Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The embodiments disclosed a related to the field of removable seats for a motor vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Motor vehicles such as minivans often include three rows of seats. In a minivan, the third row of seats often folds to form a flat floor, but there is no room to stow second row seats when the minivan needs to haul cargo. Therefore, second row seats of a minivan are often removable from the motor vehicle. 
     In addition to the functional desire to remove the seats, there is also a desire to provide multiple seat configurations for increased user functionality. For instance, a center seat may be removed to provide a center aisle in the vehicle to increase access to the third row of seats. Additionally, the two outer seats have been movable from one position to another by selecting different strikers to which the seat may be attached. Typically, unused strikers are covered by caps or carpeting. Moving a seat from one position to another often was difficult, particularly given the weight of the seat and the need to move or remove caps or carpeting. Therefore, a need for an improved system of configuring the second row seats of a minivan was identified. 
     APPLICATION SUMMARY 
     The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. 
     According to one aspect, a seat for a motor vehicle includes a seatbelt integrated into a seat back of the seat and a seatbelt mechanism for providing access to the seatbelt. The seat further includes an extended base attached to the seat, a raised and curved section of the extended base for transitioning the seatbelt from a vertical orientation inside the seatback to a horizontal orientation for use, an arcuate slot atop the extended base, the seatbelt being threaded through the arcuate slot, the arcuate slot preventing the seatbelt from becoming tangled and misaligned, a garnish for covering the seatbelt mechanism, a fastener, and a cap for covering the fastener. The fastener fastens the garnish and the cap to the extended base. 
     According to another aspect, a garnish for a seatbelt mechanism of a seat for a motor vehicle includes a cap opening in the garnish for receiving a cap, the cap opening have a hook surface. The cap includes a base portion, a living hinge, and an outer cover, the outer cover folding over and covering the base portion, the outer cover having a tapered end, the tapered end creating an interference fit with the hook surface of the cap opening to fixedly attach the tapered end of the outer cover to the garnish. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of the interior of a motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the interior of a motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a slide rail system. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section along line G-G of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a slide rail system. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lateral slide removable seat. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section along line A-A of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lateral slide removable seat. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section along line B-B of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cross bracket and handle. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section along line C-C of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a portion of an embodiment of a lower rail. 
         FIG. 14  is a close-up of a portion of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a forward perspective view of an embodiment of a removable seat. 
         FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section along line D-D of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the slide rail system. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-section along line E-E of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of a towel bar of the slide rail system. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-section along line F-F of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of an embodiment of a towel bar bracket. 
         FIG. 23  depicts the operation of the embodiment of the towel bar. 
         FIG. 24  is a close up of Part A of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a close up of Part B of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a close up of Part C of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a side perspective view of the end of an embodiment of the rail system. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rail end bracket. 
         FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of the end of an embodiment of the rail system. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the side of an embodiment of the motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of the embodiment of the side of a motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of the embodiment of the side of a motor vehicle showing an embodiment of the side garnish. 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a side garnish for a motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the slide rail system. 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a spacer. 
         FIG. 36  is a table of an embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 37  is a top view of one embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 38  is a top view of another embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 39  is a top view of another embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 40  is a top view of another embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 41  is a top view of another embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 42  is a top view of another embodiment of seat positions. 
         FIG. 43  front view of an embodiment of a seat. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lateral slide removable seat. 
         FIG. 45  is cross-section along line H-H of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lateral slide removable seat in a folded position. 
         FIG. 47  is a cross-section along line J-J of  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a lateral slide removable seat in a folded and rotated position. 
         FIG. 49  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of a lateral slide removable seat in a folded and rotated position. 
         FIG. 50  is a cross section along line K-K of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 51  is a front view of an embodiment of a front and center removable seat. 
         FIG. 52  is a close up of a portion of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is a cross-section along line L-L of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ISOFIX cap. 
         FIG. 55  is a side view of a portion of a removable seat. 
         FIG. 56  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inner cover of a removable seat. 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a portion of a seat illustrated in  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 58  is an exploded view of a garnish and seatbelt mechanism for a removable seat. 
         FIG. 59  is a rear view of a garnish and seatbelt mechanism for a removable seat. 
         FIG. 60  is a cross section along line M-M of  FIG. 59 . 
         FIG. 61  is a close up of a portion of  FIG. 60 . 
     
    
    
     The figures depict various embodiments of the embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the embodiments described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments are described with reference to the figures in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, the left most digits of each reference number corresponds to the figure in which the reference number is first used. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , the embodiments described herein are directed to a second row seat system  112  for a motor vehicle  100 . In the embodiments illustrated in the  FIGS. 1-2 , the motor vehicle  100  is a minivan, although any other type of vehicle with removable seats  114  may include embodiments of the second row seat system  112 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , the motor vehicle  100  has a floor  116  that is supported by a body  118 . As also shown, there is a front row of seats  120 . Shown in  FIG. 1  are two individual seats  122 ,  124 , with a folding tray  126  that may lower to the side of the passenger seat  124  to create a walkway to the rear of the motor vehicle  100 . The bases  200  of the two front seats  122 ,  124  are fixedly secured the floor  116  of the motor vehicle  100 . The seat bases  200  and cushions  202  of each of each of the front seats  122 ,  124  may be raised and lowered in a vertical direction between a maximum and minimum height, moved forward and rearward longitudinally between a maximum forward and maximum rearward position, and the seatback  204  may be reclined between an upright position to a fully reclined position in manners known to those skilled in the art. For example, these movements may be accomplished mechanically by the seat operator as known in the art, or through actuation of a power switch  206  known in the art. 
     Located behind the front row of seats  120  is the second row seat system  112 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the second row seat system  112  includes a left seat  130 , a middle seat  132 , and a right seat  134 . Each of the three seats  130 ,  132 ,  134  is removable from the motor vehicle  100 , as will be discussed. When the middle seat is removed  132 , the left seat  130  and right seat  134  are additionally slidable laterally as discussed herein. 
     The left and right seats  130 ,  134  are supported on a front rail system  300  and a rear rail system  302  that extend laterally across the floor  116  between the left side  136  of motor vehicle  100  and the right side  138  of the motor vehicle  100  that are illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The front rail system  300  includes a front lower rail  304  mounted laterally across the motor vehicle  100  within and spanning the entire width of the floor  116 . The front lower rail  304  is generally U-shaped, with the ends  400 ,  402  folded inwardly and then downwardly, creating a U-shaped cross sectional profile with a generally open center portion  404  and two substantially, but not completely closed upper portions  406 ,  408 . 
     The front rail system  300  further includes two front upper rails  306 ,  308  that are nested within the portions of the front lower rail  304 . Each of the front upper rails  306 ,  308  have a lower portion  410  that has a cross section that is generally UU-shaped, with the inner ends  412 ,  414  of the UU-cross section being connected, and the outer ends  416 ,  418  of the UU-cross section being nested through the openings  420 ,  422  and in the upper portions  406 ,  408  of the front lower rail  304 . Rollers  424 ,  426  are connected to the outer ends  416 ,  418  of each of the front upper rails  306 ,  308 . The rollers  424 ,  426  are positioned to engage the closed upper portions  406 ,  408  of the front lower rail  304 . The rollers  424 ,  426  are oriented in a lateral direction to enable each of the front upper rails  306 ,  308  to slide laterally within the front lower rail  304 . 
     The inner ends  412 ,  414  of the UU-cross section of each front upper rail  306 ,  308  extend upwardly beyond the height of the outer ends  416 ,  418  of the UU-cross section. The inner ends  412 ,  414  are either connected to or formed integrally with each other. Further, the inner ends  412 ,  414  are either connected to or formed integrally with an upper portion  310 ,  312  of each of the front upper rails  306 ,  308 . Connections may be made by known methods, including, but not limited to, welding, mechanical connections such as rivets, or any other method known to one skilled in the art. 
     The rear rail system  302  includes a rear lower rail  314  mounted laterally across the motor vehicle  100 , spanning the entire width of the floor  116 . The rear lower rail  314  is generally U-shaped, with the ends  430 ,  432  folded inwardly and then downwardly, creating a U-shaped cross sectional profile with a generally open center portion  434  and two substantially, but not completely closed upper portions  436 ,  438 . 
     The rear rail system  302  further includes two rear upper rails  316 ,  318  that are nested within the portions  436 ,  438  of the rear lower rail  314 . Each of the rear upper rails  316 ,  318  are have a generally UU-shaped cross section, with the inner ends  442 ,  444  of the UU-cross section being connected, and the outer ends  446 ,  448  of the UU-cross section being nested through the openings  450 ,  452  and in the upper portions  436 ,  438  of the rear lower rail  314 . Rollers  454 ,  456  are connected to the outer ends  446 ,  448  of each of the rear upper rails  316 ,  318 . The rollers  454 ,  456  are positioned to engage the closed upper portions  436 ,  438  of the rear lower rail  314 . The rollers  454 ,  456  are oriented in a lateral direction to enable each of the rear upper rails  316 ,  318  to slide laterally within the rear lower rail  314 . 
     The inner ends  442 ,  444  of the UU-cross section of each rear upper rail  316 ,  318  extend upwardly beyond the height of the outer ends  446 ,  448  of the UU-cross section. The inner ends  442 ,  444  are either connected to or formed integrally with each other. Further, the inner ends  442 ,  444  are either connected to or formed integrally with an upper portion  320 ,  322  of each of the rear upper rails  316 ,  318 . Connections may be made by known methods, including, but not limited to, welding, mechanical connections such as rivets, or any other method known to one skilled in the art. The upper portions  310 ,  312 ,  320 ,  322  of each of the front and rear upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  extend the lateral length of each of the front and rear upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318 . 
     Rail covers  460 ,  462  extend from a left lateral end  340 ,  344  of the front and rear lower rails  304 ,  314  to the right end  342 ,  346  of the front and rear lower rails  304 ,  314 . The rail covers  460 ,  462  are made of a flexible plastic polymer with a slit  464  down the middle that extends from the left lateral end  340 ,  344  to the right lateral end  342 ,  346  of the front and rear lower rails  304 ,  314 . The inner ends  412 ,  414 ,  442 ,  444  of the UU-Cross section of the upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  extend through up through the slit  464 . The upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  are free to move laterally, with the flexible material of the rail covers  460 ,  462  flexing around the inner ends  412 ,  414 ,  442 ,  444  of the UU-cross section of the upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  move laterally through the slit  464  in the rail cover  460 ,  462 . The rail covers  460 ,  462  act to prevent large debris from being introduced into the lower rails  304 ,  314  that may interfere with the lateral movement of the upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318 . 
     The front and rear upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  on the same side of the motor vehicle  100  are connected by cross brackets  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , two cross brackets  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356  extend from the opposite ends of each of the upper portions  310 ,  312 , of the front upper rails  306 ,  308  to the corresponding opposite ends of the each of the upper portions  320 ,  322  of the rear upper rails  316 ,  318 . The cross brackets  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356  may be connected to the upper portions  310 ,  312 ,  320 ,  322  of the upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  may any known means such as nut and bolt fasteners, rivets, welds, and the like. Each of the cross brackets  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356 , front upper rail  306 ,  308  and rear upper rail  316 ,  318  that are connected in a square-like manner when viewed from above form a left sliding carrier  360  and a right sliding carrier  362 . 
     Each of the cross brackets  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356  include a front striker  470  and a rear striker  472 . Each front striker  470  is positioned above the upper portion  310 ,  312  of the front upper rail  306 ,  308 . Each rear striker  472  is positioned above the upper portion  320 ,  322  of the rear upper rail  316 ,  318 . The strikers  470 ,  472  allow for the removable seats  114  to be attached to the front rail system  300  and rear rail system  302 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the left sliding carrier  360  further includes a left cover  500 . The left cover  500  covers the entire left sliding carrier  360  with the exception of four openings  510  that leave the four strikers  470 ,  472  of the left sliding carrier  360  exposed. The right sliding  362  carrier further includes a right cover  502 . The right cover  502  covers the entire right sliding carrier  502  with the exception of four openings  510  that leave the four strikers  470 ,  472  of the right sliding carrier  502  exposed. 
     The left cover  500  and right cover  502  are horizontally flat. As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9 , at a longitudinally rearward position  600  generally above the rear upper rail  316 ,  318  of each sliding carrier  360 ,  362 , the covers  500 ,  502  each gradually slope downward in a vertical and rearward direction to a height generally equal to that of the floor  116 . The sloped angle of the cover  500 ,  502  allows cargo to be loaded into the motor vehicle  100  from the rear of the motor vehicle  100  without damaging the cover  500 ,  502 . Additional, the sloped angle of the rearward portion  602  of the cover  500 ,  502  provides additional leg room for a passenger sitting in a third row of seats  140  in the motor vehicle  100  behind the removable seat  114  by providing extra room for shoes  800 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     The left sliding carrier  360  further includes a handle  370  that is attached to the laterally outward left cross bracket  350  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The right sliding carrier  362  also includes a handle  372  that is attached to the laterally outward right cross bracket  356  in a manner the same as the left handle  370  shown in  FIG. 10 . The handles  370 ,  372  are not covered by the covers  500 ,  502  of the sliding carriers  360 ,  362 . 
     The following embodiments are going to be described with respect to the right sliding carrier  362 . In each situation, the left sliding carrier  360  features the same described embodiment. 
     The sliding carrier  362  includes a lock mechanism  1100  for locking the sliding carrier  362  into place. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14 , the front lower rail  304  includes five (5) sets of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  located in an inner wall  1200  of the front lower rail  304  that are spaced to the right laterally from a longitudinal centerline CL of the motor vehicle  100  for use with the right sliding carrier  362 , and an additional five (5) sets of three (3) holes (not shown) located in the inner wall  1200  of the front lower rail  304  that are spaced to the left laterally from the longitudinal centerline CL of the motor vehicle  100  for use with the left sliding carrier  360 . Each set of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  is spaced laterally apart from each other and correspond to a locking position of the sliding carrier  362 . Within each set of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14  with respect to the first set of the three (3) holes  1300 , the distance d 1  between the first hole  1400  and second hole  1402  is the same as the distance d 2  between the second hole  1402  and the third hole  1404 . Each set of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  that make up each set of five (5) holes on each side of the front lower rail  304  are similarly constructed. 
     Located in the upper portion  310 ,  312  of the front upper rail  306 ,  308  of each of the sliding carriers  360 ,  362  is a lock  1102 . The lock  1102 , when viewed from the side in  FIG. 12 , has a generally C-shaped cross section. The lower portion  1202  of the lock  1102  includes three locking member extensions  1104 . The three locking member extensions  1104  correspond with and fit into the three (3) sets of holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  in the lower rail  304  and lock the sliding carrier  362  into place. A spring (not shown) biases the lock  1102  and locking member extensions  1104  against the inner wall  1200  of the upper front rail  304 . As the sliding carrier  362  slides along the upper front rail  304 , the locking member extensions  1104  are forced into a set of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  when the three locking member extensions  1104  come into alignment with one of the sets of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 15-19 , beneath the handle  372  is located a towel bar  1500  used to unlock the lock mechanism  1100  of the sliding carrier  362 , which allows the sliding carrier  362  to slide back and forth along the lower rails  304 ,  314 . The grip  1502  of the towel bar  1500  is located underneath the handle  372  that extends from the sliding carrier  362 . The towel bar  1500  is ergonomically positioned such that it is equally accessible from above, illustrated by arrow A, through the opening  1700  in the handle  372  or from below, illustrated by arrow B, underneath the handle  372 . The towel bar  1500 , from either direction, as illustrated by arrow A and arrow B, may be actuated with the normal grip movement of an adult. Additionally, the towel bar  1500  location is designed to not be operable by a small child to prevent accidental actuation of the towel bar  1500  and release of the locking mechanism  1100  by a small child. The span d 3  of the grip in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 19  is 65.5 mm, which exceeds the maximum grip of a 97 th  percentile 5-year old child. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 20-26 , the towel bar mechanism  2000  includes the towel bar  1500  that is gripped by the user. The ends  2002 ,  2004  of the towel bar  1500  are each connected to a perpendicular bar  2006 ,  2008  that extends beneath the cover  502 . The perpendicular bars  2006 ,  2008  are in turn connected to the lock mechanism  1100 . When actuated, the towel bar  1500  releases the lock  1102  from one of sets of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 , thereby allowing the sliding carrier  362  and the seat  134  on top thereof to slide back and forth laterally along the front and rear lower rails  304 ,  314 . 
     The perpendicular bars  2006 ,  2008  each have a first pin  2400  and a second pin  2402  that fit within a bracket  2100  that limit their motion. The bracket  2100  has a first opening  2200  and second opening  2202  that receive the first pin  2400  and second pin  2402  respectively. The second opening  2402  is an angled oval opening. The angle of the second opening  2402  is upward in the laterally outward direction in the direction of arrow C. The second pin  2402  in the second opening  2202  also acts as the rotation point for the perpendicular bars  2006 ,  2008  as the towel bar  1500  is lifted outward and upward. 
       FIG. 25  is an expanded view of the first opening  2200 , which is the shape of a relatively obtuse triangle with rounded rather than sharp corners  2500 ,  2502 ,  2504 . One side is an obtuse rounded corner  2500 . A tangent t drawn at the apex  2506  of the obtuse rounded corner  2500  is an angle α. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the angle α is 45°. The side  2520  opposite the obtuse rounded corner  2500  may have a very slight arcuate shape. The first pin  2400  in the first opening  2200  operates to force the towel bar  1500  to move outward and upwardly when actuated. The shape of the opening  2200  is tuned to insure the motion path of the pin  2400  towel bar  1500  is fluid, as illustrated by arrow D. 
     The upward and outward motion of the towel bar  1500  causes the laterally inward ends  2404  of the perpendicular bars  2006 ,  2008  to move outward and upward. Locking bars  2406  are rotationally connected by the second pin  2402  to the inward ends  2404  of the perpendicular bars  2006 ,  2008 . The outward and upward motion causes the locking bars  2406  to move outward and downward. The downward motion acts to pull the spring-biased locking mechanism  1100 , which is connected to the locking bars  2406 , out of one of the sets of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308 . 
     By limiting the motion of the towel bar  1500 , the towel bar  1500  can be controlled to move in an ergonomically advantageous motion by requiring the towel bar  1500  to move outward and upward consistent with the closing grip motion of the user. The limited movement of the towel bar  1500 , particularly the inability of the towel bar  1500  to move laterally inward, helps to prevent the lock mechanism  1100  from being unlocked in a side impact, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , because the locking bar  2406  is prevented from lowering unless the towel bar  1500  moves outward and upward, which is opposite of motion caused by a side impact. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 27-29 , the front and rear lower rails  304 ,  314  include a rail end bracket  2700  at each end  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346  of the rails  304 ,  314 . The bracket has a generally U-shaped end  2704  that matches the U-shaped cross sectional profile of the ends  400 ,  402 ,  430 ,  432  of the lower rails  304 ,  314 , with a center portion  2706  and two upper portions  2708 ,  2710 . An L-shaped extension  2712  extends from the bottom  2714  of the center portion  2706 . A first section  2716  of the L-shaped extension  2712  is attached to the bottom surface  2718  of the lower rail  304 ,  314 . The attachment may be by any method known to one skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, a rivet  2900  as shown in  FIG. 29 , nut and bolt fastener, weld, and the like. The second section  2720  of the L-shaped extension  2712  extends upward from the first section  2716  of the L-shaped extension  2712 . The second section  2720  may extend up to, but not higher than, the top  2722  of the lower rails  304 ,  314 . The second section  2720  acts to block the sliding carriers  360 ,  362  at the lateral ends  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346  of the lower rails  304 ,  314 . The U-shaped end  2704  of each rail end bracket  2700  acts as a cap at the end of the lower rails  304 ,  314  to prevent the introduction of dirt or debris into the substantially closed upper portions  406 ,  408 ,  436 ,  438  of the lower rails  304 ,  314  that would interfere with the free movement of the upper rails  306 ,  308 ,  316 ,  318  within the lower rails  304 ,  314 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 30-33 , at the ends  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346  of the lower rails  304 ,  314  on either side  136 ,  138  of the motor vehicle  100  is located a step garnish  3000  that covers the ends  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  346  of the lower rails  304 ,  314  and rail end brackets  2700 . The step garnish  3000  is typically installed after the removable seats  114  are installed. In the past, the step garnish  3000  was installed by lowering the step garnish  3000  downwardly into place. However, the handles  370 ,  372  on the sliding carriers  360 ,  362  interfere with a downward installation. In order to solve this interference problem, the step garnish  3000  includes an inner step garnish  3002 , which is installed from the side so that it fits underneath the handle  370 ,  372  of the sliding carriers  360 ,  362 , as illustrated in  FIG. 33 . A second, outer step garnish  3004 , which includes a cut out clearance shape  3006  for the handles  370 ,  372 , is installed in the traditional manner. The exposed portion  3008  of the inner step garnish  3002  is designed to match the clearance shape  3006  of the outer step garnish  3004 . When the outer step garnish  3004  is installed over the inner step garnish  3002 , the exposed portion  3008  of the inner step garnish  3002  and the outer step garnish  3004  create a complete finished surface  3010  that is indistinguishable from a single piece step garnish. The finished surface  3010  may include ridges  3012  to create a greater friction surface to aid a user to enter or exit the motor vehicle  100 . The step garnishes  3000  may be connected to the motor vehicle  100  using tappet screws, rivets, nuts and bolts, interference fit fasteners, or by any other method known to one skilled in the art. 
     Further movement of the two sliding carriers  360 ,  362  may be controlled by inclusion of a spacer  3400  with one or both of the front or rear lower rails  304 ,  314 . The spacer  3400  includes first and second plastic shoes  3500 ,  3502  that are located with the closed upper portions  406 ,  408 ,  436 ,  438  of the front and rear lower rails  304 ,  314 . The plastic shoes  3500 ,  3502  are connected by a metal bracket  3504 . The spacers  3400  are free to slide between the left and right sliding carriers  360 ,  362 . The spacers  3400  prevent the two sliding carriers  360 ,  362  from coming into contact at a position along the sliding carriers  360 ,  362  overlapping slide range  3402 . The spacers  3400  help maintain a safe distance between the removable seats  114  on the sliding carriers  360 ,  362 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 34-35 , the spacer  3400  maintains a safe 15 mm gap between the sliding carriers  360 ,  362  to prevent pinching between the seats  114 . The plastic may be any formulation known to those skilled in the art to be durable and relatively low friction. 
     The left seat  130  on top of the left sliding carrier  360  and the right seat  134  on top of the right sliding carrier  362  may each slide between five (5) possible positions as illustrated by the table in  FIG. 36 . The five (5) possible positions correspond with the five (5) sets of three (3) holes  1300 ,  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  located in the inner wall  1200  of the front lower rail  304  that are spaced to the right laterally from a longitudinal centerline CL of the motor vehicle  100  for use with the right sliding carrier  362 , and the five (5) sets of three (3) holes (not shown) located in the inner wall  1200  of the front lower rail  304  that are spaced to the left laterally from the longitudinal centerline CL of the motor vehicle  100  for use with the left sliding carrier  360 . On the table in  FIG. 36 , the position  445 B corresponds to the first set of three (3) holes  1300 . The position  363 B corresponds to the second set of three (3) holes  1302 . The position  281 B corresponds to the third set of three (3) holes  1304 . The position  199 B corresponds to the fourth set of three (3) holes  1306 . The position  117 B corresponds to the fifth set of three (3) holes  1308 . The positions − 445 B, − 363 B, − 281 B, − 199 B, and − 117 B correspond to the mirror image five (5) sets of three (3) holes on the left side  136  of the motor vehicle  100 . The table in  FIG. 36  represents the possible locations of the left seat  130  and right seat  134  for each of the positions. For example, if the left seat  130  is in position − 117 B, the only position for the right seat  134  is  445 B, as shown in  FIG. 37 .  FIGS. 37-42  show some possible seating positions for the embodiment of the motor vehicle  100  as described herein.  FIG. 38  shows the left seat  130  in position − 445 B, while the right seat  134  is in position  445 B. In this positioning, the center seat  132  is also installed.  FIG. 39  shows the left seat  130  in position − 445 B, while the right seat  134  is in position  445 B and the center seat  132  is removed.  FIG. 40  shows the left seat  130  in position − 363 B, while the right seat  134  is in position  363 B. This arrangement brings the two seats  130 ,  134  nearer together toward the centerline CL of the motor vehicle  100  and away for the left  136  and right  138  sides.  FIG. 41  shows the left seat  130  in position − 199 B, while the right seat  134  is in position  363 B. In this example, the two seats  130 ,  134  are still side-by-side, but the two seats are shifted laterally leftward compared to the example shown in  FIG. 37  away from the right side  138  of the motor vehicle  100 .  FIG. 42  shows the left seat  130  in position − 281 B, while the right seat  134  is in position  281 B. In this example, the two seats  130 ,  134  are side-by-side along the CL of the motor vehicle  100 . The only restriction on how far the left sliding carriers  360  can slide across the lower rails  304 ,  314  is the position of the right carrier  362  and the spacers  3400  that separate the two. Additionally, the only restriction on how far the right sliding carriers  362  can slide across the lower rails  304 ,  314  is the position of the left carrier  360  and the spacers  3400  that separate the two. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 37 and 41 , the left sliding carrier  360  or the right sliding carrier (not illustrated) may cross the longitudinal centerline CL of the motor vehicle  100  if space is available. 
     Two removable seats  114 , a left seat  130  and right seat  134 , are designed to be secured to the sliding carriers  360 ,  362 , the left seat  130  on left sliding carrier  360 , and the right seat  134  on the right sliding carrier  362 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the seats  130 ,  134  are connected to the sliding carriers  360 ,  362  via hook fasteners  474  around the front strikers  470  and hook and lock fasteners  476  that hook around the rear strikers  472  located on the cross brackets  350 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356  and exposed through the openings  510  in the covers  500 ,  502  of the sliding carriers  360 ,  362 . The hook fasteners  474  and the hook and lock fasteners  476  are of a type known to those skilled in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 43-47 , during typical operation of the removable seats  114 , the removable seat  114  is moved from an upright position, illustrated in  FIGS. 43-45 , to a folded position, illustrated in  FIGS. 46-47 , by actuation of a first lever  4400  on the seat  114 . Located at the back  4402  of the seat cushion  202  below the seat back  204  is a LATCH striker  4404  used for the LATCH car seat system that is standard in automobiles. When the seat back  204  is folded down upon actuation of the first lever  4400 , a seat handle  4406  is exposed that is on the bottom  4408  of the seat back  204  when the seat back  204  is upright. By hiding the seat handle  4406  when the seat  114  is in the upright position, improper attachment of a LATCH enable car seat may be avoided by only having the LATCH striker  4404  visible. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 48-50 , in order to remove the seat  114 , a lock  478  is released on the rear hook and lock fasters  476  by actuating a second lever  4900  in the seat  114 . When the lock  478  is released, the user may grasp the seat handle  4406  and lift the rear  4402  of the seat  114 . Lifting the rear  4402  of the seat  114  from the rear strikers  472  allows the seat  114  to be rotated about and axis a 1  that runs through the front strikers  470 . When the seat  114  reaches an appropriate angle α 1 , the front hooks  474  may be removed from the front strikers  470 , and the seat  114  is removed. 
     A bar  4800  extends from the left front hook fastener  474  to the right front hook fastener  474 ′ parallel to and around the axis a 1  through the strikers  470 . As the user rotates the seat  114  forward to remove the front hook fasteners  474 ,  474 ′, the bar  4800  rotates forward and down as it rotates about axis a 1  until it contacts the cover  500 . The shape of the forward portion  5000  of the cover  500  is designed so that the bar  4800  contacts the front portion  5000  of the cover  500  when the seat  114  has been rotated an angle α 1  about the axis a 1 . In the embodiment illustrated, angle α 1  is approximately 45°, although the angle α 1  may be tuned based upon the geometry and available space of the motor vehicle  100 . Once the bar  4800  contacts the cover  500 , the user is prevented from rotating the seat  114  any further. This operation controls the location of the seat when the user is removing the seat to be in an optimum position. This also prevents the seat  114  from contacting any other interior components by rotating too far forward. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 51-54 , when the center seat  132  is in the upright position, the center seat  132  includes a left ISOFIX bar (not shown), which is located beneath a cap  5100  and a right ISOFIX bar (not illustrated) for use with a LATCH-enabled child seat. The seat  132  includes a cap  5100  that covers each bar when the LATCH system is not in use to prevent users from accidentally getting straps or the like hooked on the ISOFIX bars. When the left removable seat  130  or the right removable seat  134  is positioned up against the center seat  132 , removing the cap  5100  to expose the ISOFIX bar can be problematic. In order to make removal of the cap  5100  easier for a user, the cap  5100  includes a scoop portion  5200  on the grip portion  5202  of the cap  5100 . The grip portion  5202  not only includes a scoop portion  5200  in the side  5204  of the cap  5100 , but also an indented portion  5206  longitudinally forward of the scoop out shape  5200  to further increase access by a user&#39;s hand. As illustrated in  FIG. 53 , the indented portion  5206  longitudinally forward of the scoop portion  5200  has a lateral width w 1  less than a lateral width w 2  of the cap body  5300  and greater than a lateral width w 3  of the scoop portion  5200 . 
     In addition to the cap  5100  on the ISOFIX bar on the center seat  132 , the laterally L-shaped inner cover  5208  of the seat frame  5500  of the left and right seats  130 ,  134  has a smooth lower external surface  5600  and a smooth and recessed external upper surface  5602  that is laterally opposite the ISOFIX cap  5100  of the center seat  132  that provides additional clearance for a user to access the grip portion  5202  of the cap  5100 . As illustrated in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 51-56 , the minimum gap d 3  between the center seat  132  and left seat  130  or right seat  134  is 16 mm, but the recessed external upper surface  5602  of the inner cover  5208  of the seat frame  5500  of the left seat  130  or right seat  134 , and the scoop portion  5200  of the cap  5100  over the ISOFIX bar, at the location of the indention portion  5206  longitudinally forward of the scoop portion  5200  provides a clearance d 4  of 30 mm for the user to grip and remove the ISOFIX cap  5100 . 
     Another feature of the removable seats  114  is the necessity of providing a seatbelt  4300  for the user as illustrated in  FIGS. 43 and 57-61 . Because the removable seats  114  are slidable between five separate positions as previously described, the seatbelt  4300  is integrally provided within the removable  114  by methods known to those skilled in the art. However, at the top of the seat back  204 , a seatbelt mechanism  4302  is provided for protecting the seatbelt  4300  and to transition the seatbelt  4300  from within the seat  114  to the outside of the seat  114 , as illustrated in  FIG. 60 . The seatbelt mechanism  4302  includes an arcuate slot  4304  through which the seatbelt  4300  extends and is presented to the user for use. The arcuate slot  4304  includes an extended base  5800  that sits on top of and is connected to a bracket  5802 . The extended base  5800  also includes a raised and curved section  5804  over which the seatbelt  4300  moves and transitions from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. The seatbelt mechanism  4302  also includes a garnish  5700  that protects the seatbelt  4300  during use and when the seat  114  is removed. The arcuate slot  4304  is designed to prevent the seatbelt  4300  from reversing the side presented to the user and becoming twisted or tangled. 
     Due to position of the garnish  5700 , there is a need for a method and apparatus to attach the garnish  5700  to the seatbelt mechanism  4302  that is both easy to install and durable during use of the seat  114  in the intended manner. As shown in  FIGS. 57-61 , the garnish  5700  primarily is constructed of a solid molded plastic piece that includes an arcuate opening  5806 , a cap opening  5808 , and an interference fit fastener  6000  that extends from the bottom of the garnish  5700 . The interference fit fastener  6000  is inserted into a slot (not shown) in the seatbelt mechanism  4302 . The arcuate slot  4304  fits into the arcuate opening  5806  of the garnish  5700 . 
     A cap  5702  is provided for completing attachment of the garnish  5700  to the seatbelt mechanism  4302 . The cap  5702  is constructed of a single piece that includes a base portion  6100 , a living hinge  6102 , and an outer cover  6104 . The base portion includes, in the embodiment shown in the  FIGS. 58-61 , includes two holes  5810  that correspond to two holes  5812  in the cap opening  5808  of the garnish  5700  and two holes  5814  in the bracket  5802 . Tapping screws  5816  are used to connect the base portion  6100  of the cap  5702  and garnish  5700  to the bracket  5802 . The outer cover  6104  of the cap  5702  is then folded over downwardly at the living hinge  6102 , as shown by arrow b in  FIG. 61 , and the outer cover  6104 , now folded over and parallel with the base portion  6100 , covers the base portion  6100 . The outer cover  6104  has a tapered end  6106  that snaps into a hook surface  6108  of the lower edge  5818  of the cap opening  5808  of the garnish  5700 . The tapered end  6106  creates an interference fit with the hook surface  6108  to hold the cover  5702  in place. 
     Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or to “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     In addition, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the claims. 
     While particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatuses of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Category: b