Single-Motion Mechanically Leveraged Latch Apparatus For Horse Trailer Stall Divider

A method of releasing a divider within a livestock trailer from a closed position to an open position comprising the steps of:

• coupling an axle to a latchbolt using a tensile member;
• connecting a handle to the axle;
• and
• pulling the handle in the direction of the desired movement of the divider;
• rotating the axle to pull the tensile member to displace the latchbolt;
• and
• swinging the divider away from the closed position.

A method of making a latch apparatus to releasably secure a pivotable divider, having a first end and a second end, in a closed position within a livestock trailer comprising:

• rotatably securing an axle having a first axis to the pivotable divider;
• slidably disposing a latchbolt, having a first end and a second end, within a channel in the edge of the second end of the pivotable divider to engage the latchbolt between the first end and the second end;
• coupling the first end of a tensile member to a portion of the rotatable axle;
• coupling the second end of the tensile member to the first end of the latchbolt;
• biasing the latchbolt towards a deployed configuration with the second end of the latchbolt protruding from the edge of the pivoted divider;
• and
• providing a handle coupled to the axle.