The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 10, 1991
Filed:
Mar. 19, 1991
E W Smith, Burleson, TX (US);
Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc., Arlington, TX (US);
Abstract
A latch system is provided having utility in securing a door or planar member in a fixed position within a housing having a portal. The portal includes a defined periphery with a plurality of apertures therein. The planar member is pivotally mounted adjacent the portal. A rotatable member is mounted adjacent to the planar member. The latch system also includes a plurality of elongate members, each of the elongate members having a first end adapted to slidably enter an associated aperture and a second end pivotally mounted to the rotatable member, wherein rotation of the rotatable member will cause both angular and axial movement of the elongate members. Rotation of the rotatable member in one direction causes the first ends of the elongate member to engage associated apertures securing the planar member in a closed position. Rotation in the opposite direction causes the first ends to disengage from associated apertures permitting the planar member to pivot, allowing the planar member to be moved into an open position. Guide members are provided for assisting and guiding movement of the plurality of elongate members into and out of the apertures. In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, a latch element is provided intermediate the rotatable member and at least one associated guide member, wherein the latch element may be utilized to selectively restrict angular movement of at least one member of the plurality of elongate members.