Detachable latching mechanism

A positioner latching assembly comprising:

• a detachable housing having a plurality of housing members configured to define a cavity, the housing configured to attach to a support;
• a plurality of latches supported by the housing members and biased to extend into the cavity;
• and
• a latching member having a first end configured to attach to a carriage assembly and a second end having a protrusion configured to engage between the detachable housing and the plurality of latches, while latching;
• wherein the latches are biased to move away from the cavity while latching to allow the insertion of the latching member into the cavity and to re-extend back into the cavity after the latching member has been fully inserted into the cavity.

A medical imaging apparatus, comprising:

• at least one gantry configured with an imaging component;
• at least one carriage assembly configured with a patient support component;
• and
• a latching mechanism for latching the patient support component to the carriage assembly;
• said latching mechanism comprising:
• (a) a detachable housing having a plurality of housing members configured to form a channel, the detachable housing fastened to the patient support component;
• (b) a first latching part associated with the carriage assembly, the first latching part including a latching member with a protrusion;
• (c) a second latching part provided on at least one of the housing members using a spring mechanism;
• the second latching part including a plurality of latches;
• wherein the protrusion of the latching member is configured to push against the latches to move them apart when the latching member is inserted into the channel, the movements of the latches being perpendicular to the movement of the latching member.