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.
Claims18
A latch for attaching to a calf hutch and for use with a cable to secure the calf hutch, the latch comprising:
- a receiver flange at least partially defining a locking slot with an open end;
- and
- a latch arm shiftable between a closed position in which the latch arm blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which the latch arm does not block the open end of the locking slot, the latch arm being biased to the closed position,
- wherein the locking slot is oblique to the latch arm when the latch arm is in the closed position, and
- wherein the receiver flange has a front end, and the open end of the locking slot is farther away from the front end than a remainder of the locking slot.
A latch assembly for attaching to a roof of a calf hutch and for use with a cable to secure the calf hutch, the latch assembly comprising:
- a reinforcement plate for positioning on an interior surface of the roof of the calf hutch and having a first hole operable to receive a fastener;
- a base portion having a second hole that receives the fastener so that the reinforcement plate and the base are operable to sandwich the roof of the calf hutch
- a receiver flange extending vertically from the base and at least partially defining a locking slot with an open end;
- and
- a latch arm pivotally attached to the receiver flange at a pivot point so that the latch arm is pivotable between a closed position in which the latch arm blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which the latch arm does not block the open end of the locking slot, the latch arm being biased to the closed position.
An animal shelter assembly comprising:
- a calf hutch comprising a roof and a plurality of walls attached to the roof;
- and
- a latch attached to the roof of the calf hutch, the latch comprising—
- a receiver flange attached to the roof of the calf hutch and at least partially defining a locking slot with an open end, and
- a latch arm shiftable between a closed position in which the latch arm blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which the latch arm does not block the open end of the locking slot, the latch arm being biased to the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.