Brian Lee Griffis

US Patent:

58158952, Oct 6, 1998

Filed:

Dec 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/763098

Inventors:

Bradley O. Carlson - Laramie WY
Brian L. Griffis - Denver CO

International Classification:

A44B 1125

US Classification:

24603

Abstract:

A latch system for joining a first strap section or section of flexible support to a second strap section or section of flexible support. Attached to the second strap section is a rod that is adapted for insertion into the latch system, and for releasing the second strap section in response to a control signal. The latch system also includes a support housing with a cross member and an attachment for attaching the housing to the first strap. The system also includes a crank shaft with a longitudinal axis and which is rotatably supported within the support housing. The crank shaft also includes a generally slotted opening that is substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis. Within the housing is also mounted a mechanism for allowing rotation of the crank shaft in response to a control signal, the rotation being between a first position where the generally slotted opening of the crank shaft is obstructed by the cross member of the support housing, so that the rod may retained within the longitudinal opening of the crank shaft, and a second position where the longitudinal opening on the crank shaft is generally unobstructed by the cross member of the support housing, so that the rod may be removed from the slotted opening of the crank shaft.