Latching apparatus

• US 6,471,261 B1
• Filed: 07/10/2000
• Issued: 10/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas E. Messler
• Original Assignee: Thomas E. Messler
• Inventors: Messler, Thomas E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SICONOLFI, ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US09/613,124
• Time in Patent Office: 841 Days
• Field of Search: 292/238, 292/234, 292/56, 292/117, 292/105, 292/205
• US Class Current: 292/238
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 63/04 for alternative use on the right-hand or left-hand side of wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 65/0007 for gates for wire gates E06B11/021
• CPC Class Codes: E05C 5/00 Fastening devices with bolts moving otherwise than only rectilinearly and only pivotally or rotatively E05C9/1883, E05C19/009, E05B63/125, E05B63/126, E05B63/127 take precedence; pivotally-mounted hooks-like fastenings with toggle action E05C19/14; bayonet-type locks E05B63/125; locks for sliding wings, with additional movement E05B65/0817
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/0862 Swinging and hooked end, multiple head
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1072 Rigid
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1086 Padlock or seal catch

Abstract

A latching apparatus to facilitate the latching, positioning, securing, disengagement and travel of a door, window, gate or similar structure. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a first connecting member is attached to a first attachment structure and a latching member is pivotally attached to a second connecting member and a second attachment structure. Insertion of securing mechanisms into strategically positioned securing apertures prohibits disengagement and travel of a structure secured by the improved latching apparatus. Removal of either one of two said securing mechanisms from either side of a previously secured structure facilitates disengagement and travel of said previously secured structure.

Claims

1. An improved latching apparatus secured on both sides of a gate, door, window or similar structure allowing disengagement and travel of said previously secured structure upon removal of either one of two securing mechanisms comprising:

a first connecting member attached to a first attachment structure;

a second connecting member attached to a second attachment structure;

a latching member attached to said second connecting member via a sliding pivotal attachment means;

a first connecting member grapple integrated within said latching member;

a first side impermanent attachment of said second connecting member to said latching member;

said first side attachment facilitated via the insertion of a securing mechanism means through securing apertures embodied within said second connecting member and said latching member; and

a second side impermanent attachment of said second connecting member to said latching member;

said second side attachment facilitated via the insertion of a securing mechanism means through securing apertures embodied within said second connecting member and said latching member which are distinct from securing apertures utilized in said first side impermanent attachment.

2. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said latching member'"'"'s sliding pivotal attachment to said second connecting member is facilitated via a plurality of slotted pivot guides;

said guides positioned to allow travel of said latching member along substantially horizontal and vertical planes.

3. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second impermanent attachment of said second connecting member to said latching member is facilitated via a slot shaped securing aperture of generally horizontal orientation embodied within said second connecting member.

4. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second impermanent attachment of said second connecting member to said latching member is facilitated via a slot shaped securing aperture of generally horizontal orientation embodied within said latching member.

5. The improved latching apparatus of claims 1 wherein said first connecting member is a striking bar.

6. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first connecting member'"'"'s attachment to said first attachment structure member is facilitated via the insertion of connecting means through a plurality of connection apertures embodied within said first connecting member.

7. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second connecting member'"'"'s attachment to said second attachment structure is facilitated via the insertion of connecting means through a plurality of connection apertures embodied within said second connecting member.

8. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one positioning finger.

9. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first impermanent attachment of said connecting member to said latching member is facilitated via a slot shaped securing aperture of generally vertical orientation embodied within said second connecting member.

10. The improved latching apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first impermanent attachment of said second connecting member to said latching member is facilitated via a slot shaped securing aperture of generally vertical orientation embodied within said latching member.