LOCKABLE LATCH
First Claim
1. A lockable latch system for a vehicle comprising:
- an anchor bar rigidly connected to a vehicle;
a rigid hook operably engaged with the anchor bar;
a springboard disposed on the rigid hook, the springboard being operable between an obstructing position wherein the springboard prevents disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar, and an unobstructing position wherein the springboard does not prevent disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar; and
a lock assembly having a cam operable between an interference position wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A lockable latch system includes an anchor bar rigidly connected to a vehicle and a rigid hook operably engaged with the anchor bar. A springboard is disposed on the rigid hook. The springboard is operable between an obstructing position, wherein the springboard prevents disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar and an unobstructing position, wherein the springboard does not prevent disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar. A lock assembly includes a cam operable between an interference position, wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position, wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A lockable latch system for a vehicle comprising:
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an anchor bar rigidly connected to a vehicle; a rigid hook operably engaged with the anchor bar; a springboard disposed on the rigid hook, the springboard being operable between an obstructing position wherein the springboard prevents disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar, and an unobstructing position wherein the springboard does not prevent disengagement of the rigid hook from the bar; and a lock assembly having a cam operable between an interference position wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A lockable latch comprising:
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a rigid hook defining a bar receiving portion; a flexible springboard disposed in the bar receiving portion, the springboard capable of flexing between an obstructing position wherein the springboard substantially blocks the bar receiving portion and an unobstructing position wherein the springboard does not substantially block the bar receiving portion; a lock assembly having a cam operable between an interference position wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for locking a vehicle restraining latch to a vehicle, the method comprising:
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forming a rigid hook having a bar receiving portion; connecting a springboard to the rigid hook, the spring board being operable between an obstructing position wherein the springboard substantially blocks the bar receiving portion and an unobstructing position wherein the springboard does not substantially block the bar receiving portion; operably connecting a lock assembly to the rigid hook; forming a cam on the lock assembly that is operable between an interference position wherein the cam prevents the springboard from entering the unobstructing position and a non-interference position wherein the cam does not prevent the springboard from entering the unobstructing position; operably engaging the rigid hook with an anchor bar of a vehicle; positioning the springboard in the obstructed position; and positioning the cam in the interference position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification