Linear recliner assembly

A seat assembly comprising;

• a seat cushion member (12),
• a seat back member (18),
• a pivot (22) supporting said back member (18) on said cushion member (12) for pivotal movement relative to said cushion member (12),
• a rod (24) extending along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends with said second end connected to one of said members (12, 18), and
• a pawl (32) for engaging said rod (24) in a latched position to prevent movement of said rod (24) relative to said pawl (32) and moveable to an unlatched position to allow movement of said rod (24) longitudinally relative to said pawl (32),
• an anchor (34) for interconnecting said pawl (32) and the other of said members (12, 18) for transmitting forces thereto from said rod (24) in said latched position and for allowing said pawl (32) to move to said unlatched position,
• a housing (38) supported on said anchor (34) for guiding movement of said pawl (32) between said latched and unlatched positions,
• a connection connecting said pawl (32) to said anchor (34) for limiting movement longitudinally relative to said rod (24) and allowing movement transversely of said longitudinal axis between said latched and unlatched positions, and
• a pair of guide plates (44) supported by said housing disposed in parallel and spaced relationship with one another with each of said guide plates (44) including a triangular opening (46), said opening (46) having an apex (48) at the top thereof for engaging said pawl (32) and diverging sides (50, 52) for allowing said pawl (32) to rotate about said apex (48) and move in an arc transversely into and out of engagement with said rod (24) between said latched and unlatched positions.