Abstract:
A seat latch mechanism accommodating a pair of seatback positions, comprising a housing, a latch assembly, and an actuation assembly operably supported by the housing and in operable communication with the latch assembly to selectively unlatch the latch assembly. The housing is adapted to receive a striker assembly having a first and second striker bar, whereby the latch mechanism is adapted to lock the first striker bar in a first latched position and the second striker bar in a second latched position. The actuator serves to apply a force to either of the first or second striker bars when in the first and second latched positions respectively to reduce noise and avoid chucking. The actuation handle serves to release the striker assembly from the latch mechanism and also to allow the first and second striker bars to toggle between the first and second latched positions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to latch mechanisms and, more particularly, to an improved latch mechanism for a seat assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In automotive applications, it is increasingly desirable that a vehicle be capable of accommodating varying requirements, such as cargo carrying and the like. It is further desirable that a vehicle be capable of accommodating varying requirements with respect to occupant comfort. To that end, reconfiguration of the vehicle seating system plays a significant role. 
     Generally speaking, articulation of a seatback enables a vehicle interior to be configurable for accommodating cargo-carrying needs and to provide occupant comfort. Latching mechanisms are often used to selectively anchor a seatback to a stationary striker assembly, thereby securing the seatback to a vehicle structure. In such a system, a conventional latching mechanism cooperates with a striker to provide the seatback with one of either a latched position or an unlatched position. In the latched position the seatback is secured to the vehicle structure in a fixed relationship. In the unlatched position the seatback is free to be dumped forward or folded flat. Conventional latching mechanisms suffer from the disadvantage that they only allow for the seatback to be latched in a single position, thereby hampering occupant comfort. 
     In addition, conventional latch mechanisms cooperating with striker assemblies also limit the flexibility of a cargo area of a vehicle located behind a vehicle seat. Current seating systems accommodate large cargo by folding the seatback in a substantially fold-flat position such that the seatback is generally parallel to the seat bottom. In other known systems, the seatback is again folded flat, and together with the seat bottom, the seatback is articulated or dumped forward, thereby increasing the cargo area of the vehicle. Such systems, while adequately providing for increased cargo areas in a vehicle, do not provide for occupant use of a seat when increased cargo capacity is required. 
     While some prior art systems provide for positioning of a seatback relative to a seat bottom, such systems require the use of a plurality of strikers, rather than the conventional single striker arrangement. Prior art systems accomplishing a range of adjustment for a seatback relative a seat bottom which employ a plurality of strikers typically require clearance for each striker to pass through the latch mechanism so that the latch mechanism can be moved through the various positions and engage each individual striker. In this manner, the latch mechanism is typically required to have a relatively large body to accommodate each striker passing through the body of the latch mechanism as the mechanism is moved between each individual striker. Further, prior art systems requiring the use of more than one striker cause additional operations during assembly and increase costs. Specifically, the use of additional strikers requires assembly of each individual striker and further often require additional tooling and fixtures, thereby increasing tooling expenses and increasing manufacturing time. 
     In addition, such prior art latch systems do not adequately compensate for small variations between the striker and the latch mechanism components which may allow the seatback to move a miniscule amount even when the mechanism is locked. These small variations become noticeable at the upper end of the seatback and can cause noise and discomfort to an occupant. For example, the seatback of an unoccupied seat may tend to vibrate when the vehicle encounters rough road conditions, thereby creating undesirable noise and rattling. This magnified play in a latch mechanism has been termed “chucking” and refers to any manufacturing variation or play in the mechanism components or between the mechanism components and a striker that allows movement of the seatback while the mechanism is in a latched condition. 
     Therefore a latch mechanism in cooperation with a single striker assembly that provides for angular adjustment of a seatback in a plurality of positions relative to the seat bottom and securely latches a seat to a vehicle structure when in a latched position is desirable in the industry. Additionally, providing increased cargo-carrying capability in the cargo area of a vehicle while still maintaining use of the vehicle seat is also desirable. Further yet, it is desirable to provide a latch mechanism that significantly reduces or eliminates chucking of a seat assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a latch mechanism including a housing, a latch assembly operable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and an actuation assembly operably supported by the housing and in operable communication with the latch assembly to selectively unlatch the latch assembly. The housing is adapted to receive a striker assembly having a first and second striker bar, whereby the latch mechanism is adapted to lock the first striker bar in one of two latched positions relative to the housing. The latch mechanism includes a claw having a first and second recess and an actuator. The first recess receives the first striker bar in the first latched position and the second recess receives the first striker bar in the second latched position. It should be understood that when the first striker bar is locked in the second recess, the second striker bar is locked in the first recess such that both the first and second striker bars are concurrently received by the claw. The actuator serves to apply a force to either of the first or second striker bar when the first or second striker bar is disposed in the first recess to reduce noise and avoid chucking. 
     In addition, the actuation mechanism includes a lock cam and an actuation handle, whereby the lock cam is rotatably attached to the actuation handle through a link such that as the actuation handle is rotated the lock cam is also rotated. The lock cam serves to lock the actuator in the latched position and thus to securely hold whichever of the first and second striker bars is disposed in the first recess. The lock cam further serves to rotate the cam out of the latched position when rotated by the actuation handle. The actuation handle serves to both release the latch mechanism from the striker assembly through interaction with the lock cam and further to allow the claw to release the striker assembly so that the first striker bar can be toggled between the first and second recesses. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism in accordance with the principals of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the latch mechanism of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 2B is a more detailed exploded view of particular components of FIG. 2A; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the latch mechanism with part of a housing removed to show the internal workings of the latch mechanism in a first latched position; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the latch mechanism with part of a housing removed to show the internal workings of the latch mechanism in a second latched position; 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of the latch mechanism with part of a housing removed to show the internal workings of the latch mechanism in an unlatched position; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the latch mechanism with part of a housing removed to show the internal workings of the latch mechanism in an unlatched position in response to articulation of an actuation mechanism; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the latch mechanism in a seat assembly; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the latch mechanism in a first latched position and a seat assembly in a first position; 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the latch mechanism in a second latched positon and a seat assembly in a second position; 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of the latch mechanism in a first latched position to show the applied forces on a first striker; and 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the latch mechanism in a second latched position to show the applied forces on a second striker. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1,  2 A,  2 B, and  3  a latch mechanism  10  is provided and includes a housing  12 , a latch assembly  14 , and an actuation assembly  16 . The actuation assembly  16  is pivotably connected to the latch assembly  14  and is supported by the housing  12 . The actuation assembly  16  further selectively engages the latch assembly  14  and is also supported by the housing  12 . 
     The housing  12  includes a main body  18 , a flange  20  axially surrounding the main body  18 , and an extension  22 . The main body  18  generally extends over the length of the housing  12  and includes a first surface  24 , a second surface  26 , a first rib  28 , and a striker recess  30 . The first surface  24  is disposed between the extension  22  and the first rib  28 , and includes a ramped surface  32  and a planner surface  34  extending from the edge of the extension  22  to the base of the first rib  28 , as best shown in FIG.  3 . The first rib  28  laterally extends across the main body  18  generally away from the first surface  24  and includes a wall  36  and planer surface  38  having an attachment aperture  40  and a first bushing aperture  42 . 
     The second surface  26  is disposed on an opposite side of the striker recess  30  from the first surface  24  and includes a first and second section  46 ,  48  separated by a second rib  50 . The second surface  26  extends across both the first and second sections  46 ,  48  on either side of the second rib  50  such that the second surface  26  is generally planer with the first surface  24 . The second rib  50  generally extends from the second surface  26  and includes a reaction surface  52 , whereby the reaction surface  52  serves to support the latch assembly  14 , as will be described further below. In addition, the first section  46  includes a second bushing aperture  54  and a first spring aperture  56  while the second section  48  includes third bushing aperture  58  and a second spring aperture  60 . 
     The striker recess  30  is formed between the first and second surfaces  24 ,  26  and includes a base  64  generally planer with the first surface  24 , a first side wall  66  integrally formed with the first rib  28 , and a second side wall  68  integrally formed with the second rib  50 . The striker recess  30  further includes a first end having a slot  70  formed in the flange  20  and a second end having a generally arcuate surface having a reaction surface  72  opposite the first end. The second end may be formed such that it terminates at an inner surface of the flange  20  opposite the slot  70 . Alternatively, the second end may be formed such that it terminates prior to reaching an inner side of the flange  20  such that the planer surface  28  of the first rib  28  is adjacent the second surface  26  of the second section  48 , as best shown in FIG.  3 . In each variation, the first and second side walls  66 ,  68  further include a reaction surface  74  extending along their lengths. 
     As previously discussed, the extension  22  is disposed adjacent the first surface  24  and includes the ramped surface  32  extending therein. In addition, the extension  22  includes an L-shaped bracket  75  integrally formed therewith for interaction with the actuation assembly  16 . The L-shaped bracket  75  includes an engagement surface  76  and a supporting rib  78 , whereby the supporting rib  78  serves to strengthen the L-shaped bracket  75  when the L-shaped bracket  75  is subjected to a load from the actuation assembly  16 , as will be discussed further below. The extension  22  generally interrupts the flange  20  such that the housing  12  is open over the length of the extension  22 , as best shown in FIG.  2 A. Disposed adjacent the opening are a pair of attachment slots  80  formed in the flange  20 , whereby the slots  80  include a generally square shape and are formed opposite the L-shaped bracket  75 . 
     The housing  12  fixedly supports an outer support  82 , an enforcer plate  84 , and a cover  86 , whereby the outer support  82  and cover  86  cooperate with the flange  20  to form a pocket  88 . The pocket  88  is formed generally between the first and second surfaces  24 ,  26  of the main body  18  and an inner surface of the outer support  82  to provide clearance for the latch assembly  14  and the actuation assembly  16 , as will be discussed further below. The outer support  82  is a generally flat plate having a peripheral edge similar in shape to that of the flange  20  and includes first and second attachment apertures  90 ,  92  co aligned with attachment aperture  40  and first bushing aperture  42  of the first rib  28 . The outer support  82  further includes third and fourth attachment apertures  94 ,  96  co aligned with the second and third bushing apertures  54 ,  58  of the second surface  26  and a slot  98  co aligned with the striker recess  30  of the housing  12 , as best shown in FIG.  2 . 
     The slot  98  includes a first end generally open and an opposite end having a generally arcuate surface  100  flanked by first and second reaction surfaces  102  extending along the length of the slot  98  from the open end to the arcuate surface  100 . The outer plate  82  further includes a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth rib  104 ,  105 ,  107 ,  109 ,  111  which provide clearance for the internal components associated with the latch assembly  14  and actuation assembly  16  and which cooperate to generally form an outer surface of the outer plate  82 , as best shown in FIG.  1 . 
     The enforcer plate  84  is a flat member having a first attachment aperture  106  at a first end and a second attachment aperture  108  at a second end. The enforcer plate  84  is disposed between the planer surface  38  of the first rib  28  and an inner surface of the outer plate  82 , as best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Specifically, the first attachment aperture  106  is aligned with attachment aperture  40  while the second attachment aperture  108  is aligned with the first bushing aperture  42  for attachment to the first rib  28 . The enforcer plate  84  serves to reinforce the first rib  28  when the housing  12  is formed from a generally pliable material such as plastic. The enforcer plate  84  is formed from a rigid material such as, but not limited to, steel. In this manner, the enforcer plate  84  serves to locally strengthen the first rib  28  and provide support for the latch assembly  16 . While the housing  12  and enforcer plate  84  are described as being constructed of plastic and steel respectively, it should be noted that either could be formed from steel or plastic and as such should be considered as part of the present invention. 
     The cover  86  includes a first surface  110  having a raised portion  112  and a second surface  114  having a pair of posts  116  extending therefrom. The raised portion  112  of the first surface  110  provides the cover  86  with additional strength and further provides clearance on the second surface  114  for the actuation assembly  16 . The posts  116  each include a flange  118  integrally formed therewith at a distal end are fixedly attached to the cover  86  at a proximal end in an opposing manner, whereby each flange  118  is received by the attachment slots  80 . The flanges  118  serve to selectively attach the cover  86  to the housing  12 , generally at the extension  22 , as best shown in FIG.  1  through the interaction between the flanges  118  and the attachment slots  80 . In addition, the second surface  114  includes a cylindrical post  120  having an engagement surface  122  for interaction with the actuation assembly  16 , as will be discussed further below. 
     In addition, the cover  86  includes a flange  123  formed on a second surface  125 , whereby the second surface  125  is disposed generally opposite from the first surface  110 . The flange  123  serves to align the cover  86  with the outer plate  82  such that raised portion  112  is generally aligned with the fifth rib  111  of the outer plate  82 . Specifically, the flange  123  is matingly received by a notch  127  formed in the outer cover  82 , as best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this manner, the interaction of the flange  123  and the notch  127  ensures the proper alignment of the outer plate  82  with the cover  86  during assembly and use. 
     The actuation assembly  16  includes an actuation handle  124  and a link  126 , whereby the link  126  is rotatably attached to the actuation handle  124  for communication with the latch assembly  14 . The actuation handle  124  is rotatably attached to the housing  12  generally at the extension  22  and includes a main body  128  and an extension  130 . The extension  130  is fixedly attached to the main body  128  at a proximal end and includes an attachment aperture  132  at a distal end. The main body further includes a handle portion  134  generally opposite an attachment portion  136 . The attachment portion  136  includes an attachment aperture  138  and an engagement surface  140 . In addition, the actuation handle  124  includes a handle spring  142 , which biases the actuation handle  124  in a counterclockwise direction relative to the view shown in FIG.  3 . The handle spring  142  includes first and second extensions  144 ,  146 , whereby the first extension  144  is received by the L-shaped bracket  75  of the extension  22  and the second extension  146  reacts against the engagement surface  140  of the actuation handle  124 . 
     The link  126  includes a first end having an attachment aperture  148  formed therethrough and a second end having a longitudinal slot  150 , whereby the first end is generally offset from the second end to better transmit forces applied to the actuation handle  124  to the latch assembly  14 , as best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The attachment aperture  148  is aligned with the attachment aperture  132  of the actuation handle  124  and is rotatably attached thereto by a rivet  152 . The rivet  152  includes a first, second and third cylindrical sections  154 ,  156 ,  157  whereby the first cylindrical section  154  is rotatably received by attachment aperture  148  of the link  126  and the second cylindrical section  156  is rotatably received by aperture  132  of the extension  130 . In this manner, the third cylindrical section protrudes from a surface of the extension  130 , as best shown in FIG.  2 A. To secure the rivet  152  within apertures  132  and  148 , a washer  158  is provided and is fixedly staked to the third cylindrical section  157  of the rivet  152 . Specifically, the washer  158  is fixedly received by the third cylindrical section  157  which protrudes from aperture  132  and is fixedly attached thereto. In this manner, the extension  130  of the actuation handle  124  is rotatably attached to the link  126  through the connection of attachment apertures  132  and  148 . 
     The latch assembly  14  includes a lock cam  160 , an actuator  162 , a claw  164 , and a push-plate  166 . The lock cam  160  includes an attachment aperture  168  having flats  169  and a first and second arm  170 ,  171  extending therefrom. The first arm  170  includes an attachment aperture  174  formed therethrough, whereby the attachment aperture  174  is aligned with the longitudinal slot  150  of the link  126  for rotatable attachment thereto. Specifically, a rivet  176  having first and second cylindrical sections  178 ,  180  is received by the slot  150  and the aperture  174  respectively. In this manner, the first cylindrical section  178  is slidably received by the slot  150  while the second cylindrical section  180  is rotatably received by aperture  174 . A portion of the second cylindrical section  180  extends from the lock cam  160  and is deformed such that the rivet  176  will maintain the rotatable attachment of the link  126  and the lock cam  160 . 
     The second arm  171  includes a first surface  184  and a second surface  186 , whereby the first and second surfaces  184 ,  186  are formed on opposite sides of the lock cam  160 . The first surface  184  is a generally planer surface extending over the length of the lock cam  160  while the second surface  186  includes a planer portion  188  and a recess  190 , as best shown in FIG.  2 B. The recess  190  includes a first and second engagement surface  192 ,  193  for interaction with the actuator  162 , as will be described further below. The lock cam  160  is received by the housing  12  and is rotatably attached thereto by a rivet  194 . Rivet  194  includes a central cylindrical section  196  flanked by first and second cylindrical sections  198 ,  200 , whereby the central cylindrical section  196  further includes a pair of flats  202 . 
     Flats  202  are matingly received by the flats  169  of the attachment aperture  168  such that the rivet  194  is fixed for rotation with the lock cam  160 . The first cylindrical section  198  is rotatably received by the first attachment aperture  90  of the outer support  82  while the second cylindrical section  200  is rotatably supported by the attachment aperture  40  of the first rib  28 . In this manner, the lock cam  160  rotates about the first and second cylindrical sections  198 ,  200  between the outer support  82  and the housing  12 . 
     The lock cam  160  is biased into a clockwise direction relative to the view shown in FIG. 3 by a coil spring  126 , whereby the coil spring  126  includes a main body  205 , an extension  204 , and a central flat  206 . The central flat  206  is received by a slot  208  formed in the second cylindrical section  200  of the rivet  194  while the extension  204  projects away from the main body  205  for interaction with a first bushing  210 . The interaction between the extension  204  and the first bushing  201 , combined with the interaction of the central flat  206  and the spring slot  208 , creates the bias imposed on the lock cam  160  as previously mentioned. 
     The actuator  162  includes an attachment aperture  212  and first, second, and third arms  214 ,  216 ,  218 . The attachment aperture  212  receives the first bushing  210 , whereby the first bushing  210  rotatably attaches the actuator  162  to the housing  12 . The first bushing  210  includes first, second, third, and fourth cylindrical sections  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226 . The first cylindrical section  220  is disposed adjacent the second cylindrical section  222 , whereby the first cylindrical section  220  has a larger diameter than that of the second cylindrical section  222  and thus creates a first ridge  228  therebetween. The second cylindrical section  222  is disposed adjacent the third cylindrical section  224 , whereby the second cylindrical section  222  has a larger diameter than that of the third cylindrical section  224  and thus creates a second ridge  230  therebetween. The third cylindrical section  224  is disposed adjacent the fourth cylindrical section  226 , whereby the third cylindrical section  224  has a larger diameter than that of the fourth cylindrical section  226  and thus creates a third ridge  232  therebetween. The first, second, third, and fourth cylindrical sections  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226  further include a bore  234  formed therethrough. 
     As previously discussed, the first bushing  210  serves to rotatably attach the aperture  162  to the housing  12 . Specifically, the first cylindrical section  220  is received by the first bushing aperture  42  of the housing  12  such that the first ridge  228  reacts against an outer surface of the housing  12 . In addition, the housing  12  further includes a recess (not shown) formed on an outer surface of the housing  12 , whereby the recess receives the first ridge  228  to maintain the relationship of the first bushing  210  to the housing  12  and prevent further movement of the first bushing  210  into the housing  12 . In this manner, the second, third, and fourth cylindrical sections  222 ,  224 ,  226  of the first bushing  210  extend into the pocket  88  of the housing  12 . 
     The second cylindrical section  222  extends through the first bushing aperture  42  of the first rib  28  as well as through the second attachment aperture  108  of the enforcer plate  84 . The second cylindrical section  222  further extends through the attachment aperture  212  of the actuator  162 , whereby the actuator  162  rotates about the second cylindrical section  222 . The fourth cylindrical section  226  is received by second attachment aperture  92  of the outer support  82 , whereby the third ridge  232  reacts against an inner surface of the outer support  82 . 
     The first arm  214  of the actuator  162  includes an engagement surface  236 , whereby the engagement surface  236  interacts with the engagement surface  192  on recess  190  of the lock cam  160 . The second arm  216  includes a slot  238  for communication with the claw  164  while the third arm  218  includes a reaction surface  240  disposed at a distal end of the third arm  218 . 
     The claw  164  is a generally flat member having an attachment aperture  242 , a bushing aperture  244 , a spring aperture  246 , and a first and second notch  248 ,  250 . The claw  164  is rotatably supported by a second bushing  252  between the housing  12  and the outer plate  82 . The second bushing  252  is substantially similar to the first bushing  210 , therefore like reference numerals will be used hereinafter to describe like components while like reference numerals with letter extensions will be used to designate modified components. The second bushing  286  is received by the second bushing aperture  54  of the housing  12  and also by the bushing aperture  244  of the claw  164 . Specifically, the second cylindrical section  222  is first received by the second bushing aperture  54 , then by the bushing aperture  244  of the claw  164 , whereby a coil spring  254  is disposed therebetween. In this manner, the coil spring  254  is disposed between the claw  164  and an inner surface of the housing  12  and serves to biases the claw  164  in a counterclockwise direction relative to the view shown in FIG.  3 . Finally, the fourth cylindrical section  226  is received through the third attachment aperture  94  of the outer support  82 . In this manner, the claw  164  rotates about the second cylindrical section  222  between the housing  12  and the outer support  82 . 
     The coil spring  254  includes a central cylindrical body  256  adapted to fit onto the second cylindrical section  222  of the second bushing  252  and first and second spring posts  258 ,  260 . The central cylindrical body  256  receives the second cylindrical section  222  such that the coil spring  254  is disposed between the claw  164  and the housing  12 , as best shown in FIG.  4 . The first spring post  258  is received by the spring aperture  246  of the claw  164  while the second spring post  260  is received by the first spring aperture  56  of the housing  12 . In this manner, the coil spring  254  serves to bias the claw  164  in the clockwise direction due to the interaction of the first spring post  158  with the claw  164  and the interaction of the second spring post  160  with the housing  12 . 
     The first and second notches  248 ,  250  each include a reaction surface  262 ,  264  and are disposed adjacent one another, as best shown in FIG.  2 B. In addition, the second notch  264  is disposed adjacent a first extension  266 , whereby attachment aperture  242  is disposed on the first extension  266 . Attachment aperture  266  receives a rivet  268  and a roller  270 , whereby the roller  270  is rotatably received by an outer surface  271  of the rivet  268  and matingly engages the slot  238  of the actuator  162 . In this manner, the roller  270  engages the slot  238  and thus communicates with the actuator  162 . Specifically, rotation of either the claw  164  or the actuator  162  will cause the roller  270  to rotate about the rivet  268  generally along the slot  238 . Movement of the roller  270  along the slot  238  due to movement of either the claw  164  or the actuator  162  causes movement of the other of the claw  164  and the actuator  162 , as will be discussed further below. The claw  164  further includes a second extension  272  disposed generally opposite the first extension  266 , whereby the second extension  272  includes a first and second engagement face  274 ,  275  for interaction the push-plate  166 . 
     The push-plate  166  is a generally flat member having a bushing aperture  276 , a spring aperture  277 , and an attachment aperture  278 . The push-plate  166  further includes a first and second arm  280 ,  282 , whereby the spring aperture  277  and attachment aperture  278  are disposed on the first arm  280 , as best shown in FIG.  4 . The second arm  282  includes a first and second engagement face  284 ,  285  and extends away from the attachment aperture  278 . The push-plate  166  is rotatably supported between the housing  12  and the outer plate  82  by a third bushing  252 . The third bushing  252  is generally similar to the first bushing  210 , therefore like reference numerals will be used hereinafter to describe like components while like reference numerals with letter extensions will be used to designate modified components. 
     The third bushing  252  is received by the third bushing aperture  58  of the housing  12  to rotatably attach the push-plate  166  thereto. The second cylindrical section  222   a  is received by the attachment aperture  276  of the push-plate  166  and also receives a coil spring  288 , whereby the coil spring  288  biases the push-plate  166  in the counterclockwise direction. 
     The coil spring  288  includes a central cylindrical body  290  adapted to fit onto the second cylindrical section  222   a  of the third bushing  286  and first and second spring posts  292 ,  294 . The central cylindrical body  290  receives the second cylindrical section  222   a  such that the coil spring  288  is disposed between the push-plate  166  and the housing  12 , as best shown in FIG.  4 . The first spring post  292  is received by the spring aperture  277  of the push-plate  166  while the second spring post  294  is received by the second spring aperture  60  of the housing  12 . In this manner, the coil spring  288  serves to bias the push-plate  166  in the counterclockwise direction due to the interaction of the first spring post  292  with the push-plate  166  and the interaction of the second spring post  294  with the housing  12 . 
     The attachment aperture  278  receives a rivet  296  for interaction with the claw  164  to hold the claw  164  in a position against the bias of spring  254 . Rivet  296  includes generally cylindrical body  298  having a reaction surface  300  disposed along its length. As best shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the rivet  296  serves to interact with the second arm  272  of the claw  164  and serves to maintain the latch mechanism  10  in an unlatched position, as will be discussed further below. 
     With particular reference to FIGS. 5-9, the operation of the latch mechanism  10  will be described in detail. In the unlatched position, the push-plate  166  extends into the opening of the striker recess  30 , as best shown in FIG.  5 . In this position, the claw  164  is held from rotating into the striker recess  30  by the interaction of the rivet  296  and the second arm  282  of the claw  164 . In this regard, the claw  164  is held in this position against the bias of coil spring  254 . 
     To toggle the latch mechanism  10  from the unlatched position to the latched position, a force is applied to the push-plate  166  generally along the engagement face  284 . Once this force is applied, the push-plate  166  will rotate in the clockwise direction against the bias of coil spring  288 . Sufficient rotation of the coil spring  288  in the clockwise direction will allow the coil spring  254  to rotate the claw  164  in the clockwise direction. Specifically, once the push-plate  166  is sufficiently rotated in the clockwise direction due to the external force applied to the engagement face  284 , the engagement face  274  of the claw  164  will disengage the from the reaction surface  300  of the rivet  296 . Once the claw  164  is disengaged from the rivet  296 , the coil spring  288  is allowed to rotate the claw  164 . 
     In one embodiment, the force applied to the push-plate  166  is caused by the interaction of a striker assembly  302  and the engagement face  284 . Striker assembly  302  includes a first and second striker bar  304 ,  306  interconnected by a cross-member  308 , as best shown in FIG.  7 . The first striker bar  304  contacts the engagement face  284  of the push-plate  166 , thereby causing the push-plate  166  to rotate in the clockwise direction as indicated above. In this manner, either the latch mechanism  10  or the striker assembly  302  is moving relative to the other of the striker assembly  302  or the latch mechanism  10 , thereby causing the first striker bar  304  to travel along the striker recess  30 . As previously discussed, as the push-plate  166  is removed from contact with the claw  164 , the claw  164  is rotated in the clockwise direction due to the bias of the coil spring  254 . 
     As the claw  164  rotates in the clockwise direction, the first striker bar  304  engages the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , whereby the first striker bar  304  is essentially locked between the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , the slot  98  of the outer support  82 , and the side walls  66 ,  68  of the striker recess  30 . In addition, the first striker bar  304  is held in frictional engagement with the housing  12 , the outer support member  82 , and the first notch  248  by a force applied by the actuator  162 . The actuator  162  contacts the first striker bar  304  through rotation of the claw  164  and the interaction between the roller  270  and the slot  238 . Specifically, as the claw  164  rotates in the clockwise direction, the roller  270  is caused to travel along the slot  238  and concurrently rotate the actuator  162  about the second bushing  252 . 
     Sufficient rotation of the actuator  162  causes the third arm  218  to extend into the striker recess  30  and apply a force directly to the first striker bar  304 . The actuator  162  is held in this position by the engagement of surface  193  of the lock cam  160  and the second arm  216  of the actuator  162 . Specifically, as the lock cam  160  is allowed to engage the actuator  162 , the bias of the coil spring  126  causes the lock cam  160  to rotate in the clockwise direction, thereby causing the engagement surface  193  to engage the second arm  216  of the actuator  162 . In this manner, the lock cam  160  holds or locks the actuator  162  in a position whereby the third arm  218  of the actuator  162  applies a force directly to the first striker bar  304 . The application of this force to the first striker bar  304  causes the first striker bar  304  to react against the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , the slot  98  of the outer support  82 , and the side walls  66 ,  68  of the striker recess  30 , thereby reducing chucking by restricting the first striker bar  304  from moving within the first notch  248 . 
     Through rotation of the lock cam  160  in the clockwise direction, the rivet  176  is caused to slide along the slot  150  from the top of the slot  150  to a position generally at the bottom of the slot  150  and at a point farthest away from the actuation handle  124 . Movement of the rivet  176  along the slot  150  does not cause rotation or translation of the link  126  or the actuation handle  124  because the rivet  176  is allowed to move relative the link  126  within the slot  150  without causing movement of the link  126  or the actuation handle  124 . 
     To release the first striker bar  124 , a force is applied to the actuation handle  124  such that the actuation handle  124  is caused to rotate against the bias of the handle spring  142  in the clockwise direction. Because the rivet  176  is disposed generally at the bottom of the slot  150  when the latch mechanism  10  is in the latched position and the lock cam  160  is engaged with the actuator  162 , rotation of the actuation handle  124  causes the link  126  to translate and immediately impart a force on the rivet  176 , thereby causing the lock cam  160  to be rotated against the bias of the spring  126 . Sufficient rotation of the actuation handle  124  causes the lock cam  160  to rotate the actuator  162  in the clockwise direction and ultimately causes the claw  164  to rotate therewith. 
     The claw  164  is caused to rotate when the actuator  162  is rotated due to the relationship of the roller  270  within the slot  238  of the actuator  162 . In this manner, sufficient rotation of the actuator  162 , as caused by the rotation of the lock cam  160 , will cause the claw  164  to be rotated in the counterclockwise direction against the bias of spring  254 . Sufficient rotation of the claw  164  causes the second arm  272  of the claw  164  to engage the rivet  296  of the push-plate  166  generally at engagement surface  275 , thereby locking the claw  164  in the unlatched position. When the claw  164  is selectively locked with the rivet  296  of the push-plate  166 , the latch mechanism  10  is in the unlatched position. It should be noted that once the lock cam  160  has been sufficiently rotated such that the claw  164  engages the rivet  296 , the actuation handle  124  may be released due to the fact that the engagement face  275  of the arm  272  with rivet  296  will hold the latch mechanism  10  in the unlatched position. 
     It should be noted that as the second arm  272  of the claw  164  moves between the latched position and the unlatched position, the contact of the claw  164  and the push-plate  166  toggles between interaction of the rivet  296  and the first engagement surface  274  and interaction of the rivet  296  and the second engagement surface  275 . In transitioning from the latched position to the unlatched position, the claw  164  releases from engagement with the first engagement surface  274  and engages the rivet at the second engagement surface  275 . In this transition, the push-plate  166  is allowed to be rotated by the coil spring  288  such that the first and second engagement faces  284 ,  285  extend generally into the striker recess  30 . Rotation of the push-plate  166  into the striker recess  30  is governed by the interaction of the second engagement surface  275  and the rivet  296 , whereby contact of the second engagement surface  275  with the rivet  296  limits the travel of the push-plate  166  into the striker recess  30 . 
     Once the latch mechanism  10  is returned to the unlatched position, the first striker bar  304  may be removed from the striker recess  30  such that the latch mechanism  10  is disengaged from the striker assembly  302  all together. However, to move the first striker bar  304  along the striker recess  30  such that the first striker bar  304  is in a position to engage the second notch  250  of the claw  164  and the second striker bar  306  is in a position to engage the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , a force must be applied to the actuation handle  124 . 
     The force applied to the handle  124  causes rotation of the claw  164  through the interaction of the roller  270  with the actuator  162 , as previously discussed. Sufficient rotation of the claw  164 , such that the second surface  274  engages the rivet  296 , ensures that the claw  164  remains in the unlatched position until the first and second striker bars  304 ,  306  are properly aligned with the second and first notches  250 ,  248  of the claw  164  respectively. Specifically, the engagement of surface  275  and rivet  296  causes the push-plate  166  to protrude into the recess  30  generally at the first notch  248  such that as the first and second striker bars  304 ,  306  travel along the recess  30 , the second striker bar  306  contacts surface  284  of the push-plate  166 , thereby releasing the claw  164 . It should be noted that the second striker bar  306  will release the claw  164  only when the second striker  306  is properly aligned with the first notch  248  due to the point along the recess  30  where the second striker bar  306  contacts surface  284  of the push-plate  166 . Once the claw  164  is released, the spring  254  rotates the claw  164  into the recess  30 , thereby locking the first and second striker bars  304 ,  306  in the second and first notches  250 ,  248 . 
     Once the second engagement surface  275  of the claw  164  is in contact with the rivet  296 , the actuation handle  124  may be released, thereby allowing the handle spring  142  to rotate the actuation handle  124  in the counterclockwise direction and return the actuation handle  124  to a stowed position generally within the housing extension  22 . Concurrently the lock cam  160  is caused to rotate in the clockwise direction under the bias of coil spring  126 , whereby engagement surface  193  engages the actuator  162  such that the actuator  162  is caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Sufficient rotation of the actuator  162  in the counterclockwise direction causes the third arm  218  of the actuator  162  to engage the second striker bar  306  and impart a force thereon. 
     The claw  164  will rotate in the clockwise direction due to the bias imparted thereon by coil spring  254 . In addition, sufficient rotation of the actuator  162  causes the roller  270  to travel along slot  238  and further aids in rotating the claw  164  in the clockwise direction. Once the claw  164  is fully rotated in the clockwise direction, the first notch  248  engages the second striker bar  306 , thereby locking the striker assembly  302  in a fixed relationship in relation to the latch assembly  10 . It should be noted that in this position, the second striker bar  306  reacts against the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , the slot  98  of the outer support  82 , and the side walls  66 ,  68  of the striker recess  30 , thereby reducing chucking by restricting the second striker bar  306  from moving within the first notch  248 . Concurrently, the first striker bar  304  is disposed within the second notch  250  and is permitted to move therein generally between the second notch  250  and the striker recess  30 , as best shown in FIG.  4 . It should be noted that restriction of movement of either the first or second striker bars  304 ,  306  within the first notch  248  reduces chucking due to the force exerted thereon by the actuator  162 , thereby improving the overall relationship between the striker assembly  302  and the latch mechanism  10 . 
     To unlatch the striker assembly  302  completely from the latch mechanism  10 , a force is again applied to the actuation handle  124  such that the actuation handle  124  is caused to rotate in the clockwise direction against the bias of the handle spring  142 . Again, sufficient rotation of the actuation handle  124  causes the lock cam  160  to rotate the actuator  162 , thereby causing the claw  164  to rotate and release the first and second striker bars  304 ,  306 . Once the claw  164  is in contact with the rivet  296  of the push-plate  166  generally at the second engagement surface  275 , the latch mechanism  10  is in the unlatched position and the actuation handle  124  may be released. Once the latch mechanism  10  is in the unlatched position, the first and second strikers  304 ,  306  may travel along the striker recess  30  until the striker assembly  302  is completely removed from the latch mechanism  10 . 
     The force applied by the actuator  162  to either the first or second striker bar  304 ,  306  when either the first or second striker bar  304 ,  306  is locked in the first notch  248  of the claw  164  is represented as F in FIG.  11 . The force F is generated by the interaction of the third arm  218  of the actuator  162  and the first or second striker bar  304 ,  306  when the first or second striker bar  304 ,  306  is disposed in the first notch  248 . The force F generates reaction forces W, Y as indicated in FIG. 11 due to the interaction of either the first or second striker bar  340 ,  306  with the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , the slot  98  of the outer support  82 . In this regard, the first or second striker bar  304 ,  306  is fixedly held in the first notch  248  by a minimum of a three-point contact as represented by forces F, W, and Y. In this manner, chucking between the latch mechanism  10  and the striker assembly  302  is reduced or eliminated. 
     With reference to FIGS. 7-9, a seat assembly  310  is shown incorporating the latch mechanism  10  of the present invention. The seat assembly  310  includes the latch mechanism  10 , a seat bottom  312 , and a seat back  314 , pivotably supported by the seat bottom  312 . In addition, the striker assembly  302  is provided and is fixedly supported by a vehicle structure  316 . The latch mechanism  10  is disposed generally at the base of the seat back  314 , whereby the striker recess  30  is oriented such that the striker assembly  302  will engage the striker recess  30  upon rotation of the seat back  314  relative the seat bottom  312 . 
     Initially, the seat back  314  is disengaged from the seat bottom  312 , as shown in FIG.  7 . To engage the latch mechanism  10  and the striker assembly  302 , a force is applied to the seat back  314  such that the seat back  314  is rotated relative to the seat bottom  312 . Sufficient rotation of the seat back  314  causes the first striker bar  304  of the striker assembly  302  to engage the striker recess  30  and ultimately contact the push-plate  166 . As previously described, rotation of the push-plate  166  causes the claw  164  to rotate and engage the first striker bar  304 , thereby locking the first striker bar  304  between the actuator  162  and the claw  164 . In this position, the seat back  314  is locked in a first angular position relative to the seat bottom  312 , as shown in FIG.  8 . 
     To lock the seat back  314  in another angular position relative to the seat bottom  312 , a force is applied to the actuation handle  124  to rotate the actuation handle  124  against the bias of the handle spring  142 . Concurrently, a force is also applied to the seat back  314  until the latch mechanism  10  has been properly aligned with the striker assembly  320 , whereby the first striker bar  304  is aligned with the second notch  250  and the second striker bar  306  is aligned with the first notch  248 . In this position, the actuation handle  124  may be released, whereby the claw  164  will rotate and engage the first and second striker bars  304 ,  306 , as previously discussed. Once the actuation handle  124  is released, and the first and second striker bars  304 ,  306  are locked by the claw  164 , the seat back  314  is locked in a second angular relationship relative to the seat bottom, as best shown in FIG.  9 . 
     To disengage the seat back  314  from the latch mechanism  10 , a force is again applied to the actuation handle  124  against the bias of the handle spring  142 . Concurrently, a force is applied to the seat back  314  such that as the first and second striker bars  302 ,  304  are released form contact with the claw  164 , the seat back  314  may be rotated and the striker assembly  302  will be released form engagement with the latch mechanism  10 . In this manner, the seat back  314  is permitted to rotate relative to the seat bottom  312 . 
     Again, when the seat back  314  is locked in either the first or second latched position, the force F applied by the actuator  162  eliminates movement of either the first or second striker  304 ,  306  within the first notch  248  of the claw  164 , as best shown in FIG.  11 . In this manner, movement of the seat back  314  relative to the vehicle structure  316  is prohibited. In addition, slight movement of the seat back  314  relative the vehicle structure  316  is eliminated, thereby reducing chucking and improving occupant comfort. 
     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.