Patent Publication Number: US-8109577-B2

Title: Sliding latch system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Divisional application of Ser. No. 11/659,302, filed on Feb. 2, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,475, issued Oct. 26, 2010, which is a national stage of PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/027678, filed Aug. 4, 2005 and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/598,982, filed Aug. 5, 2004. The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates generally to seating technology. More specifically, the invention relates to latch systems which allow for a seat assembly to be selectively repositioned and/or reconfigured within a vehicle. 
     Vehicle manufacturers are continually striving to provide improved convenience features in motor vehicles, including features relating to seating technology. In continuing, with this trend, many vehicles such as sport utility vehicles and mini-vans are provided with sophisticated second and/or third row seat assemblies configured to move between a use position and a non-seating position (e.g., a non-use position, a stowed position, etc.), and/or that may be removable from the vehicle. Such flexibility in a seating system is generally intended to permit the cargo carrying capacity of the vehicle to be increased. 
     While the current trend is to focus on stowing and/or removing seat assemblies relative to the vehicle structure, it may be advantageous to provide a seating system that can allow a seat assembly to be selectively positioned within the vehicle in addition to being capable of being stowed and/or removed. For example, if multiple seat assemblies are provided in vehicle, and certain seat assemblies are stowed and/or removed to increase the cargo carrying capacity of the vehicle, it may be desirable to reposition any remaining seat assemblies to more convenient locations. The repositioning of a seat assembly would be greatly simplified if the seat assembly could remain engaged with the vehicle as it is being moved to a new position. Repositioning would further be simplified if the seat assembly could be moved while supporting a seat occupant. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a latch system that can allow a seat assembly to be selectively repositioned in a vehicle while remaining engaged with the vehicle structure. There is also a need for a latch system that can reduce the likelihood that a seat assembly will disengage the vehicle structure as the seat assembly is being selectively repositioned. There is also a need for a latch system that can provide for the lateral movement of seat assembly relative to the vehicle structure. There is also a need for a latch system that includes a feature that is intended to prevent a seat assembly from being removed from the vehicle until the seat assembly is moved into a non-seating position. There is also a need for a seating system having a latch system that accomplishes one or more of the above-mentioned needs. 
     It would be desirable to provide a latch system and/or a seating system that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned needs. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a latch system for use with a seat to be latched to a guide track. The system includes a latch plate capable of being coupled to the seat, a first release member coupled to the latch plate, and a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member has a base portion and a projection configured to releasably engage the guide track. The projection is selectively movable between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track, a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track. The second release member has a pawl configured to prevent the projection from moving to the third position unless the second release member has been selectively actuated. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a seating system for use within a vehicle having a floor structure. The seating system includes a seat having a seat bottom and a backrest, a guide track configured to be coupled to the floor structure, a first latch plate coupled to the seat, a first release member coupled to the first latch plate, and a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member is configured to releasably engage the guide track. The first release member is selectively movable between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track, a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track. The second release member is configured to engage the first release member for preventing the first release member from moving to the third position unless the seat is in a non-seating position. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of latching a seat to a guide track within a vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing a latch plate coupled to the seat, providing a first release member coupled to the latch plate, and providing a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member is configured to releasably engage the guide track and move between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track, a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track. The second release member is configured to prevent the first release member from moving to the third position unless the seat is in a non-seating position. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a seating system for movably coupling a seat assembly to a vehicle structure includes a seat assembly and a latching system. The seat assembly includes a seat back supported for pivotal movement relative to a seat bottom between a use position and a stowed position. The latching system includes a rail member adapted to be supported by the vehicle structure. The rail member includes at least one aperture for securing the seating system in place. In one embodiment, the rail member includes a plurality of apertures so that the seat assembly can be secured in more than one position along the rail member. The latching system further includes a first release configured to releasably engage the rail member and move between a locking position, a sliding position, and a release position. In the locking position, the fast release engages the aperture provided in the rail member to secure the seat assembly to the vehicle structure. In the sliding position, the first release disengages the aperture and engages a portion of the rail member that allows the seat assembly to slide along the rail member without disengaging. In the release position, the first release sufficiently disengages the rail member to allow the seat assembly to be removed from the rail member. The latching system further includes a second release having a lever and a pawl. The second release prevents the first release from moving into the release position until the seat back is move to the stowed position thereby actuating the lever and moving the pawl. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a latching system for a vehicle with a seat assembly and a track member for selectively positioning the seat assembly throughout the vehicle includes an inboard side latch and an outboard side latch. The inboard side latch and the outboard side latch both include a first release that releasably engages the track. The latching system further includes a sliding unit supported relative to the inboard side latch and the outboard side latch, a user interface coupled to at least one of the inboard side latch and the outboard side latch, and a towel bar operably coupling the inboard side latch and the outboard side latch. Actuation of the user interface causes the first release to move between a locking position and a sliding position. In the locking position, the first release engages an aperture in the track. In the sliding position, the first release is disengaged from the aperture and engages a lip on the track. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a lateral sliding latching system for a vehicle having a vehicle seat with a seat back movable between an upright use position and a folded or stowed position includes a first and second rail extending laterally across the vehicle. The first rail is supported near a front portion of the vehicle seat and the second rail is supported near a rear portion of the vehicle seat. The latching system further includes a first pair of inboard and outboard mounting structures for engaging the first rail, and a second pair of inboard and outboard mounting structures for engaging the second rail. A first release is movably coupled to each mounting structure and configured to releasably engage the respective rail. A second release is coupled to at least one inboard mounting structure and configured to releasably engage the respective first release. A user interface is coupled to at least one outboard mounting structure and is coupled to the respective first release. A pair of towel bars are provided to couple the inboard mounting structures to the outboard mounting structures. A pair of sliding units are supported between the inboard mounting structures and the outboard mounting structures. Rotation of the user interface releases the first releases from the respective first and second rails and enables the vehicle seat to laterally move along the rails on the sliding units. The movement of the seat back to the stowed position releases the second release and enables the vehicle seat to be removed from the rails by actuating the towel bar. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for latching a seat to a rail member. The system includes a first release having a hook portion configured to removable engage an aperture in the rail member and an interface portion configured to translate the rotational movement of a user interface into a linear movement for engaging and disengaging the hook portion from the rail. The interface portion may be a rack having teeth configured to mesh with the teeth of a pinion operably coupled to the user interface. The first release is biased into an engaged position with the rail by a spring. A second release includes a pawl configured to engage the teeth of the pinion operably coupled to the user interface to prevent the hook portion from unintentionally disengaging the rail member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a seating system according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a latch system of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a front plan view of the latch system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the latch system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side plan view of the latch system of  FIG. 2  wherein the latch system is shown in a first or locking position. 
         FIG. 6  is a side plan view of the latch system of  FIG. 2  wherein the latch system is shown in a second or sliding position. 
         FIG. 7  is a side plan view of the latch system of  FIG. 2  wherein the latch system is shown in a third or release position. 
         FIG. 8  is a partially exploded, perspective view of the latch system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, perspective view of the latch system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded, perspective view of the portion of the latch system illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before proceeding with the description of a number of exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the FIGURES, a latch system  100  couples a seat assembly  30  to a support structure (not shown), such as a vehicle floor, in a manner that enables seat assembly  30  to be selectively movable relative to the support structure such as between alternative seating locations. Latch system  100  also allows for seat assembly  30  to be selectively removable from the support structure and/or stowable relative to the support structure. Latch system  100  may be configured to be actuated by a user between a first or locking position, a second or sliding position, and a third or release position. In the locking position, latch system  100  is intended to securely couple seat assembly  30  to the support structure. In the sliding position, latch system  100  allows seat assembly  30  to be selectively positioned along a track or rail  102  that is mounted to the support structure while reducing the likelihood that seat assembly  30  will disengage rail  102 . In the release position, latch system  100  is configured to allow seat assembly  30  to be selectively removed from the support structure entirely and/or to be moved (e.g., tumbled, folded, flipped, etc.) from a use (e.g., seating) position to a non-seating position (e.g., non-use position, stowed position, etc.). 
     Latch system  100  may be employed in a variety of applications, and is generally applicable with any seating application for which flexibility in the placement of a seat assembly would be beneficial. In one application, latch system  100  is configured for use with a motor vehicle having second row seating (e.g., sport utility vehicles (SUVs), mini-vans, vans, trucks, etc.) to provide for the lateral movement (i.e., side-to-side, transverse, etc.) of a seat assembly. For such an application, latch system  100  may be used to movably secure the second row seat assembly to the vehicle structure. While the disclosed embodiments may be described as a latch system for use with a motor vehicle, the features of the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable with other seating applications such as boats, campers, recreational vehicles, airplanes, trains, or any other seating application wherein flexibility in the placement of a seat assembly would be desirable. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the seating system  20  which generally includes seat assembly  30  and latch system  100 . According to an exemplary embodiment, seating system  20  is coupled to a vehicle structure (not shown). For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining or combining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining or combining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining or combining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle structure is the vehicle floor, but alternatively may be the vehicle side wall or any other suitable structure. 
     Seat assembly  30  generally includes a seat bottom  32  and a backrest or seat back  38 . Seat bottom  32  has a front end  34  and a rear end  36 . Seat back  38  has an upper end  40  and a lower end  42  that extends upwardly relative to rear end  36  of seat bottom  32 . Seat bottom  32  and seat back  38  typically have a seat structure that includes a seat frame (not shown) that is at least partially covered by a cushioned or padded material and/or any other appropriate cover material. 
     Lower end  42  of seat back  38  is movably coupled at rear end  36  of seat bottom  32  in a manner that enables the pivotal movement of seat back  38  between a use position, wherein seat back  38  is generally upright relative to seat bottom  32 , and a non-seating position, wherein seat back is moved forward (e.g., collapsed, folded, rotated, etc.) towards seat bottom  32 . Seat assembly  30  may optionally include a recliner mechanism (not shown) that allows a user to selectively align the angle of seat back  38  when in the use position. In one embodiment, seat assembly  30  is configured as the type of seat commonly referred to as a “captain&#39;s chair,” which is often used as a second row seat in multi-passenger vehicles. As can be appreciated, seat assembly  30  may be any of a variety of seat-types (e.g., bench, split bench, bucket, etc.). 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , latch system  100  generally includes one or more elongated guide tracks (e.g., mounting members, guides, runners, tracks, etc.) shown a rail member  102 , one or more first or outboard latch plates (e.g., support structure, support plate, base, etc.) shown schematically as outboard mounting structure  104 , one or more second or inboard latch plates, shown schematically as mounting structure  106 , and one or more rail followers (e.g., slider, carriage, bracket, cover, etc.) shown as a sliding unit  108 . 
     Rail member  102  can be coupled to a vehicle structure and defines the direction in which seat assembly  30  can be moved relative to the vehicle structure. Any number of rail members may be used, and according to a preferred embodiment, a pair of rail members  102  are employed. In such a configuration, a first rail member may be positioned near a first edge of seat bottom  32 , and a second rail member may be positioned near a second opposite edge of seat bottom  32 . According to a preferred embodiment, rail members  102  extend in a direction that is substantially lateral or transverse to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle with a first rail member  102  positioned near front end  34  of seat bottom  32  and a second rail member  102  positioned near rear end  36  of seat bottom  32 . In this manner, rail members  102  provide for the lateral movement (i.e., side-to-side, etc.) of seat assembly  30  relative to the vehicle. Rail member  102  may span substantially the entire width of a vehicle, or alternatively may span only a portion of the vehicle. As can be appreciated, in various alternative embodiments, rail member  102  may be aligned at any orientation relative to a vehicle structure to provide movement in any of a variety of directions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , rail member  102  generally includes a base portion  112  (e.g., flange, mounting portion, bracket, etc.) and a projection  114 . Base portion  112  provides a structure for coupling rail member  102  to a vehicle structure. According to an exemplary embodiment, fasteners (not shown) such as bolts, screws, clips, pins, and the like are used to couple base portion  112  to a vehicle structure. In another embodiment, base portion  112  is welded to a vehicle structure using any appropriate welding process (e.g., resistance spot welding, gas metal arc welding, laser welding, etc.). Alternatively, rail member  102  may be integrally formed with a vehicle structure, or coupled using any other suitable technique. 
     Projection  114  of rail member  102  extends outward from base portion  112 , and includes an interface surface  116  and a lip  118 . Interface surface  116  and lip  118  may be located at a distal end of projection  114  as shown, or alternatively may be located at an intermediate position along projection  114 . Interface surface  116  of rail member  102  is configured to slidably receive a corresponding portion of sliding unit  108 . According to the particular embodiment illustrated, interface surface  116  is a curvilinear surface (shown schematically as a rounded surface) that defines the top portion of projection  114  and partially defines lip  118 . According to various alternative embodiments, interface surface  116  may be comprised of a section with liner edges to form triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape, or may be configured in a variety of shapes combining both linear and nonlinear edges. 
     Lip  118  of rail member  102  provides a structure that is intended to prevent seat assembly  30  from disengaging from rail member  102  as the seat assembly is being moved along rail member  102 . According to the particular embodiment illustrated, lip  118  includes a linear surface extending substantially perpendicular to projection  114 . Alternatively, lip  118  may include a curvilinear surface or may combine both linear and nonlinear surfaces. According to a further alternative embodiment, lip  118  may be formed by removing a portion of projection  114  between its distal end and base portion  112 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , rail member  102  further includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures (e.g., recesses, openings, cavities, grooves, windows, etc.) shown as slots  120  that are configured to receive a portion of mounting structures  104 ,  106 . According to the particular embodiment illustrated, slots  120  are substantially rectangular in shape and extend through projection  114  between the distal end and base portion  112 . The location of slots  120  along rail member  102  dictate the different use positions that a user may lock seat assembly  30  to the rail member. Preferably, a sufficient number of slots  120  are provided in rail member  102  so that seat assembly  30  can be locked into more than one use position. 
     Outboard mounting structure  104  and inboard mounting structure  106  couple seat assembly  30  to rail member  102 . The mounting structures  104 ,  106  may be actuated by a user between the locking position (shown in  FIG. 1 through 5 ), the sliding position (shown in  FIG. 6 ), and the release position (shown in  FIG. 7 ). According to a preferred embodiment, seating system  10  includes a first pair of outboard and inboard mounting structures for coupling seat assembly  30  to the first or front rail member  102 , and a second pair of outboard and inboard mounting structures for coupling seat assembly  30  to the second or rear rail member  102 . 
     For ease of discussion, only the configuration of the mounting structures  104 ,  106  coupling seat assembly  30  to the rear rail member  102  are described in detail in this disclosure. It should be noted that the mounting structures coupling the seat assembly to the front rail member are of a similar configuration, unless otherwise noted herein. 
     Outboard mounting structure  104  and inboard mounting structure  106  are coupled to the seat structure of seat bottom  32  using any of a variety of conventionally known, or otherwise suitable, attachment techniques (e.g., mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, pins, clips, etc.), suitable welding processes, etc.). Alternatively, the mounting structures may be integrally formed with the seat structure. According to a further alternative embodiment, the mounting structures may be coupled to others portions of the seating system, such as the lower end of the seat back or a recliner mechanism of the seating system. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 2 , outboard and inboard mounting structures  104 ,  106  both generally include a latch plate  122 , a first release  124 , and a drive pinion  126 . Latch plate  122  couples latch system  100  to the seat structure and supports first release  124  and drive pinion  126 . According to the particular embodiment illustrated, latch plate  122  includes two spaced apart sidewalls that are arranged in a mariner that provides a gap  128  in latch plate  122 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , first release  124  is movably supported by latch plate  122  and generally includes a base portion  130 , a hook portion  132 , and an interface portion  134 . Base portion  130  slidably couples first release  124  to latch plate  122  for movement in a fore and aft direction (i.e., longitudinally, front-to-back, etc.). According the particular embodiment illustrated, first release  124  is slidably supported in gap  128 . The positioning of first release  124  in gap  128  is intended to prevent contaminants and/or obstructions from interfering with the operation of first release  124 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, base portion  130  of first release  124  includes a longitudinal channel (e.g., bore, slot, opening, etc.) for slidably mounting the first release to a shaft  136  that is fixedly coupled to latch plate  122 . In such a configuration, first release  124  is configured to move in a fore and aft direction along shaft  136  between the locking position, the sliding position, and the release position. A biasing member  138 , shown as a spring, is provided to urge first release  124  towards the locking position. First release  124  further includes a guide pin  140  for engaging a slot  142  in latch plate  122  to guide the first release as the first release moves in the fore and aft direction. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, first release  124  is configured to at least partially support the weight of seat assembly  30  when the first release is in the locking position. Referring to  FIG. 5 , base portion  130  of first release  124  is shaped to contact interface surface  116  of rail member  102  in the locking position to at least partially support the weight of seat assembly  30 . As will be explained in greater detail below, the weight of seat assembly  30  is also supported by slider unit  108 . 
     Hook portion  132  of first release  124  extends from base portion  130  and is dimensioned to releasably engage slot  120  of rail member  102 . Hook portion  132  is configured to move between the locking position, wherein hook portion  132  is engaged with slot  120 , the sliding position, wherein hook portion  132  is disengaged with slot  120  but is still engaged with (e.g., located beneath a portion of, etc.) rail member  102 , and the release position, wherein hook portion  132  is sufficiently disengaged from rail member  102  to allow seat assembly to be removed from the rail member. According to the various alternative embodiments, hook portion  132  may be replaced by any structure capable of engaging first release  124  with rail member  102  (e.g., locking pins, tabs, etc.). 
     Interface portion  134  of first release  124  enables the first release to be selectively moved. According to the particular embodiment illustrated, interface portion  134  is a rack having teeth  144  adapted to engage with the corresponding teeth of drive pinion  126  for converting the circular motion of the drive pinion into rectilinear motion to move first release  124  in the fore and aft direction. As illustrated, teeth  144  may be provided along a top edge of first release  124 , or alternatively may be positioned in a variety of other positions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , drive pinion  126  is rotationally coupled to latch plate  122  and configured to be in meshing engagement with interface portion  134  of first release  124 . According to the particular embodiment illustrated, a pin  146  rotatably supports drive pinion  126  in gap  128 . Rotation of drive pinion  126  causes first release  124  to move in the fore and aft direction. As can be appreciated, the motion of first release  124  can be provided be means other than the rack and pinion configuration as shown. For example, in the various alternative embodiments, first release  124  can be moved using variety of devices, including, but not limited to, a cam, a piston, linkage coupled to a rotary mover, etc. 
     A handle  172  is provided to enable a user to selectively actuate latch system  100  between the locking position (i.e., a normal use position) and the sliding position. Referring to  FIG. 8 , handle  172  is part of an apparatus  170  that allows a user to move latch system  100  into the sliding position, while preventing a user from moving the latching system beyond the sliding position and into the release position by simply rotating handle  172 . Such a configuration is intended to prevent seat assembly  30  from unintentionally disengaging rail member  102  as the seat assembly is being moved along the rail member in a slidable manner. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , apparatus  170  is shown as being directly coupled one of the outboard and inboard mounting structures  104 ,  106  and operably coupled to the other of the outboard and inboard mounting structures  104 ,  106 . According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus  170  is coupled to the rear outboard mounting structure  104  and the corresponding drive pinion  126 . A cross tube (e.g., transmission shaft, rod, etc.) shown as a towel bar  150  operably couples apparatus  170  to the rear inboard mounting structure  106  and the corresponding drive pinion  126 . In such a configuration, rotation of handle  172  will cause the rotation of the drive pinion  126  on the outboard side and the rotation of the drive pinion  126  on the inboard side. Apparatus  170  is also operably coupled to the front outboard and inboard mounting structures. According to an exemplary embodiment a cable  181  operably couples apparatus  170  to the front outboard and inboard mounting structures. 
     Referring to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 10 , apparatus  170  generally includes handle  172 , a housing  174 , a biasing member  176 , a handle nut  178 , a core member  180  having a first stop tab  182 , a second stop tab  183 , and a drive tab  184 , a pinion drive plate  186  having a engagement tab  188 , a stop pin  190 , and a base plate  192 . Referring in particular to  FIG. 8 , base plate  192  is fixedly coupled to rear outboard mounting structure  104  using any of a variety of fastening techniques (e.g., mechanical fasteners, welding, etc.). Stop pin  190  is fixedly coupled relative to base plate  192  and extends outward in a direction that is substantially perpendicular the base plate. 
     Towel bar  150 , or a member operably coupled to towel bar  150 , is coupled to drive pinion  126  and extends through an aperture in base plate  192  and engages pinion drive plate  186 . Pinion drive plate  186  includes a collar  187  for securely supporting towel bar  150  so that rotation of the towel bar will rotate pinion drive plate  186 , and rotation of pinion drive plate  186  will rotate the towel bar. According to an exemplary embodiment, a locking screw (not shown) is inserted through the sidewall of collar  187  to securely hold towel bar  150  relative to drive pinion plate  186 . 
     Drive pinion plate  186  is rotatably supported relative to base plate  192  and includes engagement tab  188  that is configured to engage drive tab  184  of core member  180 . Core member  180  is rotatably supported relative to pinion drive plate  186  and is configured to engage engagement tab  188  when handle  172  is moved towards the sliding position. Handle  172  is coupled to handle nut  178  which is in turn coupled to core member  180 . According to the particularly embodiment illustrated, handle nut  178  includes an octagonal projection that is received within a corresponding aperture in core member  180 . Such a configuration is intended to prevent slippage between the core member and the handle nut when handle  172  is rotated. In alternative embodiments, handle nut  178  may be secured to core member  180  using a number of otherwise suitable configurations (e.g., mechanical fasteners, any of a variety of cross sections, welding, etc.). 
     A shaft  173  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) couples handle  172  to handle nut  178 . Handle  172  is generally biased for rotation in what will hereinafter be referred to as the forward rotational sense by means of biasing member  176 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, biasing member  176  is a coil spring having a first end coupled to stop pin  190  and a second end coupled to handle nut  178 . Handle  172  can be selectively moved by a user from the locking/forward position backwardly to the sliding position. 
     To prevent handle  172  from being moved backwardly beyond the sliding position and into the release position, core member  180  further includes first stop tab  182  and second stop tab  183 . First and second stop tabs  182 ,  183  cooperate with stop pin  190  to limit to the rotation movement of handle  172 . Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , biasing member  176  urges handle  172  forwardly towards the locking position until first stop tab  182  engages stop pin  190  thereby limiting the movement of handle  172  in the forward rotational sense. Handle  172  can be moved backwardly towards the sliding position until second stop tab  183  engages stop pin  190  thereby limiting the movement of handle  172  in the backward rotational sense. 
     As will be detailed below, apparatus  170  allows latch system  100  to be selectively moved into the release position by rotating towel bar  150  backwardly until first release  124  disengages rail member  102  after seat back  38  is moved to a collapsed position. The rotation of towel bar  150  causes the rotation of inboard and outboard drive pinions  126 , and the rotation of pinion drive plate  186 . As pinion drive plate  186  rotates backwardly, engagement tab  188  is moved away from drive tab  184  of core member  180  thereby allowing the drive pinions to move into the release position without rotating handle  172 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the rotation of a rear towel bar  150  is not communicated to a front towel bar and the corresponding mounting structures coupling seat assembly  30  to the front rail member. Cable  181 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , only communicates the rotation movement of handle  172  to the front towel bar. Seat assembly  30  can be removed by first disengaging rear mounting structures  104 ,  106  as described above, and then manipulating seat assembly  30  until the front mounting structures disengage the front rail. For example, in one embodiment, a user may need to slightly move the seat assembly in a forward direction once rear mounting structures  104 ,  106  are disengaged from the rear rail member. According to the various alternative embodiments, the rotational movement of a rear towel bar  150  may be communicated to a front towel bar  150 . 
     To assist in moving seat assembly  30  along rail member  102 , sliding unit  108  is provided. Sliding unit  108  is supported relative to outboard mounting structure  104  and inboard mounting structure  106 , and is configured to slidably engage interface surface  116  of rail member  106 . Sliding unit  108  generally includes a base member  152  and a sliding interface  154 . Base member  152  supports sliding interface  154  and according to the particular embodiment illustrated, is configured as a generally U-shaped bracket that is coupled between outboard mounting structure  104  and inboard mounting structure  106 . 
     Sliding interface  154  provides a surface that is configured to engage interface surface  116  of rail member  102  in a reciprocatingly slidable relationship, and according to the particular embodiment illustrated, comprises a plurality of rollers supported for rotational movement by pins  156  that are coupled to base member  152 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the rollers may have a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of interface surface  116 . As can be appreciated, any of a variety of known, or otherwise suitable, sliding interfaces may be used to slidably engage rail member  102  (e.g., a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, bearings, etc.). 
     In the sliding position, hook portion  132  of first release  124  is disengaged from slot  120  in rail member  102 , and base portion  130  of first release  124  is no longer supporting the weight of seat assembly  30 . In such a position, sliding unit  108  is configured to support the weight of seat assembly  30 . Sliding unit  108  is further configured to support the load of a seat occupant while seat assembly  30  is in the sliding position. This allows a user to remain seated while sliding the seat assembly into an alternative position along rail member  102 . 
     Latch system  100  further includes a second release  160  for preventing first release  124  from moving into the release position when seat assembly  30  is in the locking or sliding position. Second release  160  is pivotally coupled to latch plate  122  at a pivot point  162  and generally includes a lever  164  and a pawl  166 . According to a preferred embodiment, second release  160  is pivotally coupled to the latch plate of the rear inboard mounting structure  106 . Lever  164 , as it pivots, will move pawl  166  through an actuate path in and out of a position where the pawl can engage drive pinion  126  so as to prevent first release  124  from moving into the release position when seat assembly  30  is in the locking or sliding position. Second release  160  further includes a biasing member  168  for urging pawl  166  into engagement with drive pinion  126 . 
     In operation, a user may actuate latch system  100  between the locked position (i.e., the normal use position), the sliding position, and the release position.  FIGS. 1 through 5  illustrate latch system  100  in the locked position. In the locked position, hook  132  of first release  124  engages slot  120  of rail member  102 . The engagement of hook  132  into slot  120  is intended to securely couple seat assembly  30  to vehicle structure  10 . According to a preferred embodiment, hook  132  engages slot  120  in a manner that limits or reduces chuck (i.e., rotation, tilt, etc.) between mounting structures  104 ,  106  and rail member  102 . When in the locked position, the weight of seat assembly  30 , and the weight of a seat occupant, is at least partially supported by mounting structures  104 ,  106  and slider unit  108 . 
     To slide seat assembly  30  along rail member  102 , thereby causing the seat assembly to be repositioned in a lateral direction along rail member  102 , latch system  100  is adapted to be selectively moved into the sliding position. Rotation of handle  172  in a rearward direction will rotate outboard side drive pinion  126 . Rotation of the outboard side drive pinion  126  will be translated to rotation of towel bar  150  which in turn rotates the inboard side drive pinion  126 . Interface surface  134  of first release  124  is in meshing engagement with drive pinion  126  so that when the drive pinion is rotated, hook  132  disengages slot  120 . The rotation of handle  172  is limited by stop pin  190  and second stop tab  183  so that when a user fully rotates the handle, hook  132  disengages slot  120  but remains engaged with lip  118  of rail member  102 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . According to the particular embodiment illustrated, lip  118  forms an overhang portion that prevents hook  132  from being disengaged with rail member  102 . In the sliding position, the weight of seat assembly is supported by sliding unit  108 . As mentioned above, such a configuration allows a user to slide the seat assembly while remaining in a seated position. 
     To remove seat assembly  30  from vehicle structure  10  and/or to tumble seat assembly  30  to non-seating position and/or a stowed position, latch system  100  is moved into the release position by actuating second release  160 . To move latch system  100  into the release position, lever  164  is actuated, for example, by seat back  38  as the seat back pivots or moves forward from the generally upright use position to the generally collapsed non-seating position. As lever  164  pivots forwardly around pivot point  162 , pawl  166  is pivoted to a position where pawl  166  is disengaged from inboard side drive pinion  126 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , with pawl  166  disengaged from the inboard side drive pinion, a user may grab and rotate towel bar  150  in a manner that causes hooks  132  to sufficiently disengage rail members  102 , including lip  118 , so that seat assembly  30  can be removed and/or tumbled. According to various alternative embodiments, handle  172  may be configured to be further rotated once the pawl  166  disengages the drive pinion for moving the system to the third position. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, while the rotation of handle  172  causes rotation of towel bar  150 , the rotation of towel bar  150  does not cause rotation of handle  172 . Such a configuration is provided by apparatus  170 , and allows a towel bar  150  and both the inboard and outward drive pinions  126  to move independently of handle  172  when a user grabs the towel bar and second release  160  is disengaged from drive pinion  126 . Therefore, first release  124  can be moved to the release position which would otherwise be restricted by the rotational parameters of handle  172 . 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the latch system as shown in the illustrated embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, or the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions. 
     The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the inventions as expressed in the appended claims.