Abstract:
According to the present invention a latch assembly for use in an adjustable vehicle roof panel assembly including a roof panel which is driven by a motor drive unit and a cable is provided. The latch assembly utilizes a simple mechanical release mechanism which is designed to hold the roof panel in a sealed position and disengages mechanically utilizing the power roof motor instead of having a separate solenoid or motor drive unit. The release mechanism includes a latch arm and a latch catch member which are rotatably mounted so that actuation of the power roof motor causes a release member to mechanically trigger the latch arm causing rotation thereof which leads to disengagement between the latch arm and the latch catch member. Once the latch arm and the latch catch member disengage, a rear end of the roof panel is free to travel with a channel in the base. A front end of the roof panel is raised and guided within the channel by a guide member which is also mechanically linked to the release member so that movement of the release member causes the raising and movement of the front end. Once unlatched, the roof panel is free to move forwardly and rearwardly within the channel so as to open the roof.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a latch mechanism and more particularly, to a latch mechanism for a removable roof panel which permits the roof panel to latch within the roof in a sealed manner and then ride within the roof structure when the latch mechanism is disengaged. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Retractable roof panels are widely used in vehicle applications to offer the operator of a vehicle an additional feature which provides both aesthetic appeal and also offers utility. For example, the operator may actuate an electrical/mechanical mechanism for causing the retraction of a roof panel within guide rails formed in the roof structure of the vehicle. Typically, the roof panel rides within the guide rails and is stored within a compartment defined by opposing sections of the roof itself. In this open position, an opening formed in the roof is uncovered by the displacement of the roof panel and therefore the operator and/or occupants in the vehicle have an open air opening provided thereby. The electrical/mechanical mechanism likewise permits the roof panel to close. The actual movement of the roof panel is caused usually by a motor which drives the roof panel from the closed position to the open position or intermediate positions therebetween and vice versa. 
     Typically, the electrical/mechanical mechanism for actuating the opening and closing of the roof panel includes a latch assembly for locking the roof panel in a locked position within the roof structure. The latch mechanism may involve any number of systems but conventional latch mechanisms comprise latches with solenoids or motor actuators for locking the roof panel in the closed position. This adds considerable cost to the overall latch assembly and therefore it would be desirable to provide a simple, cost effective latch assembly which does not require the use of a motorized latch assembly for the latching and unlatching of the roof panel within the roof structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a removable roof panel assembly is provided in which the assembly includes a latch mechanism that is not driven by a solenoid or motor actuator but rather mechanically links the motor drive unit, which serves to drive the roof panel, with the latch mechanism. More specifically, the roof panel assembly includes a motor drive unit which is attached to a cable for driving the roof panel in forward and rearward directions. A base is designed to house a number of the components of the assembly and in one exemplary embodiment, the base forms a part of a side roof rack provided on one side of a roof of a vehicle with the roof panel being disposed intermediate to opposing side roof racks. The base has first and second channels formed therein and the base has a first end and an opposing second end. The first channel comprises a longitudinal channel which receives a release member. The release member has a first end with a tab extending outwardly therefrom at the first end so that the first end is generally L-shaped. A second end of the release member has a boss extending outwardly therefrom with both the tab and the boss extending in the same direction from the release member. The release member is attached to the cable and therefore the reeling and unreeling of the cable causes movement of the release member. 
     The boss at the second end of the release member is received within a slot formed in an upper first end of a guide member which is disposed generally within the second channel. A lower second end of the guide member is initially disposed within a recessed portion of the second channel. The second end of the guide member has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and being received within a bore formed on one side of the roof panel so as to securely attach the guide member to a front end of the roof panel. The base and more specifically the first channel is partially open where the base has a cut-away portion to accommodate the first end of the guide member when the second end is disposed downwardly in the recessed portion. 
     The assembly further includes a roller member for guiding and permitting a rear end of the roof panel to travel within the second channel. The roller member comprises an annular member having an opening formed therethrough, wherein a coupler is disposed within the opening. The coupler has a boss which extends through the opening and into the side surface of the roof panel so as to securely attach the roller member to the rear end of the roof panel. 
     The assembly includes a latch mechanism which comprises a latch arm and a latch catch member. The latch arm has an opening formed at a first end wherein a connector is received within the opening and serves to mechanically link the latch arm to the release member. More specifically, the connector has a base and a boss extending therefrom with the boss extending through the opening formed in the latch arm so as to securely attach the two components. The connector and latch arm are spring loaded so that upon return motion of the release member and contact therewith the connector rotates, however, the latch arm does not rotate. The connector also includes a flag portion which extends upwardly from the base. The flag portion is disposed partially within the first channel so that the tab of the release member contacts the flag portion when the release member travels within the first channel is a direction away from the first end of the base. The latch arm also includes a shoulder which serves to engage a first arm of the latch catch member so as to lock the two components with respect to one another. The latch catch member also includes a second arm spaced from the first arm. The first and second arms trap the roller member and the coupler therebetween when the roof panel is in a locked position. 
     The unlatching of the assembly occurs when the release member is pulled by the motor drive unit via the cable causing the release member to travel with the first channel away from the closed first end of the base. Because the boss of the release member travels within the slot formed in the guide member, the roof panel doesn&#39;t move until lost motion is taken up and the unlatching has occurred. The tab of the release member strikes the flag portion of the connector causing rotation thereof which in turn causes rotation of the latch arm. As the latch arm rotates, the first arm of the latch catch member disengages from the shoulder of the latch arm. This disengagement permits the latch catch member to rotate and the roller member is free to travel within the second channel once the roller member clears the latch catch member. 
     At the same time, the movement of the release member causes the guide member to travel upwardly after lost motion is taken up within the recessed portion of the second channel and into the remaining portions of the second channel. This upward movement of the guide member raises the front end of the roof panel and directs the front end within the second channel. In the locked position, the roller member is disposed within a downwardly angled section of the second channel so that when the latch mechanism unlatches, the roller member rides upwardly in the angled section and travels within the second channel. Because the angled section and the recessed portion are thus orientated below the remaining portions of the second channel, the roof panel is in a lowered, locked position when the roller member and the guide member are disposed in these areas. Once the latch mechanism is unlatched, the roof panel rides upwardly within the respective sections of the second channel causing the roof panel to be raised and then the roof panel may be driven either forward or rearward in the second channel once it is raised. 
     A base cover is provided to enclose several of the components of the assembly including the guide member and the connector. The base cover includes slots formed therein which correspond to the second channel of the base and a slot for placement of the connector so that the connector communicates with both the first and second channels. The latch arm and the latch catch member are disposed on the outside of the base cover and create a gap between the base cover and the side surface of the roof panel. In the exemplary embodiment, the latch arm and the latch catch member are rotatably attached to the base cover. 
     Advantageously, the roof panel assembly of the present invention uses a latch mechanism that is not driven by a solenoid or motor actuated. Such conventional latch mechanisms are considerably more costly than the latch mechanism of the present invention and also add complexity to the overall design. The present assembly cost less because of its use of a mechanical latch mechanism and also provides improved reliability because of the simplified design. 
     The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable roof panel assembly for use a vehicle according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a latch assembly according se present invention for use in the roof panel assembly of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 in an ass bled condition; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 in a first position; 
     FIG. 5 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 in a second position; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a first section of the latch assembly in the second position shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a second section of the latch assembly in the second position shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 in a third position; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a section of the latch assembly in the third position; 
     FIG. 10 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 in a fourth position; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a section of the latch assembly in the fourth position; 
     FIG. 12 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 in a fifth position; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a section of the latch assembly in the fifth position; 
     FIG. 14 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly in a sixth position; 
     FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a section of the latch assembly in the sixth position; 
     FIG. 16 is a sectioned side elevation view of the latch assembly in a seventh position; 
     FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a section of the latch assembly in the seventh position; and 
     FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the latch assembly showing the locking of a roof panel by the latch mechanism of FIG.  2 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 in which an exemplary roof panel system embodying the present invention is generally indicated at  10 . The roof panel system  10  comprises an automated system which permits a removable roof panel  34  to be opened and closed relative to a roof structure  14  of a vehicle generally indicated at  16 . The vehicle  16  includes an upper chassis  18  which forms the roof structure  14  and other structures such as window pillars  20  and the like. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the vehicle  16  also includes an operatable moon or sun roof  22  which is disposed within a forward section  24  of the roof structure  14 . The roof structure  14  has an opposing rear section  26  which is proximate the rear window  28  of the vehicle  16  and has left and right sides  30 ,  32 . According to the present invention, the roof panel system includes a removable roof panel  34  which in the illustrated embodiment is positioned rearwardly within the roof structure  14 . It is within the scope of the present invention that the roof panel  34  may include a transparent section, such as a glass insert, or the roof panel  34  may be completely opaque as when the roof panel  34  is formed of the same or similar material as the remaining portions of the roof panel  34 . 
     The roof panel system  10  also includes left and right side rack members  36  which are disposed on the roof structure  14  and more specifically are disposed at or proximate to the left and right sides  30 ,  32  of the roof structure  14 . For ease of illustration, only one side rack member  36  is shown in FIG.  1 . The roof panel system  10  further includes a motor drive unit  40  which acts to drive the roof panel  34  so that the roof panel  34  is either opened or closed relative to the roof structure  14 . More specifically, the roof panel system  10  has a cable  42  which forms a part of a latch assembly (not shown) embodying the present invention in which the latch assembly is disposed within one of the left and right side rack members  36 . As will be described in greater detail hereinafter the actuation of the motor drive unit  40  results in the displacement of the cable  42  which causes the latch assembly to unlatch thereby permitting the roof panel  34  to be driven open by the motor drive unit  40 . Thus, the motor drive unit  40  serves to both unlatch the roof panel  34  and also acts to drive the unlatched roof panel  34  from a closed position to an open position and to positions therebeween. The motor drive unit  40  may comprise any number of motorized units which are sufficient to drive the roof panel  34 . 
     Now referring to FIG. 2 which is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable roof panel assembly  100  according to the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the roof panel assembly  100  is disposed within and more particularly forms a part of at least one side rack member  36 . The roof panel assembly  100  includes a base  102  having a first end  104  and an opposing second end  106 . The base  102  is generally rectangular shaped in the embodiment illustrated in FIG.  1 . The base  102  has a first surface  108  and an opposing second surface  110 . The first surface  108  has a plurality of openings  112  formed therein around a periphery thereof. The plurality of openings  112  act in part to retain the base  102  to a base cover  120 . The base  102  includes a first channel  122  formed therein proximate an upper surface  124  of the base  102 . The first channel  122  comprises a longitudinal channel which extends from the first end  104  to the second end  106 . The first channel  122  is defined partially by an intermediate surface  128  and the upper surface  124  of the base  102 . The first surface  108  of the base  102  also defines and encloses one side of the first channel  122 ; however, it will be noted that as shown in FIG. 1, the first surface  108  has a cut-away portion  130  generally between a portion of the intermediate surface  128  and the upper surface  124  approaching the second end  106 . This cut-away portion  130  permits access and viewing of the first channel  122  in this selected area of the base  102 . The cut-away portion  130  includes an angled edge  132  at one end opposite the second end  106 . The remaining portions of the first channel  122  are hidden from view by the surfaces of the base  102 . 
     The base  102  also includes a second channel  140  formed therein and generally extending from a point proximate the first end  104  to the second end  106 . More specifically, the second channel  140  has a closed first end  142  which comprises a rounded closed end in the illustrated embodiment. The second channel  140  is generally formed of two sections, namely an angled first section  144  and a longitudinal second section  146  which extends from a point near the second end  106  towards the first end  104  with the second section  146  being open at the second end  106 . The angled first section  144  extends downwardly from one end of the second section  146  towards a bottom surface  148  of the base  102  proximate the first end  104 . The second channel  140  is defined by an upper edge  150  and a lower edge  152  where the two edges smoothly join at the closed rounded end of the second channel  140 . The second channel  140  has a lower recessed section  154  formed as part of the lower edge  152 . The lower recessed section  154  is formed intermediate to the closed first end  142  of the second channel  140  and the second end  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower recessed section  154  is generally U-shaped and opens upward facing the first channel  122 . The base  102  also has a recessed section  160  formed therein generally between the angled first section  144  of the second channel  140  and the upper surface  124  of the base  102 . The recessed section  160  is formed of a first vertical edge  162  and an opposing outwardly bowed edge  164  and first and second arcuate edges  166 ,  168  which extend between first and second ends, respectively, of the first vertical edge  162  and the outwardly bowed edge  164 . The base  102  further includes a track  141  formed therein and more particularly, the track  141  is formed within a portion of the second channel  140 . The track  141  has a first end  143  and a second end  145  with the first end  143  being located within the lower recessed section  154  and the second end  145  generally being at second end  106  of the base  102 . The track  141  is thus angled downward within the lower recessed section  154 . 
     The base cover  120  has a first surface  170  and an opposing second surface  172  and first and second ends  174 ,  176 , respectively, and an upper edge  178  and an opposing lower edge  180 . The base cover  120  is generally shaped and sized so as to attach to the base  102  to partially enclose portions of the second channel  140 , the recessed section  160  and the first channel  122 . When the base cover  120  mates with the base  102  the second surface  172  of the base cover  120  faces the first surface  108  of the base  102 . The base cover  120  has a plurality of pegs  182  which extend outwardly away from the second surface  172  of the base cover  120 . The plurality of pegs  182  are designed to be frictionally received within the plurality of openings  112  formed in the base  102  so as securely attach the base cover  120  to the base  102 . 
     The base cover  120  has a first slot  184  formed therein which is disposed over the recessed section  160  when the base cover  120  is attached to the base  102 . The first slot  184  is generally oblong in shape; however, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be used. The base cover  120  further includes a second slot  186  formed therein. Similar to and complementary to the second channel  140 , the second slot  186  has an angled first section  188  and a second section  190 . The angled first section  188  terminates with a closed rounded end  192  and the second section  190  terminates with a vertical end  194 . A width of the second slot  186  is slightly less than a width of the second channel  140  so that the base cover  120  overlaps peripheral edges of the second channel  140 . The base cover  120  also has a third slot  196  formed therein, wherein the third slot  196  has a closed first end  198  and an open second end  200 . The third slot  196  is also formed so that it includes an angled first section  202  and a longitudinal second section  204  which extends to the second end  176  of the base cover  120 . The third slot  196  has a width less than the width of the second slot  186  and when the base cover  120  is attached to the base  102 , the closed first end  198  and a substantial portion of the angled first section  202  is disposed over the lower recessed section  154  and the longitudinal second section  204  is disposed over the second channel  140  and more specifically over the longitudinal second section  146  of the second channel  140 . The third slot  196  and the track  141  are similar in shape and have similar purposes as will be described hereinafter. The base cover  120  further includes a pair of bosses  187 ,  189  which extend outwardly away from the base cover  120 . In the exemplary embodiment, the bosses  187 ,  189  comprise annular protrusions. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. The removable roof panel assembly  100  also includes a release member  210  which comprises an elongated member having a first end  212  and an opposing second end  214 . The first end  212  has a tab  219  extending thereaway so that the release member  210  is generally L-shaped at the first end  212 . The L-shape is defined by the release member  210  and the tab  219  which extends therefrom at the first end  212 . At the second end  214 , a boss  216  is formed. The release member  210  is designed to be received within the first channel  122  so as to travel therein when movement of the release member  210  is caused by the motor drive unit  40 . The release member  210  is connected to the cable  42  so that when the motor drive unit  40  is actuated and causes reeling or unreeling of the cable  42 , the release member  210  is caused to move within the first channel  122 . During assembly, the release member  210  is inserted into the first channel  122  so that the first end  212  thereof is positioned at the end of the first channel  122  adjacent to the first end  104  of the base  102 . The tab  219  of the release member  210  extends within the recessed section  160  in this position. When the base cover  120  is attached to the base  102 , the boss  216  extends outwardly away from the base  102  and it is understood that the length of the boss  216  is such that it does not contact the base cover  120  when the same is attached to the base  102 . This permits the release member  210  to ride within the first channel  122 . 
     The roof panel assembly  100  further includes a roller member  220  and a coupler  222  which serves to couple the roller member  220  to the roof panel  34  as will be described hereinafter. The roller member  220  comprises an annular roll member including an opening  224  formed therein. The roller member  220  preferably has a diameter which is slightly less than the width of the second channel  140  so that the roller member  220  is free to rotate and ride within the second channel  140  from the closed first end  142  towards the second end  106  of the base  102 . The coupler  222  comprises a base  226  and a boss  228  extending therefrom, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, the base  226  has an annular shape and the boss  228  has a generally circular cross section. The boss  228  has a diameter which is slightly less than a diameter of the opening  224  so that the boss  228  is frictionally received within the opening  224 . As previously mentioned, the coupler  222  serves to couple the roller member  220  to the roof panel  34 . This results by inserting in a frictional manner the end of the boss  228  into an opening (not shown) formed on a side surface  230  of the roof panel  34 . Therefore the length of the boss  228  is such that it fully extends through the opening  224  of the roller member  220  and into the side surface  230  of the roof panel  34 . The length of the boss  228  is also designed so that a gap is formed between the side surface  230  and the roller member  220 . The gap permits other components of the roof panel assembly  100  to be disposed therebetween as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     The roof panel assembly  100  includes a latch assembly  240  and a connector  242  which links the release member  210  to the latch assembly  240 . The connector  242  comprises a body having a base portion  244  and a protrusion  246  extending outwardly therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment, the protrusion  246  comprises a peg which extends thereaway and has a generally circular crosssection. The connector  242  includes a flag portion  243  which extends from the base portion  244  and is designed to make contact with the tab  219  of the release member  210 . When the base cover  120  is attached to the base  102 , the connector  242  is disposed in the recessed section  160  so that the protrusion  246  extends through the first slot  184  of the base cover  120  so that the first slot  184  defines the range of movement of the protrusion  246  during actuation of the latch assembly  240 . 
     The latch assembly  240  includes a latch arm  250  and a latch catch member  252 . The latch arm  250  has a first end  254  and an opposing second end  256 . Intermediate to the first and second ends  254 ,  256 , the latch arm  250  has an opening  260  formed therein for pivoting the latch arm  250  about a pivot point defined by the opening  260 . In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  260  is circular. The latch arm  250  also includes a second opening  262  (shown in FIG. 4) formed at the first end  254 . The second opening  262  is also preferably circular in nature and is designed to receive the protrusion  246  of the connector  242  so as to rotatably connect the connector  242  to the latch assembly  240 . The connector  242  is preferably spring loaded so as to assume a first position with the flag portion  243  upright. The contact between the release member  210  and the connector  242  overcomes the spring force and causes rotation of the connector  242 . The latch arm  250  has at its second end  256  a ridge  264  which defines a shoulder  266  proximate the second end  256 . It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the portion of the latch arm  250  from the shoulder  266  to the second end  256  may be reduced in length. The latch arm  250  has a curved surface  267  extending from the shoulder  266  (best shown in FIG. 6) to the first end  254 . In the illustrated embodiment, the surface  267  is generally concave in nature. The latch arm  250  is rotatably attached to the base cover  120  by inserting boss  187  within the opening  260 . 
     The latch catch member  252  comprises a yoke-like member having opposing first and second arms  270 ,  272 . The first and second arms  270 ,  272  define an opening  276  formed therebetween. The opening  276  is sized to receive the boss  228  of the coupler  222 . In other words, the latch catch member  252  is disposed between the roller member  220  and the base cover  120  when the removable roof panel assembly  100  is assembled. The latch catch member  252  also has an opening  278  formed therein, wherein the opening  278  provides a pivot point for the latch catch member  252  so that the latch catch member  252  may pivot in a rotational manner. Boss  189  is received within the opening  278  so as to partially attach the latch catch member  252  to the base cover  120 . The latch catch member  252  and the latch arm  250  engage one another to latch the roof panel  34  in a locked position as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     The removable roof panel assembly  100  further includes a guide member  280 . The guide member  280  comprises a generally oblong member with a first end  282  and an opposing second end  284 . Near the first end  282 , the guide member  280  includes a slot  286  formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot  286  has a generally oblong shape. The slot  286  is sized to receive the boss  216  extending from the release member  210  so that the slot  286  permits restricted movement of the boss  216  therein. One surface  288  of the guide member  280  has an arcuate surface and more specifically, the surface  288  is generally concave in nature. The guide member  280  has a first boss  290  which protrudes from the guide member  280  away from the base  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, the first boss  290  comprises a peg which is received within an opening (not shown) formed in the side surface  230  of the roof panel  34  at an end opposite to the opening formed in the same side surface  230  for receiving the boss  228  of the coupler  222 . The first boss  290  thus serves to secure the second end  284  of the guide member  280  to the roof panel  34  so that movement of the guide member  280  causes roof panel  34  to likewise move within the second channel  140 . The first boss  290  extends through the third slot  196  and the third slot  196  serves to guide the second end  284  during the lifting of the guide member  280  during operation of assembly  100  because the movement of the roof panel  34  is guided by the first boss  290  traveling within the third slot  196 . When the roof panel  34  is attached to the latch assembly  240  and the guide member  280 , the roof panel  34  is positioned generally perpendicular to the base cover  120  and the base  102 . FIG. 3 is a perspective assembled view of the removable roof panel assembly  100 . The guide member  280  further includes a second boss  291  which extends outwardly from the guide member  280  in an opposite direction of the first boss  290 . The second boss  291  is received and travels within the track  141  formed in the base  102  so as to guide and direct the front end  35  of the roof panel within the second channel  140 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4-18 in which the sequential movement of the roof panel assembly  100  of the present invention is shown. FIG. 4 shows the roof panel assembly  100  in a first position in which all of the individual components of the assembly  100  are at rest and the roof panel  34  is in a latched position. In the latched position, the roof panel  34  is generally perpendicular to the base cover  120  and an upper surface of the roof panel  34  is substantially parallel to planes containing the upper and lower surfaces  124 ,  128 , respectively of the base  102 . In this latched position, the latch arm  250  engages the latch catch member  252  and more specifically, the first arm  270  seats against the shoulder  266 . Because the latch catch member  252  is preferably biased by any number of means, including the use of a spring, the biasing member is compressed when the latch catch member  252  is in the position shown in FIG.  4 . In this locked position, the boss  228  of the coupler  222  is disposed between the first and second arms  270 ,  272 . In the locked position, the second end  284  of the guide member  280  is disposed within lower recessed section  154  and the first end  282  is disposed in the second channel  140  near the angled edge  132 . The boss  216  at the second end  214  of the release member  210  is disposed within the slot  286  such that the boss  216  seats against an end of the slot  286  closer to the latch assembly  240 . 
     FIGS. 5-7 show the roof panel assembly  100  in a second position. To begin the opening of the roof panel  34 , the motor drive unit  40  (FIG. 1) is actuated causing the cable  42  (FIG. 1) to be driven and this in turn causes the release member  210  to be driven in a direction away from the first end  104  of the base  102 . In other words, the release member  210  is pulled within the first channel  122  in a direction towards the open second end  106  of the base  102 . The tab  219  of the release member  210  contacts the flag portion  243  of the connector  242  and causes movement (e.g., rotation) thereof. Because the connector  242  and more specifically, the protrusion  246  thereof extends through the first slot  184  of the base cover  120 , the range of movement of the connector  242  is limited by the shape and size of the first slot  184 . As shown in more detail in FIG. 6, the connector  242  initially is disposed at an upper portion  185  of the first slot  184  so that movement of the release member  210  causes the connector  242  to travel downwardly within the first slot  184 . As the release member  210  is continuously moved under the action of the motor drive unit  40 , the movement of the connector  242  causes the latch arm  250  to begin to pivot in a clockwise direction. These movements begin the release cycle of the latch assembly  240 . FIG. 7 shows the position of the guide member  280  and the release member  210  relative to each other and relative to the base  102  and the second channel  140  formed therein. 
     Now referring to FIGS. 8-9 which show a third position of the removable roof panel assembly  100  of the present invention. The release member  210  is designed so that it takes up lost motion in the guide member  280  by boss  216  traveling within the slot  286  of the guide member  280  as the guide member  280  is being driven towards the second end  106  of the base  102 . This movement of the first end  282  results in the second end  284  being rotated in a clockwise direction within the lower recessed section  154 . FIG. 9 shows in greater detail the relative movement between the release member  210 , the connector  242  and the latch assembly  100 . The movement of the release member  210  causes the connector  242  to be driven downwardly within the first slot  184 , as shown, which causes the latch arm  250  to continue to rotate in a clockwise direction so that ridge  264  disengages from the first arm  270  of the latch catch member  252 . Once latch arm  250  is released from the latch catch member  252 , the latch catch member  252  is free to rotate itself. This rotation will also be in a clockwise direction. 
     Now referring to FIGS. 10-11 in which a fourth position of the roof panel assembly  100  is shown. The release member  210  is continued to be pulled within the first channel  122  away from the first end  104 . This continued movement of the release member  210  causes the guide member  280  to be displaced from the lower recessed section  154  of the base  102  and more specifically, the guide member  280  is lifted therefrom. This upward movement of the guide member  280  in turn upwardly lifts a front end  35  of the roof panel  34  because the first boss  290  of the guide member  280  is connected to the roof panel  34 . At the same time, the movement of the release member  210  has disengaged the latch assembly  240  by releasing the latch arm  250  from the latch catch member  252  which permits a rear end  37  of the roof panel  34  to also upwardly lift resulting in the roller member  220  and the coupler  222  traveling within the second channel  140 . FIG. 11 shows this fourth position in greater detail and shows the relative movement and positioning of the latch assembly  240  and the other components. Because of the biasing forces of the latch assembly  240 , after the disengagement of the latch arm  250  from the latch catch member  252 , the latch arm  250  rotates in a counterclockwise position after the first arm  270  clears and rides over the shoulder  266 . The latch catch member  252  continues to rotate in a clockwise position as the roller member  220  and the coupler  222  travel upwardly within the second channel  140 . This action of the latch catch member  252  is also caused by the spring force of the member  252 . The upward movement of the coupler  222  and more specifically the boss  228  causes the boss  228  to contact the second arm  272  and force the clockwise rotation of the latch catch member  252 . The design of the roller member  220  in being annular in shape permits the roller member  220  to roll within the second channel  140  and because the roof panel  34  is attached to the roller member  220 , movement of the roof upward  34  is effectuated. As shown best in FIG. 11, in this fourth position, the release member  210  has cleared the connector  242 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 12-13 in which a fifth position of the removable roof panel assembly  100  is shown. In this fifth position, the latch assembly  240  becomes fully unlatched. The continued movement of the release member  280  in a direction towards the second end  106  of the base  102  continues to pull the guide member  280  within the second channel  140  towards the second end  106 . The second end  284  of the guide member  280  rides upwardly within the lower recessed section  154 . As illustrated, in the fifth position, the second end  284  of the guide member  280  has been displaced from the lower recessed section  154  and is disposed generally within the second channel  140 . This positioning of the guide member  280  causes the front end  35  of the roof panel  34  to be lifted before rear end  37  because lost motion of release member  210 . 
     Referring now specifically to FIG. 13 in which the latch assembly  240  is shown in greater detail. In this position, the latch assembly  240  is unlatched. The latch arm  250  has rotated counter-clockwise to its original position shown in FIG.  4 . As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the fifth position, the release member  210  has cleared the connector  242  and therefore the connector  242  returns to its original position. Accordingly, the connector  242  is positioned against the upper edge  185  of the first slot  184  of the base cover  120 . The roof panel  34  can now fully open because the latch catch member  252  has cleared the latch arm  250  permitting the continued movement of the roof panel  34 . The latch catch member  252  continues to rotate clockwise as the rear end  37  of the roof panel  34  is raised and the roller member  220  travels within the second channel  140 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15 in which a sixth position of the removable roof panel assembly  100  is shown. In this sixth position, the latch catch member  252  rotates clockwise to a stop position in which the first arm  270  is substantially vertically disposed. Because the latch catch member  252  is spring loaded, the first arm  270  will remain in this upward position. The coupler  222  and more specifically the boss  228  thereof has completely disengaged from the latch catch member  252  resulting in the roller member  220  and the coupler  222  traveling within the second channel  140 . Because the coupler  222  attaches the roller member  220  to the roof panel  34 , the positioning of the roller member  220  within the second channel  140  permits the roof panel  34  to slide therein. In this position in which the roof panel  34  is capable of sliding within the second channel  140 , the second end  284  of the guide member acts as a roll member itself for the front end  35  of the roof panel  34  and the rear end  37  of the roof panel  34  is guided and moved by the roller member  220 . In this position, the roof panel  34  is substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces  124 ,  148  of the base  102 . FIG. 15 shows in greater detail the latch assembly  240  and the relative position of the roof panel  34  relative thereto. In this position, the roof panel  34  may be slid within the second channel  140  which permits the roof panel  34  to be pulled forward to thereby open a portion of the roof structure  14  (FIG.  1 ). Depending upon how much of the roof structure  14  is desired to be open, the roof panel  34  is positioned accordingly. Thus, in the unlatched position, the roof panel  34  may slide in either a forward or rearward direction to either open or close, respectively, the opening formed in the roof structure  14 . The second channel  140  and track  141  and third slot  196  therefore act as tracts for the sliding of the roof panel  34 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 16 in which a seventh position of the removable roof panel assembly  100  is shown in FIG.  16 . This Figure shows the process for latching the roof panel  34 . As one would expect, the latching process is a process opposite to that of unlatching the roof panel  34 . When it is desired to latch the roof panel  34 , the motor drive unit  40  is actuated causing the cable  42  to be driven so that the release member  210  is driven within the first channel  122  towards the first end  104  of the body  102 . As the rear end  37  of the roof panel  34  is driven within the second channel  140 , the coupler  222  and roller member  220  likewise travel within the second channel  140  towards the latch assembly  240  which is in an unlatched position, as shown. At the same time, the guide member  280  also travels within the second channel  140  towards the first end  104  of the body  102 . In FIG. 16, the second end  284  of the guide member  280  is guided into a mouth portion of the lower recessed section  154  of the second channel  140  so that further movement of the guide member  280  in this same direction will cause the second end  284  to drop within the lower recessed section  154 . 
     FIGS. 16 and 17 show the roller member  220  and the coupler  222  just prior to making contact with the latch catch member  252 . More specifically, the boss  228  of the coupler  222  is disposed generally between the first and second arms  270 ,  272  of the latch catch member  252  and is generally adjacent to the first arm  270 . Further movement of the roof panel  34  towards the first end  104  of the base  102  causes the boss  228  to contact the first arm  270  and drive the latch catch member  252  in a counter-clockwise direction. Because the roller member  220  has begun to descend within the angled first section  144  of the second channel  140 , the rear end  37  of the roof panel  34  begins to lower relative to the front end  35  because the roller member  220  follows the shape of the second channel  140 . The position and shape of the lower recessed section  154  is likewise intended to cause the front end  35  of the roof panel  34  to drop therein as the roof panel  34  travels within the second channel  140  towards the first end  104  of the base  102 . 
     Now referring to FIG. 18 in which an eighth position of the removable roof panel assembly  100  is shown. FIG. 18 shows the sequential movement of the roof panel  34 , release member  210 , roller member  220 , coupler  222 , and the latch assembly  240  during the latching process. The first end  212  of the release member  210  travels within the first channel  122  towards the first end  104  of the base  102  and the tab  219  contacts the flag portion  243  of the connector  242  and rotates the connector  242  in a counter-clockwise direction. Thus, force of the release member  210  against the connector  242  counters and overcomes the spring force of the connector  242 . Meanwhile, the continued movement of the roof panel  34  causes the boss  228  of the coupler  222  to engage the latch catch member  252  due to the boss  228  contacting the first arm  270  and being caught between the first and second arms  270 ,  272 . In other words, this movement of the roof panel  34  and roller member  220  causes the counter-clockwise rotation of the latch catch member  252 . Once the first arm  270  seats against the shoulder  266 , the latch assembly  240  is in the latched position and the roof panel  34  is locked into place. 
     Because the surface  267  of the latch catch member  250  is curved, it is designed to permit the latch catch member  252  to ride therealong and once the latch catch member  252  clears the shoulder  266 , it locks in place. The counter clockwise rotation of the latch catch member  252  caused by the roller member  220  results in the clockwise motion of the latch arm  250 . FIG. 18 illustrates the first arm  270  as it is clearing the ridge  264  and after it clears the ridge  264 , the first arm  270  seats against the shoulder  266  which represents the latched position of the latch assembly  240 . In this latched position, the roller member  220  is positioned at the closed first end  142  of the second channel  140 . In this latched position, the roof panel  34  is fully retracted and is latched in a down position where the roof panel  34  seals the opening formed in the roof structure  14 . 
     The present invention thus provides a latch assembly  240  for use in a removable roof panel assembly  100  for a vehicle. Unlike conventional motordriven roof panel structures, the assembly  100  of the present invention does not utilize a latch assembly which is motor-driven or actuated by a solenoid. Instead, the latch assembly  240  of the present invention is mechanically operated by a release member  210  which is connected to a cable  42  which is pulled or released by a motor drive unit  40  for the driving of the roof panel  34  to either an open or closed position or positions therebetween. Because the motor drive unit  40  also serves as the mechanism to cause the unlatching and latching of the latch assembly  240 , the present invention provides a simple, cost effective latch assembly  240  which is not motorized in and of itself. 
     It will be understood that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the preferred embodiment shown herein within the scope and intent of the claims. While the present invention has been described as carried out in a specific embodiment thereof, it is not intended to be limited thereby but is intended to cover the invention broadly within the scope and spirit of the claims.