Latch apparatus

Abstract

A wire crate latch apparatus having, in a first embodiment, a pivoting member that is continually drawn to a closed position by gravity and that is deflected into a catch when the door having the pivoting member is swung closed. The latch apparatus further includes upper and lower stops to contain a distal end of the pivoting member and to hold the distal end in the position to hit an oblique portion of the catch when the door is closed. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch apparatus is deflected by a catch and is relatively inaccessible from inside of the wire crate by back plates on the latch and catch.

Claims

1. A latch apparatus for latching first and second pieces together, the first and second pieces swingable relative to each other, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivoting member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate section between the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on the first piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and down in a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis about which the pivoting member pivots; and b) a catch having an oblique portion, the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upper end, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between the upper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second piece by a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end being spaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance, the first plane extending between the upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces are closed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly such that, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly, the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardly and over the upper end of the oblique portion, whereupon the pivoting member falls by gravity into the catch space.

2. The latch apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising an upper stop and a lower stop, the upper and lower stops extending from the first piece, the upper and lower stops being spaced apart from each other, the pivoting member disposed between the upper stop and the lower stop, the upper stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in one direction, the lower stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in the other direction.

3. The latch apparatus of claim 2, wherein when said pivoting member is at rest, a part of the intermediate section rests on the lower stop and the distal end extends beyond said lower stop.

4. The latch apparatus of claim 2, wherein the catch includes a bottom, the bottom of the catch being at a lower level than the lower stop when the two pieces are closed such that the pivoting member rests on the lower stop and above the bottom of the catch when the two pieces are closed.

5. The latch apparatus of claim 2, wherein said upper and lower stops are interconnected by a traversing member, the pivoting member extending between the traversing member and the first piece.

6. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said oblique portion comprises a U-shaped wire section, wherein said U-shaped wire section comprises said first oblique surface, a second oblique surface coplanar with said first oblique surface and spaced apart from said first oblique surface, and a cross member extending between the first and second oblique surfaces and defining the upper end of the oblique portion.

7. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said catch comprises a base, the base being on the second piece, the base having a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the base being above the upper end of the oblique portion to counter an outward drawing of the upper end of the oblique portion by the pivoting member when the first and second pieces are being pushed apart from each other without pivoting the pivoting member out of the catch space.

8. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said catch comprises a base, the base being L-shaped and having an outer end, the outer end engaging the lower end of the oblique portion.

9. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said catch comprises a base, the base comprising first and second wire sections, each of the wire sections being L-shaped and having an outer end, each of the outer ends of the wire sections engaging the lower end of the oblique portion.

10. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pivoting member includes a pivot pin about which the pivoting member pivots, the pivot pin being in the intermediate section, the pivot pin being on the pivot axis.

11. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the pivoting member is spaced further from the pivot axis than the proximal end of the pivoting member.

12. The latch apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a finger receptor on the pivoting member, the finger receptor permitting a user to effectuate a pivoting of the pivoting member and a raising of the distal end of the pivoting member.

13. The latch apparatus of claim 12, wherein said finger receptor is adjacent to the pivot axis.

14. The latch apparatus of claim 12, wherein said finger receptor is between said pivot axis and the proximal end of the pivoting member such that a pushing down on the finger receptor raises the distal end of the pivoting member.

15. The latch apparatus of claim 12, wherein said finger receptor is one of a) on the proximal end of the pivoting member and b) adjacent to the proximal end of the pivoting member.

16. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said distal end of the pivoting member is disposed in the catch space when the first and second pieces are closed.

17. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said catch includes an outer end and an inner end, wherein said distal end of said pivoting member includes a distal edge, and wherein said distal edge is between the outer and inner ends of the catch when the first and second pieces are closed.

18. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the pivoting member swings freely downwardly under the influence of gravity.

19. The latch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pivoting member includes a rear face and a top edge, and a latch oblique face between the rear face and top edge, the latch oblique face adjacent to the top edge, the latch oblique face being disposed to hit the first oblique surface of the catch when the first piece and pivoting member are swung inwardly.

20. A latch apparatus for latching first and second pieces together, the first and second pieces swingable relative to each other, comprising: a) a pivoting member, the pivoting member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate section between the proximal and distal ends, the pivoting member being on the first piece, the distal end of the pivoting member pivoting up and down in a first plane, said pivoting member including a pivot axis about which the pivoting member pivots; b) an upper stop and a lower stop, the upper and lower stops extending from the first piece, the upper and lower stops being spaced apart from each other, the pivoting member disposed between the upper stop and the lower stop, the upper stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in one direction, the lower stop stopping pivoting of the pivoting member in the other direction; c) a catch having an oblique portion, the catch being on the second piece, the oblique portion having an upper end, a lower end, and a first oblique surface extending between the upper and lower ends, the upper end being spaced from the second piece by a first distance and defining a catch space, the lower end being spaced from the second piece by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance, the first plane extending between the upper end and the second piece when the first and second pieces are closed, the first oblique surface extending upwardly and inwardly such that, when the first piece and pivoting member are swinging inwardly, the first oblique surface directs the pivoting member to pivot upwardly and over the upper end of the oblique member, whereupon the pivoting member falls by gravity into the catch space; d) wherein the distal end of the pivoting member is spaced further from the pivot axis than the proximal end of the pivoting member; and e) a finger receptor on the pivoting member, the finger receptor extending from a surface of the pivoting member, the finger receptor permitting a user to effectuate a pivoting of the pivoting member and a raising of the distal end of the pivoting member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a latch apparatus, namely, a pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus on a wire crate having four wire sides and a solid top and bottom.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus of FIG. 1 on a wire crate having six wire sides, including a wire top and bottom.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a detail perspective of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus of FIG. 1 and shows a portion of a wire crate, where the wire crate is different from the wire crate of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0067] FIG. 4A is a front plan view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus of FIG. 1 and shows a portion of a wire crate, where the wire crate is the same as the wire crate of FIG. 3.

[0068] FIG. 4B is a side view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus of FIG. 1 at lines 4B-4B of FIG. 4A.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a detail side view of the pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the latch apparatus from the same perspective as FIG. 4B.

[0070] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latch apparatus of FIG. 1, shows the same portion of the wire crate as shown in FIG. 4A, and shows the wire crate door in a closed position.

[0071] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latch apparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 6A, but with the latch apparatus having been pivoted upwardly.

[0072] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latch apparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 6B, but with the latch apparatus having fallen under the influence of gravity after the wire crate door has been opened.

[0073] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latch apparatus of FIG. 1, shows the same portion of the wire crate as shown in FIG. 4A, and shows the wire crate door in an open position.

[0074] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latch apparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 7A, but with the wire crate door being in the process of swinging closed and the oblique portion of the catch of the latch apparatus being in the process of deflecting the pivoting member of the latch apparatus upwardly and into the catch.

[0075] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the pivoting deflecting gravity latch apparatus and wire crate portion of FIG. 7B, but with the wire crate door having been completely swung closed and with the pivoting member of the latch apparatus having fallen under the influence of gravity into the catch of the latch apparatus after the wire crate door has been closed.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a perspective, broken apart, rear view of a second embodiment of a latch apparatus, namely, a slideable latch apparatus that may be used on the wire crate of FIG. 1, or on the wire crate of FIG. 2, or with the wire crate wall section of FIG. 4A.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a perspective, broken apart, front view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8 showing the sliding member latched to the catch and showing the door of the wire crate closed.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8 showing the sliding member unlatched from the catch and showing the door of the wire crate closed.

[0080] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8 showing the sliding member unlatched from the catch and showing the door of the wire crate open.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a detail rear perspective view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8 showing the sliding member unlatched from the catch and showing the door of the wire crate open.

[0082] FIG. 14 is a top view of the latch apparatus of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION

[0083] The present pivoting deflecting gravity drawn latch apparatus is indicated in general by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1 where the latch apparatus 10 is on a wire crate 12. Latch apparatus 10 is a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Wire crate 12 includes a removable solid top 14, a removable solid bottom 16, and a cage 18. Cage 18 includes four sides having elongate members or wires or posts. Cage 18 can be a wire network if desired. Wire crate 12 further includes a door 20 in the front side of the pet crate 12. The door 20 is swingably opened and swingably closed. A portion of the latch apparatus 10 is mounted on the door 20 and another portion of the latch apparatus 10 is mounted on a door frame or non-door section of the front side of the cage 18.

[0085] FIG. 2 shows the latch apparatus 10 on a wire crate 22. Wire crate 22 includes six sides, with each of the six sides being formed by a network of wires. These six sides are a wire top 24, a wire bottom 26, a wire front side 28, a wire rear side 30, a wire right side 32 and a wire left side 34. The wire front side 28 includes a wire door 36. The door 36 is swingably opened and swingably closed. A portion of the latch apparatus 10 is mounted on the door 36 and another portion of the latch apparatus 10 is mounted on a door frame or non-door section of the wire front side 28 of the door 36.

[0086] Latch apparatus 10 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. Latch apparatus 10 includes a pivoting member 38, a catch 40, an upper stop 42, and a lower stop 44. Pivoting member 38 and the upper and lower stops 42, 44 are on a wire crate door 46 of a wire crate 48. Catch 40 is on a door frame 50 of the wire crate 48. Door 46 may be referred to as a first relatively swingable piece and the remaining portion of the wire crate 48 or door frame 50 may be considered to be a second relatively swingable piece.

[0087] Pivoting member or latch 38 includes a proximal end 52, a distal end 54, and an intermediate section 56 between the proximal and distal ends 52, 54. Pivoting member 38 defines a first plane and the distal end 54 of the pivoting member pivots up and down in this first plane. Pivoting member includes a pivot pin 58 that defines a pivot axis about which the pivoting member 38 pivots. Pivot pin 58 engages pivoting member 38 and is in turn engaged to a plate 60 that in turn is engaged to a network 62 of wires of the door 46. The pivot pin 58 is engaged to the intermediate section 56 of the pivoting member 38.

[0088] The distal end 54 is spaced further from the pivot pin 58 defining the pivot axis than the proximal end 52. The distal end 54 includes an absolute distal edge 64 and the proximal end 52 includes an absolute proximal edge 66. The absolute distal edge 64 is spaced further from the pivot pin 58 defining the pivot axis than the absolute proximal edge 66.

[0089] Pivot pin 58 is journaled in the pivoting member 38 such that pivoting member 38 is free swinging and such that the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 falls by gravity after being swung to an up or upward position. The portion of the pivoting member 38 extending from the pivot pin 58 to the distal end 54 is of greater mass and includes a greater weight than does the portion of the pivoting member 38 extending from the pivot pin 58 to the proximal end 52.

[0090] The portion of the pivoting member 38 extending from the pivot pin 58 to the proximal end 52 includes a finger receptor or tab 68. Finger tab 68 may or may not be molded integrally with pivoting member 38. Finger tab 68 extends at a right angle from the plane defined by the swinging of pivoting member 38. Finger tab 68 extends at a right angle from a front surface 70. Pivot pin 58 is recessed into the pivoting member 38 and relative to the front surface 70. Pivot pin 58 is set in an opening 72 formed in the pivoting member 38. Finger tab 68 runs from a location adjacent to the opening 72 to a location adjacent to the absolute proximal edge 66 of the proximal end 52. Finger tab or receptor 68 includes a dip formed therein for reception of a finger such as the first finger. This dip communicates to the user that the structure 68 is to be used by a finger. Finger tab 68 may be described as being U-shaped. This U-shape has the opening of the U opening upwardly. The U is not an inverted U.

[0091] The finger tab 68 is mounted adjacent to the pivot axis defined by the pivot pin 58 for a number of reasons. For example, such a location minimizes the length of the pivoting member 38. Such a location maximizes the power necessary to swing the distal end 54 up and out of the catch 40 and makes it more difficult for an animal to effectuate pivoting. A location further away from the pivot axis defined by the pivot pin 58 increases the leverage for such an upward swinging and makes it easier with less power for such an upward swinging, and therefore makes it easier for an animal such as a pet to swing the distal end 54 out of the catch 40.

[0092] The body of the pivoting member 38 is defined by a pair of upper and lower parallel edges 74, 76, further by a rounded proximal edge 78, and still further by a rounded distal edge 80. Each of the upper and lower parallel edges 74, 76 leads into the rounded proximal edge 78. Each of the upper and lower parallel edges 74, 76 leads into the rounded distal edge 80. The perimeter of the pivoting body 38 includes a radius. In other words, the front and rear surfaces of the pivoting body 38 are chamfered to provide an oblique face 81. This oblique face or surface, chamfer, radius, or curvature 81 extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the pivoting body 38, and runs about the entire perimeter except where the pivot pin block 82 extends from the rear of the pivoting member 38. Pivot pin block 82 may be integral with and molded with the pivoting member 38. Pivot pin block 82 provides a thicker portion for the pivoting member 38, where this thicker portion can better hold and retain pivot pin 58. Chamfer or oblique surface 81, particularly the oblique face or chamfer 81 extending from the rear surface of the pivoting member 38 to the lower edge 76 of the pivoting member 38, aids in a smooth lifting of the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 when the distal end 54 hits the catch 40 when the door 46 is being swung closed. Chamfer 81 includes, or runs adjacent to, the upper and lower edges 74, 76 of the pivoting member 38.

[0093] Rounded proximal edge 78 includes a peak. Intersecting or at this peak is the absolute proximal edge 66. Rounded distal edge 80 includes a peak. Intersecting or at this peak is the absolute distal edge 64. These peaks define a longitudinal axis of the pivoting member 38. As shown in FIG. 4A, the pivot pin 58 defining the pivot axis of the pivoting member 38 is between this longitudinal axis and the upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38. As shown in FIG. 4A, the finger tab 68 is between this longitudinal axis and the upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38.

[0094] The rear of the body of the pivoting member 38 is flat except that the rear includes the pivot block 82 extending therefrom. The rear of the body of the pivoting member 38 is identical to the front of the body of the pivoting member 38 except that the rear of the body does not include a finger tab 68 and except that the rear of the body includes the pivot block 82. The pivot block 82 has an opening therein for reception of the pivot pin 58.

[0095] The pivoting member 38, including the finger tab 68 and pivot block 82, may be formed of metal or plastic.

[0096] Plate 60 may be metal or plastic. Plate 60 may be a sheet plate. Plate 60 is formed in the shape of a square or rectangle. Plate 60 includes a horizontal upper edge 84. Horizontal upper edge 84 is spaced from and is above the upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38 to deny to an animal inside of the wire crate 48 access to the pivoting member 38 and the finger tab 68. Horizontal upper edge 84 and pivoting member edge 74 run parallel to each other when the pivoting member 38 is at rest. Horizontal upper edge 84 runs between a vertical proximal edge 86 of the plate 60 and a vertical distal edge 88 of the plate 60. Vertical proximal edge 86 confronts, is adjacent to, and is mounted on a vertical wire support member or vertical wire 90 of the wire network 62. Distal end 52 of the pivoting member 38 extends beyond the vertical proximal edge 86 of plate 60. Vertical distal edge 88 confronts, is adjacent to, and is mounted on the outer end of the swinging door 46. This outer end of the swinging door 46 includes a vertical wire or vertical wire support member 92 of the wire network 62 and the vertical distal edge 88 is mounted on vertical wire support member 90. Vertical distal edge 88 of plate 60 runs between upper and lower stops 42, 44. Upper edge 84 of plate 60 is spaced from upper stop 42. A lower horizontal edge of plate 60 runs to and between the vertical edges 86 and 88 of plate 60. This lower horizontal edge confronts and is adjacent to the lower stop 44. Plate 60 is mounted, such as by welding, on distal end wire 92, proximal end wire 90, and an intermediate wire 94. Plate 60 is rigid. Pivot pin 58 extends through plate 60. Pivot block 82 has a rear flat face and the front face of plate 60 is flat to minimize wobble of the pivoting member 38. Pivot block 82 spaces the body of the pivoting member 38 from the plate 60 to minimize surface contact between the body of the pivoting member 38 and the plate 60 so as to maximize a free swinging of the pivoting member 38 and so as to maximize the responsiveness of the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 to gravity.

[0097] Latch apparatus 10 further includes the upper and lower stops 42, 44. Extending between the outer ends of the stops 42, 44 is a traversing member 96. Stop 42, 44 and traversing member 96 act as one-piece to contain the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. Upper stop 42 extends horizontally and outwardly from wire 92. Traversing member 96 extends from the outer end of upper stop 42 downwardly and vertically. Lower stop 44 extends from the lower end of traversing member 96 inwardly and horizontally and back to wire 92. Stops 42, 44 and traversing member 96 form a U-shape. Wire 92 forms a portion of the door 46 and thus upper and lower stops 42, 44 are on the door 46. Upper and lower stops 42, 44 and traversing member 96 form a rigid, integral piece. Upper stop 42 stops upward travel of the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. The upper edge 74 of the pivoting member 38 hits the upper stop 42. The lower stop 44 stops downward travel of the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. The lower edge 76 of the pivoting member 38 hits the lower stop 44. The lower edge 76 of the pivoting member 38 rests on the lower stop 44 when the pivoting member 38 is at a rest position in the catch 40 or when the pivoting member 38 is at a rest position outside of the catch 40.

[0098] Traversing member 96 and the plate 60 may be referred to as side stops because they contain and prevent excessive bending or turning of pivoting member 38 on a vertical axis. For example, an animal may push outward against the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. Or the animal may draw in with his or her paw or claw the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38. The first resistance against such an outward pushing or an inward drawing is the pivot pin 58 and its connections with the body of the pivoting member 38, the pivot block 82 and the plate 60.

[0099] Traversing member 96 in normal operation is spaced from the outer face 70 of the pivoting member 38 such that pivoting member 38 can easily swing with minimal resistance. Plate 60 in normal operation is spaced from the inner face of the pivoting member 38 such that pivoting member 38 can easily swing with minimal resistance.

[0100] Latch apparatus 10 includes the catch 40. Catch 40 includes a base 98 formed by two identical L-shaped wire portions 100. Each of the L-shaped wire portions 100 includes a straight vertical wire section 102 and a straight horizontal wire section 104. Straight vertical wire section 102 is mounted, such as by welding, on the door frame 50. In wire crate 48, door frame 50 includes spaced apart vertical wires 106, 108. One vertical wire section 102 is mounted on one vertical wire 106 and the other vertical wire section 102 is mounted on vertical wire 108. The upper ends of the vertical wire sections 102 are disposed at the height of the upper stop 42. The lower ends of the vertical wire sections 102 are disposed at about the height of the lower stop 44, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0101] The straight vertical wire section 102 transitions through a curved transition wire section 110 into horizontal wire section 104. The upper surface of the horizontal wire section 104 is at a lower height than the upper surface of the lower stop 44 such that the lower edge 76 of pivoting member 38 rests on the lower stop 44 in the rest position and not upon the horizontal wire section 104.

[0102] The outer end of the horizontal wire section 104 transitions through a curved transition wire section 112 into an oblique wire section 114. Wire section 114 is straight and disposed obliquely relative to the horizontal straight wire section 104. Wire section 114 is also oblique relative to the plane in which the pivoting member 38 swings. Wire section 114 extends, from its lower end, upwardly and inwardly.

[0103] The upper end of oblique wire section 114 transitions through a curved transition wire section 116 into cross member 118. There is one cross member 118. Cross member 118 ties together the wire sections 102, 110, 104, 112, 114, and 116, each of which is paired with a respective twin wire section 102, 110, 104, 112, 114 and 116. Base 98 may be integral and one-piece and formed from one piece of wire. Sections 112, 114, 116 and 118 make up an oblique member 120, as each of these wire sections includes an oblique surface that directs or deflects the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 up and over the catch 40 and further into the catch 40 between the cross member 118 and the upright wire section 102 that confronts the upper and lower stops 42, 44.

[0104] The distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 in the rest position is disposed behind the cross member 118 and in front of the vertical wire section 102 that is adjacent to the upper and lower stops 42, 44.

[0105] The distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 in the rest position is disposed between the vertical wire sections 102. Each of the vertical wire sections 102 defines an end of the catch 40 such that the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 in the rest position is between the ends of the catch 40.

[0106] In operation, as shown in FIG. 6A, pivoting member 38 is in a rest position. The pivoting member 38 is resting upon the lower stop 44, above the horizontal wire sections 104 of the catch 40. The distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 is in the catch 40, behind the cross member 118, in front of the vertical wire section 102 that is adjacent to the upper and lower stops 42, 44, and between the ends of the catch 40, i.e., between the vertical wire sections 102.

[0107] Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, to open the door 46, the finger tab 68 is pushed down, which lifts up the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 beyond the cross member 118. The rotation of the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 is limited by the upper stop 42.

[0108] Then, while still pushing down on the finger tab 68, the door 46 is swung open. The steps of pushing down on the finger tab 68, holding down the finger tab 68, and swinging open the door 46 may be accomplished with one hand, such as where the left thumb operates the finger tab 68 and the remainder of the left hand pulls on the wire network 62 of the door 46. The finger tab 68 is released, whereupon the pivoting member 38 swings by gravity to the rest position on the lower stop 44.

[0109] Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, to close the door 46, the door 46 is simply swung shut. No manipulation of the pivoting member 38 is required. The door 46 is swung shut with the pivoting member 38 in its rest position on the lower stop 44.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7B, the distal end 54 will hit the oblique member 120. More precisely, the chamfer or radius that extends between the rear surface of the pivoting member 38 and lower edge 76 of the pivoting member 38 hits one or more of the oblique surfaces of wire sections 112, 114 and 116. Such an action pivots the distal end 54 of the pivoting member 38 upwardly and over the catch 40.

[0111] Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, once the lower edge 76 of the pivoting member 38 clears wire sections 114, 116 and 118, the pivoting member 38 drops down into the catch 40 to the rest position on the lower stop 44. The pivoting member 38 falls into the catch 40 under the influence of gravity.

[0112] A second embodiment of the latch apparatus, a latch apparatus 200, is shown in FIGS. 8 to 14.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 8, latch apparatus 200 includes a latch 202 and a catch 204. The latch 202 includes a sliding member 206 and a back plate 208. The catch 204 includes a back plate or back member or back portion 210, an oblique front portion or oblique front member 212, and a transverse member or transverse portion 214 connecting the back portion 210 to the oblique front portion 212. As shown in FIG. 10, the back plate 208 of the latch 202 is engaged to door 46 and the back plate 210 of the catch 204 is engaged to the door frame 50 of the wire crate 48. Door 46 may be referred to as a first swinging piece. Wire crate 48 may be referred to as a second relatively swinging piece.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, sliding member 206 includes a body 216. Body 216 includes a front side 218, a top side 220, a bottom side 222, a proximal end 224, a distal end 226, and an open back side 227.

[0115] The front side 218 is stepped or includes steps. The front side 218 includes the proximal end 224 that includes a front proximal side section 228 that is spaced from back plate 208 by a first distance. The front side 218 includes an intermediate side section 230 running to and between the proximal end 224 and the distal end 226. The intermediate side section 230 is spaced from the back plate 208 by a second distance. The distal end 226 includes a curved side section 232 having a front most portion 234 that is spaced from the back plate 208 by a third distance. The first distance is less than the second distance which is less than the third distance. The front side 218 further includes a transverse wall or transverse member or transverse portion 236 that leads from the intermediate side section 230 to the peak or front most portion 234 of the distal end 226. Transverse wall 236 is transverse relative to the back plate 208 and relative to the intermediate section 230. Distal end 226 further includes an end section 238 that defines a plane and that leads into curved side section 232.

[0116] Proximal end 224 includes a rear oblique surface or side 240. Side 240 is oblique relative to front side section or proximal surface 228. Side 240 and front side section 228 meet at an edge 242. The purpose of oblique side 240 is to engage oblique front portion 212 of the catch 204 when the door 46 is being swung shut. The force of the door 48 being swung will translate into the sliding member 206 sliding in a direction from proximal end 224 to distal end 226.

[0117] Between proximal surface 228 and intermediate surface 230, front side 218 includes an undulating front side section 244.

[0118] Between intermediate surface 230 and the transverse wall 236, front side 218 includes a radius 246.

[0119] Between top side 220 and front side 218, body 216 includes a radius 248.

[0120] Between front side 218 and bottom side 222, body 216 includes a radius 250.

[0121] Top side 220 is flat and defines a plane. Top side 220 extends to and between the proximal end 224 and the distal end 226.

[0122] Bottom side 222 is flat and defines a plane. Bottom side 222 extends to and between the proximal end 224 and the distal end 226. Bottom side 222 extends parallel to top side 220.

[0123] Open back side 227 is defined by proximal end 224, distal end 226, top side 220 and bottom side 222. These portions of the body 216 form a rectangular perimeter 252 that further defines the open back side 227.

[0124] Open back side 227 is further defined by front side 218 that forms an inner front wall to the open back side 227.

[0125] Open back side 227 includes a first cavity 254 and a second cavity 256. The first and second cavities 254, 256 are separated by a transverse wall 258. Transverse wall 258 runs vertically to and between the top and bottom sides 220, 222 and further runs to the front side 218. On one side, transverse wall 258 serves as a mount for a cylinder 260 that runs in the transverse direction from the top side 220 to the open back side 227. On the other side, the transverse wall 258 serves as a stop or retainer for a proximal end 262 of a coil spring 264. The outer free edge of transverse wall 258 lies against the inner face of the back plate 208.

[0126] Perimeter 252 defines a plane. Perimeter 252 lies flat upon and slides against the inner face of the back plate 208. Back plate 208 defines a plane. The outer free edge of transverse wall 258 lies in the plane defined by perimeter 252.

[0127] First cavity 254 includes cylinder 260. The outer annular edge of cylinder 260 lies in the plane defined by perimeter 252 and against the inner face of back plate 208.

[0128] First cavity 254 is adjacent to proximal end 224 of sliding member 206. First cavity 254 is defined by an inner transverse wall 266, undulating section 244, intermediate side 230, transverse wall 258, top side 220, bottom side 222, and cylinder mount 260.

[0129] Second cavity 256 is defined by transverse wall 258, top side 220, bottom side 222, intermediate side 230, transverse wall 236, radius 246, curved side 232 and end section 238. Second cavity 256 is further defined by and includes a second cylinder or cylindrical pin mount 268. Second cylinder 256 runs transversely relative to back plate 208 and includes an outer open end that is in the plane defined by perimeter 252. Second cavity 256 contains or receives coil spring 264.

[0130] Back plate 208 includes a rectangular perimeter 270. As shown in FIG. 10, this rectangular perimeter 270 is greater in height (a distance from a bottom edge to a top edge) than is rectangular perimeter 252 of the sliding member 206. As shown in FIG. 12, the rectangular perimeter 270 has a width (a distance from one vertical edge to the other vertical edge) that runs from just proximal of cylinder 260 (about the middle of the width of first cavity 254) to beyond the distal end 226 of sliding member 206.

[0131] Back plate 208 includes a pair of first and second through slots 272, 274. Each of the slots 272, 274 has a proximal end and a distal end. The slots 272, 274 are aligned on a straight line toward the catch 204. The slots 272, 274 are on a horizontal axis.

[0132] First and second guide pins 276, 278 extend through slots 272, 274, respectively, and engage cylinders 260, 268, respectively. Each of the pins 276 has a cylindrical shaft 280 of lesser diameter than the height of each of the slots 272, 274. Each of the pins 276 have a head 282 of a greater diameter than the height of each of the slots 272, 274 such that pin heads 282 retain the sliding member 206 on the back plate 208 and, at the same time, permit the sliding member 206 to slide on or relative to the back plate 208.

[0133] Back plate 208 further includes an inwardly extending transverse post 284 affixed thereto. Post 284 extends into second cavity 256 and serves as a stop for a second end 286 of coil spring 264. Post 284 may extend sufficiently far into second cavity 256 to abut or confront or be adjacent to the inner face of intermediate side 230. Post 284 is affixed to the back plate 208 just proximal of the proximal end of the second slot 274.

[0134] Coil spring 264 brings pressure to bear upon transverse wall 258 and post 284. Coil spring 264 is contained in second cavity by transverse wall 258, post 284, intermediate side 230, top side 220, bottom side 222, and back plate 208.

[0135] Sliding member 206 includes a normally biased position. This may also be called a normally closed position. This normally biased position or normally closed position is shown in each of FIGS. 10, 12, 13 and 14. In the normally closed position, the coil spring 264 assumes a most fully extended condition where the first cavity 254 is most fully open relative to back plate 208. Partially open cavity 254 can be seen in FIG. 12 and in FIG. 13. In the normally closed position, the coil spring 264 has pushed the proximal end of the sliding member 206 as far as possible off the back plate 208. In the normally closed position the coil spring 264 has relatively pushed the back plate 208, via pressure upon post 284, as far as possible beyond the distal end of the sliding member 206. In the normally closed position, the guide pins 276, 278 reside in the proximal ends of the slots 272, 274, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0136] Sliding member 206 includes a position where it has been fully slid against the bias of the coil spring 264. This position can be referred to as a fully compressed condition. This position can be seen in FIG. 11. Here a user has manually slid the sliding member 206 away from and out of engagement with catch 204. In this position, the transverse wall 258 compresses the coil spring 264 against the post 284. In this position, the guide pins 276, 278 reside respectively against the distal ends of the slots 272, 274, which distal ends work as stops to stop the manual sliding of the sliding member 206. In this position, as seen in FIG. 11, the distal end 226 of the sliding member 206 is offset or positioned beyond the distal end of the back plate 208 such that a portion of second cavity 256 is open.

[0137] The latch apparatus 10 is engaged, such as by welding, to the front of the wire crate 48 to remove the latch apparatus 10, as far as possible, from manipulation by the animal or pet inside of the wire crate 48 and to position the latch apparatus 10 as close as possible to the user that operates the latch apparatus 10 and opens and closes the door 46 of the wire crate 48.

[0138] More specifically, the rear face of the back plate 208 is affixed, such as welding, to three vertical wires or support members 286, 288 and 290 of the door 46 of the wire crate 48. Vertical wire or vertical support member 286 is adjacent to and confronts the door frame or vertical wire 50 of the front side of the wire crate 48. Vertical wires 286 and 50 run parallel to each other. The proximal vertical edge 292 of the back plate 208 is aligned with and defines a transverse plane with the proximal face of wire 286. The proximal face of wire 286 is the portion of the wire 286 that is closest to door frame wire 50.

[0139] Catch 204 is affixed to, such as by welding, vertical door frame wire 50. Door frame wire 50 has a proximal face and this portion is the portion of door frame wire 50 that is closest to wire 286. The proximal face of door frame wire 50 is aligned with and defines a transverse plane with a proximal vertical edge 294 of the back plate 210 of catch 204.

[0140] Back plate 210 of the catch 204 is rectangular. Opposite of proximal vertical edge 294 is a distal edge 296. Back plate 210 further includes top and bottom edges 298, 300. When door 46 is closed, an extended periphery of the back plates 208, 210 can be defined as all of the edges of the back plates 208, 210 except the proximal vertical edges 292, 294 (i.e., the top and bottom edges of the back plates 208, 210, the distal edge of back plate 208, and the distal edge 296 of back plate 210).

[0141] If desired, each of the back plates 208, 210 may be affixed to horizontally running wires of the door 46 or of the wire crate 48.

[0142] Catch 204 is horizontally aligned with latch 202. That is, an upper horizontal edge of back plate 210 of the catch 204 is aligned, so as to form a straight line, with the upper horizontal edge of back plate 208 of latch 202. A lower horizontal edge of back plate 210 of catch 204 is aligned, so as to form a straight line, with the lower horizontal edge of back plate 208 of latch 202.

[0143] In operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the proximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 is engaged by the catch 202. In this normally closed position, the back plates 208, 210 shield the sliding member 206 from the paw of an animal in the wire crate 48. In other words, the perimeter 252 of the sliding member 206 is set within the extended perimeter of the back plates 208, 210 (i.e., the perimeter 252 of the sliding member 206 is set within the top and bottom edges of the back plates 208, 210 and the distal or outer edges of the back plates 208, 210). This reduced size of the sliding member 206 relative to the back plates 208, 210 minimizes the chances of a paw of an animal gaining access to a portion of the sliding member 206 so as to slide the sliding member 206. In this normally closed or normally biased position, each of the first and second cavities 254, 256 are essentially closed by the back plates 208, 210. Slots 272, 274 provide essentially no access into the cavities 254, 256. Any space between the vertical edges 292 and 294 of the back plates 208, 210 is minimized so as to minimize access into first cavity 254. In the position shown in FIG. 10, door 46 and a front face of the wire crate 48 are coplanar.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 11, the sliding member 206 has been manually slid away from the catch 204 such that the door 46 may be opened relative to the front face of the wire crate 48 and such that the proximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 can swing past the proximal vertical edge of the oblique portion 212. In this position as shown in FIG. 11, the coil spring 264 has attained its most fully compressed condition and guide pins 276, 278 reside against the distal ends of the slots 272, 274, thereby preventing further sliding of the sliding member 206 in a direction from the proximal end 224 to the distal end 226 of the sliding member 206. In this position shown in FIG. 11, the distal end 226 of the sliding member 206 has slid partially beyond the distal vertical edge of the back plate 208 such that the second cavity 256 is exposed or open relative to the back plate 208. Further in this position shown in FIG. 11, the first cavity 254 is covered by the back plate 208 such that the first cavity 254 moves from a position where it is covered by the back plate 210 of the catch 204 to a position where it is covered by the back plate 208 of the latch 202.

[0145] FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show that door 46 has been opened relative to the front face of the wire crate 48 and that the sliding member 206 has been manually released such that the sliding member 206 automatically returns, under the expansion of the coil spring 264, to its normally closed or normally biased position where the first cavity 254 is partially exposed relative to the back plate 208 of the latch 202 and where the second cavity 256 has slid back to a position to where it is covered by the back plate 208 of the latch 202 and where the distal end 226 of the latch 202 is found within the perimeter 270 of the back plate 208 and within the distal edge of the back plate 208. In the position shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the oblique face or surface 240 of the proximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 is ready and in position to hit and slide against the oblique face or oblique portion 212 of the catch 204 so as to propel the sliding member 206 as a whole in a direction from the proximal end 224 to the distal end 226 of the sliding member 206 whereupon, when the proximal most edge of face 240 clears the proximal most edge of oblique face 212, the coil spring 264 expands to push the proximal end 224 into the catch 204.

[0146] If desired, the catch 204 may be manufactured such that the oblique portion 212 is resilient, i.e., gives when it is hit by the proximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 when the sliding member 206 is being swung with the door 46 from an open to a closed position, and then returns to an original position once the proximal end 224 has slid off.

[0147] If desired, the catch 204 may be manufactured to be rigid, i.e., such that the oblique portion 212 provides no give when it is hit by the proximal end 224 of the sliding member 206 when the sliding member 206 is being swung with the door 46 from an open position to a closed position.

[0148] It should be noted that the body 216 of the sliding member 206 may be molded in one piece such that the body 216 is integral and one-piece.

[0149] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.