System and method for securing calf hutches
AssigneeMje, LLC
InventorStephen L. Deges
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A securement system for securing one or more calf hutches is provided. The securement system includes latch assemblies and a line. The latch assemblies are configured to be attached to the calf hutches and comprise receiver flanges and latch arms. Each receiver flange includes a vertically-extending plate defining a locking slot with an open end. Each latch arm may be shifted between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot. Each latch arm is biased to the closed position.
Claims20
A securement system for securing a calf hutch on a ground surface, the securement system comprising:
- a latch assembly configured to be attached to the calf hutch, the latch assembly comprising:
- a receiver flange at least partially defining a locking slot with an open end;
- and
- a latch arm suitable for shifting between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot, the latch arm being biased to the closed position;
- and
- a line for securing to at least one anchoring structure and urged against the latch arm to shift the latch arm from its closed position to its open position to allow a portion of the line to enter the open end of the locking slot and be captured by the latch assembly when the latch arm shifts back to its closed position to thereby secure the calf hutch on the ground surface.
A securement system for securing a plurality of calf hutches positioned between a first anchoring structure and a second anchoring structure, the system comprising:
- a first catch attached to the first anchoring structure at a height on the first anchoring structure that is lower than a height of the plurality of calf hutches;
- a ratchet assembly attached to the second anchoring structure at a height on the second anchoring structure that is lower than the height of the plurality of calf hutches,
- the ratchet assembly including—
- a strap,
- a second catch attached to the strap of the ratchet assembly, and
- a ratchet configured to reel in the strap;
- a plurality of latch assemblies attached to top portions of the plurality of calf hutches,
- each latch assembly including—
- a receiver flange comprising—
- a vertically-extending plate defining a locking slot with an open end, and
- a base portion attached to the plate and having a hole;
- a fastener extending through the hole and securing the base portion to a respective top portion;
- and
- a pivotably-mounted latch arm suitable for shifting between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot, the latch arm being biased to the closed position and including a portion that protrudes from the receiver flange and that shifts the latch arm to the open position when the portion is actuated;
- and
- a line for securing to the first catch and the second catch and urged against the latch arm of each of the plurality of latch assemblies to shift the latch arm from its closed position to its open position to allow a portion of the line to enter the open end of the locking slot and be captured by the latch assembly when the latch arm shifts back to its closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.