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.
Claims11
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 back portion attached to the roof of the calf hutch;
- a latch arm secured to the back portion and having a first portion pivotable between a closed position and an open position in which the first portion pivots about a pivot point downwardly thereby defining a range of motion, the first portion being biased to the closed position and having first end proximal to the pivot point and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end located at a first radial distance from the pivot point;
- and
- a front portion that defines a locking slot with the back portion, the locking slot comprising:
- an open end that is blocked when the latch arm is in the closed position and that is not blocked by the latch arm when the latch arm is in the open position, and
- a bottom portion that is outside the range of motion of the latch arm and located at a second radial distance from the pivot point, the second radial distance being longer than the first radial distance.
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 back portion having a second hole that receives the fastener so that the reinforcement plate and the back portion are operable to sandwich the roof of the calf hutch;
- a latch arm secured to the back portion and having a first portion pivotable between a closed position and an open position in which the first portion pivots about a pivot point downwardly thereby defining a range of motion, the first portion being biased to the closed position and having first end proximal to the pivot point and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end located at a first radial distance from the pivot point;
- and
- a front portion that defines a locking slot with the back portion, the locking slot comprising:
- an open end that is blocked when the latch arm is in the closed position and that is not blocked by the latch arm when the latch arm is in the open position, and
- a bottom portion that is outside the range of motion of the latch arm and located at a second radial distance from the pivot point, the second radial distance being longer than the first radial distance.
A latch for attaching to a calf hutch and for use with a cable to secure the calf hutch, further the latch comprising:
- a back portion including a base portion having a first hole that receives a fastener to attach the latch to the calf hutch;
- a latch arm secured to the back portion and having a first portion pivotable between a closed position and an open position in which the first portion pivots about a pivot point downwardly thereby defining a range of motion, the first portion being biased to the closed position and having first end proximal to the pivot point and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end located at a first radial distance from the pivot point;
- a front portion that defines a locking slot with the back portion, the locking slot comprising:
- an open end that is blocked when the latch arm is in the closed position and that is not blocked by the latch arm when the latch arm is in the open position, and
- a bottom portion that is outside the range of motion of the latch arm and located at a second radial distance from the pivot point, the second radial distance being longer than the first radial distance;
- and
- a reinforcement plate for positioning on an interior surface of the calf hutch and having a second hole corresponding to the first hole so that the second hole may also receive the fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.