LATCH TO SECURE DOOR, PANEL OR OTHER MEMBER

LOQUET DE PORTE, PANNEAU OU AUTRE ELEMENT

English Abstract

This invention provides an improved gate latching
apparatus, with means for guiding a latch, wherein said latch is
in the form of an elongated member, whose longitudinal axis runs
parallel to a free edge of the gate, and remains parallel
thereto throughout its guided travel at an oblique angle
relative to the edge of said gate. The latch engages and
supports a substantial portion of the gate edge, which helps
prevent the gate from being either deflected or bent out of
position. During disengagement, the gate remains supported until
a significant portion of the latch travel has been completed, at
which time the latch disengages the gate simultaneously over the
entire length of the latch. If the latch is moved to a
partially disengaged position while still retaining the gate and
is then released, it will return to the fully engaged position
through means of gravity or other force.

Claims

CLAIMS:
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive
property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
runs at an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate,
panel or other member, and wherein the longitudinal axis of said
elongated member remains substantially parallel to said edge of
said door, gate, panel or other member.
2. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
runs at an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate,
panel or other member, and wherein an axis of said elongated
member remains substantially parallel to said edge of said door,
gate, panel or other member.
3. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
travels in other than a straight line, wherein the average
direction travelled by said path is at an oblique angle relative
to an edge of said door, gate, panel or other member, and
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wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains
substantially parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member.
4. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
runs at an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate,
panel or other member; the longitudinal axis of said elongated
member remains substantially parallel to said edge of said door,
gate, panel or other member; said means for guiding is fastened
to a stationary component of said frame or said second member
acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, and a surface of the
elongated member engages with a corresponding surface of said
door, gate, panel or other member.
5. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
travels in other than a straight line, and wherein the average
direction travelled by said path is at an oblique angle relative
to an edge of said door, gate, panel or other member, wherein
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains
substantially parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member; said means for guiding is fastened to a stationary
component of said frame or said second member acting as a jamb,
mullion or transom; and wherein a surface of the elongated
member engages with a corresponding surface of said door, gate,
panel or other member.
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6. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path; said path running at
an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate, panel
or other member, wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated
member remains substantially parallel to said edge of said door,
gate, panel or other member; said means for guiding is fastened
to a stationary component of said frame or said second member
acting as a jamb, mullion or transom; and wherein a surface of
the elongated member engages, through overlap, with a
corresponding surface of said door, gate, panel or other member.
7. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
travels in other than a straight line, and wherein the average
direction travelled by said path is at an oblique angle relative
to an edge of said door, gate, panel or other member; the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains substantially
parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or other member;
said means for guiding is fastened to a stationary component of
said frame or said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or
transom; and a surface of the elongated member which engages,
through overlap, with a corresponding surface of said door,
gate, panel or other member.
8. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; with means for
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guiding said elongated member along a path; said path running at
an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate, panel
or other member, wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated
member remains substantially parallel to said edge of said door,
gate, panel or other member; said means for guiding is fastened
to said door, gate, panel or other member; and wherein said
elongated member engages with a corresponding surface of said
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom.
9. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path; said path being at
an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate, panel
or other member; said means for guiding is fastened to said
door, gate, panel or other member; the longitudinal axis of said
elongated member remains substantially parallel to said edge of
said door, gate, panel or other member; and said elongated
member engages with a corresponding slot in said frame or second
member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom.
10. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; said elongated
member mating and slidably fitting into a slot along a free edge
of said door, gate, panel or other member; means for guiding
said elongated member along a path within said slot; said path
running at an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door,
gate, panel or other member; said means for guiding is fastened
to said door, gate, panel or other member; the longitudinal axis
of said elongated member remains substantially parallel to said
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edge of said door, gate, panel or other member; and said
elongated member engages with a corresponding slot in said frame
or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom.
11. The apparatus as defined in claim 9 where said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therein, with the
centrelines of said plurality of slots being oriented parallel
to one another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of members slidably fitted into said plurality of
slots.
12. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therein, wherein the
centre lines of said plurality of slots are oriented parallel to
one another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and wherein said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of members slidably fitted into said plurality of
slots.
13. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therein, wherein the
centrelines of said plurality of slots are oriented parallel to
one another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of members slidably fitted into said plurality of
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slots.
14. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 where said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therein, wherein the
centre lines of said plurality of slots are oriented parallel to
one another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, wherein said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elements slidably fitted into said plurality of
slots, and wherein said plurality of elements are fastened to a
stationary component of said frame or said second member acting
as a jamb, mullion or transom.
15. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 where said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therein, with the
centre lines of said plurality of slots being oriented parallel
to one another and with said centre lines of said plurality of
slots being further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of members slidably fitted into said plurality of
slots, and wherein said members are fastened to a stationary
component of said frame or said second member acting as a jamb.
16. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said plurality of slots are oriented
parallel to one another, wherein said centre lines of said
plurality of slots are further oriented at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and
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whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of a plurality of elements slidably fitted through said slots.
17. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centrelines of said plurality of slots are oriented parallel
to one another, wherein said centrelines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elements slidably fitted through said slots.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centrelines of said plurality of slots are oriented parallel
to one another, wherein said centrelines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member; wherein said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elements slidably fitted through said plurality of
slots, wherein said elements are fastened to a stationary
component of said frame or said second member acting as a jamb.
19. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centrelines of said plurality of slots are oriented parallel
to one another, wherein said centrelines of said plurality of
slots are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elements slidably fitted through said plurality of
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slots, wherein said elements are fastened to a stationary
component of said frame or said second member acting as a jamb.
20. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said slots are oriented parallel to one
another, and wherein said centre lines of said plurality of
slots being further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elongated elements slidably fitted through said
plurality of slots.
21. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said slots are oriented parallel to one
another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of slots
are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and wherein said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elongated elements slidably fitted through said
plurality of slots.
22. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said slots are oriented parallel to one
another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of slots
are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elongated elements slidably fitted through said
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plurality of slots, and wherein said plurality of elongated
elements are fastened to a stationary component of said frame or
said second member acting as a jamb.
23. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said slots are oriented parallel to one
another, wherein said centre lines of said plurality of slots
are further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elongated elements slidably fitted through said
plurality of slots, and wherein said plurality of elongated
elements are fastened to a stationary component of said frame or
said second member acting as a jamb.
24. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said slots are oriented parallel to one
another, wherein said centrelines of said plurality of slots are
further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted through
said plurality of slots.
25. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said slots are oriented parallel to one
another, wherein said centrelines of said plurality of slots are
further oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
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longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted through
said plurality of slots.
26. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said plurality of slots are oriented
parallel to one another, wherein said centre lines of said
plurality of slots are oriented at an oblique angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted through
said plurality of slots, and wherein said bolts, pins or the
like are fastened to a stationary component of said frame or
said second member acting as a jamb.
27. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough, wherein
the centre lines of said plurality of slots are oriented
parallel to one another, wherein said centrelines of said
plurality of slots are further oriented at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member,
whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of a plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted
through said plurality of slots, and wherein said bolts, pins or
the like are fastened to a stationary component of said frame or
said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom.
28. The apparatus as defined in claims 11 through 27,
wherein the said centrelines of said plurality of slots are
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oriented in an offset relationship to one another.
29. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therein, wherein the centre
line of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of an
element slidably fitted into said slot.
30. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therein, with the centre line
of said slot being oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of an
element slidably fitted into said slot, and wherein said member
is fastened to a stationary component of said frame or said
second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom.
31. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therein, wherein the centre
line of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elements slidably fitted into said slot.
32. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therein, wherein the centre
line of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of elements slidably fitted into said slot, and
wherein said elements are fastened to a stationary component of
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said frame or said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or
transom.
33. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therethrough, with the centre
line of said slot being oriented at an oblique angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of an
elongated element slidably fitted therethrough.
34. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therethrough, wherein the
centre line of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member,
whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of an elongated element slidably fitted therethrough, wherein
said elongated element is fastened to a stationary component of
said frame or said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or
transom.
35. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therethrough, wherein the
centreline of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle relative
to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along said path by means of a
plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted into said
single slot.
36. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therethrough, wherein the
centre line of said single slot is oriented at an oblique angle
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relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member,
whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of a plurality of bolts, pins or the like, slidably fitted into
said single slot, wherein said bolts, pins or the like are
fastened to a stationary component of said frame or said second
member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom.
37. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therethrough, wherein the
centre line of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member,
whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of a plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted
through said single slot.
38. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a single slot therethrough, wherein the
centre line of said slot is oriented at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member,
whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of a plurality of bolts, pins or the like slidably fitted
through said single slot, wherein said bolts, pins or the like
are fastened to a stationary component of said frame or said
second member acting as a jamb.
39. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a profiled shape which interacts with a
corresponding profiled shape, where said corresponding profiled
shape is maintained in a fixed position on said frame or said
second member acting as a jamb, whereby said profiled shape of
said elongated member interacts with said corresponding profiled
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shape to provide said means for guiding said elongated member
along said path.
40. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the face
of a leading longitudinal edge of said elongated member, and the
corresponding face of the edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member are profiled with geometric shapes to interact with
one another to secure said door, gate, panel or other member.
41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
elongated member has a profiled shape to interact with a
corresponding profiled shape, where said corresponding profiled
shape is maintained in a fixed position and whereby said
interaction of the profiled shapes provides means for guiding.
42. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through 41, where
the length of the engaging surface area of the elongated member
is not greater than the length of the edge of said door, gate,
panel or other member.
43. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through 42, where
said door, gate, panel or other member is constructed of
horizontal and vertical bars to form a grid.
44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, where said grid,
door, gate, or other member includes a perimeter frame.
45. The apparatus as claimed in claims 43 and 44, wherein
said door, gate or other member of the engaged assembly includes
a transverse component, where said transverse component is
positioned to prevent an animal contained thereby from applying
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a force to disengage the elongated member with one uninterrupted
motion, whereby the elongated member is allowed to return to the
fully engaged position once said animal has removed said
opposing force.
46. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 to 45, wherein
said elongated member has a length greater than the width
thereof, and said elongated member has a width greater than the
thickness thereof.
47. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
mullion or transom, said apparatus comprising: an elongated
member; means for guiding said elongated member along a path;
said means for guiding includes mating geometric shapes, wherein
said path runs at an oblique angle relative to an edge of said
door, gate, panel or other member, wherein the longitudinal axis
of said elongated member remains substantially parallel to said
edge of said door, gate, panel or other member, and wherein an
edge of said elongated member remains substantially parallel to
an edge of said door, gate, panel or other member.
48. An apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein said
elongated member engages through overlap with a corresponding
surface of said door, gate, panel or other member.
49. The apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein an edge
of said elongated member is bevelled to mate with a
corresponding bevel of an edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member and wherein the reaction of the pressure of the
mating bevels serves to press said door, gate, panel or other
member against one or more stops.
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50. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through 49,
wherein said elongated member is designed and manufactured in
such a way as to allow said elongated member to be turned over
to accommodate opposite-hand installation and operation.
51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein said
elongated member is manufactured from a single piece of
material, which simplifies the manufacturing process.
52. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 51, wherein
said simplicity of manufacture simplifies the cleaning and
sanitizing of said elongated member.
53. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through 51,
wherein said apparatus can be operated by a person using only
one finger or by using a course means such as an elbow, knee or
other body part or device.
54. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through 53,
wherein wedged shaped stops are used to centre said door, gate,
panel or other member within said frame or between two opposing
members acting as jambs, mullions or transoms.
55. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 54,
wherein said elongated member is slidably fastened to a hinged
door or gate, or to a panel or other member, whereby said
apparatus interacts with said frame, jamb or other member
affixed thereto.
56. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
47

said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along a path, wherein said path
runs at an oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate,
panel or other member, wherein said means for guiding is
fastened to said door, gate, panel or other member, wherein the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains substantially
parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or other member,
and wherein said means for guiding comprises a surface or
feature of the elongated member which engages with a
corresponding surface or feature of said door, gate, panel or
other member.
57. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 55
wherein one or more doors, gates, panels, other members or
combination thereof are mounted on hinges in such a manner as to
cover an opening in a box or rectangular structure.
58. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 55
wherein one or more doors, gates, panels, other members or
combination thereof, are mounted on hinges in such a manner as
to cover an opening in a box or rectangular structure, wherein
said box or rectangular structure is suitably sized to
comfortably contain an animal for the purpose of confinement.
59. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through 58,
wherein the force of gravity causes said elongated member to
move in a direction that engages said elongated member with said
door, gate, panel or other member to retain or secure said door,
gate, panel or other member.
60. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 55, wherein
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the force of gravity, or other force is applied to said
elongated member in a direction that engages said elongated
member with said door, gate, panel or other member to retain or
secure said door, gate, panel or other member.
61. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 to 55, wherein a
mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical or other
force is applied to said elongated member to engage or to
disengage said elongated member with said door, gate, panel or
other member, to retain or secure said door, gate, panel or
other member.
62. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 61,
wherein said means for guiding elongated member maintains said
path of elongated member substantially on a single plane.
63. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 61,
wherein the geometry of said means for guiding said elongated
member along said path is proportioned to prevent said elongated
member from skewing and/or binding.
64. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein the lateral distance travelled by said elongated member
to engage and secure said door, gate, panel or other member is
less than the width of said elongated member.
65. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57
wherein said elongated member engages with one or more slots,
said slots being situated in a frame, jamb, door, gate, panel or
other member affixed thereto, whereby said engagement of said
elongated member with said slot acts to retain said door, gate,
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panel or other member.
66. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57
wherein said elongated member has an average length greater than
the average width of said elongated member and has an average
width greater than the average thickness of said elongated
member.
67. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein said elongated member is fashioned from a flexible
material.
68. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein said elongated member is fashioned from a resilient
material to dampen shock or vibration.
69. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein said elongated member requires a lateral jamb space of
not more than twice the width of said elongated member in which
to function.
70. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein said elongated member cannot be moved to the disengaged
position from the opposite side of said door, gate, panel or
other member, from which said elongated member has been engaged.
71. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein the function and/or operation of said elongated member
is not affected by sagging or expansion of said door, gate,
panel or other member, or by sagging or expansion of the jamb,
or of the frame, in which said door, gate, panel or other member
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are mounted.
72. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57,
wherein more than one said elongated member is used to retain
separate edges of said door, gate, panel or other member.
73. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 57
wherein said elongated member is guided in such a manner so as
to engage and retain multiple doors, gates, panels or other
members, or combinations thereof.
74. The apparatus as defined in claims 1 through 73
wherein said elongated member returns, when released, through
the force of gravity or other force, to the engaged position
after the door gate panel or other member is opened or removed,
thereby preventing said door gate panel or other member from
being closed or being reinstalled until a force is applied to
move said elongated member to the disengaged position.
75. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or a combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated members means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
each of said two paths run at an angle relative to one another.
76. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or a combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
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each of said two paths run at an angle relative to one another,
wherein each of said two paths also run at an oblique angle
relative to the adjacent edge of one or more corresponding
doors, gates, panels or other members, or a combination thereof,
and wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated member
remains substantially parallel to said adjacent edge of one or
more said corresponding doors, gates, panels or other members.
77. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
said two paths diverge, wherein said two diverging paths
generally form an inverted vee, wherein each of said two paths
also run at independent oblique angles relative to the adjacent
edge of one or more corresponding doors, gates, panels or other
members, or a combination thereof, and wherein the longitudinal
axis of said elongated member remains substantially parallel to
said adjacent edge of one or more said corresponding doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof.
78. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
said two paths diverge, wherein each of said two paths run at
independent oblique angles relative to the adjacent edge of one
or more corresponding doors, wherein the longitudinal axis of
said elongated member remains substantially parallel to said
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edge of said door, gate, panel or other member, and wherein said
means for guiding, is fastened to said frame or said second
member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, or is fastened to a
door, gate, panel or other member.
79. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
said two paths diverge, wherein each of said two paths run at an
oblique angle relative to an edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member, wherein said means for guiding, is fastened to
said frame or said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or
transom, or is fastened to a door, gate, panel or other member,
wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains
substantially parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member, and wherein a surface of the elongated member
engages with a corresponding surface of said door, gate, panel
or other member, or engages with a corresponding surface of said
jamb, mullion or transom.
80. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
each of said two paths diverge and run at an oblique angle
relative to an edge of said door, gate, panel or other member,
wherein said means for guiding, is fastened to said frame or
said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, or is
53

fastened to a door, gate, panel or other member, wherein the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains substantially
parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or other member,
and wherein a surface of the elongated member engages, through
overlap, with a corresponding surface of said door, gate, panel
or other member, or with a corresponding surface of said jamb,
mullion or transom.
81. The apparatus as defined in claim 75, wherein said
elongated member has a plurality of divergent pairs of slots
therein, wherein said plurality of divergent pairs of slots are
situated in a spaced apart relationship with the same angular
orientation, whereby said elongated member is guided along
either of said two paths by means of one or more elements being
slidably fitted into said plurality of slots, and wherein said
elements are fastened to a component of said frame or said
second member acting as a jamb, or are fastened to said door,
gate panel or other member.
82. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two paths, wherein
said two paths diverge, wherein each of said two paths run at
independent oblique angles relative to an adjacent edge of said
door, gate, panel or other member, wherein the longitudinal axis
of said elongated member remains substantially parallel to said
adjacent edge of a said door, gate, panel or other member, and
wherein said means for guiding is fastened to said frame or said
second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, or is
54

fastened to said door, gate panel or other member.
83. An apparatus to retain or secure a door, gate, panel
or other member, to a frame or second member acting as a jamb,
mullion or transom, said apparatus comprising: an elongated
member; means for guiding said elongated member along either of
two paths, wherein said two paths diverge and run at independent
oblique angles relative to an edge of said door, gate, panel or
other member, wherein by choosing the first path, the
longitudinal member will rest in an engaged state with said
door, gate, panel or other member, or by choosing the second
path, the longitudinal member will rest in a state disengaged
from said door, gate, panel or other member, and wherein the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member remains substantially
parallel to said edge of said door, gate, panel or other member.
84. The apparatus as claimed in claim 83, wherein said
means for guiding is fastened to said frame or said second
member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, or is fastened to
said door, gate panel or other member.
85. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combinations thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two diverging
paths, wherein each of said two paths run at independent oblique
angles relative to the same longitudinal edge of said elongated
member, wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated member
remains substantially parallel to at least one longitudinal edge
55

of said elongated member, and wherein said two diverging paths
generally form a vee.
86. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two diverging
paths, wherein each of said two paths run at independent oblique
angles relative to a leading longitudinal edge of said elongated
member, wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated member
remains substantially parallel to the leading longitudinal edge
of said elongated member, and wherein said two diverging paths
generally form a vee in any orientation.
87. The apparatus as claimed in claim 86, wherein either
of said two paths could be selected by applying a force in a
direction somewhat normal to the selected path.
88. The apparatus as claimed in claims 75 through 85
wherein said elongated member has a plurality of slots therein
arranged in divergent pairs, wherein two or more divergent pairs
are arranged in like angular orientation, wherein the centre
line of each said slot of each said pair of slots is oriented at
an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said
elongated member, wherein said elongated member is guided along
one of two said paths by means of a plurality of protruding
members slidably fitted into said slots, wherein said protruding
elements are fastened to a stationary component on said frame or
said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, or are
fastened to said door, gate panel or other member.
56

89. The apparatus as claimed in claims 75 through 86
wherein said elongated member has a plurality of slots
therethrough arranged in divergent pairs, wherein two or more
divergent pairs are arranged in like angular orientation,
wherein the centre line of each said slot of each said pair of
slots is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, wherein said
elongated member is guided along one of two said paths by means
of a plurality of protruding members slidably fitted into said
slots, wherein said protruding members are fastened to a
stationary component of said frame or said second member acting
as a jamb, mullion or transom, or are fastened to said door,
gate panel or other member.
90. The apparatus as claimed in claims 86 and 87 wherein
said elongated member is guided by means of geometric features
arranged in a plurality of divergent pairs, wherein the centre
line of each said geometric feature is oriented at an oblique
angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated
member, wherein said longitudinal axis is substantially parallel
to the adjacent edge of an adjacent door, gate, panel or other
member, wherein said elongated member is guided along one
selected said path by those geometric features whose angular
orientation corresponds to the angular orientation of said
selected path of said elongated member, wherein said geometric
features are engaged by means of slidably fitted mating
components, wherein said slidably fitted mating components are
fastened to a stationary component of said frame or said second
member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom, or are fastened to
said door, gate panel or other member.
57

91. The apparatus as claimed in claims 86 and 87, wherein
said elongated member is guided by means of geometric features
arranged in a plurality of divergent pairs, wherein the centre
line of at least one said geometric feature in each divergent
pair is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member is guided along one selected said path by those
geometric features whose angular orientation corresponds to the
angular orientation of said selected path of said elongated
member, wherein said geometric features are engaged by means of
slidably fitted mating components, wherein said slidably fitted
mating components are fastened to a stationary component of said
frame or said second member acting as a jamb, mullion or
transom, or are fastened to said door, gate panel or other
member.
92. An apparatus as claimed in claims 88 through 91 wherein said
two paths have equal but opposite angular relationships with the
longitudinal axis of said elongated member.
93. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two diverging
paths, wherein each of said two paths run at independent oblique
angles relative to a leading longitudinal edge of said elongated
member, wherein the longitudinal axis of said elongated member
is substantially parallel to a leading longitudinal edge of said
elongated member, and wherein said two diverging paths generally
58

form an inverse vee arrangement, whereby said elongated member
can move by means of gravity or other means, to a central or
neutral position, when released, thereby securing or restraining
one or more said doors, gates, panels or other members.
94. An apparatus as claimed in claims 55 through 93,
wherein wedged shaped stops are used to centre said door, gate,
panel or other member within said frame or between two opposing
frame members.
95. The apparatus as claimed in claim 93, wherein either
of said two paths could be selected by applying a force in a
direction somewhat normal to, the selected path.
96. An apparatus to retain or secure one or more doors,
gates, panels or other members, or combination thereof, to a
frame or second member acting as a jamb, mullion or transom,
said apparatus comprising: an elongated member; means for
guiding said elongated member along either of two diverging
paths, wherein each of said two paths run at independent oblique
angles relative to a leading longitudinal edge of said elongated
member, wherein said two paths form an upright vee, and wherein
the longitudinal axis of said elongated member is substantially
parallel to the leading longitudinal edge of said elongated
member.
97. The apparatus as claimed in claim 96, wherein said
elongated member will remain engaged at the upper end of either
the left-hand or right-hand guided path of travel of said
59

elongated member, wherein said door, gate, panel or other member
is maintained in either the left-hand or right-hand position by
said means for guiding, and thereby remains engaged in the off
centre position by means of gravity or other force, whereby said
elongated member will retain or secure either of two doors,
gates, panels or other members.
98. An apparatus as in claim 86 and 87, wherein said
elongated member is equipped with a flange along one or both
longitudinal edges thereof, to form the general profile of an
"L" or a "U", wherein said flange or flanges act to apply
pressure to the surface of a panel whose mounting plane is
normal to the surface.
99. An apparatus as in claim 86 and 87, wherein said
elongated member is equipped with a flange along one or both
longitudinal edges thereof, to form the general profile of an
"L" or a "U", wherein said flange or flanges act to add
structural strength to said elongated member.
100. An apparatus as in claim 97 where said apparatus is
equipped with a vertical tab running along one or both of its
longitudinal edges to form the general profile of a "L" or an
"U" respectively for the purpose of using guiding means to
position panel.
101. An apparatus as in claim 86, wherein said elongated
member can engage any surface thereof to restrain or secure one
or more said doors, gates, panels or other members, or
60

combinations thereof, to a frame, or second member acting as a
jamb.
102. An apparatus as in claim 76, wherein said paths run at
independent oblique angles in relation to the adjacent edge of
one or more said doors, gates, panels or other member acting as
a jamb, mullion or transom, wherein said paths are on any plane
in relation to a surface of said other member acting as a jamb,
wherein said two paths diverge and generally form an inverted
vee, wherein any surface of said apparatus can be used to retain
or secure one or more said doors, gates, panels or other
members, or combination thereof, to a said frame or second
member acting as a jamb.
103. An enclosure to contain an animal, said enclosure
comprising: a rectangular box with at least one open side; said
rectangular box having at least one vertical edge with a gate
hinged thereto; a plurality of wedge shaped stops, wherein each
wedge shape stop comprises, in part, a bevel, a land and a
shoulder, wherein said wedge shaped stops guide said gate to be
centrally located between the upper horizontal member and the
lower horizontal member of said rectangular box, wherein a said
bevel and said land on each of the upper and a lower said wedge
shaped stops act to guide said gate to the desired central
location between said upper horizontal member and said lower
horizontal member of said rectangular box, by contacting one or
more of the horizontal surfaces of said gate, and wherein said
shoulders of said wedge shaped stops serve to align the face of
said gate with the face of the perimeter of said rectangular
box; a vertical member, acting as a jamb, said vertical member
61

situated to be adjacent the free edge of said gate when said
gate is in the closed position; an apparatus fastened to said
vertical member, wherein said apparatus is designed to retain or
secure said gate, wherein said apparatus comprises an elongated
member, means for guiding said elongated member along a path,
wherein said path runs at an oblique angle relative to an edge
of said gate, and wherein the longitudinal axis of said
elongated member remains substantially parallel to said edge of
said gate, wherein said means for guiding said elongated member
comprises, a plurality of slots through, said elongated member,
wherein the centre lines of said plurality of slots are oriented
parallel to one another, wherein said centre lines of said
plurality of slots are further oriented at an oblique angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of said elongated member, and
whereby said elongated member is guided along said path by means
of a plurality of shoulder bolts slidably fitted through said
slots, thereby providing means to secure one or both gates.
104. An enclosure to contain an animal, said enclosure
comprising: a rectangular box with at least one open side; said
rectangular box having at least one vertical edge with a gate
hinged thereto; a plurality of wedge shaped stops, wherein each
wedge shape stop comprises, in part, a bevel, a land and a
shoulder, wherein said wedge shaped stops guide said gate to be
centrally located between the upper horizontal member and the
lower horizontal member of said rectangular box, wherein a said
bevel and said land on each of the upper and a lower said wedge
shaped stops act to guide said gate to the desired central
location between said upper horizontal member and said lower
horizontal member of said rectangular box, by contacting one or
more of the horizontal surfaces of said gate, and wherein said
62

shoulders of said wedge shaped stops serve to align the face of
said gate with the face of the perimeter of said rectangular
box; a vertical member acting as a jamb, said vertical member
situated to be adjacent the free edges of said gates when said
gates are in the closed position; an apparatus fastened to said
vertical member, wherein said apparatus is designed to retain or
secure two gates, wherein said apparatus comprises an elongated
member, means for guiding said elongated member, whereby said
elongated member has a plurality of slots therethrough arranged
in divergent pairs, wherein two or more divergent pairs are
arranged in like angular orientation, wherein the centre line of
each said slot of each said pair of slots is oriented at an
oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said
elongated member, wherein said elongated member is guided along
one of two said paths by means of a plurality of shoulder bolts
slidably fitted through said slots, wherein said shoulder bolts
are fastened to a stationary component on said frame, thereby
providing means to secure one or both gates.
63

Description

CA 02489829 2004-12-17
Ti le: LATCH TO SECURE DOOR. PANEL OR OTHER MEMBER
r rnr ~m n ~ ~ ~ ~
BACI~(',~ROUND (,~F INVENTION:
It has been observed that a single bolt, latch or similar restraining element
of a
conventional locking means interacts with point pressure, or interacts over a
relatively
small area while engaged to restrain the free edge of a door, gate or
substitute. With
conventional practice, the locking member generally referred to as a bolt,
travels at more
or less right angles to the door, gate or other element, and generally when
referred to as a
latch, swings into engagement.
DES R PTION:
The invention herein described is a means to secure a door, panel or other
member,
hinged or loose, in a desired position with minimum risk of the securing means
becoming
disengaged thmugh physical motion or vibration, through animal activity or
through
unintentional human imeractian.
The invention is an advancement over the variety of latches found in prior
art. One
embodiment of the invention is in the securing of doors on animal cages and
comprises
one or more latches which engage one or more doors, panels, other members ar
combinations thereof, in a manner that restrains the movement of said doors or
other
members relative to a fixed member such as a door frame or other fixed member.
The engagement of the latch with the mating member can be that which is caused
by an
overlap of said latch and said mating member, or with a geometric shape of
said latch
mating with a geometric shape of said mating member, or by other means of
interference.

CA 02489829 2004-12-17
2
The geometric shapes of either the latch or members can be any that allows
engagement
of one with the other to prevent or restrict movement.
This invention relates to apparatus for locking or securing a door, gate,
panel or other
hinged or detached member, to a fixed frame or other member. More
particularly, the
invention relates to apparatus which moves, more or less rectilinearly, at an
angle relative
to an edge of said door, gate, panel or other hinged or detached member, to
engage or
restrain said door or other member. The interacting contact area or areas of
said apparatus
act simultaneously over a significant surface area of the mating member, which
allows
the apparatus to maintain the full linear engagement length, with more or less
equal
pressure, throughout a portion of its total movement. If the latch is moved to
a partially
disengaged position while still retaining the door and is then released it
will return to the
fully engaged position through means of gravity or other force. This is
especially useful
in the containment of animals. A fixrther advantage of this invention is its
simplicity of
use and economical manufacture.
Illustrated herein in Fig 1 and Fig 2 is one embodiment of this invention in
which is
shown an apparatus for securing each of two doors on an animal cage 1, where
door 5,
shown in the closed position and mounted on hinges lla and lla' fastened along
vertical
edge 6, and door 5', shown in a partially open position, is mounted on hinges
11 b and
llb' fastened along vertical edge 6'. Latch 2 is mounted on frame member 8 by
means
of a pair of shoulder bolts 9a and 9a' which slidably fit through slots 3a and
3a' in latch
2 and which are threaded into frame member 8. Shoulder bolts 96 and 9b' fit
slidably
through slots 3b and 3b' in latch 2' and are threaded into frame member 8'.
Hinged door 5 closes against stops l0a and l0a' while latch 2 retains door 5
in the closed
position, more or Iess against said stops IOa and l0a'. Shoulder bolts 9a and
9a' pass
through slots 3a and 3a' and slidably fasten latch 2 to frame member 8 thereby

CA 02489829 2004-12-17
controlling the path of the rectilinear motion of latch 2. Slots 3a and 3a'
are oriented at
an acute angle relative to edge 4 of latch 2. Edge 4 of latch 2 is thus
maintained more or
less parallel with free edge 7 of door 5 such that latch 2 overlaps door 5
more or less
equally throughout its linear length, and through the force of gravity,
remains in the
engaged position and retains door 5 between stops l0a and l0a' and latch 2.
Door 5 is
released by raising latch 2, whose line of travel is on a bias relative to
free edge 7, while
edge 4 remains more or less parallel to cage door 5. Door 5 will be remain
engage with
the full linear length of latch 2 until the point where latch 2 is raised
enough, while
guided by the fixed shoulder bolts 9a and 9a' through the angular slots 3a and
3a', to
allow the free vertical edge 7 of door 5 to clear edge 4 of latch 2 thereby
allowing door 5
to open.
Door 5', for the purpose of clarity, is shown in the partially open position
revealing stops
IOb and lOb' while latch 2' is shown in the fully disengaged position which
allows door
S' to be closed against stops lOb and 106' unhindered. Door 5' can be secured
in the
closed position, with free edge 7' more or less against stops lOb, lOb' by
means of
latch 2' when in the downward position.
In the example shown in Fig. 3, latch 2 as show in Figs. l and 2, becomes
latch 2z,
frame member 8 becomes 8z, latch edge 4 becomes beveled latch edge 4z and free
edge 7
becomes free beveled edge 7z. Beveled edge 4z of latch Zz acts against free
beveled
edge 7z to secure door 5, and is guided rectilinearly by "T" slot tongue and
groove
arrangement 16 and 17. In this example, 15 is a knob which could be grasped
and used to
actuate the latch. It would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the
slots 3a and 3a'
in latch 2, shown in Fig. 2, which act against the shoulder bolts could be
substituted by
any suitable geometric shape such as tongue and groove or a "T" slot
arrangement as
shown in Fig. 3, or with any other suitable arrangement.

CA 02489829 2004-12-17
4
Fig. 4 shows, in more detail, door 5 with free edge 7 resting against shoulder
12 of stop
l0a'. Stops IOa, l0a', 10b and 10b' are provided with a bevel 13 to act as a
lead to
guide doors 5 or 5' should said doors become misaligned.

Representative Drawing