Importance

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Abstract

A handleless locking hinge mechanism is connected between the seat back and the support structure. The handleless locking hinge mechanism includes a cup-shaped mounting bracket having a central axis. The bracket connectible to the seat back centered on a hinge axis. Two opposing elongated detent springs connected to an interior surface of the bracket at a first end and extending inwardly and arcuately toward the hinge axis with a detent formed adjacent a second end. The detent concave with respect to the hinge axis. An elongated support having a central axis disposed coaxial with the hinge axis. The support connectible to the support structure at a first end and having a second end extending inwardly within the bracket. Two opposing generally cylindrical elongated rollers having longitudinal axes disposed on opposite radial sides of the elongated support in a common plane with the hinge axis. Each roller is supported at both ends from the elongated support within the bracket for engagement with one of the springs. Each roller is engaged within the detent of the respective spring when in the collapsed position, such that a predetermined force applied to the seat back causes dislodging movement of the roller from the respective detent against the spring bias allowing the seat back to be raised to the upright position.

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First Claim