) between the first position and the second position operates each of the plurality of pins (106) between the abutting position and the non-abutting position to lock and release the bracket (101), respectively.
2. The reclining mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a lever coupled to an end of the shaft (104), the lever is actuated to operate the shaft (104) for rotating the cam (109), to relatively operate the plurality of spacers (108) to displace between the first position and the second position and the plurality of pins (106) between the abutting position and the non-abutting position.
3. The reclining mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of resilient members (112), each coupled to at least one of the plurality of pins (106), wherein each of the plurality of resilient members (112) is configured to operate a corresponding pin of the plurality of pins (106) from the abutting position to the non-abutting position, relative to displacement of the plurality of spacers (108) from the second position to the first position.
4. The reclining mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of resilient members (112) is a spring.
5. The reclining mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of spacers (108) comprises a guide pin (111) and the cam (109) is defined with a plurality of guideways (110) to accommodate the guide pin (111).
6. The reclining mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the guide pin (111) traverses in the guideway (110) corresponding to rotation of the cam (109) for displacing the plurality of spacers (108) between the first position and the second position relative to rotation of the cam (109).
7. The reclining mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the abutting position of the plurality of pins (106) correspond to the plurality of pins (106) engaging with the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101) for locking the reclining mechanism (100) and the non-abutting position of the of the plurality of pins (106) correspond to the plurality of pins (106) disengaging from the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101) for unlocking the reclining mechanism (100).
8. A seat assembly (200), comprising:
a seat bottom (201);
a seat back (202) movably coupled to the seat bottom (201);
a reclining mechanism (100) disposed proximate to a junction of the seat bottom (201) and the seat back (202) and operable to selectively allow adjustment of the seat back (202) relative to the seat bottom (201), the reclining mechanism (100) comprising:
a bracket (101) defined with an aperture (102) and a protrusion (103) extending outwardly along a periphery of the bracket (101);
an operating shaft (104), received by the aperture (102);
a housing (105) defined with a plurality of recesses (107), wherein the housing (105) is supported by the shaft (104) within the bracket (101);
a plurality of pins (106), at least one pin of the plurality of pins (106) is positioned within each of the plurality of recesses (107), wherein each of the plurality of pins (106) is configured to operate between an abutting position and non-abutting position, relative to the bracket (101);
a plurality of spacers (108), each positioned between at least two adjacent pins of the plurality of pins (106), wherein the plurality of spacers (108) are configured to displace between a first position and a second position; and
a cam (109) movably supported on the shaft (104) and coupled to each of the plurality of spacers (108),
a lever coupled to an end of the shaft (104), the lever is actuated to operate the shaft (104) for rotating the cam (109), to relatively operate the plurality of spacers (108) to displace between the first position and the second position and the plurality of pins (106) between the abutting position and the non-abutting position.

9. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprises a plurality of resilient members (112), each coupled to at least one of the plurality of pins (106), wherein the each of the plurality of resilient members (112) is configured to operate a corresponding pin of the plurality of pins (106) from the abutting position to the non-abutting position, relative to displacement of the plurality of spacers (108) from the second position to the first position.
10. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of spacers (108) comprises a guide pin (111) and the cam (109) is defined with a plurality of guideways (110) to accommodate the guide pin (111).
11. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the guide pin (111) traverses in the guideway (110) corresponding to rotation of the cam (109) for displacing the plurality of spacers (108) between the first position and the second position relative to rotation of the cam (109).
12. The seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the abutting position of the plurality of pins (106) correspond to the plurality of pins (106) engaging with the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101) for locking the reclining mechanism (100) and the non-abutting position of the of the plurality of pins (106) correspond to the plurality of pins (106) disengaging from the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101) for unlocking the reclining mechanism (100).
13. A vehicle comprising a seat assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8.

Dated this 04th day of March, 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; Rule 13]

TITLE: “A RECLINING MECHANISM”

Name and Address of the Applicant:

TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: IN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a reclining mechanism. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a seat assembly equipped with the reclining mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Generally, vehicles such as passenger and commercial vehicles are equipped with seat structures. Seat structures in vehicles comprises a base portion, a backrest portion, and optionally a head rest portion. In order to cater necessary comfort to an occupant, the base portion, the backrest portion, and head rest portion are provided with cushioning such as foam, fiber glass, cotton, and the like. The cushioning provides a soft feel to the occupant seated on the seat structure, thus providing comfortable commuting experience. Further, the seat structures are equipped with reclining mechanism to alter angular position of the backrest portion in relation to the base portion, aiding the occupant to seat at convenient positions.

Conventional reclining mechanism includes a gear and a cam assembly, which is operated by a lever, which is in turn actuated by the occupant either manually or with aid of a power actuator. During operation (i.e., to change angular position of the backrest portion), actuating a lever results in disengagement of the cam with the gears. This allows to adjust the angular position of the backrest portion of the seat structure. Upon adjusting the angular position of the backrest portion, the lever is released to its original position, which results in engagement of the cam with the gears for locking the backrest portion at desired angular portion. However, due to pitch and clearance in the gears, the cam may not securely lock with the gear, leading to partial locking. Additionally, such mechanism pose a limitation in the range of adjusting the angular position of the backrest portion, which is undesired.

With advancements in the technology, continuous type and knob operated reclining mechanism has evolved. In such a mechanism, torque is applied by the occupant to operate the knob for changing angular position of the backrest portion. However, due to space constraints inside the compartment of the vehicle, it would be difficult to integrate knob type reclining mechanism. Further, effort required by the occupant to operate the knob is more, causing inconvenient to the occupant.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY

One or more shortcomings of the conventional reclining mechanisms are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a reclining mechanism is disclosed. The reclining mechanism includes a bracket defined with an aperture and a protrusion extending outwardly along a periphery of the bracket, and a shaft received by the aperture. Further, the mechanism includes a housing defined with a plurality of recesses and is supported by the shaft within the bracket. Furthermore, the mechanism includes a plurality of pins, where at least one pin of the plurality of pins is positioned within each of the plurality of recesses. Each of the plurality of pins is configured to operate between an abutting position and non-abutting position, relative to the bracket. The mechanism further includes a plurality of spacers, each positioned between at least two adjacent pins of the plurality of pins. The plurality of spacers are configured to displace between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the mechanism includes a cam movably supported on the shaft and coupled to each of the plurality of spacers. The cam is configured to rotate based on operation of the shaft to relatively displace the plurality of spacers between the first position and the second position. The displacement of plurality of spacers between the first position and the second position operates each of the plurality of pins between the abutting position and the non-abutting position to lock and release the bracket, respectively.

In an embodiment, the mechanism includes a lever coupled to an end of the shaft. The lever is actuated to operate the shaft for rotating the cam, to relatively displace the plurality of spacers to displace between the first position and the second position and operate the plurality of pins between the abutting position and the non-abutting position.

In an embodiment, the mechanism includes a plurality of resilient members. Each of the plurality of resilient members are coupled to at least one pin of the plurality of pins. Further, each of the plurality of resilient members is configured to operate a corresponding pin of the plurality of pins from the abutting position to the non-abutting position, relative to displacement of the plurality of spacers from the second position to the first position.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of resilient members is a spring.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spacers includes a guide pin and the cam is defined with a plurality of guideways to accommodate the guide pin extending from each of the plurality of spacers.

In an embodiment, the guide pin traverses in the guideway corresponding to rotation of the cam for displacing the plurality of spacers between the first position and the second position relative to rotation of the cam.

In an embodiment, the abutting position of the plurality of pins correspond to the plurality of pins engaging with the protrusion of the bracket for locking the reclining mechanism and the non-abutting position of the of the plurality of pins correspond to the plurality of pins disengaging from the protrusion of the bracket for unlocking the reclining mechanism.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a seat assembly is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back rotateably coupled to the seat bottom. Further, the seat assembly includes a reclining mechanism disposed proximate to a junction of the seat bottom and the seat back and operable to selectively allow adjustment of the seatback relative to said seat bottom. The reclining mechanism includes a bracket defined with an aperture and a protrusion extending outwardly along a periphery of the bracket, and a shaft supported by the aperture. Further, the mechanism includes a housing defined with a plurality of recesses and is supported by the shaft within the bracket. Furthermore, the mechanism includes a plurality of pins, where at least one pin of the plurality of pins is positioned within each of the plurality of recesses. Each of the plurality of pins is configured to operate between an abutting position and non-abutting position, relative to the bracket. The mechanism further includes a plurality of spacers, each positioned between at least two adjacent pins of the plurality of pins. The plurality of spacers are configured to displace between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the mechanism includes a cam movably supported on the shaft and coupled to each of the plurality of spacers. The cam is configured to rotate based on operation of the shaft to relatively displace the plurality of spacers between the first position and the second position. The displacement of plurality of spacers between the first position and the second position operates each of the plurality of pins between the abutting position and the non-abutting position to lock and release the bracket, respectively.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of reclining mechanism and seat assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a reclining mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the reclining mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a seat assembly employed with a reclining mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures. 4a and 4b illustrates an exploded view of portion ‘A’ and assembled view of portion ‘A’ of Figure. 3, respectively.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and assemblies illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

Embodiments of the disclosure discloses a reclining mechanism for a seat assembly. Generally, the seat assembly includes a seating portion, a backrest portion, and optionally a head rest portion. To cater convenient seating experience to an occupant during commute, seat assemblies have been equipped with a reclining mechanism. Reclining mechanism aids in adjusting angular position of the backrest portion relative to the seating portion. Conventional reclining mechanism include a gear and cam assembly, where the cam engages with the gear to lock the backrest at desired position. To change the angular position, the reclining mechanism (i.e., a lever of the reclining mechanism) is operated such that, the cam disengages from the gear, providing flexibility to adjust the angular position of the backrest. Upon adjusting the backrest to desired angular position, the lever may be released, as a result of which the cam engages with the gears and, thus locks the backrest at the desired position. However, as the gears include pitch and clearance, cam may not securely engage with the gears, resulting in partial locking. Additionally, such reclining mechanism cater a small range of angular adjustment of the backrest, which may not provide complete comfort to the passenger.

The reclining mechanism of the present disclosure includes a bracket defined with an aperture and a protrusion extending outwardly along a periphery of the bracket. The aperture may be configured to support a shaft. Further, the mechanism may include a housing, which may be defined with a plurality of recesses. The housing may be supported by the shaft within the bracket. Furthermore, the mechanism may include a plurality of pins, where at least one pin of the plurality pins may be positioned within each of the plurality of recesses. Each of the plurality of pins are configured to operate between an abutting position and a non-abutting position. The mechanism may further include a plurality of spacers, each positioned between at least two adjacent pins of the plurality of pins. The plurality of spacers may be configured to displace between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the mechanism may include a cam, rotateably supported on the shaft and coupled to each of the plurality of spacers. The cam may be configured to rotate based on operation of shaft, to relatively displace the plurality of spacers between the first position and the second position. Such displacement of the plurality of spacers, may operate each of the plurality of pins between the abutting position and non-abutting position to lock and release the bracket, respectively. Locking the bracket aids in securing the backrest of the seat at desired angular position and releasing the bracket aids in adjusting the backrest portion to desired angular positions.

The reclining mechanism of the present disclosure is a continuous type lever operated mechanism, providing wide range of adjusting angular position of the seat back. Further, the reclining mechanism is compact and require less mounting space. Additionally, the configuration of the reclining mechanism requires less effort from the occupant for actuating the reclining mechanism to adjust the angular position of the seat back.

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figures. 1 and 2, illustrates exploded view and perspective view of a reclining mechanism (100), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure. 1, the reclining mechanism (100) [ alternatively referred as mechanism] may include a bracket (101) defined with an aperture (102) at a substantially central portion. The aperture (102) may be configured to support a portion of a shaft (104). Further, the bracket (101) may be defined with a protrusion (103) extending outwardly along a periphery, and thus forming a bowl-shaped structure. Further, the mechanism (100) may include a housing (105), which may be supported by the shaft (104) within the bracket (101), such that the housing (105) may be concentrically positioned within the bracket (101). In an embodiment, the housing (105) may be defined with an aperture (102) at a substantially central portion and the aperture (102) may be configured to receive the shaft (104), such that the housing (105) may be concentrically positioned within the bracket (101). Further, the housing (105) may be defined with a plurality of recesses (107). The plurality of recesses (107) may be defined along a periphery of one of the major surface of the housing (105).

In an embodiment, the shaft (104) may include a plurality of stepped portions to support different components of the reclining mechanism (100).

As apparent from Figure. 1, the mechanism (100) may include a plurality of pins (106), where at least one pin of the plurality of pins (106) may be positioned within each of the plurality of recesses (107). Each of the plurality of pins (106) may include but not limiting to a substantially cylindrical configuration and may be configured to operate between an abutting position and a non-abutting position, relative to the bracket (101) [thus, the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101)]. Further, the mechanism (100) may include a plurality of resilient members (112), which may be coupled to each of the plurality of pins (106). Each of the plurality of resilient members (112) may be configured to store energy, while the plurality of pins (106) are positioned at the abutting position and facilitate in operating the plurality of pins (106) from the abutting portion to the non-abutting portion, when required. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pins (106) may be defined with a cavity at one end. The cavity may be configured to receive one end of the corresponding resilient member of the plurality of resilient members (112) and other end of the corresponding resilient member may be connected to a wall of the corresponding recess, such that the resilient member may be sandwiched between an end of the pin and the wall of the recess.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of resilient members (112) may be but not limiting to a spring.

Referring further to Figures. 1 and 2, the mechanism (100) may include a plurality of spacers (108). Each of the plurality of spacers (108) may be positioned between at least two adjacent pins (106) of the plurality of pins (106). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spacers (108) are positioned contacting a front face of the corresponding at least two adjacent pins (106). The plurality of spacers (108) may be configured to displace between a first position and a second position. In an embodiment, the plurality of spacers (108) may include a taper profile, such that during displacement of the spacer (108) from the first position to the second position, the diverged portion of the spacer (108) contact and retracts from the corresponding pins, thus operating the plurality of pins (106) between the abutting position and the non-abutting position, respectively. The mechanism (100) may further include a cam (109), which may be rotateably supported by the shaft (104) and coupled to each of the plurality of spacers (108). The cam (109) may be configured to rotate based on rotation of the shaft (104). In an embodiment, rotation of the cam (109) may result in the plurality of spacers (108) to displace between the first position and the second position, thus operating the plurality of pins (106) between the abutting position and the non-abutting position to lock and release the bracket (101), respectively.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spacers (108) may include a guide pin (111) and the cam (109) may be defined with a plurality of guideways (110). Each of the plurality of guideways (110) may be configured to accommodate at least one guide pin (111) of the corresponding spacer, thus coupling the cam (109) and the plurality of spacers (108). During rotation of the cam (109) [i.e., corresponding to rotation of the shaft (104), which in turn is operated by a lever connected to an end of the shaft (104)], the guide pin (111) of the plurality of plurality of spacers (108) may traverse within the guide ways, causing the plurality of spacers (108) to displace between the first position to the second position. Such displacement of the plurality of spacers (108), may operate the plurality of pins (106) between abutting position and the non-abutting position to the lock and release the bracket (101), respectively.

In an embodiment, the abutting position of the plurality of pins (106) may correspond to the plurality of pins (106) frictionally engaging with the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101) for locking the reclining mechanism (100) and the non-abutting position of the plurality of pins (106) may correspond to the plurality of pins (106) disengaging from the protrusion (103) of the bracket (101) for unlocking the reclining mechanism (100).

In an embodiment, the reclining mechanism (100) may include a cover plate (114), which may be coupled to the bracket (101), thus enclosing all the components of the reclining mechanism (100) within the bracket (101). The cover plate (114) may be coupled to the bracket (101) through a locking ring (115).

Turning now to Figure. 3, which illustrates a perspective view of a seat assembly (200). The seat assembly (200) may include a seat bottom (201) and a seat back (202) movably coupled to the seat bottom (201). In an embodiment, the seat bottom (201) and the seat back (202) may include a cushioning material to provide convenient seating experience to the occupant. Further, the seat assembly (200) may include a reclining mechanism (100), which may be disposed proximate to a junction of the seat bottom (201) and the seat back (202) [best seen in Figures. 4a and 4b]. That is, the bracket (101) of the reclining mechanism (100) may be coupled to a portion of the seat bottom (201) and the seat back (202) of the seat assembly (200). The reclining mechanism (100) may be operable to selectively adjust the seat back (202) relative to the seat bottom (201). In other words, the reclining mechanism (100) may facilitate in adjusting angular position of the seat back (202), relative to the seat bottom (201) based on requirement by the occupant.

In an embodiment, the reclining mechanism (100) (thus, the bracket (101) of the reclining mechanism (100) may be coupled at the junction of the seat bottom (201) and seat back (202), by one of mechanical joining process such as fasteners and thermal joining process such as welding brazing and the like. Now operation of the reclining mechanism (100) assisting in changing the angular position of the seat back (202) is explained hereinafter.

In operation, i.e., to change the angular position of the seat back (202), the lever [not shown in Figures] of the reclining mechanism (100) may be actuated to an operating position by the occupant. In an embodiment, before operating the lever, the reclining mechanism (100) may be in locked condition. Actuating the lever may rotate the shaft (104) in a clockwise direction, corresponding to which the cam (109) may rotate in the clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the cam (109) may cause the guide pin (111) of the plurality of spacers (108) to traverse within the guideways (110) of the cam (109), such that the plurality of spacers (108) may displace from the second position to the first position. This displacement of the plurality of spacers (108) from the second position to the first position may operate the plurality of pins (106) from the abutting position to the non-abutting position, thus releasing the bracket (101) providing a flexibility to rotate. That is, the resilient member (112) releases stored energy, thus operating the plurality of pins (106) from the abutting position to the non-abutting position corresponding to displacement of the plurality of spacers (108) from the second position to the first position. Upon releasing the bracket (101), the seat back (202) may be adjusted to desired angular position and then the lever may be released to its original position. Releasing the lever to the original position may result in rotation of the shaft (104) in anti-clockwise direction, corresponding to which the cam (109) may rotate in anti-clockwise direction. The anti-clockwise rotation of the cam (109) may cause the guide pin (111) of the plurality of spacers (108) to traverse within the guideways (110) of the cam (109), such that the plurality of spacers (108) may displace from the first position to the second position. This displacement of the plurality of spacers (108) from the second position to the first position may operate the plurality of pins (106) from the non-abutting position to the abutting position, thus locking the bracket (101). In an embodiment, locking of the bracket (101) may aid in locking the seat back (202) at desired angular position.

In an embodiment, clockwise rotation of the shaft (104) and the cam (109) corresponding to actuation of the lever and anti-clockwise rotation of the shaft (104) and the cam (109) corresponding to release of the lever may not be construed as a limitation, as direction of rotation of the cam (109) and the shaft (104) corresponding the actuation and release of the lever may anti-clockwise and clockwise direction, respectively.

In an embodiment, configuration of the reclining mechanism (100) aids in continuous contact between the components (i.e., between the bracket (101) and the plurality of pins (106)), thus ensures complete locking of the reclining mechanism (100), unlike conventional mechanism, which pose the risk of partial locking.

In an embodiment, configuration of the reclining mechanism (100) aids in increasing the range of angular adjustment of the seat back (202) relative to the seat bottom (201), as the bracket (101) of the reclining mechanism (100) may rotate 360 degrees.

In an embodiment, the reclining mechanism (100) includes lesser number of components making the mechanism (100) compact. This facilitating in equipping within small packaging spaces.

In an embodiment, the reclining mechanism (100) is a continuous lever type, unlike conventional knob type, which require more effort by the occupant. The continuous lever type mechanism require less effort from the occupant to actuate the reclining mechanism (100) to adjust angular position of the seat back (202).

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Reclining mechanism
101 Bracket
102 Aperture
103 Protrusion
104 Shaft
105 Housing
106 Plurality of pins
107 Plurality of recesses
108 Plurality of spacers
109 Cam
110 Guideways
111 Guide pin
112 Resilient member
114 Cover plate
115 Locking ring
200 Seat assembly
201 Seat bottom
202 Seat back