PAWL AND RATCHET ASSEMBLY

摘要

An improved latching mechanism for a rocking-type chair (10) selectively permits or inhibits rocking motion of the chair frame relative to the base upon actuation. The improved latching mechanism includes a pawl and ratchet assembly (22) having a spring-biased pawl member (92) coupled to the chair base (14) which is operable to lockingly engage a tooth ratchet sector (82) disposed on the chair frame (12) for positioning the chair frame (12) in rearwardly tilted positions and a release mechanism (120) including a rigid release link (122) that pulls the spring-biased pawl member (92) towards a released position by an actuation member (140). The actuation member (140) includes a swing link (30) and a trip link (148) operably connected to a drive rod assembly (32) for positoning the rigid release link (122) while preventing the release member (120) from exerting any axial loading on the pawl member (92) when the pawl member (92) is in locked engagement with the ratchet teeth (84).