Patent ID: 6024394
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B66C

Abstract:
A latch mechanism comprising:a connection plate having an underside portion;latch means, attached to said connection plate, for latching a load; wherein said latch means includes: a carrier plate attached to said underside portion of said connection plate; a guide member operatively connected to said carrier plate, said guide member having a passage; a load pin having a first end and a second end, said pin being disposed within said passage; and biasing means, disposed about said pin, for biasing said load pin into engagement with said guide member;an extension member extending from said connection plate;a swing arm having a first end and a second end, and wherein said first end is pivotally mounted on said connection plate;a spring having a first end and a second end, with said first end being attached to said extension member and wherein the second end is attached to said second end of said swing arm so that a center of gravity is formed in said latch mechanism thereby placing said extension member in a horizontal position relative to the ground in an unloaded position.