Latching mechanism for unitized raking implements

A latching mechanism for an agricultural implement having a frame and a movable positionally movable relative to said frame in conjunction with the operation of an extensible linear actuator movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, said movable member being selectively movable when said linear actuator is moved to said fully extended position, comprising:

• a locking pin operatively engaged with said movable member to prevent movement of said member relative to said frame, said locking pin being biased into engagement with said movable member by a first spring;
• a cable operatively interconnecting said linear actuator and said locking pin to disengage said locking pin out of engagement from said movable member when said linear actuator moves to said fully extended position and permit movement of said member by overcoming the biasing force exerted by said first spring;
• a first pivotally mounted cantilever member connected to said cable and being pivotally movable with said cable upon movement of said linear actuator;
• a second pivotally mounted cantilevered member connected to said locking pin and movable therewith, said second cantilevered member being movable independently of said first cantilevered member yet being positionable in a preselected orientation relative to said first cantilevered member;
• and
• a second spring interconnecting said first and second cantilevered members to permit a relative movement between said first and second cantilevered members which would cause said second spring to exert a biasing force between said first and second cantilevered members to urge a return thereof into said preselected orientation, thereby permitting a lost motion movement of said cable by said linear actuator when external forces exerted on said locking pin prevent an immediate disengagement of said locking pin from said movable member.