US4678090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Latch
Assignee: Ross Bicycles Inc
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Filing: 1985-09-16
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Granted: 1987-07-07
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Expires: 2005-09-16
Abstract
Abstract The improved latch is used for selectively securing and releasing a shelf in a storage unit. This improved latch includes a pivot leg, first and second connecting legs and a support leg. A spring or other biasing means is used between the pivot leg and a bolt of the hinge, and the latch is designed to rotate about the bolt of the hinge. The first connecting leg extends outside of the storage unit, and the second connecting leg extends through a respective side panel of the storage unit and connects the first connecting leg and the support leg. In operation, the upward moving shelf first pushes the latch out of the way and, after the shelf is moved completely upward, the latch springs back into position and the support leg holds the shelf firmly in position.
Inventors
- 👤 Sherwood B. Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 00:26
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62B; B62B3/00; B62B3/02; B62B3/025; B62B3/14; B62B3/18; B62B3/184; B62B3/186
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An improved latch for selectively securing and releasing a shelf in a storage unit having side and rear panels and hinge means connecting said side panels to said rear panel, comprising: a pivot leg rotatable about a bolt means of said hinge means; a first connecting leg extending at an approximate angle of 90° from said pivot leg and said first connecting leg extending along a respective side panel and outside said storage unit; a second connecting leg extending at approximately an angle of 45° from said first connecting leg; and a support leg extending at an approximate angle of 45° from said second connecting leg and extending within said storage unit to selectively secure said shelf in a storage position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
An improved latch for selectively securing and releasing a shelf in a storage unit having side and rear panels and hinge means connecting said side panels to said rear panel, comprising: a pivot leg rotatable about a bolt means of said hinge means; a first connecting leg extending at an approximate angle of 90° from said pivot leg and said first connecting leg extending along a respective side panel and outside said storage unit; a second connecting leg extending at approximately an angle of 45° from said first connecting leg; and a support leg extending at an approximate angle of 45° from said second connecting leg and extending within said storage unit to selectively secure said shelf in a storage position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An improved latch according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing means to rotate the latch about said bolt means to move it from a working position to a non-working position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
An improved latch according to claim 2, wherein said pivot leg includes a first end that is rolled back over the pivot leg to define a loop and said loop is rotatable about said bolt means, and a second end of said pivot leg extends out of said storage unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An improved latch according to claim 3, wherein said second connecting leg extends through a respective side panel of said storage unit to connect said first connecting leg and said support leg.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An improved latch according to claim 4, wherein said biasing means includes a helical spring positioned between said loop of said pivot leg and said bolt means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
An improved latch according to claim 1, wherein said pivot leg includes a first end that is rolled back over the pivot leg to define a loop and said loop is rotatable about said bolt means, and a second end of said pivot leg extends out of said storage unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An improved latch according to claim 6, wherein said second connecting leg extends through a respective side panel of said storage unit to connect said first connecting leg and said support leg.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-07-06 | 1991-01-05 | 1991-07-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-06 | 1995-01-05 | 1995-07-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-06 | 1999-01-05 | 1999-07-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |