U.S. patent application number 16/370236 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for kennel latching mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to David VENESS.
Application Number | 20190223403 16/370236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57397341 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190223403 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VENESS; David |
July 25, 2019 |
KENNEL LATCHING MECHANISM
Abstract
A latching mechanism for a kennel includes a first vertically
extending latching bar, a second vertically extending latching bar,
a latch bolt and a handle. The second bar extends substantially
parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar. The
latch bolt is biased in a first direction by a spring. The handle
is coupled to the first vertically extending latching bar, the
second vertically extending latching bar, and the latch bolt, and
is configured such that when rotated, the handle moves the first
vertically extending latching bar and the second vertically
extending latching bar.
Inventors: |
VENESS; David; (Fort Worth,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. |
Arlington |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57397341 |
Appl. No.: |
16/370236 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15166905 |
May 27, 2016 |
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16370236 |
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62167992 |
May 29, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 2015/1692 20130101;
A01K 1/0035 20130101; A01K 1/034 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 1/00 20060101
A01K001/00; A01K 1/03 20060101 A01K001/03 |
Claims
1. A latching mechanism for a kennel, comprising: a first
vertically extending latching bar; a second vertically extending
latching bar, the second bar extending substantially parallel to
the first horizontally extending latching bar; a latch bolt biased
in a first direction by a latch spring; and a handle coupled to the
first vertically extending latching bar, the second vertically
extending latching bar, and the latch bolt, and being configured
such that when rotated, the handle moves the first vertically
extending latching bar and the second vertically extending latching
bar.
2. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising
first and second latch hooks configured to receive the first and
second vertically extending latching bars, respectively.
3. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each of the
first and second vertically extending latching bars include an
elongate portion and an end lock portion.
4. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the latch
spring is configured to bias the latch bolt radially outwardly.
5. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the latch
bolt is configured to be selectively moved such that the first and
second vertically extending latching bars are in a locked position
disposed within a respective latch hook, or moved to an unlocked
position disposed outside of the respective latch hook.
6. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the handle
is plastic.
7. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the latch
bolt is configured to rotate to selectively establish a locked
position and an unlocked position.
8. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the latch
bolt is configured to retracted in a direction the first direction
caused by the biasing of the latch spring.
9. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the latch
bolt includes a recess.
10. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the handle
is circular.
11. The latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the
latching mechanism is configured to be mounted on a plastic kennel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/166,905, filed May 27, 2016, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/167,992,
filed May 29, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a kennel latching
mechanism. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
wire kennel latching mechanism that securely latches the door of a
wire kennel, while providing easy access to the interior of the
kennel.
Background Information
[0003] A long-standing practice exists for housing animals in
kennels. In particular, portable kennels have been used to
transport animals over various distances. For example, portable
kennels are used to secure animals for transportation from one
location to another on commercial carriers, such as airplanes,
ships, and buses. Furthermore, these kennels are used to transport
animals over shorter distances, such as from a home to a veterinary
clinic. These portable kennels may also be used for securing an
animal indoors for a short period of time.
SUMMARY
[0004] It has been found that a need exists for a latch system or
mechanism that temporarily, but securely latches a kennel door
closed, but is user friendly and easy to operate, without awkward
manipulation of the latch.
[0005] A latching mechanism for a kennel includes a first
horizontally extending latching bar, a second horizontally
extending latching bar, the second bar extending substantially
parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar, and a
vertically extending handle, the handle being coupled to the first
horizontally extending latching bar at a first end and being
coupled to the second horizontally extending latching bar at a
second end, and being configured such that when moved in the
vertical direction, the handle rotates the first and second
horizontally extending latching bars.
[0006] In another embodiment, a latching mechanism for a kennel
includes a first vertically extending latching bar, a second
vertically extending latching bar, the second bar extending
substantially parallel to the first horizontally extending latching
bar, a latch bolt, and a handle coupled to the first vertically
extending latching bar, the second vertically extending latching
bar, and the latch bolt biased in a first direction by a spring,
and being configured such that when rotated, the handle moves the
first vertically extending latching bar and the second vertically
extending latching bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a first
embodiment of a kennel latch according to the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a latch mechanism of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a locked position;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates the latch mechanism handle of FIG. 3
rotating from the locked position to an unlocking position;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates the latch mechanism handle of FIG. 3
further rotating from the locked position to an unlocking
position;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates the latch mechanism handle of FIG. 4
rotated into the unlocking position;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates the latch mechanism of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 in an unlocked position;
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates the latch mechanism handle being
prohibited from rotating into the locking position when the latch
mechanism is in the unlocked position;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a second
embodiment of a kennel latch according to the present invention;
and
[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of the kennel
latch shown in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
the present kennel latching mechanism securely latches a kennel
door closed, but is user friendly and easy to operate, without
awkward manipulation of the latch.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a latching mechanism
12 for a kennel K is shown. The kennel K is a generally box like
structure formed from six panels. Accordingly, the kennel K
includes a wire structure having a top panel TP, a bottom panel BP,
a front panel FP, a back panel BP, a first side panel SP1 and a
second side panel SP2. Each panel can be a separate panel that is
coupled to an adjacent panel in any suitable manner. However, it is
noted that the kennel K can be formed in any suitable manner.
[0019] The front panel FP includes a stationary portion 14, a door
16 and the latching mechanism 12. The stationary portion 14
includes an opening 18 sized and configured to enable an animal to
pass therethrough for entry and exit of the interior portion of the
kennel K. The door 16 is generally the same size as the opening 18
so as to close the opening 18, preventing the animal from passing
through the opening 18. The latching mechanism 12 includes a first
latching portion 20 on the door 16 and a second latching portion 22
on the stationary portion 14.
[0020] One (or a first) side 16a of the door 16 includes a hinge
such that the door 16 is hinged to the stationary portion 14. The
door 16 can be hinged to the stationary portion 14 in any suitable
manner, such that the door 16 is capable swinging through a
predetermined arc. The opposite (or a second) side 16b of the door
16 includes the first latching portion 20 of the latching mechanism
12. The first latching portion 20 is capable of coupling to the
second latching portion 22 of the latching mechanism 12. The first
latching portion 20 can include a first horizontally extending
latching bar 24, a first coupling member 26, a second horizontally
extending latching bar 28, a second coupling member 30, and a
vertically extending handle 32. The second horizontally extending
latching bar 28 is substantially parallel to the first horizontally
extending latching bar 24.
[0021] Each of the horizontally extending latching bars 24, 28 has
a first end portion 34, a second end portion 36, and a generally
rectangular portion 38 disposed between the first end portion 34
and the second end portion 36. The longitudinal axis A1 of the
first end portion 34 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
A2 of the second end portion 36. In one embodiment, the
longitudinal axis A1 of the first end portion 34 is along the same
axis as the longitudinal axis A2 of the second end portion 36
(i.e., the first and second ends portions are coaxially). The
generally rectangular portion 38 includes a first vertical part 40,
a horizontal part 42 and a second vertical part 44. The first and
second vertical parts 40, 44 are generally perpendicular to the
first and second end portions 34, 36 and the horizontal part 42 is
generally parallel to the first and second end portions 34, 36 and
generally perpendicular to the first and second vertical parts 40,
44.
[0022] The vertically extending handle 32 has a first end 46, a
second end 48, and a handle gripping part 50. The handle 32
includes two vertically extending bars 52, 54 that are coupled
together by a rectangular member 56. The vertically extending bars
52, 54 have looped ends 58 to couple to the first and second
horizontally extending latching bars 24, 28. The first end 46 of
the vertically extending handle 32 is coupled to the first
horizontally extending latching bar 24 at the horizontal part 42
and the second end 48 of the vertically extending handle 32 is
coupled to the second horizontally extending latching bar 28 at the
horizontal part 42. Accordingly, when moved in the vertical
direction, the handle 32 rotates the horizontal part 42 of the
first and second horizontally extending latching bars 24, 28
through a predetermined radial arc between 1 and 180 degrees.
[0023] The first and second coupling members 26, 30 couple or
attach the first and second horizontally extending latching bars
24, 28 to the door 16. Each of the first and second coupling 26, 30
members includes first and second arcuate portions 60, 62 that
extend around the first and second end portions 34, 36 of the
horizontally extending latching bars 24, 28, respectively. Thus,
the first and second coupling members 26, 30 enable a respective
horizontally extending latching bar to freely rotate, but still
maintain a relative position on the door 16. Additionally, the
first and second coupling members 36, 30 enable the respective
horizontally extending latching bar to slide along a respective
longitudinal axis a predetermined distance. Preferably, the first
and second arcuate portions 60, 62 are disposed a predetermined
distance apart, such that as the horizontally extending latching
bars 24, 28 slide along a respective longitudinal axis, one of the
first and second vertical parts 40, 44 contacts a first or second
arcuate portions 60, 62, prohibiting further movement along the
longitudinal axis. Moreover, the first and second end portions 34,
36 are configured such that they are maintained within the first
and second arcuate portions 60, 62 when the first and second
vertical parts 40, 44 contact one of the first and second arcuate
portions 60, 62.
[0024] Additionally, the first and second coupling members 26, 30
also can include a blocking member 64 that is configured and
arranged to prevent the horizontally extending latching bars 24, 28
from moving out of the locked position. In one embodiment, the
blocking member 64 is an arcuate member extending outwardly from
the door 16. However, it is noted that the blocking member 64 can
be any suitable and shaped device and disposed in any suitable
position.
[0025] The second latching portion 22 is a generally rectangular
loop (e.g., retaining mechanism) that is coupled to the stationary
portion 14 of the front panel FP. The second latching portion 22 is
sized and configured to receive the second end portion 36 of the
first latching portion 20 when moved in a horizontal direction to
securely lock the door 16.
[0026] It is noted that the components of the latching mechanism 12
and the kennel K can be any suitable material and can be connected
in any suitable manner. Thus, in one embodiment, the kennel K can
be a metal wire, and the first and second latching mechanism 12 can
be metal connected to the kennel K in any manner desired. In one
embedment, the vertical handle 32 can be plastic or any of the
components of the latching mechanism 12 and kennel K can be plastic
or any suitable material.
[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 3-8, operation of the latching
mechanism 12 will be discussed. Although only one latching
mechanism 12 is illustrated in these figured operation of both
latching members is affected simultaneously and in the same manner
upon movement or operation of the vertical handle 32.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates the latching mechanism 12 in a locked
position. In other words, the second end portion 36 of the first
latching portion 20 extends through the second latching portion 22.
Thus, if a user or animal attempts to move the door 16 away from
the stationary portion 14 (i.e., open the door 16), the second end
will contact the blocking member 64 preventing the door 16 from
being opened. Further, if the horizontally extending latching bars
24, 28 are moved in a longitudinal direction, the first vertical
parts 40 will contact the blocking members 64, preventing the
second end portions 36 from disengaging the second latching portion
22.
[0029] In FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the rotation of the first latching
portion 20 upon movement of the vertical handle 32. In particular,
when an operator or a pet owner operates the vertical handle 32 by
moving the handle 32 from a bottom or lower position upwardly, the
ends of the vertical handle 32 rotate the horizontal part 42
through a determined arc to an unlocking position shown in FIG.
7.
[0030] Once in the unlocking position, the horizontal part 42 has
been rotated so as to be positioned away from or clear of the
blocking member 64. Accordingly, the first latching portion 20 can
be slid in a direction away from the second latching portion 22 in
a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first latching
portion 20 is capable of sliding a predetermined distance so as to
free the second end portion 36 from the rectangular loop of the
second latching portion 22. In one embodiment, the first arcuate
portion 60 is positioned such that as the first latching portion 20
is moved in a horizontal direction the first vertical part contacts
the first arcuate portion 60, preventing the second end portion 36
from becoming clear or free of the second arcuate portion 62. Once
in this position, the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state or
position and the door 16 can be opened, enabling a pet or animal to
enter or exit.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 8, in the unlocked position or state, the
handle 32 cannot be rotated into the locked position. Specifically,
if an operator or pet owner moves the handle in a downward
direction the horizontal part 42 contacts the blocking member 64.
Such a configuration prevents the handle from entering a position
that appears to be the locked downward position. Accordingly, the
operator or pet owner will not accidently lower the handle 32 and
believe the locking mechanism 12 to be in a locked state. That is,
the blocking member 64 will enable a visual indication that the
locking mechanism 12 is not in a locked state.
[0032] To lock the door 16, the procedure is reversed until the
door 16 is in the locked position or state. That is, the handle 32
is moved horizontally and then in a downward direction to lock the
door 16 of the kennel K. In other words, moving the handle 32 in
the horizontal or longitudinal direction moves the end portions 34,
36 so as to be disposed within the loop portion of the second
locking portion 22, and then the handle 32 in the downward
direction rotates horizontal part 42 so as to prohibit opening 18
of the door 16 and further movement of the first and second
horizontally extending latching bars 24, 28 in the horizontal
direction, as discussed above.
[0033] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a second embodiment of a latching
mechanism 112 according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, the kennel K is substantially similar to the kennel K
described above.
[0034] This embodiment is directed to a latching mechanism 112 for
a kennel K that includes a first vertically extending latching bar
114, second vertically extending latching bar 116, a latch bolt 118
biased in a first direction by a spring 120, and a handle 122. The
second vertically extending latching bar 116 extends substantially
parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar 114. The
handle 122 is coupled to the first vertically extending latching
bar 114, the second vertically extending latching bar 116, and the
latch bolt 118, and is configured such that when rotated, the
handle 122 moves the first vertically extending latching bar 114
and the second vertically extending latching bar 116.
[0035] In this embodiment, the first and second vertically
extending latching bars 114, 116 are substantially similar and
include an elongate portion 124 and an end lock portion 126. The
end 128 opposite the end lock portion 126 is attached to an outer
radial portion 130 of the handle 122, or any other suitable portion
of the handle 122. The first and second vertically extending
latching bars 114, 116 are configured to extend through latch hooks
132 coupled to the wires of the kennel door 116 of the kennel K in
a locked position. This configuration enables secure and stable
locking of the kennel door 16.
[0036] Additionally, this embodiment includes a horizontally
extending latch bolt 118. The latch bolt 118 is configured such
that when the handle 122 is rotated, the latch bolt 118 rotates and
can be retracted from the locked position in locking loop 140 to an
unlocked position. Thus, the latch bolt 118 can be selectively
moved such that the latching bars 114, 116 are in a locked position
disposed within a respective latch hook 132, or moved to a locked
position disposed outside of the latch hook 132.
[0037] The handle 122 can be generally circular and can include a
latch plate 136, a latch knob 138 and at least one latch spring
120. The latch plate 136 can be metal while the latch knob 138 can
be plastic; however, it is noted that the elements of the handle
122 can be any suitable material. The latch springs 120 bias the
latch bolt 118 radially outwardly. The latch bolt 118 can be
manually retracted in a direction opposite the force of the latch
spring 120 by inserting a finger or other device through the
opening 142 in the latch knob 138 and into a recess 144 in the
latch bolt 118. If desired a mechanism can be included on the latch
bolt and/or the latch knob to maintain the latch bolt in a
retracted position.
[0038] Preferably the latch mechanisms disclosed herein are
suitable for wire kennels, but can but used with any suitable
animal kennel or crate.
[0039] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above
embodiment(s), the following directional terms "front", "back",
"upward", "downward", "vertical", and "horizontal", as well as any
other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a
vehicle equipped with the kennel latching mechanism. Accordingly,
these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should
be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the kennel
latching mechanism.
[0040] The term "configured" as used herein to describe a
component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or
software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the
desired function.
[0041] The terms of degree such as "substantially" as used herein
mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such
that the end result is not significantly changed.
[0042] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components
can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown
directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate
structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can
be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions
of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not
necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular
embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the
prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should
be considered a separate description of further inventions by the
applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts
embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of
the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for
illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *