Recliner mechanism with mounting feature

Abstract

A seat assembly is provided and may include a support member having a first surface, a second surface, and an aperture disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface may be substantially coplanar with the second surface and a recliner mechanism may be received between the first surface and the second surface and may at least partially overlap the aperture.

1 . A seat assembly comprising:
 a support member including a first surface, a second surface, and an aperture disposed between said first surface and said second surface, said first surface being substantially coplanar with said second surface; and   a recliner mechanism received between said first surface and said second surface and at least partially overlapping said aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The seat assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said recliner mechanism extends into said aperture. 
     
     
         3 . The seat assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said recliner mechanism includes an encapsulation ring extending at least partially around a perimeter of said recliner mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The seat assembly of  claim 3 , wherein a first end of said encapsulation ring at least partially extends into said aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The seat assembly of  claim 4 , wherein said encapsulation ring includes a first helically shaped flange and said support member includes a second helically shaped flange disposed coaxially with said aperture, said first flange engaging said second flange. 
     
     
         6 . The seat assembly of  claim 4 , wherein said first end is welded to said support member proximate to said aperture and proximate to at least one of said first surface and said second surface. 
     
     
         7 . The seat assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a flange integrally formed with said first surface and said second surface and defining a third surface substantially perpendicular to said first surface and said second surface. 
     
     
         8 . The seat assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said recliner mechanism includes an encapsulation ring, said encapsulation ring extending into said aperture and substantially parallel to said third surface. 
     
     
         9 . The seat assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said encapsulation ring is fixedly attached to said third surface of said flange. 
     
     
         10 . The seat assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said support member includes a doubler plate and at least a portion of said recliner mechanism is fixedly attached to said doubler plate. 
     
     
         11 . A seat assembly comprising:
 a support member including a first surface, a second surface, and an aperture disposed between said first surface and said second surface, said first surface being substantially coplanar with said second surface;   a recliner mechanism received between said first surface and said second surface and disposed substantially coaxial with said aperture; and   an encapsulation member engaging said support member and said recliner mechanism.   
     
     
         12 . The seat assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said encapsulation member engages said aperture in said support member. 
     
     
         13 . The seat assembly of  claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of said recliner mechanism extends into said aperture. 
     
     
         14 . The seat assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said encapsulation member includes a flange engaging said support member. 
     
     
         15 . The seat assembly of  claim 14 , wherein said flange includes a substantially helical shape and engages a helically shaped member of said support member that is substantially coaxial with said aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The seat assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said encapsulation member includes an annular portion extending at least partially around a perimeter of said recliner mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The seat assembly of  claim 16 , wherein a first end of said encapsulation ring at least partially extends into said aperture in said support member, said first end being welded to said support member proximate to said aperture and proximate to at least one of said first surface and said second surface. 
     
     
         18 . The seat assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a flange integrally formed with said first surface and said second surface and defining a third surface substantially perpendicular to said first surface and said second surface, said encapsulation member extending into said aperture and substantially parallel to said third surface. 
     
     
         19 . The seat assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said support member includes a doubler plate and at least a portion of said recliner mechanism is fixedly attached to said doubler plate. 
     
     
         20 . The seat assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said support member is a seatback support member.