JP2010516328A - Tube recliner mechanism and seat - Google Patents

Abstract

  An inner tube (23) having a longitudinally extending row of first openings formed through the inner tube, and a longitudinal spacing extending between the ends of the outer tube in a rotationally offset fashion A cylindrical recliner mechanism including an outer tube (22) having a row of second openings disposed open. The outer tube (22) is positioned coaxially about the inner tube (23) and rotatably relative to the inner tube. The pin assembly (26) includes a plurality of pins carried by the inner tube (23) and extending outwardly through the first row of openings in the inner tube (23). The recliner mechanism has a locked position where the outer tube (22) is prevented from rotating relative to the inner tube (23), and an unlocked position where the outer tube (22) can rotate relative to the inner tube (23). In the locked position, at least one of the plurality of pins extends through the aligned second opening.

Description

  The present invention relates to a seating system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recliner mechanism for a seating system.

  A seating system can generally be considered to include a seat bottom and a backrest extending therefrom. The backrest can be movably mounted in a fixed position on the seat bottom or pivotally along a range of angles. A backrest that is pivotally movable relative to the bottom of the seat is often used in vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, aircraft, and the like. In these cases, the range of movement between the backrest and the seat bottom can range widely from a forward angled position to a fully tilted position. A recliner mechanism is included that allows pivotal movement of the backrest and locks the backrest in a desired position relative to the seat bottom, regardless of the extent of travel. Many and various recliner mechanisms have been developed.

  In the reclining seat, the backrest functions as an extremely long lever arm to which various forces can be applied. Any force applied to the backrest, such as from an occupant, vehicle vibration, or the like, applies a large moment to the recliner mechanism when applied along such a very long lever arm. Any defects in the pivot mechanism components, such as play or backlash or tolerance between the mechanism components, can allow the backrest to move very little even when the mechanism is locked. is there. These small movements are amplified by the length of the lever arm and become prominent at the upper end of the seat. This amplified play in the recliner mechanism has been termed “chucking” and any defects in the mechanism components that allow movement of the backrest while the mechanism is locked. Or call play.

  Other than chucking, the recliner device often functions satisfactorily for the actual reclining function, but the function is insufficient in the area of safety. Normally, when a certain amount of force is applied to the backrest, such as from a collision, this seat has a catastrophic defect. In other words, the backrest remains more or less rigid and supportive until a certain level of force is exceeded. When this level is reached, the recliner mechanism breaks and pivots the backrest indefinitely. After this damage has occurred, injury to the seat occupant can result. In many automobiles, the space allocated for the recliner mechanism is very limited. By reducing size and cost, current recliner mechanisms are often not robust and break with the application of relatively low forces. As the seat belt attached to the backrest increases, the force applied to the backrest in a crash will eventually increase.

  Therefore, it would be highly advantageous to remedy the aforementioned and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

  In summary, in order to achieve the desired objects and advantages of the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a first end formed through an inner tube between an opposite end and an opposite end. A tube recliner mechanism is provided that includes an inner tube having a plurality of openings. The outer tube has a plurality of rotationally offset second openings therein. The outer tube is coaxially positioned around the inner tube and is rotatable with respect to the inner tube. The spaced second opening is rotationally offset to allow rotational adjustment of the outer tube relative to the inner tube. A pin assembly is carried by the inner tube and includes a pin extending outwardly through a first opening in the inner tube. This recliner mechanism has a lock position where rotation of the outer tube relative to the inner tube is prevented, and a lock release position where the outer tube can rotate relative to the inner tube. In the locked position, the pin extends through the aligned second opening.

  Desirable objects and advantages of the present invention include an inner tube having opposing ends and a longitudinally extending row of first openings formed through the inner tube in the middle of the opposing ends. This is further achieved by another embodiment of the tube recliner mechanism. The outer tube has a second row of openings spaced longitudinally extending between the ends of the outer tube in a rotationally offset fashion. The outer tube is coaxially disposed about the inner tube and is rotatable with respect to the inner tube. The spaced second opening is rotationally offset to allow rotational adjustment of the outer tube relative to the inner tube. A pin assembly is carried by the inner tube and includes a plurality of pins extending outwardly through the first row of openings in the inner tube. This recliner mechanism has a lock position where rotation of the outer tube relative to the inner tube is prevented, and a lock release position where the outer tube can rotate relative to the inner tube. In the locked position, at least one of the plurality of pins extends through the aligned second opening.

  The foregoing and other and more specific objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the drawings.

It is a perspective view of a seat frame which has a recliner mechanism by the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of a part of seat frame and recliner mechanism. It is a disassembled perspective view of a recliner mechanism. It is a partial end perspective view of a recliner mechanism. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pin assembly. It is a perspective view of this invention recliner mechanism. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective end view of the recliner mechanism of FIG. 6. FIG. 5 is a perspective end view of the recliner mechanism with the handle and lift plate in the locked position. FIG. 6 is a perspective end view of the recliner mechanism with the handle and lift plate in the unlocked position. It is a perspective exploded view of a seat frame which has a recliner mechanism. It is a bottom view of the seat frame which has a recliner mechanism. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of another embodiment of a recliner mechanism. It is a side view of the recliner seat which has a tube recliner mechanism. It is a perspective view of the seat of FIG. FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the tube recliner mechanism of FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the tube recliner of FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 18 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tube recliner of FIG. 17. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of a tube recliner according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 in a locked position. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 in the unlocked position. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a pin illustrating a preferred structure of the pin. It is a fragmentary perspective view which illustrates opening part arrangement | positioning. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a tube recliner having a rack and pinion system. FIG. 25 is an end view of the tube recliner of FIG. 24. It is a disassembled perspective view of the tube recliner mechanism of FIG.

  Turning now to the drawings in which like reference symbols indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 where the seat frame is generally shown at 10. In a preferred embodiment, the seat frame 10 is part of a seating system for use in a vehicle seat such as a driver seat, passenger seat, bench seat, rear seat, and the like. Although vehicle seats (passenger car seats, truck seats, aircraft seats, etc.) are shown, it will be understood that the seat frame of the present invention can be used in any seating system having a movable backrest.

  The seat frame 10 includes a riser 12 that can be mounted on a support base such as a track, a backrest frame 14, and a tube recliner mechanism 20 that movably connects the backrest frame 14 to the riser 12, as shown in the following embodiments. including. The riser 12 can be mounted on a support base that typically includes a seat bottom that is not specifically shown. Still referring to FIG. 2, the tube recliner mechanism 20 includes an outer tube 22 connected to the backrest frame 14 and an inner tube 23 connected to the riser 12. If it demonstrates immediately, the tube recliner mechanism 20 can move between a locked position and a lock release position. In the unlocked position, the outer tube 22 rotates relative to the inner tube 23, thereby adjusting the relative angular position of the back frame 14 relative to the riser 12. One skilled in the art will appreciate that in this embodiment, the outer tube 22 and the inner tube 23 are connected to the back frame 14 and the riser 12, respectively, although it is contemplated that their attachment can be reversed. I will.

  Turning now to FIGS. 3-7, the recliner mechanism 20 is shown in more detail. The recliner mechanism 20 includes an outer tube 22 having a series of longitudinally spaced openings 24 that extend between the ends of the outer tube in a rotationally offset fashion, which is connected to the outer tube 22 and the inner tube. Incremental rotation adjustment with the tube 23 is enabled. The term “rotational adjustment” means the rotational positioning of the inner tube 23 relative to the outer tube 22. The term “rotary offset” means that the opening 24 is offset around the circumference of the outer tube 22. In this embodiment, the opening 24 is rotated by forming a slightly helical arc extending in the longitudinal direction, preferably designed to provide rotational adjustment at a specific step giving a 2 ° adjustment step. Offset. In another embodiment (not shown), the rotational offset is by spacing the openings 24 in a circular arrangement (eg, spaced around the circumference in a common plane). Can be provided. The inner tube 23 includes a series of longitudinally spaced openings 25 extending longitudinally from end to end in a generally linearly spaced manner. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a single or multiple rows of openings 24 and openings 25 can be used as desired.

  Pin assembly 26 is received by inner tube 23 and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The pin assembly can be virtually any mechanism for moving the pin between the retracted and extended positions, such as a cam system, rack and pinion system, spring system, and the like. In this particular embodiment, assembly 26 includes a spring structure 28 having a plurality of radially outwardly biased spring fingers 29. Each spring finger 29 supports a pin 30 that extends radially outward, thereby providing a plurality of linearly spaced pins 30. Multiple sets of pins can be used depending on the number of rows of openings 24, 25 utilized. In the extended position, the spring fingers 29 of the spring structure 28 bias each pin 30 radially outward into the opening 25 of the inner tube 23. Depending on the rotational position of the inner tube 23 relative to the outer tube 22, some of the pins 30 extend radially outwardly through the opening 25 and are aligned with the opening of the outer tube 22. Part 24 is entered. As can be seen with particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, one or more pins 30 extending through the opening 25 of the inner tube 23 are aligned with the opening 24 of the outer tube 22, and the opening 24 It goes into the inside. If multiple rows of openings 24 are used, additional pins 30 corresponding to those rows will extend through the multiple rows of openings 24 (see FIG. 11).

  Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the recliner mechanism 20 further includes a handle 32 that is coupled to an operating structure, which in this embodiment is a lift plate 33. The lift plate 33 extends through the inner tube 23 and engages the spring fingers 29 of the spring structure 28. As can be seen from FIG. 8, when the handle 32 is lowered, the pin 30 is urged radially outward by the spring fingers 29 of the spring structure 28 and passes through the aligned openings 24 and 25. Then, the recliner mechanism enters the extended position where it is disposed at the lock position. When the handle 32 is in the raised position as seen in FIG. 9, the plate 33 forces the spring fingers 29 of the spring structure 28 radially inward and puts the recliner mechanism into a retracted position that places it in the unlocked position. . The pin 30 is removed from the aligned opening 24 by moving the spring structure 28 into the retracted position. In the retracted position where the pin 30 is retracted, the outer tube 22 can be rotated relative to the inner tube 23, and the recliner mechanism is unlocked.

  Referring now to FIG. 10, an exploded view of the seat frame 10 is shown showing the relative positioning of the previously described elements. Specifically, the back frame 14 includes side beams 15 and 16 that are connected to opposite ends of an outer tube 22 that extends between each at a lower end. A head support piece 17 is connected between the upper ends of the side beams 15 and 16. The side beams 15, 16 are connected to the outer tube 22 by any convenient fastening member such as screws, bolts, welds, etc., and in this embodiment are connected by rivets. Openings 18 are formed in the lower ends of the side beams 15, 16 in alignment with the ends of the outer tube 22. In this way, the inner tube 23 can be received simultaneously through the opening 18 of the side beams 15 and 16 and through the outer tube 22. Each riser 12 includes an opening 19 that is received around both sides of the inner tube 23 and is generally aligned with the opening 18. Since the riser 12 does not pivot and is held stationary, the inner tube 23 is held stationary by engaging it. This may be done by fastening members such as rivets, welds, pins, screws, etc., or as in this embodiment, the ends of the inner tube 23 and mating facets or flats on the opening 19 Can be achieved. The pin assembly 26 is received through the openings 18 and 19 and the inner tube 23 simultaneously. The lift plate 33 is received in the inner tube 23 through the openings 18 and 19 with the handle 32 accessible on the outside thereof. An end cap 35 can be used to close the opening 19.

  FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the seat frame 10 showing a plurality of rows of openings 24 in the outer tube 22. By providing two rows of openings 24, in this embodiment, two pins 30 of the pins that extend through a single row of openings 25 in the inner tube 22 are two in the outer tube 22. It extends through the opening 24. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing the pin 30 extending through the aligned openings 24, 25. Also shown is a lift plate 33 that can move the spring structure 28 to the retracted position, thereby removing the pin 30 from the aligned opening.

  Turning now to FIG. 13, there is shown another embodiment of a tube recliner mechanism, generally indicated at 40, in which pins extend radially through openings in the inner and outer tubes. It is movable between an extended, extended, locked position and a retracted, unlocked position in which the pin is retracted from the opening in the outer tube. As with mechanism 20, tube recliner mechanism 40 includes an outer tube 42 having a plurality of openings 43 extending between its ends in a rotationally offset configuration that allows incremental rotational adjustment, and its ends. And an inner tube 44 having a plurality of openings 45 in a linear arrangement therebetween. In this embodiment, the pin assembly includes a holder 47 that defines a plurality of sockets 48 that receive compression springs 49 and associated pins 50 therein, respectively. This pin assembly is received within the inner tube 44 such that each of the pins 50 is aligned with the opening 45. The lift plate 52 includes a plurality of fingers 53 that engage a shoulder 54 formed on the pin 50. In the locked position, the compression spring 49 biases the pin 50 that passes through the opening 45 into the aligned opening 43 of the outer tube 42. In the unlocked position, the lift plate 52 is pivoted so that the fingers 53 press the shoulder 54 and force the pin 50 into the socket 48 against the bias of the compression spring 49. This removes the pin 50 from the opening 43 and allows the outer tube 42 to move relative to the inner tube 44. When the desired position is achieved, the lift plate 52 is moved to a locked position in which the pins 50 extend into the opening 45 and the newly aligned opening 43.

  Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the seat 60 is illustrated. The seat 60 includes a seat bottom 62 mounted on a support base such as a track 63, a backrest 64, and a tube recliner mechanism 70 that pivotally connects the backrest 64 to the seat bottom 62. As in the previously described embodiment, the seat bottom 62 includes a riser 65 and the backrest 64 includes a backrest frame 68. The recliner mechanism 70 incorporates a back frame 68 and an inner tube 72 that is coupled to the outer tube. In this embodiment, the outer tube includes an outer tube portion 74 and an outer tube portion 75 that are each received at both ends of the inner tube 72 and are each coupled to one of the risers 65. Each end of the inner tube 72 receives a pin assembly that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

  With further reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, the tube recliner mechanism 70 includes an outer tube having a plurality of openings. Each of the outer tube portions 74, 75 of the outer tube has a plurality of rows of openings 83 spaced between its ends extending in a rotational offset fashion, thereby allowing for incremental rotation adjustment. . Inner tube 72 has a plurality of linearly-arranged openings 84 that extend inwardly from their respective ends corresponding to the position of outer tube portions 74, 75. Although a single row of openings 84 may be used, the inner tube 72 of the mechanism 70 is another diametrically opposed opening 85 that extends inwardly in a linear arrangement from each end thereof. Includes columns (see FIG. 18).

  As in the previous embodiment, the pin assembly is carried within the inner tube 72. However, in this embodiment, two opposing rows of pins are used. The pin assembly includes a pair of pin racks 86 that define a plurality of opposing sockets 87. The pin racks 86 are movable toward each other and away from each other. Opposing pins 90 whose pairs are movable between retracted and extended positions by an intermediate compression spring 88 are received in opposing sockets 87 of the pin rack 86. The retracted and extended positions correspond to the recliner mechanism 70 in the unlocked and locked positions, respectively. This pin assembly is received within the inner tube 72 such that each of the opposing pins 90 is aligned with the opposing openings 84, 85. A cam mechanism 92 compresses the spring 88 and allows the pin 90 to stretch against the bias of the spring 88 by forcing the pin racks 86 between their retracted and extended positions. In the locked position, the compression spring 88 biases the opposing pin 90 through the openings 84, 85 and into the opening 83 that aligns the outer tube portions 74, 75. Multiple pins 90 on the same side can engage because there are multiple rows of openings 83 that may be aligned. The unlocked cam mechanism 92 pivots so that the pin rack 86 moves toward the retracted position relative to each other and forces the pin 90 inward against the bias of the compression spring 88. This removes the pin 90 from the opening 83 and allows relative movement of the outer tube portions 74, 75 relative to the inner tube 72. When the desired position is reached, the cam mechanism 92 moves to a locked position where the pin 90 extends through the openings 84, 85 and enters the newly aligned opening 83.

  Turning now to FIG. 19, another embodiment of a tube recliner mechanism generally indicated at 120 is shown. The recliner mechanism 120 each has a plurality of rows of openings 124 extending between its ends in a rotationally offset fashion allowing each row to be incrementally rotated between the outer tube 122 and the inner tube 123. An outer tube composed of two parts 122 is included. The opening 124 is preferably formed with a slightly helical arc so as to allow, for example, an adjustment of 2 °. Inner tube 123 includes a pair of diametrically opposed openings 125 extending linearly inward from each end corresponding to the position of outer tube portion 122.

  Pin assembly 126 is received within inner tube 123 and is movable between retracted and extended positions. In this specific embodiment, assembly 126 includes a spring structure 128 that supports a plurality of opposing linearly spaced pins 130. A pin guide 132 that includes a plurality of opposed openings 134 carries the spring structure 128 and the pin 130 with the pin 130 extending through the opening 134. Pin guide 132 carries spring structure 128 and pin 130 within each end of inner tube 123. When the pin guide part 132 is moved between the extended position (lock position, see FIG. 20) and the retracted position (lock release position, see FIG. 21), the position of the pin 130 with the opening 125 of the inner tube 123 is Keep the alignment. In the extended position, the spring structure 128 biases the pin 130 radially outward into the opening 125 of the inner tube 123. Depending on the relative position of the inner tube 123 with respect to the outer tube 122, some of the pins 130 extend radially outwardly through the opening 125 and the opening of the opening 124 aligned therewith. Enter the club.

  With further reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the recliner mechanism 120 further includes a handle (not shown) coupled to the flapper assembly 136. The flapper assembly 136 includes a flapper end 138 that extends through the inner tube 123 and engages the spring structure 128. As can be seen in FIG. 20, when the flapper assembly 136 is rotated to the locked position, the spring assembly 128 biases the pin 130 radially outward through the aligned openings 124 and 125. To do. As seen in FIG. 21, when the flapper assembly 136 is rotated to the unlocked position, the spring structure 128 is compressed causing the pin 130 to retract from the opening 124 in the outer tube 122.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a schematic diagram of a pin (an optional pin described in the previously described embodiment) illustrates its preferred structure. The pin is generally cylindrical with a frustoconical end that is to be received through the aligned openings of the inner and outer tubes. This end can have a special geometric shape to prevent rearward drive resulting in unintentional unlocking of the recliner mechanism. In order to determine the geometry of this pin, the following equation was developed:
F d cos (θ) = F′t (i)
F sin (θ) = 2 μF ′ (ii)
Substituting equation (i) into equation (ii),
d ≧ t tan (θ) / 2μ (iii)
Where: t = inner tube thickness;
d = pin constant distance;
θ = pin taper angle;
μ = coefficient of friction;
F, F ′ = constant force.

  As long as d is greater than or equal to the equation on the right side of equation (iii), the pin will not drive backwards.

  Turning now to FIG. 23, many arrangements of openings are contemplated as long as the openings in the arrangement have some degree of rotational offset. This offset can be between adjacent openings, or can be random so as to increase the spacing between openings to give increased structural integrity and allow for virtually infinite adjustments. Can be arranged. Regardless of how they are positioned, any arrangement of openings that allows the desired degree of movement can be used as long as those openings have some degree of rotational offset that allows adjustment. I want you to understand. Multiple openings can have the same rotational offset to provide multiple engagements for strength.

  Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, a tube recliner mechanism 200 is illustrated. Mechanism 200 includes an outer tube 202, an inner tube 204, and a pin assembly 206 carried within inner tube 204, similar to those previously described. In this particular embodiment, pin assembly 206 includes a centrally located pinion gear drive 208 with rack 210 movably engaged on opposite sides thereof. Rack 210 carries pins 212 for movement between retracted and extended positions (FIGS. 24 and 25). Although it can be seen that in this embodiment the pin 212 is offset from the radius of the outer tube 202, it should be understood that the pin 212 moves radially outward when moving from the retracted position to the extended position.

  With further reference to FIG. 26, it can be seen that the pin assembly 206 includes a plurality of springs 215 that bias the pins 212 outward. In the extended position, the rack and pinion system allows the springs 215 to urge these pins 212 and pass through the aligned openings. In the retracted position, the rack and pinion system pushes the pin 212 inwardly against bias.

  The invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to these embodiments chosen for purposes of illustration herein will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

  The present invention has been fully described in terms of clear and concise terms, which can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art.

Claims (25)

An inner tube having opposite ends and a first opening formed through the inner tube in the middle of the opposite ends;
An outer tube having a plurality of rotationally offset second openings therein, coaxially positioned about the inner tube and rotatable relative to the inner tube, the spaced apart arrangement An outer tube that is rotationally offset so that the second opening to be provided provides rotational adjustment of the outer tube relative to the inner tube;
A tube recliner mechanism comprising: a pin assembly including a pin carried by the inner tube and extending outwardly through the first opening in the inner tube;
A locking position where rotation of the outer tube relative to the inner tube is prevented; and an unlocking position where the outer tube can rotate relative to the inner tube; in which the pin is aligned Extending through the second opening,
A tube recliner mechanism.   The said inner tube includes a plurality of first openings and the pin assembly includes a pin extending outwardly through each of the plurality of first openings. Tube recliner mechanism.   The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of second openings are positioned in a form extending in a longitudinal direction.   4. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of second openings are positioned by a slightly helical arc extending in the longitudinal direction.   The pin assembly includes a structure that biases the outwardly extending pin to pass through the first opening and into the aligned opening of the second opening. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that:   6. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the structure that urges the pin includes a spring structure.   And a moving structure positioned to move the pin assembly between an extended position and a retracted position and moving the pin against the biasing structure in the retracted position. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 5. An inner tube having opposing ends and a longitudinally extending row of first openings formed through the inner tube in the middle of the opposing ends;
A second array of longitudinally spaced openings extending in a rotationally offset manner between the ends, coaxially positioned about the inner tube and on the inner tube An outer tube rotatable relative to the outer tube, the second spaced apart opening being rotationally offset to provide rotational adjustment of the outer tube relative to the inner tube;
A tube recliner mechanism comprising: a pin assembly including a plurality of pins carried by the inner tube and extending outwardly through the row of first openings in the inner tube;
A lock position where rotation of the outer tube relative to the inner tube is prevented, and a lock release position where the outer tube can rotate relative to the inner tube. In the lock position, of the plurality of pins At least one extends through the aligned second opening;
A tube recliner mechanism.   The pin assembly includes a structure that biases the plurality of pins to pass through the first opening and into the aligned opening of the second opening. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 8.   The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the structure for urging the plurality of pins includes a spring structure.   And a moving structure positioned to move the pin assembly between an extended position and a retracted position and moving the plurality of pins against the biasing structure in the retracted position. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 9.   9. The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the outer tube includes a plurality of rows of second openings.   The tube recliner mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the inner tube includes a plurality of rows of first openings.   The outer tube includes a first portion and a second portion, each positioned coaxially about opposite ends of the inner tube and rotatable relative to the inner tube, and the outer tube 9. The row of second openings, wherein each of the first and second portions includes a longitudinally spaced apart configuration in a rotationally offset manner. Tube recliner mechanism. A riser that can be mounted on a support base;
A backrest frame,
A recliner seat comprising a tube recliner mechanism movably connected to the riser frame and having a lock position and a lock release position, the tube recliner mechanism comprising:
An inner tube coupled to one of the back frame and the riser;
An outer tube coupled to the other of the riser and the back frame and coaxially positioned on the inner tube for relative rotational adjustment between them into a plurality of positions;
Positioned within the inner tube and engages the inner tube with the outer tube to prevent relative rotation between each other in the locked position and allows relative rotation in the unlocked position A tube recliner mechanism comprising a pin assembly for engaging and disengaging the inner tube and the outer tube,
A reclining seat characterized by comprising:   The inner tube includes an opposite end, and a first opening formed through the inner tube in the middle of the opposite end, the outer tube being rotationally offset therein. A second opening spaced apart, wherein the second opening spaced apart is offset in rotation to allow rotational adjustment of the outer tube relative to the inner tube. Item 15. Reclining seat according to item 15.   The pin assembly includes a pin that extends outwardly through the first opening of the inner tube and extends in the locked position through a second opening in which the pin is aligned. The reclining seat according to claim 16.   The inner tube includes opposing ends and a longitudinally extending row of first openings formed through the inner tube in the middle of the opposing ends, the outer tube being rotated Including a row of second openings spaced apart in the longitudinal direction extending between the ends of the second openings in an offset form, and the second being arranged at intervals The reclining seat according to claim 15, wherein the opening is offset to rotation to allow rotation adjustment of the outer tube relative to the inner tube.   19. A reclining seat according to claim 18, wherein the pin assembly includes a plurality of pins extending outwardly through a row of first openings in the inner tube.   The pin assembly includes a structure that biases the plurality of pins to pass through the first opening and into the aligned opening of the second opening. The reclining seat according to claim 19.   21. A reclining seat according to claim 20, wherein the structure for urging the plurality of pins includes a spring structure.   And further comprising an operating structure positioned to move the pin assembly between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the pin assembly moves the pins against the biasing structure in the retracted position. The reclining seat according to claim 20.   The reclining seat according to claim 18, wherein the outer tube includes a plurality of rows of second openings.   24. A reclining seat according to claim 23, wherein the inner tube includes a plurality of rows of first openings.   The outer tubes are each positioned coaxially around opposite ends of the inner tube and are rotatable relative to the inner tube and spaced longitudinally in a manner that each is rotationally offset. 19. A reclining seat according to claim 18, comprising a first portion and a second portion, including a portion of a row of second openings arranged in an open manner.

Images