Patent ID: 6056069
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: A01B,Y10T

Abstract:
A latch for a link assembly which includes (i) an internally threaded sleeve and (ii) an externally threaded rod positioned within said internally threaded sleeve so that said externally threaded rod is meshingly engaged with said internally threaded sleeve, said latch comprising:a handle portion operable between a lock mode and an unlock mode, wherein when said handle portion is (i) in said lock mode relative rotation between said internally threaded sleeve and said externally threaded rod is prevented and (ii) in said unlock mode relative rotation between said internally threaded sleeve and said externally threaded rod is allowed; andan engagement portion secured to said handle portion, said engagement portion being (i) detached from said link assembly so that said engagement portion can be spaced apart from said link assembly and (ii) configured to engage a segment of said link assembly such that when (1) said handle portion is in said unlock mode and (2) said segment of said link assembly is engaged with said engagement portion, rotation of said handle portion around a longitudinal axis of said link assembly causes relative rotation between said internally threaded sleeve and said externally threaded rod.